Gone Fishin'
"What a beautiful day for a fishing trip, huh bros?", Modo said, as he was packing his fishing gear onto his bike. Modo also looked out the window of Charley's repair shop, The Last Chance Garage. Both Vinnie and Throttle looked at Modo.
"Vinnie and I have other plans today, big fella. Why don't you ask Charley-girl if she would like to go", Throttle said, as he put a few things in a duffle bag. Vinnie was doing the same thing.
"What could be better than fishing?", asked Modo.
"We're heading back to Mars for a few days. I'm gonna finally tell Carbine that it's over", said Throttle.
"And what about you, Bro? Why are you going back home?", Modo asked.
"I have my reasons, Bro. Reasons you don't need to know", Vinnie said.
Throttle and Modo looked at Vinnie in total shock. They have never seen their Bro look so serious before.
"It's Harley, isn't it, Vincent? You're worried about where she could be", Throttle said.
All Vinnie did was nod. He couldn't help but think about his girlfriend.
"She's on my mind all the time, Bro. One day, I accidentally called Charley-girl, Harley. I was glad that she didn't get mad at me for the slip of the tongue. Man, Throttle. You're lucky to have someone like Carbine", said Vinnie.
Right before Throttle could say more, the ship to take him and Vinnie back to Mars had arrived. They loaded their bikes on the ship. Then waved good-bye to Modo.
Shortly after the ship left the orbit, Modo finished packing his fishing gear and went to see if Charley would like to go fishing with him.
Charley was under the front end of her recent customer's old '67 Ford truck. Modo walked over to the truck and lightly tapped on it so he wouldn't startle Charley.
She pushed herself out from underneath the truck and saw Modo standing above her. "Vinnie and Throttle already leave for Mars?", Charley asked.
"Yep. They didn't think going fishing was a good idea. So, I was wondering if you would like to go with me, Charley-ma'am?", asked Modo.
"I'm just about done here, then I'll clean up and we can head out. I needed a day off, anyway. So, yes, I would love to go fishing with you, Modo", said Charley.
"Let me help you with the rest of this, Charley-ma'am. You'll get done quicker with a little extra help", Modo said. Charley nodded her head in acceptance for the help.
An hour after her and Modo finished the repairs on the truck, she went to go clean up. She was going to, but Modo stopped her. "Just bring your swimsuit. There's a beach where we're going fishing", said Modo.
Charley just shrugged and went to get her swimsuit and beach towel.
When Modo and Charley arrived at the preferred destination, they got off Modo's bike, Lil' Hoss. Modo grabbed his fishing gear and Charley's duffle bag with her swimsuit and beach towel.
Charley looked around at her surroundings. "What a beautiful place. I've lived here in Chicago all my life, and I've never seen this place before", Charley said. Then she looked for a bush to go change into her swimsuit.
While she was getting changed, Modo set up his fishing pole and a chair. He sat down in the chair, grabbed his pole and cast it. "I've still got the ol' Modo touch with a fishing lure", Modo said to himself.
A few min. later, Charley emerged from behind the bush, in her swimsuit. She had her towel hanging on her right shoulder.
Modo looked over at Charley and blushed a bit. It wasn't as noticeable with Modo cause of his grey fur.
"Don't be embarrassed, big guy. You seem to do that a lot around me. Why?", asked Charley.
"I only do it around pretty women, Charley-ma'am. I can't help it. I'm not like Vinnie. I can't be straight forward or rude like he is. My momma would tweak my ear if I was rude to a woman", said Modo.
"I'm glad you're not like Mr. Ego, er, I mean Vinnie. You and Throttle are very polite around me. I haven't told Throttle this and I'm not sure if I can tell you, either. I don't want to hurt either of you. You're my dear friends", Charley said.
Before Modo could get a chance to respond, his pole started jerking. "Oh, hey! I think I caught something!", Modo said, grabbing his fishing pole. He started reeling in his catch.
"That's a big fish, Modo. You going to be able to bring it in?", asked Charley.
Yeah, I think so. He's a fighter, that's for sure", said Modo, still trying to reel in the fish.
"Don't let him drag you in, Modo! I'm not using MY hair dryer on you again if you get wet!", Charley said, remembering the last time she had to use HER hair dryer on the bros cause they decided to have a water fight.
Modo finally managed to bring in the catch of the day. "WOW! He was a real fighter, but I won the fight. Rimfire will never believe this when I tell him", Modo said, holding up the 30", 10 lb. fish.
"I brought my camera with me for such an occasion. Let me get it out and I'll take the picture. Afterwards, we'll cook it for lunch. I'm starving", said Charley. Then she rummaged through her bag for her camera.
After she started the fire, Modo had just finished de-boning the fish and brought it over so she could cook it.
"So, what was it you were going to say, big guy?", Charley asked.
"It's nothing, Charley-ma'am. I would like you to teach me how to use your computer when we get back. I would like to send the picture to Rimfire", Modo said.
"Of course I'll teach you. But I would like to know what you were going to say before you reeled our lunch in", said Charley.
"Both Throttle and I have had our eyes on you. We talked it over and knew that one of us was going to get you. That's why Throttle went back to Mars. He's going to tell Carbine that it's over. I told Throttle that if he wants to hook up with you, then I'll stay out of it. I won't get in between the 2 of you. If that's what you want. I just can't see you with Vinnie", said Modo.
"I'm really surprised that you would be willing to stay out of my relationship with Throttle. That's very sweet of you, Modo. You'll always be my dear friend. As will Vinnie. Speaking of him. Do you think he'll understand that I don't want to date him?", Charley asked., checking the fish.
"I have no clue. I also told Throttle that if he hurts you in any way, he'll answer to me. I don't like to see a lady's feelings hurt. And you're a special lady to him. He loves you, Charley", Modo said.
"I know he does, Modo. I just don't have the same feelings for him. He's more like a big brother to me, than a boyfriend. I just don't have the heart to tell him. I'm afraid that he will do something stupid if I tell him I'm not interested. I want nothing more than friendship from Throttle. Same thing with you, as well, Modo. You and Throttle are very sweet guys, but…", said Charley.
"I understand, Charley. You don't want bad blood between Throttle and I", said Modo.
"Exactly. I hate to see Throttle end his relationship with Carbine cause of me. She's lucky to have a guy like him. I want more than anything in this world to be with Throttle, but you 2 have been friends for so long, and I hate to see that friendship end cause of me", Charley said.
Space. The interior of the Intrepid ship that was sent for Vinnie and Throttle. Vinnie was wiping down his bike for the 100th time since they left Earth.
Throttle put the ship on autopilot and went to check on his bike. That's when he noticed Vinnie cleaning his bike again. He rolled his eyes and walked up to his biker bro.
"Alright Vincent. What's up? Something is definitely bothering you", Throttle said.
Vinnie looked up from his bike and saw Throttle leaning over the bike. "I have no idea what you're talking about, bro. I'm fine, really. It's just been a while since I saw home, is all", Vinnie said.
"Yeah, ok. Whatever you say, bro. You have been quiet since we left Earth and I want to know why", said Throttle.
Vinnie got up from his kneeling position on the floor and stared Throttle right in the eyes. "I told you Throttle. I just miss home. That's it, ok", said Vinnie.
"I'm not buying it, Vincent. If you're worried that Harley may not be the same woman you remember, that's to be expected. It has been sometime since she was captured by that imposter. It was a miracle that Stoker and some others found her a month later. I know you miss her, bro, but if she doesn't remember you, what are you going to do?", Throttle asked.
"I don't want to even think about it, bro. She probably blames me for not protecting her like I should have. I have to know something, Throttle. How did you manage to snag someone like Carbine? What's your secret?", Vinnie replied.
"No secret. I just have that natural charm that she loves. I don't try to prove that I'm Mars' gift to women like you do. Your heart is in the right place, Vinnie. You just need to listen to what it says and not what your head is telling you. That's where you screw up", said Throttle.
Throttle gave Vinnie something to think about. "Yeah, you're probably right. If I try to give what Harley wants, then maybe she'll remember who I am", said Vinnie.
"That's not what I meant, Vinnie. What I meant is that if she doesn't remember you, then introduce yourself and get to know her again. It would be like meeting a new friend. For your sake, I hope she does remember you", Throttle said.
"Me too. But my other dilemma is that I'm in love with Charley. But I don't think she feels the same about me", Vinnie said.
"I know she doesn't feel the same about you, bro. She told me", said Throttle.
Vinnie was shocked that Charley had told Throttle instead of telling him. "Don't be mad at Charley, Vinnie. She wanted to tell you, but she was afraid that you would do something stupid, so she didn't tell you", Throttle said.
"I ain't mad, Throttle. Actually, I'm kinda glad she didn't tell me. I probably would have done something stupid. I probably didn't even have a chance with Charley", said Vinnie.
"Now, you know that's not true, Vincent. If you had acted like you were a gentle mouse, then maybe you would have had a date with her. Instead, you went about it the wrong way. Don't act so macho around her. That's what turned her off. With Harley, try to be charming and understanding", said Throttle.
"So, what you're saying is be like you? Listen to what the lady wants and act accordingly, right?", Vinnie asked.
"Exactly. Now you're getting it, Vincent. By the Gods, he got it!", Throttle said, laughing a bit. Vinnie laughed, too. He felt better since he had that talk with Throttle on how to treat a woman with respect.
Mars. It was once a thriving, lush planet. Now it's a desert waste land since the Plutarkians arrived and started ravishing the land for their own needs.
"Wow! Mars looks worse than the day we left it", said Vinnie.
"I know. I don't remember it being this bad when we left. I wouldn't be surprised if Carbine let it get this way. If she did, then she needs a good swift kick in the ass, female or not. General or not", Throttle said, as he followed Vinnie out of the ship with his bike.
Shortly after they arrived at Freedom Fighters HQ, they parked their bikes and went looking for Stoker.
They didn't go far, cause Stoker found them halfway into the base. "Hey mudpuppies. How was the trip?", Stoker asked.
"Next time you come with us, old man. Then you can see how the trip is", Vinnie said.
"What's with you, rookie? Cat got your tail?", asked Stoker.
"Not funny, Stoker. Vinnie has been like this since we left Earth. He's worried about if Harley will even remember him, considering it's been sometime between her rescue and us being on Earth", said Throttle.
Stoker looked at Vinnie. "I'm sorry, Vinnie. I should have been more susceptible to your feelings about Harley. We cool, bro?", Stoker asked, extending his hand out to the white furred Martian.
"Yeah, we're cool, coach. Where is Harley?", asked Vinnie, shaking Stoker's hand.
"She's in the mess hall right now, but….", said Stoker.
By the time he tried to finish, Vinnie was already out of sight.
"What's up, coach? Is there something wrong with Harley-girl that you tried to tell Vinnie?", Throttle asked.
"She doesn't remember any of us. I'm guessing she had her memory wiped clean and that could be bad news for the punk", Stoker said.
Earth. The City? The suburbs of Chicago. The place? A little area just outside of the city. Both Modo and Charley had just finished eating the fish that Modo had caught 3 hrs. earlier. They were out in the water, having fun.
Charley got her foot caught between 2 rocks out in the deep water. She couldn't get her head above the water to catch her breath.
Modo noticed Charley going under and swam to help her. He dove down and noticed her foot caught between the 2 rocks.
After 2hrs. of trying to get Charley free, he decided to blast the rocks without hurting her. Charley had already passed out from lack of oxygen.
Shortly after Modo got Charley's foot free, he headed for the surface of the water with Charley in his arms.
He took her to the beach and laid her down on her back. Then he started administering CPR. He was hoping that he could save her. Modo also knew that it would not only break his heart if she died, but the hearts of both Vinnie and Throttle. Not to mention any family she has left.
"Come on, Charley. Come back to me. Please", Modo said, as he pushed her chest down. He tried breathing into her mouth again and pushed on her chest again.
She started coughing, which meant that she was still alive. That was good for Modo, too. He didn't want to call the bros on Mars and tell them the bad news about Charley if she had died.
Modo helped Charley to sit up so she could spit out the water she had swallowed. She coughed up more than just the water. She coughed up her lunch from earlier that day, too.
"Easy, Charley. You gave me a good scare for a bit. Thought I was gonna lose you for a while. Would have made me sad", Modo said, rubbing Charley's back.
Charley looked at Modo and out of nowhere, gave him a big hug and thanked him for saving her life. "You're quite welcome, Charlene. Please be careful next time, ok", said Modo, hugging her back.
Charley pulled back from the hug and really gave him a shock. She kissed him passionately. Modo was shocked when she kissed him, but then he shrugged it off and returned the kiss just as passionately.
When they came up for air, Charley looked apologetic for kissing him. Modo stopped her before she could apologize. "Don't apologize, Charlene. Is this what you want? If it is, then we will continue and see where our blossoming relationship goes. If its not, then we won't go any further and stay strictly friends", Modo said.
"This is what I want, Modo. The question is, do you want this? I know what this will do to your friendship with Throttle. I'm not worried about Vinnie. I'm sure Throttle told him that I don't want to date him", Charley said.
"I've been wanting this for a long time, sweet Charlene. I wasn't going to push it or get in the way if you decided to date Throttle. In all honesty, I could never see you with Vinnie", said Modo. Then he kissed her again.
Back on Mars. Vinnie was pushed away by Harley. "What's wrong, Harley? Don't you recognize me? It's me, Vinnie", he said.
"I'm sorry, but I don't recognize that name or you. How is it you know my name, anyway?", Harley asked.
Vinnie just stood there in total shock. How was he suppose to tell her that he use to date her and not expect to get smacked in the face. Then he remembered the mask he's wearing. He grabbed her hand and put it on the mask.
"You put this on me after taking the bandages off. You also repaired the mirror on Sweetheart. Please Harley. Please remember something familiar", said Vinnie.
He let go of her hand and she traced the outline of the mask that Vinnie wears. "It feels familiar somehow. You said I put this on you? Why would I cover up half of your face with this?", asked Harley.
"I was badly injured during the war. You walked over to me, unwrapped my bandages and put this on instead. You're also the best bike jockey on Mars", Vinnie said.
"Really? I'm that good?", Harley asked.
"Yes, you are. You kept all our bikes in tip top shape. Does any of this sound at all familiar?", replied Vinnie.
"A little. Tell me more", said Harley.
While Vinnie was tell her more about what she did for the Freedom Fighters, both Throttle and Stoker walked into the mess hall.
Stoker couldn't believe how well behaved Vinnie was being with Harley. "Well I'll be. The kid has some manners afterall", Stoker said, sitting down at the table. Throttle sat down next to Stoker.
"Vinnie and I had a long talk while we were on our way back here. I told him that if she didn't remember him, that he would have to act like he was meeting her for the first time. I'm glad it had sunk in", said Throttle.
"Me too. Why are you here, Throttle? I understand why the punk is here, but what's your reason?", asked Stoker.
Throttle sighed and looked at Stoker. "I have feelings for someone else, Stoke. She's human, too", Throttle said.
"Human? Really? What's her name?", Stoker asked.
"Charlene Davidson. She's like Harley. A good bike jockey. Keeps our bikes in running condition. And upgraded our weapons, too", said Throttle.
"Really? I have to meet her sometime. How is she around the punk?", asked Stoker.
"Shoots him down every time. He's constantly trying to get a date with her, but going about it the wrong way. Charley isn't interested in Vinnie at all. Both Modo and I have a thing for her, but….", Throttle said, looking back at Vinnie and Harley.
"But your friendship with him is stopping you from asking her out, correct?", Stoker asked.
"Yep. I know Modo is thinking the same thing. That's our whole dilemma, Stoke. Our long time friendship. Any ideas on how to avoid ending the friendship with Modo?", replied Throttle.
"Sorry bro, I don't. Have you talked with Modo and this Charley?", asked Stoker.
"With Vinnie around, no. I think he's jealous of both Modo and I", Throttle said.