She Thing

by Morning

At times the littlest packages offer the most hope

5. Parts 5 to finale'

She Thing continues….

Part 5 to the finale'

Once actually in the city the caravan of aliens plus one human stop. They pull over and step out of their vehicles gazing up at the shear magnitude of what New York City was. People of all colors and sizes filled the streets, skyscrapers reaching up standing like sentinels guarding their vast kingdom.

Every mind was in tune with the thoughts of his fellow traveler; this is what their homes were at one time, what they could have been now?  Each promised they would not let the destroyers of lives take the life from this planet.  No one spoke the words aloud, but they all knew the promise. Silently they got back to their vehicle and started on to fulfill that promise.

Driving through the city was a task in itself, but eventually Gates stopped in front of a beautiful building know as a Brown stone, a two-story structure with large windows and a turn of the century charm.

"Well folks, here's home until we get this thing finished up. There are two apartments we have the upper and you gents have the bottom. I have everything I thought you would need to make you comfortable but if I've forgotten anything let me know."

"Gates this is incredible, how could you do all this? How could you afford it?" Charley was so shocked she had to ask.

Gates raised an eyebrow, " My dear Charley, let's just say with space travel you find that what one planet calls junk, another puts an extremely large price on and we'll leave it at that."

As they settle in everyone took time to make them selves comfortable after the long tiring trek. Devices turned off, masks removed, and finally some time to relax. Charley stood in the mist of all these different representation of life and wondered if her world would ever be ready to know about them. She shook her head in the negative, probably not for a few hundred years.

With Charley and Karn in one bedroom, she and Smoke in the other, Gates took this private time to find out what had happen between her sister and Vinnie. Not to mention what was going on with Tatara. She touched Tatara on the shoulder then putting the child's hand in place tells her, " I have your bedroom all set up for you down the hall. Why don't you go check it out see if there is anything I may have forgotten? There's a computer and some games I think you will like and I got a special little surprise just for you."

Tatara smiles with excitement, "You know, Miss Charley, showed me another way to talk, but you have to learn how to do it. Momma and Karn are getting real good at it, but Uncle Modo does it the best. The other wise shy little girl with a new smile of confidence began to let her delicate little fingers weave the words in to a dance she shared with her mother. They say a few phases and Gates was amazed by the share beauty of the language.

"What did she say, Smoke?"

With a mischievous smile, Tatara looked at her mother than her aunt and went to check out her room  wondering what the surprise could have been.

She said," I know she likes Uncle Modo. I saw how she looked at him. I just hope she doesn't scare him away."

Smoke had to burst in to laughter as Gates promised to give her niece the tinkling of her life. Than the room was silent as Smoke knew the real reason Gates had sent Tatara out. She sat on the bed and let her hurt find it's freedom on the shoulders that she'd used many times in the past.  Gates listened and let Smoke share what she had been holding in since the incident happened.

"Sis, from the look in his eyes when you walked away I don't think it's over. That kind of love finds a way to survive. Let him find his own way. You'll see that if he's half the man you say he is, he'll find it. Okay, now no more tears go clean your face and let's get to the business of finding this Plutarkian bottom feeder. We didn't come all this way and spend all this money to get your love life back on track. We do have a job to do."

Smoke with a renewed hope smiled at her wiser sister and went to clean up. Gates just breathed a sigh and walked over to the window. She watched as the three Martian males worked at bringing in the rest of the equipment, especially one. Modo was an exquisite example of a man at the peak of perfection and a feast for the eye to say the least.

Smoke walked up next to her, "You know Tatara is right, he does like you I saw that too."

"I remember what you said how he feels about my people. It wouldn't work once he found out, so why look for a heartache." Gates said never taking her eyes off him.

"Now who needs to let him find his own way? Modo is such a great guy.  I don't think he really hates as much as he thinks he does. And you know what Momma always told us, "Nothing beats a failure but a try."

Gates allows herself a flight of fancy and imagined how nice it just might be, but the memories of the tragedy involving her own parents took over and her head shakes in a silent no.

                                                                            ****

After a replenishing night sleep and hearty breakfast they could concentrate on what had to be done. Everyone gathered in the living room to listen to Gates' report. The hows, whys, and possible whereabouts of Ztalavious.

"He has a building downtown and his private offices are on the 22nd floor. I was able to get a job as a receptionist so I could observe him closer and if he isn't a Plutarkian he has got to be the most obnoxious human I have ever met but then again he doesn't have that smell.

"Neither did Stilton, remember?"  Throttle reminded them.

Well that's how are our little Tee-Tee will helps us the most," Gates winked at Tatara. "We go to his office, she helps get a more positive ID, from a distance, and then we go to the next step."

Before leaving they split up into two groups. Throttle, Karn, Vinnie, and Charley on the bikes, Modo, Gates, Smoke and Tatara decided to take public transportation. Tatara wanted to experience as much of the city as she could. Gates explained the way the subways ran and what they would need to do to blend in as much as possible. They weren't much different from the once intricate underground shuttles on Mars. Of course those were much quieter and floated on a stream of air but the basic principle was the same. While riding the train, even though he looked completely human, Modo was not one to blend in very well. The tall almost 7ft massive frame now draped in a long gray leather trench coat, jet black hair neatly gathered back in a loose braid and classic feature of a native American warrior was not going unnoticed. Women gazed with admiration and desire, men with envy but respect.

Gates tried hard, but she couldn't stop from watching his every movement. How this giant of a person was so gentle and caring with her niece. He had taken time to learn this new language of hers so they could talk and he could share a little of her world. His fingers moved almost gracefully as they talk, surprisingly even the mechanical ones, that he kept covered by black leather gloves joined the symphony of words he orchestrated. Tatara had gotten so close to him and for that to happen it would have taken a very special understanding on his part. Would that understanding extend to her, maybe?

Finally at their stop they emerged from the darkness to be amazed at the sight of so much life racing around them. They walked following Gates to the huge building where she worked. Tatara couldn't help but walk looking up, it was all so wonderful. Gates, with a little make up, had bend just the right skin tone so that Tatara looked even more human, but her pixie beauty and enchanting eyes caught the looks and smiles of many that passed by her.

They stopped at the large brass and glass doors that had PDS Enterprises written across the top. Walking into the lobby was a sight to behold. A large pond was situated in the middle of the enormous room filled with rare tropical fish of all sizes and colors. A fountain sprayed rhythmically synchronized to the classical music that filled the air. There were marble floors and chandeliers that caught the light painting the walls with rainbows. Tatara could only stand and smile as she got lost in what seem to be a fairyland like Miss Charley had told her about. Who ever the owner of all this was he couldn't possibly be the cruel and horrible person that was back on Chuliar. Her aunt was wrong she just had to be.

The other members of their group, having already arrived, took up their positions on the far end of the lobby, Charley and Vinnie at one end, Throttle and Karn at the other. Everything was in place to try and identify the possible disguised Plutarkian scientist.  As the elevators opened and the lobby became filled with people every ones attention was focused on trying to pick out the man Gates had described to them.

Tatara began to wander around the beautiful pond. She was so taken by the small shine creatures that swam in it she didn't notice the tall figure she bumped into. The man held her by her shoulders to keep her from falling and when she looked up terror filled her eyes.

"You better watch were you are going, young lady. You almost knock me down." The voice cut through her like a razor. It was if his hand became so hot it seem to burn her shoulder, the sensation becoming almost unbearable, she'd felt this before.

Tatara stared at the strange man paralyzed in fear; his icy cold almost clear blue eyes seem to freeze her where she stood.

"Are you alright? What the matter cat got your tongue?" As the stranger continued to look at her the feeling of recognition over whelmed him and unconsciously his grip tighten on her small shoulders.

Smoke suddenly got a feeling of fear and whirled around to see where Tatara was only to see a stranger holding her frighten daughter.

"TATARA!!!" Smoke screamed and in a fraction of a second she was at her daughter's side as the child crumbled to the floor. Modo and Gates where close behind her

"I'm sorry, madame. She bumped into me and I was only trying to make sure I hadn't hurt her." The man apologized as he released the child into her mother's arms.

"It's alright she's deaf and frightens very easily. It's not your fault." Smoke smiled as she looked up into the stranger's face.

"Should I call a doctor?" The man asked, seemingly concerned but a little dazed him self.

 "Mr. Port Du Salute, Smoke what happened?" Gates questioned rushing to her sisters side.

 Miss Matese!? Do you know this child?"

"Yes it's my niece and sister." Gates said looking at Smoke praying she won't react to the named.

Smoke glared at the man, was it him? Was this the creature that tortured her baby, taken the lives of countless innocent children that suffered and died on the cold Plutarkian moon so far from the warmth and love of how many heartbroken mothers and fathers?

Modo walked up and his reaction was pretty much the same as he knelt down closer to Tatara. Gates could feel the tension and knew she had to defuse the situation before emotions got out of hand, "Modo, why don't you take the baby home? I think she just had too much city for one day."

The others in the group stayed at a safe distance knowing if they got too close it could possible complicate the situation further. Modo gently picked up Tatara and carried her out with the others following him at a discreet distance.

Mr. Port Du Salute, are you alright?" Gates question afraid that he knew or at least felt something.

"Yes, yes Miss Maltese. I will be fine. It just that child for some reason I felt like….no, that would be impossible, it's nothing." He waved the nagging feeling away. " I have to leave and meet with a client, I've left want I need you to do on your desk and I will see you later this afternoon."

"Yes sir, but I need to see about my niece first." Gates said her eyes following Modo out of the door.

"Well if you must, but make it fast. I don't pay you to socialize," he dismissed her and left.

                                                   ****

All having regrouped up in the girl's apartment the events of the day were discussed.

"Well I'm sure it's him or why would Tatara have that kind of reaction. I won't take the chance of exposing her to him again," Smoke said making her daughter's safety the main focus.

"I think she was right about him too, Sis, but we have to make a positive ID there is just too much to at stake. Tomorrow night he is planning a big affair to show a new clothing line. Lots of media coverage and it will be at his private penthouse.  We can get in, take a closer look at what he has going on. I already have an invitation; putting you all on the guest list won't be a problem, since I am working on the guest list. It's one of my many glamorous duties since I started working for the creep, that and trying to keep his hands off me. I swear if he sneaks up behind me one more time, all we'll have to take to Mars is a burnt out carcass.

"So that's the plan. We need to do a few things to prepare for tomorrow night and that means an early morning. I think I will turn in. Gates I am going to sleep in the room with Tatara. She is still kind of shaky. I'll say goodnight every one." Smoke went into Tatara's room giving Vinnie a slight back ward glance.

He just looked down avoiding her eyes, "I think I will call it a night too," Vinnie said as he got up to leave.

Modo watched his sadden bro leave the room, "I wish there was something we could do to help those two. It's a real shame."

"Yeah, Big Fella, I wish there was, but it's something only they can work out. Just be there for him. Just like you are here for everyone else." Charley said as she walked over to Modo and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek and tickled his ear playfully. Gates watched how everyone felt about the gentle mass of muscles and smiled, could his kindness extend to her, if he knew?

The big mouse blushed as he turned to catch a quick glance of Gates, then he and Throttle decided to leave for the night. Throttle gave Karn a quick kiss and hug and they left.

Charley walked over to the window staring out she said, "You know Karn I think you and Throttle could have something really special and Gates I think you should give Modo a chance too. Let him see the real you and give him the opportunity to decide for himself."

Karn walked over to Charley and put her arm around her the human who had become so important to her in a relatively short amount of time, "You care so much about all of us. What about you? When do you start doing something about Charley's life."

 Charley smiled and rested her head on Karn's shoulder. "One day I will find the love of my life, he's out there somewhere. But for now the guys need me and that's enough."

"You know, Charley, you are something really special," Gates stood and walked over to join them by the window smiling as she realized how much she enjoyed this humans company.  Karn chuckled a little and they stood for a few quiet minutes, enjoying the view and their friendship.

"Hey ladies you feel like taking on the big apple to night? It might be our last chance, "Gates suggested with a look of adventure fresh on her face.

"Well I don't want to leave Smoke here alone. She is still a little worried about Tatara. But why don't you and the guys go out for some fun?"

Karn got on the phone and asked if the guys would like to join them. Vinnie declined but Throttle and Modo where more than ready for some time alone with the ladies that were the objects of their affection. After a bit of primping they were all ready for a fun night on the town. With each disguise in place, the four looked like many of the other couples that filled the streets of the bustling Metropolis. Once comfortably seated on their prospective bikes Throttle gave Modo a sly grin and each took off in different directions to the pleasant surprise of their female passengers.

The night was surprisingly comfortable for so early in the spring. Gates held Modo tightly around the waist; she was going to take this chance. Maybe a big mistake but you can't make an omelet with out breaking a few eggs.

"I know of a real nice place not to far from here. We can talk a bit if you'd like. It's just a few miles straight and to the left. It's call Café Renoir," Gates suggested as the lights of the city flew by.

He nodded and followed her directions. Before long they had pulled up in front of a very attractive restaurant. A large picture window shows patrons enjoying their meals. Three large trees where lined just in front beautifully decorated with small sparkling lights. This was a place Gates came to often when she needed cheering up or just time to think. Walking inside the smell of fresh bread and soft light music filled the air. The decor resembles Paris of the 1800's, a place where one would except to see artists sketching the Eiffel Tower.

"Hey Gates, it's been a while, same table?" An attractive young woman smiled as she pointed to Gates favorite spot.

"Yes thanks Greta, that will be fine"

Modo held the chair to allow her to sit down and Greta, with a grin, bent down to give Gates a menu and whisper, "Gorgeous and polite, is there any more home like him?"

Gates giggled and shook her head, "Okay down girl, we will have a number 3."

"Number 3 it is," Greta winked and left to get their order.

Number 3, that's cheesecake, not to question the ladies choice, but I hate cheese in any form." Modo said giving her a slightly sickened expression.

"Have you ever tasted it?"

"Well, no but…"

"Then trust me."

As Gates saw Greta returning with their order she told Modo, " Close your eyes!"

"Why?"

"You ask too many questions just close your eyes."

Greta put the two orders of cheesecake on the table and stood back to see what Gates was doing.

"Now open your mouth. Don't say anything just open your mouth."

Modo still with his eyes shut did as she asked. When he did she slip a healthy portion of the rich dessert into it, he smiled as he enjoyed to creamy sweet confection.

"You see if you never give a new idea a chance you miss out on so much."

Even thought what she said had a two fold meaning he didn't call her on it at that moment, but he would before the night was over.

                                                            ****

Throttle and Karn had decided to go through Central Park. With the homing device Charley had installed in his bike finding their way back was no problem. The park was not a place most humans would venture into that late at night, but for the two alien adventurers they felt no fear. In fact they both amazed at the incredible beauty the park held after dark. They took a path off the paved road and found a quiet secluded tree covered spot and parked.

Karn trusting him completely followed Throttle in a short walk and they found an almost invisible wooden bench hidden among a thick bunch of hedges and took a seat.  Both were quiet at first then Karn turn to him and smiled, "So now what?"

Throttle put his arm around her shoulder and gently brushing a few long strands of her golden mane away from her face as he gazed into her still cool blue gray eyes that caught the moon's reflection.

"Tell me about you," he reached up and removed the still needed field specks. His was voice low, appealing and even though he had dawn the human masks the sad light in his, now green eyes, kept her transfixed.

"There isn't much to tell. As with many others the Plutarkian came and destroyed my world or tried too. Unlike your people it was because of our arrogance that we lost so much. Thinking that the universe was so large that we could isolate ourselves, not care about other worlds around us. It cost us dearly. We are trying to save what's left, but it will never be what it once was. I'll never be what I once was," her voice trailing off softly.

"What about your family?"

"I have a brother, but no one else."

"No one home waiting for you to come back to him." Throttle carefully questioned

"There was someone once, but he's dead. So now it's just my brother and I. What about you?  I've heard you have a lady waiting for you back on Mars."

He at first looked a little embarrassed because of not saying something sooner.

"Hey it's okay, trust me I did intent to for us to be much more than friends before…" she stopped, not daring to say another word and dropping her eyes.

He gently raised her chin and smiled, "Before what?

His arms encircle her and before she knew what had happen, he kissed her so tenderly that her entire body quaked. Not from passion as one might think, but from the shear joy of finding a heart so ready to take her into it. In so many obvious ways they were worlds apart, but whatever differences they might have had seem to vanish in a misty haze of warm promises. After a few moments he leans his head back and with a new light in his eyes he assures her, "I have no one back on Mars. The only person I want or need is right here."

                                             ****

After they enjoyed some light talk Gates had a special place she wanted to take him. Not one for leaving things to chance she was going to let him know exactly who and what she was before she fell any deeper into a potential heartbreak. She directed him to a section of the city know as the South Street Sea Port. People were walking around, music was playing, and the atmosphere was almost like a festival with laughter and music filling the air. They walked enjoying the jovial mood and stopped sitting on a low wooden railing that faced the quiet water and away from the crowd. A cool night breeze caused Gates to pull her coat around her neck and wrap her arms around herself for extra warmth. She walked a distance away from Modo staring at the buildings on the opposite shore not knowing how to begin to reveal her secret.

"Gates talk to me. I have been known to be a good listener," he encouraged as he walked close behind her.

"Can I ask you something first?"

He nodded.

"Smoke had told me how you hate rats, why?"

Taken a little of guard, not excepting that question, Modo gathers his thoughts and emotions to explain trying to keep his voice steady and calm.

"The war wasn't going real well. The Plutarkian were gaining more and more ground. I didn't feel safe leaving my wife and daughters. So I brought them to the freedom fighters base thinking nothing could happen to them if they were close to me. I was wrong. Some how Rats got into the base and sabotaged one of ammunition areas. My family and some others were just walking past and got buried in the explosion. They dug them out but my wife and oldest daughter died immediately the youngest survived a few days. I was away on a mission. I got back in just enough time to be with her just before she died. I held her in my arms and she smiled at me. The last thing she said was," Daddy, don't be lonely." I thought I'd go crazy. But with the help of my bros. my life went on. I hated them because they took the most precious part of my life."

Gates was sorry she asked, sorry they were there and mostly sorry she didn't stick to her first resolve. But it was too late for all of that. She had already begun to feel so much for him. If nothing else this would end it, better now before either of them could fall any deeper. She turned away not wanting to see the hate that would soon fill his face and began to unraveling her own darken past,  "My parents were killed by the Rats when I was about eleven."

Modo's first reaction was to try an attempt to reach for her, but she held a hand up keeping him at a distance.

"No, let me finish," she had to say it quick and get it over with.

 "We thought we were safe, we had no quarrel with anyone. My father won't fight with the government and he didn't join the residence either. He was man with his own ideas and values that he stuck to. We moved around living on what my father could trade. That's how we found Smoke and she became part of our family. But there was no safe place really. The Rats broke into our camp one night. They didn't want to steal anything they wanted my mother. She also had her own set of values that went against the laws of her clan. They had been trying to find her to punish her.  My parents hid Smoke and I to protect us, but we could still hear. I will never forget those sounds. They killed them both, him for being the enemy, and her for loving him.

Modo looked at her puzzled.

"You see my mother was considered a traitor by her people. She had done the unforgivable and it cost her life. They would have killed me too since I have mixed blood.

Modo's eyes widen releasing what she had just said, "I knew there was something different about you." His voice held no particular emotion.

She knew it was over, she had tried and failed so goes life, " You don't have to bother yourself. I know my own way back." Gates started to walk away but a gentle hold on her arm stopped her.

"If you don't give a new idea a chance, you miss out on so much. It's time to put old hates away. Maybe it's time we both started living life for now and put the past where it belongs."

Gates was speechless and turned to him burying her face in the folds of his coat. Was this all really happening, she was almost too afraid to believe that it actually could? Modo gently entwines his fingers through her soft brown hair and she raised her head at his maneuvering. His hand moved down her arm until he could feel the device that kept her human persona in tack and deactivated it. In a soft light her true self appeared and he removed the mask uncovering his own face.

"You are very beautiful you know and I want nothing between us now," he smiled again taking her face in his hands. The next moment was pure bliss as they discovered rebirth in each other's kiss. The past melting away as two lives were joined together from that moment on to whatever the future held.

                                                          ****

 Gates was all smiles as she left to go to the office where she could make the needed changes on the guest list and write up the invitations the rest would need to get in the front door.  The day had past quickly but as she was finishing up she felt a presents behind her.

"Is there something I can do for you Mr. Port Du Salut," she said not turning around

"No my lovely little Rolodex, but maybe there is something I can do for you. His cool business persona had fallen away as he walked up close behind her and began to rub her shoulders.

She immediately frozen and tried to get up out of the chair but he held her down. Gritting her teeth she raised her elbow up hard catching just the right spot to hear a very painful expelling of air.

"Oh Sorry, I did realize you where so close behind me and no I don't think there is a thing you can do for me, now."

Port du Salut, limbed painfully back to his office and closed the door. Gates couldn't help but smiled with the thought of the pain she had just caused him.  She finished up, got the invitations and walked to his office door and spoke to her boss in a voice so sweet it literally drip honey.

"Sir, I am finished for the day I will leave the guest list with your coordinator. I just wanted to thank you for the kind invite to your showing to night it will be such a thrill," she left without getting a response knowing he had very little air left for talking.

                                                 ****

After a day of preparation each young woman had her own special look. Charley no longer the tomboy grease jockey, a look she was getting too old for any way.  Elegantly draped in a soft, black, sleeveless, velvet evening grown. It fell straight down her legs and ended with just a slight train in the back. Her hair in a new stylish short cut, small black pearl earrings and with matching black heels all added to the transformation.

.

Karn not use to formal wear relayed heavily on her friend to help her chose what was appropriate. They chose well, she adorned in a blue chiffon dress that hit her just above the knee. With a princess waistline, flared full flowing skirt and the back dipping just below her shoulder blades. They combed her human hair full out and it flowed down her back like spun gold.  She had to practice walking in the silver heels but mastered it before they left.

Smoke having a natural flair for what would look the best in any given situation selected everything perfectly. A straight red gown made of fine linen that fit just snug enough to reveal her well toned figure and a small slit showing just enough of her long beautiful legs and matching red heels. Even as a human the curly mass of hair she sported only needed a quick shake for faultlessness.

Gates never one for too much fluff choose a sharp black tailored pants suit with a long tapered jacket that came past her knees. A white, silk, blouse with a high collar and black paten leather flats. Her hair was tossed attractively freely falling in her face just a little. The outfit in no way took away from her femininity in fact everything just added all the more to it.

As the time came for them to leave Smoke checked on Tatara once more. She walked into Tatara's room and sitting on the bed she watch the young girl sleeping. She thought to herself as she pulled the covers up around her baby's neck touching her head softly, "It's almost over, Sweetness, then we will head home. We couldn't have done any of this without you. I am so proud of how strong you've been."

As she got up to leave Tatara grabbed her and hug her tight. Touching her mother's face, Smoke could hear her daughter voice, "You look beautiful Momma and you make me able to do anything, we are partners remember?"

Smoke looked lovingly at her daughter's face holding it gently she kissed her on the forehead and though, "I remember Imza. We won't be very long. Just enough time to make sure and then we will be back. You sure you'll be okay?"

"Yes, I'm not a baby you know I can take pretty good care of myself. But you won't be too long, will you?"

"I know, you're a quite the young lady and I promise we won't be any longer than we absolutely have to be.  I am leaving the security sensor activated and we are leaving the bikes to keep on eye on things, now go back to sleep." Smoke patted Tatara on the bottom as she left out of the room. Tatara giggled and settled back to sleep.

When Smoke walked back into the living room the guys had arrived, all dressed in black tux's, formal white shirts and each had a matching tie and sash Modo in red, Throttle in blue and Vinnie in black.  Vinnie glanced at Smoke thinking how absolutely beautiful she was and how he wanted to tell her and hold her, but knew it would just make what they were going through that much harder.

Throttle offered Karn his arm, "Babe, you are the best looking thing I have ever seen on this world or any other."

Karn took his arm, "You are a yummy piece of eye candy yourself."

Modo in his wisdom offered Smoke one arm so as not to make her avoiding Vinnie too obvious and Gates the other, "Beautiful ladies, May I have the honor?"

Smoke, loving the concern he showed her, took his arm with a sigh of relief,  " Thank you Modo, I don't know what we would do with out you." Gates took the arm of her gentle giant winking at Smoke, smiling with every fiber of her being.

Charley didn't wait; she walked up to Vinnie and slipped her hand through his arm, "Come on Hot Shot let's give the people something good to look at." Vinnie smiled and squeezed Charley's hand.

                                                                  ****

When they arrived the paparazzi was in full swing. Every major magazine was represented. They could slip in with little attention, other then Port de Salute's lustful glare at Karn. He knew he hadn't put the group on his guest list but for a change at meeting the beautiful young woman he would ignore that fact.

As the evening swung into high gear it was time to make their move, "Okay people this is what we do. The guys and I will check the upper levels of this pleasure palace. Karn, Mr. Hot Cheese seems to be smitten with you so you are elected to keep him busy."

Just watch his hands, he's got more moves than a Guldairin squid with all 53 tentacles," Gates warned.

Throttle looked at Karn with a concerned, protective, glance, but she sweetly pinched his cheek, " Don't worry Love, I know how to do my job and I can more than handle myself. You take care of what you have to do and I will take care of our slimy host."

Throttle kissed her hand; " I know darlin', but you can't blame me, watch your back."

Karn smiled and walked over to the table where Port Du Salut was sitting. As soon as he caught sight of her he stood and invited her to the dance floor.

Modo slapped Throttle on the back, "Come on Bro, she's a big girl. Like she said she can take care of her self."

With that the group left to investigate the upper part of the Penthouse. Gates, Vinnie and Charley sat waiting for them to return when a male's voice was heard above the crowd and music.

"Excuse me, but may I have the pleasure of this dance."

When Charley looked up she saw the face of what she thought was the finest man she had ever seen. He had bowed slightly and extended a hand to her.

"Oh my gosh!" Charley thought to herself.

"Would you guys mind?"

Gates smiled, "Of course not, enjoy."

Vinnie just sat and nodded.

Charley smile a big thank you.

"Y-Y-Yes I would love to." Was all she could manage to get out, standing to put her hand in his following him to the dance floor.

"By the way my name is Harrison Savane and yours?"

"Charley…I mean Charlene Davidson."

"I am hoping against hope, that one of those gentlemen with your party isn't a husband or boy friend?"

"No, you might say they are like my brothers."

"You have some very large men in your family. I better be real careful how I treat their little sister," he said with a smile that melted Charley like ice cream on a hot summer's day.

Karn noticed Charley dancing with the young man and smiled thinking," well it's about time."

After a bit Throttle, Modo, and Smoke came back empty handed.

"We couldn't find a thing, proving one way or the other." Smoke said as she sat down frustrated.

"Where is Charley girl?" Throttle asked.

Gates just nodded toward the dance floor, as Charley returned on the arm of Harrison.

"Everyone I would like to introduce Harrison Savane, he's a freelance photographer."

"Your sister is quiet a dancer I hope she will give me a chance to enjoy her company again," he flashed a smile that made all the ladies takes notice.

"Sister?" Before Vinnie could ruin anything Modo jumped in. "I am sure our little sister would like that too bro."

"Why don't you leave him your number, Charley girl," Throttle chimed in with a big smile and winking at Charley.

"I am sorry my brothers have all the tact of a freight train."

Harrison smiled at Charley, "No problem they make it a lot easier to get to know you. Can I get your number?"

Charley still blushing wrote the number down on a napkin and handed it to Harrison.

"Well, I've got to get back to work. I will give you a call tomorrow? Nice meeting you all."

Harrison left and every one gave Charley their aahhs of approval.

Karn nudged Charley, "Pretty cute Charley. Tall, dark, and very handsome, for a human I mean."

"Okay let's get back to why we are here." Smoke brought everyone back to what they were there for. We didn't find a thing so Gates, you, Vinnie, and Charley will have to check the lower floor. Just in case you might need this, if there are any locked doors or alarm systems this little baby will take care of them for you," Smoke handed Charley a small electronic device

Vinnie said nothing just nodded and followed the two women.

The media had surrounded Port Du Salat so they easily slipped away from the party without him noticing them. Making their way to the lower level they walked down past a number of vacant storage rooms and at the end of a long dark hallway they found a locked room. Locked too well not to be concealing something very important.

Charley examined the lock then attaching the device Smoke had given her. Click the small switch on the side. Beeping softly it turn the lock and the door opened silently. Vinnie stayed by the door as the look out.

 Inside they saw what could only be described as a trophy room. There was a giant picture of the High Chairman Camembert with knives sticking out of it and a complete Gallery of all the Plutarkian Planetary bosses along with maps of where they were set up all over the world.  Needing to find out as much as they could about who he was, his operation and his plans, where else to look but the computer that was situated in the corner of the room.

Charley sat down and tried to access his files while Gates search the rest of the room.

"Do you think you can break in, Charley?" Vinnie called from the door.

"I don't know, so far, nothing." Charley kept trying and bingo, it must have just been her night, because after a few more tries and using a few tricks Jack McCyber had taught her she was in.

There were files on top of file, most having to do with Plutark land deliveries and inventory. A lot of the same stuff she had seen in Limburgers files not too long ago. He was a Plutarkian, here much as the rest of the Plutarkians, to steal land resources and what ever he could. But there had to be some evidence that he was the Plutarkian they were after, the child murder, the one who had tortured Tatara on Chulair. Charley was just about to give up when she saw a file name: Martian Project code name, toy soldiers. She pulled it up and it was all the information about his experimental center on the Plutarkian moon. Information on all the children and what was done to them.

"He is, Ztalavious!!!" Charley gasped

Gates joined her by the computer. "Are you sure?"

" Yes, it's a personal log about his experiments.  I was hoping I could find out something about Tatara. Is that the name they found on her when she was rescued?" Charley whispered.

"Yes, Smoke said they found a tag around her neck with that name on it."

As the pictures and names flashed past Gates' heart stop as one name flashed by, "STOP IT! GO BACK!"

 It was the face of a little white Martian child not older than two years of age. Tatara was written on the top of the file.

"So she was fully Martian at one time. Charley who does she look like?" Gates whispers

" It couldn't be. I mean what are the chances of it being possible?" Charley said shaking her head no.

" Look at her Charley she could pass for Vinnie's twin, same snow-white fur and she would be around the right age his sister would have been. Look at her eyes I thought they were because of the experiments he did, but she was born with them. Only one Martian in a thousand has blue eyes."

As Charley glances through the file she was horrified, "How could they do that to a baby? Look at what he did to change her.  It tells how he made her deaf and mute. He put his own DNA and that of some human's he found somewhere and used it on her. What was he trying to do?" Charley was outraged her hands shook with anger.

 "Easy Charley, you knew who we are dealing with. Now that tells us she was once fully Martian but that doesn't mean she is Vinnie's sister."

"Well, there is one way of finding out," Charley said looking at Gates then at Vinnie.

"Hey, Charley what's taking you so long is he or isn't he?" Vinnie started towards the computer.

"Y-y-yes he is, Vincent. Let me just shut this thing down. I'll be right there," Charley quickly closed down the files, but not before she transferred all the information about Tatara on to a disk tucking it away until later.

"What's the matter Charley girl?" Vinnie said as he put an arm around his visibly shaken friend.

"Its nothing let get back to the others," her voice trembled badly. Vinnie seeing that she was about to topple over kept a protective arm around her until they got back to the table.

 "Well did you find anything….Charley what's the matter with you?" Smoke asked very concerned.

"Yes, all the evidence we need and a little more. Let's just get out of here." Charley said as she fumbled for her things trying her best to get to the door. "We can talk about it later but I have to leave here now, please!" she said almost running toward the door with Vinnie close behind her.

The group got up to leave as Karn came back to the table. Just as they were all about to reach the door Ztalavious stepped in front of Karn," Oh, my pretty golden haired beauty, please don't say you are leaving the night is still young. And I was hoping for at least another dance," he said ignoring the fact that she was with Throttle. Karn saw Throttle's otherwise calm demeanor change in an instant and knew she had to play it off Ztalavious/ Port du Salut's rude advances.

"Well my husband and I would be more than happy to stay, but we do have to get home to the children. Isn't that right dear?" Karn smiled a wifely smile at Throttle taking his arm demurely and continued to move past the obnoxious disguised Plutarkian.

Throttle was taken a little off guard looked at Karn, and then realized what she was doing went along with her, "Sure Babe especially the twins," as he wrapped his arm around her waist giving a mocking bow to their glaring eyed host.

Modo slapped Ztalavious/Port du Salut rather firmly on the back practically knocking him over, "you give a slammin' party Bro." Smoke and Gates trying hard to control their laughter but failing; took Modo's arm and they all walked out.

Ztalavious/ Port du Salut knew something was up with his unusually attractive guest and he immediately went to check and see if everything was as it should have been. He excused himself from his guest and went to his private office. He reviewed the security tapes for the last hour, especially his secret little office in the lower part of the house. He smiled to as he watched Charley going through his private files, noticing her concern; he scanned in closer to see what had captured her attention. Turning up the sound he listened to the conversation and smiled at the thought of one of his little experiment having survived, especially that one. As he listened his mind began to hatch a plan to recover his property and take care of his beautiful intruders and their companions.

                                                                         ****

 Everyone took some time to relax before working out the details of a plan. The guys went down to their apartment to change into more comfortable clothing. Smoke checked on Tatara and once she left Gates asked Charley whether she was going to tell her about what they found.

"Charley, Gates, what 's going on?" Karn questioned.

"We think we found evidence who Tatara's family might have been."

 "So what's with all the secrecy, I would think you'd want to tell Smoke."

"Not until we are sure and the only person who can do that is, Vinnie." Charley says as she head out the door, leaving a shocked Karn behind.

Walking down the stairs she tried hard to find the words and fix to them right in her mind. "There just was no painless way to do this," she lamented and knocked on the door. "Hey, you guys decent?"

"Yeah, come on in Charley, you feeling better now?" Throttle said giving her a brotherly hug.

"I'm okay, but I need to talk to Vinnie privately, could you guys leave us alone for a little while?"

Modo walked out glad to take the mask off. Not that it was uncomfortable but the feel of ones natural face was needed from time to time.

"Sure we were heading upstairs any way. Just holler if you need us, Okay?" Throttle said, softly pecking her cheek as he and Modo left.

 Nervously she sat waiting for Vinnie to come out of the bedroom.

"Hey Charley what so important you would risk being in here alone with this entirely marvelously Martian male." He tried to joke giving his toothiest smile also having taking off the mask.

"Knock it off, Van Wham. I know you want to be with Smoke and you know I know it."

Vinnie lost the smile, "Can't fool you huh, Charley girl?"

"No, Vinnie and you aren't doing too good a job fooling yourself either, but that isn't what I need to talk to you about."

Seeing the expression on Charley's face Vinnie knew what ever it was she wasn't in the mood for joking, this was much too serious, "What is it Charley?"

"Vincent, I have to ask you something and it's not going to be easy for you to answer."

"Okay Charley, you know you can ask me anything?"

She took a deep breath, "I need to know about your little sister?"

 Shocked and wide-eyed he stared at her for what seemed like and eternity. Then with an unsure voice he asked.  "Why Charlene, why would you need to know anything about her?"

"It's very important trust me please, I really need to know as much as you can remember."

Other than Smoke, Vinnie wouldn't have done it for any other person on Earth or Mars. But this was Charley his more than friend, closer than a sister.

"I've tried hard to blot out that time in my life so just bites and pieces of things about her, about all of them.  The last time I saw my father was right before they executed him. I later found out my mother died from some sickness. They experimented on my brother until he died and I figured my sister just died some how…she was so little."

"Your sister, Vinnie, tell me more about her," Charley put her arm around him holding him tightly.

He was silent for a moment then spoke calmly, "she was really a beautiful little thing, I don't think she ever cried and she was white like me with a head full of baby soft white hair. I can remember my Mom singing to her and she would let me hold her until she fell asleep." Vinnie look at his empty arms before balling his hand into a tight fist. His voice was filled with a sorrow so deep Charley was afraid she would lose him to it. The virile mad man, the velocity atrocity, was reduced to a weak barley audible voice. Charley had to push; she had to know for sure. Even thought it could mean the total destruction of a beloved friend or maybe his salvation.

"Vinnie, her eyes, what color were her eyes"?

Vincent moved away from her and stood up not sure if he wanted to answer, "No, first tell me why you are asking about her?  What could she possibly have to do with any of this?"

Charley studied his face trying to judge whether to tell him even with out the last piece of the puzzle .She had to, for his look said he would go no further.

"When we were in Ztalavious' file we found information about his experiments on some Martian children. Well, we found Tatara's file and Vinnie I-I-I think no, I am pretty sure she's your sister.

Vinnie felt like someone had just dropped him off a building and he was just waiting for his body to hit the ground.

 "No! It's not possible my sister is dead," his voice at first void of any emotion.

"But Vinnie I…"

"NO IT CAN"T BE TRUE! YOU MADE SOME KINDA MISTAKE! SHE'S DEAD!!"

"Do you think I would tell you anything that I know would hurt you like this if I weren't pretty darn sure?" Charley glared at him then walked over to the computer pushing the disk in. It had to be the hard way.  As she pulled the file up, he refused to look at it, but a part of him that had to know made him sit down and read.  As he did the vivid description of what had taken place ripped in his mind. He could feel every cut of the knife, every scream he heard only too clear. Then the images flashed up first of what she was then picture by picture, year by year what she was turned into.

"Andy?" he hoarsely whispered as his hands gripped the sides of the computer and his head leaning against the screen.

Charley wasn't sure what she should, whether she should go for the guys or what? But this time there were no fits of temper, no wild screams of rage, he just sat staring at the screen.

 "Why couldn't I see it?   I am that stupid? What am I going to do now?  I have treated her so bad and she's my baby sister. And I've lost Smoke in the process." Vinnie said as he put his head in his hands.

Charley put her arm around him, "That's the horrible things about hate it causes so many people so much pain.  I don't know what the right thing is?  I guess you start by trying to talk to Smoke"

"Do you think she will want to listen to me, now?"

"You're not going to find out sitting here." She gave him an encouraging smile and extended a hand to help him start the difficult journey.

Vinnie took her hand, a breath and followed her up the stairs

.

As they entered the apartment Vinnie couldn't look up from the floor. He slowly walked up to Smoke.  The room got dead quiet and the guys wondered what was about to happen.  The women figuring out Charley was right about Tatara.

 "Smoke, Charley just told me that in the files from Ztalavious' computer there was information about Tatara. Everything about her."

Smoke sat down and excepted the worse, "What is it? Is she in any danger?"

"She's my sister." His voice filled the room.

Smoke was dumbfounded and said nothing just stared at him.

Vinnie felt her looking at him but he continued to look at the floor. If she cursed him, throw him out; what ever she did he knew he deserved it and more. But he continued, "I know I got a lot of nerve to even ask but can you ever forgive?  For what I have done to her and you."

Smoke walked up to him and Vinnie braced himself for what ever came next.

She wrapped her arms around his neck brushing her cheek softly against his. "You just needed to find your way heart of my hearts."

Vinnie gazed at this tenderly forgiving lady that possessed his heart now more then ever. Holding her close to his whispers, "Shui nia Ti  Shui nia, the words of a promise he'd never forsake again."

But Vinnie knew that this is just one part of the journey, now came the most difficult part, "Smoke I need to talk to her. I have to be the one that tells her,"

" If it's what you think you must do." Smoke pointed to where she was sleeping.

Vinnie went in and looked at the peacefully sleep little girl. He stood at the door almost afraid to go any closer. He stood in the dark thinking.

"She must have suffered so much all those years and what do you do? Add on to the torture she's already been through. You know Van Wham when you mess up you do a great job of it." Vinnie leaned his head back against the wall.

"Now how do I make this right? I don't know how to make it right.  Someone help me to fix this. Maybe it's better if she doesn't know. Maybe this will only hurt her more."

He started to turn and leave when Tatara sits up in the bed and gives him the strangest smile; she motioned for him to come closer.

Vinnie unsteadily walked over to the bed and sat down. She delicately takes his face in her small hands and lifts his head so she could look into his eyes. He could hear her voice.

"I never though you would ever want to be any where near me."

Vinnie was shocked at how easily she could forgive he found the tears running uncontrollable down his face as he held on to Tatara. The guilt was almost more than he could bear.

"What's the matter Vinnie?"  Tatara pulled back not sure of what was upsetting him.

"It's just you are such a great kid." Vinnie held on to her trying to find the right words to tell her.

Tatara smiled and returned the embrace. Funny how strangely familiar it was, warm like she's been there before. The arms that surrounded her she suddenly knew. They were bigger than she recalled but still they belonged there. Then Vinnie heard the same sweet lullaby his mother sang so many years before. As the song got clearer in his mind she looked at him with those endlessly searching blue eyes and he saw remembrance.  Tatara could see only fuzzy images, pieces of the puzzle that was her young life. But she knew him, in all the years, through all she had been through the one face that manage to remain was his. She started to tremble, tremble so hard that Vinnie was terrified but he did let her go. Vinnie could hear her cry, she cried for the death of who she was and what she was now. Holding on tightly to the small fragile hand that touched his face he comforted her.

"Cry babe as long and as hard as you want. But you need to know we all got changed one way or the other." With that Vinnie letting go of her hand reached up and took off the mask that covered his scared face.

Tatara raises her head and looking at him she smiled, " I think you're beautiful."

Vinnie takes her tiny face in both his hands, "And so are you."

A smile filled the child's face, the glow warming his soul completely as he continued to cradle her in his enormous arms still engulfing her hand in his own.

"Vinnie?"

"Yeah baby?"

What was my name before? I don't remember," her voice now serene.

"Well, we called you Andy but it was Andrea, or is if you want?"

"No, Andrea died on Chulair. Now I am Tatara but it was a pretty name though." Then she lay her head back on his chest and just let the feeling of being in her big brother's arm replenish her.

"No one will ever hurt you again. No matter what it takes, what I have to do. I will never let any one hurt you again." Vinnie vowed softly not only to her but himself as well.

 Smoke had been standing in the darken room watching the two of them. Silently she walked over and sat next to Vinnie. Leaning softly on his back she wrapped her arms around them both, the small charm bracelet again in its place.

 Throttle walked to the bedroom door and looked inside.

"Is everything okay?" Charley asked.

"Everything is going to be fine. Let's just say it's a family reunion long over due."

As Throttle closed the door quietly he turned and looked at all the faces in the room, realizing they were all truly a family. For all that they'd lost they had found something extraordinary in being together.

                                                                         *****

Time passed and Ztalavious hadn't made a move one way or the other. The only change in his normal routine was to surround himself with two very formidable looking bodyguards. Which wasn't that much of a change, since his actions did become extreme when he had a big show to coordinate, but Gates still kept a closer than usual eye on him.

The group of freedom fighters and their human ally were trying to work on some type of the plan to capture Ztalavious but so far nothing feasible had been thought up. In the mean time the different relationships were blossoming nicely.

Vinnie was getting to know his sister sharing things about their family and their lives before the Plutarkian invasion. It was not only healing for Tatara but it helped him to close more of his open wounds guided by Smoke's tender care.

 As for Gates, Modo, Karn, and Throttle each couple was taking time to try and understand the unique difference in each other. Also discovering the joys in their similarities.

As for Charley she had found something very special in the young handsome photographer she'd met at the party.  Harrison was definitely out of the ordinary, sensitive yes, but not to the point that it interfered with his masculine charm. He had told her a lot of things about his life. He had studied medicine to the point of becoming a second year resident but lack of financial support and had to stop his education and had a deep desire to go back and finish but sadly other things had prevented that from happening.

Today they were planning to have a picnic in the park and Charley was fussing around the kitchen trying to get ready for him to pick her up. As she packed the wicker basket trying to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything, Throttle stood watching her amused at her trying to make everything perfect.

"You never did all that when you fixed lunch for us," he teased.

"You guys never let the food stay around long enough," she teased back hopping he couldn't see the blush that was starting to spread on her face.

"Whoa, Charley girl, you do have it bad for this guy, blushing and everything."

"Does it show that much?"

"Yeah but it looks good on ya," he smiled walking over to give her a hug.

She leaned her head on him, "Oh Throttle, I'm so scared it's been such a long time since I've let my self care, like this, for any one. Ever since Jack broke off our engagement I promised I'd never hurt like that again."

"Well, this isn't Jack and I really like this guys. You have given up a lot for us and it's time you found some happiness, little sis," he kissed the top of her head.

Charley smiled at the fact that he was very much the big brother she never had and that he was giving his approval. The bell ringing broke their embrace as Throttle went to answer the door.

"What's up Harry?" Throttle took Harry's hand and the two knocked shoulders exchanging a friendly guy greeting.

Charley's heart began to beat double time as soon as she heard his voice. She looked in the glass of the cabinet door checking to see if every hair was in place, took a breath, and went out to meet him.

They decided to walk to the park but along the way Harrison was acting somewhat distant and nervous, like there was something he had to say, but found the words hard to come by.

"Okay this is it Charlene. I knew it was too good to last. He's married; he's married with ten kids. No, he just found out you aren't his type and he's trying to let you down easy. That's it, he's about to give me the big, you're a nice girl but, not for me." Charley ran the worst-case scenario through her mind trying to prepare for the worst.

They walked into the park and found a nice spot very close to the lake. As she spread things out she found it hard to keep from watching him staring at her.

"I believe that people should be honest when getting to know each other.  Especially when they feel the things I feel for you." Harrison said as he moved a wild hair from Charlie's eyes not taking his eyes off them.

"Yes, honesty is always good. What is it? You have a wife and 12 children?" Charley joked trying to hide the sick feeling she had in the pit of her stomach.

"No, nothing like that. I would never do anything like that?" He said, seemly offended that she would even think he could be that kind of jerk.

"I'm sorry Harrison what is it you have to tell me?"

"Well you know the things I've told you about my life. I wasn't completely honest."

Charley was shaking slightly not knowing what he was about to say. She braced herself, "Not honest, how?"

"I--I ----I know about the guys. I know about who they really are or should I say what they really are."

Charley stared too frighten to utter a sound, but finally stammered out," I don't know what your are talking about."

"Yes you do. I know about Modo, Vinnie and Throttle being aliens. I've known for some time. You see I've been watching you all for a while now. I'm a government agent special unit Area 54 alien investigation."

Charley could only continue to stare at him more frighten for her extended family then her self. She shook her head not wanting to believe that this wonderful man could be what he'd just confessed. That she could have been so easily deceived.

"Charley don't look at me like that at least let me finish explaining. Please, just listen."

"Listen to what? More of your lies? Listen, oh yeah, I'll listen alright." Before he could react she knelt up grabbing him by his collar and pulled him over her head tossing him into the lake. Charley bolted back toward the house. The only thing on her mind was to warn every one. Make them leave before who ever Harrison might tell could come after them.

Harrison pulled himself from the water and took off after her soaking wet. If not for the fact that he's mind was so focused on stopping Charley he would have realized he was freezing. Finally he caught up to her grabbing hold of her shoulder. She pulled trying to get away, swinging wildly at him, missing him by a mile.

"Let me go you ….you….snake in the grass. I won't let you hurt them. Let me go!!!!!!" She fumed.

"Charlene stop for a minute and listen please. If I had wanted to turn any of them in, don't you think I could have done it by now?"

Charley stopped her struggling suddenly realizing what he'd said. She glared at him still not trusting the soaking wet shivering pleading male.

"Look the government knows about the Plutarkian /Martian conflict but only from the Plutarkian viewpoint. According to them Mars agreed on a treaty to remove some of the planets resources and the Martian government reneged on the deal. From how they tell it Mars is the aggressor and started the war. The Plutarkian government asked the Earth to help them by allowing Plutark to take some of our resource to help defeat Mars."

"But that's a lie!!!"

"How do you know Charlene? Can you be so sure that what your friends have told you is the truth? Yeah, I have to admit I really like them but it could all be an act. How are you so sure that Mars is not what the Plutarkians say they are?"

"How do I know? I have lived with these people for 4 years. I have seen things that would rip the soul right out of you. How do I know? Because, for those same 4 years, I have been around a number those Plutarkian maniacs and I have seen the pain and suffering they have caused. I have even been to Mars and saw first hand what they are capable of doing to a whole planet. You want proof? Come on I'll give you proof!"

Charley walked silently back to the house with a shivering Harrison following her. Once in side she called every one down into the guy's apartments.

"What's up, Charley girl and what happened to you Harry?" Vinnie questioned looking at the wet and now coughing Harrison.

"Vinnie take him and get him something to put on and let him dry off." Charley's voice was ice cold.

"Okay, come on I got some stuff that will fit ya." Vinnie lead Harrison toward his bedroom.

"Oh and Vinnie if he tries to leave out a window or something, blow his head off." Charley glared at Harrison not cracking a smile.

Vinnie started to smile thinking she was kidding but the look on her face made him think other wise. "Bro, whatever you did I hope you got a real good explanation, because you are in some serious hot water with Charley-girl." Vinnie whispered as they left the room.

Everyone looked at Charley waiting for a reason for her behavior. "He's a government agent. They have been spying on us, well on you guys for some time now. The stink fish told the government that Mars was the ones that started the war.

"And they believed them????" Modo's eye glowed red.

"I think they are trying to find out the truth but until then they have no reason to take one side over the other. That's what Harrison says his job is or was or I don't know???" Charley said trying not to give in to the heartbreak she felt.

"Is," Harrison said coming back into the living room dried and dressed in a pair of Vinnie's sweats. "Look Charley, I care a great deal for you. But my job is important to me as well. I care about this world of ours and I have to be sure."

"I see where he's coming from, Charley. Okay bro, what do you need for us to prove we aren't the bad guys." Throttle said pulling the mask from his face.

Harrison looked at him in amazement. This wasn't the first time he'd seen them with out the disguises, but never this up close and personal. Soon all in the room removed their false coverings and Harrison was all but overwhelmed by the experience. "The fact that you are being so open with me is a pretty good start."

"But it's not enough. You have to see what we and the earth are dealing with." Charley's look softened as she tried to understand the way Harrison viewed the situation. Going upstairs Charley returned with Tatara. She sighed something and Tatara allowed Charley to remove her cap and the makeup Gates had been keeping on her face and hands. Then Charley signed for Tatara to speak to Harrison the way she normally would.

The shy little girl felt very comfortable being around the handsome friendly human, but that is when he thought he was an Earthling. How would he respond to her now? She hesitated.

Harrison seeing her uncertainty takes the initiative to kneel closer to her. Timidly her hand touched his face and the startled human heard the sweetest voice fill his head. She told him of her life on the prison planet, how Smoke had saved her, and how the other children didn't survive. Knowing the importance of Harrison believing the true evil of the Plutarkian menace she guided his face closer to hers and let her antenna touch his forehead. The picture of what was done to the innocent was more than Harrison could have thought in his worst nightmares. When she moved away he opened his eyes and took her in his arms.

She took his face in her small shaking hands and thought to him. "That's why you have too help us stop them."

Harrison looked at the child's pleading eyes and promised, "I will darling somehow I promise I will."

Tatara, exhausted by the experience, leaned heavily on Harrison's shoulder. Vinnie walked over and picked her up. "Come on baby you've done enough for today. You better lay down for a while." He carried her up to her room.

Harrison dismayed by what he'd just heard and seen stayed kneeling on the floor. Charley walked over and knelt beside him. He looked at her, "I'm sorry Charley, I don't know what to say?"

"Say you'll help us. The Plutarkian that Tatara showed you is Port De Salut in human disguise. What he did to Tatara and those children are what his people do to any planet they come in contact with. I know our government does have to know how dangerous they are but not until Salute is captured and taken back to Mars for trail.

"Just a little time to take this creep down while we can." Throttle said putting a supporting hand on Harrison's shoulder.

"Okay, okay, I guess I owe you that. I'll stick close to Salut and let you know what I can. Harrison stood up and Charley walked with him to the door. "Charley, after all this is over do you think there might be a chance for us?" Charley smile and pulled him into a kiss that made an answer unnecessary.

                                             ****

Gates was the first one up in the morning and before she could leave for the office the phone rang. "Good morn….. , Well I don't know if they would be….. yes…. I could ask but I'm sure they aren't up yet……okay I will let you know when I get there ……yes ….okay goodbye.

"What was that all about?" Charley asked coming into the kitchen seeing the puzzled look on Gate's face.

"I'm not sure. That was Mr. Z himself. He asked if the guys would be interested in working in one of his new shows."

"You're kidding. Do you think he's on to us?" Charley questioned.

"I don't think so. I mean it wouldn't be all that unusual for him to want them as model's he is in the business and look at them for heaven sake."

"Well you do have a good point there." Charley couldn't help but smile.

"Who has a good point where?" Modo questions as he enters the room immediately walking to Gates pulling her in a good morning embrace. He'd gotten up early just to see her before she left.

"We can talk about it later when everyone is up. Didn't you forget something big man?" Gates smiled with her obvious intentions clearly in her smile.

"Nope," Modo said returning a like smile as he indulged in a little early morning delight.

" I think I will go and do something some where. Oh never mind." Charley waved her hand and didn't bother to finish her explanation, they wouldn't have heard her any way.

The phone rang again just as Charley past and she picked it up, "Hey babe, oh no it's not too early. It's never too early for you. …….. Is that right. You think that will be the best time….. I'll have to check with the others. Now it's all beginning to make sense.  I'll tell them. Huh? We can talk about that later…. Yeah you too.

She stands for only a second before she let out a verbal alarm calling every one together. Opening the door she yells down to the guys. "VINNIE, THROTTLE, haul your furry hinnies up here I think it's party time."

 Smoke and Tatara fall out of their room half sleep wondering who had lost their mind and what all the yelling was about.  Karn slogged out of her room dragging her pillow like a favorite teddy bear. Throttle and Vinnie stumbling over each other up the stairs not quite awake.  Every one converges on the living room flopping into what ever happened to be close at hand. Tatara climbed on to Vinnie laps to finish out her sleep cuddling in his arms.

"Look, one wise crack from any of you macho types and you die," Smoke mumbled as she plopped into a near by chair her hair wildly covering most of her face.

Karn, who had found a comfortable spot resting her pillow and head in Throttle lap, as he sat on the floor leaning against the wall putting his arms around her.

Gates and Modo walking into the room broke out in laughter seeing the mass of sleepy bodies strewn about.

"So what's the big emergency Charley Girl" Vinnie yawned as he readjusted Tatara to make her more comfortable.

Harrison just called; you are right Gates, he thinks it might be a set up. He was just assigned to do the show and Ztalavious was just too interested in making sure the guys were there.

"Whoa, hold up he wanted to make sure the guys were where?" Smoke asks now more focused.

"He called this morning and asked if the guys would be interested in modeling in his next show. It's going to be up at his very private estate in up state New York." Gates added.

"Excuse me, he wants who, to do what?" Vinnie jerked up almost tossing Tatara on the floor scaring the poor child half to death.

"He said you three would be prefect to show his new leather collection, that you were the strong manly type that would send the customers crazy."

"Well that's understandable." Vinnie smiles gleaming to the hilt pulling Tatara back in place. She giggled amused at her brother's over sized ego as she wrapped her arm back around his waist.

After, some rather loud negotiating, it was decided that Vinnie and Modo would do the show accompanied by Smoke, Charley and Harrison. According to the information Gates was able to gather about the estate it was so electronically secure that there was a minimal of human guards. She would find the main control center over ride the security commands. Throttle and Karn would wait outside the estate and when the show was over join the group in trying to capture Ztalavious.

With their cover possibly blown it would be too dangerous leaving Tatara alone at the hotel. She would ride in Karn's vehicle and be guarded by its security. As the group head out everyone was confident that this was going to be the final conflict with the fugitive Plutarkian.

"You know I would give any thing to see those guys walk down that run way." Throttle chuckled as he drove towards the estate.

"Don't laugh too hard, if the draw had gone the other way you would be showing your goods in front of all those love starved females." Karn teased winking at Tatara.

                                                            *****

"Look at all the pretty people and beautiful lights, it all looks so wonderful. I wish we could go inside too." Tatara signed sadly.

"I know you do, Sweetie but it would be too dangerous, we don't want you anywhere near that maniac. But we can have our own little show from here. With you all dressed up and us able to see from the camera your Mom is carrying we can watch uncle Modo and your brother like we are actually inside." Karn signed back.

 "You're lookin' prettier than any of them any how, Sweetcheeks." Throttle signed winking sweetly at her. Tatara giggled leaning up closer to the front seat to give him a thankful kiss on the cheek.

Karn keyed some instructions into the truck's consul and a screen popped up. The picture was crystal clear as they watched and listen to their group walk in among all the bustling people. But soon a face came into focus filling the screen making Tatara reeled back.

"It's okay Tee-Tee he can't get near you, relax." Karn signed then placing a comforting hand on the little girl's shaking knee. Karn glared back at the screen and a low growl escaped her throat. 

Throttle laid a quieting hand on top of hers. "You chill too, Babe, his reign of terror is just about over. We'll get um'"

Ztalavious cordially greeted Gates and her party. He appeared polite, polished and the human disguise fit his cultured demeanor. Thin sharp features of a man in his mid thirties, very light almost pale skin tone, sharp crystal blue eyes and long snow white hair pulled back in a neat ponytail which hung almost to his waist.

"Welcome my friends. I was very pleased when Gates informed me that you decided to take me up on my little offer.  But I see you haven't brought the little girl with you. I was hoping I could meet her under better circumstance, I'm truly sorry I had frighten her the first time we met."

She wouldn't feel comfortable around this large a group of people. But I will tell her you asked about her." Smoke politely answered trying not to give in to the overpowering urge to knock the insincere smile off his face.

"And the other couple? The young lady with that exquisite golden hair and her young man?"

"They both kindly offered to stay with my niece." Gates told him.

"She, I mean they, will be sorely missed. No matter, if you will follow my assistant she will show you to where you will change. Since you aren't familiar with the madness that goes along with one of these affairs I've arranged a private dressing room for you all. Gates, you know where to take them."

"Yo bro, we've never done anything like this before. Aren't you just a little worried we just might ruin your show." Vinnie questioned.

"It's really not that difficult, just put on the clothes, follow the person in front of you, and let the audience enjoy your presents. You'll do just fine. Now I must go, there are still so many details that need my attention. I will see you all after the show, if you will excuse me?"  Ztalavious bowed slightly and walked off.

"I have to say he's the smoothest Plutarkian I've ever run into." Modo shook his head as he watched him leave.

"Yeah, he could talk the skin off a snake. Well, let go boys. Gotta get you ready to make your big debut." Gates teased grabbing Modo by the arm leading them to the dressing room.

Going into his private office Ztalavious walked over and pushed back a large cabinet door on the wall revealing an elaborate surveillance consul. He started scanning the area outside of the estate with a special heat sensitive camera. He knew that his little prize was out there somewhere. They knew his secret and were smart enough not to have left her back at their hotel.

"Ah, there we are just as I suspected and what do we have here? Not only my little jewel but an added bonus." Ztalavious pressed a button and immediately his office was filled with a small army of men. Turning to the tallest most dangerous looking of the group he instructed, "They are at coordinates 69.3 I want the child unharmed. The other male and female, if you can take them alive, all well and good, but if they give you too much trouble eliminate them."

"Take this." The cruel Plutarkian tosses a small hand held cylinder to his lackey. "Aim it at the vehicle, it will disable any detection devices I'm sure they have. Now go." The Henchman nodded and left with the others following close behind him.

Ztalavious looked at the screen and touched it gently. "It won't be long now my little pet. I will have you back and we can leave this pitiful backward planet."

                                                                              *****

"I can't believe we let these women talk us into this. I don't care I am not going through with this." Vinnie paced nervously in the back stage dressing room. They had been fussed over; comb, clipped and now they were ready to hit the runway.

Don't tell me the ego that ate Manhattan is actually trying to back out. With all those fine females just an arms length from him, No it can't be." Smoke couldn't help but tease Vinnie; she was getting the biggest kick out of seeing him actually nervous about something. 

Modo seemed unaffected by the noise, the lights and the fact that they were about to probably make total fools of themselves. Vinnie continued to tug at his clothes and complain that this was, if not the stupidest thing they had ever done, it was up there on the top ten.  Even the mask felt too tight and seem to cut off his air.  Finally he sat down at the vanity table praying for a Plutarkian invasion, a meteor to hit, anything that would stop what he was about to do.

"Okay boys it's show time." Gates popped her hear in the door and snickered at how high Vinnie jumped.

"Come on, Bad Mamma Jamma, just do what you do best. Remember while you guys are out there Gates will be looking for his transporter room. Hopefully our gracious host will be so busy keeping and eye on you he won't notice her missing. Charley, Harrison and I will watch your backs just incase he tries something while your out there since he just might be on to us. I'll work the balcony, Harrison backstage and Charley in the front of the runway. We wait until the show is over then fall back as the crowd leaves and after the place quiets down we find him fast and nab him. Gates hooks up the transporter to blink this place to kingdom come and we meet Throttle and Karn outside and jobs done.

"One question? What if all this is just a big ploy to get us in here, which it probably is and he's waiting for what ever we might try? Vinnie questioned blandly.

"Then we improvise." Smoke smiled kissed his cheek and lead him out.

Modo stood up and straight out the black full-length leather coat and pants they had him wear. Smoothing back his hair he took a long breathe and walk out to do what he had to. Gates smiled at how confident he appeared and leaned up to peck him on the cheek. He took her face and turned that peck into a mind blowing short slip into wonderland.

"You just be careful. I don't want my future wife with any holes in her." He softly chucked letting her face go.

Gates walked about five steps before what he said it struck her. She looked back at him smiling. Then went off to complete her part of their mission.

The show was going rather normal until the two disguises aliens made their appearances. Vinnie's walk was accompanied by a frenzy of camera flashes and wild applause but when Modo walked out the reaction was beyond description. And once the tall handsome Martian removed his coat to reveal the close fitting silk shirt the woman who didn't faint whistles and had to be restrained from coming on to the stage.

Charley watched the crowd carefully and noticed two men moving closer toward her.  "I've got company." She whispered into her hidden microphone alerting Smoke.

"I see them. I can hit one from here but you will have of take care of the other one." Smoke answered back.

"No problem I just hope these darts will put them out fast enough."

"No worries they'll knock out a herd of raging bog dogs, trust me." Smoke looked through the site of her own weapon and fired a silent projectile hitting one of the advance men and watching him fall into the crowd. Charley fired her own weapon having a similar effected on the other advancing enemy.

Harrison sees Ztalavious emerging from his office stopping to speak with a large henchman and from the look on his face what ever had gone down pleased the evil Plutarkian to no end. The human photographer reached up and increased the amplifier of his headset and focused it's toward the conversation. He also transmitted it to Charley, Smoke, and the two mice that finally managed to break free of the chaos they had caused and come back stage.

"We got the kid at the lab, the wolf chick and the big mouse are stored at the storage garage. The mouse is in pretty bad shape we had to blast him." The heavy voice informed.

"The male is of no consequence, but the female I will deal with. Tell them to guard that child, nothing had better happen to her. When this nonsense is done kill any of those annoying aliens your cohorts have missed, including that photographer who accompanied them." Ztalavious dismisses him with the flip of a hand and left to attend to his captives.

Harrison's attention focused straight toward Smoke knowing the panic she must be feeling. The Martian female wanted to scream in terror knowing that maniac had Tatara. But like no time before she had to keep her thinking clear.

Vinnie on the other hand wasn't so controlled. His face showed a hate that Harrison had never seen before. He was ready to blow up everything and anyone to find not only his sister but also his life long injured bro.

Modo held the enraged young Martian and waited until they could reorganize with the others of their group. Work out a plan to ensure every ones safe rescue, along with Ztalavious' capture and the destruction of his fortress.

(Tatara's capture)

Tatara was terrified, the large man roughly held her around the neck so she could hardly breath and struggling only made him tighten his grip. The cold sweat ran down her back and dread filled every part of her. But she remembered the training given her by her mother. You have to use your mind, think there is always something you can do to help yourself no matter how small. She prayed that her capture wouldn't see what she was doing, that her small trail would be detectable by those she knew would come to save her. 

The henchman took her into a lab of some sort and put her roughly on a cold metal table, strapping her down. Ztalavious walked into room and over to the child now bond securely. He smiled taking her hand out of the restraint and places it to his cheek. Tatara stared at him with horror in her eyes vainly trying to pull her hand away.

"So they have brought you home my little progeny. Has Daddy's little girl missed him, hum?" His voice was strangely sweet and affectionate. "Well no matter, all we have lost was a little time, but when I am finished with you it will all have been worth it. Even though it may take a few more years to properly finish everything, I can at least remove all those annoying memories you have unfortunately gathered over the years while we were apart. Then Daddy can start with a clean slate. Won't that be perfect?"

Tatara knew what he was planning to do. Take her family from her, clear her mind of all those she dearly loved. She boldly thought to him "You're not my father. My father was a Martian. You're the one who only made me into this so you can make money with my mind. My mother and brother will find me. My family won't let you hurt me again."

 "Sorry little girl, but Mommy doesn't even know where you are so don't hold your breath. But trust me it will be so much better after I'm finished."  He then turns to the guard, "Make sure no one get into this room. I have others to take care of and I will deal with the child when I return."

Tatara closed her eyes and wept silently praying that her family would see the trail she left. "Momma I am afraid please come…. help me!!  *sob* Vinnie where are you? I..I..need you."

Smoke and Vinnie search frantically from room to room. They were so close but not close enough.

Why can't we find her?  We have to get to her before he can do anything to her. Before he hurts her." Vinnie voice was ripped with an indescribable panic.

"Easy Vinnie we have to keep our heads if we ever intend to find her alive."

Smoke trying hard not to be hysterical, she had to focus to try and think past her own panic, focus past the frighten little voice that was biting at her heart.

Tatara was far from stupid even though she was young; her mother had trained her to survive.  Smoke knew her daughter would leave some kind of signal to help them know where she was. They scanned corridor after corridor but nothing then Smoke's tracking device did picked up a tiny round object, then another, there was a pattern.

"Good Imza, use what you have, to let us know."

"What is it? You find something." Vinnie asked anxiously.

"Remember that little pearl necklace Charley let her wear?  She is leaving a trail using its pieces to show us which room she's in. See there's one and there is another."

"That's right baby, show Momma where he's taken you.  See there she's in that room just down this hall." Smoke pointed to where Tatara was held captive.

Vinnie was ready to tear the door down but Smoke stopped him, "No Vinnie we do this wrong and they will kill her"

Smoke cautiously looked in the small window and saw Tatara on the table and just one guard standing next to her. She took a device from the pouch that was around her waist and attached a wire to the doorknob. Then tapping on the glass to get the guards attention she stood up making herself visible in the window and duck away quickly. The guard ran over, grabbed the knob and she activated the device sending a painfully strong electrical pulsed through the knob. They heard him scream and saw his body fly across the room. Vinnie unable a moment longer burst through the door kicking it into a dozen pieces.  Seeing his sister held helpless made his heart twisted in agony as he ripped the shaking child free and held her tightly to him. How many times had she been so confided frighten with no one to hear her terrified cries?

"He…he  w-w-wanted to take me away again. He..he.. was g-g-going t-t-to take me away." Her fearful voice filled his head as she held tenaciously to his neck.

"It's okay Tee-Tee we got ya, we won't let him do anything, and you are safe now."

Smoke held Tatara's face making sure she is just frightened, "I want to get her out of here as fast as we can. In fact we all need to make tracks before Gates activates the transport mechanism. Let's just hope Charley, Harrison, and Modo found Karn and Throttle." Smoke said checking the door, then the hallway. With Tatara in arm Vinnie followed her out and they continued the search for their friends.

 

                                                                 *****

Karn started coming around. She tried to put her hands to her face, but felt them chained over her head. What had happened?  Her head was still spinning; things were fuzzy and unreal. Trying to clear her mind she scanned the room attempting to get her bearing. She was in a large storage area of some sorts the smell of grease and exhaust almost choked her.

On the opposite wall she could see Throttle restrained as she was, slowly she remembered what had happened. They came out of nowhere, without warning. Her security system must have some how been disabled. Before they knew what hit them, the hoodlums were all over the truck, yanking the doors open pulling Tatara out first. Karn fought the one that was dragging her to the ground and Throttle had his hands full fighting of the other two. Karn bit down on her attackers arm making him release her and she lunged at the ugly creature that was practically strangling Tatara as the child struggled wildly trying to get away.

One of the henchmen, Throttle thought he had subdued, pulled a weapon and aimed it at Karn. Without a second thought Throttle put himself between his new love and the blast.  Karn watched horrified as the deadly light left the weapon and hit him in the chest sending the wounded Martian flying backwards and falling hard to the ground. She could hear Tatara screaming but then someone got behind her, grabbing her around her neck, and tightening his grip until she blacked out. 

She looked over to see the burn where the laser blast had struck him in the chest. He hung so limp and still she was terrified that he was no longer alive.

In the darkness she heard a voice that caused every muscle in her body to tense.

"I see my beautiful little wolfkin has awaken and decided to join my little party after all," said the figure that emerged out of the shadows.

Karn could see he had removed the false face showing his true appearance. He was oddly not unattractive, for a Plutarkian.  Delicate almost feminine facial features, the light blue green complexion common to his people but smooth not scaly and blinding-white hair sweeping much longer down his back gathered at the end by a solid gold band. His eyes were an unfeeling icy almost clear blue and void of any caring emotions. As cold as the frigid desert on Karn's home world.

"I'm not your anything you disgusting slim feeder." Karn hatefully sneered at him

Ztalavious walked closer and took her face in his hands. She tried to pull away but that just made him increase his hold. "You are quite an enchanting creature no matter what the form, a true feast for the senses, but I have to admit this one is much more appealing. Too bad it's being squandered on that," he flipped his head in Throttle's direction. He ran his fingers through her hair then snatched her head backwards forcing her face to look up at his. He ran his hand slowly down her cheek, and then with a sickening smile he held her tightly around her waist pulling her up close to him, "Yes, this one is so much softer."

Karn struggles to stop him was useless he being much stronger than he appeared. She tried to move her face away but he just continued to smile and held her head as he began to kiss her. Her stomach wrenched but she was powerless to prevent what was happening. Her only consolation was she knew that this kiss would cost him as she sank her teeth into him. He jerked his head back but not surprised, and then with a depraved laugh he released her.

"Oh, did we think our little trick would work on me? I think not my sweet little viper.

Your little paralyzing fluid won't have any effect on me. I have let's say dealt with your kind before?" He taunted holding her by the chin moving her head back and forth playfully.

Karn spat at him growling loudly. He raised his hand as if to slap her and she looked defiantly at him. Chuckling he lowered the hand to take a black silk handkerchief from his beast pocket to wipe his face. Then turned his attention to his other prisoner.

"Well, well looky what we have here. Seems your little love interest took a pretty good hit trying to rescue his lady in distress, such noble and useless theatrics." He walked over toward Throttle. "Makes me rather ill, that's why these foul creatures turn my stomach. The sentimental fools."

Ztalavious grabbed him by the hair and raised his head slowly examining the unconscious Martian's face. And this is what you want to waste your time on? Well there is no accounting for taste." With that he let Throttle's head fall and with a disgusted expression wiped his hands on Throttle's shirt.

Karn savagely struggled to break her chains; "Keep your filthy hands off him you loathsome parasite. Where's the child, if you've harmed her…..?"

"Temper, temper I am not going to harm your precious mouse. That is unless you consider killing him, harmed. And as for the child let's just say she is safe at home where she belongs. You see my sweet furry female I was planning on leaving this dismal little planet even before you and your friend came looking for me. I have more than enough gold gills to start over somewhere else and now that my little project has been return to me it makes my time here all the more rewarding. I guess I should thank you all for taking such good care of her."

"Haven't you made that child suffer enough you heartless murderer?" Karn growled

"You know that was a stupid question but she hasn't began to know suffering. It's all in the name of science my dear and she'll thank me in the long run." He suddenly stopped turning his head listening to the sound of blaring alarms. "Looks like I have more pressing matters to attend. But don't worry I will return shortly, while I'm gone think about coming with me, he's really not worth dying for."  He walked back over to Karn and once more took hold of her chin staring into her eyes. "I could make it worth your while." He briefly fondled her hair and left.

Karn felt nauseate by his touch but then turned her mind to Throttle. She looked over at him calling his name hoping for a response. "Throttle…. Throttle, please answer me." Her voice echoed through the empty room. "My whole world is different now because of you. I allowed you into a part of my heart I'd forgotten I had. What we found shouldn't end like this… not like this." Karn listened desperately, but nothing. Again she wildly pulled at her chains then in total defeat crumbled to her knees.

Karn looked desperately at Throttle; the thought of not holding him for at least one last time made her sorrow unbearable.  "No! Not like this, it won't be like this." On shear will alone she began to pull at her restraints. Slowly she concentrated and with every fiber of her being she pulled, pulled until every muscle in her body felt like it was about to explode.  The sweat poured from her like water, her heart was about to pound out of her chest, but she had to get free nothing else mattered. The wall began to give it creaking stubbornly. She strained until the tears ran from her eyes, she was going to get free. Then when she thought her heart would burst the wall gave way to the force of her effort; she slammed the floor.  Pushing her disheveled hair from her face she scrambled up and over to him. She stood for a fraction of a second afraid to touch him. Trembling she closed her eyes and leaned her ear against his chest, he was still alive.

Karn looked around the room trying to find something, anything to help her free him. Seeing a long metal pipe she took it, wedging it between the wall and the ring that his chain was threaded through. She didn't know where she found the strength but she pushed on the pipe until the ring pulled away and Throttle fell to the floor.  She sat exhausted on the floor and had just enough strength to pulled him onto her lap. After a few moments Throttle moaned slightly and opened his eyes.

Karn gave him a weary smile, "How ya feelin' Love?"

"Like I'd just spent the night in Karbunkle's lab and was his favorite experiment." He tried to chuckle but the pain in his chest turned it into a painful cough.

His breathing was labored but still he managed a smile as he took her hand in his. Karn lifted his hand and kissed it gently. She was exhausted and could do nothing to get them both to safety and leaving him wasn't even a consideration. From the pain on his face she knew he was suffering greatly so smiling down at him lowered her mouth to his and kissed him. A kiss that allowed her too very gently let her teeth pierce his mouth. His eyes widen for a second then rolled back in his head as he went limb in her arms. Looking at him now unconscious she held on to him her hand stroking his hair lovingly.

Karn could hear the sound of footsteps coming towards them. Ztalavious was coming back and she knew he would make good his threat. She held tightly to Throttle at least they would together. The footsteps stopped at the door, it slowly opened but instead of Ztalavious, there stood Modo, Harrison and Charley.

"How did you find us? Karn said in relief though still shaking.

"That doesn't matter, we have to get out of here. How bad is he hurt." Charley bent down to examine Throttle's burned chest.

"He took a very nasty laser hit."

Harrison bends down to examine Throttle, "I don't know, but we need to get him outta here.

Modo broke their chains and lifted Throttle over his shoulders. "So where to ladies?"

Charley remembering the way they'd come instructed them to follow her.

Modo with Throttle in tow followed with Karn and Harrison staying in the rear. They made their way down the corridor. Charley stopped short to motion they lean against the wall.

"I hear someone coming," she whispered.

Charley held her weapon ready. Modo laid Throttle on the floor and flipped up his arm canon. Karn held Throttle's head and Harrison stood back behind them.

"WHOA, IT'S US!" Vinnie yelled stopping the assault. He was caring Tatara with Smoke close behind.

"He's not…?" Vinnie fearfully asked.

No, but we gotta get him out of here. How's the baby?" Modo said picking Throttle up again.

"She's a little shaken up but once we are out of here I think she'll be fine," Vinnie tightening his hold on his sister.

Smoke now taking the lead, "Let go!!!  This way and we don't have a lot of time. Hopefully Gates has activated our little gift and in 20minutes if we don't want to join our host in deep space we'd better get our backsides out of here."

Ztalavious knowing something has gone very wrong with his plan races to the lab only to see it empty and his prize escaped.  He rushes to his control room and quickly scans each part of his fortress until he spotted the fleeing group.

"Oh do you think I will let you win that easy. I have been playing this game far too long." He calmly says to himself.

Instead of having his guard's attack he simply pushes a button and the corridor they are heading down closes up tight as the alarms blare loudly.  Smoke stops short as a descending wall blocks off their escape. Retreat is also blocked by another falling wall. Karn fired at the wall, but the blast bounced off. Then they all try firing at one spot at the same time but still nothing.

"How much time to we have?" Charley asks nervously

"If Gates has done her job and believe me she has about 15minutes tops," Smoke said as she looked around for some way to escape than at her daughter terrified in Vinnie's arms.

Ztalavious laughing like mad man torments them further as his voice wass heard over the screaming alarm, "Well my fine freedom fighters it appears like we have no winners. I don't get my little property, and I am sure you have arranged some sort of destruction for my fortress. Alas it will mean your destruction as well.

They can hear his psychotic laughter. "Did I say we?  You didn't really think I wouldn't have a way out of here? So it looks like I do win after all and just to make my victory complete I will take back my property." With that he transports Tatara out of Vinnie's arms and into his control center.

"NOOOO!!!!!!!" Vinnie screamed as he tried in vain to hold on to her.

Smoke turned just in enough time to see Tatara disappear. She lunged toward him only to land in Vinnie's now empty arms.  The child reappeared back with Ztalavious, with a sick demented grin he walked over to her grab her by the arm.  

Quiet yes, timid at times, but something inside of Tatara was not going to just let this maniac take her away from all that she loves, that she finally found.  Boldly she stood and with all her strength but her head into his stomach making him release her and fall to the floor with the wind knocked out of him.  She ran toward the control panel and attempted to free her love ones.

Ztalavious now infuriated got up and grabbed the child by the hair fling her away with such force she slammed against the opposite wall and lays limp on the floor. As he went to collect his prize his world suddenly went black but not before feeling an incredible pain to the back of his head.

Smoke laying in Vinnie's arms her face drenched with tears having given up all hope.  Then a familiar female voice was heard giving them all that hope back.

 "Okay people get your fine fannies out of there you have almost no time left and Smoke, Vinnie it's okay I have the baby. "

Grateful wasn't anywhere close to the emotion Smoke was feeling, "Thank you Sis…thank you more than I can say." Smoke joyfully called to her sister.

"Yeah, yeah just make sure my Pooh is with you and we will call it even. Now MOVE!!!!!" Modo could only smile from ear to ear.

Gates hit the controls lifting the walls and allowing her friends to try and run for safety.

She looked back and smiled at the unconscious Ztalavious lying sprawled out on the floor. Checking her watch seeing they only have 9 minutes before the transport she had rigged sent everything in the immediate area into the deepest, coldest, most remote part of the galaxy.  Her first thought was to leave him, let him die in the frigid blackness of space. Make him pay with his life for all the lives he and his cruel people have taken. But that was not her job to be judge and jury. Her job was to help find him and get him back to Mars.  Let those whose job it was take care of the retribution that he deserved.

She strapped Ztalavious to the back of her bike and gently placed Tatara in front of her wrapping her tail securely around the small body. With just 3 minutes to go she tore down the hall and out of the nearest window landing safely to the ground. She saw her friends running safely out of the building along with the small remnant of Ztalavious' once loyal minions fleeing for their lives.

Then in a blinding flash that lit up the night sky the fortress with all of its weapons, his vast fortune, and tons of vital information he'd stored for Plutark, disappeared. Leaving the once powerful child murder to face his crimes and Martian justice alone and penniless.

Vinnie and Smoke rushed to Tatara taking her gently off the bike. She moaned a little then opened her eyes giving them a relieved smile.

Charley, Modo, Harrison and Karn were busy tending to the injury Throttle had sustained, the immediate victory forgotten those injuries being more critical than they'd first thought.

"I don't know why he isn't feeling any of this, but that blast did a lot of internal damage. I don't know if there is anything we can do to help him, not here any how." Harrison sighed hopeless.

Modo watched his life long friend with a bleak expression. He was only too familiar with the damaged this particular weapon was designed to cause.  Throttle's head lay on Karn's lap with Charley kneeling by his side holding firmly to the hand of her, for all tense and purposes, brother.

"Come on handsome don't leave us now." She whispered sadly.

"We know we can't help him here, let's get back home and see what we can do there. I just wish I could lock this creep up to make sure he doesn't get away." Gates looked at her prisoner as he started to stir.

"Well I can at least do something about him. Modo could you carry him to the truck." Charley gently traded places with Karn to keep Throttle comfortable. Karn walked to her vehicle and presses some controls. The left side of the back seat starts to glow slightly and then hisses lifting itself higher then the rest of the seat. The back panel behind it opened revealing what appears to be some type of hidden chamber. Modo secured Ztalavious into the seat following Karn's instructions. She again presses the controls and straps appear securing the villain tightly in place just as he began to completely recover. With little remorse he struggled to free himself verbally attacking everyone.

"You low life sub organisms won't keep me very long. Do you think putrid creatures like you can defeat the great Ztalavious? Do you think…."

His ravings were stopped by the force field that put him in a cryogenic state. He was neatly secured for transport back to Mars.

          "That's a pretty handy little thing to have around the house," Modo joked slightly.

Karn attempted a weak smile but gaves way to tears as her eyes focused back to the still critically injure Throttle. Modo put a comforting arm around her.

                                                              ****

Throttle was made as comfortable as possible floating between semi-consciousness and oblivion. The others were lost at what they can do to try and stop what seems like the inevitable. Maybe on Mars they could use the now recovering technology to fine a way to stop his life from ebbing away but here there was nothing. They were going to lose him unless Harrison could do something.

Tatara was recovering quietly in her bed with both her loved ones keeping a special vigil to ensure that recovery was complete. She began to awaken and looked to see the faces of those she most dearly loved at her side.

"Hey Sweetie, it's good you got a hard head like me." Vinnie smiled.

"How are you feeling, Imza," Smoke said putting Tatara's hand to her face.

"I got a head ache, but I'm okay. Did he get away, Momma?" Her small concerned voice asked.

"No Imza, we stopped him he will never harm anyone ever again."

" Good." Tatara smiled and drifted back to sleep allowing her mind and body to gets the needed rest.

 Modo, Gates, Harrison, and Charley sat in Throttle's room watching him get weaker and weaker. 

"Isn't their anything we can do, there has to be something we can't just let him die?" Charley whispered her voice lost and searching. "Harrison isn't there anything you can do you?"

"Charley I've only perform surgery a few times, never by myself, and never on a Martian. I could kill him."

"Well Bro, if you don't do something he will definitely die." Modo places his hand on the unsure human's shoulder.

Karn sat by Throttle's side holding his hand as if she could keep him from dying just by willing it to be so, but she couldn't. She smoothed his brow running her hand delicately through his soft tan hair. She watched his face as she brought his hand to her mouth and brushed her lips lightly across the back of it. Holding it to her cheek she let her tears run down his hand. Throttle's eyes opened and he smiled as he lifted his free hand to cradle her face.

"No tears…they spoil those… beautiful gray eyes. Hey peeps why so glum I'm not dead yet. So, Man In Black, I know you got that doctor thing goin' on.  What can you do to patch me up?"

"Hey Goldielocks, you sure you wanna trust me with your hairy hide." Harrison joked weakly.

"Well you're the only game in town, do I have a choice? Besides everything is pretty much in the same place as you Earthers, just fur covered out side."

"I guess you don't. I'll see what instruments we can come up with and get you prepped," Harrison left with Charley. She needed to help him find or make what instruments he required.

"Bro mind if I spend some time alone with my lady." He said with barley enough breathe to speak

"Sure bro, take all the time ya need. I'll go see if I can help Charley and Harry." Once he left Karn closed the door and softly eased her self on to the bed and rest her head on his neck. He leaned his head on the top of hers losing his senses in the same intoxicating aroma that captured his heart when they first met. Before he could say anything she reached up and placed a finger to his lips, "Shhhhhh, don't say anything, save your strength. Just let me be close to you for a little while," she whispered reaching for his hand and entwining her fingers with his.

"Do you think you can do this, Doc?" Modo asked worriedly.

"I honestly can't say, Big Man, I will do the best I can."

Gates walked upstairs to Tatara's bedroom. She called Smoke and Vinnie out into the hallway, to tell them what the plans for Throttle. Vinnie said little just walked back and sat next to Tatara on her bed.

Tatara opened her eyes and put her hand to Vinnie's face, "Is Uncle Throttle going to be okay?" her small concerned asked.

Knowing she'll realize if he lied, Vinnie told her the truth. "Uncle Throttle is hurt very bad. We are hoping that Harry can help by operating on him."

"I can help, Vinnie. If you let me I can help save Uncle Throttle."

"What…. What are you saying Sweetie, How could you possible help?" Vinnie looked at her perplexed.

"I can show him where Uncle Throttle is different and how to fix those parts. I know some stuff. I remember from when I was in the lab with, Him. If you can get me a book about what Mr. Harrison is going to do, I know I can help."

"But baby you are still very weak yourself, it might be too much. I can't let you." Smoke walked over and knelt by Tatara's bed signing to her.

"If you don't, all the things we have been through won't mean anything.  The lives of the other children would have been lost for nothing. I have to do this, I have to know there was a purpose for Andrea dying," Tatara begged.

Smoke looked at Vinnie he nodded. "She's right you know. If its what she wants you have to let her for her sake as well as Throttle's."

Everyone helped to prepare for the surgery. Tatara scanned through the available medical books and also through some Martian/human anatomy files Karn had in her vehicle 's computer.

Harrison sterilized everything the best he could but one of his main concerns was finding some way of knocking Throttle out so he wouldn't go into shock during the procedure.

Tatara was able to help there also. In her researching of Martian anatomy she had found a way of using pressure to increase the natural chemicals in his brain that would make him go into a deep sleep. It would take more strength than she had so Modo volunteered to stay and do what was required.

After all was made ready Karn smiled at her love kissing him gently and left the room to wait with the others. Harrison took a deep breath and nodded at Modo to start.

"Just relax, bro I won't hurt ya." Modo said trying to put his brother at ease. Throttle smiled confidently at the large gray mouse as he put his hand on the back of Throttle's neck exactly were Tatara had instructed. She put her hand on the top of Modo's to make sure he was on the precise nerve. Then pressing hard Throttle took in a deep breath and fell unconscious.

Harrison said a small prayer then began only hoping that he knew enough and with the help of the alien child to save Throttle's life. Charley had rigged up a device that would help Throttle breath and would monitor his vital signs as the operation continued.

Time seemed to drag on for hours with out a sound coming from the room. Smoke held Vinnie as Karn and Gates gave each other a comforting shoulder. Charley paced only stopping to lean against the door trying to see if she could hear anything.

Inside Harrison worked and followed the instructions given to him by Tatara when he got to an unfamiliar area. There was so much damage he wasn't sure he was making it better or worse but he continued to work. Surprisingly Tatara was unaffected by the surgery and worked with the doctor as if she'd been though it a hundred times.

12 hours later Modo came out holding the exhausted child in his arms. "She did a wonderful job. Harrison said he could finish up alone. Looks like they pulled it off. It will take him a little time but Throttle should be okay.

Karn held on to Gates crying from relief and pure joy. Charley slid down the wall letting her emotions take over crying into her knees. Vinnie took the sleeping little girl holding her close to him so proud he couldn't put it into words. Smoke smiled and whispered "Imza" as she touched her daughter's hair smoothing it gently.

Charley lifted her head up and remembered that Smoke had called Tatara this name on more than one occasion. "That's a beautiful name what does it mean?"

Smoke smiles and looked at the beautiful peaceful face of her precious child, "It means life giver."

Epilogue:

Ztalavious had given Tatara many abilities some she knew of others would reveal themselves as she grew. She would go back to Mars for her own protection and Smoke would accompany her. But the small family had it's base in a solid foundation the would carry each of it's members to the eventual freedom of their home world.

Gates and Modo married and stayed on earth to continue to fight the Plutarkian menace in Chicago. Occasionally Gates would join Smoke if her expertise were required, at least until the birth of she and Modo's first child.

 Karn would go back to her planet of Dau and Throttle would go with her to recuperate. There was still so much needed to try and repair what was done to her home, but they had made a bond that would survive any temporary distance between them when he had to return to Earth.

Charley and Harrison also married. Harrison joined the fight against the alien invasion. He would quit his governmental position telling his superiors what they need to do to prepare to stop the Plutarkians and finish his medial training. He and Charley had decided once the enemy was defeated on earth they would go to Mars to continue the fight.

Ztalavious was taken back to Mars and put on trial being found guilty. His punishment was not to be put to death. The scientist had a special mask designed just for him. He would look like a Martian mouse and the mask would phase permanently with his face. It also would take away his ability to hear and speak and block most of the sections of his brain so that he would only remember who he was, what he did, how to function but little else. Then he would be sent to Plutark, set free to survive the best way he could.

The End

Finally!!!!