It was quite surprising for James when he found out that his timetable entailed him to work on Branchlines more.

He wasn't used to working there, and he wanted to know why it was changing now.

So the next time he was sent to shunt trucks alongside Percy on Thomas' Branchline, he resolved to ask about it.

"Percy why am I working on Branchlines now?" He asked awkwardly.

"Well," replied his brother, "you're a very trustworthy engine James- and very useful. Branchline engines need to be."

"Hm." Mused James.

...

So he asked his older brother Edward about it.

"To be fair James, you did conquer a lot of fears and mishaps lately." The older engine puffed wisely. "Maybe that has done you a favour."

And he puffed away to shunt trucks at the yards, leaving a still bemused James behind.

"Why am I allowed on Branchlines now?" He pondered to himself out loud.

"It's not that you weren't allowed, it's that you weren't needed!" A voice called cheekily.

"Sophie!"

"Hello James! I hear you're allowed on Branchlines now- congratulations!"

"Thanks, I guess, but I don't know why I am." He admitted.

And he told Sophie about Edward and Percy's praise.

"Oh you really are an attention seeker!" She chuckled. "But I agree with them, James. You've done wonderfully coping with Mr Swan being away from the coaling plant, conquering your fears, teaching Thomas a lesson on scaring Percy and coping with disasters!" She said. "You've done well, my friend, so I suggest you bask in that glory James and enjoy it. Besides, Gordon and Henry will never get the same privileges." She grinned, patting his buffer.

And James did. He found himself enjoying his newfound freedom willingly.