Part 2

(The song "If I could" was used with out permission.)  

It had been decided Rimfire, and two other young freedom fighters Tech and Saber, would temporally replace the Biker Mice to keep Limburger in check until the situation with Throttle was dealt with. 

Rimfire had matured in his strategic skills and would be a very competent leader keeping the situation under relative control for a short time.  Stoker transported the three to Earth in one of the captured Plutarkian runabouts the freedom fighters were able to acquire from their frequently fleeing enemies.  The efforts of the cave-mouse population caused Plutark to spend more gold gills than they would have liked, trying to keep the planet under control. This resulting in their presents being less and less a problem. Whether the fish oppressors would focus more attention on Earth was yet to be seen.

Once landing the greetings and information exchanges were brief because too much time spent in Earth's atmosphere could put them in danger of detection. Why the Earthers hadn't noticed all the activity so far was any one's guess but the Martians didn't want this to be the time for them to get curious.

The journey back was strangely quiet for his protégé. Stoker did more observing then commenting and he noticed the new connection between Throttle and Charley. It was almost like she had become his eyes and he lean heavily on her for support and direction.

Thinking back, Stoker had to admit he never thought Carbine was the best choice for Throttle. Early on she was very much the general needing to give the orders.  She demanded Throttle's time, his loyalty and even his love. Throttle, being a guy who was willing to accept love, no matter what he had to sacrifice to get it, would let her have her way. But judging from her very bad mood when she came back to Mars some months earlier, Carbine had given one order too many and as bad as Stoker might have felt for the young General, Throttle seemed much more content and secure with his new love interest. 

When it was Vinnie who mooned over Charley, Stoker got the biggest kick out of harassing the hyper young Martian. But now that it was Throttle, and noticing the red scarf around Charley's wrist, knew this relationship was Ourrie Sa tul, the pre-bonding. It was nothing to make light of.

The ship landed with little fan fare. The doctor wanted to examine Throttle as soon as possible so getting every one settle was the first priority. The journey to their quarters wasn't easy for the proud Biker Mouse leader. Walking the once familiar corridors of the freedom fighter base, he could hear voices become quiet as they walked by.

Most of the Freedom Fighters who knew or heard about the three heroes felt a great deal of admiration and gratitude for what they had done to free Mars. Their decision to remain on Earth and work to stop the Plutarkians from getting a strong hold on another planet was respected, but Stoker just prayed he could get them squared away before they ran into….

"Well, well if it isn't our conquering heroes. So Throttle you finally found something important enough to bring you back home, I see. Oh excuse me, bad choice of words?" Carbine sarcastically quipped blocking their way. "And we brought our little pet with us, did we? What's the matter Charley girl? Finally realize that pitiful planet of yours wasn't worth saving?"

"No Carbie, I just decided to stick with the man I love." Charley answered with a, " don't mess with me girl friend, I am not in the mood for your nonsense, and back off because he is my man now," glare. Charley obviously wrapping her arm around Throttle's so the red scarf was in plainly visible.

Vinnie snickered uncontrollably and Modo just cleared his throat.

Seeing the scarf, Carbine rolled her eyes viciously at the green-eyed terrain. Charley didn't blink and Stoker knew that he'd better do something, before a catfight broke out that would make the whole Plutarkian invasion look like a mild misunderstanding.

"We'd better get going the doc will be waiting to see ya bro. Carbine I want to see you in my office. In five minutes."

"But…."She started to add something but the look on Stoker's face told her she was treading on dangerous ground.

"Fine, but this isn't over yet, Earther." She fumed off back down the corridor.

Throttle could only smile proudly at how his lady had handled the situation, "Nice Charley babe, real nice."

"No Problem Sweetness, I always take good care of my precious property." She smiled leaning up to kiss his cheek.

Whoas and whistles were added by both Modo and Vinnie with Stoker only shook his head not surprised that Charley could more than take care of her self and Throttle to if the need be. "Rookie you got yourself some special lady there."

"Don't I know it Teach, don't I know it." Throttle kissed Charley's hand and the group continued on.

Stoker showed Throttle, Modo and Vinnie to where they were going to stay and Charley to the room across the hallway. He left to deal with Miss Carbine, General or not she didn't out rank him and he wasn't going to have her cause any more scenes. She was acting like a jilted teenager and making a total fool out of herself.

"I'd hate to be the one you are going after." A familiar voice broke Stokers concentration.

"Huh? Oh sorry, its just a few knots I have to get outta some ones tail." He smiled at the tall brown female mouse with sparkling silver eyes. Funny how even though she had been through so much and was in no a young girl, she still had a grace and beauty that was ageless. The short black leather jacket, black turtle neck shirt, long straight black skirt and black heeled boots only added to her very attractive, ample, mature stature.

"Yes, I just past Carbine." The older female smiled back at him. "Is she throwing another tantrum? One of these days that child will have to realize she can't always get her way."

"I'm just not so sure I can survive until she comes to that realization."

"You always have darlin' and you always will." Her strange silver eyes twinkled as she playfully tugged on his cheek. Her expression became very solemn. "Have you told him that I was here?"

"No, I thought that you'd like to surprise him. The boy can use all the positive support he can get, considering what he may have to face. They're over in corridor 125 last two rooms?"

"Two Rooms?" She asked, unconsciously pulling through her very short black and silver curly hair, as she had the habit of doing, when some thing puzzled her.

"Oh yeah, he brought his lady back with him, a terrain woman."

"Serious?"

"Ourrie Sa Tul"

"That serious. Well let me get down there and check all this out. Oh and Stoker leave some pieces."

"Pieces?"

"Of Carbine. Talk to you later." She blew him a kiss and was on her way.

Her heartbeat so hard she could hardly catch her breath. They were hardly more than children when she last saw them. Wild teens that wanted only to rock, ride and as they put it, "Whip Plutarkian tail." It had broken her heart when she found out they had been captured and taken to the prison camp on Plutark. Then with her captured she lost hope of see them or Mars again, since she was taken to Sturgeon one of Plutark's distant moons. She shook away the dark thoughts of her time there, refusing to let them spoil the reunion she was about to enjoy. 

Stopping for a moment she pulled a small locket from beneath her shirt. Opening it, her eyes welled up with tears as she looked at the small baby that smiled back on one side and the handsome face of her beloved husband on the other. The resemblance was so strong between father and son, the same warm loving smile.

Standing in front of the door she could hear voices. She listened trying to put each voice to the faces she'd loved so dearly. The female voice sounded sweet and kind just like some one that would make him happy. Taking a deep breath she knocked and waited.

"Hey Stoke when do you start knockin'?"  Vinnie swung the door open and stood with his mouth open.

"Who is it Vinnie?" Modo walked up beside him. "Aunt Lee?" His voice was barely a whisper.

Charley saw the expression on Throttle face change to a strange kind of disbelieving fear as he heard the name Modo had just spoken.

Lydria stepped into the room and touched both their faces, her hands visibly shaking. "My sweet boys, you survived."

Both mice hugged her gently not ashamed of their tears. Throttle, at first, stood motionless and Charley watched their unfamiliar behavior. Then he began reaching out, desperately trying to feel his way to the sound of the strange mouse's voice. Charley walked over took his hand guiding him to join the circle.  

"Momma?" Throttle's quivering voice questioned, as if the possibility of her actually being alive and standing there, was a miracle too incredible to believe.

"Momma?" Charley thought feeling like she was intruding on a very private moment.

Lydria looked up and smiled at her. "Come join us dear you are a part of the family from what I have been feeling." She held out a hand and Charley took it shyly then felt Throttle's arm around her shoulder. It was like nothing she'd ever experienced before, all their feeling were swirling around her, actually consuming her in emotion.

Soon it ended and Lydria laughed grabbing each and kissing their cheeks. "So Stand back and let me look at what fine men you've turned into. And it would be nice to know the name of this beautiful young woman I just welcomed to our family."

"Mom, this is Charlene Davidson the woman I hope to make my life-mate." Charley looked, wide-eyed with her mouth slightly open, at Throttle, then at the scarf she worn around her wrist, then at his mother. Charley thought she understood that he had made a commitment to her, but didn't realize just how much of a commitment it was.

Lydria smiled reaching over and lifting Charley chin gently, "You know, I never thought I would have a terrain as a daughter-in law. But from the look on my son's face and the love I felt in his heart and yours, he couldn't have made a better choice. I am so please to meet you Charlene.

"You can call me Charley ma'am. It's an honor to meet you." Charley said timidly.

Lydria's attention turned to Modo, "How my sweet darlin'? I thought you were huge before but you're the size of a mountain and twice as handsome. Still as sweet as sugar I'd imagine." She got a big blush from the gray mouse.

"And Vincent, still struggling with that self esteem problem." She teased her attention shifting once more.

"Well, if you mean am I still the studliest mouse on Mars. Need you ask?" He stood with his arms out, showcasing himself, then grabbed her up in a full spin. "But you're the only girl I will ever give my heart to." He put he back on her feet and gave her overly wet kiss on the cheek before letting her go.

Lydria turned back to Throttle and took his face in her hands. She pulled his head down and kissed both his eyes. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he encircled his arms around her waist. "How's my beautiful baby?" She whispered close to his ear. The soothing sound of her voice and the feel of her arms around him were all Throttle needed to let the rest of his fear rush out of him.

Charley signaled Modo and Vinnie with a nod and the three left them to be alone. She smiled looking back leaving mother and son in the loving embrace and closed the door silently.

"Charley you wanna know about Throttle's mom?"  Modo offered kindly.

" I do Modo, but I really need to get some rest. It's not every day I go zooming across the galaxy besides I think Throttle would rather tell me. Right now all I want is a shower and a bed."

"Okay, We'll let you have some down time and go check to make sure the bikes are alright. And Charley the shower might be a little tricky, but you'll get the hang of it." Modo and Vinnie waved her good-bye and head to the unloading bay.

Charley look at him strangely then shrugged it off and went into her room. It was small but neat and she could tell they didn't spend a lot of time on decorations. The gray walls were bare and the only furniture was a small bed with a footlocker at the end. Her backpack had been laid on top, the only luggage she was able to bring. Stoker had told her to travel very light and any additional clothing would be supplied to her. She lifted the foot locker cover and pulled out what had been left for her to put on.

To her amazement it was nothing like she had imagined. Most of the garments were dresses, long soft beautiful dresses. She picked one up and it seemed to be made of a very light type of leather. She held it against her and turn to look at her reflection in the floor length mirror on the back of the closet door.

"Okay if this is how Martian women dress, I'm game. I wonder what type of foot ware goes with this little frock?" She opened the closet to see brown ankle length boots sitting in the corner.

"So now you know." Charley chuckled as she removed them wondering how they knew her exact size.

After removing her old clothing she went to the other door hoping it was the bathroom. Not seeing a towel she had wrapped the bed sheet around her and opened it cautiously just incase she were wrong. But the small room was similar to any other bathroom, with all appropriate fixtures. The shower was also the same except all the walls were covered in some type of white glass or what appeared to be glass. She stepped in and looked around then dropped the sheet out side of the door. She didn't see any faucets or water spouts just a small silver button situated just above eye level on the wall. "Oh, Well here goes nothing," she pressed it.

The white glass began glowing in a soft blue light and Charley felt her skin and scalp delightfully tingle. Then the most pleasant smell filled the small space. It reminded her of the jasmine body wash she always used. "How was that possible?"

 Then she began to realize what had happened. Since water was so rare on Mars the inhabitance used light to clean themselves and the shower must have read the scent that was already on her skin and just repeated the fragrance.

When the light tuned off she stepped out of the shower feeling refreshed and amazingly clean and dry, which explained why there weren't any towels in the room. An added bonus was the condition of her hair; it was softer then she had ever been able to get it and as impossible as it might have seemed her hair actually felt longer. The cleaning process was probably programmed to concentration on their fur-covered skin so her hair would get extra attention. But when she stepped out of the bathroom and turned to look in the mirror her once shoulder length hair was now down to her waist and twice the thickness.

Why the hair on her skin didn't grow, she wasn't going to worry about that now.

The exhausted mechanic grabbed the sheet off the floor, wrapped it back around her, plopped on the bed and fell right to sleep.

                                                                           *****

Back in the guy's room the talking was over and Lydria sat on the bed cradling her son like he was still a small child, frighten by the storm, coming to her arms for protection. She rocked him lovingly offering strength and comfort for the storm he was now facing. He clung to her needing to listen to her soothing voice and relishing in her tender motherly touch. She began quietly, like she had done many times during his childhood, while waiting for her husband's return.

If I could

I'd protect you from the sadness in your eyes
give you courage in a world of compromise
yes I would

If I could

I would teach you all the things I've never learned
and I'd help you cross the bridges that I've burned
yes I would

If I could

I would try to shield your innocence from time
but the part of life I gave you isn't mine
I've watched you grow
so I could let you go

Lydria gently brushes her son's hair away from his face. She watches as his body relaxes and the affect of her song serenades him into a much-needed rest. 

If I could

I would help you make it through the hungry years
but I know that I can never cry your tears
but I would

If I could

She pulled his head closer to her heart resting her cheek on top of the soft gold mane that was so much like his fathers.


If I live in a time and place where you don't want to be
you don't have to walk along this road with me
my yesterday won't have to be your way

If I knew
how I'd try to change the world I brought you to
and there isn't very much that I can do
but I would
if I could

Charley heard the singing, opened the door very quietly, and stood watching from the doorway. Lydria sees her and nods that she enters, Throttle having fallen asleep in his mother's arms. Charley walked over and sits on the floor by the bed to continue listening. 


If I could
I would try to shield your innocence from time
but that part of life I gave you isn't mine
I watched you grow so I could let you go

If, if I could
I would help you make it through those hungry years
but I know that I can never cry your tears
but I would

If I could

yes I would
yes I would
If I could

"They never really grow up just increase in size." Lydria whisper.

"Was he a beautiful baby?" Charley smiled reaching over to touch the hair that lay on Throttle's shoulders.

"Yes, quite the looker from day one. Why don't we let him rest so you and I can get better aquatinted" Lydria suggested as she eased his head off her lap letting him lay completely on the bed. "Poor baby must be dead tired he didn't even flinch." She kissed his cheek and walked past Charley. "I'll wait for you outside."

Charley looked down on her sleeping prince, took the blanket that was folded at the end of the bed and covered him. "I won't be gone long, Sweetheart." She softly kissed his lips and left him sleeping soundly, the first real sleep he'd gotten since the accident.

To be continued…….