Chapter 36

Darkness would soon be falling on New Thundera and Sahara's problem was temporarily forgotten. There were mouths to feed, sleeping arrangements to made, and ships to be refueled. On top of that the Mutant back up would be within range of the planet during the night. Lion-O got on the horn and advised them of the situation and they promised to land and help the clean-up efforts in any way they could. Now the King met with Lucius and Basheer inside the ThunderCats meeting room while Cheetara organized things with the help of the others.

"How were things at the field hospital?" Lion-O asked.

"The numbers aren't firm by any means but we have at least two hundred wounded and about one hundred and fifty dead. Unfortunately that does not count the numbers from the collapse of the Cat's Paw nor does it account for any missing soldiers. However Lady Leanna was hurt during the collapse and the specialists rushed her to surgery but that is all I know," Lucius explained.

"Jaga help us. That's why Panthro was so angry. I'll move up my visit to the wounded. I was going to hold off until we were more settled but obviously I cannot. Is she the only ThunderCat down?" The lion wanted to know.

"As far as I know," the reptile said.

"And how did the MPS fair?" The King asked Basheer.

"Well your Highness. I can say with certainty that every man has been located and is counted amongst the wounded or the dead," the young reptile smiled.

"Excellent work. When the Mutant back up arrives, I want you to meet them with me. Any of the slaves we liberated that wish to return to Plundarr will head back on their ships and we need to know if their ships can accommodate civilians," Lion-O told him.

"Yes sir. It will be an honor," Basheer said.

"Now what about Mila? Will she stay here with you or does she intend to head back to Plundarr?" The King wondered.

"If it is all right with you sir, she would like to stay here, after a video call to her parents, of course," he replied.

"Of course, whatever you two need. Now I must visit the wounded and see how Whizz-Ra and Sahara are coming along with her little problem," Lion-O heaved a sigh.

"You look tired my Lord. Perhaps some rest is in order," Lucius was concerned as for the first time he noticed the bags under the King's eyes and the hunched over way he sat.

"I'll rest when I'm dead. I also have to tell my son that unless he serves as Lord of the ThunderCats he is ineligible to be King. I will then have to announce Sahara as the next in line and appoint her Lord of the ThunderCats. Although I suppose we'll have to change the title once she does," the lion said.

"How is Leo doing?" Basheer asked.

"I honestly do not know. I haven't had the chance to speak with him since the party was interrupted. I'm sure that Mari has not left his side," Lion-O smiled slightly.

"I'm sure she has not," Lucius smiled as he stood. The others stood as well and the men quickly went their separate ways.

Down at the field hospital, the doctors and nurses were busy rushing about as more of the wounded trickled in. The work on removing the Cat's Paw to check for survivors had started and luck had been on some Thunderians' sides as they escaped without major damage. A few survivors that had been found were in a bad way but all snapped to attention as best they could when Lion-O entered the area which had been set up inside the Lair's grand ballroom since the hangar was now out of commission.

"At ease everyone," he smiled at the loyalty and bravery of the troops. New Thundera may not be as great as Thundera was but the small numbers they had were boosted by the Code and strict adherence to it.

"Lion-O, it is good to see you," Tygra smiled as he approached the King.

"And you Tygra. How are things going?" He asked.

"Well. Well as well as they can be. We have enough supplies and the surgeons are busy. In fact I'm due to start another surgery, I just had to get new surgical gear on," the tiger explained.

"Well glad to hear things are working out. Where is Lea?" The lion wanted to know.

"Over there," Tygra pointed behind a curtain that closed off the corner of the room. "Panthro hasn't been able to see her and I can only imagine she really wants to find him," he continued.

"How bad is it?" Lion-O was almost afraid to ask after what Leo had been going through.

"We won't know until the swelling goes down but I think she's better off than Leo. Anyway, it's best to let her sleep for now," Tygra put a hand on his friend's shoulder before rushing off to help another wounded soldier. Lion-O took a deep breath and headed to find his son.

To Be Continued…