Spring had arrived on the island of Sodor. Passengers and tourists flooded the stations as much as the flowers on the trees. The biggest bunch of them all- none other than Ulfstead Castle.

Sir Robert Norramby always enjoyed this. After all, the eccentric old man absolutely loved attention- the fact that hundreds of people couldn't wait to tour his immaculate home gave him a feeling of excitement he could never explain. But it also made him feel welcome. After being away for so long, it was nice to know these people didn't just come to see his house- for they liked Sir Robert (and his tiny French engine, Millie) as well.

Sir Robert was especially excited this morning. Stephen "The Rocket" as well as Gordon, and a couple other of Sir Topham Hatt's engines, had been sent to the Mainland to Great Railway Show. The old man was happy for them, he liked attention, and so did the engines. But he did miss seeing them around, and was giddy to welcome them back.

Caitlin, Molly, and Toby (who had returned early to Sodor for the unexpected load of visitors) were chatting idly when Sir Robert ran up to them, excitedly waving a letter from the Fat Controller.

"Hello everyone! Do I have the happiest news!" He chirruped. "According to this letter, Stephen the Rocket and all the engines are returning to Messina tonight! At last!" The engines grinned widely upon the hearing the news.

"Hm, They must be near by now." Toby replied. "When I had returned to Sodor, they were about nine hours behind my schedule."

"And how was the railway show?" Sir Robert asked curiously.

"Very interesting!" The old tram answered. "It turns out Mainlanders have never set eyes on a steam tram before- at least no one asked if I was electric this time." The others laughed.

"And I bet it will be even better once our dear friends arrive home!" The nobleman hooted. "This letter also says that Percy has received special recognition- per Stephen's request. What kind, old, engine!" He sighed.

"If there's anyone who deserves special honors lately, it's Percy." Toby chimed back in. "Little engine has been covering for everyone the previous week- staying up all night, delivering the mail, then rushing to the Docks, then the Quarry...even the Express! He's exceeded all of our expectations!" He finished, proud of his little green friend.

"I'm sure Sir Topham was just as pleased!" Sir Robert agreed heartily.

"Hey Toby, has that "fat new tank engine" gotten the recognition he's been so badly craving?" Caitlin spoke up, curiously.

Sir Robert and Toby paused and looked at each other. New tank engine? Fat?

"She's talking about Gordon." Molly laughed, seeing their faces, to which the two shared a chuckle of acknowledgment.

"You see, once Gordon was deemed too "fat" to use the turntable at Knapford, so the workmen made him use it backwards! Some boys thought he was "new tank engine", because he looked so much like Thomas back to front."

The others burst out in laughter. Sounds like something that would happen to Gordon...

"Fat in ego, maybe," Molly added, sighing once she caught her breath.

"Size too, dear," Caitlin quipped. "God only knows what he'd look like as a human- probably sagging with body fat like those silly humans!"

"My, my, Caitlin!" Sir Robert giggled. "Surely Gordon won't hear about this insult! And you must admit- the engine has some impressive records on the Express!"

"Pulling trains at 120 mph, but still can't lose a few pounds," Caitlin mused wryly.

"Gordon and Caitlin have been in a bit of a spat lately, Sir Robert," Toby grinned to the nobleman, who was unfazed- in fact, the old man loved drama.

"Yes, and I'm winning!" The red engine retorted. "I'm faster, slimmer, and smarter! Gordon may be fast, but he has the mentality of bucket of rocks. Then he has the audacity to call the rest of us "silly, dumb engines" - the absolute nerve! Tell me, Toby, who is he hanging around this time? The usual Henry and James?"

"Gracious- you really don't like Gordon, huh?" Toby asked, raising an eyebrow, still smiling. "You'll be shocked to hear this- but he and Percy have been on especially good terms lately!"

"Oh dear- Percy?! The poor engine- Hopefully Gordon won't make him lose his innocence..."

"Too late- Thomas kind of ruined him already." The tram answered with a small chuckle.

"Well, I'd rather Thomas then Gordon." Caitlin replied, as the three engines shared another round of laughs.