You look gloomy this morning, Ten Cents. What's up?
I hear you've lost a barge.
Oh, you would be the first to know, wouldn't you?
It's no secret. Talk of the harbour.
Well, it's bound to be, once you know.
Grampus, what do you know about it?
Well, you've lost a barge.
Don't waste time, do you, Scuttlebutt?
Aye, rumours are his speciality.
Was only trying to help. The more who know about it, the sooner you'll be in the clear.
I am in the clear! Get that clear!
ZZebedee
Naughty, naughty! Temper, temper!
Lose his stack if it wasn't screwed on!
ZZebedee
I don't like it 'ere. It's out of bounds to shipping…
Too bad. Now I need Coal, right away! And be quick about it or I'll break yer stack!
ZZebedee
You mean steal it?!
Did I say steal? Just get it when nobody's looking!
ZZebedee
Yes sir… Right away, sir…
And DON'T try anything fancy! Or you'll find yourself at the bottom of the harbour with cement in your hold! [cackles]
[narrating] Zebedee was now in a terrible situation. Johnny Cuba would sink him if he didn't help him. And because of something that happened years ago between those two, he knew Captain Zero would sink him if he did. So, he couldn't go and tell the Captain, could he? While Zebedee was trying to work this out, he saw the two Star switchers out in the bay struggling with Scuttlebutt Pete.
Come on, you two! Get sorted out or you won't get me home before the storm breaks!
Do better than that! You've got to!
I can't, the wind's too strong!
If only I could fix one more line! Oi! Zebedee! Give us a hand!
ZZebedee
Sorry, can't stop! Important job to do.
Just hold him steady while I get another line aboard, that's all!
Well, 'cos we're in trouble, that's why!
And you owe us one for the barge!
ZZebedee
Alright, just this once, but don't tell Captain Zero!
That's it… Thanks, Zebedee.
Aye, that's just what we needed.
ZZebedee
And not a word, Scuttlebutt!
Me?! I never gossip! Never!
ZZebedee
That'll be the day. If Captain Zero knows I helped Star tugs, I'm Rust!
Never thought I'd be glad to see you Zebedee!
ZZebedee
What?! Oh dear, how'd a coast guard get in this mess?
Johnny Cuba pushed me into the rocks. My engine's dead, I need a tow.
Don't play dumb with me, I hear Zero & Johnny are good buddies.
ZZebedee
Oh, well, not any-more. Our capt-
Aha?! So you do know him!
Docking a liner can be a hazardous business for tugs, especially with cross currents and the danger of this high wind. Usually the liner can assist, but the Princess Alice couldn't do much due to the damage to her rudder. With all their expertise and experience, the Star Tug team were finding her very difficult to keep under their control…
What's happening back there? Come on, Stars!
She's not responding, Hercules! The wind's too strong!
I can't hold on much longer!
I'm pulling full-steam, can't do no more!
We need another tug! Just one more'd do it!
Sorry, I can't help! I'm needed in case of fire!
Oh, look out, I'm in TROUBLE!
We're losing it! We'll be crushed between ship and quayside!
ZZebedee
This is two you owe me, switchers!
Zebedee! Aw, thanks, just in time! You're a lifesaver!
Thank you, Zebedee! She's under control again!
ZZebedee
Zero'll have my boiler for this…
ZZebedee
[Clears Throat] Hello, Mr Cuba sir.
Well well well it's Zebee back again. Keep doing as Johhny Cuba Tells ya, and you'll come to no harm, ya with me?
ZZebedee
Yes Mr Cuba, the winds stopping-
Right, there's a few other little things I want you to do for me before we go. Now listen, this is what I Wan-
ZZebedee
Oh! Oh! Uh, it's Hercules!
Hello, what's going on here? Oh, yes, Zebedee! And where are you taking our friend, the well-known Johnny Cuba, eh?
We know you, Johnny Cuba. Up to no good. We'll hand him over to the authorities, Zebedee, they may like to have a word with him.
No, ya don't! [fires up his engine]
[narrating] The gangster tried to back out, but collided with Zebedee.
ZZebedee
You're not going anywhere!
[narrating] Just to make sure, Zebedee rammed into Johnny Cuba, trapping him against the quayside.
Well done, Zebedee, m'dear! Come on, let's take him in.
I'll break your stack for this one! THEY CAN'T HOLD JOHNNY CUBA!
[narrating] The authorities did hold Johnny Cuba, and gave official thanks to Zebedee and Hercules.
Look who's here! The Z-Stacks' hero!
Hiya, Zebedee! Congratulations.
ZZebedee
Yeah… Not bad, was it?
ZZebedee
Captain Zero's over the moon now Johnny Cuba can't get at him.
Yeah. Thanks for helping us with Scuttlebutt Pete.
ZZebedee
Just forget about that, will you? Captain Zero wouldn't be pleased to hear about that….
TCTen Cents and Sunshine
[in a slightly sarcastic manner] Oh dear…
ZZebedee
Yeah, nor Zorran neither.
We won't tell, don't you worry, kidda.
ZZebedee
You'd better not, I've had enough troubles today…. Well, I'll see you fellas, eh?
Oh, Zebedee… If you ever think of leaving the Z-Stacks…
ZZebedee
What? You crazy? Today was today, okay?!
Oh. Yeah, well… Just a thought.
ZZebedee
Yeah? Well you think too much…
After that day, things continued much as they were. But Zebedee showed that everyone must have a good streak in them somewhere. Even Z-Stacks!
Well, well, well. The Star tugs. 'Ere, What time d'you call this, eh? You needn't've bothered. There's no work for you. We've got it all sewn up.
ZZebedee
Yeah, you said it, Zak.
We've as much right to go for this contract as you have.
Think you'll do a better job, big mouth?! You ain't got no chance! Three against one, see, no chance!
What do you mean, three against one? There's only two of ya.
ZZebedee
Well, you don't do much 'cept get in the way, Warrior, so we count you on our side. Heh heh heh. Can't stop here all day, we've work to do.
Zak's engine doesn't sound too healthy, Warrior. Hey, Big Mickey, how about a real fast load up?
BMBig Mickey
I'm ready for you! I heard what they said. Hope you beat 'em to it!
ZZebedee
Told you about your engine, Zak. You've should've had it seen to.
[surrounded by smoke] Nothing wrong with it. Anyway, I've got an idea to fool those two, Listen: If we cut through the canal, we'll get there first. Got to. If they follow us, they can't get past cause it's not wide enough. Right…?
ZZebedee
Brilliant, I don't know how you do it. Hey, let's go. Wait till we tell Cap'n Zero how we beat them.
Go into reverse if you please, it's MY Water. [A Passenger Train crosses the bridge pulling two carriages]
I repeat, it is MY WATER!
ZZebedee
You've 5 Seconds to back up!
What, Well, so have YOU then…
1! Get to the bridge fast, Zeb, and you’ve got him!
ZZebedee
Watch my wake! That Star's met his match!
[narrating] Both Zebedee and Top Hat put on full power and surged forwards towards each other and the bridge.
Top Hat, look at his load!
He's going to hit! Hold on, I'm going into reverse!
ZZebedee
He's backin' up! Didn't I tell you, Zak?
Didn't even make a fight of it! (laughs, but stops) Oh no…. I see why now; the bridge! Zeb! REVERSE ENGINES! QUICK!!!
ZZebedee
Oh no! I- I can't stop! Ooooh, no! …help!
That's real Zero thinking, dummy.
ZZebedee
I s'pose Zak an' I'd better go and get some help…
Now listen, you two: Towing this lot's the tricky bit. Zak, move off first.
Go slow and don't take any nonsense from the Star mob. Show them explosives don't scare us. If they come too close, just-
Yeah… but with your hooter, dummy. No silly games, okay? You don't have to be that brave.
And watch out for the Naval twerp Bluenose. Your job is to deliver that barge directly to Naval tramper, Kraka-Toa. If Bluenose gives you different orders, ignore him and refer him to me. Just keep it steady. Keep flying that danger flag! Zebedee! Next!
ZZebedee
That Bluenose told me he was in charge and that I must obey orders.
You are; Mine, remember that.
ZZebedee
I'll remember that, Zorran, sir….
Eat your heart out, Star Stacks. This trip's worth twenty garbage barges, ferry trips or girder tows. Heh… if we don't get blown up. Right, easy does it…
(is loading the final munitions into Kraka-Toa during night time.) I'll be glad to get rid of this lot…
I'm coming alongside! Move aside! You, with the circle on your funnel, move!
(irate) Eh? What, mean me, mister, do you?
Yeah, you, mister! Move that barge! My load's first.
You shouldn't move a barge that's being unloaded.
Get pensioned off, old timer! This is my pool, I say what goes!
ZZebedee
Go and draw your pension, O.J., you're past it!
Shut it, the paddler's right. We're not moving that barge, mister!
The Aft hold has blown, now the fire will really spread.
ZZebedee
Cor! They were really big explosions!?
There's more to come yet! Just you wait, she was nearly fully loaded before that Naval twit arrived. What's on board'll rip her apart.
Isn't there anything we can do?
Like what, dummy? Anyway, you've done your bit. Just sit back and watch.
But it's spreading! And that means Puffa, the dockside will go up!
You're right Ten Cents. Come on everyone, shout and warn Puffa!
(The tugs shouts to Puffa to go on and he does just missing an explosion, however as Puffa makes it out, a small warehouse explodes)
(the fire hits the Star Line petrol barge and catches fire)
That's all we needed! The petrol's caught fire!
And that tank's fully loaded! I must try and get it out to sea!
Don't do it, stay back! If that blows, it'll take you with it!
Hey, the building's on fire now! Oh, I can't seem to stop it! It's- Oh!
(the building explodes)
Just keep flaming water on it Sunshine! Stop the spread! Stop the spread!
(the oil tanks then starts exploding)
Warrior, get out of there! It's going to blow!
I can control it, sir! Don't worry!
(he spectates the explosions with surprise.)
Wow!
(One explosion sends a piece of debris into Warrior's face!)
Ooh! That bit hit me!
Move back Warrior! Move back!
No sir, I've gotta look after Puffa. He's a mighty valuable and good friend. Got to look after you're friends you know.
Okay, Warrior. Here Zorran, give me a hand with this fire barge. We got to try and save that tramper.
Huh. Can't see this barge doing much good mister. Ha. But, you're in charge.
ZZebedee
Go on Zorran. Show them who's a real hero.
Keep going! I can carry more than that!
QMQuarry Master
When you’re loaded up, say "when".
[Zorran, Zebedee and Zak arrive at the Quarry.]
You’re taking on a lot there, Big Mac. Eh, heh!
Nothing to do with you with how much I carry.
Eh heh. Just commenting, that’s all. Weren’t we, lads?
ZZebedee
All, right. Up to him if he thinks he can tow that much.
Three Zero harbour tugs just to pull 'two' barges?! Warrior and I have got you licked! Two of us can pull that much!
Quality and quantity. We’ll see by the end of the day, we’ll see. (To Zebedee and Zak) Heh, er, watch this, fellas… (To Big Mac) Uh, I see Warrior’s up to no good again, this morning. He’s a menace to every ship in the harbour!
[narrating] The trick was typically Zorran. Keep making insulting remarks about Warrior to get Big Mac angry, so as to forget his barge was still loading and settling dangerously low in the water.
Yeah, I mean; Why doesn’t Captain Star sell Warrior off? He’s worse than useless!
What? Useless?! He’s one of the best workers in the port! Just you remember that, Zorran!
[surfaces next to Big Mac.] Hey, Big Mac, watch it!
Oh, hello, Grampus. Why? What’s up?
Your barge is getting low in the water!
Huh?! Oh no! My barge! Wait! Stop loading!!! You’ll have to take some rocks back! My barge is overloaded!
Overloaded? I thought you were as strong as all of us put together.
Didn’t say I couldn’t handle it!
Eh ha ha! Off you go then. Let us "weaklings" watch in amazement.
(Angrily) Well, uh. Right. [Slowly sets off…] Stay clear, Grampus!
Yeah, Watch he don’t crush you, Grampus!
ZZebedee
Hey, we may laugh, but with loads like that, we’ll never beat them.
Don’t be so stupid. He can’t travel very fast with his barge so low in the water. Any wake will wash over it and sink it! Won’t it?
ZZebedee
Hey, er… That is devious!
Tugs · 133 quotes
