The Cat Chronicles - Chapter 22

Glump got up on the wrong side of bed that morning. His “trophy wife” was still in the desert, probably sleeping with some sleazy pond rat. But that was hardly the first negative thought in his tiny mind.

This Neon guy was starting to really bug him. The guy was getting way too much attention and way too much money. Glump was fed up with it and decided to put a stop to Neon’s plans.

And then there was THE Earthling. Glump was getting tired of all the dancing around. He wanted answers. So his second order of the day was to call for an emergency Council meeting to continue the interrogation of Arthur Streiger.

“Have you finished the drawings for the ship you told us about?” demanded Glump.

“Almost. They are complicated, but I’m almost finished.”

“And why haven’t you told us more about the Phalanges Project? You do realise that I can have you sent to the Black Hole?” Glump was growing impatient.

“I am prepared to tell you all about the project. Ask me a direct question and I will answer. I have no desire to go to the Black Hole.”

Another member of the counsel, narrowing their eyes, asked the next question.

“What is your Security Clearance title at the NSA?”

“Bald Eagle”, that is my level of SC.” Arthur replied without hesitation. He had spent the night working on his strategy for just this moment.

“And so, with that Security Clearance, did you of have access to every Phalanges Project file?”

“Certainly. What would you like to know?” Even as Arthur uttered those words, he was worried that he might seem too eager to help. “But beware that some of the things I could tell you will have grave consequences for you personally as you will become a target of the NSA,” he added.

“We will take your warning under consideration. Nonetheless, I now ask you to tell us the exact purpose of the Project.”

Across the City, Goma and Bernie were meeting again at the Castle.

“We’ll have to delay our plans for rescue until tomorrow. Miss Moshe has informed me that Glump called an “emergency meeting” with Arthur this morning.” Bernie informed Goma.

“Fine. More time to map the whole thing out. We’ll strike in the Ringling District. We now have more support, as well as aerial reconnaissance,” Goma was gaining confidence, “our chances of success just improved!”

Back in the City Council, members of the Council were still grilling Arthur. But his story was gaining momentum, and his long night of planning was paying off. It even seemed that at least one member of the Council was starting to have doubts about further questioning.

“Are you telling us that the NSA has the reach to harm us here on the Orang .. I mean on Planet Glump?” asked a formerly quiet peachy-colored cat.

“Yes. If motivated enough, they do have the reach. Thanks to the Phalanges Project. And the new ships can certainly bring troops here if that was ever called for.”

The peachy cat turned towards Glump. “Sir, could we have the “guest” removed for a break while we discuss this further?”

Glump glowered at the cat who had dared to speak up. “Yes. We’ll take a big, beautiful break so we can go over the new information so that you finally understand it. I understand everything. My IQ is so much higher than yours, I understand your need for explanation. Miss Moshe, take the prisoner back to his room”.

In the hallway, Miss Moshe spoke quietly to Arthur. “Tomorrow, be prepared. It is all in motion. It will happen in the Ringling District in the afternoon.”

Arthur sat down at the window in his room and looked out at the desert. Something large was coming in the direction of the City. He couldn’t make it out exactly, because of all the dust that was being raised. But something very large was headed his way.

Next week: A large rescue group arrives from the desert, led by Javi, the rainbow leopard. The Rescue of Arthur Streiger is ON!

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