Chapter 24

Mandora had issued her warning and still none of the ships moved. They were playing hard ball. The Evil Chaser frowned. She really didn't think that her warning would go unanswered. The radio crackled to life and Private Turenne opened the channel.

"This is Captain Baki of cruiser six-three-seven. I'd like a private word with Captain Arzu," he said. The Mutant stepped up to the radio and the Private handed her the receiver.

"Baki, you old bastard. I didn't think you'd be one of the ones at this crossroads," Arzu said.

"And you sound pretty good for a dead woman. Can I talk to you? My crew and I are willing to land and surrender in order to talk," Baki told her. Arzu turned to Lion-O who nodded.

"Ok. The ThunderCats have agreed to allow your ship and your ship only to land. Anyone attempts to follow, and they'll find out just what the ThunderCats are capable of," Arzu told him.

"Aye, aye. See you in a few," with that the conversation ended.

"You know this guy?" Mandora gave her a look.

"Everyone knows Baki. He must have really pissed someone off," Arzu shook her head.

"Captain Baki was once the right hand of the High Council. Well until they gave him orders that he refused to follow. They knew executing him for treason could start a war. So, they banished him and the Mutants directly under him who refused to follow the order," Slythe explained.

"We had this picture of Mutants – I mean – we were always told that you were mostly a mindless bunch. Led by those chosen few who were out to destroy those that threatened your way of life. You traded shots over the bow with Thunderians and we basically became enemies overnight. You attacked our ships, just to get at the Eye of Thundera. Not caring who you killed on your way," Lion-O was surprised.

"It would seem that we were all under the wrong impressions," Lynx-O spoke up. He'd just been sitting in the Control Room, quietly listening.

"Well truth be told; we weren't exactly given much choice. Disobeying the High Council or their representatives could lead to your death. It is because of the Captain that most of us learned to stand up. Still, we needed to choose our battles. The mood is shifting on the planet, but we still have a long road to go. What you are currently experiencing is our awakening. Most Mutants will not hesitate to follow the High Council, as evidenced by my mutinous crew," Arzu explained.

"Point," Lion-O nodded.

"I think that some of the ladies and I need to accompany Lion-O out to meet our visitors. We do not know what the Captain now holds in his heart," Willa spoke up.

"I would agree," Slythe nodded. Lion-O headed for the door and Mandora called out to the Warrior Maidens who were holed up in the main dining room.

Meanwhile, Panthro and Robear Bill were trying to run some final checks on the Feliner when Robear Belle beeped at them. Robear Bill turned and saw Leanna walking into the hangar. The look on her face made him nervous. He poked Panthro, who turned and saw the lioness. Quickly he rushed over to her and pulled her into his arms.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"We managed to get the baby out but Pumyra started hemorrhaging. Wizz-Ra tried to stop the bleeding using his magic, but he could only slow it enough for us to find it. We tried, we really did," Lea was close to tears.

"What happened?" Panthro pressed.

"We had to perform a hysterectomy. We didn't have a choice. She can't have any more children. The poor little one she gave birth to is so small…" Lea just shook her head. The panther pulled her as close as he could, kissing her forehead. It was not the news everyone had wanted to hear but for now both Pumyra and the baby had made it through. The road ahead however was very uncertain.

To Be Continued…