Chapter 29

The ships landed on the landing pads in front of the military base from which Colonel Boogan had taken off days before. Lion-O was the first to disembark. His wife and the remainder of the ThunderCats quickly followed him. After that General Bartov and his men left their ship with Sahara and Tyler in tow.

"General Bartov, please introduce your guests." High Council Member Khan said.

"Council Member Khan, I am a pleased to introduce King Lion-O of New Thundera, his Queen Cheetara, Princess Sahara, Lord Ben-Gali, Lord Tyler, Lord Panthro, Lord Tygra, and Lady WilyKit." The General made the introductions leaving out the fact that troops were circling the planet at a discrete distance so as not to alert the planetary defense systems. Khan and Viseri bowed and the other High Council members did the same.

"Gentlemen, we are not here on a diplomatic mission. I believe General Bartov explained what has transpired." Lion-O was blunt.

"Yes King Lion-O. We are terribly shocked by Colonel Boogan's behavior and we apologize. Your judgment is accepted by our Council and the Tribal Elders." Viseri answered.

"Good. When do we meet the Tribal Elders to discuss our demands?" The Lord of the ThunderCats asked them.

"Demands?" Khan was confused.

"It is obvious to us that you do not hold peace agreements in high regard. We know that Boogan was sent to our planet to spy on us. His cover of wanting to retrieve the long buried soldiers was an obvious ploy to get Mutants back on New Thundera. Therefore we have demands that will be met or any vessel whether on a diplomatic mission or not will be shot out of the sky upon entering Thunderian air space." Lion-O stood firm and the High Council could see he meant business.

"We will contact the Tribal Elders immediately. General Bartov please escort our guests to the Mess Hall for some refreshments." Viseri commanded. The general only nodded and quickly did so. Once the High Council was gone and everyone in the Mess Hall kicked out, Lion-O pulled Bartov aside.

"Your men are in position?"

"They are. I radioed them when we would be landing. As soon as you are in your meeting with the High Council, the planetary defense systems will "fail". After which your troops and Mutant faithful will begin their assault. Luckily for us the sun will be setting soon. Darkness will aid the assault. By morning we should be in control of the planet. Are you sure the Evil Chasers will arrive by first light?" Bartov wanted to know.

"I've never known Mandora to turn down an opportunity to arrest a bunch of despots." The lion smirked.

"General, Visieri approaches." Lucius's son, Corporal Basheer, said.

"Thank you son. Back to your position." Bartov smiled slightly before taking his seat along with Lion-O. The boy had absorbed a lot in the past few hours and hopefully he would be able to visit his father soon. Basheer had not been old enough to be pressed into service when the war broke out but after the reported death of his father, he was drafted. Only luck intervened preventing him to have to go to New Thundera and now the barely trained boy would be fighting on his own turf.

"General, your services will no longer be needed. I am to escort the Thunderian Nobles to the Tribal Elders at once." Visieri said.

"You will not be needing a military escort?" Bartov was surprised by this act of faith by the Elders.

"No, as I said." Was the only response he got. The General didn't like it but he had no choice but to go along with it.

"Farewell King Lion-O. It has been an honor." Bartov shook the lion's hand and then left with his men bringing up the rear.

"Follow me please." Visieri bowed and led the Thunderians out of the room and down the hall.

To Be Continued…