Tug

The railroad, although a driving force of the surrounding land, couldn’t work alone. There were busses and cars to take passengers to and from stations, and ocean liners that would bring passengers from overseas. Elmer however disagreed.

“All these busses and cars, they’re ruining our line,” Elmer complained.

“Oh don’t fuss,” Timothy replied, “If it weren’t for them, nobody would be able to get to our stations.”

“No use in them if they don’t bring people to our stations,” Elmer replied.

“Steven used to have the same issues as you,” Timothy retorted, “However, his plight was with a spiteful tugboat.”

Steven was good friends with cars, trucks, and busses. Seacraft however, were a different story. Especially the small switcher tugboat. His name was Frank, and was very rude. Steven sat in the harbor one day, when Frank pulled next to his pier, and started his taunting.

“Good evening Steven,” Frank said, “Busy with, whatever you’re up to?”

“I’m taking a rest at the moment,” Steven said, “Timothy is to bring in some fuel, you’ll have to take it out to the boat fueling area.”
“Oh that’s just an excuse,” Frank replied, “If you were a useful engine you would get it yourself.”

“But the train is too heavy for me to carry,” Steven replied.

“But not too heavy for you to shunt!” Laughed Frank, “I hope you know I’m only joking. You however could help by, let’s see, unloading those barges over there.”

“Of course,” Steven said, “I’ll unload them right away.”

The barges however weren’t meant to be unloaded. They were sitting there, waiting for the large freight ship to come in. Once it arrived, then the cars would be brought to the pier upstream. The cars would be loaded, then brought back down to be brought to the big station. Steven however, didn’t know this. Timothy arrived at the harbor with his fuel, but couldn’t find himself a siding to place it in.

“Steven my friend,” Timothy replied, “Where am I supposed to put these tankers?”

“There isn’t anywhere available,” Steven said, “There’s a barge over there that can be loaded but only temporarily.”
“Alright then,” Timothy said. He loaded the barge, and then left to pull some coaches. 

Frank arrived to see the mess the harbor was in.

“See you did what I asked of you,” Frank said, “I guess I could return the favor.”

“You can,” Steven said, “Let me just put the boxcars on the barge-”
Before Steven could finish, Frank was pulling away the barges.

“No!” Steven yelled, “Those don’t have their brakes pinned down!”

They weren’t far away, so Steven was able to get on the barge. However, Steven was too heavy. The barge sunk beneath him, causing Steven to sink.
“What were you thinking?” Frank said, “My rear is sinking, I’ll have to be cut free.”

“I told you not to take that barge,” Steven said, “I told you to wait!”
“You shouldn’t have moved those boxcars!”
“What is going on here?” The controller of the railroad said.

“What were you thinking Frank?” The captain of the tug fleet said, “You sank one of our important barges!”
“And ruined one of our important piers!” The controller cried.

“What do you have to say for yourself?”
“I'm so sorry sir,” Steven said.

“I am to,” Frank said, “We didn’t mean to, this was a mistake.”

“It better be,” The controller said, “You two shall be fixing this when you’re repaired.”

“Yes sir,” They said in unison, as the controller and captain walked away.

“Did they ever fix the pier?” Elmer asked.

“They did indeed,” Timothy said, “The two also stopped bickering. Just work together with the road vehicles and everything will be okay.”

“I guess I’ll try,” Elmer said. He then buzzed away.