Out of the Blue

**Out of the Blue** is the seventeenth story of the second set of *Between the Lines*, as well as the 43rd original story of the SeventyVerse overall. It was originally published on March 4, 2023.

## Plot

One afternoon, Donald is at Arlesburgh Harbour where Carly and Sandy are working. Sandy mistakes him for Douglas and after Donald corrects her, she asks why neither of the twins have thought of a repaint. Donald says that idea is nonsense and puffs away. Douglas arrives not long afterwards and Sandy tells him about her discussion with Donald. This gives Douglas plenty to think about.

Later Douglas arrived at Vicarstown and asks Rosie why she was repainted from her original lavender livery. Rosie explains that she felt it would be a nice change. Douglas has the perfect livery in mind.

A few days later, arrangements had been made for Douglas to get his repaint at the Sodor Steamworks where Victor, Kevin and Theo are waiting. Once Douglas’ boiler cools down, the workmen scrape off his old paint before applying the layers of undercoat. After that dries, they begin applying Douglas’ new coat of paint; he is to be blue with red stripes - albeit a slightly darker shade than that of Thomas and Gordon - along with a dark blue running board and his wheels remaining in black.

That afternoon, Donald is talking to Oliver and are just discussing Harleen and Pamela when Douglas arrives in his new livery. Oliver says it looks rather handsome on Douglas but Donald is angry with Douglas for changing his livery without telling him. Douglas defended his choice but Donald doesn't want it to hear it and Douglas argues back about the signal box incident. A stunned silence fills the air upon Douglas' remark and Douglas tries to apologize but Donald puffs quickly away, tears forming in his eyes.

The next morning, Douglas is with Duck and Oliver at Arlesburgh Sheds but Donald hasn't come back for the night. Emily then pulls up with Gladys in tow and after Douglas explains his falling out with Donald, Gladys assures that Donald can't stay upset with him forever.

Meanwhile, Donald is roughly shunting at Wellsworth. BoCo is nearby and is concerned. After Donald explains that he's feeling frustrated, BoCo figures out that it's because of Donald's repaint. BoCo also suggests that Douglas' remark was more a moment of impulsiveness not thinking his words through rather than an act of ungratefulness and that Douglas probably felt a change would be nice. Donald decides to think this over before speaking to Douglas.

And so, for the next few days, Donald works solo on the main line, occasionally helping out on the other branch lines, while Douglas remains on the Little Western. Emily and Gladys help out there during this brief period. Emily is determined to find a way to get both twins in the same place at the same time so they can make amends.

Later that day, Carly and Sandy are performing track maintenance near Maron. Emily passes by with her local train, and comes to a stop while the workmen set about rerouting her. Emily explains about the feud and her plan to get the twins back together.

That evening, Douglas is waiting at Knapford yards. He isn't sure why he has been told to go there, but doesn't question it. Then to his surprise, Donald arrives. Neither twin knows what to say next. It all feels rather awkward between the pair, having not seen one another for a few days. At last, Douglas apologizes for his remark about the signal box accident and Donald apologizes for his reaction to Douglas' repaint. Douglas explains that he chose blue because it reminded him of their first liveries on the Caledonian Railway.

When Carly and Sandy next see Donald and Douglas, the rail speeder apologized for jumpstarting the twins' feud but Donald assures her that she has nothing to be sorry about.

The following day, Donald and Douglas double-head a train together, with Douglas leading. The passengers all compliment Douglas' new paint. Edward hopes it's the last time they ever fall out but Emily warns him not to jinx it.

## Characters

* Edward
* Duck
* Donald and Douglas
* Oliver
* Emily
* Rosie
* BoCo
* Philip (mentioned)
* Pamela (mentioned)
* Harleen (mentioned)
* Victor
* Theo
* Carly
* Sandy
* Gladys
* Kevin
* Tasha (mentioned)
* Frankie (mentioned)

## Voice Cast

### Official

* Keith Wickham as Edward
* Steven Kynman as Duck
* Rob Rackstraw as Donald
* Joe Mills as Douglas and Oliver
* Teresa Gallagher as Emily
* Jules De Jongh as Rosie
* David Badella as Victor
* Darren Boyd as Theo
* Lucy Montgomery as Carly

### Fan Chosen

* Kevin Frank as BoCo
* Lauren Jackson as Sandy
* Su Douglas as Gladys

## Trivia

* This story serves as a replacement for the Series 21 episode *Emily in the Middle*, which is Rachel Ravens' most hated episode of the original show.
* Originally, Carly was to have her basis from *Thomas and Friends* and was based at Arlesburgh Harbour. In addition, Sandy wasn't paired with Carly.

## Continuity

* Donald crashing into the signalbox in *Never Be Alone* is referred to.

## Links

* DeviantArt
* FanFiction.net (Chapter 17)