Ties That Bind -- Chapter 24
Hello all! I hope you enjoy this chapter. :) Chapter 24 “We have an incoming bogey at one o’clock.” WilyKat said. “That can’t be good. Call the Thunder Guard, everybody on high alert.” Kit instructed. Her brother nodded and sounded the alarm. Down in the sick bay, the high alert noise sounded. Pumyra looked up from her paperwork and over to the panther and lioness. “I’m going to check it out. Make sure he stays put.” She smiled slightly. “I got him.” Lea promised. “Are you sure?” Panthro winked as the puma exited the room. “Oh this time I’m not letting you out of my sight.” The lioness vowed. Panthro smiled but she could see the concern behind his eyes. She knew he wanted to be helping the others even though he couldn’t. “What’s going on?” Pumyra asked as she entered the control room. “Mumm-Ra incoming.” Kat told her. “The others?” she wondered. “They know and are heading back in the ThunderTank. ETA fifteen minutes.” Kit explained. “Have the Thunder Guard taken their positions?” Pumyra inquired. “Men at turrets two, three, and five. One and four should be in position in less than two minutes.” Kat informed her. “Good. When Mumm-Ra is within range have them open fire.” The puma instructed. Kat nodded and radioed the laser turrets mounted on Cat’s Lair. “What about the cubs? Are they secure?” Kit asked. “Great Jaga! Call down to Snarf. Have him get them into the nursery if he hasn’t already.” Pumyra said. Kat made the call and confirmed the little ones were safe at the moment. “Bogey within range, fire at will.” Kit issued the command to the gunners. Soon the sound of blasts filled the air. The Thunder Guardsmen were doing their best but Mumm-Ra seemed to be easily avoiding and blocking the shots. “He’s still coming. What do we do?” Kat asked. “Have them switch to missiles and have the rest prepare for hand to hand combat. Until the others get back we have to hold him off.” Pumyra said as she checked her pellet capacity in her belt. Just then an explosion rocked Cat’s Lair, knocking the puma down. “What was that?” She asked. “We’ve lost turret three. Fire and major damage reported.” Kat answered. “Get med and fire crews up there immediately.” The puma ordered. “Already done. Five minutes until the ThunderTank arrives.” Kit told them as another explosion shook the fortress’ foundation. “We may not have that long.” Pumyra said. “That was turret one, crews are on their way.” Kat informed the two. “Tell all remaining gunners to concentrate their blasts at their target. I want them to fire their rounds at the same time. Hopefully a triple whammy will slow Mumm-Ra down.” Pumyra commanded. Kat nodded and gave the order. Up in the gun turrets the Guardsmen listened and waited until they all had a lock on the flying mummy. “Fire!” Turret two gunmen shouted. Three missiles left their chutes at exactly the same time. There were three large explosions followed by large smoke clouds. “Can you confirm target destruction?” Came Kit’s voice over the radio. “Negative, the smoke is too thick. Wait a minute for some clearing.” Turret four gunman said. Everyone held their breath waiting for confirmation. Then a cackle of static came over the airwaves. “Great Jaga’s ghost!” “Repeat turret five.” Kat said. “The mummy has entered the building.” Came Mumm-Ra’s voice over the line. To Be Continued…