Chapter 2 The Lunatak from the Sky

 

The Lunataks were silent for a moment.  Was all that he said true?  Were the Lunataks a peaceful race once upon a time?

It was possible . . .

What did the return of the Lunar Sword have to do with it all?  Could they crush the 'Cats under their heel?

The silence was broken by Luna's piercing voice.

"Welcome aboard, Boron!  It's good to have another sensible Lunatak onboard." She shot glances to all the others.  "We'll put you somewhere downstairs, Alluro will show you the way." 

The tall psi‑Lunatak bowed slightly.

"Any question? Dismissed!!!" Luna shrieked.  The Lunies winced at the super‑sonic cry, and began shuffling out of the meeting room.

Tug‑Mug was wheeling by when Amok grabbed his shoulder.

"What do you want, Amok?  I'm very busy."

Amok growled.

"Me want.  Me want win."

"What are you talking about?" The squat Lunatak lied.

"I believe he is referring to the winnings you owe both he and I," Alluro said cooly, "and I don't think he'll take no for an answer."

"Fine, you stoopid eediots.  Take your money.  What'll you spend it on, anyway?"

Amok grunted and walked out.

Alluro looked at the coins briefly and shoved them in a pocket.

"Shall we be off?" He asked a somewhat confused Boron.

He nodded.

They had just turned down the corridor to the sub‑decks, when they both heard Luna scream:

"You want to spend it on WHAT??"

 

"Panthro, are you feeling okay? You've been acting awfully distant recently."  Cheetara said, approaching the grey skinned 'Cat who was at his workbench, fixing a power converter.

"What are you talking about, Cheetara? I feel fine."  He went back to work.

Cheetara sat down beside him.  "Panthro, Tygra is worried about you.  He says you've been acting weird ever since that Lunatak beat you."  Panthro was silent.  "That's it, isn’t it?  You're holding a grudge."

Panthro threw down the power converter, and stood up, enraged. "Look. I've got a lot to do around here, alright?  I have a schedule to keep.  I can't keep it if people are disturbing me every time a fork bends!"  He turned away.  "I guess I'm just stressed out." 

Cheetara put a hand on his shoulder.

"We all get stressed out every now and then.  Why don't you take some time off and relax.  The repairs can wait a few days."  He looked into her eyes.

"Alright.  Fine. A few days off is just what I need."  For my plan to work... he thought.

She smiled and left him to his vacation.

As soon as she left he sent a message to the Berbil village.

"Robear‑Bill, this is Panthro.. I need a lot of Thundrillium to be waiting for me..."

 

Robear‑Bill had just gotten off the radio when there were shouts from the other Berbils.  Luna and Amok had sauntered into the village.  They hadn't hurt anyone, but these were Lunataks. They could do anything.

Robear‑Bill went out to greet them.  Maybe they have turned a new leaf?  He thought.  The duo were standing outside some of the shops.  Amok was sniffing.  Luna looked terribly embarrassed.

Why on Third‑Earth were they here?

Amok lumbered over to a shop and sat outside of it.

He looked at Luna and pointed.

"Luna, me want. Me want!!"

Luna felt around her pouch.  He had trusted his money to her.  Robear‑Bill did something he knew he would regret.

"Can I help you?" He asked in his eerie mechanical voice.

"No. No you can't."  She swatted Amok lightly.  "Hurry up and choose, I don't like it here.."

Amok stared in front of him, eyes wide.

Candy candy candy, his small brain said, so much candy.

He squinted and looked at the price list.

1 cent for 1 piece of candy

2 cents for 3.

Hrmmm... 1 for 1 and 3 for 2...  He looked thoughtful.  Then, his eye began to twitch.

"Amok no like math!  Amok smash!!"  He bashed the Berbil behind the register. 

Robear‑Bongo, Robear‑Bill thought, interesting.

Amok continued to smash the stand.  Bill realized he ought to call for the Thundercats.

Amok continued to bash the stand.  By now, all the 'bears had turned and ran.  Bits of Bongo sparked.  Amok grabbed a fistful of candy, threw some change on the ground, and began the run back to the Lunattacker, parked outside the cities limits.

The Thundercats arrived too late to do anything, but Panthro offered to stay behind and help rebuild some of the damaged building, and to finalize the transaction of Thundrillium..

 

During the course of that day and into the next, Boron was briefed on the Lunatak situation.

He learned quickly.  The others learned from him.  He and Alluro had some interesting conversations on ways to improve weapons and conserve power.  Alluro listened intently, and had begun working on the latest weapon, the Sky‑Gate Cannons.

Tug‑Mug talked about how unfair Luna was, and how they had come to be on Third‑Earth.  How much was true and how much was exaggeration was not really known.  But Boron enjoyed the tales either way.  He even told a few of his own, and everyone was amazed at his telekinetic powers.  He didn't seem to mind.

He was enjoying the view of Dark side when Tug‑Mug came rolling up to him.

"Hey, Boron, I've deetected a load of Thundrillium in transit between the Berbil Village and Cat's Lair.  I was theenking that you and Allooro should go check eet out, see if we can't get our hands on some."  His eyes twinkled evilly. "What do you say?"

Boron looked out for a moment.  After all he had heard, he was geared for another confrontation with the Thundercats.

"Yes, I accept the mission." he drew the Lunar Sword.  It flashed in expectation.

"I'll get Allooro.  You go ask Cheela for the Ice‑Runner.  It's the only working sheep these days."  He bounced down the hall to Alluro's workshop.

Getting the Ice‑Runner ought not be a problem.  It seemed like an easy task.

Just one thing..

What the hells is a "Berbil"?

 

Tygra turned invisible. 

He didn't really want to do this, but Panthro has been acting strange lately.  Tygra wasn't sure what to do.  Panthro was going to take the Thundertank out for a spin.  With his new nun‑chucks.

Unusual at best.  So, Tygra thought he'd tag along incognito.  It wasn't spying.. he was looking out for a friend.

The Thundertank roared to life. Tygra was safely seated in the back seat.  Panthro hadn't noticed.  That was good, he thought, I don't want him to know I did this.  What would he think?

They sped out of the hanger and down winding paths.

Tygra had a vague sense of where they were going.  The Berbil Village?  Why?  Sure, Luna had been there yesterday, but Panthro had fixed everything.  Maybe he's just making sure..

Tygra couldn't shake the uneasy feeling.

And I thought Cheetara was psychic.

After a half hour of tearing around, they finally came to a stop.  The Berbils were waiting with the load of Thundrillium.  Panthro leapt out to greet them.

 

Damn, we got here too late, thought Boron.  They transaction had already begun.  Well, maybe something will happen.

Alluro was waiting 20 metres away, out of the underbrush in a small clearing, with the Ice‑Runner.

Panthro had signed something, and walked off out of sight.  The Berbils (horrid machines!!) had begun loading the Thundrillium.  Boron sensed something was.. amiss.

There was a noise, the slightest of noised.  The Lunar Sword hummed silently in his hand.

He smiled.

 

Damn, these weeds are thick!  Cursed Panthro.  He was slowly making his way up a small hill.

The Thundertank detected the Ice‑Runner's power signature.  He had guessed right, they wouldn't pass this up.

There was a small path.  He saw, peeking down at the scene below, was a Lunatak, the new one.

He couldn't see the 'Runner, and assumed he was here alone. 

Good.  Overconfident.  Let's do it..

He silently took out his nun‑chucks, and crept up on his prey... *snap!* A twig broke behind him.  He turned around to see who had snuck up on him.

No‑one was there.

"Huh?"  He turned around again, this sound coming from the tree branches.

A few leaves floated down.

"Dammit!"  He launched a few fireballs into the tree‑tops.  "Come down from there, unless you're scared!"  He began spinning the nun‑chucks menacingly.

There was more noise from behind him. He looked over his shoulder, which was basked in blue light..

 

Boron focussed his thoughts behind him.  A twig.  A distraction!

He broke it with his mind, and leapt into the leaves above him... way above him.  He had gotten Alluro's attention by chucking a rock at him (also mentally) and knew the hypnotist could deal with this Panthro.

Boron landed next to the Thundrillium.. which had been a good 50 metres away and down hill.

"Hello.  Berbils, I assume?"

"Yes." said one.  "Who are you?"

The metallic voice grated on Boron's mind.  He would be haunted by this voice, he knew.  It was so, so... primitive?

It didn't matter.  The Lunataks needed this Thundrillium. 

"Yaaahhh!" Boron sprinted towards the first Berbil. His hand strayed to his sword hilt.

As he jumped past, the Lunar Sword appeared in his hand.

The Berbil fell in two pieces.

"Whao..!"  The second said.

Boron stood his ground and met eyes with the terrified Berbil.  The frightened robot took a step back, bumping the third cowering Berbil.  Boron extended his left hand.  If you had checked their memory chips, they would have sword they could see tangible malice in his dark eyes.  They seemed to flash as he launched their bodies back.  The Berbil designated Robear‑Bing looked up, only to see a dust cloud where his assailant had been a second before.  He looked up in time to see the edge of the Lunar Sword rending vital circuits from his friends body.

"No! Stop!  Panthro!  Help us!"

Boron was perched over his fallen prey.  Alluro cried from the dense woods, "Boron, I'm sending Panthro out now.. He will behave himself, won't you, Panthro?"

"I hear, and I obey."  He said dryly.

Alluro laughed.  "Good, Panthro.  Now, help us load that Thundrillium onto our ship.  Skytomb needs it more than Cat's Lair.  That's a good 'Cat.  And when you're done, you can clean up those wretched Berbils."   Alluro turned his attention to Boron. "Run along and get us the Ice‑Runner.  We should probably get out of here sooner rather than later."

Boron nodded.  One Berbil still lay in the dirt road, staring on with stark fear, assuming the robot could feel fear.  Boron landed the Ice‑Runner next to the Thundertank, and the transfer went unhindered.  When they were finished, Alluro ordered Panthro to return to Cat's Lair, and remember nothing of what transpired.  But when Panthro goes into the reactor core of the Lair...

The Thundertank fired up it's engine.  Panthro backed up.. right over the still frightened Berbil.

Alluro laughed again, as the two psi Lunataks sped off towards Dark side.

 

Tygra couldn't do anything.  He couldn't possibly take these two on.  He would be of no use if he were captured.  At least now he could un‑brainwash Panthro on the ride back.  Panthro moved normally, he just seemed distant.  Tygra just sat and watched the whole scene take place.

Oh, the poor Berbils!  He cursed himself for not trying to save them.  But what could he do? He told himself it was useless to fight this round.

Alluro said something more to Panthro.  What was it?  Act.. normally?  The reactor?  If only the 'Tank wasn't so sound‑proof!

Then, Panthro hopped into the 'Tank.  He didn't seem totally there, everything was forced, no movement was real.  As they backed up, Tygra heard the crunch of... What was it?  Panthro didn't notice, and kept going.  As they left the forest, he came back to his senses.

Tygra felt he couldn't lay low any more.  He turned visible

"Panthro, quick! Stop the Thundertank!  I've got to talk to you!"

Panthro was startled.

"Oh, hi there, Tygra.  What are you doing in the Thundertank?  Taking a nap?"  He laughed.

"Panthro, listen to me!  Alluro has you under his control!  You've got to believe me!"

"Haha!  Tygra, don't be ridiculous!  I feel fine!  Besides, wouldn't I remember something like that? You must have been dreaming."  The rolled on, toward Cat's Lair.

What can I do?  Thought Tygra.  I can't convince him he's been taken over.  There's got to be a way.

"Here we are at Cat's Lair.  I'm getting out.  You can stay here, if you want.  I won't tell Lion‑O."  he laughed some more.  "Now I'm going to get to work.."

Not on the core!  prayed Tygra.

".. on some new stuff to fight off that new Lunatak.  He may be telekinetic, but I'm willing to bet he can't stop more than a few things at once.  I'll see you later."

Tygra was confused.  He sat in the 'Tank and thought. 

He can't be under Alluro's influence, or he wouldn't be making a weapon to stop them.  But he was acting so odd.. maybe it was a dream.  Maybe Cheetara or Lion‑O should talk to him.

Tygra curled up and, following Panthro's advice, took a nap.

 

"Excellent!"  Screeched Luna, "More Thundrillium to power Skytomb!  Alluro, how are the new weapons coming?"

Alluro smiled, "With Boron's help, we've made the new Sky Gate Cannons in record time.  We're already designing a new defence system, the Pin‑Point Defence Matrix.  I've run a few tests and.."

"Save it," said Luna, "for someone who cares.  Boron!  How soon until we test our new weapons?"

Alluro frowned.  This was his show.  Boron just provided the idea's, I was the one who actually made the damned things...

"Uh, we can try them whenever you're ready, really.  It's Alluro's call, he's the one who knows how to use them."  Boron shuffled his feet a bit.  Out of combat, he was a pretty nice guy.

Alluro felt a bit better.  At least someone appreciated his genius.

Chilla stopped monitoring her station for a moment.

"Luna, I picked up a transmission from the Tower of Omens.  The Feliner is on a mission to New Thundera.  They're leaving that wretched Snarfer in charge.  We can easily get by him..."

"Eef we send the Mutants to take out it's sensors, they won't eeven know we left Dark side for days!"  Tug‑Mug said.  The squat Lunatak was smart once and a while.

"Who shall we attack?" Boron asked.

"We need more slaves," Luna said. "The Berbils have recently suffered some losses to us," Alluro and Boron smiled together, "So... those annoying Warrior Maidens seem like a good target."

"Excellent choice, Luna." Red‑Eye grumbled.  Warrior Maidens made terrible slaves.  They had this weird empowerment and equality thing he didn't understand.  Oh well, they need a lot of whipping.  Red‑Eye smiled to himself.  "Setting a course."

Skytomb’s engines hummed to life.  Night was falling.  They would attack as soon as they arrived.

No sleep for the wicked, thought Boron.  He went to a window, and stared out at all the unfamiliar stars. So far from home.

He sighed.

 

Slythe didn't appreciate the late night call.  The Lunataks wanted them to attack the Tower?

Grrrr.. I'll send the idiots.  They just want a distraction, I don't need to be there.

He yelled for Jackalman and Monkian.

Like I say, no use risking anyone useful.

 

Snarfer was asleep at his post.  A proximity alarm went off.  The snarf woke up and checked the scanners.

"Mutants!  Snarfer, Snarfer!  This is bad news! Yes it is, yes sir, sir, yes sir! HEEEELLLP!"

He cried into the intercom.  A tired Cheetara answered.  Mutants?  They were on their way.

A blast rocked the Tower.  Main systems off‑line.

A dark shape moved over the mountains, unnoticed by either side.

Soon enough, the 'Cats arrived, and the two Mutants were driven off.

The only problem, thought Lion‑O, was that it made no sense...

 

Willa stirred in her sleep.  What was that noise?  It was low, and rumbling.. Thunder?

Nayda came in.

"Sister, the Maidens are worried.  What is that noise?"

Willa got out of bed.  She listened closely.  Engines.

The Thundercats?  It seemed awfully late for that.

She rubbed her eyes and grabbed a spear and her bow.  She stepped out of her home in the tree‑top, and looked around.

"There," She said to Nayda, "That's where it's coming from."  Other Maidens were staring off at the sky as well.  A shape was visible, barely.  There was a blue flash from it, straight up, over the Kingdom.

It disappeared into the sky.

The Maidens watched for a moment.  The noise was getting louder.

Then, a streak, blue like the one that emanated from whatever it was, came down like lightning.

Almost. 

Six blasts resounded around a tree, in a counter‑clockwise pattern, then they became a solid beam.

The tree splintered, exploded, and set fire to the trees around it.

The Maidens ducked and covered as best they could.  Still, many got splinters stuck in their bodies.  Another flash.  This time, they could make out the shape of the object, the light from the blast illuminating the monstrosity.

Skytomb!

It was moving into the fire light now.  The Maidens were fascinated by it's immense size.

They were jerked back into reality when another tree exploded.

"Warrior Maidens, hear me!"  Another blast broke her sentence.  "We cannot fight this fortress! We can only hope the Thundercats," Boom! "Can come to our aid, as they have in the past!"

In the back of her mind, she almost doubted they would.

 

"Sweetching to Moon Cannons," Tug‑Mug said, "I want to hit Willa right up her nose!"  He brought the scope down over his eyes.  He could see Willa, standing on her tree...

"What?"

Boron flew ‑flew??‑ past the scope. 

"Loona!  Come quick!  What ees he up to?"

"I don't know.  Alluro, Chilla!  Go out there and stop him.  He'll ruin everything!"

The two geared up, Alluro in his jet pack, and Chilla on the Ice‑Runner.  Tug‑Mug reverted back to the Sky Gate Cannons, and continued decimating the trees now surrounding Skytomb.

Luna looked on in confusion.  What was that idiot doing?  It looked like he was... Challenging her?  Luna screamed in anger!

"Red‑Eye!  Land Skytomb!  I'm going out there!"

 

Boron landed on the platform in front of Willa and Nayda.  He drew the Lunar Sword and saluted them.

"Leader of the Warrior Maidens, surrender your village, NOW!"

Willa pushed Nayda behind her.  "The Warrior Maidens never surrender, not even to Lunataks.  The Thundercats will come and save us."

Boron laughed, "The Thundercats don't even know we left Dark side!  We have nothing to worry about."  He took a step forward.

"Nayda, run!"  Willa commanded her sister.  Willa knew she had to buy her time to get to Cats Lair.  That would take time.

Far too much time.

Skytomb had stopped firing, and had landed in the meeting ground.

Nayda had just disappeared off the tree when Willa made a quick attack.  The Lunatak stepped back and dodged the thrust of her spear.  He smiled.

Thundercats... Ho, Willa prayed.

 

What is that?  Cheetara wondered.  She flew back to Cats Lair on the Thunderclaw with Tygra. She looked over at the Hovercat and it seemed Lion‑O noticed the same thing.

"Lion‑O," she called out, "is that smoke rising from the Warrior Maidens village?"

Lion‑O took out the Sword of Omens, "Sword of Omens, give me sight beyond sight!"

The Warrior Maidens village was burning.  Several of the trees were scorched, others weren't even there anymore.  Willa was fighting the new Lunatak, and Alluro was shining his psyche club over the village, leading the Maidens into Skytomb.

"There's trouble with the Maidens!  Come on Tygra, signal Panthro and let's check it out!"

 

Tygra didn't like the idea of Panthro and the new Lunie fighting again.  Panthro had made this his mission to defeat him.  Tygra had never seen him act so strange.  Reluctantly, he told him of their change in course.

"Let's get to it!" Panthro said in response.

Tygra winced.  This was going to be ugly.  Panthro doesn't stand a chance against the telekinetic, he doesn't need Alluro to tell him that.  He's taken this too far.

"Cheetara, do you think you can try the 'mind block' on our new friend tonight?"

"I don't know Tygra."  She said, "I'll need him to be using his power so I can get a psi lock on his mind's frequency.  I'll need full concentration, though.  So I'll need you to watch my back."

Great.  I need to watch out for two people now.

The wind stung his face as they flew on.  He could smell the smoke, he could see the 'Tomb.

 

Red‑Eye checked the scanners again.  Tug‑Mug had gone chasing women, leaving him in charge of keeping Skytomb in working order.  This didn't help.

Thundercats!  He brought the Moon Cannons back online.  They were too far out of range to have even a remote chance of hitting them.  By his guess, they had about two minutes of peace before all hell breaks loose.

Luna will not be happy.

 

Tug‑Mug and Luna had run off into the woods chasing potential slaves.  They had gotten separated while Amok had stopped to sniff out a new trail.  Now Tug‑Mug was following the one called Nayda, the accursed sister of the equally accursed Willa.

What a fine slave she'll make!

"Come here, Nayda.  Tug‑Mug wants to talk to you!"  The Maiden ran even faster, towards Cats Lair.  She would be at the river soon, and I can't swim...

Tug‑Mug leapt into the air.  Nayda moved out of the way just in time. Tug‑Mug smashed into the ground where she had been.

"Ow, you stoopid slave!  Come back here!"  Another Maiden came out of the underbrush, screening Nayda's flight.

Tug‑Mug fired the gravity carbine.  The Maiden floated into the air. He'd pick her up later.

He scooted after Nayda again.  He heard a splash.

Damn!  He cursed.  He wheeled up to the bank and strained his eyes.

There she ees!  He thought, now all I need to do ees heet her with the carbine...

He fired several times,  then, he saw her glow for a second.

Good, I heet her!

Then, he saw her sink.

Ooops.

The carbine was set to make things heavier.

Nayda was too heavy to swim.

Tug‑Mug shrugged and went to retrieve the other Maiden.

What was that? 

The ThunderCats had arrived.

 

Luna and Amok came back carrying three Maidens.

Boron and Willa were still fighting.

Why doesn't he use his powers?  He's just dodging attacks.  What? He's kicking her!

Alluro was herding in the last of the Maidens.  Chilla was circling the tree‑top battle, watching the battle with interest.  This Boron was fighting... fair?

Chilla's thoughts were interrupted.  The ThunderCats! She flew to intercept.

Tug‑Mug scrambled out of the underbrush, towing a Maiden.  He looked paniced.  He nearly smashed into Alluro.

"Allooro!  The ThunderTank!  Eets right on my tail!"

Alluro cringed, "Quickly now ladies, that's it.  Come to SkyTomb.  You will be attended to presently.  Please lock yourselves in your cells as you are able."  He backed into the elevator.

Tug‑Mug nearly knocked him down again as he charged out again.

 

A laser blast scortched Borons' hair.  Lion‑O!  He had heard about the ThunderCat leader, and his Sword.. the Sword of Omens.

"It's been a pleasure."  Boron said, and bowed to Willa.  She backed up, confused.

The boards under her feet cracked, broke.

Boron now turned his telekinetics on the Hovercat.

"Ho!"  Another blast nearly hit him.

I need some cover, he thought.  He jumped off the tree.

Lion‑O watched him fall, certain he wouldn't be able to stop himself.

The Lunatak landed with easy grace, and looked at the baffled Lion‑O.

"Come on down, Lord of the ThunderCats!"  He stretched his mind out to the HoverCat.

The fan that kept it flying stopped.  It plunged to the earth.  Lion‑O, though, had already jumped clear.

Lion‑O pointed the Sword of Omens at Boron.  Boron had sheathed his sword already.  His hand rested easily on the hilt.  Lion‑O grunted and charged Boron.

Boron's finger twitched.  Lion‑O kept running.

Lion‑O swung his sword down. The Lunar Sword blocked it.  Spraks from the blades flashed.  The locked weapons again.  Boron kicked Lion‑O squarely in the leg, knocking him off balance.

The ThunderTank roared into the clearing.  Boron stared at it for a moment.  The back popped open.

"Chew on this, Lunatak!" Panthro yelled.  Missiles began launching themselves at Boron.

10.. 15.. 30! They kept comming.  Boron took to the air, and began flying backward, keeping an eye on the approaching missiles.

I can't stop all of these... but I can stop a few, change their course momentarily...

He stopped flying backwards.  He flew forwards at an incredible speed.

The lead missile slowed down.  The one following it crashed into it.  Others altered course, and hit ones next to them.  The following explosions detonated others.  Still others were cut in two by the Lunar Sword, the explosive part being seperated by the detonator.

All present watched the fireballs work their way back to their source, the Thundertank.  Panthro leapt from the 'Tank.  Boron landed next to it, the smoke clearing behind him.  He sheathed his weapon, and didn't move.  The launcher remained stationary, then fell off it's support, cut neatly.  The resulting explosion knocked the 'Tank onto it's back.

 

 

In between shots from Skytomb, Tygra and Cheetara watched from above.

"Get me closer.  I'm almost there!"  Cheetara said.  Tygra brought the Thunderclaw down.  They jumped off.  "We just need him to use his powers again."

Lion‑O was back.  He ran at Boron again.

Boron got his sword out in anticipation and locked eyes with Lion‑O.

Lion‑O swung... and the Sword of Omens flew from his hands, ripped from him by Boron’s' mind.

"Hey!" was all he managed to say.

He wiped at Boron with his claw.

Boron hadn't expected it, and received a scratch along his unprotected left arm.

Boron stumbled back a second.

"Sword of Omens!  Come to my hand!"

"NO!"  Boron yelled.

He stretched out his arm...

The Sword began flying towards Lion‑O...

... And closed his eyes...

... The Sword stopped in mid air.

Lion‑O stared in amazement.  The Thundercats couldn't believe it.

"Quick, Cheetara, lock on to his mind!" Tygra said.

Lion‑O said again, "Come to my hand!"

Sweat pooled on Boron's brow.  He grit his teeth.

"I'm trying!" Cheetara said, "I've almost got it!"

Boron could feel the invasion of his mind.  He tried to resist, but he needed to concentrate on the Sword...

 

 

Continued

 

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