TCB: Invasion of Sodor

Chapters

Prologue: The simpler times
Gathering storms
Last train to conflict
Experiments and whispers
A night in with Thomas
Trains of thought
Full throttle
Rebels
Tracks around the world
A Really Useful Alliance
The song of the Iron Horses
The Lady of Sodor
Dawn of the Iron Stampede
Announcement
rewrite update
rewrite notice

Prologue: The simpler times

Author's Note

Don’t expect constant updates my new career might take a lot of time.

Prologue: The simpler times

March 4th 2023
From the journal of Matthew Wilkins, James’s driver:

I had this journal with me for a long time but now I decided to use this because this world has gone through so many changes.
Recently a section of land almost as big as the state of Texas has appeared somewhere in the Atlantic roughly over a thousand miles from Sodor.

The inhabitants came to many parts of the world by ship. They were creatures that looked like they came out of my niece’s dream. They were talking ponies. Some flew some could do magic and very few could do both. Some came to Sodor and we practically welcomed them with open arms.

Many ponies were amazed by this island as well as our steam fleet. I noticed many ponies talking with the engines. I even noticed a white unicorn complementing James’s red coat, much to his ego.

Within a few weeks many ponies migrated across the world to explore. Of course some would come to Sodor. Every time James passed by Henry’s forest there would be a yellow Pegasus with the woodland critters. James even saw her talking to Henry and his crew on some occasions. Let’s hope she knows the rules about trespassing on railway property.

I like to write more but we have a busy day ahead.

April 3rd, 2023
From the Journal of Keith Hartley, Thomas’s driver:

It had only been months since these ponies came to living amongst humans. The branch line has never seen more passengers than before. Well it wasn’t just ponies coming.

We heard there were talking donkeys, a zebra, and a young dragon too. We actually met the dragon named Spike at Knapford. He seemed like a nice kid. He was then called by a lavender colored unicorn. Guess it was his caretaker or something. She looked rather worried about something when she looked my way. Not sure what her deal is. Maybe she thought railway men shouldn’t be bothered but we weren’t. Even Thomas seemed to like answering his questions. Oh well…

April 10th 2023
From the Notes of Twilight Sparkle

I sent my final potion recipe to Princess Celestia but she seemed to have made some alterations to it but she reassured me the potion formula will still do its job just with more efficiency. To me it was efficient enough but who am I to judge her. She knows what’s best for the humans. I just hope they understand and at least some would give this a try.

April 10th 2023
From the diary of Princess Celestia

The history and science of this world has stunned me but now with my plans I can create a utopia for all. When all is said and done there will be a world with no anger, no hatred and best of all no threat of war with dangerous weapons of mass destruction. I don’t care if the nations aren’t at war now. They need to change for their own sakes as well as their future as a society.

Gathering storms

May 2nd 2023
From the Journal of Sir Topham Hatt, The Controller of the North Western Railway:

Albert was a great workman in the yards of Knapford. A hard worker, a good friend, a loving husband, and a devoted father he was. He recently came down with an illness and I let him have a week off so he could see a doctor and get better. When he came into my office today he was different. He was an earthpony and told me the procedure he took saved his life.

I was shocked as I heard these ponies made a new potion that could transform anyone but I didn’t think it would cure the illness he had. Throughout the day I had him doing task his new body could handle because he had no fingers anymore and he had no horn. It was strange seeing him smile, unlike other ponies his looked forced and almost unsettling.

Though the strangest part was he was talking as if the equestrian ruler was a pony worth worshiping. I was confused because I see him in church with his family every Sunday. Before he left he told me he managed to convince his wife and son to join him and asked if I would be interested. When I told him no he looked annoyed and asked why would I waste time being an ape. No one spoke back to me like that. I think I’ll have someone keep a close eye on him.

May 11 2023
From the Diary of Princess Celestia:

Aside from a reported minor attitude problem. The test was a success he not only changed but his mind is now free from oppressed human problems. Let’s hope he along with other changed humans, now dubbed newfoals, can persuade others to change as well.
This will be a long process but hopefully humans will come to their senses and join our society of harmony. As for the engines, especially the Sudrians, I’m sure they’ll understand too maybe I can change them to become ponies too by that will be difficult considering they are mostly metal machines.
Though looking at these pictures of my dearest subjects with these engines, I have no doubt in my mind that they might side with us. We can once again thank the magic of friendship for this.

May 12th 2023
Report filed by Jacob Burgs, NWR Human Resources:

Name: Albert Harris
Employment status: Terminated
Reason for termination:
Got into a brawl with a passenger and the Knapford Station Master. Started shouting nonsense about how humanity must change and worship the divine sun goddess. Was arrested and is now fired for insubordination and assault.

May 12th 2023
From the Journal of Collin Halfort, Engine mechanic of Tidmouth:

It was a tense night here. Many engines either saw or heard of the brawl involving Albert and those two other humans. Henry and Edward came to talk about this as well. Of course the big engines referred to Albert’s behavior as disgraceful, disgusting, and despicable.
There were similar situations like this happening not only on Sodor but across the world. All we knew was that peace between Equestria and the rest of the world is already fragile.

Last train to conflict

May 20 2023
From the Newspaper Sodor Tribune:

EQUESTRIAN TENSIONS RISE

Peace between Equestria and the rest of the world is already at its weakest as the Equestrian Ruler known as Princess Celestia encourages that more conversion clinics be build all over the world.

However reports are flooding in that any human who gets converted will reject their sense of humanity and part of their sanity after 24 hours after conversion treatment. That also includes religious belief and respect to any human who hasn’t converted including friends and family. Because of this, it is reason to believe the conversion procedures have mental side effects.

The conversion clinic at Harwick has been closed until further notice. Any scheduled appointments made there have been canceled.

May 20 2023 10:35 AM
From the journal of Scott Routh, Ryan’s Fireman:

It was a horrible day all around so far. These newfoals and regular ponies were protesting in the streets. One pony even threw a rock at Ryan’s face. We immediately left the station with a passenger train and are currently taking on water further down the line. We might be safe but deep down I have a feeling something big might happen. Something real big.

May 20 2023 2:26 PM
From the journal of Scott Routh, Ryan’s Fireman:

I knew it… I actually knew it. Something did happen. Even as I write this my hands are still shaking a bit. We were waiting at a signal to let Daisy pass. We knew she would have a bad time but we know we can’t stop her especially on a busy day. But when our signal turned green…

…It happened.

We heard a very strange noise it almost sounded like an explosion. I leaned out the cab and saw a strange glowing dome in the distance. It was growing and I knew we had to go. The driver saw it and immediately slammed Ryan’s regulator and we were off like a rocket. This dome looked like it was growing fast and was catching up. All we could do was push Ryan to his limits and hope he can outrun it. We were passing the Arsledale miniature railway when the dome appeared to have stopped.

We stopped and looked back. We turned to see the small controller looking at the dome in horror. He was lucky his engines were still in the shed and nowhere near that dome.

We decided to wait to see if it did move any further. I’m keeping an eye on it if it moves we go. The miniature engines have already left the yards. We then remembered Daisy was heading that way and Charlie was in the Harwick yards helping out. I hope they are both ok but deep down I doubt it.

May 20 2023 3:05 PM
From the journal of Keith Hartley Thomas’s Driver:

I never thought things would end up this way. Well it did and in so many ways.

We were on our way to Knapford with the local when we heard a strange noise in the far distance and we saw a huge glowing dome. I knew from the direction it had to be Harwick. Whatever is going on it can’t be good.

We pulled into Knapford station where we saw crowds of people gathering around radios and televisions in the station. The News station was explaining this wasn’t the only dome, but in fact there are more domes like these forming all over the world. The only thing they have in common is that they are forming in towns that have conversion clinics. However the biggest dome seems to surround the Nation of Equestria and for some reason many ponies seemed to have dissapeared.

The News went on until a static interupted it and within the static we heard the voice of Princess Celestia and I can still hear it.

"Citizens of Earth while we appreciate you opening your arms to the prospect of friendship I have reason to believe your species has long been plagued by war, greed, and bigotry. For that I offer you a solution join my society of Harmony and become my subjects and you'll be free from the problems of humanity. Should you refuse we will have no choice but to see you as the enemy. We don't want to but in times like these we need to make sacrifices for the good of harmony."

I could feel Thomas shaking from the news. He was scared as was I. The news soon returned and was urging residents near the dome to evacuate.

Thomas is currently in his berth at Tidmouth sheds. James and Emily are also there looking equally worried. I’m waiting in the break house until we get further orders. We can only hope whoever is out on the mainline isn’t having any trouble.

May 20 2023 4:22 PM
Urgent Message From the Ministry of Defense to Sir Tophamm Hatt:

Have your Railway on standby. The situation with Equestria is looking like an act of war. Expect a train of troops and war equipment to arrive in Vicarstown. Do your best and try not to start a panic.

Experiments and whispers

May 20 2023
From the notes of Dr.Test tube, Conversion Specialist

Experiment 97-1
Engines known as Daisy and Charlie have been acquired. Beaten up a bit after being derailed outside Harwick. Will begin testing on them very soon.

Experiment 97-2
Both engines have been injected with a dosage of the conversion potion. Both engines have complained nausea and a pain internally. We put them under sedation and will be doing further observation.

Experiment 97-3
Charlie woke up screaming in pain. He was begging to be scrapped. Daisy became unresponsive and is still unconscious. Doctors tried to examine them but the only signs of transformation on the engines were their noses becoming muzzles.

Experiment 97-4
Circulation in the face has ceased and the face structure on the eyes has begun to morph into what appeared to be equestrian eye structure. We seem to be making progress now.

Experiment 97-5
Engines have to be now kept under lock and key indefinitely. After how they changed last night no one should see what we have created. It’s safe to assume the potion will only properly work on humans and humans alone.

If anyone finds these notes please be cautious. I’ll spare you the disturbing details but the word horrifying would be a gross understatement.

Under the orders of myself and Princess Celestia, under no circumstances should anyone enter the engine shed no matter what you hear.

May 20 2023 4:37 PM
From the diary of Twilight Sparkle

At this point I don’t know what is going on here. I pass this boarded up engine shed and I hear moaning and crying but the guards are telling me to stay back and to ignore any sounds.

I spoke with a newfoal for the first time since coming to Sodor, but something seemed off. His smile reminded me of what happened in Starlight’s village before we came and saved the villagers. Their smiles looked unsettling. Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and even Pinkie can tell something was wrong with them.

I still have most of my friends with me but we can’t find Fluttershy anywhere. I thought Princess Celestia managed to teleport everypony to the nearest domed city. I hope wherever she is, she’s alright. She did take the teleport potion right? Princess Celestia said we were to drink it in case of emergency like immediate evacuation.

May 20 2023 4:45 PM
From the diary of Fluttershy

I’m trying my best not to be scared. I don’t know what exactly is going on but the woodland creatures tell me to trust the big green guardian. I know who their referring to.

I never agreed with what the princess said about humans. I met a few and they were all so kind especially to me. But now with what just happened I’m afraid to go into town. I can’t go near a human they might see me as a threat but if I go to Harwick it might be even worst. I only have one option.

I’m waiting by the tracks for my friend. I know he has a big heart for this forest and everyone says he’s one of the most kindest engines on Sodor not to mention we are both happy here. I just have to be brave and hope for the best. Hopefully the green guardian known as Henry will come.

A night in with Thomas

May 20th 8:27 PM
From the Journal of Keith Hartley, Thomas’s Driver:

It’s hard to describe the feelings we have here. The boss wants us all on standby with our engines. We were relieved that many familiar faces came to the shed. However Rebecca and Nia haven’t returned yet. Hope both them and their crews are ok.

Henry was the last to arrive. He said he felt safer here than in Vicarstown. Gordon said it was the right decision because people are trying to flee Sodor and that Connor and Caitlin’s trains were full. He also saw a train carrying tanks passing through the station.

This whole thing seems to upset Gordon so much because he has been ranting about Celestia being wrong and how he met many great humans in his life. He even went on about the time how he had the honor of meeting Winston Churchill during the Second World War.

Edward, who also felt safer here than in Wellsworth, is trying his best to keep everyone calm but it’s barely manageable for him. He barely kept Gordon from yelling his voice out. The problem barely started and it’s already affecting our express engine.

Although strangest of all, Henry and his crew have been having hushed conversations. But by the way Henry is acting nervously around the others, it seems like he knows something we don’t. Emily’s crew are currently getting ORPs and coffee from the military we should have them soon. If anything we are practically soldiers now.

Looks like we’ll be working overtime.

May 20th 8:31 PM
From the journal of Lewis Mort, Henry’s driver:

They must not know she’s here. Why did we take her here? I told my fireman we would’ve been safer hiding in a goods shed. At least she’s a world champion of the quiet game.

I swear looking at her is like looking at a kitten. She’s so innocent when she’s asleep. Thank heaven Gordon’s rant didn’t wake her up. We just need to keep her here and then we’ll sneak her out when the boss gives us orders.

May 21st 12:07 AM
From the Journal of Keith Hartley, Thomas’s Driver:

I cant believe it. We found one hiding. A yellow pegasus in Henry's cab.

Ok it was around eleven when we heard a sneeze. It was too high pitched to be one of us so at first we assumed some kid came sneaking in here or something. While we looked confused Henry looked terrified I then peaked inside the cab while Henry's crew watched in shock. The moment that mare laid eyes on me it shrieked and attempted to fly out the door but someone slammed it shut and it crashed into it with a thud and landed on the track.

We attempted to surround it but henry wheeshed steam at us. It was as if he was trying to protect her. With all the doors shut we were coughing. Henry just told us to leave her alone. As soon as the steam was vented out we were surprised to see it didn't escape but instead perched herself on Henry's running board. As soon as we all calmed down the two explained themselves.

It turns out this pony named Fluttershy wants to help us and that she never agreed with Celestia's view on the human race. She was originally hiding out in Henry's forest, but when she was told by the wildlife to trust Henry, she decided to go with him. Turns out she's basically a pony Dr.Dolittle. Gordon says we cant trust her because she might be a spy. But Henry reminded us that both the ponies and humans have our share of enemies and allies as he mentioned Hitler and Churchill. That immediately shut us up.

For now we are keeping a close eye on her some of us feel like we can trust her including myself and Thomas, but others like Gordon are still skeptical. We'll have to speak with the boss about this tomorrow for now I need to catch at least a bit of sleep. We were fortunate the military gave us sleeping bags. Percy's crew is keeping an eye on Fluttershy as I write this.

Author's Note

The chapter name I thought was a clever reference to the day out with Thomas events.

Trains of thought

Author's Note

In case you haven’t noticed I changed the dates in the other chapters so it can flow better.

Trains of thought

May 21st
Report filed by Royal Guard Captain Galant Spear:

Troops have been stationed at certain points in the dome. The most crucial areas are where the tracks and roads are. Guards have reported movement outside but can’t confirm any human presence. The guards are keeping watch for any humans, engines, vehicles, or aircraft that come close. They are subject to council and conversion.

We had a few unchanged humans try and escape but they were quickly apprehended. The newfoals have been seen and described as highly cooperative, some even volunteering to help guard the edges of the dome and as well as the town.

So far the ponies that have came to Sodor but have gone missing are: Fluttershy, Lyra Heartstrings, Derpy Hooves, Starlight Glimmer, Zecora, Cream Heart, and Button Mash. We are planning to have the Wonderbolts and a platoon of pegasi guards leave the dome and search for them from the skies. They are also tasked of derailing any trains that don’t stop on command but that’s only if they haven’t found all ponies and zebra first.

May 21st 2:05 PM
From the Diary of Twilight Sparkle:

Rainbow Dash told me she’ll be going out tomorrow with the Wonderbolts to find our missing friends and to derail any trains that won’t stop if we tell them to. She doesn’t want to and nor does Spitfire but they have to follow orders. I tried asking the princess about this but she responded by saying no human or engine should be trusted they will most likely rebel and destroy us with their weapons. I just hope they find them safely and I also hope they don’t actually derail any trains they see. I have never questioned Princess Celestia's Judgement but now I'm starting to think there's a lot more going on here than what she's telling me. Is she hiding something? Am I not trustworthy enough? Does she still trust me like a fellow princess? Can I even trust those engines?

May 21st 2:20 PM
From the Diary of Princess Luna

The dreams of these newfoals are strange. I have peered into the dreams of the humans before thier conversion treatments and they were all different from one another. But with all these newfoals, they are all the exact same. I never encountered something like this before. A group of ponies sharing the same exact dream? My sister says it's a coincidence, I'm starting to think otherwise They all dream of frolicking through fields and worshipping us like gods. I may like the attention but the way they smile at me makes me uncomfortable.

May 21st 2:20 PM
From the Diary of Princess Celestia

Why would a few ponies not drink the emergency teleport potion? I thought I made it clear to all my subjects that it has to be drank. If they are trying to rebel and join the humans then they wont last long. I'm sure they'll be found and would want to help with my plans for the future once again.

As for the ponies questioning me and my judgement, they may not understand but soon they will. I just need to keep reminding them of the corrupted state the human race is in.

I’ve been receiving regular reports from other clinics across the world. I just learned one of the most hated churches in America has finally been converted and is now singing praises and are actually apologizing to this LGBTQ community, particularly pony members, for all the slander and bullying. From what I’ve heard about this church and their bizarre homophobic views, they won’t be missed.

The same could be said about this scam call center somewhere in India. Now instead of scamming people out of their savings they are now encouraging conversion propaganda with their phone calls. Small help they give, but it’s better than no help at all.

The mission that will be carried out will be commanded by Gallant Spear. This would be his first mission since becoming captain after Shining Armor left for the Crystal Empire. Let’s hope he and Spitfire will get along.

May 21st 4:30 PM
Note by a unknown patient found in a trash bin within the Conversion Bureau Clinic of Harwick:

I am human. I am human. I am human. I am human.
I never wanted this.
She made me this way. She’s not a goddess.
She’s a devil. Avoid the white devil.
The lord above is my lord and no else will take his place.
I am... human.

GET OUT OF MY HEAD
GET OUT OF MY HEAD
SOME~~PONY~~ BODY HELP
I...

I love the Royal Sisters.
I am a pony.
And I must smile.

Full throttle

May 22nd 5:30 AM
NWR Work Schedule for Tidmouth Roster:

Thomas-Evacuation trains from Ffarqhar to Vicarstown
Edward-Evacuation trains from Wellsworth to Brendom Docks
Henry-Search train, assist the search and rescue and find reported missing engines
Gordon-Evacuation trains from Knapford Station to Knapford Harbor
James-Troop train from Vicarstown final destination to be determined by military authority
Percy-Shunting in Knapford yards
Emily-Military tanks from Vicarstown final destination to be determined by military authority.

May 22nd 6:33 AM
From the journal of Mathew Wilkins, James’s driver:

It was a rough morning trying to convince the controller to at least let Fluttershy help us but in the end he gave her a fair warning and said to her she has one chance to prove she is more than willing to help. I guess he didn’t want to waste time reporting her because it looked like he didn’t get any sleep.

Henry’s crew agreed to keep her close at all times and to monitor her in case she tries anything suspicious. Let’s hope she doesn’t start a panic. The last thing we want is for our number three to be treated like he’s a threat because he has a pony in his cab.

Anyway we were given our tasks. James and Emily looked nervous about their jobs. I don’t blame them. Military trains can be difficult to handle. I shudder to think what life was like back in the days of World War Two. At least they don’t have to worry about Nazi planes raining bombs.

May 22nd 11:06 AM
From the journal of Kieth Hartley, Thomas’s driver:

It all happened so fast. So suddenly I couldn’t keep my mind straight.

We were loading up passengers at Ffarqhar but then we heard an air raid siren. I then heard a strange sound and looked up. There was a swarm of Pegasi descending from the sky. They all had what looked like gold armor and strange looking weapons. The platform cleared quickly like magic and I immediately slammed the regulator. Fortunately I saw the guard entered Clarabel seconds before we left.

One of those ponies ordered us to stop and attempted to jam something at Thomas’s wheels. Fortunately he noticed and wheeshed steam at him. That caught the stallion off guard and he crashed landed.

One pony nearly flew right in this cab but the fireman Andy, whacked him out with a shovel. We continued to charge up the line pushing the little engine to his limits. For one little tank engine he can go as fast as Gordon.

We rounded a bend towards the junction to the mainline where we saw a troop train nearby. It was Arthur and he seemed to have stopped at a signal. The troops saw the ponies and started firing. The ponies dodged every shot but they all flew away. There were more troops than ponies after all.

We continued on until we had to stop for more water. Fortunately bulgy was nearby and took our passengers the rest of the way since there are military vehicles patrolling the road. He’s actually more friendly towards engines. Looks like this conflict made him forget about his anti-rail thoughts. We’ll leave as soon as we topped Thomas’s tank off.

May 22nd 12:01 PM
From the journal of Charles Morris, Edwards Driver:

This day already has us in the heat of things. It all happened so fast looking back on it. We were leaving Wellsworth station when we heard a shout from the sky. I looked to see Pegasi in blue uniforms. I recognized them as the wonderbolts.

They were shouting at us to stop and had weapons in their hooves. I immediately set Edward running full throttle. We soon heard the sound of a rocket and I paled as I saw what looked like a missile whizzed past Edward’s cab and struck the ground next to the track. We knew what they were trying to do so we just kept running.

We soon charged on to the mainline. We heard a horn and saw Diesel charging down the tracks behind us. He was pulling a small train of vans. The pegasi didn’t notice him at first until they attempted to shoot the tracks in front of us. Fortunately they missed us. However they shot the tracks that ran parallel to us. That was Diesel’s line.

A few seconds after the explosion of the missile we heard a scream and then a crash. I peered out and saw Diesel off the tracks and on his side. The pegasi immediately surrounded him. We knew we couldn’t stop as we had to get these people to safety. We didn’t stop until we got to Brendom Docks. I hope the military can save him and his crew.

May 22nd 3:15 PM
From the journal of Simon Homer, Soldier of the British Army:

It was a mad start to the mission already. I was tasked with flying with my teammates in a helicopter. Our mission was to watch the skies for pony activity and to report any dangers or wrecks on the railway. We tried shooting down a few but most of them were too fast for a bullet. I managed to shoot a stallion in the wing and he crashed in the trees below he didn't get far before getting cornered and captured by an engine named Neville and his crew. Any pony we capture is to be contained and interrogated.

The railway reported a total of 10 missing engines. We managed to find an African engine named Nia. She was derailed pulling a train of coal cars and her crew was captured. From what I've heard she's in critical condition at the steamworks. When asked if she's seen any other missing engines she mentioned she saw Rebecca but she was being chased by another flock of armored pegasi and was never seen or heard from again. I have a feeling this is going to get worst before it gets better.

May 22nd 3:15 PM
From the diary of Twilight Sparkle:

I'm worried about my friends. I put my ear on the dome walls and I can hear explosions and gunfire as well as the distant sounds of train whistles and horns. I pray for my friends to come back safely. This is worst than the storm king's attack.

I need to know what's going on. I'll visit the clinic to get answers, for now I need to comfort my friends and my little brother Spike. They are just as worried as me. Once I find my answers, it'll determine many things.

Like where do I truly stand with my mentor's belief.

Rebels

May 23rd 1:30 AM
From the Diary of Twilight Sparkle:

I honestly don't know what to say at this point. I honestly don't know. I never thought the mare I looked up to like a second mother could betray me like this. Everything I learned about the conversion plans has been warped into a horrible scenario. This goes against everything she ever taught me about love and acceptance. Perhaps I should start with what I learned tonight.

I snuck into the clinic at midnight it seemed normal at first. At least it was until I dug deeper. I didn't want to risk awaking or alerting anyone so I decided to go into the research labs. I saw samples of the conversion potions as well as their prototypes. I then peaked into the files and what I saw would scar me for life.

The first thing I found was the revised formula for the potion. My original concoction just allowed physical transformation, disease cure and nothing more, but this revised formula by the princess involved warping the human personality through some sort of mind altering spell or potion. This is by far bizarre. Why would Celestia Brainwash people?

While this wasn't the worst thing I saw in that clinic, the worst thing I saw in the lab was another file labeled "Experiment 97." I'll spare the horrific details if anyone dares reads this but the word grotesques would be the understatement of the century. I had to explore further.

As I wandered the hallway I heard screaming. I quickly ran and stopped outside a room that had a lot of padding inside. It looked like an asylum’s patient cell. I saw a mare I didn’t recognize and she was throwing herself against the walls yelling things. I entered the room, using a keycard I got from the front desk, and placed a spell on her. It was meant to help calm her down and relieve any pain. Princess Luna taught me it. Fortunately she stopped exhausted but still conscious.

When I managed to calm her down she told me her name was Jessica Kindly. She told me she was ambushed when the dome came and was placed in this room right after a doctor injected her with the potion. She said she started hearing voices in her head. They were telling her to worship, smile, and reject humanity. I asked her about Celestia and she said she only saw her once during her transformation. The princess only said one thing to her. “Soon you will be perfect.”

I questioned her a while longer until she froze and started to giggle and smile widely. Her laughing became so loud and disturbing I immediately ran out, not caring if the security cameras caught me. I just took my notes and the experiment files and ran.

I went to Princess Luna in her hotel apartment while Celestia was out reading reports somewhere else. When I told her she agreed with me that what her sister is doing is wrong. She wants me to rally my friends and leave.

Fortunately Rainbow came back and I told her and the other’s everything. We’re leaving and looking for our friends ourselves and we are not coming back.

Luna made a small hole in the dome near the edge of town. She told us while we help the humans she'll keep her sister distracted. We snuck out and are wandering the tracks under cover of darkness. If we see an engine let’s hope it’s friendly. I need to sleep now. AJ agreed to keep watch.

May 23rd 6:45 AM
From the Diary of Twilight Sparkle:

We awoke to the sound of a diesel horn. At first I was hoping it be Paxton, Derek, Sidney, or even Norman because I was told they were the most trusting diesels. But I immediately felt my blood run cold when I saw it was the most feared engine. That engine being Diesel 10.

He spotted us and was preparing to use his claw to slash us. I immediately reacted by emitting a force field around us. The claw pounded the shield so hard I thought it would shatter on the first strike. He was soon pounding at the shield yelling things. He called us aliens, monster, terrorist amongst other things. The shield was getting weaker and weaker. But just as he was about to shatter this shield like glass I heard a voice yell stop. I looked and immediately smiled to see two familiar faces leave the diesel's cab. Those faces being Starlight Glimmer and Lyra Heartstrings.

I wasted no time explaining my side of things. They soon explained how this whole time they suspected Celestia was up to no good with this bureau. On the day of the domes being created they actually formed an alliance with a few engines and humans; Diesel 10 being one of them. They would've stopped him sooner but they fell asleep in his cab while they were patrolling the lines for anyone in need of assistance.

We asked if they seen our other friends. Starlight explained how most of the missing ponies are at their secret hideout. When I asked about Fluttershy she only gave me a confused look and assumed she was with us the whole time. Looks like she's either hiding somewhere else or she is captured. Lyra insists we should go to the hideout to plan our next move. I'm writing this while we head towards this hideout near some place called the Skarloey Railway.

May 23rd 9:46 AM
From the Journal of Peregrine Percival, Controller of the Skarloey Railway:

For a railway as small as mine we've been helping this conflict in big ways I couldn't imagine. When the conflict began I had a choice evacuate my Railway's fleet or see how long my engines can hold out. To my surprise they all wanted to help win this, even Duncan.

During the time of rising tensions, a pony by the name of Lyra Heartstrings would still often come and volunteer for my railway as a mechanic. She actually had a vast interest in humans and would sometimes bombard everyone with questions. She was a joy to have but when the domes started appearing she was actually hiding in one of the carriages along with a few other ponies and, to my surprise, a zebra.

She explained they are against the idea of a forced conversion plan and was willing to help protect my railway and it's fleet. I was hesitant for many reasons. I doubt the military would let them wander freely. So I agreed to let them stay under the condition they hide somewhere further away from the yards and be under the watch of one of my engines. Fortunately my engine Rheneas found the perfect spot and agreed to watch over them and to blow his whistle if he sees anything wrong.

Amongst the more help recently from the standard gauge line, Diesel 10 joined this rebellion because he overheard ponies saying he would be scrapped the moment the princess sees him. No surprise considering he's more menacing than a U-boat. No wonder his class were dubbed warships. He no longer cares about being better than steam engines. He just wants things to go back to what they were.

Speaking of Diesel 10 he along with two ponies left late last night to find any stragglers. They should be back any minute now.

Author's Note

The next few chapters will come out slower as my new career on the railroad begins soon. I may sometimes work on it but don’t expect me to be fast with these updates.

Tracks around the world

Author's Note

New career has me on it's toes. This chapter wont be much so consider this a little taste about what's happening. We'll return to Sodor next chapter. Though that will be a long wait. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Tracks around the world

May 22nd 9:00 AM
From the New York Times Website

Equestrian Representative Under heavy protection

Wax Seal, a unicorn who was assigned to be the representative of Equestria, has nearly resigned from the United Nations following the escalation of the Equestrian conflict. Throughout her time in New York she was a well respected member and would often remain in contact with Princess Celestia.

However during the rising tensions she was actually amongst many ponies who protested her plans. Even when tensions were rising she was still considered a friend amongst the other UN members. In fact the representative of the United Kingdom said she was always "a true member who thought what was best for her nation and citizens."

Another UN representative in an interview said he has seen her "begging and pleading with Princess Celestia to stop" her plans from going any further. Despite her best efforts she would later be seen as a traitor by the same Princess who appointed her. As of Yesterday she shocked everyone saying she would be resigning as Representative of Equestria effective immediately. However many members insisted she should reconsider and still represent her nation for at least proving she still sees her fellow members as friends and is willing to help Equestria should they surrender. Of course she would be placed in the witness protection program.

She broke down crying tears of joy as she heard the overwhelming support from members. Wax Seal was last seen leaving the UN to Grand Central Terminal under heavy security. Her current whereabouts are unknown and will most likely never be known.

May 22nd 10:00 AM
From CNN Website

Pony Wagon Convoy Destroyed

A small pony powered convoy near Kharkiv in Ukraine, carrying weapons and conversion potions, has been destroyed by a series of missiles. It is unknown at this time whether it was caused by the Ukraine military, Ukraine citizens, or Russia in it's promise to "aggressively defend its borders."

Both Presidents of both countries have denied to comment on this incident. The few ponies who survived have been apprehended and are currently in prison awaiting trial.

May 22nd 11:00 AM
From Trains.com

Equestrian Made Locomotives: target dummies or weapons of industry?

During the times of peaceful relations with Equestria, the Baltimare locomotive works sent samples of their strong 4-4-0 tank engines throughout the world and they've proved successful. However recent times not only put them to work harder than ever but are now being used for military practices for when the military has to invade Equestria. During an interview with a living Union Pacific steam engine, he explained how these drills will be beneficial and also how the soldiers of world war two "stopped the enemy shipments in their tracks."

Over the course of the week so far, trains made to look like Equestrian Railway troop trains, have been sent down decommissioned lines where soldiers either plant IEDs or portable derails on tracks. Other military exercises were also performed like storming trains and in some cases hijacking. The United States Governor claims these practices are "only in case they are necessary".

May 22nd 12:00 PM
From NBC News Website

Navy on the move

Reports are coming in that many Naval Vessels have left their bases along the east coast and began sailing for the Equestrian Nation. A spokesperson says this is a prudent precautionary measure. And not just vessels from the USA; there are also reports that war ships from European countries are also sailing to Equestria but its unconfirmed at this time whether they are going to attempt to breach the dome.

May 22nd 12:30 PM
From the Canterlot Tribune Newspaper:

World War Declared!

After recent events with the Conversion Bureau, War was declared on Equestria, Princess Celestia is keeping her best advisors informed from the safety of an undisclosed secure location. She has reassured everypony that the dome is impenetrable and will keep all subjects safe; especially those living in the human regions.

A Really Useful Alliance

May 23rd 10:05 AM
From the Diary of Twilight Sparkle:

We pulled into Crovans Gate safely but as we stepped out we were told we had to be quick and sneak on to the nearby narrow gauge coaches. I saw Lyra race to a nearby engine shed and within minutes, a little engine named Peter Sam came out and buffer up to the coaches. As we passed the station i realized why we couldn't board there.

There were soldiers patrolling the platform and a few people putting up war propaganda posters. I may have had a quick glance but fortunately nobody saw me as we passed as I had quickly ducked back down. We continued on down the line until we came to what looked like a small camp in an open field. Nearby in a siding was another engine named Petersam. He was talking to a pony who I recognized as Cream Heart, Button's mother. I immediately scanned the area and saw her colt playing with a few other ponies. Cream was happy to see us but immediatly asked if we seen her husband and eldest son. We reluctantly told her no but we promised we would find them.

I'm still trying to process everything. At least most of the missing ponies are here and it turns out they were all against the conversion. Still we cant Fluttershy. I pray to whatever god created this world she is ok and that if she encounters a human or engine she will be cared for and not hurt.

May 23rd 5:30pm
From the Diary of Twilight Sparkle:

I was awoken by Rainbow Dash saying someone's here to see me. The first thing I noticed outside my tent was the silence. Earlier ponies were chatting and laughing now they all stood and watched me step out looking concerned and tight lipped. I then noticed two human men standing near the railway line by an engine named Duncan.

I immediately recognized both of them as Mr.Percival and Sir Tophamm Hatt. Both of thier faces were unreadable they both looked down at me as I approached them. It was silence until the fat controller broke it by saying. "Come with us we have your friend Fluttershy. She is safe."

Immediately without thinking I jumped into the coach that Duncan was pulling along with my friends. Along the way Sir Topham Hatt explained how Fluttershy was with one of his engines the whole time and was willing to help. She even went as far as to say I would help if it meant stopping something sinister despite my Royal connections. In fact he has been negotiating with the military about a possible alliance between me and the militaries of the world to destroy the bureau. Given what I learned I felt like it was the right idea to give what I can give to the humans.

We pulled into Crovans gate where a few soldiers were waiting and there at the station were two standard gauge engines who I recognized as Henry and Thomas and with them was Fluttershy. We quickly jumped out and hugged her. I was so happy she’s alright and we are all back together.

But the mood soon changed as a soldier walked up and said that their leader wants to “have a word” with me. I’ll spare all the long details of my video conversation with the worlds leaders but basically as it stands now I'm given a chance to prove my worth to help both the rebelling ponies and the human race from the evil that is corrupting my nation.

When I walked back I saw Spike talking to Thomas and his crew. I think this time I’ll let him ask his questions to him. Who knows I might learn something from him and I think tonight I’ll read him a story from these books I found written by a clergyman who lives on this island.

May 23rd 9:40 pm
From the Diary of Princess Celestia:

That studious yet naive mare. After everything I taught her this is how she thanks me by siding with the enemy?

She better have a good explanation when I find her. I can’t send her letters it’s like she placed a block spell on Spike or something. As far as I know now she is an enemy and when I find her I’m sure once I open her eyes again to the horrors of humanity, she will side with me again.

Author's Note

I’m thinking about including a certain purple magical tank engine in this story. Then again not many people liked the movie she was from. What do you guys think should I include her?

The song of the Iron Horses

May 29th 2:32 pm
From the Journal of Keith Hartley:

These last few days were like a blur. I haven't been able to write due to how busy we've gotten. Then again, when it comes to war, the railways never stops moving. The whole world has been trying to break through barriers and taking out any pro-conversion propaganda. Princess Twilight has been a great help to the military. In fact, word is the UN will show extreme Leniency for the princess even though she was instrumental in making the potion.

The Barriers haven't expanded any further than they had on the day they formed but Some people living by them still don't want to chance it. For that reason Mr. Duncan had his miniature engine fleet taken to a safe place further away from Aresdale. Last I heard they're doing fine. Though the same cant be said for every other engine on the island.

Despite the military's best effort they weren't able to find any engine that has gone missing. So far the only engines unaccounted for are Rebecca, Charlie, Daisy, Spencer, Murdoch, Molly, Dennis, Phillip, and Neville. All we can do is pray that they and their crews are alright.

As part of an effort to try and make things less painful between the ponies and humans. The railway board and the military decided to let the rebel ponies help out on the railway as long as they are close to railway personnel and they report anything suspicious. These ponies have proven very helpful and, like long ago, they've began to re-establish close connections with humans and engines and in some cases form stronger friendships. No wonder I often see Rarity polishing James at the sheds.

Twilight Sparkle did say there was a magical thing about music that keeps our hopes up and gets us going and she's right. I sometimes hear the engines singing how they shouldn't stop in fact I might as well put the lyrics since I cant stop singing it myself:

Don't stop keep on moving Fuel’s hot it keeps us cruising
Helping the whole world everyday
With conflicts ever rising from beyond our own tracks
We're grunting and we're shunting there's no time to relax
We have to keep on chugging on like a well built machine
With the world depending on us there's no time for daydreams

Don't stop let’s work together
because our fuels hot we’ll go on forever
there's nothing standing in our way

We'll do all our best
We're like a warship
We don't stop to rest
We'll count on all our friendship

Don't stop keep on moving
The Railways keeps on cruising
Ponies helping us everyday
Don't stop we'll work together
Because the fuels hot well go on forever
There's nothing standing in our way.
No not today.
And we won't stop.

That song really speaks to me as a railway we keep hope and we will never stop. Not until we win.

May 29th 6:10 pm
Report by Gallant Spear:

The yards is starting to reach its capacity of imprisoned engines. We had to silence a noisy class A4 engine as he was disturbing the Newfoals. Fortunately the conversion of the engine crews has been successful and we are considering utilizing them and their engines for our advantage but that would require full cooperation by the locomotives.

One engine at some point started singing a song. According to a Newfoal it was some sort of religious song from a Christian church. We wanted to silence them but her highness forbade us too as she wanted the prisoners to "let them have this peace." She thinks they'll cooperate if we treat them without too much discipline. Sometimes I can't tell if she's being too strict or too soft. The Princess is a mystery but we should never question it.

The Lady of Sodor

June 6th 12:23 am
From the Diary of Twilight Sparkle:

Things went from slightly better to worst. It would seem Celestia wants to put stronger guards in even stronger forcefield shields, making them invincible. To make matters worst I heard rumors she's going to either mind control captured engines to do her transporting or scrap any imprisoned engines and turn them into a new fleet of Equestrian 4-4-0s. I can say with confidence she has officially lost her mind yet no one in her inner circle is doing anything. So far Luna has been keeping up with sending me letters in secret. At least I know she's on our side.

When news about her possible plans spread, the entire Railway was in uproar. Some were shaken by this news, some more than others. A Scottish engine named Donald recently lost his twin to an ambush attack and is currently being held prison within the Dome. He keeps insisting on charging into the dome but everyone knows that’s impossible and could result in either imprisonment or death.

Tonight I was patrolling the yards when I noticed Thomas leaving the sheds by himself. While the engines were capable of moving without crews, they cant go far distances unless they had plenty of experience as well as fuel in their system. I teleported inside his cab curious on where he was going. I may have secretly kept his fire hot. We went on to some old abandon line and he stopped near what looked like a set of wooden buffers. It may have been raining but somehow from the cab I can see the tears dripping off his face. He then said something that almost confused me. I know he wasnt talking to me because it sounded like he was talking to someone else and I can hear the sadness in his voice.
"If you can hear me, please come back. We need you...please."

He went back after that. As he got closer I teleported out of his cab. I'm currently in bed as I write this. Who was Thomas talking to? Was it some spirit? Do these engines have some sort of divine being? I think i'll talk to one of the older engines about this. Maybe Toby or Edward knows something or maybe Stephen.

June 6th 2:48 pm
From the Diary of Twilight Sparkle:

I've spent all day asking engines about what I've seen and heard last night, even Thomas. They all said the same thing. Those buffers were once a magical gateway to another world and it was said a man and his engine live in this other world and only came back here once to fix a problem. Thomas claimed he helped save her from a once very evil Diesel 10.

This particular engine is said to have powers that are beyond anything imaginable when given the right amount of coal from this world. No one has seen her for many years and the buffers no longer act like a portal, but many say they sometimes see her in their dreams acting like a guiding angel. In a sense she is kind of like Princess Luna.

The military forces surrounding the barriers are getting stronger but no matter what they try they cant breakthrough. There were talks about using nuclear missiles but that idea was thrown out do to the possibility of it not working and the risk of either killing the surrounding area and possible hostages within the dome. I've tried helping get through the dome but even my magic is worthless against it. Celestia didn't miss a thing. I feel like we are now on a timer. If i dont do anything then we are all doomed.

June 7th 12:50 am
From the Diary of Princess Luna:

I can't do this anymore. I can't keep being a spy and watching this madness occur. My walk through the dream realm tonight was what finally broke me. I was traversing the dreams, but for some reason I can no longer access the dreams of the newfoals. Its like there's a block on them. I decided to traverse the dreams of the many other lives on Sodor. I soon came across a dream that looked corrupted, as soon as i entered I saw something terrifying. It was dark but I could make out the silhouette of an engine that looked like it had legs protruding out of it's undercarriage. The face suddenly lunged out of it's smoke box on a long neck and it screamed at me begging me to help him. I got scared and fled.

I recognized the voice it was Charlie one of the many captured engines. Was this the failed experiment Twilight was telling me about? I went to another dream but this didn't feel like it belonged to any engine because usually I would see the owner of the dream. This dream I couldn't see the dreamer, not yet anyway. When I entered it looked like a meadow with train tracks running through it. I couldn't help but feel at peace here. I then heard a whistle and saw an engine I've never seen before approaching me.

It was an 0-4-0 tank engine of some kind. It was purple and had some gold lining and had the name Lady on it. She looked at me with a smile and started speaking to me. She said she looked into my soul and that she knows everything. She knows of my past as the Nightmare Moon, what my sister has done, and how the world is responding.

I don't what came over me. I suddenly remember what I saw with Charlie and I just broke down crying in front of her. But she just continued to look at me with some kind of kindness in her eyes. She told she wants to help her friends and all on Sodor and the world but she needs my help and that this one of the many ways I can redeem myself. She can traverse the dreams of many like me but her power in those dreams is limited, but if I give her full access to the dream realm her power would be greater and she can give the engines something to help them win this conflict. I usually don't give anyone full access but I was desperate and knew in my heart this had to be done.

After I magically summoned tracks to the dream realm she thanked me and told me to now go and help my friends more than ever. I woke up and am now writing this as I pack up. I'm leaving, never coming back, and I'm taking one those imprisoned engines with me. My sister will never find me because I've now blocked her from the dream realm and for added cover I've given myself a cloak spell. Let's hope the military wont fire the moment they see me.

Dawn of the Iron Stampede

June 7th 8:34 am
From the Journal of Keith Hartley:

Today was a strange start. I pulled into the yards in my car when I noticed all the engines in the shed were steamed up and I know the fire lighters and other crews don't come in until later. I was always an early riser. The engines didn't seem to care they all looked like they were ready for something big. Thomas just looked me dead in the eye and said only one thing to me. "Line the turn table."

Eventually everyone arrived even the volunteer ponies. The engines said nothing but upon closer look their eyes had strange glow to them. Instead of waiting for orders by the military officers and Sit Topham Hatt they all wanted to gather at Knapford Station. Soon all of the Tidmouth Shed roster were gathered at the big station. We just left them there as we went inside the breakroom discussing what's going on. Matthew Speculates they might already know their orders while Lewis thinks there is a big attack planed.

I'm looking them through a window and now for some strange reason I can see an even brighter glow coming from Thomas's eyes, but that could be a hallucination from my lack of sleep.

June 7th 9:00 am
Signal log from Knapford Junction:

At Precisely 8:50 the engines parked at the station began moving without crews inside. What was more strange was that their eyes were glowing just as bright as their headlamps. They just told me to make sure all of them were heading for the dome. Somehow I felt compelled to switch the tracks to the dome even though my mind was telling me not to. But just when the engines were rounding a bend I saw a small burst of light in Thomas's cab and saw what looked like a Unicorn's Horn inside. I also saw what I thought was Princess Luna flying high in the sky following the engines, but couldn't confirm the sky was cloudy.

I however saw Murdoch slowly approaching the station in the opposite direction. Looks like he somehow escaped the dome that must have something to do with why the engines are heading that way.

June 7th 9:10 am
Emergency Text transmission from Gallant Spear to Princess Celestia:

The shed where your experiments are being kept are making even louder noises. I know you said we can't look inside but I'm starting to think we should.

The doors on the shed are breaking send reinforcements.
...
...
Your Majesty... this monster crawling outside, is this what you've made?
It's a purple six wheeled tank engine with a long pony neck and head potruding from the smokebox, has a tail sticking out the bunker, and had pony legs protruding from it's underside. It threw the remains of a diesel railcar into a building and is now attacking the troops.

June 7th 9:12 am
Emergency Text transmission from Princess Celestia to Gallant Spear:

Destroy the experiment do not let it harm anypony. More importantly DO NOT let it escape like my sister and that 9F.

June 7th 9:17 am
From the Diary of Twilight Sparkle:

I don't know what's going to happen beyond this point but I feel I must help. I must make the Princess see sense. If ~~anypony~~ anyone finds this diary, I only want to say this in the event of my passing. To my best friends and family, I wish you all the best and I thank you for all the memories you gave me. To Sir Tophamm Hatt, it was a pleasure knowing you and helping your engines, they are indeed very useful. And lastly to Spike, my greatest regret is the possibility of never seeing you grow up look after my friends and i'll be waiting for you in what humans call heaven.

June 7th 9:22 am
From the BBC News website:
SODOR ENGINES CHARGING TO THE BARRIER
Reports are coming in that some of the North Western Railways most well known engines are charging towards one of Princess Celestia's domed cities without crews on board. No one knows what's going on we'll be updating this story as it goes.

Announcement

When I first started writing this I thought doing with the whole Sodor fallout diary format would make it easy. It was only up until when I started writing ancient guardians that my confidence for being a decent writer has went up. There fore I had a thought. I maybe close to the climax of the story but now I felt there are places that could use some or in some cases a lot of improvement.
So I'm thinking about rewriting the whole thing from scratch with a whole new format and maybe hoping to find someone that can make a cover-art. For now enjoy reading the journal entries from the many humans and ponies on Sodor. Maybe you guys can give me your thoughts on a rewrite.

rewrite update

Still trying to brainstorm the re write and how to go about it. Its going to be in a different format and not a bunch of journal entries. Should I just make it a separate story or just add the rewrite here? The rewrite will start once "Alternate track" regains momentum.

rewrite notice

Rewrite prologue is up however do to other projects and work progress may be slow.

https://www.fimfiction.net/story/569113/the-conversion-bureau-iron-horses