I do not own the BMFM and make not profit from this story. It is strictly for the entertainment of anyone who would do me
the honor of reading it. Karn is the wonderful creation of Gabrielle and I thank her very much for letting me use her in this story
She Thing
Words of the title from a song by Salt and Pepa
Story by
Morning 2000.
It ain't a man's world
No more sugar and spice
It's a she thing and it's all in me
I could be anything that I want to be
Baby, don't consider me a minority
Open up your eyes and maybe you'll see
It's a she thing
It's a she thing and it's all in me
I could be anything that I want to be
Don't consider me a minority
Proud of who I am
Ladies help me out if you agree
It's a She Thing
(BACK UP BOYS IT'S LADIES NIGHT!)
Charley could finally let her head hit the pillow. It had been an exhausting day; with business picking up she was busier than ever. Limburger for some unknown reason had been very quiet so she was taking the time to tend to her neglected business.
She wondered if Lord Camembert had just gotten so fend up with old, Uncle Larry, that he'd turn him into the catch of the day. Charley laughed seeing Limburger laid out on a big platter, fried up nice and golden brown with a big tub of tartar sauce placed next to him.
"Charlene, you must be really tired," was her last giggling thought as she fell into a sound well-deserved sleep.
Unfortunately it didn't last long before she was awaken by someone knocking. Still groggy she tried to focus enough to read the dimly lit green numbers of her clock radio, "3:00 AM! Somebody better be dead or dying!" She fussed struggling out of bed putting her robe on backwards and practically falling down the stairs.
Now, considering her life lately Charley slowed her pace becoming a little nervous having some pretty strange people pop in on her unannounced. Creeping up to the door and bracing her foot against it she leaned to see if she could hear anything unusual. A familiar voice called, "Charley… Charlene Davidson."
"Smoke?!" Charley answered back realizing who it was and throwing the door open. "Smoke!" Charley squealed hurling her arms around the tall, golden-eyed, Martian woman.
"Well, are you going to let us in or do we visit out here?" Smoke chuckled as she hardly returned the hug.
" Of course come on in…um… all of you," Charley cheerfully offered noticing the two female figures standing behind Smoke.
"Relax Karn, I told you we can trust Charley," Smoke reassured her wary friend. "You too baby, come on in it's safe".
Karn cautiously letting her guard down stepped in and after a quick scan of the premises relaxed a bit more. Through her open coat it was obvious to see that she was ready for any surprises. The blue form fitting almost metallic blue uniform showed a wiry well trained body that looked like it could move swiftly into lethal action if need be. Karn's resemblance to the timber wolves of Earth, with thick, gray, brown, black and white hair pushed back off her face flowing in waves down her back like a waterfall and cool blue gray eyes, made Charley just a bit fearful.
"The name is, Karn," she said walking up to Charley extending a friendly hand. "Smoke has said many fine things about you and finally I get to meet you. It is both a pleasure and an honor."
Charley not able to take her eyes away from the wolf lady's intense glare returned the firm handshake, "I am glad to meet you too, any friend of Smoke is always welcome at the, Last Chance." Karn politely smiled and Charley was put at ease
Charley turned her attention to address the smaller of the two females but found that she'd disappeared behind Smoke's back.
"You gonna introduce me to your shadow, Sis?" Charley smiled trying to make eye contact with the shy youngster.
"This is Tatara, my daughter," Smoke said proudly.
"You are also very welcome here, Tatara," Charley again extending her hand, but to her further surprise the child walked up extended her own hand and touched Charley's face softly caressing her jaw line.
"I hope you don't mind, but this is the only way I can hear you or have you hear me. Momma says she didn't think you would mind. I just needed to thank you for saving her life the last time she was on Earth." The child's small soft voice filled Charley's mind. Only a bit startled Charley looked into the adorable alien face and welcomed her again.
With only a brief smile Tatara nodded gratefully then retreated back to the safety of her mother. Her delicate features and sad expression gave the child a very human look and captured Charley's heart immediately. She appeared no more than 10 or 11yrs old with a small built and a very slight blue tint to her pale furless skin. Her large almond shaped, aqua blue, eyes only add to her already pixie like appearance, along with the masses of long snow-white hair that almost touched the floor and familiar red antenna, one would almost except to see soft gossamer fairy wings coming from the child's back.
"Well, everyone make yourselves comfortable and tell me to what do I owe the honor of this visit. Can I get you anything first?" Charley motioned toward the couch.
"Nothing Charley, but if Tatara could lie down for a little while she is exhausted. She never does well with the interplanetary traveling." Smoke said as they all removed their coats.
"Sure she can use the spare room, I will take her up if you'd…"
"No, I will take her. It's important that you and Smoke talk." Karn interrupted motioning for Tatara to follow her.
"Okay, it's right at the top of the stairs first door on the left." Charley pointed up toward the room.
The young girl looked for her mother's nod of approval. Smoke smiled then nodded and the two head up the stairs.
After they'd disappeared the equally exhausted Martian traveler sat on the couch letting her head fall back and taking in a deep breath before starting to tell Charley their reason for coming back to earth. Charley took a seat at the other end of the couch and waited until her friend could gather her thoughts
"We are here to bring one of the foulest creatures to ever breath life, back to Mars for trial. His name is Ztalavious. Charley could hear Smoke's voice harden and turn to ice.
"A while back, on one of Plutark's distant moons, he had a lab where he was taking imprisoned children and experimenting on them trying to turn them into soldiers for the Mighty Plutarkian Empire. A lot of DNA stuff. We found out about it and set out to shut him down and hopefully rescue the kids. Some how Ztalavious got wind that we were coming and escaped but not before he tried to destroy the place and the children. By the time we got there only a few were just barely alive. Believe it or not Tatara was one of the very fortunate. For whatever sick reason he removed her vocal cords and made her deaf but she wasn't disfigured like so many of the others."
"But if this monster did all those things to her why would you bring her here, if he's here?" Charley asked in an unintentionally accusing tone.
"Because it's the only hope we have of ever finding him. They have some kind of connection. If there were another way I would never have allowed it, but he has to be stopped and she wants to be part of stopping him. It's important to her that he never does to anyone else what he did to her and those that died." Smoke's head bowed sadly as she fought a silent battle.
"I am sorry Smoke, I had no right to sound like I was judging you. I know you wouldn't do anything to put her in any unnecessary danger, so tell me how is she your daughter?"
"When we finally got to the lab, I thought I had seen the worst a Plutarkian could do until I saw this place. It was a horror beyond words. The children were locked in cages like wild animals. Most were Martians, even though you could hardly tell anymore. That's when I saw Tatara, a tiny, shadow of a thing, hidden in the back of that filthy cage, tagged with her name like a lab experiment. At first she wouldn't even let me touch her then after a bit of tender coaxing I was able to pick her up. When I did she reached up and put her half starved hand to my face. Then I heard her voice in my head whisper, "Please help us?" And she looked at me. Those eyes, Charley, those strange frighten eyes bore a hole in my heart. I will never forget that feeling as long as I live. We tried to save the others, but she was the only one to survive. The rest were just too weak, been through too much," Smoke's voice was little more than a whisper.
Quickly refocusing she continued, "Anyway we've been together ever since and it hasn't been easy for her. Because she looks somewhat Plutarkian, many at the base shy away from her, don't trust her, but we deal with it and we have each other."
"But why does she call you, Momma, your not old enough to be her mother?"
"Because she needs me to be. I will do what ever I have to make her feel safe and happy. She needed me to be her mother than that's what I am, simple as that."
"You're a special piece of work, Smoke. I hope Vinnie realizes that." Charley smiled admiringly.
"It's nothing really, she gives me just as much, another reason to keep living, keep wanting to survive. We have so little left of our world, our people, and even though some don't see it she is an important part of our future. If we are to ever going to rebuild our home the young will have to be there to provide the foundation, whether fully Martian or not." Smoke was almost talking to herself as if she were reciting a personal vow.
Charley changed the subject before she broke out in tears realizing the true devastation the inhabitants of Mars were facing, "So you have traced this nut case to earth? Here in Chicago?"
Smoke again brought her mind back to Charley," No not here, New York. You see this guy has a thing for the bright lights, pretty faces, big money and the high life. He is said to have the charm of a prince and the heart of evil itself. And he is smart, real smart he could give Karbunkle a run for his money. Our last report was he is involved in the modeling industry. He is part of one of the big agency from what they were able to find out. What he looks like, what he does is still pretty sketchy."
" So that all means, what?" Charley said raising one eyebrow.
Smiling sweetly Smoke put an arm around Charley's shoulder. "Well my dear Charlene, we need that pretty face, and wonderful brain of yours."
Smoke's voice turned serious once more, "Charley, this guy is dangerous and if we are ever going to stop him we really need your help. Will you help us?
Charley thought for a second knowing there was no way she would refuse. "Smoke, if I didn't help, I would be leaving my own world opened for them to do to it, what they did to yours. What ever you need I'm there for you."
"Thanks Charley, I knew you would be. We can work out the details after I have taken care of the other part of our little mission. You know we are going to need the big muscles to deal with this guy."
"Does Vinnie know about Tatara?"
"No, we've talked by radio some, but I wanted to tell him face to face. How has he been, Charley?
"Vinnie is always the life of the party, but he has missed you something awful. You know he's a hard one to figure out, but if you love her, I know he will too. Under all that ego and macho is a heart of pure gold, not that he would ever admit it." Charley laughed.
Just then Karn came down the stairs. "I stayed with her until she was asleep. It is a very restless sleep though. I hope this isn't too much for her Smoke." Karn said in very sheltering voice.
"I know but it's what we have to do. If there where any other way…" Smoke stopped, trying not to let the guilt over take her. She knew there was always some element of danger. Karn put a reassuring hand on her friends shoulder, "I should never question anything you do for that little one. I know you will do what's best for her and the mission."
"Charley, would you mind if we leave Tatara here while we go to the scoreboard. Karn has never met the guys and I need to let them know what's going on as soon as possible."
"Sure if you think she won't mind being here alone with me?"
"I think she will probably sleep for awhile and she knows I would never leave her with someone I didn't trust to take good care of her. And as much as I've talked about you she will be fine." Smoke said as she put her coat on to leave.
Karn got her things and they left for the scoreboard. Charley was surprised not to hear the sound of a motorcycle starting up. As she looked out of the window she saw the two women leave in a very sleek looking black sports car.
****
As the two females pulled up to the scoreboard Smoke gave a glance to Karn and both stepped out of the car. Checking out the area making sure they weren't detected they effortlessly gain access inside. Once there they scanned the darken room and got there bearing. The bikes were parked in the corner and the three heroes were at the other end of the scoreboard sleeping like babies in a nursery.
"So how do we make our presence known?" Karn whispered in a soft almost giggle.
Smoke just gave a wicked grin and pulled a small device out of her pocket. Tossing it toward the bikes, it let off a dim light. The bikes buss for a slit second then where quiet again.
"That's so we don't get our tails shot off by Vinnie's other lady not to mention her friends. They can be very protective of their men." Smoke winked and Karn just shook her head.
The two women slowly approach the sleeping Biker mice. Smoke looked at Karn and whispered pointing to Vinnie sleeping on his hammock. "Pretty cute, huh?"
"Sweet enough to kiss, but you didn't tell me nearly enough about the other two. Talk about being let loose in the candy store," Karn cooed grateful her night vision was so sharp.
"Yeah, tell me about it. Throttle, that's the tan one with all the hair, is suppose to be Carbine's, but you won't think so the way she has been acting lately. The big beautiful gray one is Modo, talk about a dream walking, but I think I'll keep the hyper one,"Smoke giggled as she bent closer to Vinnie. She slightly touched her antenna to his forehead and after a few moments Vinnie's eyes slowly opened and he smiled a whimsical smile.
"You know I hate this dream, it's way too real but never real enough." Vinnie touching her face and pulling it close enough to kiss. After a moment he pulled his face away. Smoke smiled sweetly and Vinnie blinked realizing he wasn't dreaming.
"Babe how'd you…," Before he could finish she kissed him again.
Karn stood in the dark trying hard to politely not watch the sweet reunion. Throttle feeling an unfamiliar presents Throttle woke and quietly reached for his specks, which were never too far from his reach. Then with the speed of his years of training he pounced at the figure grabbing it from behind. Karn instinctively reacted to the attack grabbed his arm and threw him across the room and Throttle hit the floor with a large, painfully loud, THUD!!
Modo, hearing all the noise, rolled out of bed and hit the lights, while aiming his arm canon directly at Karn.
"NO, MODO SHE'S A FRIEND!" Smoke screamed.
Modo still not quite awake, reacting more on adrenaline, tried to focus and see what was going on. Everyone stood still for a second then Vinnie broke the silence, "Does my lady know how to make an entrance or what?
Everyone broke into laughter and relaxed. Karn walked over to Throttle and offered a hand to help him up, "Sorry, it's force of habit I guess," She smiled. He stared at her, then took her hand and got up. Smiling he stammer," Uh…. t-t-t-thanks."
Modo watched for a moment smirking at the awe struck expression on the other wise cool Throttle's face and stepped up to introduced himself.
"How do, Ma'am, Welcome to our little part of the universe." Modo said as he offered his hand to Karn. She took it and looked admiringly at the, extremely well built, gentlemanly, gray mouse.
"The name is Modo and the guy with his mouth open is Throttle. And I guess you've figured that the other guy is Vinnie."
Throttle realized that he actually was standing with his mouth gaping open, coughed and tried to play off his embarrassment and thinking how he was going to slowly kill Modo when he got the chance.
"I know, Smoke has told me a great deal about all of you, but she was far to modest in her descriptions. My name is Karn as Smoke said, I'm a friend,"
"Why don't you make yourself comfortable while we get more presentable." Modo offered, always the perfect gentleman and knowing how to treat any lady.
Karn was delighted by the actions of this Martian. "I have rarely met anyone with your mannerism Modo. It is quite a delight and a wonderful change from most of the males I know."
Modo nodded and showed her to a place she could sit down and relax for a few moments.
"Well as my gray furred Momma always said, " A lady is a lady no matter were she sprouts from. As specially one as beautiful as yourself."
Karn had to laugh out loud at this wonderful person whose company she was completely enjoying. But she did notice that Throttle had become distant and quiet. She hoped that he wasn't too embarrassed by what his friend had said.
"It isn't too often that I am complimented by such flattering attention, most find my appearance some what disturbing." She said as she smiled at Throttle. He looked at her and returned the smile.
By this time Smoke and Vinnie had finished with their reunion, for the moment and
Smoke walked over to where Karn sat.
"So I see I don't need to do any intros, you have met the legions of the known universe." Smoke chuckled, playfully.
" No, she hasn't, she hasn't met me yet," Vinnie chimed in, his ego always intact.
With that he walked over to Karn took her hand and in a very un-Vinnie like fashion kissed it.
"It is my pleasure lovely lady."
"Smoke what ever you got you need to put it in a bottle and sell it because you have just worked a miracle. That can't be our Vinnie." Modo said laughing.
"Hey there no telling what the love a good women can do bro," Vinnie said as he gave Smoke a wink and blew her a kiss.
****
Charley had fallen asleep on the couch. She figured that when Smoke and Karn did come back the guys would be with them so she would just wait where she was. Again her sleep was interrupted by the sound of something hitting the floor above her. Her thoughts went immediately to Tatara and she went up the stairs to see if the youngster was safe.
When Charley got to the bedroom she saw Tatara sitting on the bed holding the picture kept on the nightstand. It was of her mother and father; they were holding a very young Charley in their arms. In reaching for the picture the radio must have gotten knock on the floor. Charley smiled and stood at the door not sure if she should initiate the conversation or what. Tatara motioned for her to come closer. Charley sat close to her on the bed and let the dainty alien hand softly touch her face.
"We can talk now, you aren't afraid of me. Back on Mars I can't talk to many they are afraid, like they think I will hurt them. Mostly it's Momma or Karn, sometimes Mr. Stoker and my friend Rimfire, but not many others. I get kind of lonely, especially when Momma has to go on a mission and I can't go. Is this your momma and daddy? They look real nice. I can't remember mine I was too little when they took me. Smoke, Karn and me we are a family. She said that Vinnie is going to be part of our family too. I sure hope he likes me." Tatara prattled like she had been locked away in a dungeon, like she had been starving for some one new to share her special voice with.
Charley put her hand atop Tatara's and told her, "We can talk any time you'd like and I'm sure Vinnie will be crazy about you. I would be if you were going to be my little girl." Tatara's face lit up as she realizes the new friend she'd found.
Charley started to think of another way she might be able to talk to Tatara. She got up went out and after a few seconds returned with a book she had studied off and on for quite a few years. It was a book of sign language, needing to learn how to use it after her Grandmother lost her hearing. She had even taken a few classes and had become quite skilled. Handing the book to Tatara, Charley hoped that maybe she could pick up a few signs. But Tatara scanned through each page then putting the book down. She began to sign like she had known it her whole life. Charley was shocked to say the least. In fact Tatara was signing so well Charley had to slow her down to be able to keep up.
"Your are an amazing little lady." Charley signed.
Tatara signed, "This is wonderful it's almost like really talking to people. Thank you Miss Charley!"
"Well as long as the other person knows this sign language you can. How could you learn that so fast?" Charley signed.
"It's because of those experiment he did to me." Tatara sighed back, her face losing its smile.
Just then Charley heard the sound of the bikes pulling up.
"That sounds like everybody's back. I am going to get dress why don't you go down and let them in." Charley sighed.
Tatara threw her arms around Charley thanking her again then pop off the bed and excitedly scurried down the stairs.
Charley sat for a few moments pensively putting the picture back. "You know Mom and Dad I am going to have to tell you about all this one of these days." She got up and went to get dressed.
As the group entered Tatara ran to Smoke and excitedly holding her mother's face tells her of the wonderful gift she was given.
"Is that right, you have to show me this new way of speaking with your hands," Smoke said as she hugged her daughter.
So this is the beautiful young lady you were telling us about," Throttle said as he gave his handsomest smile.
Tatara blushed thinking to her mother, "He is very handsome Momma. I like him a lot. What did he say?"
But before Smoke could tell her, Modo walked over gently picked up her hand and placing it to his face, "Welcome lil darlin'. Hope we can get to be good friends you n' me."
Tatara was delighted, "Uncle Modo! You are Rimfire's Uncle Modo! I know you. He talks about you all the time."
Then Smoke took Tatara over to meet Vinnie. "Vincent this is Tatara"
Now very nervous Tatara reluctantly approached Vinnie and as she attempted to touch his face the icy glare he gave stopped her in mid motion. He pushed her hand away not wanting the child to touch him. Without a word he turned and left.
Everyone was shocked by his actions. Tatara crying ran up the stairs and into the bedroom closing the door.
Smoke partially in shock but mostly Mother's rage stormed out after him.
"VINCENT, HAVE YOU REALLY LOST YOUR MIND! WHAT IN MARS IS THE MATTER WITH YOU!
"I can't talk now, sweetheart I have to get some air." With that Vinnie pulled off leaving Smoke puzzled and hurt.
Back in side Karn went go up to see about Tatara. Modo's eye was turning fire engine red as he started out after Vinnie. "That's it. He has flipped out just one too many times. I am going to find him and teach that boy some manners. How could he hurt such a sweet little girl?"
"Hold on big fella, now we don't know why. Give him a chance." Throttle said trying to keep Modo from breaking every bone in Vinnie's body. When it came to children Modo was unforgiving. No one hurt a child, no one even a bro.
Smoke walked in dazed and sat down, " I thought he would be thrilled about Tatara. Throttle what was that all about?"
He walked over and put an arm around her shoulder, "Vinnie has his ways, but give him some space. What ever it is he'll deal with it and then he'll be back."
Throttle wasn't too sure if he even believed what he'd just said.
****
Vinnie didn't care where he was going, he just knew it was away. Fleeing away from the past, away from the present. As he rode he couldn't get the girls face out of his mind. A Plutarkian, a rotten stinkfish was all he saw. Deep inside he knew it wasn't her fault but still the hate grew and it was all he could feel at that moment. Looking at her all he could see was the death of his own family, the death of his world, and his own death because of all that was taken from him.
He found himself on a deserted rode not far from of the city, then an open field. He finally stopped letting his bike go and wanting to hit something, anything to get the rage out. Make the pain go away. He kicked the ground, screamed at the top of his lungs. Fell on his knees and pounded the ground as hard as he could. Cursing the Plutarkians, his life, his bros, and even Smoke. He hit the ground so hard that both his hands bled, but he didn't care. He had to hurt someone.
To be continued…….