So I'm really sorry about the long wait. I had family in town, then finals, then more school, plus no time. Anyway, an important decision will be made now. And by the way, Vav doesn't know about Munk, Rum, and Deuteronomy's family relationships to themselves (and of course another).

Finally the three of us reached what could have been considered a doorway, with a curtain hung across it to act as the door. Munkustrap led the way, and then I entered with Tugger behind me. Munkustrap stepped forward and whispered something into a very large, very old, cat with his back to us. I must admit I was a little scared. Not scared like I was with Macavity, but scared because I didn't know what to expect. Was Old Deuteronomy strict? Or kind? Would he approve of my arrival? But then I saw the look on Rum's face. His smile was genuine, soft and eager, as though the only thing he wanted was to please this tom. If the Rum Tum Tugger liked a cat this much, I was sure I would too.

Munkustrap carefully helped the old tom to turn and face me. Old Deuteronomy had warm, shining black eyes. Munkustrap waved a hand to me. "This is Dovavalana. Dove, this is Old Deuteronomy."

The old tom smiled at me and I had to smile back. "Hello child," he said with a warm voice. "Have you recovered from earlier?" He seemed genuinely concerned, but I could not hold back a small shudder at the thought.

"I believe I have, sir. As much as I ever will." Old Deuteronomy looked me over, as though to see if I had been telling the truth.

Finally he said, "Do you live here in London, child?" I shook my head. "No sir." He looked carefully into my face, as though trying to place it. He looked at Munkustrap, who still stood at his side. "Find Skimbleshanks. I'm sure he can find a way to get her home." Munkustrap nodded, and headed towards the door. Rum stepped just into his way, placing a paw on the silver tabby's chest, shaking his dead.

"She just got here. She was looking for someone, trying to move here when He found her." Old Deuteronomy and Munkustrap both turned to me, raising a single eyebrow. They looked so alike for a moment that I almost laughed. They must be related I thought.

"Who where you looking for, Dove?" Munkustrap asked.

So I told them. "A tribe of cats, like the Jellicles, that my Da lived with for a while and long time ago. But the tom in charge went by Ol' Ron. And, um, who or what is Skimbleshanks?"

Old Deuteronomy laughed. "Skimble is the Cat of the Railway Train", he said. "Your father knew this tom only as Ron? Was your father known as Colossus to his family?" I looked up at him in surprise.

"Yes sir, he was. Did you know him?"

"I did, long ago. He came around and lived with the Jellicles for a spell. Your father could not say my name properly, no matter how hard he tried, the poor fellow. So I allowed him to Me Ron, so he could address me. You were looking for us. Would you like to stay here?" I looked between the three toms. Old Deuteronomy looked kind, but Munkustrap and Rum had identical looks of worry. They wanted me to stay. I smiled.

"Yes, please." The younger toms displayed obvious relief. Deuteronomy turned to face them.

"Tugger, take Dovavalana to see Bombalurina and Demeter. I'm sure they will be willing to let her stay with them until we find her a place for her own." Tugger nodded. When we turned to leave, Munkustrap stepped forward to join us. "Munkustrap, stay with me. I need to speak with you about something." Old Deuteronomy met Rum's eyes and for a moment it seemed as though they were speaking silently to only each other. Then Rum nodded. Munkustrap looked confused but went back to the old tom. Rum and I left, pulling the curtain closed behind us. I started to walk away, but Rum pulled me back. We hid in the shadows, just out of sight of someone coming out of Deuteronomy's home, but close enough that we could here what was being said inside. Rum held his paw up in the "shush" position. Old Deuteronomy spoke first. "Munkustrap, you now that I no longer have a successor as tribe leader. I'm going to give you that position. You will be Protector first, but when I have finally moved on to the Heavyside Layer, you will lead the Jellicles."

There was silence. "But what about Tugger? He's next in line. Won't he be upset?" Munkustrap's voice shook slightly. He seemed scared to lead.

"I have discussed this with him already. He agrees with my choice. In fact, he suggested you take the position. He felt you would lead better than he would."

"But Father-". Whoa. Father. Didn't know that.

"Your brother believes you are ready for the responsibility. He said he knows you will be a wonderful leader. He said he would follow you in your decisions."

"Tugger actually said that?" I glanced at Rum. Brothers. All right, so they were all one family. I still think it's weird. They don't look anything alike. "That seems so unlike him. And anyway, what if I don't think I'm ready?"

Deuteronomy spoke. "I think you are, Son." Silence again.

"You do?"

"Yes," Deuteronomy said in a comforting voice. "I do."

The room was silent once more as Munkustrap thought it over. "I accept, Father."

So there it is. Chapter Four. Please review!