Heya!

Thanks again for the reviews, very much appreciated.
Unfortunately, killing Chaz isn't a option anymore. It's too late.
They're discovered.

Let's find out how the guys and Kiwi are gonna handle this… sticky situation.
Enjoy! ^^

Chapter forty nine

"No way I'm just gonna walk outside with my hands in the air. No fucking way. Not without a fight!"
Vinnie looked at his bro's with fuming eyes.
"If they want us… well, then they just have to catch us first…"
"For once I agree with Vinnie", Modo nodded.
After everything they had done for this planet, this was how they repaid them? No way he was gonna walk outside like a damn sheep.
Throttle let out his breath.
"I think it's time for us to go back to Mars, bro's…"
Kiwi whirled around, fear on her face.
"What? We can't just leave, what if Limburger…", but Throttle cut her off.
"We ain't got time to discuss this, Kiwi. We're obviously not welcome here anymore. We've got no other choice than to go back…"
"I really like your way of thinking, fearless leader, but HOW?", Vinnie asked, his tail twitching and his hands in the air..
"We've just gotta use old Lard Butt's transporter…", Throttle said slowly. "And when we do, we'll take him with us. For trial. Or, he stays behind to get caught. Because they will find out about him now they know about us, that's for sure."
"Okay… But how do we get there? They've got the whole place surrounded, bro…", Modo sighed.
But Throttle smiled and looked at Kiwi.
"All we need is a hostage…", and then his gaze landed on Vinnie.
"...and a diversion…"

Kiwi was staring through the window at the people, say an entire army, that were standing behind her fence. Police. Army. SWAT. She counted alone over more than ten vehicles from this point of view. God only knew with how many they were in total. Badass angry looking guys with weapons aimed at the house. All secured behind the vehicles. A few men in suits, the ones who called the shots. It looked like one of those scenes in a action movie, when the bad guys were hiding in a building and the police couldn't attack because they had hostages. Innocent people. Maybe that's why they hadn't invaded this place already. Because she was here. Maybe they thought they were keeping her here against her will. Well, let them think that… That could only work in their advantage.
With a sigh, she turned around. The mice were whirling through the guesthouse like tornado's, grabbing their stuff. Mostly weapons and ammo, but also clothes. They were lucky she kept her backpacks in the guesthouse. Yeah, they were. She wasn't that lucky. All her stuff was lying inside the big house. And no way she could just stroll through the garden and walk into her house, as if there wasn't an entire army surrounding her house.
Dammit.
She was gonna start a new live on another planet, light years away from here, with only the outfit she was wearing now and her phone, which was probably useless over there.
Great. Just great.
So this was it. She always had almost begged them to take her with them to Mars. When Throttle gave his permission, she was the happiest girl in the word. And now, the time was here and she suddenly started doubting. She was a human. How in the world was she gonna live on a, to her, unfamiliar planet? A planet where was war, pain and misery? She was scared, she suddenly realized. And that was new. Because she always knew she would do everything to follow them everywhere. But now…
Vinnie saw her standing there, her eyes wide open as a scared deer that got caught in the headlights. He walked over to her and grabbed her hands.
"You sure about this, sweetheart?"
She looked up at him. Into his ruby red eyes. She smelled his scent.
His low voice, filled with worry, vibrated through flesh and bones and calmed down her pounding heart.
Gone was the doubt. Because there was no way in hell she was gonna give up the love of her life. He was her home. As long as she had him by her side, she was home. No matter where they were. Of course it was scary. She had every right to be scared. But fear wasn't the same as doubt. She wasn't scared that she was gonna make a mistake by leaving Earth, no… She was scared to start a whole new life. But who wouldn't?
"Yeah, I am. Let's do this."

They were standing in the living room from the guest house, looking at each other. Everything faded for a moment. The sound coming from outside, the police who kept demanding them to come out, the flashes of light… It was just them for a moment.
"Ready, boys? Ma'am?", Throttle smiled, back to his usual calm self.
"You bet I am", Modo nodded.
Vinnie was almost bouncing on his feet.
"You even need to ask me that? I was born ready!"
He looked at Kiwi, his eyes twinkling.
"Ya sure about me trashing this place?"
But Kiwi grabbed his hand and squeezed in it.
"It's okay, Vin. I knew this moment would come, someday. And I have no plans on coming back, so…"
It still hurt, though. This was where she grew up. Her home. But she soon realized it wasn't. Not anymore. Her place was with the mice now.
"Okay, Vincent, you know what to do. We'll meet ya at Limburger tower, okay?"
Vinnie smiled his most charming smile, took a deep breath and whistled between his teeth. The bikes in the garage roared their engines and broke through the door. That alerted the people around the house and the mice could hear them all load their gun.

"DON'T MOVE! Step outside with your hands on hour head! If not, we're authorized to fire!"

As if they were gonna listen to them.
Throttle grabbed Kiwi and pushed his laser gun against the temple of her head while wrapping one arm around her neck, pressing her against him.
"No worries, babe, I've removed the powersource. Ready?", she heard his husky and calm voice in her ear.
"Never been more ready", she smiled, but then, she took a deep breath and switched her face expression from calm to panicked.
Throttle pushed her outside.
"Put down the guns, I've got me a hostage here!", he yelled, his voice raw.
It gave Kiwi goosebumps, actually. He was always so calm, but he had this other side of him he didn't show them that often, but when he did…
"NOW!", he added, his voice filled with aggressiveness. Kiwi saw one guy in the suit say something in a walkie talkie and everybody lowered their guns.
"That's it! Now, you'll just let me drive outta here without problems, along with my comrade. If you do, I promise you the girl will not be harmed…"

"Let the girl go…"

"Are you DEAF? If one of you only thinks about touching your gun, she's a goner!"
Kiwi saw it on their faces. Their hands were tied. They couldn't stop them.
Welcome to America. Where the life of one single citizen is worth more than catching aliens.
Throttle whistled between his teeth while keeping a close eye on the people outside the fence. His bike stopped next to him and he swung his leg over the seat, while forcing Kiwi to sit in front of him. The gun was still against her head. She gave the guy in the suit a pleading look, pretending to beg for help, but he lowered his gaze. Jesus, she was glad she wasn't a real hostage. What a freak show.
Modo joined them and they revved their bikes.
"Open the fence", Throttle ordered, loud enough for everybody to hear.
When nobody reacted, he suddenly aimed his gun in the sky and fired. The sound was deafening and the police shrunk.
And Kiwi froze, because hadn't he told her that he'd removed the powersource?
"Ya think I won't kill her? Try me… Now, open the fence!"
They did what he said. Of course they did. His voice. His whole appearance… it only gave away one thing; danger. Obey.
The bikes suddenly sped forward and a scream escaped her mouth. Oops. That wasn't supposed to happen. But who cares? She was a terrified hostage after all. They flew past the police, the army, the SWAT… She saw flashes of angry, confused and surprised faces.
"After them! NOW!", Kiwi suddenly heard one man screaming. She smiled.
Throttle had predicted that this would happen. And that's were Vinnie came in.
"Be careful, macho mouse", she whispered.

Vinnie saw from his hiding spot that his bro's and Kiwi made it out.
Showtime.
He popped a wheelie and fired his jets. He landed on top of the guesthouse and looked down at the whole army that was starting to leave, ready to chase the two, or three actually, who got away. Cannons popped outta his bike and he grabbed his laser guns.
"Hey there!"
Everybody froze and slowly turned their heads into his direction. He waved at them with the gun still in hand and they stared at him, a little dazed. One of the guys in the front waved back, but his collegue slapped him against the back of his head and the guy quickly lowered his hand, a blush on his face.
Vinnie smiled his most charming smile while spinning the guns around his fingers.
"Has anyone never told ya that if ya wanna catch a mouse, you really need to have yourself a good mousetrap…?"
One of the guys in the suits raised the megaphone, but Vinnie gave him no time to answer and opened fire. He mainly aimed at the vehicles, feet and guns.
All hell broke loose.
The army returned fire and Vinnie revved his bike.
"AAAOOWW, I'm the master of disaster and don't you just hate me for it?"
He popped a wheelie and quickly drove back to the house. The army and police followed him, crashing through the fence now it was clear only heavy firepower could help them catch the alien.
"Catch me if ya can, suckers!"
Vinnie was laughing almost hysterical, clearly having the time of his life. He quickly looked over his shoulder and saw that his bro's and Kiwi were gone.
Good. Now it was time to finish this off and haul his tail over to LP.
He pulled back his handlebars, fired his jets and flew into the air. When he was high enough, he fired two of his biggest rockets outta the back of his bike.
"Sorry 'bout your house, doll face", he whispered. He landed outside the fence and sped away. But before the army could follow him, the huge explosion knocked them all down.
He really was sorry for her house. Really, he was. But wow, that was one massive boom.
"AAAOOOWWW! Always like to leave with a big BANG! Later fella's!", Vinnie cheered, while looking in his mirror.
He did a good job, because nobody was able to follow him. But he knew it wasn't gonna take long before they regrouped and would start the chase. But at least he'd bought them some time. That was all they needed.
He saw one person standing a few feet away from the house, staring at him.
Vinnie grabbed his handlebars tightly when he recognized the face.
Chaz…
Oh, how tempting it was to go back and blow off that sucker's head, but even Vinnie knew that would be a stupid move and that for once, he needed to stick to the plan. So, he clenched his teeth and hit the accelerator.
On to Limburger Tower.

Kiwi was looking at the smoke that was circling into the air after the massive explosion. The explosion that destroyed her house.
Dammit. Damn you, Chaz. This wasn't how it suppose to happen. Not like this.
She let out her breath and looked at Modo and Throttle, who were checking their bikes and guns.
"You think he'll make it?", Kiwi asked. She had to ask.
"It's Vinnie we're talking about, babe. No worries."
They were standing in an alley close by LP, waiting for their white furred friend, bro and lover to join them.
"Great performance back there, Throttle", she said while her eyes were still searching the streets for Vinnie.
"Thanks. You weren't that bad yourself either", Throttle chuckled.
"Yeah, with the whole screaming, really, it was very convincing, Kiwi ma'am", Modo added.
Kiwi blushed, but said nothing. No need to tell them that wasn't played.
A familiar sound filled the air and she felt a huge relief. She would recognize that sound everywhere.
Vinnie's bike.
He came to a halt with shrieking tires, pulling off his helmet and a big grin on his face.
"Voila. And that's how you create a diversion, van Wham style. Please, please, no thanks, no gifts, it's just what heroes do!"
Kiwi rolled her eyes, but she smiled too.
"Good job, Vincent", Throttle nodded at his younger bro.
Even if he would brag about it all day, Throttle would never let down a opportunity to give his bro's a compliment. And even if Vinnie's head was almost exploding now, he deserved to know he did a good job. Because he really did.
The sound of sirens in the distance made him jump on his bike and put on his helmet.
"Okay, bro's and ma'am. We don't have much time. Let's ROCK…"
"...and RIDE!"

They burst inside Limburger's office and the big fish jumped at his feet by this sudden act of violence.
"Biker Mice! To what do I owe this unpleasant surprise…?"
Throttle stopped his bike right in front of him.
"We need to borrow your transporter, cheeze face."
Limburger narrowed his eyes, his hands on the desk and he leaned forward.
"I'm so sorry to tell you I'm afraid that's not possible… You see, it's my transporter… And I don't want to infest it with mice…"
Vinnie aimed his gun at the fish.
"Afraid you don't have a choice, lever lips. Because your sorry ass is on the line too."
That got Limburger's interest. He suddenly saw the mice were packed with backpacks and that that annoying human girl was sitting behind the white furred mouse.
"Are my eyes deceiving me or are you vermin going somewhere? For good?"
"That's right, butterball. We're going back to Mars and you're coming with us", Modo said, his eye glowing red.
"I'm really having a deja vu here, haven't we been here before?", Limburger asked.
"Yeah, but this time it's serious. Someone rat us out, and it will only be a matter of time before they find about you. So, that leaves you with two options; you'll either come back with us to Mars for trial or you can stay here and find out what humans do with interplanetary scum like yourself…", Throttle explained.
The sirens were already coming closer. They were running outta time.
Limburger was staring at them, clearly loss at words.
"You've brought them here?", he finally asked, disbelief in his voice.
"Well, not by choice. They doesn't seem to like it when their suspects blow up things and run away", Vinnie said dryly, but loaded his gun with a click.
"It's over, Limburger. So, what's it's gonna be?"
Limburger's hand slowly reached for the button for help, but he suddenly stopped halfway. He somehow seemed to realize that staying on Earth was no longer a option.

"We know you're in there! We'll give you one minute to come out with your hands in on your head, or we'll storm the building. Give it up, you've got no place to go!"

"They're here…", Kiwi whispered.
Limburger swallowed and pushed a button. The mice tensed but then...
"My dear doctor Karbunkle, activate the transporter, now would you please?"
"Of course, my slippery cheesiness. And where is the journey going this time?"
Limburger looked at the mice, defeat visible in his eyes.
"Mars…"
Karbunkle protested with surprise, but Limburger shut down the communicator and raised his hands.
"Alright, you win, you miserable rodents…"
Modo quickly grabbed some tyraps and bound the big cheese his hands together. He had to admit, he was a little surprised the fish gave up so easily. But no time to think. He grabbed him and mounted his bike again.
"Let's ride!"

They drove down to Karbunkle's lab, Vinnie trying really hard not to think about the last time he was here. When they came in, Karbunkle was standing by the controls of the transporter, but when he saw the mice were holding his boss, he immediately grabbed a gun. But Throttle shot it out his hands before he could use it and grabbed the doctor.
"I want you to send us to Mars and after that, destroy the transporter. No way we're gonna leave a open door to Mars behind…"
Karbunkle stared at him, not knowing what the hell was going on. Suddenly, Greasepit came running inside.
"M-m-mister Limboiger, yous whole place is surrounded by cops!"
Limburger rolled his eyes.
"I know, I know… you stupid moronic!"
"Ohws… then why don't yous do somethings?", Greasepit asked surprised, scratching his head.
"My dear boy...Does it look like I'm here for a round of mouse hugging?!"
A loud explosion made the building rock, voices were heard downstairs…
"Enough with the chit chat, we're leaving, NOW!", Throttle ordered and Modo threw Limburger into the transporter. He parked his bike next to the fish, blocking his way out. The rest joined him, but Karbunkle wasn't gonna give up that easily. He quickly pushed a button and dragged Greasepit with him, into the transporter.
"Hey, what do ya think…", Vinnie started, but the door of the lab flew open and a whole team of SWAT came inside.
"Hey you, STOP!", one of them yelled, but they were too late.

A flash of light.
A weird buzzing sound.
Kiwi opened her eyes, her arms still tightly wrapped around Vinnie.
Red sand.
The sun burning on her skin.
Sizzling heat.
Mars.
They made it.
"Welcome home, babe", Vinnie snickered.
Kiwi swallowed and cleared her throat.
"I eh… thanks…"
Vinnie looked over his shoulder, his tail wrapped lovingly around her waist.
"You'll get used to it, sweetheart. It's gonna be okay, I promise…"
Tears jumped into her eyes. She wasn't regretting her decision to come with them, but leaving Earth was still hard.
"Hey, where do ya think you're going?", she suddenly heard Modo rumbling and they both looked up.
They still had Limburger, but Karbunkle and Greasepit were running away from them.
"Come back here, you mistrials! Come back here, NOW!", Limburger yelled furious.
Vinnie revved his bike, but Throttle stopped him.
"Let them go, they've got no friends on this planet, they'll never make it. We've got the big cheese, that's the most important."
"But Throttle, they…", Vinnie started, but Throttle shook his head.
"Let them go, Vincent. We need to get to the base, we're way too vulnerable out here in the open."
"Since when do we care about that?", Vinnie asked, a little surprised.
But Throttle gave him a warning look.
"Since it's been a few years we've been here, Vincent. And from what Carbine told me, things are changed around here. More enemies. More ambushes. First, we need to know what we're up against. First, we've gotta get Kiwi to safety. Let's ride."
And the tan furred mouse drove away, followed by Modo who dragged Limburger with him.
Vinnie sighed in defeat, looked one more time in the distance to see Karbunkle and Greasepit running away, and followed his bro's.
"I still think this ain't a good idea, to let them run off like that…", Vinnie muttered under his breath, but Throttle ignored him.
Vinnie snorted. Story of his life. Why should he even bother to say something that actually made sense? They never listened.

Luckily, Karbunkle had transported them closeby the base. Kiwi was looking around her with awe while they were driving through the desert. Since she'd been a prisoner when she was here for the first time, she hadn't really had the time to take a good look around her. But now she had and wow… It was mind blown. Mars wasn't flat. Even if it was desert, there were also mountains made of red rocks, sand dunes… It was beautiful. It reminded Kiwi of her trip to the Grand Canyon, years ago. But this wasn't California. This wasn't Earth. No...
This was a whole other planet. And she was scared. Not because she didn't wanna be here, no, because she had no idea how to survive here.
Showers. Cold drinks. Food.
Things she took for granted on Earth. But here…
"We're here, sweetheart."
Vinnie voice broke her outta her thoughts and she looked over his shoulder. They approached a huge gate and Kiwi's eyes grew big.
"This is the base? But what about the last time…"
"That wasn't our homebase. This is. When the army joined the Freedom Fighters, they made their locations available for all of us. They have multiple locations, but this is the biggest one. So, babe… welcome to the Freedom Fighters Headquarters, also known as Vault Brimstone", Throttle smiled.
"Vault Brimstone?", Kiwi asked, while looking at the huge walls that were surrounding the base. The walls were made of solid, red rocks. On the top, there were guards walking, heavily armed.
"Yeah, Brimstone is a city nearby, well, it was a city…before the Plutarkians completely wiped it off the map. But this… this is the safest place in the area… It's like a vault, actually…". Throttle explained.
"Yeah, because the enemy can't come in, and if they do… well, they can't get out…", Vinnie chuckled.
They stopped their bikes at the gate and two of the four guards walked over to them.
"ID please", one big mouse with a black fur said, a little bored. But then he saw Limburger and he immediately grabbed his gun.
"What's the meaning of this?!", he yelled and the other three guards also aimed their gun.
Throttle pulled off his helmet.
"Easy, soldiers. I have a message for General Carbine."
The black furred guard gave him a suspicious look, clearly he had no idea who Throttle was.
"Oh really? And what's that?"
"Tell her The Biker Mice are back. And that we come with gifts."

"Throttle! I can't believe my own eyes!", Carbine called out when she walked through the gate.
She ran towards him and jumped in his arms. Throttle wrapped his arms around her, goosebumps all over his body.
He was home. He closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying this moment. This moment, which he'd thought would never come.
Carbine looked up at him, her eyes twinkling.
"I still can't believe this… You're back?", she asked, her voice a little shaky.
Throttle touched her cheek, a big grin on his face.
"Yeah, I am. And this time, I ain't going anywhere…"
Tears jumped into her eyes, but she suddenly realized she was standing in front of four of her soldiers and she quickly wiped off her face and made herself loose.
"Welcome back, guys", she said and looked at Modo and Vinnie too. Now just wait a minute…
"Kiwi?"
Kiwi's head popped up from behind Vinnie, a faint blush on her cheeks.
"Hi…"
Carbine shared a look with Throttle.
"She's one of us now, Carbine. We couldn't leave her behind. Not after everything we've been through. Besides, if we hadn't take her with us, she was now probably sitting in jail…"
Carbine gave him a confused look.
"What are you talking about?"
"Really, I really hate to cut this mushy reunion, but can't we continue this talk while we're inside?", Vinnie blended into the conversation.
"Why, bro? Scared to be out here in the open?", Modo teased him.
"Who? Moi? Are you kidding me? I'm just hungry, that's all", Vinnie answered nonchalant.
"What's new?", Throttle mumbled, but he looked at Carbine, who nodded.
"I've gotta admit, old Lard Butt here is getting a little heavy after dragging his sorry ass from Earth to all the way down here", Modo smiled, looking at Limburger, who glared back.
"Soldiers, grab this Plutarkian scum and throw him into prison, no food, no water", Carbine ordered and Modo handed the angry fish over to one of the guards.
"Mark my words, you miserable rodents, I'll have you broiled for this! Mark my words!", Limburger yelled when he got dragged away.
Modo patted his hands while shaking his head.
"He never learns, now does he? Even now… I almost feel sorry for the guy", he chuckled.
"Ah well, we can't be all blessed with brains like mine", Vinnie snickered.
"Okay, okay, enough. Let's get you inside", Carbine intervened and they followed her through the gate on the bikes.
Kiwi was still sitting behind Vinnie, holding him tightly. She looked behind her and saw the big gate closing again. No turning back now…

They crossed a large courtyard, straight towards a huge building that was cut out of a mountain. It was impressive, really. It even had balconies, windows, small towers. And it was huge. The big walls surrounded the whole thing and everywhere she looked, she saw guards. All mice. It was gonna take some time to get used to the fact that she was the alien now. And she could only hope they would accept her. But she somehow had the nagging feeling that was gonna be hard. Very hard.
Carbine showed them the big garage where they could park their bikes. Well, garage… More like a huge cave with doors.
When Vinnie stepped off his bike and pulled off his helmet, he suddenly noticed Kiwi hadn't moved. He turned around and looked at her, feeling a pang of worry when he saw the fear on her face.
"Sweetheart…", and he lay his hand on her cheek. "You okay?"
Kiwi lay her hand over his, her eyes closed for a moment.
"Yeah… It's just… I dunno, I'm… I'm scared, Vin...", she whispered.
"I know… But you've got me."
He said it like a statement, as if that was the best thing that possible could ever happen to her.
Ugh, his arrogance…
But he was right, though. He was the best thing that ever happened to her.
He gently helped her off his bike and threw her backpack over his shoulder before he grabbed her hand.
"You can do this, sweetheart. You're one of us now."
His fingers entwined with hers and Kiwi took a deep breath.
"Okay. Okay, I've got this…"

Carbine led them inside the base and cool air filled Kiwi's nose. It was a welcome feeling after the burning, almost mercyless heat that was coming from the sun. It felt different than on Earth, though. Dryer.
Vinnie was still holding her hand while they walked through the corridors. Dammit, this place was like a maze, alright. Everyone they passed, stopped to look at them. Well, to look at her, to be specific. But she soon noticed the three mice also took a lot of attention. They probably were some kinda legends around here. Because everybody looked at them with respect written on their face. Some of them even saluted when they passed. But nobody said something. And most of them stayed behind with a shocked look on their face after seeing Kiwi.
The weird, hairless creature. Small. Fragile.
The place felt as if she was walking in a ancient castle on Earth. Since the whole building was cut outta the mountain, the walls, the ceiling, the floor… everything was made of that beautiful red stone. Small light were attached to the walls, so small, Kiwi was surprised they gave so much light. But then again, she was on Mars now. Technologie was different here.
After walking through what Kiwi thought were a thousand hallways, Carbine stopped at a door and typed in a code. The door slid open and they entered a room that was about the same size as Kiwi's living room. She saw a wall filled with computer screens at her left, a desk with a chair underneath it. A huge table was standing in the middle of the room and in the right corner, a king size bed. But the furniture wasn't looking quite the same as on Earth. It all was made of stone. But the bed did look comfy. And at least they had blankets. At the other side of the room, Kiwi could see two doors that led to a balcony.
This must be Carbine's room.
"Sit down, guys. After we talk, I'll show you your rooms", she said towards Vinnie and Modo.
"What about Throttle?", Vinnie asked innocent, wiggling his eyebrows.
Carbine rolled her eyes.
"I'll just pretend you didn't ask that. Now, sit down."
Vinnie dropped the backpack on the ground and grabbed a chair, gesturing to Kiwi to do the same. Throttle and Modo also dumped their bags and took place.
Carbine leaned on the table and looked at Throttle.
"So, what brought you here? With Limburger? And a human?"
Kiwi wrinkled her nose a little by hearing the tone in her voice.
Come on, was she still gonna give her a hard time, after what happened on Earth? After taking care of Throttle and his bro's?
Man…
She felt Vinnie tense too, but she quicky lay a hand on his leg. His gaze lowered and stared at her hand, that was actually a little too close to his… well, ya know… He smiled to himself. That's Kiwi for ya…
"Limburger's transporter brought us here", he stated the obvious and he looked up at Carbine, a challenging look on his face. "And the human is called Kiwi, remember?"
But Throttle intervened.
"Vincent, shut up. I'm not in the mood for your games right now", and he focussed on Carbine.
"Someone found out about us. A human. He told the government…"
"And they actually believed him?", Carbine asked with a surprised look on her face.
Throttle shrugged, a little uncomfortable.
"Yeah well… He had evidence.. a picture of us…" and he told her the whole story.
How Chaz had found out about them. How he had tried to erase his memory. How that failed. How they managed to escape just in time, taking Limburger with them.
Carbine was listening with a thoughtful frown on her face. When Throttle was done, she let out her breath and looked at Kiwi.
"You humans really don't know anything about loyalty, now do ya?"
Kiwi narrowed her eyes.
"Not everyone, no… But I ain't like them… You must know that by now…"
"I know. And you're welcome to stay. As long as you… well, keep your nose outta our business, that is…"
"So, what I'm supposed to do all day? I came here to help. I don't like it to just sit around and do nothing!", Kiwi protested, but again, Throttle intervened.
"Carbine, I already told ya, she's one of us, she…", but Carbine interrupted him.
"Oh really? Has she taken the oath?"
Kiwi stared at Carbine. Oath? What oath was she talking about?

But before anybody could say something, they suddenly heard a lot of noise coming from the other side of the door. They all turned their heads to see the door open and a very annoyed soldier with a Freedom Fighter outfit came into view.
"He insisted to get inside, I tried…", but he suddenly got pushed away.
"Uncle Modo!"
A sand coloured blur flew towards Modo, who quickly caught him.
"Rimfire! Oh boy, it's so good to see ya!", he called out and he pulled his nephew into a tight hug.
He suddenly remembered what he almost had done, back on Earth and he was suddenly glad Kiwi was there in time to stop him. Otherwise his nephew would be all alone right now. What was he thinking? But that was then. Now, all that mattered was that he was finally holding his nephew in his arms again.
Carbine shook her head, but waved at the soldier who was still standing at the door.
"It's okay, he can stay."
Rimfire made himself loose from Modo.
"Wait, I've brought some company!"
Everybody looked back at the door again, to see the soldier got pushed away again, and…
"Still riding free, biker bumps?!"
Everybody, except for Rimfire and Kiwi, breathed in sharply when they heard that voice.
A brown furred male mouse entered the room. He had long hair between his ears, tied in a low ponytail, a few bangs hanging loose around his face. He was about Vinnie's size, but way older, Kiwi noticed. He was wearing a brown, baggy pants with a soft yellow shirt on top of it. Over the shirt, a sleeveless green military jacket. A glitter caught Kiwi's eye and she saw a medal pinned on the right pocket of the jacket. His brown eyes were clear, and he had this arrogant smile on his face that looked somehow familiar…
"I can't believe it!", Vinnie called out, jumping at his feet.
"Stoker?", Throttle managed to say.
Ah. So this was the famous Stoker Vinnie had told her about. Their mentor.
"As my old gray furred momma would say; oh momma!", Modo rumbled while walking towards the older mouse, grabbing him a tight hug.
Stoker smiled and raised his hands.
"Hey, Modo my mouse", and he hit Modo on both of his ears. "Long time no see!"
Modo let him go because of the mean hit, but still a smile on his face.
Carbine rolled her eyes and stepped back, a almost bored look on her face.
Kiwi was still staring at the older mouse. She suddenly saw his tail and her mouth fell open. It wasn't made of flesh, muscle, bone and fur, no… it was… metal? Hmmm…
"Throttle! Still looking good, I see", Stoker smiled and slammed the tan furred mouse on his back.
"Oempf! See you still got the old Stoke moves", Throttle coughed, adjusting his glasses.
"Hey punk!", Stoker called out while pointing at Vinnie.
"What?", Vinnie asked, a little annoyed but Stoker already launched himself at him and Vinnie landed on his back with the older mouse on top of him.
Vinnie clenched his fists, but Stoker held them.
"No fair! Oh man, that was a sucker punch!", Vinnie protested loudly, still trying to get his hands loose.
"Just old headbutt's sneak attack number seven", Stoker laughed.
"Oh yeah?", and Vinnie yanked his hands free and grabbed Stoker by his neck. "Well, how's about new head lock back lift thirteen?" and he raised his feet, set them on Stokers belly and pushed the brown furred mouse away. Stoker landed closeby Modo and Throttle, who were looking down at their mentor with a big smile on their face. Stoker laughed and tackled them.
"Leg trip attack forty!"
And that was the start of a huge wrestling session.
Kiwi was staring at all this. Must be their way to say hi…
Modo landed close by her feet and she kneeled down.
"This is Stoker?", she asked him, still watching how the guys were wrestling.
"Yep. The one and only. We helped him to start the Freedom Fighters. Taught us everything we know about biking…"
"...fighting…", Throttle said while punching Stoker in the face.
"... and ladies…", Vinnie chuckled.
"Never mind! Honestly…", Kiwi quickly said.
"On Mars, when they're talking baddest motojammer, they're talking Stoker."
"Just Mars? Try the whole galaxy", Stoker smiled cocky while standing up.
Kiwi pursed her lips in amusement. It was clear this guy was just as arrogant as one of his pupils…
It was as if Stoker only just now saw the human girl standing and his eyes grew big for a moment.
"Well, hello there beautiful" and he walked towards her.
Kiwi felt her cheeks burn when he took her hand and kissed her knuckles.
"Name's Stoker, but guess you already knew that. And who are you?"
"Ehm, Kiwi…", she stuttered.
"Well, Ehm Kiwi, welcome to Mars. What brings a beautiful human girl as yourself all the way out here?"
Suddenly, a white tail snaked around her right leg and Vinnie popped up next to her.
"She's here with me…", he said, a slight threatening tone in his voice.
Stoker raised his eyebrows, but did a step back. It was clear the white furred mouse was trying to tell him something.
Well, message received. Loud and clear. Vinnie's girl. No touching. His lips curled into a smile.
"My my… Have to admit, I'm kinda surprised you found such a beautiful woman and also managed to keep her..."
"Now that's just harsh…", Vinnie growled back. "You're just jealous, coach."
"Okay, okay, enough with the masochism! I'm almost suffocating in testosterone here!", Carbine interfered with the conversation to avoid another wrestling session would start.
She patted Rimfire on the back.
"I can see your mission is accomplished. Well done, Rimfire. Really."
The young boy put out his chest with proud by hearing these words. Carbine didn't gave compliments that easily, so when she did, he knew she really meant it.
They all took place again and Throttle quickly told Rimfire and Stoker how they ended up here.
Kiwi took a deep breath.
"You were saying something about a oath, before these two burst in…", she started and pointed at Rimfire and Stoker, who gave her a innocent look back.
"...what oath are you talking about?"
Carbine looked at Throttle.
"You haven't told her?", she asked, slightly surprised.
"Told me what?", Kiwi demanded. It was obvious she still had to prove herself towards the General.
Well, it made her only more determined to do so. To blow her away. It didn't occur to her that maybe was exactly what Carbine hoped to accomplish.
"Every Freedom Fighter takes an oath. To make sure it's clear that Mars is on top of the priority list. That means, you'll have to do everything within your power to protect this planet. Even if that means it will cost you your life…"
Kiwi's stomach dropped.
This whole 'joining the team' seemed to be a little more difficult than she had thought…

Soooo, the mice are back on Mars!
How will Kiwi adjust there?
Will she be accepted as a Freedom Fighter?
And what about that oath?
I think the main question is here; is she gonna be strong enough to get through all this?
Even if this is what she'd wanted, it's not that easy to just start over on a whole other planet.

And what about the big cheese? Is this really gonna be the end of Lawrence Limburger?

So many questions...
So few answers...
:)

Feel free to leave a review, always good to know what you guys are thinking.
Especially after such a plot twist. But hey, what can I say? I like challenges.

Later guys!