Cat's Lair, third-Earth.

The red Eye of Thundera, embedded in the hilt of the Sword of Omens, flashed in a manner that indicated that it was going to show potential danger.  When the Eye was inactive, it was dark red; it was brighter when it was active.  Lion-O took the Sword, put the hilt to his eyes, and held it there.  When the bar across the hilt and below the red eye curled and the hilt-apertures were formed, he was looking through the Eye of Thundera.  "Sword of Omens, give me sight-beyond-sight," the Lord of the Thunder Cats commanded.  Through the Eye of Thundera, he saw all the way to Brim*Star, and he saw that the evil Hardware, one of the most infamous members of Mon*Star's Mob, was creating an extremely lethal weapon.  "Curious," he said, putting the Sword back into the Claw-Shield.

            Panthro asked, "What was it, Lion-O?"

            "It showed some humanoid, dwarven creature with an overproportioned waistline creating some sort of weapon, Panthro," said Lion-O.

            "A Mutant, perhaps?" asked Tygra.

            "I doubt it, Tygra.  The technology of the weapon seems too refined for a Mutant's creation."  Jaga, visible and audible only to Lion-O, appeared on the scene.

            "He is a member of the infamous Mob, Lion-O," Jaga stated.

            "What, Jaga?" asked Lion-O, somewhat confused.  "What are you talking about?"

            "The Intergalactic Mob, headed by Mon*Star, who gives himself the title 'Planet Master.'  The members of Mon*Star's Mob are the most evil beings in the Limbo Galaxy sixth of the Milky Way Galaxy."

            "Oh?  What might he have to do with us?"

            "This person you saw, Hardware, has just created a super weapon at the demand of Mon*Star, his boss.  This weapon is capable of destroying all ten of the Silver Hawks."

            Lion-O could hardly believe this, but in a way it made sense, though the Thunder Cats were the only ones with hyper-drive warp technology.  "I've heard of Mon*Star and the Silver Hawks before, but they're about forty-eight trillion� kilometres� away from third-Earth.  How could they possibly have any effect on us?"  [� - In this story and in those that follow, the characters use British units rather than American units; hence, a milliard means an American billion, a billion means an American trillion, and a trillion means an American quadrillion.  Anything below a million means the same as American units.  The author uses British units because they are closer to other languages' use of numbers, which takes over in the Silver Hawks' world and which is universal for the Thunderians.  � - About thirty British trillion miles, or thirty American quadrillion miles.  (kilometres � 1.609344 = miles; mi � 1.609344 = km)]

            "With the Silver Hawks or us done away with, Lion-O," said Jaga in a slightly scolding manner that was not too scolding, "the Mob or the Mutants, Mumm-ra, and Luna-tacks could inter-connect very easily and conquer both Limbo and third-Earth.  In cosmic terms, 48 trillion kilometres is a very microscopic distance.  You know that, Lord.  Also, you're not the only ones with the technology to travel between here and Limbo, despite that Thunderians are the only culture with hyperdrive warp technology."

            "You're correct, Jaga," said Lion-O.  "I should have thought of that, but. . . come to think of it, our communications systems can stretch far beyond 700 thousand light-years.  That'll do the trick."

            "Correct, Lion-O.  Whenever you need my aid again, Lord of the Thunder Cats, you need only call out my name, and I shall try to help as much as I can."  He held up his hand in the Vulcan farewell. . . fingers spread apart except that the little finger and ring finger were touching, as were the index finger and middle finger.  "This is how one peaceful race says farewell.  When members make this sign, they say, 'Live long and prosper.' "

            "Thank you, Jaga," said Lion-O.  "Until we meet again."

            "Farewell; live long and prosper, Lion-O."  Jaga disappeared into the light.

            "What were you and Jaga discussing, Lion-O?" asked Tygra.  Of course, as leader and ruler, Lion-O did not have to answer that.  He usually did, though.

            "The fact that the evil being whom I saw through the Eye of Thundera was a member of Mon*Star's malicious Mob," said Lion-O.

            "The Mob?" exclaimed Cheetara.  "What could they have to do with us?  I mean, Brim*Star is exactly 48 280 320 000 000 000� kilometres� from here."  [� - Read 48 trillion 280 billion 320 milliard.  This author uses a space to divide the thousands rather than commas, since all the characters in these stories do so as well.  That's also the reason for the author's use of the metric system.  � - Exactly 30 British trillion miles.]

            "Cheetara, that distance may sound big, but it can easily be passed through quickly with our present space vehicles," said Panthro.  "You know that, and some others are likely to have technology capable of traversing that distance."

            "You're correct, Panthro.  I almost. . . -GASP!!!-"

            Tygra asked, "What is it, Cheetara?"

            "My sixth sense is telling me what will happen in Limbo, tomorrow, if we do not do anything about it."

            "Exactly what is your sixth sense showing you, Cheetara?" inquired Wilykit curiously.

            "I see Hardware, the one whom Lion-O saw in the Eye of Thundera, blasting and destroying all ten Silver Hawks with that weapon!"  She came out of her telepathic trance.  "My God, Lion-O!  We must warn the Silver Hawks somehow before Mon*Star and Hardware destroy them!"

            "Yes," agreed Lion-O.  "Jaga told me the same thing."

            "So, how are we going to warn the Silver Hawks?" asked Tygra.

            Panthro said, "The communications systems stretch over 700 thousand light-years.  That will definitely give us good reception.  We've the best chance of getting through if we use Morse code."

            "Well, let's get to it, Panthro."

            * * *

            Mumm-ra's Pyramid.

            Mumm-ra was watching the Thunder Cats through the cauldron in his evil pyramid.  Holding Ma-mutt and patting the vicious pooch on the head, Mumm-ra said, "So, Ma-mutt, those Thunder Kitties are going to call the Silver Hawks and warn them.  This sounds like an excellent opportunity to join up with Mon*Star's Mob, in the process carrying along the Mutants and Luna-tacks!  And, together, we shall defeat those accursèd Thunder Cats and despicable Silver Hawks."  He dropped the putrid dog on its rear, and the mutt produced a yip.  "We'll let those Thunder Cats reach out and touch the Silver Hawks.  Good thing they don't have American Telephone and Telegraph.  Let's head toward Castle Plundarr, then Sky Tomb, Ma-mutt!  We have work to do!"  The eyes of the four Ancient Spirits of Evil represented in Mumm-ra's tomb lit up.  Lightning flashed onto the obelisks surrounding the pyramid and rebounded into the pyramid.  Mumm-ra began transforming.  "Ancient Spirits of Evil, transform this decayed form to Mumm-ra, the Ever-Living!"  By the last word, Mumm-ra had been transformed completely.  "Let's go pay those Mutants a nice little visit, Ma-mutt!  Hee, hee, hee!"  Mumm-ra and Ma-mutt flew out the 'window' near the top of the pyramid.

            * * *

            Castle Plundarr, the residence of the Mutants.

            "What's-s-s wrong here?" exploded S-s-slithe, the Reptilian commander.  "Where's the view of Cat's-s-s Lair?"

            The idle Vultureman crowed, "Caw!  Relax, S-s-slithe.  We're doing everything we can.  Caw!"

            "Well, s-s-start doing your share of the work, you lousy, lazy, bird-brained excuse for a Mutant!  Yes-s-s-s?"

            "Hoo, hoo!" said Monkian.  "Yes, bird-brain!  Jackalman and I cannot quickly do it on our own!  Hoo, hoo!"

            "He's right, Vultureman!" said Jackalman.  "I heard you tried to offer the Tower of Omens to those Luna-tacks!"

            "What?" screamed the reptile-like humanoid.  "You sided with those Luna-tacks-s-s without my permission?  You have s-s-some explaining to do, birdbrain!  Yes-s-s-s?"

            "That will have to wait, S-s-slithe!" barked Mumm-ra, appearing in the room.

            "Mumm-ra!  What is it, evil one?"

            "Those wretched Thunder Cats have found a legitimate reason - not that we need one, of course - for us to interconnect with Mon*Star's Mob and rip apart third-Earth, New Thundera, and the Limbo Galaxy portion of this whole cursèd Milky Way Galaxy!  Those blasted Thunder Cats have found out that the Mob can destroy the Silver Hawks with a new special weapon which Hardware, Mon*Star's monstrous mechanic, has created.  We'll never ever have a better chance to get to Limbo and catch the Silver Hawks in the process of trying to sneak into Brim*Star and trying to destroy Hardware's master weapon as quietly as possible.  Of course, we'll need to make a deal with the Luna-tacks.  We'll offer them 50% of our part of the conquered territory, and no one will be able to stop us with the Thunder Cats and Silver Hawks out of the way!"

            "Great idea, Mumm-ra!" said S-s-slithe.  "Then, we could take over the univers-s-se without thos-s-se wretched Thunder Cats-s-s to s-s-stop us-s-s!  Yes-s-s?  Heh, heh, heh!"

            "Hoo, hoo!  Yeah!  Those bird-brained Silver Hawks - hoo, hoo! - would not be able to stop us, either!" Monkian said.

            "Caw!  I do not like this stupid plan, Mumm-ra!" Vultureman said.

            "What?!?" screamed the ancient super-villain.

            "Why don't you like it, Vultureman?" asked Jackalman.  "It's perfect."

            "Because it involves those stinking Luna-tacks," Vultureman said.  "They aren't to be trusted.  Caw!  That blasted Aluro could influence us to give them 75% of the territory; besides, those Cats are so cunning that they could outwit anyone any day of the year!  I just do not like the idea."

            S-s-slithe said, "Vultureman, with the Mob's help, those Thunder Kitties-s-s would be in way over their heads-s-s.  Yes-s-s?"

            "Yes," said Mumm-ra, "and then, together, we would all rule this measly universe!  Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!"

            "I'm just weighing the risks.  It is not a bad plan though, Mumm-ra."  Aside, he admitted, "I'm lying!"

            "Good," said Mumm-ra, pretending not to have heard the remark.  "Now let's get to Sky Tomb.  I'm sure those Luna-tacks want to get rid of those blasted Thunder Cats as much as we do."

            * * *

            Command Centre, Hawkhaven.

            The Silver Hawks received a message in Morse code.  At communications, Quicksilver said, "Hmm.  It seems as though someone has found out that the evil Hardware has created a weapon which can destroy us."

            "So," said Steelheart.  "Can you figure out where this transmission is coming from?"

            "I'll track down the direction of the energy waves, Steelheart," said Steelwill.  "It shouldn't take long."

            "Okay, Will.  You do that.  Bluegrass, Kidd, Quicksilver, you guys come with me.  We are going to Brim*Star."

            "Aye, aye, ma'am!" said those three in unison.

            * * *

            Sky Tomb, third-Earth.

            "So, you see, Luna," Mumm-ra concluded, "that those wretched Thunder Cats are playing right into my hand."

            "This had better be a good plan, you rotten Egyptian relic," screamed Luna, in a sour mood already today, "or I'll have Aluro tell you to take a walk off the top of the hot tin roof of Sky Tomb - and you'd do it too!"

            "Precisely," said Aluro, "so this plan had better work, or I'll throw in a bash with my Psi Club!"  More commonly known as the Mesmerisation Club.

            "Oh, don't worry!" said Mumm-ra.  "Those Thunder Cats and Silver Hawks will be on the highway to extinction. . . especially once the Silver Hawks fix in on where their messages are coming from."

            "It seems rather risky, but it is worth a try, especially since there is a good chance that those two groups could be thoroughly eliminated," Chilla said.

            Luna shouted, "Yes!  Yes!  We shall go along with your little game plan, Mumm-ra.  But I warn you!  If this fails, we shall get you!"

            "What could pos-s-ssibly go wrong with it, Luna?" asked S-s-slithe.  "It's-s-s clearer to me than water!"

            "Shut up, Mutant!" Luna commanded in Plundarrian Spanish, which was similar to Terran Spanish.  Back in English, she continued, "Otherwise, you will be taking a long walk off of a short pier!"

            "Okay!  I'm shutting up."  He 'closed' his mouth with an imaginary zipper.

            * * *

            Command Centre, Hawkhaven.

            Steelwill had just found out the location of the message emitter and was now calling the Mirage.  "Hawkhaven calling Mirage; Hawkhaven calling Mirage.  Do you read me?"

            "Mirage here, Steelwill," replied Bluegrass.  "Have you found the location of the message transmitter yet?"

            "Yes, but this might be going to sound a little weird," said Steelwill.  "It's coming from third-Earth in the third solar system related to our home solar system.  You probably know who was sending the message."

            "Certainly, by hearing the planet's name.  Mirage out."  The communication link between the Mirage and Hawkhaven was cut.

            * * *

            Mirage.

            At the Mirage, Bluegrass asked, "Couldn't you guess the transmitting place, Steel-lady?"

            "Certainly, cowboy.  Can you do the honours, Quick?" asked Steelheart.

            Quicksilver said, "Cat's Lair.  I wonder, though, how they found out about that Hardware's plot before we did."

            "I wouldn't know.  I have never seen Thunder Cats before.  I don't know how they are, in terms of their methods and such, but I have heard that they are very good people, and by that, I can imagine why they told us about the occurrence.  However,. . ."

            "Er, Steelheart?"

            "Oh, yes.  I've gotten carried away again, haven't I?"

            "Exactly.  Keep a sharp eye out, Hawks.  We're nearing Brim*Star."

            * * *

            Brim*Star.

            Within Brim*Star, the home of the evil Mob, evil things were brewing, as usual.  In his workshop, Hardware asked, "But how could the Thunder Cats possibly pose a threat to us, Planet Master?  No doubt the Eye of Thundera is indeed powerful, but third-Earth is forty-eight British trillion� kilometres from here."  [� - However, note that like the author, the Limbo characters usually specify British trillion, as opposed to American trillion, because American units still exist (though have become quite rare).]

            "The Thunder Cats can travel that distance within half an hour, Hardware," Mon*Star said.  "If we risk it, we could end up being burned out worse by them and the Silver Hawks than we could by the Silver Hawks alone."

            "Sure.  Hmph!  My stupid questions."

            * * *

            Mirage.

            The Mirage was closing in on Brim*Star.  Bluegrass asked, "What do you want to do, Steelheart?"

            Steelheart flashed on her visor.  "Let us go, cowboy.  We'll try to snatch that gun out of Hardware's evil paws."

            "Suits me.  Prepare to launch."

            "Ready!"

            Flashing on his visor, Quicksilver announced, "Ready!"

            "Ready!" announced Copper-Kidd, flashing on his visor.

            Bluegrass pressed the all-four pod release button.  "Releasing!"

            * * *

            Brim*Star.

            Hearing the alarm buzzing, Mon*Star screamed, "What's that, Yes-Man?"

            Yes-Man said, "It's the Silver Hawks!  Ooh, yes, yes, yes!"

            Not paying attention to the alarm, Hardware said, "I don't understand how that blasted Lion-O got the 'Lord of the Thunder Cats' title, Mon*Star.  He's not the most experienced Thunder Cat."  This side-tracked the Planet Master.

            Mon*Star said, "Well, first, he was the hereditary lord, but when he had come of age, he had to go through the Anointment Trials.  Sit down, and I shall show you the Anointment Trials."  Mon*Star slipped a compact disc into the disc-player.

            Yes-Man whined, "But, boss. . ."

            "Shut up, you whimpering worm!" yelled Mon*Star.

            "How were the trials given, Mon*Star?" Hardware asked.

            "The Silver Hawks are almost here!" insisted Yes-Man.

            To Yes-Man, Mon*Star snapped, "Silence, Yes-Man!  Beat it!"  Back to Hardware, he continued, "Well, first, Lion-O had to 'defeat' Panthro in the Trial of Strength.  This is the first Anointment Trial, and I'll show it to you."

            Seeing the Silver Hawks in the doorway, Yes-Man screamed, "Oh, no!  Here are the Silver Hawks now, boss!"

            Blasting Yes-Man with a Light*Star, Mon*Star ordered, "SHUT UP, YOU IDIOT!!!"  Mon*Star started the disc playing, unaware that the Silver Hawks had sneaked into Brim*Star Fortress.  The showing of the trial lasted about 25 minutes.  Near the halfway point in the trial showing, Quicksilver quietly sneaked into Hardware's workshop and snatched the special weapon capable of destroying the Silver Hawks.  He handed it to Steelheart.  When the showing of Lion-O's first Anointment Trial ended, Mon*Star and Hardware did NOT turn to the table that had the ray on it.  Instead, stupid ol' Mon*Star explained some more.  "Now, Hardware, Lion-O had four more trials.  His next one was the Trial of Speed with Cheetara.  He had to race Cheetara to the next objective.  Here.  I'll show you the Second Anointment Trial."  He started the disc playing.  Now was a showing of the Trial of Speed, again lasting about 25 minutes.  In order to keep track of how many Thunder Cats over whom Lion-O had 'triumphed,' the Thunder Cat over whom Lion-O had 'triumphed' gave him his or her insignia, by tradition.  "Now, since Lion-O has won the race with Cheetara, he now faces the cunning Thunder Kittens, who are Wilykat and Wilykit.  Neither his strength nor his speed could help him decisively in the Trial of Cunning; he had to out-trick the Kittens."  Mon*Star once again turned on the disc.  The Trial of Cunning lasted, once again, about 25 minutes.  Hardware was almost awed by the Kittens' intelligence and cunning.  "Now, Hardware, since Lion-O has outwitted the Wilykats, he must face the intelligent Tygra, who has a special gift for mind power.  Believe me, we definitely do not want to get into a tangle with Tygra after giving him too much of an advantage.  Here, I'll show you why."  Mon*Star turned on the disc again, and, once again, the Trial of Mind Power lasted about 25 minutes.  Hardware was convinced!  One could tell by the look on his face.

            Hardware squeaked, "I believe you!"

            "Now, my friend," said Mon*Star, "Lion-O had to find and defeat Mumm-ra. . . without the Sword of Omens, embedded in whose hilt is that accursèd Eye of Thundera."  Once again, Mon*Star turned on the disc, and once again the program lasted about twenty-five minutes.  About the last four or three minutes was the ceremony anointing Lion-O the true Lord of the Thunder Cats.  "Now, Hardware, do you see how Lion-O became the Lord of the Thunder Cats?"

            "Yes, Planet Master!  Now, let's destroy a few Silver Turkeys!"

            "Too late, Hardware!" came Steelheart's voice.  She entered with the smashed device in her hands.  "We already found your little toy and destroyed it, thanks to your being engaged in watching all five of Lion-O's Anointment Trials.  You idiots let your guard down for about 125 minutes after your excellent alarm so crisply and clearly picked us up."  Mon*Star was infuriated, and he decided to funnel that fury toward Hardware.

            "This is your fault, Hardware.  You are the idiot who wanted to find out how Lion-O became Lord of the Thunder Cats!  You are a bungler!"

            "But boss!" whined Hardware.  "I, I, I,. . ."

            "Don't you 'I, I, I,. . .' me Hardware!  You ruined EVERYTHING!!!  Our friendship is THROUGH FOREVER!!!"  The trouble with that was that Mon*Star always said things like that!

            "Well, I, I, uh, did not mean it boss!  I, I, I mean. . ."

            "Oh, forget it!"  He turned to Yes-Man.  "Yes-Man!!!  Why the heck haven't you prepared for transformation yet, you fool?!?"

            "Ooh, I'll get to it right now, boss!  Definitely, boss!  Whatever you say, boss!  You've got it!  Ooh, yes indeed!  Certainly!  Yes, yes, yes!  You said it!  Oh, yes!  I definitely agree,. . ."

            Mon*Star screamed, "SHUT UP AND GET IN THERE TO START THAT TRANSFORMATION MACHINERY THIS INSTANT, OR I'LL STUFF YOU INTO THE DEEP SPACE EJECTOR AND BLAST YOU TO THE BACK OF BEYOND!!!"  The Deep Space Ejector was a device in the control room that could eject objects through a glass tube spiralling up the side of the fortress and out into space.  The force applied was enormous, yet it somehow caused no harm to the person or object being ejected.  Mostly, of course, this was an empty threat, but it got the point across.

            "The back of beyond.  Ooh, yes, boss!  Definitely!  Got it!"  He left the room and slithered as quickly as he could toward the control room.  Bluegrass was waiting there at the door.

            Blasting guitar lasers at Yes-Man, Bluegrass ordered, "Hold it right there, Yes-Man, unless you'd like to play 'Name That Song'!"

            Melodia came up with her Sound Smasher aimed at Bluegrass.  "Hold it right there, cowboy, or I'll teach you the real meaning of rock and roll with my trusty Sound Smasher!"

            Bluegrass fired an arm-laser at the place on Melodia's Sound Smasher where the neck connected to the body, thereby destroying the connection and rendering the Sound Smasher useless.  "I suggest that you try not to bite off more than you can chew, lady!"

            "Oh, yeah.  Right, Bluegrass!  I think my judge is burning - I mean my fudge is burning - my mother wants me - I have to, um, I think I had better get out of here!"

            "You'd better, lady, or you're going to really face the music!"

            Mon*Star stormed out and shouted, "What the heck is keeping you, Yes-. . .?  Uh, oh!"

            " 'Uh, oh!' is right, star-breath!" said Bluegrass.

            "Uh, I do not think that I really want to transform, now that you think of it," Mon*Star lied.

            Bluegrass played his Laser Guitar, the head of which was pointed at Mon*Star.  "Great idea, Mon*Star.  Now, get moving to your room, you bad boy!"  Dodging the blasts, Mon*Star ran to the control chamber.  "I'll be seein' y'around, star-brain."

            Mon*Star said, "You certainly will!"

            "Well, we did what we came to do," said Steelheart.  "Let's go home."

            "Great idea, Steel-lady!  I parked the Mirage outside."

            * * *

            Castle Plundarr.

            At Castle Plundarr, Vultureman again voiced his negative opinions.  "SEE?" he demanded.  "THOSE SILVER HAWKS DEFEATED THE MOB!!!  ARE YOU SATISFIED, MUMM-RA?!?"

            "That was part of the plan, Vultureman," Mumm-ra explained.

            "Yes-s-s, Vultureman," S-s-slithe said.  "Now, phas-s-se two goes-s-s into action."

            Luna said, "Yes.  Now, we head for Limbo."

            Monkian asked, "Hoo, hoo!  Wait a minute!  How long will it take to get to Brim*Star?"

            "According to my calculations," said Tug-mug, "it'll take about half an hour."

            "Hee, ha, ha!" laughed Jackalman.  "That's good!"

            * * *

            Cat's Lair.

            Over at Cat's Lair, the Thunder Cats were trying to tune into the Mutants' frequency.  "Any success yet, Panthro?" asked Tygra.

            Panthro said, "I'm just getting faint signals. . . wait a minute!  Here we go!  I hear Jackalman laughing!  I'll transfer it to the main control panel."  An image of the ugly Plundarrians and the even uglier Mumm-ra appeared on the main screen.  The evil-doers were all in conversation.

            "Ha, ha, ha!" laughed Jackalman.  "Will those Silver Turkeys be surprised when we arrive at Limbo!" he exclaimed in Plundarrian Spanish.

            "Yes!" said Red-eye.  "And since they all give off heat, I'll easily be able to find them!"

            "Good!" screamed Luna, in her usual rotten mood.  In Plundarrian Spanish, she continued, "I do not want anything to go wrong with this little operation!"

            "Those disgusting Plundarrians!" said Wilykat.

            Bengali shut off the communicator.  "Darn!  Now those Mutants, Luna-tacks, and Mumm-ra are planning to 'get' the Silver Hawks."

            "Right, brother," said Tygra.  "Now, we must warn the Silver Hawks of those darn Plundarrians and that evil mummy and his foul mongrel."

            "It could get more serious than that, Tygra," said Lion-O.  "If the Plundarrians, Mumm-ra, and the Mob ever all got together, we and the Silver Hawks may all be in way over our heads.  If we and the Silver Hawks get together before the Plundarrians, Mumm-ra, and the Mob do, though, we can be ready for those evil characters."

            "When do you think is the best time to leave, and in which vehicle?" asked Lynx-O, monitoring from the Tower of Omens.

            At the Tower also, Pumyra said, "Right.  How do we get up there, and how long will it take?"

            "We'll probably be using the Feliner, and at hyper 232, it should take about a third of an hour to get to Hawkhaven," Lion-O said.

            "That's great.  We definitely won't need suspension capsules."

            "And I sure am relieved!" said Wilykit.  She threw an angry glance at Wilykat.  "Partly because somebody dragged me into mine when we escaped from Thundera!"

            "You probably wouldn't have gone willingly, anyway, Wilykit!" Wilykat snapped.

            Snarf said, "Snarf, snarf!  I think I'll just stay here, out of harm's way."

            "Snarfer, snarfer!" said Snarfer.  "Well, I want to go, Uncle Os-. . . Snarf!  I'm not afraid of any moon-brains, Egyptian relics, or deep-spaced monsters and robots."

            Lion-O said, "Panthro, send out a message in Morse code explaining that we're coming to Limbo to the Silver Hawks' satellite base.  Then, join us in the next room.  Lynx-O and Pumyra, come here as quickly as possible."

            "You've got it, Lion-O," said Panthro.  "Morse code message is being sent."

            Lynx-O replied, "And Pumyra and I are coming over right now.  Lynx-O out."

            * * *

            Command Centre, Hawkhaven.

            Over at Hawkhaven, the Hawks received the transmission from Cat's Lair.  The Mirage had recently returned.  "I don't think I believe it!" cried Quicksilver.

            Steelheart asked, "What is it, Quicksilver?"

            "The Thunder Cats have said the Mumm-ra and the Plundarrians have a plan to stop us and the Thunder Cats, and that the Thunder Cats are coming out here to help us to thwart the plans of Mumm-ra and the Plundarrians, as well as those of the Mob.  They sent this message in Morse code, too."

            "Well, then!  I guess we ought to get this place cleaned up for guests.  I know how neat you boys keep it."  The other Silver Hawks felt a tad bit embarrassed.  She was the neatest person in the whole place; almost everyone else left their living quarters messy, while she would organise her socks according to the purchase date after having sorted them by type, size, and colour!  The only exception was Quicksilver, who was almost like she was.  Despite his similarities to his sister, Steelwill would rarely do that for anything.  "Will. . ."

            "I shall clean up the quarters for invited guests, Steelheart," said Steelwill.

            Steelheart said, "Exactly, Will.  Go ahead and do so."  Steelwill went downstairs in the elevator.  "Bluegrass,. . ."

            "Sí, Steel-lady?"

            "I want you to clean up that hangar."

            "Got it!"  Bluegrass took another elevator down to the hangar.

            "Quicksilver, I want you to inspect the Mirage, the Sprint Hawk, and Copper-Kidd's Space Racer to make sure that they run all right.  Also, clean up if you have time."

            Quicksilver said, "It's as good as done, ma'am."  He flew down the stairwell.

            "Condor and Moonstriker, patrol around Dolare and Bedlama to see if there is any suspicious activity going on around there."

            In unison Moonstriker and Condor replied, "Aye, ma'am!"  They then left.

            "Hotwing and Flashback, I'd like you two to patrol around Automata and the Penal Planet."

            Hotwing said, "Aye, ma'am!"

            "As good as done, Commander," said Flashback.  The two departed.

            "Stargazer and Copper-Kidd, I want you two to monitor the area between here and third-Earth."

            Stargazer said, "Yes, ma'am!"

            "As for myself," Steelheart said, "I'll be patrolling around Brim*Star for a little while.  Good-bye!"

            * * *

            Cat's Lair.

            The Thunder Cats had all congregated in their congregation room.  "Even though some of us may be looking forward to going to Limbo," said Lion-O, "some of us will be required to remain here at third-Earth.  Lynx-O and Pumyra, you two will be keeping watch at the Tower of Omens.  Keep the Braille Board tuned to the Feliner frequency."

            "Yes, Lion-O," said Lynx-O.

            "Bengali, you'll stay here and keep watch on us on the monitors," said Lion-O.

            Thunderians had freedom of speech.  Bengali exercised it when he said, "I'd rather be up at Limbo helping you.  However, as you are the Lord of the Thunder Cats, I obey your decision."

            Lion-O understood the sentiment.  He would feel the same way in Bengali's place.  He continued, "That's all right.  Thunder Kittens. . ."

            Wilykat said, "We will not like this."

            "Shut up and listen!" commanded his sister quietly.  He obeyed, but only because she was the older sibling.

            "Oh, I think you will like it.  You will be preparing the Feliner for take-off.  After that, you will be coming with us."

            Wilykat begged, "Oh, please, Lion-O!  Let us. . . we're coming?"

            "Yes, we are," Wilykit said.  She decided to delete a remark from her present series of word groups. . . the remark 'you idiot.'  "When are we to prepare the Feliner for take-off, Lion-O?"  Lion-O was beginning to notice a welcome change in her.  She was obviously becoming maturer mentally.  Definitely more quickly than Wilykat.  He wondered when he could reveal how he really felt about her.