Meeting the Parents

The finale'

In a secluded wooded area far from the bustling Metropolis of Chicago, close to where the ship that would carry them to their new home had landed, friends and family gathered to witness the joining of the now three, young couples about to be wed.

Throttle had waited until Carbine came for the celebration to ask her to become his wife. She at first was leery thinking he was merely caught up in all the wedding fervor. But when he took her to the top of the scoreboard and knelt on one knee and told her she had been the one lifeline that kept him going through all the torment and distance, that he couldn't see facing life without her as a permanent part of it, she could only cry and whisper yes.

The mood was joyous, but solemn as the guests stood around the four ancient 12-foot silver torches Stoker had brought from the Mars. There weren't many artifacts remaining of Mars once beautiful civilization, but these miraculously had been saved from the greed of the corrupt Martian government officials and the planet raping Plutarkian invaders. They stood as a symbol of hope for what Mars would prayerfully become again, a planet of growth, beauty and renewed strength.

Stoker stood holding an archaic, leather and gold, bound Martian book, which contain many of the spiritual beliefs held dear to the inhabitance of the red planet. As a once elder of the high counsel and adored in the official wedding robes, he had all the customary credentials needed to legalize their union. He had read up on earth marital ceremonies and was now ready to join the young people, bending the richness of both cultures.

The six stood nervously holding hands. Modo, Vinnie, and Throttle were dressed in black long sleeved silk shirts and black leather pants with dress boots polished to a glass like shimmer. All implements of battle were removed since this was such a sacred occasion.

Carbine was provided with a simple but elegant floor length beige gown. The top covered with delicate lace and the skirt flared slightly having small rosettes lining the hem. Gates wore a light blue gown that bared her shoulders and arms with small pearls lining the bodice and a full skirt made from whisper soft tulling. Charley dawned a pale sliver dress that draped slightly off her shoulders with long elegant sleeves and a blossoming skirt flowing down ending just above her ankles.

The aged Martian mentor looked up and smiled at the young once freedom fighters that changed from wild impetuous youths to mature men ready to take this important step. Beaming with pride began to speak. He told of the seriousness of the steps they were taking. He reminded them of the promise to love each other no matter what. That this bond they were about to enter was broken only by death and that love should always be the motivating factor and that love should be cultivated and protected at all costs. Vows from both cultures were exchanged, the Martians in their way and the two earth women in theirs. Stoker blessed the unions and the first kisses were exchanged as married couples. They had become a three-fold cord not easily broken.

Just before the ship took off Charley stood holding her father, "Thank you for everything, Daddy. You have always been my best friend and the best father any girl can have. I'm going to miss you so much."

Charles Davidson took his little girls face in his hands and kissed her cheek lovingly. Looking at her for a long time he smiled, "Your welcome, Sugarpop. It's been the joy of my life having you as my daughter. Be happy Charlene and know that I'll love you more than any words can say."

She smiled up at him as he wiped the tears from her eyes, "Do you think, Mother, will ever forgive us."

"I'm sure in time she will. She does love you, baby. No matter what she's done, it was because she thought it was the best thing for you," he reassured her.

Vinnie walked up and waited until Charley's father let her go, "It's time we were pullin' off, Sweetheart."

Charles reluctently released his daughter and took Vinnie's out stretched hand. "Make sure you take good care of my little girl, young man."

"I promise, I'll make her happy, sir. Thanks for everything."

Charles nodded and walked them to the loading ramp of the ship. There Gates family stood saying their goodbyes and exchanging their share of kisses and tears.

Jack Mc Cyber grabbed Charley spinning her around in a big hug kissing her solidly on the cheek, "I don't know what you see in this guy, but he must not be all bad if you loved him enough to marry him." He teased.

"Hey, Mr. Wizard, you just can't stand the fact that the best man won," Vinnie smirked.

"Well, the term man is relative, Ace. Just be sure you 're good to my lil' sis. Or I'll come to that thing you call a planet and really show you what whippin' tail is," he shook Vinnie hand.

"No worries there. Take care of yourself, McCyber." Vinnie smiled at him.

"You too, Ace," he returned the smile

After a final wave the ship took off and the group of earthlings watched as it faded from sight. Charles, Jack, and Gates family exchanged numbers and promised to keep in touch since now they were all pretty much family.

By the time Charley Davidson pulled up into his driveway and walked into their home it was well after dark. His wife sat in the living room with the lights off, "Is she gone?" Her voice came from behind the larger leather chair that faced the fireplace.

He walked in and stood next to her, "Yes, she's gone. I wish you could have been there, but I knew you'd try and do something to stop them. She's really happy, Dorothy and that should be the only important thing." He placed a hand on her shoulder.

She gave him with an icy stare and he removed his hand, "This isn't over Charles. Not by a long shot is this over."

Dorothy Davidson stood and went up to the bedroom slamming the door letting him know that he was anything but welcome there. He sighed and looked up at the family portrait situated over the fireplace. He sat in the chair his wife had just left and shook his head knowing his wife was more than right, this was far from over.

The End?