The trip to New York was uneventful. They drove straight through only stopping for the occasional pit stop, food, and a few moments of brief rest. Once close enough to the city they picked up Gates radio signal and arranged to meet her at an out of the way rest stop on the New Jersey turnpike. It was night fall when they finally pulled up and there Gates sat on her own huge Silver and black cycle. The name Silver Lady painted elegantly on the side.
In her human form, she appeared to be medium in height, nicely built, full figured female, light mocha complexion, light brown hair, cut short except for the loose bangs that fell slightly in her face and red full lips that made each of the guy's smile appreciatively.
Smoke jumped out of the truck and walked toward her sister of the heart. They exchanged warm loving smiles then quickly surveying the immediate area, making sure no unexpected humans were within eye-shot, deactivated their electronic disguises. They embraced sharing a sister love not many had the privilege to experience or could truly understand.
As the two sisters exchanged affections, Modo looked at Gates recognizing something very different about her true appearance. He could see she was very much a Martian mouse, with fur a soft cream color and full cloud like hair the same exact color. It surrounded her face and fell down her back almost to her waist. She wore a similar long braid like the ones Karn and Smoke wore when in their natural state, as if they shared a secret family code of honor. She had no antenna and her ears were slightly pointed. She was definitely different from any other female he'd ever seen.
"Hey Bros. does she look a little strange?"
"Other than being a knock out, maybe a little, but so what." Throttle smiled.
"Nothin', I guess." Modo was more than mildly intrigued by this strikingly exotic beauty.
The embrace ended and Smoke introduced Gates to Charley, "I know this must seem pretty overwhelming, but thank you for your help," she shook Charley's hand.
"Believe it or not, since I've meet these guys this kind of thing is beginning to be the norm." Charley chucked as she returned the friendly handshake.
"Guys, this is my sister." Smoke turned to Modo first.
He removed his mask, took Gates hand and nodded gallantly. He couldn't take his gaze from the dark crystal rubies that were her eyes, "Ma'am, the pleasure is truly mine."
An amber glow began emitting from her cheeks, "Well…um… its nice meeting you too," she stammered feeling more like a shy teenager, than a seasoned freedom fighter. His smile was as magnificent and handsome as his manners. Gates breath shortens as his lips touched her hand. She reluctantly pulled it away to meet second in the trio.
"This is Throttle, but watch out Karn has her eyes out for this one," Smoke joked.
Throttle also removed his mask and smiled taking her hand. "Nice to meet ya. Smoke, beautiful women must run in your family."
"Thank you, Throttle. I have to admit Karnnie has always had great taste, but you are something that should be put on a plate for desert." The embarrassed biker mice leader just shrugged appreciatively.
As they approached the third member of the Biker mice Gates noticed a change in Smoke demeanor. Almost able to feel Smokes discomforted she looked puzzled at her sister. Wasn't this the person she had talked about, the lost love she planned on spending forever with, as she put it? As they got closer Gates attempted to down play the growing tension between the two, at least until Smoke could explain what had happened.
"You have to be Vinnie. Smoke has certainly told me a lot about you." Gates smiled politely extending her hand. Smoke said nothing and walked back to the truck.
Vinnie took off his mask and tried to pretend nothing was wrong. "It's nice to meet you Gates," he glanced briefly toward Smoke.
Gates knew something was wrong, but left it to be discussed with Smoke privately. She walked back over to the truck and seeing Tatara swept her up in her arms giving her a tickling nuzzle under her neck, then a big overly juice kiss on the cheek.
"How's my sweet baby, keeping your Mommy out of trouble for me?" She said picking up the little pale blue hand holding it to her face. Gates could hear the giggles coming from Tatara. Suddenly the giggles stopped and the child lay a sadden head on her aunt's neck.
"What the matter TeeTee?" Gates knew the torment Tatara had been through and the some time, cruel treatment she got from others. But now she was around those that would only give her love and affection so she couldn't understand the child's sadness.
"I just miss you so much Auntie Gee. I wish I could see you more," the tiny unconvincing voice floated into her aunt's mind.
"Well we can spend time together now and we can catch up on all the happenings. Like how many boyfriends you have as pretty as you have become." Gates not fully believing the child's answer but would address that later as well. One more nuzzle of the neck she puts Tatara down and walked up to Karn and they exchange warm hugs.
"How goes it Karnnie girl? Still having those Plutarkian burgers?" Gates couldn't help but tease her.
"Not lately I guess they're getting too fast for me," she joked back.
"So folks before we cause a small riot let's get our faces back on and get into the city.
Even though in this city I am not so sure anyone would really notice much. I have a place were we can set up and start doing what we are here to do. Charley I think you'd better drive. Some of the stuff we have to do to get into the city, you are probably the most familiar with. Let's ride people," Gates took the lead.
Looking across the river as they approached the city all was amazed and fascinated at the mere size of this strange and awesome earth city. Chicago was no small place but this was something that took their breaths away.
To gain access to the city it was necessary to travel through a series of tunnels that ran under the river. To enter the tunnel a toll had to be paid and it being a considerably busy time of the evening they had to wait some time in line. Which caused a small traffic problem. East Coast women being a bit more aggressive took this time to enjoy the very impressive sights of the three Biker mice now human. Women were staring out of their windows, whistling, and some were even yelling out their phone numbers. Gates just shook her head and knew this was going to be an interesting mission to say the least.
To Be continued….