Chapter 3: Family

High above Mars, large vessels came into position. They were huge, almost majestic as they entered high orbit. Their hulls appeared like gigantic fish, with space as their ocean. On board, a few members of his race, the Plutarkians, met with Stilton.

"The bombs worked perfectly. The buildings were almost completely leveled," the skinny Plutarkian said, standing in front of Stilton.

"Excellent. Then, any evidence of our true purpose here on Mars has been destroyed?"

"Yes, sir." the Plutarkian answered.

Stilton walked across the large room and through a metal door. Inside, the other Plutarkians–all commanders and agents of Stilton's–followed him to a large monitor. Stilton gracefully pressed a few keys, creating an up-link with his home world Plutark.

In less than a minute, the newly elected leader of the Plutarkian Empire–High Chairman Camembert appeared. Stilton grinned at his illustrious leader. He, like others before him, had bribed his way into becoming High Chairman, and was sure to keep himself there with many other forms of trickery and deceit.

"Prepare for the Plutarkian greeting," Camembert addressed.

Stilton sighed, then join the other Plutarkians in pressing his ass against the vid-screen.

"Cheek to cheek and stink to stink! As Plutark grows the galaxy shrinks!" They went on to make strange arm-pit noises and then blew raspberries at each other.

When the official greeting was over, Stilton was more than happy to give the High Chairman his report. "We destroyed four buildings that had evidence of our alliance with the Sand Raiders."

"Excellent. Are things ready for our takeover of Hellfire City?"

"Almost. Thanks to Kent, we have information regarding population and neighborhoods."

"And what about the Camps? Are they ready?"

"Yes. Mozzarella just informed us that he would be fully loaded by the end of the week. We can move in then."

"Good. I want any resistance crushed, so be prepared. I want nothing to go wrong."

Stilton scoffed arrogantly. "Why High Chairman, with you as our leader, what is the worst that can happen?"

"Just remember that, Dominic. Plutark out."

Throttle ran to the Scrambler in the best Martian amusement park on Mars–Maxium Point. He was more than ready to ride the Super Force, the world's largest roller coasted. He knew he had to work up to it though.

"Oh, I don't know," Jewel uttered.

Axle put his hand on her shoulder. "Oh, honey, it's no big deal. These kids could use some courage."

"Yeah! It impresses the chicks, too!" Vinnie exclaimed.

"Heh heh," laughed Bingo.

"Well, when you put it that way, little bro," said Modo, "let's go!"

"Yeah!" Throttle yelled, following behind. Screw the warming up–they were going straight for the big one. Just as they were about to up into the five-hour line, Stoker stood before them.

"Hey, wait a minute bros, you want to wait on this one!"

"Why?"

"Because it will make everything else seem lame. Trust me, kiddos."

Axle agreed. "Stoke's right. Come on, kids, let's hit some other coasters first."

Chaos smiled as she and Stoker headed towards the Magnus, formerly the largest coaster know to Martians. It should be know that Chaos had never ever ridden any sort of roller coaster before.

"YAAAAAAAAAAAH!" she screamed as she and Stoker shot down the first hill.

"WhoayeahbabyyeahthisiswhatIlikeyeah!" Stoker shouted as Chaos was about to scream his hearing away.

Meanwhile, Throttle, Vinnie, Modo, and Bingo were keeping themselves occupied riding all the ride in the entire park.

Axle and Jewel, however, were enjoying a rousing good time at the Kiddie section of the park (which included such thrills as the "Lil' Demos Drop" and the "Itsy Bitsy Magnus"). After dropping Smoke off at the day-care, they were able to spend some private, quality time together.

"I've really been missing you, honey." Jewel said.

"I know. The feeling's mutual, sweetie. The feeling's mutual." Axle replied, running a hair through his wife's hair. His eyes slipped onto the crowds of people as the jostled past them, all going about their lives, perfectly unaware of the world around them and it's strange goings-ons.

Axle wondered if he and his family weren't so different from them, turning a blind eye to things that needed his attention, just because it was more comfortable that way. All Stoker's warnings, all his cynicism...it was beginning to make a lot of sense.

"Honey?" Jewel's voice brought him back to the present and he looked at her as she looked at him with mild concern on her pretty face. Axle smiled and kissed her.

"Sorry, babe. Just thinking." he replied.