ADJUSTMENT FOR ADDED REALISM Narrator (Ringo Starr): One day, Henry longed for a bit of peace, yet found Percy at the center of attention among a few engines. Percy was recounting how he braved inclement weather to come to Thomas's aid. Percy: The rain was pouring, and water was practically swirling around my wheels. Visibility was near zero, but I kept pushing forward. Bill: Wow, Percy, that's pretty courageous of you. Percy: Oh, it's not a big deal really. A bit of water doesn't bother an engine with some grit. Ben: Share more of your stories, Percy! Henry: What's all this commotion here? Narrator: Henry grumbled, somewhat annoyed. Henry: This shed is meant for the Fat Controller's engines. Please leave. Such nonsensical distractions. Narrator: Henry couldn't hide his disdain. Percy: They're just sharing stories. Narrator: Percy was rather enjoying the gathering. Henry: They're nonsense, and you're being silly too. "A bit of water doesn't bother an engine with some grit"? Really! Percy: Regardless... Narrator: Percy cheekily continued. Percy: ...I'm not scared of a little water. I quite enjoy it, actually. Narrator: Off he went towards the harbour, humming to himself. Percy: Once an engine attached to a train was worried about a bit of rain... Henry: It seems no one will let me forget the time I stayed in the tunnel, fearing the rain would ruin my paint job. Narrator: Henry grumbled, feeling slighted. Meanwhile, Thomas was scrutinizing the sign by the quay. Thomas: Danger. We mustn't ignore that. Narrator: He remarked firmly. Thomas: That's an order. "Danger" signals a severe risk. Narrator: Thomas explained, recalling a past mishap. Thomas: I ignored a danger sign once and ended up in a mine. Percy: I don't see any mine here. Narrator: Percy commented, unaware that the quay's foundation had weakened, causing the tracks to slope dangerously into the sea. Percy: Silly sign. Narrator: Percy scoffed, devising a risky plan. Percy: Listen, trucks, give me a push at the quay, will you? Narrator: The idea of bumping an engine was novel to the trucks, sparking excitement among them. Percy: My driver isn't in on this. Narrator: Percy snickered, thinking he was in control. Trucks: Go on! Go on! Narrator: The trucks cheered, unintentionally knocking Percy's driver and fireman off their stand. Percy: Whoa! Narrator: Percy exclaimed, zooming past the warning sign, then he began to panic. Percy: Enough! Stop! (Percy takes an unintended plunge into the water) Narrator: Percy was submerged. The Fat Controller: Percy, you've been very foolish. Narrator: Percy recognized that voice anywhere. Percy: Please, sir, help me. I regret my actions. The Fat Controller: I'm afraid we'll have to wait for the tide. Perhaps this will remind you to follow instructions next time. Percy: Yes, sir. I understand. Narrator: In the darkness, cranes worked to salvage Percy, too chilled and rigid to move on his own. (The next day, Percy is transported on a flatbed) Narrator: The following morning, Percy was sent to the works atop Henry's freight train. Henry: Well, well, look who we have here! Enjoy your swim? Percy: Not in the least. Henry: Surprising. Remember, Percy, "A bit of water doesn't bother an engine with some grit." Maybe you'll manage better if there's a next time. Narrator: Percy is adamant in his hope that there will never be a "next time".