Smoke lay for a moment before getting up; she gazed down at Tatara sleeping snuggled in her arms, giving her a soft kiss on the top of the head. Tatara moved slightly but not waking from the serene sleep. Smoke eased out of bed so as not to interrupt the rare moment of tranquility her daughter was enjoying. After shaking her curly hair loose she started down the stairs following the wonderful aroma floating up from the kitchen.
"Hey Charley, that you down there?"
"Yep, come on down. No manly Martian males luring about, besides do you honestly think those guys get up this early, p-l-l-ease." Charley joked as she put the last of the breakfast on the table
Smoke stretched running her hands through her black curls joining them at the table. She felt so refreshed in her natural state, glad that she didn't have to use the transformation device while inside of Charley's.
"You know one of these days I should learn to cook. I guess we're so use to eating at the base cafeteria, I never took the time to learn, well not since I was a little girl before the war. But at least I can pour you ladies some coffee." Smoke lifted the pot and started to pour Karn a portion.
"No Thanks, I hate the taste of that stuff," Karn gave a sour expression holding her hand over her cup. The normally pensive wolf girl, looked surprisingly relaxed and carefree in the over size tee shirt and her hair wildly all over her head almost covering her face.
"You don't know what's good. After that stuff they have on Mars this is pure ambrosia."
Smoke smiled as she poured Charley and herself a healthy cups of what she termed as, "the elixir of life."
"So what exactly is the plan?" Charley asked between hot sips.
"We know he is in New York; he is dealing in the modeling industry some where. Like I said this guys is no one to play with that's why we need the guys to come along.
He has a small army of highly skilled people. Not like those fools Limburger has.
We find out more when we contact Gates."
"Hold up, who is Gates?" Charley blinks in surprise
"I haven't told you about Gates, have I Charley? Sorry. She is the person setting up a base of operation and has been in NY for about four months now."
"Our last communication
from her was about 3 weeks ago she will give us a full report when we get
there." Karn added.
Charley paused a moment before she said anything, not knowing how to phase the next question. "Smoke what does she look…. I mean is she a Martian or…? "
"Yes Charley, she is a Martian, part mouse, part rat, one of the few of her people who are fighting with us against the Plutarkian."
Charley almost choked on her coffee, "Smoke, are you kidding? Didn't they tell you how Modo feel about rats, any rat."
Smoke stood and walked away from the table as her arms folded tightly arm her waist, "Yeah they told me, but she's one of my dearest friends, more a sister really. Not only is she skilled, loyal, and important to this mission, but also she has more than paid her dues. She had to deal with the fact that the other rats killed her mother because she dares fall in love and marry a mouse. Her father fought hopelessly trying to save his wife and she had to stay hidden and hear everything that was happening, knowing that if they found her she'd be killed too. Then when they left her father for dead, she crawled out and stayed with him. Imagine a nine-year-old child, trying to keep her one living parent alive until help could reach them, which it didn't do in time. So if Modo has any issues with her being part rat that's just too stinking bad."
"Whoa, down girl." Charley said chuckling nervously.
Smoke looked up with an apologetic smile, " I'm sorry Charley, I didn't mean to snap your head off. But these men and all their issues are just beginning to get on my nerves. When are they going to buy a clue, stop judging people on looks? Earth males aren't like that are they?"
Charley titled her head giving Smoke a cynical glare, "Girl, be serious, just take off the tails and fur and were talkin the same species here. You think a few million miles of space is going to make that much difference, not!
Smoke sighed, " Too true but what would the universe be without them?"
"Full of a bunch of fat, happy, women and no war" Karn added out of the blue.
They looked at each other and squealed with laughter.
After a good laugh Smoke continued, "So anyway, once we get there and contact Gates that's when Tatara will be able to help us most. He might be able to hide from us but not her. I'm just worried I might be asking too much from her."
"Like you said, it's what she wants too. She may be quiet most of the time, but I think she can be a lot stronger than you may think. Than we both may think."
Just then Tatara came bouncing down the stairs hands going a mile a minute. Feeling her mother's concerns she faced Charley and signed, "Mama forgets, I am almost grown up. I can do what I have to. Everyone has a part and this is mine. I want my mom to be proud of me. I want to be like a real freedom fighter."
Charley signed back, "I think she already is, Sweetie"
Tatara grabbed her mother around the waist then reached up to touch her face, "You proud of me, Mommy?"
Smoke placed her own hand lovingly a top her daughter's, replied proudly, "You know I am partner."
At the Scoreboard (the previous night)
It was a very quiet night for the three heroes. Vinnie was asleep or appeared to be when Modo got there. So he let the situation go for the moment.
He put his bike up, disrobed and lay on his bed. Then he began to remember so long ago, when bed time meant, a ride on big shoulders, stories, kisses and the sweet smell of the peace seeing his family safety tucked in for the night. The feel of a soft loving form snuggling close as the night drew in and his arms wrapping around her.
Funny what can make you remember a sound, a smell, or a pair of large sad blue eyes?
Throttle was the last to find his way home, still not sure if this was all real, yet.
He checked to see that both his bros. was safe and sound then let his mind focus on the women in his life. For so long it was Carbine and she was the center of his universe even though that center was pretty rocky most of the time. For a split second there was that crazy unsure feeling he would get when he was too close to Charley for too long. Now the face of the beauty he'd just left still floated before him, as he got ready for bed.
As he lay quietly remembering the wonder of what was happening to him, the sweetness of her presents hung in his mind as he drifted off.
****
When the morning arrived the silence was strange and unsettling. The Biker Mice from Mars were never anything close to quiet. But then nothing so close to the heart had ever come between them before. Nothing that had pulled up so many memories that had been dealt with. Each stayed in his space until Vinnie broke the silence
"Okay, so I was wrong! Don't you think I know it? Do you think I want it like this?
Jeez! That women is everything too me! But I can't get past the kid. I tired and I just can't." Vinnie blared out catching Modo and Throttle both off guard.
Modo stood looking at his bro and sighed knowing only to well what this War has done to him, taken from him. How it's all but destroyed so many Martian men, women and children. He turned and walked up to Vinnie, putting his hand on his shoulder, " Hey Bro we all are trying to put what's left of our lives back together and I'm sorry I shot my mouth off yesterday. But I you gotta find a way to get this thing under some kind of control, or you're going to lose it all."
"Yeah Vincent, Tatara is a very sweet kid, part Plutarkian or not."
Vinnie let out a long breath and decided he was going to try. It was the least he could do for Smoke considering all she's done for him, and it wasn't the kid's fault. He reasoned all this with his head but his heart, time would tell.
****
Karn lay on the opposite twin bed that was in Charlie's guest bedroom waiting for her turn to shower. With her feet propped up on the wall she stared lazily up at a funny little stain on the ceiling that must have been caused by an earlier leak in the roof. She smiled, as it seemed to be in the shape of a sweet Martian face she couldn't get off her mind.
We used to do," he loves me, he loves me not", but a water stain can work too," Charley said as she teased the unsuspecting Karn.
Karn practically falling off the bed jumped embarrassed at her daydreaming.
"I don't know what is the matter with me I'm not the sentimental type. I don't let myself get involved with things like this especially while on a mission. I have my own life, my own world I have to get back to when this is all over."
"Who are you trying to convince, girlfriend? So don't get involved. Do the mission, go back to your own lonely life," Smoke said as she wrapped in a towel coming out of the shower. Karn gave her a death stare but said nothing as she took her turn.
Charley wasn't sure if she should stick her two cents in but what the heck if it could be good for Throttle than it was worth a shot.
Karn came out of the shower, wrapped a towel around her then sat on the bed drying her hair and fur. Taking a fairly large container out of her bag she shakes powdery fine white sand all over her body. Its aroma was alien and filled the room with a fabulous hypnotizing fragrance. She sat closing her eyes remembering something the sand brought back to her mind and smiled.
Charley watched wondering what visions the experience was conjuring up. Then
sitting down next to her said, "I know I am sticking my nose where it probably doesn't belong but those guys are like my big brothers and how they feel is very important to me. Especially Throttle he always seems a little lost. Oh he can be as wild as the other two but there is something very special about him. It's like there is something missing and the right person will make him whole. Some one who will give him the love and respect he really needs, and we both know that is not Carbine. True it may not be you either but it would be a shame to miss this opportunity to see. Just think about it, okay?"
Karn nodded agreeing to at least give it some serious thought. Then with a wicked look took her towel and snapped it at the unprotected backside of her comrade. Smoke producing a scream that could be heard clear back to Mars
"That's for the wise crack," Karn said smiling in triumph.
Smoke stood holding to affected area and smiled knowing she deserved it.
"Okay, okay now we are even."
****
The guys finally made their way to The Last Chance and everyone met in the garage.
Vinnie walked up to Smoke and asked to speak with her privately, she agreed.
"You mind if we talk upstairs Charley girl,"
"No Vinnie help yourself. Smoke you can send Tatara down here with me, if you'd like."
"Thanks Charley but I think she needs to be with us this concerns her too."
Heading upstairs they found Tatara packing her things. She looked at Vinnie then sat down next to her mother. Vinnie didn't know any sign language so it was necessary to let Tatara hold her hand to his face as he spoke. She could feel his apprehension but ignored it.
"First Tatara, I really didn't mean to hurt you. It's going to take me some time to work through your Plutarkian side but I promise I am going to try as hard as I can.
Smoke, you know I have no life with out you in it. Please give me another chance to at least try and be a part of yours."
Smoke looked at her daughter and Tatara smiled this being what she wanted most for her mother.
"Let try and take it one day at a time. I love you too and maybe that's enough to help us get through this."
Tatara was overjoyed. She knew that Vinnie would try even though he still had strong feeling against what she was. That didn't matter she would stay out his way, anything to insure her mother's happiness.
Tatara kissed her mother's cheek, smiled at Vinnie and left to two alone.
"She is a pretty smart kid I have to admit," Vinnie said as he pulled Smoke up into his arms. He gazes into her flashing golden eyes.
"The leaf doesn't fall to far from the tree," she whispered as she could feel his arms gently increasing their embrace and then the glorious taste of his kiss.
She had missed being close to him, and feeling him smile. Maybe it was enough; they stay for a few more precious moments then joined the others
****
Everyone was packing trying to keep to the schedule. They would use Karn's vehicle. With it's transforming abilities it would be not only practical but also less conspicuous then trying to fly there. It was now changed to a SUV that resembled an extra large Land Rover making the long ride to New York more comfortable. The guys would as usual ride their bike. Everyone stopped for lunch and discussed further details of the trip.
"Okay people now down to business. I have already told you that we contact Gates as soon as we get to close to NY and she will meet us just before we enter the city.
Now about our appearances, Karn's vehicle not only has the ability to transform itself but her also. I use my wrist device and with Tatara we use this. Smoke takes a black baseball cap with DKNY in white lettering on the front and places it on Tatara's head. She giggles silently then runs to the nearest mirror to admire herself. Karn goes into her Vehicle after a few flashes of light she emerges an attractive female human. The same height and build fair skinned and sharp features that strangely resemble her former self. Long blond hair reaching down her back and she maintains the cool blue gray eyes.
Smoke touches her device and turns into the regal looking, dark skinned human she'd been before. Same head full of luscious black curls, a face Cleopatra would envy and the same golden jade eyes. Tatara comes back her hair now in two long ponytails and if you didn't look too close she resembled any other human child. Charley just sat out of the way totally amazed at all that was going on.
Smoke continues, "Now as for our handsome bros. what do we do about hiding those gorgeous mugs of yours? Stoker sent you three a little gift courtesy of Plutarkian science. Remember the mask Mace used and the ones the Plutarkian bosses use? We have been able to copy the technology. These masks literally faze with your own face so it's more realistic and much more comfortable. You can wear them for 24 hours without breaking a sweat." Smoke hands each a box containing the mask that was designed to fit its wearer perfectly.
" Oh and one more thing, you guys are going to have to change the wardrobe a bit." She also hands each additional box containing, leather jackets and gloves.
"You except me to hide this pretty face, sheesh" Vinnie complains as he struggles pulling on the mask, the jacket and gloves. Throttle and Modo follow suit then wait for a reaction from the ladies.
"I don't know who they used for the models but I could easily get real use to this."
Charley says as she admires not only how human they look but how handsome as well.
Karn looks at Throttle and tries to decide if she really likes his new persona.
She touches his face and to her surprise it is very realistic to the touch. Then does something that shocks not only Throttle but Smoke as well, whom almost falls off her chair. Running her hands through his mixed blond waves she then pulls him close and lays a kiss on him that makes his knees weak. She releases him and calmly says, "Yes they should do nicely."
Charley and Tatara smile at each other and they each grab Modo around the neck and give him a big kiss on his now red/brown cheeks. He hugged them both in thanks.
Vinnie not one to be left out takes hold of Smoke's face and gently brings her into a kiss that will test the mask to it's limits. Then releasing her, smiles as he shakes the shoulder length black braids out of his face.
Smoke after clearing her head added, "Yes, they will definitely do very nicely"
****
Everything was going well. Tatara tries her best to keep a distance from Vinnie. But with everything moving so fast she found herself standing next to him as he was lifting some packages into the truck. She accidentally bumps up against him knocking the packages to the ground. He wheels around giving her a cool stare. Though he tries immediately to conceal them words flashes in his mind then in hers. Seeing her crushed expression he turns away condemning himself for losing control. They were words foreign to her and how she could hear them with out touching his face was a mystery, but she was all too familiar with the feeling behind them, the sick emptiness it gave her inside. Tatara slowly slides to the ground, pulling her knees to her chest trying hard not to let the tears fall.
Smoke notices her daughter sitting with her head down, stops what she was doing. She takes a seat next to her and puts an arm around the small shoulder. Putting her daughter's hand in place she asks what's wrong.
"Oh nothing. I guess I am a little tired." Tatara attempts to show a smile. "I will be alright I just wanted to rest a little,"
Then turning to her mother and trying hard to keep the hurt out of her eyes and her minds voice asks, "Momma what is Lough Ti' Ni Sha?"
"Where did you hear that? It's a name some called the Plutarkian. It's from the old language I 'm surprised you could even pronounce it so well. It isn't used often, just to describe….. Tatara….. Where did you hear that?
But Smoke knew the only place it could come from. That the pain Vinnie had was much deeper than she could have realized. The name was only used to describe the vilest and most hated of creatures. She wasn't angry just sadden at the choice she was now force to make.
"It's okay baby you stay here, I'll have to take care of this."
"No mommy he did mean it. It was my fault please don't!" Tatara pleaded.
" I have to do what I know is best for all of us. It's not your fault, it isn't even his. It's just the way things are." She got up and walked over to Vinnie.
"Vincent." she said in a quiet calm voice.
He knew why she was there before she could say a word. "She caught me off guard I didn't mean to call her that. I don't even know how she heard me."
"Yes Vincent I think that's exactly what you meant and truly feel."
"Smoke babe please." Vinnie's voice begged.
She lovingly looked into the eyes that held so much pain and try to offer some comfort.
" I know you tried Heart of my Heart but I can't let your pain hurt her. She deserves some peace and so do you. We have to be together for the sake of the mission but afte,r we go our separate ways. Tatara and I will try and keep our distance." She takes off the small charm bracelet that he'd given her and places it in his hand. Then she leans up and kisses him softly.
"But Smoke you know I love you."
"I know Vincent but Tatara is part of me, the part you can't accept. I was wrong; we both were wrong to think sweet kisses could erase years of hate. No matter how wonderful they may have been" She places a soft kiss on his cheek and walks away.
Vinnie holds the small charm in his hand fingering it for a moment then letting it fall to the ground. He watches his life walk away and could do nothing else to stop her. He walked into the garage and no one followed him.
Charley picks up the piece of jewelry and carefully places it into her pocket. Everyone goes back to the preparation trying to pretend they hadn't heard anything.
****
As they head out it was late in the evening dark having already fallen. Everyone was silent and pensive.
Karn driving, her mind trying to focus on the road and not on the pain she knew her partner was being devoured by. Also the brief kiss that she could still feel on her lips didn't help.
Charley glanced in the rear view mirror worrying about the dear friend that was following much too silently behind them. Then back at the Martian female sitting in the back seat holding on to her child stroking her hair giving the comfort only she could.
Smoke cradling her daughter quietly whispering the words to give her some peace.
Tatara, tired and hurt, let herself be hushed to sleep by the voice of the person who was everything to her being. Her shaking young hand securely held to the cheek of the voice that always made her believe that life was worth living no matter how bad things were. The voice soft, reassuring, and safe.
Charley thought for a moment and took a CD she especially brought. She smiled back at Smoke then pushed it in to the player reached back and gives Smoke's knee a gentle squeeze of encouragement.
As the soft music played a smooth female voice soothed them all with words that said all that need be said.
Every one fall in love some times
Some times it's wrong sometimes it's right
For ever win some one must fail
There comes a point when, when we exhale
Yeah yeah yeah say
shoop shoop shoop………
Some times you'll laugh
Some times you'll cry
Life never tell us
The whens or whys
When you've got friends to wish you well
You'll find a point when you will exhale
Yeah yeah say shoop shoop shoop….
Hearts are often broken
When there's words unspoken
In your soul there's
Answers to your prayers
If you're searching for a place you know
A familiar place some where to go
You should look inside yourself
And you're half way there
Some times you'll laugh
Some times you'll cry
Life never tells us
The whens or whys
But when you got friends
To wish you well
You'll find your point when
You will exhale.
Shoop shoop shoop shoop……..
Song by Whitney Houston
From the "Waiting to Exhale" CD.
To be continued…..