When Victor has to be away from the Sodor Steam Works, Thomas is asked to take over for the day. Victor tries to tell Thomas how to run the Sodor Steam Works, but Thomas doesn't listen. He just wants to get started with his very special job. First Spencer, then Henry, and lastly James come into the Sodor Steam Works to be fixed. But Thomas doesn't listen to what is wrong with them. He sends Spencer to the hoist, claims Henry needs special coal, and orders the spare funnel for James. His unwitting accomplice in all this is Kevin who is loyal and obedient, but very confused. Kevin's confusion sparks total Sodor Steam Works chaos with Spencer swinging from the hoist hook, Kevin rolling into James and James covering Victor in twigs and soot! Thomas realizes he hasn't listened. He corrects everything, and leaves Victor to run the Sodor Steam Works and Kevin to recover! It's a great day for Sodor because Hiro is returning to the Island! Thomas and Percy are very excited. Sir Topham Hatt tells Thomas and Percy that he is organizing a welcoming party for Hiro at Knapford and Thomas is to tell all the other engines to gather for it. But, Thomas decides that getting a welcome present for Hiro would make him even happier. Thomas looks for a gift at Farmer McColl's, at the Quarry and at the Sodor Steam Works and fails to tell the engines about the party. When Thomas gets to Knapford present-less, he sees Hiro alone and realizes Hiro is also guest-less! Thomas is devastated! He rushes back to the places he visited to tell all the engines about Hiro's party. Everyone gathered at Knapford and Hiro tells Thomas that the biggest present of all is to be with all the engines - his dear friends!
