The Once and Future Queen
By 18lzytwner
Chapter 1
Seven years went by before the ThunderCats would face danger again. Domestic issues had dotted the bumpy first years of Plundarr joining the planets of which the ThunderCats ruled over. In that time, Mutants had swelled the ranks of the ThunderCats forming their own branch of the elite service called the MPS or Mutant Protection Squad. They largely handled Mutant issues on all three planets with Lucius heading up New Thundera's branch as well as being commander-in-chief for the whole service. Today was an important day as his son Basheer would take his place. The aging reptile looked toward retirement, something Lion-O would soon face as his father before him. Now before all of the planets, a changing of the guard would take place. Lucius stood in front of Cat's Lair with his son and all of the ThunderCats. The MPS of New Thundera, numbering fifty, stood at the bottom of the stairs, in rows of ten, their red dress uniforms on. They looked sharp with their pants pressed and jackets with gold lapels, each uniform designating the cat symbol on their shoulders.
"Today my friends, is a very important day," Lucius addressed the crowd that had gathered behind the uniformed soldiers and those that viewed from video screens posted on poles not far from the edge of the grand staircase into the Lair.
"My son will take my place as your leader. I trust him to do a good job and I expect you to remind him of his predecessor," he paused and laughter arose from the crowd.
"It takes a certain Mutant or Cat to lead and it is a huge responsibility, one that weighs heavily on those who are expected to make life and death decisions, which is why I am glad Basheer, will be leading one of the best forces Mutants have ever seen. We come from an age where violence ruled the day and vengeance was what drove us. Now we look to usher in a great time of peace and prosperity that we have never known before. I thank you and those that came before you for your sacrifice. Basheer, lead well my son, and take heart that you are among an elite group of friends," Lucius turned to his son and shook his hand. The young reptile pulled him into a hug and the crowd cheered. Basheer moved to the podium and said,
"Today we lose one of the greatest men I have ever had the honor to serve with, to live with, and to call my father. Troops salute!"
"Ten hut!" The commander at the base of the stairs ordered and the group rotated, those in front pulled their decorative swords out of the sheaths at their waists and pointed them toward the sky. Those behind stood at attention, hands saluting their former commander in chief. Lucius stepped down the steps and through the arch of blades. At the end he was met by Lion-O, who embraced the reptile and whispered,
"Welcome to retirement," before announcing,
"All Hail Basheer!" The MPS responded by sheathing their weapons and turning to their new commander.
"Hoo-rah!" They shouted.
"Company dismissed!" The commander ordered and they immediately filed out in neat rows looking almost as pressed as their uniforms.
"So now what?" Tyler asked his friend as they headed back toward the Lair.
"Now we party," the reptile smirked.
"Sounds like a plan," Sahara smiled and absentmindedly put her hand on her stomach.
"Or maybe not…" Basheer looked at her. She winked.
"Seriously?" The reptile couldn't believe it.
"My mom wanted lots of grandbabies and I guess we're going to give them to her," the litah laughed as this would be her third cub in the last three years. She and Tyler had waited until they were both over the age of twenty-one and now at twenty-six, Sahara was pregnant with their third child.
"My mom confirmed it this morning. We were waiting to tell you the news. Leo and the others already know and we're pretty sure Ma-Mutt is looking forward to having another little one around. He's already pulled out the collar he likes to wear when they're teething," Tyler chuckled.
"Then it'll be a dual purpose party. Come on!" Basheer smiled and they all walked into the Lair and headed for the dining room.
To Be Continued…