The Fat Controller stood on the platform; Percy and Toby eyeing him anxiously.

"Here," he said, "is Daisy, the diesel-railcar who has come to help while Thomas is - er- indisposed."

"Please, Sir," said Percy, "will she go when Thomas comes back?"

"Percy!" whispered Toby sharply.

"That depends," said the Fat Controller, "however long she stays, please do your best to make her feel welcome and comfortable. She'll want to rest after her journey."

The three engines set off, and soon they arrived at the engine shed.

"This is dreadfully smelly," flounced Daisy, "I'm highly-sprung and anything smelly is bad for my swerves."

"Does that mean she's bad for her own swerves?" whispered Percy to Toby.

Toby said nothing, so the three engines headed toward the carriage shed.

"This is better," purred Daisy, "but whatever is that rubbish?"

The 'rubbish' turned out to be Annie, Clarabel and Henrietta, who were most offended.

"We won't stay here to be insulted," they grumbled.

Percy and Toby removed the coaches and spent half the night soothing their hurt feelings.

They woke next morning feeling exhausted. Daisy felt bright and cheerful.

"Uuooo, uuooo!" she tooted as she rolled out of the shed and backed to the platform.

"Look at me, I'm the latest diesel, highly-sprung and right up-to-date. You won't want or need Thomas' bumpy old Annie and Clarabel now," said Daisy to the passengers.

Hesitant at first, the passengers climbed aboard Daisy and sat back comfortably, waiting for her to start.

Just then, Toby coupled a milk van to her, making Daisy cross.

"Do they expect me to pull that?" she asked crossly.

"Surely, you can pull one van," said the driver.

"I won't pull one van, and my name's Daisy, not Surely! Percy can do this - I'm too busy!"

Just then, the stationmaster walked up. He had heard everything from his office.

"Don't make me call the Fat Controller," he warned. But it was too late for him - for the Fat Controller had just arrived.

"Daisy," he said angrily, "stop shirking and start working, or else I'll send you packing!"

Daisy gulped, "Yes, Sir," she said nervously.

With that, Daisy oiled over to her shed. She had a lot to think about.