Reservoir Cats 27

Tabby: Well to be quite honest Slimy, it’s nice to be back in the fresh air, even if it is cold at the moment. Thank goodness for a nice fur coat.
Slimy: You’re right Tabby, that’s why ain’t much point cleaning it too much at the moment. I can smell somfing in the air.
Tabby: So can I, I think that white stuff is falling out of the sky again.
Slimy: Yea, looks like it’s that stuff the ‘umans call snow. Better get back to Long Tail Al.
Long Tail Al: So Tabby ‘ow was yer trip down in the sewers.
Tabby: Let’s just say it was something completely different. Slimy was a good guide, he made sure I didn’t fall in. He seems to know his way around quite well.
Long Tail Al: Yea, well I suppose ‘e would. Before I found ‘im he had been living down there on his tod for a few weeks, wasn’t yer Slimy.
Slimy: Yea and if it wasn’t fer Long Tail Al, I would probably still be down there amongst all them rats and ovver creeping fings.
Tabby: By the way dad, that white stuff is falling down outside.
Alimy: ‘E means it’s snowing.
Long Tail Al: don’t surprise me, I thought there was a nip in the air. Suppose that Christmas fing is around the corner as well.
Tabby: We know that in the country too. That’s when we have plenty of turkey leftovers to eat.
Long Tail Al: Yea, well the ‘umans don’t leave a lot for us in the town, but we know where to go and get it don’t we Slimy.
Slimy: Oh yea, no problem. Tabby does now as well, we went there on our visit to the sewers.
Long Tail Al: Yer know what, what about inviting Big Tom and ‘is mob for a town Christmas. Liven fings up a bit.
Tabby: What a good idea, I do miss my friends in the country some times.
Long Tail Al: OK Tabby, I fink it would be a good idea if you go back to the country and tell ‘em all to come tomorrow evening. We could ‘ave a bit of a get together, warm up old times.

Big Tom: Hello Tabby, I wasn’t expecting you back yet. Town life not your sort of thing.
Tabby: Well not exactly gatto di tutti gatti. That white stuff is falling down again, I mean snow, and Long Tail Al fought it might be a good idea to ‘ave a Chrismas get together in town. Sort of a little party.
Big Tom: Tabby, I do appreciate that your trips to town are slowly improving your knowledge of miaow, but we speak country miaow here and not town miaow. Please don’t drop your “h” when speaking to me and I am sure the other cats in the country may have problems in understanding.
Tabby: But Bobinette never says the “h”.
Big Tom: Bobinette is a French cat and they are not able to say the “h”. But back to the idea of a meeting with the town cats. I think it is the human’s Christmas tomorrow and I heard that there is always plenty to eat in town on those days, so I think it would be a good idea. Spread the word around and tell Gladys and One Eye Fred I would like to see them, with the kittens and Mr. Grey as well, of course.
Gladys: Gatto di tutti Gatti, you wanted to see us all.
Little Al: Hello Tom, how’s things going. Awww
Mr. Grey: You will speak to Big Tom with respect. He is the capo here and deserves to be respected.
Big Tom: Yes, Little Al, your manners should improve. If you carry on behaving like that, I will send you to town.
Little Al: That’s where I want to go, to stay with my dad.
Big Tom: Oh yes, you will see your dad, but when he sees what a cheeky cat you have become, he will probably send you to the black paw gang, to do a few months service until you learn some manners.
Gladys: Did you hear Little Al, now behave.
Kittens 1 to 5 together: He’s always pushing us around, send him to the Black Paw Gang.
Big Tom: You see Little Al, even your brothers and sisters would be pleased to see the back of you.
Little Al: They are not my brothers and sisters. Their dad is One Eye Fred, I am the crown prince of the town cats.
Tabby: I have a few words to say there. I am older and Long Tail Al is also my father. So keep your whiskers under control.
Little Al: Everyone is always getting at me.
Mr. Grey: As your guardian, it doesn’t surprise me. Why yesterday when I told you to clean up after going to the toilet, you just threw half of the earth over me.
Little Al: Yes, but you rubbed my nose in it afterwards.
Big Tom: So what did you learn from that Little Al. Answer please.
Gladys: Yes Little Al, we are waiting.
Little Al: Yes, well, that I don’t throw the earth at Grey any more.
Big Tom: At WHO?
Little Al: At MR. Grey
Big Tom: So I just called you here to tell you that tomorrow the humans are celebrating their Christmas . something like the birthday of Bast, but we have that in Summer when the sun is high in the heavens. Long Tail Al has invited us all, so it would be an opportunity for Gladys and her family to come as well, especially Little Al, depending on weather Little Al behaves.
Gladys: Well, I wouldn’t mind going into town again and I am sure One Eye Fred would like to.
One Eye Fred: Oh yea, do miss it a bit now and again.
Big Tom: Ok, that’s settled. We all go. Grey my son, one of us has to stay to keep an eye on things, Would you mind staying here. You always did want to be in charge, didn’t you.
Mr. Grey: Ok, dad, what you say. But bring me some of that good food back from town afterwards.

Long Tail Al: Welcome my friends. Big Tom, it has been a long time since I could welcome you to my humble abode in town.
Big Tom: Well since we have buried our differences, I see no reason not to come. I don’t find your home so humble. I mean a complete church crypt is very big and quite warm.
Long Tail Al: Yea, well those ‘umans look after their churches don’t they and put in ‘eating pipes to keep it warm. They ‘ave a big machine in the cellar with the ‘ot water, so we have it nice and cozy down ‘ere.
Little Al: ‘Allo dad.
Long Tail Al: Well, I never, and you ‘ave brought me son wiv ya. I suppose ‘e does look a bit like me.
One Eye Fred: Al, he looks completely like you. He ain’t one of mine in any case.
Gladys: Now don’t start arguing about that. We settled that problem some time ago.
Kittens 1-5: Is that big red cat Little Al’s dad mum?
Gladys: Yes he is.
Kittens 1-5: Can we leave Little Al here mum.
Long Tail Al: Now what do I hear, Little Al. Your bruvvers and sisters don’t seem to like you much.
Little Al: They are not my brothers and sisters are they.
Long Tail Al: Looks like you ‘ave a few fings to learn Little Al. You ‘ave all got the same mum and she is the one that looks after you when you are a kitten. So it don’t matter who your dad is, you all ‘ave the same mum. If you don’t learn to respect that Little Al, then I ain’t got no room for you down here. Looks like you have a few things to learn.
Big Tom: Yes, we have been telling him that.
Long Tail Al: Suppose he’s a bit like I was when I was young.
Charlie: Is Miss Nera there as well?
Big Tom: Yes she is. Nera, you seem to have an admirer.
Nera: Hello Charlie.
Charlie: Hello Nera, so what about us two.
Nera: Is that a proposal or an order.
Long Tail Al: Charlie what did I tell ya. She ain’t a rooftop cat.
Slimy: So is the talk all finished now. I’m ‘ungry.
Long Tail Al: Yea, I fink we all are. ‘Ave you organised fings Slimy,.
Slimy: No problem boss. Reggie & Ronnie Crat ‘ave organised everyfing. Reg you can bring the stuff in now.
Romeo: Who are those cats. They are very well organised. Reminds me of my days in Sicily. We had to be organised then.
Long Tail Al: You must be Romeo, the consigliere. Yea well I suppose you are used to organised cats. I ‘eard you was a great ‘elp wiv sorting out the catafia down in Sicily a few years back.
Romeo: Si, nulla problema. You just had to talk to them and explain things.
Bobinette: Oui, my Romeo is so clever.
Reggie: Well where shall we put this stuff, there’s enuf ‘ere for everyone.
Long Tail Al: Reggie, Ronnie you did a good job this time.
Big Tom: Respect Al, I have never seen so much chicken and turkey all at once. We have to raid the farms, and be careful, especially if the famers are around.
Slimy: Yea, well we do a bit of raiding as well.
Tabby: Yes capo, I went with him. It’s quite interesting if you go up the right steps in the sewers.
Big Tom: Sewers? Now that doesn’t sound so appetising.
Tabby: We keep clean, it’s just a good way of getting into the basements of the town shops.
Long Tail Al: Well enuf of the talking, lets get eating.
Little Al: I wanna leg of turkey. Aww, dad why did you swipe me with your claw.
Long Tail Al: Because I don’t like greedy cats, and because my dad did that to me as well when I wanted more than I deserved. And I didn’t turn out bad did I.
Gladys: Did you hear Little Al. Now sit down and eat, otherwise there will be nothing left for you. And give your brothers and sisters some food first of all.
Little Al: They can get their own.
Long Tail Al: Wot did you say Little Al.
Little Al: I said “of course mum”.
Bobinette: What’s the noise up in the church. It sounds just like us cats when we sing.
Long Tail Al: It’s the ‘umans. They ‘ave their Christmans, somefing like Bast’s birfday, then they all go singing in the churches. Wanna come and ‘ave a look.
Bobinette: Oh yes.
Long Tail Al: Ok cats, if you all wanna ‘ave a look, just climb up on that tomb over their. There’s a grating wiv ‘oles in it and you can all see wots going on. We’ll finish the grub afterwards. Ronnie and Reggie, call a couple of the black paw gang in to keep an eye on the food.
Ronnie and Reggie: No problem boss.
Bobinette: Shall we sing as well with them. It sounds so nice.
Nera: Of course, Bobinette, we will do a duet.

Silent mouse, little grey mouse.
How you creep around my house.
Don`t you know, you`re a plaything to me.
Don`t you know I`m your enemy.
Better get out while you can.
Better get out while you can.

Silent mouse, little grey mouse.
Still you creep,round my house.
I`m so tired of you squeaking.
This will be your last warning.
Better get out while you can.

Silent mouse, little grey mouse.
All is calm, round my house.
From your hole you silently crept.
From the shadows I silently leapt.
I can sleep in peace.
I can sleep in peace.

The Days before Christmas in the Office

It was cold this morning.There were even very small snow flakes falling (although more like little ice crystals) so I was hoping on my way to work that we didn't have a layer of ice on the road by the time I got there. I dropped my son off at his workplace on the way and continued listening to warnings on the radio about being careful when driving, it could be dangerous. Our area seemed to be clear of ice and I arrived safely in the office.

Today was a quieter day as up to now and I think that slowly the business world has realised that we will be closing down until the new year. Our office has also started to look a bit more on the Christmas side. One of the girls collects angels, so she decorated her workplace accordingly. Although I found why collect them - after all us girls in the office are mostly all angels (except when we get a bit catty).

I went through the usual morning routine, scanning yesterday's records. Files don't exist any more - everything electronic - I have often wondered what would happen ifsomeone pulled the plug out. I was then offered a Christmas biscuit. One of the colleagues mother had been baking for Christmas. They were all Italian style bisuits as the mother is Italian.

One of the men in the office who is usually on the road as a rep, said he was surprised that we women in the office didn't put weight on all the time. Everytime he was in the office he noticed we always had plenty of cakes and sweet stuff around. I must say that Christmas is no big exception in our office. There is always something to eat.

It's just that at Christmas there is a bit more. The above picture shows the croissants left over from the coffee break, together with the peanuts and chocolate that always seem to appear in the office towards December and stay until January (my desk on the right with the open drawer where I keep my handbag). I myself am not supposed to eat the sweet stuff but even I do now and again get tempted. Just don't bother to measure the carbon values on those days. Now here we have something typically Swiss.

On the lefthand side there is a paper bag containing Basel Läckerli, a Christmas speciality of the town of Basle. Two of the Läckerli can be seen in front of the bag. They are very spicy and naturally calory bombs. It is better to keep the bag closed, otherwise they can become very hard. The tin box has a general mixture of sweet stuff, to be found in the office all year round.

Of course, we also display the various Christmas cards we get. Not so many any more as a lot of companies have decided to send electronic ones. My desk can been seen in the photo on the extreme righthand side.The one with the cat pictures pinned to the divider. So that is Christmas in our office. Tomorrow is the last day before the holiday and I was pleased to hear today that all orders stop at lunchtime. That means processing and sending and everything finished by four in the afternoon, so it looks like we will have some time to have a drink of something or the other (for me just mineral water) and to wish all a Happy Christmas and New Year.

Reservoir Cats 26

Nera: Come on Grey, time to go home.
Mr. Grey: Anything is better than life on this farm. I havn’t had a moments peace. There are so many kittens to look after and my mum has her eyes everywhere.
Nera: Mr. Grey, that’s what mothers are for.
Mr. Grey: I heard there was some trouble down in town.
Nera: You hear everything don’t you, but thanks to Fluffy and the rest of us we helped Long Tail Al to solve his problems.
Mr. Grey: So it seems that you are all getting on well together now.
Nera: Yes, Grey, with little thanks to you and your devious little plan to take over.
Mr. Grey: Yes, well, let’s forget the past and carry on as we were before.
Nera: Not exactly Grey. You are no longer in charge, but Romeo and his girlfriend.
Mr. Grey: Romeo has a girlfriend?
Nera: Don’t pretend you don’t know. Bobinette and Romeo will soon have their own family.
Mr. Grey: And what about you Nera, all on your own.?
Nera: Perhaps
Mr. Grey: You ladies do like to keep things to yourselves. I remember the times we spent together outside talking and we seemed to be getting on quite well.
Nera: A lot of water has gone under the bridge since Grey.
Mr. Grey: Sounds like you have a new admirer.
Nera: So we are now approaching your father’s villa.
Mr. Grey: Now that was a quick change of the subject.
Big Tom: Grey, my son, and how are you
Mr. Grey: Feeling tired, I wouldn’t mind having a few hours curled up somewhere without any miaowing kittens nearbye.
Big Tom: Sounds like you have learnt your lesson. No more take over plans?
Mr. Grey: No dad, would just like some peace and quiet at the moment.
Big Tom: Well I will let you have a few hours sleep, but afterwards you can start your new job.
Mr. Grey: A new job. But please nothing to do with organising the country cats, I think they must be sniggering behind their paws at me now.
Big Tom: Don’t worry Grey. As you know Gladys had her kittens here and they are now growing up. One of them seems to be the offspring of Long Tail Al, but he needs a bit of trimming at the whiskers, if you know what I mean.
Mr. Grey: You mean he is a bit hard to handle?
Big Tom: Well, something like that. Gladys has her paws full with the other kittens and Little Al is always causing trouble, so I thought you could pass on some of your knowledge to him.
Mr. Grey: No more kitten training, please.
Big Tom: Little Al is no longer so small and wants to meet his father. You can prepare him to go to town.
Mr. Grey: Yes, but dad
Big Tom: No buts son. You now have the chance to redeem yourself in my eyes. Don’t forget who I am. Capisci

Romeo: Bobinette mia cara, did you see who is back
Bobinette: Yes, I think Mr. Grey is now amongst us again. I ‘ope ‘e doesn’t start up ‘is tricks again.
Romeo: No, I don’t think he will. Big Tom had a talk with him and has given him a new job. He is to be responsible for the education of Little Al.
Bobinette: Now that will be interesting. Little Al jumped on me while I was sleeping yesterday and gave me the shock of my life. Afterwards he just waved his tail and walked off. He has no manners.
Romeo: And that is exactly why Mr. Grey has to look after him.
Little Al: Did I hear my name being mentioned. Hello Bobinette, your fur is just like a trampoline when I jump on it.
Bobinette: Is that the excuse for waking me up when I am asleep.
Little Al: Well it looked so soft and inviting. Ow, Romeo keep your paws to yourself. I don’t like being hit on the nose.
Romeo: That is for waking up my bella Bobinette when she is sleeping. It is about time that someone taught you some manners.
Little Al: I do what I want to do. No-one gives me orders. I am the son of Long Tail Al.
Gladys: Little Al will you just hold your tongue and stop showing off. I am glad that you now have someone who will teach you some manners.
Little Al: I don’t need being taught anything mum. I can do everything myself already.
Gladys: But you don’t do anything yourself do you. I caught you yesterday threatening your brothers that you would give them a scratch if they didn’t bring you a fresh mouse.
Romeo: you should be ashamed of yourself. It is about time that Mr. Grey takes you in hand.
Little Al: Who’s Mr. Grey, and how comes he has a Mr. in front of his name.
Mr. Grey: I have a Mr. in front of my name because I am the oldest son of Gatto di tutti Gatti, Big Tom. I take it you are Little Al, the cat I am to teach good manners to.
Little Al: Well I don’t need teaching any manners, what I do and say goes around here.
Mr. Grey: You have nothing to say. Now come along with me.
Little Al: I’m not going anywhere with you. Hey, put me down. Mum he has gripped me by the scruff of my neck.
Gladys: And right he is. Mr. Grey put him down at the next muddy puddle, that might freshen him up a bit.
Little Al: No, I hate water.
Mr. Grey: So do we all cats, but you have to be cruel to be kind. You first lesson, respect your elders and do what they tell you to do. So here we go.
Little Al: Owww, I’m all wet.
Mr. Grey: Then lick yourself dry. Afterwards you take an hours sleep and then I will think about what to teach you next.
Gladys: OK, Grey I will leave him to your tender claws.
Mr. Grey: No problem.

Slimy: This way Tabby
Tabby: It smells a bit down these sewers doesn’t it.
Slimy: Well I suppose it’s what your used to. Don’t bother me much, I sort of grew up down ‘ere. Lots of fresh meat if you know where to look. Put your ‘ead in that opening over there and sniff in.
Tabby: Oh, I see what you mean. Smells very strongly of rat.
Slimy: Oh yea, there’s a lot of rats down ‘ere, but I wouldn’t eat any old rat. The younger ones are the best. The older ones ‘ave been around in the water too long and pick up all sorts of funny illnesses. I remember me bruvver, he choked on a rat and that was the last meal ‘e ever ‘ad.
Tabby: Oh, I am not sure that the sewers are my sort of thing.
Slimy: Yea, well just cut along ‘ere and go up those stairs there. At the top squeeze through the opening, then we are in paradise.
Tabby: What do you mean. Oh yes, it smells really good here. Where are we.
Slimy: Keep in the shadows. We are now in the basement of the local butchers shop. Best place around here. That’s where they prepare the meat for the humans. Now over there is a bin where they throw the best parts away. Don’t really understand those ‘umans. What they fink ain’t worth eating, makes a good meal for a cat. Grab a bit and come back down in the sewer. Then we can ‘ave a nice lunch in peace and quiet.
Tabby: Now that smells really good. Not so fast Slimy. I don’t know my way as well as you do.
Slimy: So sit down over there. We won’t be disturbed ‘ere. Just enjoy your lunch.
Tabby: Tastes real good. I just don’t understand why all this is thrown away. In the country we have to hang around the farms to get something like this.
Slimy: Well I ain’t never seen a farm or bin on one.
Tabby: Tell you what Slimy, when I go back home I will take you with me and show you around the country.
Slimy: Well that’s a deal mate.

The Christmas Raffle

Well here it is, the Swiss Christmas Lottery. It arrives once a year in Switzerland and always costs the same. It never gets any cheaper, but one of the few things where the price remains stable. Yes, for one hundred Swiss Francs you can buy it and everyone is a winner. Well sort of, somewhere under the numbers there is at least the chance of picking up twenty Swiss Francs.

The idea is that each number is a day in December. It starts in December and you go over the parcel marked with the date, for example 1 represents 1st December, with a sharp knife and rub the surface off the parcel. Underneath there is a symbol, something stupid like a kangaroo, or just a question mark, it doesn't matter. The main thing is that the symbol has to correspond to the symbol picked on that day. This is displayed on the computer site, or in the daily newspaper. In might not be a parcel to uncover, but perhaps a bag of gold marked with 1 million or 10,000 according to what is kept in the bag. The same principle - when you uncover the surface, the symbol must correspond. Sounds like fun and who knows you might get a big win.

Just to complete the excitement, at the end of December it even goes further. On 12.01.2008 there is a television programme. Certain members of the audience are there because they had a special message hidden on the card (get out the sharp knife again and scratch off the surface). The message says you have an invitation to the show or unfortunately this time you are not lucky. The main prize of five millionen Swiss Francs is announced in the show. They have some sort of special machine that chooses the number.

Coming from a long line of gamblers in the family I don't mind a little game of chance now and again. My grandfather was a regular customer at the local dog racing track, my dad also but he preferred horses. When I come to think of it, by the time I had reached the age of 12 I had been to most racing tracks in the country. I remember the arguments I had with my mum when she would carry me into the racing meetings in her arms. I was quite tall when I was a kid, but there was always a notice at the entrance saying "children in arms, free entrance". I always enjoyed collecting the colourful cards that the bookies had at the race tracks. Everytime we went on holiday at the seaside, it was nearly always Great Yarmouth as it coincided with the horse races in Summer. Not that there was a gambling problem in the family, it was more like a hobby. When I see how my dad places a bet today, it is more like algebra that just a bet. He never looses with his secret combinations of win and place and carrying onto the next race. By the end of the day he usually has the same amount that he gave out, or perhaps a little bit more.

My other grandfather apparently got thrown out of school because he swore at the teacher. Mind you that was at the time of day when you left school at the age of 12 in any case. The excuse was that he used to watch the men gambling down the street and picked up the language from them. I don't know if it was true, but it sounded plausible. He became a carpenter and we had a wonderful collection of beer jugs at home which he would take home from the pubs where he was employed to do some carpentry work.

Anyhow back to the Million Lottery card. We have one again, Mr. Swiss always buys me one. As I only got it today I had the excitement of uncovering 18 days. Up to now I am as rich as I was before I started. But you never know, there are still 13 days to go and a television show (which I won't be attending - I already uncovered that bit).

Reservoir Cats 25

Slimy: Well we were all down in the cellar of the museum and all of a sudden this statue starts talking.
Long Tail Al: Just a minute, are you ‘aving me on.
Slimy: No boss, see it wasn’t really a statue but a geezer called Bast, some sort of cat boss.
Nera: Slimy, I think you better let me explain this to Al, otherwise he might get the idea that there is another cat wanting to take over in the town.
Long Tail Al: Yea, I fink yer better Nera. Sounds like Slimy ain’t recovered from the hypnotising stuff from that Mr. Wang yet.
Nera: Well it’s true what he said. Bast was the chief god of us cats way back in time in Egypt. The Egytians worshipped him and we are all sort of descended from him one way or the other, some more and some less.
Charlie: Yea, and this Bast bloke saw that we needed ‘elp and sorted the Siamese out for us.
Long Tail Al: Yea, well I ain’t so slow as you might fink. I ‘ave ‘eard of this Egytian fing and somefing about a few gods roaming around and sorting us cats out. Where’s ‘e gone now, I would like to fank ‘im for ‘is ‘elp.
Charlie: Well ‘e said somefing about going back to where ‘e came from.
Long Tail Al: Yea, well as I see it, gods don’t usually ‘ang around for a long while. What about me black paw gang.
Nera: Well Bast brought them back to our side and they are waiting outside for any further orders you may have for them.
Long Tail Al: Slimy go and bring in Ronnie and Reggie Crat. Want to ‘ave a few words with ‘em.
Slimy: Will do boss.
Ronnie Crat: ‘allo boss, I ‘eard yer wanted to see me and Reggie.
Long Tail Al: Just wanted to check up on fings. Weren’t exactly showing yourself from the best side when those orientals hit town, were ya?
Reggie: Yea, sorry about that boss, but we don’t really know what hit us.
Long Tail Al: I can tell you one fing, if you go off again like that, you will definitely know what will ‘it you, is that clear.
Ronnie & Reggie Crat: Yes boss
Long Tail Al: Ok, now sort your men out. I want them posted on all the entrances to the town like they always used to. Can’t ‘ave any old cat just walking in and out now can we.
Fluffy: And I think we should be getting back to the country and report to Big Tom. I am sure he will want to know how things turned out.
Nera: Ok Fluffy, just follow my scent and we will soon be home.
Charlie: Well, Miss Nera, I wouldn’t mind following yer scent either.
Nera: Charlie, I told you give me time. I will have to think about it.
Long Tail Al: Yes and when yer get back, tell Gladys I would like to see me son, Little Al. She should come on a visit wiv ‘im.
Tabby: I think I will stay a while, I still havn’t seen much of the town – up to now just the museum.
Slimy: Well that’s true. I’ll give you a tour of the sewers tomorrow if you like.
Long Tail Al: Slimy, there are other places in town except for the sewers.
Tabby: No, that’s ok dad. I don’t mind going on a tour with such an expert as Slimy.
Nera: Bye all – come on Fluffy, just follow me.

Big Tom: Romeo go and have a look outside, I think that Nera and Fluffy are on their way back.
Romeo: Hello Nera, Fluffy, so how did things go.
Fluffy: Purrrrfect. We have managed to chase the Orientals away from the town, with the help of Bast.
Big Tom: With the help of who? Did you say Bast?
Nera: Yes, he did, but that’s what cat gods are for, to help when we are in trouble with other cats.
Big Tom: To be quite honest, my family never had a lot to do with the cat gods. We sort of made our own laws. Must tell Lucky Catiano about that. Where are the Orientals, have they gone?
Nera: Well they are now on their way on a fast boat to China and that’s where they will stay.
Gladys: Hello everyone, glad to hear that everything turned out ok. I knew Bast would help.
Nera: How comes – do you know Bast.
Gladys: Well knowing him is a bit too much said, but now and again he turned up at our Kitty Cat club meetings to give a few tips, so I sort of mentioned that we might need some help.
Fluffy: Gladys, Long tail Al said he would like to see Little Al, if you could pay a visit some time.
Gladys. Well I suppose he is his dad, but it’s a bit too soon. We should wait until Little Al is a few weeks older and can start fending for himself.
Little Al: Did I hear my name being mentioned. I wanna see my dad.
Gladys: Little Al, you just have to be patient. You are too young.
Nera: Well, he certainly isn’t shy, is he.
Little Al: Do you know my dad?
Nera: I have met him a few times.
Little Al: Someone said he is the big boss of the town cats. I wanna be a big boss one day as well.
Gladys: Yes, but first of all you have to grow up.
Little Al: Well I’m the biggest out of my brothers and sisters.
Gladys: I suppose you would be, you are always the first one at feeding time. Where’s One Eyed Fred.
One Eyed Fred: I’m coming. So there’s Little Al. ‘e ran off again.
Big Tom: So I think it’s time for your to settle your family business on your own. Nera stay here, I want to ask you something.
Nera: At your service capo.
Big Tom: It’s time for Mr. Grey to come back to us. He has served his time up on the farm with his mother and I have heard that he is now behaving. Would you go and fetch him.
Nera: Yes Capo, will tomorrow be ok.
Big Tom: That’s fine and when he is back bring him to me, I have a job for him.

Reservoir Cats 24

Madame Butterfly: And who are you to question my supreme authority.
Bast: It seems that you have forgot your origins. You should make your Oriental race proud to have you, but my colleagues in the world where I come from have said they are ashamed to call you a member of their race.
Mr. Wang: We will see who has the power here. I will get the Black Paw Gang. They will soon make an end to your false magic.
Bast: My false magic as you call it, has sent the Black Paw Gang into a deep sleep.
Madame Butterfly: Rubbish, Reggie, Ronnie, come here and bring your colleagues with you. Hello you cloth eared cats. Come at once. Mr. Wang go and see what they are doing.
Mr. Wang: It is true my Butterfly, they are all sleeping outside the museum.
Bast: Enough, Mr. Wang, Madame Butterfly, there is a ship leaving in the harbour for Hong Kong. You can be pleased that I am giving you this chance to leave and survive. Go back to where you came from.
Mr. Wang: Look into my eyes Bast.
Bast: That I don’t laugh. Do not insult my status Mr. Wang. We gods cannot be influenced by any tricks that the humans may have forced upon you. Now depart before I change my mind.
Tabby: I will accompany you to the harbour to make sure that you have gone for ever.
Nera: Fluffy, Charlie, and Slimy – we will also go with Tabby.
Bast: I bid you farewell my brave cats. It was a pleasure to help. It is now time for me to go back to the world I came from. First of all I have a duty to perform on the sleeping black paw gang. Reggie and Ronnie Crat, awake and come to me.
Reggie: Who are you. Blimy I ain’t seen one like you before.
Ronnie: We must ‘ave been at the catnip again. I’ve got a headache. Where’s the gang?
Bast: Your gang are waiting for you outside. You will order your cats to accompany Fluffy and ensure that these two Oriental cats go on board the ship in the harbour. There is only one there and it is going to Hong Kong.
Ronnie: You mean they are going ‘ome again.
Reggie: About time – there was somefing about those cats that I didn’t like.
Bast: And on the way out you can collect Pablo from the cellar. He should now be awakening
I must now go back to where I came from.
Fluffy: Is that a long journey, Mr. Bast?
Bast: In distance, no, but in time – a very long journey. May the feline power be with you all.

Slimy: Where’s ‘e gawn. Now that was a real gent, wasn’t it. Come on you Orientals, the faster you go, the better.
Mr. Wang: Look into my eyes Slimy
Slimy: Forget it – those days ‘ave gone. The only bit of you I want to look at now is your tail end when you wave it goodbye.
Nera: Well said Slimy.
Tabby: Well we are now going through the cellar and here is Pablo.
Pablo: What’s going on. Madame Butterfly, Mr. Wang, where are we going.
Madame Butterfly: Don’t ask stupid questions, just follow these smelly town cats.
Charlie: That will do. We might smell, but we know what we ‘ave and even our Slimy smells like a rose in comparison to you three.
Slimy: Thanks Charlie – this is my big day today.
Nera: Reggie, Ronnie tell your cats to surrounded the traitors. Then they will stay in line.
Reggie: Will do Mrs. Nera
Charlie: Nera, did I ever tell you that, well, you know what I mean. Now what about us two.
Nera: Charlie, this is neither the time, nor the place, but you may ask me again when things are back to normal, and I will think it over.
Tabby: Cats, I don’t believe it. I have been rescued, the biggest danger has now been swept out of the way and you two are talking about getting together in the future.
Fluffy: Let them get on with it. Nera is always good for a surprise. We have now reached the harbour and there is the ship.
Ronnie: So, up the gangway wiv ya, dally, dally.
Ship’s cat: Ahoy, what’s this coming onto the ship. Not those three Oriental cats. I remember those three – I think I had enough trouble with them on the journey here. I am now alone on this ship, but there were four of us when we came over from Hong Kong. The Orientals managed to throw my colleagues overboard. I hid in the hold and they didn’t find me.
Slimy: Well ya don’t ‘ave to be worried about them any more. They ain’t got no oriental powers any more. I would just keep em busy clearing out the mice leftovers that you ‘ave.
Ship’s cat: good idea. Put them in the hold. They can’t climb out of there without help and I am not giving them any. Disgrace to the cat nation they are. I hope they don’t get up to any tricks on the journey.
Bast: We will watch over you little ship’s cat and make sure that no evil will be done.
Ship’s cat: Who said that?
Fluffy: That was the voice of Bast, an Egyptian cat god. When he says he will keep an eye on things, he will.
Ship’s cat: Well it looks like they have lost their powers so I suppose everything is ok. And now you all have to go, we are pulling out. Oh for a life on the waves, just me, a ship and lots of mice to keep away from the provisions.
Charlie: Sounds like a good life for a cat, Nera.
Nera: If you go with them, you will no longer see me. I get sea sick just by looking at the water.
Charlie: Of course, I would rather stay here with you
Nera: Just have some patience Charlie, I have to think things over.
Slimy: I wanna go back to Long Tail Al and tell ‘im the good news.
Tabby: Yes I think my father will be proud of us.

Long Tail Al: Fluffy, ‘ow did fings go. And who do we ‘ave ‘ere. Me son Tabby. What ‘appened. Where’s the orientals gone.
Slimy: You won’t be seeing them again. By now they are in a ship on their way back to ‘ong Kong where they came from.
Long Tail Al: This must be celebrated. So tell me all about it.