A/N: In some ways, this is basically the same story as I had told with the original ThunderCats theme in the Clone Wars. However, some elements from the new ThunderCats cartoon's story line will be included at certain points. First I am writing this new version of "Plun-Darr Joins the Confederacy," and then I'll start writing the new version of the ThunderCats/Jedi/Republic story.
Disclaimer: I do not own ThunderCats or Star Wars or The Clone Wars. The former one belongs to Warner Bros., and the latter two belong to George Lucas, Dave Filoni, and Disney.
Introduction
It was a dark and stormy day in the desert where Mumm-Ra's former spaceship, the Black Pyramid, stood. The demon-lord mummy was presently out of his sarcophagus and having a conversation with the Ancient Spirits of Evil. He stood at respectful attention as the four statues, the Lizard, the Jackal, the Monkey, and the Vulture, addressed him.
"Tell us, mighty Mumm-Ra," said the Lizard Spirit, "Do you feel as though you can face anything your quest for ultimate power may have to offer you or oppose you?"
Mumm-Ra slowly looked up at the statues. It was always necessary for him to kneel and bow before these idols, but secretly, he hoped and dreamed of a day when he could gain enough power to overthrow these untouchable entities and rule the galaxy as the one, almighty lord of all that lived. It was a nuisance, always having to remember to show reverence to them, whether he wanted to or not, and as long as he was weaker than they were, he was their slave, just as much as the Lizards were his slaves.
But for now, a note of cordiality had to be maintained.
"Indeed, I do, my lords," he said with more glee than he thought his present mood would let him. "It's true that I still fail to recover the War Stone and the Spirit Stone, but with the Tech Stone back within my grasp at least, as well as the all-powerful Sword of Plun-Darr, I am now more than a match for those ThunderCats and their new Animal allies. Besides, in addition to my Lizard army, as I'd intended, Addicus and Kaynar have succeeded in enticing numerous Monkeys and Jackals to join the army as well."
It was true; Mumm-Ra's Monkey general and Jackal general had managed to locate and recruit many of the Monkeys and Jackals to Mumm-Ra's side, either through coercion or through false bribes. Needless to say, there wasn't much camaraderie between the three races, but that mattered little to Mumm-Ra. All that mattered was that they could become an organized military and learn to understand the mummy's technology.
"And you are as determined as the ThunderCats to get to the fourth Power Stone first." It was not a question.
"Yes, my masters, I do," said Mumm-Ra, hoping that the Ancients weren't going to plague him with obvious questions and remarks.
"The time has come to reveal to you, oh Ever-Living," said the Jackal Spirit, "that the Soul Stone is in a remote place far from Third Earth. It was once in the hands of the Tigersharks, but they put it through a wormhole similar to the Astral Plane, and it was only just revealed to us that it now is in an undisclosed location somewhere in a galaxy far, far away, whose name eludes us."
"This galaxy is in a state of peril," said the Monkey Spirit, "It is presently approaching the breaking point of a secession threat called the Separatist Crisis. A human man named Count Dooku is leading a large group of Separatists in leaving the galaxy's galactic government, the Galactic Republic, while another human man named Palpatine is trying to hold the Republic together and preparing it for war just in case the Separatists make the first move. A monastic order of so-called peacekeepers colloquially called the Jedi don't want war, but are ready to respond if it happens.
"What nobody in the galaxy knows, on either side, is that Dooku and Palpatine, also known as Darth Tyranus and Darth Sidious, are secretly in league with each other. They are Sith Lords, passionate, inward-thinking masters of the same power that rules the Jedi, a mystical energy field called the Force. Tyranus and Sidious seek to destroy the good Jedi Order, as revenge for the Jedi having once decimated the Sith a thousand years prior, and to reinstate the Sith as the rulers of the galaxy. They plan to use the upcoming war as a tool to weaken the galaxy, ravage the star systems and consolidate ultimate power to become dictatorial rulers."
Mumm-Ra nodded, only half understanding their point. "And you are telling me this, why? Are the Lizard army and I going to play a part in this war?"
"Exactly," continued the Monkey Spirit, "You and the whole of your forces are to go through this wormhole, which lies west of the Fishmen Oasis at the borders of the Forest of Magi Oar. Your army is to support the droid army of the Confederacy of Independent Systems in this war, and your generals have the same task, but with the sole exception of your 'beloved,' Pumyra, no one on your side is to know of the Sith Lords' intentions except you and us. The reasons for this will become clear in due time. You, yourself, are to ally with Dooku and Sidious personally, for you alone are to play an important role in dominion of the galaxy, and once the Soul Stone reveals itself, you will be free to rule the galaxy as you see fit, along with the Sith."
Pumyra, the treacherous ThunderCat who served Mumm-Ra as a spy and lover, stepped out of the shadows. "And exactly how are we to get our hands on the War and Spirit Stones and the Book of Omens, as well as I get revenge on Lion-O, if we are in a faraway galaxy from here?" she asked.
"Silence, Cat!" intoned the Vulture Spirit loudly and sternly. "You speak out of turn! Nonetheless, your question is a valid one. Look into the Well of Souls, and your answer will become plain to you."
Mumm-Ra and Pumyra both looked into the cauldron on the floor before them. The image in the dark waters showed the Cats and all their allies following Mumm-Ra and the Lizards through the wormhole into the mysterious galaxy far, far away.
"Ah, I see," said Mumm-Ra, "The ThunderCats are going to follow us to this galaxy, and we are going to have to fight against them as well as the army of the Republic. Perfect! That way, I can help these Sith destroy the Jedi and take over the galaxy and destroy my own personal nemeses at the same time, killing two birds with one stone, in a way!"
"Yes," said the Lizard Spirit. "Now enough talk. Gather together your Lizard, Monkey and Jackal forces and their generals, and get to that galaxy. Your destiny awaits you!"
"As you wish, Ancient Spirits of Evil," said Mumm-Ra, ending the conversation with the Ancients. He called for his four Animal generals, Slithe, Addicus, Kaynar, and Vultaire.
"Yes, o mighty Mumm-Ra," said Slithe as he and the others knelt before him.
"Prepare your forces for a long journey," said Mumm-Ra, "We have a date with the Soul Stone, the ThunderCats, and unlimited power far away from here, in another galaxy."
Vultaire cleared his throat. "And what, may I ask, is going on over at this other galaxy that needs our efforts so badly, Mumm-Ra?" he asked.
"Never mind that for the here and now, Vultaire," said Mumm-Ra, "Just prepare your forces. You shall learn about it soon enough."
The journey was largely uneventful. The Lizard army was taking as much advanced technology with them as they could muster. Tens of thousands of powerful Warbots, millions of ground and air vehicles, and uncountable laser blasters made them armed and armored to the teeth. Cloud Peak Mine was effectively emptied out before they left. The Lizards and their new allies wondered why Mumm-Ra would require so much military muscle for one particular journey. Behind the army came Mumm-Ra's private vehicle, the Storm Charger.
Eventually, they got to the wormhole. It initially spooked the Lizards, Monkeys, and Jackals, but Mumm-Ra impatiently insisted that was where they were supposed to go, so they continued on and passed through into a world beyond their craziest dreams.
Every army vehicle came pouring out and onto a dry, arid desert planet. The Lizards and the others looked around in considerable surprise as strange humanoid bugs fluttered past them, saying things in some unintelligible clicking/rolling language as they expressed annoyance and surprise at the unheralded arrival of Mumm-Ra's forces.
Addicus' tank swerved in front of a couple of Separatist battle droids who were unlucky enough to be caught in his path. A droid cried out in alarm as the tank rammed into him, shredding him to mechanical splinters.
"What stupid things those chunks of junk are!" Addicus roared as he passed by the other luckier ones.
"Hey! Did you hear that, SO-34?" said one of the droids left behind.
"Yeah! That's just rude!" said SO-34.
"Gah!" growled Addicus, "They're chatty, too. Just what we need, a bunch of robots with half-baked personalities."
"Maybe we can turn some of them into wind-up toys for these Seppie babies to play with, since they look so useless as warriors!" suggested Kaynar with glee.
Addicus grinned at that. He always thought Kaynar was too crazy for his own good, but even Kaynar could be amusing sometimes.
Within the Storm Charger, Mumm-Ra saw on a monitor that someone was signaling to them, heralding their arrival. He ordered the bulk of the Lizard army to rendezvous with the droid army and its commanders, while he, Pumyra, and his four generals went to meet with Count Dooku and the other Separatist leaders, who, according to a last word from the Ancients, already knew about their coming and were prepared to greet them.
Soon enough, the six evil antagonists of the ThunderCats found their way to an underground cavern, which led to a meeting hall down below. They then learned that they were a few moments ahead of schedule, because they soon heard and then saw Dooku walking down from above, accompanied by an old bipedal bug and several well-dressed, but rather slimy-looking, aliens who looked a lot like businessmen.
"We must persuade the Commerce Guild and Corporate Alliance to join our cause," they heard Dooku saying to the aliens.
A green-skinned alien wearing gaudy robes and a tall miter said, "What about the Senator from Naboo? Is she dead yet? I am not signing your treaty until I have her head on my desk."
"I am a man of my word, Viceroy Gunray," Dooku assured him.
An alien in an impressive pressure suit and blue clothes spoke in the deepest voice even Mumm-Ra had ever heard. "With these new battle droids we've built for you, you'll have the finest army in the galaxy."
"Hmpf! I seriously doubt that," mumbled Addicus.
"Hush, Monkey!" hissed Mumm-Ra. "They are almost upon us, and they are to be treated with respect!"
Addicus rolled his eyes but agreed to be silent.
"Ah!" said Dooku as he and the others stepped up to the inhabitants of Third Earth, "I take it you are Mumm-Ra the Ever-Living, the mysterious dark lord your Ancients forewarned me about."
"Yes, I am," said Mumm-Ra. "We have some private business to discuss later, but right now, I would like to know a little more about this Separatist Alliance of yours, and sign up my Lizard forces and other allies as official Separatists."
"Indeed," said Dooku. "Then follow us, for we have much to discuss."
"Count Dooku, who are these creatures?" Viceroy Nute Gunray asked nervously. "They look a lot like bipedal animals to me, not sapient species like the rest of us. Except for the lady, who nonetheless looks a little feline."
Pumyra eyed him with distaste. She only just met Nute Gunray, and already there was something about him that she didn't like.
"We are Animals, but we are also sapient, fool," said Vultaire, "I'm sure your asparagus mind can't fathom it, because the Birds always have been superior to most others in every way, but Slithe, Addicus, Kaynar, and myself are wholly Animal and wholly sentient at the same time."
Gunray spluttered at being called a fool by a total stranger, and a gangly scavenger-like one at that. "You know nothing about Neimoidians, buzzard!" he said. "If you knew how we calculate our everyday business deals-"
"Enough!" snapped Dooku. "This is no time for petty arguments. Let us go on to the meeting hall so we may get this over with before the Republic decides to retaliate."
"Finally, someone besides Mumm-Ra says something that makes sense!" Pumyra exclaimed.
Dooku looked her over coldly. "Everything I say makes sense, young lady," he said quietly. "The galaxy needs a leader who can see the future, unlike the arrogant Jedi Knights." They began to walk on.
"Does he remind you of anyone, Vultaire?" Slithe asked the Vulture general sarcastically.
"Lay off, reptilian!" Vultaire hissed. "Birds still understand technology better than any Lizard does."
Slithe squinted at him, but reluctantly kept quiet as Mumm-Ra was giving them a warning look.
Addicus and Kaynar ignored this exchange, letting their eyes and minds wander. Suddenly, they could've sworn they saw another younger man peering out of an alcove above them, who looked like a spy in a strange robe and tunic, but then the man waved his hand and whispered, "You never saw me here."
"We never saw you here," muttered Addicus and Kaynar in unison as they walked on.
"Hey, who're you talking to?" demanded Slithe.
"Uh… We don't know what you're talking about," they said back.
"Probably talking to Gunray, saying they wish they never met him," joked Vultaire.
"Don't worry about it, Mr. Refined and Mr. Slimy," snarled Pumyra, "Those bums are just talking to themselves about Thundera knows what."
Dooku had had enough. He turned around abruptly and raised his hands. Blue lightning shot out of the fingertips and enveloped Pumyra and the generals. They cried out in terrible pain at this experience of evil, but Dooku showed little remorse.
After he finally released them, Mumm-Ra said to him, "Impressive. I didn't know you were capable of such power. Although I'd advise you not to do it to my beloved again. She is very personal to me."
"We shall see, Mumm-Ra," said Dooku, "We shall see."
They finally reached the meeting hall. Besides Dooku and Mumm-Ra's gang, there were numerous aliens in spiffy clothes sitting around a table, while their various aides stood behind them respectfully. All of them looked like merchants.
Dooku said to them after sitting down, "As I explained to you either, I am quite convinced that ten thousand more star systems will rally to our cause with your support, gentlemen."
A reptilian alien woman named Shu Mai, Presidente and CEO of the Commerce Guild, dressed very fancy, said in her native Gossam language, "What you are proposing could be construed as treason."
Wat Tambor, the alien in the pressure suit, said, "The Techno Union army…" Here he had to adjust his vocabulator on his suit to accommodate his speech, "…is at your disposal, Count."
A tall, very gangly "pseudo-human" named San Hill, dressed in a jacket and a bodystocking, said amicably, "The InterGalactic Banking Clan will sign your treaty."
The rest of the commercial leaders all agreed as well, including Po Nudo of the Hyper-Communications Cartel, Passel Argente of the Corporate Alliance, Poggle the Lesser of Geonosian Industries (he was the big, old bug with the cane), and the aforementioned Viceroy Nute Gunray of the Trade Federation.
"And I wish to fight for the Confederacy for the sake of the distant world of Third Earth, where I come from," said Mumm-Ra. "I'm ready to help to take down this Old Republic and destroy these Jedi, if that's what it takes to conquer the galaxy and restore order to it. What say all of you?" He turned to his generals and Pumyra.
"I say yes," said Slithe.
"Same here," said Vultaire.
"Count me in. I'm ready to try eating some Jedi," said Addicus.
"Ooh, what I could do to an unwary Jedi," said Kaynar, "The possibilities!"
"I was ready before we got here!" said Pumyra.
"Good," said Dooku, "Although I'm afraid that the Jedi are, for the most part, much more formidable than they sound on the surface. Their power source, the Force, makes them very strong and powerful. I will continue to explain the finer details of the CIS and the Jedi to Mumm-Ra and company soon enough."
The Separatist leaders, who would soon be called the Separatist Council, looked a little nervous, possibly because of the words and behavior of Addicus and Kaynar.
"Our friends from the Trade Federation have pledged their support. And when their battle droids are combined with yours, we shall have an army greater than any in the galaxy. The Jedi will be overwhelmed. The Republic will agree to any demands we make," said Dooku.
"And once my Lizards, Monkeys, Jackals, and technology are combined with the droid forces, which I hope are up to standards, the army shall be even greater," said Mumm-Ra.
"I have no doubt of that, my friend," said Dooku with a slight smile. "Now, this meeting is adjourned. There is much left to explain to the newcomers, as well as much to prepare for in this inevitable conflict."
A/N: The next thing I will write in relation to this is chapter 1 of "Thundera Joins the Republic and Jedi". It, too, will be similar, yet different, to the original version of the story.