DECISION TIME

 

                Ghost looked across the Third Earth terrain outside Cat’s Lair.  The ground was still damp from Nitro’s blood.  The father of both Knave and Chilla Iespyk had finally met his maker at the hands of Tycho Lunar.  A young Cheetah from Plundarr, Knave’s half sister had been on hand for the battle and now was some distance away, having renounced her Feline heritage.  Finally the Thundercat rolled off her bed and walked down the hall to where her companion Aker was working on a jigsaw puzzle.

 

                “Dogs playing poker?” she asked, “and I thought you had taste.”

“What?  Would you rather they played chess?” Aker asked.

“Not really,” Ghost conceded.

“What’s up?” Aker asked.

“We have to go after Cheetalia.  She could be in terrible danger.  She’s about to make a huge mistake,” Ghost said.

“You heard what Cheetara said,” began Aker.

“Cheetara can go jump off of Cat’s Lair right now for all I care.  Trust me.  Cheetalia needs our help.  I can do this with or without you.  It would be a little faster with you there because you’re the tracker,” Ghost said.

“Women!” Aker sighed before agreeing.

 

                A little while later the two Thunderians were moving at a decent walking pace through the underbrush.  “Are you going to tell me why we’re doing this?” Aker asked, “what the danger is?”

“Look.  Do you remember what you first felt when you landed here and met the Thundercats?” Ghost replied.

“Vaguely.  I was surprised at how friendly they were, especially considering the only Felines I knew were the ones on Plundarr, and they were not forgiving,” Aker said.

“No, because of the fact that on Plundarr Felines were killed without mercy.  Now let me tell you how I felt.  I lived on Thundera, before its destruction.  I left there and came to Plundarr to see if there were any others out there needing help.  Then I saw how Felines lived and were treated.  I was sickened.  How could my countrymen back home just ignore this?  In anger I renounced the Thundercats.  I needed allies to defeat the Mutant menace.  I nearly enrolled in the Lunatak armed forces.  It wouldn’t be so bad.  I’d be protected by the Lunataks and given full authority to kill Mutants.  Luckily for me the Feline Resistance found me first.  They guided me in the right direction,” Ghost said.

“I assume there’s a reason behind this story?” Aker asked.

“Think about it.  Cheetalia’s in the same state I’m in.  She wants to eradicate the Mutants and is going to try and find help.  There are several options.  She’s already rejected the Thundercats for being too moralistic.  That means the Berbils, Warrior Maidens and Wollos will be rejected.  She won’t turn to the Mutants, that wouldn’t make sense, and Mumm-Ra’s out for her blood and she knows it.  Who’s left that might tempt her?  There are two factions of Lunataks out there and one of them has family in it.  They also showed the moral qualities she’s looking for.  Which do you think looks more promising right about now?” Ghost said, her voice rising in pitch.

“Easy there.  I see your point.  We’ll get to her first, don’t worry,” Aker said.

 

* * *

 

                Unseen in the bushes Shade listened to the two Felines.  She relayed the news to Mystan in the Skycruiser and suggested a plan.  Then, while Mystan carried out his part, Shade moved to carry out hers.

 

* * *

 

                “You can see from the markings that she stopped here to rest.  There are a few berries on the ground, suggesting she tried some of the local food.  I doubt they were very nourishing.  We’d better move,” Aker said.

“I don’t think you’ll be moving anywhere!” Shade snarled, covering the two in a sticky black net.  She quickly clubbed them with a heavy branch, knowing that Ghost could become intangible, and moved off to join her friends.

 

* * *

 

                Slythe and Jackalman lay in wait on the trail, Peregrine, Monkian and Vultureman stood on the other side.  Soon the Cheetah woman would run by, just as the Lunataks had told them she would.  “I don’t like this, Slythe.  Why would the Lunataks tell us about this Thundercat?” Jackalman asked.

“Becaussse they’ve got other thingsss to worry about and don’t want any trouble from her, yesss?” Slythe replied.

“Silence!  She comes!” Peregrine hissed.

 

* * *

 

                Cheetalia staggered forward, exhausted, and found five Mutants surrounding her.  She let out a short curse and tensed to fight.  “Sister!  No!” she heard a shout.  The reptilian Mutant turned and gasped “Knave?”  There was a flurry of activity as Monkian jumped her from behind and began beating on her.  Jackalman and Slythe were the victims of icepick wounds to the chest and legs respectively.  Vultureman, never being the bravest Mutant quickly shouted for a retreat and soon fled.  Peregrine was the last to leave and found himself with a frozen arm for his troubles.

 

                Knave bent down and gently turned Cheetalia over onto her back.  “Are you okay?” he asked.

“I think so.  Where are they?” she said.

“They got away.  You were my first priority,” Knave said.

“Knave!  We got here as soon as we could.  How is she?” Mystan said, stepping onto the path as if on cue.

“She’s fine, no thanks to those Mutants.  I say we go after them and kill them all,” Knave said.

“I’d love to, but we can’t.  We just don’t have the manpower to spare.  Our first priority has to be our friends.  Don’t worry, we’ll avenge her later, and soon there will be five freshly dug graves,” Mystan said.

“Good.  Because I hate to see any enemy get away with hurting a sister of mine,” Knave said.

 

* * *

 

                It was sometime later in Knave’s bedroom that Shade entered, clapping her hands lightly.  “A marvellous acting job, my dear,” she said.

“I couldn’t have done it without your suggestion.  It was an excellent plan,” Knave said.

“Well then.  This calls for a celebration, don’t you think?” Shade asked.

“I have an even better cause, but I can’t tell you about it yet.  I still have some things to work out with Red Eye and Mystan,” Knave said cryptically.  Shade frowned but kissed her ‘honey glazed teddy bear’ nonetheless.

 

* * *

 

                Chilla hovered protectively over Cheetalia as the Thunderian lay in her infirmary bed.  “I’m fine, really,” Cheetalia said.

“No you’re not.  You suffered a serious blow to the head as well as several minor cuts and lacerations to the back, arms and legs.  Not to mention the fact that you strained several muscles in those same legs,” Chilla said, a fine wisp of mist slipping from her lips.

“I can’t begin to thank all of you for rescuing me.  I just wish there was someway I could repay you,” Cheetalia said.

“There is,” Mystan said, entering the room.  “You have the look of a skilled fighter.  We’d be honoured if you’d join our ranks.  It would be the perfect chance for you to get revenge on the Mutants.”  Cheetalia seemed to ponder the proposal for a moment.

“What about the Thundercats?  They seemed to treat you as enemies back when you fought Nitro,” she said.

“It’s true that we and the Thundercats don’t always see eye to eye, but I can assure you that we care about you and are your true friends.  Since we got back to Third Earth, all Knave’s been able to talk about is you.  He kept asking when we were going to go find you and bring you here,” Mystan said.

“It’s true.  We were going to find you regardless but Knave was the most adamant.  When we weren’t fast enough heading out for you, he went on his own.  It was only luck that we got there when we did,” Chilla said.

“I think I would like to join you.  The Skycruiser will be my new home,” Cheetalia said.

 

* * *

 

                Ghost became tangible once more and looked at poor Aker trapped beneath the net.  She had wakened first and become ethereal to slip away.  Carefully she pried the net off of him and tossed it aside.  He groaned slightly and his eyes opened.  “What happened?” he asked.

“We were attacked by Shade.  Come on.  We have to hurry and catch up to Cheetalia, what if Shade heard our conversation?” Ghost said.

 

* * *

 

                Knave turned in the command chair as Mystan stepped into the control room.  He stood and crisply saluted.  “Skip the pleasantries Knave.  You had a particular reason for summoning me here during my break?” he asked.

“I did.  Alluro’s been teaching you about our religion, correct?” Knave asked.

“Yes,” Mystan said.

“And part of that would be various ceremonies, correct?” Knave asked.

“You’re delaying the inevitable.  Why don’t you just jump ahead to the question you really want to ask?” Mystan said impatiently.

“I’m looking for someone to marry Shade and I.  She doesn’t know about this yet, but I figure she’ll agree.  But if you can’t do it I need to know now,” Knave said.

“You intend to marry Shade?  Does Red Eye know about this yet?” mused Mystan.

“Not yet.  I’ll speak to him when it’s his turn on duty,” Knave said.

“The answer to your question is yes.  I can.  But, I will only do so on one condition.  I am sick and tired of you and Alluro bickering.  Try to keep it to a minimum when I’m around.  And don’t let it escalate too far.  Basically, if I hear about any incidents I’ll tear up your marriage certificate,” Mystan said.

“That’s not fair!  What happens to Alluro if we fight?” Knave demanded.

“Nothing.  Which is why you’ll have to be the bigger man and make sure nothing happens,” Mystan said.  Knave growled low and returned to his command post.  Mystan snickered quietly to himself and left.

 

* * *

 

                Under an hour later one of the Lunar Droids turned around and informed Knave that there were two life forms heading toward Skycruiser.  “Can you identify them?” Knave asked.

“Negative, sir,” the Droid replied.

“What use are you?” Knave muttered, “contact the others and tell them that we may have visitors on our hands.”

 

* * *

 

                “It’s going to take some fancy footwork to get into Skycruiser.  That place is a fortress,” Aker said.

“We’ve got to do it, Aker, that’s what we’re here for,” Ghost replied.

“That may be, but Skycruiser is still going to be a tricky place to get in to,” Aker said.

 

* * *

 

                The Lunataks, and their newest ally, emerged from the cruiser.  Red Eye had remained inside to give orders to the Lunar Droids.  Mystan had had concerns over allowing Cheetalia to encounter the Thundercats so soon, but Alluro had insisted on her being there.  “All right then.  Get ready to fight,” he told his troops.

 

* * *

 

                “Cheetalia!” exclaimed Aker, “She’s sided with the Lunataks?”

“What did I tell you?  She’s misguided,” Ghost said.

“We have to warn her,” Aker said.

“Let me try.  Cheetalia!  Listen to us.  The Lunataks are evil.  They killed as many Felines as the Mutants.  When they’re done with you, they’ll kill you too!” Ghost shouted.

 

* * *

 

                “Is what they say true?” Cheetalia asked, turning to Knave.

“Not at all.  They’re making up stories so you’ll attack us,” Knave said.

“Look.  I have an invention called the lie translator.  It listens to the lie and tells you what the person is really saying.  Let’s play back what Ghost just said,” Alluro said.

“Cheetalia!  If we ever get our hands on you, we’ll tear you to shreds.  We can’t allow you to live!” Ghost’s voice said.

“How dare they threaten me,” Cheetalia growled.

“I have an idea.  Why don’t you pretend that you’re going to join them and when you get close enough attack them?” Alluro said.

“I like your style,” Cheetalia said, causing Alluro’s face to become beet red.

 

* * *

 

                Cheetalia seemed to push Alluro aside and began running toward Ghost and Aker, much to the two Thundercats’ relief.  However, when she got near, she jumped and planted kicks in both of their mid-sections.  “Take this message to your leader, Lion-O.  The next time he sees Cheetalia he’d better be careful, because it will be his hide served on a silver platter,” Cheetalia said to Ghost, dragging Aker away.

 

* * *

 

                Ghost, still somewhat winded, thought briefly about fighting for Aker but thought better of it.  She needed help.

 

* * *

 

                “How on Third Earth did you get the lie translator to do that?  Isn’t it supposed to show what they’re really thinking?” Mystan asked Alluro, once the two were together.

“I was walking through the woods one day when I saw it on the ground.  I guess Lion-O must have dropped it.  I started tinkering with it and turned it into a lie creator.  It turns whatever someone says into an utter lie.  Try it,” Alluro said.

“Alluro.  I want you to take the day off,” Mystan said.

“Alluro.  I want you to paint my nose purple,” the creator chirped.

“If you insist,” Alluro said, heading for his workshop, where he kept some paint.

 

* * *

 

                Red Eye turned around and saw Knave enter the room.  “Red Eye.  You know Shade better than I do.  What do you think she would say if I asked her to marry me?” Knave asked.

“That’s a complicated question,” Red Eye began as the doors opened again.

“You’ll have all the time in the world.  Alluro’s taking your post,” Mystan said tossing the hypnotist into the control room.  He then turned to Red Eye and his potential future son-in-law and said, “and if either of you comments on my nose you’ll both find yourselves joining him.”

 

 

Back to Fanfic Archive