Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9 Toto snapped into action. Just because they were on a ship teeming with baddies, heading to goodness knows where, didn't necessarily mean she'd failed her first mission. She just had to figure out how to fix things. 'We need to quietly take command of this ship,' she told her friends. 'Catface, you know the most about ships- where do

you steer from?' Catface thought carefully for a moment. 'I expect the wheelhouse will be on the upper deck. There should be a ladder up to a hatch somewhere around here, they use it to lower goods straight down into the hold! They quickly found it and started the long climb upwards. Finally, they reached the big hatch and cautiously pushed it open to peer out.

'Right... not exactly the best news,' Catface whispered to Toto. 'Yeah, I can see figures- lots of figures,' said the ninja. 'Are they what I think they are?' 'I'm afraid so,' answered her ratty friend. The whole of the ship's company was gathered on the deck. There were hundreds of cats, rats and dogs of all shapes and sizes. They were wearing similar outfits: stripy tops or old navy coats with caps or bandanas. They looked tough, mean, and like they knew how to fight. Luckily, nobody noticed as the trio pulled themselves up onto the deck. All eyes were trained on the bridge of the boat, where their fearsome leader stood at the railings

preparing to address his crew. He was flanked by several other big cats including Elias and a pair of shifty-looking Siamese cats, but it was clear who was in charge. He wore an enormous velvet top hat and a spectacular black cape that flapped in the sea breeze. At his waist, a black scabbard hung from a sword belt and the steel hilt of his rapier was just visible glistening in the moonlight. His face was black with a white nose and whiskers. It had to be... ARCHDUKE FERDICAT! 'Wow, he looks incredible,' Silver whispered, as he explained the scene to Toto. 'I would not want to fight this guy, he looks like he means business!

'Hmm I love that outfit,' added Catface. 'I must find out where he got that cape.' 'NOT HELPING,' hissed Toto at the other two. 'Look, here's the plan: when he

starts talking we use that as a distraction. Stick to the side of the ship and make for the wheelhouse. Then we turn this thing back to the docks. Where hopefully Larry should be waiting with back-up... Let's go. The ship was now at the mouth of the Thames and heading out to sea. The wind was beginning to pick up and a storm was building on the dark horizon. Spray was starting to cover the deck as the ship steamed into the waves. The kittens and Catface slowly shuffled round the edge of the crowd as the commanding cat started to address his crew. 'My dear cut-throats, smugglers, pirates and robbers, thank you for your hard work