The Midnight Train Crossing

Meanwhile, back at Electra's house, Wrench was reading a magazine
Volta was nearby, slouched in a chair sulking.
Wrench looked up, then back down, feigning disinterest, but not very well
Volta let out a loud sigh.
Wrench turned the page
Volta stretched her legs out, then shifted to a more slouched position
Wrench glanced up at Volta again
Volta saw her and took a deep breath.

"Alright, what is it?" Wrench asked.
"How could he just do that? I mean, we've been friends since before we met Electra and he just up and leaves, I'm sure he did some of that crap on purpose to go away..... arg!" Volta stood up and started pacing
"Oh. That again."
"YES! that again... I mean, he was happy here, he had someone to protect: Electra... he had companionship: me! he had a purpose... to protect Electra... what more could he want? I mean really!" Volta flopped back down in the chair.
Wrench raise a brow
Volta sighed again and crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at the wall.
"So what do you propose to do about it?" Wrench asked
Volta's eyes slowly shifted towards Wrench, "we COULD figure out how to get him back......"
"That's better," Wrench said, "Now you're thinking constructively."
"but how to do it," Volta sat up and rested her elbows on her knees, her chin resting on her fingers, eyes narrow in thought.
"The only thing to do is get Krupp back in Electra's good graces," Wrench said
Volta nodded, "And how do we convince Electra....... there's gotta be something we can use that affects both Electra and Krupp," she got up and started to pace again, slower to allow thought.

"Yes..." Wrench said, "Why did Krupp say that he was willing to leave again?"
Volta closed her eyes, "Argh! if only I could remember, he mentioned something.. but I'm not sure...... the caboose!! of course!"
"The caboose?"
Volta nodded her mind spinning, "now how to work it......"
"What caboose?"
Volta ignored her slightly, "it would be difficult, but he was so adamant..."
"what caboose?" Wrench repeated
Volta turned to Wrench, "Hmm?"
"What caboose?" Wrench asked
"Oh, the little one," she said, going back to her thoughts
"The pink one?"
Volta looked at her for a minute, "yes, yes the pink one, of course the pink one, you don't think he'd care a spit about CB do you?"
Wrench shrugged, "I didn't know."
Volta shook her head, "now... he was very determined that I not try and convert the little caboose to my way of thinking.... so much so that he was almost angry with me...."
"I see."
Volta nodded, "now how to work that to my... our advantage"
"What, you want to blackmail Krupp into coming back?" Wrench asked.
Volta looked at Wrench, "I hadn't thought of that............. but it has potential."

"One slight problem with that..."
"what?"
"*Electra* kicked *Krupp* out..."
Volta frowned, "very true....." she narrowed her eyes in thought
"Electra is the one that we need to convince, not Krupp."
Volta nodded, "how right you are... which means... we have to make Electra think it was his idea to bring Krupp back in the first place......."
"Right," Wrench said, "And for that, we need to get him in a good mood, which he hasn't been lately..."
Volta frowned again, "and his good mood went away because Krupp's gone, are we seeing a pattern here...."
Wrench nodded.
"So... how to get Electra in a good mood, which means it's time for me to turn on my charm,"
"Indeed," Wrench said, "Although first, perhaps we should clue Krupp in."
Volta frowned, "possibly, but only into part of it..."
"Just that we're trying to get him back into Electra's good graces."
Volta nodded, "yes, by doing that we have a day before we have to bring anything up to Electra... " Volta smiled at Wrench, "You've been more helpful than I thought... I believed you were only capable of being frightening looking, but you actually have some smarts in there as well.."
Wrench blinked, and did not answer.
Volta smiled and patted Wrench's cheek, now to get into details.
Wrench didn't look all that pleased about being touched.

"First I think that one of us should find Krupp to tell him that we are going to try and get him back, it will just take some time."
Volta nodded, "yes yes of course..." she said, distracted
"And then we get Electra in a good mood, and somehow convince him that he wants Krupp back."
Volta nodded
"I think..." Wrench started, "That Electra will need to think that he is doing Krupp a great favor by condescending to take him back... He certainly won't ask Krupp."
Volta sat down, listening, "Yes, quite a good thought...."
Wrench fell silent, deep in thought.
Volta looked at Wrench, "of course, Krupp does need to know, and I'm sure that Electra would expect you to go to him much less than me."
Wrench nodded, getting up, "I'll go then."
Volta nodded as well, "good then, this will all work out perfectly"
"Alright, I'll let you know how it goes," she said, heading towards the door, then she paused
Volta looked at her, "what?"
"Don't do anything that makes it too obvious that we're planning something," Wrench said
Volta rolled her eyes, "yes yes," she said, waving Wrench off.
Wrench headed out towards the front door.

Electra was sprawled out on his bed in his room. He was staring at the ceiling, his jaw tight with anger.
Wrench knocked on the door lightly.
Electra growled, "Enter!" he called
Wrench entered
"what is it Wrench? Did Purse break another nail?"
"No Master. I need to go pick up some things."
Electra raised his head to look at her, "What type of things?"
Wrench ticked off a list of items on her fingers, "I need to restock, just in case any repairs are needed."
Electra rolled his eyes and lay his head back down, "yes yes of course, come back within the hour, whether you have all the items or not"
"Yes Master."
Electra waved a hand at her, dismissing her.

Wrench left the house, heading towards the roundhouse in search of Krupp, she found him in the company of the new steamer, Talck.
Talck answered the door, "Hello," he said guardedly.
"Hello," she said, "I'm looking for Krupp."
Talck nodded and opened the door further, allowing her entrance. He turned, "Krupp, someone for you."
Imbrri looked up from the chair where she was drying off Rossi, who'd just come back from the trainwash.
Krupp moved over to the door, looking rather surprised to see Wrench.
Talck stayed near, not sure if he could trust this car.
"What are you doing here?" Krupp asked Wrench.
"Could I speak with you... alone?" Wrench asked, pointedly.
Krupp looked uncertain about that one, glancing at Talck.
Talck shrugged, "it's up to you, I can leave,"
"Thank you," Krupp said, stopping himself from saying "sir"
Talck nodded and went over to Imbrri and Rossi.
Krupp went out into the hallway to talk to Wrench.
Talck looked at Imbrri and shrugged

Krupp returned a few minutes later
Talck smiled at Krupp, "everything all right?"
"Yes sir," Krupp answered
Talck nodded, giving him a smile.
Imbrri smiled at Rossi, "there you are, all dry, time for bed." Rossi nodded, giving Imbrri and Talck each a hug. Then going over to Krupp and taking his hand, "would you read me a story?"
Krupp smiled, "Yeah."
Rossi grinned and giggled, pulling him into her room.

58 minutes after she left, Wrench returned to the house
Electra was still on his bed. He was however, getting annoyed at the length of time since Wrench's departure
Wrench headed towards her room, which involved going past Electra's room
"Wrench!" Electra called, hearing her going down the hall.
"Yes Master?"
"I trust the next time I give you a time, you won't draw so close to the time." He said.
"I am sorry Master," she said, standing in his doorway, "But I suppose I was under the wrong impression that you had given me an hour."
"I said within an hour," he stated, pushing aside the thought that he was being very finicky. "Go about your business," he dismissed her.
"Yes Master." she left and went off in search of Volta

Volta was still sitting in the same place as before, still contemplating options.
Wrench entered the room
Volta turned, standing up. "Well?"
"Well, I talked to Krupp..."
Volta nodded, "and..."
"And it was most interesting."
Volta sighed, "Wreeeeeeench.. what did he say?"
"He's working for the new... steamer now," Wrench started
Volta nodded, "yes yes, the one we saw him with a few mornings ago... what does he think about our plan?"
"He..."
Volta frowned, "yes...."
"He doesn't think that we should bother."
"WHAT?!?!?!?!??!?!?"
"shh!"

Volta closed her mouth and spoke through clenched teeth, "How can he not be interested?"
"He likes his new train."
Volta looked incredulous, "and what about us? he was with us long before that pitiful steamer ever came here!"
Wrench shrugged, "He said to thank you for thinking about him, and that he appreciates it, but he doesn't want us to go to any trouble for him, and he just... doesn't want to come back."
Volta growled.

"If Krupp isn't willing, he certainly won't be of any help in any plan we could come up with," Wrench said
Volta nodded, "we'll just have to convince him that this is what he wants."
"Oh?" Wrench asked
"Looks like the little caboose will be more helpful..."
"Volta..." Wrench started
"What?"
"I will help you get Krupp back in Electra's good graces, but I will not help you in whatever you are plotting to convince Krupp to come back."
"Why?"
"Because."
Volta snorted, "what kind of answer is that?
"The answer that you're going to get from me."
Volta growled again, "Fine then! GO! Get out of here, I'll do it on my own!"
"Good luck."
"Like you mean it," Volta muttered, turning her back on Wrench
Wrench headed back to her room
Volta's shoulders started to shake, and her hand came up and angrily wiped the tears from her eyes, everyone was leaving her.

Much later that night, Krupp was getting ready for bed
There was a light tapping on his window
He went over to investigate
Volta was standing just outside the window.
He opened it, "Volta?"
Volta was standing there, "Can I talk to you?"
"Yeah, sure."
Volta looked uncomfortable but didn't mention anything about it, "Why did you tell Wrench not to bother?"
"I..." he started shifting slightly, "Well, I don't want you and Wrench to get into any sort of trouble..."
"We won't! You know me! I've never been found out yet... 'cept by you that one time"
He smiled, "but I mean, you don't *have* to worry about me."
"Don't you want to come back? Weren't you happy with Electra? You sure seemed it!"
"I was," Krupp said, "At least, I think I was..."
"I thought we were friends...."
"We *are*!"
"Then why won't you come BACK?"
"Volta I-" he started
Volta shook her head, "They did something to you.. you're different," she backed away, "I don't know what they did... but it was something." She turned to leave.
"Volta..."
Volta turned, "The Krupp I knew would never leave Electra alone."
Krupp blinked, that stung
"you don't know what he's like without you.. and now you won't come back... some Armaments truck you are..." With that she turned and rolled out into the night.
"Volta!"
The freezer truck had disappeared into the night. There was a noise in Krupp's room, the sound of his door shutting.

Krupp turned at the sound.
Rossi was standing in front of the door, rubbing her eyes and holding her Steamer look-a-like teddybear. "Who were you yelling at Krupp?" she asked around a yawn
"Oh, hi Rossi," Krupp said
Rossi looked around, "There's noone here.... were you having a bad dream too? I sometimes yell when I'm having a scary dream...." Rossi sleepily rolled over to the other side of Krupp's bed, stretching slightly.
"Yeah?" he asked, sitting down on his bed and lifting her up, setting her down next to him
Rossi nodded, cuddling up to Krupp, "when the bad engines come after me again and take me 'way from... *yawn* ev'ryone..."
"That won't happen," he said.
"really?"
"Really."
Rossi gave a small yawn, cuddling her bear to her and getting comfortable against Krupp, "Cuz you'd throw them around like you did Propo, right?" she asked, her voice getting sleepier by the second.
"Right," he said with a smile.
Rossi yawned and shortly fell asleep.

The next day, Krupp was out walking with Rossi, keeping an eye on her while the rest of the train was out other places.
Rossi was giggling, playing with a ball she'd found. She tossed it up really high and lost control of it. "oops," she said as it went flying. When it came down behind a boulder nearby a loud "OW!" was heard.
Krupp frowned slightly, that was a very familiar "ow." He went to go investigate
Volta was sitting behind the rock, rubbing her head and glaring at the ball. She paused for a minute when a very large shadow blocked the sun. She tilted her head back, and an upside down Krupp came into view. "Oh, it's you," she muttered, getting up.
"Hi."
Volta didn't look happy, in fact, it looked like she'd spent the night out here by the boulder.
Rossi came up behind Krupp and peeked out at Volta from around his legs. "Hi," she said nervously, "I 'member you," she said.
Volta's gaze turned to the little caboose and her eyes narrowed slightly

"What are you doing out here?" Krupp asked, after setting a reassuring hand on Rossi's head.
Volta shrugged, returning her gaze to Krupp, "Trying to understand why you want to stay with a steamer"
"Talck isn't so bad."
Rossi nodded. Volta made a face, "he's still a steamer, and didn't you swear loyalty to Electra?"
"Yeah, I did," Krupp said, "But he didn't want me any more."
Volta rolled her eyes, "Says you, you know what he's like when he's angry! You haven't seen him since you left... " she paused, and sighed, "not like you'd care anyway, obviously we weren't good enough for you,"
"Volta..." Krupp started, getting a bit uncomfortable, but hiding it well, "I have seen him angry before, but it has never been to the point where he would not allow me to do my job..."
"Like you'd notice any other punishment, or at least pretend to notice... " she looked at Rossi again, "I don't know why I even try to talk to you.. you never listen anyway, you never did..."
"That's not true," Krupp protested
Volta looked directly at his eyes, which was odd since his glasses covered them, "Before you left you disobeyed multiple orders, you didn't listen to any of us, and now you don't even want to come back. Don't know what's gotten into you.. but you sure aren't the Krupp I knew."
Krupp blinked

Rossi looked between the two, "don't fight...I'm sorry I hit you on the head," she came out from behind Krupp, "you guys is friends right? don't fight, it only makes everyone sad..."
"It's okay Rossi," Krupp assured her
Volta looked at the caboose, "it's nothin to do with you short stuff," she said, looking up at Krupp, "and it's nothing I can really fix......yet."
"I know Volta," he said, "but... you don't need to worry about me."
"Who says I'm worried about you?"
"Certainly seems like it."
Volta scoffed, "shows what you know..."
"which isn't a lot," Krupp finished, "Yes I know."
Volta shook her head, "Dunno what's changed you Krupp, but it hasn't changed you for the better, that's for sure.."
"No," Krupp said, a bit crossly, "I started thinking for myself, that's all. And if I remember correctly, you're the one that told me that that was a good thing."
"I never said it wasn't, but the Krupp I knew wouldn't leave his rightful train protectionless, you honestly think any of us can protect Electra properly?" Volta shouted.
Rossi ducked behind Krupp's legs again, whimpering slightly.
"It's okay Rossi," Krupp said, turning back to the little caboose.
Volta watched Krupp with the caboose and knew her assessment had been right, she smiled inwardly... so easy...

"Electra is perfectly capable of defending himself."
Volta rolled her eyes, "I don't know why I try," she said, turning to go, "stay with your filthy steamer, and when Electra gets crashed or worse, you'll know why it happened."
"You wouldn't," Krupp said
Volta raised an eyebrow, "I don't need to..."
Krupp tilted his shades down to look at Volta
Volta shook her head, "don't try it Krupp.... Electra's so out of it he wouldn't notice if a cow was on the tracks....."
"you needn't worry about me causing him problems" With that she turned and rolled away
Krupp sighed

Rossi looked up at him, "you shouldn't fight," she said, "friends should never fight,"
"I know Rossi," Krupp said sadly, "She's mad at me."
Rossi nodded, then went over and got her ball, "wanna play with me?"
He smiled, "Yeah."
Rossi grinned and nodded.

Krupp had taken Rossi out, Talck was out with Imbrri, and he had no idea where Xanni had run off to, so Dinni was looking for Ashley.
Ashley was out behind the roundhouse, having a smoke as usual. Dinah didn't like her smoking in the kitchen, and she didn't really mind being outside, so long as it wasn't raining
Dinni smiled when he saw her
Ashley was looking out over the tracks, and hadn't heard him coming up, lost in her thoughts.

"Hi Ashley."
Ashley jumped and turned, startled. She dropped her cigarette in the process, but smiled when she saw Dinni, "hey Din," she said
He smiled at her, "Busy?"
Ashley shook her head.
"Good," he said with a smile, "Talck's off with Imbrri, which means that we won't be seeing either of them for awhile."
Ashley chuckled, "They're so cute together, but both seem so shy."
"I know," Dinni agreed, "Now, I don't think it has anything to do with all of the teasing from the rest of us..." he winked
Ashley laughed, "oh no, nothing at all..."
He laughed as well
"I take it you don't have any runs today?"
He shook his head
"me neither.." She looked around, "most trains don't use smoking cars any more, so, I get a number of days off."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
Ashley smiled, "it's no problem at all, gives me more time to be lazy."
He smiled as well

"did you have anything planned today?"
"Not really," he said, "Usually I look after Rossi, but Krupp's taking care of that now..."
Ashley looked at him, "you sure that's ok? I mean, he was one of Electra's components,"
"*was*."
Ashley smiled, "you're right, it's just hard to forget.."
"I know," he said, "but he doesn't... well... he doesn't seem like an electric component other then..." he trailed off
"other than what?" Ashley looked at him worried, "you wanna sit down and talk about it, you look like you have some stuff on your mind,"
"No, it's not bad..."
"you sure?"
"Yeah," he smiled, "It's just kinda odd... the way he acts around Talck."
Ashley frowned, "what? you mean like he did around Electra? the whole, yes master, no master, let me lick your boots master?"
"Well... he's never called Talck "master"," Dinni said
Ashley nodded.
"But complete respect."
Ashley smiled, "Well, he's certainly toned down from what I remember of him,"
"Probably has something to do with that Talck told him to stop."

Ashley nodded. "How's Rossi by the way? She seemed really shaken up when you guys came in yesterday."
"She's a lot better now," Dinni said, "She seems to have forgotten it - though I know she hasn't really."
Ashley sighed, "I don't know how you and your train keep going, it seems like one disaster after another"
"Well... we sorta... had to keep going."
Ashley moved closer to him and gave him a hug. "I just don't think I'd be able to do it if it were me,"
He hugged her back, enjoying the hug a great deal indeed

Ashley rested her head on his shoulder, happy with being close to him. "I hope things get better for you," she said.
"They already have," he murmured
"Hmm?"
"Oh, uh..." he blushed
Ashley lifted her head and looked at him, smiling, "You're right, I think they have too."
He smiled
Ashley licked her lips nervously. She was mentally kicking herself for being so shy, no other car or engine had made her act like this. But.. Dinni was different. She took a deep breath and kissed him, quickly on the lips.
Dinni smiled at her once she pulled away
Ashley smiled back, her stomach still twisting into knots.

"Ashley..." he started uncertainly.
"yeah?"
"I.. I've never met anybody like you before."
Ashley's eye grew slightly wider... "Me... too.." she said nervously
"I... I'm glad I met you."
Ashley nodded and smiled.
Dinni smiled as well

Ashley blushed as her stomach growled. She chuckled slightly, "you wanna go get something to eat?" she asked
He nodded, "Yeah, let's go." He offered her an arm
Ashley took it. "Thanks," she said
Dinni grinned and they started on their way to the dining hall

Krupp was sitting in the living room of Talck's apartments, looking thoughtful, and a little sad.
Talck, having finished a lunch date with Imbrri, was headed back to his apartments, whistling softly to himself. Imbrri was off with Xanni and Dinah doing coach stuff, and he thought he'd get a rest. He opened the door and stopped, "Krupp, what're you doing here? what's wrong? where's Rossi?" he asked in a hurry
"Rossi's fine."
Talck relaxed a bit, "ok.... " he said, "so what's wrong? You don't look too well...."
"I'm alright," Krupp said automatically.
Talck went and got a bottle of water from the cupboard and opened it. He turned around and looked at Krupp thoughtfully, "You don't look it." he said, "Krupp.... I know you're not used to it, but in my train, when coaches, cabeese, or components have problems..... they can come to me and let me know.. I try to help in anyway possible... you sure you don't have anything on your mind?"
"Well..."

Talck pulled out a chair and sat on it backwards, resting his arms on the back and his chin on his arms, waiting for Krupp to talk.
"I..." Krupp started uncertainly.
Talck smiled, taking a sip from his water bottle, "If you want me to you can tell me to bugger off... I'm just trying to make sure you're ok..."
Krupp shook his head, "It isn't that..."
Talck got up and moved closer, sitting down beside the much larger Krupp. "then what is it? we're all here for you, you know... no matter what happens."
"I'm just not used to... this."
"to what exactly?"
"To... talking about things..."
Talck smiled, "oh.... " he said, "I guess if you don't do it, it's difficult to do...."
Krupp nodded, "But... I can try?"
Talck turned serious, "of course, that's what I'm here for.... I wouldn't be a good engine if I didn't try to help my train."
Krupp blinked, and then slowly nodded
"do you need to talk now? or still need a bit to mull it over? Xanni usually needs a good half hour to calm down before she can fully talk about things, and Rossi just blurts it all out no matter where we are or who we're with." he chuckled slightly, trying to ease the large car
"No, I've... had plenty of time to think about it."
Talck nodded and waited

"I... I like working for you s- Talck."
Talck smiled, "every engine likes to hear that...."
Krupp nodded, "I told you that my - that Electra - kicked me out?"
Talck nodded, his smile disappearing from his face as he listened.
"I talked to... one of the cars from my old train..."
Talck nodded again. He was sure the component would want to go back to his old train, and hoped that it wouldn't be too hard on Rossi and the others, but also knew it was for the best.
"She said that she thought she could arrange it so that I could come back..."
Talck gave a small smile and remained silent.
Krupp sighed
Talck frowned slightly, "If you want to go, you don't have to worry, he was your engine before I was, I totally understand."
"That's just it..." Krupp said slowly.
A look of confusion crossed Talck's face, "what's just it?"
"Electra was my engine, he was the only engine that I ever had..." Krupp said, "I didn't know... that it could be different... I never thought about it..."
"What do you mean different?"
"I *like* working for you," Krupp said again

Talck was silent for a minute, looking at his water bottle, resting in his hands, he chose his words carefully, "and you didn't with Electra?"
"That's just it - I don't know."
Talck nodded, taking another sip of his water. "I can't tell you any different Krupp....I've never worked with an Electric." He sighed, wishing he could help the truck more
"I... never really thought about it while I was with Electra."
Talck chewed the inside of his lip, trying to figure out what to say.
"But I do sort of miss my friends from Electra's train... and I wouldn't want to make them upset... which I've managed to do."
Talck looked up at Krupp, "It is a difficult situation.... " He thought for a moment, "Is there anyway you could maybe go on a couple of runs with each of us? I mean, Dinah seems to have dual engineship with Rusty and Greaseball.. maybe we can work something out..."
"Not with Electra."
"Hmmmmmmm"
"If it were any other engine..." Krupp said a bit sadly

Talck nodded. "I'm not sure what to do... we can take it a day at a time if that'd help..... see what happens. If you ever want to go back you don't have to worry, it's your decision as it is with all the cars."
He nodded, "Thanks..."
Talck smiled, "there's no need for thanks, like I said, it comes with the job description of being an engine."
Krupp smiled

Talck clapped him on the shoulder, "now, what do you say we go find Rossi and see what mischief she's getting into now?"
"Sounds like a plan," Krupp said with a grin

Rossi was out on one of the tracks, away from the roundhouse. She'd been out alone, after she'd got some lunch. She used to play alone all the time at her old trainyard, so she was used to it.
She'd been shocked when the blue component that had fought with Krupp earlier had shown up. She'd apologized for hitting her with the ball earlier and the component seemed nice, offering to play with her and everything.
Now Rossi was staring at Volta in awe as the freezer truck turned a nearby puddle to ice. "Wooow!!!!! that's so cool!!!!!!!!!" she said, touching her hand to the ice as it already started to melt.

Krupp had hitched behind Talck and they went out in search of Rossi
Talck went down odd tracks that didn't get much use, knowing that's where Rossi liked to play. He went to the bridge where CB had his hideout, but didn't go too close. He was getting perplexed when he finally rounded a corner and caught a glimpse of pink further down. "There she is!" he said.
"Ah good," Krupp said
Talck squinted, "there's someone with her, it could be Dinah.. but... it's too thin......."
"It's... Volta." Krupp said quietly.
"One from your old train?"
"Yes."

Talck nodded, he was weary, but didn't see any harm in it. He let out a slow whistle.
Volta jerked upright, looking down the tracks.
Rossi smiled and giggled, "Talck's coming!" she said.
Volta was going to take off when the small pink hand latched on to hers. "C'mon! I want him to meet my new friend!"

Krupp closed his eyes for a minute as Talck moved closer
Talck smiled at Rossi, "hey Little One... who have we here?"
Rossi grinned, "My new friend!"
Volta looked a bit uncomfortable, but kept her gaze icy cold towards Krupp.
Krupp was silent.
Talck chuckled, "and what's her name?"
Rossi's eyes grew vacant. "Ummmmm....."
Volta turned her gaze to Talck, "Volta"
"Yeah that's it!" Rossi said grinning.
Talck felt eerie looking into her eyes. He wasn't sure if the coldness was from her being a freezer truck or from her emotions and it bothered him.
Krupp unhitched, still silent.

Volta watched him, her eyes narrowing as Talck knelt in front of Rossi, listening to her chirping tale of what the caboose and freezer truck had done all afternoon.
"Hi," Krupp said finally
"Hmph," Volta crossed her arms over her chest.
"Volta..." he started, a bit pleadingly.
"What?" her voice was hard as steel.
He sighed, "So I see you've met Rossi," he said, changing the subject.
Volta shrugged, "I bumped into her and couldn't get the little... thing... to leave me alone. So I froze some stuff"
"Oh." Krupp said, not too pleased with her evaluation of Rossi.
Volta rolled her eyes, "How's your perfect little steam train doing?"
"Fine. How is... everyone?"
Volta shrugged, "The same as I told you last time, you didn't expect them to celebrate when you left did you......."
"No. I didn't. Although I didn't expect this much of a reaction."

Volta rolled her eyes again, "why do you think we were chosen by Electra, because we would need each other..." she turned and looked at Krupp with her cold eyes, "and then you go and take it all away," The air started to turn cool with her anger.
"As I remember, Electra had been ignoring me for two days before he fired me."
Volta turned away, giving off an air of unconcern, though the temperature around her told differently. "The same way he punishes us all"
Krupp sighed

Talck was able to calm the eager Rossi finally and looked up at Krupp and... Volta. "Everything all right?" he asked
"Yes sir," Krupp answered, putting the sir on, more for Volta's ears that Talck's.
Talck frowned slightly but said nothing, "We should head back, I'm sure supper will be ready soon." He picked up Rossi and swung her around, getting a squeal from her as she gripped his neck. He moved a short distance away, giving Krupp some privacy.

Krupp nodded, watching Talck leave
Volta looked at him, her eyes sly, "So you don't intend on returning..."
"I haven't decided yet," Krupp said honestly.
Volta lips turned up in a small smile, "I'm sure there are ways of helping you with your decision...."
"I'm still thinking about it," Krupp said
Volta looked over at Talck and the little caboose. "She's so young and innocent," she said, watching the little thing giggling, "With all the hurt she's been through she still trusts almost everyone...."
"She is amazing," Krupp agreed
Volta looked straight at him, "And I'm sure you wouldn't want anything to happen to her..............." With that she turned and disappeared down the track.
"Volta!" he called after her

Talck looked up, seeing the freezer truck had left.
Rossi pouted slightly, her head drooping, "oh.. the blue lady had to leave... she was so cool" Rossi yawned, "Did I tell you she turned that puddle to ice?"
Talck smiled, "Yes Rossi, about five times." He went over to Krupp, "you sure everything's all right?"
"I - I'm not sure..." Krupp said
Talck looked slightly worried, "Shall we go back?" He turned his head slightly, seeing that Rossi had dropped off to sleep, "you can tell me on the way."

Krupp nodded, still looking off where Volta had gone
Talck moved down the tracks at a fair clip. "So..."
Krupp was silent.
Talck sighed, "when you're ready you can tell me... I'm always here." He remained quiet the rest of the way to the roundhouse
"I told you... before... about my friend?" Krupp asked carefully, not wanting to let Rossi know what was going on.
Rossi let out a soft snore and mumbled slightly before quieting. Talck nodded slightly, "I remember"
"Volta's her..."
Talck slowed slightly, his face paling. "Do you think she'll start something?" he asked, regaining his speed.
"I don't know."
Talck nodded, "we'll have to be careful."
Krupp nodded.

A few days later, Imbrri came into the kitchen looking worried.
Buffy was just finishing loading the last of the dishes into the dishwasher, "Hey Imbrri" she greeted the car.
Imbrri looked up, "hi, you haven't seen Rossi anywhere have you?" Dinah turned from where she was putting the leftovers away. "I haven't sorry."
Buffy shook her head, "No, she wasn't lurking around here looking for cookies today."
Ashley came in with the tablecloths to be washed, "It's strange, she's usually here once a day for Dinah's cookies."
Buffy nodded, "I just assumed she was out with her train."
Imbrri shook her head, "she hasn't been, thanks, if you see her can you tell her I'm looking for her? I'm going to see if I can find Talck."
Buffy nodded, "Will do."
Imbrri went into the dining room and did a quick scan before going out into the hallway.

CB was sitting at one of the tables, reading something of some sort.
As Imbrri passed his she stopped, "CB, you haven't seen Rossi anywhere have you? I've been looking all over for her,"
CB looked up, "No, I haven't seen her since this morning... of course... I don't usually get to see her very much..." he sounded a bit sad about this
Imbrri sighed, "I'm sorry, Talck's just really over protective, and.. well... there's some awful rumors about you..."
"I know," CB said, "I know. I've started a lot of them."
Imbrri raised her eyebrows and chuckled slightly, "oh really, sorry I can't stay to hear you elaborate on that, but I'm gonna go see if I can find Talck."
CB nodded, "If you see him, put in a good word for me please?"
Imbrri winked at him, "I'll think about it."
CB gave her one of his famous smiles.
Imbrri rolled away shaking her head and seeing why Xanni might have a crush on him.

Rusty was coming from the opposite direction, stopping well enough in advance when he saw Imbrri.
Imbrri spotted him and gave him a small smile, "Rusty have you seen Rossi anywhere, the last time she was seen was this morning by CB."
"Sorry, haven't seen her since breakfast," Rusty said
Imbrri frowned, "Funny, I didn't see her there...."
Rusty shrugged, "She was with Dinni I think."
Imbrri frowned, "Ok thanks, I'll see if I can find him."
Rusty nodded and headed off to wherever he was going
"thanks again," she called as she headed down the hall to the main room.
Rusty whistled in acknowledgement

Talck heard the whistle, and wondered who Rusty was talking to, when Imbrri came out into the room. He frowned seeing her face, "What's wrong?"
Imbrri looked up and went over to give him a hug, "I can't find Rossi, she was last seen this morning, and Rusty thought she was with Dinni."
Talck nodded, stroking her back, "It's ok, we'll find Dinni, come on,"

Dinni was in the common room of the roundhouse, reading.
Talck came out from the hallway and saw him, "Dinni, we were just looking for you."
Dinni looked up from his book, "Hi."
Talck came closer, "have you seen Rossi?"
Imbrri came out from behind him, "Rusty said he thought he saw her with you at Breakfast."
"Yeah, we went to breakfast early this morning cuz she was hungry and... well... I guess I was closest to her room," Dinni said with a smile.
Imbrri blushed slightly, "well have you seen her since?"
He shook his head, "She ran off to play, and I didn't really worry about her..."
Imbrri sighed, "Now where could she have gone..."
"She can't have gone too far," Dinni said, "The yard isn't that big and she knows her way around..."
Imbrri nodded, "CB said he saw her this morning, but he didn't mention breakfast, maybe he saw her after..." she looked at Talck, who wasn't to pleased, "He's our best bet, we can go ask him where he saw her."
Dinni nodded, closing his book and getting up to follow

Talck sighed and nodded, heading to the dining room after Imbrri told him where.
CB was still reading.
Talck came up to the table. Imbrri put a hand on his shoulder and moved around him. "CB?"
CB looked up, "Yeah? Oh, Hey Imbrri," he said with a smile.
"I've got to ask you, where did you see Rossi this morning..."
"After breakfast," CB answered, "She was near the bridge, she asked me to play..."
Talck scowled but said nothing. Imbrri nodded, "where'd she go after that?"
"I told her I couldn't play, I had an early run, she look kinda disappointed, but said something about being used to playing by herself..." the caboose continued.
Imbrri nodded.

A silence grew until finally Talck turned to CB, "And that's the last you saw of her?" he asked in a barely civil tone.
CB nodded, "Yeah, she headed off past the bridge... There aren't any mainline trains that use those tracks so I figured that she'd be safe enough. Rusty's the only one who ever goes that way."
Talck nodded, frowning again.
Imbrri sighed, "but I talked to Rusty and he said he'd only seen her at breakfast"
CB shrugged, "Then maybe she went somewhere else."
"Yes, but where?"
"I dunno..."
"Well, she can't have gotten too far," Dinni said

Talck nodded and looked at Imbrri, "we should probably tell Poppa, at least then we'll probably have more help."
"Alright," CB said, getting up
Talck looked at CB, "who said you were invited"
Imbrri turned to Talck, "Shh!" she looked mortified
"Do you know where Poppa is?" CB asked
Talck shrugged, "probably in his study,"
CB shook his head
Imbrri tried to hold back a smile.
Talck glowered at the caboose, "Fine... come along, but no funny business "
"Of course not."
Talck's eyes were still weary as he let Imbrri and Dinni hitch on first, starting to move before CB had a full grip on Dinni's couplings.
"Hey!" CB protested.
"Sorry, Rossi usually hooks up faster"
Talck smiled to himself as he continued down the hall
"Oh," CB said, as though he didn't believe that.
Imbrri looked back, "so where is Poppa?"
"With Belle."
Talck rolled his eyes, "and that would be where?"
"In her room."
Imbrri was trying not to giggle, "we haven't been there yet CB, could you tell us where that is?"
"I could indeed, if your engine will take directions from a caboose..."
Talck grit his teeth, "Just tell me where and I'll go there."
CB nodded, "Turn left up ahead."
Talck followed CB's directions wordlessly
"Now turn right," CB said after a few minutes
Imbrri reached up and gave Talck's shoulder a comforting squeeze, she could tell by his posture that he was not happy.
"Alright, stop here."
CB said, not touching his brakes
Talck stopped. He'd braced himself for anything, and was relieved when nothing happened.
"That's Belle's room," CB said, pointing to a half open door

Talck said nothing but went up to it and knocked lightly
"Yeah?" Belle called
"It's Talck, we were told Poppa was here and we needed to talk to him, you too if possible."
Belle opened her door all the way, revealing three boxes on her floor.
Imbrri peeked around Talck, "what're those for Belle?" she asked
"We - the coaches - have been doing some house cleaning," Belle explained, "These are all of the discarded things."
Imbrri nodded, smiling. Talck looked around for Poppa.
"Hi Talck," the older steamer greeted the younger, emerging from Belle's closet.
Talck nodded to Poppa. "Poppa, we can't seem to find Rossi anywhere. The last person to see her was CB here, and she apparently went down one of the tracks that only Rusty uses."
Poppa nodded, "I'm sure she'll turn up," he started, and then saw Talck's worried look, "Did you want me to help look for her?"
"Well... It'd be appreciated, she's been taking off quite a bit lately"
Poppa nodded, "Alright, we'll go look."
Talck nodded, he could tell Imbrri was really worried as well. He hoped Rossi would turn up soon.

Belle hitched to her engine and they went out into the hallway to help Talck look
Imbrri turned to Belle, "I've already checked the kitchen and dining room, I talked with CB, Rusty, Dinni, the coaches in the kitchen... CB's the last one who saw her..."
Belle nodded.
Talck remained silent, not enjoying having CB still on his train, but not about to make a fuss about it in front of poppa

The two trains moved towards the common room, where Krupp was looking for the other members of his train
Talck saw Krupp and smiled, "Hey Krupp, maybe you can help us,"
Krupp nodded, "Yeah Talck?" He had finally gotten used to calling his engine by his name
Talck smiled, "We can't seem to find Rossi, you haven't seen her today after breakfast did you?
Krupp shook his head
Talck nodded, "She was last seen on one of the deserted tracks that only Rusty uses,"
Krupp nodded again, frowning slightly
Talck saw the look but didn't comment/
"So you are going to look for her now?" Krupp asked
"We were planning on it," Imbrri said
Krupp nodded, "good luck."
Talck nodded, "ok.. thanks!"
Krupp nodded
Talck followed Poppa through the round house.

Once the others were out of sight, Krupp darted out of the roundhouse and down the tracks, he had a very good idea indeed where Rossi was...
Volta was in Electra's house. Her mind going a million miles an hour. She knew it wouldn't be long now... Electra had gone off on his run, while she'd pleaded a headache. She'd had to convince Wrench that it wasn't that bad and that she didn't need company. She could hear humming coming from one of the rooms down the hall. The little thing didn't even realize what was going on. She smiled to herself, it was just too easy.
Krupp slowed as he approached Electra's house. Well, it didn't look like Electra was home. He went over and knocked on the door, prepared to run if Electra answered.
Volta jumped, then took a calming breath. The time had come. She got up and went to the door, opening it to see Krupp, "Yes?"
"Is Electra here?"
"why would you want to know?" She asked coldly.
"Because." Krupp answered
"No."
"Good," Krupp said, relaxing.

Volta still blocked the doorway, "So why are you here exactly"
"I wanted to talk to you."
Volta put on a pretense of boredom, "What makes me so special now?"
"Volta..."
"What? I thought you didn't like electrics and components anymore, you've got your steamers and coaches..... and cabeese..." She turned and rolled into the living room.
He followed her
Volta turned, "So why have you taken it upon yourself to come visit this lowly hole?" she asked, keeping away from the hallway so that Krupp wouldn't hear the humming

"Have you seen Rossi?"
"Who?"
"The little caboose who was adoring you the other day."
"Oh.. her... well... I MAY have passed her on the tracks, why do you ask."
"Because she's missing."
"You don't say." Volta sat down and stretched out on one of the couches.
"Volta, I know that you're mad at me -" he started
Volta laughed, "Mad? now why would I be mad? Because after years of friendship you decide to abandon everything we worked so hard to get... oh mad doesn't even cover it!"
"But that's no reason to take it out on her!"
The air around Volta was frigid, but she smiled, a smile that held no emotion, "Who says she doesn't like it?"
"Volta, is she here?"
"why would I tell you that? she's safe, for now."
"Volta!"
"WHAT?"
"Just let me take her home."
"No."
"Why not?"
"She likes it where she is, she told me herself."
"Where is she then?"
"If I told you it'd take away the fun"
"What fun?"
"You'll find out eventually"
"Fine. Then I'll look for her myself." He started towards the hallway

Volta stayed sitting, he could look all he wanted, but he'd never get to her.
Krupp did search, occasionally calling Rossi's name
Rossi was sitting in one of the rooms that the pretty blue cold truck let her go into, she was listening to music and coloring on some paper that the blue truck had given her.
The music was up quite loud and she was humming to it, she didn't hear Krupp at all.

After a while, Krupp returned to the living room
Volta was leaning back on the couch again, looking amused.
"Where is she?" Krupp demanded
Volta just shrugged.
"Volta!"
Volta smiled, "Like I said, she's safe... you want her to go home.. I'm sure you have an inkling of an idea what you can do.."
Krupp crossed his arms and waited
"Come on Krupp, don't be so dense!"
"What?" he asked.
"Come back to Electra's train, if you behave, I'll let you see her, if you don't.. well.. she'd make an excellent minion, and you know I can do it.."
Krupp's eyes narrowed
Volta raised her eyebrows, "You've seen me do it before..."
"Electra.... won't take me back."
"Don't bet on it"
Krupp crossed his arms
"I'm sure you can figure some way to apologize to him."
Krupp was silent, not looking at all pleased.
Volta shrugged, "you have four days to get yourself back in the train, or pinky gets new training"
"This isn't fair Volta."
"Who said anything about fair? was it fair that you just up and decided to go join a steam train? this is where you belong!"

Krupp studied her for a moment, tilting his shades down
Volta continued to glare at him.
"I come back, and you return Rossi to her train."
"You come back and you get to see she's ok... she'll go back to her train when I'm sure you're staying"
Krupp sighed, thinking this over
Volta watched him closely, waiting.
"Alright."
Volta smiled slightly, "I knew you'd understand"
Krupp turned and headed for the door without a word.
"Four days Krupp!"
He didn't answer her, leaving the house

Krupp sighed softly as he walked along the tracks, looking for his- looking for Talck.
Talck had left Imbrri and Dinni to look around the round house some more, he was out on the tracks, checking down by CB's bridge.
"Talck?" Krupp called
Talck's head snapped up at his name being called and he let out a whistle to let whoever was looking for him know where he was.
Krupp headed towards the sound

Talck waited patiently, in a short time he saw Krupp, he smiled at him, "Any sign of her?" he asked.
"Yes sir..."
Talck relaxed, "good, so she's home then?"
"I- no."
Talck frowned, "what do you mean?"
"She's... okay though."
Talck continued to frown, "what do you mean?"
"She's not hurt, she's not afraid, she's not in any trouble or danger."
"so where is she?"
Krupp didn't answer
"Krupp... "
"She's..."
Talck waited.
"Talck?"
Talck nodded, "yes..."

"She's.... she's with Volta."
Talck's eyes narrowed as he tried to remember who Volta was, "The blue car from your old train?"
"Yes sir."
"Ok, well if she's playing that's fine, but I'd rather she came home right now if you could get her, Imbrri's really worried"
"That's..... the problem."
"What do you mean?"
Krupp looked down

"Krupp what's wrong?
"I like working for you."
"How does that relate to Rossi not coming home?"
"Volta... wants me to come back."
Talck looked confused, but remained silent
"Talck..... sir... please just trust me."
Talck sighed, "I guess that's all I can do for now isn't it...."
Krupp nodded, "Thank you sir."
Talck looked down, "what'm I going to the Imbrri?"
"Tell her that I'm taking care of Rossi?"
Talck nodded. "It's going to be quiet around here, that's for sure"
Krupp nodded
Talck looked straight at Krupp, "Whatever happens, take care of Rossi and take care of yourself, I don't want either of you hurt!"
"Yes sir."
Talck nodded, letting the sir slide.

"Talck?"
Talck looked at Krupp.
"I... I need to go back."
Talck sighed and nodded, "Just be careful."
"I will, but that's not what I mean."
"What do you mean then?"
"I need to go back... to Electra."
Talck blinked, then nodded, "All right," he said, "I figured you would eventually, but we'll definitely miss you."
Krupp nodded, "Thank you... I'll... miss all of you too."
Talck gave him a small smile, and put his hand on Krupp's shoulder, "Remember, we're always here if you need any of us."
Krupp nodded, "but before I go back, I'll make sure Rossi gets home safe."
Talck smiled and nodded, "Thanks,"
Krupp smiled back, "I have to go..."
Talck nodded, "take care."
Krupp nodded, "You too."
Talck turned and headed back to the Round house
Krupp went back to Electra's house.
Talck stopped a bit away and let out a farewell whistle.
Krupp blinked and waved back
Talck waved and went back to the Round house to go let the rest of his train know what was going on

Krupp knocked on the door, hoping Volta was still the only one home
Volta heard the knock from the basement, and looked up, "Now, you be a good caboose and play quietly down here, and listen to the music and I'll bring you cookies"
The little pink caboose sitting on the floor beamed up at Volta, "Ok!" she said, putting the headphones on.
Volta went upstairs and locked the basement door, only she had a key to it. She went and opened the door to find Krupp, "Oh.. you're back..."
"Yes."
Volta shrugged, "Fine, whatever" she turned and went to sit on the couch again.
"Volta?"
Volta looked up at Krupp.
"How can I get Electra to take me back?" Krupp asked softly, "He's so mad at me..."
Volta raised an eyebrow, "If you think I'm going to give you the answers, you're dumber than I thought.
Krupp sat down, "I don't want you to give me the 'answer'. I've thought about it. I want to come back."
Volta's gaze softened slightly, then she sneered, "sure try and butter me up."
"I'm not trying to do that.."
Volta scoffed, "whatever, you can just wait till Electra gets back"
"How long?"
Volta shrugged, "Depends how needy Purse gets"

"So, what happens after I come back?"
"you get to see Pinky, and make sure she's ok"
Krupp shook his head, "That's not what I meant."
"what do you mean then?"
"Just.... in general."
"things go back to normal...like they were before we were trapped in that frelling room"
"Oh," Krupp said, "alright."
Volta picked up a book and pretended to read it
"Good."
Volta looked at him, "good what?"
"Things going back to the way they were."
Volta nodded.
"Volta... please... help me."
Volta shrugged, "grovel, beg, apologize, I dunno.. I've never been in trouble like you are,"
"but you're smarter then I am, you're better at ideas..."
Volta looked at Krupp, "Electra's pretty miffed... apologizing would be a good start.... from there, I don't know, it'd depend on his reaction"
Krupp nodded, "What do you think he'll say?"
Volta shrugged again, "Depends on how needy Purse is... like a lot of things,"
Krupp sighed

Volta looked at her book again. Then sighed, "for one you can try buttering him up by telling him the steam train wasn't what you thought it was"
"That it was only because I couldn't stay here?"
Volta nodded, "pretty much, and maybe throw in something about Pinky, not sure about it, but I think Electra might like her a bit, could be the color"
Krupp closed his eyes
Volta rolled hers, "Come off it....... might want to tell him you missed him too..... "
Krupp nodded
Volta shrugged, "Then he'll either zap the starlight out of you, or let you back in... depending on purse of course"
"Well..." Krupp said, "at least I know what I'm up against... and what do you mean about Purse?"
"Erm.. well.. since you left, Purse has been... shall we say.... clingy, obnoxious, you get my drift. He's trying to occupy Electra to keep him in a semblance of sanity. Of course, it's driving the rest of us bonkers, but well... Electra seems to enjoy it somewhat"
Krupp nodded, "I imagine so."
"I think it's also cuz Purse has missed you too.... Joule's been a bit listless as well.. moping around like crazy. Wrench... well.. she's wrench, nothing really affects her"
He smiled slightly

A short time later, Electra and the three components with him, returned home. They came in the back door, so it was Purse, who'd rushed to check on Volta, who saw Krupp first.
The money truck squealed and threw himself into Krupp's arms "YOU'RE BACK!" he yelled repeatedly
"Hi Purse," Krupp said.
Purse continued to squeal and fuss over Krupp, as Electra, hear the ruckus, came down the hall. He stopped short at the entrance to the living room, seeing Krupp, but kept and air of uncaring. He leaned against the wall, his face unemotional, "What's this now?"
"It's Krupp!" Joule exclaimed helpfully, behind Electra.
Volta got up and moved out of the way, expecting Joule to go flying at Krupp like Purse had. Electra rolled his eyes, "That is quite apparent"

Krupp carefully detached Purse and looked at Electra, "I've come back to talk to you..." he said respectfully.
Electra raised an eyebrow, "have you now"
"Yes sir."
"And what have you come to talk to me about exactly?"
Purse had moved up behind Krupp, practically bouncing in his excitement at the armaments truck's return
"I was wondering if you might be looking for an armaments truck."
Volta held her breath, wondering what mood Electra was in.
Electra continued to lean on the wall, adjusting his gloves slightly, "I'm not sure, I seem to be getting along fine without one"
"But you never know what sort of trouble you might encounter. I am fully trained with experience. The engine that I worked for never got so much as a scratch in his perfect frame."
"Come with me," Electra turned to go back down the hallway, "We may be able to come to an arrangement"
Krupp nodded and followed after Electra.

Electra entered his 'office' and sat down in one of the chairs.
Krupp remained standing
Electra was silent for a long while, ignoring Krupp for the most part.

Purse had started to follow Krupp, but Volta put a hand on his shoulder, "best leave them alone for now... "
Purse pouted.
Volta gave him a smile, "I have something you'd like playing with downstairs... if you're quiet..." She led him over to the door and allowed him entry.
Krupp stood motionless, waiting for Electra to speak.
"Where're you going?" Joule asked Volta.
Volta turned to Joule, "Purse is tired, I'm getting him to bed." Purse looked like he was ready to protest, but the immediate drop in temperature of the air around him silenced him.

Electra looked up, "Why the sudden return?"
"I can't do it, master," Krupp said, "I can't be away."
Electra nearly forgave him right then and there, but kept an iron fist on his emotions, "Oh?"
Krupp shook his head.
"And you only discovered that now... it's been a while since you departed"
Krupp lowered his eyes to the ground, "I was angry..."
Electra remained silent.
"It was foolish of me, and I am sorry."
Electra looked up at the ceiling, contemplating. Inside he was celebrating, Krupp had come back on his own. "I may have a use for you," He said, still not looking at Krupp, "However I'll have to be sure of your loyalty to me."
"I understand."
Electra looked at him, "do you?"
"Yes. I left. You want to be sure that I will not leave again and that I truly want to be back."
"But you do not understand what this entails... for the present you may take your former quarters.. I'll decide a suitable test for you in time. For now you are not to leave this building, is that understood."
"Yes master."
"You're dismissed"
Krupp turned and left the room.
Electra began to smile when Krupp turned away, this worked out better than he could have planned it

Krupp headed towards his old room.
Volta was down the hall a bit, having just finished locking the door to the basement, where Purse was now with that lovely little pink thing. She was heading back to the living room, a smile on her face
Krupp glided past her on his way to his room.
Volta turned and looked at him, "well?"
"He'll take me back."
"I'll see if I can arrange a get together tonight.... just so you can see she's fine"
Krupp nodded.
Volta turned to go back down the hallway, a grin on her face.
Krupp's face was expressionless as he went to his old room

Wrench was in the living room, she looked up as Volta passed.
Volta went over and sat down on the couch stretching out, "amazing how things work out, hey Wrench,"
"That's one word for it I suppose."
Volta turned her head and looked at wrench, "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"
"I'd use the word convenient."
Volta smiled, "he just needed a talking to"
"It seems so. Where is he?"
"His room I think
"Ah," Wrench said, going back to her book, "I think... that this is going to be a very interesting next few days."
"No more interesting than it has been for the last while
"Hmm."
Volta looked at wrench, "are you implying something?"
"No. I'm stating that I think that things might be interesting for awhile," she closed her book, "And that will be very interesting indeed."
Volta crossed her arms over her chest, "right..."
Wrench stood up and headed out of the room
Volta sighed and shook her head, she wasn't going to let Wrench ruin her mood.

Krupp sat alone in his room, wondering how long it would be before Electra called him.
Devise a suitable test, Electra had said. Well, that could mean any number of things.
A test to test Krupp's loyalty? It wasn't often that Krupp worried about himself, but this was one of the rare times.
He'd closed the door, but that didn't necessarily mean that he would get any privacy.
Although he hoped that no one would come bother him. Electra he obviously couldn't turn away, and given current circumstances, he couldn't turn Volta away either. Wrench... well, Wrench wouldn't bother him. The repair truck seemed to prefer her own company.
Joule and Purse... well he just hoped they wouldn't decide to come visit him.
He sighed and pulled off his shades and rubbed his eye. How had things gotten so out of control? He was Krupp, Electra's armaments truck. He was built to protect Electra. That was all.

There was a knock on his door and he sat up, replacing his glasses and pulling himself back together.
"Krupp?" Wrench's voice called, "Can I come in?"
Wrench wanted to talk to him? That was different...
"Yeah," he called back.
Wrench entered the room, closing the door behind her, "Welcome back."
"Yeah..." he answered unenthusiastically.
"Although I suppose it's not exactly what you wanted to do."
He blinked, "What do you mean? I'm part of Electra's train, I can't go against that..."
"Uh huh," she said, "That's not what you said to me a few days ago when I went to talk to you about coming back..."
"Things changed," Krupp answered.
"Oh come on Krupp, what did Volta do to make you come back?"
"Nothing," Krupp answered.
"Krupp, tell me. It's not like I'm going to go tell Electra or Volta," Wrench said.
Krupp nodded, if there was one thing that Wrench could do, it was keep secrets.
Since she didn't talk all that much anyway, there was no reason to think that she would this time.

"It's Rossi."
"Rossi?" Wrench repeated.
"The little caboose in m- in Talck's train."
"The little pink one?"
Krupp nodded.
"What about her?"
"Volta... has her."
"Volta has her?" Wrench repeated.
"Somewhere in the house," Krupp said, "She won't let Rossi go home unless I came back."
"Ah," Wrench said, "That explains it. I'm surprised, even you developed a weakness..."
"Yes, I know," Krupp said a bit crossly, "I didn't do it on purpose."
Wrench nodded.
"And now Starlight knows what Electra's gonna put me through before he's 'assured of my loyalty."
Wrench nodded again.
Krupp sighed softly.

"We all did miss you," Wrench said softly.
"I missed you too," Krupp said, "But..."
"Hey, you're an armaments truck," Wrench said, "You're built to adapt. And you do it very well."
"Too well," Krupp said with a humorless laugh, "Well, we'll see..."
"I'll keep an eye out for Rossi," Wrench said.
"Thanks..."

Purse looked around the dark room. He wasn't sure what Volta had meant by something to play with.. but he was curious. He moved into the room some more and continued to look around.
"Hello" A chipper voice said from slightly behind him.
Purse jumped and turned, seeing a small pink caboose. "Ooooooo!!!!! Hello there, aren't you the cutest little thing." Purse cooed at her.
The pink caboose took her headphones off and smiled at him, "I'm Rossi, what 's your name?"
"Purse."
"You wanna play? The pretty blue truck told me to stay down here and keep quiet cuz she had some things to do before she could play with me. I'm good at playing alone, but I like it better when there's other people to play with."
Purse smiled, "Of course sweetness," He continued to coo at her, "You're such a darling, what've you got there?" He asked, pointing to some papers she had on the ground.

"I was coloring, wanna see?" She knelt down again to pick them up and show him.
Purse sat down near her, as she searched through her pictures. He couldn't really make out what they were, but they seemed to be pictures of trains and coaches.
Rossi found the one she was looking for and held it up, "This one's Talck, he's my engine, and my two sisters, Imbrri and Xanni are beside him and my brother Dinni is over here."
Purse smiled, and blushed slightly remembering Dinni. "I remember them from the dining room, they all seemed really nice."
Rossi nodded, "Yeah! They're the bestest train ever!" She picked up another picture, "Here's CB and me in his hideout, but I can't tell you where, I promised. It's a caboose secret."
Purse giggled softly, "Of course. What are you doing?"
"Looking at the shapes in the clouds!" She showed him another picture, "This is Krupp, me and CB having a tea party, they're really good at playing."
Purse laughed out right at the thought of Krupp having a tea party. "I'm sure they are, you're a very good artist."
Rossi grinned, "Ya think so?"
Purse nodded, "What's this picture of?"
"Oh that's Poppa and Rusty, they're so funny sometimes, they like to pick me up!"
Rossi giggled, then stood up.

Purse watched her but didn't move as she circled around him, "What kind of car are you?" She asked.
"I'm a money truck, I carry money for Electra."
"Who? Oh wait.. the silver engine that Krupp used to be with." Rossi smiled "I remember him."
Purse was about to comment that Krupp was back with Electra, when the caboose frowned, "He's the one who shocked Dinni. Dinni said it hurt him."
Purse nodded, "Electra gets angry sometimes and instead of hitting people he shocks them. He only does it when he's angry."
Rossi's voice got very quiet, "He also called me names.."
"Oh. Honey!" Purse reached out and pulled her down into his lap, cuddling her, "he didn't mean to.. he didn't know it was a bad name for you."

Rossi cuddled close to him and pouted a bit, then suddenly bit her lip. "Mr. Purse?" She sounded shy and embarrassed.
"Yes hun?"
"I gotta. well.. I gotta go." She squirmed a bit.
Purse blushed slightly and smiled. "It's ok cutie. go into the second door down that hallway." He pointed.
Rossi got up and started to rush to the door, then stopped. "Will you be here when I'm done?"
"Of course sweetie, now hurry!" Rossi went into the bathroom and shut the door.

Purse looked at the pictures spread out on the floor, now that he knew what they were about, he could pick out who was who.
Dinah in the kitchen with a big container that read "kookeez", a big group of trains on what seemed to be a picnic. He smiled as his eyes fell on one of Volta making ice. He wondered what secrets this little caboose held.

Talck got back to the Roundhouse, dragging his feet. How to tell them what had happened.
Rusty whistled on his way back to the roundhouse, with, interestingly, the other three members of Talck's train in tow.
Talck heard Rusty and whistled back
Rusty pulled up next to the other steamer
Talck looked at Rusty, then his cars and let out a sigh. "I know where Rossi his," he said.
Xanni and Imbrri grinned, "you found her? great! where is she?" Imbrri asked.
Talck looked at his feet.
"Talck?" Dinni asked.
Talck sighed, "Krupp had to leave, something came up. Rossi's with him and she's safe."
Xanni looked at him like he had three heads "WHAT?!?!"
"What do you mean he had to leave?" Dinni asked
"He... he went back to his old train.."
Rusty didn't look all that surprised.

"Where's Rossi then?" Dinni asked
"With Krupp, I'm not sure exactly where, but according to him she's safe and he won't let anything happen to her."
Dinni nodded, but didn't look all that comforted. "but if Krupp went back to Electra, then how can he still be taking care of Rossi?"
Xanni was shaking her head, "You agreed to it, you just let him go? ARG!!!"
Imbrri snapped out of her shocked state, "Why'd he take Rossi?"
Talck shook his head, tears falling from his eyes.

Rusty whistled. Loudly.
Talck remained silent, Imbrri and Xanni covered their ears.
"How about we go tell Poppa?" Rusty suggested.
Talck nodded.
"Alright, C'mon," Rusty said.
Xanni hitched up to Rusty.
Imbrri went over to Talck, giving him a hug and hitching to him. Talck waited for Rusty to go.
Dinni took Xanni's couplings and then Rusty sped off towards the roundhouse.
Talck followed closely behind
Rusty pulled in and quickly went inside, calling for Poppa.
Talck came in slightly slower.

Xanni unhitched from Rusty and turned to Talck, "how could you just let him go? he was happy with us!"
Dinni sighed softly, "Maybe..." he started
Talck stayed silent, his arms wrapped around Imbrri.
"What do you mean maybe? He loved it here!" Xanni exclaimed.
"Maybe he was protecting us."
"From what?" Imbrri sighed, "why would he take Rossi?"
"Did he ever say he took Rossi?" Dinni asked
Imbrri looked back at Talck.
Talck sighed, "He didn't take Rossi, someone else did...."
"So he went to get her back." Dinni decided.
Talck nodded.
Xanni growled, "who took her? When he's done he'll come back too right?"
Talck shook his head, "I don't know Xanni... he might not.."

"I'm impressed that he lasted this long away from Electra," Rusty commented.
Xanni turned to Rusty, "what do you mean by that?"
Rusty shrugged, "He's an electric component," he said, as though that explained it all.
"Meaning........." Talck reached out and put a hand on Xanni's shoulder, knowing she was ready to blow her top
"Nothing against him," Rusty said, "But... well... I don't really understand it myself, but there's something about electrics..."
Xanni growled, "He was FINE! He said he didn't want to go back!"
Rusty took a step back from the coach.
"Xanni enough!" Talck said, letting go of Imbrri and taking hold of Xanni's arms and seating her rather forcefully on the couch.
Imbrri sighed, "sorry rusty."
Rusty held up his hands, "Alright, Alright Xanni, I don't know."
Xanni crossed her arms over her chest and brooded.
Talck sighed, keeping his hands on her shoulders.
Dinni sighed as well, "Well... maybe he'll come back."
Talck and Imbrri nodded. Xanni growled, "He'd better, or I'll make him"

At just that moment, Poppa rolled into the room
Talck and Imbrri looked over at him.
"What's wrong?" he asked
"A lot of stuff," Xanni muttered.
"Hush!" Imbrri said.
"Krupp's gone back to Electra, and Rossi's with him." Talck said
"Rossi's at Electra's?" Poppa asked
"or somewhere around there as far as we can gather..."
Poppa frowned slightly.
Talck sighed and went around the couch to sit down beside Xanni.
"Poppa..." Rusty started, going over to his father, "We cannot storm Electra's house to get her back..."
Xanni tried to stand up but Talck kept a firm grip on her arm, "WHY NOT? he doesn't have any right to take parts of our train away!"
"If Electra knew that Rossi was in his house, he'd be over here to gloat," Rusty pointed out.
Imbrri looked at Rusty, "So you don't think it was him?"
"Well, if it were, he'd be over here watching you four run around worrying."
Talck nodded, "Krupp told me he thought it was Volta."
"If she did it on her own, she probably didn't tell Electra then," Rusty said
Talck nodded.
"So now what?" Dinni asked
Talck sighed, "we wait...."
Xanni spluttered again, but Talck's hand on her arm kept her from commenting.
Imbrri looked worried, "But what if nothing happens... what if they don't come back."
Dinni sighed, "I guess we just gotta... hope."
Talck nodded.
"It's... gonna be a quiet around here..." Dinni said
Imbrri sighed and nodded, not saying anything, her eyes bright with tears. Xanni was slouched down on the couch, her eyes throwing daggers. Talck looked around, not sure what to say.
Poppa set a comforting hand on Talck's shoulder.
Talck looked up at Poppa, giving him a slight smile