By the time Fred and Gladys returned from their cruise, everything in the town home was back to normal. There was a new shiny trophy on the mantel.
“Well, look at this,” said Fred.
“It’s the K-Nobel Peace Prize. I am so unbelievably proud of our kitties,” gushed Gladys.
“I did not know they gave this award for dancing,” said Fred, and he gave a look of approval, even as he did look a little confused.
Poppy, Rosie and Willie exchanged knowing glances. It was nice to know that they had saved the world without blowing their cover.
Mom and Dad Truttyfore were due to spend the day in New York–and were all dressed up in their matching opera T-shirts. They were humming tunes from “The Barber of Seville,” as they skipped out to their car. The timing of their excursion was fortunate because the KIT spies were due to be feted by the K-Nobel Prize committee that afternoon. Everyone was going to be part of the celebration. The guest list included Professor Paw-Plant, Dr. Skinner-Cat, Dr. Doppler-Wave, Dr. Robo-Paw, Dr. Techno-Cat, and Dr. Clever-Claw. All of the elite COBRA troops, as well as all the KIT Peace Troops would be attending. Poppy extended an invitation to Colin, Vivian and Malcolm - as well. As the only humans who were clued into the secret spy mission, she wanted to recognize them for all their help. Besides, they were so much fun to be around. It was going to be the most spectacular celebration ever held. There would be a laser show to announce the arrival of Poppy, Rosie, Willie and little Tully. Elegant tents had been set up just outside Washington, D.C., and the plan was for the spy kitties to make a grand entrance–and then jump through an elaborate obstacle course. There would be games for everyone. Poppy, Rosie, Willie and Tully had been practicing for weeks. The plan was for them to parachute in unison, do fancy maneuvers in the air, and then land, in formation, onto the field.
Poppy, Rosie and Willie heard the whirring of helicopter blades, threw down the ropes from the town house window, and boarded. They were wearing their chutes and were already to go. As they neared the celebration, they began doing free fall aerial stunts, and everyone just gasped. It was simply spectacular. There were fireworks, gooey treats to eat, carnival rides, laser shows and hula-hoop dancing contests. It was just the best time ever.
Rosie, Poppy, Willie and Tully mingled with the crowd and were offered unlimited smelts and sushi. The spy kitties glanced over at the section reserved for high-level dignitaries, and noticed that three beanbag chairs, suitable for small humans, had been reserved. They showed Vivian, Colin and Malcolmto their seats, and immediately offered them huge globs of bubble gum. The mood could not have been more festive.
The celebration went on for hours, and a steady stream of speakers advanced to the podium to sing the praises of the spies who were a part of Operation Bob-Cat. The K-Nobel Prize Committee congratulated Poppy, Rosie, Willie and Tully for their huge part in taking down Brutus-G and bringing peace to the kitty world. Every guest then rose and gave the group a standing ovation. The spies looked at each other, traded happy looks, and spread out their joy to everyone at the celebration. Everywhere, kitties were kneading with their claws and purring contentedly. So many had worked so hard, and so selflessly, to make the mission a success–that the good feelings knew no bounds. Everyone in the crowd shared in the wonderful victory against evil.
Night fell, and the three spies, who were as tight as sisters, boarded the helicopter for home. It was time for reflection. Poppy, Rosie and Willie glanced at each other, and shared a collective understanding of all that had been accomplished. In the end, it was not the fleeting accolades or fancy celebrations which mattered most, but rather the inner peace and joy that they all felt. They knew that many challenges lay ahead. They were, after all, part of the most famous kitty spy agency on the planet. They would be ready for whatever the future held, but for now they allowed themselves to soak in the victory. They were all just over the moon. It was the best feeling imaginable. They had made a difference in the lives of kitties everywhere. The evil despot had been shut down, and for today, they had created a better world.
The End.