Thundercats - A Cage With Gold Bars

The ship's pilot raised her head, hands smoothing back the white feathers from her face. Wide-eyed, she glanced around the nerve-center of her small transport vessel. The cockpit was still intact. Silently, her long, talon-tipped fingers played across the console. A spark snapped and her fist smashed down on the board. "Damn!"

Alle-Ma, of the planet Aviir, was ready to kill. That little twitter-brained sparrow, Tormi, would hang by his tail feathers. The stupid gyro-stats had shorted out again. As she worked the controls, lights danced and flickered, a gentle mechanical purr reactivating the controls. She gave a sigh of relief. Life was returning to the spacecraft's systems. Already the automat indicated that self-repair was commencing, and the malfunction was being corrected.

She rose, going to the back of the cockpit. A set of monitors flashed, showing that the cargo cages were still intact, and the vital-signs of the animals inside them were strong. The many exotic life-forms were still oblivious to their surroundings. Thank the Phoenix none of the animals had perished. She was close to her quota and losing any of these creatures would be a big set-back. After all, she had her reputation at stake. Not many could claim to be the most successful trapper in the galaxy. At least her galaxy.

Where in the universe was she? She'd been tracking a rare grolen peacock when the guidance system blew. "Nothing else to do. I might as well figure out were in the Peregrine I am and start plotting a course for home."

She returned to the command seat and set about her task. The pilot's log clicked on as data rolled across the sensor screen. "Gods--what back-galaxy dustball did I land on? Mutters spiral--Sol 3. Oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere. Looks like a typical worn-out planet....not much in the way of life forms. Pretty common species--ranging from mechanoids to primitive humanoids. Remnants of civilization...." Her keen eagle eyes stayed on the screen as the sensors swept the perimeter. The scope blipped a warning. Pulling the picture into tight focus, she scanned. Her mouth dropped open, her pulse rate rising a notch.

"Great Phoenix!"

The grid outlined two big felinoids. Excitement rose as she scanned closer. "I can't believe this. A leo and a tigris--but those species are rare--almost extinct." Extinct or not, these two were real. She jabbed a button. "Automat, delay departure."

Oppressive hot air rushed through the open roof of the Thundertank as it roared down on what could barely pass for a dirt road. A frustrated Cheetara had given up on the sensor scans. Interference was the only thing that registered. Beside her, Panthro worked the controls, guiding the armored vehicle at top speed, navigating as best as he possibly could through the dense forest.

Her worry increased as she searched the rapidly passing woods. No sign of Lion-O, Tygra or Snarf. The explosions had stopped, the glow of fire and columns of smoke had disappeared, but there was still no word from her fellow Thundercats. The sense of foreboding grew stronger and stronger. She leaned forward in the passenger seat, straining to see farther than her cat-sharp sight would allow. "Can't you make this thing go any faster?"

Panthro pushed levers that were already at maximum. He shook his head. "Throttle's wide open."

She sat back, fighting a panic that rose like a fever. Biting her knuckle, she stared through the windshield. The UFO had crashed, sending the monitor panels at Cat's Lair into a spin. At that instant, she had been struck by a premonition of danger. Her mate, Lion-O, and her long-time friends Tygra and Snarf were in that vicinity. They had to be all right, she told herself. They had to be. But her sixth sense screamed otherwise.

"Let me out," she said. "I can get to the crash site faster on foot."

"No way," Panthro said. "You're safer in the tank with me."

"I can take care of myself."

"Lion-O's orders."

She sat down, feeling as useless as the tracking scope in front of her.

He took the tank around a bend and again tried to get more speed from the machine. There was movement in the road up ahead. Something red and fuzzy loped down the dusty trail. She stood, gripping the edge of the windshield, shading her eyes as she squinted at the animal. Hope kindled as Cheetara pointed, "It's Snarf."

Panthro cut the tank's speed, rolling to a stop.

The little Snarf leaped into the front seat. "Prrrt! Boy," he panted. "Am I glad to see you!"

"Snarf, where's Lion-O and Tygra?" Cheetara asked urgently.

"I--don't know." Snarf swallowed, trying to catch his breath. "They left their fishing spot. I was following their trail. It leads in the direction of that UFO." He pointed at a thick colony of trees. "Straight that way."

"That does it," Cheetara said and started to get out of the tank.

Panthro grabbed her arm. "Sit down," he ordered. "I'm taking the direct route."

Grimly, she nodded, and Panthro backed up the Thundertank, kicking the drive into full speed ahead. The treads spun, leaving a cloud of dust and dirt as it shot forward. Panthro hit several buttons in rapid succession. The canopy closed, the front razor claws and steel teeth of the tank bared, tearing into the thick barrier of trees.

Jolted right and left, Cheetara hung onto Snarf, while trying to brace herself against the dash. The trees were thinning, changing to scrubby terrain. A high-pitched whine cut across the woods, transforming into a full blast engine roar that violently quaked the ground.

Panthro stopped the tank, keying the canopy to retract. "What in the shining seas of ThunDERa?" His eyes went to the sky as a huge shadow eclipsed the glaring sun.

Cheetara and Snarf looked up at a falcon-shaped space craft rising high into the blue atmosphere. Its burners flared, sending a maelstrom of exhaust, dirt and dust from the pit it had dug. Nose up, the vessel glided forward, climbing for outer space.

"I don't like this," Snarf whined.

"No," Cheetara whispered, her eyes following the rapidly retreating craft. Her sixth sense tingled in warning. The light of her bond-mate dimmed as the ship picked up speed, shooting farther and farther away. "Dear Jaga, no!" She was out and running for the crater wall.

"Cheetara!" Panthro yelled. "No!"

She scrambled up the crumbling dry earth, stopping at the crest, searching the blast area. There was no sign of life anywhere. Scent was obliterated by the stench of ozone and dissipating rocket exhaust. Rays of sunshine glimmered off a silver object on the opposite bank of the crater.

Panthro's heavy footfalls sounded behind her. "Dang blast it!" he growled when he caught up to her. "What in ThunDERa do you think you're doing?"

"Look, over there," she said, moving along the rim. In seconds, she reached the glowing object. She knelt, brushing the soft dirt away, and her heart nearly stopped. Panthro's shadow fell across her as she picked up the Sword of Omens.

"Dear Jaga," Panthro whispered.

"Look down there," Snarf said, pointing to the bottom of the pit.

Signs of a scuffle cut chaotic patterns in the soil. Something gold and shiny lay partially buried at the foot of the crater's wall. Sword in hand Cheetara started down the embankment, followed by Panthro and Snarf. Half walking, half sliding, they made it to the bottom.

"The claw shield," Panthro said as he pulled it from the soil.

Snarf peered around, then scampered off to the center of the field.

Cheetara's eye wouldn't leave the claw shield, her fears mounting as she stared at the golden object. "Lion-O," she whispered.

"And where's Tygra," Panthro said worriedly. "There's no sign he was here."

"Mmmmfff." Snarf loped toward them. In his mouth, he carried something cylindrical.

Panthro took it from him. "The bolo-whip." He examined the tether end. "The power cord was sheared off."

Cheetara grew cold. What she'd sensed at the sight of the space craft was true. "Whoever was here has Lion-O and Tygra."

"Yeah," Snarf said. "And this is how they got them." In his palm lay a shiny dart casing, a nasty needle glinting in the sunlight.

Cheetara paced the control center of Cat's Lair like a caged cat. Action was needed, not waiting. The more time that passed the colder the trail of that mysterious spaceship would grow. She stopped, staring at the monitor that displayed the surrounding terrain of Cat's Lair. "What's taking so long? Why doesn't she contact us?"

"The call went out to Mandora only minutes ago?" Bengali said softly. The white tiger swiveled away from the Braille board he was installing in the main controls. His blue eyes mirrored her concern. "I know it's easier said than done, but you must relax."

"Worry won't change what's happened," Pumyra said, laying a comforting hand on Cheetara's shoulder. "Panthro and Lynx-O were wise to contact Control Force Five. If we were to rush off without direction, we'd only waste more time."

"Either way, we're wasting time," Cheetara said. She hated this helpless feeling. Closing her eyes she felt for Lion-O's presence. His emotional tie was faint, telling her great distance now separated them. She forced herself to calm the growing anxiety. Worry would only waste precious energy. Running a hand through her spotted mane, she breathed deeply.

Bengali and Pumyra were beside her, offering what comfort they could. With and arm around her shoulder, Bengali said, "We will find them. Tygra and Lord Lion-O will be all right."

"I hope your prediction is true," she answered softly.

Pumyra gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Bengali's right. We owe you our lives and we will do whatever it takes to bring them home safely."

Cheetara smiled sadly. She wished she could share their optimism. They were younger, newer members of the Thundercats' small group. They and their friend Lynx-O were survivors that had miraculously made it to Third Earth after the destruction of their home planet, ThunDERa. They had proven to be good, loyal friends.

"Look, here come the kittens," Pumyra said, pointing at the screen. "Maybe they have news."

On the screen, two figures zoomed in low on their spaceboards, skimming the air as if it were smooth water. The children glided in and dismounted, running up the front steps of the Lair.

The control room door slid aside, but instead of the Thunderkittens, it was Panthro and Lynx-O.

"The Feliner is ready," Panthro said.

"Any word yet?" Lynx-O asked. Even though blind, the lynx navigated unerringly to the scanner station on the right and sat down.

"I'm afraid not," Bengali said.

The door opened again, permitting Kit and Kat to enter. The excited pair scurried over to Cheetara, grabbing her hands.

"We talked to everyone we could," Kit said breathlessly.

"We didn't have any luck until we talked to the Berbils," Kat continued. "Robeir Bill said our description sounded like an Aviirian ship."

"Much like the Vultura mutant race," his sister said. "Story has it there's a prospector that has free reign in unclaimed sectors of space. It's rumored the Aviirian is also a poacher."

Cheetara's eyes widened in surprise. "Poacher?"

"A person who illegally takes or kills any life-form, sentient or not," Panthro said. "It usually pertains to endangered species."

"Like us." Numbly, she stared at the screen. "How could anyone be so barbaric?"

"Money talks," he said.

The communication circuit bleeped, and a husky female voice sounded from the speaker. "Thundercats, this is Mandora, Officer First Class of Control Force Five. Come in please."

Bengali worked the board. The screen crackled with a burst of static. A picture of a helmeted woman came into focus, a shiny visor obscuring her eyes. A long pony tail of thick blonde hair cascaded from the top of the helmet. "Come in Mandora," he responded. "This is Cat's Lair."

"Received your transmission. We have a match on your sensor picture." Mandora switched the screen and a schematic appeared with an overlay of what had to be a police file photo. "Astronautical numbers show this ship is registered to one Alle-Ma-a-Quila." The picture shifted, showing the image of woman, sharp green eyes set against snow white feathers, a crown of white plumage sweeping back from her angular face. "She's of the Buetanon race, a real bird of prey. She's registered as a prospector-explorer for her planet, Aviir. But we've got good reason to believe she does more than that. She is suspected of illegal hunting and trapping."

"You have good reason," Cheetara said, a angry edge to her voice, "and you haven't stopped her?"

Mandora's face came back on the screen. "In order to make an arrest, you need solid evidence."

"You want evidence, we may have it," Panthro said. "That ship landed here on Third Earth. Now Lion-O and Tygra are missing. Can you help us?"

Mandora remained silent a moment. "We can, but it'll be a whole galacto day before Control can send anyone out."

Cheetara stood straight. "A whole day?"

"And that would be to establish the fact that a crime has been committed," the officer said.

"Very well," Panthro said, cutting off Cheetara before she could utter another word. "We'll appreciate whatever assistance you can give us." He motioned for Bengali to sign off.

Cheetara glared at Panthro. "And what are we to do? Sit here and do nothing."

"I didn't say that." Arms crossed, Panthro leaned against the console. "We're gonna go after this bird lady."

"That's more like it," Cheetara said.

"But not you."

Shocked, Cheetara could only stare at her friend. "Wh-what? Why?"

Muscles involuntarily tightened as her hand stroked downward, going from his chest to skim over his belly. She reached for one of the clasps at the waistband of the garment he wore. It snapped open, clinking as it bounced on the stone floor.

Heart racing, he fought the sensations she inspired. This woman had taken him from his home, his loved ones, subjected him to much humiliation, and nearly destroyed Tygra. Now, she was taking his dignity. The other clasp came free, giving a metallic ring as it too dropped.

Cheetara he mentally cried. He gasped, eyes shutting tight as his head reared back into the pillows.

Crossing her arms, Pumyra asked, "Can we still be sure it's Aviir? The Orions mentioned Canis Minor."

"There's no doubt in my mind--it's Aviir," Cheetara said flatly.

"I agree." Panthro looked down at her. "You started to tell me something."

"Yes, I found the information on the Aviirians." Cheetara rose, toying with the earpiece. "It's not pretty. These birdpeople have a matriarchal society. Evolutionary paths stem from birds of prey. They are hunters."

Horror chilled Lion-O for one eternal moment. The searing flash of empathic fear had diminished to a lingering anguish that was overtaken by his own. Now the spear was poised over Cheetara as if frozen in time.

"NO!" he cried, tearing away from Tygra and Panthro's supportive hold. He slammed against the barrier, his fists pounding against the hot thick glass. Shock galvanized into angry black denial. He stood back, fist uncurling as his hand raised high. "Sword of Omens, come to my hand!"



A feeling of laziness hung in the humid air, draining ambition for even the most simple task. Afternoon shadows stretched from the huge trees along the riverbank, sending little relief from the heat. Lion-O, Lord of the Thundercats, leaned back against the trunk of an ancient water oak and let his fishing line do all the work. It wasn't often that peaceful moments occurred. When they did, they were more than appreciated. Fellow Thundercat noble Tygra lifted a crude pole and tossed a line into the flowing blue-green water. "I can't believe it," he said, securing the bamboo rod. "We actually have time to relax and enjoy ourselves." He joined Lion-O in the coolness of the shade and settled back against the tree. Hands behind his head, he closed his eyes. "I just hope it lasts." "Shh! Don't jinx our luck." Tygra's laugh was cut short. The leaves of the nearby underbrush rustled loudly, even though there was no breeze. The two cats looked at each other, then looked around the trunk of the tree. The tip of a thick red tail, with a yellow stripe running down its middle, peeked over the bushes like a periscope, then it proceeded to cut through the thick cover of green. "You spoke too soon," Lion-O muttered, as Snarf emerged from the foliage. "There you are," Snarf panted. "I've been looking all over for you guys." He scowled, the yellow fur on his back bristling. "We have work to do back at the Lair and you two run off and waste your time by fishing." "You don't like my meatfruit loaf?" Snarf asked indignantly. "Aww, Snarf, we're not wasting time," Lion-O said. "We thought we'd have something different for supper tonight."
Snarf sat up, crossing his short arms. "And what's wrong with what I had planned?" "Uh--nothing," he replied, looking at Tygra for help. Tygra gave a crooked smile and shrugged. "Oh, we thought trillfish sounded better than meatfruit loaf." That earned a frown from the four legged creature. Lion-O lowered his head as he rubbed the bridge of his nose and covertly said, "Now you've done it."
"No," Tygra said, getting an even angrier look from the Snarf. "Yes. No, that's not what I meant. What I'm trying to say is that having it four out of seven days a week gets--boring." "Oh, so it's boring." Nose and tail straight in the air, Snarf stalked off. "Well, see if I fix your trillfish. Ha! Boring, he says...." And he disappeared into the undergrowth. "No, Snarf. Wait!" "Oh, let him go," Lion-O said with a smile. "You'll only dig yourself deeper." "Yes," Tygra answered, giving a sidelong glance at his friend. "I noticed how much help I got from you. You were actually enjoying my predicament." Lion-O laughed. "If there's one thing I've learned, it's when not to argue with Snarf." He settled back against the rough bark of the trunk. "Don't let it bother you. By the time we get back to the Lair, he'll have cooled off." "You should know." Tygra checked his fishing pole, then he, too, leaned back. Quietly, the minutes passed with no bites. Lion-O closed his eyes, letting tension drain away in the soft rushing sound of the river. No crisis demanded his attention. Even Mumm-Ra and the mutants had been quiet, giving the Thundercats a much needed rest. In times like these, Third Earth was most beautiful. For once, everything was in harmony. A slender thread of worry wove through his reverie as he thought about his mate. Lately, Cheetara seemed--different. Subtle changes were taking place within her--changes he could sense through their empathic bond. Suspicion rose high in Lion-O's mind. Could it be? he thought. A sudden crash of thunder jolted the ground. Fur on end, he and a startled Tygra were wide awake, and on their feet. "What was that?" Tygra asked, searching the sky. "No storm clouds in sight." Lion-O shaded his eyes. There was nothing to be seen. Another boom rocked the ground, sending dead leaves cascading from the tree. A pinpoint of light flared, growing larger and larger against the blue sky. Tygra squinted up. "A meteor?" A black plume spiraled after the object as it twirled down from the heavens. "I don't think so," Lion-O said, an ominous feeling growing stronger as the thing grew brighter. He pulled the sword from the claw shield and held it up. "Sword of Omens, give me sight beyond sight." The Eye of ThunDERa, imbedded in the silver hilt, glowed. The blade vibrated, the mystic stone dilated, the ornate crossbars curling up he touched the sacred jewel to his forehead. A hazy picture formed in his mind. "It's a spaceship. Heading for the forest. It's going to crash." The roar of retros were drowned out as another sonic boom split the air. The bullet-shaped vessel was visible down its fin lines now. It listed, righting itself only to shift to the other side. Nose up, it zoomed overhead, sending down a furnace blast of air. The thing barely regained control as it dipped down. Trees twisted and broke, bursting into flame as it cut a large swath across the forest. For one horrifying moment, Lion-O and Tygra stood frozen. "Snarf!" Lion-O shouted. "He's in the forest," he said, and tore into the brush. "Lion-O! No! The fire--" Lion-O ran, dodging obstacles, plowing through the weeds and brush. Smoke curled from fallen trees, charred and broken branches blocking the path. He leapt, clearing the trunk of a large tree. The next thing he knew, something had slammed into him, knocking him to the ground. He struggled, twisting around. "Tygra! Let me go!" "For you to rush off and get killed?" he panted. "No way." "But Snarf--" "We don't know what route Snarf took." Tygra let go, and sat back. "We've got to keep a level head and think this through." Lion-O held up his hand, motioning for silence. After a beat, he said, "The forest--it's quiet." Tygra listened. "You're right." Perplexed, Lion-O studied his surroundings. The vessel had cut a clear path to the heart of the forest. The glow of fire and heat had died away, leaving only faint tendrils of smoke rising into the air. "To put it mildly--this is strange. Contact the Lair. Tell Cheetara we're going to investigate." "I'm trying," Tygra said, working the communicator switch on the handle of his bolo-whip. "All I'm getting is static." He tucked the weapon back in its place in his tunic. "It could be interference from that ship." "Then let's find out." Lion-O led the way down the newly cut trail. All the while they walked, he prayed that Snarf was safe, steeling himself for the worst. "Oh, so it's boring." Nose and tail straight in the air, Snarf stalked off. "Well, see if I fix your trillfish. Ha! Boring, he says...." And he disappeared into the undergrowth. "No, Snarf. Wait!" "Oh, let him go," Lion-O said with a smile. "You'll only dig yourself deeper." "Yes," Tygra answered, giving a sidelong glance at his friend. "I noticed how much help I got from you. You were actually enjoying my predicament." Lion-O laughed. "If there's one thing I've learned, it's when not to argue with Snarf." He settled back against the rough bark of the trunk. "Don't let it bother you. By the time we get back to the Lair, he'll have cooled off." "You should know." Tygra checked his fishing pole, then he, too, leaned back. Quietly, the minutes passed with no bites. Lion-O closed his eyes, letting tension drain away in the soft rushing sound of the river. No crisis demanded his attention. Even Mumm-Ra and the mutants had been quiet, giving the Thundercats a much needed rest. In times like these, Third Earth was most beautiful. For once, everything was in harmony. A slender thread of worry wove through his reverie as he thought about his mate. Lately, Cheetara seemed--different. Subtle changes were taking place within her--changes he could sense through their empathic bond. Suspicion rose high in Lion-O's mind. Could it be? he thought. A sudden crash of thunder jolted the ground. Fur on end, he and a startled Tygra were wide awake, and on their feet. "What was that?" Tygra asked, searching the sky. "No storm clouds in sight." Lion-O shaded his eyes. There was nothing to be seen. Another boom rocked the ground, sending dead leaves cascading from the tree. A pinpoint of light flared, growing larger and larger against the blue sky. Tygra squinted up. "A meteor?" A black plume spiraled after the object as it twirled down from the heavens. "I don't think so," Lion-O said, an ominous feeling growing stronger as the thing grew brighter. He pulled the sword from the claw shield and held it up. "Sword of Omens, give me sight beyond sight." The Eye of ThunDERa, imbedded in the silver hilt, glowed. The blade vibrated, the mystic stone dilated, the ornate crossbars curling up he touched the sacred jewel to his forehead. A hazy picture formed in his mind. "It's a spaceship. Heading for the forest. It's going to crash." The roar of retros were drowned out as another sonic boom split the air. The bullet-shaped vessel was visible down its fin lines now. It listed, righting itself only to shift to the other side. Nose up, it zoomed overhead, sending down a furnace blast of air. The thing barely regained control as it dipped down. Trees twisted and broke, bursting into flame as it cut a large swath across the forest. For one horrifying moment, Lion-O and Tygra stood frozen. "Snarf!" Lion-O shouted. "He's in the forest," he said, and tore into the brush. "Lion-O! No! The fire--" Lion-O ran, dodging obstacles, plowing through the weeds and brush. Smoke curled from fallen trees, charred and broken branches blocking the path. He leapt, clearing the trunk of a large tree. The next thing he knew, something had slammed into him, knocking him to the ground. He struggled, twisting around. "Tygra! Let me go!" "For you to rush off and get killed?" he panted. "No way." "But Snarf--" "We don't know what route Snarf took." Tygra let go, and sat back. "We've got to keep a level head and think this through." Lion-O held up his hand, motioning for silence. After a beat, he said, "The forest--it's quiet." Tygra listened. "You're right." Perplexed, Lion-O studied his surroundings. The vessel had cut a clear path to the heart of the forest. The glow of fire and heat had died away, leaving only faint tendrils of smoke rising into the air. "To put it mildly--this is strange. Contact the Lair. Tell Cheetara we're going to investigate." "I'm trying," Tygra said, working the communicator switch on the handle of his bolo-whip. "All I'm getting is static." He tucked the weapon back in its place in his tunic. "It could be interference from that ship." "Then let's find out." Lion-O led the way down the newly cut trail. All the while they walked, he prayed that Snarf was safe, steeling himself for the worst.
###
The ship's pilot raised her head, hands smoothing back the white feathers from her face. Wide-eyed, she glanced around the nerve-center of her small transport vessel. The cockpit was still intact. Silently, her long, talon-tipped fingers played across the console. A spark snapped and her fist smashed down on the board. "Damn!" Alle-Ma, of the planet Aviir, was ready to kill. That little twitter-brained sparrow, Tormi, would hang by his tail feathers. The stupid gyro-stats had shorted out again. As she worked the controls, lights danced and flickered, a gentle mechanical purr reactivating the controls. She gave a sigh of relief. Life was returning to the spacecraft's systems. Already the automat indicated that self-repair was commencing, and the malfunction was being corrected. She rose, going to the back of the cockpit. A set of monitors flashed, showing that the cargo cages were still intact, and the vital-signs of the animals inside them were strong. The many exotic life-forms were still oblivious to their surroundings. Thank the Phoenix none of the animals had perished. She was close to her quota and losing any of these creatures would be a big set-back. After all, she had her reputation at stake. Not many could claim to be the most successful trapper in the galaxy. At least her galaxy. Where in the universe was she? She'd been tracking a rare grolen peacock when the guidance system blew. "Nothing else to do. I might as well figure out were in the Peregrine I am and start plotting a course for home." She returned to the command seat and set about her task. The pilot's log clicked on as data rolled across the sensor screen. "Gods--what back-galaxy dustball did I land on? Mutters spiral--Sol 3. Oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere. Looks like a typical worn-out planet....not much in the way of life forms. Pretty common species--ranging from mechanoids to primitive humanoids. Remnants of civilization...." Her keen eagle eyes stayed on the screen as the sensors swept the perimeter. The scope blipped a warning. Pulling the picture into tight focus, she scanned. Her mouth dropped open, her pulse rate rising a notch. "Great Phoenix!" The grid outlined two big felinoids. Excitement rose as she scanned closer. "I can't believe this. A leo and a tigris--but those species are rare--almost extinct." Extinct or not, these two were real. She jabbed a button. "Automat, delay departure." A robotic voice droned in answer. "Delay time start. T-minus what value, mistress?" "Thirty re-syks." The machine's acknowledgment was ignored as she grabbed her gear, slinging a cartridge belt over her shoulder and strapping the tag kit to her narrow waist. Lastly, she pulled the short-barreled dart rifle from stowage and gave it a quick check before jamming a full cartridge into the chamber. Bolt back, the weapon hissed, air compression building to maximum. A click and the first sleep dart slipped into position. She grinned. This little side trip just earned her a bonus and Tormi forgiveness.
###
Crouched behind a thicket, Lion-O bent back the branches to peer at the streamlined spacecraft. It looked like a small transport vessel. The force of its landing had shattered trees and plowed a deep furrow in the ground. Moist earth formed a high mound around the craft. The guidance wings curved back, the rear fin struts jutting back like the tail, making the thing look like a bird sitting on a lopsided nest. "Amazing," he whispered. "It's intact." "I expected this ship to be spread from here to Castle Plundar," Tygra murmured. Carefully, he let the leafy branches back to their normal position. "I smell chemicals. Must have smothered the fire." "Yes, probably." Lion-O gazed out again. There was no sign of Snarf. Maybe he had taken the river route back to the Lair. The Sword would have growled a warning of danger if the little guy was in trouble. He relaxed a bit at that thought. Curiosity nagged at him as he looked at the spacecraft. "The crew might be injured. Maybe we should we go out and look?" "Not yet. Let's wait for the Thundertank to get here." "You got through to the Lair?" "No, but rest assured, Panthro and Cheetara saw it. They'll be here." A mechanical clank punctuated the calm. A low hum vibrated the air as bright light seeped from the seams of the opening hatch. A short gangway dropped to the ground and a tall, lean figure appeared in the hatchway. Lion-O's eyes narrowed when he saw it was a female descending the steps. She was dressed in a short tunic as black as the feathers that covered her arms and legs. A cap of short white plumage framed her sharp facial features. His attention turned to the wicked-looking weapon she carried, and the ammunition belt cutting across her bosom gave her an ominous aura. Piercing green eyes seemed to reach through the foliage, settling right where Lion-O and Tygra hid. The Sword of Omens growled, the eye glowing bright. The gun came up, and Lion-O shoved Tygra aside as the woman fired into the bushes. He rolled, yanking the sword from the claw shield and came to his feet. Tygra's bolo-whip lashed out, curling around himself and he disappeared. Cue taken, Lion-O counted to ten and charged from the cover. The Sword activated, the blade extending for battle. "Ho-ooo!" The hunter spun at his shout, the gun pointing directly at him and she fired. He leapt, dirt exploding beneath him as he vaulted to safety. The Sword of Omens glowed with power as he swung it, aiming at the birdwoman. A blast of blue energy shot forth as he concentrated every ounce of will into the counterattack. Surprise jolted him. The woman dodged the beam, throwing something at him. The egg shaped object detonated at his feet, sending a stinging red cloud of smoke into the air. Eyes watering, he held his breath, running for the ridge of the ship's crater. Dizziness washed over him and he stumbled, barely managing to keep going as he went up the incline. A keening laugh pierced his eardrums. The hunter was right behind him. His vision went double when he made it to the top of the mound. Balancing precariously, he fought the noxious dose of gas and won. Anger and determination sizzled as he swung the Sword, aiming down as she pointed the rifle up. Out of nowhere a cord wrapped around her waist, pulling taut. Tygra came visible, and yanked her off balance. She fell, rolling away from Lion-O. Rage twisted the birdwoman's face. A knife blade flashed, sparks flying from the severed tether. She came up, her finger pressing the trigger. Tygra somersaulted backwards as she swung the gun barrel high, letting a barrage cut across his path. He cried out, the damaged bolo-whip falling from his hand as he crashed to the ground. "Tygra!" Lion-O shouted. His friend struggled to stand, collapsing as the hunter fired another shot into him. He roared in pain, sprawling face down, lying still. Momentarily stunned, he gaped at the sight. Claws of fear curled around his heart. He had to call for help. Sword held high, Lion-O focused his mind. "Thunder!" Energy crackled around the silver blade. "Thunder!" The hunter spun, pointing the evil weapon at him. "Thunder!" She fired. "Thundercats--" Needle-sharp pain struck deep in his right thigh. "H-aaah!" Heat flashed through nerves and veins, rushing through his mind like fire. The world wobbled as he looked down at a silver dart embedded in his leg. His knees gave way, and he fell forward, strength leeching from his muscles. Sword still in hand, he struggled to raise it. It was too heavy to lift, and it dropped from his useless fingers. Thick grayness etched his vision as he lost balance and tumbled down the incline. Dirt and rock dust flew when his backside hit the crater bottom. He tried to move, tried to get up. He fought the drug that was slowly robbing him of his wits. A blurred wraith-like image came into view. He stared unblinking at the birdwoman who towered over him, studying him. He tried to speak, but his tongue was too thick and all he managed was a weak guttural growl. She smiled as she pointed the gun down, and pulled the trigger. He cried out as another dart drove into the flesh of his upper arm. His will drained away and the world glazed icy white.
###
Alle-Ma gazed down at the drugged cat, her smile broadening. She knelt beside her catch, checking his respiration rate and pupilary response. "You're a fighter. That's a sign of good health." She gave him a cursory assessment. "You're a young one. Damn good mask markings, and coat color. Magnificent physical development. I'd like to congratulate whoever your breeder is because they got the right combination of genes." She reached into the tag-kit, retrieving a small stapling device and inserted a chip. It took a moment to get through the thick red mane to the pointed ear. Placing the tip between the jaws of the tagger, she squeezed down. The cat growled as the chip implanted into the cartilage. "You couldn't have felt that. You're too drunk!" Puzzled, she studied the cat's blue body suit. The cat-head symbol on the belt bothered her. She'd seen that emblem somewhere, a long time ago. It didn't matter, she'd check it out later. She hurried over to the tiger, and rolled him onto his back. A glow of pride burned inside. The assessment went as expected. This catch was her best yet: a short white mane, symmetrical orange mask, thick orange fur, stripped with black--the markings were fabulous. If all went accordingly, he was a perfect match for Lorabi's cat. "You're older than your lion friend, eh?" She reached for another chip. "Well developed muscles, lean, but built like a barbed wire fence and just as tough, I'll bet." Her comm bracelet blipped. "Ten minutes to departure, mistress. Any further orders?" "Automat, ready holding cages 110 and 111. Make the force field double strength and prepare to transport on my signal." "Affirmative mistress." Alle-Ma repeated the tagging procedure and got the same growling response. Surprised, she knelt back. "You two are tough. I'd like to meet your master--but not right now." She touched the comm bracelet switch. "Automat?" "Ready." "Energize." A sparkling glow surrounded the cats and they faded into nothing. Alle-Ma turned, hurrying back to her ship. Time was growing short for her to get home. She ran up the gangway, stopping momentarily to look down on the patterns the struggle had left in the soil. By the Phoenix, there was nothing like the thrill of a good challenge, especially when she won. She keyed the door and the gangway retracted, the hatch seals sliding down as she headed for the cockpit.
###
Oppressive hot air rushed through the open roof of the Thundertank as it roared down on what could barely pass for a dirt road. A frustrated Cheetara had given up on the sensor scans. Interference was the only thing that registered. Beside her, Panthro worked the controls, guiding the armored vehicle at top speed, navigating as best as he possibly could through the dense forest. Her worry increased as she searched the rapidly passing woods. No sign of Lion-O, Tygra or Snarf. The explosions had stopped, the glow of fire and columns of smoke had disappeared, but there was still no word from her fellow Thundercats. The sense of foreboding grew stronger and stronger. She leaned forward in the passenger seat, straining to see farther than her cat-sharp sight would allow. "Can't you make this thing go any faster?" Panthro pushed levers that were already at maximum. He shook his head. "Throttle's wide open." She sat back, fighting a panic that rose like a fever. Biting her knuckle, she stared through the windshield. The UFO had crashed, sending the monitor panels at Cat's Lair into a spin. At that instant, she had been struck by a premonition of danger. Her mate, Lion-O, and her long-time friends Tygra and Snarf were in that vicinity. They had to be all right, she told herself. They had to be. But her sixth sense screamed otherwise. "Let me out," she said. "I can get to the crash site faster on foot." "No way," Panthro said. "You're safer in the tank with me." "I can take care of myself." "Lion-O's orders." She sat down, feeling as useless as the tracking scope in front of her. He took the tank around a bend and again tried to get more speed from the machine. There was movement in the road up ahead. Something red and fuzzy loped down the dusty trail. She stood, gripping the edge of the windshield, shading her eyes as she squinted at the animal. Hope kindled as Cheetara pointed, "It's Snarf." Panthro cut the tank's speed, rolling to a stop. The little Snarf leaped into the front seat. "Prrrt! Boy," he panted. "Am I glad to see you!" "Snarf, where's Lion-O and Tygra?" Cheetara asked urgently. "I--don't know." Snarf swallowed, trying to catch his breath. "They left their fishing spot. I was following their trail. It leads in the direction of that UFO." He pointed at a thick colony of trees. "Straight that way." "That does it," Cheetara said and started to get out of the tank. Panthro grabbed her arm. "Sit down," he ordered. "I'm taking the direct route." Grimly, she nodded, and Panthro backed up the Thundertank, kicking the drive into full speed ahead. The treads spun, leaving a cloud of dust and dirt as it shot forward. Panthro hit several buttons in rapid succession. The canopy closed, the front razor claws and steel teeth of the tank bared, tearing into the thick barrier of trees. Jolted right and left, Cheetara hung onto Snarf, while trying to brace herself against the dash. The trees were thinning, changing to scrubby terrain. A high-pitched whine cut across the woods, transforming into a full blast engine roar that violently quaked the ground. Panthro stopped the tank, keying the canopy to retract. "What in the shining seas of ThunDERa?" His eyes went to the sky as a huge shadow eclipsed the glaring sun. Cheetara and Snarf looked up at a falcon-shaped space craft rising high into the blue atmosphere. Its burners flared, sending a maelstrom of exhaust, dirt and dust from the pit it had dug. Nose up, the vessel glided forward, climbing for outer space. "I don't like this," Snarf whined. "No," Cheetara whispered, her eyes following the rapidly retreating craft. Her sixth sense tingled in warning. The light of her bond-mate dimmed as the ship picked up speed, shooting farther and farther away. "Dear Jaga, no!" She was out and running for the crater wall. "Cheetara!" Panthro yelled. "No!" She scrambled up the crumbling dry earth, stopping at the crest, searching the blast area. There was no sign of life anywhere. Scent was obliterated by the stench of ozone and dissipating rocket exhaust. Rays of sunshine glimmered off a silver object on the opposite bank of the crater. Panthro's heavy footfalls sounded behind her. "Dang blast it!" he growled when he caught up to her. "What in ThunDERa do you think you're doing?" "Look, over there," she said, moving along the rim. In seconds, she reached the glowing object. She knelt, brushing the soft dirt away, and her heart nearly stopped. Panthro's shadow fell across her as she picked up the Sword of Omens. "Dear Jaga," Panthro whispered. "Look down there," Snarf said, pointing to the bottom of the pit. Signs of a scuffle cut chaotic patterns in the soil. Something gold and shiny lay partially buried at the foot of the crater's wall. Sword in hand Cheetara started down the embankment, followed by Panthro and Snarf. Half walking, half sliding, they made it to the bottom. "The claw shield," Panthro said as he pulled it from the soil. Snarf peered around, then scampered off to the center of the field. Cheetara's eye wouldn't leave the claw shield, her fears mounting as she stared at the golden object. "Lion-O," she whispered. "And where's Tygra," Panthro said worriedly. "There's no sign he was here." "Mmmmfff." Snarf loped toward them. In his mouth, he carried something cylindrical. Panthro took it from him. "The bolo-whip." He examined the tether end. "The power cord was sheared off." Cheetara grew cold. What she'd sensed at the sight of the space craft was true. "Whoever was here has Lion-O and Tygra." "Yeah," Snarf said. "And this is how they got them." In his palm lay a shiny dart casing, a nasty needle glinting in the sunlight.
###
Alle Ma checked the instruments, keeping an eye on the guidance system indicator. So far, everything looked fine. Automat had come through again. Whatever the computer had jury-rigged, the gyro-stats was working. She pushed a combination of levers; velocity and altitude spectrographs climbed as the ship's nose pointed heavenward. Blue sky fuzzed over to the black vacuum of space. Keying a speaker, she said, "Automat, take over while I inspect the cargo." And she set the pilot controls. "Affirmative mistress," the monotone computer responded. "Information received and executed. Advisory--cargo specimen conditions vary from satisfactory to excellent. Confinement cages atmosphere kept at prescribed oxygen-nitrogen mixture infused with three percent meth-tranquiline. Do you wish telemetry evidence?" "Not necessary, Automat," Alle-Ma grinned. "I trust your capabilities. I just want to see for myself." She shook her head in amazement that a mechanical entity could be so Avian male. If the inflection weren't so mechanical, she'd swear the machine was a living thing. She rose from the pilot seat, heading for a door that automatically slid aside for her. She passed the galley and sleeping quarters and stopped at a hatch. A combination opened the portal and she stepped through to the cargo hold. The lights came up, revealing a menagerie of caged living things. Hands on her hips, she surveyed the haul. Very pleased, she made the rounds. It was all hers, to bargain and barter with the vendors who clamored for these creatures. Those merchants would then resell these animals as pets or breeding stock. She didn't care what they did with them. These were dumb beasts that evolution had kept inferior. All that mattered was the money they'd bring. The six-legged Pleocine of Oxnor blearily blinked its one eye at her as she looked through the clear force shield. A pair of cotton-mouthed cord snakes coiled lazily in their cage. The tripod, the scaled cayton and the Elysi-rabbits checked out fine. Next she checked the pair of Arietta birds who sat quietly on their perches, while underneath that cage, a colony creature slogged from one corner to another. Below that, the small dog-like Kreigs slept peacefully next to each other. Each section she checked was as Automat had said; the animals were healthy and sleeping. Lastly, she came to her prize catch of the day. Again Automat had taken care of everything. Restraints and quarantine fields were all in order and the security field was at double strength. She studied the prone lion on the sleeping platform. His over six-foot frame was excellent in proportion, and well developed. The thick red mane and strongly defined facial features made him a handsome cat. "Damned fine specimen," she murmured, her eyes tracing his body outline. The monitor on his cage displayed extraordinary vitals. Next she looked in the adjoining cage. The striped one lay on his back, chest rising and falling in the slow rhythm of drugged sleep. Not quite as tall as his companion, and a bit leaner, she noted, but his muscle tone was just as strongly developed. Plans for these two were already forming in her mind. These two would be money-makers that would ensure an early retirement. "Mistress?" The robotic voice cut through her daydreams. "Yes, what is it?" "Approaching target for warp entry. Do you wish to initiate or shall I?" "We'll do it together. Space windows are always tricky." She turned, giving one last glance at the lion. Breaking away, she headed for the cockpit, turning the lights low. Aviir was a space jump away. She couldn't wait to contact her old friend and compatriot, Lorabi. Her falcon feathers would spike when she saw what Alle-Ma was bringing home.
###
Cheetara paced the control center of Cat's Lair like a caged cat. Action was needed, not waiting. The more time that passed the colder the trail of that mysterious spaceship would grow. She stopped, staring at the monitor that displayed the surrounding terrain of Cat's Lair. "What's taking so long? Why doesn't she contact us?" "The call went out to Mandora only minutes ago?" Bengali said softly. The white tiger swiveled away from the Braille board he was installing in the main controls. His blue eyes mirrored her concern. "I know it's easier said than done, but you must relax." "Worry won't change what's happened," Pumyra said, laying a comforting hand on Cheetara's shoulder. "Panthro and Lynx-O were wise to contact Control Force Five. If we were to rush off without direction, we'd only waste more time." "Either way, we're wasting time," Cheetara said. She hated this helpless feeling. Closing her eyes she felt for Lion-O's presence. His emotional tie was faint, telling her great distance now separated them. She forced herself to calm the growing anxiety. Worry would only waste precious energy. Running a hand through her spotted mane, she breathed deeply. Bengali and Pumyra were beside her, offering what comfort they could. With and arm around her shoulder, Bengali said, "We will find them. Tygra and Lord Lion-O will be all right." "I hope your prediction is true," she answered softly. Pumyra gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Bengali's right. We owe you our lives and we will do whatever it takes to bring them home safely." Cheetara smiled sadly. She wished she could share their optimism. They were younger, newer members of the Thundercats' small group. They and their friend Lynx-O were survivors that had miraculously made it to Third Earth after the destruction of their home planet, ThunDERa. They had proven to be good, loyal friends. "Look, here come the kittens," Pumyra said, pointing at the screen. "Maybe they have news." On the screen, two figures zoomed in low on their spaceboards, skimming the air as if it were smooth water. The children glided in and dismounted, running up the front steps of the Lair. The control room door slid aside, but instead of the Thunderkittens, it was Panthro and Lynx-O. "The Feliner is ready," Panthro said. "Any word yet?" Lynx-O asked. Even though blind, the lynx navigated unerringly to the scanner station on the right and sat down. "I'm afraid not," Bengali said. The door opened again, permitting Kit and Kat to enter. The excited pair scurried over to Cheetara, grabbing her hands. "We talked to everyone we could," Kit said breathlessly. "We didn't have any luck until we talked to the Berbils," Kat continued. "Robeir Bill said our description sounded like an Aviirian ship." "Much like the Vultura mutant race," his sister said. "Story has it there's a prospector that has free reign in unclaimed sectors of space. It's rumored the Aviirian is also a poacher." Cheetara's eyes widened in surprise. "Poacher?" "A person who illegally takes or kills any life-form, sentient or not," Panthro said. "It usually pertains to endangered species." "Like us." Numbly, she stared at the screen. "How could anyone be so barbaric?" "Money talks," he said. The communication circuit bleeped, and a husky female voice sounded from the speaker. "Thundercats, this is Mandora, Officer First Class of Control Force Five. Come in please." Bengali worked the board. The screen crackled with a burst of static. A picture of a helmeted woman came into focus, a shiny visor obscuring her eyes. A long pony tail of thick blonde hair cascaded from the top of the helmet. "Come in Mandora," he responded. "This is Cat's Lair." "Received your transmission. We have a match on your sensor picture." Mandora switched the screen and a schematic appeared with an overlay of what had to be a police file photo. "Astronautical numbers show this ship is registered to one Alle-Ma-a-Quila." The picture shifted, showing the image of woman, sharp green eyes set against snow white feathers, a crown of white plumage sweeping back from her angular face. "She's of the Buetanon race, a real bird of prey. She's registered as a prospector-explorer for her planet, Aviir. But we've got good reason to believe she does more than that. She is suspected of illegal hunting and trapping." "You have good reason," Cheetara said, a angry edge to her voice, "and you haven't stopped her?" Mandora's face came back on the screen. "In order to make an arrest, you need solid evidence." "You want evidence, we may have it," Panthro said. "That ship landed here on Third Earth. Now Lion-O and Tygra are missing. Can you help us?" Mandora remained silent a moment. "We can, but it'll be a whole galacto day before Control can send anyone out." Cheetara stood straight. "A whole day?" "And that would be to establish the fact that a crime has been committed," the officer said. "Very well," Panthro said, cutting off Cheetara before she could utter another word. "We'll appreciate whatever assistance you can give us." He motioned for Bengali to sign off. Cheetara glared at Panthro. "And what are we to do? Sit here and do nothing." "I didn't say that." Arms crossed, Panthro leaned against the console. "We're gonna go after this bird lady." "That's more like it," Cheetara said. "But not you." Shocked, Cheetara could only stare at her friend. "Wh-what? Why?"

Lynx-O spoke up. "A week ago, Lord Lion-O gave us specific orders that if anything were to happen to him, we were to take special care of you." The older cat's softer tone was almost eerie, as if he knew she harbored a secret. But that couldn't be. She'd told no one, not even Lion-O, of the changes taking place within her body. Regaining her composure, she said, "But that doesn't make sense. We've always taken care of each other equally without any specific orders. What reason did he give?"
"He did not say," Bengali answered. "No matter what his reasons, as Lord of the Thundercats, his order stands," Panthro said. "You're staying here." "No," Cheetara said, taking a defiant stance. "I am his mate. Wherever he is, I'll know before any of you will." "She does have an advantage," Lynx-O said. Panthro was as stern as a rock. He turned to Cheetara. "You would defy his wishes?" "In this instance, yes." There was a long pause of consideration. "Okay," he said. "You and Pumyra will accompany me. Let's do it Thundercats." "Thundercats, Ho!" they said in unison. Cheetara followed Panthro and Pumyra, leaving their friends to hold the fort. She prayed they would be safe until they returned. As they exited, she heard Lynx-O whisper a good luck wish as the doors shut.
###
Millions of stars glittered like colorful ice gems against black velvet. Cool air caressed Lion-O's face, feeling good, helping him fight a leaden drunkenness that saturated his mind and body. This couldn't be outer space. The presence of atmosphere proved that. He opened his eyes to mere slits, trying to see through a glare that blotted out what pinpoints of sight he possessed. The buzzing inside his ears slowly retreated. He moaned as normal sound amplified a groggy headache that throbbed with each heartbeat. He managed to roll over and struggled to a sitting position. His equilibrium pitched and yawed like a roller-coaster. He braced himself against the cold plasteel wall, trying to bring his reeling senses under control. Even with success, he felt like he was chasing flies. A couple of deep breaths cleared some of the haze and he squinted at his surroundings, the usual questions running through his mind. Aches and pains were making themselves known, especially the peculiar one at the tip of his right ear. He winced when his probing hit a small lump that was crusted with blood. Bits of memory flashed like a broken dream. There was a spaceship, and then a bird-like alien woman had appeared. The retort of a gun firing cracked across his recall. He rubbed his forehead, trying to think back to before he'd blacked out. There was a stinging pain. He glanced down. A bruised area on his right thigh was still very tender to the touch. A similar mark on his left arm ached worse than his leg. Lion-O studied the small tan cubicle. It had and empty, sterile smell to it and one wall was completely transparent from floor to ceiling, revealing what looked like a corridor. He rose from the hard bench-like platform, staggering for the opening and into a force field that sent him reeling backwards. The landing wasn't soft. His backside smarted, the pain bringing everything into focus. "What the--?" He scowled, staring through the invisible barrier. He froze, his gaze settling on the cell across the hall. Inside it, Tygra's still form lay prone on a raised platform. Lion-O stood, pressing against the force field as if it were glass. The tiger moved slightly and the sudden fears that crossed Lion-O's mind subsided. His friend was coming around. "Tygra? Can you hear me?" he called and pounded against the shielding. "Tygra?" Evidently he heard something, because he looked toward Lion-O. His apparent confusion cleared some and he rose to a wobbly stand. At least he appeared to be all right. Still shaky, Tygra made it to the barrier of his cage. Leaning against it, he managed to give the 'okay' signal. Lion-O relaxed a little. What now, Lion-O thought, as they looked at each other. He had no idea where he was or how much time had passed. He listened, seeking any clues to his surroundings. A muted thrum of power pulsed evenly through this place. That slow surging tempo could only come from star-drive engines. He glanced to his left hip. The sword and claw shield were gone. Faint memory of his fall down the embankment placed where he'd last held those weapons. A rising dread slowly crept up his middle. He concentrated, seeking the emotional spark that bound him to his mate. Cheetara's soul-light was like a weak flame. He tried to reach for her, opening his heart and mind to the force that united their souls. Only a faint pulse could be felt. Briefly, he closed his eyes. It was no use. She was too far away. He turned away from the barrier, facing the curved, seamless walls. "Sword of Omens," he said hoarsely. "Come to my hand." His outstretched hand waited, fingers spread as he sought the familiar sensation of mental contact with the mystic weapon. There was nothing, no glimmer, no thundering growl of power to answer his summons. Desperately, he concentrated harder and harder. Inklings of a distant answer trilled through his nerves. Wherever the sword was, the distance was too great. It could not reach him. The effort was useless and his arm dropped. A dire realization settled over him as he knew they were no longer on Third Earth. "Dear Jaga," he whispered. "What's happening to us?" A tapping at the force field turned him around. Like a nightmare image transferred to reality, there stood the birdwoman with another female of her kind. The second one's plumage was of a brown-gold hue, and her facial features resembled more like that of a falcon. Her round amber eyes were wide with surprise. "Magnificent, wouldn't you say, Lorabi?" the birdwoman asked smugly. "Beyond expectations," Lorabi replied. "And the tiger?" "Over here." With a sweeping gesture, she turned, directing her companion's attention to Tygra. Obviously perplexed, he looked back at them. Dumbfounded, Lion-O blinked at the pair. This was impossible. The aliens' words were as clear as if they spoke ThunDERian, but the lip movement did not match the syllables. The golden one's face lit with surprise. "Alle-Ma, this is wonderful. The markings are similar." She studied Tygra, then looked at Lion-O. With hesitation, she added, "They appear to already be domesticated." "I noticed that," Alle-Ma said, "but they were alone and I wasn't about to go looking for their master." Lorabi cast a side-long glance at Alle-Ma. The eagle shrugged. "Hey, they could be runaways for all I know. That makes them open game for claim." "What do you plan for these two? Are they for sale?" "I'm not sure," Alle-Ma said cryptically. "It depends on their tests and trainability. They are males, remember?" The two laughed with sarcastic mirth. Lion-O's astonishment mounted by the minute as he listened. "Actually, I think I'm going to keep them," Alle-Ma said. "They would be invaluable to my stock. Of course, we can discuss breeding arrangements and terms after their data is compiled." Lion-O's mouth dropped open. Tests? Trainability? Breeding!
"What place is this?" he demanded, slamming his fists so hard on the barrier it rang. The two females turned in surprise. Wide eyed, Lorabi whispered, "By the talons--he can speak." Alle-Ma went up to the barrier, frowning hard at Lion-O. "The thought patterns--they are coherent--not pictures, but words!" The eagle's eyes gleamed. "So the cat has a tongue after all. I thought he said something before I bagged him, but I wasn't sure."
"Well, you're sure now," Lion-O said angrily. "I demand--" "That'll be enough out of you, lion." Her tone took him by surprise. He glared at her through the screen. "My name is Lion-O, Lord of the Thundercats. You have no right to imprison me or my friend." With a haughty smirk, Alle-Ma leaned against the barrier. "Oh, really?" Fist clenched, Lion-O stepped back from the barrier, slowly bringing his anger under control. "Yes!" Apparently amused, Alle-Ma merely nodded and moved to the center of the corridor to stand next to Lorabi. "Cocky cat," she said. "A real wild one. She looked back at Lion-O, eyes narrowing as she scrutinized him. "I must say, your previous master did an excellent job in training you." "I have no master." Alle-Ma's feathered brows rose. "No master? That's even better. The legal claim of ownership won't be opposed." "No one owns me." "I hardly think I'm 'no one,'" she answered softly. "Such spirit," Lorabi said. "I wager ten to one he's untrainable." Alle's piercing green eyes never left Lion-O. "You're on. Automatt?" "Yes, mistress?" Lion-O looked around, trying to find out where the voice was coming from. It seemed to be all around. "Is everything ready?" she asked. "Quarantine lapsed. Readings show no disease or parasites. Green to proceed. Med-techs at the compound are apprised and awaiting arrival of the cargo to begin processing." Alle smiled wickedly, showing sharp, gleaming beak plates instead of teeth. "Okay, Thundercat, let's see what you're made of. Automatt, transport the big cats first. Destination--xenolab in the compound med-center." "At once, mistress," said the male computer voice. An off-key hum rose from somewhere, growing louder. Lion-O grimaced, hands going to head as he tried to locate the source. Suddenly, the air sizzled around him. He twisted, cringing as a shimmering glow blotted out sight. It wrapped around him, suffocating him. His strangled cry was cut off as the tan cage walls faded to nothingness.
###
The Feliner broke free from Third Earth's gravitational pull, easing into a high orbit. From the back compartment of the compact vessel, Cheetara watched the white glow of heat fade from the view port shields. The natural beauty of space became visible as they left the atmosphere. Even through the tinted protective shielding, the stars glowed like small flames burning into deep black fabric. Below them, white clouds marbled the atmosphere of the blue planet called Third Earth. Serenely, it nestled in its dark pocket of space. Home, she thought, a home she might not see again--like ThunDERa. From the pilot seat, Panthro gave the all-clear signal and Cheetara put the sensors on wide sweep. Nothing escaped her sight on the in-coming information screens. Red dots shifted against a pitch black screen as the starfield scope changed with the spacecraft's flight path. The overlay grid spread across the monitor, indicating section by section analysis. She leaned closer, hoping, praying for some sign. There was nothing, no hint of any space vehicles in the area, not even exhaust residue. With the loss of a day and a half, the trail had grown ice cold. Chin in hand, she stared out the port window, half listening to Panthro and Pumyra's communications with Cat's Lair. The conversation was gradually drowned out by her thoughts. She knew the risk she was taking. The life she carried was precious to her, but so were Lion-O and Tygra. She battled a wave of anxiety. Maybe she should've she told Lion-O he was going to be a father. Now, he might never know. Maybe it was better that she'd kept her secret. That way, if anything happened-- No! She snapped herself from a sinking despondency. There had to be some other way to track this space vessel. Nothing completely vanishes. She glanced at the Sword of Omens leaning against the bulkhead near her feet. Secure in the claw shield, it rested as if awaiting a summons from its master. Not even the power of sight beyond sight had helped, for it had revealed nothing. Whatever had transpired in those last minutes, had been veiled by an intense field of energy. Her mind latched onto that thought. It could have been radiation. In the front of the cockpit, co-pilot Pumyra readied the flight data. "Course?" "Keep holding," Cheetara replied, as she reset the sensor spectrographics to read for high-field radiation. With a push of a button, the computer immediately started gathering information. She leaned back and mentally crossed her fingers. "We're taking a wild stab by doing this," Panthro said. With one hand on the guidance grips, he leaned forward to adjust the throttle. "Mandora found no solid evidence this bird lady catnapped Lion-O and Tygra." "We told her what we saw," Cheetara answered hotly. "We told her what we found." "But we didn't actually see this birdwoman take them," Panthro said. "We have no solid evidence." "We're acting on an assumption," Pumyra added. "And we can't afford to guess wrong." "We know what we saw," Cheetara repeated tersely. "An Aviirian ship. And my intuition is too strong on this. This Alle-Ma has Lion-O and Tygra. I know it." "I won't argue that," Panthro replied, as he settled back in the pilot seat. "But Aviir is a long way from here. Our provisions are sufficient. I just hope our fuel cells have the range." Range, she thought. She didn't need a computer to tell the distance now separating her and her mate. She massaged the back of her neck, trying to ease the tension in her muscles. Gently, a dim tingling sensation flowed, brightening their diminished emotional bond. Her eyes widened as hope revived. Lion-O was reaching for her and she tried to answer back, but the feeling was fading, disintegrating like a fraying silk thread. "No," she murmured as the brief contact died down to a dull glimmer. Pumyra looked over the back of the copilot seat. "What is it? What did you sense?" "Lion-O. So far away." "It's like a fading memory," Panthro said solemnly, a distant look in his eyes. "I know. That's what Tygra and I have lived with ever since we left ThunDERa." "You are bonded?" Pumyra asked. Panthro gave a solemn nod. "My mate and Tygra's were on the last ship to leave ThunDERa. That ship never made the convoy. It vanished, taking our clans with it." "I'm sorry," Pumyra said. A bleep from the computer console captured Cheetara's attention. She blinked. "Panthro, I've picked up stream traces of antimatter residue." He switched the monitor to check the readings for himself. "This could be from anything--a ship or a meteor. According to Robeir Bill's astrochart, this course goes the opposite direction of Aviir. This could be a false trail." Cheetara's spirit dampened, as she knew Panthro was right. This course contradicted what little information they possessed. A flash of red made her look at the floor board. "By Jaga! The Sword of Omens--it's--it's moving!" The mystic blade quivered, trying to rise from the claw shield. The Eye of ThunDERa dilated, casting its brightness through the cabin. Cheetara reached down, hesitating to touch it, afraid she'd break the spell. Lion-O had called for it and it was trying to respond. Throwing caution aside, she gripped it, pulling it out. A soft shock thrilled through her body. The Sword of Omens sent wispy fingers of energy reaching to touch her soul. At contact, the mysterious force that was the Eye knew her secret. Like a compass, the blade pointed toward the stern, trying to show her the way to go. The direction matched the residue trail the sensors had revealed. "Set in the course," Panthro ordered as he turned back to the controls. "Already laid in," Pumyra said, looking up from her control panels. Panthro glanced back at Cheetara and solemnly nodded. "Then let's go for it." He pushed a series of buttons. The last switch he flipped reopened the communications channel. "Feliner to Cat's Lair. We've located the trail. Transmitting plotted course. We're leaving orbit." Lynxo's face appeared on the view screen. "Transmission received," he replied. "May your mission be successful. Please be careful." "We plan on it. Be sure you do the same. Feliner over and out." Panthro cut off the signal and pulled back a lever. The burners flared, easing the small craft away from Third Earth. Cheetara looked back at the retreating view of the shining blue planet. Fuel and provisions gave them a week to search. She prayed it was enough to find her mate, and her friend. Her gaze fell to the Sword now resting in her lap.
###
The third morning of captivity was no better than the first two. In the small square cell, Lion-O sat on his sleeping palette, staring as if his eyes could bore through the thick plasteel cage wall. He'd been poked, prodded and jabbed until even his whiskers hurt. The anger building inside slowly burned through his veins. By ThunDERa, no one had the right to inflict such indignities and humiliation on any living creature. He nor Tygra were property or livestock and were entitled to the inalienable rights of any sentient creature. He felt a hand settle gently upon his shoulder. He didn't need to look up as Tygra was the only one in the cell with him. He could feel his friend's concern, and try as Tygra might, he couldn't mask his own feelings of violation at the merciless hands of the Aviirian examiners. "I'm afraid this isn't the worst they'll do," Tygra said. "You can bet on it," Lion-O replied. "So help me, I swear this Alle-Ma will pay for this." "Revenge?" Tygra asked. "Vengeance rarely erases the wrong done." "Not revenge." Lion-O's felt his jaw set. He rose meeting his friend's solemn gaze. "Justice...it will be done. We're not the only ones who've been put through this. You heard them talk. There have been other ThunDERians through here." "I know," Tygra said somberly. "It seems we've discovered what happened to the missing convoy ship." The tone of Tygra's voice belied the worry he was trying to hide. "Dear Jaga," Lion-O whispered, as he remembered Tygra's mate had been aboard that vessel. Now he knew what fears his friend had been dealing with over the years since the exodus from ThunDERa. "Is Fierra here?" Grimly, Tygra shook his head and sat down on his bed, shoulders slumped as he stared at the bare concrete floor. "No. I never thought I'd be grateful not to find her. Lords of ThunDERa, I hope she was spared this. I--" He stopped speaking, his mouth drawing into to a thin line. After a moment of thought, he looked up. "I wonder how many of our countrymen are here. How many survived?" "I wish I knew," Lion-O said grimly, and went to the transparent screen. The feeling of helplessness attacked again as it had so many times during the past few days. The thoughts of his people being caged and treated like animals abhorred and angered him even more. "We've got to get out of here. Maybe--" "Be careful," Tygra said. He fingered the tag-chip imbedded in this right ear. "You never know what the walls will hear." Lion-O nodded, reminded that what he said could be understood by their captors. And then there was that blasted tag implanted in his ear, sending telemetry and tracking every move he made. The ingenious device proved too painful to be pulled off. The metal staples were like roots entrenched into the cartilage. Thank Jaga, it couldn't read thoughts as well. "Maybe--they'll leave us alone today." "I doubt it," Tygra answered. Arms crossed, Lion-O looked ceilingward. How could they get out of this predicament? The problems mounted with each idea he conjured. Memory of his anointment trials and his battle to overcome Tygra's power of illusion proved the most fruitful. He glanced at his comrade. He knew the toll it took, the drain of energy Tygra would incur to maintain an illusion. Now the trick was to tell his friend what he had in mind. He glanced around the stark cell. It was immaculate all the way down to the water trough. Even the flooring under the sleeping palettes was clean. He eyed the cold concrete, an idea forming. Lion-O motioned for Tygra to follow him to the trough. He stuck his hand in the icy water and knelt down, pressing a wet index finger on the smooth bare cement, spelling out a message--'illusions.' Tygra stiffened slightly, then took a deep breath and nodded. 'Vanish' Lion-O wrote, looking up as the water-scripted words evaporated. Tygra impassively studied the drying message, then followed suit by writing back--'escape--to where?' Lion-O shrugged. The forcefield's pitch abruptly shifted. Both rose, quickly facing the front of their cage. The dreaded sight of the orange-and-gray uniformed keepers made. Lion-O's stomach tighten. The black-feathered Anhingas, he'd learned from experience, were the cold and brutal orderlies of this establishment. The Aviirian's preferred to call it Animal Control. Large and strong as they were ugly, these male birds were hard to defy. "Okay, kitty-cats," the first one said in a grating voice. "Are you coming quietly or do we play our little game again today?" Softly, he tapped the shaft of a stun-prod in his palm as if marking time. Lion-O and Tygra said nothing. "What's this? Nothing to say?" the other keeper said in mock-surprise. "Damn it, Cohm, I think they're gonna disappoint us." As the two advanced, Lion-O and Tygra stepped back. Glancing at Tygra, he gave a slight nod. His friend's barely perceptible consent said he was ready. They split, backing into opposite corners. "Aw, pinecones," Cohm said. Pulling a snare rope from his belt, he faced Lion-O. "They're gonna be stubborn after all. Think they'd learn after all this time." "They're dumb animals. What do ya expect?" The second keeper had his snare out as well, and closed in on Tygra. "I still think they should be collared. It'd make our jobs easier." "And miss out on all this fun," Cohm answered with a nasty laugh. "R'ant, I'm surprised at you." Pressed into the corner, Lion-O's sights narrowed on the threatening Aviirian. Cautiously, Cohm drew closer and closer. Measuring each step the keeper took, he waited, muscles tensing as he anticipated Tygra's move. The snare's loop dropped open. Suddenly, Tygra vanished, leaving his keeper facing an empty corner. A pile-driver force plowed into the startled Anhinga, sending him sprawling. Lion-O launched into the distracted Cohm, bowling him backwards. The keeper's strength pitted against his as they grappled for control of the stun-prod. It yanked free into Lion-O's hand and he turned the live end on his tormentor. The Aviirian screeched, body twitching from the electrical shock. Again, he jabbed. The spasms stopped, and the keeper's eyes remained closed. Breathless, he leapt for the door. Tygra came visible, hurrying to join him at the cage entrance. The energy portal of the forcefield was closed. Both Thundercats put all their strength against it and still it did not move. "Blast!" Lion-O growled, looking back at the unconscious Aviirians with disgust. "They must have a remote--a key." "Hurry!" Tygra said. "We've got to find it before they regain consciousness." Back to the cage's center they went, searching the keepers' belts. They had to have one on them, Lion-O thought. Something! The keepers would always stop and stick something into a slot before entering the cage. That had to be the procedure to get out as well. Precious time was slipping away and he didn't want to be anywhere near these two when they woke up. "Here!" Tygra held up a plastic card, its number matching the one on their cage. They sprinted back to the door. Tygra slipped his arm through the gap between the wall and the field. His arm crooked around the corner and he blindly groped for the slot. Twisting around, he pressed closer against the wall, strain contorting his face as he reached up at an uncomfortable angle. Lion-O kept watch on the keepers. His pulse rose, knowing the tough birds wouldn't stay down long. At that moment, one of them softly moaned. Tygra gasped. "It's no use. I can't find it." Lion-O pressed against the invisible barrier, looking for the area Tygra needed. At this angle, only a metal ridge could be seen. "I'll try to direct you. Go higher." Eyes shut tight in concentration, Tygra reached again, guiding the plastic key up. "Up. More," Lion-O said, his eyes following Tygra's hand. The edge of the card scraped against the wall, hitting the silver-banded rim. "Good! Lift it over the ridge. There! Now over to the left a bit--more." He could feel the sweat dampening the back of his neck. "A little more. There! You should be dead center." "I can't feel anything--" Tygra said hoarsely. Trembling, he edged the small flat square around. "Nothing--just flat surface. We don't know how this works!" "Keep trying. The slot has to be in the middle. Drag the edge up and down. Feel for a groo--" Startling pain shot down Lion-O's spine as sharp taloned fingers gouged into the back of his neck, slamming him against the solid barrier. He cried out as the claws dug in, immobilizing him. Tygra's cry of pain echoed his, punctuated by the light clatter of the plastic card that hit the floor just outside the cage. Barely breathing, Lion-O hung there, the right side of his face pressed hard against the energy field. He was pinned, unable to move, unable to speak. Fear knotted his gut. The Anhinga pushed him harder against the barrier. He growled, low voice. "You just bought yourself a pack of trouble, kitty-boy." From the corner of his eye, Lion-O saw the Aviirian raise the stun-prod, the Anhinga made sure he could see it. With a flick of the grip's thumb control, a crackle of energy fired the baton's rounded tip to a wicked red. Slowly, the keeper leveled it at Lion-O's midriff. Lion-O shut his eyes tight, bracing himself.
###
Space was beautiful when observed under normal circumstances. Right now it was tedious scenery. Cheetara gazed away from the navi-screen, rubbing at her tired eyes. Two and a half solar days had passed and they were still following the trail. The Feliner's engines did not have the speed of the more powerful anti-matter driven craft. She felt useless. The screen before her kept track of the residual pattern, leaving her little else to do. Panthro and Pumyra kept busy with piloting the craft while trying to keep conversation and spirits up. Sometimes it worked, but the hungry monster of worry would always creep back inside her head. Her bond with Lion-O remained a faint glow, flaring briefly from time to time, which comforted, yet scared her. At least he was still alive, she thought. She could not read the emanations from her mate for he was still too far away. She took a deep breath. The Sword of Omens lay in her lap, the eye closed and silent. "Fuel at half," Pumyra said softly. "Estimating three more solar days before we have to tap the reserve cells." "At that point we'll have to turn back," Panthro said. He checked a monitor and growled softly. "Unless we find a way to conserve fuel, we won't reach Aviir. We'll make the hunter's belt, but we'll fall two days short of our target." "But using the reserve, we can reach Aviir," Pumyra said. "Yeah, we can, but we'll be dealing with a hostile race," he said. "They took two Thundercats. They'll certainly take three more." "Maybe not all Aviirians are like this Alle-Ma." Panthro glanced at the puma. "Maybe, but my gut tells me otherwise." He shook his head. "Nope. In order to insure a safety margin for returning home, we must head back as soon as we go on reserves." Cheetara grew cold at that statement, her gaze riveting on the passing star field. They were in the middle of nowhere in a short-range space cruiser. Her fingers caressed the ornate hilt. They had the direction, now they needed the power to travel the distance. Everything seemed to be going against them. The sleeping eye suddenly flared red, a warning growl reverberating through the cramped cabin. Cheetara's mouth dropped open as the sword's second sight flashed danger through her sixth sense. Dead ahead, twisting solar currents siphoned down as powerful as river rapids. Turbulence shook the tiny ship. All inside held on tight as the Feliner swayed to and fro. "Panthro! Veer off!" Cheetara gripped the console in front of her, trying to read the navi-screens. "There's some type of warp in front of us." "Too late," he said. Furiously, he tried to work the unresponsive controls. "It's got us. Velocity is increasing." "Heavy ion interference." Pumyra's fingers played across her board. "I can't compensate fast enough," she shouted. "Keep trying," Panthro yelled back. Cheetara managed to coax a response from the snowy monitor. A grid screen flashed, stabilizing long enough to map out the cause of the whirlpool effect. "Scan shows a nucleus--magnetic concentration--like a hole in space. We're being sucked toward it." Violent tremors rattled the small ship. The sword fell from Cheetara's lap, clanging on the deck. Metal creaked like rusty door hinges as stress points threatened to give way. "Hull temperature exceeding maximum," Pumyra said. "Our systems are overloading." "We've gotta pull back," Panthro said, doing all he could to turn the small craft. "The Feliner can't take this punishment." "We can't break free," Pumyra said, her fist slamming the useless board. "Field influx has us." "Can't fight it. We've gotta go with it. Forward thrust--full burn," Panthro ordered, pushing the engines to maximum. "No--" Cheetara yelled, as sudden forward thrust threw her back in her seat. The roar of the boosters mixed with the sizzling ion turbulence. Terror's hand gripped for her soul. The computer displays fizzed and crackled. What snatches of information she saw spelled doom. "Got to try--for a controlled entry." Sweat dampened the dark gray fur on Panthro's head. His powerful muscles strained as he pulled back on the guidance grips. Cheetara reached for the sword, grabbing it as the ship began to spiral. Black on white swirled as chaos tore through reality. Centrifugal force pressed her into her seat. She held on to the sword for dear life, no longer able to see or hear her companions. The power circuits erupted, electricity frying the panels, as screams and shouts were obliterated by a shrieking force pounding at the cruiser. In moments, space folded like a plastic cocoon. Cheetara's cry was smothered by the solid blackness they pierced.
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People crowded the mercantile plaza of the city of Istthr. Alle-Ma cut purposefully through the throng, heading for the Research Center. The jingle of coins inside leather kept rhythm to the tap of her boot heels as she strode across the cobbled walkway. The heavy pouch hanging from her tunic belt bounced with each step. She was so pleased she nearly preened. The 'haul' was completely successful. Everything had been sold and now her money was in the bank earning more interest. Household matters were in order and even Automat was getting an overdue major overhaul. She smiled, feeling the weight of her purse. This was only a small portion of her success and it was going to pay for the testing of her newest acquirements--the cats. The morning had gone very well. She and Lorabi had struck a deal concerning the tiger. As soon as the tests were concluded, they'd proceed as planned. As for the lion, she was going to speak to her mate about that tonight. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed Tayir. Three days of being home with him and their daughter was a rare enjoyment. Her daughter had grown considerably. Before long, Tarra would be a young woman. Time was a friend and it could also be an enemy. It was too late for any regrets. Alle-Ma had chosen her line of work and enjoyed it to the fullest. Life always contained sacrifices, some big and some not so big. All that mattered was to be a good provider. The spires of the city cut a jagged skyline against the mountains glowing emerald green in the morning sunlight. So incongruent was its serenity against the clatter and noise of the crowded mall. The shouts and cries of the buyers jammed around the auction block rose up over the din. Prime livestock brayed and nickered as the animals awaited their turn on the platform. Hopefuls crammed into the walkways, trying to get first pick of the fresh fruits and grain for barter or sale. Quickly, she passed another jammed alley, hearing the continuous call of the auctioneer laced with more shouts of frantic buyers. She laughed, thinking how much the people acted like the beasts they sought to buy. She hurried onward. Soon the slave traders would come out and the crowd situation would only intensify. Thank the sky-mother she didn't need to go there today. Being wealthy, she had all the servants she needed. The tall cylindrical building she sought came into view. Alle-Ma headed for it, hoping she wasn't too late to observe the final testing of the newest additions to her exotic collection. She smiled, remembering the young lion's bluff from two nights ago. This cocky cat could no more threaten her than a fly. Soon, he'd realize who was the master and who was the companion. And she knew just how to tame him. She entered the complex and in minutes was in the controller's booth. Strange, there wasn't a soul here. Where were the technicians and where was Kayj? She scratched her head, studying various monitors that displayed the different areas of the testing arenas. Everything was set and ready to go. Worry edged into her thoughts. Had something gone wrong? Two white clad technicians entered, merely nodding at Alle-Ma before taking their respective places at the monitor boards. Alle-Ma watched as they initiated the systems. She started to ask a question when a voice sounded outside of the booth. The door opened. Chart in hand, an obviously harassed young woman entered at a brisk pace. Her sharp hawk's anger glared in her amber eyes. "I don't care if you have to net him and throw him in that arena. Handle it! That's what you're being paid for," she said into a talkie. She stopped dead still, staring at Alle-Ma. "It's about time you showed up." "Kayj," Alle said. "Are there problems?" Kayj smoothed back her brown crest feathers and dropped the recorder on the counter. "Problems?" She scowled. "You damn well bet there's problems. Your cats attacked two of the orderlies this morning. It wasn't pretty. The stupid idiots are lucky to be alive." "The cats or the orderlies?" "Both!" "Look, the keepers know these are animals. Don't blame the cats for this. They're only following their instincts." "Yeah," Kayj said. "Luckily, no one got hurt." She picked up an transceiver, placing the plug in her ear. "Say, have you gotten the registration paperwork started on your--er--acquisitions?" "Of course. It's going through channels. But you know how government regulations tend to slow the wheels of progress." "Yeah, do I ever. Anyway, I had to ask." Kayj tapped in a code on the terminal keypad. The lighting in the booth dropped to semi-darkness. "Ready--set the recorders," she told the technicians. "A side on the lion--B side on the tiger." Alle-Ma looked at the chart Kayj had set down. "By the way--how are the cats doing?" "Surprisingly well. Only you would find creatures as obstinate as these. For males, they're smart. The tiger is a little easier to handle." She scrolled through some text on the screen. "Preliminaries are excellent. I think there's more to him than meets the eye." "And the lion?" "Excellent physical condition and a damned stubborn cuss," Kayj said. "It took some heavy persuading to get him moving through the maze." She checked the screen again. "But once we got him going, he figured it out in record time." "Then he gets the chameleon course next?" Alle asked. The researcher nodded and Alle-Ma smiled. "Good, I wanted to oversee that test anyway." "It's your show." Kayj gave the signal and the technicians set the monitors. The control booth darkened completely, the screen glare cutting brightly through the gloom. One group of screens displayed the empty corridors of the maze, another group displayed the entrance of the obstacle course. Telemetry graphs bounced to life as the doors in the respective areas opened. Alle's eyes narrowed when she saw the tiger enter the maze and calmly survey the paths open to him. The lion was roughly propelled into the obstacle arena. He spun, trying to reach the door before it closed. Alle scrutinized the scene. "Don't go easy on the boy. I want him pushed to the limits." Kayj's feathered brows rose. "Are you sure you want to do that?" "Positive. Let's see how tough he is. Set it at maximum." "But this is his first time. He'll most certainly fail." "I know." Alle-Ma knew the effects of defeat, the deflation of the ego and demoralizing of the spirit. That would be the first step of cutting this cat down to size. After that, the rest would be as easy as taking a breath.
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Lion-O leaned against the cold hard door. Damn it, he was being forced to perform tricks like a circus animal. The bare cubicle that greeted him seemed innocent--too innocent. Like the maze, there was a false ring to it's seemingly benign appearance. He shuddered, remembering the tortuous traps and turns, mirrors and cul-de-sacs. By Jaga, this time he wasn't going to budge. In front of him a door slowly slid open, revealing a deep cavity of humid darkness. He could smell danger, fear prickling the fur along his spine. Something inhuman screeched and his eyes opened wide. A huge claw reached in, razor-spined edges clamping shut inches from his body. He leapt sideways, dodging a second attack. Split-second reflexes propelled him toward the thing attached to the claw. He twisted in mid-air, kicking out. It screamed as his heels hit hard between two glowing red eyes. The creature reeled as he rolled out of harm's way. Whatever the thing was, it retreated very quickly, leaving him alone. Lion-O said a silent thanks to Panthro for teaching him that defensive move. He crouched, waiting until his eyes adjusted to the low light. This place was damp and dirty smelling, like a swamp. Large serrated blades of sawgrass surrounded him, and the earth beneath him was soft and mucky. How in the twelve seas of ThunDERa could these people create such an environment inside a building? This couldn't be real. A wicked screech echoed, sounding very real. Whatever had attacked him had decided to come back. He could not sit still. Like it or not, he was in this. He had to play the Aviirian's game. On hands and knees, he crept as fast as he could, letting the thick, coarse sea of foliage cover him. The sharp-edged grass sliced like small knives across his arms, despite his protective fur. The beast's howl sounded closer. Getting on his feet, he shielded his face, and plowed through thick spiny grass, ignoring the biting superficial cuts now criss-crossing his hands and legs. He broke into a clearing, his feet sinking deep in the quicksand. The oozing black sand held fast, the suction relentlessly pulling him down. His boots had to be sacrificed in order to pull free. Scrambling back onto the bank, he sat staring at the deadly trap. Absently he itched at the black dirt that had worked down into his fur coat. This was a test? What kind of insane place was this? Getting on his knees, he looked around, trying to judge the size of the arena. There was nothing but blackness above him and dense vegetation all around. There were no clues to give him any sense of direction. Somewhere in this torture chamber, there had to be a safety post, a goal, like in the maze test. A deafening roar blasted hot fetid breath from behind. Lion-O yelped, springing for cover. Cold wet shock hit him as he landed in a narrow water- filled ditch. The brackish taste of sulfur choked him as he spit out a mouthful of the horrible liquid. He fought for balance, turning to see a huge dragon-like thing glare down. Its long slender neck arched, readying to strike at its prey. Sharp-fanged teeth graced a frothing mouth as the gray scaly nightmare zeroed in on Lion-O. The foul water churned as he scrambled backwards and dove into the brackishness. He kicked, swimming for his life, fighting the blinding sting of the murky water. The thing couldn't attack what it couldn't see. Each stroke propelling him further down the canal. He didn't care where it took him, as long as it took him away from that thing. Twisting, slimy ropes of aquatic grass clogged his underwater path. Lion-O pushed through it. The need for oxygen was beginning to be felt. Soon, he'd have to surface. The rubbery grass snared his legs and forward motion jerked to an abrupt stop. Tighter they wrapped, circling his body and arms, pulling him down. Precious air escaped from his nose and mouth as he floundered, fighting the tentacles of vegetation. His lungs screamed for air, sudden panic surging through his mind. In a burst of desperation, he grabbed one of the watery vines and pulled. It ripped free, sending swirling clouds of silt up from the canal bottom. The plants retracted, letting go and he shot upward. He broke the surface, sending water spraying as he gasped, dragging in deep breaths of air. With great effort he kicked for the bank. At last his feet touched bottom, his hands and knees dragging the muddy floor as he reached the shallows. His muscles ached with fatigue. He had to keep going, had to find the path out of this pseudo-swamp. The purpose of this insane test would have to remain a mystery. Surviving it was all that mattered now. Best to follow the edge and see where this ditch led, he thought. Lion-O rose, slogging through the knee deep water filled with reeds and tangled water-flora. Rocks littered the obscured floor of the ditch, stabbing at the pads of his bare feet. His ankle twisted and he fell forward into the murky water. A familiar howl rended his hearing. He twisted around, seeing the beast rear its ugly head. No! It had followed him. Eyes closed, he shielded his face with his arm, bracing himself for a blow that never came. Lion-O ventured a look. The dragon-thing was gone. Fear abated and he sat there waist deep in the brackish liquid, wondering what had happened. A sibilant hiss answered his question. He turned, only to stare into the jaws of huge viper. He leapt as it struck, sending a tidal wave of swamp water flying out of the canal. Again it reared up, sighting him. He scrambled for the ditch bank. Saturated old roots and blackened tree branches littered the slick muddy incline. Heart pounding, he crouched, anticipating the snake's next move. A slithery wet hiss sounded as the monster bore down. He grabbed a soggy branch from the bank, hurling it up at the snake's face. It struck the eye like a needle, fire and sparks shooting from the socket. Electricity arched as the great snake writhed, its other eye exploding like a bomb. Lion-O leapt, clawing his way up the slippery bank as voltage sent steam and fire sputtering from the boiling water. Panting, he sat staring incredulously at the sight. It was a machine, a robot, but it had looked so real. He looked about the dismal place. The plants were green, the marsh grass sharp. The place stank of sulfur water and dead vegetation. Those things were real, but the predators were programmed computers, and just as deadly as the creatures they represented. This couldn't go on much longer. He had to find the goal. High above, a dim green light glowed in the distance. He pushed up, tearing through dense green foliage. That had to be the goal, he thought. If he was wrong he was a dead cat. Skill and dumb luck had carried him this far. Sudden burning sensations laced up and across his legs and arms. A sticky, milky sap clung to his wet fur, working into the small cuts and abrasions in his skin. Where did this gunk come from he wondered, and tried to wipe it off. But the more he tried to remove it, the more it stuck. His hands were covered with the tacky substance. He glanced at the path he'd cut through the plants. Broken stems dripped, the white stuff trailing down green broad leaves and thick pods. Ignoring it, he pushed onward. He had to reach the safety zone. And that's exactly what these Aviir wanted him to do. Anger burned at the thought of being manipulated, but at this instant he had no choice. The plants were getting taller and thicker. The pods were as big and heavy as grapefruit. The vegetation was also getting drier--more brittle. He shoved a clump of stalks aside, knocking an old seed casing loose. It fell on the hard rocky ground, exploding into a cloud of brown powdery spores, sending chunks and slivers of wood flying high. It was all he could do to shield his face and stumble forward. Choking, he fell on his knees, concentrating only on breathing. The disorientation passed and that's when he felt the warm familiar sensation of flowing blood. He wiped some it off his cheek, ignoring the other lacerations on his arms. Hatred and anger for his captor flared higher. Determination spurred him and he was on his feet, staggering, half-sliding, half-falling down a rocky incline. He landed at the bottom, thinking that this couldn't go on much longer. Alle-Ma wouldn't let him die--would she? Lion-O sat still, sighting the green light again. It was closer. Listening, he tried to judge his surroundings. An ominous click-click sounded nearby. Quickly, he moved on, taking a path that wove down around some rocks and boulders. The earth was dry and sandy, the swamp smell abating sharply as if the environment had suddenly dried up. Please let this be the way out, he thought. The green light glowed brighter as drew closer. The peculiar clicking sounded again, this time coupled with an nerve-grating scrabbling noise. A high-pitched chittering squeal came from the rocks above him. He spun in time to see a large ugly insect leap at him. Its huge sharp pinchers splayed open, barely missing his head as he ducked. The scorpion's chitinous body smashed into the rocky wall, it's eight legs kicking as it righted itself. Lion-O turned to run as the arachnid lunged. He screamed as its claws grabbed him. Straining with all his might, he couldn't push the pinchers apart. Its whip-like tail curled up, poising the stinger for the kill. Open-mouthed, he stared transfixed with horror. Nothing in his worst nightmare compared to this. This wasn't real. This couldn't be real. Adrenaline surged. He forced the pinchers apart, sliding from the creature's grasp as the tail lashed forward. He scrambled to the side, pivoting to launch himself onto its back. No second chances were allowed. His fingers dug into the seam at its neck, splitting the thick casing. He pulled, pealing back living tissue. Momentarily startled, he hesitated. This wasn't a machine. The scorpion reared, screeching with agony. His fists drove through the wound, aiming to sever the nerve cord from the brain. Soft greasy tissue gave way to his sharp claws. The whip-like tail thrashed madly and the next thing Lion-O knew was blinding pain ripping through his back. He screamed, arching as the stinger plunged through muscle and bone, sending paralyzing venom into this body. He fell off the dead creature, hitting the ground hard, dust flying as he rolled to the side. His blood burned with poison, numbness already consuming his legs. Haze clouded his vision as he looked up. A door had appeared--the green light glaring down into his eyes. He had been right after all: there was the finish line--so close, yet so far. No! He had to make it. Weakly, he pulled himself, dragging the last few meters. A beep sounded. "No," he croaked. The pain was slowly fading, breathing becoming more difficult. He reached for the black boundary line marking the safety zone and he collapsed mere inches away. Like a stone, he lay there. He'd lost--failed. The beep sounded again and the doors parted, letting bright white light stab his eyes. Inside the blurring platinum aura stood the worst of his nightmare; the Aviirian called Alle-Ma.
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Screams bounced off the blank cage walls and Tygra cringed. Dear Jaga, what have they done to him, he thought as he pitted all his might against the straining arms. Claws gouged painfully into the flesh of his forearms as he fought the strength of the delirious Lord of Thundercats. Finally the spasm ceased and Lion-O lay still on his palette. Tygra slumped, breathing a sigh of relief, grateful for the brief respite. Fading sunrays filtered through the skylight, casting a dim glow on the floor. Absently, Tygra stared at it, feeling his worry grow. The fever would peak again, dredging more nightmares from Lion-O's mind. There was nothing Tygra could do to help him. Even with his mental abilities, he could never override the dynamics of the subconscious. Fading sunrays filtered through the skylight, casting a dim glow on the floor. Absently, Tygra stared at it, feeling his worry grow. The fever would peak again, dredging more nightmares from Lion-O's mind. There was nothing Tygra could do to help him. Even with his mental abilities, he could never override the dynamics of the subconscious. The antiseptic odor that tainted Lion-O's fur told him of recent medical attention. Anger bristled the hair on Tygra's neck as he examined the faded healing marks on Lion-O's face and arms, but the odd mark on his back was puzzling. The obstacle course hadn't been that rough. Obviously, the rules had changed. That powerless feeling weighed heavy all the way down to Tygra's bones. Some Lord-protector he'd turned out to be. A moan drew his attention. No, not so soon. This was getting worse. Lion-O was beginning to fight yet another horror only he could see. Tygra grasped the young man's arms, trying to keep them still. "Take it easy. I'm here," he said softly. A chill made Lion-O shudder. His chin trembled, eyes opening in an vacant stare. Softly, he breathed, "Maa." That chill spread to Tygra. The cub's call, he thought, as he now knew the nightmare Lion-O was reliving--the murder of his mother. "No!" Lion-O writhed, sweat matting the fur on his cheeks. "No--no...." Tygra held on tight as his friend struggled against a vision from the past. "Lion-O, listen to me. Listen to my voice. Look at me." His fingers curled tightly around Lion-O's wrists. "Look at me!" The Lord of the Thundercats fever-glazed eyes turned toward him. Tygra grasped the slender thread of attention. "Lion-O, tell me who I am." "They killed her," he whispered, sounding like a lost child. "I saw the Mutants kill her. They--destroy everything." "I know. I know." Tygra battled his own emotions, remembering what happened so long ago. The past could not be changed, only the present. Again he tried to draw his friend away from the dream. "Lion-O, can you see me? Do you know who I am?" His gaze seemed to focus. After a long pause, he said, "Tygra." "Yes." "I couldn't stop them." "You were but a cub then. There was nothing you could do." "Nothing...." Strength drained from the lion's arms. "Like ThunDERa. I watched it die, too." "We all did, my friend." "Couldn't stop it. Couldn't stop this...." Lion-O's eyes closed and he took a deep breath. "Failed. I failed...." Tygra gently placed Lion-O's arms down, and picked up the fallen cloth. It was hot from body heat. Carefully, he wiped the lion's brow. "Tygra," Lion-O murmured. "Yes." "Take care--of Cheetara." He hesitated, wishing he could make that promise. "You know she'll be cared for." The dregs of consciousness faded with Lion-O's words. "She's--with cub." Tygra sat a moment, wondering if Lion-O knew what he'd said. "With cub," he repeated. Now Lion-O's mysterious order at the last council meeting made sense. He'd said if anything were to happen to him--Tygra stopped in mid-thought, alarm filling him. "Lion-O." He shook him hard. "Lion-O, wake up. Damn it, don't you dare give up on me!" The only response was the sound of rapid, shallow of breathing. Hot to the touch, the Lord of Thundercats was burning with fever. Tygra rose and stared out the cage force field, anger welling up like a geyser. "Help him, you sadistic bastards," he yelled. There was no answer--no signal. Pained, Tygra turned back to his friend. He could think of nothing, no way to save him. The situation was out of his hands. A beep sounded and he straightened. A young hawk-like woman stood outside the cell. Her cap of short red-brown feathers contrasted her sharp brown eyes, but her expression wasn't hard like the other birdwoman. "Stand back from the screen," she ordered. Tygra complied and she let the barrier down. She stepped inside, using a remote to reactivated the screen. "I'm taking a big risk trusting you like this. For all I know you could tear me apart." The woman eyed him curiously. "But somehow, I don't think you will." Tygra said nothing, just let her pass. She sat beside the stricken Thundercat and fished through her white pouch. "I saw the telemetry before your outburst. How long has he been like this?" "Since mid-afternoon. I found him like this when the keepers brought me back from the testing," Tygra said coldly. She looked thoughtful a moment, then pulled a small cylindrical device from the pouch. She aimed it at Lion-O and briefly it whirred. "Hmm, no wonder he's a sick kitty." "What's wrong?" "Myrex poisoning. He must've gotten into some of those plants before his run in with the rock crawler. The anti-toxin masked the symptoms." Quickly she retrieved a small vial and pushed the stopper down. As she shook it, the liquid inside turned a dark green. "No use in ruining a needle." She pulled the cap off. "All you toms have tough skin." "Toms?" She smiled coyly. "Un-neutered males." She tilted Lion-O's head to the side and let the medicine trickle slowly into his mouth in small careful doses. Tygra's eyebrows climbed, horror rising at the thought of what the woman had just said. He then realized the Aviirain was administering medicine. "Hey! Wait a minute," Tygra protested, reaching to stop her. "That could be deadly to us." Calmly, the hawk looked up at him. "I've treated others like you. I've got my DVM, specializing in exotics, so don't question my methods." Tygra withdrew his hand and she finished the treatment. Silently she waited, watching Lion-O. He swallowed, coughed slightly, his breathing gradually settling to a deeper, more even rhythm. She rose, putting her equipment back into the pouch. Lion-O tossed and turned, a groan escaping his throat. Tygra checked him, seeing a heavy sheen of perspiration dampened the fur on his face. He turned his stony gaze on the hawk. "Don't worry," she said. "He'll be fine. He'll sleep for the next twelve hours, which is to his favor. And I'll strongly recommend that Alle-Ma leave him alone until his strength returns." Tygra crossed his arms. "I sense that you feel differently about us." The woman straightened, her crest feathers ruffling slightly. "It's called compassion. No more than I can feel for a beloved pet." "No," Tygra said. "It's deeper." There was an awkward pause. Finally the woman said, "Maybe. But what I feel and think won't change anything. To my people, you are an animal. I cannot change the way they think." "The way Alle-Ma thinks," Tygra said. "So she says." "Tell me, what does Alle-Ma plan to do with us?" The hawk looked away. "I really can't say, but I--" She hesitated, biting her lower lip. "There are others like you on Aviir." "So you said. How many others?" "The Lady Lorabi owns two cats. One is a tiger, much like you. And the other is a leo type, but not quite like your friend. There are more, but so many were sold and traded they could be anywhere in the universe." She walked to the force field and fingered the remote unit. Before leaving, she turned to face Tygra again. "What Alle-Ma has planned for you, I'm not sure. But one thing I do know is that it's futile to fight her. She's a fair master and can provide you with an excellent home." She stepped out, signaling the gate to shut. "Do me a favor, and do as she asks of you." "Wait," Tygra said and went to the shield. More questions burned through his mind, but he knew he'd only get more guarded answers. "Can I know your name?" The bird looked back. "I'm Kayj." "I'm Tygra. Thank you for your help." She nodded, her smile softening her hawkish features. "You're welcome--Tygra." And she left, heading down the corridor. Weary, Tygra went over and looked down at Lion-O. He was indeed sleeping peacefully. At that moment, he wished he could do the same. He pulled the blanket securely around Lion-O, relieved that he was going to be all right. This is how Snarf must've felt, tending to Lion-O all these years. He went to his palette, sitting cross-legged on the thick mat. He was tired beyond sleep, but what Kayj had said turned over and over in his mind. Many had been traded or sold, she had said. And what else? And Fierra, what had happened to her? He dare not let his imagination run wild. All he knew was that she was still alive, still out there, somewhere in this vast universe. The small hope of finding his mate was still a distant dream. Too much had happened in the past three days, and the future was laden with uncertainty. He couldn't ignore the bad vibrations his intuition was sending him. And Kayj's disturbing words keep echoing in his mind. "Others like us," he said, looking through the window at the darkness now covering the sky.
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Blessed warmth filled the Feliner, warding off a bone deep coldness. Cheetara came to, gripping the console as she rubbed at a tender spot on the side of her head. A glow at her feet caught her eye. The sword of Omens flared bright blue, giving off heat. "Pumyra? Panthro?" she called, maneuvering in the cramped cabin. She shook Pumyra's shoulder then reached for Panthro. Thank Jaga, they were still alive. Panthro groaned, slowly opening his eyes. He too, rubbed his skull. "My head--" Pumyra stirred, her eyes fluttering open. "The warp! Wha--what happened?" She twisted, looking back over her shoulder. "Cheetara?" "I'm fine. How about you two?" "No apparent damage," Panthro said as he started working on the controls. "I wish I could say the same for the Feliner." Power flickered on, lights burning bright, and in moments the staleness left the air. The Sword's brilliance died away as the cabin temperature leveled off. "Let's see what else works," he said grimly. Pumyra checked her console, correlating data to Panthro. "Not much, by the looks of it," she said. "Life support is functional. So are the sensors." "Blast," he said. "The stabilizer is shot and the propulsion unit is gone. The mega condenser is nothing but slag." "We're stranded," Pumyra said, leaning back in her seat. Cheetara tested the navi-screen. There was no response, not even a flicker of energy would register. Deep in her heart, the fears were slowly swelling. Marooned in the middle of space, they faced a slow and horrible death. The question of how long they could last out in the middle of nowhere went unasked. Cheetara's shoulders slumped as she stared at the stationary stars that glimmered dull and cold as blue ice crystals. What had started out as fierce determination threatened to dissolve into hopelessness. Chin resting on his fists, Panthro stared at the burned-out control panel. "Pumyra, shut down the lower section and cut power to fifty percent. Direct the life support mains to the cabin so we can conserve what we can." "To prolong the inevitable?" she asked softly. "No, to prolong our chances of being found." Panthro reached for a section of colored buttons. "I'm going to set the distress beacon. There's nothing else we can do." A barely audible bleep sounded from the depths of the Feliner. Panthro settle back, arms crossed. "Now, we sit and wait." "Even if we could move, we're probably parsecs off course," Pumyra said. "No, we're not," Cheetara answered in a quiet voice. Panthro half turned in his seat. "Lion-O's presence," she said, "is stronger--more tangible." The distant light that was their bond glowed brighter giving her some comfort. "That ship must've come through that warp--brought them this way." "With no way for us to continue," Pumyra said. "Isn't there anything we can do?" "Unfortunately, no," Panthro said. Cheetara turned back to the window. Her thoughts centered on her mate and her friend, her mind conjuring an image of the last time she'd seen them. Fishing poles over their shoulders, Lion-O and Tygra had looked like a couple of kids sneaking away from school as they crossed the drawbridge. Guilt haunted her. She should have listened to her sixth sense and stopped them from going to the river. That ill feeling wasn't because of her physical state. Like in the exodus from ThunDERa, their future hung in the balance. Fate was against them, against Lion-O and Tygra and the Thundercats they'd left on Third Earth. Hope was as cold and distant as the stars.
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By the flaming feathers of the Phoenix, she should have been called about the lion! Alle-Ma fumed as she and Lorabi headed down the corridor connecting the medical complex to the research center. The sun's morning rays had barely begun to stream down through the skylights and already everything was loused up. Why was it that nothing could ever go as planned? Pangs of guilt fired up. The obstacle course had gotten out of hand, but the cat had not been in any serious danger. Simple healing treatments had taken care of the physical damage or so she'd thought. Still, this threw her schedule way off. The certification and registration had been set for tomorrow and now the young cat was down, and no one had even bothered to tell her about it. Damned stupid oversight, she thought. Her long-strided pace hastened as she dwelled on the idiot mistake that could have cost her the lion, not to mention the investment she already had in him. "Will you slow down?" Lorabi asked, as even her brisk pace was not enough to keep up. "We're not going to a fire." "I'd love a fire, right now," Alle-Ma said, "so I could fry the meat off those stupid med-techs." "Not just the med-techs are at fault." Alle-Ma stopped in her tracks, whirling to face Lorabi. "What's that supposed to mean?" she asked sharply. "You were the one who said push him to the limits." "Yes, I did." The blame for the situation hit home and her friend had just voiced what she'd been trying to deny. "I said, push him, not kill him." Lorabi calmly looked Alle-Ma straight in the eyes. "Which was a dangerous thing to say. You have no idea what these cats' limits are." "Don't start in on me. Kayj already gave me the lecture, all right?" Alle-Ma paused, still feeling the sting of her physician friend's sharp words. "To top off this fiasco, she's keeping him confined for the next three days. I can't do a damned thing with him." "Just be thankful the lion is all right. Before you know it, he'll be up and around and as ornery as ever." Alle-Ma rubbed the back of her neck. The tension was finally fading. "Yes, I know." She hesitated, working up the nerve to admit her mistake. "This was my fault, but it still burns my butt they let something like Myrex poisoning get by them. The money I could've lost! I'm a major investor in this complex and some heads are going to roll." "It could be worse," Lorabi said softly. "It could've been the tiger as well, you know." That broke some of the anger, bringing a smile to Alle-Ma. Lorabi was an old friend and comrade. Somehow she knew just what to say to ease Alle-Ma out of a bad mood. "Yes, you're right. At least we can go through with today's plan." "Even though we don't have the proper papers." "Shh. We'll have them. What does it matter if it's beforehand? If anyone asks, this is just a preliminary, an introduction." "Right," Lorabi said knowingly, as they passed through two swinging doors marked 'Isolation.' Going up a flight of stairs, the two women came to the small observation booth reserved for them. Inside, the recording equipment was already set to start. Alle-Ma went over to the one-way mirrored window. She looked down into a soft green pastel-colored cage that held no furnishings. The cushioned floor and sound-proofed walls shut out any distraction for the occupants. Her tiger was already there, roaming the enclosure, no doubt looking for an escape. No clothing hid his beautiful, powerful body. The sheen of his black- striped, orange fur stood out against the paleness of the cell. At times, it was hard to believe he was only a beast. Offspring from such animals like him would demand an exquisitely high price. "Where's yours?" Lorabi looked over the cam-cord controls. "I told the techs to wait until we arrived." Satisfied all was set, she touched a button beside the window, which activated a signal light. She, too, gazed down into the room. "Gorgeous animal," she murmured. "You know, I read up on the cats that were brought here several years ago. Studies said that only fifty percent would breed in captivity and those were the younger ones." "That's to be expected when taken from the wild," Alle-Ma answered. "The older the animal the more resistant they are to domestication." Thoughtfully, she pursed her lips. "I hope this goes smoothly. I'd hate to have go with the more drastic means. We can't afford to waste this opportunity." "Agreed. Say, speaking of 'younger' ones, have you found a prospect for the lion?" "Not yet, but I have other plans in store for him." "Can you talk about it?" "That depends on the lion," Alle answered. "Ah," Lorabi said. "I think I catch your direction." Alle-Ma only smiled. Their attention turned to the cell below as a yellow light burned above the room's lone door. Hopefully, nature would take its course.
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Tygra had faced several mysteries in his long life, but never one like this. The Aviirians had dragged him from his cell, taken his clothes and practically threw him in this room, giving him no explanation--not that he expected one. Apprehension squeezed the uneasy feeling in his stomach into a rock-hard knot. What shredding machine test were they going to throw him into now? Hearing voices and shuffling sounds coming from the hall, he turned. A deep foreboding spread through him as he watched the door open. Tygra blinked in surprise as two male birds physically propelled another feline into the room. Disbelief replaced the bewilderment, his mouth dropping open. It was a female, a tygris female. The door slammed shut as the she-cat sprang for escape. Her claws raked against the metal in a futile effort to get out. She stopped and slowly, her large amber eyes turned toward Tygra. She was obviously an adolescent, no more than sixteen or seventeen years old. Her markings were incredibly like his, orange fur striped with black. A cap of long striped mane hair covered her head, ending in soft white curls that hung down around her shoulders. The white mask markings of her face extended down her throat, joining the white fur of her chest and abdomen. Small, but firm breasts rose and fell in the rhythm so typical of fright. A sharp spicy scent wafted in the cool clean air, telling him the reason behind this meeting. The young one was in season. He was not immune, but being a bonded male, Tygra could ward off her enticements. Yet as he watched the woman-child, his pulse quickened. Long-buried feelings threatened to resurface as he looked into this female's eyes. Quickly, he repressed the emotion. Her apparent fear melted to an expression of awe. Timidly, she moved from the door, saying nothing, stopping a mere five feet away. "I know you," she whispered, reaching out to touch, but withdrawing before making contact. She acted as if he were a ghost. "But you can't be here. You and the other nobles disappeared after the mutant ambush." Tygra's eyes widened. "You are--ThunDERian?" "Yes, yes!" She smiled, relief glittering in her golden eyes. "You are Tygra, leader of our clan. You were my father's friend. Remember--Garth?" "Garth?" Tygra whispered. Faded memories of a life that no longer existed flickered like a dying flame, slowly coming back to burn bright. Garth had been the lead scientist in Tygra's clan, as well as a friend and confidant. It was he who had first detected the changes in ThunDERa's orbit and planetary core. Tygra remembered when he and his friend had gone to Lion-O's father, Claudus, and given him the terrible news that their home world would explode within a year. That seemed ages ago. This was Garth's daughter. The last time he'd seen her was during the exodus. She was but a child of five. His mate, Fierra had taken her hand, and gone with her family aboard the escape ship. His eyes misted as he stared at the young one. "Aja?" Her smile brightened and she enveloped him in a hug, burying her face in the fur on his chest. "I never thought to see you. We knew you had left in the flagship. What happened? How did you come here?" "Hold on. One question at a time," he said, smoothing the fur on her shoulder. "We survived the attack and crash-landed on a planet called Third Earth. Claudus' son is now Lord of the Thundercats." He held her at arms length, tilting her face up toward his. "Or what's left of us," he added. A mixture of emotion rose in a wave of hope that the questions aching in his soul all these years might be answered. "It's a long story, as I'm sure is yours. Tell me, please. Are there others here? Your family--Fierra--tell me what happened?" Aja's smile vanished and she seemed to wilt. "You are the first kith I've seen in six years." Pain creased her gentle features as she let go of his arms. "What happened in the exodus is a child's vague memory. I can only tell you what my father told me." Dread grew heavier with each breath as Tygra looked at the girl. "Tell me, please." She turned away, her tone going flat as if she were reciting a lesson. "Our ship was loaded with our whole clan and the Pantheras. The engines faltered, but we did make orbit, breaking away right before ThunDERa exploded. We had just come in range enough to see the convoy being attacked--and destroyed. Nothing could be done. We were too far away. To protect us, father ordered us away for fear the Mutants would destroy us too. The order was given to proceed to the star designate, where we would start over. It was to be a long journey." Her face lifted up and a ghostly sparkle of happiness came in her eyes. "I remember the journey, Mother and Father, school, my friends. I remember Lady Fierra." Aja's voice grew soft. "She said you were still alive. Every day she prayed we'd find you. The years passed but her miracle never came. By the time I turned ten, we had reached the Hunter's belt. We hadn't far to go, and that's when we were ambushed by a race called Orions. We had little defense." The next words seemed to stick in her throat. "Father-- surrendered the ship." A chill gathered, crawling down Tygra's arms. The child's stony veneer trembled, cracking. "We were sold into slavery--or worse." The word 'worse' pierced him like a hot needle. What had this child been through? Gently, Tygra laid a hand on her trembling shoulder. "If you don't wish to continue, I'll understand." "You must know." Tears rimmed her wide eyes. "I saw--I saw my father and mother killed--" Hugging herself, her voice cracked, a sob choking the next words, "for their skins." Aja broke down, tears spilling down the fine fur of her cheeks. "I saw people of the Panthera clan murdered for sport--in an arena." Tygra held her close, trying to give what comfort he could. Pain and horror fueled a growing anger. "And Fierra?" he whispered. Aja clung to him. "They knew she was of noble blood. She and a handful of others were sold to offworlders--as pets." "Pets?" he hissed softly, closing his eyes. He knew the implication of that word. "Oh, dear Jaga." A barely audible 'hum' sounded in the room. Tygra glanced around, trying to pinpoint its origin. His gaze riveted on the shiny surfaced windows high on the smooth walls. The outline of two humanoid silhouettes in the center of the main panel could barely be seen. Shock melted to anger then hatred, disgust curling into a tight fist in his heart. They were watching! Damn them! It was all very clear what Alle-Ma wanted him to do. Well, they were in for a big surprise. This was one thing he could refuse them. No matter how faint, his bond to Fierra would insure that small victory.
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Time had trickled by slowly. By late that solar day, Cheetara, Pumyra and Panthro had given up on conversation. Cheetara had only closed her eyes momentarily, just to rest; next thing she knew, her intuition rang like an alarm inside her head. She blinked, looking in the direction her sixth sense indicated. Amongst the glittering canopy of stars, a dot of light moved rapidly toward them. "Panthro! Pumyra! Look over there!" Her fellow Thundercats sat up, following her pointing finger. "Can it be?" Pumyra asked, hope resounding in her voice. Panthro aimed the sensors at the object. A malfunction light glared in his face. "Aaah!" He took a deep breath and sat back. "I don't know, but whoever they are, I hope they're friendly."
A chill wrapped around Cheetara as she and Pumyra exchanged glances. The thought hadn't occurred to either of them the beings who might answer their call might be hostile. The dot of light grew larger, changing into a recognizable shape of a space ship. Oblong, with rounded fins, it looked like an old style cargo drone. Its markings, none of the Thundercats recognized. One thing was obvious; it hadn't been cared for, showing the pockmarks of time, and hard use. "Shouldn't they have hailed us by now?" Pumyra asked worriedly. Panthro's answer was cut off. A disharmonic chord vibrated so sharp, pain coursed through Cheetara's skull. Her fingers locked about the hilt of the sword. The shock of the weapon's power trilled through her being, coupled with blinding bright prismatic colors of a transfer beam. Ghostly sensations sucked her into insubstantiality and the next thing she knew, she was on her knees, fighting a nausea that twisted knots in her gut. Her stomach lurched as an overpowering stench filled her nostrils. Snarls and growls echoed in the chamber-like room. Fingers gouged into the back of her neck. She cried out, as she was easily lifted upward, the sword fall from her hand. She snarled, struggling to fight the paralyzing hold. A hard shake stopped her efforts. Gasping for breath, her vision cleared and she found herself staring into the eyes of the ugliest creature she'd seen since the Terrator. The hood of its ragged robes fell back revealing a shiny pate of what had to a male. An evil jack-o-lantern grin split a pouchy blue complexion, as its green eyes glittered malevolently. "A spirited female. Spotted, too! Should get a good price, yeah?" "Yeah," came another equally hoarse reply. Cheetara stole a sideways glance. Two of the uglies held Panthro captive, his arms were pinned behind his back as another struggled to hold Pumyra. The creature shrieked as the puma's claws shredded the robe's sleeves. She spun, readying to strike. "Stop! Or I kill!" the blue thing shouted at Pumyra, as his thick fingers closed down on the base of Cheetara's neck. She gasped as cold sharp steel grazed between her shoulder blades, pressing through fabric and fur. The ugly thing had the Sword of Omens. She could feel its power vibrate against her backbone. "Spotted pelt sell just as well." Pumyra growled, and reluctantly backed off. The blue thing grabbed her, yanking her arms back. She hissed as it viciously bound her wrists behind her back. The pressure relaxed, but not enough. Heart pounding, Cheetara took a deep breath. "We are a peaceful people. We--ask for help." The thing sneered. "Orion's give help--to ourselves. You cat people bring good prices on Canis Minor." He nodded to his comrades. "Take below." Canis Minor? That was light years away from Aviir. Denial burned through Cheetara's mind. No! This couldn't be happening. Unceremoniously, the three were shoved forward, Panthro and escorts in the lead. Silently, Cheetara looked around the dirty corridors they passed through. The ship was small, probably a scout class, which would mean a crew of maybe ten. She saw Panthro glance back, only to have one guard cuff him. Anger fried her nerves. So far these clods hadn't taken their weapons, and they'd neglected to restrain her. She rubbed her arm right above the cuff, inching closer to her power staff. In a blur of motion she grabbed it, triggering the switch, striking as the staff shot to full length. Electricity crackled, felling the writhing creature. A yell spun her around, as she dodged the falling body of Pumyra's escort. Somehow the puma had freed herself. Hands bound, Panthro plowed into one guard, ducking as Pumyra's sling wrapped around the other Orion's neck. She yanked the choking creature off balance as Panthro's foot met its stomach. The creature crashed back against the bulkhead, slowly sliding down to the floor. "Good work ladies," Panthro breathed heavily. "We've got to work fast. As I figure it, there can't be many on this garbage scow. We've got to get to the bridge and fast." Hands still bound, he pushed up against the bulkhead. "Just have to free my hands." "Here. Let me help," Pumyra said and started working on the chains. "How'd you get loose?" Cheetara asked, starting to search for the sword. "It's a trick Lynx-O taught me," she answered. "Remind me to show it to you someday." "If we get outta this alive," Panthro said. "We will." Cheetara pushed some debris aside. Somewhere the sword had fallen amongst the garbage on the floor. She growled softly, her pawings not bearing any results. Abruptly, she looked up, sensing a mental call. There--the Orion slumped against the wall, the one that had held her captive still gripped it in his brutish hand. Silver light sparkled off the blade as she went to it. There was no doubt in her mind that the weapon had called to her. "Better hurry," Panthro said to the puma. "Their friends are probably heading down here to join the party." "I'm trying," Pumyra answered. Cheetara leaned over, reaching for the mystic sword. The eye flared bright red, growling in warning. A hand shot up, grabbing Cheetara's throat with crushing force. She choked a cry, her staff falling to the deck. Clawing desperately, she struggled to breath. "Hands off her, slug!" Pumyra snarled, leaping at the Orion. With one mighty shove, the Orion threw Cheetara back against the bulkhead. Reflex saved her from a serious blow as she hit the solid metal wall and slid to the filthy deck. The sounds of fighting spurred her, forcing her to move against the dull pain in her shoulder. She had to move, had to fight. Her staff? Where was her staff? A panther's cry cut through the din, the smell of singed fur permeating the stale air. A booted foot came down trapping her wrist. Gritted teeth bit back a cry. She gasped as the weight threatened to crush bone. "Stop!" a coarse voice boomed. Grimacing, Cheetara looked up at the monster towering over her. A laser pistol's muzzle gleamed in her face. Her eyes darted to her comrades. Panthro was down, lying so still. Pumyra stood like a granite statue, hand poised in mid-delivery of a blow to the enemy. Slowly, the puma backed down. "Better!" the ugly thing said. "Ought to kill now!" His finger tightened on the grip switch. A hideous grin showed gapped teeth. "But not want to ruin good pelt. Take them!" he ordered. Two Orions lifted Panthro, dragging him down the corridor. Two more prodded Pumyra forward. Roughly, Cheetara was hauled to her feet, and yanked around. Brutal fingers gouged into her upper arms, steel grips trapping her wrists. She bit back a ThunDERian curse. First Lion-O and Tygra, now them. Anguish raked through her. Why, she thought, dear Jaga, why?
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Tygra sat back against the padded wall of the cell, letting his head drop back. He grew weary of this waiting game. It had to be late afternoon or maybe evening by now. Certainly Alle-Ma and Lorabi could tell he wasn't going to indulge them their wishes. He wondered if they had even told Aja what they expected him to do to her. He glanced at Aja as she searched along the seams of the door. Futile efforts, he thought but he didn't blame her for trying. He watched her move, graceful and lithe. Unwanted thoughts made him clamp down, drive back the dark subconscious part of him. Anger threatened to intrude, but he controlled that too. Any emotion at this time was dangerous. He had to keep neutral, had to think of other things. "Aja," he said. She stopped, turning to look his way. "Did your--master explain to you why she brought you here today?" Aja's eyes lowered. "She did, saying it was part of my duty to her household. She told me not to be afraid. Then she told me about you and that by submitting I would please her greatly." "Has she brought you here before?" "Only when I was sick or needed my shots." "Shots?" He shook his head, quickly adding, "Never mind." Tygra bit his lower lip, looking away, wondering how much she knew of the life process. Evidently it was very little for his scent had not affected her at all. Inside, she was still a cub. "Don't be ashamed," she said softly, kneeling before him. "I'm the one who should be. Had I known who you really were, I wouldn't have been scared. I know you won't hurt me." She touched his arm. He tensed like a small shock had hit him. Tygra looked at her face seeing the trust in her eyes. He reached up, gently brushing his fingers along her cheek. "Thank you," he said sadly. She was an innocent, a virgin, unaware that if he had not been a bonded male she might not have been so lucky. The yellow light glowed above the door, the sound of the lock-bolts releasing signaled entry. Tygra and Aja rose, facing the door as it opened. Inwardly Tygra cringed as he recognized the two keepers who entered. One of the big Anhingas pointed his stun-prod at Tygra. "Come with us, cat," Cohm said evenly. Aja gripped Tygra's arm, fear changing her scent. He put his hand on hers. "Why?" he asked, as a foreboding settled over him. "Because we got orders to take you outta here," R'ant answered. "And Aja?" "The kitten stays here for a while yet." The hidden meaning of the keeper's statement blackened the growing fear. Was there another they were going to place in here with her? "She leaves with me." "Uh-uh," Cohm said. "She stays. Now, you better cooperate or do you want a scene to happen in front o' your girlfriend?" "Don't fight them, Tygra," Aja said softly. "I'll be all right." Reluctantly, he let go, heeding the subtle warning in her voice. He gave her a slight nod, his gaze lingering on her face a moment before he turned toward the keepers. He offered no resistance, allowing the Aviirians to take him firmly by the arms. Without another word, they led him out of the cell and down the hall. He felt like a coward. Thundercats never surrender, he thought bitterly. And here he'd submitted passively to these demons. Dear Jaga, there was nothing he could do to stop this nightmare. Over the last few days, he'd painfully learned it was useless to resist his captors and he hated it. They passed through some swinging doors. His heart skipped a beat as he realized where they were headed. Terror cut across his heart like laser fire. "No!" He pulled back, hind claws screeching against the cold tiled floor. "No," he pleaded. "Not this place." Stun-prods jabbed harder into his rib cage, but there was no stinging shock. The Anhingas smiled wickedly, yanking him forward, dragging him around the corner. There stood Alle-Ma and another, shorter woman. Her owlish, cold expression sent chills down his back. A growl of fear rose from his throat. The grip of keepers tightened against his tense muscles. The fire of hatred burned in his soul as her stared at Alle-Ma. Impassively, she met his gaze. "Do what you can, Srrah. If this doesn't work, we'll have to go by artificial means." "None have been able to resist my methods." The brown feathered owl scrutinized Tygra. "Although--I sense great strength in him. He will be a challenge. Bring him," she said and stepped through the doorway behind her. Tygra steeled himself, preparing for the fight of his life.
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Lion-O ran for his life through an all-consuming endless blackness that reached for him like sinewy ropes. His breath rasped hot and dry, sending a burning ache through his ribs. He couldn't stop. He had to get away, but there was no way out of this desolate wilderness. The further he ran, the darker it got. Exhaustion saturated his body. He had to keep going. Fear ate at his soul as he fled from what he couldn't see--the huge dark monster that followed him, seeking to claim his life. Overhead, a bloodcurdling screech echoed, sending dark terror down his spine. The heavy beat of wings sounded, sweeping harshly through the oppressive air like bristle against stone. A shadow loomed high above him, circling, laughing maliciously as he fell, his hands and knees gouging into hot burning sand. A pounding heartbeat resounded so loud it threatened to deafen him. More terror drove spikes through his nerves as he looked up, seeing the huge monster dive straight at him. Terrible claws gleamed sharp and deadly, aiming for his heart. He scrambled forward, ignoring the fiery grit that blistered the pads of his bare feet. Panic obliterated the exhaustion and he ran harder, faster, trying to escape. Hot air sliced like tiny razors in his lungs. Movement slowed, each stride taking forever to complete. The throbbing beat inside his head intensified, faster and louder. The harder he strove, the slower he went. Talons cut across his back, knocking him down. He screamed as he twisted, forever falling to the oil black ground. Like a cub, he crouched, trembling, hiding his face. Hot red eyes burned through his tightly shut lids. Dark laughter shot across the expanse and he whimpered, trying to shy away. Fright paralyzed his vocal chords as he stared wide-eyed into the depths fear and hopelessness. Cold sweat matted his body fur as he braced himself for the kill. Like evaporating mists, the eyes dissipated, swirling upward into the indigo starless heavens. Silence coupled with the barren landscape. The darkness grew less suffocating. Closing his eyes, his head sank back against the sand and he lay there, unable to move. Coolness invaded the oven-hot terrain, reviving his soul. Slowly, he opened his eyes. A dull glimmer flared in the distance, drawing his attention. Softly, hypnotically, the light called to him in the whispers of a woman's voice. He could not ignore it. Aching muscles made him groan as he raised up on hands and knees and he forced himself to stand. He could barely see the parched earth beneath his feet. Cracked and dry, its desolation thirsted to sap his remaining strength into its dusty throat. Yet, like a moth drawn to a lantern, he pushed onward-- staggered toward that beckoning silver oasis. Each step made it's glistening whiteness more enticing--inviting. Peace washed away the apprehension, the soft glow comforting him like a warm, happy memory. Climbing the slope of sand, the pain in his heart lessened. The glittering flames took shape, silver tongues of fire licking upward, spiraling, and taking a female shape. Bright as the heavenly fire, joy flared in his soul. The glowing figure at the top of the dune was Cheetara. Her arms raised up urging him to come to her. He felt her strength, her love--and despair. Pearl tears trailed down her cheeks. She was trying to tell him something. Like a cat possessed, Lion-O pushed forward, striving for the summit. He made it, reaching for her outstretched hand only for his fingers to pass through them. Hopes dashed, he realized she was an image. The shape wavered, reducing to a small glowing sun that would not fade. Sadly, he touched it, cherishing the warmth it transmitted. It was the focal point of the force that bound his soul to hers. Drawing on its energy, he knew he had to fight back, he had to figure a way out of this trap or face the fact he'd never see Cheetara or any of his loved ones again. The silver light pulsed stronger at that thought. Cotton-white softness gathered, lifting him from the hellish nethersphere. He let it pull him gently upward.
A soft growling vibrated the limbo world and he recognized it as his own voice. Feeling crept back into his limbs, sending burning tingles that trailed up his arms. A curtain lifted, permitting recent memory to emerge--the jungle arena--the scorpion's sting. His back still hurt where it had hit him. His eyes opened, only to be pained by the light of the real world. He tried to sit up, but the room wouldn't stay still. Damning the grogginess and stiff soreness permeating his body, he managed to look around. "Tygra?" he croaked. Only the cold silence of the cell answered. "Tygra?" His friend was gone. The terrible warnings of danger whisper-echoed in his mind. Something was happening to Tygra.
He staggered from the sleeping palette, going to the cage force field. Clear and silent, it barred his way. Still too weak, he couldn't even pound on it and he sagged against it. Again, the sinking sensation of failure penetrated him. Some Lord of the Thundercats, he thought. He'd failed again. This time it was Tygra he'd let down.
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Tygra screamed in terror and rage, fighting the darkness that threatened to smother his senses. Black hatred fired his futile struggles against the metal ropes that bound his arms. Pain creased reality as talons held him fast with a crushing grip. Growling and twisting, he tried to pull free. These bird-creatures had him. He could not fight them. He could not run from them, but still he resisted as they dragged him mercilessly down the smooth walled cave. He didn't, couldn't understand why. All he knew was he had to escape. Memory jumbled like a dropped puzzle. A cold gray room faded as time went backwards. A sickening sugary scent filled his nostrils, bitterness tainting green against his tongue. Large, round, yellow eyes cut like a laser beam peeling back his psyche in a myriad of images. Time blurred, a planet died, faces surfaced, sinking back into a mire of forgotten dreams. Fresh pain surged as again he felt the vital life link snap like a delicate chain. He screamed, tears stinging his eyes. Mental/emotional agony ached in the depths of his being, echoing across the vast empty expanse as a faded light died. A hole suddenly appeared in the cave wall and the bird-creatures roughly propelled him through it. He fell on the soft-rock floor, realizing his hands were free. With an explosive snarl, he launched at the creatures, slamming against a slab that dropped from nowhere. His breathe fast and ragged, he sat up, staring at the smooth stone barrier. Confusion faded as a new scent, tantalizing and spicy, captured his attention. Again, feelings stirred inside him, washing away the fear of moments ago. Slowly he turned, his eyes setting on another feline. It was a cat like him, a female cat. A ghost of comprehension dawned in his muddled mind as he stared at this she-cat. Her tantalizing perfume wrapped around him, sending tingling sensations through his nerves. A distant memory triggered, flowing back from a dim time. He stood, his gaze riveting on the female. The image blurred, seemed to change. Recognition glowed deep within as a name came forward. "Fierra...." She was not dead. She was here. "Tygra," she said, backing away. "What have they done to you?" The unmistakable scent of fear mingled with her musk, stirring a darkness that slept within him. She knew better than to fear or resist him. Instinct fought for control. A fever heat flared, strong emotion kindling a need he had denied for so long. The years of emptiness faded as he slowly approached her. The a low warning growl came forth as he stared into her eyes, challenging her to fight or submit. Trembling, she backed away until she could go no further. She sank down against the wall, her fear tangible. He towered over her, an intoxicating sense of power feeding the demon inside. He lunged for her. With a murderous yowl she leapt, and he caught her by the waist spinning her around. Hissing and snarling, they fell to the floor. Nails ripped across his chest tearing fur and flesh. She spat, kicking and clawing, fighting his weight as he pinned her down. He snarled, his hand slamming against the side of her head. She cried out as he gripped her wrists, trapping them against the ground. Whimpering sounds came from deep in her throat as he forced her legs apart. His heart pounded, victory vibrating through every nerve. Her heady scent filled his nostril, driving the madness to peak. Nature would not be denied.
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The past three day had felt more like three years. Arms crossed over his bare chest, Lion-O paced his cell, worry cutting a deeper crease in his soul than ever before. He could no longer sense Tygra's whereabouts. It was as if Tygra had vanished, and that terrified him. He stopped at the cage's clear barrier and pressed against it, trying to peer down the corridor. This was all so hopeless. "Jaga," he murmured, "where are you? I need you." But his mentor did not appear. He'd never been so alone in his life. Never. A black snake of fear curled around him and he closed his eyes, feeling for the emotional tie to Cheetara. For a moment, he thought it felt stronger, as if the distance between them was less. But he knew that to be another illusion--a false hope. She was still on Third Earth and he was still here. The electric hum of the forcefield felt good and warm against his hands. The battle marks of the arena had faded, all except the wound from the scorpion, which was taking its time to heal. He went to his bed, sitting on its edge. Judging by the sun-shadows on the floor, the damned birdbrains would soon be here to check him yet again. Every time the med-techs came, he asked questions. The answers he got ranged from smirks to retorts of 'none of your business.' Maybe Tygra was dead. No, he thought. He couldn't, didn't dare think like that. A noise caught his attention. A med-tech had just entered the cage and was closing the only passage from this prison. The white-clad male hawk approached, black pouch in hand, stun-rod in the other. Damn it, why didn't they leave him be. "Okay, big guy," the hawk said, clamping the stun rod on his belt. "Turn around." Lion-O eyed the electric baton, then complied, all the while loathing the creature who was now probing the bandage patch on his bare back. He winced as the tech hit a very sore place, cringing when fingers burrowed under the dressing's sticky adhesive edge. Intense pain ripped from his back as fur tore from skin. He roared in anger, claws striking the startled med-tech. The man screamed, crashing to the floor. Lion-O's nails cut into flesh as he picked the stunned Aviirian up off the floor, ramming his back against the metal wall. He yanked the stun rod free, his other hand closing around the tech's neck. The hawk struggled, fear gleaming in his large round eyes. Blood oozed from long scratches across his face. "You little--" Lion-O growled, barely stopping himself from strangling the fowl. Rage burned, but logic prevailed. "My patience is at an end. If you value your life, you'll answer my questions. Where's Tygra?" The tech rasped a reply. "Breeding--pens--" He thumped the hawk hard against the wall. "Where's that?" "Psych ward--annex--down--" "I know where that is." Lion-O thumbed the stun-rod controls, jabbing the live end in the tech's mid-section. The bird choked out a cry and Lion-O let him drop, beyond caring about the consequences. The breeding-pens, he thought. He knew he had to get to Tygra. He grabbed the remote and pass key off the tech's belt and headed for the force-screen. This time, he knew how to work it. In moments he was out and charging down the corridor. People screamed, dropping everything to get out of the way. Alarms blared in a nerve-grating pitch that spurred him faster. Heart pounding, he headed around a bend. A commotion sounded behind him and he knew that time was not on his side. Once he found Tygra, he didn't know what he'd do, but he'd deal with that when that time came. Lion-O stopped barely long enough to let the chill of the floor register beneath his bare feet before he took off down the corridor. Just ahead was the entrance to the enclosed walk-way that led to the psyche-ward. Three gray-and-orange garbed keepers pushed through the doors he was heading for. Behind him three more closed off the path of retreat. Frantically, he searched for an escape. On the ceiling was a large vent plate with grill slats open wide enough for fingers to fit through. He leapt, grabbing the grill, the sharp metal strips cutting into his fingers. His weight pulled it free, and he dropped to the floor, sending the grate sailing. The Aviirians scattered as it whistled through the air. He sprang, for the now unguarded door. A rifle retort rended the air as he crashed through to the other side. Steel bands of netting twisted around him, tangling his legs, clinging to his arms like a huge spider's web. Snarling, he fell to the floor, trying to break free. Shouts echoed in his ears, as his captors descended upon him. The more he struggled, the tighter the net gripped. Chest heaving, Lion-O lay on his back, seeing the team of keepers surround him. Anger surged in one great roar of defiance, but there wasn't a damned thing he could do.
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Stars melted like icicles, water pouring down in streams that exploded into columns of steam. Thick clouds of grief and pain saturated Cheetara's body. Almost beyond effort, she fought, reaching for a blurred golden light that reflected dimly through the haze. She had to reach that light. Suddenly, her pulse quickened. Lion-O! He was here--he had found her, come to her. Desperately, she clawed through the honey-thick vapor. Lightning flashed harsh and bright, showing a glimpse of an outline in the fog. Her heart pounded wildly as she watched the vapors swirl, and take shape. The mists went transparent and Lion-O's ghost-like image coalesced in a deep, yellow-gold hue that sparkled like crystal. Joy radiated from her soul. He stood on a glass slope. The emotional bond that made them one vibrated, the love and caring dampened by sorrow and worry. He stared at her from afar, his eyes glittering a watery silver. She sensed his longing to come to her, but he could not move. His hands extended, and she started toward him, running, trying to scale the glassy hill. Her claws scraped against the mirrored surface, scratching furrows in the hardness. Nothing would stop her. This time, she would touch him, keep him here. She struggled, reaching up to him. Only inches separated them when a keening cry pierced the air and he cringed. NO! Cheetara screamed. She grabbed for Lion-O and her hand slammed against a clear barrier solid as steel. Her grip faltered, nails raking across the steep glass-rock incline as she slid. Tears of denial brimmed her eyes as she looked up from the bottom, watching her mate dissolve back into the prismatic mists. Only the deep golden glow remained, pulsing like a star. She cried, unleashing the frustration that tore her spirit to shreds. Strong arms held her close, hugging her like she was child and she clung, fighting the sobs threatening to break free from her body. A deep soothing voice reached through the dream. "It's all right. We're here." Cheetara's eyes opened. It was Panthro. Reality returned, her head clearing. The foul dankness of their temporary prison banished the dregs of the nightmare only to replace it with another. Scattered piles of refuse clogged the tiny room. Its dingy walls could barely reflect the light from the overhead lamps. Another hand rested on her shoulder. She looked up at Pumyra. Worry creased the puma's face. "The dream again?" She nodded, sitting forward on the thin lumpy mattress. Quickly she wiped the wetness from her cheeks. Damn it, she hated weeping females. "You okay?" he asked, letting go. "Yes. Thank you, Panthro." She patted his hand. "I'm fine." He smiled softly. "Yeah." He nodded at Pumyra, then rose to go to the armored door. "This is the third night in a row," Pumyra said. "Is it always the same dream?" Cheetara nodded, brushing stray strands of mane from her face. "Always," she sighed. "I'm tired of feeling powerless. We've got to get out of here. We've got to reach Lion-O and Tygra. Quickly." "I'm working on it right now," Panthro said as he tugged on a loose wall panel by the door. "If I'm right, we'll be outta here in no time." "What do you have in mind?" Cheetara asked. When he didn't answer, Pumyra said, "He said something about a short circuiting." Cheetara glanced at Pumyra, who was eyeing her with curiosity. She managed a smile for her friend. "Is there something wrong?" The puma shook her head. "I was about to ask you the same." Cheetara looked away, scratching a non-existence itch on her arm. "Only the obvious," she answered. A skreeking sound pierced the quiet. Panthro growled, finally succeeding in tearing off the rusted metal plate. On his knees, he searched about in the wall's interior. "Ah-Ha! I was right." He reached up, pulling out two cables as far as possible. "There'll be a hot time in the old garbage scow tonight." He started scratching at the insulation with a claw. "See if you gals can find anything to cut with." "There's certainly enough trash laying around here." Pumyra began sifting through the junk. Cheetara joined in, finally feeling useful. In minutes the women struck treasure. "Glass," Pumyra said. "How about glass?" She held up a wicked shard of what once was a bottle. "That'll do. Glass is non-conductive." Panthro took it, looking it over. Cheetara pulled odd shaped pieces from beneath a heap. "Plastic. Looks like an old wrap." Dust flew in the air as she snapped the sheet open. "Wish we had some cable extensions." Panthro took the plastic, laying it down at his work area. "Ask and you shall receive," Pumyra said. Two frayed cords dangled from her fist. "Not exactly quality." "And beggars can't be choosers, right?" He grinned, his attention setting on the cables protruding from the bulkhead. "Panthro, what are you up to?" Cheetara said. "Oh, you'll see." And he began to peel away the covering. "Trust me." "We do, old friend," Cheetara answered. "We do."
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Home is where one is supposed to rest, and take private time for themselves to be able to deal with the outside world. For Alle-Ma, today was anything but restive. Bent over neglected paper work, she struggled with a tax report that she had no desire to fill out. Thank the stars her mate and offspring had decided to take leave to the northern cliff regions of the continent for a three week holiday. At least they'd be out of her crown feathers for a while. It was already late afternoon and she'd barely made a dent in the large stack of paper. She threw the stylus down on one of the many stacks of charts, only for it roll off the desk and onto the floor. Fine, it could stay there, she thought as she rubbed her eyes. Her head still ached from this morning's confrontation with animal control. If she ever decided to change professions, she'd become a diplomat. It took some fast, heavy talking to save that cat's furry butt. She was beginning to wonder if it was worth all the trouble. A knock at her door interrupted her thoughts. "Enter," she said. The decorative panels parted and she rose from her desk. Two huge male eagles from Animal Control dragged in their reluctant charge. Hands manacled behind his back, the lion stood between them. The redness of his mane matched the fire in his eyes. The glow of the control collar locked about his neck dimmed as he ceased his struggles. Unkempt and dirty, he still retained his pride. She cast an appreciative eye on him. Maybe it was worth the trouble after all. Clad only in his blue shorts she could see every line and ripple of his muscular body. She had to admit, the lion had spunk. No animal had ever escaped the compound and this one had almost succeeded. "Thank you, keepers," she said. "You're most prompt." One handed her a small red box. "Are you certain of this, Ma-a-Quila?" "Of course, I'm certain. I caught him in first place, remember." "This is one dangerous animal." "Don't worry about me. I can handle him." "Very well," he said. "It's your pin-feathers." He glanced at the cat and shook his head. "Don't see how you'll ever domesticate him." Quietly, he and his partner left the room. Typical males, Alle-Ma thought. All looks and no brains. Her attention turned to the cat. The stick method hadn't worked with this one, so now was the time to use sugar, she thought as she calmly walked behind him and removed the restrainers. Massaging his wrists, his look of wariness followed her as she went back to her desk. She sat on the edge of the desk top and quietly studied him, noting the bandages on his fingers. She motioned to a chair. "Sit." He didn't respond. The set of his jaw, the shine of his crimson eyes belied the hostility smoldering behind his stoic facade. "It's not a command. It's an offer." Still nothing. Alle-Ma reached for the comm-box on her desk, and pressed a button. "Nails." There was no answer. "Dammit Nails, where are you?" "Yes, madam?" a rasping voice replied. Her eyes never left the cat as she said, "Ready the bath and bring a standard issue of clothing to my office." "Right away, Ma-a-Quila." She sat up, scowling. "Will you please sit down?" she demanded, pointing to the chair in front of her desk. He hesitated, then finally complied. Alle-Ma crossed her arms, looking down on him. "I saved your hide--literally, cat. What you did was the stupidest stunt you could've ever pulled. The officials were ready to castrate you. As of now they agreed to place you on a twenty-one day probation period. That'll delay any action making you legally mine. You screw up one more time and we both suffer." A hint of a smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. "Maybe you don't understand," she said. "This means I'm personally responsible for your actions. One more incident and you're history and I'm fined a wad of money." The seconds ticked by as she waited for a reply. "Have you nothing to say?" "Would it make any difference?" "That depends." The lion didn't blink. "On what?" "Trust." "You insult my intelligence. After what you've done to us, you'll never have my trust." "As I see it, you have no choice, cat. Your life, as well as your companion's, depends on it." "You're bluffing," he said. "You'd never kill us. It would cost you too much money." She ignored the sarcasm. Using the softest tone she could, she said, "No. I'd never kill you. But the authorities might not feel as I do." That statement struck a nerve. The cat paused, obviously giving her words a great deal of thought. His gaze lifted to hers. "Trust is not easily built on circumstances such as ours." Then he added, "And my proper name is not 'cat.'" She smiled. Familiarity was the first sign of breaking though a wall of resistance. "You have a point--Lion-O, but circumstances change. Believe me, it was never intended for the chameleon course to get so out of control. And the rock crawler wasn't supposed to be part of the test." Easily, she rose from the desk's edge, clipping the red controller to the wide gold belt of her tunic. With a deliberate slow pace, she walked toward him. Her hand smoothed along the top of the chair's back as she stopped to stand behind him. He sat unmovingly straight. "The test was designed to measure your strength, stamina--your will to survive." Her fingers lightly grazed his shoulder, moving over the control collar. He tensed as her hand went up underneath his thick mane. Gently she massaged the back of his neck. "Despite what has happened, I do care about you, and it's more than money. Right now cooperation would greatly benefit both of us." The doors suddenly parted. Alle-Ma yanked her hand away and glared at the servant who meekly entered carrying a bundle. "Damn it, Nails. I've told you to knock before entering!" The elderly jackal bowed. "I beg forgiveness, madam, but as per your orders, I am delivering these garments." With a tilt of his head, he gave a knowing smile, and said, "The bath is also ready." "Excellent. You may go, Nails." She looked down on Lion-O. "I'll tend to the cleaning." Lion-O's eyes darted from the mutant to Alle-Ma. "I know how to take a bath," he said quickly. "But you require constant monitoring," she countered. "And that means--" The communicomm on her desk beeped urgently. Annoyed and irritated, she answered the intrusive call. "Yes." "Alle-Ma, Lorabi here. Can you come to the research center right away?" She signaled for the jackal to stop, her gaze resting on Lion-O. "What's wrong? Is Aja?" "No. I'd rather not say over the comm. I'd rather you get down here." She sighed, biting her lower lip. Finally she said, "I'll see you in ten minutes." She released the button as Lorabi's sign off closed the channel. "Nails, see to Lion-O's bath." She handed him the controller. "Anything happens to this cat and your hide will hang on my office wall." "Ma-a-Quila," the jackal said, sounding hurt. "You know me better than that." "Yes, but you don't know him." She grabbed her red cloak off the rack and draped it over one shoulder. "I'll be back as soon as possible." She left her office, thinking that the day was not getting any better.
###
Lion-O took a deep breath, trying to subdue a growing dread. What he'd sensed from Alle-Ma made his skin crawl. Suddenly, the Aviirian compound never looked better. And the urgent call, it had be about Tygra. What could he do? He was stuck here for the present. The mutant's voice cut through the foreboding thoughts, drawing his attention. "What?" "I said come along, cub," Nails ordered. "Or shall I use the controller to remind you who's in charge." "No." Lion-O wearily rose. "I won't resist you. Heaven forbid you should lose your skin, Mutant." "So, you are ThunDERian." The jackal snickered, gripping Lion-O's arm to guide him down a beautifully paneled hallway. "I thought so from the looks of you. Why you could even be--a Thundercat." "That's for you to guess." Nails led him through Alle-Ma's huge house. Furnishings like he'd never imagined decorated the dwelling. From the velvet cushions, to the rich wall drapes, the place painted a picture of a woman who loved luxury and pleasure. A gold-and-silver plaque adorned a wall they passed. Briefly, Lion-O looked at the symbol. Wings raised, talons poised for attack the majestic eagle seemed almost alive. "Her family crest," Nails said. "Impressive." "It should be. She's of the old aristocracy." The mutant pulled him along. The next section they entered wasn't as lavish. Several pairs of eyes set on Lion-O as he followed the Mutant through what had to be the servants' quarters. Male Aviiarians, as well as other creatures, stopped their various household chores to stare at him. Suddenly self-conscious, he tried to ignore them. A new pet, one whispered. Another mouth to feed, murmured another. Finally, Nails stopped and opened a door, promptly ushering Lion-O through it. Warmth circulated, an herbal scent coloring the humid air of a wood paneled spa. He stared down at the steaming clear water in a large sunken tub. The jackal locked the door, then went to retrieve a jar off of a high shelf. "Okay, Thundercat. Let me see your back." As Lion-O complied, the mutant lightly applied a coat of cold gel over the restitched wound. When he was done, he said, "Okay, now strip and hop in and don't get your hands wet." "Concern for my welfare, Mutant." "No. Mine. Now do as I say." "What about the collar?" "That stays. It's waterproof. Ma-a-Quila designed it for all purpose wear." Lion-O tossed what was left of his uniform on the floor and stepped down into the chest deep water. It felt good, soothing the aches and tenseness from his body. With a jar of liquid soap in hand, Nails knelt down and started working on Lion-O's tangled mane. "What in Plundar have you been doing, cat?" "I've been busy." Lion-O closed his eyes, letting the mutant do the work. Alle-Ma's words whispered in his mind. The idea forming his head spoke of a game he was loath to play, but alternatives were none. There was only one way off this planet and that was through Alle-Ma. He would have to do whatever it took to gain her trust. He prayed Tygra had realized this. If he had, it would explain Alle-Ma's answer. To give in meekly at this point would rouse suspicion. Alle-Ma would expect another escape attempt. Soap trailed down his forehead, threatening to get in his eyes. Quickly, he wiped it away. "So, Nails, how long have you been here?" "A long time. Long enough to learn where my bread is buttered." "Ha! Spoken like the cowards you Jackalmen really are." The Mutant growled. "Cowards!" Nails hand came down on top of Lion-O's head, pushing him underwater. Lion-O thrashed, swallowing water, soap stinging his eyes. He latched onto a furry arm. The dog shrieked as he was yanked to the hot tub. Gasping, Lion-O surfaced, going for the soap. As the jackal came up, a spray of suds splattered him. He scrambled out, leaving the blinded dog groping for the edge. Frantically Lion-O searched for the control box. Too late he found out where it was as electric current burned into the base of his skull. He cried out, trying to pull off the glowing collar. Fighting pain, he reached for the door, only to fall against it. Gasping, he sank to the slippery floor. Suddenly the current stopped, leaving him dazed. "That was very stupid, Thundercat." Sopping wet, Nails stood over him, control box in hand. Sharp claws clamped about Lion-O's upper arm. The room swayed when the jackal hauled him up off the soaked wooden deck. "Be glad it wasn't Ma-a-Quila who was with you," Nails growled. "As much as I would love to, I haven't the power to punish. I'll warn you and I hope you're intelligent enough for this to sink in--never, ever cross Ma-A-Quila. She can be a loving owner, but she rules with a strict hand. The day you anger her, you'll regret every minute thereafter. Now get back in the tub." he shoved Lion-O forward. "Dammit. Your bandages are wet," Nails grumbled. "Now I'll have to change those too." Lion-O sat in the hot water, letting his head rest against the basin's rim. Painful as it was, he'd given what was expected, an escape attempt. The jackal would tell his master and then the hard part would begin--dealing with Alle-Ma herself.
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A furious kick sent trash scattering across the squalid little cell. Fur bristled on the back of Cheetara's neck. Claws poised, she squared off with Pumyra. "How dare you call me that," she hissed. A savage snarl echoed off the walls of the room. Muscles tensed as she readied to attack her fellow Thundercat. "Take that back or you'll regret it." "Truth hurts, Cheetara," Pumyra growled back, crouching as she followed her opponent's movement. "I'll show you the truth, traitor!" Cheetara screamed, launching into the puma. They crashed against the wall, sending more rubbish flying into the air. Howling and shrieking, the women locked in battle, rolling across the floor. A pounding rang the heavy metal door of the cell, but neither let up in the fight. The squeal of rusty hinges cut across the caterwauling and a large shadow spilled through the doorway. "Stop!" the brutish Orion commanded, raising his laser pistol. "Stop or I shoot!" He stepped through, bearing down on the fighting females. Energy fried the air, as the ugly blue creature bellowed in agony. Like a falling tree, he hit the rubbish covered floor and lay very still. Cheetara helped Pumyra up, grinning as she clapped her friend's back. "Pretty convincing, I'd say." "An award-winning performance," Pumyra nodded. "Sounded like you two were murdering each other," Panthro said, stepping out of the shadows. He secured the bare wires. "But don't congratulate yourselves too soon. This is only the beginning. Now we've got to get to the bridge and make sure these jerks get a taste of their own medicine." He picked up the laser gun. "You ladies got your 'bombs'?" "Ready and waiting." Pumyra hefted two small tightly sealed plastic bags filled with a pink oily substance. Cheetara held hers up. "Just lead the way." Panthro grinned. "Then, let's do it." And out the door he went. The pleasure of slamming that cell door was beyond words. Cheetara secured it and followed her friends. In cat-like silence true to their heritage, they moved along the narrow passage. Thank Jaga, the ship was not big. Cheetara pressed against the wall as did the others, when harsh laughter sounded just ahead. A shadow preceded two more approaching Orions. When they came into view, Pumyra out into full view. "Hey, slugs! Eat this!" and she threw the bags. The startled creatures barely had their guns out when the bombs hit them full in the face. Rancid grease covered their heads as they staggered forward. She dropped to the floor as Panthro came out firing. "Three down," Pumyra said, dragging the unconscious brute into another refuse-clogged room. Panthro threw the other inside, slammed and bolted the door. "That means maybe seven left." Cheetara grabbed the laser guns off the floor and tossed one to Pumyra. "The odds are getting better," she said, clamping the weapon to her cuff. She stopped, listening hard. The shuffling noise so typical of the Orion walk drew her attention. "The other end. Two more coming," she whispered, motioning for her friends to get ready. "These are mine!" Panthro and Pumyra backed into the semi-dark recesses of the corridor. In seconds Cheetara was down the hall. She stopped at the entrance, standing still as a statue. Holding the liquid-filled pouches behind her, she waited, gauging their approach. The first one entered the corridor. "Hey, handsome!" she called. "Catch me if you can." The surprised Orion shouted, drawing his weapon. She dodged the blast, running back the way she'd come. As expected, they gave chase. At the curve, she dropping a bag and it splatted on the floor behind her. Boldly, she stood out in the open. Both Orions barreled around the bend, hitting the slick spot. Wildly, they slid, sailing into the bulkhead. A smile of satisfaction came forth as she looked down at her feet. Both Orions were out cold. "You've been hanging around Lion-O too long," Panthro chided, as he left the shadows to lock up the downed Orions. Cheetara stared after him. "And what's that supposed to mean?" "I think he just called you a show off," Pumyra laughed. "Come on. We've got a bridge to take." "Go ahead. I'll catch up," Panthro said, hauling the first Orion into an empty room. The women nodded, and sprinted down the darkened corridor. They climbed the ladder leading to the upper deck, and headed for the front of the ship. "Standard layout of a scout-transport," Cheetara said. "If my guess is right, this crawl way should lead to our target." "Hey, wait!" Pumyra went through an open door. Cautiously, Cheetara followed, going inside a very cluttered briefing room. On the table against the wall, their weapons lay on top of a mound of garbage. "Thank Jaga." Pumyra tied her sling about her waist, then gathered up Panthro's nun-chuks. Cheetara retrieved her baton, snapping it into place on her cuff. Lastly, she lifted the Sword of Omens. Its jewel glimmered at her touch. Again, a strange sensation radiate from it, tingling through her bones. It was then she knew that the sword sensed what she carried within her. Carefully, she slipped it inside her cuff. "Let's go." In moments the two were at the top of the crawl way. Cheetara looked down at Pumyra, her hand gripping the hatch-lock. Her friend nodded. With a snarl of fury, Cheetara pushed with all her strength. The hatch slammed back as she burst into the room. The shocked Orions rose from their chairs, hands going for their weapons. The power staff shot to full length, current crackling from its end. A laser blast burned the air as Cheetara zipped out of harm's way, swinging the deadly tip of the staff at the nearest bulky Orion. Frustration and fury unleashed, she hit the blue alien with a full force blast. Pumyra yelled, flinging another crewmember over her shoulder as another attacked from behind. In seconds Cheetara was between them, her power staff striking the floor. Solid beams shot up hard as rock, ramming the blue beast into the bulkhead so hard it bent the plating. Back to back, the women faced the remaining two Orions, one in front of Cheetara, the other before Pumyra. The ugly beasts took aim at the cats between them and fired. With split second timing, the women dropped, the bolts zinging overhead. Red auras exploded around the slavers and they fell to the floor like sacks of sand. Cheetara and Pumyra raised their heads, looking from the downed Orions then to each other. They grinned, hands meeting in a mid-air victory clap. "Hey," Panthro called from the hatchway. He climbed up, stepping onto the bridge. "You didn't leave me any." "Sorry, we got carried away," Pumyra said, getting to her feet. "And I enjoyed every minute of it," Cheetara said. Replacing her baton, she stepped over a body. "Let's take out the rubbish."
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In the hands of the Lord of the Thundercats the Sword of Omens wields great power, including the power of healing. Somberly, Lion-O sate beside the sleeping palette in the isolation cell, gazing down at the still form curled up on it. Except for the shallow rise and fall of his chest, Tygra looked dead. Lion-O rubbed at his tired eyes and hung his head, frustration painting his fears. Dammit, he didn't have the sword. All he had was himself. Alle-Ma's urgent summons had brought him back to the complex yesterday evening. That was only a few hours ago. Now the early morning sun was beginning to glow through the skylight. He sighed, looking back down at his friend. The dullness in his eyes, the lack of expression and response to touch frightened Lion-O. No matter what he'd tried, he couldn't break through the solid mental barrier that now encapsulated Tygra's mind. It was a sign of withdrawal, a wish to die. What had these birdpeople done to him? Lion-O fought down a surge of contempt for his captors. Anger wouldn't do his friend any good now. He had to reach beyond that granite wall, but how? The memories of his annointment trials came back. He had bested Tygra in the test of mind power, battling to retain reality in a world of illusion while facing his greatest fear. The amount of energy it had taken to win was awesome. Self-doubt frayed the edges of his confidence. To try to reach into another's mind, especially one as powerful as Tygra's, was dangerous and his last resort. He had to try. Lion-O's muscles protested as he rose. He'd been sitting in one position for too long. Quietly he moved to the head of the palette and settled cross-legged on the floor. Gently, his fingers edged along Tygra's temples, easing into the line of the mane. Lords of ThunDERa, he thought, please let me succeed. He cleared his mind, summoning all his energy and strength of will. His eyes never wavered, never blinked as his thoughts filled with memories of Tygra as he'd known him. "Tygra," he said softly, "please, let me in." Desperation etched in his deep, gentle voice. "Please. I need you. The Thundercats need you...." The power within Lion-O focused, sending a glow spreading from him to Tygra like an invisible life-line. The telepathic message hit hard against the protective shell, piercing it like an arrow. Come back.... Let me help you. Darkness, black as soot nearly choked all thought as reality shifted to another plane. Lion-O couldn't tell if it was an illusion or actually a place deep in Tygra's mind. Whatever it was, it was a reaction, a response on Tygra's part. He had heard. Cold and silent as a tomb, Lion-O moved through a shivery emptiness that brought tears to his eyes. There was no flash of intelligence, no glow of the awareness of life. It was a vacuum, a place devoid of emotion. Lion-O opened his heart, seeking the flicker of soul that was Tygra. Like a barely audible whisper, the sensation of pain--great sorrow--drew the Lord of the Thundercats and he followed it, letting it lead him deeper into the honey-thick blackness. Somewhere his friend was hiding, not from Lion-O, but himself. Fear, anger, horror and revulsion reverberated like electric currents that wouldn't stop. He drew closer to that trembling psyche that pushed against him like a tidal wave, trying to shove him back. Lion-O's own anger snapped down like a steel trap. NO! Don't turn me away. You taught me to face my fears. Tygra, come to me and you won't face this alone. The lid of inky blackness tightened down, resisting the warmth and comfort Lion-O offered. Lion-O waited for what seemed like forever. Nothing happened. You can hide, but you can't run away, Tygra. I won't leave until you come out and face me. The Tygra I knew was not a coward. Grayness sifted into the black. Coward? Anger and hatred thundered across the emptiness. Magnetic colors of orange and white swirled into the black. The gray limbo faded as the light from within took on a harsh brightness that transformed into a ghostly shape that was Tygra. No clothes covered the apparition, betraying the vulnerability permeating his soul, showing an image that was filled with self-loathing. I don't believe that! I wronged a fellow ThunDERian! the phantom hissed, change distorting his face. Tygra began to evolve, mane growing shaggy, face growing longer and sharper. I betrayed the bonds of my life-mate. Dagger-tipped claws extended like wicked knives from what were once hands. I failed in my duty to honor. A tail flicked to and fro as a growl rose from the beast. His fangs bared in a feral snarl. I am ugly! Evil! I don't deserve to live. Lion-O recognized the creature before him, understanding dawning on as the scent change enveloped him. No! That's not true. Don't argue, cub! You don't know what transpired! Then enlighten me. The beast hesitated, fear flashing in his bright red eyes. No--I can't! You can. The image shook his head, backing away. No. You don't understand. Leave me. Compassion burned within Lion-O. You're wrong, Tygra. Not long ago, I faced my beast and won. Long before that, you faced your demon. Face him again, Tygra. Don't let him beat you. Lion-O spread his hands. I am your friend. Let me help you. Tygra seemed to wither, his image wavering in a battle of tearing emotion. Voice trembling, he answered, I--cannot.... His paws covered his face. I cannot face what I did. I'll face it with you. No--it's too horrible. Jaga once said to me, in order to exorcise a wrong, we must confront the consequences of our deeds or it will follow us for the rest of our days. He reached out, feeling Tygra wince at his contact. He let his feelings of love and caring encompass Tygra's shadow form. A moment of indecisiveness preceded a bone-biting coldness that enveloped Lion-O. Tygra's dilated eyes glowed like blood-red coals in the smoky-blackness. His hands clasped into one tight fist as he bowed his head. Suddenly he cried out, his image dissolving in a whirlwind of fear. Tygra! Come back! Please! Lion-O's outstretched hands clenched into tight fists, his words echoing in the void. Suddenly, round amber eyes drilled into his mind. Thick, sharp green mint burned sweet in his mouth, drowning his senses, peeling back layers of his soul. Memory illusion so real covered his mind and Lion-O gasped as searing hot emotion exploded through him. The grief and years of loneliness faded at the sight of a woman. A tigress of ThunDERian nobility stood as real as the air. Heart pounding, he could feel bonds tighten like steel ropes. A musky scent drew him closer to an insanity that sucked away his power of reasoning. Power coursed like raw current through his veins, animal instinct drowning all reason. As if looking through eyes not his own, his vision changed. The young tigress cowered in the corner, begging for mercy in words he could, yet could not understand. Screams echoed inside Lion-O's ears. Pain! Claws tore through fur and flesh of a bare chest. Hands savagely clamped around slender wrists in an iron grip. She was pinned. The feel of blood and stink of musk rippled in waves of excitement. Silver-bladed agony stabbed down severing faded empathic ties that snapped like rubber bands, sending pain singing through his nerves. Chains of a physical link forged in fires of passion forever binding male to female. It was all Lion-O could do to keep from turning away, from shutting out the conflicting terror and pleasure surging around him. A cry of anguish ripped the surreality like an explosion, flinging Lion-O backward. Yellow eyes blazed like twin suns as he fell from Tygra's hell. Misty grayness covered his vision, and Lion-O's head hit the padding of the sleeping palette. Tears wet his face, but his hand did not let go of Tygra's. He would not let go of his sobbing friend. Claws dug into his hand as Tygra's grip closed tight. The emotional wounds were deep, but the first step had been taken. Relief breathed soft and sweet into Lion-O's soul. Tygra had faced what had happened and had reached for Lion-O in those last moments. Vaguely the sound of the cell door opening registered. Weariness weighed down as he raised up his head. The sight of Alle-Ma looking down on him sent a tenseness through him like an electrical shock. The brief moments of relief vanished like yesterday's dreams in the light of reality.
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Alle-Ma gazed out the wide windows of her study. Morning sun beat down through the glass panels, chasing the chill from the room. Two days had come and gone without major incident. The lion had tended the tiger, bringing him out of his depression, for which she was grateful. Even now, she watched the two head for the exercise yard not far away. Again, they would through their peculiar routine that looked like a combination of play and serious combat. She shook her head, hardly believing that she'd nearly lost both of them. "I tell you, Lorabi," she said. "I'd have never believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes." She faced her friend, who was examining the many trophies and medallions that decorated the far wall. "What that lion did in that isolation cell was amazing. I can still see that eerie glow in his eyes." "Maybe it was a type of telepathy or even empathy." Lorabi set a gold cup back on the shelf. Mid-morning sun glinted sharply off it. "The sea-dolphs have that capability." "Yes, but these aren't sea-dolphs." Alle-Ma crossed her arms, her gaze settling on the lion. "These are big cats." Pensively, she watched the two. "What if these cats are truly sentient life-forms--like us?" "They are capable of intelligence, but not like us. Their nature is animal, which will always set them apart. What the Tashan teaches is true. They are incapable of rising above their savage heritage. It's for us to guide and care for them." Alle-Ma shook her head. "The more I see the more I wonder." "Well, these two aren't your typical breed of large cat." Alle-Ma turned away from the window. "What do you mean?" The falcon sank down into the thick padded chair and leaned back. "Their gene-pool structure is amazing. Know what you'd get if you crossed a tiger with a leopard?" "Sounds like a bad joke." Alle-Ma slid into her chair and rested her elbows on the desk top. "Okay. What, a confused cat?" Lorabi shook her head. "Depending on the parents genome, the cub could be either pure tiger or pure leopard, not a hybrid. The racial heritage is determined basically by breed dominance. I am convinced these two are from the same evolutionary roots as the ship-load of cats the Orions brought us ten years ago." "Amazing," Alle-Ma mused, rubbing her chin. "Not a hybrid. Then my lion could be bred to any of his kind." Lorabi nodded. "Also, I noticed that each gene contains an extra component. It seems to be the source of their paranormal strength and skills. It sets them apart from the commoners of their kind." "Do yours have it?" "Zen't doesn't. Aja does, only hers isn't active." "Active?" Alle-Ma frowned as she looked out the picture window. Far away she should see the two cats in the midst of their contest. "What the hell are they?" "I'll tell you Ma-a-Quilla." Nails walked into the room, setting a serving tray down on the table-stand next to Lorabi. "What you have are Thundercats." "Thundercats?" Alle-Ma questioned. The old jackal poured tea into two waiting cups. The scent of almonds rose in the steam as he prepared the refreshments. "They are cunning, resourceful and devious. They are not to be trusted." "How do you know this, dog?" Alle-Ma asked. "Their kind and mine are ancient enemies. Believe me, I know a Thundercat when I smell one." "Thundercat...." Alle-Ma leaned back in her desk chair, fingers tapping the arm rest. The red cat's head symbol they had worn came to mind again. "Thundercats," she said. "Come to think of it, Lion-O did call himself the Lord of the Thundercats when we first arrived. I even joked about it." The jackal nearly dropped the cup of tea he was serving Alle-Ma. "Lord of the Thundercats," he whispered, his yellow eyes growing round. "Lion-O?" "Nails, you sound as if you know him." "Oh! Oh, no! It's nothing, madam." He placed the drink in front of her, meekly clasping his hands. "It's just that I'm shocked that an animal would claim such a title as lord." Nails bowed slightly. "May I be excused? I have other pressing duties to attend to." "Certainly." Alle-Ma watched the jackal scurry from the den. His snickering laugh could be heard all the way from the other end of the hall. The old dog knew something and he wasn't telling. Whatever it was, she'd drag it out of him later. Her gaze turned back to the window. Finished with their sparring, the lion and tiger were heading back to the compound. She smiled to herself as she watched the red-maned cat. Tonight, there would be a different contest of wills.
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Night had ushered out another day on Aviir. Dread grew heavier with each step Lion-O took as he followed the old mutant through the semi-darkened mansion. Right now, he'd rather face Mumm-Ra than what awaited him at the end of the main hall--Alle-Ma herself. The seeds of her intentions were well remembered from his first day at her dwellings. So far, he managed to avoid her, keeping busy attending Tygra. Now that Tygra was recovering, he had no legitimate excuse to refuse her summons. Good behavior and obedience were now part of this loathsome game of gaining the Aviirian's complete trust. Nails snickered, casting a sidelong glance at Lion-O. "Seems your hour has come." He laughed gleefully. "The Lord of the Thundercats reduced to a plaything of an Aviirian. There is justice in--" Lion-O's claws dug into the jackal's shaggy arm, spinning the mutant around. He slammed him back against the paneled wall. "I've had enough from you! For the last two days I ignored your taunts and tolerated your innuendo. Now, you're pushing it--" "Ah-ah!" the jackal rasped, waving a finger. "Harm me and you'll pay dearly, Thundercat. Remember, you're a dangerous animal." With effort, he brought his fury under control, but still he kept the jackal pinned, glaring into the mutants face. Striking the old dog would only compound his problems. Gradually, he let go. "That's better," Nails said. "Now, we mustn't keep the lady waiting, right?" His harsh laugh sounded in the hall. Lion-O growled softly, falling in step behind the irritating son of a bitch. Soon, Nails stopped in front of elegantly carved double doors. He turned to inspect Lion-O's appearance, tugging on the blue waistband of the white loin-cloth, straightening it. Then he reached to check the snugness of the gold hip-clasps holding the garment together. Lion-O swatted his hand away. Nails grinned, giving a shrug, then rapped on the door. "Enter," came the call from within. The mutant opened the door and Lion-O stood rooted to the spot. The urge to run was defeated when Nails pushed him through the doorway. "As requested, Ma-A-Quila, I have delivered your--" The jackal snickered, then said, "cat. I trust you approve of his grooming." Alle-Ma rose from a seat before a huge mirror. A long silken robe that shimmered like a dew-covered spider's web clung to her hourglass figure. It move in a soft sweeping motion as she set a goblet on the vanity. "Indeed I do. Thank you nails. You may go." "Very well." He snickered again, whispering to Lion-O, "Have fun," and close the doors. Fists clenched, Lion-O glared at the mutant. The soft click of the knob was like a box lid snapping shut. "Don't pay him any mind, Lion-O." Again the prey faced the hunter. His nerves and muscles tensed when he saw the gleam in her green eyes. He'd seen that appreciative look from her many times, started from day one of this nightmare. "He's irritating," she continued, "but a good servant." She took a step toward him. Instinctively, he stepped back. "Relax, I won't bite you," Alle-Ma said. "I've watched how you helped the tiger--er, Tygra. It's quite remarkable what you can do. It was like you reached into his mind." "Not all of us can do that." Her head tilted in question. "Oh? Please explain." "There's nothing to explain. Some can, some can't. I can." "Can a Thundercat read minds, too?" "No," he said softly, catching her use of the ThunDERian label. "We sense things, more than read, as you mean it." "Can you sense what I think?" "No, but I have a good idea of what you have in mind." She smiled that damned enigmatic smile as she turned away to retrieve her drink. She took a sip, the said, "Good, then we can get down to business." His eyebrows rose. "Business?" "Why you're here. We have much to discuss. Sit down." From the white-and-gold sheer draped walls, to the graceful sculptures of wild animals decorating the room, there was nothing that looked like a chair. Other than the nest of large pillows in the center of the room, there wasn't any choice of seating. "That's all right. I'll stand." "Suit yourself." She set the glass down, then slowly approached him. "The reason I called you here is to clarify your status as part of this household. You'll have new duties new duties." Stopping inches from him, she looked him directly in the eyes. "You are to be my companion. Once your probation period is over and you are legally mine, you will accompany me on any excursion and assist me in any matters I deem necessary. Any task I set before you will be expected to be performed. I am not unreasonable, but my final decision will be carried out." He didn't blink. Instead, he let the silence drag. Finally he asked, "Like Nails?" "More than Nails. Once properly trained and inaugurated you would be above Nails." "I'm sure he'll love to hear that." Lion-O relaxed a little. Maybe he'd guessed wrong about this meeting. "What about Tygra?" "He would be part of this household. I have no intention of selling him." "Why are you choosing me for this position?" "I like your choice of words," she laughed. "Because I see a strength in you I've never seen in any other animal." "What makes you think I wouldn't turn against you?" "Trust. Remember?" She traced a talon teasingly under his jaw, going against the fur. The tenseness came back full force as her fingers played lightly down his neck and over the collar to run through the fur of his chest. His blood ran cold. He hadn't guessed wrong after all. "And if I refuse this generous offer?" "Don't disappoint me. I hate to be disappointed." A lone ring shone silver on her middle finger as she gently stroked the side of his face. He sensed danger from that jeweled ornament. She continued, "As my companion, you would have greater liberties." He knew what being a companion meant. Contempt and anger knotted like a great fist in his belly. After all she had put him through and done to Tygra, now she wanted to make him a bed-warmer--a pet. It was all he could do to keep the acid out of his words. "I'm surprised that Ma-a-Aquila would wish to consort with an 'animal.' Wouldn't your mate object to such an arrangement?" "Not at all," she replied with ease. "I've allowed him to have companions while I've been away. And as for your term 'consort,' why shouldn't I wish to with one of your caliber?" He had no answer, could think of no way out of this situation. What she offered opened up the opportunities he needed for his plan to become reality. "When would my training start?" Her palm moved over the hills and valleys of his well-muscled arm, smoothing the ruff of his tawny coat. "Right now." Feeling the texture of his fur, she whispered in fascination, "Soft as down." "Alle-Ma," Lion-O said softly. "I will do most anything you ask, but please don't ask me to do this." "I'm not asking," she answered just as softly, drawing him into her arms. Her mouth covered his, her sharp tongue tracing, seeking entrance through his lips. Eyes closed, Lion-O resisted the gentle assault. Pained, he held onto the empathic bond he shared with Cheetara, asking for forgiveness for what he was about to happen. Reluctantly, he responded, his lips parting slightly to let the alien woman's tongue enter his mouth. Her taste was tangy, like salt and pepper. His arms came up, reciprocating her embrace, feeling the strength of her lean body, the swell of her breasts pressing against his. The soft feathers of her arms tickled as they snaked up his back. He had the advantage, could overpower her right now and get away. But that would be a death sentence for him, leaving Tygra at her mercy. Finally she pulled back. With a smile of satisfaction, she breathed, "Let's see what else you can do." She led him by the hand to the nest of pillows in the center of the room. Gently, she indicated for him to sit. He obeyed, sinking into the softness. Pulling the draw string of her robe, the light fabric slipped from her shoulders and floated to the floor. He blinked, his eyes going from her head to her toes. Coal-colored feathers glistened in the low light, accenting the shapely contours of her body. She was beautiful. The momentary approval vanished as she knelt over him, pushing him back into the plush velvet cushions.
Muscles involuntarily tightened as her hand stroked downward, going from his chest to skim over his belly. She reached for one of the clasps at the waistband of the garment he wore. It snapped open, clinking as it bounced on the stone floor. Heart racing, he fought the sensations she inspired. This woman had taken him from his home, his loved ones, subjected him to much humiliation, and nearly destroyed Tygra. Now, she was taking his dignity. The other clasp came free, giving a metallic ring as it too dropped. Cheetara he mentally cried. He gasped, eyes shutting tight as his head reared back into the pillows.
###
In the cockpit of the Orion ship, Cheetara sat at the records console, head in hand. An earphone lay in her lap and she stared at it like it was contaminated. The Orion records had been very detailed--to detailed. The log entries had revealed the final fate of a lost ThunDERian ship. Of the people aboard, some had been sold, many had been slaughtered. Her heart ached as she looked at Panthro. Back to her, he worked the helm controls as Pumyra ran navigation. His family and clan had been aboard that ship, as well as Tygra's. "Panthro," she called. He swiveled the chair around. "Find something?" He mouth opened, but the words died. Reality fuzzed over, stopping time. A cry of anguish echoed over a vast chasm, reverberating in the call of her name. She gasped, a harsh chill surging through her, bristling the fur on her arms. There was no vision, just pure emotional pain. Slowly it faded, and she sucked in her breath. She hadn't realized she'd closed her eyes. The next thing she saw was Panthro's worried face. He gripped her shoulders. "Cheetara?" "I felt...." Her shoulders slumped as tension drained from her body. "I felt Lion-O's fear." "Blast," Panthro said. "After we dump the Orion slavers in the Trimac asteroid belt, it'll be as least seven solar days before we reach Aviir."
Crossing her arms, Pumyra asked, "Can we still be sure it's Aviir? The Orions mentioned Canis Minor." "There's no doubt in my mind--it's Aviir," Cheetara said flatly. "I agree." Panthro looked down at her. "You started to tell me something." "Yes, I found the information on the Aviirians." Cheetara rose, toying with the earpiece. "It's not pretty. These birdpeople have a matriarchal society. Evolutionary paths stem from birds of prey. They are hunters."
"In a sense, so are we. How does this affect us?" Pumyra queried. "Because to the average Aviirian, we are animals to be hunted and trapped." "And used as they see fit," Panthro said grimly. Cheetara nodded. "We're fur-bearers. Inferior beasts." Pumyra frowned. "That's absurd. How can they justify such beliefs?" "It's stated in their book of laws called the Tashan," Cheetara replied. "It's what every young Aviirian is taught from day one. Fur-bearers are non-people." "They would deal with the likes of the Orions, yet classify us as inferior?" Pumyra said, anger tinting her voice. "It doesn't make sense!" "Prejudices never make sense," Panthro said. "And why would the Orions carry such information?" "Because they're merchants." Panthro crossed his arms, glancing at Pumyra. "Traders in the market of live goods. They need to know the local laws of the societies they deal with so they won't break any taboo. That would be bad for business." "Then we don't stand a chance," Pumyra added softly. "The minute they see the sheen of our coats, we're as good as caught." "Maybe not." Panthro checked his console. "Cheetara, did you find any mention of their religion?" "Yes, but I don't see how that will help us." "You'd be surprised. On ThunDERa, my mate, Thera, used to deal with the social council for Lord Claudus. You'd be surprised how many races drape their beliefs in ritual and never question it. We might find something useful." He started to sit down at his station. "Panthro, there's more," Cheetara said. He stopped, silently looking back. "I found other information." She bit her lower lip. How do you tell someone you care for that his family and kinsman were dead? "I know what happened to one of our lost ships." Expression visibly drained from Panthro's face. "It's in here." "The Aviirians?" "Not entirely." She looked at the ear-piece laying in her palm, then to him. "I'll understand if you'd rather not--" He was like a statue as he stared at the tiny molded piece of plastic and metal in her hand. Finally, he said, "No, I have to--need to know." He went to her, taking the monitoring device. Carefully, he placed it in his ear. "I'm ready," he said in a low voice. Cheetara flipped the switch. The cockpit fell as silent as a grave, seconds passing into minutes. Panthro stood stock still before the machine as the recordings played. Expression hardened his face, mouth drawing into a taut line. Fists clenched, and in a barely audible whisper, he said, "Those blue bastard." He leaned on the console. Head bowed, he yanked the earphone away as if it were burning hot. His voice trembled. "Those--butchers...." "I'm sorry," Cheetara said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Please take over for me," he said, handing her the ear-piece. And he headed for the hatch, the metal door slamming hard as it closed. Cheetara's vision misted. Compassion for her friend brought back memories that hurt. It was like seeing ThunDERa explode all over again. Her throat constricted as again she witnessed the destruction of the ship carrying her clan. The pain of loss eased with time, but it would never go away. Pumyra's hand gently settled on Cheetara's shoulder. "To live so long with hope...." The puma's voice trailed off. "Was there mention of his mate?" "Yes, she was sold to a slaver." Cheetara stared at the closed hatch. "But many of his kinsman were killed for sport." "Dear Jaga," Pumyra breathed. "Should we go after him?" A thunderous roar shook the panels. Cheetara's eyes closed. She could feel the anger and grief released in that panther's cry. "Yes," she whispered, and the two headed for the hatch.
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The hot sun bore down on the sandy ground of the gaming area of the Ma-a-Quila estate. Tygra stretched, readying himself for the next round with Lion-O. Physically, he'd regained his strength and confidence, thanks to his friend. Emotionally, he knew he had a long way to go. The week had passed painfully slow, and if it weren't for Lion-O, he'd have lost his mind. He could deal with the daytime. AT night, he had yet to conquer the dreams. "Ready?" Lion-O asked. Tygra turned, giving a nod. Back to back, they stood in a fighting stance. "One," Lion-O said. "Two," Tygra answered. "Three," they shouted in unison, and spun around, gripping each other's arms in a scuffle-match that was a kittenhood game. Both growled and hissed, matching strength for strength, move for move, each wrestling for the advantage. Sweat trailed through Tygra's fur as he strained against the heavier cat's might. His teeth gritted as he pushed back. "Arrrh!" His foot came up, hooking behind the lion's ankle. Down they went, grappling for control. A snarl sounded as Tygra pinned Lion-O to the ground. "Enough," Lion-O groaned. Tygra let go. Standing up, he offered a hand to Lion-O and helped him to his feet. "That's two in a row. Your timing seems to be off." He eyed the lion, sensing an inner turmoil that had grown more noticeable over the last seven days. Concern edged his thoughts. "What's wrong?" "There's nothing wrong," Lion-O said as he brushed the dirt off his arms. Tygra's suspicions grew stronger. "Are you sure?" Lion-O looked up sharply. "There's nothing wrong. I'm fine." Tygra studied his friend. A false note rang in Lion-O's words. Something was deeply troublings the young lord and persistence would only get more evasive answers. Tygra decided to drop the line of conversation for the moment. He solemnly nodded. "Very well. However, I need to talk to you. Finding you lately has been next to impossible." He lowered his voice. "I think I've found a way out of here." Lion-o showed no reaction to the statement. His odd silence puzzled Tygra even more. He crooked a finger, and started toward the estate's tall perimeter wall. "This place is a veritable fortress, but I think I've found a weakness in the defenses." Going to one particular bush in the line of neatly trimmed decorative shrubs, he pushed two branches apart. Revealed was a power access panel, one of the links in the estate security fields that kept intruders out and those living there inside. "Interesting, wouldn't you say?" Somberly, Lion-O stared at the panel. "Very," he said. "It's a simple power source. Rigging a bypass will create a hole in the fence. We can easily escape." "No. That wouldn't be wise." Tygra couldn't believe his ears. "Not wise?" He scowled, anger rising inside him. "Then, what do you propose to do?" With a harsh edge to his voice, Lion-O said, "Absolutely nothing! Look, you pointed it out back in the compound. We've nowhere to run. We're weaponless. We're cut off from everybody and everything. Here, we're safe, taken care of. Out there we'd be killed. We must make the best of the situation as it is," Lion-O said as he turned to leave. "Because there's nothing we can do about it." Tygra's jaw went slack. "We're Thundercats or have you forgotten that? We must fight back." Lion-O looked back. "Not this time," he said flatly, then continued across the sandy field. Tygra rose. This wasn't the Lion-O he knew. He started after him. "Let him go, Thundercat," a gravely voice rasped. Tygra whirled, his blood pressure rising a notch. Nails stood not six feet away. The irritating old Mutant couldn't keep his gray muzzle out of anything. "Eavesdropping, Jackal?" "No. Checking a disturbance in the fence fields. What are you cats poking around at?" "None of your business." The dog laughed. "That's what everyone tells me, but I make it so anyway." Slyly, the jackal said, "I did hear your conversation. Sounds like you're planning a break." Tygra turned to leave. "If you are, you're taking a big risk in telling your lion friend." Tygra stopped in his tracks and looked back. "What do you mean by that?" "Your lord is Ma-a-Quila's personal pet. He might tell on you." Tygra snarled. "Watch your tongue, mutant." "It's the truth, Thundercat. Have you wondered lately, where he eats and sleeps?" Nails chuckled softly. "If you could call it sleeping." "Where?" "Why, with Alle-Ma." "Liar!" Tygra raised a tightly clenched fist. "You're a liar." Nails shrugged and smugly said, "Track him tonight and you'll see I'm right. You'll see who the deceiver is." On that note, the jackal walked away. Disbelief wasn't a strong enough term for what Tygra felt. The mutant's words drove spikes of disbelief into his mind. He looked toward the house, but Lion-O was nowhere in sight. Intuition burned with a sickening feeling, that the old dog was right. It couldn't be true. Lion-O was stronger than that. He would never give in easily, not after all the pain they'd both endured. But his attitude spoke otherwise. The anger Tygra had fought to suppress rose up again. By, Jaga, he'd find out and prove that damned dog wrong--tonight.
###
The sun was about to rise on the new day. Quietly, Lion-O shut Alle-Ma's bed-chamber door, and every time it closed, guilt weighed heavier on his soul. He always beat the sunrise to escape to a place where he could be alone. The hall was quiet and dark, dark as he felt right now. He passed through the back door, seeing the keepers were gone from their station. Thank Jaga. He hated their snide remarks and leering smirks. Outside was damp and cool. In the distance, a dusty gray ground mist nestled in the wooded valleys of the distant mountains. The glimmering starlight was dying in the first rays of the morning that began to wash across the sky. Cold dew covered his bare feet as he took the grassy path that led behind the house. Deep in the garden, by the hedgerow, he sat down on a stump. The petals of the night-blooming flora were closing, sending out sweet faded scents. He inhaled deeply, gazing at the sky. How much longer, he asked himself. Each night, he mentally reached for Cheetara and each time it felt as if she were closer. It was the only way he could endure.... His shoulders slumped, his gaze falling to the ground. Dammit, he hated the whole charade, hated what was happening to him. He'd almost told Tygra what he'd planned, but thought better of it. Tygra still walked a fine line. The emotional wounds he'd suffered were still too fresh. And then Nails had appeared out of nowhere. The time wasn't right for action. Leaves rustled in the shrubs, sounding out of place in the windless morning. He straightened sensing something, someone behind him. "Conscience bothering you?" a familiar voice growled. Lion-O shot to his feet, spinning to see a silhouette move from the leafy cover of the hedge. Half-shadowed details of Tygra's face could be seen in the faint early light. His expression was as cold as winter. "I didn't--couldn't believe it." "Tygra, I--" "Can explain?" Sharp anger seethed in Tygra's voice. "Don't bother. It's perfectly clear what's happening." "No, you don't understand." "You're damned right I don't. I never thought you to be weak, but I guess I was wrong. We were all wrong about you. Thank Jaga the Thundercats will never know, especially Cheetara." That statement stung deep. "Tygra." Lion-O gripped his arm. "Wait. Will you please listen--" Tygra yanked free, drawing back. "Traitor! You disgust me. Crawl back to your master, Lion-O." Ice coated his words. "In my eyes you are no longer Lord of the Thundercats--no longer my friend." And he pivoted, stalking away. A wall of silence surrounded Lion-O, isolating. Tygra had cut him off, and shut him out. He was truly alone. Numb, Lion-O stood there. Those words hurt worse that any blow he'd ever taken. He didn't know how long he stood there, but when he finally blinked the sun was between the twin mountain peaks. He headed deeper into the garden, the morning mists blurred by the stinging mists in his eyes.
###
A week of travel in this space-bound tub was about all Cheetara could stand. Thank the Lords of ThunDERa, they were finally approaching Aviir. With each day that passed, she felt the bond to her mate grow stronger. Lion-O was definitely on this planet. She hoped that Tygra was still with him. Cheetara fumbled with the string fasteners of a heavy red robe that was her disguise. Already she hated the thick draping cloth that covered her body from head to toe, and the heavy veil that hid her face was hot and smothering. The worst part of this charade was that she smelled like one of Snarf's cooking chickens. If she lived through this, she'd swear off poultry for a long time to come. Pumyra snarled her disgust as well, fighting to get the long belled sleeves to hang right. "I hope this works." "It had better," Panthro said from his seat at the helm. "No one will question disciples of the 'Phoenix' returning from their quest for knowledge. Me, I'm your everyday, ordinary 'faithful servant.'" The small Orion ship trembled slightly. The communications console beeped and a voice came loud an clear over the speaker. "Psittas, Aviir welcomes the servants of the Phoenix. Engaging tractor beams. Prepare for landing." "Acknowledged," Panthro said into the comm and then cut transmission. He released the controls to the Aviirian tower. Rising from his chair, he checked the back-pack of supplies sitting by the hatch. "Get ready, 'cause we go on stage in the matter of minutes. You gals know your stuff?" "Every last word from the library banks, Panthro," Pumyra said. "It also seems that Cheetara absorbed some of the language." "That's from deciphering those blasted records," Cheetara said. "Using this kind of cover, we'll have access to practically anything." "And that's exactly what we want," he said, lifting the sack straps over his shoulders. "Cause, when the time is right, we're going to make these Aviirians eat crow." "And a few other things," Cheetara murmured, and secured her veil. "This Alle-Ma-a-Quila shouldn't be hard to find." Pumyra adjusted the shoulder strap of her bundle. "According to the Orion's records, she's a preferred customer." "We have the entire city of Istthr to search," Cheetara said. The ship's descent ended with a gentle thump. Outside the cockpit portals a glimmering skyline stood out against green misty mountains off to the stern. On the port side, a crowd was gathering. Panthro stood straight. "Well, Thundercats, if we're gonna do it, let's do it." Cheetara and Pumyra nodded and exited the cockpit, followed by Panthro. In a matter of minutes they were standing before the cargo bay door. Hands tucked in the long sleeves of her flowing robes, Cheetara's fingers brushed against the Sword of Omens, which was securely tucked in her weapons cuff, and concealed by the thick sleeves of her costume. A faint hum of energy glowed through her. Again psychic fingers touched deep inside. Soon, she thought, as if speaking to the mystic blade. Lion-O and Tygra would soon be found.
###
A dim burned in a small workshop in back of the servant's quarters. Dust and grime layered the shelving, indicating the small shop had not seen use for some time. Tygra pulled a box off a high shelf, setting the heavy item on the floor. Solemnly, he tore open the flaps and pawed through the contents. Small electronic parts were just what he wanted. Now to find a prism-cell and he have a new bolo-whip. Carefully he set some of the tiny circuits on the worktable and started to sort them. Stinging thoughts of the early morning burned through his defenses, the feeling of betrayal boiling in the cauldron of bitterness he now harbored. The jackal had been right. Knowing what Lion-O was doing hurt more than the mind bend. After all they'd been through in this hell, after all Lion-O had done to help him, how could he turn like this? Alle-Ma was destroying them, and Lion-O was meekly accepting it. Truth, honor, justice and loyalty were just words now. Tygra paused, leaning on the metal table with both hands. "Dear Jaga," he murmured. "We've broken the code of ThunDERa in every in every possible way." The hopelessness pressed down like a boulder. "Tygra?" The voice rankled like nails on a chalk-board. Tygra turned, making every effort to control the resentment that tightened his chest. Alle-Ma stood in the doorway. Her eagle gaze settle on the bench behind him. "What are you doing?" "Sorting." "Stop this chore and come with me." He returned to his task. "I'm not finished." "You can resume this later. Right now I have a more pressing matter." I'll bet, he thought, wiping his hands on the back flap of his cloth. He looked at her. Hands on hips, she stood waiting in the doorway. He knew she wouldn't leave until he complied. Grudgingly, he let her lead him toward the house. Once inside, they headed down the long hall. He passed Lion-O, avoiding the young lion's gaze. Alle-ma stopped, hand resting on the door handle. "There is a visitor who insists on seeing you." On that note, she ushered him into her study. He froze in mid-stride when he saw who was standing in front of the picture window. Arms crossed tightly against her chest, Aja turned to face him. "I'll wait outside," Alle-Ma said, and shut the door. Lack of words blossomed into awkward silence. What he felt hardly translated to speech. The emotions he'd successfully avoided all week rose to the surface. All the guilt and remorse in the world wouldn't erase what had happened between him and Aja. The physical bond to this tigress tightened, his throat constricting as he finally faced the shame of his actions. "This is as difficult for me as it is for you," she finally said. She fumbled with the single shoulder strap of her tunic. "But I had to see you, talk to you." "It's not you who needs to talk," Tygra said softly, his gaze dropping to the floor. "It's me." He hesitated, searching for the words. "Aja, I tried to fight them and I failed miserably. In my mind, you became Fierra. I lost--control and you became the victim." His gaze stayed on her face, his voice becoming a hoarse rasp. "I'm so sorry." The tigress' eyes glistened. Seconds quietly ticked away on the clock over the mantle. "Can you forgive me?" A beat passed, then ever so slowly, she held out her hand. He reached, clasping it, feeling the warmth of her touch. The tension faded as the physical bond forced upon them vibrated, mirroring the pent-up emotions they had both battled since that fateful day. The contact drew into a hug. In that embrace, he sensed something more in her and his heart sank. Aja may not understand what was happening, but he did. He'd have been foolish not to acknowledge his instincts and cold fact: she was pregnant. "Z'ent said this would not hurt as much as in the imagination." Tygra let go. "Z'ent?" Aja looked up at him. "Lady Lorabi, my master, owns him." "No one owns anyone unless they wish it to be so," Tygra said, the shadow of Lion-O haunting him. "Is Z'ent a Thunderian also?" "No. He is cat, like us, but he is from another star." "You care for him?" Looking away, she was strangely silent for a moment. "He is a friend. He is chosen to serve Lorabi as her companion." Puzzled, Tygra said, "Chosen?" "It doesn't matter," she said absently. "I no longer feel drawn to him." Hands clasped, she faced Tygra again. "I don't understand this, but since our--mating, I feel drawn to you." "I know." An emptiness gnawed at his insides. The feelings for his lost life-mate were dead, as if they had never existed. He couldn't even grieve. "As I am to you." Surprise widened her amber eyes. "But, how? Lady Fierra...?" Impassively, Tygra said, "I can no longer sense her life-force. Only yours." Aja swallowed, the reality apparently sinking in. "But I was taught that a bond cannot be broken." Tygra only nodded. "That is the belief. Only death can sever the tie. But apparently the Aviirians have discovered a way to break it." The facts had to be faced. What was lost couldn't be regained. The new bond that had been forged couldn't be undone. They would be inevitably drawn to one another for the rest of their lives--trapped by these unusual circumstances. "Physically, we're now bound to each other."
###
From the large window of Alle-Ma's bedchamber, Lion-O gazed at the night sky. The day had seemed incredibly long, but now the wait was over, a decision had been reached. The small milk white moon of Aviir was half-full, its luminescence more than adequate for night sight. Dread no longer controlled the Thundercat. Tonight, anticipation filled him. Iron anger and resentment strengthened his resolve. After this morning's confrontation with Tygra, he knew the time for action had come. For the past two weeks, he'd learned all he could about this place. He knew the pattern of operation and had watched Alle-Ma's habits. Figuring out where she kept certain items, one red control box in particular, was easy. He smiled wickedly. Tonight, it was his turn. Tonight, he and Tygra would leave this hell hole courtesy of Alle-Ma and her spaceship Automat. He heard the door knob click, but didn't turn. Only one person ever entered this room without knocking. He just kept staring through the clear glass at the pitch black sky. An odd sensation stuck him. It felt as if Cheetara were closer to him, but that couldn't be. She was Third Earth without a clue to where he and Tygra were. Quickly, he subdued the emotions that stirred within him. Alle-Ma stood by him. "You've been very quiet today." She touched his arm. "And you didn't go through your morning exercises with Tygra. Is there something wrong between you two?" "No. We wanted to take a break. It's -- well, I've been thinking of my home." "Ah, you miss it. That's to be expected, but it'll pass. Soon this will be home to you." He faced her, mustering all the sincerity he could. Gently, he gripped her feathered shoulders. "That's what's bothering me. I am adjusting," he said, the lie burning on his tongue. "Each day, my life as it was seems more distant." That statement obviously took her by surprise. "Really?" He nodded. "I hope you don't mind, but I though tonight we could celebrate." His voice low and husky, he added, "in a different way." His hands trailed across the straps of her dress, down her shoulders to follow the contours of her breasts, lingering in a gentle caress. "Let me show you the ThunDERian way," he whispered, gathering her into his arms. He nuzzled her ear, his tongue lightly brushing its surface. She seemed to melt, a gasp escaping her lips. There was no pause, no chance for to say anything, if she could. He bent, giving her the most passionate kiss he could. When he broke away, she let his embrace support her. Dazed, she said, "You've been holding back." "Not anymore," he said, giving his words another meaning. He edged her toward the nest of pillows. Deft fingers undid the strap knots of her garment, the bodice falling loosely to her waist. In one smooth move, they were on the cushions, his weight pressing her into the plushness. He could feel the fire of her response, the excitement and exhilaration his touch evoked. He nuzzled, then nipped at her lower lip. Slowly, his hands slid down her arms, tenderly grasping her wrists to draw her hands up and away from his waist. Then, like a striking snake, he pinned her, turning the sensuous tide into disbelief. "What--?" Fear flashed, her eyes going wide. "What are you doing?" she demanded, struggling against his iron grip. "Something I've been waiting a long time for," he growled. "We're gonna talk about your life in exchange for trip back to Third Earth." "You will let go!" she hissed pushing back with all her might. Their muscles locking in a stalemate as Lion-O fought to keep her down. She was strong, her fists shaking in an effort to break the hold. The ring glinted on her right hand as she strained, pressing it closer and closer to his face. He pushed, forcing the clenched fist down, as the other one broke free. Talons tore through fur into the flesh of his arm as she fought to free her hand. Ignoring the pain, his fingers locked tighter. Pillows fell as she struggled beneath his unyielding weight. The sharp nails of her free hand came up, aiming for his eyes. He blocked the blow, losing balance and they rolled. Desperately, he held onto her wrist, keeping her fist at bay. He twisted to one side, and a snap/crunch of glass sounded as the fluid filled jewel smashed into her left arm. A choked cry came from her throat. Stunned, she stared up at him. She blinked, strength melting, muscles slowly relaxing. Her breath came as a ragged sigh as she obviously fought the tranquilizer's effects. "You--son of a...." Her eyes shut, mouth falling open as she slurred the last word. "Alle-Ma?" Lion-O waited a moment, making sure she wasn't faking. Finally he let go. "Dammit. This wasn't what I intended." He got up, looking about the room. He scrambled for the vanity, quickly reaching for the ginger jar that sat on the corner. Many times he saw her search through its contents. Jackpot! He found the key. Quickly he unlocked the central tab of the dresser. A concealed door swung open and there sat the little red master control box. He grabbed it, taking the spare pass key as well. He checked Alle-Ma once more, his fingertips grazing her cheek. She was sound asleep. A small glint of cold pleasure turned the corners of his mouth. And he left before temptation made him do something he'd regret. Quietly, he stole into the semi-darkened hall, heading for the rear exit of the house. Once outside, he started for the pens, approaching the keepers as if he owned the place. The two Aviirians looked up in surprise. "Past yer curfew, cat," the hawkish male grated, waving a stun prod. "Or did Ma-a-Quila get tired of you already?" "Not on your life," Lion-O said arrogantly. He showed the red control box. "I'm fulfilling a request for her. Let me pass." The other keeper's eyes narrowed. "We'll have to check this out 'afor we let ya inside." "Oh, I don't think you'd want to disturb Ma-a-Quila right now. She's in a terrible mood and you know how that can be." The two males looked at each other as if not knowing what to do. Lion-O continued, "And it'll get worse if I don't hurry back with the tiger." "Aw, all right." There was a jingle of key cubes and the hawk opened the gate. "Don't close it. This won't take long." And he hurried inside, going down a hall lined with many doors. Finding the one he wanted, he knocked. "Tygra!" There was no answer. "Tygra, open the door." "Go away," came a terse reply. "Open the door or I'll bust it down!" The door creaked part way open. Tygra glared through the crack. "What do you want?" "To leave here." Lion-O held up the control box. Wary, Tygra stared at it. "How did you get that?" "I don't have time to explain. We've got to go--now!" "Tygra? Who is it?" a female voice asked. Lion-O's eyebrows rose when Tygra opened the door the rest of the way. Behind him stood a tigress. "Introductions later, Aja." He gripped her hand. "It seems we're getting out of here." Aja pulled back. "But, Lorabi will get upset." "We'll be gone before they realize it." Lion-O glanced at toward the keeper's post at the far end of the building. Tygra stepped into the dark corridor. He paused, eyes narrowing. "If this turns out to be a trick, I guarantee you won't live to regret it." "Then I have nothing to worry about," Lion-O said evenly, and waved Aja closer. "Hold onto this for dear life. It's our way out the front door." He dropped the key into her hand. "Tygra, hang back. You know what to do." The tiger solemnly nodded. Lion-O led the girl to the entrance. His nerves were like live-wires. Once free, they would head to the city port. Somehow, they would reach Automat without Alle-ma and be gone. He held tight to Aja's hand as they approached the barricade. The Aviirians snickered as the two came out of the barracks. "Jeez. The old lady's getting kinky in her old age," the hawk said. "Or is the kitten for you, cub?" the other laughed. Lion-O glared back at the boors. "Sit on a stun-prod, jackass!" Silent angry scowls replaced the laughter. The Aviirians stood, each raising their shock sticks. "Looks like we got a smart-mouthed cat that needs a lesson in manners," the hawk said, flicking the switch of his stun-prod to high. Aja shrank back as the burly keepers casually advanced. Calmly, Lion-O stood there. "One," he said, gauging their steps. "Two." Closer, he thought. "Three!" Tygra came visible, dropping like a shadow out of thin air onto the back of the hawk. Lion-O launched into the other guard, bowling him back against the building. Muffled shrieks sounded as the keeper clawed at the hand covering his mouth. Pent-up hate charged through Lion-O as he turned the stun-prod against its owner. Electricity zapped, frying feathers as the Aviirian arched, then suddenly went lax. Lion-O rose, the satisfaction of repaying the sadistic bird giving him great pleasure. Tygra had taken care of his keeper, leaving the unconscious hawk laying on the ground. Lion-O broke the cruel stick and threw it on the ground. "Let's get out of here." Into the cover of night he ran, with Tygra and Aja behind him. Gravel scrunched beneath the soles of their sandals. Each long stride carried him closer to the perimeter walls. Heart pounding, Lion-O saw the bars of the front gates. Beyond them lay freedom.
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Shady gray haze parted like a misty curtain. To Alle-Ma, the passage of time was unknown. It was dark and the grass-cricks were still chirruping. She tried to move frozen muscles, her limbs feeling as heavy as lead. With tremendous effort, she managed to sit up, fire interspersing the numbness. Groaning, she wiped at her eyes. The ache in her upper left arm shot into her spine. What had happened? She blinked, seeing the dark red-brown spots in the dent of the support pillow where her arm had lain. Astonishment changed to a torch blast of fury. Her chamber was a shambles, the secret door of the vanity hanging wide open. That cunning bastard had tricked her. Anger drove her as she climbed out of her nest, trying to walk on legs that may as well have been made of rubber. She stumbled to the door, yanking it open and leaning on it. "NAILS!" she shrieked, hurting her dry throat. "Nails! Get in here!" Resting her head against the hard wood, she tried to think. The old jackal came, dressing as he ran down the hall. He skidded to a halt, pointed ears flicking forward when he saw his master. "Ma-a-Quila?" "Roust the keeper team and saddle the kaivrs," she breathed. "The cats have run." "That's--that's impossible." "Don't argue! Do it! Send Tormi to me and get yourself ready. I'll need your canine nose." She left the astounded servant, staggering back into her room. She groped for the closet light. Strength was returning, the burning rage clearing the moss from her head. It was then that she realized her bodice was hanging down like an apron. "Ahh!" Disgusted, she gathered her hunt attire, then stripped. A glance at the time-piece told her six hours had passed. The sun would soon rise. The cats had a good head start. In minutes, she was dressed. A timid knock at the door sounded. "Come!" A small brown-speckled sparrow entered. "You wish something, Ma-a-Quila?" "Yes, you twit. Load the knapsacks--food and water for six. Also, prepare canisters of kaivr feed." She reached for the weapons chest. "We've had a break." "I know." Her spine stiffened. "You know?" Tormi nodded. "We all saw it right outside the barracks." Her fists clenched white knuckle tight. "And no one tried to stop them?" Meekly the sparrow nodded. "Arrh!" She pointed menacingly at the little Aviirians. "I'll deal with you later. Now go!" The servant ran, as she turned back to the sealed cabinet and pounded the combination into the lock. "I'll yank his claws out by the roots," she growled. The door swung open and she lifted the air-rifle from its notch. "I'll hang his read mane from my belt as a decoration!"
She slapped a clip into the empty chamber, then aimed the gun at the wall above her bed. Air hissed, compressing into pile-driver force inside the dart gun. Her eagle eye tested the sights that were pinpoint accurate. Her imagination formed an image of the lion in her mind. She pulled the trigger, the dart exploding on impact, sending splinters and plaster raining down from a gaping hole in the wall. "I'll make you wish you were never born, Thundercat!"
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It was hard to ignore the chill of the morning. Tygra rested against a thick tree trunk, listening to the stirrings of the forest creatures. Beside him, Aja lay sleeping. He was tired as she was, but sleep was far from reach. They had run all night, first trying to reach the city-port, then taking refuge in the woods when that plan turned out to be futile. He looked past the forest greens and browns revealed by the day's first light. Back to him, Lion-O leaned against a tree, arms tucked tightly against himself. His posture belied it to be more than trying to ward off the cold. Pity softened the hostility inside Tygra. Lion-O's actions had been completely puzzling--unless he'd done this on purpose. Tygra straightened, feeling like a heel as understanding dawned. He should have realized it shortly after their escape. Lion-O had removed the collars, smashing them and the control unit with such vehemence it was frightening. The device was nothing but powdered granules of plastic and metal when Tygra grabbed his wrist, forcing him to stop. He could still see the rock gripped tight in Lion-O's fist. Tygra should have sensed the pain inside his friend then as he did now. Some friend I turned out to be, he thought, guilt adding more weight to his soul. So many things had happened. Trust and confidence had been so undermined, he hadn't considered the other possibilities. Tygra rose and went to where Lion-O stood. Gently, he placed a hand on a very tense shoulder. The lion didn't move, just kept looking vacantly at the ground. "These past two weeks," Tygra said in a low voice. "Why didn't you tell me what you were up to?" Lion-O pulled away, rubbing at the scratches on his arm. "I couldn't." He looked up into the trees. "This isn't how I planned it. I was stupid to believe we could get to the city. I knew without Alle-Ma, we'd have no chance of reaching her ship." "We've come this far. There may be a chance yet." "I wish I could be so optimistic. Right now, we're fugitives and Alle-Ma won't rest until she gets us." "Aviir is a big planet," Tygra said. "The undergrowth will hide us, buy us time until we can come up with a plan." "And what about the transponders in the tips of our ears," Lion-O said hotly. "They'll lead her directly to us." He kicked at a half rotten log. "And it'll be a death sentence if she catches us." "The tags must have a range. Probably a short one. Maybe we can jam the frequency." "With what? Our fingers?" Lion-O growled. Tygra flinched at the sarcasm. Lion-O's eyes shut tight. Shoulders drooping, he said softly, "I'm sorry. This mess isn't your fault. It's mine." "No, Lion-O. I owe you the apology. I should've known, should've trusted you. I--was too wrapped up in self-pity. I wish you'd have told me what you were doing." "You weren't ready to hear it. I was going to tell you the day before yesterday, but good old Nails stopped that." "Nails is the one who told me about you and Alle-Ma." "I thought as much. That flea-ridden bastard." A beat of awkward silence passed. Tygra gave a wan smile. "Does the Lord of the Thundercats accept my apology?" He held out his hand. Lion-O looked him directly in the eyes. "Of course, I do." And he gripped the offered hand. Relief flooded Tygra, easing his mind. "You're Lion-O?" a small voice asked. Both cats turned. Aja was up, standing not three feet away. Her innocent eyes were wide with awe. They youngster said, "I thought you were just a renegade. I never thought I'd get to meet the Lord of the Thundercats." That brought a genuine smile from both of the big cats. "I never thought I'd get to meet you, Aja," Lion-O said, his smile dimming. "I just wish it were under better circumstances." He surveyed their hiding place. "We can't remain in one place too long." "We should head up into the mountains," Tygra said. "Maybe we can find a cave or some type of shelter." "And we'll need food and water soon." "There's plenty of food and water here," Aja said. Tygra and Lion-O looked at the youngster. Lion-O said, "But we don't know what's safe to eat." "I do," Aja replied. "There's brazoria bark, chuli leaves, and the pip-berries are in season. Water pods grow near the streams, so we can carry those if need be." "She did grow up here," Tygra said. Lion-O nodded. "Okay, Aja, your task will be locating provisions." Her head tilted in question. "Pro...profishins?" "Provisions," Tygra corrected. "He means finding food." "Oh, okay. I'll do that right now." She scurried off into the underbrush. "Don't go too far," Tygra called. "Looks like you have your work cut out for you." "I know. She's had no education. She doesn't even understand what's happening within her own body." When Lion-O looked up sharply, Tygra said, "She's pregnant." "How'd you know?" Tygra headed for the nearest vine covered tree and started testing the leafy ropes. "I've been through it before. I can sense it." He yanked on a rubbery vine, ripping is firmly embedded suckers from the bark. "If you sense it, you trust it. You'll find out you're right." It came free, falling to the ground like a dead snake. "I see," Lion-O said. Tygra glanced at this friend, knowing the cause of his strange silence. He thought better of telling him he knew about Cheetara. We've got some serious climbing to do." Tygra coiled up the vine. "This is no bolo whip, but it'll do. Come on. Let's find Aja and get moving." Letting his senses home in on her whereabouts, he led the way through the undergrowth. "I know one thing." "What's that?" Lion-O asked, falling in step behind him. "If we ever get back to Third Earth, I'm never going trillfishing with you again." Lion-O laughed softly as they disappeared into the dense cover of green and brown vegetation.
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Booths filled with goods lined the cobbled pavement of the marketplace. From behind the dark, concealing veil of her disguise, Cheetara watched the crowds of feathered beings in fascination. People milled through the passages, haggling and buying the necessities of life. It reminded her of the swap-malls of ThunDERa, the only difference was that the ThunDERian marketplace didn't sell slaves. Keeping in reverent character, she led Pumyra and Panthro down another vendor-lined row, and stopped at a table of cured meats and other edibles. The food did smell delicious. Panthro took his cue, selecting what was needed for their travels. Nervous, she looked around, suddenly feeling like she'd stepped into a viper-filled pit. Cheetara's ears perked up, catching a snatch of conversation concerning Alle-Ma. Apparently, her friends had heard it too. A tall, striking Aviirian woman was picking through a rack of produce. Shiny black feathers streaked with white adorned her head. She was talking with another Aviirian woman, whose feathers were a rich reddish brown. They moved to the next booth and Cheetara followed. After two days of searching, finally they had a lead--she was not going to let it slip away. "--a couple of days," the taller one said. "She's at Eagles Loft and I won't be picking her up until tomorrow afternoon." "Lorabi, I need to see her in the morning." "You worry too much. I'm telling you Aja is fine." "I still say she was too young to be bred." "Her physical said otherwise. And we couldn't pass up the chance." "You didn't even give that poor tiger a chance to adjust to his new environment. I'm surprised he didn't kill her and himself." "Both Alle-Ma's cats are tough. He's doing fine, she'd doing fine and everything is well. And in seven months we'll have a cub to place." Lorabi hurried to another booth. "Nobody ever listens to me anymore," the red-feathered Aviirian woman complained and followed her friend. Cheetara could only imagine what had happened, but she knew for certain who they were talking about. She started after the woman. "Honored ones," a desperate female voice cried. "Please wait. I beg you." Panthro turned toward the call, but Cheetara kept her head bowed as Pumyra did. Dear Jaga, not now, she thought. She glanced up, seeing the two Aviirian women disappear into the crowd. Attention turned as a small, blue-feathered woman pushed forward, falling at the disguised ThunDERians feet. Her clothing looked worn, like that of the poverty-stricken cast. "Please, help me." Tears flowed down the woman's cheeks. "Please," she sobbed. "My child dies." According to Aviirian belief, disciples of the Phoenix shared in the power of renewal, healing the body, as well as the soul. The throng suddenly seemed to close in on the trio. Panthro stepped between them. "I'm sorry. The honored ones have taken a vow of silence on their pilgrimage. They cannot help you." Cheetara's heart went out to this stranger, the grief of this mother touching her deeply. Boldly, she stepped forward and looked down. She struggled, recalling the basic Aviirian tongue she'd learned on the Orion ship. "The Phoenix takes pity on you believer," Cheetara said using a low tone. "She instructs me to break my silence to help you. Take us to your fledgling." Cheetara could only picture the looks on her friend's faces. She had no way of telling them a gut feeling compelled her in this action. The Aviirian's face lifted, hope shining in those round dark eyes. "Bless you honored ones. I will make restitution any way I can," she said, as Cheetara helped her up. By now the crowd had swelled, whispers flowing like waves. "What is your name?" Cheetara asked. "I am Darzee, the basketweaver." "Lead us, Darzee," Cheetara urged. Not far away, the group came to a hovel. It was small, but clean inside. The few items of necessity the Aviirian owned were well taken care of. The mother led them to a back room. On a nest of ragged pillows and straw, a frail child lay, eyes closed, a rasping sounded with each breath. Cheetara's heart ached. Even though it was an Aviirian who'd caused her so much grief, she couldn't hate this child or his mother. These two were as much victims of the society as they were. "Leave us with the child. We must be alone. No one enters until we say." Panthro nodded grimly, ushering Darzee out of the room. When the door shut, he turned to Cheetara. "Have you gone crazy?" "Maybe." The stuffy mask came free, hanging down from Cheetara's hood. Pumyra dropped her veil. "What are we going to do?" "I don't know, but we have to try...something." She glance at friend, then to the sleeping bird-child. "You were a healer on ThunDERa. Isn't there anything you can do?" "Maybe. I don't know." Pumyra knelt by the child, reaching for her pouch under her robes. After several minutes, she shook her head. "It's some kind of respiratory ailment. I don't dare try anything that would work on us. Aviirian physiology is so drastically different." "Then we're stuck," Panthro said. Cheetara knelt, touching the bony shoulder of the dying child. It was obvious he'd been sick a long time. "I wish I could help you, little one." As she gazed down, a strange feeling radiated, welling up from inside. The concealed sword trembled, giving off an ethereal glow that traveled down her arm to engulf the child. Surprised, Cheetara didn't fight it, letting the cool strength flow from her. In an instant, the aura dissipated. "By the twelve seas of ThunDERa," Panthro gasped. "What--was that?" Puymra asked. An incredulous Panthro gripped Cheetara's shoulders. "Only the Lord of the Thundercats can call forth the power of healing." He stared hard into her eyes. "And he's not here." Cheetara's head bowed. "Part of him is and the sword knows it." "Meaning?" he asked sternly. A soft moan cut off the conversation. The bird-child stirred, head moving as the eyes began to open. Quickly the women turned, attaching the veils once more into place. Pumyra rapped twice on the pocked wooden door and it opened. Timidly, the mother stepped inside, her sorrow transforming into joy. "The Phoenix is great in the gift of life," Darzee said, hugging the little boy. Tears brimmed her bright eyes. "How may I repay you, disciples? What can I offer you?" "We seek to deliver a message to one Alle-Ma-a-Quila. Do you know of her?" Cheetara asked. "Aye. She is an important citizen. Many know her." "Can you direct us to her?" "That is all you wish?" "For the importance of the message, yes, that is more than enough payment." More than enough, Cheetara repeated in thought. When she found this Alle-Ma, the mercy of this hour may not be in her heart.
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Late morning sunlight dappled across the foliage beneath the giant nectarwook trees of the Ikaal forest. Alle-Ma reined the Kavri up short inside the shallow clearing and looked up at the mountains that loomed not far away. Anger smoldered beneath her veneer of calm. The damned cats had led her and her troop on a merry chase that headed toward the city. She knew the cats wouldn't have been so stupid to risk instant capture, but scent doesn't lie. Then, precious hours later, Nails had discovered they had doubled back, heading for the wilderness. Their trick had worked in gaining them some time, but that was all, she thought. From the back of the sleek four-legged beast she rode, she scanned the landscape, looking for the tell-tale signs of passage. There were none. And the hot feline scent had diminished, melding into the woodlands. Frustration welled up. "Damn it, scent can't just disappear. Where the hell did they go?" Suddenly, her sharp sight settled on the cluster of worn rocks neat the clearing's edge. She dismounted, and Kavri reins in hand, she led the beast to the flat flintrock boulder. A large spot of faded red coated the rock. She touched it, rubbing granules of plastic between her fingers. It was the remains of the control box. Shards of metal shone in the powdery plastic. In the tall weeds, she found three mangled collars. Immediately, her gaze settled on a barely noticeable path leading off into the dense foliage. Recently cut, too, she thought. She'd found the spoor, but suspicion made her think twice. Earlier this morning she thought she'd found it and was proved wrong. "Nails!" she hollered. "Get over here!" The old Jackal came bounding through the undergrowth. Out of breath, he said, "Yes, Ma-a-Quila?" "Which way did they go?" He sniffed the air, a momentary frown creasing his dog-like features as he concentrated. Pointing at the path Alle-Ma had seen, the mutant said, "This way." "Damn....I was right. They went up into the mountains. No wonder the ear-tags aren't working." She raised her com-tact. "Team alert. We've picked up the cat's trail. Proceed north by northeast. They're heading for the mountains. She snapped the unit back on her hunting belt and swung up on the back of the Kavri. "You didn't need me to tell you which direction they went," Nails complained. "I needed the confirmation. After this morning, I can't afford another mistake. So quit complaining and move. I want you close behind me." She kicked, urging the Kavri forward, plowing through the thick greenery, following the path of disturbed plant-life. The rage of this morning had channeled into cold determination. No one, especially an animal, would make a fool of Alle-Ma. The trail snaked toward the central mountain. Somewhere the three were up there. A smart move, she thought, but futile. She knew this old hunting ground very well. Her mother taught her how to hunt here when she was girl. It was only a matter of time before she'd catch up with them. And when she did, there would be no mercy for the lion. His head was hers.
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The sun would soon sink below the horizon and the cold night would set in. Lion-O sat cross-legged on the dry floor of the shallow rock hollow, looking out at the burning red globe that sent orange and pink color shooting across the scattered clouds in the sky. Absently he picked through the handful of white berries that Aja had given him, and popped a few in mouth. They were sweet and juicy like the Berbil candyfruit, sweet as the taste of freedom. They were lucky, he thought. There were plenty of spaces to hide just on this mountain alone and there was plenty of food and even some natural weapons. Again he counted the little round brown spore cases they'd so carefully picked. He remembered the deadly little explosive pods from the Aviirian chameleon course. Yes, they would survive, but they couldn't run forever. He knew Alle-Ma wouldn't give up easily. Tygra entered the cave, sitting across from Lion-O. "We have a good observation point, and several paths lead up from here. I've already checked two, which end at a plateau with no exit, unless you want to take a sheer drop to the valley." "That's all we need to do is blunder over a cliff." Tygra drew his knees up, and settled against the rocky wall. "Too bad we can't have a cook fire. Raw leaves and brazoria bark aren't that tasty." "But they're filling. Here, have some pip-berries." Lion-O handed some to his friend. Tygra looked at them. "You know what I've been thinking of for the last hour?" "What?" he asked, as he cracked one of the water pods and took a drink. Wiping his mouth, he gave the rest to Tygra. "Snarf's meatfruit-loaf." Lion-O had to laugh. "Yeah, sounds pretty good to me right now, too." His gaze fell to the rough stone -and-dirt floor. "Poor Snarf. I know he's worried sick about us. Probably thinks we're dead." "Not just Snarf." "I know. I think of them every day. " An image of Cheetara's worried face came into his mind. Pensive, he looked toward the cave opening. "We'll get out of this. All of us--somehow." He frowned. "Speaking of all, where's Aja?" "She said something about catching a mountain creeper." Tygra shrugged. "Whatever that is." A shadow fell across the hollow opening. Small and lithe, Aja's silhouette moved into view. In her small fist, she held two limp lizard-like creatures by their tails. "I'm sorry. The third one got away." She gave them to Tygra for inspection. "Since there are only two, I'll eat the rest of the chuli." "Nonsense, " Lion-O said. "We'll divide them evenly." Catch in hand, Tygra rose, going to the opposite side of the shelter. "Ah, well, it's meat." He picked through the stone shards, finding a sharp edged sliver of flintrock. He brushed the top of a flat stone clean and placed the game on it. Aja looked over his shoulder. "What are you doing?" "I'm going to prepare our entree." At her puzzled expression, Lion-O explained, "He's going to skin and clean them." "But that's my duty," she protested. "I'm the one in charge of the--provisions." "No," Tygra answered as he slit the midline. "You're tired. Your job is to sit and rest." "But--" "Aja, don't argue," Tygra said softly. "Why don't you join me over here," Lion-O said, patting the area next to him. "We've barely had a chance to talk." She looked at Tygra, who nodded his assent. Timidly, she complied, the shyness shining in her downcast eyes as she sat next to Lion-O. "Am I that hard to look at?" he asked. She smiled up at him. "Oh, no. You're very handsome." Suddenly, she looked very embarrassed. Amused at her awkwardness, he replied, "Why, thank you." Back to them, Tygra muttered, "No taste." Lion-O ignored the comment. "Aja, what do you know of this area?" "Not much. I'm more familiar with the lakes. My master used to take me and Z'ent to the hills region. That's where Z'ent taught me to hunt and know what the land offers in food." "He taught you well. I wish I could thank him, because that knowledge has helped us immensely." Lion-O leaned back against the cool rock, trying to work out the details of the idea forming in his mind. "We need a direction." "Hard to do when you don't know where to go," Tygra said. He broke a water pod, washing the blood from his hands. "You have an idea?" "My original plan," Lion-O said. "We must capture Alle-Ma and force her to take us to Automat. That's the only sure way we'll get off this planet." "Easier said than done." Tygra stood, carrying two handfuls of lean raw meat strips set on broad dark green chuli leaves. He gave one to Aja and the other to Lion-O. "After what you told me, she'll be out for blood....yours in particular." "That's not all she'll be after." Lion-O glanced at the red strips of protein, giving it a slight frown. Tygra went back to the make-shift preparation block and started in on the second creeper. "What do you have in mind?" Lion-O bit into one of the moist strips of muscle. Surprisingly, it was actually quite tender and tasty. Swallowing, he said, "An old mutant trick. Lead her into a trap; when she appears, we ambush her." "She will have trackers and brush-drivers with her," Aja said. "Most likely, but she wants us bad. Knowing her, she won't let anyone else take us but herself and she can't resist when I'm the bait." Tygra turned around. "She'll kill you." "No," Lion-O said. "She won't. That would be too easy." "And once we have her, what makes you think she'll agree to our demands?" "Leave that to me," Lion-O said flatly. A thin line separated revenge and justice, he thought as he ate another piece of meat. It was a very thin line indeed.
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Morning dew still glistened on the tall grass blades of the roadside. The quiet countryside conveyed a peacefulness that eluded Cheetara. She and her companions had gotten an early start on the trek to Eagle Loft, the home of Alle-Ma-a-Quila. Now, two hours later, they neared their destination. Tenseness set in her muscles. Sensations of Lion-O's presence should be growing stronger, but they weren't. Worry would do nothing to alleviate her fears that something had happened. Given a choice, she'd have stripped off the cumbersome robes and run the rest of the way. "Here's the fork Darzee told us about." Panthro pointed at the split in the road. "One to the left leads to Eagle Loft." "Too bad we couldn't ride." Pumyra shifted the shoulder bag she carried. "Walking is good, but it's so slow." "Don't I know it," Cheetara said. "But as followers of the Phoenix, while on the ground we must be close to that which is natural." "Everyone knows what to do when we get to Alle-Ma's?" Panthro asked. "You bet," Pumyra answered. "We claim Lion-O and Tygra right out from under that bird. She can't refuse us." "No one can refuse the claim of a disciple. She can't fight it. Amazing how much power they place in these religious monks." "Lucky for us," Panthro said. "This way we can sneak in and sneak out without anyone the wiser. Once we're back in the Orion ship, we're free. All of us." "Simple as that," Pumyra added. "I'd like to give that Alle-Ma a little more," Cheetara nearly growled. "So would I," Panthro said, tightly gripping the backpack straps on his shoulders. "But we can't. Spilling more blood won't change the past or bring back the dead." As they traveled around the bend, the sight of a sprawling country dwelling came into view. The cluster of white, brown and black buildings were stately, graceful. A black steel gate rose higher than the protective wall that surrounded the estate. The pulse of energy charging through the barrier hummed like an swarm of angry insects. Beside the gate was a large bronze statue in the ancient likeness of an eagle. With talons thrust forward, its long wings angled back as if attacking and its cold eyes bore sharp and menacing, as did its curved open beak. Cheetara saw the camouflaged button on the side of the head. "Here goes," she said in a low voice, and pressed it. Moments later, a woman's voice sounded from the eagle's open beak. "Yes, disciples. What do you wish?" The voice sounded familiar, like one of the women she'd overheard at the marketplace. "We wish to see Alle-Ma-a-Quila," Cheetara answered. "I'm sorry, but she's--she's away on a hunt." Lorabi, Cheetara thought. What's she doing here? The bad feelings magnified. She knew her life-mate was nowhere on these grounds. "How long will she be away?" "I don't know. May I deliver a message?" "One moment." Cheetara turned to her companions and whispered. "Something's very wrong. Lion-O's not here." "We can wait for Alle-Ma to return," Pumyra said. "Not inside," Panthro murmured. "Wait." Cheetara turned back to the call-speaker. "Are you not a friend of Alle-Ma's? The one named--Lorabi?" There was a considerable pause. "Yes, I am. How did you know?" "I know much. I also sense great distress. There is trouble on these premises. Tell us what is wrong so that we may help." "Er--thank you, disciples, but help is on the way." The low thrum of a hover car vibrated the air, growing louder as it approached. The trio stood aside as a very official looking vehicle coasted up to the gate. What symbols Cheetara could decipher made her mane curl: Animal Control. The large, orange and gray uniformed Aviirian gave them no notice as he stepped out, going to the statue. "Eagle Loft. Is this the place that reported an escape?" "Yes, keeper," Lorabi answered. "Please enter." The keeper returned to his vehicle and pulled in as soon as the parting gates permitted. Very slowly, the three started away from the gate. Knots drew taught inside Cheetara, that bad feeling growing worse. "Well, we know we have the right place," Panthro said, in an attempt to break the spell of worry settling over them all. "But the wrong timing," Cheetara said sharply. "Now what? We can't search the entire countryside," Pumyra said. "No, we can't," Cheetara replied. "But maybe the Orion ship sensor can." "That's a real long shot," Panthro said. "It's the only shot we've got," Cheetara snapped. "You saw that 'keeper.' Lion-O and Tygra don't have a prayer. We've got to reach them first." Her growing frustration and fury expanded, threatening to burst like a bomb. "So help me," she said, her pace picking up, "if anything happens to them, Alle-Ma will have me to contend with!"
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The sun had slowly crawled into the sky. From the shade of his hiding place, Lion-O glanced around the large tree trunk. The trap was set. Tygra was at his vantage point up in the trees by the plateau's entrance. Aja kept quiet as a kitten amongst the jagged boulders opposite the cliff's ridge. Each carried several of the wicked little brown pods Aja called poms. Either way, Alle-Ma had a surprise awaiting her. His eyes narrowed on the small gap of foliage where the hunter had to pass to enter the clearing. Surely she'd picked up the obvious trail they'd left. A blind bat could have followed it. He pressed against the rough bark of the tree, letting his senses absorb the information his surroundings transmitted. Immobile as the tree, he stood, barely breathing as a strange feeling of being watched crept over him. Instinct suddenly screamed danger--not from the path, but from behind. He spun, his eyes searching the thick green weeds and brush that blanketed the ground beneath the trees. There--a glint of metal in the thicket dead ahead. He leapt to the side as an explosion splintered bark and wood. Crashing through the bushes, he rolled, coming up in a crouch. An unmistakable scent carried in the wind: Alle-Ma! Damn it, she'd circled around. He sprang high as an explosion spewed rock and dirt from the ground. He landed out in the opening, dropping low. She was in front of him, but where? The branches and leaves gave too much cover. To turn and run would seal his fate. He cupped his hands around his mouth. "What's the matter, Alle-Ma? Can't hit a moving target?" Nothing but the whispering mountain winds were heard. "Come on out," he shouted. "I might even stand still for you." "And spoil my fun, cat. Not on your worthless life!" Rifle aimed, Alle-Ma rose from her cover. Reflex propelled him as he jumped back again and again, dodging the barrage of projectiles in a deadly game of gymnastics and tag. Each move slowly drew the eagle closer to the clearing. A click-click sounded. Lion-O kept down, eyes riveted on the hunter. "Out of ammunition, Alle-Ma? Think you can load it quick enough to stop me?" "I don't need to load it, cat!" She threw the weapon down, reaching into the pouch at her waist. Lightning swift, she hurled a red capsule at him. He vaulted high, the pellet missing him by inches. Landing, he recoiled and launched directly at Alle-Ma. She shrieked, barely evading his claws. Lion-O's feet dug into the earth as he pivoted, facing the hunter again. She was now in the center in the clearing. The tide had turned, the offensive was now his. The thrill of revenge burned in his veins. "Think you can handle hand-to-hand this time?" he growled. Defensively crouched, she faced him, mirroring his every move. "Come on and find out, flea-bag!" With a wicked smile, Lion-O answered, "Why, Alle-Ma, such insult." He edged closer. "After all we've meant to each other. I'm hurt." "You'll do more than hurt when I'm through with you." In a blur of movement, she yanked a knife from its sheath. Poms rained down from above, the pods exploding behind her, sending casing shards flying into the air. Brown spores swirled in choking dusty clouds. Lion-O sailed into her, knocking her backwards, steel glinting as the blade dropped into the rocky soil. Over and over, they rolled across the ground toward the dangerous drop of the cliff. Struggling for control, Lion-O snarled, trying to stop momentum. His claws dug into her arms as they came to a halt near the edge. She screamed, twisting beneath him as he attempted to pin her down. Her hands shot up, blinding light flashing in Lion-O's face. He recoiled, fighting the dazzling effects. Alle-Ma was free and he was blind. Fingers gouged into the back of his neck, jerking his head up hard. A savage snarl echoed off the boulders. A heavy force plowed into the Aviirian, knocking her away. Squinting, Lion-O looked up, trying to blink away the red and black haze. It was Tygra, grappling with the hunter. Alle-Ma came up, her footing giving way. She teetered, trying to regain balance. A scream sounded as she fell back, going over the cliff's edge. "No!" Lion-O cried, staggering to his feet. Breathing hard, Tygra got up off the ground. Impassively, he stared at the broken rim. "It's less than she deserves." "You let her fall!" he growled. "We needed her." "Like hell we do." "She was the only way off this planet!" On hands and knees, Aja carefully peered over the edge. "She's alive!" The two cats went to the ledge, kneeling to look down. Fifteen feet below, the Aviirian woman clung for dear life to one of the thick roots protruding from the face of the sheer drop. "Tygra," Lion-O said, "do you still have that length of vine?" "We're going to save her?" "We have to," he said. "Twisted as her beliefs are, she's not evil." Tygra took a deep breath, considering what Lion-O had said. "You're right--dammit." And he went to retrieve the coil. "Alle-Ma, hang on," Lion-O called. The Aviirian didn't answer. In the short time he'd known this female, he'd never seen her show absolute fright. Tygra came back, vine in hand. "We'll need something to brace against." "One of us can be the anchor, the other can pull." Tygra retained the end, wrapping it around his wrists for a firm hold. Lion-O let the line drop over the edge. It uncoiled like a snake as it fell across white rock and broken roots. He directed it toward the hunter. "Grab it. We'll pull you up." "You'll let go!" she shouted, fear shaking her voice. "No, we won't." "The hell you won't!" "You have no choice!" Lion-O yelled. "Trust us. If we wanted you dead, we'd have left you hanging. Now take the damned thing!" The end swept by her and he brought it back, dangling the natural rope right by her hands. As she stared at it, the gnarled wood she clung to loosen, threatening to tear from the cliff. She snared the line, her weight pulling the elastic plant taut as she dropped down two more feet. Teeth gritted, Lion-O's and Tygra's heels dug in as they braced against the sudden force and pulled. "It--might not hold," Tygra groaned. Hand over hand, the slowly drew the make-shift rope over the rocky lip. Each pull brought fresh tears that frayed the lifeline. To yank it would shear the tether and the Aviirian would fall. "A little more," Aja called. "She's almost within reach." Bleeding taloned fingers clutched the craggy ledge, trying to dig into the stone. Aja grabbed the wrist, holding as tight as she could. "Brace yourself," Tygra warned, then dropped his end, hurrying to pull the eagle to safety. He set her on the ground, supporting her trembling body. Alle-Ma's eyes stayed closed. Knuckles white, her death grip would not release the line. Head bowed, Lion-O concentrated on his own recovery. Exhausted and sore, he didn't move. Though his plan's execution didn't go as imagined, the end result was what mattered. They had Alle-Ma. Now, they would make her take them back to Third Earth. The dreams of leaving evaporated as a series of sharp clicks sounded all around them. Lion-O's eyes opened, but he didn't look. He didn't have to. Awake or asleep, he knew the metallic ring of a dart-syringe falling into an air-rifle's firing chamber. "Don't try anything, cats," a low voice warned. Slowly, Lion-O half turned. Guns aimed, keepers stood half-hidden by the foliage ringing the plateau. They were surrounded by Aviirians. Some were wearing the orange and gray uniform, others were of Alle-Ma's employ and with them stood Nails. What precious time they'd had to make their get-away had been eaten up by the rescue. A tall condor-like male approached, stun-prod in hand. He was obviously from Animal Control. "Let the woman go, tiger and stand back." Tygra complied, carefully moving away from Alle-Ma. Only Aja ignored the keeper, lending support to the still-shaken hunter. "Good," the keeper said. "Now do as I say, and we'll all walk out of here alive." Lion-O's heart sank as the Aviirian man drew closer. His frustration boiled--this was all so futile. No matter what they did, they would never reach their goal. Captivity sparkled in the keeper's hand in the form of the silver-and-black metal strap called a control collar. Everything was lost, there was nothing more to lose. "Don't move, cat," the Aviirian said. Cautiously, he bent to place the loathsome band around Lion-O's neck. He lashed out, knocking the collar away. The startled Aviirian jumped back, stun-prod drawn and charged. Lion-O hissed, muscles tensing. "I rather die than wear that thing!" Tygra moved, blocking his shot at the keeper. "Lion-O, stop it! It'll just make matters worse." "All of you stop it," Alle-Ma said. With Aja's help, she managed to walk into the middle of the confrontation. Bleeding and ragged she looked from the keeper to Lion-O and Tygra. Anger smoldered deep in her green eyes, and her expression was cold as stone. "You're the owner?" the keeper asked. "The males. Permanent claim pending. The female belongs to a friend." "Animal Control received a call this morning that these two had escaped, and had abducted the kitten. Is this true?" "No," Alle-Ma said flatly. Lion-O's and Tygra's gazes met. Alle-Ma continued, "We were on an outing. No animal has ever escaped my personal compound. Ever!" "You failed to notify Animal Control of your plans and you took them out without a permit and without collars. You're in violations of several ordinances. We will have to take them into custody until you settle the fines." "So be it," Alle-Ma said tightly. Again, she faced the Thundercats, her eyes narrowing. "You will go with the keeper--quietly.? Is that understood? "Yes, Ma-a-Quila," Tygra said softly. "Aja, take care of them until Lorabi and I can come bail you out." "Yes, Ma-a-Quila," she answered. The Aviirian woman turned and walked toward Nails. Lion-O's gaze dropped to the ground. The keeper towered over him, placing a collar around his neck. The snap of the catch-lock rang like a steel door slamming shut. The keeper urged him to stand. Painfully, he rose, letting the man bind his hands behind his back. Silently, Tygra gazed at Lion-O as a collar was also secured on him, glowing bright against the orange-and-white fur on his neck. Likewise, another keeper snapped restraints on his wrists in a similar fashion. Aja was spared the manacles, but not the collar. The tip of an inactive stun-prod jabbed into Lion-O's back, pushing him forward. As they headed for the path, the urge to resist died. Defeat was a bitter taste in his mouth, as he again faced failure.
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High noon was always busiest at the central government complex, but today it was more so. Alle-Ma paced the ante-chamber of the courts, her nerves as jangled as her conscience. This special hearing was a blessing and a curse. Because of the cat's heroic actions, the officials had lifted their probation and would also grant them legal status as part of her household. This wouldn't be happening if they knew the truth behind the story. Out in the lyceum, a crowd packed the gallery. Reporters had hounded her, distorting the story of her cats and the rescue. The morning headlines had not helped either. Blood-sucking parasites, she thought. Now everyone, from the curious to the bleeding-heart equalists wanted to get a glimpse of the lion and the tiger. Her red cape swept out as she turned to walk the gray marbled floor once more. After spending all of yesterday afternoon and a lot of money to bail out her errant felines, she still had no idea of how she was going to discipline them. But discipline them she would. Arms crossed, she stopped pacing. Looking at what had transpired, there was still a score to settle, especially with the lion. Maybe she should've let them be dragged away and wash her hands of them once and for all. She smoothed a crease from her blue satin tunic, straightening the gold chain belt at her waist. Dammit, what was keeping them, she thought as she glanced at the decorative carved scrolls in the heavy makowood doors. Muffled sounds of approach came from the hall, and the antique doors parted. Urged forward by the keepers, the lion and tiger entered the ante-chamber. The collars were snugly in place and the mandatory restraints held their arms in check. Cleaned and groomed, their coats and manes glistened in the artificial light. They were beautiful, proud creatures. The white breech-clouts were replaced by ones of deep blue embroidered with gold. The eagle symbol of her family adorned the hip clasps that held the golden waistband together. After today, that symbol would permanently mark their hides. Casually, she walked over to them. Tygra remained detached, unreadable as always, but Lion-O was sullen. They stood side-by-side, not moving as she inspected them. With a wave of her hand, she dismissed the keepers. The doors closed, and she turned back to the Thundercats. "You guys make it damned hard for a girl to make a decision. By showing your 'absolute faith and loyalty' by saving my life, the authorities have granted this hearing today. I was beginning to wonder if it was worth it. Looking at you now, I still think you are. After today, I will physically own you." "You will never own us," Tygra said softly. "Don't fight me," Alle-Ma said. "Is what I offer you so terrible?" "A cage with gold bars is still a cage, Alle-Ma," Lion-O said. "Better than iron bars--companion." The lion's jaw set at that last spoken word. A chime sounded, a yellow light glowed over the inner sanctum's door as it opened. A matron motioned them to come forward. Alle-Ma nodded, directing her charges toward the huge white-and-rose marbled chamber beyond. Ohhs and ahhs echoed from the packed gallery as two heavy-set Anhinga males took charge of the cats and guided them to the center platform. Holographic recorders flashed as the strong Aviirian males forced them to kneel. Beside the raised dais, an ornate brazier glowed red. Two branding iron handles rested in their notches, the metal patterned ends heating in the small urn-like furnace. The public crowded the observation benches, each Aviirian craning to see the much talked-about exotics that Alle-Ma had found. This was turning into a side-show, Alle-Ma thought as she approached the white-robed woman seated on the high bench. She counted her blessings. It was Miria, an elder of the ospreys. This proceeding would be short and sweet. The bell chimed and silence fell over the courtroom. "Alle-Ma-a-Quila," the woman said regally. "You bring these creatures before us of the Aviir. Though there were doubts about these beasts in the beginning, they have proven their worth to you and the to our society. Within your rights, you now claim them as property of the a-Quila family. If anyone disputes your claim, they must do so now." Alle-Ma waited, knowing no one would dare say anything or they would face one hell of a challenge. A full minute passed, the silence growing eerie. Lion-O suddenly straightened, trying to look toward the rear of the courtroom. He looked spooked. The tiger had noticed his friend's agitation too, his eyes traveling to the back of the room as well. The guards immediately quelled their efforts. "By this silence, no one contests," Miria said. "Let the beasts be marked." Alle-Ma stepped up on the platform and grasped the ivory handle of one of the branding irons. Both cats' eyes were on her as she turned toward them, showing them the white hot end of the brand. As she looked at them, she cut off all emotion. This was the mark that made them hers. The guards took their cues, gripping the scruff of their necks and forcing their heads down. Feeble growls of protest were all they could manage. The white glow had died to a bright red as she poised the flat end of the iron, aiming right above the waistband on the lower back of the lion. "Stop!" a woman shouted. The word echoed of the polished stone wall. Alle-Ma's teeth gritted. "Who dares challenge my claim?" Gasps from the gallery sounded as al l eyes went to the back of the courtroom. Two red-robed and veiled females and a magnificent panther stood in the rear of the chamber. The lion and tiger were let up. As they, too, looked at the intruders, their apparent relief changed to open-mouthed disbelief. The magistrate stood. "Disciples, you challenge this claim. I humbly ask why?" "The Phoenix told us of these felines," the taller female answered and pointed at Alle-Ma. "By all that is sacred, I dispute your claim." There was something wrong, something different about these religious fanatics and their slave. And the Thundercats reaction to these strangers was very peculiar. It was like they had recognized them. Alle-Ma glanced at Lion-O and Tygra. Eyes downcast, they no longer paid attention to their saviors. They were stiff as statues. Suspicion reeked strong as day old fish. Her gaze went back to the three, settling on the panther. On his belt was the red cat's head insignia. "Alle-Ma-a-Quila, do you fight this claim?" Miria asked softly. In the silence that followed you could've heard a feather drop. Head high, she answered, "Yes." Shock rippled through the audience. Even the osprey elder looked like she didn't believe she'd heard correctly. Alle-Ma pointed accusingly. "For I don't believe these are disciples of the Phoenix. I don't believe they're even of Aviir. "You risk sacrilege, eagle," the leader answered darkly. "You're versed in the Tashan, 'honored one.' You know that it grants us power over the lesser creatures such as these." Alle-Ma paused, sizing up the masked female. "Then you should know that I have the right to see the face of my challenger. I demand that right now or your claim is nothing." "Alle-Ma is correct, disciple," Miria said. "The Tashan so states it." A hush fell over the courtroom as the three strangers turned to each other and nodded. Black veils were peeled back. A collective gasp rose from the audience, murmurs flowing like a stream of noise. Alle-Ma's mouth dropped open. Even though her suspicions were correct, her amazement grew geometrically, her sight not leaving the lead female. Vertical-slit pupils grew, darkening the crimson eyes with anger obviously held tightly in check. The hood fell back revealing a black-spotted, golden yellow mane. The dark symmetrical winged facial markings identified her as a rare cheetah. The second female, a young puma stood at the leader's side. The robes were shed. They stood proud, showing no fear of the apparent hostility now growing around them. The panther moved up behind the she-cats, as if daring anyone to move against them. From the central dais, the tiger was gazing up at the trio, but the lion's head was bowed, eyes closed as if in pain. "Seize them," the elder commanded. More noise erupted from the audience. Holo-recorder lights glared on the stage of the unfolding drama the session had become. Chamber guards surrounded the three, silver spearheads pointed at their bellies. The magistrate's chime sounded, quieting the din. "This is blasphemy," the magistrate said, a hard edge to her voice. "You shall pay dearly for your sacrilegious acts." "Is it blasphemy to claim what is rightfully yours?" the cheetah said boldly. "Which is the life of her mate and that of her friend, who were wrongfully taken from their home on a world light years from here." "You are nothing but animals and have no concept of right and wrong," the magistrate said. "Therefore, your claim is meaningless." "Not to me," the cheetah answered, and drew a silver sword from the cuff on her left arm. A large cat's eye jewel in the hilt sparkled as if alive. Pointing it, she said, "I challenge you, Alle-Ma. I'll fight you one-on-one for these males." "Cheetara, don't--" Lion-O's warning was silenced by a blow of the Anhinga guard's hand. Fury threatened to break the cheetah's stolid expression. Calmly, Alle-Ma turned away from the trio to place the now-cooled iron back into the brazier. "Even if you could challenge, she-cat, it's too late. The time to challenge is past. They are mine." She reached for the other branding-iron. "Then Alle-Ma-a-Quila is a coward." Her spine stiffened, the insult bringing her blood to a slow boil. Silence fell like a shadow over the chamber as she slowly turned, her eyes boring into the she-cat. "You speak as brazenly as the lion." The cheetah matched Alle-Ma's stare. "Turn down this challenge and all of Aviir will know you were afraid to fight a 'lesser' creature." "Enough!" Miria commended. "I will not tolerate theatrics in these halls." The osprey settled down on the bench, her piercing black eyes going from the cats to Alle-Ma. "By the laws, this animal's challenge is not valid. Yet, she has slandered your honor, Ma-a-Quila. The court will up-hold your decision." The cheetah's eyes narrowed to slits. Darkly, Alle-Ma said, "I'll fight you she-cat, but on my terms. If I win, all of you belong to me." The cheetah remained silent, expressionless as her gaze rested on the lion. "I cannot speak for my companions, only for myself." "I'm with you," the puma said. "Count me in, Cheetara," the panther added. "We agree to your terms, provided that if I win, the males are mine and we are allowed to leave Aviir in peace." "Then prepare the arena. By law I am challenged and by law I accept." The chime sounded and the crowd pushed for the exits. The natter of voices and words of betting sounded around Alle-Ma. "Be forewarned, she-cat, you won't win," Alle-Ma said, and pivoted sharply, heading for the ante-chamber.
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Arms crossed tightly over his furry chest, Tygra stared out the clear portal of the holding cell. Hope and fear balanced precariously over a dark chasm that would either end this nightmare or stretch it into infinity. The Aviirians had given him and Lion-O balcony accommodations. Alle-Ma wanted them to see every ugly detail of this contest. By the ancients, he hated that woman. They should have let her drop. Wrong as it was, he wanted to see that bird's blood staining the sand. Across the beach-white field, the afternoon sun glared off the ivory curving walls of the arena. The stone bench bleachers were rapidly filling with every type of bird-person imaginable on this planet. Anger glazed his soul. All of them were hoping to see a slaughter; the destruction of a Thundercat, he thought. He glanced over at Lion-O, who was staring out of the same window. Tense and silent, the Lord of the Thundercats was like a statue. Their fate now rested in Cheetara's hands. She was fast, agile and skilled in battle, but so was Alle-Ma. Worry crept up his back like an insect. Cheetara was stepping willingly into deadly danger for their sake. He stopped his train of thought, not allowing himself to even think of victory. Too many times had he and Lion-O reached for that shining star of hope, only to have it snatched from their grasp. He closed his eyes, trying to clear his mind of the thought-chatter. Detachment insulating him, he turned away from the window. "I should be out there, not her." Lion-O drew a deep breath, gaze dropping to the floor. "I'd give my soul to stop this madness." His jaw set, fists clenching tightly. "And I have the power to do it. The Sword is within my grasp. I could call to it." "No!" He faced Lion-O. "We can't interfere. We can't give the Aviirians any reason to rule against Cheetara in this fight." Lion-O met his gaze. "You don't know what's truly at stake." Tygra took a breath and replied, "Yes, I do, my friend. I know that Cheetara carries your cub." A glassy shine came to the young Lord's eyes. "You've known all along." He nodded. "We must have faith in her. I know she'll do everything she in her power to save all of us." "I do have faith in her, Tygra. The stress in his voice threatened to crack his mask of control. "Dear Jaga, I do. It's the Aviirians I don't trust." Both looked up as the hum of the forcefield stopped. Two keepers stood just outside, one motioning toward the cell. Panthro stepped through the opening, followed by Pumyra. Their spirits rose at the sight of them, sadness dampening the gladness of being reunited with their fellow Thundercats. Tygra and Panthro gripped each other's arms in greeting. "I never expected to see you again." "It's a miracle we made it," Panthro said. "And thank Jaga we did,:" Pumyra said, gripping Lion-O's hands. "Just in the nick of time, it seems." "Only for all of you to be placed in the same danger," Lion-O said solemnly as her let go of her. Softly, he asked, "Where's Cheetara?" Pumyra grew somber, gently grasping the Lord of the Thundercats' arm. "She's preparing for battle. She said for me to give you this." She pulled him close and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She looked from him to Tygra. "She said for me to tell you both, she loves you and not to fear for her." Hearing those words turned Tygra's heart to glass. That gentle message hurt more than the pain of the past three weeks. Saying nothing, Lion-O went over to the large portal over looking the arena. Lines of tiredness etched his face. His hand rested against the thick pane, fingers spreading. A loud cheer rose up outside. Tygra and the others joined their leader at the window. The stands were completely filled with spectators. To the north of the sandy field was a black-feathered figure, her cap of white plumes radiant in the sun's rays. Clad only in a deep blue tunic, Alle-Ma stood at ready. In one hand she held a gold-tipped spear. In the other she held aloft a sword. She let loose a piercing, keening cry and the blade slashed down, going deep into the soil at her feet. The crowd roared with approval. Tygra's stomach tightened with fear. The contest was about to begin. Proud and beautiful, Cheetara stood at the opposite end of the arena. Her long mane flowed in the breeze. Sunlight warmed the golden cream color of her coat, deepening the coal black spots dotting her fur. Other than the cuff on her left arm, all she wore was a plain white loin cloth, red Thundercat's symbols flashing on each hip. It was then Tygra noticed Pumyra's symbol was missing from her uniform. The puma caught his glance and nodded. "I gave it to her for luck." Clucks and hisses rose as Cheetara defiantly faced the belligerent crowd. From her cuff, she removed the Sword of Omens, holding it high above her head. "Cheetara," Lion-O whispered, his gaze fixing on her. "The sword...." Briefly, his eyes closed. Loud and strong, the cheetah shouted, "Ho!" The silver blade shimmered, coming alive, growing longer, and longer, energy radiating from its mystic eye like lightning. The crowd fell momentarily silent as she plunged it into the soil at her bare feet. Pride returned and Tygra's hand rested on Lion-O's shoulder. No matter what the outcome of this battle, he knew they would be free, even if it were through death.
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The sight and noise of the crowd faded as Cheetara's full attention fixed on her opponent. Baton in hand, she crouched, watching, waiting, but the Aviirian stayed still, eyes glinting like polished jade. Spear poised, Alle-Ma stood out like an ink spot on white paper. One more time she touched the empathic she shared with Lion-O, sensing the fears he held in check. His emotions mirrored her own. The life and freedom of her mate, her friends, herself and that of the one she carried was stake. By the Lords of ThunDERa, she meant to keep them all. She glared at the Aviirian. Cold hate sparked into smoldering anger. He claws flexed as she sighted her prey. This enemy had stolen her mate, kidnapped her friend, threatened them, humiliated then, degraded them. She fed on that rage, letting it magnify her strength. Her hunter's senses sharpened, eyes measuring the tenseness of stance, ears listening for the rapid beat of the bird's heart. Alle-Ma's scent carried no fear, only anticipation. Both were predator and prey as they faced each other. She growled, the grief and frustration of the past four weeks igniting in rage. Adrenalin surged, and Cheetara shot forward, a golden blur of motion. The power staff lengthened in her hand as she aimed for her target. She veered, cutting back sharply behind the eagle, swinging the staff down. The Aviirian jumped, dodging the blow, bringing the spear around. The shafts clashed like thunder and lightning. Shock and surprise bit down. The woman's reflexes were almost as swift as her own. Cheetara hissed, muscles straining against the Aviirian's might. Fury fired faster than thought as Cheetara broke the stalemate, striking again and again, the staffs smashing hard and furious. The eagle matched each move, blocking every blow. Inch by inch, the Thundercat drove the Aviirian back. Suddenly, Alle-ma turned, bringing the spear around. Cheetara defended, the poles locking with such force neither made nor gained ground. Sweat trailed down Cheetara's face. With teeth bared, she looked into cold green eyes, her strength matching that of the Aviirian. Hate spit forth in a vicious snarl. "Take my mate! You'll pay with blood, witch-bird!" "Mate?" Alle-Ma gasped. Muscles taut, she pushed back in equal force. "The lion?" She gave a nasty hoarse laugh. "No wonder--he was such--a disappointment in bed!" Suddenly she screeched, shattering Cheetara's shock. She shoved hard, sending Cheetara tumbling backwards. Down she went, her staff flying from her hand. The crowd cheered wildly as the tip of the spear pointed down. Cheetara rolled as the barbed head rammed into the dirt. Her fierce cheetah's cry rang off the arena walls. Blind rage launched Cheetara at her adversary. She slammed into the Aviirian, claws raking through feathers, and flesh. Down they went, the woman shrieking in anger and pain. Sand flew, hitting Cheetara's eyes, getting into her nose and mouth. Double fists slammed up under her jaw, snapping her head back. Agony jolted her brain as she fell to the side. The salty taste of blood seeped into her mouth. Breathless, she raised up trying to chase the stars from her double vision. The anger that spurred her had made her careless. Sixth sense shouting danger, she twisted around. The blurry figure of Alle-Ma charged at her. Cheetara's foot caught her belly, lifting the eagle up and over, sending her flying. She wiped the grit from her eyes, trying to see. Her staff--where was her staff? Desperately she searched, spotting it off to the side, just out of reach. A piercing eagle's cry brought her around. Again, Alle-Ma attacked, the spear point driving down like a missile. Cheetara moved as never before, her pulse pounding as she scrambled for her weapon, grabbing it. She rolled on her back, bringing the staff up as the spear came down. The shafts collided, shattering in two under the force of the powerful blow. Alle-Ma screamed like a madwoman, swinging the broken handle like a club. Cheetara moved, the blow missing her head by centimeters. She spun around as the eagle threw a small metallic ball. Gold mesh spread like a sail, hitting her before she could even think of running. The wire net clung, constricting, tangling her arms and legs. The harder she fought, the tighter it gripped her body. She faltered and toppled to the ground. The roar of the crowd filled her ears. She snarled in fury and fright. Struggling, she couldn't get free, couldn't move. Through the din she heard voices urging her to get up. Lion-O? And Tygra? Panthro and Pumyra? She ceased her futile efforts. She'd lost, failed Lion-O and the Thundercats, condemning them to a life of captivity. Taloned toes dug into her shoulder, pushing her over onto her back. Heart pounding, Cheetara glared up at Alle-Ma. Claw marks spilled down her feathered arms, blood staining her torn blue tunic. She raised the broken spear, pointing the barbed end at Cheetara's belly. "Yield!" Alle-Ma sneered, "or forfeit your life, she-cat."
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Horror chilled Lion-O for one eternal moment. The searing flash of empathic fear had diminished to a lingering anguish that was overtaken by his own. Now the spear was poised over Cheetara as if frozen in time. "NO!" he cried, tearing away from Tygra and Panthro's supportive hold. He slammed against the barrier, his fists pounding against the hot thick glass. Shock galvanized into angry black denial. He stood back, fist uncurling as his hand raised high. "Sword of Omens, come to my hand!"
Mental contact gripped the ancient weapon with such force it quaked the ground. at the far end of the arena, a lightning storm of power burst from the Eye of ThunDERa, its angry warning growl rending the air. Gasps rose from the crowd as all eyes, Thundercat and spectator alike turned toward the bursting light of the Sword of Omens. Blue energy surrounded it, lifting it from the soil, pointing the sleek straight blade. Like an arrow, it shot toward the holding cell, toward its rightful master. It smashed through the glass shielding, shattering the barrier into thousands of glistening jagged shards. Power flowed as if a dam had burst, unleashing the pent-up anger that now spurred him. Before anyone could speak, he leapt through the opening, feet digging into the soft sand as he landed. Hatred's ugly head rose high as he charged across the field. His snarling roar filled the arena. The Aviirian had taken his freedom, his pride and nearly crushed his spirit. But by all that is sacred, she would not take his life-mate. An astonished Alle-Ma backed away from the kill, broken spear aimed in defense. Fear actually glittered in her wide eyes. Lion-O halted, taking a protective stance over Cheetara. Both hands gripped the sword as he leveled the long razor-sharp blade at his Aviirian tormentor. Through barred teeth, he breathed, "You want blood, eagle?" Alle-Ma didn't move, didn't speak. "You want death? Then it'll have to be mine because you'll have to kill me to reach her." "And to reach him, you'll have to go deal with us." Tygra was beside Lion-O. Panthro and Pumyra moved up to flank them. She backed up a step, raising the deadly pike higher. "Attack me and none of you will leave this field alive." "Then so be it," Lion-O answered. Tygra glared at the Aviirian. With a cold deadly tone, he said, "No matter what you do, Alle-Ma, you'll never own us, so you might as well destroy us now." An ocean of sound swelled from the crowd. The mob seethed as if about to go berserk. Shouts of 'kill' and 'death' churned in the sea of angry voices. Lion-O's sight narrowed on the hunter. "He speaks the truth, Alle-Ma." And he lowered the Sword, making himself an open target. "Go ahead. Show us the superiority of the Aviirian race. Kill us." The noise of the crowd grew louder and louder. "Listen to your people," Lion-O said. "They clamor for blood, for death." He stood straight, arms spread. "Give it to them--and watch them go wild." With furtive glances, Alle-Ma looked at the multitude, disbelief slowly creeping into her expression. All around, the people were shouting and screaming. The chant of 'spill blood' repeated in a morbid cadence that chilled the flesh. "Is this what your precious Tashan teaches?" Lion-0 said. "If so, I truly pity you. Following and never questioning centuries of misinterpreted words and beliefs. It should be easy for you to kill 'inferior animals' like us." The Aviirian raised the spear, the gleaming tip aiming for Lion-O chest. Her expression was like ice as she suddenly threw the pike down, driving the splintered shaft deep into the sand. Fists balled tightly, she faced the Lord of the Thundercats. In a harsh voice that trembled, she said, "No. There will be no more blood spilled today." Her shoulders sagged. "I won't fight you anymore, cat." A sense of relief filled Lion-O for a victory had finally been won. For what seemed like forever, Alle-Ma stared at him. A team of keepers surrounded the ThunDERians, stun-prods and dart-guns ready and aimed. Lion-O mildly regarded them. "Don't resist them," he told the Thundercats as he made the Sword revert to inactive. Much to their surprise, he handed the mystic weapon to Alle-Ma. "A symbol of faith," he said to her. "Keep this safe. Remember, I can call to it anytime I wish. Don't betray the trust I'm now placing in you." "As you betrayed mine?" "A false trust never grows. It's time for the real thing." Impassively, she accepted the sword. "By his actions I've won this contest. These cats are rightfully mine, to do with as I see fit," she said to the lead keeper, but her words were hollow. "Take them to the compound and make sure Kayj tends to the she-cat. As soon as documents are in my hand, I'll come to claim them." On that note, she turned, trying to hide a limp as she walked away. "Lion-O," Panthro said low voice, "was that wise?" "I'm sure of it, old friend." His attention turned to the one who'd inspired the courage to face the odds. With Pumyra supporting her, Cheetara sat on the sandy soil. A subtle smile came forth as she silently looked up at him. He knelt, starting to untangle the net. Tygra and Panthro joined in, and in seconds she was free. Lion-O helped her to stand and she latched onto him in the fiercest of hugs. He reciprocated, burying his face into her sandy mane. "Come on cats," the lead kipper ordered. "Let's get moving." Lion-O looked at the man, seeing a different light in his eyes. Gone was the arrogance a keeper normally displayed to a lesser creature. He nodded. "Let's go, Thundercats. The day's not over yet." The keepers guided them toward the exit. The throng hurled shouts and insults as the Thundercats were led away. Lion-O looked down at Cheetara, pride glowing in his heart. What the Aviirians thought about them right now wasn't important. They knew who and what they were and that was all that mattered. As they reached the exit arch of the arena, an announcement rang out. THE VICTOR--ALLE-MA-A-QUILA, DESPITE INTERFERENCE OF A NON-COMBATANT. The crowd exploded in cheers and applause. Yes, Lion-O thought, Alle-Ma had won, but so had the Thundercats in more ways than one.
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Thoughts in turmoil, Alle-Ma traversed Automat's main corridor at a fast pace, heading for the traveler's compartment. As if she didn't have enough to worry about. The port documents for departure were late, Automat's gyro system was on the blink again, and now Lorabi was on her ship raising hell. Yesterday's defeat still hurt, more mentally than physically. Oh, yes, technically the contest had been decided in her favor, but she knew better. The lion's words had pierced deep, shaking the foundations of what she'd been brought up to believe. The remembered sight of the spectators still sickened her. It was like blinders had been ripped off. She shook her head. There was a lot to sort out, and the best way to do that was alone in the depths of space. That would come after she took the cats back to that dirtball of a planet. She knew she'd made the right decision. They were a proud--people. It was best to put them back where they belonged and forget them. Trouble was, she knew she would never forget them. She entered the hall that led to the passenger modules. Her hand touched the hilt of the lion's sword that was secured to the belt of her tunic. She never dreamed a male could wield such power, but she had seen it and it reinforced her decision to let them go. As she neared the passenger compartment she could hear her friend's voice raised in protest. The tiger's voice suddenly added to the argument. What in the peregrine was this all about? Her hand hovered over the switch. They'd have plenty of time to argue, she thought. With Automat's systems out and no technician available for the next two days, they were stuck. By the Phoenix, all she wanted to do was get this over with. She squared her shoulders, and touched the sensor plate. The doors parted, raising the volume of the discussion. The she-cats were the first to notice her entrance, but their attention quickly returned to the confrontation in the room's center. Backs to Alle-Ma, the lion and tiger gave no indication they knew she was there. They still wore the ceremonial clothes from yesterday, and the short blue robes richly enhanced their physique. Lorabi's gray-and black cape lay folded back over her shoulders, revealing tightly crossed arms. Her sharp words rose in pitch. "You have no right to do this!" It all came clear when the tiger's stance shifted to one side. Between the combatant stood Aja. "She is part of my household. I am her owner! She belongs with me!" "Get it through your head," Tygra said in a low even voice. "No one owns anyone!" His arm rested protectively across the tigress' shoulders. "She is my mate and I won't leave her on this planet." Hands on hips, the lion added, " She is a ThunDERian. Aja belongs with us." "Like hell she does!" Lorabi snapped, her black-and-white crest feathers ruffling up. "You nor Alle-Ma can take her from me." "What in the sand hill crane is going on here?" Alle-Ma demanded, joining the group. "This is your fault! Your cats are stealing one of mine," Lorabi accused sharply. "They--and you--can't do this. The laws are on my side!" Calmly, Alle-Ma regarded the ThunDERians. "I have no legal claim on Aja, only you. I can't demand anything of Lorabi." "Then I'm not leaving," Tygra said softly. Alle-Ma met his stern gaze. "I'm afraid you haven't that choice." "That's what you think." "Stop it!" Lion-O said. "We've gotten nowhere with this conversation. The only one who hasn't spoken is Aja." He looked at the tigress. "This is a matter between her and Lorabi and we must respect the decision they reach." Alarm flashed in Tygra's eyes. "Lion-O--" "She must choose on her own, Tygra." Reluctantly, the tiger let go of Aja, stepping back. The tigress looked from him to her owner. "Come with me, kitten," Lorabi said, going to her. Gently she gripped Aja's shoulders. "This is your home now. I saved you. Took you into my house. Please stay." Aja's eyes glistened. "I--I cannot," she whispered. "Something happened when you paired us at the compound. I've changed. Please try to understand. My place is with my mate, with my people." "Aja, you mean so much to me. Don't do this." "I must," she answered solemnly. "I want my cub to know its father. I must go." "No," Lorabi said, her fists clenching. "I won't give you up without a fight." "Lorabi," Alle-Ma said. "There's been enough fighting." "Don't interfere." "I have to," she said, putting a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Keep her against her will and you'll create more misery than happiness." She glanced at the lion, then to the tiger. "A cage with gold bars is still a cage." A painful silence settled between the two. Head bowed, Lorabi said nothing. Her lower lip trembled, betraying the emotional battle raging inside her. Softly, Alle-Ma added, "If you let her go, at least you'll still have the memories of her love, rather than the reality of her resentment." When Lorabi looked up, her eyes were misty with tears. She gathered the tigress into a tight hug and swallowed hard. "I--grant you your freedom." Tygra visibly relaxed, while the other Thundercats showed their relief with smiles. "Take care, little one," Lorabi said, her hand stroking lovingly under Aja's chin. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "I'll miss you." She let go, turning directly toward Tygra. Sternly, the falcon pointed a finger at the Thundercat. "You'd better take her, tiger. If anything happens to her, it won't be Alle-Ma who'll hunt you down." On that note, she turned on her heels and strode away, apparently unable to say anymore. Alle-Ma watched her retreating figure. "Well, since that's settle. I came to advise you all to make yourself comfortable. Automat's systems are down again. It looks like we have a two day delay." "Two days?" Lion-O asked. "Sorry. No available technicians." The doors parted, permitting Panthro to enter. Casually, he wiped his hands on a rag and grinned. "It's all fixed. I must say, your spaceship is quite a character. When I rebuild the Feliner, I may just put a computer like yours in it." Alle-Ma blinked in surprise. "You--you fixed Automat?" "Of course," the panther replied, tucking the scrap of cloth under the belt of his uniform. "I'd fire your mechanic if I were you. A majority of the connections were loose and a control board was needed to be reseated." "In that case, as soon as the documents arrive, we'll be going." Hand on hip, she regarded her passengers, looking at each cat. It was odd to be meeting these beings on equal ground. But then it takes time to get used to a new idea. "You are my guests on this voyage. You have the freedom to move about the ship, but remember, I am the captain. My orders are to be followed. I will not tolerate misbehavior in any form." "You'll have our cooperation," Lion-O said. "That, cat, would be a first." Her stern expression broke with a hint of a smile. "Thanks...and...for what it's worth...I'm sorry I put you all through this. Please understand, I...." "Apology accepted, Alle-Ma," Lion-O said. A sense of relief filled her. "Please, enjoy." She motioned to the passenger lounge and modules. "I'll let you all know when we're ready for lift-off." The Thundercats started for their respective modules. "Lion-O ," Alle-Ma said. He and Cheetara stopped, looking back. "I believe this is yours." She pulled the sword free, handing it hilt first to the Thundercat lord. "I'm surprised you entrusted me with such a treasure." Lion-O took the Sword of Omens. The Eye of ThunDERa glimmered at his touch. "I knew it would be safe in your hands." "You took a big chance, cat. You know I could have just outright kept you." "But you decided not to." "Somehow you knew that." "Yes, when you said you wouldn't fight us anymore." "I could have been lying." "Of all that's transpired, Alle-Ma, you've never lied to me." The comm-box blipped and Automat's monotone voice sounded in the compartment. "Pardon the intrusion, mistress, but a courier has just arrived." "On my way," she said. For a moment, she gazed at the red-maned lion. "It would have been interesting to see what would have happened it things had turned out otherwise." She glanced at Cheetara noting the subtle spark of hostility in the she-cat's eyes. "Very interesting indeed." She left the two ThunDERians, quickly heading for the docking bay. She dare not stay any longer. As it was, it was going to be a long journey even if it took only two and a half days to reach Third Earth. The sooner it was over with, the quicker the wounds would heal--for all of them.
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A quarter moon graced the clear evening sky of Third Earth, shining amongst a network of a thousand stars. A warm breeze caressed the hilltop not far from Cat's Lair. With a small bundle hanging from his hand, Lion-O stood looking at the heavens. Breathing deeply, he savored the fact he was home, back in his traditional blue uniform with the claw shield at his side. His thoughts turned earthward. He hoped Tygra would show up. What he was about to do, he felt was necessary. Below, Cat's Lair was ablaze with light, and the festivities were in full swing. The Thundercats homecoming had brought friends from all over: the Berbils, the Warrior Maidens, Tuskans, Balkans, and Wolos. Even Dr. Dometone had made it to the party. And tonight, he and Cheetara were going to make a special announcement--the coming of a new Thundercat. A short time ago, he thought he'd never see this place again. Thank Jaga, he'd been wrong. "I'm home," he said. "So many friends. So much love," he said, thinking of his people. "Everything worked out. So why do I feel so--troubled?" Could it be, you're wondering if you could have done things differently, Lion-O? He turned toward the voice. A sparkling gray aura lit the dark, transforming into the spirit shape of Lion-O's mentor. "Jaga! Where have you been? I was so worried!" "I was with you throughout your ordeal, but a power greater than mine blocked you from seeing me." "Fear?" Jaga shook his head. "Loss of heart. But you regained that and you handled the situation with renewed courage and wisdom. "I'm very proud of you." "I don't feel proud of what I did." "You did what you thought best at that time, and you won." "I got lucky." A seldom-seen smile came to Jaga. "Yes, sometimes luck will tip the scales." He raised his cape, wrapping it about himself. "Learn from your experience. Time will ease the pain, but we learn from that pain. It makes us stronger. Take knowledge from it, for it is your wealth." The astral light faded, taking Jaga with it, leaving nothing but silence. A soft rustle of dried grass sounded from off the lower slope of the hill. Carrying a small package in his arms, Tygra trudged up the path. Lion-O knew the pain his friend carried was greater than his own. He was glad that Tygra had decided to go along with this ritual. "Sorry I'm late," Tygra said as he reached the crest. "Snarf was fretting over the roast beast while worrying where you were." Lion-O gave a short laugh. "Yeah, he hasn't let me out of his sight since we got back this morning. I'm surprised was able to give him the slip to do this." "Kit and Kat commandeered Aja away from me. They absolutely love her, which makes me feel good. Before I could slip away, Robeir Bill cornered me, wanting to discuss the rebuilding of the Tower of Omens." "Our absence gave the Mutants and Mumm-Ra a golden opportunity. Damn them. But it's good to know the people of Third Earth joined forces were able to defend themselves." "Lynx-O, Bengali, and the kittens handled things quite well. It just shows what you can do when you work together." "We are a resourceful lot." "We have to be." Tygra held up his package. "Speaking of....Shall we?" Lion-O nodded his agreement, untying his cloth bundle as Tygra undid his own. He held up the blue robe and loin-cloth, then dropped them into a shallow pit lined with stones. Tygra tossed his Aviirian clothing on top. Silently, Lion-O removed the Sword of Omens and pointed the blade at the glistening silk. One mental command and blue energy shot from the tip. Fire flared bright and blue, changing to orange as the flames consumed the garments. The glowing light danced, reflecting off the two cats as they looked down at the small pyre. White smoke curled upward, drifting away, disappearing into the night. "It won't change what happened," Tygra said. "But it gives me great pleasure to watch it burn." The eagle symbol was the last to go. The intense heat darkened the gold threads to brown, then black, finally leaving nothing but ashes and red glowing metallic strands. A feeling of satisfaction came to Lion-O as he watched the firelight die. "To the future," he said softly and sheathed the sword. "May our children never know the meaning of captivity."