The residents of Felinopolis, despite the late hour, were celebrating their victory over the pirates. Everything around them was filled with joyful meowing and laughter, children were running around with small lanterns, and colorful garlands were swirling above their heads. Fireworks lit up the sky, shimmering with colors over the port.

Meanwhile, Lilly, worried about Max's absence from home, guessed that she would find her son in the Port, and with the resolution to punish him for his waywardness, headed towards the port gates.

Max, who knew that if he showed himself to Grandpa and Dad, he would get a good scolding, sat quietly hidden behind the fuel barrels and watched everyone celebrate. Suddenly, he saw Mom enter through the port gates. He was seriously scared - Lilly was naturally gentle, but when someone upset her, she could show her claws. There were no jokes then.

Max knew it was better to show yourself his mom before she got to his father and grandfather. "Better to get one scolding than three," he thought. He jumped out of hiding and ran towards his mother.

- Max! - Lilly shouted when she saw him. -What are you doing here? I was so worried about you.

- I'm sorry, Mom. - Max flattened his ears. - I had to watch over Grandpa and Dad so nothing bad would happen to them.

Lilly's eyes widened, then she burst out laughing, amused by his statement.

- Okay, - she hugged Max. - So if you're watching over them, what were you doing hiding behind the barrels?

- I'm watching, Mom. And I'm ready to help if they need helped, - Max looked at her with a smile.

- Good... - said Lilly, looking at her son approvingly. - Take me to them, because they're hard to find in this crowd.

Max gave his mother a paw and, pushing through the crowd, pulled her toward the Harbormaster's Office. When they reached the council chamber, where the victory was also being celebrated, they noticed George and Olivier discussing with the members of the City Council. They did not want to interfere, so they stood to the side and listened to the conversation.

- George, - Jack argued, - you can't expose yourselves to such danger. This expedition will entail enormous costs, and you may not return from it. You are safe in the city, but on the open seas, Lame Joe is unrivaled. You know that. I absolutely do not agree to this expedition.

Olivier, hearing these words, felt his anger grow. His expression hardened. " How could Jack think that we would fall into the hands of pirates like incompetent kittens? After all, we have the support of technology and our own experience." He looked at Jack with clear indignation.

- Do you think we are incompetents? - Olivier was indignant. – We'll be perfectly capable of dealing with the pirates if we get drones to help us. What are you afraid of, Jack? You don't have to come with us if you're paralyzed by fear.

Jack's eyes narrowed into slits. Hurt, he muttered under his breath: - Coward? Me? I take care of them all. And George... well, Felinopolis can't do without him.

– I'm not afraid for myself, but for those who will take part in the expedition – he replied through his teeth. – And most of all for your father. George is too valuable to us to put him in danger! You should know that – he added with a malicious smile.

Olivier was about to answer him when George held out his paw, silencing the argument.

– If the City Council won't give us a ship and the necessary supplies, I'll organize it myself! – George said firmly. His tone left no doubt as to his intentions.

The Harbormaster, who had been silent until now, cleared his throat significantly.

- Gentlemen - he said calmly. - As commander of the Felinopolis fleet, I will give George a ship and several drones to defend. - He patted George on the shoulder. - You don't have to worry about anything. The crew is well trained, you will be provided with food supplies and all necessary resources. George is right - we should respect One-Eyed Joe's last will and not let the pirates get these treasures. You can choose 10 volunteers for the crew. When you are ready, give me the date of departure.

Jack did not hide his indignation - how is it that the vote of the City Council was completely ignored, and George achieved his goal?! He nodded abruptly at George, giving him his paw.

- Good luck then, George - he muttered through his teeth, looking hard at the Harbormaster.

George did not hide his joy, as did Olivier.

Max's heart jumped into his throat, and in his mind's eye he saw himself in a pirate Treasure Cave, ready to face any challenge. But how to convince them? he thought. They will never allow me to sail with them

Max had a plan already forming in his head. If only he could get on the ship, he could hide and come out when they were out to sea…

To be continued.....😻

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