A/N: Here's the next chapter, since I'm almost finished chapter 3 now as well. So many stories to write, so little time. Anyways, there is some minor violence in this chapter, but nothing too serious. As always constructive reviews are much appreciated, I'm not easily offended so feel free to tell me what you think

Disclaimer - nope, still don't own Cats. Unless... maybe, but no. I don't.


Chapter 2 - Interrogation

Hours later, Tumblebrutus woke up, groaning with the agony of a pounding headache. He could smell damp, dust and the stale residual smell of beer. He opened his eyes, taking in his surroundings. He was in the pub's cellar, which had somehow been separated into cells. He was alone, and the silence was deafening. Fearing for his crew, he pushed himself up into a sitting position, confused at the clinking sound of metal moving against metal. He felt a strange cold weight around his neck and looked down to see that he had a chain around his neck, which continued on to attach to a hook in the wall.

Curious, he walked over to look up at the hook. It was too high for him to reach, and he could see from where he was, that there was no way to detach the chain without breaking it. He sighed in frustration, sitting down on the cold, rough concrete, wondering just how he was going to get out of this one.

Suddenly the door flew open, and the young bos'un looked up sharply as the tall ginger tom strode purposefully into the room. He stayed where he was, looking up at the Hidden Paw, keeping his expression neutral and impassive. For all the world, he looked like he was just bored, and not in mortal danger. Macavity sat down in front of Tumblebrutus, his expression just as calm and impassive. The patched tom waited for the interrogation he knew was coming, he knew how to deal with that.

"What did you think you were doing, sneaking around my headquarters?" the ginger tom began, in a soft, calm yet icy tone. Tumblebrutus said nothing, merely eyeing his captor with mild curiosity.

"You must have come here for a reason. What were you looking for?" Macavity tried again, his tone indicating danger, despite not changing at all. Tumblebrutus refused to speak, but braced himself. He knew this interrogation technique, and he knew what would come next.

He wasn't disappointed as Macavity lashed out with one paw, slashing him across the face. Keeping his silence, Tumblebrutus managed not to react to the physical blow. Of course it hurt, like hell, but he controlled the pain. He continued to stare at the ginger cat, apparently unfazed by the blow to the face. He could feel the blood start to run down his face, making his fur matted and sticky, but he ignored it. Macavity paused, he knew the game now, and he wondered how long this tom could hold out. He was small, skinny, he looked weak. This one was the leader? How could that be, Macavity was thinking. He had fought back, but then any cat can fight like that when they're in that sort of danger. It didn't matter all that much to Macavity, all it meant was that he would break easily, and it would save time.

"Let's try an easy one then. Who do you work for?" Macavity asked, reverting to the dangerously quiet and calm approach. Tumblebrutus kept his silence, but gave Macavity a look which said: 'Like I'm going to tell you.' Macavity was getting frustrated, although he was determined not to show it. He lashed out again, this time making contact with both paw and claw, with a satisfying crack. Tumblebrutus shook his head, his jaw wasn't quite broken, but he was sure he'd just swallowed a tooth or two. Still he refused to speak, he wouldn't succumb that easily.

"You look familiar, now that I think about it," Macavity drawled, he was sure he'd seen a cat just like this one at the Junkyard, and that could mean only one thing, "You're a Jellicle." he said accusingly, as if it was the worst crime imaginable. Tumblebrutus spat blood at Macavity's feet, and broke his silence in spite of himself.

"I wouldn't associate with the Jellicles if my life depended on it." he spat, wiping the blood from his mouth with a paw. He was shocked though, if Macavity thought he looked like a Jellicle, then what if there was indeed a Jellicle that looked like him. That queen, two years ago, what if she'd had kittens. The young bos'un cursed inwardly. That was the last thing he needed.

"Ah, he speaks. Who are you, then, if you're not a Jellicle?" the Hidden Paw asked, his curiosity overcoming his anger. He could have sworn there was a tom just like this one living at the Junkyard. Tumblebrutus sighed, he had broken his silence, he might as well tell Macavity who he was, it was always fun to see their reactions at any rate. No one expected him to be the tough, ruthless young bos'un working for Growltiger.

"Me? I'm Tumblebrutus." he said cheerfully, made all the more effective as he was forced to wipe blood from his mouth again.

"Tumblebrutus?" Macavity repeated. The bos'un nodded.

"You're Growltiger's bos'un?" The ginger tom persisted, refusing to believe it. Tumblebrutus nodded again, why did everyone find it so hard to believe.

"You are the ruthless, merciless, sharp tongued pirate that lead the mutiny against Cat Morgan?" Macavity asked again. The patched tom rolled his eyes, getting annoyed with this repetitive line of questioning.

"Yes, that's me, in the fur." he said impatiently.

"Hmm... that's very interesting." Macavity purred thoughtfully. Tumblebrutus looked up sharply, giving the ginger tom a confused look.

"What is?"