Nov. 26, I will be out of commision for about a month, so there will be no chapters until I can use my right arm again. I will be picking it up again after the new year unless I'm given the "all clear" from my doctor. Please enjoy.

It wasn't long since we left Chicago and landed at the Duck Pond. We walked into the stadium and all of the hockey players were on the ice and in the stands. I couldn't believe it. Nosedive wasn't kidding when he said every single one of the players wanted to help.

Those in the stands walked up to us and extended their hands. Some of them were captains from each team.

"We want to extend our condolences on behalf of the whole NHL. The head office also heard about what happened and send their condolences."

"Thank you. As the Ducks' manager, that means a lot."

One team manager walked up to Nosedive. "If you're still interested in playing again, Nosedive, we'd like you to play for us."

Nosedive looked at me. "Hey, its all you, Dive. Your call."

Nosedive looked back at the manager of the Blackhawks.

"Let me think about it. With what happened, I need time."

"Take all the time you need."

Nosedive nodded. I asked the Blackhawks manager if, by chance, there was an opening for me.

"Actually, this is my last season with the Blackhawks. Would you like the spot?"

"Of course."

"Well, if Mike is taking over as the new Blackhawks manager, then I'm in. She's been there for us when we needed her."

I looked at Nosedive. "Thanks Dive." Then I hugged him.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Last Chance Garage. Throttle had just gotten back from having coffee with Marcus and Crystal. He called out to me and no answer. He checked upstairs in the loft. I wasn't there, either. Then he checked the back office. Nope. Not there, either.

"Where is she?"

His next choice was to call me. He pulled out his cell phone and called me.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

The Duck Pond. My cell phone was ringing. I looked to see who was calling. "I'm in deep shit now."

Nosedive looked at me. I showed him that Throttle was calling me. I answered it.

"Hey babe."

"Where the hell are you, Michelle? You said you were going to be here at the garage when I came back."

"Nosedive showed up needing my help. The whole team along with his big brother, Wildwing, were killed in an ambush."

"I'm so sorry. I know you were close to the team. Do what you need to do, just come back in one piece."

I smiled. "I will babe. Love you."

"Love you too." Then I ended the call. I sighed. I was glad that he didn't ream me out for just up and leaving.

After I put my phone away, Nosedive asked me how it went. "He didn't get mad, which I'm thankful for. He told me to do what I need, but come back in one piece. He knew I was close to the team."

"I'm glad he's allowing you to help out. I know a while back my bro did a search for you. What was it?"

"I had a gut feeling that there might be a reason as to why it was so easy for us to take on the Jurassic throwbacks. Now I know why it was too easy. Dragonus has aligned himself with the Plutarkians."

"The what?"

"Plutarkians. They're humanoid fish people that reek. They're all named after smelly cheeses. The one that use to be in Chicago was named Limburger. There's one in Detroit named Brie."

"And you think there's one here?"

"I know there's one here. Just call it a gut feeling. I think the idea is to flush out the Biker Mice, but instead, your brother and the rest of the team went in instead."

"Which resulted in all their deaths."

I put my hand on Nosedive's shoulder.

"Don't worry, Dive. We'll get justice for Wildwing and the rest of the team. I promise."

I was taken off guard when Nosedive gave me a big hug. I returned the hug.

"Thanks, Mike. You've been a great friend over the years."

"Thanks, Dive."
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

I went down under the rink and did some research on the Plutarkians that might still be on Earth. A few popped up on my search, including Brie. I took my cell phone out and called Throttle. I had to find out if he knew about other stink fish on the planet.

"What's up, babe?"

"What do you know about other Plutarkians on the planet?"

"You mean besides Brie and Limburger?"

"Yeah."

"I know there's one in California, but I don't know his name, why?"

"I think the Ducks' enemy has aligned himself with the stink fish here in Cali. I also think that the ambush was meant to draw us out, but instead, the Ducks went and ended up getting shot and killed. From what Nosedive told me, his brother was saved for last. He heard every single scream over the comms."

"I…I don't know what to say. That had to be hard to listen to."

"I can't even imagine going through that. He has no one left, Throttle. I'm the only friend he has now."

"No, its not. He has us, too. I'm sure the others would agree on this, but ask him if he'd like to be part of the Martian Mouse family."

I smiled. "I'll do that. I have a feeling that he'd love that."

"Let me know if you need the extra help."

"Nosedive didn't want you involved in the fight cause of the boys. He knows we have kids. He wants at least one of us with the kids."

"I understand. Just be careful, ok."

"I will babe. I love you, Throttle."

"I love you too, Michelle." Then I hung up.

Nosedive had just walked in when I got off the phone.

"We're all getting ready to head out. I also had some help hanging the teams' jerseys."

"Your bro would be proud of what you're doing. You're getting justice for him the team."

"I know he'd be proud. He'd also be glad you're helping me get justice."

"So, I just got off the phone with my husband and asked him about any of the Plutarkians still on the planet."

"And?"

"He says there's one here in Cali but doesn't know his name. I haven't pin pointed where Dragonus was last, but I can do that right now. Throttle also wanted me to ask if you would like to be part of the Martian Mouse family since you have no one else?"

"Can I think about it? Right now, I'd like to focus on getting justice for my bro and friends."

"Not a problem, Dive. I'm glad I could be here for you."

"I am too."
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

Chicago. Last Chance Garage. Throttle had found the problem with Rimfire's bike.

"Guess there was something wrong with it. Go figure."

While he was fixing the problem, the phone rang. Throttle stood up, wiped his hands off then walked over to the phone and answered it.

"Last Chance Garage. Throttle speaking. How may I help you?"

"When are you and your wife coming back, sweetie?"

"Michelle is busy helping a friend in California right now, mom. His brother and friends were killed in an ambush."

"That's horrible. Hopefully you told her to be careful."

"Of course, mom. She's pregnant again. I want her to be very careful."

"Congrats! The boys are asking why you and Michelle haven't come back."

"What are you telling them?"

"I've told them that you 2 needed some time apart, but since you 2 worked things out, you both need to come home to your twins."

"I know mom. I just need to finish Rimfire's bike, then call him. After he picks it up, then I'll close up the garage and head back there. I miss the boys so much."

"They miss you too."

"I'll call Michelle after Rimfire comes to pick up his bike."

"Ok, sweetie. I love you."

"I love you too, mom." Then he hung up. He went back to fixing Rimfire's bike.

An hour and a half later, he finally fixed the problem. It was just a loose gyro inside the engine. He stood up, stretched, then wiped his greasy hands off. He walked over to the phone and called Rimfire.

"Hello?"

"Hey Rimfire. I got your bike fixed. You had a loose gyro inside the engine. You can come get it."

"Awesome! Thanks, Throttle. You and Michelle are awesome. I'll be right over." Then Throttle hung up.

He took out his cell phone and called me.

"Hey babe. Everything ok?"

"I just wanted to let you know that I'm closing up the garage for the winter. As soon as Rimfire comes to get his bike, I'm heading to California. I need to be with the boys. Hopefully you'll be back with them soon, too."

"That's the plan. Can't guarantee anything right now. We're all on our way to deal with the Saurians and stink fish right now. The whole entire NHL is volunteering to help get justice for Wildwing and the team."

"Just be careful. You are pregnant, afterall."

"I know. I'll be as careful as possible. I promise."

"Thank you. I love you and stay safe."

"I love you too, and I will."