Chapter 33
"We're all squared away up here. The Mutant High Council has been made aware of Rattigan's arrest and we have yet to receive a response. We're going to start off loading the Mutant defectors and equipment. The Farragut's repairs are well on their way to being completed," Commander Tiberius said the next morning during a video conference call in the Control Room.
"Very good. We can use the help to get rid of the Mutant ship and fill in the hole it left," Lion-O told him.
"Lieutenants Balthazar and Diana said they salvaged what they could but figure most of it is just scrap. Where would we dump the mess? I mean Mutants died in there, they may not like moving it," Tiberius gave the lion a look.
"Those that were left inside almost disintegrated when we tried to remove them for proper burial. We have spoken with Slythe and the others down here and burned what remained in the Mutant tradition. As for the others, since there was nothing left behind of their bodies or personal effects, a monument to their service would be the best way to handle it, with the ones we had to cremate buried at the monument. This way we can discard the ship, without disrupting the spirits, especially since the ship is basically blocking the Lair and the path in and out of it," the King explained.
"Ah ok. See you in twenty," Tiberius told him before ending the call.
"Another long day ahead of us," Ben-Gali said from his seat at the main computer console.
"The first of many, I imagine," Lion-O nodded before heaving himself out of the chair he'd been sitting in.
"You get any sleep?" The white tiger was concerned.
"Not as much as I'd like," the lion was being honest. Being alone in bed was not something he had been looking forward to the night before and Ma-Mutt had hopped onto the bed to stay near his new master. They were both hoping for Cheetara's return. The cheetah was doing better when he checked in before his call and Lion-O was glad to hear it.
"Well hopefully you can get some sleep tonight," Ben-Gali smiled slightly.
"Just make sure that Snarf keeps the coffee coming," the lion told him before heading outside to meet up with Panthro. The panther was anxiously awaiting Lea, who was supposed to be coming back, bringing Mandora with her. Since the Farragut and Commander Tiberius' ship weren't going anywhere any time soon, Lea had suggested that she get Mandora away from the hustle and bustle of the ship, especially after the attacks from Rattigan and his troops.
"Penny for your thoughts?" The lion asked as he approached a pacing panther just outside the Lair's front door. The Mutants would be joining them in a couple of minutes along with the ThunderKittens. Willa and the Maidens had promised to be at the Lair by noon, they'd be coming late to the party, but Lion-O didn't think that was a problem. Snowman had arrived with Snowmeow the previous day, which was why the large cat had helped Ma-Mutt in retrieving Rattigan.
"Mandora may be on her feet physically but her mental condition is still very much a concern," Panthro stopped his pacing.
"As much as you like Mandora, I have a feeling that it's more about Lea," Lion-O said.
"Just because she listens to stories from patients doesn't mean it doesn't weigh on her. Lea has to be able to compartmentalize. I worry is all," Panthro explained.
"She's been handling things pretty well so far but keep an eye out," his friend nodded.
"Will do. How's Cheetara?" The panther asked.
"She's a little stronger. Things are improving but it'll be a few more days before she gets off the machines," Lion-O heaved a sigh. They could hear the others coming up from behind them.
"The first transport has entered the planet's atmosphere," Ayşegül reported to them.
"Good. Did they give a full update on Mandora's physical condition?" Lion-O wanted to know.
"She's only moving around in a wheelchair. No major physical activity but the doctors have sent down a physical therapy regimen to help her that won't aggravate her condition," the female jackal explained.
"Thank you," the lion said as the first ship came into view. The group was nervous and anxious as the ship landed on the other side of the drawbridge, not far from the crater. Once it was down and the engines were off, they moved across the drawbridge to meet their first guests. Commander Tiberius exited the craft first, pushing Mandora in her wheelchair. Lea was the next one out. Panthro came up to her and pulled her into his arms.
"I've missed you," he said.
"And I you, you big blue lug," Lea smirked.
To Be Continued…