4--The Meeting, Ch.1

March 29.

Cat’s Lair, third‑Earth.

he red Eye of Thundera, embedded in the hilt of the Sword of Omens, flashed in a manner that indicated that it was going to show potential danger. When the Eye was inactive, it was dark red, but it was brighter when it was active. Lion‑O took the Sword, put the hilt to his eyes, and held it there. When the hilt’s cross-bar had curled and the hilt-apertures had formed, he was looking through the Eye of Thundera. “Sword of Omens, give me sight-beyond-sight,” the Lord of the Thunder Cats commanded. Through the Eye of Thundera, he saw all the way to a red planet with a large, star-shaped crater, and he saw an evil troll-like personage creating a lethal weapon. “Curious,” he said, putting the Sword back into the Claw-Shield.

“What was it, Lion‑O?” Panthro asked.

“I saw some humanoid, dwarfish creature with an overproportioned waistline creating some sort of weapon,” said Lion‑O.

“A Mutant, perhaps?” asked Tygra.

“I doubt it, Tygra. The technology of the weapon seems too refined for a Mutant’s creation.” Jaga, visible and audible only to Lion‑O, appeared on the scene.

“He is a member of the infamous Mob, Lion‑O,” Jaga stated.

“What, Jaga?” asked Lion‑O, somewhat confused. “What are you talking about?”

“The Intergalactic Mob, headed by Mon*Star, who gives himself the title ‘Planet Master.’ The members of Mon*Star’s Mob are the most evil beings in the Limbo Sub-Galaxy, which dominates one sixth of the Milky Way Galaxy.”

“What danger does he present?”

“This person you saw, Hardware, has just created a super weapon at the demand of Mon*Star, his boss. This weapon is capable of destroying all ten of the Silver Hawks.”

Lion‑O could hardly believe this, but in a way it made sense, though the Thunder Cats were the only ones with hyper-drive warp technology. “I’ve heard of Mon*Star and the Silver Hawks before, but they’re 5100 light-years away from third‑Earth. How could they possibly have any effect on us?”

“With the Silver Hawks or us done away with, Lion‑O,” said Jaga in a slightly scolding manner that was not too scolding, “the Mob or the Mutants, Mumm‑ra, and Luna‑tacks could inter-connect very easily and conquer both Limbo and third‑Earth. In cosmic terms, 5100 light-years is a microscopic distance. You know that, Lord. Also, you’re not the only ones with the technology to travel between here and Limbo, despite that Thunderians are the only culture with hyperdrive warp technology. The Mob, for one, has the technology, and they’re only now beginning to get the lust for galactic power.”

“You’re correct, Jaga,” said Lion‑O. “I should have thought of that, but, come to think of it, our communications systems can stretch far beyond 700 thousand light-years. That’ll do the trick.”

“Correct, Lion‑O. Whenever you need my aid again, Lord of the Thunder Cats, you need only call out my name, and I shall try to help as much as I can.” He held up his hand in the Vulcan farewell: fingers spread apart except that the little finger and ring finger were touching, as were the index finger and middle finger. “This is how one peaceful race says farewell. When members make this sign, they say, ‘Live long and prosper.’ ”

“Thank you, Jaga,” said Lion‑O. “Until we meet again.”

“Farewell, Lion‑O.” Jaga disappeared into the light.

“What were you and Jaga discussing, Lion‑O?” asked Tygra. Of course, as leader and ruler, Lion‑O did not have to answer that. He usually did, though, especially if it had any bearing on the Thunder Cats’ upcoming actions.

“He told me that the evil being I saw through the Eye of Thundera was a member of Mon*Star’s malicious Mob,” said Lion‑O.

“The Mob?” exclaimed Cheetara. “What could they have to do with us? I mean, Brim*Star is some fifty-one hundred light-years from here.”

“Cheetara, that distance may sound big, but it can easily be passed through quickly with our present space vehicles,” said Panthro. “You know that, and some others are likely to have technology capable of traversing that distance.”

“You’re correct, Panthro. I almost—” Suddenly, she gasped.

Tygra asked, “What is it, Cheetara?”

“My sixth sense is telling me what will happen in Limbo, tomorrow, if we do not do anything about it.”

“Exactly what do you see, Cheetara?” inquired Wilykit curiously.

“I see Hardware, the one Lion‑O saw in the Eye of Thundera, blasting and destroying all ten Silver Hawks with that weapon.” She came out of her psychic trance. “By Jaga, Lion‑O! We must warn the Silver Hawks somehow before Mon*Star and Hardware destroy them.”

“Yes,” agreed Lion‑O. “Jaga told me the same thing.”

“So, how are we going to warn the Silver Hawks?” asked Tygra.

Panthro said, “The communications systems stretch over 700 thousand light-years. That will give us sufficient reception. We’ve the best chance of getting through if we use Morse code.”

“Well, let’s get to it, Panthro.”

* * *

Mumm‑ra’s Pyramid.

Mumm‑ra was watching the Thunder Cats through the cauldron in his evil pyramid. Holding Ma‑mutt and patting the vicious pooch on the head, Mumm‑ra said, “So, Ma‑mutt, those Thunder Kitties are going to call the Silver Hawks and warn them. This sounds like an excellent opportunity to join up with Mon*Star’s Mob, in the process carrying along the Mutants and Luna‑tacks. And, together, we shall defeat those accursèd Thunder Cats and despicable Silver Hawks.” He dropped the putrid dog on its rear, and the mutt produced a yip. “We’ll let those Thunder Cats reach out and touch the Silver Hawks. Good thing they don’t have American Telephone and Telegraph. Let’s head toward Castle Plundarr, then Sky Tomb, Ma‑mutt. We have some deliciously wicked work to do!” The eyes of the four Ancient Spirits of Evil represented in Mumm‑ra’s tomb lit up. Lightning flashed onto the obelisks surrounding the pyramid and rebounded into the pyramid. Mumm‑ra began transforming. “Ancient Spirits of Evil, transform this decayed form to Mumm‑ra, the Ever-Living.” By the last word, Mumm‑ra had been transformed completely from a decrepit mummy to a towering monster. “Let’s go pay those Mutants a nice little visit, Ma‑mutt. Hee, hee, hee!” Mumm‑ra and Ma‑mutt flew out the window near the top of the pyramid.

* * *

Castle Plundarr, the residence of the Mutants.

The Mutants’ Reptilian commander, S‑s‑slithe, entered the control room of Castle Plundarr. To his displeasure, the main viewscreen was coated with static. “What’s‑s‑s wrong here?” he exploded. “Where’s the view of Cat’s Lair?”

“Caw. Relax, S‑s‑slithe,” Vultureman crowed, sitting idly at the computer terminal. “We’re doing everything we can. Caw.”

“Well, start doing your share of the work, you lousy, lazy, bird-brained excuse for a Mutant. Yes?”

“Hoo, hoo,” said Monkian. “Yes, bird-brain. Jackalman and I cannot quickly do it on our own. Hoo, hoo.”

“He’s right, Vultureman,” said Jackalman. “I heard you tried to offer the Tower of Omens to those Luna‑tacks.”

“What?” S‑s‑slithe snapped. “You sided with those Luna‑tacks without my permission? You have some explaining to do, birdbrain. Yes?”

“That will have to wait, S‑s‑slithe,” barked Mumm‑ra, suddenly appearing in the room.

“Mumm‑ra!” S‑s‑slithe exclaimed in surprise. He hated it when Mumm‑ra simply popped in as though he owned the place. “What is it, evil one?”

“Those wretched Thunder Cats have found a legitimate reason—not that we need one, of course—for us to connect with Mon*Star’s Mob,” Mumm‑ra said. “Together, we will rip apart third‑Earth, New Thundera, and the Limbo Galaxy portion of this whole cursèd Milky Way Galaxy. With that Eye of Thundera, those blasted Thunder Cats have found out that the Mob can destroy the Silver Hawks with a new special weapon which Hardware, Mon*Star’s monstrous mechanic, has created. We’ll never ever have a better chance to get to Limbo and catch the Silver Hawks trying to sneak into Brim*Star and destroy Hardware’s master weapon as quietly as possible. Of course, we’ll need to make a deal with the Luna‑tacks. We’ll offer them 50 percent of our part of the conquered territory, and no one will be able to stop us with the Thunder Cats and Silver Hawks out of the way.”

“Great idea, Mumm‑ra,” said S‑s‑slithe. The sound of this scheme truly impressed him, which was rare among the schemes that Mumm‑ra had ever proposed. “Then, we could take over the universe without those wretched Thunder Cats to stop us. Yes? Heh, heh, heh!”

“Hoo, hoo! Yeah. Those bird-brained Silver Hawks—hoo, hoo—would not be able to stop us, either,” Monkian said.

“Caw. I do not like this stupid plan, Mumm‑ra,” Vultureman said.

“What?” screamed the ancient super-villain.

“Why don’t you like it, Vultureman?” asked Jackalman. “It’s perfect.”

“Because it involves those stinking Luna‑tacks,” Vultureman said. “They aren’t to be trusted. Caw. That blasted Aluro could influence us to give them 75 percent of the territory. Besides, those Cats are so cunning that they could outwit anyone any day of the year. I just do not like the idea.”

“Vultureman, with the Mob’s help, those Thunder Kitties would be in way over their heads,” S‑s‑slithe explained. “Yes?”

“Yes,” said Mumm‑ra, “and then, together, we would all rule this measly universe.” He laughed wickedly. “Besides, haven’t you advocated siding with the Luna‑tacks in the past?”

“I’m just weighing the risks. It is not a bad plan though, Mumm‑ra.” Aside, he admitted, “I’m lying.”

“Good,” said Mumm‑ra, pretending not to have heard the remark. “Now let’s get to Sky Tomb. I’m sure those Luna‑tacks want to get rid of those blasted Thunder Cats as much as we do.”

* * *

Command Center, Hawkhaven.

Across the galaxy, the Silver Hawks were experiencing a quiet day. Such days were rare and generally made them suspicious that the Mob was up to something. Before too long, though, they received a message in Morse code.

At communications, Quicksilver was the first to see the message. “Hmm. It seems as though someone has found out that the evil Hardware has created a weapon which can destroy us.”

“So,” said Steelheart. “Can you figure out where this transmission is coming from?”

“I’ll track down the direction of the energy waves, Steelheart,” said Steelwill. “It shouldn’t take long.”

“Okay, Will. You do that. Bluegrass, Kidd, Quicksilver, you guys come with me. We are going to Brim*Star.”

“Aye, aye, ma’am,” said those three in unison.

* * *

Sky Tomb, third‑Earth.

In the Luna‑tacks’ lair of Sky Tomb, Mumm‑ra was describing his plan in wicked detail to the Luna‑tacks. “So, you see, Luna,” Mumm‑ra concluded, “that those wretched Thunder Cats are playing right into my hand.”

“This had better be a good plan, you rotten Egyptian relic,” Luna snapped, in a sour mood already today, “or I’ll have Aluro tell you to take a walk off Sky Tomb’s hot tin—and you’ll do it, too.”

“Precisely,” said Aluro, “so I hope this plan pans out, or I’ll throw in a bash with my Psych Club.” Also known as the Mesmerization Club, which he held up for emphasis.

“Oh, don’t worry,” said Mumm‑ra. “Those Thunder Cats and Silver Hawks will be on the highway to extinction, especially once the Silver Hawks fix in on where the Cats’ messages are coming from.”

“It seems risky, but it is worth a try, since we stand a good chance of eliminating those two insufferable groups,” Chilla said.

“Yes,” Luna agreed. “Yes! We shall go along with your little game plan, Mumm‑ra. But I warn you. If this fails, we shall get you.”

“What could possibly go wrong with it, Luna?” asked S‑s‑slithe. “It’s clearer to me than water.”

“Shut up, Mutant,” Luna commanded in Plundarrian Spanish, which was similar to Terran Spanish. It was actually a beautiful language, but a Plundarrian speaker often gave it a most imperious tone. Back in English, she continued, “Otherwise, you will be taking a long walk off of a short pier.”

“Okay,” S‑s‑slithe snapped back. “I’m shutting up.” He ‘closed’ his mouth with an imaginary zipper.

* * *

Command Center, Hawkhaven.

With his usual technical skill, Steelwill had quickly found out source of the message. He now called the Mirage to report his findings. “Hawkhaven calling Mirage; Hawkhaven calling Mirage. Do you read me?”

“Mirage here, Steelwill,” replied Bluegrass. “Have you found the location of the message transmitter yet?”

“Yes, but this might sound a little weird,” said Steelwill. “It’s coming from third‑Earth in the third solar system related to our home solar system. If the space rumors are true, you probably know who was sending the message.”

“Certainly, by hearing the planet’s name,” Bluegrass replied. “Mirage out.” The communication link between the Mirage and Hawkhaven ended.

* * *

Mirage.

Piloting the Mirage towards Brim*Star, Bluegrass asked, “Couldn’t you guess the transmitting place, Steel-lady?”

“Certainly, cowboy. Can you do the honors, Quick?” asked Steelheart.

“Cat’s Lair,” Quicksilver said. “But I wonder how they found out about that Hardware’s plot before we did.”

“I wouldn’t know,” she replied. “I have never seen Thunder Cats before. What little I’ve heard leads me to believe that they’re trustworthy.”

“Me, too, Commander. Keep a sharp eye out, Hawks. We’re nearing Brim*Star.”

* * *

Brim*Star.

Within Brim*Star, the home of the evil Mob, evil things were brewing, as usual. In his workshop, the evil Hardware was putting the finishing touches on his newest weapon. As he worked, Mon*Star had come in and brought up an interesting subject. “But how could the Thunder Cats possibly pose a threat to us, Planet Master?” the mechanic asked when Mon*Star had expressed his concerns. “No doubt the Eye of Thundera is powerful, but third‑Earth is light-years from here.”

“The Thunder Cats can travel that distance within half an hour, Hardware,” Mon*Star said. “As can those blasted Silver Squawks. If we risk it, we could end up being burned out worse by them and the Silver Hawks than we could by the Silver Hawks alone.”

Hardware considered this. “Sure. Hmph. My stupid questions.”

* * *

Mirage.

The Mirage was closing in on Brim*Star. The large asteroid and its smaller companion, the red, luminous Moon*Star, loomed large through the craft’s canopies. “What’s the plan, Steelheart?” Bluegrass queried.

Steelheart flashed on her visor. “Let us go, cowboy. We’ll see if we can snatch that gun right out of Hardware’s evil paws.”

“Suits me. Prepare to launch.”

“Ready.”

Flashing on his visor, Quicksilver announced, “Ready.”

“Ready,” announced Copper-Kidd, flashing on his visor.

Bluegrass pressed the all-four pod release button. “Releasing.”

* * *

Brim*Star.

The alarm tore through Hardware’s workshop like a razor blade. “What’s that, Yes‑Man?” Mon*Star shouted.

“It’s the Silver Hawks,” Yes‑Man cried as he slithered into Hardware’s workshop. “Ooh, yes, yes, yes!”

Not paying attention to the alarm, Hardware said, “I don’t understand how that blasted Lion‑O got the ‘Lord of the Thunder Cats’ title, Mon*Star. He’s not the most experienced Thunder Cat.” This sidetracked the Planet Master.

“Well, let’s see if I remember the stories,” Mon*Star replied. “First, he was the hereditary lord, but when he had come of age, he had to go through the Anointment Trials. Sit down, and I shall show you the Anointment Trials.” Mon*Star slipped a disc into the disc-player.

Yes‑Man whined, “But, boss—”

“Shut up, you whimpering worm,” yelled Mon*Star. “And shut off that blasted alarm.”

“How were the trials given, Mon*Star?” Hardware asked.

“The Silver Hawks are almost here,” insisted Yes‑Man, shutting off the alarm.

To Yes‑Man, Mon*Star snapped, “Silence, Yes‑Man. Beat it!” Back to Hardware, he continued, “Well, first, Lion‑O had to defeat Panthro in the Trial of Strength. This is the first Anointment Trial, and I’ll show it to you.”

Seeing the Silver Hawks in the doorway, Yes‑Man screamed, “Oh, no! Here are the Silver Hawks now, boss.”

“Shut up, you idiot,” Mon*Star ordered, freezing Yes‑Man with a Light*Star. He started the disc playing, unaware that the Silver Hawks had sneaked into Brim*Star Fortress.

The video of the trial lasted about twenty-five minutes. Near the halfway point in the trial showing, Quicksilver quietly sneaked into Hardware’s workshop and snatched the special weapon capable of destroying the Silver Hawks. He handed it to Steelheart.

When the video had ended, Mon*Star and Hardware did not turn to the table that had the ray on it. “Now, Hardware, Lion‑O had four more trials. His next one was the Trial of Speed with Cheetara. He had to race Cheetara and win to overcome this trial. Here. I’ll show you the Second Anointment Trial.”

He started the disc playing. Now, the monitor displayed of the Trial of Speed, again lasting about 25 minutes. In order to keep track of which Thunder Cats Lion‑O had defeated, the losing Thunder Cat gave Lion‑O his insignia, by tradition. Cheetara did this when Lion‑O won, pulling past her at the last possible second.

“Now, since Lion‑O won the race with Cheetara, he faced the cunning Thunder Kittens, Wilykat and Wilykit,” Mon*Star said. “Neither his strength nor his speed could help him decisively in the Trial of Cunning. He had to out-trick the Kittens.” Mon*Star once again turned on the disc.

The Trial of Cunning lasted, once again, about 25 minutes. Hardware was almost awed by the Kittens’ intelligence and cunning. He could hardly believe that they actually fell for the trick that Lion‑O played on them in the end.

“Now, Hardware, since Lion‑O has outwitted the Wilykats, he must face the intelligent Tygra, who has a special gift for mind power. Believe me, we don’t want to get into a tangle with Tygra after giving him too much of an advantage. Here, I’ll show you why.” Mon*Star turned on the disc again, and, once again, the Trial of Mind Power lasted about 25 minutes. Hardware was convinced. One could tell by the look on his face.

Hardware squeaked, “I believe you.”

“Now, my friend,” Mon*Star rumbled, “Lion‑O had to find and defeat his mortal enemy, Mumm‑ra. Without the Sword of Omens, embedded in whose hilt is that accursèd Eye of Thundera.” Once again, Mon*Star turned on the disc, and once again the program lasted about twenty-five minutes. Lion‑O’s victory over Mumm‑ra was hard earned and resounding. The final minutes of the video depicted the ceremony anointing Lion‑O the true Lord of the Thunder Cats. “Now, Hardware, do you see how Lion‑O became the Lord of the Thunder Cats?”

“Yes, Planet Master. I also see why those cats are such dangerous foes. Now, let’s destroy a few Silver Turkeys.”

“Too late, Hardware,” came Steelheart’s voice. She entered with the smashed device in her hands. “We already found your little toy and destroyed it, thanks to your being engaged in watching all five of Lion‑O’s Anointment Trials. You let your guard down for over two hours after your excellent alarm so crisply and clearly picked us up.”

Mon*Star was infuriated, and he decided to funnel that fury toward Hardware. “This is your fault, Hardware. You are the idiot who wanted to find out how Lion‑O became Lord of the Thunder Cats. You bungler!”

“But boss,” whined Hardware. “I, I, I—”

“Silence! You ruined everything. Our friendship is through forever.” The trouble was that Mon*Star always said such things.

“Well, I, I, uh, didn’t mean it boss,” the mechanic stammered. “I, I, I mean—”

“Oh, forget it.” He turned to Yes‑Man and let him out of the Light*Star. “Yes‑Man! Why haven’t you prepared for transformation yet, you fool?”

“Ooh, I’ll get to it right now, boss.” Yes‑Man replied, the faintest hint of snideness in his voice. “Definitely, boss. Whatever you say, now that you’re ready. You’ve got it. Ooh, yes indeed. Certainly! Yes, yes, yes. You said it. Oh, yes. I definitely agree—”

“Shut up,” Mon*Star bellowed, “and get in there to start that transformation machinery this instant, or I’ll stuff you into the Deep Space Ejector and blast you to the back of beyond.” The Deep Space Ejector was a device in the control room that could eject objects through a glass tube spiraling up the side of the fortress and out into space. The force applied was enormous, propelling ejectees many billions of kilometers, yet its inertial compensator prevented harm to the ejectee.

Mostly, of course, this was an empty threat, but it got the point across.

“The back of beyond. Ooh, yes, boss. Definitely. Got it.” He left the room and slithered as quickly as he could toward the control room, only to find Bluegrass waiting for him.

Bluegrass played his guitar, which opened fire on Yes‑Man with powerful music lasers. “Hold it right there, Yes‑Man, unless you’d like to play ‘Name That Song.’ ” With a shriek, Yes‑Man gyrated to avoid getting hit.

Melodia came up with her Sound Smasher aimed at Bluegrass. “Hold it right there, cowboy, or I’ll teach you the real meaning of rock and roll with my trusty Sound Smasher.” Yes‑Man swiftly slithered away.

Bluegrass fired an arm-laser at the place on Melodia’s Sound Smasher where the neck connected to the body, destroying the connection and rendering the Sound Smasher useless. “I suggest that you try not to bite off more than you can chew, lady.”

“Oh, yeah. Right, Bluegrass. I think my judge is burning—I mean my fudge is burning—my mother wants me—I have to, um, I think I had better get out of here.”

“You’d better, lady, or you’re going to really face the country music.”

Mon*Star stormed into the area. “What is keeping you, Yes—? Uh, oh.”

“ ‘Uh, oh,’ is right, star-breath,” said Bluegrass.

“I think I don’t really want to transform, now that you think of it,” Mon*Star lied.

Bluegrass played his Laser Guitar, the head of which was pointed at Mon*Star. “Great idea, Mon*Star. Now, get moving to your room, you bad boy.” Dodging the blasts, Mon*Star ran to the control chamber. “I’ll be seein’ y’around, star-brain.”

“You certainly will.”

“Well, we did what we came to do,” said Steelheart. “Let’s go home.”

“Great idea, Steel-lady. I parked the Mirage outside.”

* * *

Castle Plundarr.

At Castle Plundarr, the Plundarrians had managed to tune their monitors to show a staticky view of Brim*Star. “See?” Vultureman demanded. “Those Silver Hawks defeated the Mob. Are you satisfied, Mumm‑ra?”

“That was part of the plan, Vultureman,” Mumm‑ra said, attempting to retain some patience.

“Yes, Vultureman,” S‑s‑slithe said. “Now, phase two goes into action.”

“Yes,” Luna said. “Now, we head for Limbo.”

“Hoo, hoo. Wait a minute,” Monkian said. “How long will it take to get to Brim*Star?”

“According to my calculations,” said Aluro, “it’ll take about half an hour.”

Jackalman laughed. “That’s good.”

* * *

Cat’s Lair.

Over at Cat’s Lair, the Thunder Cats were trying to tune into the Mutants’ frequency. “Any success yet, Panthro?” asked Tygra.

“I’m just getting faint signals,” Panthro said. “Wait a minute. Here we go. I hear Jackalman laughing like the hyena he is. I’ll transfer it to the main control panel.” An image of the ugly Plundarrians and the even uglier Mumm‑ra appeared on the main screen. The evil-doers were all in conversation.

“Will those Silver Turkeys be surprised when we arrive at Limbo,” Jackalman exclaimed.

“Yes,” said Red‑eye. “And since they all give off heat, I’ll easily be able to find them.”

“Good,” Luna said, clearly in her usual rotten mood. “I do not want anything to go wrong with this little operation.”

“Those disgusting Plundarrians,” said Wilykat.

Bengali shut off the communicator. “Darn. Now those Mutants, Luna‑tacks, and Mumm‑ra are planning to ‘get’ the Silver Hawks.”

“Right, brother,” said Tygra. “Now, we must warn the Silver Hawks about those villains.”

“It could get more serious than that, Tygra,” said Lion‑O. “If the Plundarrians, Mumm‑ra, and the Mob all got together, we and the Silver Hawks may all be in way over our heads. If we and the Silver Hawks get together before those wretches do, though, we can be ready for those evil characters.”

“When do you think is the best time to leave, and in which vehicle?” asked Lynx‑O over the radio. He and Pumyra were monitoring from the Tower of Omens.

“Right,” Pumyra said. “How do we get up there, and how long will it take?”

“We’ll probably be using the Feliner,” Lion‑O said. “Tygra, you can estimate the length of our journey better than I can.”

“At hyper 232, it should take about a third of an hour to get to Hawkhaven,” Tygra said.

“That’s great,” Pumyra said. “It’s a good thing you got the Feliner’s faster-than-light capabilities on par with old Thunderian hyperwarp engines, Tygra. We definitely won’t need suspension capsules.”

“And I sure am relieved,” said Wilykit. She threw an angry glance at Wilykat. “Partly because somebody dragged me into mine when we escaped from Thundera.”

“You probably wouldn’t have gone willingly, anyway, Wilykit,” Wilykat snapped to her in a whisper.

“I think I’ll just stay here, out of harm’s way,” Snarf said.

“Well, I want to go, Uncle Os—Snarf,” Snarfer said. “I’m not afraid of any moon-brains, Egyptian relics, or deep-spaced monsters and robots.”

“Panthro, send out a message in Morse code explaining that we’re coming to Limbo to the Silver Hawks’ satellite base,” Lion‑O said. “Then, join us in the meeting room. Lynx‑O and Pumyra, come here as quickly as possible.”

“You’ve got it, Lion‑O,” said Panthro. “Morse code message is being sent.”

“And Pumyra and I are coming over right now,” Lynx‑O said. “Lynx‑O out.”

* * *

Command Center, Hawkhaven.

Over at Hawkhaven, the Mirage had recently returned from Brim*Star. Quicksilver received the transmission from Cat’s Lair. His jaw dropped as he decoded it. “I don’t believe it.”

“What is it, Quicksilver?” Steelheart asked.

“The Thunder Cats say that Mumm‑ra and the Plundarrians have a plan to join the Mob and then to stop us and the Thunder Cats. The Thunder Cats are coming out here to help us thwart it. They sent this message in Morse code, like the last one.”

“Well, then! I guess we ought to get this place cleaned up for guests. I know how neat you boys keep it.” The other Silver Hawks felt a tad bit embarrassed. She was the neatest person in the whole place. Almost everyone else left their living quarters messy, while she would organize her socks according to the purchase date after having sorted them by type, size, and color. Quicksilver was reasonably neat. Steelwill rarely needed to clean up for anything, mostly because Steelheart had already done it. “Will—”

“I’ll clean up the quarters for invited guests, Steelheart,” said Steelwill.

“Thank you, Will. Go ahead and do so.” Steelwill went downstairs in the elevator. “Bluegrass—”

“Yes, Steel-lady?”

“I’d like you to clean up that hangar. You and I left that mess of parts lying around when we fixed up the Sprint Hawk.”

“Got it.” Bluegrass took another elevator down to the hangar.

“Quicksilver, I want you to inspect the Mirage, the Sprint Hawk, and Copper-Kidd’s Space Racer to make sure that they run all right. Also, help clean up if you have time.”

“It’s as good as done, ma’am,” Quicksilver said. He flew down the stairwell.

“Condor and Moonstriker, patrol around Dolare and Bedlama to see if there is any suspicious activity going on around there.”

In unison Moonstriker and Condor saluted. “Aye, ma’am.” They then left.

“Hotwing and Flashback, I’d like you two to patrol around Automata and the Penal Planet.”

Hotwing said, “Aye, ma’am.”

“As good as done, Commander,” said Flashback. The two departed.

“Stargazer and Copper-Kidd, I want you two to monitor the area between here and third‑Earth.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Stargazer agreed.

“As for myself,” Steelheart said, “I’ll be patrolling around Brim*Star for a little while. It’ll give me a chance to test out these new heel-jets that Will and I have been working on. Good-bye.”

* * *

Cat’s Lair.

The Thunder Cats had all congregated in their meeting hall in Cat’s Lair. The energy and anticipation in the room were palpable. “Even though some of us may look forward to going to Limbo,” said Lion‑O, “some of us will have to remain here at third‑Earth. Lynx‑O and Pumyra, you two will be keeping watch at the Tower of Omens. Keep the Braille Board tuned to the Feliner frequency.”

“Yes, Lion‑O,” said Lynx‑O.

“Bengali, you’ll stay here and keep watch on us on the monitors,” said Lion‑O.

Thunderians had freedom of speech. Bengali exercised it when he said, “I’d rather be up at Limbo helping you. However, as you are the Lord of the Thunder Cats and our friend, I obey your decision.”

Lion‑O understood the sentiment. He would feel the same way in Bengali’s place. He continued, “Thank you, Bengali. Thunder Kittens—”

Wilykat muttered, “We will not like this.”

“Please be quiet and listen,” his sister whispered back. He obeyed, but only because she was the older sibling.

“Oh, I think you will like it,” Lion‑O went on. “You will be preparing the Feliner for take-off. After that, you will be coming with us.”

“Please, Lion‑O,” Wilykat begged. “Let us—we’re coming?”

“Yes, we are,” Wilykit said. She judiciously decided to delete a remark from her present series of words: the remark ‘you idiot.’ This was not the place for it. “When should we prepare the Feliner for take‑off, Lion‑O?”

Lion‑O was beginning to notice a welcome change in her. She was becoming more mature mentally. Definitely more quickly than Wilykat. He wondered when he could reveal how he really felt about her. “When we’re finished in here, Wilykit. Snarf and Snarfer, you two will be staying here. Snarf, you’ll be helping Bengali here at the Lair. Snarfer, you’ll be helping Lynx‑O and Pumyra at the Tower of Omens. Tygra, Cheetara, and Panthro, you three and I are going to Limbo, too.”

“But, Lion‑O, I’m not afraid of anything out there,” Snarfer said.

“Sorry, Snarfer, but Lynx‑O and Pumyra need all the help that they can get.”

“That’s true, Snarfer,” said Lynx‑O.

“Oh, okay,” said Snarfer.

“All right, Thunder Cats,” said Lion‑O. “Let’s go.”

All the Thunder Cats said in unison, “Thunder Cats, Ho!”

* * *

Later, downstairs in the left Cat’s Paw of Cat’s Lair, the Thunder Kittens finished—or, rather, Wilykit finished—the preparation process for the Feliner. Wilykat was sleepy and had not helped much. Wilykit had become exhausted having done the work herself.

“There,” said Wilykit. “All done. This might have gone faster if you had done your half of the work, bro.”

Wilykat yawned. “Hey. Can I help it if I tossed and turned all night?” He rubbed his eyes. “I couldn’t get a wink of sleep last night.”

Wilykit leant against a wall. She was breathing more heavily than normal. “Personally, I think that you’re lying.”

“No, I—yawn—I’m not.”

“Obviously, you have enough energy to argue with me, ’Kat.” Lion‑O came in.

“Have you finished preparing the Feliner, Kittens?” asked Lion‑O.

Wilykat let out a long yawn, at which time he covered his mouth with his hand. “We have.”

Lion‑O was immediately concerned. “What’s the matter, Wilykat?”

“I just couldn’t fall asleep last night, Lion‑O.”

“I see. Wilykit, are you okay? You’re breathing very deeply.”

“No, I’m not. I did about half of my lazy twin brother’s work, Lion‑O.”

“I wasn’t being lazy,” Wilykat said. “I just didn’t have enough energy to do it, Lion‑O.” He yawned wide again.

“Lion‑O, is there some way you can find out whether he is being veracious or mendacious? I still think he’s lying.”

“I’m not sure,” said Lion‑O. “Come with me, Wilykat. We’re going to see Tygra.” In Tygra’s workshop, Tygra was preparing some of his tools for transport when Wilykat and Lion‑O came in. “Tygra, your adopted son did only half of his share of the work of preparing the Feliner. Wilykit did the rest of it, but it exhausted her. He claims not to have gotten any sleep last night.”

“Is that so, Wilykat?” asked Tygra.

“Yes,” said Wilykat. “I just didn’t have enough energy. But Wilykit thought I was lying.”

Tygra picked up a scanner. “This is my medical scanner. Among other things, it can detect the amount of energy that your body is presently capable of exerting and how much it was able to exert when you first went downstairs to ready the Feliner. Are you still sure that you are too weak to have done half of the work?”

“Yes! I’m not lying, Tygra.”

“We’ll see.” He pressed one of the buttons on the device while pointing the device at Wilykat. “Well, I’ll be.”

“What, Tygra?” asked Lion‑O.

“Wilykat really was too tired to have done the work.”

“See?” Wilykat asked angrily. “Isn’t that what I’ve been telling you?” Tygra felt terrible about not believing him.

“Why don’t you take a nap in the Feliner to restore your energy while we’re going to Limbo?” asked Lion‑O.

“It doesn’t sound like a bad idea, does it, Wilykat?” asked Tygra.

“Well, I guess not.” Unable to hold off sleep for any longer, Wilykat fell asleep. Lion‑O caught him and gently picked him up.

“Eh, nope, doesn’t sound like a bad idea.” The door opened to admit Wilykit. “Well, young lady, you were wrong about your brother’s lying.” Wilykit took one look at Wilykat.

“So I see,” said Wilykit, feeling guilty. “I intended no insult.”

“I’ll get Wilykat into the Feliner. Go get Panthro and Cheetara, Tygra. The Feliner is ready for take‑off.” Carrying Wilykat, he left.

Wilykit watched them go for a moment. “Tygra?”

“Yes, ’Kit?”

“Will he forgive me?”

“I’m sure he will, Wilykit. He loves you.”

“He must feel betrayed. I don’t mean to hurt him, Tygra. I just get so impatient with him. There are times when he really is lazy.”

“He’ll be okay, Wilykit, and so will you. Now, why don’t you go down there and wait?”

“All right.”

* * *

Later, in the left Cat’s Paw, the Thunder Cats were in the Feliner. The launch sequence was well underway. “Space-platform activated,” Tygra said. “Flame deflector up. Cat Paw up. Start the countdown, Panthro.”

Panthro counted down from five to one. “Take-off!” As the Thunder Cats entered commands, the motors started. Red nacelles on the wingtips lit up. The powerful hydrogen motors propelled the Feliner forward and up the parabolic launch platform. The ship soared upwards into the sky, defying third‑Earth’s gravity and breaking into space.

* * *

Mumm‑ra’s Pyramid.

Over in the Pyramid, beside which was parked Sky Tomb, Mumm‑ra, Ma‑mutt, the Mutants, and the Luna‑tacks were watching the Thunder Cats in Mumm‑ra’s cauldron. “They’re flying right into our hands,” said S‑s‑slithe. “Yes?”

“Yes,” said Mumm‑ra. “It is time for us to leave. Start up the Sky Tomb while I transform.”

“Well, we heard him,” Luna said. “You lazy bums and I shall get out there and start her up.” The Mutants and Luna‑tacks left in order to do so.

The eyes of the four Ancient Spirits of Evil represented in Mumm‑ra’s tomb lit up. Lightning flashed into the pyramid. Mumm‑ra began transforming. “Ancient Spirits of Evil, transform this decayed form to Mumm‑ra, the Ever-Living.” By the last word, Mumm‑ra was completely transformed. “Come, Ma‑mutt. Let’s get to Sky Tomb outside and catch those Thunder Cats.”

Outside, where Sky Tomb was parked, the fortress’s engines were firing up. Luna was waiting in the elevator-door. “Hurry, Mumm‑ra! We’re about to take off.”

Mumm‑ra flew in and pulled Ma‑mutt in behind him. “I’m here.” The elevator went up into Sky Tomb, and Mumm‑ra and Luna went to the control room.

“All weapons ready,” Vultureman said. “Tomb thrusters engaged. Tomb controls enabled. Vari Cannon on-line. Warp drive functional. Cloaking device ready. Sky Tomb a‑okay for lift-off. Caw.” Vultureman and Aluro piloted the dreaded Sky Tomb into space.

“All right,” said Luna with pleasure. “We never got this far beyond third‑Earth before when we were looking for the stupid Treasure of Thundera. You boys fixed it up pretty good.” Vultureman piloted Sky Tomb behind an asteroid right in the Feliner’s path to lie in wait for the Thunder Cats.

Aluro went over to Vultureman’s control panel and pressed a few buttons. “We’ll wait here for the Thunder Cats. When they come cruising past here at warp speed, we’ll knock their seatbelts off with the Vari Cannon.” He laughed in the classic, corny manner of an insane scientist.