Chapter 3
"What do you mean President Kachi?" Pali looked at him in horror. Those around the table were surprised that he was so forward with the man who led his mother's people but they soon found out why.
"Tremors have begun to occur across the planet. Some have formed into full quakes, ripping open the land, and killing those who could not get to safety. The biosphere domes cannot take much more of the stress and will in fact fail if we cannot stop the tremors. I know it is not easy to hear son. It was hard for all of us to swallow as well. I have spoken with the other Presidents of the other Native Nations and we have agreed that our best option is to flee the planet. We have offered our assistance to the other nations as well. President Mwende wishes he could have made the trip but he fears that the sight of him leaving the planet may have made a panic arise. He is coordinating with the other nations of the planet and trying to see if we could do large scale evacuations," Kachi paused and then turned his attention to the ThunderCats.
"We have the ability to leave the planet but we do not have enough supplies to last for a long journey to another planet. Within our reach however are New Thundera and Third Earth. I know it is a lot to ask of you and your people King Lion-O but we would not ask if we had a solution," he explained.
"We have dealt with this same issue back when Thundera was destroyed. We will help in any way that we can. First, I think it wise that myself and Queen Cheetara travel to meet with the Presidents of your nations and from there we can devise a strategy to not over crowd or over burden either New Thundera or Third Earth. If we could bring your food stores from Mars then we could delay the inevitable food shortages, allowing for us to plant more crops and hopefully harvest before winter comes. Tygra, we would need you to head up getting temporary shelters set up and then we could move toward getting permanent housing figured out," Lion-O told the group.
"I think we need to see if the planet is able to be stabilized or if it is a total loss before we get too far ahead of ourselves," Panthro spoke up.
"While I agree, I think we need to evacuate first. If any of those biospheres burst, millions will die. I cannot condemn my fellow Martians to death," Kachi explained.
"No argument. The safety of the citizens must come first. I merely mean that if we can solve your problems in short order, then we don't have to have evacuated and put the stress on people of doing so," Panthro told him.
"Yes. President Mwende had his people run the numbers. The entire planet will not go unscathed. There will be those who would not survive the trip and it is something that no one wants to hear, though I fear we may not have a choice," the Choctaw Indian let out a sigh as if he knew someone personally that would not make it.
"Mother and Father…" Pali swallowed hard.
"While I worry about them both, Opa is a strong woman, Pali. I worry more about my brother. His heart may not take the strain of such news," Kachi gripped the young reptile's shoulder.
"We haven't a moment to spare. Panthro, prepare the new Feliner. We'll take her on her first test run. Ben-Gali, get Doctors Summa and Centi. They will be more knowledgeable in planet behavior than we can be," Lion-O said. Panthro and Ben-Gali stood and nodded before heading out of the door.
"I'll get on the horn to the Berbils and see if they can start work on Third Earth," Tygra stood up and headed for the door.
"Swear them to secrecy and use the secure line in my office," Lion-O told him. The tiger nodded and went out of the door.
"Pumyra, prep the Med Bay and talk to the hospital. We need to continue training more personnel to treat anyone who needs it once the evacuations begin," the king instructed.
"On it," she was out the door in a hurry. If everyone could give Lea and I the room," Lion-O said. Quickly the Queen kissed him on the cheek and led the visiting Martians along with Pali down to the hangar.
"What is it Lion-O?" Lea asked.
"It is a lot to ask of you but while Cheetara and I are away, you are in charge. Should anything happen to us on this trip, you will be crowned Queen and be Leader of the ThunderCats. I'm not expecting anything but just in case," he told her.
"Nothing will happen," his half-sister tried to reassure him.
"The Sword will know what to do should something happen. It will find its way back to you. Snarf will take care of the children," he pulled her in for a hug.
"We best be on our way," Lion-O said after letting her go. She nodded and watched him head out of the door.
To Be Continued…