Chapter 11
The Space Council of Planets had agreed that Mandora's evidence was enough to send Alien Rights Workers with an escort from the Interplanetary Control Force. They could not arrest anyone or levy charges for making war materials but it force any illicit activity to either be shelved while the Workers were there or driven underground. With the help of the spies located on the planets, the information about the troop movement would be very helpful.
Meanwhile, another group of Interplanetary Control Force Evil Chasers were sent to SG-17 to ascertain what exactly had been discovered. If the Mutants intended for their own scientists to steal the information and possibly head toward the planet to gain control of it, Mandora wanted to know exactly what it was. Lion-O, Tygra, and Ben-Gali agreed to head back to New Thundera and make it look like they were staying focused on the wreck of the Calliope.
"It's good to have you back," Panthro smiled as he met the three in the hangar after they landed the Feliner.
"Good to be back. Any word from Mandora's squad on SG-17?" Lion-O asked.
"Nothing yet but I expect they'll be sending encrypted communications to one another. How are they chalking up the shipwreck?" The panther wanted to know as they headed inside.
"The official report will read that the pieces of the ship are being towed back to Interplanetary Control Force Headquarters for further examination. However, at this time, no survivors have been located and all hands are believed lost," the lion explained.
"Hard thing to handle for their families," the panther shook his head, knowing that the crew wasn't dead just yet but unless they could be saved there was no point in letting on to what actually happened and give the families false hope, and for the Mutants to move up their plans.
"Yes, and when I asked what would happen if the scientists were saved, Mandora said to let her bosses handle that," Lion-O shrugged.
"It's an ugly turn of events but it seems we don't have much of a choice in the matter," Tygra admitted.
"Still doesn't make it any easier," Ben-Gali said.
"Right on all accounts. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. I dislike having to sacrifice anyone but we can't have New Thundera or Third Earth attacked because we tried to protect citizens that were not our own. Jaga knows I will not sleep soundly until this is all over," Lion-O heaved a sigh. It was definitely weighing on him but their hands were tied, especially since they did not know if what SG-17 generated was actually a viable fuel source or if it could be used for something else.
"I know someone who will be glad to see you," Panthro spoke up.
"Well I think I know who you're talking about and I can't wait to see her," the lion smirked slightly for the attempt to change the subject.
"I know I have someone too. Where are they anyway?" Ben-Gali asked.
"In the control room. They're on duty. After all we couldn't quit working because you boys wanted to ride over to Third Earth," the panther winked.
"I thought the entire world stops for me. I'm the King," Lion-O feigned his righteous indignation.
"Well we do what we can but…" the panther never got to finish his sentence as a furry red ball of fluff, which seemed to be shot out of a cannon, hurled itself at the lion. Completely caught off guard, Lion-O stumbled backwards and thankfully Tygra caught him.
"What in the…" Ben-Gali started.
"Oh Lion-O you're safe!" Snarf snarfed.
"Of course I am," the lion looked dumbfounded, as if the routine flight to and from Third Earth was putting a strain on him that he didn't know about.
"What is going on out here?" Cheetara asked as she exited the Control Room.
"Somebody missed me," Lion-O pointed to the snarf on his chest.
"My turn!" She said as she managed to squeeze her arms around the lion's large muscular chest.
"It's a love fest over here," Leanna shook her head before being snatched by Panthro, who dipped her down and kissed her.
"Didn't want you to feel left out," he smirked.
To Be Continued…