The Midnight Train Crossing

Krupp returned home from the trainwash. It hadn't been the most relaxing of experiences, but at least Xanni was feeling better now. He hoped no one had noticed his absence
Volta was in the kitchen, fiddling with a piece of the toaster she'd snitched from Wrench and smiling at the chaos that was sure to happen when the toaster failed to work.
Volta hid the piece behind her back when someone walked in, then realized it was Krupp, "Hey," she said.
"Hi Volta."
"Feel any better?"
"A bit, yeah."
Volta nodded, "I talked with Wrench, she's pretty sure Electra's ok."
"Good," he said automatically
Volta looked at the piece of the toaster in her hand, "I'm not so sure though."
"No? What's wrong with him?"
"I don't know, I'm not a repair truck, I just don't think he's all fixed if he's talking about erasing one of us from his memory"
"Oh," Krupp said
"Speaking of which, he was looking for you a bit ago."
"He was? What did you tell him?"
"That you were running an errand for me," She shrugged, "He seemed ok with it, and went into his office."
"I'd better go... see what he wants," Krupp didn't sound to thrilled.
Volta shrugged again, "He didn't say you had to, maybe it'd be better if you stayed clear of him for a while."
"Yeah," he looked relieved
Volta frowned slightly, "Purse and Joule haven't really got much exercise lately," she said, "Wrench mentioned something about that, maybe you could take them out for a while."
He nodded
Volta gave him a worried look, "You sure you're ok? You're moodier than usual"
"I'm fine."
Volta nodded, "I can get Joule for you if you get Purse."
"Alright," Krupp said, going off in search of the younger car

Volta went down another hallway, she stopped in front of Joule's door and knocked.
"Come in!"
Volta opened the door and leaned against the frame. "You're getting some exercise today."
"We're going out?"
"I'm not, you are, with Krupp and Purse."
"oooo!"
Volta rolled her eyes, "Just go to the kitchen and wait for them there," she said.
Joule bounced over to the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Krupp knocked on Purse's door.
Purse was counting some of his money, he quickly put it away and opened the door.
"Hi Purse."
"Hello, feeling better?"
He nodded, "Joule and I are going out, did you want to come?"
Purse nodded, "Sure! Just so long as she doesn't decide to use me as target practice again"
Krupp smiled, "she won't."
Purse nodded, "Ok, sounds good."
"come on then."
Purse hitched on behind Krupp, he hadn't been taken out in a while.

Krupp headed out to the kitchen where they picked up a rather hyper Joule
Purse had kept a nearly possessive hold on Krupp's couplings as Joule hitched behind him, but after they'd left the house, he relaxed.
They headed out down the tracks for a bit until they came to an open area and Krupp stopped
Purse looked around from behind Krupp.
"Here'll be fine," Krupp said, mostly to himself
"Fine for what?"
"For us to stay."
Purse shrugged, "ok," he said, not really understanding Krupp.. but that wasn't unusual
"And for the two of you to play."
Purse smiled, then looked back at Joule, "No hurting this time,"
"No hurting," she agreed.
Purse nodded and moved a bit away from Krupp.

Joule touched Purse lightly on the arm, "You're It!" she declared with a giggle and ran off
"ARGH!" Purse turned and darted off after Joule.
Krupp watched the younger components chase each other around with a smile.
Suddenly, there was a high pitched squeal and a light-speed flash of pink. The next thing Purse knew, he was flat on the ground with a little caboose sitting on his chest. He stared up at her in surprise.
Joule skidded to a stop
Purse caught his breath, then smiled, "Hey Rossi," He said, managing to get her off him and stand up. "You're it."
Joule giggled and darted away from the little caboose
Rossi looked a little confused, then giggled and chased after the bigger components.
Krupp grinned, watching this
After a few moments, Rossi, in the way of all little trainlets, managed to pop up behind Krupp without him knowing. She reached out and touched his back.
He jumped
Rossi grinned cutely up at him, "you're it" she said, and turned to run towards the other two components
Krupp laughed and gave chase

After a few more minutes of tag, Rossi was running around, staying away from Purse, who was it again. She was looking behind her as she ran, and bumped into something.
Purse stopped suddenly and stared. Rossi backed up, then gasped and ran behind Purse, as Electra looked at his three components.
Joule froze and looked up as well.
Electra crossed his arms on his chest, taking in the scene.
"Master-" Krupp trailed off, quite at a loss for words.
Electra raised an eyebrow, "Purse, Joule, come away from there," he said.
Joule looked ready to protest.
Electra's eyes crackled as he gazed at her. Purse looked guilty, and slunk over to Electra, followed closely by Joule.
Rossi felt very vulnerable and backed away slowly.

To make matters worse, a steam whistle was heard heading towards them. A couple of seconds later, Talck cam around the bend.
Krupp visibly flinched at the sound
Rossi turned and fled to her engine. Talck looked a bit confused as he picked her up, then saw Electra.
"Master-" Krupp started, but once again had no idea what to say
Talck's eyes narrowed, hearing the way Krupp addressed his engine. He knew better than to start anything, especially after how their last confrontation turned out. He cuddled Rossi closer, causing Electra's eyes to narrow at the sight of the engine doing the bidding of the caboose.
"We were just playing," Krupp said
Electra turned his gaze to the armaments truck, "Excuse me?"
"We were just playing... master," Krupp repeated.
"playing?"
Talck rolled his eyes, "As in having a good time, relaxing, enjoying themselves, I'm not surprised you don't know anything about it, you're too worried about controlling your cars."
Krupp turned and shot Talck a pleading look, not wanting the steamer to get into trouble.
Electra looked at Talck, "You needn't worry yourself about such matters, steamer." he said, "Any engine controlled by his caboose has a lot more problems than I"
Joule looked at Purse and was trying to back away out of sight
Purse nodded, and started to move toward their house as well.
Rossi was trembling against Talck, but looking at Krupp, not understanding why he wasn't helping.
Talck shook his head, "I wouldn't expect an electric to understand."
Krupp couldn't meet Rossi's eyes as he stood there silently.
Electra's eyes sparked again, "Watch yourself steamer. Keep your caboose away from my train, or I'll have to take steps."
Talck laughed derisively, "Your components come to us as much as she goes to them, obviously your control over your train isn't as strong as you seem to believe." With that he turned and headed back down the tracks, raising his head in acknowledgement to Krupp.
Krupp sighed softly in relief as he watched Talck go. Things could have been so much worse.
Electra looked at Krupp sternly, "Take them home," was all he said before turning on his heel and rolling away.
"Yes master." Krupp looked to Joule and Purse, "C'mon guys..."
Purse hitched on to Krupp, "I didn't think master would be so upset about Rossi... he let her come over before."
"I don't think he knew she was over," Krupp said. Once Joule had hitched up, he started to pull them home.
"Oh" was all Purse said.

Back near the round house, Rossi was very confused, why hadn't Krupp stopped Electra and Talck from fighting? It didn't make sense, didn't he like them any more? Talck could've been hurt by the bigger engine. She sniffed a bit, and Talck looked at her and smiled, "It's ok Rossi, nothing bad happened."
Rusty was rolling past at the time and happened to overhear that last part. He headed over to Talck, "What's up?"
Talck looked at Rusty, then put Rossi down, telling her to go to the kitchen for some sweets, which she of course happily did. "I had another run in with the electric."
"Oh no..."
Talck shrugged, "I went looking for Rossi, and found her with the electric, Krupp and a couple others from his train. The coaches or whatever they are seemed to not really know what was going on, but the electric took it upon himself to give me an ultimatum. We argued a bit, then I just left." He frowned slightly, "He said something that didn't really make sense though."
"What?"
"He said something about any engine being controlled by a caboose... I think he was referring to me, but I'm not sure what he was talking about."
Rusty smiled, "Well Rossi does have nearly the entire trainyard wrapped around her little finger."
Talck thought about it, "That's true I guess, he seemed to almost take offence to her."
Rusty shrugged, "Electrics are weird."
"I couldn't agree with you more"
He nodded, "I mean, they demand absolute loyalty and obedience from their cars..."
Talck nodded.
Rusty shrugged, "It's just the way it goes."

Talck nodded again, "Right now I feel like taking my advice to Rossi and go see if I can get some sweets from Dinah."
Rusty nodded, "Alright, I'll see you around then."
Talck tried to hide a smile, "you sure you don't want to steal from Dinah? It'd be easier if there were two of us."
Rusty laughed, "Nah, I value my life."
Talck scoffed, "c'mon she can't be that bad."
"Alright," Rusty said, "But if I come out of this with damage to life or limb, I'm holding you personally responsible." He teased.
Talck shrugged, "Fine hold me personally responsible.. if you can find enough of me that is... "
Rusty laughed

Back at Electra's place, Volta was in the living room, lounging on a couch, still playing with the missing part of the toaster
Krupp rolled into the living room (after checking that Electra was not there) and flopped down in a chair
Volta looked over at him, "what's wrong?"
"Oh, Rossi was seriously undermining the entire unity of our train by playing tag with Purse and Joule."
"Pinky? Since when?"
"Well obviously she's the most dangerous car in this trainyard."
Volta started laughing, "you've got to be kidding."
"Certainly not."
Volta laughed harder, "sarcasm doesn't work for you Krupp, you're too serious"
He sighed, "At least you see how silly that is."
Volta chuckled, "If that thing's dangerous, then I'm a heated truck, if that caboose started problems, you pick it up and hang it somewhere."
He couldn't help but laugh at that
Volta sat up, "So, how did you come to the conclusion that the caboose is so dangerous."
"She isn't, that's the entire point."
"So why are you making a foolish attempt at being sarcastic?"
"Because someone else who lives in this house seems to think that she is dangerous."
Volta raised an eyebrow, "Oh?
"Yes."
Volta sighed, "are you going to get to the point or should I get the pliers and start pulling teeth?"
"Our master," he hissed a bit on the second word
Volta raised her eyebrow again, "You're kidding right?"
"No I just- Starlight." He rested his head in his hands

Volta sighed and got up, going and sitting on the arm of the chair, "It'll make you feel better to just let it out."
"I just wish he wasn't so stuck up."
Volta looked at Krupp in shock, "Since when do you say stuff like that?"
"You're the one that told me to "just let it out"." he pointed out
Volta nodded, "I just wasn't expecting you to 'let it out' quite that harshly"
He buried his head in his hands, "This is so frustrating."
Volta sighed, "I haven't seen you like this in a long time.." she said softly
"I know," he said, "I'm not supposed to be like this."
Volta nodded, rolling her eyes at herself, "just like I'm not supposed to actually care about anyone."
"Ever since I left..." he trailed off.
Volta pursed her lips but said nothing.
"Yes I know, you think it's all their fault as well."
Volta looked away slightly and shrugged.
"Maybe it is - a little."
Volta looked at him, "Since you came back you've been completely different..."
"Mm-hm," he said without looking up.
"I don't know what it is, you just act different all the time."
He sighed.
Volta stopped talking, the last thing Krupp needed was to get into this argument again
Krupp closed his eyes.
She reached out and put a hand on his back, "Where are Purse and Joule?" She asked
"I dunno, around here somewhere."
Volta nodded, "you ok?"
"Yeah... I just need some time to cool down..."
Volta nodded, "I'll go see if I can find them then, I'll let them know to leave you alone." She got up and went to leave, pausing and going over to the couch where she'd left the toaster part, "can't forget this," She muttered to herself before heading down the hallway

Joule was with Purse and the topic of discussion was the little pink caboose who had joined the game and made it quite a bit more fun - while it lasted.
The components happened to be in Purse's room. Purse was sitting on his bed, "I don't know why Master said that, he let her come over not that long ago..."
Joule nodded, "Maybe he didn't know she belonged to one of the steamers?"
Purse shrugged, "I don't see how he couldn't know, the first day we saw them, she was sitting with the new steamer." Purse blushed as he remembered Dinni
"Hmm, then I dunno," she said, "I don't really understand what he doesn't like her..."
Purse sighed, "She's such a sweet little caboose, it's not like she did anything to anyone."
Joule nodded, "And besides, she's lots of fun to play with."
Purse smiled and nodded, reaching under his pillow and feeling the ribbon that was still there.
"It's kinda fun to have someone else to play with."
Purse nodded again, "Especially someone who doesn't try to blow you up all the time"
She stuck out her tongue.
Purse stuck his tongue out too.

"You know you're faces will stick like that if you're not careful" Volta was standing in the doorway, shaking her head.
Joule eeped, startled by Volta's sudden appearance.
Purse froze for a second, then sat back on his bed, looking embarrassed.
"What d'you want?" Joule asked
"I came to tell you that Krupp needs to be left alone for a while."
"Why? Is something wrong with him? He seemed fine before..."
"He just needs some time alone is all" Volta said.
Purse looked up at her, "is he going to be ok?"
Volta shrugged, "I don't see why not
"Good," Joule said

Volta leaned against the door jam, "I heard you guys talking about Pinky... what do you think of her?"
"She's a real cutie, and lotsa fun too," Joule answered, "More fun to play with then him." She indicated Purse
Purse made a face at her, "She's much nicer than she is," he said pointing at Joule.
Volta raised an eyebrow, "oh really... I thought you didn't like cabeese..."
"Rossi's different tho'."
"How so?"
"she's sweet" Purse said
Joule nodded in agreement
"How do you know that for sure? CB seemed sweet at first."
"Yeah but Rossi's a *lot* sweeter then CB was."
"So she's a bit younger..." Purse shook his head, "CB would never have played tag with anyone."
Joule nodded
Volta smiled, "you never know, you didn't know CB when he was Pinky's age. He could have been just like her..."
Joule shook her head

Volta rolled her eyes, "I see you've caught a case of Pinkyism, I won't even try..."
"Pinkyism?" Joule repeated.
Purse looked confused. Volta rolled her eyes again, "Forget it."
"Her name's Rossi..."
Volta shrugged, "Rossi, Pinky what's the difference, it's still a caboose."
"but she's still nice..."
Volta looked to the sky and shook her head, "Fine, whatever, just leave Krupp alone."
Joule nodded.
Purse sighed but nodded as well.

Volta shook her head again and headed down the hall to check on the progress of Wrench's meltdown.
Wrench had - by this point - dismantled and reassembled the toaster about six times, but she still could not get it to work, and was, as a result of this, rather cross.
Volta smiled to herself, then put on a bored face, "what's wrong?"
Wrench gave Volta a dark look.
Volta chuckled, "Can't get it to work again I take it."
"No."
"Any idea what's wrong?"
"It's almost as though.. there's a part missing."
"Oh?"
"But that's impossible, I wouldn't lose anything!"
Volta nodded, "You always keep track of everything, did you check to see if it dropped under the table or something?"
"Yes I did."
Volta shrugged, "Maybe it's just the wires"
"It can't be, I've put it together four times now and still nothing."
Volta shrugged and reached into her pocket, "It wouldn't look anything like this would it?" She asked, pulling out the toaster piece.
Wrench's eyes widened
"Funny... I found this in the living room... wonder how it got there, you always keep such good track of things."
"Give me that!"
Volta moved back, pulling it out of Wrench's reach, "you mean you actually lost something?"
"Impossible," the repair truck said, reaching out for it again.
Volta pulled it behind her back, "Then how was it in the living room?"
"I... don't know."
Volta shrugged and tossed the piece on the table, "maybe you don't keep such good track of things as you thought." She turned and started rolling away.
Wrench practically hissed, snatching it off the table
Volta just laughed as she continued down the hallway
Wrench set down to fixing the toaster.

A few minutes later, Electra stood in the doorway watching Wrench.
She was so absorbed in her task that she didn't see him
"I'm certain you'll be able to have that functional by the morning..." Electra said softly.
She jumped at his voice and looked up, "yes."
Electra raised an eyebrow at her, "I should hope so, Purse seems to be eating an unusual amount of toast lately"
She nodded..
"You know how Purse gets when he can't have the meal he wants, I don't think we want that to happen now do we..."
"No."
Electra nodded in approval, "There is a meeting in the living room in five minutes," he said and moved down the hallway
Wrench carefully put everything away before going out into the living room.

Electra took his time getting to the living room, going the long way around. He'd caught part of Krupp and Volta's conversation, and after what he'd witnessed today, he was not pleased. When he'd finally reached the living room all his components were there. He crossed his arms and looked at all of them.
Wrench had her normal blank, mildly irritated expression, and Krupp had composed himself enough to look normal as well. Joule was sitting on the floor. She looked up at her engine curiously
Purse sat next to Joule, and Volta leaned against a wall.
Electra took a breath, "There are some new rules to be implemented today. Some problems have come to my attention and they seem to stem from the same source. As of this moment, it is forbidden for any of you to interact with the new steamer and his train.
The first reaction of this was dead silence.
Volta's eyebrows raised and Purse's mouth dropped open in shock.
"But-" Joule started
Electra looked at her, electricity flickering through his eyes, "This is not up for discussion"
She shrank back.
"That is all I have to say, if any of you are found with them then the punishment will be severe."
Krupp crossed his arms.
Electra looked at Krupp, "yes?"
"Why don't you just say it - you want me to stay away from Rossi."
Electra's eyes flickered again, "That is quite true, but as well, the rest of the caboose's train is corrupt as well and I will not have them affecting this train."
"Yes master," Krupp said not entirely respectful.
Electra gave Krupp a cold look, but said nothing.
"Don't want that little caboose corrupting the others in your train - not like she's already done to me, right?"
Electra growled, "I have had enough of your insolence Krupp, I have been generous up til now. You have crossed the line once to many times," With that he reached out a hand and sent an electric charge through Krupp.
Krupp set his teeth as he took the shock. He managed to stay upright - barely.
Purse squealed and grabbed Joule's arm. Volta stood up and looked ready to rush to Krupp's side, but managed to hold herself still.
Electra glared at Krupp, "Don't cross me again Krupp, I won't leave you standing next time."
Krupp didn't answer, mostly because he did not trust himself to.
Electra turned on his heel and went into his office, slamming the door shut.

Purse let out the breath that he'd been holding, looking at Joule with fear in his eyes.
"Krupp?" Joule asked, looking at the truck, who was standing there with his eyes closed.
Volta moved over reaching a hand towards him, "Krupp?"
"Don't touch," he said.
Volta snatched her hand back, "Are you all right?"
"Uh huh," Krupp lied, steadying himself with a shaking hand
Purse let go of Joule's arm finally, "Why?"
Joule had curled up into a ball.
Purse turned back to Joule, putting an arm around her shoulders, looking at Wrench, "why did Master do that?"
"He was mad."
"Why?"
"Because he's worried."
Purse looked confused, and gave Joule a hug. Volta was still standing by Krupp, not sure what to do.
Joule cuddled into Purse's arms. Krupp finally sat down in his chair again
Purse cuddled Joule, finding as much comfort in her as she found in him. Volta looked at Wrench and moved back, giving her room to check out the armaments truck
Wrench did so. Krupp didn't flinch as she examined him. "All you need to do is rest a bit and you'll be fine," she said

Volta looked at Wrench, "Are you sure Electra's fully functional?"
"I'll tell you what - why don't you suggest it to him that I look him over."
Volta shook her head, "not me... not now" She sat down near Krupp, looking at the floor, shaking her head. "Everything's changed," She said softly.
"All my fault I'm sure," Krupp - who was still in a rather bad mood - answered.
Volta looked at him, "I never said that,"
"But you think it."
"Actually no... I think it's that steamer's fault, until he came here everything was fine."
Krupp nodded silently.

"Why'd he do that?" Joule was whispering, "He never shocks us that hard..."
Purse nodded. Volta shrugged and looked to Wrench
Joule pulled out of Purse's arms and went over to Volta and Krupp. As she got near, Krupp sparked slightly as not all of the electricity had passed out of his system yet. Joule eeped and nearly dove into Volta's arms.
Purse had watched her and when Krupp sparked, he followed suit, nearly taking Volta out.
Volta cried out in shock, then looked at the two younger components and sighed, knowing there was no way to get out of this now that they'd latched on.
"He didn't do anything..." Joule was saying as she cuddled close to the freezer truck.
Purse nodded, "All he did was play with Rossi..."
Volta looked uncomfortable and patted their backs a couple of times.

"Why doesn't Master like her?"
Volta seemed about to speak, but looked at Krupp instead, "I'll let you field this one"
"Because he thinks that she's dangerous."
Purse looked at Krupp, "but why? She'd never hurt anyone."
"I know that, but I don't think that Electra knows it."
Purse looked confused. Volta refrained from saying anything, not wanting to upset anyone, especially after what just happened
"But how does he not know it?" Joule said, "I mean, she certainly doesn't look dangerous."
"That's what you thought of CB when he first showed up, and look what came of that," Volta said, trying to disentangle herself slightly from the younger components
"But.... she can't be like that," Joule said, "she just *can't* be."
Purse nodded, "CB would never have played with us like her."
Volta sighed and shrugged, "It's just like steamers and diesels, they're all the same and so are cabeese."
"That's *exactly* what Electra thinks."
Volta shrugged, "can you tell him different?"
"I've been trying," Krupp said, "And look where it's gotten me."
Volta raised an eyebrow, "that may be where the problem is, Electra doesn't like to be told he's wrong"
"Well if he'd listen to other-trains then maybe he wouldn't be wrong that often."
"Don't let him hear you say that." Volta said. Purse was looking between the two components, completely confused.

"So..." Joule said, "what do we do now?"
Purse nodded, "Master's never been this mad, but..."
Volta shrugged, "the best thing to do would be to listen to him for now I'd guess," She looked to Wrench to see what she felt about it.
"Yes," Wrench said, speaking for the first time, "I think it would be best to stay out of trouble for the time being. All of us." She looked at Krupp meaningfully.
"I know... I know," he said.
Purse looked a bit upset "But-"
"It would be for the best Purse," Wrench said firmly.
Purse sighed, "All right..." he said.
Joule cuddled closer to Volta.
Volta sighed again, but said nothing as Purse also cuddled closer, looking at Krupp with worry.

Krupp stood up, "I'm going back to my room."
Purse watched him, "do you need help?"
"No," he said, "I'd rather be by myself right now."
Purse looked upset, but nodded, cuddling back to Volta
Joule watched Krupp leave, not looking inclined to let go of the freezer truck any time soon
Volta looked to Wrench for help

The repair truck stood up, "I'm going to my room as well."
"Wrench...." Volta said, looking at the younger components who were trapping her to the chair.....
"Yes?"
Volta gave Wrench a meaningful look, not wanting to come out and say it, knowing it would set Purse off, and then Joule.
"I'm a bit busy now, I have to get back to fixing the toaster."
Volta glared at Wrench, her temperature dropping rapidly, causing Purse to jump slightly, but not let go.
"Volta...." Joule whined.
"What?" Volta snapped.
"Too cold."
Volta rolled her eyes to the ceiling and forced herself to warm up slightly, promising herself she'd get back with Wrench.
"Thanks..."
Purse snuggled close again, murmuring his thanks too.

Laughing a bit, Rusty ran from the kitchen, fleeing the wrath of Dinah. Starlight help anyone who tried to snitch food from her when she was in the middle of a 'project'.
"YOU GET BACK HERE!!!" Dinah called.
"No way!" Rusty shouted back
Ashley had Talck by the scruff or the neck. She was a coach who was surprisingly strong for her size as Talck had the unfortunate luck of finding out.
Rossi was on her stool laughing at the two engines.

Dinah stood in the door way, her hands on her hips. "There's two things that can happen here," she said, "you don't get fed for a week, or I bring it up with Poppa... Actually, there's three... you could give the food back."
Talck raised his head, "but where's the fun in that?"
Ashley gave Talck a bit of a shake, "Boy are you in for it now."
Talck tried to look guilty.

"Sorry Talck," Rusty called as he left, and collided with Buffy, the both of them ending up on the ground.
Dinah moved forward, "Grab him Buffy!" she said.
Buffy obediently grabbed hold of Rusty by the back of his shirt before asking Dinah "Why'm I holding him?"
"He and Talck decided to try and steal some food from the kitchen." Dinah said.
"Without my permission?" Buffy gasped in mock horror.
Dinah raised an eyebrow, "Considering it's my kitchen, your permission would have still ended them up in this position."
Talck shrugged, "it was worth a try, Rossi gets away with it."
Buffy laughed, "Rossi's got the advantage of being a sweet little caboose," she looked at both steamers, "Which is not something that can be said about either of you."
Talck looked crushed, "Imbrri says I'm sweet" He pretended to pout, causing Rossi to giggle harder
"But this isn't Imbrri's kitchen," Buffy pointed out, "nor is it Pearl's." she added, cutting off Rusty before he could say anything
Dinah looked between the two engines, "Now that you boys have been so naughty, we'll have to find some way to teach you a lesson."
Rusty looked up at Dinah with limpid eyes while Talck began to look just a bit worried.

Dinah raised an eyebrow, "you didn't tell Talck what punishments are for stealing my food did you?"
"Uh uh," Rusty said.
"Hmm..." Buffy said, "We could paint them pink..."
Talck's eyes widened and Rossi laughed again, "they they'd look like me!" she chirped.
Dinah pretended to contemplate it.
Ashley grinned, "oh yes, pink would go so well with Talck's eyes!"
Buffy put her arms around Rusty's neck, holding him tightly, "Aw c'mon Rusty, wouldn't you like a new coat of paint?"
Dinah smiled, "He is getting a bit dull in color isn't he."
"but I like brown..." Rusty protested
Talck nodded, "and green looks good on me."
Dinah continued to pretend to think about it. "The train yard needs a bit of color though."
"Maybe just pink spots?" Buffy suggested.
Talck looked about ready to protest, but realized it was futile and just hung his head.
Dinah nodded slightly, "that might work."
Ashley grinned, "Or pink stripes?"
"Yeah," Buffy grinned, "Bright neon pink stripes."
Talck groaned.

Rossi grinned and hopped off the stool, "Can I go tell Imbrri?"
"Yeah," Buffy said, "I bet that she'd want to see this."
Rossi grinned and sped off towards their apartment.
Talck groaned again, "this is just what I need."
"I blame you," Rusty said
"Hey I didn't think they'd actually catch us, you never told me the coaches were this strong."
"I thought it was common knowledge how very smart and strong and lovely all these coaches are," Rusty said.
Dinah raised an eyebrow, "Flatter will get you nowhere,"
"Can't blame an engine for trying."
"Depends on what he's trying."

A few seconds later, Imbrri and Xanni entered the kitchen/dining room. Xanni took one look at the engines and started to chuckle.
"And he can be very trying," Buffy added teasingly, then she greeted the two new arrivals.
Imbrri smiled and nodded to the Buffet car, "I heard Talck was being bad," she said, Rossi peeked from behind her sister and giggled, "they're going to paint him pink!"
"Stripes or spots?" Buffy asked
Imbrri looked a little concerned, but Xanni seemed to ponder it, "I think spots would go well on Rusty, but stripes would look better on Talck."
"Traitor," Talck muttered.

Buffy looked up at the others, "If one of you will make sure that Rusty here doesn't run, I'll be right back."
Xanni moved over and caught hold of Rusty, "I got him," she said. Talck, even in his downtrodden state, couldn't help feeling better seeing Xanni acting a bit more like her usual self
"Oof!" Rusty exclaimed.
Buffy released the steam engine and then departed.
Imbrri moved closer to Talck, but looked at the coaches, "What did they do exactly?" she asked
"We committed the horrible crime of trying to snitch food," Rusty said
Imbrri nodded, "I see..."
Talck looked at her pleadingly.
"well... there's not much I can do," she said, "it is Dinah's kitchen after all."
"Yeah," Rusty said, "I guess the best thing to do is just resign ourselves to our fate."
Talck sighed.
Ashley looked at him, "now you really shouldn't be feeling sorry for yourself, it's your own fault you know."

"You aren't really going to paint us pink are you?" Rusty asked, "I mean, I don't think Pearl would like it."
"Pink is her favorite color.. what's not for her to like?" Dinah said.
He made a face.
Xanni was looking critically at Rusty, "A pink splotch right here would look nice," She said, pointing to his chest.
"You're not helping Xanni..."
Xanni grinned, "Oh but I am, I'm holding you still until Buffy comes back with whatever she's gone to get.
"I'm afraid," Rusty informed the others.
Dinah smiled sweetly, "you should be."

Buffy returned with a large bag.
Talck looked a bit worried and gave a slight pull to see if he could get away. All that managed was for the grip on him to become tighter.
"Alright Engines," Buffy said, indicating two chairs, "Sit down."
"Do we have to?" Talck asked.
Ashley gave him a slight push, "Yes..."
Rusty started to get up. Xanni let him stand, but didn't let him get away as she directed him to the chairs where he obediently sat down.
Talck was a little more reluctant, but Ashley got him seated as well.
Buffy had been unpacking the contents of the bag - which appeared to be an assortment of make up.
Rusty closed his eyes
Talck began to look very worried. Dinah came up behind them and stood between the two chairs.

"Now," Buffy said, "who wants to help punish the two naughty engines?"
Rossi giggled and raised her hand. Imbrri stayed back, but said nothing.
Xanni and Ashley looked at each other, "I think we're going to be needed to hold them down," Ashley said.
Buffy nodded, "Right. You two hold them down then."
The coaches nodded.
"And Dinah Rossi and I will... decorate them."
Dinah raised an eyebrow and smiled while Rossi bounced and clapped her hands.
Buffy distributed brushes.
Dinah leaned over and picked up a container, "Hmmm, I don't think I've ever seen Pearl wear this shade of blush before."
"Yeah, I raided her make up case," Buffy said, "it's amazing how many different shades of blush she has."
"All pink though..." Rossi smiled and picked up another container, "ooo it's pretty!"
Buffy grinned
Dinah looked at Rusty and Talck, "Which one do you want Buff?"
"I'll take Talck," she said.
Dinah grinned at Rusty, "Looks like I get you,"
"Goody..."
Talck looked worried, "Can't I just say I'm sorry and be sent to my room without supper?"
"No," Buffy said cheerfully, she looked to Rossi, "You can help both of us, okay?"
Rossi nodded eagerly.

Dinah pushed the brush into the blush and held it up to Rusty's face, applying blush.
He closed his eyes.
Buffy studied Talck's face, trying to determine the best color.
Talck leaned back away from Buffy, but knew not to move too much.
Buffy looked to Rossi, "You pick the color."
Rossi held up the color that was in her hand, a light mauve eyeshadow.
"That works," Buffy said, taking it from Rossi, "Close your eyes now Talck."
Talck obeyed, but let out a long sigh.
She lightly brushed it on

A few minutes later, Dinah stepped back, "there we are, all finished."
Rusty opened his eyes.
Rossi giggled at him.
Rusty blinked at her with some rather pink eyelids.
Dinah pulled out a compact mirror that she always had with her and held it up for him to see.
"Starlight," was all that Rusty had to say at the sight of his rather colorful face.
Rossi giggled again and Xanni leaned in close, "Aww I think it's kinda cute..."
Rusty turned red under the coat of pink.
Xanni and Dinah laughed.

Talck still had his eyes closed, "Is it that bad?"
Rusty turned his head and looked over at Talck who was still being restrained by Ashley. "Yes."
Talck sighed.
"You may as well look."
Talck opened his eyes as Dinah offered him the mirror. He turned and looked at Imbrri. Imbrri's eyes opened very wide and she put both hands over her mouth to hold in her laughter
"good boys," Buffy said. She looked to Dinah, "Acceptable punishment?"
Dinah smiled, "I think so.... but they have to leave it on for a while..."
"Define "awhile" please," Rusty said
Dinah looked at Buffy and Ashley, "how long would you say?"
"'til dinner?" Buffy suggested.
Ashley nodded. Dinah smiled, "that sounds good."
"Meh," Rusty answered
Talck sighed, but figured he could hide somewhere.

"May I be excused?" Rusty asked meekly.
Dinah looked at the other coaches, "Should we let them go?"
Buffy shrugged, "fine with me."
Ashley nodded, "But they have to come back here with their makeup on before dinner to prove that they kept it, otherwise..."
"Otherwise we shall come up with another punishment."
Dinah nodded. Talck sighed again but nodded his agreement, as did Rusty.

"May I be excused?" Rusty asked meekly.
Dinah looked at the other coaches, "Should we let them go?"
Buffy shrugged, "fine with me."
Ashley nodded, "But they have to come back here with their makeup on before dinner to prove that they kept it, otherwise..."
"Otherwise we shall come up with another punishment."
Dinah nodded. Talck sighed again but nodded his agreement
Rusty did as well.

Talck stood up, looking very down trodden and trying to ignore Xanni and Rossi's giggles.
"So... he doesn't have to stay here anymore?" Imbrri asked Dinah.
Dinah nodded, "just so long as he comes back here before supper and still has his makeup on."
Imbrri nodded and went over to her engine
Talck put on a pout as he looked at Dinah but said nothing. Dinah held back a giggle, "Go on, get out of here before I decide to put you to work"
She took Talck's hand, "Come on."
Talck followed behind her, hanging his head. Rossi giggled and started to follow them, but Xanni caught a hold of her shoulder and held her back.
"We'll go back to our rooms and stay there 'til dinner," she said

Talck nodded, "I still don't think I deserve this," he muttered, though he wasn't at all upset about getting some time with Imbrri
"Well, it could've been worse..."
Talck nodded, "don't I know it," he said, thinking back to the old trainyard. "Are you doing ok here still?" he asked.
She nodded.
Talck smiled and put an arm around her waist, "you know if there's ever a problem you can tell me right?"
"Right," she said with a smile.
When they reached the door, Talck held it open for her, "After you."

She went in, a small smile on her face as though she was trying not to giggle
Talck saw her and made a face, "you know, I could get you just as covered in this makeup," he said as he followed her in and shut the door.
"But I'm a coach," she teased, "It doesn't look that silly on me."
"It does if it's kissed onto your face," he said with a chuckle
"I wouldn't mind," she said shyly.
Talck smiled, "I didn't think you would, but then again, you can wash it off..."
"Also true," she said

CB had been puzzled to discover that he didn't seem to have an engine for his freight run this afternoon.
Buffy had gigglingly told him that Rusty would probably not show his face until dinner time, but she refused to tell him anymore.
CB was slightly miffed that she hadn't told him anymore, no matter how hard he had pressed, but he was even more miffed that they hadn't included him in whatever it was.
It sounded like fun. But before he had gotten a chance to question Buffy properly, Dinah chased him out of the kitchen with a spoon, threating Dire Consequences for anyone that distrurbed her latest project and he didn't particularly feel like risking facing Dinah's Wrath, so he made a quick and graceful exit.
The Red Caboose was wandering the halls of the roundhouse, looking for something to entertain himself with.
Rossi was sitting in the main room of the roundhouse on one of the fluffy chairs. She was swinging her legs and giggling, trying to figure out who to tell about Talck and Rusty.
CB looked up, upon hearing some giggling coming from the common room. "Hey Rossi!" he greeted the little Caboose with a smile.

Wrench had fixed the toaster and replaced it to it's proper place in the kitchen, vowing that the next time she took something apart she would not do it in front of Volta. But being somewhat of a logical car, she decided to finally come to the freezer truck's rescue and suggest a quiet game for Purse and Joule to play in their room.
"One that won't bother the master - who needs to be left alone," she said.
Joule cuddled tightly to Volta for a minute, "Where is he now?"
"He's baracaded himself in his office, it's safe to go *quietly* to your rooms," Wrench said.
"Alright..." Joule slowly let go of Volta.
Volta gave wrench the most greatful look she could muster before Joule cuddled up to her and Purse followed suit, "yes, go play... I... have work to do."
Purse looked at her with interest, "what kind of work? can we help?"
"Important work, and no you can't" she tried to no avail to rid herself of the younger components.
"Come on now," Wrench said, gently prying Joule and Purse away from Volta, "Come on and you can help me with something."
"You want us to help you with something?" Joule repeated, as this was a rather rare occurence indeed.

Electra, meanwhile, was still in his office. He was brooding over a lot of the information he'd found out recently, trying to make sense of it...