A dark day, Part 2, pg 1 .V,ML
A dark day Part 2 By Leanna Tygra was busy in the council chambers he had a large sheet of his drafting paper spread out on the round council table mapping out the course the Feliner took from the time they left New Thundera until their last call to the Lair. Just as Kit called out the last set of coordinates Kat came bursting though the door, “I got it,” he shouted triumphantly. “Got what,” Kit asked as she looked up from the pages of data. “The flight recorder, I got it working,” Kat beamed proudly. “Really, way to go Kat,” Kit smiled jumping up from the table and gave her brother a hearty hug. “So what was you able to recover,” the tiger asked. “Well,” he said scratching his head, “ we got audio and most important some visual”. “That’s wonderful news,” Tygra smiled, “you better call the others”. “You kidding I’m surprised they didn’t beat me here,” Kat grinned, “I called Lion-O and he just shouted with joy”. “Boy, if your pulling my leg I will truly rip you a new one,” the panther said as he came through the door, “because I’m so not in the mood for tricks”. “Panthro I swear I would never joke about something like this,” Kat said walking over to the big computer screen. “Show us what you got Kat,” Lion-O said taking his seat, ”I’ve got the tower patched in as well so they can see”. “Ok,” Kat nodded and loaded the recording into the computer,” Now from what I can gather, their trip from new thunder was going fine, no problems what so ever until,” He said walking over to the table. “They reached here,” He said pointing to a location on the map that Tygra had mapped out. At the push of a button Pumyra’s voice came over the speaker,” Cheetara there’s that blip again”. “You sure it’s not just a hiccup in the radar or an up coming electrical storm,” Cheetara asked. “No, it seems to almost be following us,” the puma replied. “It’s been showing up for the past three hours as a blip”. “Have you tried to scan it, “the cheetah asked. “Yes, but nothing is showing up, if something is there it’s either a ghost ship or an echo,” Pumyra answered. “Well if we haven’t seen anything and if it’s only a blip showing up don’t worry about it,” Cheetara said, “we’ll be home in another two hours”. “It seems someone was following them,” Kat said stopping the recording,” according to the data that has been collected from New Thundera, this blip traveled at a steady course right behind the Feliner, shadowing them the whole way”. “So was it another ship,” Lion-O asked. “Yes, a big one, almost the size of our original flag ship,” Kat nodded, ‘this is where the visual comes in,” he replied as he resumed the recording, “this happens a few minutes after Cheetara calls in. “Cheetara, that blip is now in front of us,” the puma said. The cheetah looked around, “I don’t see anything”. “Cheetara, what is that,” Leanna said pointing out the portside. The view changed from inside the cockpit of the feliner to out side just as a large ship seem to appear out of nowhere. “Evasive maneuvers,” the cheetah called out trying to get out of the path of the ship. “Controls not responding, they’re frozen,” Pumyra said as a bright white light flooded the cockpit blinding the three women. When the light faded there were two very large creature standing in the middle of the cockpit, each standing over seven feet tall, the three women tried to fight them off, Cheetara was the first to go down, she was hit with some type of dart just as she reached her weapon, she did managed to lunge at the creature, the creature grabbed her defending it’ self against the she-cat, throwing her against the chair, when it grabbed her it tore the insignia off her uniform then threw it to the floor as it went to help it’s companion with the other two females. One hit the puma on the back of the head knocking her out cold as the other back handed the lioness ripping her earring out in the process, then the screen went black. “Did you recognize who they were,” Lion-O asked turning to his fellow Thundercats. “No,” Tygra said shaking his head. “A ship that can cloak it’s self, how can we find such a ship,” Bengali asked. “If the Feliner’s scanners kept picking it up then I’m sure someone else can,” Tygra nodded. Lion-O turned and looked at the panther who was very quiet. “How dare they,” Panthro said a bit too quiet, “They made us believe they were dead, I’ll rip them apart with my bare hands when I get a hold of them,” he roared slamming his fist down on the table with enough force to make it shake. “I know how you feel my friend,” Lion-o nodded, “we need to show this to Mandora, she should know who they are”. “Already sent it,” Kat nodded, “we should be hearing back from her soon”. “Good now all we need is a ship,” Lion-o said then he though of the perfect person, someone that had a ship with not only speed but also stealth capabilities, “Tygra see if you can contact our old friend the Terrator”. **** “Pumyra please sit down, you’ll wear a hole in the floor,” Cheetara said plopping back down on the floor. “Good I hope I can,” the puma nodded the looked towards the cell door,” it funny we haven’t seen or heard from anyone accept her since we awoke,” she said pointing to the tigress. “And be thankful for that,” the tigress snorted, “They are not very friendly people, they never show their faces, they come by once a day and slide food and water under that door”. “I wish I had my staff, “Cheetara said, “I could at least try and contact Lion-O” “Lion-O,” the tigress said surprised hearing the name, “As in the Lord of the Thundercats”. “The one and only,” Cheetara grinned. “But we don’t know if that would work, we’re probably out of range,” Pumyra sighed. Cheetara shrugged and looked over at the tigress, “Forgive me for being rude, but I never caught your name”. “I’m Myra,” The tigress said holding out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, although I was it was under better circumstances, I’m Cheetara and this is my friend and colleague Pumyra,” The cheetah nodded shaking the tigress’s hand, “So how did you get here”. “I was in my ship, the next thing I know this ship appears out of nowhere then a bright light floods my cockpit and here I am,” Myra said. “Did your sensors happen to pick up odd blips when you where traveling,” Pumyra asked. “Yeah…at least once every thirty minutes,” The tigress nodded. “So did ours, “ Cheetara replied, “We got captured the same way”. “We were coming from new thundera and I kept picking up a mysterious blip,” Pumyra said. “Almost like an echo,” Myra said. “Exactly,” the puma nodded. “Ok, now that we know how we all got here, the question is can we get out,” the tigress asked. “We will,” Cheetara nodded, “we just have to sit tight and wait”. “Wait, wait for what,” Myra asked looking at the cheetah curiously. “For the Cavalry to arrive,” she smirked. *** “We really appreciate your help,” Lion-o nodded as the rather larger terrator appeared in the main courtyard. “I understand your concern my friend,” The Terrator’s deep voice echoed, “I offer the use of my ship to find and bring home your mate,” the big creature nodded. “Let’s go,” the big lion nodded, “the quicker we can find them the quicker we can bring them home”. Tygra and Panthro both nodded, “hold on Tara, I’m coming to get you, just hold on” Lion-o whispered as they were beamed up to the terrator’s ship. “Ok so what’s your plan,” Panthro asked once they got on board the terrator’s ship, “How are we going to find them”. “Well we have the data from the feliner,” Lion-o nodded, “that our friend can use, Perhaps he has some way of isolating that blip they kept picking up”. “It’s an ion trail,” the large Terrator said twitching its scorpion like tail. “Is it traceable,” the lion asked. “It will not be easy without the proper data readings,” the terrator said, “but I will try, your friend Mandora is sending us a signal”. The terrator pushed a few button and Mandora’s face came up n the screen, “Lion-O I have some information for you,” she nodded. “Is it about that strange ship,” he asked. “Yes,” Mandora said, “it’s a slave ship from the Oron sector”. “A slave ship,” Lion-o gasped. “Yes, that is their main export, we’ve been trying to catch them for years, but with their stealth capabilities, we never know where they are until it’s too late,” Mandora nodded. “Do they have a home planet,” The lion asked. “No, they are basically nomads, going from place to place, if they still have your thunderian women, they won’t keep them for long, they will soon find a buyer for them then move on,” Mandora said lowering her head, “I am truly sorry Lion-O, as I said we’ve been trying for years to catch them”. “Thank-you Mandora, at least we know more then we did a few minutes ago,” Lion-o nodded gratefully and cut the connection. *** “So is there anyway to get that open,” Pumyra asked as the cheetah examined the door. “No, it looks like the lock mechanism is on the outside,” Cheetara sighed. “We have to find a way out of here,” Pumyra said looking around. “There is no way out,” Myra said, “only that door”. “Well then.” Cheetara said, “I guess we sit tight and wait”. “I hope we won’t have to wait for long,” Pumyra said, “Leanna should have gotten back home by now and got help”. Help was on the way but it wasn’t what that women thought it would be, the lioness never made it back to the Feliner. Unknown to her two friends she was being held in another part of the ship awaiting transport to her new home. “You want to hope I get a good price for her,” a males voice grumbled angrily, “do you know how hard it is to sell damaged goods”. “It couldn’t be helped, “another male answered, “They put up quite a struggle”. “Just make sure she’s chained down good,” the male said, “bloody cats,” he snorted “I hate them…but their hides do catch a fair price on the market if I can’t sell her whole”. “I never thought of you as a slave trader” “Well,” the human male answered, “my usual business has been slow lately and you know how it is you have to make a living somehow”. Once the Lioness was secure the human boarded his ship and took off, the motion of the ship woke the lioness from her drug-induced slumber. She groaned and tried to roll over only to find herself on her back securely tied down, the only thing she could move was her head. Her hands where tightly bound over her head and her feet in heavy chains that where latched to the wall of the cage she was in. “What in Jaga’s name,” Leanna growled struggling with her bonds, “let me go…NOW,” she roared angrily. “Great… it’s awake,” the human snorted shaking his head, “and here I was hoping for a peaceful trip. Now all I’m gona get is yack yack yack”. He sat at the controls trying to ignore the lioness’s rants, but her cursing and yelling was starting to give him a headache, he reached over the side of the console and picked up a bottle and took a good long drink, he closed his eyes for a moment as the liquid burned it’s way down his throat to his empty stomach. The human grumbled and set the bottle down and put the ship on autopilot. He got out of his seat and went to the back where the she-cat was being held. “Will you shut up or I’ll gag you,” the human yelled, “you’re giving me a headache”. “Who are you…where am I…where are my friends,” Leanna asked looking at the human, his eyes were the color of cold steel and his long hair was as black as raven wings. “Your friends are obviously not here,” he said gesturing around the small ship, “as to where you are...Well let’s just say far from home,” he said crouching down in front of the cage, “As are far as who I am,” he said leaning closer, “considering you’re going be here for awhile,” he said leaning back a bit, “Gaston Schwenk is the name…assassination is my game,” he smirked. “Assassination…. you going to kill me,” the lioness asked. “Hmm, well,” Schwenk said rubbing his chin, “no one has paid me to do that yet, see I kill for money, not freebee’s but,” he said leaning closer to the bars, “in your case if you don’t stop the racket I can make an exception, I may not get as much money for you dead as I will keeping you alive, but your hide can still fetch me a good price,” He smiled evilly, “now shut the hell up,” he grumbled slamming the palm of his hand against the bars before he stood and went back to the pilot seat. ***** “I feel like we’re getting close,” Lion-O said, “Are there any readings”. “The ion trial seems to have gone cold,” Tygra said checking over the readouts. “We’ve been following this trail for over 19 hours and now it’s gone cold,” The lion growled, “that’s it…I’m tired of this looking for a needle in a haystack,” He said taking the sword from it’s sheath. “What are you doing,” Panthro asked as he watched Lion-o remove the sword, the lion closed his eyes for a moment and held the sword up over his head, the mighty sword growled in response to it’s masters silent command and flew out of his hand towards the airlock, “Open the airlock,” Lion-O ordered. “Track it,” Lion-O replied as the airlock opened and the sword flew out. “Let’s hope the sword has better luck then we are,” Panthro said tracking the sword as it flew. Pumyra glanced over just as the cheetah’s hand flew to her head, she knew Cheetara was having a vision of some sort, “Cheetara,” the puma said as she ran over the woman’s side, “what is it”. “Lion-O,” she whispered, “I can feel him…. he’s close by,” she said rubbing her temple. “Thank Jaga,” Pumyra said breathing a sigh of relief. *** “Lion-O,” Panthro shouted with joy, “Look the sword”. Lion-O glanced up at the screen and saw the Thundercat symbol shining like a beacon lighting the slave ship up like a Christmas tree. “By thundera,” He beamed, “we found them. Full speed ahead and be ready for anything, we’re going to get the woman back no matter what”. As the terrator ship came closer to the salve ship the three Thunderian males got ready. Even though the signal from the sword disappeared as quickly as it appeared the sword still kept up with it. “They must be using some kind of dampening field, that’s why we only caught a glimpse of it,” Tygra said, “the field seems to be cycling every fifteen minutes, just long enough that our scanners can pick it up as a blip”. “That would explain why I wasn’t warned of their capture, the ships field was blocking the sword,” Lion-O said watching the screen. “When we get in range, prepare for transport, we’ll only have ten seconds to get over there,” Tygra said turning to the terrator. “I still would like to know what kind of creatures we’re up against,” Lion-O said. “I don’t care how big, mean or how many there are, They messed with the wrong cat,” The panther growled, “they took something from me and I plan on getting that back,” he stated determined. “Don’t worry my friend we will,” Lion-O smiled patting the panther’s shoulder, he completely understood how the big panther felt. “There ship maybe larger but we’re faster,” Tygra nodded as they caught up; “maintain this heading and speed, when their shield drops transport us over”. “Ok lets go,” Lion-o nodded and turned around, “where did that panther disappear too,” he said looking around for the missing panther. “Maybe he went to get whatever he packed in that big crate he brought aboard,” Tygra shrugged. “Knowing him,” Lion-O said shaking his head, “we may not want to know”. “Panthro,” Tygra said opening the ships comms, “get up here, we leave in two minutes”. “Keep your pants on stripes,” the panther snorted coming through the door. “Great Jaga,” Lion-O chuckled as he looked back at the panther who had a very large gun over his shoulder, “See,” he said looking back at Tygra,” I told you we probably didn’t want to know”. Tygra just shook his head,” don’t you think that is a bit much”. “Nope,” Panthro answered. “We’re in range,” the terrator replied checking his readouts. Lion-O nodded and called to the sword, when it came through the air lock and landed in his hand he ordered the Terrator to transport them over. The three men appeared in the middle of an empty corridor, “keep you eyes and ears open,” Lion-O whispered as they started to make their way through the ship. Cheetara sat leaning against the wall when felt a very familiar presents,” Lion-O, she gasped. Pumyra looked at her, “what…he’s nearby” “He’s here ….on the ship,” she smiled quickly getting to her feet, she ran over and placed her hand on the door, she closed her eyes and concentrated, trying to make a mental contact, using herself as a beacon so he could find them. Lion-O could feel he was getting close, he felt the cheetah’s presents and smiled, he held into that as they navigated their way through the long corridors. “This will take forever,” he said then called the Terrator’s ship, “See if you can locate them”. “There are three thunderian life forms two decks below you,” the Terrator answered before they where cut off by the ships dampening field. “You heard the man,” Lion-O nodded. “Someone’s coming,” Panthro said cocking his head to one side. The three men ducked into an alcove just as two of the slave catchers walked by. The three men finally got to see what they were up against, the slave catchers looked like a cross between the giantor and trollogs of third earth, they stood over seven feet tall and limbs the size of small tree trunks. “Well Panthro you said you didn’t care how big they were,” Lion-O whispered as the slave catchers went by. “And I still don’t,” Panthro nodded,” I’ll take them all on”. The lion just chuckled, “let’s get moving”. Within minutes they reached the lower deck where the Terrator told them the life forms were coming from, “Over here,” Lion-O said going to the locked cell door, “Cheetara,” he said pounding on the door. “We’re here, “she shouted happily “We’ll get you out in a second…hold on,” Lion-O replied examining the door quickly. “Allow me,” Panthro said taking the gun from his shoulder, “Fire in the hole,” he bellowed before he fired. Cheetara and the others ducked and covered their heads as the door came blasting open. The gunfire had blown the heavy metal door to pieces, once the flying metal stopped and the smoke cleared Lion-O was the first one to enter the room. Cheetara jumped to her feet and jumped into the lion’s waiting arms hugging him fiercely. “Are you okay,” the lion asked once he hesitantly broke their embrace. “I am now,” Cheetara smiled hugging him again. “You okay Pumyra,” Lion-o asked, the puma nodded her head, “you okay Le..,” he said turning around expecting to see the lioness but instead there was a tigress standing there. “Umm, where’s Leanna,” Lion-o asked looking back at the cheetah. “What do you mean where is she,” The cheetah said confused, “isn’t she with you”. “No,” Lion-O said, then looked back at the panther, “oh boy,” he whispered. “Cheetara where is Leanna,” Panthro asked. “I….I don’t know we thought she escaped in the feliner and got you guys,” Cheetara answered. Lion-O just shook his head, “She was captured along with you two…we saw it on the flight recorder” “I’m sorry, but she wasn’t in here with us, was she Myra,” Pumyra said. “No they were the only two that have been here,” the tigress nodded. “Maybe she’s in another cell,” Lion-O said trying to calm the panther before he blew his top. Tygra reached for his communicator and called the terrator again, “Can you scan and see if there are any more thunderian life forms aboard,” the tiger asked. “There are only the six of you,” the terrator answered. “But she wasn’t on the feliner and wasn’t here then,” Cheetara said. “That means she’s been sold,” Myra finished the cheetah’s thought. “Sold…what do you mean sold,” Panthro asked angrily. “It means she’s gone,” Myra said lowering her head. “Gone…. oh hell no,” Panthro roared and stormed out of the room. “Damn it Panthro…Stop,” Lion-o said taking chase, “listen,” he said catching up and grabbing the panther’s arm, “it’s no good searching this ship, we know she’s not here”. “I have to try,” Panthro growled. “You’re only going to get yourself killed then what good would you be to her, she’s probably waiting for us to find her as we speak,” Lion-O said, “Please Panthro I promise you we will find her”. The big panther growled and slammed his fist into the steal wall leaving a large gaping hole behind. “We have to get out of here,” Lion-O said as alarms sounded. He and Panthro ran back into the room, Tygra contacted the Terrators ship and were transported over just seconds before the guards showed up. *** Once the three men and women were safely back on board the Terrator’s ship, a plan was being put in place in how to find the missing lioness. “I’ve contacted Mandora and told her of the situation,” Tygra nodded. “Good,” Lion-O nodded and turned, “we’ll do everything we can to find her Panthro,” Lion-O said but the panther wasn’t there, “now where did he go…..Tygra see if you can locate him”. “He’s gone back to the slave ship,” The terrator said. “That man is bound and determined to get himself killed,” Lion-O growled grabbing his sword, “Lets go get him Tygra”. “We’ll go with you,” Cheetara said as her and Pumyra readied their weapons. “Oh no. You are staying here,” Lion-O replied putting his hands on the cheetah’s shoulders, “I nearly lost you once, I’m not taking that chance again…we won’t be long”. “Hopefully we won’t run into too much trouble,” Tygra said shaking his head. “From the slave catchers or that stubborn panther… should we bring along a knock out dart,” Lion-O smirked knowing that Panthro wasn’t going to come back willingly. “Only as a last resort,” The tiger said. “Surely he can’t be that bad,” Myra said. “You don’t know the half of it,” Tygra winked at the tigress. “Let’s just hope they don’t realize he’s there,” Lion-O said then nodded to the Terrator to transport them over to the ship. “Oh I think they know he’s here,” Tygra said as the sound of alarms going off met them as soon as they materialized on board the slave ship. “That panther is thinking with his heart not his head,” Lion-O said shaking his head, “come on Tygra let’s go save his back side”. Tygra nodded and unfurled his whip, “stay put, I’ll scout ahead,” he said wrapping the whip around himself. Lion-O ducked into an alcove as the tiger went invisible and waited for his return. **** Leanna hadn’t said a word in over eight hours since the human gave his last warning, she just watched him intently from her cage. He didn’t turn her way once, to him she was just a commodity something he could make a fair bit of money if sold to the right person. He knew of a few places he could sell the she-cat. Schwenk placed a few calls and found a couple of buyers willing to pay the 6000 gold pieces he was asking for, he knew he probably could get more if he bartered. “We want to see what we’re bidding for Schwenk,” one man said. Schwenk looked up at the split screen at the two men, one human the other a mutant reptilian. “Now now Gentlemen, I’m a business man..Do you think I would rip you guys off,” Schwenk smirked. “Sure you would,” The human male said, “you’d sell your own mother to make a buck”. “Come on Roland,” Schwenk snorted, “I’ve never ripped you off have I”. “First time for everything,” the human smirked. “Okay okay, “Schwenk said putting up his hands, he leaned forward and pushed a few button calling up a small camera that came down from the ceiling just in front of the cage where the lioness was held. “Kind of hard to make her out,” The mutant said, “can you get closer”. “I think you need glasses,” Schwenk grumbled as he zoomed the camera in more. “I agree with skat, we need a better look…. open the cell door,” Roland nodded. “Are you insane,” Schwenk replied looking back towards the cage. “Well she looks pretty well anchored down…are you a coward,” Roland chuckled. “I am no coward,” Schwenk spat and got up out of his seat, “you be a nice kitty, these gentlemen want to have a look at that pretty face,” Schwenk sneered as he opened the cage door. The lioness ignored him and turned her face away. “Got a stubborn one here,” Roland chuckled, “I like them with spirit…. it will be fun trying to break it”. “Hmm yeah… good luck with that,” Schwenk snorted to himself, he walked over and grabbed the she-cats jaw hard, “I said play nice,” he growled and forcibly turned her head towards the camera. “Kind of scruffy looking isn’t she,” Skat said looking at the thunderian. “With a bit of cleaning up she’ll be fine,” Schwenk shrugged and released the woman’s jaw. “I trust you’ll see to that,” Roland nodded. “Okay,” Schwenk said, he wasn’t looking forward to that,” Give me a couple of hours and I’ll have her presentable so you can make a final bid. “You have two hours,” The mutant nodded before he and the other human cut their connection. **** It didn’t take long for Tygra to find Panthro, all he had to do was follow the fallen slave catchers and char marks on the walls like a trail of bread crumbs, event though they were a lot taller and more then out weight him that didn’t stop the determined panther. Tygra quickly went back to where Lion-O was waiting, “I found him,” Tygra said making himself visible. “Is he okay,” Lion-O asked following the tiger. “You kidding…if I didn’t know better I would think he was actually enjoying himself,” Tygra said leading the way. “Oh boy,” The lion said rolling his eyes. The two men rounded the corner just as one of the slave catchers went sailing over their heads. “Yep he’s having fun,” Lion-O said as he ducked out of the way, “Panthro,” he shouted. The panther turned, “I don’t have time for one of your speeches,” he growled and took a fighting stance as another group of slave catchers came running down the corridor. “What are you doing man,” Lion-O said drawing his sword and sending a bolt of energy into the middle of the group. “I’m trying to get to the main computer,” Panthro snarled and leapt up kicking one of the slave catchers in the ribs, “they must keep records of some kind,” he said bringing the now empty gun down over the back of the catcher head. “And you were going to do this all on your own,” Tygra said wrapping the coils of his whip around another one of the slave catchers legs and pulling hard sending him against the wall with a thud. “If I have too…yes,” Panthro nodded and took off further down the hall. “He does have a point,” Lion-O shrugged. “Don’t encourage him,” Tygra said as they followed close behind. **** “Well cat, you heard them, I need to make you presentable so I can get more money for you,” Schwenk said looking down at the she-cat. “Please don’t do this,” The lioness said, “I have done nothing to you”. “So we can talk instead of screaming demands,” Schwenk snorted, “that’s the problem with you cat’s you’re nothing but savages”. “I am no savage,” Leanna huffed. “Ahh, but I’m afraid you are, you come from a savage background, your just a few steps up on the chain of evolution…the way I see it,” he said crouching down so he was nearly eye level with her, “if given the chance…you’d turn me into your next meal”. “Please I’d rather eat slime then you,” the lioness snorted, “Probably taste better too”. “You know you got a real smart mouth,” Schwenk smirked and stood then in a flash backhanded the lioness across the mouth, “and that bitch, will get you turned into a rug”. “You’re going to be sorry you done that, in fact you’re going to sorry I’m even here,” Leanna spat. “I already am,” Schwenk sighed and reached for something in a nearby cabinet, “I knew you’d be trouble the moment I laid eyes on you…. so I have this,” he said taking down a box, “this will keep you in line,” he replied taking out a collar and holding it up, “see this is laced with thundrainium…not enough to kill you but enough to make you as weak…excuse the express as a kitten,” he chuckled at his own joke.” And if that isn’t enough to discourage you from attacking, it also doubles as a shock collar, at a push of a button it will send a few hundred volts through your body, I can make the voltage as strong as I want, to the point where you would die or just enough to make it really hurt” he said as he slipped the collar around the woman’s neck. “Now before I untie you so you can get cleaned up,” he said, “This collar can’t be removed once locked without a special code”. Schwenk held the control to the collar in one hand as he used the other to unchain the lioness. “Now don’t move until I tell you too,” he said untying her hands. As soon as her hands were free she started to bring them down to her side, which was a mistake, a electric shock surged through her body, “I didn’t say you that you could move now did I,” Schwenk said releasing the button on the controller. “I see we have a listening problem,” he snorted and stood back, “on your feet cat”. The lioness groaned and slowly sat up, her body felt stiff and sore from being in one position for so long, Schwenk stood out of arms reach as the she-cat finally stood, he noticed even bare foot she was nearly half an inch taller then him, “My you are a big one,” He snickered. “I am not big,” The lioness snorted, “your just short”. “Well try not to hit me with that big arse of yours when you come out,” Schwenk grinned knowing he had the upper hand, he knew as long as he had control of her there was nothing she could do that wouldn’t cause harm to herself. The lioness looked at him and growled, “now now,” Schwenk said holding up the controller, “be a nice pet”. “I’m not your damn pet,” she hissed. “You are if I say you are,” Schwenk said, “Now move it,” he said pointing to a door just down a short corridor. **** “Okay Panthro we’ll find the computer and see if there are any records, “Lion-O said as they made their way up to another level, “Then we’re getting off this ship”. “That’s all I want,” Panthro nodded. “Over here,” Tygra called out, “we can access the computer core from here”. “Hurry up before we have more company then we can handle,” the lion said keeping an eye out as the tiger started down loading files. “You have over fifty slave catchers closing in on your location,” The Terrator reported over the comm. “Great,” Lion-O said, “come on Tygra we gotta go”. “Got it, “Tygra nodded. “Get us out of here,” Lion-O half shouted over the comm. Once they made it back to the ship Lion-o turned and looked at the panther, “if you ever pull a stunt like that again I will personally knock you out for a week or chain you to something so you can’t move,” He growled, “you could have gotten your self kill, where is your head man,” the lion fumed. “You would have done the same damn thing, if you were in my position,” Panthro growled and stormed off. “He’s right you know,” Cheetara said trying to calm the lion. Lion-O just looked at her and growled, “Don’t start. He knows that was a foolish stunt”. “Of course he does,” Cheetara said putting her hand on his arm, “But remember he jumped off a cliff to save her. He would also walk through the fires of hell for that woman, …. and so would you if it was me who was missing”. “Yes, I know,” Lion-O sighed, “I just feel as if we’ve failed…you all should be standing here”. “You didn’t fail,” Cheetara said wrapping her arms around the lion and hugging him tightly, “you managed to find us and save us before we too were sold… which was a feat in it’s self, from what the terrator told us, you first thought we were dead”. “Yes,” Lion-O shuddered the scene of the feliner crashing into the side of hook mountain still fresh in his mind, “We thought for sure you had perished when the feliner crashed…. but something inside told me you were still alive”. “And you didn’t stop until you got me back..right,” the cheetah smiled. “Right,” Lion-O nodded. “And neither will he, right now he feels cornered and desperate, which is not and good combination” Cheetara said, “when that panther finds out where she is, I pity help the person who took her”. **** “Come on cat stop wasting time,” Schwenk grumbled as the lioness slowly moved from the cage. Leanna arched a brow when the human opened the door to a small bathroom, “Come on, come on,” Schwenk said shoving her roughly towards the shower stall. “The sooner we get this over with the sooner I can get rid of you,” he said leaning against the doorframe. The lioness moved her stiff arms and began to undue her long braided mane, she turned and looked back at the human, “you going to give me a bit of privacy,” she asked. “Why your just a cat,” he snorted, “Besides I have to make sure you don’t do anything stupid”. “Don’t worry I wouldn’t dream of it,” she said as she undressed and stepped into the stall, she tried to ignore the fact she was being watched as she washed, she knew she couldn’t so anything as long as the control collar was around her neck, she just had to be patient and wait for the right time. “So you a mountain lion,” Schwenk asked watching the lioness closely. “You have the lion part right,” Leanna said keeping her back to him. “But I am not from the mountains”. “It’s hard to tell what you are under all that dirt,” Schwenk snorted. “I’m from the flat lands of thundera,” Leanna said. “Oh that kind of lion, the worst kind mind you,” he smirked, “if I remember my history, your from the lion clan who just laze around all day sleeping”. Schwenk knew that got to her when she whipped her head around and glared at him. That’s one thing he enjoyed was mind games and he was going to have fun with this one.
A dark day Part 2 By Leanna Tygra was busy in the council chambers he had a large sheet of his drafting paper spread out on the round council table mapping out the course the Feliner took from the time they left New Thundera until their last call to the Lair. Just as Kit called out the last set of coordinates Kat came bursting though the door, “I got it,” he shouted triumphantly. “Got what,” Kit asked as she looked up from the pages of data. “The flight recorder, I got it working,” Kat beamed proudly. “Really, way to go Kat,” Kit smiled jumping up from the table and gave her brother a hearty hug. “So what was you able to recover,” the tiger asked. “Well,” he said scratching his head, “ we got audio and most important some visual”. “That’s wonderful news,” Tygra smiled, “you better call the others”. “You kidding I’m surprised they didn’t beat me here,” Kat grinned, “I called Lion-O and he just shouted with joy”. “Boy, if your pulling my leg I will truly rip you a new one,” the panther said as he came through the door, “because I’m so not in the mood for tricks”. “Panthro I swear I would never joke about something like this,” Kat said walking over to the big computer screen. “Show us what you got Kat,” Lion-O said taking his seat, ”I’ve got the tower patched in as well so they can see”. “Ok,” Kat nodded and loaded the recording into the computer,” Now from what I can gather, their trip from new thunder was going fine, no problems what so ever until,” He said walking over to the table. “They reached here,” He said pointing to a location on the map that Tygra had mapped out. At the push of a button Pumyra’s voice came over the speaker,” Cheetara there’s that blip again”. “You sure it’s not just a hiccup in the radar or an up coming electrical storm,” Cheetara asked. “No, it seems to almost be following us,” the puma replied. “It’s been showing up for the past three hours as a blip”. “Have you tried to scan it, “the cheetah asked. “Yes, but nothing is showing up, if something is there it’s either a ghost ship or an echo,” Pumyra answered. “Well if we haven’t seen anything and if it’s only a blip showing up don’t worry about it,” Cheetara said, “we’ll be home in another two hours”. “It seems someone was following them,” Kat said stopping the recording,” according to the data that has been collected from New Thundera, this blip traveled at a steady course right behind the Feliner, shadowing them the whole way”. “So was it another ship,” Lion-O asked. “Yes, a big one, almost the size of our original flag ship,” Kat nodded, ‘this is where the visual comes in,” he replied as he resumed the recording, “this happens a few minutes after Cheetara calls in. “Cheetara, that blip is now in front of us,” the puma said. The cheetah looked around, “I don’t see anything”. “Cheetara, what is that,” Leanna said pointing out the portside. The view changed from inside the cockpit of the feliner to out side just as a large ship seem to appear out of nowhere. “Evasive maneuvers,” the cheetah called out trying to get out of the path of the ship. “Controls not responding, they’re frozen,” Pumyra said as a bright white light flooded the cockpit blinding the three women. When the light faded there were two very large creature standing in the middle of the cockpit, each standing over seven feet tall, the three women tried to fight them off, Cheetara was the first to go down, she was hit with some type of dart just as she reached her weapon, she did managed to lunge at the creature, the creature grabbed her defending it’ self against the she-cat, throwing her against the chair, when it grabbed her it tore the insignia off her uniform then threw it to the floor as it went to help it’s companion with the other two females. One hit the puma on the back of the head knocking her out cold as the other back handed the lioness ripping her earring out in the process, then the screen went black. “Did you recognize who they were,” Lion-O asked turning to his fellow Thundercats. “No,” Tygra said shaking his head. “A ship that can cloak it’s self, how can we find such a ship,” Bengali asked. “If the Feliner’s scanners kept picking it up then I’m sure someone else can,” Tygra nodded. Lion-O turned and looked at the panther who was very quiet. “How dare they,” Panthro said a bit too quiet, “They made us believe they were dead, I’ll rip them apart with my bare hands when I get a hold of them,” he roared slamming his fist down on the table with enough force to make it shake. “I know how you feel my friend,” Lion-o nodded, “we need to show this to Mandora, she should know who they are”. “Already sent it,” Kat nodded, “we should be hearing back from her soon”. “Good now all we need is a ship,” Lion-o said then he though of the perfect person, someone that had a ship with not only speed but also stealth capabilities, “Tygra see if you can contact our old friend the Terrator”. **** “Pumyra please sit down, you’ll wear a hole in the floor,” Cheetara said plopping back down on the floor. “Good I hope I can,” the puma nodded the looked towards the cell door,” it funny we haven’t seen or heard from anyone accept her since we awoke,” she said pointing to the tigress. “And be thankful for that,” the tigress snorted, “They are not very friendly people, they never show their faces, they come by once a day and slide food and water under that door”. “I wish I had my staff, “Cheetara said, “I could at least try and contact Lion-O” “Lion-O,” the tigress said surprised hearing the name, “As in the Lord of the Thundercats”. “The one and only,” Cheetara grinned. “But we don’t know if that would work, we’re probably out of range,” Pumyra sighed. Cheetara shrugged and looked over at the tigress, “Forgive me for being rude, but I never caught your name”. “I’m Myra,” The tigress said holding out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, although I was it was under better circumstances, I’m Cheetara and this is my friend and colleague Pumyra,” The cheetah nodded shaking the tigress’s hand, “So how did you get here”. “I was in my ship, the next thing I know this ship appears out of nowhere then a bright light floods my cockpit and here I am,” Myra said. “Did your sensors happen to pick up odd blips when you where traveling,” Pumyra asked. “Yeah…at least once every thirty minutes,” The tigress nodded. “So did ours, “ Cheetara replied, “We got captured the same way”. “We were coming from new thundera and I kept picking up a mysterious blip,” Pumyra said. “Almost like an echo,” Myra said. “Exactly,” the puma nodded. “Ok, now that we know how we all got here, the question is can we get out,” the tigress asked. “We will,” Cheetara nodded, “we just have to sit tight and wait”. “Wait, wait for what,” Myra asked looking at the cheetah curiously. “For the Cavalry to arrive,” she smirked. *** “We really appreciate your help,” Lion-o nodded as the rather larger terrator appeared in the main courtyard. “I understand your concern my friend,” The Terrator’s deep voice echoed, “I offer the use of my ship to find and bring home your mate,” the big creature nodded. “Let’s go,” the big lion nodded, “the quicker we can find them the quicker we can bring them home”. Tygra and Panthro both nodded, “hold on Tara, I’m coming to get you, just hold on” Lion-o whispered as they were beamed up to the terrator’s ship. “Ok so what’s your plan,” Panthro asked once they got on board the terrator’s ship, “How are we going to find them”. “Well we have the data from the feliner,” Lion-o nodded, “that our friend can use, Perhaps he has some way of isolating that blip they kept picking up”. “It’s an ion trail,” the large Terrator said twitching its scorpion like tail. “Is it traceable,” the lion asked. “It will not be easy without the proper data readings,” the terrator said, “but I will try, your friend Mandora is sending us a signal”. The terrator pushed a few button and Mandora’s face came up n the screen, “Lion-O I have some information for you,” she nodded. “Is it about that strange ship,” he asked. “Yes,” Mandora said, “it’s a slave ship from the Oron sector”. “A slave ship,” Lion-o gasped. “Yes, that is their main export, we’ve been trying to catch them for years, but with their stealth capabilities, we never know where they are until it’s too late,” Mandora nodded. “Do they have a home planet,” The lion asked. “No, they are basically nomads, going from place to place, if they still have your thunderian women, they won’t keep them for long, they will soon find a buyer for them then move on,” Mandora said lowering her head, “I am truly sorry Lion-O, as I said we’ve been trying for years to catch them”. “Thank-you Mandora, at least we know more then we did a few minutes ago,” Lion-o nodded gratefully and cut the connection. *** “So is there anyway to get that open,” Pumyra asked as the cheetah examined the door. “No, it looks like the lock mechanism is on the outside,” Cheetara sighed. “We have to find a way out of here,” Pumyra said looking around. “There is no way out,” Myra said, “only that door”. “Well then.” Cheetara said, “I guess we sit tight and wait”. “I hope we won’t have to wait for long,” Pumyra said, “Leanna should have gotten back home by now and got help”. Help was on the way but it wasn’t what that women thought it would be, the lioness never made it back to the Feliner. Unknown to her two friends she was being held in another part of the ship awaiting transport to her new home. “You want to hope I get a good price for her,” a males voice grumbled angrily, “do you know how hard it is to sell damaged goods”. “It couldn’t be helped, “another male answered, “They put up quite a struggle”. “Just make sure she’s chained down good,” the male said, “bloody cats,” he snorted “I hate them…but their hides do catch a fair price on the market if I can’t sell her whole”. “I never thought of you as a slave trader” “Well,” the human male answered, “my usual business has been slow lately and you know how it is you have to make a living somehow”. Once the Lioness was secure the human boarded his ship and took off, the motion of the ship woke the lioness from her drug-induced slumber. She groaned and tried to roll over only to find herself on her back securely tied down, the only thing she could move was her head. Her hands where tightly bound over her head and her feet in heavy chains that where latched to the wall of the cage she was in. “What in Jaga’s name,” Leanna growled struggling with her bonds, “let me go…NOW,” she roared angrily. “Great… it’s awake,” the human snorted shaking his head, “and here I was hoping for a peaceful trip. Now all I’m gona get is yack yack yack”. He sat at the controls trying to ignore the lioness’s rants, but her cursing and yelling was starting to give him a headache, he reached over the side of the console and picked up a bottle and took a good long drink, he closed his eyes for a moment as the liquid burned it’s way down his throat to his empty stomach. The human grumbled and set the bottle down and put the ship on autopilot. He got out of his seat and went to the back where the she-cat was being held. “Will you shut up or I’ll gag you,” the human yelled, “you’re giving me a headache”. “Who are you…where am I…where are my friends,” Leanna asked looking at the human, his eyes were the color of cold steel and his long hair was as black as raven wings. “Your friends are obviously not here,” he said gesturing around the small ship, “as to where you are...Well let’s just say far from home,” he said crouching down in front of the cage, “As are far as who I am,” he said leaning closer, “considering you’re going be here for awhile,” he said leaning back a bit, “Gaston Schwenk is the name…assassination is my game,” he smirked. “Assassination…. you going to kill me,” the lioness asked. “Hmm, well,” Schwenk said rubbing his chin, “no one has paid me to do that yet, see I kill for money, not freebee’s but,” he said leaning closer to the bars, “in your case if you don’t stop the racket I can make an exception, I may not get as much money for you dead as I will keeping you alive, but your hide can still fetch me a good price,” He smiled evilly, “now shut the hell up,” he grumbled slamming the palm of his hand against the bars before he stood and went back to the pilot seat. ***** “I feel like we’re getting close,” Lion-O said, “Are there any readings”. “The ion trial seems to have gone cold,” Tygra said checking over the readouts. “We’ve been following this trail for over 19 hours and now it’s gone cold,” The lion growled, “that’s it…I’m tired of this looking for a needle in a haystack,” He said taking the sword from it’s sheath. “What are you doing,” Panthro asked as he watched Lion-o remove the sword, the lion closed his eyes for a moment and held the sword up over his head, the mighty sword growled in response to it’s masters silent command and flew out of his hand towards the airlock, “Open the airlock,” Lion-O ordered. “Track it,” Lion-O replied as the airlock opened and the sword flew out. “Let’s hope the sword has better luck then we are,” Panthro said tracking the sword as it flew. Pumyra glanced over just as the cheetah’s hand flew to her head, she knew Cheetara was having a vision of some sort, “Cheetara,” the puma said as she ran over the woman’s side, “what is it”. “Lion-O,” she whispered, “I can feel him…. he’s close by,” she said rubbing her temple. “Thank Jaga,” Pumyra said breathing a sigh of relief. *** “Lion-O,” Panthro shouted with joy, “Look the sword”. Lion-O glanced up at the screen and saw the Thundercat symbol shining like a beacon lighting the slave ship up like a Christmas tree. “By thundera,” He beamed, “we found them. Full speed ahead and be ready for anything, we’re going to get the woman back no matter what”. As the terrator ship came closer to the salve ship the three Thunderian males got ready. Even though the signal from the sword disappeared as quickly as it appeared the sword still kept up with it. “They must be using some kind of dampening field, that’s why we only caught a glimpse of it,” Tygra said, “the field seems to be cycling every fifteen minutes, just long enough that our scanners can pick it up as a blip”. “That would explain why I wasn’t warned of their capture, the ships field was blocking the sword,” Lion-O said watching the screen. “When we get in range, prepare for transport, we’ll only have ten seconds to get over there,” Tygra said turning to the terrator. “I still would like to know what kind of creatures we’re up against,” Lion-O said. “I don’t care how big, mean or how many there are, They messed with the wrong cat,” The panther growled, “they took something from me and I plan on getting that back,” he stated determined. “Don’t worry my friend we will,” Lion-O smiled patting the panther’s shoulder, he completely understood how the big panther felt. “There ship maybe larger but we’re faster,” Tygra nodded as they caught up; “maintain this heading and speed, when their shield drops transport us over”. “Ok lets go,” Lion-o nodded and turned around, “where did that panther disappear too,” he said looking around for the missing panther. “Maybe he went to get whatever he packed in that big crate he brought aboard,” Tygra shrugged. “Knowing him,” Lion-O said shaking his head, “we may not want to know”. “Panthro,” Tygra said opening the ships comms, “get up here, we leave in two minutes”. “Keep your pants on stripes,” the panther snorted coming through the door. “Great Jaga,” Lion-O chuckled as he looked back at the panther who had a very large gun over his shoulder, “See,” he said looking back at Tygra,” I told you we probably didn’t want to know”. Tygra just shook his head,” don’t you think that is a bit much”. “Nope,” Panthro answered. “We’re in range,” the terrator replied checking his readouts. Lion-O nodded and called to the sword, when it came through the air lock and landed in his hand he ordered the Terrator to transport them over. The three men appeared in the middle of an empty corridor, “keep you eyes and ears open,” Lion-O whispered as they started to make their way through the ship. Cheetara sat leaning against the wall when felt a very familiar presents,” Lion-O, she gasped. Pumyra looked at her, “what…he’s nearby” “He’s here ….on the ship,” she smiled quickly getting to her feet, she ran over and placed her hand on the door, she closed her eyes and concentrated, trying to make a mental contact, using herself as a beacon so he could find them. Lion-O could feel he was getting close, he felt the cheetah’s presents and smiled, he held into that as they navigated their way through the long corridors. “This will take forever,” he said then called the Terrator’s ship, “See if you can locate them”. “There are three thunderian life forms two decks below you,” the Terrator answered before they where cut off by the ships dampening field. “You heard the man,” Lion-O nodded. “Someone’s coming,” Panthro said cocking his head to one side. The three men ducked into an alcove just as two of the slave catchers walked by. The three men finally got to see what they were up against, the slave catchers looked like a cross between the giantor and trollogs of third earth, they stood over seven feet tall and limbs the size of small tree trunks. “Well Panthro you said you didn’t care how big they were,” Lion-O whispered as the slave catchers went by. “And I still don’t,” Panthro nodded,” I’ll take them all on”. The lion just chuckled, “let’s get moving”. Within minutes they reached the lower deck where the Terrator told them the life forms were coming from, “Over here,” Lion-O said going to the locked cell door, “Cheetara,” he said pounding on the door. “We’re here, “she shouted happily “We’ll get you out in a second…hold on,” Lion-O replied examining the door quickly. “Allow me,” Panthro said taking the gun from his shoulder, “Fire in the hole,” he bellowed before he fired. Cheetara and the others ducked and covered their heads as the door came blasting open. The gunfire had blown the heavy metal door to pieces, once the flying metal stopped and the smoke cleared Lion-O was the first one to enter the room. Cheetara jumped to her feet and jumped into the lion’s waiting arms hugging him fiercely. “Are you okay,” the lion asked once he hesitantly broke their embrace. “I am now,” Cheetara smiled hugging him again. “You okay Pumyra,” Lion-o asked, the puma nodded her head, “you okay Le..,” he said turning around expecting to see the lioness but instead there was a tigress standing there. “Umm, where’s Leanna,” Lion-o asked looking back at the cheetah. “What do you mean where is she,” The cheetah said confused, “isn’t she with you”. “No,” Lion-O said, then looked back at the panther, “oh boy,” he whispered. “Cheetara where is Leanna,” Panthro asked. “I….I don’t know we thought she escaped in the feliner and got you guys,” Cheetara answered. Lion-O just shook his head, “She was captured along with you two…we saw it on the flight recorder” “I’m sorry, but she wasn’t in here with us, was she Myra,” Pumyra said. “No they were the only two that have been here,” the tigress nodded. “Maybe she’s in another cell,” Lion-O said trying to calm the panther before he blew his top. Tygra reached for his communicator and called the terrator again, “Can you scan and see if there are any more thunderian life forms aboard,” the tiger asked. “There are only the six of you,” the terrator answered. “But she wasn’t on the feliner and wasn’t here then,” Cheetara said. “That means she’s been sold,” Myra finished the cheetah’s thought. “Sold…what do you mean sold,” Panthro asked angrily. “It means she’s gone,” Myra said lowering her head. “Gone…. oh hell no,” Panthro roared and stormed out of the room. “Damn it Panthro…Stop,” Lion-o said taking chase, “listen,” he said catching up and grabbing the panther’s arm, “it’s no good searching this ship, we know she’s not here”. “I have to try,” Panthro growled. “You’re only going to get yourself killed then what good would you be to her, she’s probably waiting for us to find her as we speak,” Lion-O said, “Please Panthro I promise you we will find her”. The big panther growled and slammed his fist into the steal wall leaving a large gaping hole behind. “We have to get out of here,” Lion-O said as alarms sounded. He and Panthro ran back into the room, Tygra contacted the Terrators ship and were transported over just seconds before the guards showed up. *** Once the three men and women were safely back on board the Terrator’s ship, a plan was being put in place in how to find the missing lioness. “I’ve contacted Mandora and told her of the situation,” Tygra nodded. “Good,” Lion-O nodded and turned, “we’ll do everything we can to find her Panthro,” Lion-O said but the panther wasn’t there, “now where did he go…..Tygra see if you can locate him”. “He’s gone back to the slave ship,” The terrator said. “That man is bound and determined to get himself killed,” Lion-O growled grabbing his sword, “Lets go get him Tygra”. “We’ll go with you,” Cheetara said as her and Pumyra readied their weapons. “Oh no. You are staying here,” Lion-O replied putting his hands on the cheetah’s shoulders, “I nearly lost you once, I’m not taking that chance again…we won’t be long”. “Hopefully we won’t run into too much trouble,” Tygra said shaking his head. “From the slave catchers or that stubborn panther… should we bring along a knock out dart,” Lion-O smirked knowing that Panthro wasn’t going to come back willingly. “Only as a last resort,” The tiger said. “Surely he can’t be that bad,” Myra said. “You don’t know the half of it,” Tygra winked at the tigress. “Let’s just hope they don’t realize he’s there,” Lion-O said then nodded to the Terrator to transport them over to the ship. “Oh I think they know he’s here,” Tygra said as the sound of alarms going off met them as soon as they materialized on board the slave ship. “That panther is thinking with his heart not his head,” Lion-O said shaking his head, “come on Tygra let’s go save his back side”. Tygra nodded and unfurled his whip, “stay put, I’ll scout ahead,” he said wrapping the whip around himself. Lion-O ducked into an alcove as the tiger went invisible and waited for his return. **** Leanna hadn’t said a word in over eight hours since the human gave his last warning, she just watched him intently from her cage. He didn’t turn her way once, to him she was just a commodity something he could make a fair bit of money if sold to the right person. He knew of a few places he could sell the she-cat. Schwenk placed a few calls and found a couple of buyers willing to pay the 6000 gold pieces he was asking for, he knew he probably could get more if he bartered. “We want to see what we’re bidding for Schwenk,” one man said. Schwenk looked up at the split screen at the two men, one human the other a mutant reptilian. “Now now Gentlemen, I’m a business man..Do you think I would rip you guys off,” Schwenk smirked. “Sure you would,” The human male said, “you’d sell your own mother to make a buck”. “Come on Roland,” Schwenk snorted, “I’ve never ripped you off have I”. “First time for everything,” the human smirked. “Okay okay, “Schwenk said putting up his hands, he leaned forward and pushed a few button calling up a small camera that came down from the ceiling just in front of the cage where the lioness was held. “Kind of hard to make her out,” The mutant said, “can you get closer”. “I think you need glasses,” Schwenk grumbled as he zoomed the camera in more. “I agree with skat, we need a better look…. open the cell door,” Roland nodded. “Are you insane,” Schwenk replied looking back towards the cage. “Well she looks pretty well anchored down…are you a coward,” Roland chuckled. “I am no coward,” Schwenk spat and got up out of his seat, “you be a nice kitty, these gentlemen want to have a look at that pretty face,” Schwenk sneered as he opened the cage door. The lioness ignored him and turned her face away. “Got a stubborn one here,” Roland chuckled, “I like them with spirit…. it will be fun trying to break it”. “Hmm yeah… good luck with that,” Schwenk snorted to himself, he walked over and grabbed the she-cats jaw hard, “I said play nice,” he growled and forcibly turned her head towards the camera. “Kind of scruffy looking isn’t she,” Skat said looking at the thunderian. “With a bit of cleaning up she’ll be fine,” Schwenk shrugged and released the woman’s jaw. “I trust you’ll see to that,” Roland nodded. “Okay,” Schwenk said, he wasn’t looking forward to that,” Give me a couple of hours and I’ll have her presentable so you can make a final bid. “You have two hours,” The mutant nodded before he and the other human cut their connection. **** It didn’t take long for Tygra to find Panthro, all he had to do was follow the fallen slave catchers and char marks on the walls like a trail of bread crumbs, event though they were a lot taller and more then out weight him that didn’t stop the determined panther. Tygra quickly went back to where Lion-O was waiting, “I found him,” Tygra said making himself visible. “Is he okay,” Lion-O asked following the tiger. “You kidding…if I didn’t know better I would think he was actually enjoying himself,” Tygra said leading the way. “Oh boy,” The lion said rolling his eyes. The two men rounded the corner just as one of the slave catchers went sailing over their heads. “Yep he’s having fun,” Lion-O said as he ducked out of the way, “Panthro,” he shouted. The panther turned, “I don’t have time for one of your speeches,” he growled and took a fighting stance as another group of slave catchers came running down the corridor. “What are you doing man,” Lion-O said drawing his sword and sending a bolt of energy into the middle of the group. “I’m trying to get to the main computer,” Panthro snarled and leapt up kicking one of the slave catchers in the ribs, “they must keep records of some kind,” he said bringing the now empty gun down over the back of the catcher head. “And you were going to do this all on your own,” Tygra said wrapping the coils of his whip around another one of the slave catchers legs and pulling hard sending him against the wall with a thud. “If I have too…yes,” Panthro nodded and took off further down the hall. “He does have a point,” Lion-O shrugged. “Don’t encourage him,” Tygra said as they followed close behind. **** “Well cat, you heard them, I need to make you presentable so I can get more money for you,” Schwenk said looking down at the she-cat. “Please don’t do this,” The lioness said, “I have done nothing to you”. “So we can talk instead of screaming demands,” Schwenk snorted, “that’s the problem with you cat’s you’re nothing but savages”. “I am no savage,” Leanna huffed. “Ahh, but I’m afraid you are, you come from a savage background, your just a few steps up on the chain of evolution…the way I see it,” he said crouching down so he was nearly eye level with her, “if given the chance…you’d turn me into your next meal”. “Please I’d rather eat slime then you,” the lioness snorted, “Probably taste better too”. “You know you got a real smart mouth,” Schwenk smirked and stood then in a flash backhanded the lioness across the mouth, “and that bitch, will get you turned into a rug”. “You’re going to be sorry you done that, in fact you’re going to sorry I’m even here,” Leanna spat. “I already am,” Schwenk sighed and reached for something in a nearby cabinet, “I knew you’d be trouble the moment I laid eyes on you…. so I have this,” he said taking down a box, “this will keep you in line,” he replied taking out a collar and holding it up, “see this is laced with thundrainium…not enough to kill you but enough to make you as weak…excuse the express as a kitten,” he chuckled at his own joke.” And if that isn’t enough to discourage you from attacking, it also doubles as a shock collar, at a push of a button it will send a few hundred volts through your body, I can make the voltage as strong as I want, to the point where you would die or just enough to make it really hurt” he said as he slipped the collar around the woman’s neck. “Now before I untie you so you can get cleaned up,” he said, “This collar can’t be removed once locked without a special code”. Schwenk held the control to the collar in one hand as he used the other to unchain the lioness. “Now don’t move until I tell you too,” he said untying her hands. As soon as her hands were free she started to bring them down to her side, which was a mistake, a electric shock surged through her body, “I didn’t say you that you could move now did I,” Schwenk said releasing the button on the controller. “I see we have a listening problem,” he snorted and stood back, “on your feet cat”. The lioness groaned and slowly sat up, her body felt stiff and sore from being in one position for so long, Schwenk stood out of arms reach as the she-cat finally stood, he noticed even bare foot she was nearly half an inch taller then him, “My you are a big one,” He snickered. “I am not big,” The lioness snorted, “your just short”. “Well try not to hit me with that big arse of yours when you come out,” Schwenk grinned knowing he had the upper hand, he knew as long as he had control of her there was nothing she could do that wouldn’t cause harm to herself. The lioness looked at him and growled, “now now,” Schwenk said holding up the controller, “be a nice pet”. “I’m not your damn pet,” she hissed. “You are if I say you are,” Schwenk said, “Now move it,” he said pointing to a door just down a short corridor. **** “Okay Panthro we’ll find the computer and see if there are any records, “Lion-O said as they made their way up to another level, “Then we’re getting off this ship”. “That’s all I want,” Panthro nodded. “Over here,” Tygra called out, “we can access the computer core from here”. “Hurry up before we have more company then we can handle,” the lion said keeping an eye out as the tiger started down loading files. “You have over fifty slave catchers closing in on your location,” The Terrator reported over the comm. “Great,” Lion-O said, “come on Tygra we gotta go”. “Got it, “Tygra nodded. “Get us out of here,” Lion-O half shouted over the comm. Once they made it back to the ship Lion-o turned and looked at the panther, “if you ever pull a stunt like that again I will personally knock you out for a week or chain you to something so you can’t move,” He growled, “you could have gotten your self kill, where is your head man,” the lion fumed. “You would have done the same damn thing, if you were in my position,” Panthro growled and stormed off. “He’s right you know,” Cheetara said trying to calm the lion. Lion-O just looked at her and growled, “Don’t start. He knows that was a foolish stunt”. “Of course he does,” Cheetara said putting her hand on his arm, “But remember he jumped off a cliff to save her. He would also walk through the fires of hell for that woman, …. and so would you if it was me who was missing”. “Yes, I know,” Lion-O sighed, “I just feel as if we’ve failed…you all should be standing here”. “You didn’t fail,” Cheetara said wrapping her arms around the lion and hugging him tightly, “you managed to find us and save us before we too were sold… which was a feat in it’s self, from what the terrator told us, you first thought we were dead”. “Yes,” Lion-O shuddered the scene of the feliner crashing into the side of hook mountain still fresh in his mind, “We thought for sure you had perished when the feliner crashed…. but something inside told me you were still alive”. “And you didn’t stop until you got me back..right,” the cheetah smiled. “Right,” Lion-O nodded. “And neither will he, right now he feels cornered and desperate, which is not and good combination” Cheetara said, “when that panther finds out where she is, I pity help the person who took her”. **** “Come on cat stop wasting time,” Schwenk grumbled as the lioness slowly moved from the cage. Leanna arched a brow when the human opened the door to a small bathroom, “Come on, come on,” Schwenk said shoving her roughly towards the shower stall. “The sooner we get this over with the sooner I can get rid of you,” he said leaning against the doorframe. The lioness moved her stiff arms and began to undue her long braided mane, she turned and looked back at the human, “you going to give me a bit of privacy,” she asked. “Why your just a cat,” he snorted, “Besides I have to make sure you don’t do anything stupid”. “Don’t worry I wouldn’t dream of it,” she said as she undressed and stepped into the stall, she tried to ignore the fact she was being watched as she washed, she knew she couldn’t so anything as long as the control collar was around her neck, she just had to be patient and wait for the right time. “So you a mountain lion,” Schwenk asked watching the lioness closely. “You have the lion part right,” Leanna said keeping her back to him. “But I am not from the mountains”. “It’s hard to tell what you are under all that dirt,” Schwenk snorted. “I’m from the flat lands of thundera,” Leanna said. “Oh that kind of lion, the worst kind mind you,” he smirked, “if I remember my history, your from the lion clan who just laze around all day sleeping”. Schwenk knew that got to her when she whipped her head around and glared at him. That’s one thing he enjoyed was mind games and he was going to have fun with this one.