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Episode 71:

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Episode 79:

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Episode 90:

Episode 71:

Xander looked at the man across the table from him.  "Okay, I have a building this big," he said, pushing over that drawing, "and that's scale size.  I need an exercise course that's meant for kids from toddler age to my age so they can flip, play, tumble, climb, fall, swing, and play like kids, and it's got to hold me and a few who're just heavier than me.  Here's one I've seen in the past," he said, handing over that drawing.  "It's not my best artistic rendering but it's about to scale.  As you can see, it's a lot like a setup some of your people would use, that's why I came to you."

The thief looked at the drawings, then looked at him.  "Are you making baby thieves?"

"No, I'm making future Freedom Fighters and warriors," he said honestly, then he grinned.  "I've got a godson, six or seven nieces and nephews, and a new goddaughter on the way but I only want the best for them.  I need it to be safe and I want it to be custom, but not over a million the way that one place wanted.  It's part PE and part playground.  Plus I'm going to use it to keep in shape too."

The thief nodded, considering that picture.  "Why are the ropes sideways?"

"It's more or less like a rope maze.  I know, it's not my best artistic work."

"That's okay, it gets the point across and it's better than I can do.  What's in this building right now?"

"Two walls I'm still tearing down."

"Ah.  So completely empty?"

"But that one bathroom, yup."

"Huh.  How many stories?"

"Um, technically four but I don't need more than two.  Like I said, some are kinda little."

"Sure. I get that.  I wish I'd had one of these growing up.  I'd never have been caught because I could have gotten around things."  He considered it again.  "Can I come look?"  Xander nodded.  "When's a good time?"

"Whenever you can.  I'm home.  I'm between crew assignments.  I do construction.  I can get you gymnastic supplies too."

"Good!  That'll save some building."  He nodded, shoving them back.  "What's your baseline budget?"

"Under a million," Xander said dryly, "for the whole thing.  Like I said, I'm in construction, it's not a problem."

"Sure.  I'll come over this afternoon and we'll look through it.  Anything special you *have* to have?"

"Yeah, we need a balance and climbing course," Xander told him.  "Like I said, I want them to flip and tumble and climb and play."

"Sure thing.  I can do that.  As a matter of fact, let's go now."  He looked outside.  "I hate cops."

"In your line of work I'm not surprised," Xander said dryly, looking out there.  "I know him though."  He grinned.  "Come on.  Address is on the back of the drawing."  He winked and got up, heading out there.  "Hey, Ray."

"Why are you having coffee with a thief?"

"Who better to build something for the kids to climb and learn on?"  Ray did not look amused at that.  "He builds mock courses.  I need a mock course built for Vic and the other nieces and nephews who come down occasionally.  He's cheaper and it'll be more practical than McDonald's last playground."  He grinned.  "It's for Vic."

"I figured as much.  Still, a thief?"

"It's not illegal."

"True, and he's on probation.  This is a good paying, legal, job for him.  Still, it doesn't look good."

Xander gave him a hug then grinned at him.  "Just wait.  I get to start on Vic's lessons later today."  He headed back to his bike, heading for home.  He still had to demolish those walls.  They weren't that sturdy.  He found the thief walking around.  "Hey."  He picked up the sledge hammer and took a swing, knocking a hole right through it.

"Wow.  I'm impressed."

"I do this for a living," Xander said dryly, continuing to work.  "Got any ideas?"

"A few," he admitted.  "I always wanted to design the Danger Room that you see in the cartoons."

Xander grinned at him.  "I'd love one but I can't put in the robotics and those are going to push me over budget."

"Sure, something nearly as good but not quite that good," he promised with a grin.  "Let me hit the hardware store.  Some of it might be readily available."  Xander handed over a credit card.  "You're giving me this?"

"It's got ten grand on it, I figure that should start you off.  If you need more, you tell me.  If not, the rest is yours," he said with a shrug.  "Is two grand good for your fees?"

"More than, sir.  Thank you."  He shook his hand and walked back to his car, going to go look around.  He knew *just* what he wanted and what he'd need.  He'd make this one a proud spot for those kids.  After all, he had wanted to do something like this, that's why he went into maze and thief course design in the first place.  He drove off, heading to a gym he knew to get the names of some good stores.

"Honey, who was that?" Vinnie called from the doorway.

"The guy who's going to build the indoor course so we don't have to put up a swingset," he called, hitting another spot with his sledge hammer and knocking it down.

Vinnie walked in, looking bemused.  "Vic's a bit young for an agility course, Xander."

"So it'll be a playground for him as he grows," he said with a shrug.  "And one for us."   He shot him a grin then hit another spot, finally knocking down the majority of the wall.  "Ah, good.  Now just the little stuff."  He kicked the bottom part until it fell in.  "Even if I need to put up a new one, it'll go easier now.  I'm off to Home Depot later for bathroom stuff.  Wanna come?"

"No.  Why are we putting in a new bathroom?"

"So we don't have to hike back home in the snow."

"Oh.  Good idea," he agreed, nodding quickly.  "So I take it this is the classroom?"  Xander nodded. "Cool. I can get with that.  He's still too young."

"And it's not going to be totally finished for at least a year," Xander said dryly.  "Besides, it'll give us somewhere to send the kids when they're ripping up the garage and the house.  Especially Primer's twins the next time they come down.  We'll only have to switch out someone watching them."

"I like that idea," Vinnie agreed happily. The kids did get bored around them now and then.  This would give them a good play area. He headed back to the house.  "Rimfire, when Xander finally gets the gym setup done, I want you to test it for the bigger mice," he called.

"Sure.  Why am I taking English again?"

"Because it's mandatory, so just do it!" Dawn snapped.  "No more whining!"

"Yes, dear.  There's only another month of it," he sighed, going back to his reading poetry, which was making him sleepy and bored.  If they had a course soon, he'd get to at least play when he got bored the next time.

***

Xander looked in at his new gym, smiling at the guy.  "How much over did you go?" he asked, looking around.  "Not very many up high spots for the adults."

"I put that in the other area," he admitted, leading him that way.  "That way the kids would have something to crawl through and around and you could move them up slowly."   He opened the door in the wall he'd had the guy put to make two rooms, letting him into the other one.  Xander just squealed and hugged him.  "Thanks.  Go ahead and try it out."  Xander hopped up and swung for a bit to gain momentum, then flipped through the air to catch the rope ladder and go up it, launching himself to the next bar, then swinging and flipping down to catch a lower one, then over and swinging around the pole to catch another rope strung across with his knees, then swinging to the bar above him by circling it.  He dismounted and raised his arms, beaming.  "You like?"

"I love!  Oh, this is so great!  It's small but I like it!"

"You can always expand on it," he promised.  "Call me whenever you're ready to expand.  I bought a few more bars and things to add if you wanted."  Xander nodded, beaming at him.  "Okay, give me another day to swing and set up your monkey set.  You like so far though, right?"

"I adore this, man, you're the best!" he said, giving him another hug and going to look at the kids' area.  Then he went to steal Spike, coming out of the transporter and waving.  "I'm liberating my tester for the new play area," he told Stoker.  "We'll send him back after lunch."  He jogged out and down to the play area, smiling at the keepers in the yard with the kids.  "Spike, come test our new rope course."  Spike's head popped up and stared at him, looking kinda scared.  "I'm serious.  I'm putting in a playset for you guys and it needs a tester.  Come on, I'll even make you lunch."  Spike looked at his teacher, who nodded, so he packed up his things and handed them to his sister, coming over to follow Xander home.  Xander picked him up to hiss in his ear, earning another awed look. "Okay?"

Spike chuckled, patting him on the face. "You're insane."

"I know, but I'm enjoying every minute of it," Xander assured him happily, beaming at him.   He waved at Stoker as they walked past his seat, and they went home.  He took Spike over there, letting him loose once he wiggled.  Spike crawled in through the tunnel and started off, laughing happily as he climbed and played and wiggled and jumped.

The guy came over to watch.  "He's agile."

"That's why I had you set up one of these," Xander said honestly, grinning at him. "That's my kinda nephew, Spike.  He's about the midrange for the kids in age."

"I can expand this one too," he promised.  "Give me an extra day and another two grand."  Xander pulled out his checkbook and wrote it out, handing it over without question.  "Thanks, man.  You're decent."

"I'd do nearly anything for these kids," he sighed.  "They're as close as I'm ever getting."  The guy nodded, going back to his fixing.  He made a few calls from in there and soon someone was driving a truck up so he could put up more stuff.  Xander watched Spike get tangled in the rope maze and grinned.  "Need help?"

"Hell no," he snorted, wiggling free.  "That's a bit tight."

"Is there another way through?"  Spike nodded.  "Then you'll figure it out.  We'll adjust it when all you guys are bigger."

"Sure.  Works for me."  He flipped off the end and had to take a little step, but shrugged it off and started off again.

Xander looked over his shoulder as Throttle and Stoker came in, grinning at them.  "You wanted to know about the playground, that's the playground," he told his mate, pointing at it.  "It's being expanded by the guy doing it."

"Wow," Stoker said, watching his son.  He was good!  He was really good!  "Son, try that dismount again."  Spike grabbed the overhead bar and swung around a few times before flipping off and hitting the padded wall.  "Too much momentum, son.   Thanks for hitting the padding though."  He went to pick him up and dust him off, going to work with him on that.

"You're insane," Throttle told him, kissing him gently.

"I know, but I'm enjoying it. Aren't you?" he asked with a bright grin.

"Yeah, I do," he admitted, grinning back.

"And what does that say about you?" Charley teased as she walked Vic in.  He got free and ran for the new toys, going to play with his friend inside it.  He climbed up the rope and into the middle, cackling when he got tangled but then got himself free and headed up to play on the higher levels with his buddy.  "How much was this?" she asked, looking amused.

"Twelve grand," Xander told her.  "For both."  He beamed. "It's being expanded soon."  He looked at her, then winked.  "The guy doing it does things for thieves, but it's all good and this is legal and Ray caught me talking to him about the design and said it was... imaginative."

"Very," Charley agreed dryly.  She patted him on the back.  "Where's the big kids playset?" she whispered in his ear.  He nodded at the door and she smiled. "Later, dear.  Make sure he doesn't get hurt."

"Yes, mom."

"Thanks.  Really."  She went back to work, smiling at Rimfire.  "It's almost done."

"Good, I could use some practice," he admitted.  "I'm getting flabby."  He flexed an arm muscle.  "Too much good cooking."  He went to the other buildings to look them over.  One was perfect for doing bike practice.  One had some tables set up and nothing else but some plugs, and then the last one had a gym being set up by some guy.  "Hey," he said, nodding at him and hurrying through.  He looked at Xander and nodded.  "Who's he?"

"The guy building these things for us," Xander said with a smirk.  "It'll be done soon."  He gave him a hug.  "I got to test it and it's really fun," he offered with a bright grin.

"He's still human," Rimfire noted dryly.

"I still think he's part of the X-Men too," the guy called.  "I need someone to come test a spot, see if it's sturdy enough."

"I'm on it," Rimfire called, coming to look.  He jumped up and swung a few times, then jumped back down.  "Not even, it shimmies."

"Sure.  I can secure it with longer bolts and stuff."  He looked at him.  "Even if you guys were aliens from Mars or something, it wouldn't matter much to most of us, kid.  After all, most humans know that there's no life left on Mars and aliens are only for books."  He grinned.  "So, which part of New York is the new school and training camp at now?"

"Sorry, you'd have to ask Xander.  I only work here, citizen."

The guy beamed.  "Sure thing, kiddo."  He went back to bolting things down, smiling at his back.  The whole city knew who they were, didn't they know that?  They had been on the news after all.  Another of them, one of the original three, came in and he looked at him.  "Did you happen to watch the news back in December of '99?" he asked.

"No, why?"

"Because you guys were a feature story."  He beamed and went back to work.  "We all know, and most of us don't care.  As far as we're concerned, you're our version of a comic book superhero.  New York's got their own, we get you guys."   He tightened another bolt.  "Okay, give it a swing, I've tightened down this side."

"We were on the news?"

"Yeah, the noon news.  Some guy at the ballfield told everyone about you guys, even got film of you guys practicing out there.  You can't find a copy of the film anymore, but who cares.  Go ahead."  Throttle hopped up and swung a few times.  "Does this side feel tight enough?"

"Nearly.  We're going to be going a lot faster though and one of us is heavier."

"Yeah, I saw that.  Okay, I'll get the really long bolts and sink 'em into the foundation for you guys.  That should be enough, and I'll put some bonding stuff between too.  That means you won't be able to move this one but you can most of the pieces."  He went out to his truck to get that, then came back to start working again.  "Everything else look okay so far?"

"I like this," Throttle admitted, looking up and around.  He had used most of the space on this side and it was great.  They had even padded the walls in case Vinnie slipped off again.  "Vincent!"  He came running in and stopped to gape.  "Xander decided we're all getting fat and flabby."

"I needed the practice and so do the older kids," Xander called.  "After all, Racer's getting old enough to need the bigger course."

"Fine," Throttle called tolerantly.  "Go ahead and try it out."  Vinnie whooped and took a running leap into the center of the course, getting that first rope ladder.

"There's a few ways to get to the end," the designer told him dryly.  "That way you won't get too bored too soon."

"No, we're going to be playing for years on this," Throttle assured him. "Thank you."  He shook his hand and went to tell Stoker that they had been on the news.  He was trying to get Spike down and out but Spike was hiding from him.  "Yo, food?" he offered.  Spike grabbed Vic and brought him out for that, heading into the kitchen.  Stoker just gave him the dirtiest of looks.  "It worked for me when I was that age."  He grinned.  "Did you know we were on the news a few years back?"

"No. You were?"  Xander nodded.  "How did you know?  You weren't here then."

"Someone told me last year while I was trying to Christmas shop.  She wanted to know if Modo was dating since he was so cute and tragically injured, so therefore needed more cuddles."  He walked off whistling, going to help Spike make lunch.  The kid knew he had free roam in the fridge so they were eating leftover baked mac 'n cheese and garlic bread.  "That looks good.  Any left?"  Spike pointed at a plate so he sat down after grabbing some sodas, winking since it was the caffeinated kind.  "So, you like so far?"

"I love you," Spike said seriously, just looking at him.  "You're still wrong in the head, whelp, but I love you."

"Mine," Vic said firmly, patting Xander on the arm.  "Mine!"

"Yours," Spike agreed, grinning at him.  "He did it for you too, Victor."  He dug back in, eating heartily.  His mother couldn't cook like this and they didn't have this stuff on Mars.

***

Rimfire and Vinnie both looked at the completed course, then hit it from different ends, working their way toward the center, where Xander was sitting and reading.  Rimfire flipped off a high bar setup and grabbed a trapeze to land next to him.  Vinnie just leapt and grabbed the pole the seat holding Xander was attached to, both of them staring down at him.  Xander just looked up, giving them this innocent look.  "Okay, what's the new plan?" Rimfire demanded.

"Education," Xander said dryly.  "Vic's just starting, we'll be getting Spike, Racer, and those guys now and then, plus I'm guessing the twins now and then, and eventually we'll have baby girl Vinnie and Healer, Enamel's son.  Plus any other kids the group has, like Staff's since she's been sick all morning."  He grinned at Vinnie.  "This is my idea of PE.  We all worked on my flexibility and stuff and the playground was nice, but it didn't fit me very well and it was kinda limited."

"So the kids have theirs that they can grow into," Vinnie said, sitting next to him, "and we've got ours for us and the older kids so we can keep up."  Xander grinned and nodded.  "Cool.  I'll get Dawn started in here this weekend."

"Dawn's not a big tumbler.  She can do some but not a lot," Xander told him.  They all looked down and over as the door opened and Micah walked in.  "I dare you to come join us," he called.

Micah looked up, then at the course.  "I'm not that good.  That's got to be a mouse thing."  He shook his head.  "What's all this for?"

"Education and practice."

"Ah."  He nodded.  "That's fine.  I'll want the stuff you plan on teaching Vic so we can keep it on file, kid."  He looked around again, then at the other room.  "Those kids are going to go nuts in here."  All three mice nodded, beaming down at him.  "Where's Enamel?"

"Last I knew he was changing a diaper and doing a bottle," Xander admitted. "Mom's back on Mars for the day."

"Sure.  You maybe want to come down?"

Xander handed Vinnie his book, then looked around, grabbing a cross-ways rope and swinging around a few times before dismounting and landing on one knee, one foot, and one hand.  Then he stood up and dusted off, turning.  "Book?"  It was tossed down and Vinnie decided to show off, doing something more difficult and landing about the same.

"Showoffs," Rimfire complained, taking the long way down.  "I've got a test this afternoon in Ag 1."  He landed and dusted his hands off.  "Welcome to the adult, non-sexual, playground, Micah."

"Oh, I don't know, Throttle took me back to our room and put my butt into the sling to wear me out after he saw me playing last night," Xander said dryly.  The others just looked at him.  "I didn't have sex in here," he defended. "I just teased the hell out of him by flipping and gyrating and then sliding down the pole," he offered with a bright grin.

"I need to start dating again," Micah said, shaking his head.  He looked at Vinnie.  "I've got a list of what we usually work on with the kids and the standards we like achieved by grade level.  I know you guys get a major mental and physical boost around the second birthday that'll put them on the level of our eight-year-olds, and then another one at nine?"  Vinnie nodded, taking that folder.  "So tailor it however but I still want a copy of any curriculum you set up.  Just in case it becomes necessary to give it to another mouse family."  That got some nods.  "Who's doing the main teaching?"

"Vinnie and I are together," Xander admitted.  "He used to help out the younger kids in his clan."

"You did?" Rimfire asked.

Vinnie looked at him.  "I'm the head of the VanWham clan," he admitted.  "I taught Wrench and his age-group nearly everything they know, Rimfire."

"Wow.  Man, all I had was momma, grandmomma, and some teachers who thought I was a brat."

"And now we're all working on Spike, Anya, Vic, Healer, and any of the other kids in the family," Xander assured him, punching him on the arm.  "Including yours some day.   Hey, big bro, how many little kids are there in the clan? I never seem to see any."

"There's six babies including Vic, but the next oldest is almost seven.  We didn't have kids in there for nearly six years," he admitted.  "Then again, they've got the ancestral home since most of it was underground and saved.  Most of the parents spend at least the vacations up there.  I was going to take Vic this year but you're always working during the summer."

"Hey, if I could I'd leave off working," Xander assured him.  "I just can't. If we hadn't spent so much on Mars, then maybe I could at least take off the year.  Then again, you could take Vic up there," he pointed out.  "It wouldn't be so bad for him to play with all the cousins."

"True," Vinnie agreed.  "You do get vacations as well."

"True," Xander agreed with a grin.

"Speaking of money," Throttle said as he walked in.  "We've got another six hundred dollar electric bill thanks to the transporter."

"Sorry," Xander offered sheepishly.

"We've also got a four hundred dollar water bill thanks to the tubs," Throttle complained.

"Sorry," Vinnie offered with a smirk.

"The insurance guy is coming tomorrow to see how much all this expansion is going to cost us now," Throttle complained.

"It's only this building that we've fixed up," Xander defended.  "I've got storage stuff in one and the other's pretty bare so we can practice inside on the bikes, or anything else we need to do inside so no one else can see."

Micah gave Xander a long, astounded, stare.  "You created a paranoid person's compound in the middle of Chicago?"  Xander looked and nodded.  "Why?"

"Because we need it.  It's not like we can take Vic to the local school and I don't want him at St. Ignatius yet.  Not until he's older.  Besides, we have friends and family who keep popping in and we've got to put them somewhere."

"Good point," Micah admitted.  Then he shook his head.  "You're too paranoid, Xander."

"Yeah, but it's usually useful."  He looked at Rimfire.  "Test?"

"Dirt," he complained, wandering off to study.

"It's time for Rimfire to work out a set daily schedule, like he was on base again," Throttle decided, looking at the two white mice, then at Micah.  Then he heard the squeal and looked behind him as Charley walked in with her sister-in-law.  "Hey."

"This is adorable, Charley!" she cooed.  "This is just so great!"

"It is and it keeps Victor out of trouble too."  She looked at the son pulling on her arm.  "Go ahead, just don't get tangled up in the ropes again this time, Vic."  She let him go.  He spit at her before running off.

Xander caught him before he could get too involved.  "Apologize."  Vic just looked at him.  "No, you can't play until you apologize.  What would Modo or his momma think about those manners you just showed."  Vic frowned, sniffling a bit.  "That's right, they'd be upset, so you'd better apologize and mean it or you can't come play for the rest of today."

"Torry, momma," Vic called, still sniffling.

"Thank you, son.  He can play, Xander."  Xander kissed him and let him go, watching as he crawled in to play.  "You do that very well," she teased.

"Thanks, momma," he offered with a grin.  "Hey.  We're playing on the big kids' playground."  He ran back through the door and hopped up into the course, going up to play.

"Do not show my son those moves, Xander, he'll want to do them!"

"How else are we supposed to train him to do them right," he called back.  He grinned down at Vic.  "Vinnie, do a cartwheel."  Vinnie did one and Vic looked awed.  "Now you do it, Vic.  Help him position himself, daddy."

"Like this," Vinnie said, holding his son properly.  Vic fell that time and giggled, then tried it again until he did one on his own, just not fully upright.  "Good job!  Give me five, little man!"  Vic slapped his hand and went to play on his course again, all bright and happy smiles.  "We'll have you flipping around in no time, son!"

"Yes, we will," Xander said, letting out a whoop before diving for a high bar and flipping around it then flipping off and landing firmly on two feet.  "Just like that."

"Just like that," Vinnie agreed with a grin.  He heard Vic giggle and watched him trying to flip over a bar on his set.  "Let me help, son."  His son swatted him and did it again, then beamed at him.  "Good job!  Now, let's go all the way around."  He helped him.  "No, hold on."  He did it again and Vic giggled, doing it himself. "Excellent job, son!  Great job!"  He hugged him and then let him go, watching as he went to do a few more then went back to climbing and sliding and playing.  Modo walked in, already smiling.  "Come show Uncle Modo what you can do, son."  Vic swung around the bar, then flipped himself over it, then got down and did a cartwheel.

"Good job!" Modo said, picking him up to hug.  "That was very good, Victor.  Very good!"  He kissed and nuzzled him, earing a gentle swat to the cheek and he put the baby back in his course, then went to look at theirs.  He whistled and stared in awe.

Xander beamed at him.  "Go ahead, Modo, it should hold even you.  I've been really energetic on it and it doesn't shake hardly at all."

"I'm not that good on these," Modo admitted shyly.

"Uh-huh.  This from the guy who tethered his bike to the back of a semi and flipped up onto it?" Throttle asked dryly.  "Go, I want to make sure you can still do the work, bro.  Or are you feeling old?" he taunted.

"I'm not old yet," Modo defended.  "My momma's old and she could do this one."  He looked around, hopping up to grab the first bar.  He adjusted his grip.

"Need a push?" Xander teased, leaning on Micah's shoulder.  "I'll go with you if you want."

"No, I can do it," Modo complained, starting off.  He swung up and did a mid-air flip onto the rope ladder, then climbed down to hit a lower element, then across the rope to the other set of bars, where he flipped over and landed in the middle of the bigger rope maze, which he wiggled through, then flipped down.

"Not bad," Throttle admitted, nodding.  "Pretty good. This is for play and training, bro."

"Good.  Rimfire could use it.  He spends too much time sitting with Dawn in his lap."  He looked at his bros, then at Xander.  "You knew?"  He beamed and nodded.  "How did you know she was pregnant?"

"She's been puking now for a week, Modo.  I couldn't really miss that or her sudden aversion to anything but toast and tea."

Modo beamed and blushed.  "We made it.  She's with mouse."  Vinnie and Throttle pounced him to hug and slap him on the back.

"Congratulations, Modo," Micah said with a smile.  "Hopefully you have as great of a kid as Victor is."

"Thanks, but I want one who's a bit less wild now and then."

Charley came over to hug him.  "Don't worry, we'll keep Xander from horribly spoiling yours.  We'll let Vic be the one who gets rotten."

"I doubt it," Xander sang, beaming at her.  "Did you know Wrench did a reading for her?"

"I don't wanna know.  I don't wanna know, I don't wanna know," she complained, walking off.

"What did Wrench see for the future daughter?" Throttle asked, sounding casual.

"Spike," Xander said with a bright grin.  Modo and Throttle both gave him horrified looks so he giggled and nodded. "Yeah, he saw them out on a date."

Modo looked at Vinnie.  "I'm sorry, bro.  We'll work on her self-defense as soon as she can form a fist.  That way she can beat him up when he tries somethin'."

Throttle clapped him on the back.  "It's okay, by the time they're old enough to date, Stoker could be retired."

"Spike's one hell of a brawler and a troublemaker," Micah pointed out. "He'll fit right in with Vinnie's kids."

"Oh, they already do," Vinnie said dryly, shaking his head.  "Well, at least I know she'll be riding and fighting in the finest clan manner," he said dryly, shaking his head.  "Any magic?"

"Nope," Xander said happily.  "Not a bit."

"Even better," Vinnie decided, happy with that.  "Please tell me Vic's not going to date Anya."

"Nope," Xander said, beaming at him.  "Ramjet."  Vinnie let out a whimper.  Ramjet was a nice girl, but she had some funny ideas about being the evil empress of the universe at the moment.  Then again, Vic liked bad guys sometimes.  He definitely liked Spike and he liked to follow around Ramjet already.  "Not for good though."  Vinnie sighed and relaxed at that.  "Wrench said he couldn't see who his second wife was, but that he and Ramjet would have one of those 'ripping down the house to throw at each other' fights that breaks them up.  Apparently he wanted a kid and she didn't.  Too late, but still."  He smirked at his mate.  "There is a second, calmer, Mrs. VanWham however.  About the same time one of you guys takes a Council seat."

"Oh, good, so that's *far* in the future," Modo said happily.  "We'll be nearly dead by then.  See, bro, it's not so bad, you'll only be related to Stoker for a few years before we die."

Vinnie nodded, liking that a lot.  He looked at Throttle, who looked unsure, but was nodding to show his support.  "Sure, far, far in the future is good with me.  When he's forty or so is good, right Xander?"

Xander just hugged him and then went to go play with his nephew.

"Xander, how old was he?" he called.  Xander shut the door but he was chuckling.  "You know, I never thought I'd live to see thirty," he admitted dryly.  "I should go work on that now."  He went back to the house to take something for his headache.  He liked Ramjet, but not that much!

"You know, I can make myself imagine that whole conversation," Modo told Throttle.

"Yeah, it was just a dream to me too, bro.  A really vivid dream.  Let's go wake up now?"  They headed back to the house, leaving a laughing Micah in there alone.

***

Victor snuck into Enamel's room, looking down at the new baby in there, watching it sleep.  It was odd, his daddy had told him he had been that little not so long ago, but he couldn't imagine himself being that little. He was a big boy!  He wasn't that little.

Enamel shifted and flipped over to watch the kid staring at his son.  "What're you gonna do when your momma has a sister for you?" he asked quietly.  Vic jumped and frowned at him.  "In a few months you'll have a sister that size, Victor."

"Sister?"

"A girl baby," he offered.  "Your mommy's having a girl baby.  It's inside her tummy."

Victor frowned at him, then shook his head.  "Me her baby."

"Yes, and she still loves you, little mouse, but soon you'll have a new baby sister," Shell offered, pulling him up onto their bed to cuddle him.  "Then you'll get to be a big brother, just like Spike is."

"Not want Anya to come live us," Victor said, scowling at that.  "She odd and girly."

Enamel chuckled and shook his head.  "She won't be. Your sister will be nothing like Anya, Vic.  Your sister's going to be little, just like Healer is now.  But he'll grow and be big like you some day soon.  Then maybe he'll have a little sister or brother too."

"I'm still sore," Shell reminded him.  She smiled at Victor.  "It's a good thing, little mouse.  You'll love being a big brother.  You'll get to do all sorts of stuff to help the baby, like cuddle it and talk to it, and even help her bathe."

"No baby," he said, shaking his head.

"Go talk to your momma and daddy," Enamel said, smoothing down some of the flyaway fur the kid had around his antennas.  "It's a good thing, she loves you just as much as she did before."

Vic scowled but got down and went to find his mother and father.  He found them over at the garage and worked his way up the stairs, going to check their room.  They were curled up together so he climbed up onto the bed, watching his mother's belly.  He remembered Shell's belly used to move before the baby appeared.  He poked it and then moved back because it made noise.  He growled and got ready to pounce but a strong arm grabbed him and he was pulled against his daddy's chest.  "No sister!"

"Yes, you're getting a sister," he sighed.  "Who told you?"

"I sneak in to look at Healer because he so tiny.  Me not tiny.  Me big!"

"You are big, and that's why we love you," he said quietly, stroking his back.  "But you're still going to have a sister to help protect.  You know how Spike's got a younger sister?  The one who keeps calling you 'poof'?"  Vic nodded, he liked her.  "Well, son, you're getting one of those.  She's still growing inside of mommy's tummy, but soon you'll be a big brother, just like Spike and Piston are.  You know he's got the new baby sister too."

"Momma sick?" he asked, looking at her.

"No, she's not sick any more.  Sometimes the baby makes her tummy upset because it's moving in there but she's okay now."  He laid his hand on her stomach. "The baby's right there, Victor.  It's still pretty little.  She's not very far along.  It's going to be months before you have a baby sister.  Long after Santa comes."

Vic pulled up his first two fingers to suck, just staring at his mother.  Then he leaned over to put his ear on her stomach, listening really hard.  He looked at his father like he was insane.  "No hear baby.  I hear Shell's tummy when it moved."

Vinnie grinned.  "Yeah, well, she had been growing the baby longer at that time, son.  By the time Santa gets here, you'll be able to hear the baby."  He kissed him on the ear.  "We'll talk about it some more later.  Okay?  When it's daylight?"  Victor nodded and snuggled in, letting himself be covered up.  "You're a good boy, son.   You're very smart.  I don't care if you grow up like Xander, just don't grow up hurt like he did.  I'm a better daddy than his ever was, but I still want you to be less hurt."  He nuzzled him and his son wrapped his arms around his neck, hugging him back.  "Good boy. You nap and we'll get you books on it to read to you."  Victor nodded, he liked being read to.  Vinnie went back to stroking his daughter, which made Charley smile.

***

Vinnie walked in and hit Enamel on the back of the head.  "What did you tell my son?"

"That he was going to have a baby sister that's Healer's size in a few months and that he'd like it.  He came in to see why Healer was so small when he was so big."  He looked at him.  "How did he take it?  He looked really confused."

"I explained it.  He still thinks I'm insane since he can't hear or feel the baby yet.  We were going to wait for a few more months."

"Sorry."

"Not an issue," he sighed.  "Do they make books about this?"

"In the library on the second kiddy shelf," Enamel said dryly.  "In Martian and not.  Plus he should probably talk to Spike."

"True.  Spike can tell him how much fun a baby sister is.  He did say he didn't want Anya though, he told me that this morning."  He took his can of rootbeer that way, going to find the books.  They were all nicely put together so he pulled them down to look through.

***

Vic snuck into his uncle's room, tugging on his arm to wake him up.  Modo looked down at him.  "Do you eat baby to get it in tummy?"

Modo blinked, then shook his head slowly.  "No, it gets in there another way. How did you know Staff's having a baby?"

Vic scowled.  "Too many babies!"  He stomped out.  He went to the office and found Xander in there drawing.  "How babies get in tummy!" he demanded.

Xander looked down at him.  "I will answer questions but if you scowl and demand I'm only going to tickle and make you wet yourself."  He pulled him up into his lap to cuddle.  "Are we talking about your baby sister or Modo's future baby?"

Vic looked up at him, pouting.  "Me baby," he said miserably.

He cuddled him.  "You're still our baby, you just won't be the youngest, Victor.  This way you have someone to love and protect.  It's how you figure out how to date when you're older.  That way you'll know how to treat a girl when you get one of your own."  Vic looked really confused so he grinned.  "Sorry, probably a bit too advanced for you.  Okay, babies, especially baby sisters, are meant to teach big boy mice, like you, how to be big mice and grow up big, strong, and fiercely overprotective.  Like Spike is of his baby sister and Anya.  Understand that?"  He nodded.  "Just because you're getting a baby sister doesn't mean we love you any less or that you're any less special to us.  We love you just as much as before and we will always love you.  Got that?"  Victor nodded, cheering up a bit.  "It just means that you're growing up.  This way you'll learn to protect something and love it just as much as your mommy and daddy love you."

"I 'tect cats," he offered.

"I know you do and you do it very well," Xander assured him, giving him another squeeze.  "Now it's time to move onto bigger things to love.  And someday, she'll want you to teach her stuff and to play with her.  She'll be like a younger friend who annoys you now and then," he offered dryly.

Vic looked up at him.  "She go like puppies?"

"No, Spike won't be able to take her home like the puppies, Vic.  I promise, once she's here, she's here to stay."  He grinned at the baby.  "So.  Do you think you can be a big mouse now and help us love and protect the babies once they come?"

He considered it, then nodded.  "Okay."  He grinned.  "Me call Spike?"

"If he's home."  He dialed, bypassing Carbine's seat since they had finally gotten that fixed.  Anya answered and Xander grinned.  "He wanted to talk to Spike.  Is he there?"

"He's grounded."

"Me have baby sister after Santa come," Vic told her.

"Wow.  We have one of those.  Want another one?" she asked, grinning at him.  "Spike, Victor's getting a baby sister too!"

"Auntie Staff eat baby too, one in her tummy too."

"That's not quite how they get in there," Xander said dryly. Vic looked up at him.  "Let's just say that mommy and daddy wanted one really a whole lot and got together to put it in there, okay?"

Vic nodded, accepting that.  If daddy had put the baby sister into the mommy, he'd like her.  He liked most things his daddy liked, except onions.  "She like onions?"

Xander considered it.  "No, she's not like an onion, Victor."  Stoker just gave him an odd look.  "The only thing he doesn't like that his daddy does is onions," he said with a shrug.  "He asked."

Stoker grinned and held up Spike.  "There, you've got two minutes."

"I have baby sister after Santa comes and then Uncle Modo have baby sister too!"

"If he's the daddy, it's a daughter, not a sister," Stoker told him.  "It's confusing but you'll understand soon enough."

Spike grinned at his friend.  "Little sisters are good.  It's big sisters that are annoying.  Since you're oldest, you don't get one of those. Little sisters are for cuddling and loving."

"Like cat?"

"Yeah, like the cats," Xander agreed.  "Anything else you wanted to tell him?"

"Me do flippy thingy and cartwheel!" Vic said proudly, getting down to show him.

"Good job, mouse cadet!" Stoker said happily.  "Very good job!"  He waved.  "You go love the momma's tummy until the baby comes out.  It'll start to kick you back soon.  Ours did to Spike all the time."  Vic got down and hurried off.  "Modo's becoming a daddy?"

"He just announced it yesterday," he offered with a grin.  "I think he's telling his mother today, in person."

"Oh, yes, he will be," he agreed smugly, signing off.  He looked at his son, who just smirked evilly at him.  "We should make sure of that, huh?"  He nodded, hitting the buttons for Momma's house.  "Hey, Racer, where's your momma?"

"Sleepin'.  She needed a nap.  Detail drove her to her last nerve she said."  He waved at Spike.  "Hi, Spike!"

Cell coughed and walked into view.  "What are you doing?"

"We called you guys," Stoker promised.  "Modo apparently has an announcement coming soon."

"Oh, really?" she asked, smirking at him.  "How did you find that out?"

"Vic called up to brag about getting a baby sister, said Modo had eaten one too."

"I remember having that discussion with Rimfire," she sighed, shaking her head.

"Vic's getting a baby sister?" Racer asked.  Stoker nodded. "Wow.  Would he like a few older ones too?"

"Spike already tried that and we assured him since he was the oldest one he didn't have to have one.  Sorry."

"No, that's okay, I'll make that nibbling one sorry later," Racer said smugly, looking at Cell.  Then back at Stoker.  "She decided to try to paint me today."  Then he turned around.  Stoker winced at the paint in the poor kid's fur.  "It's oil paint.  It hasn't come out yet."

"We'll see what we can do about that," Cell promised.  "I'm sure Xander can find something."  She looked at Stoker.  "You're sure?"  He beamed and nodded.  "Then I think it's only fair that we do for my little brother what he did for me."

"Remember, she's fragile and had to have help getting pregnant," Stoker warned.  "She's a very shy and delicate creature, Cell."

"I know.   It'll be okay.  What's Rimfire's schedule like today?"

"Um, it's what day on Earth?" he asked.

"Tuesday," Anya called.

"Then he's free unless he's studying."

"Good," she said with her most evil smirk, which made Spike give her an awed and affectionate look.   "We'll be seeing you soon, dear, first thing in the morning."

"Sure, make my day.  I've got another day of Carbine before she goes on vacation."

"Let's hope she finds the holy dildo spring of Mars," she said dryly, wiggling her fingers and signing off to Spike and Stoker's cackling.  She looked at Racer.  "Go get Momma up.  We're taking you to earth to get you cleaned off and the we'll be back in a few hours."  He ran up the stairs, and she went to change clothes.  She needed to look like the bigger bitch for this.

***

Cell casually strolled off the transporter, carrying Racer under one arm, then she reached over to shut it off.  She knew Staff was down here instead of on Mars.  She held the boy up when Throttle gave her an odd look.  "Detail," she said, turning him around.  "We can't get the oil paint out."

He hissed.  "Ow.  That's going to be a mess to clean up.  Let me get you Dawn, she knows the most about cleaning stuff."  He went to her room, waking her up.  "Dawn, Cell's here.  Detail painted Racer's back bright pink with orange spots in oil paint."

Dawn pointed at her phone.  "Call the local vet."  Then she covered her head.

"That's not a bad idea," he admitted, going back to her and nodding her upstairs.  He found Xander's address book and the vet's number, then called.  "Hi, this is Xander Harris' mate, Throttle, and one of our animals was just painted bright pink with orange spots in oil paint.  We came home and found it dried.  No, she's already in trouble," he assured the assistant.  "She's in a lot of trouble, but we need to know how to clean the fur.  Is there anything good?"  He wrote down the name.  "Where can I find that?"  He beamed and wrote that down too.  "Thank you, ma'am.  That's very helpful.  No, bright pink with orange spots.  Gray fur.  Yeah, basically," he agreed with a small chuckle and a grin.  "Thanks."  He hung up and headed to open up the window.  "Charley girl, do you have any spirits of alcohol?" he called.

"A bit, why?"  She opened a window in the garage and looked up.  "Why?"

"Racer's pink with orange polka dots.  Detail," he said, and it explained everything.

"I may not have enough but bring him over, we can use the industrial shower over here."  She closed the window, going to laugh herself senseless.

Cell handed the baby over with a grin.  "Thanks.  Where's my little brother?"

"Back in bed.  Staff kept him up by being sick last night," he admitted.  She smirked and he realized Modo hadn't told her yet.  "He was coming up today to tell you guys and do that stuff, once it was daylight."

"Oh, he'll still be coming up," she assured him.  "Turnabout and all that good stuff."  She went over to the room and looked at the frame.  She tested the knob, locked.  Oh, well, Xander would forgive her.  She took a step back and kicked it in, making Modo sit up and pop up his arm cannon.  "Hmm, there's my little brother and his future bride," she said from the doorway, smirking at him.  "You're in such trouble when Momma hears you haven't married her yet."

"I was coming up to do that today," he defended.  "It's the middle of the night on Mars."

"And?"

Staff moaned and came out from under the blankets.  "Get out before I puke on you."

Cell burst out laughing.  "I told Momma that once," she offered, walking in and shutting the door.

"You're fixing that," Xander called. "Or else I'm doing a fertility rite on your whole family!  With the Seal's help!"

"Sure, Xander.  Give me a few minutes," she said, shuddering.  That was a horrible thought.  It really was. She looked at Staff.  "So, you're okay?"

"I'm going to puke on you," she stated again, then got up and ran for the bathroom.  Thankfully she had on one of Modo's t-shirts.

"I remember that feeling," Cell said dryly.

"You should, considering I can see my new nephew moving," Modo said dryly, lowering his arm and arm cannon and letting himself get comfortable.  "I really was coming up today."

"So?  You threatened mine!"

Xander opened the door.  "Racer's not coming clean with that, we're hitting the heavy chemicals with Enamel's permission.  Which means we'll need people who aren't pregnant to hold him."  He looked at Modo.  "You're about the strongest."

"Let me get Staff free of the commode again," he promised.  Xander nodded and gave Cell an evil look.  "She'll fix the door."

"She'd better.  The insurance guy is coming today."  He went back to helping.  That's when he noticed someone new had come through and another was walking through.  "Good, Wrench, come help me scrub Racer.  Hey, Repel, we've got a course set up outside for the kids.  Turn off the transporter too, Throttle's on a kick about the bill."  He headed back to the garage, Wrench following him.  "What's up?"

He stopped him between the buildings, looking at him.  "I saw my old bike," he said quietly.

"I heard about that from Vinnie."  He looked at him. "Do you need to talk?"

"No, I saw it a few years ago, it's being ridden by the daddy of the newest niece of Rimfire's."  Xander nodded slowly.  "And she's going to be daddyless soon," he whispered.  "The Seal caught it.  He's got that 'ending' glow."

"Is he ill?"

"No."  He shook his head. "Just dumb."

"Ah.  Yeah, that kills people every year."  He sighed.  "I don't know the ethics of that, but we'll be here for her.  You know that."  He nodded.  "Any other more cheerful news?"

Wrench nodded.  "A bit.  If you have the kid this year, it'll be one whip tail priest of Othra's, kinda like you."  He grinned.

"I'm not having kids."

"So?  They're all yours anyway.  Did you get a chance to look anything over yet?"

"I did, and I saw the things you had marked.  You're right, that one's the evil me when I'm on a kick, and that other one's a possible me if I went bad.  But I still can't be celibate."

"I doubt he'd make you, Xander.  Like I said, not every follower follows the rules for priests."

"Yeah, but I want to slow down some day," he said grimly.

"And you will.  Remember, he's over teaching too."  He grinned at him.  "Besides, someone already thought you were and there was that one interior sect that was both his, and his daughter's.  After all, he and his ex-wife, the Goddess, split, but his daughter was all his except for her magic."

"I looked at her," he admitted.  "She seems kinda nice."

"They swore to both, Xander," he said, clapping him on the arm.  "Oh, we were wrong about the four years part.  Someone moved up their time table.  Don't worry, when it does, you'll start wanting divine help."  He opened the back door of the garage.  "Let's go get the little punk clean."  They walked in together, Modo following a few minutes later.  "You all right?"

"My sister's getting back at me for making her marry her husband," he said dryly.  "Who told them?"

"I let Vic call Spike to brag about his sister.  During the call he said you ate the baby to have one too," Xander said with a small grin.  Charley groaned.  "We got him straightened out.  Spike offered him Anya again too, but he politely refused."

"Gee, thanks," Charley said.  She handed over the comb she was using.  "Not even a dent."

Xander looked at the mess of fur.  "We could just shave it."

"If you do, I get to shave the brat bald," Racer said grimly.  "Enamel!  Help!"  He came in a minute later with the baby, then burst out laughing.  "It's not funny!  Detail did it!" he complained.  "This stuff burns too!"

Enamel turned the water on, making him shriek but the paint didn't even budge.  "We're going to have to shave that mess off.  Fortunately it doesn't look like she got the skin too."  He handed Racer the baby once he was out and went to find the clippers.  He came back and got the kid sitting at the table, with Wrench now holding the baby, and worked on trimming the fur.  By the time Cell came over, he was mostly done.  "Did you spank her?"

"Momma did and then she went to bed with a headache."

"You should shave her just as much as we have to shave him," Enamel offered dryly.  "And her momma too for letting her do this."

"Primer was busy with the baby and Racer was napping outside in the sun," she admitted.  "I thought Detail and Shot were in their rooms."  She shrugged.  "Sorry, kiddo."

"It's not your fault, Momma Cell. It's the twin menace's fault.  I'm going to hurt them one day."  He looked at her.  "I don't like Plutarkians and I hate how they hurt people, but I'm about ready to call the Limburgers and offer the twins to them."

"There's no need for that," Enamel sighed.

"Yes there is!"  He turned around and dropped his pants, showing him the other disaster.  "See!"  They all looked at the new earring in his sheathe.  "That was not my idea!" he said shrilly.

"Calm down," Enamel offered, hugging him.  "We'll get the twins for you, kiddo.  Trust me."

"Your arms work," he said, pulling back to look at him.  "They really do?"

"Yeah, the last time with the zapper made it snap."  He shrugged and helped him pull back up his pants.  Then he opened his mouth.  "There was only...one...right?"  Racer blushed and shook his head.  "Okay, let's go look at that.  Come on, Cell, you need to see so you can beat them black and blue."

"I'm going to go with Stoker's method of fixing the kids, I'm sending them to Carbine."

"Why do you hate her enough to torture her?" Racer said bitterly.  He led them into the bathroom and dropped his pants again, hopping up to sit on the sink so they could see all three spots, including the one he had managed to take out.  "I couldn't do the others, they hurt!"

"I'm sure they do," Enamel agreed, undoing them for him and yanking them quickly.  He handed them to Cell.  He looked at her.  "I'm not one to beat a child, but I think they crossed the line a bit ago."

"Oh, they've been spanked before, it didn't help," Cell said grimly.

Vinnie knocked and then he grinned at Racer.  "Buddy, how would you like to gain a new cousin to come help you for a bit?  I've got one who needs Momma's calm and steadying influence, but who'll make the girls cry."

"That's mean," Cell told him, looking at him.  "I'm not putting up with Tire."

"Not Tire, Tire's got a big brother," he said dryly, nodding a bit.  "Flat."

Cell shuddered.  "Don't do that to my mother!"

"He loves mothers!  He loved his own but his mother just recently died and none of the aunts can handle him and he likes Modo's mother and looks up to Rimfire.  Therefore he'll behave for you guys and will beat those twins of your daughter's at their own game."

"That's still a bit extreme."

"You got a better idea?"

"No," she admitted, bouncing the earrings in her hands.  She looked at Racer.  "He won't hurt him, right?"

"Nah, Flat loves his little brother.  He's a good big brother to most of the horde right now.  He's been working on the beginning lessons actually."

"Fine, we'll try it," she offered.  "But not one word if we have to send him off for problems."

"Sure, then send him to Wrench.  I've often thought the kid needed a hobby and faith can be that way."

"Faith's more of a good time girl than a hobby," Xander said dryly.  "Though you'd only see her once every night since she can't sleep with anyone in the bed with her."

"Not that one," Vinnie sighed.  He backed out and went to call Momma and warn her, then call his aunt.  He grinned at his cousin.  "Flat, I think we can do a bit to help each other."

"Why?" he asked, still pouting.

"Because Racer, you know Racer, right?"  The kid nodded, looking a bit interested.  "Well, he's having a problem with Primer's twins and Modo's momma needs someone to protect her and Racer from the twins.  The twins just painted Racer with bike paint and pierced him a few times in a delicate place."  The boy gaped.  "Yeah, they're worse than your sister ever was.  So this would mean you'd get to go live with Modo's momma and help her around her place while you helped calm down and teach those twins and Racer. It also means you'd get to see Vic really often," he offered with a grin.  "The only problem is that Cell heard about you when you were having your problems, so she's going to be watching you pretty closely."

Flat nodded.  "I can do that, Cousin Vinnie.  How old is Racer?"

"He's nearly nine.  He's a smart kid, he wants to be a doc like Enamel.  He's been doing a lot to work with Enamel.  He went off to help bandage during the refugee crisis without telling anyone and he and Spike also went to go rescue Enamel during the thing the other night. They made it around some patrols.  So he needs a calming influence too, before he becomes worse than Rimfire."

"Do you think that's wise?  Sending this one over?" Chassis' mother demanded.

"Shut up, auntie."  She looked offended.  "Just because Flat had a bit of a problem when he was younger thanks to his sister doesn't mean he's not a good kid.  He's a very good kid and he's been helping the younger kids a lot.  He's got the makings of a very good trainer and Cell's one of the best we've got so she can help him with that too."

"He's still a punk!"

"Auntie, unless you want to go join another clan by marrying someone else, I'd shut up now," he growled.  "I am the head of this clan.  Wrench is in agreement with me on this matter and on that.  I may not be on Mars, which is why he does the little stuff for the clan, but I am still in charge and I'm taking back up the reins now that we've got reliable transport to Mars. So you can consider us two heads in one body if you want, but I am in charge of this clan and this family.  It is my decision to send out Flat for more training and to help those others who need it.  He's a good kid, no matter what you say!  Now, either drop the family name and go marry someone else, or shut up, sit down, and behave!"

"What about that Xander mouse?" Flat asked quietly.

"That's...complicated," Vinnie admitted. "Then again, Xander's training Vic and a lot of other mice in the family," he offered dryly, smirking at him.  "You'd like Xander.  He's a lot like you now.  Then again, he does have that evil streak."  He kicked back.  "That good for you, Flat?"

"What about Tire?"

"He's going to live with Uncle Grease.  I think Uncle Grease could use a bit of a reason to give a damn at the moment."  Flat nodded, accepting that.  "That'll also put him within ten miles of you and give him something to fight again.  Uncle Grease is going to be pissy and moan, and I don't care."

"That was my thought too," Wrench offered from the doorway.  "He needs a reason to get up in the mornings."

"And occasionally out of bed in the middle of the night.  They'll be tough until one of them rubs the other wrong, someone will yell, Tire will have one of his magnificent nightmares and Grease will see that he's an idiot," Vinnie predicted.  "You can warn him about that too," he offered with a small grin.  Flat nodded.  "Are we in agreement?"

"Sure, Cousin Vinnie.  How soon before you move back to Mars for good?  I like Cousin Wrench, but he's odd."

Wrench grinned. "I was just like you before," Wrench told him.  "I was *the* punk of the family.  Just ask Uncle Grease."

Flat shivered.  "No, I heard some about your youth and that mission," he admitted.  "Carbine was trying to make a point to me about something."  He shrugged.  "Apparently she doesn't think I've changed either."

"Tell her she's just like that General," Wrench said bitterly.

"I did, why do you think she's been in such a pissy mood about this clan and most of the assorted bros and family?"  He grinned at him.  "When do I go?"

"Today," Vinnie offered.  "I'm sure it won't be a hardship?"

"No, not in the least.  Thank you," he mouthed.  "How's Cousin Chassis?"

"Doing well.  I haven't seen her today.  She spent the night over with someone last night and then she took a friend of Stan's shopping today.  His family likes her a lot and we like them.  They're pretty neat."  He grinned. "I'll try to get Vic up to the family home this summer, kiddo.  Xander's starting to work on him already and since he works all summer long, it'll just be us and probably the new baby too to give thier momma some time to relax after having her."  He grinned.  "I'm so stoked!  I'm getting a daughter!"

Wrench patted him on the back.  "She'll be just like you too," he assured him, winking at Flat.  "Go ahead over.  The whole group'll be up later for that bonding."

"I'll meet you there then," he promised.  "That way I can go check on Tire.  He never made it home last night."

"I'll be up to bail him out if necessary," Vinnie agreed dryly.

"Thanks."  He hung up and ran up to pack stuff.

Vinnie looked at Wrench. "Did you mind?"

"Hell no.  It gives me more time to study my navel and the histories."  He looked around and closed the door.  "I need an opinion, Vin."  Vinnie nodded, waving him on. "I saw a death.  My old bike and a death," he said grimly, but quietly.  "I asked Xander and he wasn't sure to tell her or not."

Vinnie sighed.  "I'll tell Momma."

"No, I can do that.  I wasn't sure how or who."  He nodded.  "You're sure?"  Vinnie nodded.  "Thanks, man.  I saw the course.  Who designed that?"

"A thief Xander found who designs for other thieves.  He did a very good job.  It cost about thirteen grand all told."

"Wow.  I'm impressed."  He opened the door and walked out.  "What time is it on Mars?" he called.

"Morning prayers," Willow called back. "You've got an hour."  She popped down with a hanger full of clothes.  "Wear real stuff, it's a wedding," she sighed, shaking her head.  "Tire's in the chapel with Grease. He basically beat the snot out of him when he found him drunk last night and told him to, quote, fucking find a life and move on before he got left out and more alone.  So they've been talking most of the night.  The kid's good.  He's a good counselor."

"I'll sic Shell on him then," he offered.  "Thanks, Wills."

"Welcome.  Make Xander wear something dangerous too.  Some of the girls have been wanting new pictures of him from the 'net."  She winked and faded out.

"Sure.  Xander, Willow said the girls wanted a new pinup of you, wear something dangerous!"  He went to change, coming out in the black pants and dark blue button up shirt, adjusting the mandarin collar.  "Not too shabby," he decided, finding himself in a mirror.  "I look hot and wanted."

"Yeah, and I'm still finding you a girl of your own," Vinnie called. He came out, looking at him. "Good, I'll have her come too."  He went down to his brother's room to steal something and grinned at Throttle since he was changing.  "Letting him go in the black leathers?"

"Hell no," he said dryly.  "They said a pinup, not wet fantasy Xander."  He looked at the outfit he was pulling out.  "Not that.  Put on the light gray one.  I want Xander in that."

"Sure."  He handed it over and got the other one, heading to change.

Xander came out of Modo's room, grinning at everyone.  "Just a minor thing with the dress."  He headed down to change, coming out in the dark green outfit Throttle held out to him.  He kissed him and changed, then walked out in his dress shoes.  "Are we ready?"

"Let me get Racer a shirt," Cell called.  She came out of Rimfire's room with a shirt for the poor kid, letting him put it on.  It was too small on her son anyway and had obviously been a holiday present for the kid.  She brushed out his hair for him, then grinned.  "There, now you're cute enough to be part of Vinnie's clan."  Racer blushed and hugged her.  "I still love you, Racer.  I will stop those girls."  She kissed him on the top of the head, watching as everyone else walked past, including Charley, who had put up the sign about going to lunch.  She grabbed Modo and grinned, then gave him a shove through, following behind him.  "Go on!  You got the girl pregnant, you're marrying her," she said smugly.

"I said I was coming up to do it today anyway," he complained, pulling his lady into his arms.  "She's just being a bully, Staff.  She did it when we were kids too."  Staff just smiled and kissed him.  He looked at Exhaust, who was kicked back sipping a rootbeer.  "Got a few?"

"Sure.  Of course, I'm only waiting on your mother."  Momma walked in with a younger mouse, who made him stare.  "I didn't know you were part of the family."

"I'm coming to help Modo's momma and to learn from Cell," Flat told him, looking at Cell, then grinning.  "I've been working with the clan's kids for the past few years and Vinnie thinks I'm pretty good but that you're better.  Can you work with me?"

"Sure."  She smiled and smoothed down his hair.  "There, better.  Racer, this is Flat."  She looked down at him.

Racer looked at him.  "Watch out for the twins," he said as he shook his hand.  "Welcome to the family.  I've got space so you can park in my room."

"He can have the attic, dear.  He's a big boy and should be about ready to start dating soon," Momma pointed out at the hurt look.

Flat looked at her.  "I don't need a girl.  I've got my bike, my clan, and kids to help get up to Cousin Vinnie's former glorious standards."  He winked at Vinnie to show he wasn't insulting him then grinned at Momma again.  "I don't need a girl yet, ma'am.  They only get in the way and get nosy and things.  When I'm ready, I'll find a good one.  I'm sure she'll come swoon at my feet because I'll be fully grown into the studliest mouse of my generation in the clan."

"That's my cousin," Xander said happily, hugging him.  "We'll work together with Cell since I'm working on Vic's training."

"Sure. Whenever you're ready."  He looked at Staff, then whistled.  "Modo, sir, I used to respect you but now I'm in awe since you have such a pretty and modest lady for your own.  I'll let you give me all the love advice I need when I'm older."

Modo grinned and patted him on the head.  "Good boy, Flat.  Momma, I was coming up today to tell you this, but you're getting another grandchild."  A few of the councilors spluttered and choked.  "What?"

"I'm surprised it happened before the wedding, that's all," Carbine offered.

Wrench looked at her.  "I think Flat was right, Carbine.  You and certain Generals share traits."  She went pale and shook.  He turned around and put an arm around Flat's shoulders.  "You're welcome to come bug me anytime, kid."  He poked Modo. "Turn around.  Say it in the witness of your bros and momma."

"Marry us," Modo told Exhaust.

"Certainly.  Modo, do you promise to honor, cherish, and listen to her when she's being reasonable and you're not?  Will you love her as much, if not more, than you love your bike?"

"I will and I already do."

"Good.  Staff, will you love and cherish him, honoring and listening to him when he's being more reasonable than you are?  Will you love him as much, if not more, than he does his bike?"

She giggled and nodded.  "I already do."  She gave Modo a squeeze around the middle.

"Good.  I heard there's issue coming.  Any idea what it is?"

"A girl," Enamel offered.  "According to the scans."

"Excellent," Exhaust said happily.  "I hope she drives you nuts and is like your mother and sister, Modo and Staff.  Congratulations."  Xander squealed and hugged them both.  "You know," he said dryly.  "We never have done one for you, Throttle."

Throttle nodded.  "True.  I never asked.  Yo, boy toy.   You wanna be married now?" he teased.

Xander pulled him closer and kissed him until his mate went limp in his arms.  "Try to run," he taunted, smirking at him.  He looked at Exhaust.  "Yeah he's mine.  No, there's no issue coming.  I'd look really horrible as a pregnant mouse, but we've got that figured out."

"I do like him enough to keep him and not leash him properly," Throttle joked.  "That good with everyone?"  Everyone just nodded.  "Exhaust?"

"Fine with me.  Good enough on the vows.  We'll put you in the books."  He waved.  "Now shoo, we've got work to do."

"Want the twins, Xander?" Momma asked.

"Only if I can beat them," he said sweetly, grinning at her.  "Ask Cell why."

"Oh, dear."  She pulled Cell aside, then growled.  "Primer!"  She came running in a few minutes later with the twins.  "I will be talking with you, granddaughter.  This has gone on long enough!"

"I can protect Racer, ma'am," Flat promised gently, hugging her arm.  "Someone should always protect the smartest and most capable of us."

"Dear, if you're staying with us, you should just go ahead and call me Momma," she ordered, smiling at him.  "It's still their momma's job to stop them.  You tell us if you have to."  He nodded at that.  "Good boy.  Now are you packed?"

"Yes, Momma. I was staying with Chassis' momma and I'm all packed."  Momma nodded, pursing her lips together.  "Should I take Racer back?"

"Please, dear.  Take Cell too."  She smiled and grabbed her granddaughter's ear, walking her off to have a discussion with her.  Before she beat those twins senseless and dead.

Vinnie nudged Flat.  "Behave.  I'll be around and checking."  Flat nodded, clasping arms with him.  Then he walked Racer out, chatting with him to learn what he could do.  Flat came back and looked at Stoker, then whispered in his ear, getting a groan and a nod.  Vinnie grinned at him.  "I told you, he's got training skills.  The same as I told you Wrench could plan.  Listen next time."  He walked Wrench and Xander off, taking them back to talk about Vic and the training stuff.

Modo looked at his lady.  "Want to stay up here today?"

"Please.  The house is really full."

"Your mother's built a small shed out back of her house, it's got a bedroom," Stoker offered.  "I think it's yours for some reason, Modo."  Modo just beamed and whistled to bring his bike, then took off with his lady in his arms.  "Gods, those're gonna be some good kids," he said fondly.  He looked around.  "Rimfire?"  He came back.  "How's school?"

"Sucks.  I hate tests.  But the new course is very good stress relief.  My dismounts are getting better too."  He disappeared again.  "We'll be up in a month, Earth time!"  Then the transporter shut down once everyone was home.

Stoker smirked and nodded.  "I like days that start like this.  We should have another wedding day like the last one."

"We do the monthly town picnics, we can toast them during it," Carbine offered quietly.  She looked at Stoker.  "You agree with them?"  He nodded.  "Is that why I'm being tortured by watching your son for you?"

"No, that's his punishment," he said dryly.  "I'm hoping he doesn't head off like that again."  Then he smirked.  "Okay, what's on the agenda today since apparently there's no more couples coming?"

"Hmm," Exhaust said, reading it.  "School funding.  Curriculums.  Specialized education for those who show a clear path and desire.  Pretty muchly school stuff," he announced.  "And the clothing fund."  He looked at Stoker.  "Whatever Throttle found overloaded the warehouse.  Now we've given away most of the excess surplus, including new riding leathers to the permanent troops.  We still have a surplus, mostly in raw fabrics."

"Can anyone sew?"

"Some," Carbine offered.  "There's the person who makes military uniforms."

"Can they make other clothes?"  She nodded.  "You're sure?"  She nodded again. "You know this for a fact?"

"I do and she said if she could hire two more people, then she could train them how to too."

"The problem with her hiring is...?"

"The budget we pay her."

"Do we have spare money?"

"It'll only be a housing allotment and two more food rations to her household plus ten percent of what we pay her."

Stoker considered it, looking around.  "Anyone got any complaints or other ideas?"  He looked at the councilors from the other cities.  "You guys got people who do this?"  They both shook their heads.  The third shrugged.  "You don't know?"

"We think we had one moving in but we're not sure if she can.  She's missing a hand."

"Huh.  Any dissent?" he asked.  No one said anything.  "Then the people won't be bare.  It's a good trade to learn," he decided.  He banged the gavel that was his this month.  "Okay, school stuff.  As much as I hate it."

Episode 72:

Xander looked around the desert he was standing in, frowning a bit.  He knew this was Mars, it was obviously Mars, but he had never been here before and this didn't feel like a dream with a visitation in it.  He looked around, frowning a bit.  "What the hell?" he asked, then realized his voice was off.  He looked around, finding his bike sitting a bit away.  Actually, it was Vinnie's bike and Vinnie's voice had just come out of his mouth.  "Oh, sure, of course," he said dryly, going to look in the mirror on the bike.  Sure enough, he looked like Vinnie.  "I'm not him," he called.  He saw something moving in the distance and frowned, then looked at the bike.  "Track it?"  It beeped enthusiastically.  He shrugged and got on, heading after the dust trails.  He saw a few sand raiders and winced.  They had a screaming young woman with them.  Charley.  Huh.  He pulled up Vinnie's blaster, taking aim as he rode.  The one in front got hit on the tire, making it flip.  The other one without a hostage he hit the gas tank.  He pulled up beside the one carrying Charley and grabbed her with his tail, pulling him over.  "Hey, babe."  He shot the sand raider point blank, watching as it died and the dune buggy ran into a rock and flipped, bursting into flames once it landed.  "Good."  He stopped, looking around.  No others.  He looked back at Charley, who was shaking.  "Are you all right?"

"You're not Vinnie!" she said, hopping off the bike to stare at him.  "Who are you!"

"Xander."  He swung a leg over so he was leaning against the bike.  "Sorry, dear, but this is his nightmare and I'm not sure how I got here."  She looked really confused.  "Do you remember a Xander?"  She shook her head.  "Then it's not your nightmare."  He grinned and set the blaster on the lowest setting, then shot himself on the foot.  He woke up panting and staring around their room.  He looked at Throttle.  "What the hell was that?" he asked, sounding pathetic.  "Huh?"

***

Enamel looked around the field, then down at himself.  "Why am I Modo?  I'm nothing at all like Modo," he complained, looking confused.  He looked up, hearing a ship landing, and got out of the way before it landed on him.  He watched as someone came off, waving his normal arm.  "Hey, his momma."

"Son?"

"Not quite.  An odd nightmare.  I'm Enamel, ma'am.  I used to date your daughter?"

"Quit funning, Modo."  She looked him over and frowned.  "Son, why are you metal?"

Enamel frowned.  "Hey, it wasn't his fault."  He shrugged. "He got captured one too many times."

"This is not right, son, this is why I didn't want you to join the Freedom Fighters!" she said shrilly.

"Whoa, lady.  I don't know who you are, but Modo's momma loves him more than her own life and she's the one who encouraged him to become a Freedom Fighter.  So you're not his mother."  She just stared in shock and horror, so he walked off, going to hop on Modo's bike and take off.  Once away from others, he stopped to think about it.  "Okay, Lil' Hoss, you're pretty smart.  How do we wake him up?"  She beeped then suddenly moved, tossing him off and onto the sands.  It was enough to shake him awake, making him blink at the ceiling.  "Uh-huh," he said dryly, looking a bit confused.  "What the fuck?"  He got up and went to check on the rest of everyone, starting with his son.  Healer was napping peacefully so he left him alone for now, heading toward Dawn and Rimfire's room.  He heard Rimfire wake up panting and tapped gently.  Rimfire got up and opened the door, still looking confused.  "Did you just have a really odd dream?"

"Yeah, Grandmomma just repudiated me and sent me away.  Which she'd never do!"  He leaned on the door.  "You?"

"I just had a dream I was Modo and his mother repudiated him for being partly metal and she screamed at him about not joining the Freedom Fighters.  His bike tossed me and I woke up."

Xander opened his door and looked at them.  "I was just Vinnie rescuing Charley from some sand raiders."  They both gave him a mystified look.  "I have not a fucking clue," he admitted.  He looked back as Throttle jerked awake and groaned.  "Odd dreams?"

"Why was I just Vinnie?" he asked, looking at Xander.  "I kinda heard yours as an echo too.  Mine was down here, he didn't rescue her from the Loogey Brothers when they let her go in mid-air."

Xander shrugged.  "Not a clue, man."  He looked at the other two.  "Okay, someone go get up Modo and someone go get up Vinnie.  We'll meet at the table."  He went to put on some clothes.  He didn't want to sit around naked for this.   He trudged up the ramp, heading to start some coffee for himself and Enamel.  They were both caffeine whores first thing in the morning and would need it to think clearly.  He saw the can in the cabinet and grimaced.  "Ick," he muttered, but he made it anyway.  It was the only coffee in the house.  Once it was brewing, he wandered out to look at the others.  Vinnie was trudging too but looked really confused as well.  "Who were you?"

"Throttle."

"I was me, kinda," Modo offered. "But I wasn't in my body, I was watching my body."  He looked at Enamel.  "You said you were me."

Xander blinked at that and held up a finger, going to get some of the finished coffee.  He'd need it apparently.  Then he headed back to the library to get the book on dreams and dream magic.  He came out flipping to the index, finding something odd.  He sat down to look and read, sipping the foul coffee.  "Enamel, fair warning, we're down to the emergency stash of chock-full-o-nuts coffee."

"Eww."  He went to get some anyway. He needed caffeine.  He came back to the table to drink it while Xander read.  "Anything good?"

"Yeah, a nightmare shooting monster," he admitted dryly, taking another drink.  He yawned and blinked hard.  Then woke back up.  "Eww," he said, shoving the book away.  "That's gross and grody."

Vinnie frowned and looked at his little brother.  "That's not Xander."

"It is Xander," Rimfire said.

"It's not," Enamel offered.  "Wrench!"

"Damn it, don't wake up the ladies," Rimfire complained, swatting him.  "Dawn's worn out."

Vinnie gave him a long stare.  "Next time, leave her body sooner, Rimfire."

"I'll have you know I only practiced my oral skills tonight and it was all homework.  She was still doing some when I collapsed.  We had sex after dinner so we could take a nap."  He sipped the coffee.  "Is it supposed to smell like that?"  Enamel took another drink and nodded, grimacing a bit.  "That's not the good stuff, right?"

"Hell no," Enamel said bitterly.  Wrench came up the stairs yawning and rubbing his eyes, his boxers on backwards so he had apparently just dressed.  "You missed a fashion step," he noted dryly, taking another sip.  "Xander's not Xander."

Wrench looked at him, then nodded.  "Yeah, he is, he's just not your Xander."  He went into the bathroom and came out with his boxers on right, looking at his cousin.  "Hey, Xan?"  He looked at him, shaking himself free of his thoughts.  "Which Xander are you?"

"I'm Jessie's Xander," he offered with a shy grin.  "I know you, man."

"You should."  He sat down across from him.  "So where's our Xander?"

"Oh, he's going over a few private thoughts.  I'm covering for him for a few minutes."  He looked confused and blinked a few times, then looked at Enamel.  "Why were you a tan mouse when we first met and a gray mouse now?"

"Fur dye," he said dryly, finishing the coffee.  "Why can't he be in charge?"

"Because if he does he can't use most of his brain for this one.  Every once in a while we do this."

"Is this like multiple personalities?"

"No, just a repressed part of himself that he had to wall up for a bit," this Xander offered with a grin.  "Shell said it best, they broke me and changed me."

"So you're pre-Buffy Xander," Vinnie said, getting it.  "Willow was different?"

"When we were younger, Willow had the most *massive* crush on me.  I was her God and the only one she wanted touching her loins."  He shrugged.  "Then Buffy came."  He gave him a sardonic grin.  "Let's just say I'm a part of Xander's psyche that doesn't come out often, but I'm still in here watching.  I'm his childish innocence at times."

Willow appeared, looking at him.  "I always figured he had done that."  She looked at Vinnie.  "Meg's cousin still has you guys mismarked on her site, did we know this?"

"No," everyone said.

"Oh, hell, no wonder I got Modo's dreams," Enamel said suddenly, sitting up.  "Who hired someone to shoot nightmares at us?"

"Not a clue," Willow admitted.  Wrench stared at her and she beamed.  "What?  I'm not allowed to tell.  Oh, and the Powers are back," she said sweetly, smirking at him before disappearing.

"I'm going to kill them," Vinnie said bitterly, going to get his own drink.  "Rimfire, want a rootbeer?  Anyone else?"

Throttle came up the ramp.  "Get me one, bro.  Modo?"  Modo jerked awake.  "You could probably go back to bed.  This is going to get strange."

"Sure.  I'm going to go protect my lady," he promised, heading to curl around her.  Nothing was getting near her.

"So why just us guys?" Rimfire asked with a yawn.

"Because there's no females listed on the website," Xander told him.  "Sarah's site is only about the Martians.  It's got you three, who are mismarked, and then you and Stoker, Rimfire."  He smirked at him.  "I have no idea why she never fixed that, but someone might want to remind her some day soon."  He looked at Throttle.  "He's having a deep thought moment."

"I can still hear him," he admitted.  "What's going on?"

"Welll," Xander drawled, getting comfortable.  Vinnie handed him a soda and he beamed.  "Thanks, man."  He beamed at his mate.  "They want you guys insecure.  Plagued by nightmares and doubts.  Doing that would mean that...."  He blinked again and the regular Xander took back over.  "Wolfram and Hart," he said bitterly.  "They've hired someone to make the doubts magnified.  It'll throw us off our game.  If I'm right, then they're going to try to make us enact the dreams.  Which means I'm going to be saving Charley from some sand raiders.  Vinnie?"

"I was a human mouse," he admitted.  "Does that mean I'll shrink?  Mine was being hit with thrown shoes to try to kill me."

"Well, if you suddenly find yourself six-inches high and being plagued by shoes, then go hide in Modo's pocket.  He's going to be able to bat them out of the way."  Xander looked at Throttle.  "Be right back.  Gotta go back to my deeper thoughts and memories."  He blinked and the younger Xander came back.  "Sorry, he's mining the memories of some of the things that have taken him over through the years."   He looked at Enamel.  "Did you have to bleach yourself for the fur dye to take?"

"No, I went tan by using a blonde dye.  Miss Clairol works for us too.  You just gotta use three boxes," he admitted dryly.

"Yeah, but you've got skin coloration and little sheathe hairs too.  How did you dye those?" Xander asked.

Enamel coughed and blushed.  "I didn't leave them on that long, kid.  Quit being so nosy."

Xander just grinned.  "I was thinking jade designs on my stomach actually," he offered.

"Fat.  Chance," Vinnie said firmly.  "No fur dye.   Charley would laugh her tail off."  He sipped his rootbeer.  "How do we fight this thing?"  Xander pointed at the book so he pulled it over to look at with Wrench.  "What did you get?" he asked him.

"You being a human mouse and getting hit by shoes."

"Xander got to see the rescue of Charley from the sand raiders," Throttle offered bitterly.  "He took them out while they were still running."

"Which I didn't get to," Vinnie admitted.  He looked at him.  "These nightmares are almost comical.  Do they really think this is going to weaken us?"  He looked at Xander.  "Being six inches high is bad, but there's worse nightmares out there."

"It's meant to disturb your sleep and start self doubts about how you see yourself.  Modo's was obviously meant to rock the foundations of his personality, his mother's confidence and love in him," Xander offered.  "I'm pretty sure this was a test dream since they don't know who is who.  There's unknown mice here so she generalized the extra gray mouse as Modo, not knowing which one he was.  Throttle and Vinnie were switched."  Vinnie looked up at that. "You never realized you weren't yourself?"

"I wasn't really paying attention to that."  He thought back, then shook his head.  "No, I was me."

"Yeah, but the second one you weren't," he said smugly.  "The second one we all had, we white mice were Throttle and he was you."  He looked at Throttle, who just nodded.  Vinnie still looked confused.  "Maybe you got up too soon, but Xander had a second one too.  She got mixed up because of Sarah's site."

"Can we get Sarah to help us figure this out and fight it?" Throttle asked.

"Nope.   Sarah's been offline now for about six months.  Meg won't say why."  He shrugged.  "We can get Meg and Oz to help us fix it," he offered.  That got a round of nods.  He looked at Enamel.  "How long did the fur dye last?"

"About the normal time.  I had roots in about four weeks," he offered dryly.  "You're really focused on that, Xander."

"Yeah, well, I always wanted purple hair."  He grinned sweetly.  "I need to hit Hot Topic."  Throttle shook his head.  "Just as a design?  Not all over?  It'll be like a tattoo, only changeable."

"No," Throttle said, shaking his head.  "If you want a tattoo, you can have a tattoo, but no fur dye."

"Shoot."  He pouted a bit, then looked at the book and Wrench.  "It's starting?"  He nodded. "You're sure?"  He nodded. "He figured as much.  Oh, he's coming back in the morning.  For now, just hang on.  Let me call Meggy and wolfpuppy."  He summoned over the phone and dialed with a sigh, getting a grumpy sounding mother.  "Meggy, it's Xander.  No, honey, actually I'm an early Xander, Jessie's Xander."  He beamed. "No, small sitch.  There's a demon hotfooting through the dreams based on Sarah's site and she's still got us mismarked.  So we white mice got Throttle's and stuff.  Yeah, trying to erode and make us doubt.  Sure!"  He beamed.  "Hey, wolfpuppy."  He chuckled at Oz's growl.  "You don't remember calling yourself that back in junior high?"  He smirked.  "I do!"  He beamed.  "Yup, I'm Jessie's Xander actually.  He's going through the memories he sucked in while being possessed.  No, a demon doing the foxtrot through our dreams.  No, it's starting.  Sure.  Love you too, man, but she's using Sarah's fact site.  Yeah, and she's not online right now either."

He smirked. "I thought you might, yeah.  Well, we can babysit and you can use mine.  Nah, the big demon wimps.  Yeah, them.  I still don't know if they've teamed up for good with Limburger or not actually.  Can you find that out?  Thanks, man."  He switched back, his voice sounding a bit more tired now. "Hey, Oz.  Me again.  Ah.  No.  No, I just hid a part of me from the evil wenches of friends of mine.  No, I put him up as a shield when I'm deep in thought and those memories.  You've seen him before and thought I was just being goofy.  Yeah, back in junior high.  Back before Dingoes."  He licked his lips.  "Okay, we've got an Interrupter demon. We've also got some other odd crap coming.  No, you know how I told you I got told it'd take about four years and then I'd have to pick something?  Well, someone moved up their time table so it's starting.  No, it shouldn't be that bad, just enough to make me beg.  Oh, and Wills said the Powers are back.  Did you have the kid checked by Lorne yet?  Yeah, him.  Please.  You might want to make sure.  Just in case. You were there and they might count it.  I've never been sure on that.  As far as I could tell, they haven't, but....  Yeah, definitely better to be safe than sorry.  Yeah, I knew she did.  I had to take her to one of the shops to get something. They wouldn't sell to her because of who she is.  Yup, there.  So get Lorne to check.  No, I've got a clue," he admitted.  "I'm just wondering about timing.  Thanks.  Yeah, let me know if you find anything about the demon.  Thanks, man."  He hung up and looked at Wrench.  "If I ask now, would it stop?"

Wrench shrugged.  "No one ever suspected you could do that.  You're not one to pick."

Xander just smirked and shrugged.  "It's an option at the moment.  Otherwise I'm going to have to get to the point where I want to scream and I don't want to do that yet.  The last time I screamed at the Gods was when Willow had just went bad.  I don't want to get to that point again."

Wrench nodded.  "Good point.  In my own experience, it helps to *need* it at that time but you may be able to get around that since you're so attuned and they're kinda listening for you."

"Why do I feel like someone somewhere is taking bets?" Vinnie asked.

"Because they are," Throttle told him bitterly.

"Hey, everyone wants their own Xander," Enamel said dryly, getting up to get some more coffee.  "Xander, want some more bad stuff?"

"No, I'm good.  Thanks though."   He leaned on the table, looking at Wrench.  "Is it *just* me?"  He considered it then nodded quickly.  "You're sure?"

"As far as I've heard."  He leaned back.  "No one's told me otherwise."

"Why does it matter who he goes to?" Throttle asked.

"That's what I was wondering," Enamel offered as he came back.  "Why him?"

"Because Xander is a Champion," Vinnie said grimly.  "Chosen from birth to do something."  Xander nodded.  "What though?"

"Save the world, Pinky, just like we do every night," Xander said with a smart smirk for him, getting a snort in return.  He looked at Enamel.  "Every time the world was going to end before, the slayer handled it.  This time, Buffy had *way* too much to deal with.  The Powers wanted to make it more challenging.   They knew Glory was going to be coming.  They knew that the ascension we stopped in high school was coming. Every other time, the slayer was backed up with more Watchers.  Buffy wasn't raised by the Watcher idiots though."  He looked at Wrench.  "And why was that?" he asked with a sweet smile.

"Because we blocked them from knowing about her," he admitted dryly, smirking back.  "How did you know?"

"Not an issue at the moment," Xander told him, then looked at Vinnie again.  "There's a spirit that guards the M'dreth.  The Lady.  She's kinda a daughter to the Goddess but not worshiped that same way."  Vinnie nodded slowly at that.  "She knew there were going to be faults in the next few girls if Buffy fell.  She literally looked ahead and had an 'oh shit' moment when she saw Kendra's lifeline was fairly short and she was too focused to do the job well when odd things happened.  Faith had flaws in her personality that allowed her to turn.  The next six girls, only four of which made it to Cleveland, all had personality and training flaws.  None had been taken by the Watchers and they weren't looking for them.  I'm not sure why, but I think there's a prophecy somewhere about the slayers all being activated and the Watcher's Council being bombarded or destroyed.  Either that or they got lax in their arrogance.  Unless The Lady helped?" he asked Wrench.  Who shook his head, still smirking.  He looked at Vinnie again.  "So The Lady made sure Buffy would have the help she needed to survive and make it past all that.  Me, Willow, and Giles as her watcher, because he wasn't a field watcher by any means.  Giles and Wes were both research watchers.  The fact that Wes turned out the way he did, well I'm guessing here but I'm thinking someone had a need for a new one after I got tossed on my ass for not killing Willow."

He leaned back, sipping his cola quietly for a moment.  "So the Powers appointed a champion.  Now, what not everyone here knows was that there were two possibilities.  Jessie and me.  Jessie was turned and then killed by my hand.  It was the link they needed to make me the Champion.  Had I not had to stake him that night, I'd have walked away.  I might have come back when my openness came back to bite me on the ass, but not for good.  I'd have been a collaborator instead of a team member.  Which would have meant Buffy falling.  Since Buffy couldn't fall or the world would end...."  He smirked at Vinnie, then at Wrench.  "It was made to be."

Wrench nodded. "The Lady had nothing to do with Jessie, Xander.  She swore to me that she didn't have a thing to do with that.  That was all the Powers.  Yeah, once you were chosen she saw you being on Mars to help us too, but nothing like that.  She said she had nothing to do with your life before you were Chosen."

"You knew?" Vinnie demanded.

"All I knew was that he was a former Chosen who had been tossed over, and that he was a protector.  That he'd be with you some day, Vin man. I had nothing to do with any of that and neither did The Lady.  She was more than happy to wait for him to come to us once he found that temple."

"All but the sending down of that crystal," Xander said dryly.  Wrench looked shocked.  "The other half's still sitting on your desk, man."

"It is?"  Xander nodded.  "Huh?"  Wrench still looked really confused.

Xander snickered.  "I find I've had that feeling a lot.  Yeah, that part was manipulated.  They needed me to meet these guys.  Someone somewhere twisted the line.  I'm guessing here but probably Anya."

"I still don't see how you dated her, Xander.  I'm in awe that you nearly married that girl," Wrench said dryly.

Xander beamed.  "Thanks."  He looked at Vinnie.  "Out of all of this, the only contrived thing once I was Chosen, the only thing the Powers did not do to me, was send me here to Chicago the first time.  That came directly from Mars, but I'm not sure who if The Lady didn't.   By that time, Willow was starting to go bad so the Powers were losing interest in me.   I was down to the last box on my checklist of tasks to complete before I was killed and LA was more interesting at that time. They were working on Wes to take my place in the battles against the First Evil.  They didn't expect me to live past Glory so they were working to save the world after that so they wouldn't lose their playground.  Then Willow screwed with things.  I survived Glory.  She brought back Buffy.  And someone up there suddenly took very large notice when their chessboard overturned and the pieces got thrown back in their faces."

"How did they get the crystal here?" Throttle asked.

"The crystal's origins were noted in all the books as 'unknown but first found among the druids in Killshire'."

"Which is where the M'dreth priestess came down to study," Wrench admitted, then moaned.  "She gave it to them?"

"It was a regular crystal, the Druids charmed it," he admitted.  "When I kept seeing that, and after I had found the temple, a few pieces started to fall into place.  Then we sent Willow to England to heal after she went bad.  I talked with a few of them.  They said they were instructed to send it to Chicago in a dream.  One said the voice was male.  One said the voice was female.  One said she was tone deaf and couldn't tell the difference.  So the crystal got sent so someone could make sure I met you guys.  The temple in Sunnydale was great, but it wasn't even making me curious.  It was to protect me, not to heal me or to make me want to come to Mars."  He put down his can and looked at them.  "Then the Powers miscalculated their play and I lived.  Which worked out well for them in the end, but still sucked major monkey balls on my end."  He looked at them, then at Wrench again.  "So The Lady had nothing to do with anything but that crystal coming down.  I'm guessing here but if it wasn't her directly, she called in a favor."

"She probably did," Wrench admitted dryly.  He looked up. "You could have clued me in!" he complained.  He got a sudden splitting headache and groaned, holding his head.  "Sorry, I won't whine again, Lady.  You're right, I'm a mortal and therefore don't need to know."  He squeezed his eyes shut and felt something be popped into his mouth and his can of rootbeer be held up, so he swallowed, trusting Xander again.  He knew the guy wouldn't hurt him.  He blinked at him, wiping off the tears.  "What's that?"

"It's called Tranquility.  It's meant for Seers," he said with a smirk.  "I've got a small stash downstairs.  After all, that's why Caleb popped my eye - so I'd See."  Wrench swallowed and looked at him so he looked at Throttle.  "If and when we move back to Mars, we're going to have to live outside the city by a few miles.  We're moving everything in this house to Mars," he assured him with a smirk, "but we're moving outside the city."

"How are we moving everything?" Throttle asked.

"Chassis.  Why do you think Stoker sent her on permanent assignment?  He's not *that* nice to people in love, Throttle.  How many times did he second guess you and Carbine?"

"Point," he admitted dryly.  "So she's here to fly us?"

"Or to make sure I get a ship and can make it up there without crashing.  He all but said so.  He was asking where I was planning on living when we got up there.  He said something about a reward of land....."  Throttle moaned, holding his forehead.  "What did you do to get that?"

"I saved the former King's tail by accident," he moaned, shaking his head.  "I was young and dumb.  Sorry about that."

"That's cool.  Does it have a certain area?"  He shook his head.  "It's how large?"

"About ten acres," he admitted.  "I'm not moving into the Northern Mountains, Xander."

"Good!"  He nodded, grimacing a bit.  "Yeah, I'll have to take back the Mekonis books some day, once Vic's copied them for his own use, but not yet."  He grinned at him and sent a picture he had memorized after their last trip.  "There, dear."

Throttle just blushed.  "You're sure?  It's pretty barren there, Xander."

"There's a well under it.  The land's flat.  It's near the pools so Vinnie won't have to travel that far.  It's near the temple I'll be in a lot so I won't have to travel that often."  Throttle swallowed.  "Yeah, I know.  I decided a few weeks ago," he admitted gently.  "I can't handle getting to the state of a panicked plea again.  Sorry, babe, but I'm not letting myself ever get that low again."  Throttle nodded, taking his hand across the table.  "Vin, you and Charley are moving in with us.  It's about a mile from a base that's pretty empty and she can turn that into a garage.  It'll be within ten miles of the new bike plant as well."

"It sounds like the Shoals area," Wrench said.  Xander leaned over and shared the image with him.  "I'm not sure that's allowed, Xander.  That's got a lot of historical areas."

"It is actually.  Stoker wanted someone to move out that way to protect it and be a border guard," Throttle admitted.  Wrench shrugged and nodded.  "He was kinda hoping you'd move the temple out that way so you weren't that close to Spike," he offered smugly.

"Oh, I know," he admitted, grinning back.  "It wouldn't stop her visiting Spike though."  He looked at him.  "You're sure, that's pretty far out, Xander."

Xander nodded.  "I am.  I've also got multiple reasons.  One of them being that when Dawn and Rimfire join us, they'll have to be the envoy from Earth.  That means there's going to be at least another human there at all times, which would freak out the other mice.  Now, Stoker could be planning to assign Chassis to that and Micah could be planning to make Stan Dawn's helper," he offered with a small grin.  "But it'd still keep them away from the paranoid mice.  It'd also give Chassis and Stan their own house.  It'd give Dawn and Rimfire their own house too.  You'd only be about five miles away.  The clan gathers for any and all meetings about two miles away.  It's nearly the perfect spot.  The only problem is that the well's under one of the historical sites at its easiest tapped site. So we'll have to do something about that."

"There's the underground river," Throttle offered.

"The well is purified," Xander told him.  "Drinkable."  Throttle gaped and he smirked.  "But yeah, we can pull up the river water for bathing and stuff, just use a purification system."  He winked.  "By the way, we're going up with a major set of supplies, including building supplies.  We will have everything we need to go up there, set up house, and not strain Mars."  Throttle looked impressed at that.  "I only need one thing and Meg's working on that."  He grinned and winked at him.  "I am a good planner, babe.  Besides, Micah agreed with me."  He looked at Wrench again.  "That good with you as Highest?"

"That's fine with me, Xander," he admitted.  "I'll be able to come borrow the library easier."  He smirked.  "We can do a book exchange."

"Sure. But that's not all the books," he admitted.  "I, um, kinda went and bought the Watcher Council's backup library.  Wes was really unhappy since he wanted it, but oh well!"  He grinned at them all, snickering at the shocked look.  "Doc, you and Shell will have a house on the land too.  And don't argue.  We'll let you buy a small corner."

"Thanks, Xander.  You're sure?"

"Make me hit you," Xander offered dryly, staring him down.  He blushed and nodded, ducking his head a bit.  Xander looked at his mate.  Who was only smirking.  "If you have a problem with the plans, let it be known now, hubby.  The plans are all-but finalized.  I'm working on the design of the house at the moment."

"You don't plan on just taking the building with us?" Throttle asked dryly.

"I would, but nope.  Dawn and Rimfire have to have somewhere to live while they finish their degree and I'm doubting we're going to be waiting that long."  He blinked a few times and Xander grinned.  "Do you think your mother's going to wait that long?"

"No," he admitted.  "Modo's mother either," he admitted.  "We're bringing everything in the house?"

"Yup, even to the spas.  Charley's just recently found out she's got a niece who *wants* the garage when she's older.  She's begged and pleaded for it.  She's in Vo-Tech at the moment to learn how to be a good mechanic.  I heard her on the phone begging to come work with her so she could take it over some day.  She knows about Vinnie since she's Marrissa's younger sister and she knows Charley won't want to stay down here forever.  She's got that same techie streak that makes me a good designer too.  She's the squealing one you thought was Meg showing off the baby the other day.  Charley and I talked, she was thinking two years.  I'm thinking about the same," he admitted.  "Which would mean either Rimfire and Dawn would be working their tails off to graduate early, or they'll have to stay to finish their degrees."

"Her language degrees won't be much help on Mars," Enamel pointed out.

"Micah's got her set up as the envoy to the US.   She's the ambassador to Mars.  It was her or Charley and he decided he wanted Dawn since she did have the degree and the intelligence mindset so he can predict any problems coming from her.  Besides, he figured Charley would rather retire to being unknown and hidden."  Vinnie nodded at that, she had told him that.  "Her language degrees will be helpful because she can translate when necessary and Arabic and Martian have a lot in common.  So does Russian though."  He shrugged.  "An unexpected benefit.  She's going to be doing some intense Martian language work starting next semester."  Wrench grinned at that.  "I'm still using kiddie words," he assured him.  He looked at Throttle.  "Any flaws you can see so far?"

"Not yet," he admitted.  "I'm just wondering how big this ship is going to be."

Xander beamed and winked.  "You'll see."  He looked at Vinnie.  "Can you see any problems?"

"Not yet," he admitted, but he still looked a bit confused.  "How long have you been planning this?"

"About three months now," he admitted.  "Micah and I had another of those post-dream talks over a beer.  It's what made him start kicking plans into action and mine had to be clarified and stated.  We were working against each other in a few of the items.  Now that he knows what I'm doing, he's going along with most of it, but he doesn't want me to bring both libraries with us."  He shrugged again.  "He thinks Dawn should bring the other one."

"I think it'll be a good job just to get them up there," Throttle admitted.

"Oh, the transporter will be the one thing staying," Xander admitted.  "It'll be coming up with them.  Or I should say after them.  They'll come and announce that she was nominated for it, that she's moving out with the family, then they'll ride off together."  He grinned.  "A bit showy but how she wanted it."

Throttle chuckled.  "They've got that planned down that far?"  Xander nodded.  "Why?"

"Because the president has to change in two years," Xander said dryly.  "The next possible ones aren't looking too hopeful."  Throttle winced at that.  "Micah's still keeping his transporter and everything.  If they have to, they'll be putting it in his apartment.  We don't know that the next guy won't be a raving lunatic who'll want to put us all in a cell and study us.  Two of the announced ones would.  Another of the announced ones wouldn't believe we're intelligent even if we're talking directly to them.  He'd want us on leashes."  Throttle shivered at that. "We've got a time constraint."  They all nodded at that.  "I'm going to be telling Dawn and Rimfire this tomorrow."  Rimfire snorted and shook his head.  "Your choice, kiddo."

"Fuck it, I'd rather finish sooner and head up there.  Is there a best choice?"

"Yeah, there's three decent enough choices, but we'd make things harder on two and Micah didn't want that.  The other one would love us to death, he'd pet us and love us, and love to have us over for sex, but he's got a hope in hell of winning.  So we're making it easier on us.  That good with you?"  He nodded.  "Good.  So you guys could probably have an extra year to a year and a half if you had to have it, but you might end up in DC."

"What about Meg and Oz?" Vinnie asked. "I don't want to lose touch with them."

"Oh, they're going full time with Micah as soon as we leave," Xander offered smugly. "As soon as we can drive all the Plutarkians off, they're going to DC permanently.  The ones in Russia are leaving soon.  It's in the middle of nowhere, it's cold and that's hurting them, and their resources are about to run out again.  The local governments over there won't let them drill for natural gas or anything else.  So they'll be leaving.  They'll have to.  The two here are a problem, but not that much of one.  We defeated them before.  We can hopefully do it again."  Throttle nodded at that.  "Can we?  Maybe within a year so we get an easy last year to party and have fun? Oh, I'm starting a club on Mars.  That's going to be my official job."

Throttle smirked.  "Fine, Xander. You can start a club on Mars.  Like ours?"  Xander nodded.  "How are you going to get music?"

"A lot of CD's.  Plus, Stan used to DJ at times."  He grinned. "I'm sure he can help me with that.  Did you know Chassis has a very green thumb, Vinnie?"

"I hadn't, but it doesn't really surprise me.  Her grandmother could make anything grow.  She used to do some herbal healing stuff that was amazing.  She treated most of the clan as far back as anyone remembered."

"Cool.  I'll pick up some books on that too.  I'm planning on a small greenhouse with recycled and filtered water for things that we'll definitely need."  Throttle sent a shaft of approval at him.  "I'll let you look at the full plans tomorrow," he offered with a yawn.  He looked at Wrench.  "You too, old fart."

Wrench snorted.  "I'm not that old.  I'm the same age you are."  He looked at Vinnie.  "Can I announce you're coming back in about two years?"

"Not yet," Vinnie said.  "Just in case it has to change suddenly."  Wrench nodded.  He looked at Xander.  "What about the kids' special education?"

"I'll be working with Map on it," Xander said dryly.  "Like I said, Vinnie, *everything* in the house goes when we go.  Including the rope course."  Vinnie grinned at that.  "If I had my way, the buildings would go too, but I probably can't do that."

"Oh, I don't know, maybe Dawn could shrink it," Rimfire offered bitterly.

"Nope," Xander said, shaking his head.  "I already checked."  Then he grinned.  "But there's someone who can and might, if we're really nice to him."  He looked at Enamel. "How's our last crasher, doc?"  He choked and spluttered.

"Fine," he admitted.  "Hidden."

"I had no doubt of that.  Would he?"  He shrugged.  "For a free ride home?"

"Probably.  He wanted to study though."

"Hey, if he can shrink his stuff, he can shrink ours and take up a room on the ship."

"Sure, I'll offer that to him," he promised.  "Does that mean you want me and Shell to stay?"

"You can find a bigger apartment if you want to, or you could go take the second floor of the storage building for now. It's got water and all that, but a bathroom that's pretty decent by my standards.  The other library is being sent this month from England and Scotland.  I'll need a list of anything medical you'll want and need to bring.  We've got official funding since this will be an embassy as well.  Plus Micah's still got to spend six million in the next five weeks or else it'll be cut from next year's budget."

"I'll send him my dream list tomorrow," Enamel promised.  "I was drawing one up anyway since I figured I'd have to do some research on the halfies around here.  Someone wise figured out you and Vic can't get half of the fevers and stuff we get but what you can get will be worse.  I'm the only one with research experience on Mars."

"Sure.  Plus you can refind some of the other stuff."  He winked at him.  "By the way, they found a floating ship recently.  One of the new allies and friends we made while we were going out looking for the refugees found it.  It had a hell of a library on it.  It was named the Questor?"

"They found the Questor?" Throttle asked, looking stunned.  "Where?"

"Floating in a gravity well," Xander said honestly.  "Micah and I were conferenced in with Stoker when the guard came running in with the news that a ship was dragging it behind them.  Everyone on it was dead, but it had a few things still working and a library.   It was basically a life support system failure.  Stoker said he had to cut off with us to tell Mayflower and the Med board."

"Yeah, the Questor was carrying a lot of information toward a world some of us were running for.  It held the technology, the scientists, and the medical library," Enamel said, sniffling a bit.  "Oh, Gods, this means we've got a full medical library of knowledge again."  He looked up.  "Thanks, man.  Whichever you are."  He looked at Wrench. "You didn't know?"

"I haven't been home to hear those announcements and Willow didn't say anything."  He shrugged.  "I only get what people tell me most of the time."  He looked at Xander. "What is this Tranquility stuff? It's pretty nice."

"It's an herbal painkiller from South America.  Somewhere in Brazil if I remember right.  My favorite acupuncturist introduced me to it when I went in to have her do something about my headaches last year.  She thought I was having some problems with my Sight."  He looked at Throttle.  "It's totally non-addictive or anything like that."

"I trust you," he assured him gently.  He reached over to touch his hand again.  "What else is going on that we have to know about tonight?"

"Well, let's see.  Winch and her new boy are staying.  They're going to be the official ambassadors from Mars.  Oh, she's taken some sort of certification to do weddings there in Vegas. She works with the people who do fantasy weddings.  She's apparently pretty popular.  Though she has looked at a few couples and asked them if they were *really* sure."  He considered it.  "Do we realize Chef Andy's sick?"  No one moved.  He nodded.  "He is.  I'm not sure with what but he's been talking with all his family to see who's taking over his place.  He hasn't found anyone yet as far as I know.  I was going to nudge Charley into going to talk to him tomorrow to see if we could help."   He scrunched up his face like he was thinking.  "We'll have to make a major shopping run right before we leave.  So we'll have to do our Sam's club membership again.   I'm working on projections for necessities versus weight with Chassis.  How many rolls of toilet paper do we go through in a week anyway?"

Throttle had a sudden vision: enough toilet paper to last the whole family and all the kids for the rest of their lives.  Then he saw himself next to the mountain of Charmin and had to shake his head, making Xander chuckle.  "I'm sure we'll figure something out, Xander.  Maybe a yearly trip back," he offered impatiently.

"That'll be one big box of TP," Wrench said, shaking his own head to clear it.  "I can't even imagine that."

"I can.  The stack's about as high as Mount Everest," Vinnie said dryly, shaking his head.  "You're so bad, Xander."

"I know," he offered with a grin.  "I asked Chassis her opnion and she just walked off moaning and went to get a kiss from Stan to make the funny thoughts go away again.  She nearly wrecked trying to imagine that herself."

Modo came out of his room and sat down.  "Staff and I heard.  How many years before we head back?"

"Two," Xander told him.  "Before the next Prez takes office.  So by New Years that year.  That gives us about two weeks of leeway."

"Sure.  We could go live with Momma," Modo offered.

Xander snorted. "By then, the twins will at least be joined by Cell's latest kid.  Racer will be dating, Primer will be...."  He looked at Wrench, who shook his head.  "Not yet?"  He shook his head.

"What?" Modo asked.

Wrench sighed and looked at him.  "You knew about why I joined the M'dreth, right?" he asked. Modo grimaced and nodded. "You heard my bike repudiated me?"  He nodded again, swallowing a bit.  "Plumb rides it, Modo, and he's got terminal stupidity.  The Seal thinks he's going to be leaving the world soon.  Sometime in the next year.  I've told your mother so she's aware of it, but I wasn't going to tell anyone else."

"Will it be with Primer?  They do occasionally go out for rides together."

Wrench shook his head.  "I asked.  The Seal said she didn't see anything like that about Primer, Modo.  Just Plumb.  My bike left me because I wasn't the jump-happy little idiot I had been and he found Plumb was a lot like me.  Also, he's been drinking."  Modo shivered.  "He usually drives past my place when he's been drinking.  He likes the base bar down in my section of the city.  I'm sorry, man."

"No, it's not your fault.  Why isn't she stopping him?"

"Because she's back in training," Wrench sighed.  "Cell and your momma have been raising the kids."

"Flat's been a great help, bro," Vinnie offered.  "I called last night.  He was feeding the kids dinner since your mother was off at some meeting with her buddies.  If you want to move back with them...."

"You'll be welcome anytime in the house," Throttle finished.  "We'll save you a room and everything, bro. You're still family, even if you do have to move home for a bit to help."

Modo nodded.  "I've got to talk to Momma."

"I asked her if she wanted you back up there for things like harvesting and making things ready for the next planting season," Xander offered.  "She said it was fine and she had it. Then she gave me this scary, knowing look and told me I was a good boy but they had it."

"What about the babies?" Rimfire wanted to know.

"Ty Rod, your niece, is sickly," Xander told him.  "Cell said she's had him to the doctor a lot recently for a lung infection.  Your sister, who's due any week now, looks okay so far."

"I'll gladly look at Ty Rod," Enamel offered.

"I know and I reminded Momma you're down here.  She said that was sweet but they had it."  He looked at him.  "I don't know what's going on there but she said she wasn't going to make you take care of Ty Rod."

Enamel got up and headed into the office, calling Momma directly.  He kicked back once Cell answered.  "When are you bringing Ty Rod to me?" he asked bluntly.

"Xander told you?"

"No, just that she's been sick a lot recently.  I'm worried it's something Rimfire picked up down here and brought back, or Racer or one of the others."

She shook her head.  "The doctor said it's Bringham syndrome."  He let out a whimper.  "Momma and I agreed, Enamel, you don't need that on your conscience."

He swallowed the feeling of dread.  "Let me do some checking.  There may be a treatment down here," he said quietly.  "Humans have done a lot of genetic work recently.  There may be something."

"We don't want her to suffer," Cell said firmly.

"Good, neither do I.  But let me check and see if there is anything first, and then if there is, then maybe we'll have some options for you to think about."  She sighed and nodded.  "At least if you know, you can't hate yourself," he said gently.  "I still do because I didn't have options."

She nodded.  "I know, we didn't want to bring up that kid's memory, Enamel.  You've moved on and so has Mars."  He nodded.  "Are you coming back?"

"Xander just told me we're moving back when they do.  Do you want Modo and Staff?"

"Staff doesn't need that level of pain and anger," she said bitterly.

"Neither do you but they're still family, Cell.  It's not like we can't spare them for a few weeks to a month or so."  She sighed and nodded.  "Just say the word.  Rimfire's due back in about three weeks.  Modo and Staff can come up then.  How advanced is she?"

"Nearly fully engulfed.  They found it at birth."  He winced, that was bad.  "We're not sure why. Primer was never captured.  Karbunkle never had her."

"I've never seen one from genetic tampering," he admitted.  "Just naturally.  The last I knew we thought it was caused by a stabilizer missing in their genetic sequence.  Like a lock on a door."  He sighed.  "Let me look and we'll see.  There's some things going on down here that're really underground and some things more in the mainstream.  If we can, we will.  How many kids have it?"

"A few.  The doctor said it was a relief that the war hadn't made more appear."  She shrugged.  "If you can find something, we'd be thankful, but we don't want you to do the same thing again and we don't want you to torture yourself over another case."

"Me either, sweetie, me either."  He shook his head.  "I'll look.  What else can I do?"

"We need a lot of antibiotics.  There's recently been a mold explosion in one of the other cities."

"Has anyone sent down an official request?"

"Yes," Xander called.  "Micah's got it and is sending it as soon as he's got it gathered."

Enamel smirked.  "The meddler out there said Micah's got it and is sending it.  Who has it?"

"Racer," she said bitterly.  "He's coughing up crap by the ton.   He can't even ride to school."

"We do have stuff to make him cough," Enamel offered dryly.  She shook her head.  "You're sure?"

"Yeah, they said it's not so much the coughing, they've got to combat the mold."  She glanced around.  "Can I send you a file and have you look at it?  One of my bro's kids has this new syndrome that's just started around and no one's sure what it is."

"Sure.  Send it here.  Xander can hand it over."

"Thank you.  They're all clueless and wandering around."

"I heard the Questor was found," he offered.

"I heard that too but they haven't announced it yet.  I'm guessing they're trying to figure out where to put it."

"Wherever they build the Martian University," he said dryly, making her chuckle.  "You can tell Stoker I said so too.  That should be next on the list.  I'd suggest equidistant between the cities.  Somewhere in the center."  She smiled and nodded.  "Send it down, Cell.  Let me look.  Maybe it's something we have seen but no one remembers."

She nodded.  "Let me gather it and send it.  I'll tell her there's an earth doctor working with you guys about something in Vic."

"Sure, I know a few docs down here.  They're damn helpful now and then."  He grinned.  "Behave and be well.  Call me."  He hung up and relaxed himself.  Then he started an internet search through the medical databases.  There had to be something.  He would not let another kid die like the one who had died on him and got him banished.  An instant message window popped up and he smirked, typing in that he was Enamel, but he could get Xander.  "Xander!"  He came jogging in.  "Sarah."  He got out of the way, letting him have the computer while he went to use the laptop the kids used in school.  He found a site and read it over, then snorted.  "I'll be damned," he said dryly.  "Karbunkle's still in the business of genetics."  Everyone stared at him and he grinned at them.  "He's researching.  He's got a website detailing what he's working on so he can teach the next generation of evil bastards."  He typed in something on the message form, then sent it with a smirk.  Maybe he had an answer since one of the older mad scientists had created Bringham syndrome.

Xander came out beaming.  "Problems all solved thanks to Sarah.  Wrench, I'm heading to Mars tomorrow.  You can escort me if you want. I know where I'm going."

"You got told?"

"No, Sarah found it."  He smirked and patted him on the back.  "Any other new business?"

"Xander, would you mind at least telling me?" Throttle asked pleasantly.  Xander kissed him and shot it to him, making him relax.  "That's fine, babe.  I like that idea and accept it."  He pulled him into his lap to kiss again.  "Repel thinks she wants a baby next year," he said quietly.

"Then we'll have to plan it so we're up and the house is done when she delivers," he said with a grin.  "Whenever you're ready, babe."  He kissed him again.  "Just make sure Modo's baby is there to help calm ours down."  He grinned at Modo. "Good for you, bro?"

"Fine with me," he agreed happily.  "Enamel, what did Cell say?"

He looked at him.  "I'm looking up options for Ty Rod," he said quietly.  "Also, there's some sort of mold outbreak that's got Racer and others coughing up mass quantities of crap.  Micah has that one though."  He went back to searching, finding an answer in his inbox.  He smirked.  "Well," he said dryly.  "Karbunkle has a real brain.  I'll have to test that in simulation later.  When I get my old laptop working again.  Speaking of, Xander. How much would Meg charge me to get my Martian laptop working?"

"That depends on what it'd need," Xander told him.  He came over to look, then gave him a hug.  "However I can help," he said in a whisper.  Enamel looked up at him and nodded.  "I mean it."  He let out a small smirk.  "It's not like I'm doing very much at the moment anyway."

"I call making the plans to get us to Mars very important," Enamel corrected.  "We'll need room for at least three kids and I'll need a lab and somewhere to see patients."  He went back to surfing, finding someone he respected and knew, sending them the problem and the answer he had gotten to look at.  That guy owed him his life, he'd do it for him.  While he was surfing he checked his online accounts, finding all his hidden monies.  He debated a few things, then wrote an email to Meg, giving her three different bank account numbers and how to transfer them out and where to transfer them to so Xander could have them.  He'd need them to help Mars and their moving plans.  He'd never tell the guy, he'd complain and whine that he had it already, but he needed it.  How the guy had spent nearly eight million on Mars he wasn't sure, but it was something he could admire.

***

Enamel walked off the transporter with his bike, nodding at everyone.  "I'm only in for a visit.  Stoker, Xander wanted Spike and Anya down for some training time this weekend if possible."  He smiled and looked at the others.  "Someone told me about that new syndrome, it's not new.  It's a twist on an older one.  An ancient one.  We still have those records."  They all gaped and he handed over a book to Exhaust.  "It's in there, marked with that red ribbon.  It seemed to fade off then but there's been undocumented cases since then.  They had a treatment but not a cure.  We know more now though."  He got on his bike and rode off, heading for Modo's Momma's house.  He smiled at all the new construction going on.  Things were going well.  As long as they progressed steadily and planned ahead for bad harvests and things, it would be fine.  Someone flagged him down and he stopped beside her, taking off his helmet.  "Yes, citizen?"

"Sir, you're Enamel, right?"  He nodded.  "Aren't you banished?"  He shook his head.  "They reversed it?"  He nodded.  She stepped closer.  "Do you know a mouse named Fletching?"

He grimaced and nodded.  "I do.  He headed off toward Alpha Centauri with the Riosan.  You'd have to talk to the Council to get him readmitted, I think the female who's not Carbine handles that."  She relaxed and nodded. "You'd have to find him first though.  They'd have to talk to him like they did me."

"Why did they let you back?"

He sighed and looked at her.  "I did my best for that kid," he admitted.  "What I was working on privately was something to help those with artificial parts integrate them better."  She gaped.  "I explained everything that I couldn't before.  Let's face it, my *trial* wasn't much of one.  I didn't get to speak.  The mother made demands and the people were wary of anyone who was doing experiments because too many were being hurt by the Plutarkians.  This time I got a real trial, which was what I wanted.  The Council reversed their decision late last year."  She nodded at that.  "So talk to her.  If there's a reason she'll find it and if you can find him, then she can work on his petition."  He put back on his helmet.  "For now, I've got to go visit semi-family members and my student.  Later, citizen."  He sped off, mentally shaking his head.  That mass murderer getting back to Mars would be a one in a million chance.  Even more slim than his was and he knew why he was allowed back - Xander and Shell.  He pulled up outside the family's house and got off his bike, grinning at the boy chopping some wood.  "Firewood?"

"Yes, it's time to can and Momma said she likes to do it in the big kettle," he admitted.  "This is really tiring."

"It is," he agreed, patting him on the back.  "Where's Cell?"

"On base with her husband for lunch but she'll be back in about an hour.  Momma's out back and Racer's in his room."

"Sure.  Thanks."  He headed inside, smiling at the twins.  "Hey, girls.  Are you guys sick too?"

"Nope," Shot said, smiling and shaking her head.  "When do we get to play on Uncle Xander's new playground?"

"You've got to ask Cell that," he said gently.  He headed out back, sticking his head out the door.  "Hey, Modo's momma."

"Enamel," she said, coming over to kiss him on the cheek.  "Dear, I didn't want you to hear," she said gently.  "I didn't want you to have those memories shoved back on you."

He pinched her on the cheek.  "If I didn't help, I'd have them.  And surprisingly enough, the answer came from Karbunkle."  She gaped and he smirked.  "I found his webpage and described it to him.  He shot back an answer about how he would exploit it and then lock it down.  I had someone else look it over and they said it could work.  It'll take six times through the full transport process with intent and some additions and switchings.  It'll hurt for a few days but not that much.  I've got the full email and procedure so we can talk about it together after I check on Racer."

She pinched him on the cheek.  "We'll talk, dear."  He nodded, going up there.  That's what he wanted.  She smiled at his back, then looked at the girls.  "You're still both grounded.  You're not going to Earth anytime in the near future, girls.  Get used to it.  Flat, dear, do you have any wood done?" she called.

"Nearly," he called back.  "I'm almost fully done."

"I can start with some and build later," she complained, going to get it.  She smiled at his precise stacking, taking the top layer back with her to start the cauldron so she could cook stuff to be canned.

Enamel walked into Racer's room with a quick knock on the door.  "Hey, Racer."  The kid winced at the light and coughed, spitting up crud into a cloth.  "Eww."  He walked in and pulled out his gear, looking him over.  "Momma!" he bellowed.  She came running up the stairs.  "This isn't mold.  Or just not exclusively mold."  He showed it to her and she glared at the wall.  "Racer, honey, did anyone feed you anything white and chalky tasting?"

"At school," he offered.  "There's a lot of us out sick right now."

Enamel patted him on the head.  "They gave you something mildly poisonous.  It made everything worse."  He walked down the stairs, going to call Mayflower.  He held his display up, letting her read it.  She groaned.  "That's from Racer.  He said there's a lot of kids out sick at his school?"

"They're all coming in today," she decided.  "We can still give him the antibiotics too, right?"  He nodded. "Good," she sighed.  She rolled her eyes and looked to her right.  "Enamel's up, he just found Jongis root in Racer's system."  That got a few loud groans.  "So let's call in that school to check the rest."

"Do we have to?"

"Racer said he was fed it at school," he admitted.

"Fine, we'll call everyone in from that school.  Are the antibiotics up?" a male voice called.

"You'd have to ask Stoker.  Those are coming directly from Micah and I came from the lair."  He looked at Mayflower.  "Have a drink with me later."  She raised an eyebrow.  "I found something interesting that I wanted your opinion on.  Oh, I gave Exhaust an ancient disease textbook, there's something familiar in there."

She smiled.  "Thank you.  I thought you might have a clue about some of the current issues."

"You'd have to give me a rundown but two, yeah.  So, where's the university going?"

"Huh?" she asked.

"I suggested that you put the Questor's library wherever you put the university.  Which I suggest should be equidistant between the cities."

"We have it back?"  She got up and stomped off, not even turning off the screen.

He chuckled and hung up. "Momma, they're going to call for all these kids to come in and get treatment for that.  The antibiotics should be up soon."  She smiled and kissed him on the cheek, then went back to her cooking.  He turned on the 'net broadcast from the council chamber, watching Mayflower scream and yell at the council about not telling them they had this stuff back and how it was *their* knowledge and *they* were the ones who should be deciding and *they* liked the idea to rebuild the university equidistant to all the cities. Then she turned on Exhaust and he tossed over the book, making her grimace but read.  She suddenly smiled, a not very pleasant smile, and said she knew how to fix that and her thanks.  Then she glared at the room in general.  He was still chuckling when Flat came in.  "Always let the hot tempered women vent, kid.  They'll usually do it anyway and this way you're out of the way."

"What happened?"

"A ship was found with some knowledge and no one told the medical board.  Mayflower there just told them where it's going and why and they're all agreeing with her for kicking their tails very well."  He snickered at that and he looked at him.  "Do you feel all right?"

"Just tired, sir."

Enamel looked him over, then nodded.  "You'll be fine.  Eat more, kid."

"Um, sir, they never increased the allotment yet," he said quietly.  He glanced at the kids.  "I'm not going to make them eat less, sir."

Enamel raised an eyebrow and called Stoker, glaring at him and pointing at Flat.  "Who handles that stuff?"

"Is he in trouble?"

"No one ever increased the family size on the card," he mouthed.  Stoker flinched and nodded, then hung up.  "It'll be handled, kid."  He clapped him on the back.  "For now, go call Vincent and tell him to send up lunch."  Flat smirked and went to do that while he went to talk to Momma.  "Why didn't you call Stoker or us, Momma?"

She pursed her lips.  "There's too much favoritism going on, Enamel."

"Bullshit."  She glared at him and he glared back.  "Do you think your son shopping for you is favoritism?"  She nodded. "It's not.  Winch does it for her whole clan.  You send half of what you get off.  He knows this, why do you think he sends up twice what you can eat in a year each month?"  She pursed her lips to keep from laughing.  "Seriously!  He said he knows you do it.  It's his way of sliding stuff into the general fund without anyone realizing he's doing it.  Xander does the same thing!"

"But others...."

"Since when have you cared?" he demanded, hands now on his hips.  "I remember you when you were younger and you never gave a *damn* what another mouse thought of you.  Why start now?  Besides, it's not *your* fault your son's on Earth. It's theirs.  It's the least he can do since he's not here to babysit and help around the house."

She smiled and chuckled.  "I know, but others are picking on the kids. "

"So?  Have them point out it's his punishment for crashing down there.  If he and Rimfire could fly right, they wouldn't have to send up stuff to make up for what they can't do because they're not here.   It's a son's job to take care of his momma.  If my momma were still alive, I'd be sending her crap every month too.  Even if I had to beg to get it up here."

She smiled at him. "You're sweet, but we're fine."

"Bullshit and don't argue with me or else I'm telling Xander."  She shivered at that.  "Do you hear me?  It's not favoritism, it's what a good son does.  I'm surprised that Rimfire doesn't as well."  He scowled at her.  "You're going to make Modo feel bad for trying to be nice and helpful, which will make Staff swear and yell at you for upsetting her pookie."

She nodded. "Fine.  I'll let them send more stuff and keep more of it, dear."

"Good!"  He walked back into the house, finding an amused Cell in the kitchen.  "It is what a good son does."

"It is.  So what's wrong with Racer?"

"They fed them Jongis root."  She shuddered.  "At school," he said with a touch of humor.  "Mayflower was told when I found it."  She winced and hissed and shook her head.  "Yeah, exactly."  He saw where she had just sliced her finger and moved to treat it.  "There, stubborn.  Let's go talk.  Did you know Karbunkle was running a website for people who are doing underground genetics research?" he asked dryly, smirking at her.  "I had someone else confirm his idea when I pretended to be a bad guy."  She gaped and slumped a bit.  "One of them created it and he looked up to the man since he taught him.  He figured out how to fix it too."  He handed over the papers from his pocket, then leaned against the counter.  He noticed the twins glaring at him.  "She didn't like your Uncle sending you guys candy and stuff.  I pointed out it's what good kids did for their mothers."  They went back to playing, giving him dirty looks . He grinned at Cell.  "I really will tell Xander on her."

"He'll spoil her rotten," Cell complained.

"Good!  It's not favoritism.  It's what a good son does."  He smirked at her. "Painful only for a few days."

"What about the other...."

"It's an ancient thing," he said gently, moving closer.  "It's had a treatment in the past.  I gave Exhaust the book and he gave it to Mayflower."  She relaxed and nodded. "The treatment worked well but it was lifetime, but we may be able to do a cure now."  He stroked her cheek.  "Are you happy with him?"

"Most of the time.  Presently he's an asshole."

He nodded and moved closer.  "Wrench noticed something," he said quietly.  "Plumb's been drinking."  She groaned and nodded.  "The Seal noticed something too.  He's got a certain 'end of days' glow to him now and then."  She looked at him and he nodded.  "He told Momma."

"Damn it!" she hissed, one hand drifting up to hold her forehead.  "Then we'll do what we can, Enamel.  Thank you."

"You're welcome.  I only want you to be happy, you know.  That letter was to tell you to be happy and have a lot of little kids just like you."  He grinned.  "Go get the baby and bring her out back, we'll go over it in detail away from little ears."

"Girls, go to your room and play," Cell ordered.

"No!" Shot said, sneering at her. "I won't."

Enamel picked her up, bringing her up to nose-height.  "Good children do not sneer at their relatives.  That's something that only bad children, ones who are going to suddenly lose their fur and turn into Plutarkians, do."  She whimpered and he let her down.  "I'm surprised I don't see scales already.  Though, you either need a bath or you're stinking like one."  She ran to the bathroom with her sister, both of them crying.  He looked at her.  "Sorry.  Racer's got strap marks on his chest," he told her.  She groaned and went to yell at them again.  He went to find the baby, finding her in her mother's arms and her mother looking miserable.  "I think the twins have seen sense."

"What did you tell them?" she asked listlessly.

"That they'd turn into Plutarkians for being so evil."  He picked up the baby, sniffing her.  Then he looked down at her.  "There's a possible treatment."  She sat up, staring at him.  "What happened to your face?"

"I ran into a door."

"Uh-huh.  You know, he has to ride past Wrench's house each time he comes home drunk."  He stared her down.  "He did tell your uncle."  She shivered.  "So, let's go talk.  We'll see if this is something we can do for her.  After all, she's your daughter."  She nodded, following him down the stairs.  He found a chair waiting on him and sat down to check the baby over, smiling at the results he got.  She was fairly early still.  Not half as bad as it could be. "Primer, in the kitchen is the stuff I found for Cell."  She went to get it and brought it back to read over.  "It's still fairly early.  She's in a good stage for treatment."  Momma relaxed at that.  "Basically, I was doing an internet search for genetic manipulation and I ran into Karbunkle's website for aspiring evil scientists bent on genetic manipulation.  A direct quote by the way.  I described it to him and he shot back an answer.  The email's in there too."

Momma smiled at him.  "Is it painful?"

"For that treatment time, yes.  Afterwards probably not.  I did have an independent, not really evil, scientist verify his ideas.  Basically we'd be using the transporter to subtly change the DNA locks.  That would keep them from shifting.  He theorized that six would do it.  I'm guessing no more than eight at the most.  You could do them in one day, the kid could be sedated during it.  It's an advanced application of how you restructure at the end of the teleport process.  It'd shift it a bit each time.  Too much of a shift and it wouldn't let the body reform but just a minor shift could happen at any time.  Those things are calibrated to allow up to a one percent genetic shift each transport."

"So you could change a sequence, send her back through to do the next one almost immediately?" Primer asked, licking her buck teeth.  He nodded.  "Will it hurt a lot?"

"Yeah, it could," he admitted gently.  "But it shouldn't hurt afterward.  There may be a short recovery time but not that long and not really painful."  He looked at her.  "There's some painful treatments on Earth, sweetie.  Cancer treatments are hell. Marrow transplants hurt the donor.  This would hurt, but it wouldn't hurt forever and again, the baby could be sedated during it.  Now, I want you to take this to the medical board.  I want them to look it over, come up with alternate ideas, all that.  I want you to get every single possible piece of advice you can before you even think about making a decision.  You've got time."

"I understand," she agreed, looking at him.  "You're not the arrogant bastard momma said you were."

"Honey, I almost became your daddy," he admitted dryly.  "She dumped me to date your daddy."  She looked stunned, then looked at her grandmother, who nodded.  "So I don't worry about it with her.  She calls me names all the time.  Like Stoker, that's how I know she loves me."  Then he smiled sweetly.

Primer burst out laughing, swatting him with the papers. "You're so bad.  Xander's been good for you too."  She looked at her grandmother, who came over to tip her face off to the side.  "It was an accident, momma."

"No, honey, that's not an accident.  That's a fist to the cheek," she said grimly.  "Where is he?"

"I don't know," she admitted.  "He broke down after he hit me and left."

"Good.  I'd hate to be there when Modo hears about it," Enamel offered dryly.  She shivered and curled in on herself some.  Cell came out.  "I want her and you to take all that information to the medical board and get every single piece of advice you can," he instructed.  "I want them to give you alternate ideas and everything.  Understand?"  She nodded, smirking at him.  "Good."  He stood up.  "I called Stoker too, he's fixed that problem with Flat's residence."  Cell smirked at him.  "Hell, woman, you were nearly family."  He shrugged.  "Shell makes me mushy now and then.  Oh, Healer's doing well," he said, pulling out his wallet to show her pictures.  "We've even gotten Xander to agree to teach him how to brawl as a secondary thing."  She smiled at that and handed it back.  "Right now, the unofficial timetable to move back up here is about two years," he offered.  "So we'll be coming and going all the time.  Just send us a message if you guys need anything."  They all nodded.  "Okay, then I'm headed home.  Should I take Racer to Mayflower?"

"Please," Cell agreed, smirking at him.  "You know, I had to grow up to realize the dedication you showed was the same thing I had for Mars.   I was so dumb."

"Stupidity is for youth," he sighed dramatically, smirking at her. "Otherwise we'd never get wise in our old age.  How else were we supposed to learn better?"  She burst out laughing and he winked at Primer, then kissed Momma on the cheek before heading up to get the kid.  He found Shot in there begging to be forgiven and moved her, picking up Racer and taking him off. "Come on, let's get you unpoisoned."

"What did you tell her?"

"I told her about how she was going to turn Plutarkian for all the evil shit she was doing to you, kid."  He got the boy on his bike then got on, heading for the main building and the medical board.  He found Mayflower pacing and ranting when he carried the poor kid inside, handing him over without warning.  Mayflower stopped and looked at his chest, then at him, opening her mouth.  "They've had some problems with Detail and Shot," he said delicately.  "That's their work."

She groaned and shook her head.  "Can't they beat it out of the kids?"

"They've tried really hard.  We'll see if this new information I gave them works.  Expect a visit."  He winked.  "Come get me for a drink soon."  He waved at Racer.  "You, get better.  Or else you can't come down and play on the course this weekend."  Racer looked stunned.  "Xander put one in for you guys."  Racer giggled.  "Ask Spike, he likes it a lot."  He walked out, taking his bike back through.  He waved on his way past.  "See you guys soon.  Anything needing to go back to Chicago?"

"Yeah, here," Stoker said, holding up an envelope.  He glared at him.  "You're a sick bastard," he growled.

Enamel smirked.  "Thanks, love you too, Stoker.  Remember, the more you insult me, the more I know you love me."  Then he grinned sweetly and left, heading back home.  He found his name on it and opened it, finding the information he needed in there.  He nodded and went to put it into his room, then went to find Modo. He found him outside and coughed.  "Modo, may I speak to you for a moment?"

"What's wrong?" he asked, looking at him.  "The kids?"

"Well, Ty Rod's pretty sick but I found a cure, we think.  I've told Primer and Cell to take what I found to every single doctor on Mars before they make a decision.  I won't lie, it's bad.  Oh, and I told the twins about how they're going to turn Plutarkian soon for the evil shit they keep doing to Racer."  He squatted down next to him.  "I also yelled at your mother for caring that people were calling what you send her favoritism and she relented and agreed, it's what good sons do."  He put a hand on his wrist.  "There's a small issue I just noticed though."  Modo tensed up, the others had been bad, this was going to be worse.  "Is Primer prone to walking into doors?  She had a really big bruise on her cheek and that's what she said happened.  With how Wrench said Plumb's been drinking....."  He shrugged and swallowed at the fury he could see in Modo's eye.  "I think he hit her.  I think your momma's about to take his head off too.  I think you and Rimfire need to head home for the day," he said gently, letting his wrist go when he jerked.  "I'm sorry, I didn't want to have to tell you this."

"What's wrong with Ty Rod?" he asked calmly.

"Bringham syndrome," he sighed.  Modo shuddered and curled up.  "Hey, I think I found a cure.  That's what I brought up to them and why I want them all to go to every single medical person on Mars for an opinion."  He nodded, swallowing at that. "She's still early in the second stage, they've got a lot of time.  She's at that fading fur point right now."  Modo nodded at that, then got up.  "Modo, you can't yell at Primer for this.  If he hit her, she's denying it.  She told me she walked into a door."

Modo's eye started to glow again.  "I doubt it.  Thank you for telling me, Enamel.  Where was she?"

"At home."

"Thanks."  He headed to get Rimfire up and take him with him.  He could make up his test.  He pounded on the couple's door, getting a sleepy Dawn.  "Where's Rimfire?"

"Testing," she yawned, then smiled at him. "What's wrong?" she asked when he didn't return it.

"Primer's got a bruise on her face.  She said she walked into a door."

Dawn growled.  "How dare that idiot!" she snapped.  She scrunched up her face and rubbed the choker she was wearing.  Then she looked at him.  "Let's go, dear.  I want to see him for a moment.  Rimfire will be back within twenty minutes."

He nodded.  "That's fine. We'll wait.  Change."  She nodded, closing the door so she could change from her jammies to real clothes.

Enamel walked up to Xander, leaning on his arm.  "Some people have called the shipments to the mothers favoritism," he said gently.  "I had to yell at Modo's momma to get her to unstiffen a bit.  I had to remind her she hasn't cared what anyone thought for most of her life, why start now."

Xander smirked.  "Good, I need a test of that spell to get us up there."  He smiled at him.  "How's other things?"

"Primer claimed she ran into a door."

"Oh, really?" he asked dryly, smirking harder now. "Does Modo know?"  Enamel nodded.  "Good man."  He heard the bike and nodded.  "And there's Rimfire.  Just stay out of the way."  Enamel wisely went to move his bike out of Rimfire's way. He watched as he, Modo, and Dawn left without a word said between them.  They were in perfect synch and formation.  Yeah, there was going to be a death from stupidity, and some people would cheer about it.  He saw Wrench watching him.  "Primer had a bruise on her cheek."

Wrench shuddered.  "I didn't think it was from that sort of stupidity," he admitted, shaking his head and walking off.

"Wrench, Vincent, Throttle, I need help!" Xander yelled.  "Let's go!"  He came down the stairs, getting on his bike and starting it.  The others ran down the ramp and over to grab their bikes.  "Some people have been picking on the mothers, saying it's favoritism that you guys crashed down here and send stuff home."  Throttle growled.  "So we're going to prove it's not.  We're going shopping first.  Enamel, when Dawn gets back, I want her to go rent a large truck, the biggest she can find."

"It could be a while."

"Point.  Fine.  I'll call Merle on the way.  I'm sure he knows someone who can drive a truck."   He took off and the others followed, knowing what he was going to be doing.

Enamel chuckled, leaning against the counter, shaking his head.

"When I grow up, maybe I should have a boy like Uncle Xander," Anya said as she walked off the transporter with her little brother and sister, Crankshaft.  "Rimfire's nice and protective and cuddly but Uncle Xander's special and he spoils."

Spike looked at her.  Not even he was evil enough to let that happen.  "I doubt you'd keep a man like Uncle Xander," he said plainly.  "It takes a special person to get a guy like him.  Rimfire just found someone he loved, but it took Throttle capturing Xander and proving he was better."

Anya considered it.  "You're right, a boy like Uncle Xander is a lot of work to tame and calm down.  A boy like Rimfire is already trained.  So I guess I'll stick with a boy like Rimfire.  I wonder why they came up."  She noticed Enamel and smiled.  "Can we please play?  Daddy suggested it."

"Sure, go ahead.  Tell Charley first, kids.  I'll get Staff to watch you."  They nodded, heading that way and he headed back outside, finding Staff crying.  "Hey, she's fine."

"Modo said I couldn't go, I'd hurt him too much and not save any for him," she sniffled.

He patted her on the back.  "The next person who gets hurt like that in the assorted families you can go," he promised.  "Stoker's kids are here and wanted to have you watch them play on the course."  She brightened up at that and headed out there to watch them play and play with them.  "Goddess bless mood swings," he prayed.  "For they're obviously yours because no man will ever understand them."  He went to help Charley. He had helped cure enough chaos for the day.

Episode 73:

Modo, Rimfire, and Dawn came off the transporter, looking cold as hell by the looks they were getting.  "Where might my nephew-in-law be?" he asked coolly.

Stoker looked at him.  "He should be on base as far as I know," he admitted.  "Why?"

"Thank you," Dawn said, giving him a sweet, but cold smile.  "We'll be back in a few minutes."  She followed them off, thinking up all the nasty things she could be doing to that mouse.

"Dawn, physical punishment only," Rimfire chastised as they came out of the building.

Inside, Exhaust and Stoker were both trying to find the kid.  Stoker took the direct root, calling Commander Rotor.  "Where's Plumb?"

"He's around here somewhere.  Why?"

"You've got problems and I don't know why.  We just had Modo, Rimfire, and Dawn show up looking like they're going to kill and asking about him."

"Oooh, shit," Rotor muttered.  "Thank you."  He hung up and opened his window.  "Thruster!"  He looked up and he pointed, making the boy run up to the building he was in.  The boy was the base's gossip, if something was going on, he'd know.  The boy walked in and saluted him.  "Thruster, what's going on with Plumb?  Make it short and sweet, I think he's about to die and I need to know if we should try to protect him."

"Well, he's been drinking a lot recently and he came in today bragging about how he's making Primer into a better mouse," he offered.  "He's been doing a lot of bragging, sir, and I think he's been drunk on duty a few times.  I mentioned it to my CO and she groaned and I'm hoping had him checked on.  Though, I do hear that Ty Rod, his daughter, is a bit ill."  He heard bikes and looked out, then swallowed.  "Oh, shit, I know that look.  No, you shouldn't protect him," he said, shaking his head.

"Then show the nice mice and Dawn where he is," he said firmly.  "Then bring him to me when they leave him living."  He nodded, hurrying down there. Rotor put his head down with a moan, then called his wife.  "Your brother, son, and daughter-in-law are here."

"They're yours too," she said dryly.

He looked at her.  "What happened?"

"Plumb hit her."

"Thruster said that he's bragging about how he's making Primer into a better mouse supposedly."  She hissed and he nodded.  "I'm not protecting the son-in-law.  I'm letting Thruster lead them to him."

"Good!  I want a piece of him too.  I'll be right there."

"Sure."  He smiled at her.  "Can I apologize then?"

"Be mushy later, there's tail to whip first," she said, smirking back.  She hung up.

Rotor got up when he heard screaming, looking out there because someone was bothering Dawn.  He opened his window again.  "I suggest you leave my daughter-in-law alone!" he yelled.  That mouse looked up, gave him a horrified look, then ran away.  "Thank you!  You now have patrol, head out!"  Modo looked up at him.  "Bring him up here still living, your sister would like to speak to him too.  Thruster, find him and escort them."  He nodded, saluting and taking them to motor course.  He moved to get a better view and watched as Rimfire and Dawn joined up to herd him and Modo stopped his bike cold.  He winced at that.  That poor bike.  Then Modo got off his and stood up really straight and tall, making the idiot on the ground sneer.  That's when Dawn started on him.  Eventually Rimfire pulled her off, complaining he wanted some, and took him instead.  Then he hauled the bleeding body up and handed him to Modo with a small grin.  Rotor shivered as Modo looked at the kid, then hit him twice.  Once finished destroying his face. The second caved in his chest.  Then Dawn kicked him in the nuts, making a lot of mice wince.  Modo drug the body behind him by a limp arm to the office, then dumped him on the floor.  Rotor looked at him, sitting down again.  "Okay, what do I put on the court forms?"

"He hit my niece."

Rotor blinked and looked at the guy.  Then looked at Modo again.  "I'm impressed you left him living.  He can be court marshaled for that.  Let me fill out the two forms while we wait for Cell."  Modo grunted and leaned against the wall.  "Is Dawn all right?  She looked like she hurt her shoulder."

"She still hits oddly now and then but she's good at it," Modo admitted.  The door opened and the couple came in.  "Go talk with some of your friends, nephew, we're waiting on your momma."

"Yes, sir," he agreed, saluting the commander.  "Sir, it looks like we may be back sooner than expected.  Am I going to be stationed here?"

Rotor looked at him and shrugged.  "Probably not.  Talk to Mirror about that, Rimfire.  She does intelligence."  He nodded, saluting again and taking Dawn off to find some of his buddies.  After all, he hadn't gotten to show her off recently.  Rotor smirked at Modo. "Why?"

"The next president down there would have problems with us.  So the Chicago group will be moving up here in the next few years."

"That's fine.  I'll make sure Repel has maternity leave papers when necessary."  He finished filling out the forms by the time Cell got there.  He got up and walked her over the body, letting her sit down.  "Here, please sign these as a commanding officer. I need a second signature," he offered gently.  She read them, then signed them with an evil smirk.  Then she got up and kicked the boy's body, making him whimper.

"You didn't leave me any," she complained, swatting her little brother.

Modo smirked.  "Dawn didn't leave us much.  Rimfire had to pull her off him.  I only got him twice."

Cell kicked the kid in the head, making him moan and pass out.  "There, we can drag him to prison that way."

"Let me get the MP's up here," Rotor soothed, sitting her down again.  "You really shouldn't be standing with how close you are to delivering, dear."

"Nibble my tail.  I was up and fighting the day before I had the twins."

"Yes, and you said you were never going to do that again," Modo reminded her, coming over to pat his nephew.  "Hi, little one."  The baby kicked and he felt the stomach tighten, watching her hiss. "Those are labor pains in case you forgot," he said dryly.

"I know what they are!"  She hit him on the arm.  "It's not time yet."

Rotor turned on his comm system, calling the emergency number.  "Hi, I need an escort for my pregnant wife, Cell.  She's in labor," he ordered calmly. "She says it's still early but I want her there anyway."  The nurse on the other side nodded and hung up.  "I'd rather have you closer to the hospital and not having to deliver on the base," he soothed, coming over to stroke her back.  "After all, we have pain killers in the hospital."

She looked at him.  "They make pain killers for that?"  He nodded and so did Modo.  "Then hell!  I want some now!"

"Just as soon as we get you there," he soothed, stroking her cheek.  Two MP's walked in and he pointed at the body on the floor.  "Him.  Here, have the forms too.  Also, someone tell General Carbine I'm off for paternity leave from this moment."  He helped her up and down to her bike, letting the ambulance join them there.  She was checked over, then loaded in and taken away with the trio and him following behind and her bike following them.

***

Stoker looked up as the report hit his desk, smirking a bit.  "Cell was just taken down the hall in labor," he announced.  "Rotor's with her, Exhaust, so someone's got to fill in.  Also, Mirror, there's going to be a court marshal soon.  Have fun with the moron."

"Who did what?"

He looked at her.  "Plumb," he said dryly.  "The MP's have the forms."

"That's fine.  He can wait in a cell until I get them."  She smiled at him.  "Shouldn't you call Cell's momma?"

"I'm hoping one of that quad is smart enough to do that."  Racer wandered in and gave him a hug.  "What're you doing up here?"  He handed over the note and curled up on him.  He read it and groaned.  "Are you feeling miserable?"  Racer nodded.  "That's fine.  Cell was just taken back there to have the baby."

Racer looked up and then dialed Momma. "Cell's here too, Momma.  She's in labor."  He hung up and went back to cuddling.  "I feel like crap."

"I understand, kiddo."  He stroked his back.  "Apparently part of the local problem with the mold is that one school's kids got fed jongis root?"  He nodded at Racer and most everyone moaned.  "Mayflower said they're all to come in to be checked over by tonight."

"Sure, I'll get that order out," Exhaust said, typing it in so the cops could go announce it and visit houses if necessary.  "That's easily cured, right?"

"Yeah, the flower is the cure for the root," Stoker assured him.  "We use the flower in tons of stuff.  Some of the partial mice are allergic to it but it won't usually kill you, just makes you feel really sick."  He went back to soothing Racer, smiling because he was snoring.  "I'll check on the family later."

"What was going on out there?  One of our mutual neighbors said that his momma was being yelled at about favoritism," Mirror said.

Stoker raised an eyebrow.  Then he groaned.  "Some people feel it's playing favorites that good sons take care of their mothers by sending them food.  Since both mothers in question pass on over half of what's sent up each time, I don't consider it so.  I consider that an act of a thoughtful son who was stupid enough to crash on Earth.  I don't know who was yelling...."  He shrugged.  "We all know Xander sends up extra in their shipments of food to the parents each month.  He said it's only fair and to please pass it on to some kids who need it.  That's the sort of mouse he is, but some parents feel that's unfair."

"Then their sons can go crash on earth and go shopping too," Exhaust said dryly.

One of the other cities' councilors coughed.  "Does this get passed on to the rest of us?"

"Both mothers put it into the general fund, which means it gets passed around to whoever gets there first, and at least half of it gets shipped off."  That got a small nod and a grin.  "Throttle and Modo would have been sending stuff up sooner if they could have.  Every time someone went down there to visit, check on them, or crash, they always sent a lot of stuff back.  Now that they've got the transporter, they're sending monthly shipments of groceries.  Xander goes out and shops the big bulk places to get them stuff. And again, they pass on whatever they don't need.  Xander's very good to his family and since he's married to Throttle and adopted by Vinnie, and likes Modo as a bro too, well, they're family."

"He's been sending stuff to the VanWhams?" Exhaust asked.  "I haven't seen any yet."

"I do now and then.  Since he can't pinpoint just one house to send it to, he usually sends it to Wrench.  They send down lists and stuff," he said dryly, shrugging a bit.  "I'm sure we'll see more soon."

"No, that was earlier," Carbine said as she walked in.  "Wrench and Xander showed up with a semi full of food and things.  They said that's what good sons did for their mommas and they were all good sons.  They also said that giving it to the mothers first was only fair since family came first and then Mars, the way it should be, and that the VanWham in the general fund warehouse was going to be in charge of handing this out since they're family too.  Then Xander glared at one woman who snorted and told her, quite plainly, she could make her son crash on earth too and send up stuff."  Everyone snickered at that.  "She huffed off."  She took her seat.  "Yes, I'm back early since Rotor is going on paternity leave.  What's going on today?"

"Nothing much.  There's a school that got fed jongis root," Exhaust said.  She shuddered at that.  "Racer was one."

"I saw him.  I was wondering why he wasn't bothering anyone to help with the birth since he wants to be a doctor."

"'Cause I feel like crap," Racer said flatly.  He glared at her.  "You're mean to Spike and he's a good boy most of the time."

Stoker poked him on the side.  "Tact, it's not something most mice learn but we all should."

"I'm too sick to care," he said bitterly, snuggling in again.  He heard the door open and looked back. "Momma, I'm sick," he whimpered.

"I know, dear.  Apologize to Carbine anyway."

"Why?  I am mean," she offered. "I do pick on Spike, though he's not a good boy most of the time."

Momma gave her a long stare. "It's boys like Racer and Spike who will make sure Mars goes on and prospers, Carbine.  If you want to be around more mannerly children, have some."  She picked up Racer and nuzzled him.  "Come on, dear.  Cell's about had the baby by now and you can cuddle up in her room for a bit until we all head home."  She walked him off, taking him back up there.  She walked past the twins, watching them sniff each other.  "You two just took baths this morning."

"We're making sure we're not turning into Plutarkians for being so evil to Racer and them," Detail complained, sniffing herself.  "I still say I stink."

Shot shrugged.  "I can't smell anything."

Momma stopped to look at them, just staring.  "Who told you that?" she asked finally.

"Enamel," they said in unison.

Shot hugged her around the leg.  "Grandmomma, is it true?"

"Well, dear, your attitude is already nearly Plutarkian, but I don't think you can physically turn into one."

"Then why do we stink?" Detail demanded, stamping her foot.

"It's the rot from where you've been so bad," Dawn told them, coming out to look down at them.  "As you do more good, the stink will decrease.  Once you're really good girls, you'll wake up and realize you don't stink after all."  They nodded at that, hugging her.  "Thanks, guys. Now behave.  Cell needs her momma and you guys have got to play nicely."

"Can we cuddle Racer?"

"No, he's sick," Rimfire said, coming out to take him to cuddle.  "I'll do it since I'm not going to get the mold thing."  Momma patted him on the face and went to help her daughter.  "It'll take a few months to fully unstink, but remember, the stink'll come back if you suddenly turn evil again after you go good."  They nodded, looking very serious.  "Good kids."  He patted them both on the head, then went back to cuddling Racer.  "I think he's napping, Dawn."

She cooed and took Racer to cuddle, going in to sit in a chair while they waited.  He was a big kid.

***

Modo walked out of the transporter, his bike following, all smiles.  "It's a boy," he announced.  Everyone beamed at him from the hot tub.  "Cell's fine.  A bit sore but Rotor's making her a happy momma by spoiling her."   He looked at the tub.  "Room enough for me?"

"Vin and I were heading to the mineral pool in a minute so soon," Xander offered, shifting onto Throttle's lap.  "For now you can have my butt-warmed spot."

"Thanks."  He stripped down and climbed in, hissing a bit.  "Ooh, that feels nice."  He looked at Throttle.  "Dawn took away most of our fun earlier," he said dryly. "I only got to hit the idiot twice."

Rimfire and Dawn came off the transporter and she undid the spell, making the truck reappear.  "There ya go," she said fondly, grinning at them.  "One very empty truck."

"The VanWham in charge of it sorted out the stuff that was marked 'family only' first," Rimfire reported.  "I think one bag got mixed up but she said that was fine."

"I can't believe they put Reflection in charge of anything," Wrench said dryly.  Xander looked at him.  "She was always an airhead and Chassis usually wants to kill her.  If you hear her talk about someone she calls Stupid, that's Reflection."  Vinnie nodded at that. "What caused that split?"

"Reflection stole her first boyfriend by being open to sex right off," Vinnie said dryly.  "It turned into a Springer moment with a chorus of 'slut' and 'ice princess' and went downhill from there," he said with a small smirk.  "Then their momma came home and found Reflection having sex with her boyfriend in *her* bed...."

"Hold on, she had sex in her parent's bed?" Throttle asked.  Vinnie and Wrench both nodded.  "Did she get her tail whipped?"

"All the way to the priest," Vinnie agreed smugly.  "Not that they're happy or anything.  It says something when you look at your husband and tell him 'I hope you die in the war' and mean it.  Unfortunately he survived and now she's picking on Chassis about Stan, but Chassis was waxing poetic about his tongue and other skills so now Reflection's jealous and is going to try to steal him.  It won't work, but she's gonna try."

"At least I won't miss any soaps while we're up there," Dawn said dryly.  "Is there room for us?"

"Let me and Xander hit the mineral pool in a bit," Vinnie offered.  "Go check on the kids out on the course."

"Sure.  Are they in trouble?"

"Anya is," Throttle said dryly.  "She was nice enough to change Healer earlier because she decided she'd be a momma some day and might as well learn now.  She told him he was the cutest baby she'd ever seen since Crankshaft and Spike told her that he had been a very cute baby. She retorted with 'how do two gray mice have a white one'.  Spike went off and started to cry, running back to his momma.  Switch came down to beat her senseless and she's off being grounded.  So we got to explain how two gray mice had a white one."

"I told him being a white mouse was a special thing that marked you as being powerful and being able to go do things other mice were afraid to do," Xander offered with a grin.

"Just as long as the kid doesn't become a mini-you, we'll be good," Throttle said patiently.

"Babe, can I go bungee jumping?" Xander asked sweetly, grinning at his mate.

"No."

"Not even if I go with a reputable place?"

"No."

"But...."

"No!

"But...."

"NO!"  He stared down at his mate.  "No!  No bungee jumping ever again, Xander.  No.  No buts," he said at the opening mouth.  "I don't wanna hear it.  No.  You cracked ribs the last time, there's no way I'm letting you ever do it again."  He kissed him.  "Behave or else you can't go soak with Vinnie later."  Xander snuggled in, stroking his fur.  "Thank you.  And no fur dye either."

"It'd wear off in a couple of weeks," Xander offered.  "I was going to do pretty designs on my belly fur."

"No," Throttle said, shaking his head. "No, no, no."  He handed him to Vinnie. "Behave with him and make him more sane.  Apparently I don't have the touch today."  Xander leaned over to kiss him, making him moan.  "Babe."

"It'll be okay," he promised, grinning at him.  "I'm a good boy mouse."

"You keep telling yourself that and some day you'll believe it and so will we," Charley said from the doorway.  "Where's Vic?"

"Watching Healer to see if he'll grow," Vinnie said with a small smirk.  "He's going to be spending a lot of time doing that."

She rolled her eyes.  "Son!"  He came running out and ran into her legs, hugging them and beaming up at her.  "Thank you.  Want to eat some lunch?"

"Please!" he agreed, beaming at his daddy now.  "Hotdogs?"

"That's up to the mommy, son.  She's making 'em."

Xander looked at Charley.  "Have you talked to Chef Andy recently?"  She shook her head.  "I was there the other day when he was talking to his family about who would be taking over for him.  I thought, since you've known him forever, that you might wanna go hug him or something."

She nodded.  "Yeah, that's a good idea for lunch.  Come on, son, let's go visit Chef Andy."  Her son jumped around and cheered.  "Should I bring you guys back some food?"

"No, we're good," Enamel offered.

"Vinnie and I were going to hit the mineral pool," Xander told her, grinning at her.  "Cell had a boy."

"And I, genius that I am, may have found the solution to the twin terrors of Mars," Enamel said modestly, smirking at her.  "I pointed out that they were going to turn Plutarkian soon for being so bad."

She tried to hold it in, but then burst out in giggles.  "You're so bad sometimes."

"Modest too," Throttle pointed out dryly.

Enamel splashed him.  "In my case it's true, and tested, thank you."  He looked at Charley. "They decided they're already stinking from it."

"We had to tell them it'd take months to unstink, but that it could return if they started to go evil again," Dawn said as she came down the hall.  "You're going out for lunch?"

"Yeah, I'm heading over to Chef Andy's."

"Oooh, I'm coming," she said, hurrying back to her room to grab a textbook and a real set of clothes.  She was not the sort of girl to go out in old, ratty sweats. "Rimfire, we're going to Chef Andy's."

"Ride your bike, you've got a test in an hour," he reminded her.

"Point."  She grabbed her keys as well, heading off to join Charley.  "I've got a test in an hour."

"Sure, we'll ride over together," Charley agreed, heading back to pick up the baby carrier.  If Xander had noticed something was wrong, she had to be gentle.  He wasn't always the least clueless guy in the world about other people.  They pulled up and found the place open but no one inside.  She parked and got off the bike, heading up to the window.  "Chef Andy?" she called.  "Are you in here?"  She heard a moan and looked around, noticing him on the floor.  "Chef Andy."  She slid under the bar keeping others out and went to check him. "Dawn, call someone!"

She picked up the phone and dialed 911.  "Hi, I'm at Chef Andy's place and he's collapsed.  Yeah, that one.  No, he's an older man.  Charley is he responsive?"

"Barely.  He's moaning but not answering."

Dawn listened.  "No, ma'am, not answering but moaning.  Please.  I'm not sure if he fell or not, ma'am, we just got here for lunch."  She hung up and came inside to help, checking him over.  "He's got a pulse and no lump on his head," she offered gently.  "Call one of the others who should be told."

Charley grabbed the phone in the kitchen, noticing the numbers written on the wall around it.  She called the Low Rider, it was one of the most popular biker bars in the city.  "Squeeze?"  She snorted.  "No, it's Charley.  I came to Chef Andy's for lunch and he's collapsed.  Do you know if he's got any family?  No, we're waiting on an ambulance right now.  Please.  Thanks, man."  She hung up and dialed another number up there, getting a polite sounding woman.  "This is Charley Davidson, of the Last Chance Garage, and I'm here with Chef Andy.  We just had to call an ambulance for him and I was told one of his relatives could be reached at this number."  She nodded.  "Thank you.  No, they're coming up the street now.  Where should I have him taken?"  She nodded.  "Thank you, ma'am.  No, I called the Low Rider to find one of you."  She looked at him. "He's groaning.  I think he may have fallen but I'm not sure.  Sure, I'll see you down there. I can wait for the paramedics."  She hung up and went to let the ambulance guys in through the side door.  "He's a nice guy, guys.  He's a neighborhood favorite and he's been here for years.  He's got a niece coming to Memorial to meet him."  They nodded, moving Dawn out of the way to check him over.

"I didn't find a knot on his head," Dawn offered, taking the baby to cuddle.  She saw a kid coming their way and slid out, going to stop him.  "He fell or something.  He'll be fine but it'll be a few days.  They're taking him to Memorial."  He just stared, then nodded, going to tell his mother that.  They had all grown up on Chef Andy's cooking and even their parents loved him.  Even the most grouchy parent loved and trusted him.  Dawn watched as they took the old dear out to the ambulance and took off with him, looking at Charley.  "You got a real relative, right?"

"His niece.  Let me put up the sign."  She locked up the place, putting the register in the safe like he liked, and then hung up the sign, adding a note on the bottom that he was ill and at Memorial Hospital for now, that he'd be back as soon as he could.  Then she locked the door and shut it behind her.  She saw a parent come running and held up a hand.  "They think he fell.  They took him to Memorial."

"Is the shop closed?" she asked.  Charley nodded.  "Thanks, Charley.  Memorial?"  She nodded.  "Did you find any of his family?"

"I called the Low Rider, Squeeze told me how to reach one of his nieces.  I figure she'll know the rest."  She nodded at that.  "Can you watch the place?  His safe needs to be watched."

"Sure.  Not an issue.  I'll head up there tonight if he's not at home."  They shook hands and she ran off to get the rest of the neighborhood involved.  The few thugs they had wouldn't be bothering this place while he was gone.

Charley looked at Dawn.  "Go hit your test, I'll call later."  She nodded, going to her bike to head to the college.  Charley went back to the garage.  "Guys, I just found Chef Andy on the floor," she called.  "He went to Memorial."

"We'll be there later then," Throttle called back.  "How long before they admit him?"

"Probably at least an hour," she said, going over to the garage.  "I closed up the place, but keep an eye on it when you're out riding, okay?"  He nodded.  "I put his register in the safe, like he liked."

"Good.  Is he okay?"

"He looked like he fell," she admitted.  "I don't even know how old Andy is.  He was old when I was a kid."  He and Modo gave her a hug.  "Thanks, guys.  Give it a few hours then head over there."

"Sure," he agreed, stroking her cheek. "You could get Vinnie out of the mineral pool."

"They won't let us see him since we're not family until he's admitted upstairs.  They're picky about that."   She looked behind her at the horn.  "I'd better get that."  She headed back to the garage, pulling up the door as she walked in.  "Hey, Ray."

He got out and looked at her.  "What happened to Andy?"

She smiled.  "That's a bit out of your way."

"Yeah, but he's an icon in the city .  What happened?"

"The paramedics think he fell.  We found him on the floor.  He's headed to Memorial."

"I'll make sure the guys know."  He pointed at his engine.  "It's making that noise again."

"Sure, pull her in here, Ray."  He got in and pulled in, letting her hear the noise.  She smiled as he popped the hood, getting in there.  "It's the same problem as last time.  I told you a refurbished part wouldn't work."

"Fine.  Just trying to save some money.  Is Stan here?"

"No.  We thought Chassis was with him."  She came out from under the hood to look at him.  "Have you tried their house?"

"Yeah," he said dryly. "And Canada. Turnbull said they were talking about a romantic drive."

Charley grabbed the cordless phone and called Micah on her way out.  "Where's Chassis?"  She dropped the phone, staring at it.  "Sure."  She reached down and hung it up, then looked at him.  "You may need a present too.  She went to visit Winch, the ambassador, in Vegas."

"If he does that, Ma will kill him," he assured her dryly. "They drove to Vegas?"

"Apparently," she agreed dryly.  "On her bike."  Ray shivered, that was a long, cold drive this time of year.  She called the lair.  "Someone call Winch and tell her that Ray was looking for Stan since he and Chassis are out in Vegas."  She hung up and went back to work pulling that problem piece so she could order a new one.

Ray sat down to call the office.  "Hey, Lieutenant, did Kowalski say anything to you about a sudden road trip to Vegas?  Nah, we're not sure yet. We're waiting on word from a contact out there.  Sure.  When I know, you'll know.  No, on her bike according to what Charley heard.  Oh, tell Huey that Chef Andy collapsed or something. He got sent to Memorial.  Sure.  No, Charley found him. She thinks he might have fallen or something.  Sure.  Thanks, sir."  He hung up.  "Kowalski's gonna get a butt chewing majorly when he comes back.  He just said he needed some vacation days for personal and private reasons."

She came out of the office. "It'll be about two hundred including labor."  He hissed.  "Sorry, but I'll let you make installments.  Besides a honeymoon is usually considered personal and private days."

"Thanks, I'll need that.  Ma won't be happy if she's got to cut down on the Thanksgiving dinner.  Speaking of, what are you guys doing for that?"

"Hmm.  Cooking I suppose," she said dryly.  "We usually do it for dinner.  The guys like to go out and play football in the snow."  She went back to removing that part.  "It could be worse, I've seen one of these go and crack the block."

"Ouch, I don't even want that pain the wallet."  He looked at Vinnie as he walked in, only wearing a towel.  "Aren't you cold?"

"A bit, then again I was just in our hot pool."  He kissed Charley on the cheek.  "Xan and I are headed over now.  Did you want me to bring anything to him other than your well wishes and a picture of Vic?"  She smiled at him and shook her head, giving him a real kiss.  "Thanks, sweetheart."  He headed up to their room to change, his son toddling behind him by a few minutes, carrying Healer with him.

"Please tell me that's just an incredibly lifelike doll," Ray said dryly.

"Son, don't carry Healer around! You're not that big yet!"  Enamel came running over, naked and dripping, to save his son.

"Doc, more than I wanted to know about you," Vinnie complained from upstairs.  "Son, don't carry Healer around like that.  I don't want to have to see his daddy naked ever again."  He came down carrying Victor to hand him to Ray.  "At least it wasn't upside down this time."

"True," Enamel agreed, taking the baby back with him.  His son was happy and cooing so it was fine, but he still didn't want Vic carrying him.  He was too small!  He got into the pool with the baby, shivering a bit.  "There, we'll rest in here for a while, son."

Modo grinned at him.  "You're a good daddy, Enamel."

"Thanks.  I'm trying really hard to be.  I've got to live up to Xander's standards."  Xander came out and gave him a hug, then got onto his bike and headed off.  "I'm sure he'll be fine."

"We hope so.  He's been good to us," Modo offered. Enamel nodded at that.  "Want me to hold him? I could use some practice."  Staff came back with the kids a few minutes later and smiled at him. "I'm getting in practice, the same as Vic was."

"Was he carrying him upside down again?"

"No, rightside up this time, but still carrying him up the stairs at the garage," Enamel told her.  "We can lower the heat if you want in."

"No, I'm fine," she offered with a gentle smile.  She smoothed down the baby's hair, then went to take the kids home.  She walked off the transporter, seeing the guy with the gun.  She pulled hers and shot him in the arm, making him holler.  Then Spike bowled into him with Anya not far behind.  They beat the snot out of him and Spike bit him for good measure.  "Good job, kids," she congratulated.  "You'll make Xander proud."

"They make me damn proud too," Stoker admitted, grinning at them.  "Nice job, guys.  There's two more outside but the others have it."  He looked at her.  "What's going on down there?"

"Chef Andy fell or something at the stand.  Charley found him.  Vic was carrying Healer around again, thankfully rightside up this time."  She smirked as the door opened and someone backed in, looking at Stoker, who shrugged.  She coughed loudly then smiled.  "I'm pregnant and having mood swings.  Do you really want to do that?"

"You're what?" the man with the gun asked.  She shot at him and he yelped.  "Hey!  I'm a cop!"

"Good.  Then we got another one."  She pointed at the one Anya was sitting on.  "Spike bit him so he's bleeding a bit."  Spike bit the other guy since he backed into him, making him scream and swat at him but Spike got his hand too.

"Damn, and I thought Detail and Shot were bad and evil," the cop said in awe.  Spike let out his most evil chuckle and the guy whimpered, going to his knees.  Spike kicked him in the nuts and he fell forward, letting Spike jump up and down on his back until he begged for mercy.  The cop shook his head and went to get the third one, bringing him back.  Then he looked at Stoker.  "Sir, I'm quite impressed with your kids.  Will they run from medals too?"

"Medals are for poofs," Spike said wryly.

"Hey!  They're shiny and I like shiny things!" Anya protested. "They can be made into all sorts of pretty things since they're shiny."  She scowled at him, then at her father.  "Can't they?"

"It's a use I'd appreciate and even your uncle Xander wouldn't run from a medal statue."  He grinned at Staff.  "Where's Crankshaft?"  She turned, letting him see the baby on her back.  "There's my little girl."  He got up to get her, cuddling her.  "You're all so great."  He hugged the other two but Spike pushed him off, walking off growling.  "It's okay, son, I won't hug you in public again," he called after him.

"Going to beat up on Ramjet," he called back. He heard Anya running after him and let her 'escort' him back to the daycare center.  That way he didn't need to make any side trips to get her too.  At least his father didn't think he was a *real* poof. He gave his sister an odd look since she was babbling about what pretty statues she could make using medals.  She just wasn't right in the head.

***

Vinnie came home grinning happily.  "Andy's fine," he announced.  "There's a neighborhood kid who came up to him and asked him to teach him how to cook.  Said he wanted to be just like him and help him until he was better.  The kid's mother was quite shocked but gave him permission."  He kissed Charley.  "He's fine.  Nothing too serious.  They said he'll limp for a few weeks but nothing was broken or torn.  He'll get to go home tomorrow sometime."  She relaxed and smiled, so he kissed her again. "Anything else happen?"

"Chassis' visiting Winch in Vegas."

"Really?" he asked dryly, smirking at her.  "Interesting.  Is she pulling a Rimfire?"

"We're not sure yet.  Winch hasn't called back that I know of."  Xander pulled in with some flowers.  "Awww.  Throttle will sneeze for weeks."

"They're for you."  He handed them over then kissed her gently. "Just 'cause you deserve 'em."  He strolled back to the house.

"Xander, how many times do I have to complain about you spoiling my girl?" he yelled.

"I don't know, I don't listen to complaints."

"He's just being sweet so you have to jump me later," she reassured, kissing him gently.  "Let me put these in water."  She went to find a vase. She turned and found her mate staring at her with a look in his eyes that said he wanted to pounce.  He slowly moved closer and she swallowed.  "Remember, be gentle," she prompted.  "I'm fragile."  He pounced and kissed her, making her forget about everything, including Ray and his car.

Ray came back about an hour later, finding them going at it in the kitchen.  He smiled and shook his head, walking off.  "I expect at least ten bucks off for having to see that.  I'll see you guys tomorrow before work!"  He hit the button to close the garage doors on his way out.  The average person didn't need to see that.  He smiled at his sister as he got into her car.  "The part's not in yet," he told her.

"What happened?"

"Oh, Vinnie was celebrating the baby doing something neat earlier," he said dryly.  "I doubt they even knew I was there.  I'll get it before work tomorrow."  She nodded, smiling at him as she took off.  "Their son's about a year, I think, and he was carrying around another baby like a doll.  They were saying it was nice it was rightside up this time."  She burst out in giggles.  "So, yeah, they're in the kitchen celebrating that and that Chef Andy's gonna be fine."

"Good!"  She smiled at him when she stopped for a light.  "How much is this part going to be?"

"Two hundred," he sighed, "but Charley's fair and she's letting me make some payments."

"That's good of her."  She went on at the sound of horns.  "Any word on Stan?"

"He ended up taking a road trip with Chassis to visit with their ambassador.  We're not sure if they're going to pull a Vegas wedding or not."

"They'd better not.  Ma would tan his hide and then hers."

"Yeah," he agreed.  "Stan knows that though.  Did he ever tell Stella?"

"Um, yeah, and she freaked majorly but then she realized Chassis was a sweet girl who could out-tough her on occasion."  She turned onto their street.  "That was quick," she said smugly, parking beside the bike in the driveway.

Ray got out and opened the door.  "Kowalski, you'd better have a good explanation or the Lieutenant's going to trim her tail with his nail file!" he yelled as he walked in.

"Geez, Ray."  He frowned at him.  "It's fine.  We didn't get hitched or anything."  He looked at Chassis.  "See what I've got to put up with?"

She nodded and patted him on the thigh.  "At least they give a damn."

"Point," he admitted, kissing her gently.  He grinned at Ray.  "My actual mother hates her.  Said I'm no longer her son."

"Eh, you've got Ma, that's more than enough for everyone else," he said with a small shrug.

"You beat her yet, Chassis?" Maria asked as she walked in.

"The thought occurred to me but she's old, frail, and mentally incapable of seeing love outside of her heterosexual, white bread marriage."

Stan looked at her.  "That's a very Dawn thing to say," he noted smugly, smirking at her.

"It is and I got it off her," she admitted, grinning back.  She kissed him on the nose.  "What's been going on?"

"Well, Chef Andy's fine," Ray told her.  "He fell but word's gone around that it's just a minor sprain so he's only staying for the night for observation due to his age.  I just walked in on Vinnie and Charley a few minutes ago in the kitchen at the garage so I've got to go pick up my car tomorrow before work.  I think Modo and the boys headed out earlier, but I'm not sure where or why.  The patrol who does that neighborhood said he heard a number of bikes together but they never hit the street."  He shrugged.  "Not a clue otherwise."

She picked up the phone and dialed the lair.  "No, we didn't get married, even though Winch tried.  She sent us back by transporter.  We're at Ray's house.  What happened earlier?"  Rimfire gave her the rundown and her eyes narrowed.  "Is he living?  Pity."  She pursed her lips.  "Sure.  And yeah, Stupid can handle that much.  It's all sorting and she's at least good at that.  Oh, thanks for the warning too, Rimfire."  She smirked.  "Later, dear.  Sure."  She hung up, looking at Stan, then at Ray.  "Someone had the bad form to hit Primer.  They went to talk to her spouse for her."

Ray and Stan both winced.  Modo was a big guy who could do a lot of damage.  Just him alone would create a tragic scene, the others added in would be worse.

Stan shook his head.  "That's one thing you've never got to worry about.  Fights yeah, but nothing hotter than screaming," he promised. "Not even when Stella used ta throw knives at me."

She kissed him gently, smiling at him.  "Don't worry, honey, if you even thought about it, I'd whip your tail and make you one sorry human."  Then she smiled sweetly.  "And get Dawn to help since she did Primer's husband for the most part earlier."

"Dawn?" Ray asked.  Chassis nodded, smirking at him. "You never think she's that dangerous."

"Oh, she is.  People misjudge her because she's fashionable and cute.  It's always a mistake to do."  She grinned at Stan.  "I just got paid and I need a new Earth-style outfit.  Are you still off tomorrow?"  He nodded.  "Can you show me where I should go?"  He beamed and nodded. "Thanks, Stan."  She kissed him gently then snuggled into his side.  "I still can't believe they went out there and got married and neither of them stopped in on Winch as a courtesy.  It's only polite since she's not getting a lot of news from home at the moment.  Meg's still working on her comm system."

Stan nuzzled her cheek.  "I'm sure she can call over here by regular phone if she wants to gossip," he assured her, kissing her temple. "Ma, can we help with dinner?"

"No, you sit out there.  Send Chassis in here," she called back.  "You're hopeless in the kitchen, bambino."

"Sure, Ma."  He kissed her again and let her go, watching her walk away.  He looked at Ray and leaned closer.  "I wanted to so bad," he moaned.  "I just couldn't because I knew her cousin would kill me."

Ray nodded, looking smug.  "A lot.  They'd kill you a lot."

Episode 74:

Charley woke up to someone tapping on the door, groaning as she pushed herself

up off the couch.  She wandered down there, pushing her hair back with a yawn as she opened the door.  She blinked at the military officer on the other side. "I'm female and pregnant, you can't draft me," she said dryly.

"I'm not here to draft you, Miss Davidson.  May I come inside and talk to you and your family?  It's going to be a few hours worth of discussion probably."

She considered it and checked behind him.  "No commandos this time?"

"No, ma'am, the people over that got very sorry very suddenly," he said firmly, nodding at Vinnie as he joined them.  "Sir, I need to talk to you both.  May I enter?"

Vinnie squeezed her shoulders.  "Why?"

"Because, sir, someone took her designs a few years back and made them better and there's problems and training issues we need to discuss."

Vinnie blinked.  "Let him in, sweetheart.  I'll go get everyone else up."

"I'm up," Xander called as he walked in and undid the alarm.  She looked back at him and he grinned.  "Gunpowder sniffer."  The military guy took a step back.  "You might as well come in, Sergeant.  Enamel, make some coffee.  Rimfire, go get some sodas," he ordered as the others came in.  Rimfire headed back and Throttle came back with him.  "Come on in, Sergeant."  He walked in with a nod for Charley and Vinnie, heading that way.  "I'm sure you know who we are.  Who're you?"

"I'm Staff Sergeant Kines, sir."  He saluted Throttle.  "I'm one of the people attached to a special project out of the Pentagon."  He sat down, taking the rootbeer with a nod. "Thank you, sir."  He looked at Charley.  "Ma'am, when we had your prototype, someone saw it and decided to help it be better.  We had a prodigy take one of the attempts we made and rev it up.  We didn't give her permission," he admitted. "The young woman was working against a lot of orders when she hacked the Pentagon and found the file.  She was also eight."  Charley whimpered and he smirked a bit.  "Her father now works for us officially and she's working for us unofficially, but she's managed to make a few different bikes that are nearly as good as what we've witnessed out of your local systems here.  We think we're ready to have someone with more knowledge and training skills come to us now.  We'd like to have Miss Davidson come to evaluate us and then arrange for someone to come train.  We're being honest, she'd be in DC.  We can make whatever arrangements are necessary."

"I'm pregnant," Charley told him.

"That's fine, ma'am, we don't expect you to lead the training, just to look over the bikes and the riders, see if there's anything that we need to change before we start making official rules and training plans."

"At least you're being polite this time," Xander said dryly.  Throttle kicked him.  "Sorry.  Bad experiences with the military."

"Mr. Harris, we've heard about some of that.  We don't need to be killed, that's why we're being honest.  I would have been here earlier but I didn't want to bother anyone with the...noises coming from here.  It sounded like they were rather busy."

Vinnie nodded.  "Yeah, kind of.  Thanks for that at least."  He looked at Charley.  Then at the sergeant. "How long should this take?"

"That depends on how bad we've already messed up," he said honestly.  "We need her to look over the bikes and the riders first and foremost.  We have been doing some psych profiling to get riders.  Frankly, my commander is wary of a few of them.  If she can clear the basics, we'd like to arrange for someone to come help us train.  You're the masters of that and we'd like to make an arrangement."

Throttle nodded slowly.  "I agree, it's a smart idea, sergeant.  That's not fully up to us to decide however.  We do have to deal with our Council."

"Of course.  I understand fully and we'd be more than happy to help her stay in contact, have her doctor come over to check on her to make sure she and her child are still healthy, and we'd put her up in a nice hotel near the Pentagon."  He pulled out an envelope, handing it over to her.  "That's the official details since my boss was sure you'd have to check with someone at the very least about the training officer.  Just for the record, why are you guys down here?"

"We crashed," Modo said dryly.

"That's understandable.  We've gotten others probably."  He gave him a nice smile.  "At least you didn't crash in a harmful and deadly way, sir."

"You suck up *very* well," Xander said dryly.

He smiled at Xander.  "That's why they sent me, Mr.  Harris.  We weren't about to send some jarheaded idiot here to ask for your help.  We don't need to lose any more people to you from our stupidity and arrogance.  We can learn, Mr. Harris.  There is a question about how those soldiers lost their hands...."  Then he grinned.  "I'm not authorized to ask that question however."

"Good idea.  The answer would probably give you a headache," Throttle told him.  He looked at him.  "You got a room tonight?"  He nodded, still smiling.  "Good.  Hit it for the night, let us talk to the others."  He nodded, standing up and saluting before leaving.  He waited until he was gone to look at Vinnie.  "That's why I never could have handled the real military.  The saluting."  Vinnie swatted at him and shook his head. "Sorry, couldn't resist."  He looked at Enamel.  "Can you?"  He nodded.  "You're sure?"

"Yeah, I can head there every two weeks to check on her and check the baby.  That's not an issue.  Can anyone tell if he was lying?"

"He was laying it on pretty thick against Xander," Modo offered.  "But I don't think he was lying."

"He wasn't that I could tell either," Rimfire offered.  "We should check with Mars and Micah."

"We should," Xander agreed.  "Throttle?"

"I'll go get Micah," Throttle offered.  "You go get up Stoker, Xander.  Vinnie, you stay here and guard stuff with Modo.  Charley, get a few kisses and then we'll head up once everyone's there."  He headed off to the transporter, sending himself to Micah's apartment.

Xander got on his bike and headed through next, coming out in the Council chamber, finding a few of them still in here.  He coughed.  "You might as well cancel the dinner plans, people.  We just got an offer from the US Military and we're coming here to discuss it."

"What could they possibly want?" Mirror demanded.

Xander leaned on his handlebars.  "They had someone, a child prodigy, who saw the prototype bike Micah's presently riding and made their own.  They want Charley to look them over and then to arrange for training."  She gaped.  "It's one of those nights," he offered dryly.  "Throttle went to steal Micah and bring him too, ma'am."

"I'm Mirror, Xander.  Let me start calling."   She sat down at a desk and started to type in a code.  "Attention, all Martian Councilors.  Meet back here in this meeting chamber within the hour.  An offer that affects us all has come from Earth and we need a conference."

"What did Xander do now?" Stoker complained.

"I only threatened him," Xander said dryly.  "They came to us."  He got out of the way as the transporter started to whine, parking his bike against the wall.  Throttle and Micah stepped out so he waved them over to where he was.  "There's a bench here."  Micah nodded and flopped down beside him.  "Not having fun?" he asked dryly.

"Hell no.  I was doing what Dawn was the last time I saw her," he said bitterly. "I was all set to have a nice night at home.  Who showed up?"

"Staff Sergeant Kines.  He's out of the Pentagon attached to the bike project."

"Wonderful."  He typed it into his PDA, which went to Hendrix and the file was sent since Hendrix was at his office.  "That man never sleeps."

"He really should.  It only makes him more bitter and angry when he doesn't."  Throttle sat down on Xander's bike, then pulled him up beside him.  "That way Charley girl has a place to sit too," he said when she came off the transporter.  Stoker stomped in.  "Hey, coach.  They came to us."

"For?" he demanded.

"Someone saw my original prototype, the one Jack added the brain to," Charley admitted.  "Some young eight-year-old prodigy computer whiz created their own bikes.  They want me to look over the bikes and the riders, then setup arrangements for training."

"At least it's not a threat," Exhaust said as he walked in.  "Were they at least polite this time?"

"They said they didn't want to mess with Xander again," she offered with a small grin.  "Sorry, we just sent him back to his hotel.  We didn't think this could wait."

"We figured it'd be most of the night arguing," Throttle agreed.  "By the way, happy birthday, coach, your present's on my dresser."

"Gee thanks, punk," he said bitterly, flopping down in his seat.  "How soon before everyone else shows up?"  His miniature dog trotted in and hopped up into his lap, seeming to grin at him before snuggling in.  "Yeah, hi to you too, mutt."  He did stroke the calm little beast though.  He'd need to be calm for this argument.  "Do they know she's with mouse?"  Xander nodded.  "What did they say about that?"

"They'd let Enamel come every two weeks to check on me and they'd make sure I kept in touch with everyone."

"Enamel said that's not a problem on his end either," Throttle offered.

"Enamel's got some funds stashed here and there around the world," Micah admitted.

"That's where it came from," Xander said, sitting up straighter. "I should pound him for that."

"He was being sweet," Throttle soothed, stroking his stomach.  "Let him, he's still learning how to be sweet and nice, babe."  He nuzzled the back of his neck.  "Just relax and calm down about it."  He looked over as a delegation walked in, slamming open the doors.  They all looked sleep tousled.  Apparently it was the middle of the night there. "Sorry, they just came to us."

"Not an issue," the female in the lead said.  "Chairs?"

"Chairs!" Mirror yelled.  The guards brought in more chairs and a few more benches.  One of them gave Throttle and Xander a pointed look then looked at the bench he had just put near them.  Mirror snickered once he was gone. "No cuddling and no bikes in here, boys."

Xander whispered to his bike, getting a quiet beep, then they got off and it headed outside.  "Sorry.  How many more are we expecting?"

"About another twelve or fifteen," Carbine said as she walked in with a male mouse.  "The issue is?"

"An offer, not a threat," Stoker told her.

"That's a nice change."  She took her seat and the other mouse flopped down beside her.  "There are chairs, you could pull one over," she said dryly.  He shrugged and stayed where he was.  The other delegates came in and she looked around.  "You forgot to tell Winch," she noted.  She dialed her, getting a fuzzy picture, like always.  "Come home for a discussion.  We just got an offer from down there."  She hung up and looked at everyone.  "Are we all here?"  Everyone looked for their coworkers and a few were summoned through the transporter, only one had to go put on clothes.   Winch came through last and Carbine banged the gavel.  "It's said we got an offer from Earth.  What is it?"

Charley stood up.  "A few minutes ago the garage got a knock on the door.  There was a Staff Sergeant Kines standing there.  He asked to talk to me and Vinnie about a prototype bike I had once created based on the bro's bikes.  Mine didn't have a brain at first, until Jack McCyber added one later on during the testing.  Apparently there was an eight-year- old prodigy who hacked the Pentagon and found the files on the test bike, then decided to work on a true brain for them."  She handed Stoker the information he had given her.  "Apparently they've built a few of these new hyped up bikes and wanted me to come look at the bikes to make sure the machines were sound, and to look at the riders to see if they were appropriate, then they wanted to talk about training with you guys."

"They are noticeably wary of our group," Throttle offered.  "He was smarming Xander so Xander wouldn't kill him.  I think it's a good sign that they asked instead of having a commando raid like the last time."

"Me too," Xander agreed.  "Then again, I would have killed them all up front this time," he offered.  Everyone stared at them.  "Last time I tortured two of them, the Seal got the rest."

"I don't need to hear about those things," one of the male councilors noted patiently.  "What is their offer, Stoker?"  He put it on the viewing panel, letting them all read it.  It listed all the provisions they were willing to make for Charley, including an armed escort to protect her.  "Then what?"

"Then they wanted to talk about training," Xander reminded him.  "Micah, do you think we're looking at a whole unit?"

"No, from what little Hendrix has found, I'd say we're looking at individual agents instead of a concrete group," he admitted.  "They may be pulled together for some, but he found a scooter among the entries."  He looked up.  "They're not really combat ready vehicles."

"What's a scooter?" Throttle asked.

"You know those weak bikes you looked at really funny in the park? The ones the two students speaking Italian were riding?" Xander asked.  He nodded. "Those."

"Yeah, I can't see you riding one of those into combat," he said, shaking his head quickly.

"But I can see it used in a rescue mission and when stealth counts," Micah offered.  "No one pays any attention to those things. In most of the world they're as common as bicycles.  He's found four other bikes requisitioned.  A trail bike, a low rider like Xander's only smaller and less powerful, and two touring bikes.  There may be more, those were just requisitions that Hendrix found right off."  He looked at them.  "The person he found in charge of this is a biker himself.  I've met him a few times at events.  He's a strategist and he does do single combat and lower level strike team offensives. This would fit in with his plans and his methods."

The Martians looked at each other and the one sitting next to Carbine raised his hand.  "Who are you?"

"Micah Simms, I head ECHO, which is the agency that helps you guys on Earth.  I'm your negotiator locally."

"I thought that was Winch."

"She works with me most of the time," Micah offered. He looked at Stoker.  "A few other things should be mentioned within a few months as well.  The next president is not looking helpful or hopeful for either side."  Stoker nodded at that. "If I have to evacuate everyone here up here again, I'm naming Dawn our ambassador with the present president's permission.  She'll be the US's ambassador to Mars and I'll make sure that other human guy comes up as her assistant."

"She'd love you for that and we can do something similar," Stoker agreed.  "Where are they going to live?"

"Nearby but not in town directly," Xander told him.  "I need some space to wander around and pace in.  We're making those plans now."

"Fine," Stoker agreed.  "Let us know when you've got it sorted out."  Xander nodded.

"What help will you need from us?" Carbine demanded archly.

"You to grant the land the award gave me," Throttle told her.  "He's already got it planned so he's going to be bringing up everything we need.  Including possibly a lifetime supply of toilet paper."  Most of the councilors gaped, then giggled at that.  Carbine just groaned and shook her head, holding it.  "We'll be coming up with full plans, don't worry about that now."  Everyone nodded.  "Back to the issue at hand.  We're not making this decision without Mars' approval.  The little things, yeah.  The bigger things, not a chance."  Dawn came out of the transporter and wiggled through, handing over a sealed paper to Micah.  "What's up?"

"Hendrix faxed that to the lair."  She sat down beside her boss, curling up against his side.  "So, what's going on?"

"Miss Summers," Mirror said grimly.  "What did you think you were doing earlier?"

She looked at her.  "Protecting my sister-in-law from an asshole who hurt her.  The same as you would do, dear."  They locked eyes and Dawn glared a bit.  "Rimfire and Modo got their hits in too."

"We could have handled it within the system."

"Why let him off that easy?  This way I'm sure he'll never do it again."  Mirror shivered at that and Micah patted her on the back.  "I came up with Modo and Rimfire earlier."

"I heard."  He balled up the paper and tossed it at Stoker's puppy, making it one happy dog.  "Let him play with it.  Hendrix found the sealed file and talked to the guy over it. The one I was hoping for is directly in charge, the general over him is practical and knows how to motivate and be sneaky with his people.  He said there's at least twelve bikes so far.  They may be working on more depending on how this batch goes and what Charley says.   If they can get training set up, then they'll use them as single and small group teams for dangerous things that the military can't officially go on.  Things like rescues of diplomats.  If not, they'll go into covert CIA operations on permanent loan."

"So it depends on if I say they're trainable?" Charley asked.  Micah nodded.  "Why me?"

"You've got the most experience and you're human.  Therefore you're going to stick up for your own people.  They know you've seen these guys train Xander and Dawn.  They know you know what a bike should be.  So you're like the pediatrician telling the parent whether or not their kid is retarded and unable to learn basically and to put it crudely because I'm tired too."  He yawned.  "Sorry."

"Not a problem," Charley agreed.  "Oh, Andy's fine.  He slipped and knocked himself silly but otherwise he's good."

"Good!  I'll send him a card to the stand tomorrow."  He looked at the others.  "I will be watching over her when I can and I will be expecting reports at least every other day from her.  If I don't hear from her in an acceptable time frame, I'll call Xander in to pounce the Pentagon and find her.  I can easily report back to the council, either in person or through Throttle and them.  Whichever suits you."

The councilors looked at each other.  "Do you consider this a credible request?" one asked quietly.  Micah nodded.  "Why?"

"Because without help, they're just going to ruin the bikes, ma'am. I'm riding Charley's prototype, the one McCyber put a brain into and the military tried to use to destroy Miami.  I know how intelligent these bikes are.  The military goes for a 'breaking down to rebuild in a better image' system of training.  That won't work with these bikes or their riders."

"We did the same here," Carbine admitted.  "Fine.  Go home, let us discuss this.  Xander, you bike was headed for Wrench's when I came in."

"That's fine.  I was going to go out to check on Modo's family for him anyway and check on Cell too."  She nodded.  "I can easily be the messenger mouse."  He grinned and got up, heading out to find his bike and check on everyone.  Some good news would make sure at least Modo and Staff slept tonight. Everyone else went back to the lair and Micah went to report to Hendrix and sit there staring at the computer while he played solitaire.

***

Charley looked at the begging sergeant and then sighed.  "It was decided early this morning to allow this project to keep going," she offered.  "I can come, but I will need at least a week to arrange for people to cover the garage and to get the word out."  She went back to finishing Ray's car for him.  "It shouldn't take more than a few weeks, right?"

"I'd hope not, ma'am.  I'm hoping it doesn't take more than a week and we've been good with picking who should come in and ride."  He looked at the engine.  "That owner must really love this car."

"He does and it's his fifth.  The others got damaged in the pursuit of his job."  She looked at him.  "Enamel will be coming out each weekend to check on me.  I'll be using that time to contact others as well.  I'll also be calling the agency we work with here every other day at least to check in."  He nodded at that.  "Sorry if the news shouldn't have spread but we don't keep things from him."

"No, that's fine, ma'am, we know about Mr. Simms and how he has your prototype bike.  As a matter of fact, since he's here, our prodigy decided to sneak out and help his as well.  We've already yelled at her for that by the way.  She's presently grounded again."

"The personality had better be the same, kid," Micah said coldly from the office.

"It is, sir, it was basically just a memory upgrade and things.  Nothing that would hurt the programming, just give it more room and a few new options.  We had noticed you used some surplus funds to get the bike upgraded in weapons."

"You did?" Charley asked.  "Xander's going to be heartbroken that you didn't let him help."

"I've got the check for him in my desk drawer," Mich said dryly.  "He's doing the upgrades so he has something other than Vic to do."  Charley hugged him for that.  "I was hoping he had that plug-and-play system working."

"He does," she admitted.  "They were trying it on Rimfire's bike last week in place of his front cannon.  He had to change how it connected and powered itself but then it worked very well. He's got about ten options for what to put there."  Micah smiled at that.  "You did know Enamel was hoping for some of it to bring a research lab back to Mars when we go, right?"  He nodded.  "Is he?"

"I got his list, he is," he said dryly.  "It means I've got a bigger budget next year."  She smiled at that.  Then she went back to helping Ray's car.  "What else are you doing to the old dear this time?"

"That same part."  She plucked something out and held it up. "Isn't that a listening device?"

He came out to look at it.  "Actually, that's a detonator cap," he said, taking it delicately.  "Let me look, Charley."  He got down to look in the engine, finding the spot someone had stuck explosives recently.  "I wonder if he knew it was there."  He went to call Ray.  "Vecchio, Simms.  I'm here at the garage and Charley just found a detonator cap in your engine.  We found a spot they had anchored explosives."

"Tell Ray he's welcome," Xander called before heading upstairs.  "Come on, Vic, we're waiting on you, little mouse."  Vic squealed and pounced, letting himself be taken next door to go back to his fun stuff and education.  He came back down the stairs.  "I saw someone wiring it and stopped them.  I handed them to Welsh at his house," he said with a small shrug when he saw Micah waiting on him.  He waved the baby's hand.  "We're off to work on our colors and numbers."  He 'flew' the baby over there, making airplane noises.  He liked that.

Micah groaned and shook his head.  "He's got to have something more to do every day," he muttered, going back to the office.

"We try *really* hard to keep Xander from getting bored," Charley said dryly.  Ray stomped in and she held up a finger, tightening the bolt she was working on, then looking it over. "Let me tighten the fan again, Ray."  He nodded, arms crossed over his chest. She smiled and pinched him on the cheek.  "Less frowning."

"You didn't have to do this already, I could have waited."

She smirked.  "We're dealing with an offer from the military," she said, nodding at the staff sergeant.

He looked and grunted, then looked at his engine.  "Where was it?"  She showed him where it had been put.  "Where's Xander?"

"With my son, teaching him how to be a big mouse," she sighed, shaking her head.  She tightened the fan belt again and then handed him the keys.  "Start her, let's make sure I tightened everything."  He got in to start her and she waved a hand, bending back in to tighten that one spot.  She groaned, then took a deep breath and did it again.  "Sorry, daughter.  We'll be more careful."  She finished and came out, shutting the hood after a check to make sure she had all the rags and tools.  "There ya go, Ray.  If I'm not here, just pay my niece."

"How long are you going to be gone for?" he asked, looking worried.

"Probably a few weeks.  We're hoping for less, but...."  She shrugged and nodded at the military guy again.

"I'll be watching out for her," Micah promised.  "If she's late with a check-in, I'm sending Xander after her."  The sergeant whimpered and shuddered.  "Good instincts, soldier.  It'll save your life.  Make sure she checks in with me every other day."   He nodded quickly, writing that down.  He looked at Ray, then smirked.  "So, how's work?"

"The same stupid criminals all the time," he admitted wryly.   "There are days when I want a more exciting life, then I look at Benny and remember all the problems he causes me.  Then I look at Xander and realize I'd rather have calm than ever let those two work together."  He stepped closer.  "You know the Mounties, right?"  Micah nodded at that.  "Turnbull's in lust over Chassis.  Even when Stan's there, he drools on her boots.  Got any more at home?"

"Vinnie's got about twenty cousins and a few aunts and uncles left," Charley offered.  "There's about seventy-five thousand Martians left.  I'll ask.  Got a picture?"  Ray handed one over.  "He's cute."

"He is, he's quite cute and he likes to clean."

"Hell, maybe I'll get him to date my niece," Charley said dryly.  "She's more than tough enough for him.  Unless he really needs the fur?"

"I don't know."  He shrugged.  "You'd better announce that your niece and Staff are taking over for a bit because you're going out of town to work on a special project.  I know some people won't trust anyone else in here, even Staff."

"True.  I was going to do that tomorrow."  She smiled and gave him a hug.  "I tightened a few other loose things but there's no charge, Ray.  So pay me when you can."  He wrote out the first check and handed it to her. "Thanks."  She kissed him on the cheek.  "Have a better day."

"Yeah, right after I go wake up my boss to see who tried to blow me up."  He got in and started his car, waiting for Charley to listen for a moment and put up the door.  "Oil change when?"

"Probably in the next few months," she offered, waving at him.  He grinned and left, heading off to get to work early today so he could yell at someone in private.  She looked at Micah and sighed.  "I'm going to be running around all day."

"You are," he agreed.  "Go take a nap, Charley. After all, Vinnie's watching Xander to make sure your son doesn't turn into him or Spike."  She snickered and nodded as she headed up the stairs. "You, head back.  She'll be there in a week."

"Yes, sir.  Should I come pick her up at the airport or at ECHO, sir?"

"I'll let you know.  Leave me a phone number."  The kid handed over a card and left. "Thanks.  Travel safely."  He went back to the office to call Hendrix again since he had put a scrambler on this phone.  This way he could watch the garage for Charley as well.  She really did need a nap.  She had been yawning over the engine and she had always needed one the last time.

***

Charley walked into the meeting area, finally, and nodded at the man waiting on her. "Charley Davidson," she said, shaking his hand.

"General Boregard Sheers, ma'am.  I'm over this mess'a strangeness," he offered with a Texan accent.  He was a large man, but mostly heavyset instead of height-wise. He had a basic training haircut for his silver hair and his face was lined with a few small scars.  He had obviously 'been there and done that' a lot.  He waved a hand.  "This is where we're training our new boys and girls.  We do have two females in here.  We don't expect them to really be in combat, per se, but as support and relief personnel."

"I go into combat, Dawn goes into combat, Martian women go into combat all the time.  They're truly equal."

"That's wonderful," he agreed, "but I'm an old fashioned sorta guy, ma'am, I like my women safe and unkilled by mortar fire and things."  She looked up at him.  "They have a better chance of safety as support crew," he admitted. "But I'm realistic.  I've always trained the women harder and tougher, they needed it in this man's army."  She nodded at that and he grinned.  "Not foolin' you at all, am I?"  She smirked and shook her head. "Fine.  That's good though.  As long as you don't think I'm an idiot too, we're all good.  The president does."

"He's not high on my favorite person list since he asked Dawn if she had an abortion when he heard she was on medical leave for six weeks."  She let him open the door and walked in, looking at the people lounging around.  They all snapped to attention when someone noticed them.

"At ease," the general announced. He looked at her. "He did what?"  She nodded.  "You're serious?"

"During a call to Micah."  He just moaned and shook his head.  "It's a good thing it was only her and Rimfire too."   He nodded at that. "Okay, where would you like me to start?"

"Where would you like to start?" he offered.

"Let's start with the bikes."  She looked at them.  She noticed Staff Sergeant Kines was one of the bikers.  "I'm Charley Davidson, I own the Last Chance Garage in Chicago.  I've worked with the bikes these are based off of for many years," she announced.  "You give me shit, I'm having your bike run over your foot."  That got some smirks and a few chuckles, and one confused looking woman.  She looked at her.  "I met your sister."

"Ah!  That's where I know the name from!" she said, nodding.  "They do that to us now and then, ma'am."

"I'm Charley.  Just that.  The only one who ever calls me different is my son."  They all nodded.  She looked at the General.  "I did get a chance to look over Micah's bike and I did notice something.  Whoever does the upgrades forgot to upgrade the processor.  So I had to."  He nodded at that.  "You need some sort of computer designer or something to check the boards.  Micah had his check, that's how he found it when I saw the slow reaction time."

"That's fine, ma'am, we can borrow one from the weapons corps."

"Good.  I usually just borrow Xander, Meg, or Oz."  He looked horrified and shuddered.  "Xander's very nice whenever you're not threatening him."

"I figured he'd have to be or he'd never have married that man he did," he admitted.   "I saw footage of their bikes in action and I'm in awe."

"Me too most of the time," Charley agreed lightly, smiling at him. "Then again, most of them have been riding those bikes since they were sixteen.  They're bonded."

"I understand fully, Charley.  All right, let's go get the dears out of their stables so she can look them over.  To your bikes," he ordered.  Everyone picked up their books and headed out there, knowing it was going to be a bit.  "You could clean them, people," he offered.

"Eh, a bit of dirt is usual," she offered, following them.  She looked at the scooter, it was closest to the door.  "Well, you're cute and harmless looking.  Weapons out."  The bike popped out the weapons and the rider smiled.  "Good.  You are voice responsive."  She got down to check the mechanical stuff that she could, then nodded.  "Again, the computer's not keeping up with the full range of programming.  It's got a slow response time to input commands."

"Let me go get someone to look at the boards, ma'am."  He hurried off, going to find a computer design person.  He found their section and walked in, looking at their boss.  "My special project has upgraded computers but they're slow to respond to input.  The technical advisor said that there's an upgrade needed, I need one of yours for a few weeks."

"Sure," he agreed.  "Tyler!"  He hopped up and saluted.  "Go with Sheers.  Help him with his bikes."

"Yes, sir!" he shouted, grabbing his things and following.  "What sort of upgrade was it, sir?"

"To full intelligence. It follows voice commands fairly quickly but she said that the input commands were slowed down.  She had to upgrade Simm's bike over at ECHO as well.  You can contact him to get with that designer."  He opened the door.  "Straight back, son."  He nodded, heading back that way.  "She started with the scooter, you can too," he ordered.

Charley came back and showed him what she was seeing and his whole face lit up.  He got down to look and nodded, hurrying off to get some things and bring them back from the testing lab.  He could definitely fix this easily.  Charley walked on, going to check the next bike.  It was a touring bike and she stroked the handle bars, getting the bike shying away.  "I don't hurt bikes, dear.  I fix bikes.  I've taken care of many of you."

"She's just shy," the rider said with a small grin.  "Are there many touring bikes, ma'am?"

"Not that I've seen.  The body type and the personality are part of each other so you've got to have personalities who need something like a touring bike.  I know one who rides one and I've seen a few others.  Then again, there could have been more before their recent war."  She shrugged.  "I don't know if Staff would know that or not.  She used to work on the factory. She's filling in for me at home."  She bent down to look at it, and the bike shied.  She stroked her gently and walked her out into the center of the stables, looking her over in the better light.  "Did you wreck?"  He blushed and nodded.  "She's still a bit self- conscious."  She looked around. "Consider the bikes like teenagers, guys.  In this case younger ones.  You're teaching and training them to be the adults they'll be, but you're doing it in a nurturing and protective way because they don't have hands to help themselves.  You've got to form a bond and work with your bike.  No yelling at it, no screaming at it, nothing like that."  They all nodded and a few sighed.  "If you've started out training it like you were in basic training, you're doing it wrong.  They're like kids.  You've got to be supportive and help them learn.  That's the only way they can."  She got down next to the bike, whispering to it as she checked it over.  The bike shivered once and relaxed and she smiled, stroking the seat.  "I think you'll do fine, dear one.  Do you have a name?"

"I've been calling her Blackie," the rider admitted, moving closer.  "She's a good bike.  She's a smooth ride too.  It's more my fault.  I was trying to do some minor jumps on our course and she tipped during one."

"Touring bikes aren't meant for jumps," Charley agreed, looking up at him, "but there are ways around that.  Don't worry, I'll be helping with that part too probably.  At least for a few days."  He nodded.  "Okay, go ahead and take her back there, sit and bond with her.  Talk to her while you wipe her down.  We're also going to have to fix that spot of rust under one of her cases."  He nodded at that and she moved on.  That bike moved forward and stopped right in front of her, beeping pleasantly.  "Hello to you too, dear.  I'm Charley."  The bike beeped and pressed against her.  She smiled and petted it.  "Anxious?"  It beeped again and she got down to look at it.  "It's all right, dear.  It's all good.  You're a very pretty bike."  It beeped proudly and seemed to preen a bit with how it was moving.  "Let's look you over, make sure I don't have to correct anything so far."

"She acts just like my thirteen-year-old daughter," the rider noted dryly, flipping back some of her hair.

"Have to yell at her yet?"

"Yeah, she tried to go *through* a wall without blasting it first.  I did yell at that but we had a talk afterwards about walls being hard."  She and Charley shared a smile.  "I get what you're saying and most of us will.  We'll help the others, ma'am."

"Thanks.  Don't ma'am me, you'll make me feel ancient."

She snickered.  "How old is your son?"

"Fourteen months," she moaned, looking up at her. "He's horrible."  That got some snickers.  "Seriously.  Mice hit a mental spike around two, where they're more like our six and seven-year-olds.  He's starting that.  So he's with his uncle and daddy learning all sorts of stuff.  I caught them laughing at the explosions in Die Hard the other day."

"His daddy must be proud of him then."

"Oh, very," she said dryly.  "The only thing that makes Vinnie brag more than his son is his self."  She chuckled and nodded at that so Charley grinned up at her.  "Fortunately we've got the others to help keep Vic's ego a bit lower than that.  My poor little auburn mouse is going to be so spoiled by the time I get home. I'll have to stop him from belching and scratching probably too."  She went back to working while some of the riders laughed, finding a few things.  "She needs an oil change and we've got a small crack in the seat," she offered.  "We can fix both of those tomorrow."  The rider nodded.  "I'm guessing these were bought used?"  She nodded.  "That's fine.  I see a lot of well used bikes at the shop."  She patted her.  "You're good to go until I can change your oil tomorrow. Go ahead back and snuggle in for a bit."  The bike revved and did that, leaning against her rider's side to snuggle.  "Aww."  She grinned and moved on to the next one.

***

Charley tapped on Enamel's door, smiling at him.  "It's me."

"I can see that.  Thank you, soldier."  He saluted and backed off.  "I'll hand her back tomorrow."  He nodded, leaving them alone.  He let Charley in and shut the door, locking it.  "Are you all right?"

"Perfectly fine.  They bought used bikes to upgrade.  I've done a lot of the usual: oil changes, a few pieces of rust, a seat recover."  She sat down on the bed and took off her jacket.  "How's Vic?"

"Good.  Xander's got him totally spoiled and wrapped around his finger, but he's missing you still.  I've got a vid link set up on my laptop so you can call home and Mars."  He smiled and pulled out his stuff, examining her.  "Well, you look like you're all right.  How's the morning sickness?"

"Still here," she sighed.  "The same as the bending over and getting pain problem.  They've been very sweet to me about it though.  No one says anything when I suddenly take off to get sick.  A few of them are parents and the mother there understands quite well."

"How are the bikes?" he asked as he worked.

"About what I'd expect a newly created bike to be like," she admitted.  "They're like young teenagers soaking up the training they've got so far.  The riders are still learning the capabilities of their bikes.  I had one who tried to jump his bike, which is like yours, and they crashed a bit.  One tried to go through a wall without blasting it first."

"Yeah, that sounds about like the lesser factory showroom programming," he agreed, smirking at her.  "The practical stuff is left up to the rider usually.  That's why we're encouraged to spend the first six months on our bikes using them a lot to train them."

"These guys are pretty good," Charley admitted.  "We have one daredevil.  He was trying to jump his bike off a skateboard ramp and I yelled at him.  It would have collapsed under him when he landed.  He's a medic and a field tactician so he's riding a touring bike too."  Enamel shivered.  "He's a nice guy.  A bit like Chassis and Wrench when he's in a playful mood."

"He rides a touring bike like mine?"

She nodded.  "A Beamer touring bike actually.  They went on practical considerations when they assigned bikes.  He needed to carry more stuff.  He drives a racing bike to work."

"That's something they'll have to work on, matching personalities better."  He stepped back.  "You're both really healthy and I see you've been eating."

"They get stuff catered so they can eat with their bikes.  The General said it'd bond them better and he's right.  They get stuff from the higher-up's kitchens instead of the general mess.  We had lamb stew today for lunch."  He grinned at that.  "How's Vinnie doing?"

"He's slowly going insane.  Go ahead and call home first."  She smiled and went to the desk he had the laptop set up on, calling home.  He put everything up and sat down to watch some tv while she chatted.  He heard Throttle complain as Vinnie pushed him out of the way, glancing over there to find his nose pressed against the camera.  "Vincent, that's too close," he called.  "That ingrown hair could use cleaned up too."  Vinnie laughed and he went back to flipping channels.

***

Charley walked in and looked around Monday morning, finding no one there.  "Guys?" she called.

"Out on the course, ma'am," one of them yelled from the stables, then his bike started.

She headed that way, going to watch them.  The general was doing the same so she stood beside him.  She pointed at the one guy.  "He really should be on a racing bike, but he's got a good bond with his," she said gently.  He looked down at her and nodded.  "I wouldn't move him but it's something to consider in the future.  Their forms will start to affect their personalities."

"I've thought of that, but I had to go practical on orders this time.  Should those who have them give up their daily bikes?"

She considered it.  "If they're good riders, they'll want to some day. Then again, that would also mean that they brought their bikes home with them."

"Which could cause problems with neighbors and kids," he admitted.  "I'm working on that now.  We're getting them all into the same housing area.  That way they don't have to hide it.  Most of our kids have learned how not to tell others what they shouldn't."  He looked out again and groaned.  "Don't do that!" he yelled.  "Morts!"

"Sir!" he said, stopping his fooling around.

"No, let him," Charley said.  "That's how you build a bond tighter than blood and marriage.  You grow up together."  She smiled at him.  "You need to learn how to do that properly before I have to rebuild her front end," she called.  "But you're not the first."  The soldier grinned at that and went back to the course.  She looked at him and grinned.  "Vinnie's so much worse sometimes."

He snickered.  "I've seen tapes."  He glanced at her, then went back to watching.  "I know you've got a few issues with some of the riders.  Who?"

She pointed at a group off to the side.  "All of them but her.  That mother with teenager, she's a good rider.  She understands.  I'd have her in control of the bikes.  Even if she can't plan, she can watch out for them and mentor any new riders coming in."  She pointed at another guy.  "Him I'm deathly worried about.  There's no bond and he's trying to suppress the bike somehow."  He nodded at that.  "The others are good.  They seem like good choices and they seem to fit the personalities of their bikes very well."

"Good."  He grinned at her.  "How is Mr. Simm's bike doing?"

"He's getting backtalk now and then," she offered with a small smirk.  "His bike seems a lot like Lorne at times."  He snickered at that and they both ducked at the explosion. "It's not time for that yet!" she yelled.

"Oops, but she didn't try to run through it this time," the mother called, staring at her bike.  "I didn't say to do that yet."

The bike snickered and moved off, going to play with a few of the other riderless bikes.

"I can see what you mean about them being like teenagers," the general admitted, waving off the MP's rushing in to help them.  "It's fine. One of the bikes decided to test his missile systems."  They just stared.  "Go back to your commander, boys," he ordered.  "You never saw this."  They nodded and rushed out, going to tell their commander what they never saw.  "Young kids these days, no respect," the general sighed, leaning on the railing in front of him.  "How did they teach bikes to march?"

"I'm guessing like you do a tank corps.  Teach the drivers."  He grinned at her for that.  "I sent a report back about where you were in the training, the stuff I found, what I'd done to fix things so far.  They're paying careful attention."

"Good!  We could use a trainer!  I'm good at teaching field maneuvers, but your guys in Chicago are excellent and have special codes and things."

"They've been doing that since they were seventeen and eighteen," she pointed out gently.  "During a war."  He shivered. "They won and the things that did it to them are mostly gone now."

"They got punitive?"

"No, their arrogance nearly got them all killed.  They pulled up something that released some creatures that liked to have them for lunch."

"Huh?"

"They took the Sunnydale Hellmouth home and it ate 'em."  He shuddered and wrapped his arms around himself. "With two exceptions we know of, the remaining Plutarkians are in Siberia."

"I hope they don't do to us what they did to your boys' home," he said quietly.

"They're trying.  We stopped most of them. There's two who snuck away and came back to Chicago so now we're working on them."

"Damn!  I wish you guys all the luck in the world then.  These guys are probably going to be going into single combat situations and rescues and the like."  She nodded. "You figured on that?"

"Yeah, Micah agreed, you don't take a scooter into battle often."  He chuckled and nodded.  "But it's good when you don't want to be noticed somewhere."

"Exactly, and that's what I'm hoping for.  If they have to fight, they can, but if they don't have to, they can fit in and do things quietly."

"Good!  Not that there's many quiet bikers in the world," she offered dryly.  "At least you took people already mostly in the life.  Some of those kids are too clean cut to ever fit into the biker lifestyle, especially the darker and seedier sides, but then again so are you.  They scream 'military' and you don't."

He nodded.  "That's another thing we'll be working on soon enough," he promised.  "We're all going out to one of the bars this weekend.  You wanna come?"

"I wouldn't mind.  I didn't bring mine though."

"Not an issue.  You can ride with me.  I'm a careful guy and my wife would kill me if you fell off and got hurt."

"Sure.  She ride with you or behind you?"

"Usually with me.  She used to ride behind me but then we got into a fight and she got her own in a fit of temper.  She won't give it up now."  He grinned at her.  "I'm sure you've seen that before too."  She nodded.  "Who is that young woman with you?"

"Dawn?  She's actually very good.  She works for Micah too."

"I knew that.  I never expected her to be a biker though."

"Wellllll, she's not naturally," she admitted.  "She loves to ride and she loves her biker boyfriend but she's not a biker chick if you know what I mean.  She's a pleasure rider, not a 'it's my life and all of my life' rider like the others."

"I know some of them," he admitted. "They're usually pretty decent folks."  She nodded and he watched as she walked down there to yell and scream at one of them, leaning on the railing again to watch her.  "She must be one hell of a mother," he said in awe.  That rider looked petrified and was about ready to cry. "She's right, you don't endanger your bike like that, kid.  Your bike is your partner and your backup.  Sure, she don't have hands, but that's fine.  That's why you have them."  They'd learn.  For right now they needed a mother.  Then they'd need a trainer.  He hoped the trainer they got had a good sense of humor, they'd need it.

***

Micah walked up to the main desk at the Pentagon, flipping open his badge.  "I'm here to check on a special project down in the basement, called Alpha Flight."  The guy looked clueless.  "Just call, idiot," he sneered.  "We were better Marines in my day."  The guy called and talked quietly to someone in an office somewhere else.  "Tell him I'm here to see Davidson."

"She's not here, sir.  They're off on a ride right now," he said, hanging up.  He looked behind him at someone.  "Agent Hendrix, sir!" he said, standing up and saluting him.

"At ease, Marine," he said, looking at Micah.  "Not here?"

"On a ride."

"Yes, sir, my boss said that they're out chasing one of the guys who went for a private ride," the Marine reported.  "Sir, does he do what he says he does?"  Hendrix nodded. "I'll make note of that for future reference, sir!"  He wrote that down and sealed it. "They should be back later, sirs."

"Fine.  Thank you," Micah agreed, heading out to his bike.  "Hey, can you track Charley's tracker?" he asked.  It beeped and showed him the location.  "That's Alexandria.  Why are they out there?"  He looked at Hendrix.  "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, just more nightmares."

"You know, if you'd quit drinking and just pet the cat instead of yelling at it, you might feel better."

"The cat keeps me up."

"That's the liquor, Hendrix.  Grow up, be a man.  The cat's not causing the nightmares, my people are.  Keep the cat, lose the liquor, and you'll sleep at night for a change."  He got onto his bike.  "I'm going after them."

"That's fine.  I'll follow.  Since I've got my car and a heater."

"Yay," he said dryly, taking off.  "Okay, let's go find and rescue Charley girl.  Something's not right here, Enamel was right about that," he said grimly.  He merged into traffic and sped up, heading out of town.  Hendrix had some sort of tracking device on his bike, he could find him.

***

Charley looked at the scene in front of them.  The biker she really had qualms about had his bike sitting in a park.  He was obviously waiting for someone.  She looked at the general. "This isn't good."

"It's not, but we'll need to capture the people who're coming in to see him.  Otherwise it's just an unauthorized night off base."  They waited, and pretty soon a limo drove up and two people got out.  "I'll be damned," he said quietly. "Russians."

"Yay," she said impatiently.  "Can we go hit them now?"

"Sure!"  He started his engine, startling them as his headlight spotted them.  "Howdy."  He looked at his rider.  "You're in so deep, son, I'd find a shovel soon."

"You can't stop me."

"Oh, but I can," a voice said from behind them.  A small missile came out and hit the limo, electrifying it and killing the engine.  "I'd get out too!" he called. "I'm not having a happy day!  It's been days since I got sex!"  The person inside the car slammed the door.  "Fine, you aren't going anywhere anyway."  He rode down next to them and took off his helmet.  "Hey, Charley."  Xander grinned at her.  "Enamel said you were having problems and I brought you their next helper so you could come home and make Vinnie quit pacing and muttering.  Vic's picking it up from him," he said with a small grin.  "He's a worried little auburn mouse and Vinnie keeps saying he's going to turn gray.  Modo said he'd have to calm down too much but Vinnie only snorted and paced on.  Not even a pounce or a punch in sight."

"Damn, he must really be worried," she said in awe.  "I'm fine.  He's trying to sell his bike to the Russians."  She looked down there and saw another biker holding them at bay.  "Hey, it's Cell."

"It is.  She' the top trainer on Mars," he reminded her with a small grin.  He nodded at the general.  "Hey.  Howyadoin'?" he asked with a grin.

"Better now," he admitted dryly.  "Thank you.  Which one are you?"

"Xander Harris," he said, holding out a hand.  The general winced and shook it.  "I'm very protective of my sister-in-law."  He waved down at the biker.  "Hey."  He grinned.  "Cell, should I shoot the car again?"

"No, save it for later," she offered.  She heard another bike and Micah pulled up.  "I hope you can put me up somewhere, Simms.  Stoker seemed to think you could."

"Sure.  Not an issue," he promised.  "You're the trainer?"  She nodded. "Wonderful. What's going on?"

"He's trying to sell his bike," Charley offered.

"Uh-huh.  To?"

"Russians," the general said.  "There's an agent still in the car.  Xander here shot the engine."

"Hey, it works," he agreed, riding down there.  He blew the door off the limo and yanked the agent out, smirking at him.  "Abel!  How nice to see you again!  And on my home turf too!"  He slammed his head into the limo then dropped him.  Then he called Hendrix.  "We've got a KGB agent, retired, and a Russian businesswoman here waiting on you," he reported. "Plus I believe one of their weapons people."

"Oooh, goody, real work again," Hendrix called back.  "Where are you?"

"The park, by the slides," Xander called.

"He's there?"

"Yup, he brought the trainer."

"Ehhhh.  Fine."  Hendrix cut off and soon appeared, with a cop car following a few minutes behind.  He didn't have any handcuffs, but they could do the arresting things.  He looked at the soldier, then at the general.  "What are you doing about him?"

"We'll have to contain him somewhere," he admitted bitterly.  "He had such potential too."

"Everyone should have access to this technology, it'll mean we can hit space faster!" he shouted.

Xander looked at him.  "If you want to get technical, all those of us who are fuzzy have to do is start doing interviews and say how tragic Mars is at the moment and how we all need petting.  That'll get every single female in the world into the space program and then you'll be out there within ten years."  Charley snickered and hit him on the arm.  "They would!"

"I can imagine one of those pop stars showing up at a concert with you and petting one of you boys," the general admitted dryly. "Then saying we all had to go help because you guys needed groomed.  Yeah, every single girl would go into space to get some furry cuddles."  He shook his head.  "My poor daughters would go insane and one's in the space program already."

Charley pinched him on the arm. "Don't encourage him.  He might do it."

"Only if he wants my foot up his tail," Micah said.  Xander just grinned his goofiest grin at him.  "Who's teaching Vic while you're here?"

"Spike and Racer."

"Oh, hell, I've got to head home, General," she said.

"Sure, I understand.  Give us a day?"  Xander grinned at him.  "Never mind, we'll do it by video conference if we must.  Who do you think should ride that one?"

"I think we'll have to find someone very understanding who's seen torture before," she admitted.

Xander looked at him.  "Got anyone like that Daniel guy on Stargate?"  The general blinked, then slowly nodded. "Someone like him.  Can be tough but can be mushy.  Could use the weapons but won't.  Will be understanding of the torture he must have put that mind through."

"Sure.  I know someone who'd do that very well," he admitted. "He's part of a covert group too.  I'm sure he'd love the bike."

"Remember, it'd have to go everywhere with him," Charley warned.  "Even when he was here.  Your bike is like your kid and your lover at the same time.  It clings and won't let go, and it'll nag if you try to leave it behind."

He sighed. "Then maybe not him.  I'll find him someone."  He smiled at Cell as she came up and took off her helmet. "Ma'am, I'm General Boregard Sheers.  I'm over this project.  I thank you for your help.  He's not like the rest. I'm sure Charley can brief you tonight before she heads home."

"Of course."  She smiled at Charley.  "They thought I'd freak less.  Otherwise it'd have been Tornado from the farther city.  He didn't think he could train humans."

"His loss," Charley said with a shrug.  "She's also Modo's sister and Rimfire's mother," she offered.  "She helped train Rimfire in how to be a good biker."

"We could use that approach, ma'am.  To be perfectly honest, only half my crew rode before this.  We're still debating how to best work this when they're allowed off base."

"We'll work on that together, General.  Shall we?"  She looked back.  "Hendrix, put someone on that bike so we don't get stopped."  He nodded, sighing a bit as he told one of the spare cops to do so.  They headed off, Charley and Xander behind them to chat about Vic and how he was turning into a miniature Spike and Xander.   It was very cute.

***

Charley came off the transporter and walked up to the lounge, lying down on the couch.  She sighed and smiled, and fell asleep that way since she'd been up for about nineteen hours so far.

Spike came out of his room and saw her, then smirked and went to wake up Victor.  He nudged him and made the classic 'shh' motion with his finger and mouth.  "Your Momma's home," he whispered. "Sneak up there and cuddle without waking her."  He nodded, grinning fiercely as he slid out of bed with his daddy and headed up there at his best sneak.  He was getting good at sneaking, Racer said so.  He smiled and made himself not squeal and pounce her, but instead climbed in with her.  He felt something move by his knee and looked down.  "Hi, sisser," he whispered, then snuggled in against her chest, comfortable and loved.  His mommy even cuddled him and Spike covered them.  He grinned and waved.  "Night."

"Night," he offered, sneaking back to his bed.  He ran into Xander and shrugged.  "Vic's a very good sneak."

"He is," he agreed, patting him on the head.  He grinned.  "Come see what I found, Spike."  Spike followed him down to his work area, hopping up onto a stool to look at the box in front of him.  "It's yours.  Go ahead and open it."

Spike opened it and gaped, then looked at Xander.  "My duster!"

"It was in Angel's assorted crap box."  He leaned on the table.  "There's another one in there for your present size."  Spike dug it out and put it on, rubbing the sleeves.  "You'll have to break it in but I didn't think you'd mind.  There's some black jeans too.  Since I figured you'd be missing them."  He stared him down.  "You're more than welcome to change your style though.  A leather duster on Mars would be fairly warm."

Spike snorted.  "So?  You wear leather up there too."  He pulled out the jeans to try on, smiling at how they fit.  "Good job, whelp."  He looked at himself in the mirror and smirked.  He liked it just like this he decided. Shirtless was a good look for him with his new muscles.  He hugged Xander around the leg and drug his box off.

"Hey, Spike," Xander offered, turning to look at him. "We've got to hit Cleveland tomorrow too.  Don't go as yourself or Buffy will coo you to death, but there's someone you should see."  Spike raised an eyebrow but nodded, heading back to put his treasure into his bag.

Enamel walked in.  "Prompting his old memories?"

"They won't die anyway," Xander said with a grin.  "That old duster you found while poking through the boxes was his prize possession.  I figured he'd want it back when he was older."  He pinched him on the arm.  "Get moved in?"

"Fully," he agreed happily. "Thanks for the suggestion on the movers.  Neither of us felt like we were going to be able to move that couch. How much rent do I pay you?"

"I think you already paid in advance," he said dryly, walking off so he could go to bed too.  He checked on his bike, then headed to pounce Throttle with a squeal. He got swatted for it but that was fine.

***

Xander and Spike appeared in the driveway and he grinned at him.  "They'll bring us back in about an hour."  He walked up to the door and pounded, then walked in.  "It's me and Stoker's kid!" he yelled.  Buffy squealed and came out to hug them both.  "This is Spike, I got to name him," he said proudly.  "The fur color reminded me of him."

"Hi, baby Spike," she cooed, patting him on the head.  "You're adorable."  He just beamed and smirked.  "I guess that thing about names is true.  That's a very Spikey smirk."  She hugged Xander again.  "How's Dawnie?"

"Doing fine.  She's got things set up for her finals already.  She'll do very good this semester.  I brought Spike to see the cats since he likes the cats, and I brought you some information from Angel's crap since it had your name on it."  He handed over the envelope.  "Where's Andrew?"

"In the living room.  I still hate that one of the girls decided to change his sex and made him have kittens, but he's back to normal now."  She smiled at Spike.  "They're very cute."

"He said so," he agreed, walking on with Xander.  He looked up and blinked.  "Wow."

"Very," he offered with a grin.  He walked into the living room, smiling at Caridad.  "This is baby Spike.  He's Stoker's first son."  She smiled and waved.  "We're here to see the kittens to see if one might want to go live with Spike."

"Sure."  She pointed and then left them alone.

Xander looked around and leaned over to whisper in his ear.  "Go play with the kittens, dear."

Spike walked over there, looking down at them.  Andrew nodded up at him and licked one's head, waking it up.  Spike got down to look, touching and petting most of them.  One of them tingled like Andrew and he stopped, picking it up to look at it.  Then he burst out cackling and beaming.  "Peaches," he said fondly, grinning meanly.  "Nice ta see ya."

Angel meowed pitifully.  Spike was already ten times his size and was obviously still a child.  He had thought this was his reward for going good.  He was going to have to die again.

Xander walked over to pick up the cat, stroking it. "Hey, Angel. How's life as a kitty?  I know Andrew, Tara, and Joyce like it a lot."  The door opened and he smirked at Wes. "I brought Spike to look at the cats in case one wanted to go home with him."

Wesley closed the door.  "Don't torture Angel, he might enjoy it."  The cat hissed at him so he scratched its ears.  "I'm sorry, Angel, but it is rather funny.  Spike's going to be a six- foot-something mouse and you're a cat."  He grinned at him.  "Cosmic irony at its best."

Spike pulled the cat down to cuddle it.  "May I, Xander?"

"Ask your daddy later.  He can't leave Earth for a few days.  That and he'll adore Anya and Crankshaft, don't you think?"  Spike nodded.  The cat meowed pitifully at Andrew, who only huffed and meowed something back.  Angel settled down.  "Reminding him he could be female too?" he asked smugly. "Did you enjoy playing with your girl parts?"  Andrew gave him the most smug cat look ever and went back to waking up the other kittens so they could nibble some more.  Xander grinned. "Hey, Buffy, Spike wants this one and we named it Angel," he called.  She came in, looking confused. "That way it's Spike and Angel together again, the Scourges of Mars."  He beamed at her.  "Aren't they adorable?" he asked, pointing at them.  Angel's gray fur went very nicely against Spike's white fur.

"They are," she agreed, giving them both a hug.  "You two are just so sweet and cute!  I bet Dawnie loves to brush your fur all the time, baby Spike."

"She and Anya get along better," Xander admitted.  "She's a lot like my Anya was but not a rebirth.  Though, Willow did pull her ghost up there to have someone to talk to.  She squeals whenever she sees her namesake, a lot."  Buffy grinned at that.  "So it's okay if little Spike there takes kitty Angel with him?"

"Sure!" she agreed.  She kissed him on the cheek.  "How are things there?"

"Oh, I'm working on teaching this guy and Vinnie's son Victor all the time now.  That way he's a smart and powerful mouse in addition to being the VanWham clan's heir. Between me and Vinnie, he'll be the studliest mouse on Mars."  Spike snorted.  "And his playmates will be right beside him in their own unit."

"That's cool," she agreed, hugging him.  "Giles!"

Xander turned and shot the man coming through the door.  "Thanks, Buffy, we needed him."  Then he grinned.  "Come on, Spike, let's take your kitty and Giles home with us."

"Need a carrier for the cat?" Wesley asked.  "Oh, when are you moving?"

"Before the next prez takes office.  That way there's no problems like leash laws."  He grinned.  "We're already working on it."

"Excellent.  Giles wanted you to have his share of the Watcher money to help Mars further.  Do whatever you need to with it," he offered, smiling at him.  "Give some to Dawn as well so she buys clothes that are appropriate.  Are you coming for the holidays?"

"Not a clue still," he admitted.  "We could.  Or we could just all get together I guess.  I think we'll all be home this year."

"Bring everyone," Buffy told him.  "We're good with that and make sure to bring Oz and Meggy too.  I want to meet her in person and squeal over baby Oz."  Xander nodded, beaming at her.  "That way you don't have to worry about cooking and we'll have Max, Micah, and Lorne over too."

"Sure.  No apocalypses?"  They both shook their heads.  Giles groaned so he shot him again.  "Cool.  Sure.  As long as Throttle agrees.  We might even get Modo's sister back for it.  She's doing some training. Did you want Chassis and Stan too?"

"Which ones are they?"

"Vinnie's cousin Chassis is dating one of the detectives I had to go save, Stan."

"No, that's okay, they've probably got plans with his family."  He nodded, walking over to drag Giles outside.  "Have fun and be good to your kitty, Spike.  He's a precious thing."

"We've got puppies," he admitted, walking out petting his cat.  "Thank you!"  He walked out and they clicked the button that let someone know to bring them back.  Spike walked off and saw his father, holding up his cat. "It's Angel," he said smugly.

"Oooh, look at the little kitty," Dawn cooed, scratching behind his ears.  "Who had you, precious?"

"Andrew.  One of the girls changed him female for a bit."  He drug Giles off and held him out.  "Go restrain him, dear.  We'll go have fun later.  We'll bond."  She smirked evilly and drug Giles off with Rimfire's help.   He looked at Stoker.  "It really is Angel."  He walked off whistling.  "We're all going to Cleveland for Thanksgiving!" he shouted.  "Every last one of us!"

"Fine, means I don't have to cook," Charley called back.  She came out of the kitchen.  "How as Cleveland?"

"Giles was there," he said fondly, smirking at her.  "Dawn and I are going to bond over some torture in a few minutes.  And Spike's got a cat to add to his puppies.  Angel's a very cute kitten."  She choked and he beamed, nodding.  "Yup, it's him!"   Spike came up redressed in his duster and black jeans, without a shirt.  "Going shirtless?"

"Fur's cuter than any shirt," he offered.  "Daddy's petting Angel, promising that Anya will take good care of him."

Throttle came up the ramp and kissed his mate.  "Let's go talk to Giles, shall we?" he offered, walking his mate off.  "Hey, Spike.  What's up?  That's a cute outfit."

"Mine," he said proudly.  "My old one."  He smirked and walked off to find Vic to play with.  He was clutching his daddy's tail and sucking his thumb.  "Course?"  Vic let go and pounced him, then ran out to play with him. "Ah, my next childe," he said fondly, heading out there.

"He'd better not be turned," Vinnie called.  "You'd better not be turned either!"

"Not!  He's just like it though!"  He smirked at Rimfire as they passed him.  "I always thought Xander'd make a good vampire."

"He at Unca Boris's," Vic said happily.  "He and scary woman not play though."

Spike just nodded at that.  He could believe there was a vampire Xander running around here.  It'd only make sense with a Xander.  After all, one bored Xander was chaos in a town like Sunnydale.  Two bored Xanders should about be able to be chaos for a city the size of Chicago.  That'd be some pretty destruction and hell on earth.   Hopefully that one wasn't a mouse too.  He didn't need the competition on Mars.  As Modo's momma said, one bored white mouse was trouble, two bored white mice were chaos, three bored white mice were a planetary emergency, but a bored Xander was worse than ten bored normal white mice, especially when multiplied to a bored Vinnie.  Then the universe shook in fear of bored white mice.

Episode 75:

Xander smiled at the young mouse girl looking around the main building when he rode in.  "Hey, are you lost?" he asked.

She looked at him and shook her head.  "My teacher said we should come look around so we know what's going on.  That way there's no more stupid people in charge ever again."

Xander grinned and ruffled her hair.  "Then your teacher is very smart, young lady.  Did you want to visit anywhere in particular?  I'm headed to the Council chambers."

She blinked up at him. "You're that Xander mouse," she said, suddenly smiling.  "I saw you on the 'net."  He nodded, grinning down at her.  "Some day, when I'm big, I'm going to name my kid after you."

"That's so cool!" Xander said, patting her on the head. "I hope you have as great a kid as I am and if you have a second one, name it after Vinnie, that way the little me has someone to play with."  She giggled and nodded.  "Want to see the Council chambers?"  She nodded so he led her that way, pointing out the offices that they were walking past.  "Here we are.  Now, if you're really quiet, you can sit and watch for a bit, okay?  I've got to bother Stoker again."

"Sure."  She followed him inside and over to a bench against the wall, waving at the people who noticed her and smiling at everyone.

"Xander, when did you have a child?" Mirror asked.

"Oh, her teacher said she should come look around, that way no future stupid people could ever be in charge."  He grinned at her.  "I just escorted her in and showed her around a bit."

"He's a very neat mouse.  Someday I'm going to name my son after him," the girl said.  "And a second one after Vinnie so he'll have someone to play with."

Stoker moaned and shook his head.  "Sure, kid.  There should be little Xanders some day far in the future."  Carbine choked.  "She's still young, it'll be a while," he told her.  "She could always change her mind too."

"Nope," the girl said happily.  "He's a great mouse!"  She looked at Xander.  "Are you one of the ones who can't have baby mice?"

"No, unfortunately I can't," he offered sadly.  "So I'm a great uncle to a lot of little mice, like Stoker's kids."

"Wow.  They're all going to be just like you?"  Stoker let out another moan.  "Are you okay, Mr. Stoker?"

"I seem to have a headache, young lady.  What's your name?"

"Overthruster."

"I like that name," Xander said with a grin.  "I'll see if Throttle will name one of his kids after you."  She beamed at that.  "Stoker, Spike wanted me to drop off invitations to his birthday party this weekend."

"We're holding the birthday party this weekend?" he asked.

"You don't know when your son's birthday is?" Overthruster asked.

"I do so, but it's technically Monday," he defended.  "I'm just never home these days to learn the important things, like when we're holding the celebrations."  Xander handed him one with his name on it.  "Thanks. Switch's idea?"

"No, Spike's."  He handed one to Carbine that had 'aunty nibbles' written on it - it was his pet name for her since he liked to bite her so much.  Then to the others he had.  "There you go.  I'm done being a messenger mouse today."   He grinned.  "Just think, someday soon there'll be lots and lots of little Throttles and Vinnies and Modos to come play with your kids too."

"Carbine, do you have any of that special headache relief medicine handy?" Stoker asked patiently.  She handed over the flask.  "Thanks, I suddenly have this picture of a Cult of Xander."  He took a long drink and handed it back, watching as she drained it. "Send her some more of that headache medicine when you get home, mini-punk.  Please.  I think we'll need it. Did you get what my son wanted for his birthday? All he told me was he wanted a new collar for his cat."

"He loves changing out Angel's collar," Xander agreed.  "But yeah, I did get him a killer birthday present and I'm sure he'll be more than happy with it.  Will you have time to scout around up here or should we force you to come to earth and drag you to the mall like we did with Anya?"

"No, I know what I want for him, it's a matter of finding it and finding the time to go get it."

"You know, you have this person called an assistant who can handle some of the smaller stuff you do every day, Stoker," he said dryly.

"Yeah, and she's living with you on earth."

"You haven't replaced Chassis yet?"  He shook his head.  Xander looked up.  "Attention, people.  Stoker is looking for a new assistant. You'll be his personal assistant and have to put up with his grumpy nature and moods, plus his kids and us sometimes.  If you're interested in having a Council seat some day, this would be a great job to learn if you really want it.  Send all the applications to Stoker here at the chamber.  Thank you."

"What are you doing?" Carbine asked.

"Sending out an announcement the old fashioned way," he said dryly.  "I didn't figure we were having a secret session."

"I don't have time to look through them and interview," Stoker complained.

"Fine, I do," Xander told him.  Stoker whimpered at that.  "How often do you think I hired for the construction crews I ran, Stoker?"

"Probably a lot with the strange stuff you guys ran into down there."

"See, and I'm good at it.  You know my crews were the best in the company.  What are you looking for?"

"Someone who can do the job.  Someone like Chassis, even though whenever I wanted her she was off doing something else.  A former Freedom Fighter if possible."

Xander rolled his eyes.  "Okay, let's deal with the basics.  You want someone who shares a similar sense of duty to Mars and has the time to do the job, right?"  Stoker nodded.  "That may not be a Freedom Fighter.  The reason Chassis was always off doing something was her duties as a Freedom Fighter."  Stoker gaped.  "The best candidate may be someone who's retired or who came back injured, but who has the time now.  Or even someone who didn't train because they were too young at the time.  That dedication you show doesn't just come from the training, it's a personality thing.  So you want someone like you, who can put up with you and Spike, right?"  Stoker nodded, still frowning.  "Fine, I'll interview and find you someone.  The one I pick can have a two week trial, okay?"

"I still have a headache just imagining the ones you think are suitable," he said dryly.

Xander grinned.  "Remember, you only have to deal with me sometimes, it's Throttle who has to calm me down when I'm a bored white mouse."  Then he beamed sweetly at him.

"Maybe a cult to him wouldn't be such a bad idea," Exhaust offered. "That'd give him something to do every day and he is good at training, Stoker."

Stoker looked over at him.  "Don't help."  He looked at Xander.  "I want to meet with them beforehand."

"Fine.  If you have time," he offered with a grin.  "When you get done tonight, go home!  Have someone else take comm duty for the night.  Crankshaft was scared the last time she saw you because she didn't think she recognized you."  He gave him a long look.  "Relax, I'll have Throttle vet it.  After all, he had to put up with you for years as your second-in- command."  He grinned at Overthruster.  "I'm going to tell Throttle how happy you made me and finish wrapping Spike's present.  I hope I see you the next time I'm up, Overthruster.  You're a very nice and polite young woman.  Some day, you and Spike can both have seats on the Council.  I'm sure you'll do great for Mars."  She beamed at him and wiggled a bit.

"Don't wish that on my kid," Stoker moaned.

"Don't wish that on Mars," Carbine corrected.  "Spike's horrible!"

"Shut up, Carbine, you hate him because he tries to bite you.  He's a good boy, just like I was."

"That's a perfect reason why I don't like him then," Carbine snapped back.

"Gods, cranky much, Carbine?  Should I interview to find you a lover too?  That way you can date and remember that you're not that old?"  She glared at him.  "You're acting Stoker's age and you're not.  That means you need to lighten up and go have fun too.  After all, Modo's and Throttle's mommas are both older than you and they still enjoy life.  You should be able to at your age.  If you don't start on your own, Vinnie and I are finding you someone to date."  He headed for the transporter and sent himself home, coming out to hug Vinnie.  "There was a sweet little girl there who was taking the tour of the building and she said she wanted to name her future kid after me," he said proudly.  "She even agreed to name one after you so the little me would have someone to play with."  He bounced off, going to share that news with Throttle.

Vinnie went to Mars, looking really confused.  "What?" he asked.  "Xander just said there was going to be a little Xander on Mars someday?"

"Did he confuse you too?" Exhaust taunted with a smirk.

"Yeah, he was in hyper-babble mode.  Huh?"

"Overthruster," Stoker said, pointing at the young mouse girl, "said that some day she'll be naming her son after Xander.  Then apparently the next one will be a miniature you, that way the little Xander has someone to play with.  All I keep seeing is a cult of Xanders.  Everywhere I look I keep seeing hyper white mice bouncing around Mars, meddling in things that they can't do anything about."

"He can so," Overthruster retorted.  "After all, he's finding you a helper so you can go home and see your kids and play with them again.  That alone makes him a great one because he calms you down and helps you when you're being so grumpy and cranky, and you're a great one too, Mr. Stoker.  Some day, can I be your assistant too?  That way I can work my way up to having my own seat, just like you and your son Spike?  My momma said that common sense has a greatness all its own and he shows that, that's what really makes him great, that and he jumps in to help, like how he called out for people to come help you."

Vinnie looked at her.  "Are you part of the VanWham clan?"  She shook her head.  "Do you wanna be?  I think you'd fit right in," he offered happily.

"Wouldn't I have to marry an icky boy for that?"

"No, we'd let you marry one of the unicky girls if you wanted," he promised.  He grinned.  "When you're bigger, and your momma lets you, you can start coming to the clan picnics and things.  I've got a cousin who would *adore* you as just a friend if you'd like."

"Okay! I'll ask my momma tonight!" she agreed happily, wiggling again.  "Why doesn't your clan name more kids after Xander?"

"'Cause Xander's a new adoptee into the clan.  Most of them haven't really gotten to know him yet.  I'm sure there'll be a lot of little Xanders running around Mars for centuries to come."

Carbine grabbed he head.  "I think we need to make a law that says you can only name your child a traditional Martian name," she moaned.  "That's a fate worse than torture for some."

"I think you need an icky boy of your own," Overthruster assured her.  "I think Mr. Xander was right.  Mr. Vinnie, can't you find her an icky boy of her own?  Xander said he was going to try and he'd get Mr. Throttle to help him.  Can't you help them too?  Since you know so many mice?"

"Of course I will be helping, sweetheart.  That's the sort of mouse I am.  We've known for a while that Carbine needed an icky boy of her own and we've been looking for just the right icky boy for her.  It's just taking some time because she's so particular.  I'm sure there's at least one boy on Mars who would love to help Carbine become uncranky and help her around the office maybe so she has time to sleep at home too."  Overthruster beamed at that.  "I'll help Xander a lot with that project."  He grinned.  "Anything else you can see wrong, little one?"

"Why don't they make a rotation of some of the other duties too?  Like they do with the Freedom Fighter units?  My momma's unit only goes out once week a month, other things could be handled that way too.  Maybe even building the bike factory so all the little Xanders can have their own bikes."

"That should keep Staff and Modo busy for years," Exhaust said dryly, smiling at her.  "We've been considering something like that, little one, starting with some of our more boring duties, like talking to Throttle now and then.  That's a very good suggestion though about the bike factory.  Very good job.  What's your teacher's name so we can write her and tell her how smart you are?"

"Linear."

"Ooooh, I know her!" Vinnie said excitedly.  "She's one of the clan, she can bring you to picnics and stuff when your momma agrees."

"Cool! I'll ask her tonight!" she said happily, running over to give him a hug, giving Stoker a hug too.  "I'm sure your son will just be happy to see you home early tonight, Mr. Stoker.  I know I would if you were my daddy."  Then she ran out, coming back to get the papers she had with her, then running out again.

"That girl is so smart," Vinnie said happily.  "I want her to meet Vic some day."  He beamed.  "Guys, whoever's sending in the applications for Stoker and Carbine, send them care of Xander so he gets them."  Then he skipped home, going to tell Throttle all about that girl.

"You know, I now have a migraine, but I realize that Throttle's migraines must be permanent since he has a full-time Xander in his life," Carbine noted.

Stoker looked at her.  "Hey, maybe they'll be able to find someone nice so you can have your own icky boy to tease and make you happy again."

Carbine glared at him, then stood up.  "I'm going home before my head gets worse and it explodes.  Do I need to do anything?"

"No, go," Exhaust said, waving a hand.  "We're nearly done for the day anyway, Carbine."  She nodded, trudging out.  "Stoker, did you want to go for the afternoon too?"

"How much longer do we have?"

"The argument over the university's location."

"I agree with Enamel, which makes my head throb faster, it should be equidistant between the cities.  Put it beside the trenches there."  He got up and headed home and his wife was waiting for him with a cool rootbeer and a warm towel for his head.  He looked at his son.  "Let me have an afternoon to find you your present, son.  I promise, I didn't forget."

"I know," he said, holding up his cat.  "How do you like this one, daddy?"

Stoker looked at the leather harness the cat was wearing, then at his son.  "Do I want to know?"

"Well, he was named after the person who sired Spike when he was a human," Switch said gently.

"No, he's him," Spike said with a smirk.  He carried his poor cat off to take him outside and show him more of Mars.  "Welcome home, Peaches.  How do you like it?"  The cat meowed pitifully at Crankshaft, who just giggled and stole him to pet and love.  "Sure, brat, you have Angel there.  He's got his reward and now he's a happy cat most of the time."  He patted Crankshaft on the ear.  "Daddy's home."  She ran inside with the cat tucked under her arm.  Spike giggled.  "That's nearly as good as I do and she didn't even know him.  I love my little sister."

***

Somewhere else on Mars, Wrench was rolling around on the ground, laughing his tail off.  Xander had just made his year and Vinnie had helped! Plus, that little girl would *so* fit in with the family, especially with a baby named Xander.

***

Three days later, Stoker walked into his office and looked at the young woman standing there arranging his files.  "What are you doing?" he asked tiredly.

She squeaked and turned to look at him.  "Sorry, sir, I didn't hear you.  I'm Piston, I'm your trial assistant," she said, shaking his hand with a smile.  "Xander briefed me on what I was to do to help and I did get to talk to your last assistant about some of the things she would have done if she had the time.  I've got your day's schedule already done, all the petitions that have been sent to you are in a pile, all the other mail is in a separate pile, and do you want water, tea, root beer, or sassafras in the mornings, sir?"  He opened his mouth.  "You did promise Xander that you'd give me a two week trial, sir, and I think we'll get along just fine.  I just needed to know so I could have something ready and waiting on you when you came in."

"Sit down and talk with me first, kid."  He sat behind his desk.  "Have you done this sort of work before?"

"I was a teacher before my entire school was captured," she admitted.  "Now I find I can't really handle that sort of stress daily.  I figure you're cranky but you can't be worse than thirty kids trapped in a small space."

"I'd hope not."  He blinked at her. "Get me a rootbeer please?  The fridge is behind you."  She got him one and even opened it, earning a small smile.  "So, what can you do to lighten things up around here?"

"Well, I could tell you jokes but I'm not much of a comedian, sir."

"Cut the sir crap."

"Sorry, Stoker.  My younger brother did say some good things about you when you trained him.  I also want you to know that while I enjoy and envy the job you're doing, I wouldn't want a council seat of my own.  I don't want that much stress.  All I want is a fair shot."

"You're getting it," he assured her.  "What else can you do to lighten up my life?  Since jokes aren't your thing."

She smiled.  "Well, I can file, that way you can find your desk and not have to go over things that you've already rejected.  I'm assuming the pile of paper balls was the rejection pile?"  He nodded, sipping his rootbeer.  "I can also sort out things so only the most important are given to you.  I've sorted your petitions of the day into 'possible, nice thoughts but impractical, and it'll make you laugh'."

"There's a category of those?"

"I thought the person who wanted to import minks so he could raise them for fur production was rather funny," she offered with a small grin.  He just opened his mouth.  "It's the last one, sir, sorry, Stoker, and it's on the bottom or next-to-last.  I turned the pile by category so you could differentiate."

He pulled the last one out and looked at it, then burst out laughing. "A balloon factory for the Disney company?"

"They thought it could earn us money and give us jobs; their mascot is a mouse and they thought it might give us an 'in' with the company," she said with a small shrug and a grin.  "It must be the next one up, Stoker."  He pulled it out and then snickered, balling it up and tossing it away while shaking his head.  "Should I write a standard response on them and put a box out so people can see if you've moved on their suggestions?"

"Sure, if it floats your boat, that's just more work for you, Piston."  He grinned at her.  "Which of the lunatics on earth are you related to?"

"Winch."  She smiled sweetly.  "It was me or one of Vinnie's cousins but Vinnie said that he didn't want to make you deal with Chassis's Stupid?"

"Reflection.  That's what she always calls her sister," he said wisely, sipping more of his rootbeer.  "Fine, I think we'll at least make the two week trial.  What's my schedule like today?"

"Well, meetings start at ten, go until you break for lunch, then you have an hour, another hour of sitting in there aimlessly because this is the day for weddings, and then you're free for the rest of the day," she said, handing it over.  "The official schedule says that it's Mirror's turn for comm duty tonight and I couldn't see where you had planned other meetings.  Do you keep a calendar?"

"I don't usually live in that organized of a mess," he admitted.  "As you can see by my office."

"I can have that fixed by the time you're done today, Stoker."   He gave her an odd look.  "Filed neatly and folders labeled so you can find things.  Then it would be my duty to upkeep the filing anyway.  That way you can find things."  She smiled sweetly.  "I'll need to liberate some of the military's filing supplies.  Would that be all right?"

"Sure.  I don't know where you'll put a cabinet though."

"Oh, you have one," she said, pointing at it.  It was presently being used to hang a shirt that was drying from the last time he got caught in the rain.  "I can easily use that.  You could have stayed in bed this morning."

"Hell, I should have hired you first," he muttered.  "You're not suddenly going to go take up with a human, right?"

She burst out in loud, ungirly giggles.  "Oh, hell no!" she laughed.  "My late husband would be rather peeved at me and so would my daughter!  My mother would swat me as well!  Not to mention Winch."  She smiled at him and shook her head.  "I have no plans at this time of dating anyone and I like fur much too much to ever go for a furless human, Stoker.  I'm not quite that kinky in my private life.  A bit of food now and then, but not furless things."

He shrugged. "I had to ask.  I didn't think Chassis was either."

"Yes, well, love takes you as it takes you," she said philosophically.  "I didn't think I'd like my husband either but I ended up adoring him once he finished growing up."

"I understand that.  I never saw myself falling for someone as young as Switch either, but she got pushy and made me."  He shrugged and handed back his schedule.  "What time is it?"

"Nearly nine, sir."

"Thanks.  I'm headed that way, just in case the messengers have something that comes in."

"Of course, sir.  I'll plan on seeing you about an hour early tomorrow?"  He nodded. "That's fine. I'll have a root beer waiting unopened for you when you get in."

"Make it sassafras tomorrow," he admitted.  "This morning I just needed the sugar."  He headed out, taking his rootbeer with him.  He smiled at the kids playing messenger.  "Anything for me yet?"

"No, sir," the oldest female said, smiling and handing him a wrapped package.  "My momma sent that for Spike because she said he's very neat and very cute."

"Thanks, kiddo.  Is it from Ramjet and Thruster too?"  She nodded.  "Are they coming?"

"Of course.  Your wife's threatened to cook."  She smiled and opened the door.  "There you are, sir.  The comm is yours."

"Thanks, dear."  He walked inside and sat down at his seat, changing the comm to his desk.  Throttle's face showed up a few minutes later. "Okay, so I like her."

"Xander sees it as one of the miracles that'll be the foundation of his cult."  He grinned. "She's good for you. You already look happier."

"Someone wanted to import minks for fur for us."  Throttle burst out laughing. "Not even fur grafts for those without from injuries, for things like coats."  Throttle leaned on someone and Xander leaned in to wave and grin.  "If you start a cult up here, I'm going to ban you from Mars," he warned.

"Then Throttle would have to come back and live with me," he said miserably.  "I'll try really hard but I can't guarantee others won't turn out like me."  He grinned and waved, then hung up while kissing his mate.

"At least they probably won't be giving you a seat some day," he said happily.  One of the younger messengers cleared his throat and nodded.  "Yes what?"

"Mirror was talking about it last night, Stoker.  She thought he'd do good to take over her spot when she retired.  Throttle should have yours though since he was your second-in- command in the Freedom Fighters and he did go eradicate most of the menaces on earth."

"I can see Throttle doing that once he's up here," he admitted.  "Just don't warn him in advance or he'll never come home, kid."

"Yes, sir."  He grinned.  "Exhaust told her that but agreed that Xander should have a seat some day.  After all, he did a lot for us."

"He runs from medals.  He'd run screaming back to earth if we offered him a seat."  The kid giggled and walked out, going to tell the others that.  He shook his head.  Mars would be in trouble if Xander had a seat.  He called Wrench to warn him.  "Wrench, there's talk about putting Xander on the Council some day when we start getting retirees."

Wrench just stared then slowly a shaking hand came over to hang up, but you could hear the laughter at the end.

"That was my feeling on the subject too," Stoker admitted, finishing his root beer and tossing the can into the recycling bin.  He made a note.  They needed to start their own bottling operation for root beer.  They couldn't rely on earth's stock forever.

***

Xander came off the transporter with a large present, winking at Stoker.  "For Spike, but you get to get it there," he said quietly.  "It's from all of us."  He made sure it wasn't in the camera's view at any time and then bounced out, heading back to get his bike and then back through to head off into the Martian afternoon.

Stoker looked at the lump, realizing what it was by shape.  "Wow," he said quietly.  "He's going to be a holy terror now."  Exhaust looked, then looked at him and nodded. "He's not that old but I've seen him tooling around with Racer," he admitted quietly.  The link was off, but it still paid to be careful in case there was another short in it.  He called Cell's link, getting her.  "Do you have a report ready yet?  It's been weeks."

"I just sent you one through Throttle the other day."

"I haven't gotten it yet," he said dryly.  "He's coming up today so I'll badger him.  Is it going okay generally?"

"More or less.  Some of the choices are odd but they based their first choices for riders on what they do instead of personality choosing the type of bike they ride.  The daredevil of the group is riding a touring bike. They're too firmly bound to change and Enamel was here looking at the baby for me so he helped that one some.  I didn't remember him being able to ride like that."  Stoker nodded. "He could?"

"He was about third best in our school," he admitted.  "I hated him because he was a know-it-all punk, but he seems to put that to good use anymore."  She nodded.  "How is Fan?"

"He's fine.  He's sleeping beside me at the moment.  He likes to watch the practices, coos at the formations and things.  Do you want me to teach the playbook?"  He considered it, looking unsure.  "They're not going to be able to use most of it, but they could use some of the smaller group combat tactics and the single rider tactics especially with what they're going to be used for."

"I'll allow single rider and small group but not the whole thing.  We'd need the tactical advantage if something happened. I don't want to be paranoid, but their heads change too often for me not to."

"Of course. The rest is in my report. What did you get Spike?"  Stoker glanced around then pulled something out of his pocket and held it up.  "Oh, that's adorable!"  She smiled. "Isn't he a bit young?"

"He's proven he's not that young most of the time," he pointed out dryly.  "Or didn't you hear about him and Racer taking off after Enamel when we were attacked?"

"I had.  I thought he was riding behind him."

"No, he had Anya's bike and she had her mother's.  We caught her."  She laughed at that and he put the earring back.  "Besides, it goes well with the group's present."

"Oh, I know," she agreed happily.  "I got to help decorate it this weekend."  She winked.  "He'll adore it."

"Good.  I hope so.  I just hope he comes home now and then."  She laughed and he waved, hanging up.  He relaxed, looking over as the door opened and his son walked in.  "Out, son.  Some of your presents are in here."

"Fine," he complained, just looking at him as he handed over the message.  "From Wrench."  He stomped back out, resisting the urge to look around.

Stoker read the message, then smiled.  "Yeah, sure I'm going to warn Throttle.  Just not about his seat."  He looked over as the transporter went off and Vinnie and Modo walked out.  "Hey, guys.  Where's the fearless leader?"

"Behind us somewhere with the groceries," Vinnie admitted.  He grinned at him.  "How's Mars?"

"Doing well.  We're back on mostly solid footing and we can grow from here."

"Good," he agreed.  He clapped him on the arm.  "Did you like Piston?"  He nodded.  "Good!  She was a group decision."  He left, walking his bike outside.

Modo winked as he walked past.  "Staff did the modifications," he offered on his way out.

Stoker smiled. Those guys were good friends to have.  He handed Throttle the message when he came through, getting an odd look.  "Someone suggested he take a seat since he did so much for us.  I think that'll go along well with the cult, don't you?"

"I told him he couldn't have one of those, or else no sex ever again," Throttle assured him, riding out with the groceries Switch needed for the celebration.  "Hurry home."

"I'll be there by three hours after lunch," he called.

"Fine.  The party's tonight and we'll be with the clan until then.  Dawn and Rimfire are coming home for it."  The door slammed behind him.

Stoker just grinned over at the bike.  It was a beautiful present he was sure.  He almost got up to peek but he'd wait until his son could unwrap it in front of everyone.  Well, he probably should look so he wouldn't be so surprised but Cell had said she had decorated it.  So it'd be okay.  No naked women on it or anything.

***

Xander beamed as Spike was walked out to his last present, waving a hand.  "From all of us, Spike."

Spike stared up at him.  "Bloody hell, whelp."  He ran over to unwrap it.  He knew what it was.  It was one of the Kawasaki kiddie bikes.  He stared in awe.  It was dull, matte black with red splotches like blood drops and two 'bite marks' near the headlight.  He moaned and got on it, starting it.  It purred and he could see the AI's screen starting.  He put on his helmet, which had been hanging from a handlebar, and took it around the neighborhood.  The AI reminded him it was time to be home and he chuckled.  It was a nanny too.  He parked beside his father's bike and got off, stroking it.  "You're a charm," he said in awe.  Then he ran through the house to hug Xander.  "Thank you!"

"You're welcome, little guy, but Modo suggested we get you a kiddie bike.  Cell and I decorated it and Vinnie got you the helmet.  Throttle helped Staff with the AI system and programming it too."  He tweaked his ear.  "Now, you're a real biker mouse.  Remember, you've got to take care of your bike first, before yourself."  He nodded, hugging him again.  "We love you, Spike, and someday you'll take my stunning spot with your crew to be the newest badass on Mars.  Then I can retire and just teach the generation after yours."  Spike beamed and nodded, then went to hug his father.

"I'll expect you to show some restraint, son.  No riding it at all hours.  No leaving school to ride.  No going into the desert without an escort, and I do mean beyond Racer, son.  If you don't treat it well, it will be put away for Crankshaft."  He nodded, smiling up at him. "Now, we've got to do your earring.  It's traditional when you get your first bike."

"That's right, we've got to get Xander one of his own too," Throttle noted. "He's got mine and the one we almost put in because of mine, but none for his bike."

"Can't we just count that one?" Xander asked.

"No, dear."  Throttle kissed him.  "Nope, sorry.  What do you want?"

"Onyx or obsidian, like my bike?" he suggested.

"Fine," he agreed tolerantly, kissing him again.  "When we get home."

"Yes, dear."  He wrapped his arms around his mate's neck to kiss him with a grin.  "Whatever you want.  I'll get to bite your hand again."

"Why is your belly purple, Uncle Xander?" Anya asked from her chair.

"Purple on a white mouse?" Vinnie laughed.  He looked and sure enough, he saw purple.  "Throttle, I think he's broken a rule."

Throttle pulled back and pulled Xander's shirt off him, looking at the designs on his stomach.  "Tell me that's a tattoo," he demanded.

"Temporary hair dye," Xander offered, grinning at him. "Oz did it for me."

"Is your cult going to do fur dye too?" Switch asked.  "That's a very nice swirly design.  Can it be ours?"

"Hush," Stoker ordered, kissing her until she went limp in his arms.  Crankshaft held up her arms and whined so he picked her up and kissed her on the forehead.  "You too.  No fur dye."

"I kinda like it," Ramjet offered from her spot next to Vic.  Vic beamed at her.  "Did you get to help?"  He nodded, looking very happy.  "Did you get any?"  He showed her his arm.  It didn't show up very well since his fur was so dark, but it was there.  "Wow.  Did it hurt?"  He shook his head.  "Stink a lot?"  He nodded, beaming at her again.  "Wow.  Mommy, can I do that?"

"No, Ramjet," she said patiently, shaking her head. "Only white mice, dear."

"Then can we help Spike do his?"

Stoker shook his head.  "Not until he's adult enough to buy it himself.  I'm sure he doesn't need it."

"Fine," she complained, taking another bite of her food.  The others of their group just gave each other communicative looks and decided Xander would probably get them some to play with.  They'd be pretty for school on Monday.

Vinnie looked over at her and winked, then nodded at the wrapping paper.  Then he looked at Xander's back, which he had helped with.  "I still like this one best," he said.

Throttle turned Xander around to look at his back and moaned.  "Xander, remember that rule we had about not doing things like you did when you were younger?"  Xander beamed and nodded.  "Did you break it, dear?"

"No.  I like playing with the temporary dyes.  They're fun and neat."

"If you say so."

"I always wanted to have purple and teal hair," he offered shyly, grinning at him. Throttle couldn't resist that.

"Please, no more for now," he moaned, pulling him closer so he couldn't be plagued with the puppy eyes too.  If he was kissing him, he couldn't turn them on him.  Xander moaned and played with his ponytail.  "Thanks, babe.  Please?"

"Maybe," he offered with a grin.  Then he went to play with the kids.  "Do you guys know Overthruster?"  They all nodded.  "She said she's gonna name her kids after me," he said proudly.

"Many centuries of Xanders on Mars," Switch said, then shivered.  "Oh, dear."

"That's my feeling too," Stoker assured her, stroking her back. "It'll be okay.  We survived the Plutarkians, we can survive a few Xanders in the future driving us mad with their boredom."  He looked over as Modo's momma came out to join them, pointing at Xander.  "It's temporary."

"I'm sure he's trying it out before it becomes permanent," she offered sweetly.

"No, I always wanted oddly colored streaks in my hair.  Oz used to have such good hair and it was never boring.  Mine was always boring but too dark without bleaching.  But on the white fur it shows up great," he said happily.  "I can be a green mouse or a blue mouse or a red mouse or a pink mouse or all sorts of colors mouse, or just have the designs like I do now," he said happily.

Throttle coughed.  "Xander, I'm not sleeping with you if you're any other color but white. I may accept some decorations now and then, and please make them smaller in the future, but not a fully blue mouse.  Not a green mouse.  And especially not a pink or a purple mouse.  A decorated mouse maybe, but not a fully colored one who's that odd of a color.  Mice only come in tan, white, gray, shades of those, and spotted."

"And one with stripes," Spike noted.

"She's a partial mouse, son, she's just like that," Switch told him.  "Don't even think about it or that bike is history for a month."

"It washes out after a few weeks, Switch," Xander wheedled.

"So?  If it doesn't I don't want to have to bleach him," she complained.

Throttle and Vinnie both shuddered. "Momma did that to me once," Throttle admitted.  Switch gave him an odd look.  "I was born a white mouse, I changed colors."  She rolled her eyes.  "Anyway I got into this wheat colored grass that turned me pink."

"Why didn't you just get a tattoo, baby?" Modo's momma asked.

"Because they hurt," he said firmly.  "I've had enough pain in my life, I'm not giving myself more just so I can be pretty colored.  I'll put up with the stink of temporary hair dye, thank you."

"Is that what was wrong with that shirt in the bathroom earlier?" Vinnie asked.  Xander nodded.  "You know that's one of his favorite shirts to see you wear, right?" he asked patiently.

"No it's not. It's stuff leftover from Sunnydale. It already had dye on it from when I helped Buffy dye hers one night."  He grinned. "I'm much better at getting the roots done than she ever was."

"I don't need to know that," Throttle decided.  He looked at the cat rubbing against him. "Hey.  One of ours?"

"Buffy's.  Someone turned Andrew into a girl so he had Angel."  He grinned.  "He and Spike love each other.  Spike likes to change his collars now and then."

"I thought he was only named after him, son."  Stoker looked down at his blushing son. "Son."

"This is his reward," Spike said with a cheeky smirk.  "I earned mine, he earned his and he's part of mine," he said happily, going over to pounce Thruster.  "You're it!"  Thruster puked.  "Eww.  What is wrong with you?"

"He probably has worms," Ramjet said with a shrug. "Mommy thinks so sometimes."

"Dear, that's not something you say in public," her mother said patiently.  "He was in the desert and got eaten alive by bugs," she offered.

"I had that a few times when I was younger too," Stoker admitted.  "The medicine is really nasty.  Hide it in oatmeal if you can find any."

She nodded at that advice.  "Thank you.  I've been trying to take him to see someone but he's always busy."

"Come in tomorrow, I'll let you bug Enamel over lunch," Stoker offered.  "He'll probably be worn out trying to get his son back from Xander."

"He doesn't take care of his own child?"

Vinnie snickered.  "I didn't get to change diapers either.  Staff and Xander kept stealing the baby to cuddle and play with.  They do the same to Healer even though Xander's working on Vic's early education right now."

"Pooooooffff, no Healer," Vic complained, pouting at him.

"Son, you know better than to call me that," he said, staring down at him, getting that family, shit-eating grin in return.  "There's no doubt about it now, you are family," he said dryly, picking his son up to cuddle.  "Remember, son, I'm daddy."

Vic kissed him on the cheek then grinned at Xander.  "Daddy!"  He held out his arms.

Xander kissed him on the nose, then rubbed it in with his own nose.  "No I'm not.  I'm the poof, he's daddy."  Throttle choked at that.  "I am."

"You're confusing my poor son, Xander," Vinnie said, staring him down.  "Behave."

"Why?  That's so boring!"  He took Vic over to help Spike and the others play, handing Thruster something with a wink.  "This is Victor, he's Vinnie's son. Spike spends a lot of time playing with him on our ropes course."

"You have your own agility course?" Ramjet asked in awe.  "Why?"

"To try to keep him from bouncing us to death," Modo called.

"Mommy, can we have one?"

"No, dear."  She looked at Throttle.  "Is he having a bad influence day?"

"Possibly," he admitted.  "Every now and then he likes to create some chaos and then watch it happen.  He says it keeps others from being bored."

"Do you often have that problem?"

Throttle shook his head.  "Not often.  Keeping Xander from being bored is a full time job," he said seriously.  "Otherwise he and Vinnie gang up on poor Modo and me, and then we're all in trouble.  Then again, they've also hyped on stuff that does what muir berry juice does and went to destroy the plutarkians."

"It only took us four hours to get them calmed down again," Modo offered dryly.

Momma moaned and shook her head.  "Dear, a bored Xander is worse than about ten bored white mice together, and if you add in Vinnie, it's worse than all of them combined, and then squared," she said gently.  "My poor son and his lady spend a lot of time thinking up things for Xander to do."

"Thankfully he's decided he's teaching Vic everything he knows," Vinnie said dryly.  "Then I'll get to unwarp him with the rest of the clan."

"I wish you all the luck in the world, bro," Modo said smugly.

"Vinnie's a very strong mouse, I'm sure he can rally the cousins around to help him," his mother offered gently.  "After all, they had to work on him and Wrench when they were younger.  The VanWham clan knows how to straighten out their kin when necessary."

"I'm sure they'll have flashbacks from Vinnie's youth when dealing with Vic," Throttle offered, patting Vinnie on the back.  "I know I do now and then."

"Not funny," he said but he was grinning.

"Hey, big brother?  Should I plan for Vic to go work with Wrench when he's bigger?  He wanted to know."

"No!  My son will be a more normal mouse than that."

"Fine," he sighed, shaking his head.  "We'll just have to let Spike help Rivet now and then."  Spike smirked at that.  He grinned at Stoker, who was moaning.  "Wrench thinks he can get past my problem safely so I can have a kid.  He thinks it'll be a daughter."

Ramjet poked him on the stomach.  "What's the female version of your name?"

"Well, my full name is Alexander."  She frowned at that.  "He was a great general.  He conquered nearly *everything* in the known world at that time.  The female form of that is Alexandra.  So the short version would probably be Xandra."

"Wow," the younger Piston, Spike's first friend, said in awe.  "Are you going to teach when you move home?"

Xander smiled and tweaked his ear.  "Only my kids and their friends now and then.  I'm going to open a club so people have a happy place to play now and then.  Too much gloom makes depressed mice and Vinnie said he's never seen a depressed white mouse and doesn't want to start now so we're going to make sure they'll all happy mice."

"Will you teach us when you move up here?" Ramjet asked.

"Sure!  I'm working on Spike and Anya right now with Vic following.  I'd be more than happy to work with you three at the same time.  That way you're all in the same unit if you  join the Freedom Fighters when you're old enough," he said with a wink.  She grinned back.  "Now, I do insist that you follow directions," he said, nodding at what Thruster had in his pocket.  She smirked at that.  "I think you'll like it.  I try to make it fun and cool when I have to teach anything."  He patted her on the hair.  "It's getting dark."

"It is," Thruster and Ramjet's mother agreed.  "We should go soon."  Her kids raced to finish their cake.  She smiled at Stoker. "Thank you for having us over.  It was fun."

"It was," he agreed.  "It's time to get back to normal stuff."  He grinned at her. "I promise, I won't let Xander corrupt them too much."

"As long as they end up more like him, it'll be fine," she offered, smiling at him. "He's a very brave mouse."

"Who still runs from medals."

"Uncle Xander, if I made a statue out of medals would you run from it too?" Anya called from her seat.

"Well, a statue would be okay I guess.  I don't like medals because I've never asked for a reward for doing what was necessary, dear.  They're kinda unnecessary to me.  The metal in them could better be used for other stuff, like bike parts."  She beamed at him.  "So I probably wouldn't *run* from a statue made of medals, but I might have to donate it somewhere that others could see how pretty it was."

"Okay!  When I can, I'll work on one for you," she said proudly, grinning up at her father. "Would that be okay?"

"Sure, Anya.  He's got about twenty now.  We'll give you all his so you can design it."  She beamed and went to find some paper and a crayon to draw with.

"How did I get more?" Xander complained.

"The Torians while you were naked.  Exhaust said he gave you one for flashing everyone that way instead of for helping us defeat them.  One for the supplies you sent up during the refugee incoming.  That thing with the truck the other day."  He smiled.  "There's a bunch of them for bravery, stupid luck, and helping Mars.  Oh, and you got a raise.  You're now a full commander of a cavalry unit."

Xander moaned.  "Just banish me!" he pleaded.

"Nope, sorry," Stoker said with his best impersonation of Vinnie's wicked smirk.  "It didn't work to keep Enamel from helping now and then, it won't work on you.  Besides, if we banished you, we'd never get Throttle home.  People would hate that."

Xander whimpered and shook his head, looking at his husband.  "Can I run away now?"

"Sure, go visit Wrench and hide in his closet."

"I'm not sure I want to, he was talking about having sparkly stripper pants."  He jumped the back fence and headed out to his bike, going to visit someone sane.  He walked into the temple and leaned on Wrench's back since he was praying.  "They gave me more medals," he whined.

Wrench reached back to pet him.  "As The Lady wills, Xander," he said dryly, shaking his head and looking up.  He smiled and looked back at him, then blinked a few times.  "Are those tattoos?"

"Temporary hair dye," Xander said, standing up to let him see.  "Oz did it for me."

"That's cool! I like that!  I should do that!"  He drug him into the house part to talk to him about the pretty colors he could find.  He needed something tribal around his arm anyway.  This way it wouldn't hurt and he could change it whenever he wanted.

***

The next morning, Willow appeared in front of Ramjet's mother, smiling gently.  "It washes out after two weeks of normal washing," she offered quietly.  "It should last about the same in fur even though you don't wash it every day. I do like their group design though.  Oh, and Thruster doesn't have worms, he's just got a touchy stomach and a strong gag reflex.  He doesn't do so well under stress at the moment and isn't sure if he likes being around other people yet."  She faded out, still grinning apologetically.

She got up and headed into her children's room, staring at their arms.  "Ramjet!" she snapped, waking her daughter up.  "What is that?"

"It's a dragon on a motorcycle balanced on a sword, momma.  It's the new design for our clan.  Isn't it pretty?" she asked with a grin, showing hers off.  "We'll let it get more detailed as we get older."

"I'm going to whip your tail!" she growled.  "Go wash!"

"But, momma!"

"Now!"  She pointed and Ramjet sighed and went to wash it off.  Not that it was coming off....  She came back with wet fur and let her mother try to dry her off, but only got a whimper for it.  "I tried, momma, you can still smell the icky soap."

Her mother glared down at her.  "You are going to have trouble sitting, young lady."

Ramjet pouted.  "We were good, we didn't even make a mess when we went to do Piston's and we didn't get Spike in trouble by doing one for him yet."

"Dumbbell!  Get in here!" she yelled.  Her husband walked in and smiled at their daughter.  "Do you see what they did!"

"I do.  Is it permanent, dear?"

"No, it's supposed to wash out in a few weeks, daddy."  She smiled and hugged him gently.  "It's our clan marking for our group."

"Fine.  When it washes out, you may not put another one on for at least a year.  You'll need that long to add some detail to the drawing and to work on your art skills, dear.  I think you went a bit outside the lines on yours."

She nodded. "Okay, daddy!  Thank you!"  She kissed him on the cheek and smiled at her mother.  "What's for breakfast?"  She stomped off and they got Thruster up, looking at his. Piston had painted his on and it wasn't as good as hers, but they'd learn as they got older, or they'd have Anya do it for them.  She was good at coloring and drawing.  That way Spike could protect his odd, but pretty sister before she got into real trouble with someone.  She looked up at her father.  "Daddy, should I tell Mr. Stoker about the mean man who Anya kicked in the nuts?"

"She did what?" he asked, looking confused.

"He called her a spoiled princess and she kicked him in the nuts."

He groaned and patted her on the back. "Yes, dear, you should.  When you see him tomorrow at school.  Are you guys protecting Anya?"  She nodded.  "Why?"

"Because she's artistic and needs it, daddy.  Even though she can whip tail, she's too pretty to do that.  Like Rimfire's girl.  She shouldn't have to either, it messes up their clothes and hair."

"I understand," he promised, kissing her on the forehead.  "Next time, let Anya paint those on.  She's a very good artist and could probably use the practice."

She smiled and nodded. "That's what I was thinking too."  She hugged her brother.  "Get up!  It's time to eat!"  He got up and went to clean up too.  "We need to get more detail added and have Anya do them when they wear out."

Thruster looked at her and nodded.  "Sure.  She'll make it prettier.  We'll get more detail until we can get them tattooed on when we're bigger."

"Sure," Ramjet agreed.  "Spike will love that too.  Vic'll be really happy when we let him in too."  She walked out holding her daddy's hand.  "Mommy, we're going to let Anya work on the design for us to make it more meaningful and pretty," she told her.  "Then we'll get it tattooed when we're old enough."

"Ramjet, I don't want to hear any more about this subject or else you're never learning how to ride a bike or anything," she said firmly.  "Do you understand me?"  Ramjet gave her a happy grin and a nod.  "Good!  I will not see this again!  Not on you, not on your brother, no where!"

"Yes, momma.  Whatever you say, momma."  She and her brother shared a look.  They'd tell their daddy instead.  He'd understand and be happy for them. Their momma would just keep freaking out until Xander made her understand.

Episode 76:

NC-17, m/m/m, m/f

Xander looked at the tower in front of him, then at the mice around him.  "I'm tired of these morons."  He looked at Dawn and Rimfire.  "I know you two have a final.  Get to it.  We'll tell you what's going on later."  They both gave him a dirty look.  "I mean it!  If you don't go now, you can't help at all!"  They rode off, still frowning.  "Thank you."  He looked at Throttle, who was smiling and shaking his head. "Their education comes first.  I don't care if they don't like it.  It comes first.  There's always a fight to get into, they can brawl later."  He looked at the tower, then at Throttle.  "I'm seeing a minefield."

"So am I," Vinnie admitted.  "Which we can't let explode or we'll get into trouble."

"Ya think?" Stan said from behind them.

"Sure, come join the party.  You're nearly family anyway," Xander said dryly, waving him forward.  "The bad guys are there."  He pointed.  "I'd like them out somehow."

"You can't set off the mines or their security company or else the cops'll get involved," Stan said firmly.  "So said the mayor."

"While I like the mayor, does he think I'm telekinetic?" Xander asked dryly.

Stan looked at him.  "Not really but you're kinda God-like sometimes so he's not really sure what you are."  He looked again.  "They've got a massive contract with a security company.  They've got a minefield.  They've got their usual compliment of goons and weapons, and we can't bust them."

"Not even with the stuff that you made us take down the cannons because of?" Vinnie asked.

"They got an exemption for a fifty thousand dollar donation to the governor," Stan said bitterly.  "Wolfram and Hart are good."

Xander pointed at their building.  "That's them.  Hell's mouthpieces.  The flaming fart on the butt of magic."  Vinnie snickered at that and Modo moaned. "They are."  He looked from one to the other, then at Throttle.  "Take down and revise 38."

Throttle considered it.  "That's not real complicated and it might not work, Xander."

"They're arrogant and expecting they can beat anything.  The yearly sacrifice was already stopped by the freeing of their shipment of people from Asia.  Their quarterly profits are down at the moment because they couldn't buy that one judge, may she rest in peace, and got caught.  Limburger's already trying to buy stuff even though he's counterfeiting money."  He looked at him again. "It's about the only hope we've got."

"Point," he admitted.  "But we don't have anyone who can get in there."

Xander smirked.  "Are we sure about that?"  Throttle and Vinnie both looked at him.  "You'd be surprised."

"Uh-huh, too dangerous, they've already got your scent," Vinnie complained.

"They don't have a clue what I looked like," Xander said dryly.  "And scents can be changed, dear big brother."  He grinned at him.  "I still need to work out some details, but I think I can pull it off."

Throttle sighed but he did consider it.  "It'd only work once, Xander."  He looked at Stan.  "Would it be considered legitimate evidence?"

"It might, depending on what you're talking about.  I don't know all the codes yet."  Vinnie leaned over and whispered in his ear.  He groaned and held his head. "I'm not sure.  I'd have to ask Stella.  That's one of those gray areas that could get our butts chewed and put in jail."  He looked at Xander.  "I want you to sit down with Stella and whatever you've already got.  I want you to explain it to her in great detail.  She won't tell no one.  I know she won't."  Xander nodded.  "Will you?"  He nodded.  "You're sure?"

"Yeah, if she can't and won't tell, it can only make it easier."

"Good.  Then I'm getting you two together tonight.  Don't worry about her freaking.  She quit doing it to Chassis a few weeks back."  He sighed and looked at them again. "What's the building in between them?"

"I've been wondering too but I think it's an apartment building," Modo offered.

Xander looked.  "Not with those windows, not unless they renovated from a former business space.  You only put those on businesses, they can't open for residential purposes and it's against the city codes unless it's a revamped building and then you can get an exemption."  He considered it, then looked at Modo.  "That might be a very good question, Modo.  Let me check with the city's offices.  They have to have it on file."  He rode away, heading down there.  He walked into the city's offices and grinned at the woman he had been filing paperwork with since he started working in the city.  He had taken down the address earlier and held it up.  "What is this place?  It looks neat and someone wanted to know if they were residential or not. I said I'd come check."

She took the address and looked over the records, then shook her head. "It's records storage."  She looked at him.  "It's a yearly rental for storage area, listed as mostly likely used for records and files, paper things."  She handed it back with a smile. "When are you going back to work?"

"When Boris finds me a crew needing a lead," he offered with a grin.  "Thank you.  When are property taxes due?"

"Last week."  She pulled up that file and handed him his bill.  "Payable quickly, Mr. Harris."

He looked at it and choked. "For six lots?"  He looked at her.  "That's unreal.  It's three times what it was last year."

She pulled up records by his name, handing over the printout.  "When did you buy those?"

Xander looked and snorted.  "I didn't as far as I know.  I only own the house next to the garage, the lots behind us, behind the garage, and beside the garage."  He looked at the list again, then winced.  "That's Limburger property," he said, pointing at one.  "That's where he built his new tower!"

"All right, let me get a form to protest this.  That way we can research and won't foreclose."

"If I own it, I'm ripping the shit down," he assured her.  "I want that criminal syndicate the hell out of this city before they do more damage."  She gave him a chiding look and he calmed himself, calling Throttle.  "Did you know I owned the land the tower's presently sitting on?"  He smirked at the spluttering.  "Neither did I."  He hung up and went back to looking at the list, marking stars beside what he knew he owned.  "I own these," he said, pushing it back.  "Please fix this?"

"I will.  Give me a moment."  She finished filling out the form with the property file numbers, then stamped it.  "Take this to the mayor's office to get a stay of taxes, and then to the surveyors and records offices to make sure they know too."  He nodded, taking them and the list.  "Thank you, Mr. Harris."

"No, thank you," he said dryly.  He walked up the hall and hopped up the stairs, nodding politely at the secretary.  "There's been a paperwork mess up.  It says I own Limburger Tower."  He handed her the forms and the list. "I don't.  I only own the ones with the stars."

She looked at it, then at him.  "The Last Chance is yours?"

"No, the lots around it are mine.  I'm Xander," he said, shaking her hand.  "Charley's brother-in-law, kinda."  She nodded and buzzed the mayor, who came out personally.  He looked really confused now.  "They somehow have me owning Limburger Tower."

"Come in, Mr.  Harris, let's see what we can do to help you."  He led him inside, taking the forms to look over and the list.  "Well, this is impressive, but I know you don't own some of that.  One of them is my mistress' house," he said honestly, sitting behind his desk.  He dialed the records department.  "Mildred, would you please come up here and bring the land ownership files?  The hard copy if you could. There's been a mix-up on one Mr. Harris' files including him owning some things that he has no idea who lives there."  She must have said yes because he smiled. "Yes, he's up here, thank you, dear."  He hung up.  "She'll be right up.  Let me fill out this stay of taxes form."  He found a copy in his desk drawer and filled it out, then handed it over. "That goes to the records office and the office you just left."  Xander stole a post-it and wrote that down, sticking it on there.  The mayor smiled.  "I have to do that too, Mr. Harris.  So, how is the construction business going?"

"I had to take some time off due to a bad burn on one of my hands and I was replaced.  I'm waiting on my boss to find me a new site and a new crew."

"I thought you took over."

"Only in the absence of our boss.  I was the interim head."  He nodded at that.  "Now there's someone more tolerant and patient than I am so they're back in charge," he offered with a small grin.  He stood up as a woman entered, shaking her hand.  "Hi.  I don't know what happened."

"What's your name, sir?"

"Alexander Lavelle Harris.  I own the lots around the Last Chance garage.  The ones on either side, behind my house, and the one behind the garage.  I live on the left side if it helps.  We were recently just assessed."

She flipped to his name and looked.  Then she looked at the forms.  "That's not right," she said, marking out all but one.  "Well, it does say you own where Limburger Tower is," she admitted, looking at him.  "I don't know why."

"Me either.  Does that mean I can have it torn down?  I hate that criminal and his syndicate."

"You may be able to," she admitted.  She made marks on the sides of the ones that needed to be checked, looking them up in another file she carried.  "No, Wolfram and Hart owns the other four."  He handed her an address and she looked that up.  "And that."  She looked at him.  "Why?"

"A few years back they were trying to kill me.  We have a restraining order against them," he said honestly.  "And I still didn't make their building collapse."  She giggled and swatted him gently, but went back to looking.  "How could this have been changed and how do I get it fixed?"

"Now that I know, I can upload this older backup file for you and fix it. You're not the only one that got things changed recently.  I was thinking a hacker did it but the only two we know of in the city didn't."

"I know a few," Xander admitted, "but most of them like me."  He pointed at the tower's entry.  "What do I do about that?  That's a really expensive tax."

"Since you've got a deferment, you could sell it back to them," the mayor offered.  "That way you'd have a lot more money and be able to bankrupt them a little more.  Speaking of, what happened to their money a few years back?"

"I heard the Feds got it.  They are a criminal syndicate."  He shrugged.  "Not a clue really."

"You did write that first set of letters?"

"But not that last one," Xander said with a small smirk.  "Try to blow up my house again," he added for good measure.  "He made me his enemy and I just outed what we already knew."

"Very well.  It worked for the city and the one that could have caused a ruckus in the courts wasn't done by you?"  He shook his head. "You're sure?"  He nodded.  "Do you know who did?"

"Yes, but that's classified," he said dryly.  "Sorry.  I kinda do that work sometimes as a weapons designer."

"You are?" the mayor asked.  Xander nodded.  "Is that why I heard something about a cannon on top of the Last Chance?"  Xander nodded, blushing a bit.  "That's fine then.  As long as it was resolved.  Can you pay for the other properties today?"

"Sure!"  He pulled out his checkbook and checked the balance, then pulled out his credit card.  "Have to do some creative switching tonight.  I made a deposit and didn't write it down yet."

"Of course."  The mayor amended the form for just that property then handed it back with a smile.  "There you go.  Now, let her copy that first form, also take it down to the surveyors office, then take that deferment form back to the records office."  Xander nodded, standing up and shaking their hands before leaving.  The mayor looked at her.  "Have we always had these problems?"

"Every now and then Wolfram and Hart likes to pick on someone they consider dangerous to the corporate goals.  I'd say they didn't like him much.  He was responsible for their attorneys being arrested for attempted mass homicide a few years back."  She took the form and the records back with her, going to upload the correct versions. It should fix most of it. Now that they knew the cause, some hacker could be arrested.  Too bad she always seemed like such a nice girl too.  She walked back into her office and the door shut behind her, Meg was waiting on her.  "Dear," she said patiently.  Meg held up the warrant.  "Oh, dear.  What's going on?"

"It wasn't me and I'm a Fed too," she admitted.  "Because of my hacking abilities, but someone tried to set me up and my agency's all over this one."  That form was handed to her and she flinched.  "Ow, poor Xander and his wallet.  He works with me by the way."  She looked at the older woman. "It's not your fault, dear.  Wolfram and Hart are bad guys.  It wasn't just the ones trying to kill people, it's all of them.  We're working with the less covert feds and the local prosecutors on it."  She took what she needed and copied that form as well, then left whistling happily.

The woman sighed and sat down to fix the records, finding them already being fixed.   Apparently pissing off Mr. Harris brought quick and sudden retribution.

***

Xander came back from filing everything and flopped down on the couch, handing over the list.  "I still apparently own Limburger tower."

"Oz said he met with Stella.  They went over the hacking of the records but they weren't sure who made that change.  Oz then called and said he needed the Wolfram and Hart stuff.  He can't find the orange box."

"Of course he can't."  Xander got up and headed into the library, and up into the room he had hidden above it.  He heard someone run into the wall and smirked, canceling the illusion over the boxes.  He carted the first two down then went back to get the other two, then closed the room again.  The rest of that didn't need to be found yet. He found Stan and Ray waiting on him.  "What did I do this time?"

"Nothing yet.  Stella sent us over for some records?"

"From LA's branch," he admitted, pointing at the boxes.  "The orange box contains stuff about the local branch and other branches as well but it's a worldwide conglomerate of evil bastards.  They're hell's lawyers."

"So we've heard."  He and Stan both grabbed two boxes.  "These are the only copies?"  Xander nodded.  "You're sure?"

"The other building exploded," he said dryly.  "I'm fairly sure."

"Why didn't you hand over this the last time?" Stan demanded.

"Because half of that is strange shit," Xander said bitterly.  "They deal in that too."

"Stella's going to make you buy her antacids then," Stan advised, walking out to their cars.  "Hey, Ray, who's that guy Stella's dating?"

"Not a clue," he admitted.  "How did he get these?"

"They're part of an inheritance from Angel's crap," Dawn told them as they rode up.  "By the way, Stella is dating one of their attorneys, Stan.  Be a bit careful, okay?"  He nodded, taking that advice.  She headed up to the library, giving Xander a hug.  "What else is up there?"

"Don't worry about it, you're not allowed up there."  He looked at her.  "How did it go?"

"Not too bad.  I passed at the very least, which is all I had to do to keep my A."  She headed to get a snack and tell the others that the files had been sent.  "Xander, why do you own Limburger tower?"

"Someone hacked and put it in my name," he called.  "That means I can have it foreclosed on."  The phone rang and he answered it.  "Yes?"  He sat down and put his feet up, listening to the reasonable sounding man on the other side. "I figured you were scrying. By the way, did you know you can feel that?"  He chuckled.  "Really?"  He listened to the offer.  "Nope, sorry, not good enough.  I want you and Limburger and all the Plutarkians off this planet before I kill you all.  That's the only deal I'm willing to make.  Get out of my solar system."  He hung up and went back to watching the clouds roll in.  "Looks like another storm," he said when Modo walked in with some cocoa for him.  "They wanted me to sell the land to them so they could double-cross Limburger."  He took the mug with a grin and sipped some.  "So, what's going on in the office?"

"Nothing yet.  Throttle reported in to Micah what had been found.  Micah suggested you have it demolished."

"That's a thought I'm having too, but the mayor suggested I make them buy it back from me, which means a lot of money going into Mars' accounts."  He took another sip.  "I don't  know which is the more pleasant idea really."

"Personally, I like the idea of them being fishcicles," Vinnie offered as he trotted in. "You handed over the old evidence?"

"Yup, and Dawn said Stella's dating Lindsay."  He took a gulp of cocoa.  "We're going to get snow tonight.  You might go warn Charley."

"Sensing the weather?"

"No, I'm watching it snow by the lake," Xander said, pointing with his mug.  Vinnie hugged him.  "Thanks, bro.  Got any other options?"

"Stoker said to put a destruction clause in the selling agreement."

Xander smirked.  "That's a good idea."  He finished his cocoa and settled in to watch the snow start, liking this pretty version of Chicago.  He'd miss snow when he got to Mars.

***

Micah walked in stamping his feet clean of snow and stroked the bikes huddled around.  "Sorry, I couldn't bring mine, the roads were too nasty for her.  I left Max bike-sitting."  He headed upstairs, hearing everyone in the library.  It had the best view of the storm.  "Missing it already?" he joked as he walked up the final ramp.

"Yup, I will," Xander admitted.  "You?"

"I like snow but it makes me ache."  He looked at Xander. "Who hacked to give you Limburger tower?"  He shrugged.  "Could it be them?"

"Could be," Xander offered.  "It could look very bad on me if someone realized that's how it happened but the only hackers I know didn't."  He looked at him.  "Want some cocoa?  We've got instant pulled down."

"Sure, I wouldn't mind a cup."  Dawn went off to make him some and Micah took her seat.  "What are you going to do about it?"

"I'm trying to figure out the most vindictive thing I could do to them," Xander admitted.  "Like cutting the gas line in Siberia vindictive."  He looked at him.  "Got any ideas?"

"No," he admitted.  "I agreed with Stoker.  Put a destruction clause in the agreement to sell and then give Mars that money."

"That means either you destroy it or they destroy it," Throttle admitted.  "And their minefield."

"I hadn't thought about that," Xander admitted.  "How did the governor give a dispensation for property that wasn't owned by the people asking for it?"  Everyone stared at him and Micah pulled out his phone to call DC and his contacts there in the Senate.  They could get the necessary paperwork. Or they could bust Limburger for having the mines, which were illegal by law. Xander picked up the phone and the phone book, finding the number and dialing it.  "Hi, I just found out I apparently own a building I didn't think I did and it has a minefield in front of it by dispensation of the Illinois governor.  I had no idea about this and I'm wondering what my legal steps are at this moment.  No, I had no idea until I went to the tax department today. They found it on me.  No, I've got a tax deferment in because I didn't realize it, but I'm wondering what my legal steps were."  He listened.

"Since I didn't know I owned the building and the people who asked don't own the building, and they're not paying me rent or anything, can I have you guys pull them up and destroy them?  Do I flip a pebble down onto the first one and let it go 'boom'?  I need to know my legal options.  Yeah, he's helping to make sure I'm not arrested for this.  I have no idea," he admitted.  "They were saying something about hackers in the system but this was listed before that. I seriously had no idea I owned this place.  Thank you.  Yeah, this number is fine, we're watching it snow.  Thank you again, Agent."  He hung up. "They're checking on that.  I don't want that in the city, it's dangerous.  Some homeless person could decide to sleep in the shadow of the tower and set them off."

"I agree with that," Micah assured him. "Who did you call?"

"ATF.  They're mines, that's them, right?"  Micah nodded.  "So I'm checking with the proper authorities."  He frowned at the storm. "There's a ship landing by the towers."

Everyone stared, then nodded.  "That's not Plutarkian that we know of," Throttle admitted.  "I haven't seen them before."

"Maybe it's more of them being dropped off," Modo suggested.  "They got kicked off another planet?"

"Maybe," Xander agreed, watching the ship take off while Micah called Oz to go watch. "Huh."  He looked at Throttle.  "Do they have that satellite up yet?"  He nodded. "Good."  He looked over as Dawn and Enamel walked in, the doc carrying his kid.  "Hey.  We ran into strange stuff today.  Did you know I owned Limburger tower and have for the last two years?"

"No, I hadn't," he admitted.  "Since when?"

"Apparently two years," Xander said with a small shrug.  "I have no idea how."  He took his new mug of cocoa from the tray Dawn was carrying and settled in to sip it. "Pull up a chair, doc."

"Thanks. He likes watching the weather."  He settled in to help his son watch it, listening to him coo at the snow hitting the glass.  "Maybe he'll be a weatherman instead."

"Let's hope he's not chronically wrong," Vinnie said with a small grin.  "That's a horrible fate."

"It is," Xander agreed. He looked down as a van with lights and sirens pulled in next to the garage.  "Hey, ATF."  Micah snickered. "Shouldn't I have called?"

"No, it was a good thing to call.  You can point out that call to them if they don't know."  Someone pounded on the door and Xander got up with a sigh, taking his cocoa with him.  "Any plans yet, guys?" he asked the rest of them.

"Nope, not yet," Throttle admitted.  "We're waiting to see how this works out."

Xander put up the garage door, looking at the man with the assault rifle.  "If you don't put it down, I'm going to have to hurt you.  There are children in this house."  The agent just looked stunned and Xander continued to sip his cocoa, leaning in the doorway.  "Now then, I just called you guys."

"Are you Mr. Harris?"  He nodded.  "You called about those mines?"  He nodded.  "Where are they, sir?"

"At the base of Limburger tower.  I can show you where.  We noticed them earlier from where we were watching the city move at lunch time."  He got on his bike and grabbed his helmet, putting his cocoa mug down.  "Come on, follow me."  He headed out, going to the parking garage they had used earlier.  He looked down at the property, then pointed.  "They're along there.  The birch trees mark the safe path as far as we know.  They may be turned off right now.  We saw some activity there earlier with a helicopter or something."  They looked from it to him and back.  Xander picked up a rock and threw it down there, making one explode.  Then he looked at them.  "Those things.  Those are mines, right?"

The agents groaned and went looking for the permit that was supposedly on file.  The head office said they had found one.  It was faxed to them and they huddled to read it, then looked at him.  One of them stepped forward.  "When did you become aware you were the owner of this property?"

"Today," he admitted, finding the forms in his pouch and handing it over.  "I went to see what an odd building was and to see how much I owed in taxes so I could pay them because I forgot.  They pulled up a whole list of shit I didn't own and said that a hacker had gotten into my files.  The backup proved me right, except for this one."  He frowned a bit.  "I have no idea when or if I bought it or not. I don't remember doing it. I think I would have remembered doing that and I don't."

The agents nodded, taking that form to look over.  Then that one smiled at him.  "We will be removing the mines as a matter of public safety, sir.  Thank you for helping us with that."

"Not an issue.  I'd hate for some kid to be wanting a snowball fight and to get blown up or some homeless guy going to sleep in the shadow of the tower and setting them off.  That's why we were calling around.  I didn't want that and I didn't know, but now that I do, I want that stopped and gone.  For that matter, you guys can arrest the Limburgers too.  I gave no authority for them to seek a dispensation like that.  Whatever helps, I'm there."

"Thank you, sir.  We'll go handle that right now.  Let us copy this form."  He put it into their fax machine and made a copy and sent it back to the office as well, then handed it back.  "Have a nice night and be safe getting home, sir."  They took off together, going to storm the tower. Someone was going to be answering some questions about those mines and someone was going to jail.  So far, Mr. Harris had the best story and he looked clueless too.

***

Micah smiled as he walked into the office later that night.  "They're in hot water.  They're nearly poaching fish."  Xander grinned at that.  "By the way, you bought it when you bought Charley's mortgage.  You found a small one for the lots around the tower and bought them for some reason."

"I did?"

"You put a bid on a set of lots out that way at the same time through the same office and officer of the bank.  It was those lots."  He clapped him on the back.  "The ATF agents decided you were very nice and a good citizen.  The Limburger syndicate is looking pretty weak at the moment."  He sat down.  "Xander, are you all right with moving to Mars?"

"I'll miss some stuff," he admitted. "Like popping out to the mall for new music and stuff, but I guess I'll get used to it."  He looked at him.  "It's a big move.  Even bigger than from Cleveland to here.  I'll just miss some stuff, like snow now that I'm used to it."

Micah nodded. "I understand.  I wish we could make it snow on Mars too.  They could use the water resources."

Xander nodded. "Willow tried a few times but it never worked."

Micah grinned at that.  "I'm sure it'll work some day, Xander, and remember, you can always pop down to shop through the office."  Xander nodded, grinning at him. "Counting on that?"

"Of course.  Otherwise I'd have to carry a lifetime supply of toilet paper to Mars with us."  Micah looked horrified and Xander grinned.  "That's the same look Throttle got."

Micah burst out laughing.  "Oh, that's a bad image.  That'd be a ship all by itself."

"Or something like that," he admitted.  He pulled up something and got out of the way, letting him see the plans he had drawn up. "Tell me what you think."

Micah moved to sit behind the keyboard, looking them over.  "How are you getting all this up there?"  Xander just grinned.  "You think magic will work like that?"

"It worked to get the truck up there and unloaded.  Getting some cargo containers and things up there won't be much different."  Then he smiled. "And one permanent displacement spell as well."

"I see."  He looked it over, then at Xander.  "Do I want to know how you can do this?"  He shook his head.  "Should I stock up on tylenol for Dawn?"  Xander nodded.  "Alone?"

"No, but I'll be carrying mine with me," he offered with a grin.  "Besides, to be effective and efficient in my new job...."  He grabbed his head and smiled.  "Thanks, Seal."  He looked at him. "Wrench said he'd help too, he just wanted to see analysis first."

"That might be a good idea, yeah," he said dryly. "Since Willow said Mars is low magic."

"She also said the magnetic core is out of whack.  She's trying to figure out why, even if she does have to go bug Fred a lot."   He moved Micah and took his seat back, then printed off the lists he had made. "We'll need this," he said, handing them over.  "Stacked neatly in cargo carrying containers."

Micah blinked at the list, then at him.  "You can't get this stuff up there?"

"Doing so would strain Mars horribly at the wrong time. We're bringing it with us."

"Fine," he agreed, tucking them into his jacket pocket.  "I don't know why, but fine.  Are Enamel's things on there?" Xander shook his head.  "How about his house?"

"Notice how I stipulated easy construction panels?  They'll do until we can get the rest built."

"Sure."  He shook his head.  "That'll be a miracle."

"Only a minor one.  Then again, Stoker thought I should start my own cult on Mars.  That way there could be a lot of Xanders forever and ever."

Micah shuddered at that thought.  "I can see you being a cult leader, Xander, but I didn't need that mental booger."  He walked off. "Let me know if I'm adding to the list."

"Only personal stuff but that can be in an empty container.  I'll need to know masses though."

"Sure."  He waved a hand and headed for the library.  "Your boy is insane," he told Throttle as he passed him.

"Xander, I thought rule number three was no cult on Mars!" he yelled.

"I'm trying really hard not to," he called back.  "It's not my fault if it starts on its own."

"Yes it would be," Modo assured him.  "Staff's tryin' ta nap, bro.  Please!"

"Sorry," Xander offered with a nice grin.  "How's she doing?"

"Just fine."  He blushed a bit. "Is it normal for women who're pregnant to crave things?"

"Things like pickles or things like their husbands?  Though the answer is yes."

"Oh, okay.  Pickles I can get her when she wants them."  He blushed and walked off, going to talk to Vinnie about this.  "Bro?"

Vinnie grinned at him.  "Ah, the second trimester. You'll need to start taking naps, bro.  This makes her feel closer to the Goddess.  It makes it all good later on too."

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure," he said dryly. "It's my favorite part of the whole process."  He winked at him and grinned, going back to his reading.  "How are we getting back to Mars?"

"He was talking about displacement and cargo containers."

Dawn headed down to the office. "I'm moving how much weight to Mars?"

Xander looked at her.  "We."

"I'm moving how much weight to Mars?" she repeated, leaning on the doorway, arms crossed over her chest.

Xander grinned at her.  "We, Dawn.  We're moving it on the day that Mars is closest to Earth. You, me, Vinnie, and Wrench.  That's a few months before the official move.  I'm heading up there with Wrench to start the construction so we have a house when we get up there. I'll come back a week before the final move and do the final displacement spell on the house and the garage and things, with you of course and Wrench if he's up to it, and then we'll be up there and only have to ride out through the transporter once the house is back in place.  Then you and Rimfire will be coming up through the transporter and will pull it up after you.  It'll be moved out to the house since you're the ambassador, and we'll be there."

"That's a lot of mass, Xander.  That's going to take a lot of magic, even at the closest time to us."

Xander grinned.  "I know.  It's covered and handled.  Relax and let it go.  I'm that good and so are you."

"Fine," she said, shrugging a bit. "If you're sure."  He nodded.  "How are you sure?"  He just grinned.  "Please tell me you're not counting on the Seal?"

"Not a bit.  Mars is low magic.  You'll want to start filling storage spaces now and then too.  Willow is working on it but it won't happen yet."

"Again, if you say so," she said dryly, walking off to tell Vinnie.  Maybe he'd be able to talk Xander down to reasonable stuff, like letting Chassis fly some stuff or moving it by transporter.

***

Xander grinned at Vinnie when he crawled in beside him that night.  "Where's your mate and mine?"

"Throttle's giving her a backrub and they're both coming in here.  How are we getting stuff to Mars?"

Xander kissed him gently.  "Let me worry about that.  You just enjoy it.  It'll only be two spells a few months apart. Worry more about making sure Staff gets back to Mars to deliver.  She said she wants to."

"Sure," he agreed, nodding. "Do I want to know?"

Xander just grinned at him. "Have you ever wondered how the transporter lines work when they take minerals and stuff?"

"Not really.  I figure it's like the transporter only it goes to a holding spot...."  He gaped.  "We are?"  Xander nodded.  "Then what's the magic?"

"Turning ours into one."

"Oh."  He blinked a few times. "Okay then."  He nodded.  "Good idea!"  Now he knew Xander was insane.  "How are you going to manipulate where it comes out by magic?"

"Fred."  He just grinned and opened his book again, going back to reading.  "It's fine, I could probably do it on my own but Dawn has more math and Wrench will be anchoring the spot.  So we'll basically be aiming to hit him.  You'll be the backup."

"Sure," he agreed, nodding.  "Then what?"

"Then Wrench and I go up and deal with the housing stuff, then we do one last move a few weeks before the final move date.  Then we do the shopping stuff we'll need and take that with us the normal way or have Chassis fly it back."  He smiled sweetly.  "See, I do have a plan."

"You do," Throttle agreed as he walked in.  "Is it realistic?"

"He's going to turn our transporter into something like how they use to steal minerals and send them to a holding site."  Throttle looked unsure at that.  "It'll be fine.  We'll be aiming to flatten Wrench.  The magic will be to change our transporter's beam into that one."

"Which will mean creating a focusing crystal to beam it through, which is the magic," Xander agreed.  "See, simple."

"Why can't we just take one of theirs and reprogram it?" Throttle asked.

"Because I'm not sure it's not hardwired in," Xander admitted. "Then I'd have to go find the holding station and drag it to Mars."

"Oh.  Okay," Throttle said, not sure if it'd work but Xander said it would and he knew about strange stuff, and he said Fred was helping him so it was going to be fine.  He was sure it'd be fine.  He sent up a silent prayer to the Gods for their assistance in making it fine but he was sure it'd be fine.  Xander would make it fine.

"Charley, kiss my bro there to knock him out of that thought loop," Vinnie said dryly, smirking at her.  She kissed him and made him moan, then laid down between the two white mice. "How are you feeling now? My baby girl doin' okay in there?"

"She's a relaxed white mouse," she said with a grin. "So am I."  She stole a kiss.  "It's been over six months.  Has the beam worn off yet?"

"It's lesser," Xander admitted, "but not totally gone.   I need to go over house designs tomorrow too.  Do you guys want your own house or a connected suite to ours?"

"Huh?" Charley asked.

Xander summoned his working laptop and pulled up the designs.  "Pick."  He handed it over.

She looked at them.  "One's two houses and one's two apartments connected the rest of a house."  Xander nodded and grinned as Throttle came over to look. "Where's Modo's?"

"I was going to make him one of his own whatever you decide.  So if you go with the suites, he'd get one. If you go with houses, he'd get one."  He shrugged. "Just as easy as building two really."

"I like the suites idea," Throttle admitted.  "It's nice and it shares resources better."

"I like it too," Charley agreed.  "It's far enough away that we'd get our own space but close enough to be there for everything."  Vinnie nodded, liking that idea.  "What about Enamel and Rimfire's places?"

"Enamel's getting a corner of the lot.  I've already told him that.  That way he can hide and have a love nest with Shell. That way he can also see patients without us knowing who they are.  Rimfire and Dawn will get their own small house on the other corner.  She'll have to do official type stuff so she'll need her own study spaces and things."  He pulled up the overall plans, letting them see them.  "That's with the suites.  I figure we'll be the north corner, Vinnie and you will have the East.  Modo and Staff will have the Southern because she said she liked the view.  The Western will be an open area for the bikes and the garage.  The transporter will end up here," he said, pointing at a round spot.  "The mineral pool is this room," he said, pointing at it.  "The hot tub will be out by the bikes again, so we've got the good views."

"Those take a ton of water, Xander."

Xander looked at him. "There's more water than you think," he noted dryly.  "The Seal found a handy port to the underground river system on the land too.  We'll use that and recycle it for the tubs."  Vinnie nodded that he accepted that idea.  "We can even use a filtration system.  Whatever we recycle out will be used out in the greenhouse and the small gardens.  Which sends it back down to the river eventually.  It just makes a few stops on the way.  Also, Willow says she found another pure water stream underground.  It's around where they want to put the university.  They're looking it over now.  Besides all that, it'll mean less time going out to be stared at when the people start to see that it's getting good so they can get a bit paranoid again.  That's bound to happen.  That's why Stan and Chassis get a house between Dawn and Enamel's if they stay together."  That got another nod and someone tapped on the door.  "Yeah?"  Rimfire stuck his head in.  "Probs?"

"Lawyers.  They want you to sell Limburger's land to them."

"They can wait until a decent hour.  You can tell them I'm not giving up sex tonight for them.  Tell them if they try to make me I'm bringing that other Xander our Ray saw, the consort, and having him do away with them."  Rimfire grinned and went to tell them that.  They listened and someone drove off quickly.  "Good. Rimfire, are you all right?"

"Fine."  He closed their door on the way past.

Xander looked at Charley and Vinnie.  "Does that suit you guys?"  They both nodded.  "Good."  He beamed at them then at his mate.  "You?"

"It's all good to me, Xander, as long as you're not going to tax yourself doing it."

"I figure Wrench and I can easily build the house and teach a bunch of the kids something about construction as well.  That way some other people can build houses too."  That got a small smile.  "Plus Stoker threatened to send me the recruits who didn't have a clue and needed shot down to put them to work too.  That way they were doing some good somewhere for Mars by watching to make sure I didn't do odd things."

Throttle grinned. "I can see that."  He stole a kiss.  "It's still not totally off you guys yet?"

"Not yet," Vinnie admitted.  "It's a lot weaker, but I still want to cuddle him. Just not more poetry."

"Thank you, I don't think I could have stood any more," Throttle pointed out. "You're a really bad poet, bro."

Vinnie shrugged. "At least I was trying to be sweet. You never do that for Xander."

"He never asks me to read to him in bed unless he's sick."

"You could read me stuff if you wanted," Xander offered, putting his book onto the floor and the laptop more carefully onto the floor and sliding it under the bed.  Then he got up and moved it, just in case. They hadn't broken a bed in a while but still.  He climbed back in on Throttle's clear side, letting him snuggle Charley between him and Vinnie.  "How's that?" he asked with a grin.

"I wasn't going to say anything," Throttle assured him.

"He's a very good cuddler," Charley offered. "I almost asked for that for Christmas."

Xander looked over at her. "I got you something nearly as cuddly as me."  He grinned.  "It's cute too."  He stole a kiss then went back to cuddling his mate.

"Xander, do you want to keep Vinnie from wearing me out tonight?" Charley asked.  Xander moaned a bit and bit his bottom lip before nodding.  She looked at Throttle.  "I'm sore and he wanted something I'm not totally comfortable with.  I like being the girl in our relationship but he's having one of those 'please pound me' days."  Vinnie blushed at that.  "Think you could handle that for me?"  He nodded after glancing down at Xander and feeling how hard he was against his thigh.  "Good.  Tail ring?" she demanded.  Vinnie handed it over with a pathetic look.  "I still love you but I'm not comfortable doing that for you, Vinnie. Therefore I'm going to let Xander do it for you."  She kissed him.  "All right?"  He nodded, stealing a second kiss.  "Good boy."  She handed it to Throttle.  "Here, have my boy for the night."

"Both of them?" he said in awe.

"If that's what you need, bro."  He watched as Xander shifted over and carefully moved Charley out of the way, then pushed Vinnie closer to him.  "Am I in charge?"

"I could stand some being ordered around," Xander admitted with a small grin. He took the tail ring and looked it over, then flipped it on and slid it up Vinnie's tail, making him shiver and get hard again.  "You might want to take those pants off so we don't rip 'em, Vin."  Vinnie got up and stripped, then laid down on his stomach.  He was tense so Xander got to work on his legs and lower back, massaging and kneading until the poor guy relaxed and things started to go faster.  Then he slid the ring farther up the tail.  Vinnie tensed and slowly moaned, forcing himself to relax again.

"Do to him what you do to me," Throttle ordered.

"Strip?" Xander asked, looking down at himself.  "I'm not really dressed for it in jammie bottoms, dear."

"I'm sure you're good enough in them ," Charley said, smirking at him.  "Come on, I haven't seen you do that in person yet."  Xander blushed but got up and turned on the radio, finding nothing playing that they liked.  So he called the radio station and asked them to play a few certain songs, that way he could tease his lover.  The first one came on a minute later and he started to move, dancing a bit, moving and swaying back and forth while he teased them.  Vinnie had his tongue out.  Charley was gripping Vinnie's arm.

Throttle was kicked back with his arms behind his head.  "The rules state no touching until he comes to you."

"Hey, I can always give him a lap dance," Xander said, making sure the phone was hung up.  He yanked Vinnie up and put him into their chair, dancing around him.  He grinned.  "Hands on the arms."  Vinnie gripped the arms, watching him move and sway for him, then he moved closer to make it a true lap dance, making him shiver.  He ran a hand up his stomach, ruffling his fur, watching Vinnie follow the trail he made.  He worked himself over a bit, making him moan and lean forward, but Xander moved back, grinning at him.  "Naughty you."  He moved his pants down some, unused to using elastic-waisted pants for this, and Vinnie drooled.  He moved closer again, then wiggled them off, dancing fully naked now.  Vinnie leaned forward and Xander backed up, smirking a bit at him as he went to tease Throttle now.  He was moaning and gripping the headboard behind his head so he couldn't touch him.  Xander felt someone move up behind him and glanced back but Vinnie was on his knees, watching from the end of the bed.  "Very naughty white mouse."

"Yes, I am," Wrench called.  He tapped on the door. "The evil lawyers are back."

Xander grinned. "I'll be right back."  He put on a pair of real pants and headed out there, going to beat the crap out of them.  "They'd have to interrupt while I'm trying to strip," he complained.

"You can do that?"

"Yes, dear, I did it a few times in my life," Xander sighed.  "Even for money when I was broken down once."  He opened the door and glared at the lawyer, making him flinch. "You're interrupting my sex life."

"You're not done yet?"

"Some of us need more than four minutes, dude.  Go the fuck away."  The lawyer whimpered and held out the papers.  "Drop 'em inside.  Then go.  I'll get around to it sometime tomorrow."  He dropped the papers inside the door then left.  "Thank you!"  He slammed the door and turned to look at Wrench.  "I don't care if you listen at the door but don't interrupt."  He went back to it, slamming the door and locking it, leaning against it.  He went to put some CD's in, needing the extra help, and it'd hopefully cover up the moans he'd be creating.  "Now, these I'm more used to stripping in," he said fondly, dancing in front of Vinnie, arms above his head for now.  Vinnie leaned forward to kiss him and he backed away, grinning at him.  "This is all a tease, dear.  Move that ring one inch up."  Vinnie reached back, staring at him as he did so.  He moaned and Throttle moaned.  Apparently they had played this game before.  He looked back but Charley was watching him so he went back to watching Xander, drooling heavily now.  He even slurped some of it back since he needed to swallow.  Xander got to the point of being unzipped and unbuttoned, letting the pants hang open, and Vinnie was losing his mind.  As his personal tease moved, you could see hints of his body.  He wanted the whole thing.  He pounced.

Xander chuckled and patted him on the back while they kissed, pulling back to breathe. "You're not supposed to touch, just watch."

"To hell with watching," he moaned, kissing him again.  He felt the ring be moved against the base of his tail and moaned heavily, a deep, vibrating sound.  Then it was turned to the second setting, making him wiggle and thrust.  "Oooooooooooooh!" he shrieked, but Xander got him onto his back, looking down into his eyes.  "Please!"

"Is it torture, babe?" he cooed, stroking through his chest.  "Should I get out the cockring?"  Vinnie whimpered so he got up and pulled one out, putting it on him.  Then he stood over top of him to finish getting out of his clothes.  He heard someone come near the door and hit it with the pants, making whoever run away.  Then he went back to dancing, standing overtop of him, letting him see everything he had.  Vinnie was stroking himself but he wasn't going to get anywhere with that ring on him.  Xander shifted to give him a better view, and got a moan.  Finally he fell to his knees to kiss him again.  "What did you need, Vinnie?"

"Me.  In," he panted.  "Please!"

"Sure."  He grabbed some oil, looking at it.  "Babe, is this the normal stuff?"

"No, that's the good stuff.  Try this instead," he called, handing over a bottle of stuff and putting the pot away.  He had planned on using that on Xander later, but oh, well.  He saw Xander move back to lick and suck on Vinnie, watching as a finger prepared him.  Vinnie was bucking up and nearly sobbing.  Xander flicked up the ring to the next setting, then sat up, patting his lap.  Throttle moaned.  "Sit on him, Vinnie.  I wanna see that."

Vinnie climbed up Xander, sitting on him.  He forced his way down, groaning as it eased some of the ache he was feeling.  Then Xander bent him forward and started to work him slowly, teasing his tail, Xander's tail stroking the inside of his thigh.  It was incredible.  He was out of his mind.  He thought he was seeing things in the corner with the sparkly thing standing there but he didn't care!  He humped back and Xander whispered in his ear, making him howl in pleasure as he moved faster.  Then he flipped the vibrating ring all the way up and he lost it totally.  He bucked and Xander pounded him, making him limp and needy.  He was pleading to come, he was pleading for more, and that's when Throttle cleared his throat.

"Mine now, Xan."  Xander looked back and spanked Vinnie, smirking at him as he rode him harder. "Now.  You get off on me, not for him.  Now."  Xander thrust in again, still staring at him.  So Throttle had to get up and grab Vinnie, putting him onto the bed.  He tied him down, then slowly eased the ring off him.  He was so far gone he probably didn't realize it.  He was still trying to hump the air and Throttle was teasing his stomach and thighs, the way he used to do it when he drove Vinnie mad.  He slowly slid in and Vinnie whimpered, pushing back against him. "I'm not teasing," he soothed.  "Let it go."

"Can't!  More!" he shouted, arching up, sobbing for real now. "Please!"

Charley looked at Throttle, then flicked open the cockring, watching as Vinnie spewed like a volcano, letting out great sobs of relief.  Throttle waited until he was done then slowly built his way back up, watching as Vinnie let go of everything and let him do whatever he wanted.  Vinnie was so far gone that he didn't feel anything now but the pleasure.  "Xander, put that on," he ordered, handing back the cockring.  "You're next for teasing."

"You told me I could," he protested, but he did hitch himself up.  He grabbed the bottle of lube and went to work on himself, but Charley took it from him and did it for him, kissing him gently.  He grinned and kissed her back, but she spanked him.  "Fine, I'll be a good tease."

"Charley girl, why don't you hit the chair?" Throttle suggested as he worked.  Vinnie came again and he moaned, pulling out of him.  He opened his bedside table and found a plug, sliding it in gently.  Vinnie let out one last gasp then slowly relaxed.  "I'm going to punish my tease, Vinnie, you should watch," Throttle whispered, pulling out the shortest straps they had.  He hitched Xander's arms to the headboard, then his ankles to the footboard, making him stretch out on his stomach.  He propped a pillow underneath Xander's hips for easier access and to tighten the straps a bit more, making him moan.  "Did you like that?"

"He's very soft," Xander moaned as Throttle checked him.  "He felt so tight."

"He still is," Throttle agreed.  He spanked him, making Xander howl.  "Whose are you?"

"Yours," he moaned.  "You said I could tease."

"And you did.  Did it feel good?" he asked.  Xander nodded, putting his head down.  "I should let him have you again," he offered.  They both moaned at that and Vinnie used his tail to get free, stroking Xander's back gently.  "Are you all right?"

"That was incredible," he said hoarsely.  "Have him, Throttle.  He deserves a reward."

"You think he deserves a reward for making your wife horny?"

"Yeah.  He's very good at what he does."  He looked at him as he leaned down to lick some sweat off Xander's lower back.  "It hasn't been that hard and good for years with a guy.  Not since you and I in our earlier days.  Being with my sweetheart is a whole different type of pleasure."

Throttle smirked at him. "Thanks, bro, but he's still getting it for doing that to you."  He pushed the butt cheeks apart, looking at the hole.  "It looks so tight and innocent.  Like he's never been touched there."  He pushed his way inside, wincing a bit.  "He's still very tight in there."

"I only got him to two fingers," Charley admitted. "That's how far he got Vinnie."

"No wonder you went insane, bro."  He slowly seated himself and then pulled back, slamming in the next time.  Xander moaned into the bed.  "Whose are you?"

"Yours!"

"That's right, and I'm going to make you wish you were on your knees."  He slammed in harder this time, going for a hard, quick ride for now.  It always made Xander beg, then he undid the straps, letting Vinnie finger him while he got him repositioned on his back, still stretched out, but the pillow now elevating his hips.  He slid back home, staring down at him.  "I should get to mark your tail as mine, Xander.  I haven't gotten to do that in a while."  That got a moan and Throttle leaned down for a kiss, still working on him.  "I should make you just as insane as Vinnie, but I can't be that big of a tease."  Xander nodded, trying to arch up to meet his thrusts, but he wasn't allowing it.  He suddenly pulled back and pulled Vinnie into his lap, bending him down.  "You, take my boy.  He did you, it's only fair."

"Can I use the ring?" he asked.  Throttle tossed it over and watched as Vinnie clipped it on, turning it on medium.  Xander jerked and wiggled, growling as he tried to move it.  "Is it in the wrong spot?" he teased with a grin.  "Should I move it?"  He went back to teasing his hole, then leaned down to lick across the head of his cock.  Xander broke one of the straps and Throttle moved to hold him down, making Vinnie smirk. "He's stronger than I am."

"He's going to go primal and do us all to death if you don't cure him of it," Throttle warned.  Xander was struggling to flip Vinnie over but Vinnie slid home and Xander growled, breaking the leg straps.  Throttle moved back and watched as Xander flipped Vinnie over and rode him, doing whatever he wanted and needed to get off.  There was no thought there, just primal need and want.  Xander was riding Vinnie, gripping his arms to hold himself upright, and growling in pleasure as he moved.  Then Throttle pulled him off and put him onto his stomach again, holding him down by the shoulders while Vinnie got up to pounce him.  "Do him well, bro.  Otherwise I'm not going to be able to sit tomorrow."

"You and me both," he joked, going back to it.  It was hot and wonderful and kinky, but Xander was in need.  Vinnie turned the ring up to the highest notch, watching as Xander howled and let everything go.  He could only hold on as the body thrust back against him time and again, giving him some resistance and something to use.  Then Throttle took off the ring and Xander howled, pouncing him.  There wasn't much preparation.  Xander licked him and stretched him with his tongue, then he was in there, pounding into his mate while Vinnie was trying to keep him going from behind.  Vinnie came first and went limp, he was done for the night.  He flopped across the end of the bed, watching as Xander and Throttle moved against each other.

Charley got up and got the swing down, then nudged Vinnie.  Vinnie groaned but got up and yanked on Xander's tail, getting pounced again.  He nodded at the swing and Xander smirked, but growled in pleasure.  "Get up there, babe, we'll make it good," he promised, stroking his cock.  Xander hopped up there and Throttle came over to hitch him down and have him again, going as deep as he could.  Xander was still wiggling so Charley came up to kiss him and it was good.  She was panting and gasping, and Xander wasn't ready yet.  Throttle came and groaned.  He undid Xander and went to lay on the bed, knowing his mate was going to have him again.  Xander slithered out of the swing and kissed Charley, then got down to lick her a few times, then he went to pounce his mate again, just having him in gleeful abandon.  When he felt Vinnie move to undo the cock ring, he switched to him, tossing the plug over his shoulder.  Vinnie was howling in pleasure as he worked him off, clutching hands with Throttle.  Then Charley came over to help him along.  Her wetness covered his mouth to muffle his gasps, groans, and screams, and it was even better.

Throttle nudged Xander and flipped onto his stomach, letting Xander have him again.  Vinnie needed Charley now and Xander needed him.  His tail managed to get the cock ring undone, but that wasn't enough.  Xander still rode him, faster and harder, making him grab the headboard and try to break it.  He heard a creak and let out a scream of pleasure as Xander finally came and bit him, sending him over the edge.  He went limp, laying his head on Vinnie's shoulder while Xander finished himself and stroked his back.  "Damn," he said finally.

Xander flopped down on his back, cuddling him.  "I'm sorry if I hurt you," he whispered.

"No you didn't hurt us, but you're being a pillow tomorrow," Vinnie joked.  He shifted and moaned, and then the bed creaked again, cracking the boxspring down the center.  It caved in and they all fell into the new hole.  "Shit."

Xander climbed out, helping lift Charley out first.  She was either asleep or unconscious, so he helped Vinnie out then headed outside and across the snowy pathway to the storage building and Enamel's apartment above it.  He pounded on the door.  "The bed broke, Charley's hurt.  Come now!" he demanded, trying to pull him.

"What?" Enamel asked.

"The bed broke while we were having sex!  Charley won't wake up!  Now! Right now!"

"Coming.  Let me get my kit."  He looked at him then blinked a few times.  He grabbed his bag and followed him over there, looking at the mess that had been made.  Two of the straps on the swing were broken.  One of the support hangers was pulling free as well.  The bed was a nice 'v' shape, and Charley was on the floor with her head in Vinnie's naked lap.  He had to step over an obviously used butt plug and cock ring to get to the side of the bed. "Were we gentle with her?" he demanded as he knelt beside them.

"She wasn't part of this one," Vinnie admitted, stroking her hair.  "We were wearing me and Xander out."  Enamel looked at him and Vinnie frowned.  "Sometimes I need it," he defended.

"Not saying anything against it, Vinnie.  I'm just wondering if you'd be willing to sell whatever got you that hot."  He attached the little disc to Charley's chest, looking over the readings.  "She's fine," he soothed.  "Perfect.  Just a bit tired.  It looks like she's asleep and the baby's bouncing around in there happily."  He took it off and put it on Vinnie, watching the reading.  "You're fine, just tired.  You should probably soak a bit too."  He blushed and put it on Throttle, then blinked and blushed harder.  "You too."  He put it on Xander and went bright red.  "All of you guys, go sleep in the mineral pool.  Let me start it.  That way she won't be hurt by anything in it."  He went to create them a warm resting pool, one without heavy chemicals and that wasn't too hot.  Anything as hot as Vinnie usually liked it and it'd burn the stretched and vulnerable tissues.  He came back and lifted Charley up, carrying her that way with the three overprotective men behind him.  He saw Modo coming down and shook his head.  "Overstressed the bed during sex.  She's fine, just asleep."

"Bros!" Modo complained.

"She wasn't involved," Throttle defended.  "That was mostly Xander and Vinnie!  Hell, I got caught in it too!"  He helped hold Charley while Vinnie and Xander got her stripped, then Vinnie got in and he handed her over, watching as he settled his wife into his lap.  He got in next and hissed a bit, but when he looked Xander was gone.  "Xander!"

"He's getting some juice," Enamel said quietly, checking them over.  "Are you all right?" he asked quietly.  Throttle nodded. "You're sure?"

"Could you turn up the water a bit, doc, it's cold," Vinnie complained.

He checked and turned up the heater a bit, then looked over as Wrench walked Xander in, then left to get a tray, blushing just as hard as he was.  "Would you like to tell me what happened?"

"Vinnie needed it so I let Xander tease him by stripping," Throttle admitted.  "Then things got better from there."

"Xander can strip?" Wrench asked as he came back with the tray of juice and snacks.  "Here, you look like you need food for energy," he offered, handing it to Vinnie.  "Eat it all and make sure she eats."

"She'll get to eat first," Vinnie promised, nudging his wife gently.  "Charley?  Sweetheart?  Are you okay?  I've got some juice and stuff to nibble on."  He kicked at the table he and Xander had installed, putting it down to hold the tray with Enamel's help.  Then he pulled her head up to kiss her.  "Charley?  Sweetheart? Please wake up?"  She yawned and blinked up at him. "Are you okay?"

"I've never gotten off without a single bit of manual help," she admitted, blushing when she saw their helpers.  "Watching too?"

"The bed broke," Throttle told her.  "You wouldn't wake up."  Xander let out a quiet whimper.  "It's not your fault and I liked it.  Vinnie liked it.  Even she liked it, babe.  You're not in trouble and you can always go find a more sturdy bed."

Charley kissed Xander gently.  "That was incredible," she told him.  "I've never seen anything so hot before.  I got off without having a single touch of help."  He gave her a shy grin and she smiled, kissing him again.

"Hey, Throttle, can I borrow him for my next birthday?" Enamel asked.

"Sorry, I only make him go out to tease others when he's been really, really bad."

"Really, really bad?" Xander teased back.  "Like how bad?"

"Like giving the kids on Mars fur dye bad," he said, grabbing some juice.  "Or maybe helping them learn to apply it to mark themselves as a gang."  Xander 'eeped' and ducked under the water.  He pulled his mate up to look at him. "You did what?"

"I put the rest of my last batch in Spike's saddlebags," he offered.  "I gave the kids their own insignia too."  He gave him the puppy eyes look.  "They're very cute.  It's a dragon on a motorcycle balancing on a dagger."  Throttle moaned.  "It comes out after a few weeks."

"Fine, if you start a cult on Mars, then he can have you for his next birthday party."

"If I asked, would you teach me?" Wrench asked.  "That way I can find a lady and make her brainless now and then too."

"Cuz, you have *no* idea," Vinnie said smugly, stroking Charley's back.  "He started out and then you interrupted us, so he put back on clothes, then he came back and started over again."  He moaned as he shifted. "Then he made me go insane, then he lost it."  Xander moaned but he was kissing Throttle.  "I wish you to have a lover like those two some day too, man.  I hope you find a lady like that."

"Me too," Wrench admitted, dragging Enamel with him.  "We'll see you in the morning, hopefully you'll be able to sit by then."  He closed the door and looked at him.  "Do you think the club Xander's going to open on Mars will have strippers?"

"No.  There's one out by one of the farther bases that has some once a month and the city of Omega has a club that has some," he offered. "Some guy was complaining to Shell about his girl working there."  He walked off, heading back to jump his mate.  Not even the cold outside on his naked body made him less hard.  She smiled as he walked back in and slammed the door.  "They broke their bed.  Charley got off without having been touched."  He dove into her lap, licking and sucking for all he was worth.

"Dear, gently!" she demanded, holding his ears.  He didn't care, he got in there as deeply as he could and then he surged up and pulled her down onto him to ride her into a dreamless sleep. By the time he was done, neither of them could move, but he didn't care.  He'd sleep in the wet spot on the couch.  His tail flopped onto the throw on the back of the couch until it fell off, then used it to cover them.  He held on for dear life, knowing he'd never lose her now. She whimpered a bit but he stroked her back, calming her down.  She'd need a long, hot soak tomorrow too.  The baby cried and they both moaned but Wrench slid in and grabbed him, taking him back to the main house with a nod and a grin.

It was nice to have such understanding friends.

Maybe he'd get Xander stripping for his birthday after all, then he could have Shell that same way and watch her get off like Charley had.

Or maybe he'd have Xander teach him so he could do it for her.  That might be better.  He didn't want her to compare.

Episode 77:

Xander looked over the paperwork, letting Micah read his copy since he had faxed it over when he had finally gotten up this morning, and then looked at him.  "I don't like that deal."

"Me either."  He emailed something over.  "Try that one.  It's got the destruction clause and the higher price with all the money going to Mars."  He leaned back and grinned.  "You look tired, are you all right, kid?"

Xander blushed.  "Really great sex last night.  I need a new bed."  He opened the email and read it, then snickered.  "You're so bad, Micah."

"I am.  But they deserve it for interrupting twice last night from what Dawn said.  Is everyone okay?"  Xander blushed brighter and nodded.

Vinnie came in and hugged Xander, grinning at him.  "Is he telling you how he drove me out of my mind last night and then went primal to wear out me and Throttle, then broke the bed and the sling?"

"He did?" Micah asked.  "How?  I want lessons in how to do that!"

"Well, first you get possessed by a hyena, and then you accidentally date a succubus and have her decide you should be one of them so she figures out how to bring out the primal beast during sex," he offered dryly.  "Then you have a naughty bro who needed it badly last night and you start out by teasing him by stripping, then you take care of him and have your mate pounce you," he finished dryly.  "When he brings out the primal beast in you, then you too can break a lot of beds."  He was still blushing and looked back at Vinnie.  "We have got to go bed shopping in the next hour to make sure we have one for tonight."

"Charley said you're sleeping with us tonight over at the garage."  He kissed him again, making Xander moan.  "It's my turn to get you back for not being able to sit today," he said happily, then went to bug Wrench for a bit to catch up on the current clan news.

Xander shifted and tried to will his blush away.  "Sorry."

"That's okay.  Let me up that amount for interrupting really great sex."  He corrected the document and sent it back.  "There, use that one."

Xander read it and blushed bright red, then printed it off and hung up, going to hand it to Throttle.

"What's this?" he asked, looking it over.  "Oh, for the tower."  He blushed when he came to that clause as well.  "Uh-huh. Who wrote this?"

"Micah," Xander squeaked.  Throttle used his tail to pull him into his lap and cuddle him.  "Vinnie said it's his turn tonight."

"It is if you want it to be.  I'm too sore to do more than suck gently."  He kissed him and Staff went scurrying past.  "Sorry."

"Not your fault.  I should have waited five minutes."  She slammed the bathroom door.  By the time she came out, they were gone and she was able to quit blushing.  "What did they do?" she muttered, going to find her mouse.  "What did they do?" she hissed in his ear.  "Throttle just said he was sore!  None of them have walked right all day!"

Modo blushed and kissed her.  "Xander's a bit wild," he reminded her.  "He's used to bondage and things like that for bad boys."  She hid her hot, flushed face against his chest, warming it up for him.  He smiled and stroked her back.  "It's a good thing my gray furred momma raised me a good boy," he offered. She looked up and nodded.  "Besides, I like what you do to me."  He kissed her again and led her back to their room.  He wanted to play with her and the baby.  She blushed when he moved to lick her but he didn't mind.  He liked doing this for her as much as she liked doing it for him now and then.

***

Xander handed the papers over to the receptionist at Wolfram and Hart.  "That is the only offer I'm accepting for the rude behavior your partner showed last night by continually interrupting me. Should he show such rude behavior again, I'm increasing the price.  You can tell him either they take this or I'm destroying the tower and evicting the residents permanently."  He walked out, heading back to his bike.  Throttle smirked at him from behind his helmet.  "Let's go bed shopping.  We'll need one soon."

"Sure.  The usual place?"

"I don't care," he admitted, following him out into the street.

The receptionist found the note about the giant white mouse bringing in papers and called that office.  "Sir, that note you left for me about the mouse?  He just brought some papers back and said that's the only offer he'll accept due to rude behavior.  He also said if whoever was rude to him again, he's going to raise the price.  He said either you accept his terms or he's going to evict and then destroy the tower.  Yes, I have them in my hand, sir.  Please.  I don't know, sir, but do all giant mice walk that funny?"  She smiled and hung up, rereading the terms of sale.  She was a law student and she didn't know you could up the price more for interrupting sex.  He came off the elevator and snatched them with a frown.  "Sorry, sir, but he's already left.  He left with a tanned gentleman on another motorcycle."

"Fine."  He went back upstairs, reading the contract as he rode the elevators.  He came off with a blush and went to present it to his boss.  "Sir, the counter offer from Harris and he said he's firm about it due to our," he cleared his throat, "rude behavior last night.  He said it's either this or eviction and destruction of his own.  That might upset our ally even more."

The senior partner looked over the contract, only smirking a bit at that clause.  "I see."  He tapped a few things on his computer, watching the security footage from the drop-off then looked at his minion.  "How rude were you?"

"I simply went to drop off the agreement after we finished sir.  The first person told me off because they were having sex and wouldn't accept the papers so I had to try again about twenty minutes later.  I got Mr. Harris himself and he told me off that time but I didn't retort."

"That's fine.  I'm sure he was...busy.   You may go. I'll bring this to Limburger personally."  The minion ran back to his office. "Such a young thing, still scared of sex," he said dryly.  "I'll have to have him work on that succubus case to get him more worldly.  I can't have blushing virgins on my personal staff."  He made a note of that and faxed the papers over, then called.  "Limburger, Harris has countered the offer.  I faxed over his version just now.  It's not too outrageous, but then again...."  He smirked at the ranting as the younger Plutarkian read it.  "Well, he is a vital and energetic young man," he said dryly, smirking a bit.  "Yes, he said he was firm.  It was either accept that or be evicted and he'd destroy the tower. Oh, he also said should you interrupt his sex life again, the price would go up again."  He hung up and snickered at the ranting that had been going on.  "Such pitiful creatures.  Our Lord and Masters would love them as toys."  He considered it.  "Perhaps we should buy the tower and all the contents, including the souls, for their pleasure."  He typed that into the senior circle, getting an answer back of 'if possible, do so'.  That pleased him so he drew up a contract that covered Xander's desires and their own standard clauses.  Then he sent it on with a note at the top about revisions. After all, they wouldn't be needing a new building for quite some time, if ever.

***

Xander crawled up from the foot of Charley's bed, kissing her gently.  "Are you sure you want to host us tonight?  We might break this bed too."

She smiled and stroked his cheek.  "I doubt it.  We reinforced it today."  She kissed him and let him cuddle up next to her.  "What's wrong?  Missing girls?" she teased.

"I wanted to see if you tasted different," he admitted shyly.  She blushed but nodded, spreading out a bit for him.  He moved down to her neck, teasing and tasting her sweat there.  He heard Vinnie and Throttle come to the door, and one of them shoo off Vic back to bed, but kept going.  She tasted wonderful!  He moved down to taste her breast, moaning at the milk that came out.  He tried the other side and it was nearly as good, so he suckled a bit before moving down.  Her stomach made her wiggle and push on his head so he went further, making her arch up and swear as his tongue caressed and worked her.  He was in heaven, he hadn't done this in quite a while.  Anya hadn't liked oral sex that much.  Cordy had only allowed him oral sex, and the sex fiend he had dated while on his road trip had taught him how to do it better.  He reached up to hold her stomach down while he worked, letting the baby kick him.  She came and he licked her clean, then licked off his face, grinning at her.  "Can I do more?"

"No, babe, lick me instead," Throttle ordered, coming in to lay beside Charley.  Xander switched over to kiss him and then go down on him, allowing Throttle to play his fingers through his hair.  Vinnie just smirked at his wife, arms crossed over his chest. "Does that mean she's ours tonight?"

"If she wants."  He came in to kiss her himself, then went to taste her.  Xander hadn't left much for him to taste but he could fix that with a few moment's work.  She was wiggling and calling his name when the door opened again.

"Guys, we've got Vic," Enamel called.  "Be gentle with her!"  He walked out, shutting the door hard.

"Why does he keep interrupting?" Vinnie sighed, looking at Xander.  They shared a kiss and got back to their respective partners.  It was going to be a nice, gentle night tonight and that's what they both wanted.  Their tails were teasing each other and Xander was humping the leg he was laying across.  Vinnie was humping the bed until he couldn't take it any more and had to have her.  He pushed in slowly, being very careful and gentle, and worked them both off.  Then they cuddled and watched Throttle get his boy off gently and cuddle up with him.  "This is nice," Vinnie admitted.

"Every now and then," Throttle agreed.  "But we'd need a bed the size of Modo's to do this every night."

"I can cuddle," Charley said through a yawn, curling up against Xander's chest and falling asleep.  Vinnie was against her back.  Xander had an arm around her stomach.  Throttle had an arm over both of them.  She felt loved and protected.  She didn't even hear the gunshots outside.  Or Rimfire answering them with his own.  She didn't even get to wake up at the explosion and neither did Xander.

Vinnie and Throttle had woken up but Rimfire apparently had it and Dawn was cheering him on.  They waited until it was done, but no one called for help and they heard the dune buggies retreating again.  So Rimfire had won.  That's all that mattered for the night. They drifted off too, snuggled up next to their mates.

By the time Vic came to get them up, everyone was on top of Throttle.  Vinnie had his left side.  Charley had his right shoulder.  Xander had his right stomach, and her stomach on his back.  He was being held down by two strong white arms and an arm around his shoulders, and he didn't really care at the moment because he felt loved.  He saw the handle wiggle again and quickly pulled up the blankets, blinking at Vic as he came in.  "Hey, little mouse," he said quietly.  "You're up early."

"Why you here?" he asked with a scowl.  "Daddy's mommy!"

"Our bed broke so we cuddled up together last night," Throttle said quietly, reaching over to pet him.  "You're right, your mommy is your daddy's wife.  We'd never break them up.  You never have to worry about it.  We're just cuddling."

"Me cuddle?"

"Well, we're not fully dressed," he admitted.  He heard muttering and suddenly his boxers were back on him, Charley was back in her nightgown, and he could feel both white mice had on boxers too.  "Sure."  He lifted up the corner of the blanket, letting the boy cuddle up between him and his daddy.  "You're a lucky little mouse, Victor.  You have a very good daddy," he said when Vinnie cuddled him like he was a teddy bear.  Vic chuckled and patted his daddy's nose, getting a sleepy grunt. "Vinnie, bro, the baby's in your arms."

"Naked," he moaned, lifting his head.  He wiggled.  "I thought I was. Who dressed me?"

"Xander, just now."  He nodded at the sleeping mouse.  "Vic wanted to make sure his mommy was still yours."

Vinnie kissed his son's head.  "Yup, she's mine all mine, kid."  Vic grinned up at him.  "Who dressed you this morning? You look like Wrench."  He sniffed him. "You smell like Wrench's aftershave too.  Did you cuddle him?"  Vic beamed and nodded. "Did you tickle him?  He needs to be tickled."  Vic wiggled out and went downstairs to attack his cousin.  Wrench shrieked, bringing the others running, but Vinnie only laughed from the bedroom. "Good job, son!"  He snuggled back in, getting comfortable again.  "Thanks for last night, Throttle."

"Welcome."  He stroked his head.  "We still love you, Vinnie.  It's a mutual thing."  Vinnie nodded and relaxed, falling back asleep. Throttle waved when Enamel walked in, disc already out.  "We were gentle and nice last night."

"Yay."  He checked Charley over, then snorted and headed off shaking his head.  "She's fine," he called as he shut the door.  He found Stoker in the kitchen watching the two mice play.  He stepped over them to get some coffee, waving his cup before he poured it in.  "Get you something?"

"No, not really.  Where's Throttle?"

"Upstairs."

"Why?" he asked.

Enamel turned and took a long sip. "Because they broke their bed so Charley offered them the chance to become pillows.  She's got the baby resting on Xander's back and is curled up on Throttle's shoulder.  Vinnie's got the other shoulder."  He took another long drink.  "They're fine."

"Good, I'm glad.  I don't want to know the details though."

"You and me both," Wrench gasped, getting away from his cousin.  "Vic, you're a champion tickler.  I'm going to have to get you to get Chassis soon."  He kissed him on the head.  "Want breakfast?"  Vic beamed and nodded.  "What do you want?"

"Pizza!"

"Are you a turtle?" Enamel asked fondly, smiling at him.

"Unca Xanner make pizza for breakfast.  He need it, he holding up baby.  He very strong."

"Yeah, he could probably use some good food too," Wrench agreed, getting up to find the frozen pizza stash.  He knew Xander had one over here.  He found a few and put them in the oven, turning it on.  "There, that way you and he can have pizza for breakfast.  The rest of us are probably having something else."

"Pancakes next door," Enamel offered.  Vic went running, making him grin.  "It works every time.  He likes syrup."  He set the oven timer to turn it off in ten minutes then went back there with the others.

Charley woke at the sound of the timer, looking confused.  "The oven, Vic said we should have pizza for breakfast," Throttle told her.

"My son is a white mouse in the wrong colored body," she complained, getting up and hitting the bathroom then going down to take the pizzas out and cut them up.  She carried them back upstairs with some sodas and curled back against Xander's back, going back to sleep.

Throttle smiled, there was time enough for food later.

***

Xander looked up as someone sat down next to him that night, nodding at his former boss.  "Hey."

"Hey yourself.  I haven't seen you recently."  Xander handed over the stuff he had been working on and Boris handed over a check.  "We still owed you some from the liquid explosive."  He flipped through them, then looked at his favorite mouse.  "Been distracted?  That one gun looks a lot like a penis."

Xander groaned and nodded.  "Very distracted, sorry."  He blushed a bit. "So use it in a movie or something maybe."  Boris laughed at that.   "We're leaving before the next prez takes his oath of office."

"Why?"

"Because it's not looking too nice if we're here.  One might try to leash and pet us.  The other would probably try to reform the NID and have us as experiments."

"Ah.  Understood."  He clapped him on the back, watching as he wiggled a bit on the edge of the landing pad.  "Better balance today, I'm impressed."

"It's a new botox injection in my ear," he admitted.  "Sorry about that one. You can give it back if you want."

He smirked.  "Not a chance. I know someone who'd love the illustration.  I'll have someone color it in so it's lifelike."  He shook his head and put them into his interior jacket pocket.  "What about work stuff?"

"I keep saying I'll take the next crew you've got," he said dryly.

"Well, we've got an open spot but it's an all demon crew."  He looked down as someone parked. "You're dealing with Wolfram and Hart?"

"No, somehow I ended up owning the land that the current Limburger tower is standing on and they're in partnership together.  So we wrote up a contract to let them buy it back, but it's got a 'destruct immediately' clause in it," he offered with a grin.  He looked down at the lawyer.  "What?"

"They didn't like it, sir."

"They either accept it or I'm destroying it while they're in it.  You can tell them I said that.  You can also tell them if they don't sign it immediately, the price goes up by another ten million tomorrow at this time."  The lawyer blanched. "Up to them really.  I like destroying things."

The lawyer got back into his car and headed off.

"You're being mean, I always liked it when you're mean," Boris said, giving him a fond grin.  "So, you're really moving all the way up there?" Xander nodded.  "Will you be okay with that?"

"I should be.  I can still head back to do a yearly shopping thing through Micah's office or something.  I might come when there's snow so I can enjoy it a lot again."  He formed a small snowball and tossed it at his boss with a grin.  "I'll miss having cable but it's sucked recently, and the 'net has a lot of odd things.  Someone wrote a story about me and Modo online, one of Meg's friends."  Boris blushed at that.  "I wrote the author to point out I was with Throttle, which one he was, and that it was excellent sex so therefore I would never leave him and Modo was too nice for me anyway since he didn't believe in bondage.  She sent back a purr," he offered with a smug grin.  "Then I showed Staff, who 'eeped' and went to hide on Modo and tell him.  He just laughed and said he was that hot and he was proud that I had told her first so he wouldn't have to have his mother spank me."

Boris shook his head. "You're so bad some days, Xander.  So very, very bad."

"Yes, he is," Throttle called, coming up the ramp.  He sat down on Boris' other side.  "So I'm supposing he told you that we're moving?"  Boris nodded.  "We'll be putting this place up for grabs once we're all home.  It's got some nice lots that someone could do a lot of stuff with and still protect the garage."

"I'll think about it," Boris offered with a smile.  He pulled out the illustrations and showed him that one.  "I think that one should share both your names."

Throttle blushed and looked at his mate.  "Did you need something that day?"  Xander just smiled and nodded.  "At least the new bed is set up."  Xander pounced him, kissing him hard. "Not in front of people," he moaned when the mouth moved down to his neck. "Or in the snow!"

Boris laughed and stood up.  "There's a check for him in his back pocket, Throttle.  Be safe and well.  I'll try to find something for him to do this spring once business picks up."

"Thank you!  Vic's learning a lot and the kids are loving the rope course, but Xander needs more things to take his attention before he makes me a pregnant mouse."

"You guys do that?"

"No, but it won't stop him," he said dryly, pushing Xander's head off his nipple.  "Xander!"

"Sorry," he said with a totally unrepentant grin.  "Hey, boss?"  He looked at him.  "I've got to buy building stuff to take to Mars.  Can I still use the company discount?  It's for our house up there."

"Who's building it?"

"Me.  I was going to use it to teach others how to do construction."

He considered it.  "Ask me when it's time, Xander."

"Sure, this time next year," he offered with a grin.

"Fine.  How soon before there's no more Plutarkians?"

"Probably a year by my time table."

"Try to work faster, kid.  They're annoying me with their stench.  They moved closer to Faith's house."  He headed off whistling.  He loved watching Xander play.  His own personal vampire Xander was waiting for him in the car, already naked and tied up for his pouncing pleasure.  "Home, Fred, and follow all traffic directions and signals.  If you break the law, I'm making you sit out tonight."

"Yes, sir," he said happily, putting the car into gear and taking off.

Throttle dug out the check and looked it over, then at his mate.  "What was this for?"

"The liquid explosive I did for them."  He pounced him again and then got up to drag him inside.  He didn't want his fun to catch cold.  The check was tossed at the table as they walked past it and he waved at everyone.  "Heading to bed!"

Oz blinked at their wake.  "I'm guessing he's horny?"

"And then some," Vinnie sighed, shaking his head.  "We wound Xander up the other night and he's been jump happy since."  He winced at the crashing noise.  "Don't tell me they broke this one already!"

"Are you okay?" Meg called from the top of the ramp.

"Swing broke!" Xander called back.  "He's fine, I'm soothing the booboos."

"Xander, give a mouse some warning!" Throttle said a few minutes later.  Then a long moan.  Then a scream and a crash.  "Shit!"

"No, I think that was the bed," Vinnie said, getting up to go check on them.  He found Xander still buried in Throttle but both of them knocked out.  "Enamel!  They did it again!"

"Did what!" he complained as he came down the ramp.  He looked and moaned, going in to check them over.  And to see how Xander had done it, because no regular mouse with a regular penis could do that to two beds within a week.

"I'm hoping he knows you can't just run out and buy new beds on Mars," Vinnie joked, shaking his head as he walked off.

"They're firmer and have less things to break.  He'll just wear them out."  He looked again, then separated them and started to treat the small bumps and bruises on their heads.  They had not only broken the box spring and frame, but the headboard had fallen and hit them both.  He was sure Xander had deserved it, but poor Throttle would have to deal with the headache and Xander.

***

Stoker looked up as Throttle came out of the transporter, taking the report he was carrying.  "How are things going?"

"My husband's a sex maniac," he muttered as he walked past him, heading out to go to his mother's.  His bike hadn't wanted to come, it was being spoiled by Vic and Dawn with a detailing, so he was wandering.  Slowly.  And limping a bit.  He had to walk past the daycare and Spike came out to get a hug so he paused to hug him.  "Don't turn into Xander.  You'll need more than one wife or husband," he complained.  Spike just gaped so he walked on.  He walked into his mother's house.  "Momma, make Xander quit having sex with me!" he whined.  "I'm sore!"

She came out to look at where he was laying on his stomach on the couch.  "What?" she asked.

"My husband is a sex maniac.  I can't sit. I had him last night and I still can't sit.  Make him stop?"

"Dear," she said patiently, coming over to hug him.  "Are you sane?"

He looked up at her and nodded.  "Yes!  But we broke three beds in the last week and I'm sore! I can't even ride!"

She patted him on the back. "It's all right, dear.  Why don't you let Vinnie wear him out for a bit?  We all heard about the lust ray and I'm sure he's more than willing by now."

"I have!  He wore out Vinnie first!  He's worn out Vinnie, Charley, and me, and Wrench thinks it's funny."  Momma started to laugh and he groaned. "It's not funny."

"Yes, it is, baby. If it were anyone else you'd be laughing at the pitiful whining you're doing too."  She patted him on the back of the head. "You rest, baby.  I'll fend him off for a few hours if he comes up."

"Thanks, momma.  I need a rest.  Besides, I didn't want the knowing smirks from the bed guys again. Twice was bad enough."

"You really broke the bed three times this week?"  He nodded. "How?"

Throttle looked at her, looking entirely serious.  "Do you really want the details?"

She considered it, then shook her head.  "No, honey, I don't want to imagine you having sex with Xander.  As much as I like the boy, I don't need that mental image."  She looked over at the comm as it beeped, showing Carbine.  "Yes, dear?  Did you need something?"

"Part of the report seems to be in baby cooing and talk.  Does he have a fixed version?"

Throttle looked over at her. "Call Xander, give him something to do besides leer at me."  He put his head back down.

She just stared.  "What did he do to you?"

"We broke three beds this week, Carbine, consider it.  I'm sure you can have pretty mental pictures about how we did that."

"I don't think the whole of Mars needed to hear that," Stoker called.  "I certainly didn't!"  The connection was cut.

"Pain in my tail old fart," he complained, putting his head back down.  "Momma, do you have anything to drink?  Something to kill the salty Xander kisses?"

"Baby, did he do something mean to you?" she asked, coming back to cuddle him.  "Was he mean to you?  Did he bite you or something?"  He shook his head, yawning a bit.  "Then why are you so upset with him?"

"Momma, I haven't slept in four days," he complained.  He looked at her.  "He's using me to wear himself out so he can think and plan about getting us up here in the next few years.  His mind's running too fast so he's using sex to slow it down.   Vinnie, Charley, and I can't sit and Wrench and Enamel just keep laughing it off," he said miserably.  "They think I'm complaining for no reason."

"If it's just sex, I'd say you were, but he should be more thoughtful of you, dear."

"Momma, you know how pregnant woman go through that stage?  The one that keeps making Modo blush recently?"  She chuckled and laughed.  "Well, Xander's got his own like that.  This is it."

"Should I go complain for you?"

He looked at her again. "He might pounce you, momma.  Then you'd try to steal my Xander from me."  The comm came on again.  "What?" he demanded.

"Baby," his momma chided gently.  She looked over.  "What's wrong, Exhaust?"

"Why is there suddenly an extra six hundred million in Mars' bank account on Earth?"

Throttle sighed.  "Because Xander found out he owned the land Limburger tower is currently sitting on.  He made them buy it back from him and he put a destruction clause in the contract," he said bitterly.  He put his head back down.  "I'm trying to take a nap, call Xander to get the contract's details."

"Fine.  Are you feeling all right?"

Throttle looked at him.  "Xander's in hyper thinking mode and his mind won't slow down."  He hissed and Throttle nodded.  "That's why I'm taking a nap up here."

"Sure, I'll let you get back to it.  I'll call Xander personally.  Anything else that could help him?"

"Send the kids to wear him out," Momma suggested.

"Everyone but Spike and his crew are already down there," Throttle admitted.

"I'll get Spike and them to go down," Exhaust promised, hanging up.  He looked at Stoker.  "Xander's thinking too hard and needing something to wear him out."

"Fine."  He called Ramjet's mother.  "Xander needs someone to wear him out.  Would you mind if I sent the kids to play on his agility course?"

"Will they come back more funny colored?"

"I hope not.  I'd hate to have to whip his tail if Spike came home purple or something."  She smiled at that. "I'll make that clear."  She smiled and nodded.  "Thanks."  He called Piston's father.  "Xander needs someone to wear him out.  You mind if your son goes down with Ramjet and them?"  The father shook his head.  "I'll make sure there's no more fur dye incidents."

"That'd be nice, but he's fairly cute.  He spilled some on his arm so it's now teal."  Stoker groaned and shook his head.  "So I'm good with the fur dye.  Just keep him from eating too much sugar please."

"Sure.  Thanks."  He called the daycare, getting their monitor. "Please send Spike and his whole crew and Anya here?" he ordered.  "Xander needs worn out.  Their parents already agreed."

"Of course.  What happened to their arms?"

"Fur dye.  It's temporary.  It's supposed to wash out in about two weeks."

"Oh, that's good.  Some kids picked on Piston about his green arm.  He said it was cool and he was hip."  She grinned and hung up.

Stoker put his head down with a moan.  "Tell me when they get here," he complained.  "I'll send them through with orders."

"Sure," Carbine said, smirking at him.  Then at Exhaust.  "First Throttle and now the kids?"

"I sincerely *doubt* Xander will be doing the same thing he did to Throttle to those children," Stoker growled, glaring at her.  "I will whip your tail to death."

"You'll try."

Xander came up and stuck his head out of the transporter.  "Did my mate wander this way?"

"Yes, and you're going to get the kids in a few minutes so he can nap," Stoker said.  Xander just gave him an odd look.  "He said you needed to be worn out so you can think.  Therefore you're getting the whole group, including Anya."  Spike slammed open the doors with Ramjet and Thruster behind him, and Piston behind them with Anya reading as she walked behind him.  "You guys get to go play with Xander.  He needs to be worn out so he can think.  Throttle said so," he said when Spike looked at him.  "No more fur dye and no sugar."

Spike looked at Xander.  "Didn't you have that before Glory?"  Xander nodded. "Okay.  We can handle that again."   He pointed.  "Go wear him out.  We're working with the agility course."

Ramjet looked at him.  "Why are you in charge?" she demanded.  "I'm older!"

"Oh, hush, bint!"  He walked off shaking his head.  "You'll understand some day."  He looked up at Xander.  "Can we use the big course?"

"Not until you can show me you can, son," Stoker said firmly.  "Use the small one to practice."  He sighed and nodded.   "Ramjet, he thinks he's in charge because he thinks he can do better than you.  If you prove him wrong, you'll get to have it some of the time."  She smirked and raced past him.  He looked over as Racer came in and nodded at him, heading after the kids.  "Keep them out of trouble please," he called after them.  Racer waved a hand. Stoker looked at Carbine, then reached over to hit her.  "I'm going to kill you later."

"Is that enough to get him arrested?" Carbine asked.

Vinnie came off the transporter and smiled sweetly, grabbing Carbine by the hair and walking her out of the chamber.  The doors closed and she screamed, then he walked back and back through the transporter.

"I believe someone heard her accusation," Exhaust said dryly.  "What did you think about the plan to let Xander sit in a seat?"

"I can think of many bad things that would happen if Xander took a seat on the council," Stoker said honestly.  "One of them being that half of us would go insane when he has a bouncy day."

"Yes, but he's very good for Mars," Exhaust offered.

"So's water, but I wouldn't put it on the Council. He's an *advisor*, let him advise someone.  Like Modo maybe," he offered with a smile.  "Even that punk Vinnie would be better.  At least they could work together."

Mirror looked at them. "I'm sorry, I had a change of thought last night," she announced. "I could suddenly see the problems that Stoker can, but I would be more than willing to let him come up when he's older.  Once he's settled in on Mars for a few years and the like."

Exhaust looked at her.  "I'm retiring before I get much older, dear.  I want to go enjoy my life."

"Nominate your younger brother then," Stoker suggested.  "Or someone reasonable."

"Wrench could do it," Mirror suggested. "He's very reasonable and steady most of the time.  He's also tied very heavily to Mars.  He's done his duty in the Freedom Fighters.  He knows the struggles of the soldiers coming off the pain of the war."

"I'll run first!" Wrench's voice called.

Willow appeared, blushing.  "Sorry, I had to tell him.  He's not a happy Highest," she offered sheepishly.  "He's really not.  He was going to ask Xander to help him get back at you guys for suggesting that actually.  I'm so sorry."  She held out a plate.  "Cookies?"

Stoker took one with a nod.  "Thanks.  It was just a suggestion. You can tell him that.  Before I have to sic Spike on him to get him back if he tries."  She smiled and faded out, leaving the cookies on his desk. "Okay, back to the real business.  Exhaust, give us a list of at least ten people so we can meet with them and talk with them before they're put on the ballot.  That way we can petition and push for our favorites."  He finished that cookie and ate another one.  "Anyone want one?"

"Sure," Mirror agreed, getting up to get the plate.  Someone else opened the door and she looked, smiling. "Grip, dear."  She hugged her.  "How are you!"

She smiled.  "Fine.  I came to ask Stoker something and I figured you weren't doing anything by the babbling going on."  She smiled at Stoker.  "Got a minute?"  He nodded, getting up and walking out, getting her a cookie.  "Thanks.  Who made these?"

"Willow."

"She's here?"

"She's with the M'dreth," he offered.  "That means she's usually around Wrench somewhere.  So, what's up?"

"I think I...um, found someone," she said sheepishly.  "I need someone to tell me I'm not insane."

"Sure, bring him and the kids over this weekend.  It'll give Spike and Crankshaft someone to play with and you can tell Anya she's a brilliant artist."  He hugged her.  "I'm happy if you are."

She smiled.  "I want to be, but I'm wary.  He's just too...good!"  She shrugged.  "He's hiding something and I don't know what."

Wrench and Willow came back and Willow squealed, hugging her.  He smiled at her.  He shared an image with her and she looked horrified.  "I know him. He's one of mine.  You might tell him you know about that crap."  He grinned.  "He mentioned you.  Come over the next night to visit with her so she'll let me go on dates."  He looked at Stoker.  "If you put me on the Council I will yank your metallic tail off and beat you with it," he said seriously.  "Then I'll let Xander have you."  Stoker smirked at that.  "Seriously.  And remember, if I get on the Council, then the strange stuff picks up.  That's beyond the fact that I'm forbidden by my vows to become involved in politics.  If I wasn't, then every strange creature on Mars would have to come visit me here instead of the temple.  Including Willow and the Seal as my assistants."  He shivered at that.  "Good idea, huh?"  He nodded, fiercely.

Grip giggled.  "You're still odd, Wrench.  We love you."  She hugged him.  "He's one of yours?"  He nodded.  "Then I probably know more than they think."  She smiled.  "Sunday fine?"  Wrench nodded.  "Stoker, Saturday?"

"Perfect.  That's Crankshaft's birthday."  She grinned and hugged him again then headed off.  He looked at Wrench.  "What did Vincent do to Carbine?"

"He had a quick talk with her that involved her head hitting a wall.  She's probably getting

an ice pack."  He smiled.  "It seems he was a bit pissed at that accusation."

"Him and me both," Stoker admitted.  "I'm going to be having a word with her later."

"You should remove her," Wrench growled.  "Before someone in the clan removes her.  Willow saw Chassis and told her what she said."

"Oooh, shit," Stoker winced.  "She's going to go make an apology now."  He went toward the hospital, finding her coming back.  He grabbed her by the arm.  "Chassis overheard your comment.  You'd better apologize publically or else I will let her have you."  She winced.  "Now!"  He walked her back to the chambers.  "You need a real vacation, Carbine.  I will not put up with his cranky, bitchy behavior any longer.  You will either reform your attitude or else.  I will make your life a living hell.  I don't care if you do hate yourself for dumping Throttle.  You will not dump on Xander any longer.  It was your decision to dump him instead of giving up some of your duties.  Your fault, your mistake, you deal with it and move on.  Before I take you out into the desert some night at midnight and dump your body."  He shoved her inside.  "I believe Carbine wants to apologize for her sense of humor lacking decency a few minutes ago."

"I'm sorry.  I know very well Xander would never harm a child, especially not like that.  I was out of line," she admitted, sitting down with her ice pack.  "I'm tired and my mind was going without my conscious control."

"See that it doesn't happen again," Exhaust told her.  He subtly turned off his console, cutting the connection to Earth.  He looked at Stoker.  "Do we have anything else today?"

"Just any weddings coming in.  Perhaps Carbine should go nap since she's so tired.  Since you can do weddings and all.  I'll stay to witness if that's fine with you?"  Everyone else nodded.

"Have a good nap, Carbine," one of the other city's council members offered.  Their liaison duties were considered the easiest jobs but it was nice.  She had thought their people were bitchy at each other!

"Thank you."  She got up and headed home to think.  She knew her attitude was out of line and she knew she'd be dying soon if she didn't reform.  She had no doubt the whole of the VanWham clan and any of Modo's family would kill her horribly for continuing this.  She nodded at one of them as she rode past, head ducked down.

***

Throttle woke up and yawned, smiling happily since he wasn't pounced.  He grinned at his mother when she brought him a rootbeer.  "He never found me?"

"He did, baby, but he said to let you nap.  He'd pounce you later."  She helped him sit up.  "The kids went to play with him and Carbine went home to nap after she made a remark about Xander molesting the kids.  She apologized," she said at his glare at her wall.  "Vinnie had a talk with the poor, deluded girl before she apologized.  She needed an ice pack."

"She'll need more than that when I stick my foot up her tail."

"Oh, I agree," she soothed, patting him on the leg.  "Are you up to it though?"

"I'd better be.  I doubt those kids wore him out enough."

"Spike said something about Glory. I'm assuming he understood," she said dryly.  "Is he like the cats?"  Throttle nodded and opened his soda, drinking most of it in a few gulps.  "Slow down.  Want some dinner?"

"Please, Momma, if it's not any problem."

"Not a problem, dear.  After all, you and your little boy try to stock my cabinets fuller than any market on Mars."  He smiled at her.  "Son, do you know how many people want to send their sons to earth?"

"Let 'em. They just have to come back by the time we do.  There's going to be a problem with the next president we think."  He finished the can and got up to put in the recycler, smiling a bit.  "Hey, I'm not sore."

"That's one of those benefits of sleep, son," she noted patiently.  "Sit."  She got up and went to get him something to eat, coming back with plates for each of them.  "Here."

"Thanks, momma."  He kissed her on the cheek.  "I'm sorry if I embarrassed you earlier."

"Dear, I once said the same thing to my own momma, of course I was pregnant at the time."

"Xander said he'd look horrible as a pregnant mouse, momma."  He ate a bite and had to get a new soda.  "Is Switch pregnant again?" he asked.

"How did you know?"

"The hot peppers, momma.  The hot peppers."  She switched plates with him, just smiling.  "Thanks. I don't have a cold any more either."  He grabbed a tissue too and blew his nose.  "It's been months since I had one of those."

"I find them invigorating, son.  You should eat more of them."

"Maybe when I'm as old as you are, momma, but not until then," he said.  He winced as she flicked him on the ear.  "Sorry, momma."

"I'll forgive you this time, even though they did tell Carbine she should have more fun because I still did."  She dug in, eating heartily.

Throttle ate a cautious bite but continued to eat.  You didn't refuse food on Mars unless it was poisonous.  Even if it was eating the inside of his mouth with the fire it contained.

***

Throttle pulled up in front of Carbine's building and got off his bike.  He had come out after helping his mother with some chores and found her waiting on him.  "Wait here, girl, we'll be right down."  He walked up the stairs and pounded on her door, then grabbed her and pulled her outside, taking her with him.  "I think it's time we had a talk, dear."  He got her onto his bike in front of him so she couldn't get off and took her away from the people.  He almost decided to take her to a local bar and offer her up to anyone who could please her but she probably didn't need that sort of reputation.  He parked in the dunes, a spot they used to go to talk.  Then he shut off his bike and picked her up, turning her around even though she was struggling.  He sat her back down, using his tail to hold her hands.  "What's your problem?"

"I don't have one!"

"Bull.  You do have one. You always have had one.  Wasn't I supposed to move on after you dumped me?"

"Our duties...."

"And yet, I managed to find someone who supported my duty and loves to help me with my duty, Carbine.  It wasn't the duties totally.  It was also the distance and your attitude.  You didn't want to be anything other than a general even when I was around.  Well, you got your wish, honey.  As Xander and Wrench say, wish granted."  She flinched at that.  "Now, what's your malfunction?"  He stared in her eyes.  "You lost me because you were a bitch to me most of the time," he said quietly.  "Even when I was around you didn't want me.  Therefore I moved on once you let me go.  It took me a few years to find someone but I wasn't looking for it.  I got given a gift in Xander and I'm not letting you run him off."

"He's not a gift!  He's a burden!"

"Prove it."  She stared.  "How is he a burden?  Because he takes care of me?  Because he spoils my mother by sending her enough food to get her picked on?  Because he's already designed our home for when we move up here in the next few years?  Because he adopted Mars as his own family and he's been doing what he can to help?  Tell me how he's a burden, Carbine."

"He can't understand you."

"Why?  Because he wasn't a Freedom Fighter or because he wasn't born a mouse?"  She glared and he leaned forward, showing her some things he had learned about Xander.  "That boy fought as hard, if not harder, than you and I ever did.  He took on things by himself that could have easily killed him.  He did it without any awards, without any medals, and with people telling him he was worthless.  That boy could have given up years ago and didn't.  I admire him for his strength. That's what drew me to him the first time I met him.  That and I thought he was mildly insane and needed protection from himself."  He shifted and let her hands go, staring her down again.  "I refuse to let you ruin my relationship with him or with Stoker and his family.  You were a great general but Xander plans just as well as you and I do.  Let's face it, we saved Mars and he saved Earth just as many times.  Him, one little blonde girl, and Willow Rosenburg.  We couldn't have done that and I doubt you'd be able to face down what he did."

"I could so!"

"Willow?" he called softly.  The Seal appeared, giving him a dry and blandly amused look.  "Think you can make her be Xander for a bit?  Let her see if she could really face that down?"

"I can do it in her own mind but not for real.  Sorry, the only vampire haven still on Mars is deep within a cavern complex I can't get into."

"Fine.  That'll work.  Maybe something like one of his solo hunts?  Maybe like the one after the halloween with the soldier?"

"Sure.  I remember that one well."  She leaned forward and blew in Carbine's ear.  She looked at Throttle.  "We like his plans for the new house.  You do, right?  He's really worried.  She's just about torn him up again, Throttle."

"Yeah, I love the new plans.  I'm not sure about some of his other ones, but I love the house plans."  She smiled. "I know that's part of it, Seal.  Do you have a name?"  She shook her head.  "Not at all?"

"No. I was never living before Willow bonded with me.  Therefore I was never given a name.  I was called the Seal of the First, but nothing else."  She shrugged.  "Naming something inanimate, or thought to be inanimate, is considered dumb by most people. They didn't even used to name pets."  She looked over as Carbine fell off the bike shivering, wrapping her arms around her body.  "Ampata," she said simply.  She smiled at him.  "Part of the bounciness is this insecurity but not all of it, dear.  Xander has always over- thought things and he's worried about getting too complicated with the plans.  That touch of insecurity was what made him stumble a lot on patrol.  Which he got picked on for."  They both looked down as Carbine started to cry and the Seal kicked her on the arm, bringing her out. "You still think you're better than Xander?"  She looked at Throttle again. "He also thinks he really hurt you."

"No, I just couldn't sit.  My tail was sore."

She smiled.  "I know.  We let Willow go down to spy on you guys together.  Vinnie saw her but he thinks he was hallucinating."

"Why?"

"Because she wanted to make sure that you were making him happy.  That's all she wanted. She wasn't too sure that lust ray wouldn't spoil things for him and you'd get mad at him for it."  She moved closer.  "She's relieved now.  She thinks you're all very good for Xander.  He needs people who love him, even when he stutters and tries to hide stuff."  He nodded at that.  "So be good to my poor little magnet.  I can't wait to see you guys on Mars.  He's gonna have so much fun!  He'll get to set up the new temple and he'll get to train and all sorts of good stuff."

"Sure," he agreed, nodding.  "I'm guessing he went with the daughter?"  She nodded.  "That's fine.  I don't mind the occasional foray into magic, just not constant magic floating around night and day and making my fur stand on end with static."

She kissed him on the cheek.  "We love you, Throttle.  You're very good to my magnet. By the way, there'll be a big shock year after next.  Remember it wasn't his idea.  It was all the girl's."

"He's going to be attacked?"

She grimaced. "One of the slayers picked off some shedding hair, remember?"  He nodded.  "There's things you can do with hair."  He slumped a bit and sighed.  "Including giving someone smart DNA to make a baby with it."  He glared and she nodded.  "Just barely.  They implanted it today.  When it's closer, I'll tell Wrench and them. I don't know what's going on. It's outside the cards as I knew them.  I'm not sure if this is the daughter he'll be allowed. If not, he'll be on Mars full time by the time the baby's born.  Just don't freak on him."

"I'd never do that," he promised her.  "He's not due to come up for construction stuff for the next sixteen months."

She smiled. "It's not going to work the first time but it will work.  She'll be born just after halloween that year.  Just around this time of year."  He nodded at that.  "Like I said, I'll tell Wrench when it takes and it's time to see the baby.   We'll need him to see if it's the one he's allowed."

"Thanks, Seal," he said quietly.  "What about her?  Got any idea who I can drop her off with?"

She smirked.  "I do as a matter of fact. Willow's hot on a matchmaking trail.  There's a very nice mouse up the street from where she presently lives.  Willow made him want to move closer to her," she said with a wink.  "He likes to watch her apartment and her."

"He's a threat," Carbine said quietly.

"He's not.  He's in lust, he doesn't want to kill you, just kill for you," she offered.  "He's willing to change for you, Carbine.  Take the offer."  She looked at Throttle.  "Drop her off there, he'll protect her."  She stroked across his forehead.  "Protect my magnet and make him happy, Throttle.  He's the closest I ever came to a family."  She faded with a smile.

Throttle looked down at Carbine.  "Now that you know, I'll expect you to lay the fuck off him, Carbine.  I mean it."  She nodded, bursting out in tears.  He rolled his eyes but picked her up to pat her on the back.  He hated it when she cried.  "You're fine."

"I couldn't do that," she sobbed.  "I had warriors and people with me."

He nodded. "I know.  We three bros on Earth fought together in a small group for a long time.  It's not that easy."  He got her settled behind him and headed back to the city.  The Seal had shown him where the guy lived.  He scoped out the apartment on the way, noticing him staring outside.  He stopped and got off, picking her up and carrying her up to his door, kicking it.  The dark gray mouse opened it, bracing between the frame and the door.  "Yours.  The Seal said you loved her.  Treat her well, she needs someone who can understand.  Watch out, she's jealous now and then too and she's a stubborn bitch at times.  Let's hope you work out better than we did."  He walked off, heading back to the chambers to send himself home.

The guy looked at Carbine, smiling at her.  "Hi, General."

"Thrust."  He closed the door, pulling her inside.  "I still think this is a bad idea."

"The Seal is a smart woman," he admitted, stroking her cheek. "I've wanted you for years."  He walked her to the couch and put a blanket around her shoulders, then went to make her something warm to drink.  He handed it to her and sat across from her. "I'm not going to touch you until you're ready.  You're worth more to me than a quick night of fun."

She swallowed the drink, it was plain coffee.  Then she looked around.  He had her picture all around his apartment.  In one corner there was a shrine to her.  She looked at him and pointed.  "I'm not one of the Ancient Goddesses."

"No, you're more special to me. Your voice and image got me through the eight months the Plutarkians had me."  He moved over to kneel in front of her, taking her hand.  He kissed the back of it.  "You saved what little of my sanity I retain.  Watching you be miserable has made me ache.  I knew you needed me and that is something I can give you.  Anything of mine you want, it's yours."  He kissed her hand again, staring up at her.  "Whatever you need."

She put down the cup and stroked his cheek with the back of her free hand.  "We should start small.  I only remember you from mission briefings."

He smiled. "I have loved you longer than that.  Simply being able to touch you is enough for me for now.  Later I'll let you complain about being sore and stiff from overexertion."  She blushed at that and he grinned. "You're beautiful and your mind is equally as dangerous as your beauty, Carbine.  You're all I wanted in life."  He leaned in to kiss her gently on the mouth.  "Would you be my special one?"

She nodded. "Slowly, Thrust."

"Of course."  He sat beside her after arranging her blanket better. "There, you should be as warm as your nature.  Before you say it, it's only the stress of your position and your regrets that make you cold, my love.   The real you is warm and vital and living.  I can help you refind her again."  He patted her on the knee.  "You should rest. You've got a heavy schedule tomorrow."

"You keep track of my schedule?"

"I sent you your assistant," he said with a smile.  "How is he doing?"

"Quite well.  He's very efficient.  He makes sure I make it home most nights."

"I knew you needed one.  You were always working too hard to save us all."  He stroked her knee again.  "You lay down and rest.  I'll be in the bedroom."  He stood up and headed that way.  "You can borrow a shirt tomorrow if you desire."  He smiled and closed his door.

"Most men at least try to woo me," she called.

"If I did, I wouldn't be able to stop," he called. "If I scared you, I'd have to hurt myself greatly.  I can't face that image so therefore I will let you come to me."

She finished the coffee and stared out the window toward her apartment.  Someone was moving around.  "Damn it!"  She got up and he was beside her.  "Someone's in my apartment," she said, pointing.

He looked and nodded.  "That's Anya.  She's done that a few times.  She believes you're evil for hating Xander and making Throttle miserable so she's trying to find ways to make you just as miserable."  She looked at him, looking confused. "I asked."

"When!"

"The first time she did it.  I can see why others look up to him but that child has him as a hero.  She agreed not to do anything too nasty to your apartment but she decided she might redecorate ."  He drew her back to the couch.  "I have made sure that Spike knows I will punish him if he tries anything and will gladly do the same with Crankshaft when she's old enough and tries."

"I don't want to be hated," she said bitterly, looking at her hands.  "People used to like me."

"Yes, and then you became a general, dear.  They have to do the hard things and that wore on you.  Eventually the real Carbine was buried under stress and duty.  That's what drove you from Throttle's side.  I can help you find the real you again.  It would be my pleasure to help you learn how to relax and enjoy the life you helped us save."  He smiled and kissed her on the antenna.  She grabbed him and kissed him, making him smile.  "Now, now, dear.  Slowly.  You need to take it slowly. Any drastic change and you'll second guess yourself.  We've got all the time in the world to help you refind yourself."  He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand and headed back to his bedroom, locking the door this time. "Good night, beloved."

"Good night, Thrust," she called quietly, settling down on his couch.  She thought about what they had told her and decided he was right.  Throttle had been right and Thrust was right and possibly even Willow.  She decided a tactical maneuver was in order and got up, going to pick the lock and sleep next to him.  She was still pretty cold.  She found him wearing clothes and looking uncomfortable, but she still slid in next to him.  He only cuddled her and held her, warming her up.  It was a nice feeling.  She could get used to this feeling.

***

Throttle came off the transporter and got off his bike, giving her a gentle pat.  "There you go, girl.  Home again."  He headed for his bedroom, finding it empty.  He headed to the next likely spot, the office.  He found Xander on the couch staring at the tv, watching a show he hated.  He picked him up and put him over his shoulder, spanking him lightly as he headed back down the stairs.  "Now that I got some sleep, I want to cuddle," he said at the odd wiggle.  He opened the door with his tail and walked in, kicking it shut. He put Xander on the latest bed, looking down at him.  "I was only tired.  I'm sorry."

"I hurt you."

"No, no more than usual.  You're a big guy, Xander," he offered with a grin.  "My tail needs to rest between bouts."  He laid down next to him.  "You didn't hurt me for real.  You just made me kinda sore.  It was cured with a good nap."  He kissed him and curled up on his chest. "How are the plans going?"

"I think you're right and I over planned."

"I don't.  I got a better idea of what you were thinking earlier and I like it."  Xander let out a small, confused sounding grunt.  "Really.  I think that'll be just enough to get us through that first year."  He looked up at him.  "Micah agreed we could come back to do some shopping."  Xander was still looking unsure so he decided to be a bit more honest.  "If you want me to be honest, I think you underplanned the food.  I doubt we won't have half the families over most of the time, plus you'll be needing to feed the kids you're teaching construction to.  That means you'll need more, not less.  The materials for the houses seemed right by what little I know about construction.  Anything leftover can be donated.  Our personal stuff won't fill a shipping container so you should pad it with other stuff that can be used or donated."  He gave him a little squeeze.  "I think you're right on track but I still think it'll take you longer than you think to build our house.  Maybe you should get another experienced person up there?  Maybe Modo or one of us?"

"No, we need you guys down here in case something happens and to wrap up all the loose ends.  Charley will need stuff and you guys have known her longer than I have.  Someone'll have to take her to see her dad's grave and all that stuff."

"Good point, plus we'll have to say goodbye to some spots too."  Xander nodded, stroking his back.  "Is any of this other worries?  I know Carbine's been riding you and I took the time to go chew her a new tail opening."  Xander tugged on his ponytail so he looked up at him. "She deserved it for many of the things she said, including today's."

"What did she say today?"

"We assumed you knew since Vinnie came to hit her a few times. She made a suggestion you were going to hurt the kids.  Vinnie came up and slammed her face into a wall a few times. Stoker about killed her for you, dear," he said when Xander started to move.

"I've got to go thump her myself."

"I straightened her out and she apologized in the same room she said it in."

"She said it in council!"

Throttle nodded.  "She did, and then she apologized about ten minutes later.  Said it was lack of sleep and a bad joke.  She had an ice pack because of Vinnie and Stoker was going to let Chassis have her."  Xander just growled.  "Hey, they're your family, that's what they're supposed to do.  The same as I am.  That way you have an alibi in case she reports the assault."  Xander gave him a dirty look.  "I had fun reaming her a new one.  I'm sure Vinnie did too."

"No wonder he was flexing his fingers," he said grimly.  "He came out and gave me a hug for no reason."

"That could have just been for no reason," he admitted. "He can be cuddly now and then, just like you," he pointed out with a gentle poke to the stomach.  "We got her back, Xander.  I promise.  You won't have to worry about her any more."

"Should I deny knowledge of the body?"

"No.  I had a talk with her in the desert with the Seal.  She showed her a scene from one of your solo hunting trips and made it seem like it was her doing it.  She decided she couldn't do that."

"You did what?" he asked flatly.

"Just an average hunting moment," he promised.  "Nothing personal, nothing private.  Though I think she said something about Ampata, but that could have been your decision to face her down, make her make the tough call again."  He shrugged.

"Seal!" Xander snapped.  She appeared, looking sheepish.  "How deep did you send her?"

"A bad solo hunting trip, the one after you got the soldier.  You weren't there, just the situation with her doing the hunting.  The decision against Ampata and the thing with the assassin guys, the bug guy."  Xander groaned.  "Nothing that private, Xander, I promise.  She didn't even see you.  I told her I was generalizing when I did it.  She can't be sure it was your memories and it broke her.  She's decided you're stronger.  At least she had support and an army behind her."  She moved closer.  "Plus, Willow found her someone who could love her cold little liver.  Throttle dropped her off to make the introduction and she's presently curled up with him.  She's changing for the better."

"It's still an invasion."

"We did it because we love you and we don't want her sniping at you any more," Throttle said gently. "Each time she hurts you I ache and want to go kick her tail down into the desert and strand her there."  Xander sighed and nodded.  "I'm sorry if you're mad."

"I'm not mad," he sighed.  "I guess it was the only way.  As long as it wasn't anything really personal."

The Seal shook her head.  "Nothing more personal than Ampata's decision not to turn you."  She leaned down to kiss him on the cheek.  "I still think of you like an odd son, Xander.  We love you and we want you happy.  You can't be happy with a harpy snapping at your tail.  Now the foul bird is learning better manners and her man is going to make her happy any way he can."  She grinned.  "By the way, Anya's decided to repaint her apartment road sign orange."  She faded out, still grinning.

"That'll definitely upset her," Throttle admitted.  He kissed his mate.  "Sorry."

"You were trying to help, I can forgive that," Xander admitted, flipping over to cuddle him.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome.  Now, what else was causing the bouncy mood?"

"I keep feeling like I'm forgetting something in the plans to move."

"Generators?  Supply of gas?"

"There is that," Xander admitted.  "Will we be able to get power out there?  I was figuring we'd have to do a septic tank anyway, but what about power?"

"You'd have to ask Stoker," he admitted, considering it.  "No one else would live out that far."

Xander sighed and nodded.  "That's what I still need to work on.  Alternative energy sources.  A generator for backup but how about solar power?"

"If it's one thing Mars has plenty of, it's sun and sand," Throttle joked.  "Some wind now and then too."

"We'll have to be able to power the whole compound," he sighed, thinking hard.  "The last I knew, most solar powered systems were a water heating style, that would give us plenty of hot water all the time.  That'd probably be easiest of all alternative systems.  I'll have to look into septic systems that are meant to recycle too.  That way it's not just sitting there stinking."  Throttle nodded at that.  "What is the main city's like?"

"I have no clue," Throttle admitted.  "You can go ask tomorrow."  Xander nodded, giving him a squeeze.  "What else haven't you considered?"

"We'll have a finite water supply but we can always do something about that with a filtration system.  Meg found plans for one and she's had one of the guys on the network see if it works.  It's basically the system they use on the space shuttles to reclaim water."  Throttle shuddered at that.  "We won't be using it directly for that, dear.  That'll go into the greenhouse after it's filtered.  Ours would be coming from the river underground.  If it can separate out urine, it should be able to weed out some heavier chemicals."  Throttle nodded at that. "You'll need to file the land grant stuff.  That way we can set it up to make sure it won't block and clog at the heavy chemicals."  Throttle nodded again.  "Can we take Stoker and Exhaust out tomorrow?"

"Sure, if you want.  What else did you have planned tomorrow?"

"Not a whole lot," he admitted.  "The kids all have their school admittance tests.  Racer's got a test and Momma said she'd whip his tail if he skipped again today."  He grinned up at him.  "He did *really* good today.  Even Modo said he did really good on the adult course.  He said he'll be flipping and tumbling in no time like Rimfire and Vinnie do."

"And you.  I've seen you do it too," he reminded him gently.  "You're every bit the mouse Rimfire and Vinnie are, Xander.  Even if you do have a few things left from being a human.  If you weren't, you'd never be close enough to Anya to make her want to paint Carbine's apartment road sign orange."  Xander relaxed against him again.  "I know, there's still some doubts and others will doubt you too, but you're more mouse than Vic is and they're going to accept him.  There are wrenchheads in every corner of the universe.  Mars has their share.  Though I hear most of them live in Omega City."  He gave him a squeeze.  "Are you going to teach Wrench to strip?"

"Wrench and Enamel.  He wanted to do something special for his lady.  We think he's just started baby number two," he shared.  "That night in here he went home and jumped Shell and she came out walking funny and she's got that sickly sweet smell again."  Throttle smiled at that.  "What'm I gonna do for the few months I'm up there by myself?  I'll miss out on all the little stuff."

"First of all, you'll be hooked up to the 'net because you'll be staying with Wrench or someone else in the family," Throttle said patiently.

"If I stay with Wrench I'll never get to sleep.  Willow will come in and chat with me all night."

"No she won't."

"She did the last time."

"After a week or so I'm sure it'll be less than all night," he said patiently.  He stroked the strong back.  "Did you eat today?"  Xander nodded.  "Are you sure?  You're feeling pretty thin again."  He could feel the heat of the blush.  "Ah, that sort of work was done," he teased. "Maybe next time we should both nap more often."

Xander kissed him.  "Not a chance."  He laid his head back down. "Are we keeping this bedroom suite?"

"We probably should.  At least the frame survived this last week."  Xander chuckled at that.  "Momma wanted to know if we were pregnant.  She thought we were in that stage."

"No, I'd look horrible as a pregnant mouse," Xander said dryly.  "But if you want, we could have the first baby next year," he offered quietly.  He stroked the soft fur next to his nose.  "I wouldn't mind and it'd give me someone else to spoil and teach since Modo said I'm not allowed to spoil his kids."

"Why can't you?"

"He said only his momma gets to spoil 'em," he said, pouting at him. "I told him I'd do it anyway and he said then his son would be more like one of Vinnie's clan and not his.  Therefore I can't spoil his kid."  He put his head back down. "I'm going to have to be sneaky about that one."

"I'm sure he was just joking, Xander.  We'll all have to spoil Modo's kids so they turn out more like him than Rimfire.  I love the kid but sometimes he can be more like a member of Vinnie's family than Modo's.  That's because he only had the mommas around him.  I think he was the good twin so they ignored him while trying to fix Primer and make her a true woman of the family.  I think a few more hours a week with his uncle or other guys would have calmed him down a lot.  After all, Modo's a lot like his daddy from what little I remember about him. If I remember right, he died when Modo was about eight or nine.  Rimfire and Primer lost their daddy when they were five or six.  We tried to be around as often as we could, but it wasn't the best of times in our lives.  Then we got captured and it was kinda only Stoker and a few other people that Momma knew.  I think a few more years with a daddy would've calmed Rimfire down too."

Xander nodded.  "I guess.  Did Vinnie have a daddy?  You never hear him talk about his daddy."

"His daddy and your daddy had a lot in common before he was killed."

"Oh, okay.  So, Vic will be a calmer mouse when he's older too?"

Throttle shrugged.  "Possibly.  The calmest mice we knew all had daddies for most of their lives."  He stroked Xander's head, smoothing down the fur.  "I think you're doing an amazing job with Vic and Spike, Xander," he said gently.  "I really do."  Xander gave him a squeeze but he could feel how happy he was with the compliment. "I can't wait until we have kids for you to spoil and raise.  My momma will swear they're perfect and adorable."  Someone tapped on the door.  "No!"

Rimfire stuck his head in, grinning at them.  "We're heading out for a long, stress-relieving ride.  We'll need someone on watch."

"Whose turn is it by the schedule?"

"Vinnie's and he's sacked out already," he offered. "He's got that 'second trimester is good to a daddy' glow about him."  Throttle smirked at that.  "Should I wake up Uncle Modo or do you two want it?"

"How long are we talking?" Throttle asked.

"We've both got finals tomorrow," he admitted.  "Early finals.  We'll be pulling an all nighter to make sure we get up on time.  Maybe two hours?"  Xander nodded. "You're sure?"

"Sure.  If Modo's not up, we'll be up.  I can always go cuddle him up on the couch since we both took long naps."

"You did?" Throttle asked.

"Yeah, I had a late dinner, right before you came home. I napped from when the kids went home to about an hour before you came home."

"Sure, we'll go cuddle on the couch."  He got up and hauled Xander up, grinning at him.  "Someone's working on a filtration system," he told him.

"I heard but we don't know if it'll work on the underground river.  So far it works very well."

"Once the land grant is filed and accepted, I'll be setting up a trial system on the grounds," Xander told him.  Rimfire nodded at that.  "Go, have fun. You're only young once.  Just don't forget your tests so remember to set your alarm just in case when you get back and your watch alarm in case you fall asleep on the bike."  He nodded, doing that as he walked away.

Throttle looked at him.  "Where are we moving if we can't get that one area?"

"There's a nice spot toward the old temple path.  Just barely in the mountains.  I'd do the Pern thing and make us a house in them."  He walked up the ramp, heading to cuddle on the couch.  "Call Stoker to ask him and Exhaust to come out tomorrow?"  Throttle nodded, detouring to send up that message to the night comm person, one of the messengers that served the Council.  He came back and curled up with Xander under the covers.  "I still have to go holiday shopping," he sighed.

"Me too," Throttle admitted.  "I've been avoiding it like the measles.  The mall is horrible this time of year."

"I was thinking about doing it online but I'd never keep stuff from everybody and I can't find what I wanted.  I know just where they are otherwise."  He looked back at him.  "All but you.  What did you want?"

"I'm pretty good.  I've got you in my arms, a future I'm looking forward to, and almost everything I could want."

"What's the almost?"

"I could use a rootbeer," Throttle admitted with a grin.  Xander summoned one and handed it back.  He tapped it before opening it.  The last time it had gotten shaken in transport.  "Stoker said they're working on plans to open a bottling plant for rootbeer."

"Good!  It'll save us having to come back so often.  Let's hope they do real soda too.  I can't live without my caffeine and neither can Enamel."

"I've noticed that about you two," Throttle admitted, giving him a squeeze.  His rootbeer was put where he could reach it and Xander summoned a straw so he wouldn't have to sit up so often.  Then he yawned and Throttle watched while he fell asleep.  Modo came out of his room and he looked at him.  "There's no way on this planet or Mars we're not going to spoil your kids, Modo.  Deal with it already.  They'll turn out like you because they've got you for a daddy and you'll be there for them like yours was."  Modo opened his mouth.  "I mean it.  We're spoiling your kids too."

Modo sighed. "I just want my kids to grow up normal.  Vic's already doing magic."

"So?  Spike isn't and he's not quite normal, but we're doing good with the normal kids in the family.  Besides, it'll take all of us to counteract Rimfire's influence."  That got a small grin.  "So we're doing it anyway and Xander's still doing the early education stuff."  Modo nodded at that.  "Thanks, big fella."

"You're welcome.  Shoot, I only wanted a kid like me."

"You're calm because your daddy was calm and nice while you had him.  Rimfire lost his daddy sooner and they had to spend more time with Primer.  We'll be there to make sure your kids don't run wild in the desert the way he used to.  There's no reason why we can't make even little Victor normal."

"He'll never be a normal mouse, bro.  Wrench just told the others today that he's the clan's heir.  He's going to be one cosseted little mouse."

"He won't be," Throttle told him.  "Vinnie wasn't and he was the heir at about the same age.  Him and Wrench both.  Wrench was the punk of the family."

"True.  I guess it's all in how they raise him," he admitted.

"The same as it is for your kids," Throttle said gently.  "By the way, you're getting your own apartment in our house.  So you can live with your momma or with us.  Whichever you need and want at the time."  He grinned and nodded, heading into the kitchen.   "Bro, make me a few PB&J please?  Momma is on Switch's pregnancy diet and I about died earlier."

"Sure," he agreed fondly.  He brought out a plate for them and an extra can of rootbeer.  "I'm not sure he ate earlier.  His plate's in the fridge."

"He said he ate something."

"Maybe half of it," Modo said, shaking his head.  "He's worried about something, bro.  You should find out what."  He headed back into the kitchen.

"I know what, we were talking about it earlier.  We're finalizing the plans for the move and he's worried he's forgetting stuff.  Which he kinda did but a question made him work that out within minutes."  He snagged a sandwich with his tail and brought it up so he could hold it, eating it quietly.  Xander was still snoring and he grinned at that.  At least until he got licked by Tara.  "Hey, babe.  You're going to Mars, you know that, right?"  She meowed and cleaned her paws, then smirked at him.  "Fine.  You'll be happy to hunt the creepers I'm sure."  He finished his sandwich then patted her on the head.  "Are you okay?"  She meowed and laid down on his side, getting comfortable.  "Thanks, dear.  We love you guys too.  Remember, Spike's got Angel so you might get to deal with him now and then too.  Or go live with Wrench to chat with Willow if you wanted."  He patted her a few more times then settled in to snuggle.  Since Modo was up for the moment and Tara was watching.

Modo came out and saw the couple snoring, grinning at them.  "I'll watch, Tara.  It'll be fine."  She meowed silently and settled in to nap.  He brought his lady her snack and settled in to watch her eat it.  At least she didn't want hot peppers.

Episode 78:

Xander looked over as Stoker joined him, waving him closer.  "I want from this point," he said, handing over the map he had surveyed himself earlier. "This would be the western corner."

Stoker looked at the map, spreading it out on a nearby rock.  He looked at him.  "You marked two historical sites within the boundaries, mini punk."

Xander moved closer. "You wanted someone to watch them, they're holy to my God and the Goddess," he pointed out.  "We'll be preserving them.  Enamel will be living by them, he'll be here," he said, pointing at the square on the map.  "There's a well entrance just beyond him.  If we don't use that one, we'll have to drill deeper near the house."

Stoker looked behind him.  "What about moving the north boundary back to exclude those?  There's a small well that way."

"We'd still get the well, it'd just be harder to bring up," Xander told him.  "Besides, if we move it back that far, we'll be bordering on a more historical site, a more recent one from a battle.  That group out there has one of those too but it's more minor and I've already walked around out there to talk to the spirits to make them move on."  Stoker looked confused.  "Most of them wanted to make sure Mars won, Stoker," he said gently.  "I kept getting 'did we win', 'are we still alive', and 'how's my people' questions.  Once I answered them most of them moved on.  The others wanted to know about their families.  I told them they could come look over our shoulders or use the 'net to find them once we had it set up.  Either that or I'd send a phone book out there once we had one done and they could flip through it for a few days."

Stoker nodded.  "It'll cause a few problems but I know why you want this spot."

Xander smiled and pointed at the spot he had marked.  "Throttle and I camped here after I was sick the last time to talk about stuff.  He trained me here."  Stoker nodded at that.  "If not, I've got an alternate site picked out.  It'll cause less problems but more problems to create the house since it's got some cliffs and things."  Stoker opened his mouth so he walked over to his bike and pulled out the map, handing it over too.  "There."

"That's pretty country," Stoker admitted, looking it over.  "Very pretty country.  If the city ever gets that big, I want to move out there myself."  He looked at him.  "You've got your heart set on here, right?"  Xander nodded, looking pitiful.  "Don't do that."

"I just want it so much, Stoker," he admitted.  "The only other way we could do it would be to make this the eastern edge and then move west.  Then we could move it back by about half a mile, alleviating one of the historical sites, but it'd butt up against some other cliffs and I'm not sure we want that."

"They'd be handy to have as a safe spot."

"Yeah, but the plans for the house need a view in that direction," he said dryly, handing those over.  "For review by the Council."  He grinned at the shocked look.  "The first load I'm bringing up is the building supplies. I'm more than willing to teach a bunch of people the basics of construction for them helping me.  Also, the plans for what I plan to do with my life," he admitted, digging those out and handing them over.  "Here ya go, including ten year projections."  Stoker smirked at that.  "A bored me is a dangerous white mouse, Stoker, we all know that by now."  Then he gave him his best VanWham family shit-eating grin.  It was nearly as good as Vic's was.

"That's why I like you, mini punk, you've always got an angle and it's never just about you."  He looked at the house plans.  "Septic system?"

"I was going to put in a septic tank.  I don't know how we're doing the sewer and recycling of that, but it can be pumped and put in there periodically."

"Sure.  Ours does try to recycle into fertilizer for some farms.  What's this thing?"

"Our filtration system.  Someone's working on one based on how the space shuttles can reclaim water from urine and lost water like that.  I figure if it can separate out urine, it can work on the underground river.  Once everything is approved, I'll be putting up a test system first so we can make sure it won't need any modifications."  Stoker nodded at that.  "Then we'd be giving it to Mars at a very low fee.  The guy doing it agreed on that and I've already paid him for the rights."  Stoker nodded, grinning at that and moving back to the plans.  "As you can see, we've got a greenhouse and a garden planned.  The greenhouse and garden will use water that's been recycled from the household waste, like showers.   That way it'll seep back into the ground eventually but we'll get the most use from it."  Stoker nodded at that.  "I wasn't sure if we could get power out here so I'm planning on a solar power system for the compound, including the satellite houses for Enamel and Shell, Rimfire and Dawn, and Stan and Chassis."

"It looks like you've about thought of everything," he admitted.  He looked at the first map again, then pulled out a pencil to redraw it.  "How about here, Xander?  That'll give you the same area."

"But I wanted this spot," he admitted.  "This is a special spot to us."

Stoker sighed and looked at him.  "You can always buy more land, Xander.  That'll give you the cliffs for storage and stuff.  If you buy the few miles on this side, it'll give you all you wanted and give us a bit more to tax you on."  Xander smirked at that.  "What're you planning on growing?"

"I have no idea."  He smirked a bit.  "We were going to decide that next year.   If you get a bottling plant up, can you make sure it does regular coke too?  Enamel and I are both caffeine whores, especially first thing in the morning."

Stoker chuckled and nodded. "I've noticed."  He reached over to ruffle his hair.  "Fine. Go with my plan and then plan to buy the other side.  That'll give you a nice sized lot, which would mean you'll have room to land ships.  Like the supply ships."

Xander grinned.  "We're changing our transporter to work like the ones they used for mineral stealing.  We'll have Wrench up here as the target and aim it with magic.  I don't think that's much of a problem."  Stoker gaped and he grinned.  "It's easier."

"Yeah, I can see it would be," he agreed, smiling at him.  "You really are a smartass punk, Xander."

"I know, but you love me for it, right?" he asked, blinking up at him.  Stoker laughed and nodded.  "Good.  Now look at the club's plans.  It's got some radical ideas but where we wanted to put it, it shouldn't bother anyone."

Stoker looked at them, then at him.  "An open air deck for dancing?"

"It's not like it's going to storm that often."

"Point," he admitted, going back to it.  "What's this?" he asked, pointing at something.

"A kitchen.  Do you know how many Martians can't cook?  Including me?"  Stoker looked stunned.  "If they're not working on base, they don't have access to a mess.  They're using too many meal coupons for ready-made food.  This way, we can charge a ration for a full meal, and possibly two for a full meal with dessert."

"That is a radical idea," he admitted.  "That would require the Council's full approval."  Xander nodded at that.  "Who would you have cooking?"

"Throttle's momma.  That way she's not a bored mouse either."

Stoker grinned at that. "She is a good cook.  A very good cook."  He looked at the plans.  "How about the noise?"

"Remember that club we hit the first time we were up here?"  Stoker moaned and nodded.  "I heard he's getting ready to retire.  I'd take that over and rebuild it."

"That's a business district so everything would be closed when you were open.  No neighbors to complain about noise.  Plus you'd be using an existing space, which would save you a bit on your taxes."  He looked at him.  "Still, I'm not sure I like that idea of using ration coupons."

"Stoker, think about it.  If Switch couldn't cook, where would you eat?"  He winced.  "Most mice can't just drop in on Modo and Throttle's mommas to get fed like you can.  Almost no mice learned how to cook during the war unless they had to.  Hell, I don't cook that well," he admitted.  "We'd only be serving dinner, but it'd be something like stew.  Something filling that would be worth a full ration coupon.  Or two if you wanted dessert."  He grinned.  "I do know there will be cocoa beans in the greenhouse by the way."  Stoker snickered at that.  "There's already a demand for places to eat that will take ration coupons since so many people can't cook and it costs more to get stuff that's already made.  This way they could save some for more special events, like birthdays or anniversaries."  He handed over a present.  "For Crankshaft and for your anniversary.  I didn't think you had remembered."  He grinned at him.  "I'm more than willing to talk to the council about this, even the joint council if need be, but I haven't told Momma she's helping me yet either."  He grinned.  "I'm doing that later today."

Stoker nodded.  "Okay.  One thing at a time, mini punk.  Let's do the land stuff today.  Throttle's already got his forms on file with Exhaust.  You'll be asking for the part that I took out and make it even.  Even lots seem to get better results.  You can justify it by having multiple families and needing the space, plus you'll also be doing some specialized training as a priest, right?"  Xander nodded.  "Do you work with Wrench?"

"I'll probably have to now and then, but mostly on training stuff."

"Good.  That's fine.  Exhaust and Mirror will stick up for you because we'll need this area guarded.  Charley can build the garage here if she wants or in town if she wants.  There's only one other mechanic in town and he's getting really old and ready to retire too.  The only problem you'll have is those two historical sites.  You said one's sacred to your faith?"  Xander nodded.  "Who's the other one sacred to?"

"An ancient battle, one of the few black mice battles in recorded history.  So probably The Lady of the M'dreth."

"Fine.  I doubt Exhaust would care?"  He shook his head.  "Does he know?"  Xander nodded.  "Good. Fine actually.  Come back with me so we can work this up today."  Xander nodded, getting on his bike to follow him.  "After we're done, take the club's plans to your mother-in-law and get her permission.  I want that first before you come to talk to us about those other plans."

"Sure, Stoker.  Thanks."

"Welcome, mini punk."  It was only a ten minute ride back to the city and they were soon parked and walking inside together.  Stoker walked in and took his seat, typing something to add to the agenda.  The others stared at him and he grinned. "Whenever we're done and ready to move on."

"Do you care if we do a vocational school system?" Mirror asked.  "It's about even at the moment."

"I wouldn't care, but I'm not sure how we'd do it or fund it or make sure the right students got there."

"Do it for the adults first," Xander suggested.  "You've got a lot of people who are trying to take military skills and put them to use.  Show 'em how and use it to fill critical positions, like for the bike plant and things.  Like I said, I'd be more than happy to teach kids and adults how to do some basic construction work.  Not a problem."

"That's not a bad idea," Carbine admitted.  She looked at Xander. "I owe you an apology," she admitted quietly.  "I've been unfair to you since I met you and I'm sorry for it."

"Thank you, Carbine. As long as you really mean it, I accept."  She nodded at that.   He looked at Stoker.  "You could also do the basics as part of the high school curriculum.  Let the voc center and the university be on the same level of after-school education.  On earth it's often used for more educationally deficient students, we shouldn't have many of those here.  There's a spot for nearly everyone."

"True," Mirror agreed, smiling at him.  "That's very wise, Xander, did you go to one on earth?"

He snorted.  "They tried really hard to make me go," he offered with a sweet grin.  "At least until I took the SAT's and got an 1100.  Which was phenomenal considering how bad I did in school."  They all smiled at that.  "Seriously, I nearly flunked out a few times."  He shrugged and sat down.  "Just a suggestion though."

"No, I like that idea," Stoker admitted.  "Any debate on doing it that way if we do one?"  No one said anything.  "And a second time asked," he offered.  The chair banged the gavel.  "We can figure out the methods and details later."  That got some nods, they were doing the same thing with the university.  That should probably be something all the cities took up together at their monthly meetings anyway. He looked at the agenda and moaned. "Not another food shortage."

"No, not in the least," Mirror offered with a gentle smile.  "We're talking about your idea for a bottling plant and other food production necessities, like canning plants."

"Xander wanted us to bottle caffeinated stuff too so he wouldn't have to bring up a lifetime supply of coke."  That got some snickers and a few smiles.  "That's a step we'll need to take some day soon.  As Xander pointed out earlier on an unrelated matter, a lot of us don't know how to cook."

"What unrelated matter?" Exhaust asked.

Xander coughed.  "I'm planning on opening a club once we're settled in.  I figure I could make a lot of people happy that way and I was thinking about putting in a small kitchen for the ninety percent of Mars that can't cook.  I was going to ask permission to serve a real meal for the cost of a food ration coupon.  Two if it includes dessert."

Everyone stared at him.  Then Carbine opened her mouth.  "Would it be worth it?"  Xander nodded.  "You're sure?"

"We'd be more than open to inspections to make sure of it.  It'd be things like stews, soups, casseroles.  Things you could take all the coupons from the day before to hit the market with and get enough for everyone that night.  The first few I'd fully expect to come from my personal stores, but that's fine with me.  Like I said, I'd expect inspections since it's such a weighty matter.  I know a lot of mice who can't cook more than beans or rice."

"True," Carbine admitted. "I'm one of them."  She considered it.  "That does bear further thought."

"I was going to bring it up closer to the time of opening.  I've still got to ask and plead my proposed cook."  He grinned.  "She's very good at it.  It'd be one meal a day basically, while the club was open."

"I'm going to table that one until later," the chair decided.  "I want to see more in-depth plans and recipes, as well as a plan for inspections.  We haven't had to decide on that yet either."  Xander nodded.  "That's what you expected?"

"Yeah.  I've got the preliminary ideas down but I was going to come to you after the house was finished to talk about that."  That got some smiles.  "That's later today though."

"It's next on the list anyway," Carbine offered.  "What about the food plants?  What besides a bottling plant would we need?"

"A plant where people can bring in their harvests to be canned," Stoker told her. "Also to can the taxes we take from crops."

"How do humans can?" Mirror asked.

"There's two methods.  The official method and the home method.  The official, corporate method uses aluminum cans. They're preserved however is best and then canned and sealed in.  In the home method, you seal it in glass jars and then boil them closed or something.  I've never had to can before.  I'm doing good to open cans and jars most days.  I can find a book on it if you want."  They all nodded.  "I'd suggest the glass method.  You can always make more glass and sterilize it to recycle it later.  Plus, if you keep them around the house, they've got uses to store little stuff, like rubber bands, push pins, smaller baby implements like the extra pacifiers."  That got some snickers from Carbine.  "It worked."

"It did.  Whenever Vic lost his last one you could always find a new one."

"How do you make glass?" Exhaust asked.

"From sand.  Lots of heat to melt it.  Then you either form it or blow it.  I'll find a book on that too."   That got some nods.  Xander grabbed a piece of scrap paper and a pencil to write that down.  "So I don't forget.  Anything else? Like how you make hotdogs and stuff?  That would mean meat beasts, but it could be done maybe."

"We're not ready for that yet," Stoker told him.  "I'm more than happy with getting meat from Earth for the next few years."  Xander nodded.  "Any other books we might need?"

"Personally, I'd like a 'how to' manual on how to use some of the stuff on the bases' computers," Mirror offered.

"Dawn and Rimfire had to take that class, they can pass that book back," Xander promised. He made a note of that too.  "Any others?"

"That should be it for now," Carbine offered. " Unless you can find some other handy ones."

"I'll try."  He put that into his pocket and handed back the pencil.  "My turn?"  They all nodded.  "I'm setting up the house.  We're talking about the lands."  That got some snickers from Mirror.

"Throttle has a land award on file," Exhaust noted.  Stoker put up the amended map.  "Which lines?"  Stoker redrew them with the green crayon that was leftover from the last time Anya had been helping him.  "Interesting.  What about the holy sites?"

"One's holy to my faith," Xander offered.  "The other's one of the last black mice battles, which I would suppose would be with The Lady of the M'dreth.  I don't think Wrench would mind since we're not going to be doing anything to it, just admiring it."  That got some interested looks.  "Also, since the boundary was moved over, I'd like to include the former eastern boundary point as well.  That spot's special to Throttle and I.  We had a long talk there that fixed a lot of stuff that we were both worried about."

"That's a lot of land for you and Throttle," Carbine said.

"It'd be us, Vinnie and Charley, Modo and Staff, and all the kids in the main house.  Dawn and Rimfire would have the square on the eastern border.  Enamel and Shell would have the western one.  The one in the center would be for Chassis and Stan when she came back with him.  We'd also have a greenhouse and an area for me to practice my weapons design stuff."  He walked over to flip the projection to the house plans.  "This is the plan for the houses.  I do have a water recycling system that I'm going to be setting up as a trial once we get the land grant stuff straightened out.  I'd be more than willing to pay for the extra land as well.  As you can see, I've designed it so we're all sharing space and then the separate houses would be on the same power, water, and septic lines.  I was thinking a septic system since I know some of the outlying farms use them and then ship in the contents every once in a while to the main plant here in the city.  This would also give you guardians on that fairly open area.  If anyone else landed here unannounced, that would be one of the spots I'd pick because it appears to be flat from space and it's a good landing spot anyway.  As proven by the glassy spots from prior landings."  They all nodded.  "We'd be more than willing to guard that side of the city."

"I'm still worried about those historical sites," Mirror offered.  "Who do you follow, Xander?"

"Othra and his daughter, Mylar."  She looked stunned and he grinned.  "Technically I follow her but to follow her I had to pledge myself to her father as well.  It fits me and my life.  Especially with my past combat history."  She nodded at that.  He pointed at one.  "One of those was a shrine to Othra, not a formal temple but a simple shrine to pray at during battles.  There was also a battle there.  We'd be happy to take care of that shrine and the hallowed grounds.  The other was from way back when, it was a battle between two black mice priests."  That got some nods.  "We thought about moving it back some but there's a more recent battlefield in the way.  The one by the shrine was from the first four years of the war, I couldn't pinpoint exactly when."  Wrench walked in and walked over, whispering in his ear.  "Really? I would have expected The Lady."  He shook his head. "Oh, okay.  This is the Highest of the M'dreth and he said that the other spot was sacred to the Goddess of Nature.  Which is fine with us.  Dawn follows her."  That got another mass nod.  "Again, not something we'd do more than dust and defend."

Wrench looked up at the map, then took the green crayon, redrawing the eastern edge a bit.  "There's a sinkhole there," he noted quietly, handing it back to Stoker.  He looked at Xander.  "Dinner?"

"Sure.  Dark?"  Wrench nodded and left, closing the doors respectfully behind him.  Xander looked at the rest of the curious faces.  Then he grinned.  "He's a really nice guy who understands my past."  That got a mass nod.  He looked at the new boundaries.  "That would be fine for us," he admitted.  "It would also relieve us of having to deal with the roadway there."

Stoker looked at it.  "The land grant would cover the historical sites and the inner blue boundaries," he noted.  "The other could be purchased by Xander."

"More than happily," Xander agreed.

"How are you getting stuff up here?" Exhaust asked.

"Transporter.  We do have one," he offered with a bright grin.  "We'll be hefting and toting for a while but I'm coming up earlier than everyone else to build the house.  And again, I'm more than happy to show others the basics of good building techniques.  We could always use more people who can at least fix their own stuff if not help others build on additions for more kids."  Carbine smirked at that.  "Other than that, we've got it mapped pretty tightly.  Throttle and Micah both looked over my shoulders.  Everything's coming up in large cargo containers so we can move more at one time.  If I end up buying them, I'd gladly sell them to be recycled or used by others.  They're about a mobile home without windows and a bathroom anyway."

"The metal could probably go to the bike plant for more bikes," Stoker agreed.  It appeared Xander had really thought this out.  "What's your time table for moving up here?"

"We're doing the last of the move a few weeks before the next president takes his oath and the office.  That's in twenty-five months, well technically twenty-four and three weeks.   In October of that year before I'm coming up to do the house.  It should be done before we get up here.  The first load will be around the end of September, when Mars is closest to Earth.  That'll make it easier.  The greater majority of supplies will come up then.  Once the house is done, we'll be using the same method, but probably without the cargo containers, to move the house's stuff up.  That'll be a week before we fully move up here, then we'll do the last minute shopping for anything you want us to get and any supplies we need more of, like food."  That got a lot of nods.  "Right now, I'm gathering supplies.  I'm planning on a solar powered system out there for power.  I will have a freezer and fridge because I will not go without milk or ice cream for any good length of time.  Otherwise I get a craving," he offered with a small grin.

"If we get those cliffs, I'll probably put the storage stuff in there instead of digging a really big basement.  It'd be safer and we could hide there if something happened to the house, like a sudden flash flood or a horrendous wind storm that was going to be tornado strength or greater. I know they're rare but I'm like that," he reminded them.  "My house in Chicago is built to hurricane and tsunami standards."  They all grinned at that.  "The last people up will be Dawn and Rimfire, who will be coming up once they're done with their education.  She'll be coming up as the ambassador from the US and he'll be her mate. If Stan and Chassis stay together, he'll get to come up as Dawn's assistant."  That got a few more smiles and some nods.

"How much extra area is that, Stoker?" Carbine asked.

"About twenty-eight acres all told.  Throttle's due ten by that land award from way back when. I'd suggest we use that for the historical areas so there's no fussing.  We all know he's not going to disrespect it.  Let Xander buy the rest, back to that lower, newer battlefield for all I care."

"I could," Xander admitted.  "But if we ever got grass to grow out there, I'd hate to mow it."  Exhaust snickered at that.  "I would."  He grinned at Stoker.  "However you think is best in this case.  I can have the money transferred to the bank in DC today, man."

"You do know this means you'll have to try to improve the land?" Mirror asked.

He grinned. "We'll be living there, it'll improve it just by our studliness."

"I didn't mean that way," she said with a smile.  "Though it is probably true.  That means you'd have to use at least ten percent of the land for some purpose."

"Well, the historical sites would be used for prayers and observances.  We wouldn't be blocking anyone from using it."  He looked at the map. "I think the house and stuff covers about five or six percent," he offered.  He looked back at her. "If we get all those cliffs on that one side, we'd be using them for storage once we hollowed them out.  Charley's going to need and want a garage.   We'll be training the kids so we could probably put out a bike course as well as our agility course we've already got."

"If you leave the southern boundary where it is, that's more than enough," Stoker noted. "Taxes are ten percent of your crops or ten percent of the value, whichever is easier for you."  Xander nodded at that. "Since you plan on bringing up food, we wouldn't be doing a ration coupon for your family until your stores were gone."

"I understand and agree," Xander assured him firmly.  "It should go to those who need it most."  Everyone nodded at that. "Tell where to sign the paperwork and how much."

Stoker used the green crayon to figure that up, handing it over to him.  "Take that up to the tax and records office.  It's up beside the medical board."  Xander nodded. "They'll finish the paperwork for you.  When were you putting up that trial filtration system?"

"Within the month.  He's finishing up a test using the nasty tap water we have in the US."  He saluted them.  "Thanks, all.  I'll be heading home in a bit."

"Are you bringing your transporter up?" Mirror asked.  Xander nodded. "Would you be willing to sell it to the city that doesn't have one?"

"With Dawn, we'd really need one," he offered.  "If we could get someone to go finish taking over Plutark and kill the rest of the Bringers, then you could have at least ten more."  He sighed at her hurt look.  "We'll see."  She nodded, accepting that.  "I'd really rather have one and Dawn will need one to get back and forth to Earth when necessary."  He shrugged and headed upstairs at a trot.  He found the medical board's office, he knew the doctor standing outside of it.  "Tax and Records?"  Enamel looked around then pointed.  "Thanks.  Working on the land stuff."  He went in there and handed it over with a grin.  "For the move."

The tan female mouse smiled. "You're one of the ones on Earth, right?"  He nodded.  "Did you ever think about sending fresh vegetables?"

"We did but they'd go bad pretty quickly without any refrigeration up here.  That's why we usually send frozen and canned except for once a month.  The same with fruit.  Once there's more wide-spread refrigeration and people who can cook we'd gladly send up more fresh stuff."

"We'd like that," she promised, smiling as she checked the forms.  "Well, this is a hefty purchase, and with a land award too.  Whatever are you going to do with that much space?"

He grinned.  "Live there with most of the family.  Plus do a bit of training and my usual stunning job of weapons designs and stuff."  He grinned.  "The whole group is going to be living out there."

"Do you have housing plans or did you need to purchase some?"

"No, I've already drawn up our blueprints and shown Stoker."  He leaned on the counter.  "I've done some design stuff up here too."

"That's fine.  How were you going to pay for this?"

"Transfer directly to the bank down in DC, on Earth.  From my bank to Mars' bank."  She snorted and wrote that down, then stamped everything and handed it over. "When is it official?  I've got a trial filtration system to bring up and install."

"As soon as we get the money."  He grinned and went to do that. A few minutes later he brought confirmation that the transfer had happened.  "Thank you, sir.  Did you want to file the plans with us? You really should in case something happens."

"No, I'm a bit paranoid.  Maybe later."  He waved and walked out, finding Enamel still pacing in the halls.  "What's wrong?"

"Healer came in for his first checkup and they wanted me out of the room."

Xander sighed and handed him the papers.  "Here, hold these."  He walked inside, grinning at the happy baby burble.  "Hey, Healer. Did you want to come play with the Unclie Xander today?  That way we can check out what we can grow in the greenhouse.  Yes we will."  He held out his arms and the doctor gave him an odd look.  "Lady, I've changed more of his diapers than his parents have.  I'm Xander."  The baby was handed over by Mayflower.  "Thanks, doc.  Is he all right?"

"Just perfect," she said happily.  "You're doing a good job with his tail as well.  Are you an experienced parent?"

"No, I'm an experienced spoiler," he offered with a grin.  "I've done a lot of Vic's changes too.  I'm *that* Xander mouse."  That got some giggles.  "Anything I should watch out for?"

"No, he looks fine.  We went ahead and gave him his boosters this time since he probably won't be up for another month.  How about Victor's?"

"You'd have to ask Enamel.  Hey, poppa?"

"I never helped bring you into this world," Enamel said as he walked in.  They switched back and Xander checked the papers before putting them in his pocket.  "We needed that much land?"  Xander nodded.  "Fine."  He looked at them.  "He's fine, right?"

"Perfectly so," Mayflower agreed.  "We gave him his first boosters since we won't be seeing him on the next one.  Has Victor had his?"

"Most of them.  You guys didn't send one down for measles so he hasn't had that one yet.  I know ours is a different strain than the earth ones but he's gotten the earth shots as well."  They all nodded at that.  "So far he's a healthy little kid.  No different than any other. I'm hoping we'll be caught up when he comes up, if you get more of the ones we need."

"Did I get that one?" Xander asked him.  Enamel shook his head.  "Um, I never got the human measles booster I was supposed to get at fourteen," he noted.  "Or my last tetanus.  It made me sick so I didn't get it."  Enamel groaned.  "I thought I'd mention it in case it became necessary."

"I'll keep that in mind.  Did you ever have measles?" Enamel asked him.  Xander shrugged.  "How can you not know?"

"I had a few different week-or-longer itchy times.  No one ever told me what they were, but three of them got me sent home from school.  I'm pretty sure one was chicken pox.  I couldn't tell you about the others."

"Wouldn't that be in your medical file?" Mayflower asked.

"My former town got sucked into hell, doc.  Kinda hard to go there to get them."  She just stared and he grinned. "I used to live in Sunnydale."

"I'll look through what we do have tonight," Enamel offered.  "It's probably a moot point.  You're outside of the usual age range of measles.  It's pretty rare for an adult to get them."

"I hope so, but I remember that Dismass fever thing too," he offered.  "Let's face it, pretty rare should be part of my name, doc."

"It should be," he agreed.  "He got Dismass from Anya having her booster."  They all moaned at that.  "I hope I included that somewhere."  He walked Xander out, looking at him.  "You should have your shot records."

"Maybe," Xander admitted.  "I have no clue otherwise."

"Fine."  He shook his head.  "I wish we had the forethought to stockpile more vaccines."

"You can't get the guys down there to do it for you?"

"They only want things that they can turn around and sell to the other humans.  This stuff doesn't make them money."

"What would you need to make the vaccine?  Are we talking a clean little lab or something major and corporate?"

Enamel considered it.  "I have no idea. I'll check at some later date.  Thank you, Xander."

"That's what I do.  Then again, you could use some of that *rent* money you gave me to handle something like that from a private lab too."

Enamel hit him on the arm.  "Shut up about that."

"No!  I didn't need it," he said with a smirk.  "You're being mushy.  I should tell Shell about that."

"You can try but she likes me like this," he retorted.  His son cooed and giggled.  "Thanks, son, I needed that vote of confidence too."  He looked at Xander.  "Keep it up and I'll whine until Throttle makes you dance for my birthday."

"Nope," he said with a chuckle.  "I'll gladly train you if you want."

"Why would I want to learn that?"

"So you can do it for Shell?" he teased.  "After all, some women got off without having a single touch," he offered smugly, going to get his bike. "I'm going to do a ride-over of our new land to make sure I can orient things the way I want to.  Want to join me to look at where your house is going?"

"Sure," he decided, getting Healer into the stomach carrier and onto his bike, heading off with Xander into the desert.  "We're living this far out?"

"Yup, we sure are.  You're getting the farther spot too."  He smiled.  "Welcome to our land.  For the next twenty-eight acres, it's all ours."  Enamel smirked at him so he rode to where he planned on putting the house.  "Our house is going here.  Dawn'll be putting a hearth stone in I'm sure."  He looked around.  "We've got a clustered apartment design, an apartment for each couple, around the central house stuff like the kitchen and laundry.  You and Shell, plus Dawn and Rimfire, and Stan and Chassis, get your own houses up on the northern border."  He rode that way, leading him up to the area he had planned for the house.  There were some desert weeds growing up there and he smiled, stopping.  "It should be right around here, Enamel.  I planned for you to be about an acre back from the edge of the holy sites."

Enamel got up and looked around.  "It's got a nice view."  He looked at him.  "How big of a house are we talking, Xander?"

"Oh, I was thinking room for at least three kids, a private study, a lab, and a few rooms to see patients in if you needed," he said dryly.  "This'll also allow anyone who needs to see you access without us having to see them."  He nodded, understanding that.  "You'll be hooked up to our power and utility lines so you won't have to worry about that. It's easier to do the whole compound at once than individually.  I'm doing the formal plans for you guys this week so I can do the material estimates by the end of next month.  That'll leave us with plenty of time to pick out special stuff, like if you wanted wallpaper and what color paints you wanted."

"Wow.  He looked around again, seeing it in his mind's eye.  "Sure. I'd love that.  I know Shell wanted something like she used to have, but...."  He looked at him.  "I love you."

"I know," he said, smirking at him.  "I'm a loveable mouse, even if you do want to turn me into bondage barbie, the Xander edition, to keep me out of trouble."

"Shell would kill me," he said dryly, smirking at him. "Traditional Martian housing?"

"If you wanted. I did design on that housing project, and I know some people call it pseudo-Martian design but I'm trying."

Enamel came over and gave him a hug.  "You're one special mouse, Xander.  Never change."  He got back on his bike.  "What else is up this way?"

"The good water well opening.  It's up next to one of the holy sites.  We've also got the cliffs so we can use them for storage.  I've got to remember to make sure we've got gas for the generators stored up here.  I wonder if you can buy barrels of gas."  He started his own bike and grinned down at it.  "Do you like it?"  It beeped happily.  "Good!  Let's go look at the cliffs so I know how much mining I'm going to be doing."  Enamel chuckled and followed him over there, finding the old storage caves already set up.  "Wow," he said as he rode into one, looking around at the boxes.  "Huh."  He got off and went to go look, then flinched.  "Old explosives.  Not good.  Back out slowly, bikes.  Backup power only.  No vibrations."  They backed out and he called Stoker.  "We found lots and lots of old explosives.  Yeah, like moldy boxes of explosives.  I'm wary of those things, they can go off with the slightest wrong touch.  Please."  He hung up and went to explore the other caves.  "Oh, hey, gas," he called.  "Or at least iron drums for gas!"

Enamel followed, watching what the kid was doing.  Someone had set this up as a hiding place and it looked like their style of digging.  "I think an older outpost hid this here, Xander."  He ran a hand over the walls.  "This is how we dug things."  He looked at him.  "If so, you're going to have to give it all to Mars."

"I was going to do that anyway."  He headed through the caves, finding a large one in the back.  He also heard bikes.  "This one for food storage later on," he decided, heading out to get them.  He pointed at the one cave their bikes were in front of.  "It's either that one or the next over.  I bought the cliffs too, right?"  Stoker shrugged.  "I probably should.  There's a mess of caves in here."  The recruits with them went in to look around with them while the experienced mice got the old explosives out, and the other dangerous stuff.  The rest the recruits got.  Xander was staring at the cave he wanted for food, the biggest of the caves, as they were walking out a few ancient bikes, leaning on Stoker's arm.  "I need to make sure I've got this too. I'm going to use this for food storage."  Stoker looked down at him.  "I am."

"I didn't think otherwise. This would about hold a Walmart all on its own."  He clapped him on the back.  "Let us clean them out first."

"Sure.  You can you do that for me in a few days?"

"Of course.  Do you think you'll get trespassers?"

Xander nodded. "With the way the mothers get picked on I can see some young guys going 'they've got stuff stored from earth and that's not fair' and going to get some of their own."  Stoker nodded, he could see that.  "Are the mothers still on rations?"  He shook his head.  "I didn't think so but I saw one the last time I was up."

"Racer and Flat still have theirs," he admitted.  "Flat didn't want to take food from the younger kids so he was making himself eat less to not deprive them."  He shrugged.  "I got it straightened out then went to yell at him about it.  He's fixed now."  He clapped Xander on the back.  "This'll be one hell of a grocery store when you're done, mini punk."  Xander beamed at him.  "Where are you putting the lifetime supply of toilet paper?"  Xander pointed at a large shelf running around the top.  "How are you getting it down?"

"Modo can shoot at it."  He grinned at him.  "I'll let Vinnie arrange stuff for me in here."  That got a smirk.  "That'll give him something to do, keeping track of this area and what we need to get on our next shopping trip."  He looked around, sniffing.  "What's dead?"

"They found a few of our former meat beasts in one lower cave.  They took the carcasses out to bury them."  Xander nodded at that.  "Ready to go to dinner?"

"Are you coming to eat with Wrench too?"

"No, I see more than enough of Willow most of the time," he sighed, walking Xander back out.  He smirked at Enamel and Vinnie.  "He said you're in charge of this area."

"Why?"

"That's going to be our storage spot, Vinnie.  All the food and toilet paper and soap and gas and all that stuff."

"We're bringing gas?"

"Yeah, that way we've got some handy for the generators.  You know how I plan, big bro.  You should have expected barrels of gas."

"Barrels?"  He gaped.  "Xander!"

"I'm stocking for at least a year at a time, Vinnie.  You're in charge of that so I don't have to be."  He got onto his bike with a grin.  "I'm having dinner with Wrench tonight."

"That's okay, he's eating with us since his kitchen nearly fell in thanks to a small asteroid falling."  Xander moaned and shook his head.  "Just his kitchen and the spare bedroom.  One of the other houses on his block got totally destroyed.  He said he'll be fixing it tomorrow."  He looked at the cliffs.  "We could just live out here."

"No.  I'm not on Pern.  I don't want to live in caves."

"Fine," he offered with a grin.  He looked at Stoker.  "What did you think of his house plans?"

"I liked them a lot.  They're partially new Martian style but some Earth influences as well.  They're cute and efficient it looks like."  He clapped him on the back.  "Have fun doing inventory and offloading after shopping."  Vinnie moaned.

"I'll be helping," Xander sighed, "and you can get some of the punks in the clan to help too if they're being bad," he offered with a small grin.

"Hell, most of the clan would help us move anyway," he pointed out.  "Speaking of, Wrench said he needs you to take him shopping for some people."

"Sure."  Xander got onto his bike and started it, checking the gas gauge.  "I need to hit the pumps tonight too."  He looked at Vinnie.  "Coming?"  He nodded, heading for his bike and Enamel was already on his waiting on them.  "Let's head to the old home, guys."  That got a small smile from Vinnie and they headed off, going to the old home.

Episode 79:

Xander looked at the tower, it was still there.  So he called the law firm.  "You do realize that they're in default of the contract?" he demanded.  "That does mean that there was a monetary penalty involved as well.  I'll expect it to start being paid as of one week after the contract was officially dated.  Yes, this is he," he said fondly.  "Thank you."  He hung up and looked around.  Suddenly, a blue beam came out from Wolfram and Hart and the tower crumbled.  He smirked.  "Good!"  He went back to the looking he was doing.  The cargo containers he found were useful but smaller than he had imagined.  Then again, he had imagined about half as much height too.  It should be fine, but he wanted to make sure he got metal ones.  Uncoated metal ones so Mars wouldn't have to worry about oxidizing or anything.  His supplier was being very helpful since Micah had told him it was for a new project.  He was thinking twenty cargo containers, but maybe he was thinking too many.  What he really needed to do was to get one and use it for the library coming from England that week.  Which he could do he decided.  They would fit in the storage building for now.  He called them on his way back there and asked them to deliver one for test filling and that it was going for books.  They agreed and he had already paid for them so all they had to do was to move it.  By the time he got home, one was being loaded into the storage building and everyone was looking really confused.  "Storage and moving containers," he noted patiently.  "Moving construction and household stuff."

"I thought they'd be bigger," Modo admitted.

"Me too but that's okay because I think I imagined the interior space well enough.  We'll see when the books get here from England."  Throttle held out a slip.  "Where are they?  They were supposed to be here sometime this week."

"Customs."  He looked at him. "Something about import tax?"

"Already paid," he sighed, going to call them.  He faxed over the paperwork and then called the moving company he liked to go pick them up and to load up the shipping container.  The three U-Hauls fit nicely inside with room to spare.  "Oh, hell yeah," he decided.  "These are actually bigger than I expected.  We'll be able to shove a lot of extras in there."  He grinned at his mate when he came out to check on the moving stuff.  "The library from England."  Throttle looked and blinked, then looked at him so he grinned. "I thought that would fill up one of those."

"Wow," he said finally.  He shook his head. "How many of these are we getting?"

"Twenty.  I'm figuring about ten are needed for building supplies.  Three for gas supplies.  Another two or three for food supplies and shelves, fridges, and the like, then one for our stuff.  That leaves three for overflow or extra stuff we need to bring up with us for everyone else."  Throttle just blinked at him.  "There's a set of cliffs off to the west of the land and Stoker talked me into moving the land that way so we could use the caves in them for yearly storage stuff.  There's a lot of caves too."

"Huh?" he asked.

Xander grinned and kissed him.  "One's just for toilet paper, dear," he joked, heading inside.  He stopped to talk to the moving guy, setting up their packing with him for the proper time and paying in advance.  That way no one could say anything even if he overspent and went totally broke.  Then he went to call Micah.  "Okay, how do I go about buying barrels of gas?" he asked.

"Barrels of gas," he mused, sounding amused.  "For?"

"Bikes, generators, things like that.  I'm thinking we can store them easily enough.  There's some underground caves in the cliffs beside where the house is going and it was used for that before.  Maybe a year's worth and see how long that lasts?"

"I can agree with that," Micah admitted. "I don't know how you'd do that though."  He considered it.  "Let me ask someone who knows about such things.  Give me twenty."  He hung up and called the president.  "Sir?  Do you have a moment?"

"Of course, Micah.  What's wrong now?"

"Nothing's *wrong*," he promised, "but I'm working with the Martians who are moving home next year and they're going to be stocking up pretty heavily before they go.  The one doing the planning was trying to figure out how to get barrels of gas up there."

"Tanks would be more useful probably.  That's how we store them in the warehouse in my company.  Barrels are only for shipping."  He hummed a bit.  "I can see them doing that.  How much were they thinking?"

"About a year's supply to start with, sir.  Enough for their bikes and the generators and things."

"That's not very much.  I can see them needing a massive tank or two for a few year's worth.  After all, the guy after the next one might not be any better."

"True, but I have a feeling we'll have open relations by then."

"Possibly."  He tapped something on his desk a few times.  "If they wanted to go with the big storage tanks like we use, we could probably do that but they'd be pricey.  What's his budget for this total move?"

"Two million total.  He's just bought some cargo containers to get everything up there, including the building materials for his house so they don't have to strain Mars by moving."

"Interesting.  A good plan too.  It shows they give a damn about that planet beyond their comfort.  Let me call someone to get some figures and I'll get back with you by tonight, Micah."

"Thank you, sir."  He hung up and relaxed, smiling at that.  The president owned an oil company, he'd know who to go to so the guys got the best price because that could win them a favor from the president.  He called Xander back.  "Did I ever get around to talking to you about upgrading my bike's systems?"  He found the check he had cut last month and grinned.  "Yeah, and it'll increase your moving and shopping budget too."   He smirked.  "This weekend's fine, Xander.  Sure."  He hung up and kicked back again.  Everything was going according to plan so far.

***

Xander sat down with Dawn and Rimfire, handing over the house he had drawn up for them.  "Part your old home, part Martian home," he offered.  "Joyce liked it."

Dawn smiled as she looked at the design of the house.  "I do too.  It looks a lot like the home in Sunnydale."  She looked at Rimfire, who shrugged.  "You'll have to live there and it'll be your home too, Rimmy.  You should want to make some decisions."

"I don't care as long as we've got a bed.  I'm not that picky yet."  She rolled her eyes and pushed it over, making him smile at the design.  "I do like it, Xander.  It's a bit big though."

"She's got to have an office for official stuff.  You'll want room for any little Dawn and Rimfires too."  That got an amused smirk.  "I haven't shown your momma or grandmomma yet, I wanted you guys to see it first and make any decisions."

"I like it.  It's clearly a blend of our two homes," Rimfire offered.  "Then again, a traditional Martian home would probably drive her nuts.  Every room would have to be connected and all the round walls."

"You mean the current ones aren't traditional?" Dawn asked.  He shook his head.  "Are there any left?"

"Very few.  One of the big names in the architecture business has one.  He used some ancient plans to build his.  He's the one who calls Xander's designs pseudo-Martian."

"Which I don't mind," Xander assured him.  "I can't design fully Martian homes, I've never seen one.  All the homes I've seen have been more like ours down here."

"I never liked the traditional homes anyway," Rimfire offered.  "Some do but they're fussy and kinda formal in spots.  I'd rather have a home I could run and play with the kids in."  That got a grin from his lady.  "That's room for how many kids?"

"Three," Xander told him.  "That's how many I'm doing standard.  Enamel might get an extra one if Shell's daughter comes to live with them, but that'll be okay."

Stan walked in and slammed the door, then looked at him. "Chassis' insane!" he complained.

"Why?"

"Because!"  He threw up his hands and started to pace.

Xander caught him and gave him a hug.  "Why is she insane, Stan?"

"She wants to put my turtle in with the fish here."

"She wants you to move in?"  Stan nodded.  "Well, in a few years, we're moving to Mars," he offered. "You two will have your own house on the grounds if you're still together."  He grinned at that, a shy, sweet grin.  "But no, you can't move in right now.  We're about to go insane around here.  Staff's about six and a half months at the moment.  Dawn's doing hyper education with Rimfire, and we're moving back and forth between here and Mars all the time to get stuff ready for the move.  Actually, if you wanted, she could move in with you if Vinnie agreed."

"Really?"  He nodded.  "Thanks, man.  How soon?"

"Right before the next oath of office of the prez."  Stan nodded, going to talk to Vinnie about getting Chassis to move in with him.

Vinnie burst out laughing and hugged him.  "Just ask the girl, Stan.  Trust me."  He went to look at the design Xander was doing for the kids.  "Will that be enough room for the embassy?"

Xander shrugged.  "I don't know.  I'm assuming all she'll need is an office unless there's an official visit by the president or something."

Stan came in and looked, then sighed and shook his head, pulling Dawn up.  "Come with me.  We'll get the experts to help you."  He walked her off, taking her down to his car and to Canada.  Or at least the consulate.  He got out and looked at the door guard.  "Good, she's got Benny on.  C'mon."  He walked her up and inside with a grin for Benny.  "Turnbull!"

He looked up from his typing, smiling at them.  "Welcome to Canada, Detective Kowalski and Miss Summers.  How can we assist you today?"

"We'd better not be assisting them today, not with that visit tonight!" Thatcher, the head of the consulate, yelled as she came out.  "Kowalski, what did you need?"

"To talk to Turnbull about a design issue for a future diplomatic residence."  She looked really confused. "Have you met my girlfriend?"  She nodded slowly.  "We're moving up there some day soon."

Dawn smiled.  "I'm about to become the ambassador from the US," she said quietly, looking around.  "So we're looking at the house designs and we think I only need a study."

Turnbull snorted and shook his head. "Not hardly, Miss Summers.  Your study may be your office, but you'll need a place to store records and documents, or to store any gifts given officially until they can be shipped back.  You'll need a set of rooms specially set up for state and official visits as well."  She blinked at him and he smiled. "It was wise of the detective to bring you to us."

"You're the only people I know who'd know."  He shrugged and grinned at Thatcher.  "I'm told I'm her assistant if I go too."

"Congratulations.  I hope you'll enjoy it a lot, detective.  It's a rewarding career but occasionally a boring one."

"I'll be the only ambassador up there," Dawn sighed.  "Probably for the next twenty years."  That got some nods and an understanding smile.  "Help?"  Turnbull led her gently back to Fraser's office to show her what she'd need and to get her a copy of their book of protocol.  The poor young woman would probably need it.

Stan just grinned.  "So, do you like my girl?"

"I think she's quite energetic and fun-loving.  She seems to suit you.  Are you serious about her?"

Stan nodded.  "I think I am.  I'm going to have her move in tonight."  She smiled at that.  "Thanks, Thatcher."

"You're welcome.  I'm sure Canada will have an ambassador up there some day and hopefully it'll be someone like Turnbull, who won't get upset at the sight of a giant mouse." She went back to her office and slammed the door, going to take something for her new headache.  Kowalski as a diplomat was a horrible image.  There'd be a war because of a joke he told within ten years, she was sure of it.  By then they'd have an ambassador too and he'd get drawn into it, especially if it was Turnbull.  She hoped her government waited until those two retired, they weren't the right sort at all!  Well, she hadn't told her superiors about the Martians yet, she could continue to obfuscate for a bit longer.  She'd catch hell for it when they found out, but it'd be better in the long run.  It'd keep their future ambassador out of trouble.  "With any luck, it won't be me," she moaned, writing down everything she knew and sealing it in a letter with a very large note to deliver it 'after the next landing'.  Then it went into her desk.  She considered it, Turbull got into her desk too often so she got up and put it in her safe instead, just in case.  That way neither she nor her staff would have to deal with going to Mars and hanging around the giant mice.  "How a society is run by bikers, I'm not sure," she told herself, proud of her actions, "but it probably needs to be straightened out before we send someone."

***

Stan looked at Ray, then at his lady since they were eating together.  "Hey, Chassis, I talked to Xander today," he offered.  "And Vinnie."  She put down her hotdog and stared at him.  "They think the house is going to go insane soon with the babies coming and all the stuff for the official move.  I was thinking that since it's going to be so insane, you could use some quiet time and maybe you'd like to move in with me?"

She blinked a few times, then opened her mouth.  "Is this a human dating custom?"

"No, this is a pre-marriage or an instead-of-marriage custom," Ray said dryly, wiping his mouth off and taking a drink of his beer.  His only one for the night. He had heard about Stan going to become a diplomat and it had given him and Welsh both headaches.  His had been added to with the thought of Turnbull being Canada's ambassador and how he'd drool on all the pretty mice ladies and their bikes and leather. "How's the house look?"

"Xander's only got the basics for us if we're going with them," he admitted. "He said he wants to sit down and talk to us about it."

"Whoa, house?" Chassis asked.

Stan kissed the back of her hand.  "So I can move up there with you?" he prompted.  "I'd be Dawn's assistant."

She just stared, then sniffled.  "You're willing to move to Mars for me?" she asked quietly.  He nodded, leaning over to kiss her.  "Wow.  Sure.  What should I bring besides myself and my bag?"

"Just you and your bag," he offered with a grin. "We'll work out cleaning stuff and who does what around the house some other time."

"Fine, but I'm doing dishes and laundry."

"Sure," he agreed happily.  If she wanted to do those, he wasn't going to argue.  Ever. Even if she messed stuff up and he had to wear pink shirts.

Ray grinned at them. "You'll have to tell Ma.  How soon is this?"

"Two years," Stan told him.

"Good, then we've got time to help you decorate and fill the house with stuff."  He took another sip of his beer, looking at Chassis.  "I'm guessing Xander's designing it for you guys too."

"Oh, he is," she admitted dryly. "He's got this whole compound thingy going there.  We'll have training areas and living areas and Enamel will have his own house and he said Dawn and Rimfire will have theirs and I'm guessing we're getting one.  He bought a good sized piece of land according to Vinnie.  Then we've got to build the new house, move everything up there, and then move ourselves."

"He's already got that planned too, I'm sure of it," Stan promised. "Someone noted he had a cargo container delivered earlier to the storage building on the daily report."

"Like goes on ships?" Ray asked.  Stan nodded, taking a bite of his burger and chewing.  "Why?"

"To ship them home I'm assuming.  That's one of the reasons I'm down here," she reminded them.  She shook her head. "I'll have to check on it later.  Just in case he's planning on running my tail ragged to get stuff up there."  She finished that hotdog and burped. "'Scuse me."  She patted her chest.  "Those were good.  Nearly as good as Chef Andy's."

"He's still only running part time, even with his helper," Ray offered. "It's his slow season."

"I'll order from him tomorrow when he's open and we can have dinner at home?" she asked Stan, who nodded. "Cool."  She kissed him and got up, heading into the restroom.

"You're sure you wanna take that step?" Ray asked.

Stan nodded.  "Yeah, I am," he admitted with a grin.  "I love her, Ray.  She makes me happy."

"Fine.  We'll help you decorate your house and get you towels and stuff."  He finished his burger and his beer, then stood up. "I should head home.  Ma's not going to be happy that I ate out but she'll figure I was with you anyway.  Oh, she said Saturday dinner, you'd better be there this week.  No calling off for sex."  He walked away smirking, nodding at the cop parked next to his car.  "Evening, boys."

"Detective, is it true that Detective Kowalski is dating someone...less than human?"

Ray looked at him.  "Go ask Welsh.   I don't tell tales on anyone, boys, nor do I gossip."

"Are you inebriated, detective?" one of them asked meanly.

"I've had *a* beer, and am well below the legal limit."  Chassis and Stan came out and he looked away from them.

"There he is," that one said, going over to them.  "Detective, the rumors state that you're dating this...person."

Chassis grabbed him by the throat and pulled him closer.  "I'm going to say this once," she said quietly.  "I am a combat veteran.  I have survived torture and horrors that would make your puny race crawl, gag, and beg.  I've seen others like me who have done the same.  You do not bother my Stanley and you do not bother my bike.  Those things are sacred to me.  If you touch them, then I'm going to unfortunately have to go back to the old mindset and become the universe's bitch again."  She let him go, staring into his eyes.  "Got me here, boys?"

"What are you?"

"Cuter than you," she offered with a grin, then a flick of her tail.  "Make a guess, it's rather obvious."  She walked over to her bike, looking at Stan.  "Sorry," she mouthed as she put on her helmet.

He winked and watched as she rode off.  He turned and hit that one, glaring down at him.  "Try it again, rookie, watch me do worse than she ever could!"

"Hey!" Ray called.  "They can fire you for that.  Let him have his delusions."

"Is he going to turn furry too?" the other officer asked from the safety of his car door.

"I haven't yet," Stanley snapped. "Do you see fur or ears?"  They shook their heads. "Then beat it before I tell your CO tomorrow."  They ran off and he took down the car number, going to report it to Welsh.  Who was not going to have a happy night, but who would probably enjoy the yelling at least.

***

Chassis looked at the cargo container, then walked inside, finding Xander in front of the computer.  "We can only fit two of those on a ship, Xander."

He looked at her.  "They're not being flown."

"They're what?  How are you getting them to Mars?"

"Transporter."

"Transporter?" she asked, starting to look *really* confused now.  "They won't fit!"  He handed her a book.  "What's this?"

"How we're doing it.  I worked it out with Fred."

"Fred the smart one in Cleveland or Fred the little pain loving alien?" she asked hesitantly.

"Fred the human Fred girl.  Fred the little pain loving alien wanted to test the link so he could hit the ground really hard."

"Oh.  Well, at least she's smart. Are you sure you know what you're doing?"  He gave her a look and she shrugged. "Fine.  As long as you're sure."  She handed the book back.  "I'd never understand it anyway.  I'm moving in with Stan."  He handed over a design and she looked at it.  "What's this?"

"Draw the changes you want on there and give it back to me," he ordered.  "That way I can finish the design on your house."

"Can't I have a house like the other ones you designed, like for that development?"  He nodded.  "Then why give me this?"

He printed off one of those. "Make sure Stan likes it too," he encouraged.  "By the way, Vinnie packed your stuff for you since he said you're moving in with him.  Dawn gave you a few of her older outfits, stuff that Rimfire said he'd pounce her tail if she ever wore again, and I think she went to a lingerie store for you too."  He shrugged and went back to his doodling on a new gun.

She rolled her eyes and carried them down to get her bags.  She definitely had more than she had before.  She had a backpack before.  Now she had a backpack, two suitcases, and a duffel bag.  She got them strapped onto her bike and headed off after finding Vinnie to kiss on the cheek and give him a long stare.  "Try to make him more reasonable.  I'm not sure his idea will work."

He nodded. "It will.  We know it will."  She sighed and wandered off.  He grinned as her bike left the house, then went to pounce Xander.  "We've got to test the link before we do stuff by sending the common materials through."

"True, I hadn't thought about doing that for another few months though," Xander admitted. "That way we've got the designs done and I can get samples to send up there."  Vinnie grinned at that. "We need to know colors to decorate your place in."

"Ask my sweetheart, I don't care as long as it's not pink and I look good in it."  He kissed him and wandered off, going to find his son and play.  He found one of his jingly balls and took his son over to the garage to play fetch with him.  His son loved to pounce the ball and growl at it.  "Sweetheart, Xander wanted to know about paint colors," he said as he tossed the ball out.  Vic growled and pounced it to beat up on.

Charley smiled and shook her head.  "Just like Spike."  She went back to work.  "What are we painting?"

"The new house?"

"I'll do it later tonight or this weekend."

"Sure.  Don't get on him about how we're getting stuff up there.  Chassis just did too and he's looking like he's about to go nuts on someone."

"I figure he's got that figured out and he knows more than I do about it," she admitted dryly, tightening a bolt.  She hit her knuckles and winced.  "Ow."

"Mommy!" Vic shouted, coming over to look at her hand.  "Poor baby mouse.  Big owies."  He kissed it and grinned at her.  "Better?"

"Yes, dear, it's all better," she promised with a smile, kissing him on the head.  "Thank you.  You'll be a good daddy mouse some day."  He beamed and went back to playing.  She grinned at Vinnie and got her knuckles kissed by him too.  "You're a good daddy mouse too," she said gently, kissing him.

He grinned.  "Thanks."  He kissed her lips then went to help his son play.

She smiled and gave up for the night, going to clean up and play with them.

***

Xander looked at the tower, then at Micah and his bike.  "Go ahead, you can share in the fun."

"It's not fully built yet," he complained.

"I know, I'm going for a demoralization campaign."  He pointed at the beams.  "If you hit the center beam, that'll collapse that area, and then you can do the outer edges after you change."

"So I'm a practical test too?" Micah joked.  He opened his saddlebag and changed the front cannon out to something stronger. He changed it out with only a twist of a knob and then a push of a pin back in, something he liked about this system.  Then he aimed at the center beam and fired, watching as it disintegrated. He looked at Xander.  "That's powerful."

"It's good for doors," Xander admitted.  "Change out to the other one and take out the edges so it falls inward."  Micah changed it out with the turn of the knob and the pin again, then blew the four corner pieces.  Then they clapped as it fell inward.  Xander grinned at him.  "You need to test the other ones too."

"I do," he agreed, starting his engine.  "Let's head before they see us."

"Sure."  Xander followed him out to the junk yard.  They did a lot of targets out here and the guys who ran it always had a bunch of stuff they could turn into bits and pieces because it was easier for them to deal with. Micah changed out to all his different weapons, trying them all out.  Only one misfired and Xander gave a little sigh and pulled out a screwdriver to go in and turn the crystal again.  "This one needs to be anchored and I can't figure out how."

"That's fine," Micah agreed. "I've got a guy who can do that tonight."  He put it back carefully and tried it, smiling when it came out in a very narrow beam.  That would just take out a lock.  He grinned at him.  "I like this.  Got any other ideas?"

"Some," Xander said modestly, handing over the diskette.  His bike could now read them thanks to the last upgrade the military had done for him.  He watched as Micah read them, then grinned down at his bike.  "Should we show him the ones you came with, boy?"  His bike beeped negative.  "Why not?"

"Because those are secrets from home," Micah said firmly.  "I've seen your bike take out whole walls. I don't need something that powerful and the originators would want them to remain secret.  Especially since you've got weapons that none of the other bikes I've seen have."  Xander's bike beeped affirmatively.  "See, I'm right."

Xander grinned at him.  "That's fine with me.  I like having special stuff in my bike."  He stroked his bike's tank, making it let out a purr.  "So, you like?"  Micah nodded.  "Anything else I need to work on?"

"One thing I really want.  I want a way to keep coffee hot," he said dryly, smirking at him.

"You want me to install a thermos on the tank?"  Micah laughed and nodded.  "Sure.  When we get back.  Let me hit the store first."  He hugged his bike's tank.  "I love you.  You're so neat."

His bike beeped patiently then wiggled a bit.  "I think he thinks you're being mushy and should go jump Throttle again."  His bike beeped and then Xander's bike let out a sarcastic sounding beep.  "Or Vinnie."

"I think it wants me to turn Vic into me or work on his little bike."  His bike beeped at that.  "Sure.  We'll go do that tonight."  His bike revved.  "Let me stop at the store, Micah.  Meet me back at the garage."

"I was joking but it'd be nice.  Especially on my morning commute."  His bike sighed and turned around, taking him back to the garage.  "It's up to you.  If he can figure it out, I won't complain."  His bike gave him another patient beep.  "Fine, but if he can figure it out...."   His bike let out another sigh and entered the street, heading back to the garage.  Sometimes he knew she was worried about him but it'd be handy.

***

Xander came back into the garage, waving the small carafe he had found.  He looked at Micah's bike, then grinned.  He went to get Charley from the kitchen, whispering in her ear.  She gave him an odd look.  "He asked," he defended.  He walked her to Micah's bike and showed her where it was going, making her smile.  "There?"

"That would keep it warm, even on the long rides," she admitted.  "It shouldn't melt either."  She got down to look at the side of the bike.  "Okay, dear.  He wants something to keep the coffee warm on the cold mornings and the rootbeer cold on the hot days.  We can put a brace here," she said, stroking a spot just above the engine but out of the way.  "It shouldn't get in his way."  She touched another spot.  "Or we can rig up a spot and put it here."  The bike beeped at that.  "Sure."  She looked at Xander.  "Get me the...."  He handed over a few pre-cut metal strips and the stuff to hitch it down and bend it along with the carafe.  She got to work putting the carafe on the handlebar, well out of the way of the weapons systems. She filled the carafe and hung it in there, then tightened it up.  "Okay, pop up the weapons?"  It popped up and she looked at the empty cradle.  "You're not keeping one in there, Micah?"

"I'm looking at it," he admitted, waving it a bit.  "The others are in the back saddlebag."  He looked at the crystal.  "Xander, what happened if you ran a small wire cage around it?"

"It interrupted the light beam."

"Okay.  What about a way that won't get in the way?"  He left it open and came over to install it again, then turned his bike around to aim it toward the open lot across from the garage.  "Okay, girl, let's fire a short beam."  She tried and he pushed in the pin, which let it fire.  "Nice safety feature."

"I figured it might come in handy if someone managed to capture you and tried something," he admitted.  "It's got fingerprint recognition."  Micah just stared at him so he grinned.  "It does."  He pointed.  "Do it again, dear."

The beam fired again and Micah watched, then took it off and went to fashion a small cage of see-through plastic.  It wouldn't really interrupt the beam.  He put it on and tried it again and it did block it.  "Dirt."

"That's why I left it loose.  I figured one of your more official guys could figure that out."

"You are one of my official guys, Xander," he said patiently.  He looked at Charley, who came over to look it over.  "Who else is recognized?"

"You, Max, Lorne, us, Charley, and I told her to include your regular fixer there."

"That would usually be me," Micah admitted. "I wondered why she was plugged into the computer system recently looking at personnel records."

"That's because she freaks Max out," Xander said dryly, staring him down.  "She's not sure she won't be replaced by her."  The bike snorted.  "Exactly, but she's scared."  He shrugged.  "Lorne offered her a beer the other day from what I heard."  The bike snickered and nodded her front wheel.  Charley rolled her eyes and walked off, going to get them stuff to drink.  She came back and found Xander bent over his bike, staring at something in his engine.  "A new noise?"

"No, a cricket."  He plucked it out and tossed it away.  "I don't want to clean squishy things or bring one to Mars and have it take over."  He took his rootbeer with a grin. "Thanks, Charley."

"You're welcome, Xander. You deserve it.  You did good with those weapons."

"He was going to show off some of his but his bike wanted to be shy," Micah told her.

"He doesn't even let me work on his weapons," she admitted.

Xander looked at his bike.  "She fixes the others, she's not going to steal ideas. You should let her work on yours too because I can't always do what you need and she can."  The bike sighed and popped out a side cannon for her.

She stared at it, then got down to look at it.  "What is that?"  She looked at the firing mechanism.  "What does that fire, Xander?"

"Pebbles.  Or marbles, that's what I usually use."  He sat down in front of his bike, stroking the front tire.  "She's not mean, no matter what Lil' Hoss said about her and changing his seals."  His bike seemed to sigh and popped out another one.  Charley looked, then stared at him.  He shrugged. "Original to him.  I haven't added anything to him that I didn't already have."

She just gaped then swatted him.  "Don't lie to me!  What part of Mars would you find marbles on?"

"Most of the desert has pebbles," he defended, rubbing his shoulder.  "Meany."  His bike snorted and he looked at him.  "She's only mean to the mice, not the bikes."  He looked at Micah and nodded.  He nodded, heading into the office to make notes about his new weapons for the files.  "Weapons fully out, dear.  She needs to see so she can be in awe of you too.  The same way Vinnie and Throttle are."  The bike shivered and popped out all his weapons, seeming to grow a bit bigger as he popped them out.  "The others too," he said with a grin.  "She understands about that stuff too."  The boxes popped out, showing off.

Charley just stared, then shook her head.  She checked the boxes and put them back in, then checked each of the weapons.

"Wow," Modo said from the kitchen. He came out and knelt down, touching one gun. "That's impressive, boy.  You're even more armed than Vinnie's bike."  He stroked the front fender reverently.  He looked at Xander, who only grinned at him. "You knew?"  He nodded.  "Wow."

"Vinnie's seen most of them.  Throttle knows about all of them.  Charley, I used a marble that was too big and it's stuck."

"Marbles?" Modo asked.  That one whined as it tried to fire.  "Wow."  He moved to the side to look over more of the weapons.  "I wish some of these were on my lady but I can see how they fit you better."  He stroked the seat and grinned.  "You take very good care of him, Xander."

"Thanks, Modo, that means a lot to me," he offered, patting his bike again.  "See, there's no reason to be shy with the family.  I wouldn't know how to start to put some of those on other bikes anyway."

"Me either," Charley admitted.  She got a pipe cleaner and went to work on the marble, popping it out.  She handed it to Xander.  "It looks like it needs cleaned.  It's got crud."  Xander took the pipe cleaner and got to work on that one.  She smiled at Modo.  "He wouldn't let Xander show off to Micah."

The bike beeped and Micah's bike beeped, bringing him out.  Micah moaned as he looked at the weapons.  "Oh, those are good," he moaned, coming out there to look closer.  "Wow."  He stroked over some of them.  "What's this one do, Xander?"

He looked up.  "Small missiles.  It's my toothpick system," he offered with a grin.  "Go ahead, big guy.  Fire into the target on the wall."  It hit the picture on the wall of a circus clown.  Charley looked, it was right through the forehead.  "He agrees with me, clowns are scary," he defended.

"I can't believe you're scared of clowns," Charley said, shaking her head. "You, the big, strong, jump-in, tough mouse."

"We all have fears," Modo defended. "I'm sure it's trauma induced.  Probably a halloween thing.  He seems to have a lot of those and he gave the rest of us one with that movie."

"Actually a birthday thing," he admitted.   "It doesn't matter, they're still creepy."  He patted his bike.  "I agree, it was a good shot."  His bike purred at him and he grinned.  "We should go scare Boris tonight."  His bike shook his front wheel.  "Fine.  Spoil my fun."  It beeped affirmatively and Micah snickered.  "Keep it up. I've still got to buy the stuff for the houses."  He looked at Charley.  "What paint colors did you want?"

"Look around, this is good," she offered with a small smile.  "It'll remind me of home."

"Sure.  I'll do what I can."  He stroked his bike again. "Want to go to Home Depot tonight or tomorrow?"  It beeped and popped everything back inside, then went to plug in and relax for a bit.  "Sure, tomorrow it is."  His bike backfired. "This is the stuff for the house on Mars," he offered.  The bike perked up at that.  "I've only got to order and make a few selections in there."  It beeped.  "Maybe two hours at the most.  An ordering day, not a working day.  That gives them time to get stuff."  The bike beeped at that.  "Then we'll head for a long ride, okay?"  His bike decided it liked that idea and unplugged, coming over to nudge him.  He grinned and got on, grabbing his helmet.  "We'll be back in a few hours, Micah.  Thanks for the payment."  He grinned and winked, heading out to deposit it and then head to Home Depot.  He pulled in and got off, patting his bike gently.  "Give me an hour or a bit more.  It shouldn't be that much more."  His bike beeped and settled in to watch the cars around him.  Xander walked inside, grinning at the person behind the contractor's desk.  "I'm building a second house."

"Are you working with your company?"

"No, I'm building out of state.  I'm ordering way early."  That got a nod.  "Okay," he said, handing over the estimates he had on his PDA.  "I'll need this and we'll need to look at tubs and stuff too."

She looked at him. "If you're building out of state, why are you ordering here?"

"Because there's nowhere to order there.  I'm building in the middle of nowhere."  She gaped and he grinned. "I've got some cargo containers we'll be loading everything into and then heading out with them in a few months."

"Sure," she agreed, pulling over the form she needed.  She started writing things down.  "How big is this house?"

"It's my house, my daughter's house, a friend's house, a greenhouse, a small garden plot.  I'm going to go become a hermit."  She smirked at that and went back to writing.  "I need to pick out some water-efficient showers and things as well."

"Of course."  She looked up at him. "I'm assuming a septic system too?"  He nodded.  "You're doing a well?"  He nodded.  "Do you already have a filter?"

"I'm using a new trial system and so far it's pretty low maintenance. Some scraping off of the filters now and then."  She nodded, going back to writing.  "Also, I need to talk to someone about solar power systems for the whole compound of houses."

"Sure.  Top of a mountain?"

"Edge of a desert."

"Ah."  She looked at the materials list.  "The concrete blocks...."

"Greenhouse."

"Oh, good.  I didn't think you wanted something that would keep in heat."  She finished off the list and let him look at it, getting a nod.  "Is this all in one?"

"Yeah, probably easier that way," he admitted.  "We're moving it all at once.  Anyone around who can walk me through things?"

"Of course.  Let me get Kevin."  She paged him over the intercom and he came jogging over, smiling and shaking Xander's hand.  "He's building a second house out of state to become a hermit in."

"You're ordering from us?"

"There's nowhere close by," he admitted, clapping him on the back.  "I need water efficient bathrooms, washers and dryers, and sinks.  I'll need a new fridge and freezer, a big freezer, I'll need a few backup generators, a solar power system, and a septic system."

"We can do that," Kevin admitted as he walked him off.  "What about final design elements?"

"I'll be doing some of that today but not all of it.  It's actually a compound.  My house, my daughter's house, my brother's house, a greenhouse, all sorts of stuff together."  He nodded at that.  "I figure I'll do flooring and that stuff last, right before we move.  That way it'll be in a cargo container all by itself."  Kevin nodded at that wisdom.  "So today we're doing the basics, that'll be delivered and stored for us, then we'll do the major stuff, and then I'll put that in too.  Then if everything goes really right, I'll have everything set up right before we do the final move in about two years."  He got an odd look.  "I need this stuff delivered by next summer.  Doing it now means that I've got time to special order some of the low maintenance and low water stuff and the septic system."

"Good point. Plus the solar power system will have to be designed specifically for the house," Kevin offered. "My roommate does that stuff.  Do you know what the house'll look like?"  Xander flipped through his PDA, coming to the house plans.  Then he watched as Kevin looked it over.  "This is a really pretty design, Mr. Harris. It'll save on a lot of utilities but it won't crowd anyone either.  Very nice work."  He considered it.  "Who do you have designing your system?"

"I was thinking you bought stock parts and then put them in however worked best.  I saw some kits when I was doing research."

Kevin shook his head.  "You won't get the most efficient use out of those.  Let me call my roommate and get his suggestion while we look at cabinets?"  Xander nodded, liking that idea.  He grinned and pulled out his cellphone to call home quickly.  "Tob, yeah, me.   No, one of the contractors we did a lot of work for is putting up a totally solar house near the desert.  He wanted to go with one of those kit systems, but I told him they wouldn't work the best.  Yeah, he's here.  Sure, hurry down. We're doing design choices."  He hung up.  "He'll be down as soon as he changes clothes.  It's laundry day."

"I've been there recently," Xander admitted with a grin.  "Technically I want the main system to run out to the other houses so we're all on the same line."

"Wow.  I'm sure we can do that for you," he offered, leading the way into the home furnishings, kitchen aisle.  "Here, let's start here.  Counters?"

"Let's have something that'll kinda stay cool even in the heat of the day," he offered.  He tapped a few.  "I like these but they get hot really easily."

"There's always marble," he offered, pointing at it.  "Besides, I like the Corian systems.  They're fairly easy to maintain and deal with and you could put marble inserts if you wanted."  He found the design and showroom books and found one he liked.  "How about like this, Mr. Harris?"

Xander looked, then flipped a few and grinned.  "I want that one."  The guy grinned and helped him figure out what he needed for cabinets and counters based on his designs.  Then they worked on the other houses.  He guessed Chassis would like pine and Early American Rustic styles.  It went well with that design in there.

Episode 80:

Notes: Starting the move here, I did a time jump.  Magnet is Vinnie's daughter.  Punch is Modo's daughter.  Carbine is happy with Thrust - finally.  Things have settled down and Micah only has to deal with Cleveland and Wolfram and Hart. And a new president eventually. <G>

Xander looked at the trial pieces, then sighed and nodded.  It was almost time to go up and do the house.  He had been approached by Wolfram and Hart and asked if he would mind if they made the Plutarkians leave - they had honestly stated that they didn't want to fight two enemies at once, especially one that evil and Xander was an easier fight.  He had sent them to Throttle and sat back to laugh while they negotiated how it would be done.  Throttle had insisted none of them would be anywhere in this solar system and if they died he didn't care, but he didn't really like the idea of them being sent to hell as minions forever and ever or eaten as a sacrifice either.  The lawyers didn't like it but oh well.  They both got what they wanted.  As it happened, a demon went to Siberia and cut the gas and power lines to their colony, making them freeze or flee.  They had decided to flee.  Mars had been warned and there was a battalion of ships waiting on them just in case they decided to stay. The elder Limburger had perished in the brief scuffle but the younger one was still ruling them and had headed back toward another galaxy.

Now it was time to make the final plans and start the final preparations.  He looked up and grinned.  The trial pieces had been warped and destabilized.  Therefore they were switching to his original plan that no one liked.  A bit of chaos magic now and then never hurt anyone really.  "Fine, we'll do this the other way," he noted, sending up a quick prayer.  He concentrated on the spell he had memorized, lighting the things around him to burn in honor of the spell.  He felt his Goddess answer and smiled, sending up his second formal prayer to her, giving her a good reason to help.  He felt her accept and work to help him.  He sent the new samples back and then had them sent back by Wrench.  He checked them over.  They were perfect.  He smiled and asked the Goddess, who agreed and they moved the things he already had.  He felt Wrench's surprise and made sure nothing landed on top of the one before.  The construction elements were up there within minutes.  He said another prayer of thanks and promised the next one was not for months.  He hurried out to sit on the last one, landing on Mars a few minutes later with a smirk for his cousin.  "Hey."

"How did you do that?" he demanded, stamping a foot.

"Loyalty and begging."  Wrench scowled so he beamed.  "I prayed really hard?"  He hopped down, landing beside him.  "Okay, we've got all the construction stuff in the blue ones.  We've got non-perishable food stuffs in the green one.  We've got other stuff in the red one for the houses and ourselves.  The lone pink one is other stuff entirely, including the rest of the filtration system so we can put up the larger version."  He yawned.  "And I'm now wiped for the next day. The tarp's in the pink one so that none of these overheat, especially not the food."

Wrench sighed and got the tarp, pulling it over everything with the help of his bike, watching as Stoker rode up.  "The first load's here."

"I can see that.  When are you getting started, Xander?"  His answer was a snore.  He sighed and looked at Wrench.  "When?"

"Um, probably the day after tomorrow.  After he unloads a bunch of stuff with some help.  How many people are coming out?"

"About fifteen and whoever of your clan wants to."

"That's fine.  I'll get the clan to come help move stuff tomorrow.  He should be up by then."  He noticed Stoker flinched and looked behind him, blinking at the tarp floating down.  "Seal!"

"Sorry, all put away in the caves and the building stuff is in the right areas," Willow called, fading in with a cheery grin and a wave.  "Xander needed it.  The Lady said so.  She said he was a very cute mouse and that we should help since Xander will be helping you with training stuff."   She looked at the form under the tarp.  "That's the only thing I wasn't sure of."  She looked at Stoker and beamed.  "I think it's for Vic."

He walked over and under the tarp, finding the small bike.  It beeped plaintively and he stroked it.  "It's all right, dear.  You're on Mars.  Your little mouse will be able to ride you soon."  She whined and popped out a gun, wiggling it a bit.  "You have weapons?"  He heard Wrench groan.  "Okay, let's walk you out and we can tighten that."  He walked the bike out, taking the tool from Wrench to tighten the gun up.  "There, how's that?"  The bike beeped happily and zoomed around a bit, parking on top of the tarp and settling in for a sunbath apparently.  Stoker walked over and kicked Xander on the leg.  "No weapons on kiddie bikes," he said firmly when the eyes opened.  "It's against the law to give little kids weapons on their bikes."

"Why?"

"Because there's still bullies on Mars," Stoker said sarcastically.  "That and they're prone to doing stupid shit, like Spike trying to run over his new teacher for fun.  No weapons on the kiddie bikes."

"Then I'll put them on Racer's."

"That'd still be considered a child's bike, Xander," Wrench said, smirking at him.  "Did Vinnie say that was okay?"

"No, but it was going to be a surprise," he offered, sounding pathetic.  "I'm sorry, Stoker."

"I'm sure you are.  You'll be taking down the weapons tomorrow, mini punk.  Everything else is fine.  It's a good looking bike and the weapons seem to fit."

"He's only got my marble cannon and one tiny beam laser," he offered with a smile.

"Fat.  Chance."  Stoker stared down at him.  "I mean it."

"Yes, sir.  Bike, weapons off.  It's not legal up here."  She made a pouting noise.  "I know, but soon, dear.  Soon.  After all, we've got to teach him somehow."  Wrench snickered.  "He's going to as good a shot as I am," he said firmly.  "I don't care what anyone says, he is."

"Fine," Wrench agreed.  "Where's your bike?"

"Probably coming through the transporter soon," Willow offered.  "Are we taking him home with us?"  Wrench nodded.  "Cool.  I'll tell Exhaust to send his bike our way."  She faded out.

Xander yawned again.  "Some of that food was for the clan and the mommas," he offered.  "One of the green ones had tied bags and taped boxes of stuff for the clan and the families."

"They're still together," Willow called.  "I put them in a cave. I know how your mind works, Xander."

"Sure.  Thanks."  He licked his lips and stood up.  "Where did she put the containers?"

"Near the places they needed to go."  Wrench nodded at his bike. "Let's head to my place, cousin.  We'll come out tomorrow and sort everything out."  Xander nodded.  So he looked at the bike.  "You're going to be out here all alone tonight.  Think you can handle it?"  The bike beeped happily.

"Weapons back on when I'm not here," Xander ordered.  The bike beeped and turned them back on. "Good boy."  He grinned at Stoker. "It's for Vic's next birthday."

"I can tell. You'll still be in trouble if he gets on that bike and it's got weapons."

"Meg programmed it so they shut off if he's by himself, unless there's a danger to him."

"Fine," Stoker sighed, heading back to his bike.  "How long will the construction last?"

"Not a clue," Xander admitted.  "That depends on how hard we work."

"Uh-huh.   When do you think you'll have it done, Xander?"

"The end of October.  I'll be able to get back for halloween."  Stoker nodded at that and headed off to report to the Council that construction had begun and that strange stuff was already going on out here. Xander grinned at Wrench.  "Busy for the next month?"

"Vinnie said I had to help you," he teased, smirking at him. "Come on.  Let's head to my place."

"I've got a bag of Micky D's somewhere," he offered.

"Okay, we can go find that instead," he offered, heading out to the caves with Xander.  He found the 'family' cave and the bag on top of a lot of stuff.  He looked around and whistled. "Wow.  How much is mine?"

"The boxes are the clan's stuff.  The white bags are for Modo's family if I remember right and the blue ones are for Momma's."

"Damn," Wrench said in awe.  He walked his bike out, calling his favorite uncle.  "Hey, Grease, it's me.  Xander's just come up with a whole *ton* of crap for the families.  So we need to gather, sort, and ship tomorrow.  Tell Modo and Throttle's mommas too please.  They've got stuff too."  He smiled.  "We're talking crates of stuff."  His uncle looked pleased at that.

"Vinnie said the old family home needed some stocking," he offered with a shy grin.  "Plus, your kitchen is bare.  There's a few other kids whose mothers and fathers aren't coping that well with the extra mouths to feed, this way it'll tide 'em over during the bad parts."  Wrench smiled at him.  "Sue me, I'm mushy now and then.  That's when I go cuddle Vinnie and his daughter."

"How is Magnet?"

"Doing well.  She's an adorable little white mouse with white hair.  Vinnie thinks her tail is too small but we think it suits her personality.  She chased off a lawyer last month."  He pulled out his picture to show him.  "Just a few more months and she'll be up here."

"Good," Grease said. "I take it you got us stuff we can store for years?"

"Soups, bullion, dried stuff," Xander agreed.  "Just keep it sealed, cool, and dry.  There's some flour and stuff too that you should probably plan on using fairly quickly, things like sugar."  Grease grinned at that, there wasn't a member of the clan who didn't like sweet stuff.  "We're going to Wrench's tonight and I'm going to be back early in the morning.  Then I'll figure out which bags are which and then we can ship, sort, and figure out who's going to be taught how to build stuff."  He grinned and waved, then hung up on him.  "Come on, let's go, I'm hungry."

"Sure, I'll make you feel spoiled tonight," Wrench agreed, giving him a one-armed hug.  "You're a very special mouse, Xander."

"Yeah, and most people mean that the wrong way when they say it," he joked, getting on the back of Wrench's bike.  "I hope my bike remembers my helmet."

"I'm sure it will."  He took off, heading for his home.  He even beeped at the guard-bike, knowing it'd be lonely tonight but okay.  Spike and Racer would probably come out to snoop soon enough.  "Any news on your mother-in-law and the club?"

"I haven't gotten to talk to her yet, I was going to do it tomorrow, that way she thinks I'm bribing her."  Wrench laughed at that, shaking his head as he turned onto the road.  "We have a real road?"

"Yup, you sure do," he called.  "Exhaust had a bunch of idiots who needed something to do.  So they built a road out here.  Once you show them how, they'll be working on building the new university and other schools."

"Cool with me."  He held on as Wrench sped up, whooping a bit.  Vinnie drove like this and it was always fun. He felt the laugh and gave him a squeeze. "You're my favorite cousin so far."

"What about Repel?" he called.

"She's my second favorite cousin.  She tries to pick on me."  Wrench snickered and sped up some more, heading through the market to his place.  A few people smiled and one pointed and yelled at one of the cops to stop them, but they were home before anyone caught them.  The cop got there just as he was opening the door.  Xander grinned back at him.  "I came up with the stuff and forgot my helmet, officer.  I'm hoping my bike brings it here tonight."

"You were also going a bit fast," he said tolerantly, smiling at them.

"I was only holding on and having fun," Xander offered with a shy grin.

"Highest, we've had a talk with you before about speeding around town?"

Wrench just beamed.  "I had to show Xander the new stuff and dinner was getting cold," he offered, holding up the bag.  "I'll start racing out by them once their place is built."

"Fine.  Thank you, Highest."  He shook his head and walked off, reporting it to his boss before anyone else could.

Wrench nudged Xander and took him inside.  "His boss is my other sister.  He can't say much to me but 'slow down' and 'don't hit anyone'."  He took the bag back to the office area, letting Xander curl up on his couch.  "So, what're you missing already?"

"Fall and winter.  Our DVD collection has grown astronomically recently so I won't miss TV so much.  So has our CD collection."   He grinned at him. "I'll miss snow the most.  I didn't have it most of my life but I liked it a lot once I got to Chicago and learned how to deal with it."

"Willow's still trying to make it snow on Mars," he offered.

"Wonderful.  I hope some day she makes it."  He ate a bite of his fries.  "So, I know you've been tasting the filtered water for us.  How is it?"

"Nearly as good as the pure stuff we get on rations," he admitted. "Adding that third level of filtering solved most of the taste issues, now it's mostly tasteless.  When the filters need cleaned you know it, but otherwise it's good."

"Good!  I bought the Martian rights to it off the guy who tweaked it for me.  Meg's got the earth rights.  She bought it outright and I split it with her.  It was fairly cheap too, a desperate college student did it for Meg.  One of her paranoid network buddies."

"So he already knew about Mars?"

"Yeah, but he believes Mars Attacks was the real Mars, not you guys.  He thinks Sarah's having drug dreams or just wet dreams and she likes 'em furry."  He grinned before unwrapping his burger and taking a bite. "How's the output flow?"

"Really great, Xander.  I took the family out there and bathed all the bikes.  Six hoses on that one line and it worked wonders.  You did need a secondary air hole and we got that fixed for you too."  Xander nodded at that.  "How deep is that well?"

"It's tapped into the river, not just a well."  Wrench moaned and Xander grinned.  "The other spot had the same benefits but we'd have ended up living in the cliffs."

Wrench shuddered.  "No thanks."  He dug in, kicking back and relaxing as he ate.  "Seal, has Throttle or Xander's bike come up yet?"

"Throttle came up and asked where his mate was.  They told him he came up with some of the stuff and to send your bike here.  Exhaust wanted to know how he did it."

"A bit of luck, a prayer or three, and some strong faith," Xander said happily.  "Did I already send up stuff for the temple?"  Wrench nodded, giving him a small grin.  "Good!  She could use a new one that's cleaned now and then."  He dug in, eating heartily.  He was still tired but he could sleep soon enough.  Food was not to be wasted because he was going to be working hard over the next few weeks.

***

Xander looked at his crew of trainees, then grinned.  "Hi, guys.  I'm a Xander mouse.  I'm going to be teaching you guys construction while we work on our compound out here."

"Why are you living all the way out here?" one young woman demanded.  "It's insane!  What if there's another attack!"

"That's one of the reasons why we're out here," he said patiently.  "To tell you if there's going to be another attack."  She blanched and he looked at her.  "Let's face it, we've all been on earth for a while now, some of us are from there.  I needed room to roam, room to help train the kids in the family, and room to work on my weapons designs."  He grinned at her.  "Besides, we'll have five or six families out here together. We mostly live together down there too.  Except for Stan and Chassis."  They all looked horrified at that thought.  He shrugged.  "I need room to roam and wander while I think.  I'm used to it.  Besides, this way I can spoil my mate and he can't run away to hide with his mother."  That got some snickers. "So, we're going to go over the plans today, let you see what we're doing.  Then we're going to work on the basic framing of the main house.  Once we get the main house done, I'll split you into groups and we'll do the auxiliary buildings and houses.  By then you should know what you're doing and it'll be fine."  He grinned at them.  "Any other questions?"

"Where did this stuff come from?"

"Home Depot, Chicago, Illinois."  They just stared. "That way we don't have to stretch any local resources to get things set up.  Anything extra will be donated, of course, and then we'll work on moving furniture."  He grinned at the groans.  "It's all coming up the same way, in big cargo containers."  He waved them closer, putting the plans down on the bench he had already put up.  "Okay, this is a blue print.  It tells you measurements and what you're doing.  Can everyone see it?"  Someone shifted closer to him and he looked down.  "Hey, Racer, aren't you supposed to be in school?"

"Screw school," he muttered.

"Hold on.  Someone look at these and see if you can figure it out."  He walked Racer off, ruffling his hair.  "Talk to me, little guy. You can't be a doc if you don't stay in school."  He tipped the boy's face up and winced at the bruise.  "Suspended?"

"No, I walked off before I killed him."  He touched the bruise, then looked at him.  "I need help and I can't get Uncle Modo on the comm."

"Punch has been having colic, he hasn't been sleeping."  Racer groaned.  "So head down there if you can get permission."

"The Council's chambers are closed today."

Xander snorted and shook his head.  "Fine.  Why are they picking on you?"

"I pointed out that some people were tortured because they were born, like the kids who came home half Plutarkian or who were born as experiments."  Xander nodded. "One of the kids decided I was a sissy little punk with delusions because no one came home like that.  And since it's Exhaust's brother's kid...."  He shrugged.  "I stopped.  I'm thankful I stopped."

"Why are you so angry?"

Racer groaned and rubbed his face.  "I don't know anymore.  It just seems to be growing and I can't get rid of it.  I talked to Momma Cell when she was home and she said it's natural and I'd get over it.  It's just wrong and I know that and I can't...."  He groaned and held his head.  "And then I get headaches."

"Okay, have you taken any other steps?  Like maybe talking to Wrench?"  Racer shook his head.  "He used to have the same sort of problems, little man."

"I can't.  I don't know what's causing it and I don't share his faith."

"So?  Neither do I really but I've went to him before.  Part of being who he is includes being a counselor."  He tipped Racer's face up to look at him. "Or you could go talk to Shell."  He nodded, accepting that idea.  "Now, you still have to call your mother.  I'm not worried about taking heat for you being out here, but if they tell her first, she won't listen as hard to you.  She'll make a judgement from what she hears from them and then listen to you."  Racer moaned and Xander hugged him.  "If I have to, I can, but you're going to see Wrench today.  Got it?  I think he can help you find the root.  He's good at letting people just babble at him, that's what a good counselor does."  Racer nodded against his chest.  "Now, you head there and you can come back this afternoon.  I already know you can hammer in nails right."  He grinned at him.  "Good enough?"  He nodded.  "Then I'll call your mother and you head there."  He stroked gently over the bruise. "He'll have something to put on that too."

"Yes, Uncle Xander.  You won't tell Uncle Modo, right?"

"No, baby, I won't tell him until you're ready to talk to him.  You can go back with me this weekend if you want."  He nodded and headed back to his bike.  He looked at his crew.  "Give me a few more," he offered.  "He needs some help."  He went to his bike and grabbed his helmet, putting it on.  "Modo's Momma or Cell, either of you on?"

"I am," Primer called back.  "Where is that brat?"

"Primer, I need to talk to one of the adults."

"I am!"

"Primer!" he snapped.  "The kid's having problems.  Get me one of them or make one of them come out here, now!"  He took off his helmet when she relented and looked at the kids.  Then he pulled out the radio he had in his pocket.  It worked better.  "Wrench?"

"Yeah, cuz?"

"Racer needs an ear."

"I've got two."

"He said: I stopped.  And that's a quote."

"Whoa.  Okay.  Gotcha.  He needs a big ear.  I'm there for him.  I figured it'd be sooner instead of later.  Gotta go."

He canceled the line and Momma came on.  "Momma, is there a secure line?  I doubt everyone on Mars needs to hear this one."

"Go to channel T, baby."  Xander switched over and she sighed.  "What happened?  I just got told Racer left school?"

"A kid there hated that he had an opinion and tried him for it," he admitted. "He thought that there were people who had it worse than those who were tortured."

"I agree with him."

"Me too," he admitted.  "But the kid tried him for that opinion.  The problem is what Racer said afterwards.  He said, I stopped."

"What?" she asked flatly.

"Momma, your youngest boy's got an anger problem.  I don't know if it's his parents.  I don't know if it's the other kids.  I don't know and neither does he, but he admitted to me he could have killed that other kid.  I told him he needed to talk to someone.  I sent him to Wrench today.  I told him when I went home he was more than welcome to come with me to talk to Modo since he'd been trying and said he couldn't reach him.  The boy needs someone though."

"I understand, baby.  I've seen it and I've seen him grab his head in pain."

"He's having headaches, momma.  It's getting worse.  He's tense.  He was like a string about to break earlier.  I told him he could come back today and I told him I'd call you so he didn't get into trouble for not calling.  He didn't think he could."

"That boy can always talk to me!"

"Yeah, but some things you gotta have another guy and you gotta have someone who understands where you've been, momma.  It's going to take someone who's been there to help him I think.  I suggested he might even talk to Shell."

"It's a good idea, baby.  You're right.  I'll bring lunch over and give him my support.  Then I'll send him to earth myself if I have to."

"He said the council's off today."

"They are.  Doesn't mean I can't pick locks.  Thank you, baby.  I'll help my poor boy."

"Anything at all I can do to help him I will.  He needs at least a shoulder though."

"Sure.  I'll bring 'em lunch since Wrench still can't cook.  Thank you, baby.  Momma out."

"Later, momma."  He hung up and concentrated, touching Throttle's mind.  He got back a warm, fuzzy feeling that made him smile.  Apparently he was being cuddled by Magnet and Vinnie.  He sent the basics to him and got a feeling of support and that he'd be sending Modo himself soon.  He sent back a spot of love and affection then went back to the table.  "Sorry about that.  Some kid didn't like that he had opinions."

"About what?" one of the younger people asked.

"That's for him to tell you."  He grinned at her.  "I may narc to family, but he's Modo's family."

"Sure, I understand. I saw the rage.  You sent him to Wrench?"

"For starters.  I have a feeling Modo's coming home for a few hours at the least."  He grinned at her.  "Okay, who understood the plans?"  One guy raised his hands.  "Good!  Then you can help me oversee the practical stuff, like this is how you nail."  That got a grin from them. "I'll start back at the beginning, that way no one has to admit they can't pound a nail in straight.  For that matter, I have days like that too and I've worked in construction now for a few years.  That's why someone made nail guns," he said with a touch of glee.  "Let's start with the basics of framing.  We're going to be working on the center section first. Fortunately, Wrench was nice enough to lay the pipes we'll need already so we don't have to dig trenches today."  They nodded.  "Come on, guys, let's go play with the wood."  They followed, his enthusiasm was catching.  "Bike, how about some tunes?" he called.  A pop station came up.  "Not those.  Working tunes.  Motown."  The bike switched tracks.  Having that I-Pod hooked into the AI was a very good idea.

***

Wrench opened his door when he heard the bike, nodding Racer inside.  "Come on, little guy.  I'm making cookies so Willow won't have to."  He put an arm around the kid's shoulders, walking him back there.  "What's up?  Xander said you're angry and I can see the tension.  Is it the other kids or other stuff?"

"I don't know," he said miserably.  "I'm..."  He groaned and held his head.  "I want them to stop."

"The only way to get that to stop is to release it," he offered.  "And there's a comm in the study if you wanted to talk to a master about that."

"Someone got Uncle Modo up?"

"No, but Enamel's home today."  Racer looked up at him.  "Seriously.  He'd understand.  I'm sure he was plenty pissed at the world in general when he was banished."  He gave him a hug.  "You know what I think?" Racer shook his head. "I think this is grief."  The boy looked confused.  "You're seeing all the others moving on around you and their families are being rebuilt, and you lost everyone.  I think it's starting to hit you.  This is the age where a mouse and his momma or daddy would be tightest as they taught him.  But remember, you've got a family, just not the original one.  The whole clan likes you.  Modo's family loves you too.  We're all here for you, no matter what you need."  Racer nodded and sniffled.  "Let it out, little mouse.  It's a good thing to let it out."  He started to cry and Wrench just pulled him closer, holding him while he let go. It was more than time to let go for the boy. He hadn't cried since that time in the hospital.  He walked him back to the kitchen once he was done, checking on the cookies.  "They're a bit burned, but they're still good," he offered with a wink.  "Feel better?"  Racer shook his head.  "Ready to talk?"

"Maybe," he said weakly.  "I hate that kid."

"Yeah, well, there's always kids like that.  Stoker used to be one from what I understand."  Racer cracked a smile at that and someone pounded on the door. "It's open!" he shouted.  Enamel walked in.  "Couldn't wake Modo up?"

"I needed to be here more I think."  He picked Racer up and hugged him.  "Come on, we'll talk in the office.  That way no snoopy ghosts can come help."

"Isn't snoopy a dog?"

Enamel looked at him.  "That's a defense mechanism you learned off Xander," he said dryly, carrying him that way.  There was a nice couch in the office and the boy needed to cuddle someone.  "I heard. Are you okay?"  He shook his head. "Still having that anger stuff, huh?"  Racer looked up at him. "It's kinda clear why, kiddo.  You feel alone.  There's no one like you around.  No understanding relatives who've been there.  No family to share stuff with.  No siblings to remember your parents with you.  You're dealing with idiots whose only hope of a future is to find the most menial and mindless job because they couldn't think well enough to spell their name before they were eight."  Racer smirked a bit at that.  "Not to mention the Councilor's nephew, who's an idiot of a higher class and a bully."  He stroked over his head.  "We saw it growing, Racer, and we should have tried to make you let it go sooner but we thought you were letting it go."

"I try so hard, but every now and then I get this urge to kill and destroy and hurt people."

"Are we sure no one screwed with you when you were younger?"  Racer nodded.  "Absolutely certain?"

"You said so."

"And I'm usually right," he admitted.

"Don't forget modest too," Wrench called.  "There's a good batch of cookies made whenever he wants one."

"How is he making cookies?" Enamel asked.

"Xander brought up so much food the clan thought he was bribing them to make him leader instead of Vinnie," Racer joked.  "Momma pointed out he'd done that to her for years and then she pounced Throttle's momma about an idea that made her groan and whimper."  He got up to get some cookies, bringing a plate back with some milk.  "Thanks, Wrench."  He closed the door again.

"Not a problem.  Chocolate chip cookies seem to ease a lot of problems.  That's why I like to keep some around the temple."  He headed into the actual temple, leaving a plate on the altar.  Then he picked up a book from Xander's collection and started to read.  They'd come get him when he was needed or it was time for lunch.  Willow snuck in and stole a cookie.  "There's more on the rack but you and the Seal leave Racer and Enamel alone."

"Sure.  Thanks."  She floated into the kitchen to get the warmer, just out of the oven cookies, then took a few to the Seal as well.  Living on the astral plane had more perks than she had thought. They were watching Xander work shirtlesss and be sweaty.

"We're going to have to talk to Wrench and Enamel soon," the Seal said, taking her cookies to nibble.

"Is it time?"

The Seal shook her head.  "No, but I'm sure Wolfram and Hart screwed it up somehow. There's three pregnant slayers at the moment and I've got a bad feeling that the cards have changed since the last time I saw our snarky cheerleader bitch."

Willow nodded.  "I can understand that.  Xander did some chaos magic to get the stuff up here."  Xander looked over at her and gave her a long stare.  She blushed.  "He's still one sexy mouse."

"He is," the Seal agreed.  "That's why we've got to talk to Wrench first."  She looked at Willow.  "He'll need to verify if it's a girl and if the Powers have touched it.  If either of those has changed, then this isn't the daughter he's supposed to have."

Willow nodded. "You or me, Seal?"

"I should," she admitted.  "He'll yell at you."  She faded out, going back to the temple.  She found Wrench kicked back reading.  "You might want to put that down before you try to hit me with it," she offered.  He looked up over the top edge, giving her a long, cool stare.  "Seriously."  He put down the book, using a string to mark his spot.  "You remember hearing about why Xander moved to Chicago, right?"

"The slayer twats as he called them.  Why?"  He sat up, leaning on the seat in front of his.  "What are they doing and is it going to attack us?"

She hissed and shrugged.  "I don't know yet."  She sat down in that seat, turned to look at him.  "You know Xander's going to have a daughter some day, right?"  He nodded slowly.  "Well, one of the slayer twats took some of his fur from the last Thanksgiving they had there."  He moaned.  "She wanted his baby, she still thinks he'll come back to her if she has it."  She put a hand on his arm.  "It's not the worst.  It's nearly time. The baby's due around Samhain."  She licked her lips nervously.  "She let Wolfram and Hart make the baby.  I'm sensing some complications and I'm not sure why.  We knew the baby would be female and untouched by the Powers.  We also knew that she'd not be the one pregnant.  For some reason Wolfram and Hart would implant the wrong mother."  She licked her lips again.  "There's three pregnant slayers," she said quietly.  "I feel something has gone wrong," she offered, staring him in the eyes.  "I don't know what.  I couldn't stop it because the kid would make him so happy but somehow they've managed to do something.  I'm not sure what they've done and what went wrong, but something is wrong," she finished firmly.  "We need you to go check on the baby.  We need to see which mother is carrying it."

"Who's the natal mother?"

"Sandy."

"That bitch?"  She nodded quickly.  "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"Because I couldn't stop this one.  The Lady granted him a daughter to follow him.  I have a feeling this isn't her.  Again, I'm not sure why.  I did have Throttle told," she offered gently.  "He's got a clue that there's a sudden baby coming sometime this fall."

"To a house near you," he finished bitterly.  "And?  The bad is?"

"If the baby's in the right mother, it's been touched by the Powers," she said quietly.  "It'll have to always live up here.  A short visit might be okay but nothing longer than that.  Fortunately that'll be taken care of soon."  He nodded, looking calm but she could tell he wanted to be jumping and screaming at the moment.  "If the baby's a boy, then he's probably touched by the Powers as well."

"I want to kill those Powers," he said coldly.

"You and me both, toots."  She pinched him on the nose.  "We need you to check the baby for us.  See what's going on.  I have the feeling that you're going to need Enamel sooner instead of later.  Today's not a good day though."

He nodded. "Ya think?" he asked sarcastically.  "What's the time frame?"

"Soon.  Like today soon.  The Council can't stop you if you go today."  He nodded, standing up and heading to change into his formal robes.  "Be careful, Highest.  Remember the nature of the beast you're dealing with.  She's done this to others before."  She faded out with that advice.

"Always gotta end on the cryptic," he sighed, heading in to change.  At least his robes weren't that bad.  Bright blue, so they went well with his fur.  They were comfortable and he'd had them fitted.  The pants he wore underneath weren't really regulation but they were comfortable for him.  He wasn't a guy who wore dresses and without the pants it looked like he was.  He tapped and walked into the study.  "Sorry, gotta go be official.  Enamel, I'll need you to keep an ear out for me later, dude."

"Why?"

He looked at him. "There's been a boon granted to one who never asks for one.  A daughter.  We think she's being born of a manipulative slayer and we think something's gone wrong with the plan The Lady set in place."  Enamel shivered.  "Therefore, I may need you in a hurry later."  He found his wand and his dagger, strapping them on as he walked out, putting on his sandals at the door.

"Can I come to Cleveland with you?" Racer asked.  "Just to guard you?"

"No, kiddo.  They won't attack me.  One Watcher always knows another," he offered with a small grin.  He headed out, taking his bike to the Main Office building.  If he had to break the locks, he would.  The guard saw him and shivered.  "Official business with Cleveland," he said firmly.  "Let me pass or I'm going to blow the damn doors in."  The guard opened it and turned on the transporter for him, and he grinned as Modo came off alone.  "He's in my office with Enamel.  He looks a bit better, but he could probably use a big brother."

"That's why I'm here.  What is it?"

"Grief, a few other things.  Enamel thought he felt like he was alone."

"He's got the whole family!"

"Your family, Modo.  His family's gone," Wrench said quietly.  Modo shivered at that.  "It's great and all but can't always be the same. Plus he's around some diode heads who have not a clue who they're messing with."  He put a hand on his arm.  "Xander said Racer told him he stopped," he whispered.  "Barely. He broke but it's still close."  Modo nodded so he let him go.  "Have a long ride.  Xander got everyone started today."  He reprogrammed it for Cleveland, landing outside the house.  He got off his bike and looked at her.  "Shock anyone rude, dear.  If they want to pet and stroke you that's fine."  He walked up to the door and knocked, looking at Wesley.  "Official business, Watcher."

"Come in, Watcher."  He let him inside.  "What's happened?  A new demon?"

"No, a boon granted to one who never asks.  Where's the child and which mother is it in?"  Wesley looked stunned.  "The Seal thought something had gone wrong with it."

"This way.  We've got three girls pregnant, all with leave mostly.  Who is the mother as you know it?"

"The Seal said Wolfram and Hart should have put it in someone other than the natal mother.  That would protect it from the Powers," he said quietly as they walked.  "If the Powers have touched it or if it's a boy, then it's not the daughter he was granted."  Wesley opened the door and he looked at the women in there.  He walked up to one heavily pregnant young woman and put a hand on her stomach.  "Human," he noted.  He looked at another one, testing it.  He looked at her and she smiled and nodded.  "Not fully human," he offered dryly.

"I know.  He's a halfie and I still love him.  Sandy's in her room."

"Crap," he muttered, heading that way with Fred walking behind him.  He knocked and walked in, ducking the thrown statue.  "I take it you know why I'm here?" he demanded.

"Yes!  The stupid technician said it's not human!" she shrieked.

"Hey, you took mouse fur, what did you expect?"  He caught her when she rushed him and restrained her, putting her down onto the bed while he sensed her stomach.  Then he took a calming breath and looked down at her. "You've damned your child to serve the Powers, slayer.  You messed with the boon of grace you were given and it's now harming more than you."

"He'll come back to me!" she hissed.

"He'll never know you had her," he retorted.  "Wesley, I need Enamel, I think the child's ill.  It's definitely been touched by the Powers."  Fred gasped and he looked at her.  "She took Xander's fur last Thanksgiving and had Wolfram and Hart make the baby and put it in her."

"It was supposed to go into Caridad, but she got sick," she complained.  "I hate you and all your kind, I hope you all die of starvation and disease!  You took Xander from me!"

He backhanded her.  "Shut up, bitch.  You drove Xander off long before he became a mouse.  He almost couldn't bond with Throttle because of the way you and Buffy and Willow treated him."  She sneered and he knocked her out this time.  Then he turned to find Buffy watching him.  "She's carrying Xander's child against his will, slayer."

"I heard.  She deserves whatever punishment you guys come up with."

"She'll never know the child," he told her.  "The only way to save it from an early death is to bring it home to Mars.  It's been touched by the Powers."  She nodded at that.  "I need Enamel and I need him now, I think it's sick beyond that."

"We already called," she promised, coming in to look down at the moving stomach.  "Why did she do this?" she asked quietly.

"The Lady, our saint and the one who watches the watchers and slayers on Mars, granted Xander a boon of grace, a daughter untouched by that which tainted him," he said quietly.  She sniffled and nodded, staring up at him.  "This isn't the one.  It's male."  She shivered.  "It was meant to be a daughter, a pure little girl.  Someone for him to love and heal with," he said gently.  She nodded and hugged him and he swallowed the lump.  "I know he'll still have her, and he'll love this son with everything in him," he assured her.  "The child will be part of the clan and will be loved and adored by us.  He'll be safe up there as well.  Most of our demons were killed by the Plutarkians.  They liked to kill anything that moved."  She nodded, letting him go.  He patted her on the back.  "I'm not telling Xander how he came into being unless I have to.  If so, I suggest you evacuate the city."

"Oh, if he hears, I'm doing more than that.  I'm evacuating the East Coast and telling Micah why."  He nodded, understanding that very well.  "Either that or we'll ship her up there to let her be hurt if we have to."

He shook his head.  "That would just get messy and make Dawn start her job as ambassador early."

"She is?"  He nodded.  "Why?"

"Because the next prez is not looking very good for them so they're all moving.  She'll be coming up once she's finished her degree.  She'll be the US ambassador to Mars."  He looked over as Enamel walked in, scowl already in place. "I don't know what's wrong but the baby feels sick and worn out to me.  Her slayer healing is keeping her healthy."

"It's more than possible," he admitted, kneeling beside the bed to put the disc on her and check it out.  "Aw, shit," he said after a second. "She took it while he had measles and it transmitted!"  He tapped a few more screens, then sighed and shook his head.  "Buffy, we're going to have to take the baby now.  Right now.  It can transmit to her and hasn't yet.  The baby does have full-blown measles.  I'm not sure why it hasn't worn out yet, but we need to get the baby into quarantine before something else happens."

"What about her?"

"She shouldn't, I can't find it," Enamel offered.  He looked at Wrench. "You're helping me cut it out, then you're heading back to get the infirmary opened for him."  He nodded, rolling up his sleeves.  Enamel took out a laser.  "Get some alcohol and some towels, Buffy. She needs to go to the hospital as soon as she's free.  I can't stay to close her, the baby could die."  She nodded, going to do that and to tell Fred to call an ambulance.  He made the first cut, wiping at the blood pooling with the first towel he was handed by Faith. "Take her out and let her work out her rage on Wolfram and Hart," he growled.  "They kept the baby with measles somehow."  She let out her own cold, evil growl and Enamel continued, freeing the baby after a few minutes.  Wrench held him while he cut the cord, then hurried off.  Enamel sat down to make sure the baby would live, then wrapped him in another towel, heading out to his bike.  The transporter glow was already around it.  He came out and found most of the council sitting there.  "The baby's sick, don't come near me," he ordered.  "I need a clear path to the ER and then to isolation."

"Guards, escort him!" Stoker yelled.  "What is it?"

"Half human, half mouse.  Somehow Wolfram and Hart made sure the father's measles were contained and carried within the child."  He walked out with the guard running ahead to clear the halls, finding two docs waiting on him.  "Measles.  Somehow the baby was already sick in the womb.  There's a huge one next to the umbilicus."  He put the baby into the isolation chamber so they could work on him.  "I just took him and left," he admitted, making notes on the chart.  "The mother fucked with the wrong person and they were taking her to the hospital.  I heard Buffy tell someone she had miscarried and they had to remove the baby before she bled to death."  He looked over at the docs.  "The mother contrived to have the child without the father's approval to steal him back from Throttle."  They both gasped and he nodded.  "The people who created the baby in the lab and implanted it managed to keep the measles with it.  The father has no idea.  The Highest of the M'dreth was told first."

"Shit," Mayflower muttered, soothing the baby.  "He's a strong boy, Enamel."

"He is," he agreed.  He looked back as younger, lighter footsteps came running up the hall.  "Stay!  I got exposed to measles."

"How?" Racer demanded.  "How did the baby come to be at all!"

"As Xander calls them, the slayer twat."  Racer glared at him and he nodded.  "She had him created without his approval.  I'm heading to get him now."

"Let me," Modo offered.  "You work on the baby.  I'll tell my bro too."

"I'll tell Throttle," Wrench promised.  "You go get Xander.  He's going to throw a fit and I can't duck that fast today."  Modo nodded, heading that way.  He looked at Racer.  "Not one word."

"Of course not.  Not even to the family.  Confidentiality is a doctor's first tool."  That got a nod and a hug.  "Thank you for earlier, Wrench."

"Not an issue, mouse cadet.  You can come see me to talk anytime. You may not be of the clan but you're definitely family."  He smiled at him.  "Enamel, go clean up.  I'll watch.  Why is he pink?"  They got to work clearing out his lungs again.  "Racer, sit and watch while I tell Throttle."

"Sure."  He sat down on a chair in the corner, watching what they were doing.  He did a lot of that down here so the doctors were used to him by now.

"What happened to your face?"

"Exhaust's nephew, the idiot monger."

"Ah."  Mayflower nodded at that.  "Need an ice pack?"

"No I'm good.  I didn't kill him."  He got up to come over. "I've had measles," he promised.  He looked down at the baby.  "Why is he having problems breathing?"

"Martian measles create a build up in the lungs," the other doctor told him.  "In one this young it's very hard to cure.  We'll have to do a lot of work on him."

"I'll do whatever I can, but remember his daddy's going to jump in sometime, even if he's in quarantine.  I got them off him by the way.  Right before the holidays last year."

"Wonderful," Mayflower admitted.  "How did she do this?"

"Wolfram and Hart from what I overheard," Racer offered. "Apparently they made the baby in the lab somehow?"

"Huh?" the other doctor asked.

"I don't know.  I'm guessing it's like how the Plutarkians made me to experiment on."  That got him hugged. "I'm not the only one.  That's what the fight was over earlier.  I think there's more tragic things than being tortured, like being born for that purpose or like those kids who're half Plutarkian."

"I think you're right but others feel that they're more injured because they were tortured," Mayflower offered.  "He probably saw it up close and personal."

"No.  He told me that no one in his family was ever captured.  Exhaust was for a bit but he managed to get free before he was worked on."  She glared and he nodded.  "He was bragging on it.  That's when I pointed out the difference and he took a lucky swing.  I nearly caved his head in."  He took a deep breath.  "And I still walked away."

"I'm proud of you, Racer.  I really am," Mayflower assured him.  "It takes a big mouse to know when he's got a problem and to walk away so he doesn't hurt others with it."  She patted him on the back.  "Run and get me a bottle from the nursery, okay?"  He nodded, going to do that.  She looked at the other doctor.  "Not a word."

"I knew the brat had issues," he admitted.  "I'm telling Exhaust what happened.  I'm sure he already knows but someone's got to get our nephew right in the head sooner or later.  Racer will kill him sometime if not and we need more like Racer."

***

Modo walked onto the site and frowned at Xander.  "Got a minute?"

"Did something bad happen to Racer because he walked away from school!" he demanded, hand on his hip, hammer swinging in the other one.

"No, something worse, bro."  He led him back to his bike and sat him on Lil' Hoss.  "Wrench got called to Cleveland to look at one of the girls."

"Buffy?" he asked quietly.

Modo shook his head.  "Sandy.  She was pregnant.  Enamel had to go running to save the baby. It had measles, like his daddy did when the fur was collected last Thanksgiving."

"She took some from which of us?" he demanded, standing up again.  Modo just stared him down.  "That f...!"  He let out a scream.  "I'm going to kill her."

"From what I heard, she may already be dead.  Enamel didn't stay around to stitch her up after taking the baby since it was sick.   Somehow it has measles already."  Xander slumped.  "Now, you've got a son in the local hospital.  Are you going?"

Xander swallowed.  "It's a chosen?"  Modo shrugged.  "Fuck!"  He stomped over to his bike.  "Watch them!"  He headed to the hospital, getting there about the same time as Throttle did. He looked at Wrench.  "Chosen?"

"Fully. That's why he's never living off Mars, Xander.  Not for more than a few weeks.  Make him yours, man.  He is anyway."  Xander nodded, stomping that way.  He looked at Throttle.  "Someone screwed with his boon of grace.  I'm not sure if he's getting another one or not."  That got a nod. "Got a handy name?"

Throttle shook his head.  "No."  He walked that way, going to hold his boy.  "We need to name him."

"Most guys would be throwing a fit," Xander admitted.

"I'm doing it mentally.  I'm going to kill that girl if she's still alive."  He gave him a squeeze and turned him around.  "I can't hold it against the baby, Xander.  You know I'm not like that, babe."

"I know," he agreed quietly, hugging him as hard as he could.  "I'm scared."

"Sure, it's a great moment for it," Throttle agreed quietly, stroking his back.  "I'm petrified.  I have no idea if this kid is going to be worse than Vic."  Xander nodded.  "He is?"

"Remember Connor?  He was a Chosen.  I was a Chosen."  He looked up.   "He's got to stay up here permanently, except for short visits."

"That's fine.  We're moving in another three months anyway."  He looked over at the baby.  "Is it supposed to be that pink?"  Xander turned and rushed in, making the doctors groan.

"I warned you," Racer said dryly, looking over at Throttle. "They said measles can make your lungs get gunky.  They're working on it now."  He looked at Xander again. "They're probably going to have to clear him of any chance of transmission."

"Damn, I could use a cuddle," Throttle admitted.  Racer hugged him so he hugged him back.  "Thanks, big mouse."  Racer looked up at him.  "You're obviously not a little kid anymore."  He shrugged.  "You okay? You look like you need an ice pack.  I've got to work with you on your fighting skills, little bro."  Racer snuggled in again.  "Whenever you're ready."  Vinnie came running in.  "He went in there, he's in quarantine too."  Vinnie gaped, just staring.  "I want to know what happened."  Racer handed over the letter the Seal had given him.  He opened it, reading it slowly, then handed it to Vinnie.  "Is she dead?" he asked Enamel as he came back.

"I didn't stitch her closed and they told her the baby was stillborn from the measles," he admitted.  "She's not dead yet but she hopped out of the bed once she was closed and limped off to help Faith kill something.  So I'm guessing soon."  He looked in there.  "He rushed in?"  Throttle nodded.  "That's a very Xander thing to do."  That got another nod.  He shrugged.  "It's got measles.  I won't lie, it's bad.  It's going to be a few weeks of bad probably.  Also, he needs a name.  It's Xander's right to name him."

"You're sure it's his?" Vinnie demanded.  Enamel nodded.  "Absolutely positive?"

"Fully, and he's got his daddy's eyes."  He led him closer. "Hold him up, Xander," he called.  Xander held the baby closer so they could see.  He could see Vinnie melting.  "You should inform some people."

"Wrench already called and briefed the gossips in the family.  There'll be a meeting tonight."  He looked at Throttle. "Are you claiming him with him or as a step kid?"

"I don't have step kids.  They're all my kids," he said calmly.  "The future daughter will love him.  They'll hopefully be like normal twins instead of Primer and Rimfire."  Modo chuckled at that from behind him so he turned to look. "Hey, momma."  He held up an arm and his mother rushed forward.  "An unorthodox grandkid.  You mind?"

"No, son.  I like him already. What's his name?"  He shrugged.  "You'd better decide quickly, son. We'll have to bless him today!"

"Xan, got any ideas about a name?" Throttle called.  Xander shook his head.  "Anything you want?"

"Short, sweet, and won't get confused when people mention common objects."

"We all get that sometime," Momma promised him.  She looked up.  "Name him however you want, baby."

Throttle considered the baby.  "Tag?  Or Nitro?"

"Tag's nice," Xander admitted.  "It'll get him those confusing sentences though.  Put your name tag on, Tag."  He sighed, looking down at him.  "Do you want to be named after a wrestler, baby boy?"  He grinned.  "Tag's good, babe."

"Tag it is," he agreed, looking at Enamel, who was writing it on the chart.

"Last name?" Enamel asked.  They both snorted.  "We need some sort of last name."

"Xander swears he can't spell or pronounce mine and I don't want the kids named after his family since they were such bastards."

"Don't swear, baby," Momma ordered gently.

"They were."

"I don't care, don't swear."

"Yes, momma."  He looked at Enamel.  "Babe, my last name?"

"You're going to have to teach me how to spell it," he called back, turning to put the baby back down when the nurse came in.  "Sorry, but he was struggling."

"I understand.  You'll have to stay in here until we can clear you from being able to transmit it. We'll put up curtains for a few days."  She checked the baby over and injected him with a bit more medicine.  "That should help.  Does he have a name yet?"

"Tag."

"That's a fine name," she promised, smiling at him.  "I know it's bit sudden but are you going to be his daddy?"

"I'll love all my kids, even if they are the product of someone doing it without my permission."  He looked out at Throttle, who just sent back love and reassurance to him.  "He thinks he will too."

"I'm sure he will.  After all, he's loved you for how long no matter how much you fuss about it?"  She smiled and walked out, going to tell the others the good news once she took off the contamination gear.  That was going to be one spoiled mouse.

***

Vinnie looked out at his clan as they sat around the bonfire roasting the hotdogs he had brought up.  "So," he said, looking around again.  "Anyone who's got something against Tag, get it out now."

"How did they do that?"

"The bitch had a doctor make the baby in a dish and implant it in her," Wrench told Chassis.  Who just shivered and curled up in Stan's arms.  "Wolfram and Hart did the making."

"I'd hate to be them when the Xander Appreciation Society gets word," Stan offered dryly.  Chassis gave him an odd look.  "Boris, the vampire Xander, all the demons he's worked with and helped... possibly Ray and his Ma too," he offered.  "If his Ma gets into it, there won't be enough left for the vamps or demons.  Or even Micah and them guys."

Chassis smirked at her leader.  "Can we, elder?"

"Call me that again, dear, and I'm spanking you," Vinnie said sweetly, grinning back at her.  "Especially since you're older, brat."

"You're the clan's leader, that makes you elder," she teased back.

"Kids, play later," Wrench ordered, but he was smirking a bit.  "I want to maim and destroy with extreme prejudice.  Can't we go do that?"

"Sure, but the Council said we can't use the transporter tonight," Vinnie noted.  "They wanted us to calm down first."

"We need to go to Plutark and loot the damn planet," Chassis complained.  "That way there's enough for nearly everyone to have one.  Can we at least call Micah?"

"I have to go home sometime tonight," Stan pointed out.  "I've got a shift tomorrow."  She stroked his thigh since it was next to hers, making him grin.  "Maybe I'll tell Stella, just for fun. She's still mad at how they were tryin' ta use her."

"Gods, that's mean; have I mentioned I love it when you're slightly evil?" Chassis teased, leaning back against his chest.

"You didn't, but you can watch me go beat up thugs tomorrow if ya want," he offered with a grin and a kiss on her antenna.

"Sex later, Stan, destruction now ," Vinnie said firmly.

"Have sex to celebrate the destruction, it's almost a family trait," a young tan mouse said from behind his book.

"Really?" Vinnie asked dryly.  "When am I meeting your lady, Cousin Torque?  Wrench, take your son's book from him."  The book was snatched.  "You'd know this how?"

"Watching my stepmother have another one of us after their house got eaten by a meteor."  He took his book back with a smirk.  "She said she learned it off the your generation, cousin."  Vic toddled over and climbed in his lap.  "Hi, Vic."

"You read me?"

"No, you're not a book.  Would you like me yo read *to* you?"  Vic smiled and nodded.  "Then say it properly."

"You read to me?" he begged.

"Sure."  He hugged him.  "Did you bring a book?  Mine's boring.  Can you say please, like a mannerly little mouse?"

"Now!" he demanded with a grin.

"Yeah, you're definitely family," Vinnie said dryly. "Son, say please.  Like your momma taught you."

"Pwease?" he asked with the most cheesy grin he could muster at his age.

The tan mouse hugged him.  "Sure, I'll gladly read to you.  Want the boring book?"  His cousin shrugged and settled in to listen to him read.  He loved being read to.  Xander did that a lot for him.  "When do the cousins get out of quarantine?"

"Xander will probably get free within a few days but I doubt he's leaving the baby there."  He heard a bike and looked back, waving Throttle over.  "Come on, you married into the clan."

Throttle plopped down next to him and the sleeping Charley, taking her to cuddle.  "They won't let me go near him."

"Of course not, if he's contaminated, he could make you a carrier too," Wrench said dryly.  "How long before we can corrupt the baby?"

"Enamel thinks about six days so a week for Xander, just in case."  He gave Charley a squeeze.  "My mother was scaring me," he told Vinnie.  "She was throwing things in anger.  I haven't seen that since my daddy died."  Vinnie gave him a hug.  "Scarier still, Modo's momma was there and throwing the same fit!  Sorry to intrude."

"Nah, it's all good, you married into the clan, you can come to clan picnics," Vinnie promised.  He looked at one of his cousins. "You've got a kid named Overthruster, right?"

She laughed and nodded. "Oh, yes, she's a dear, sweet, troublesome little tan mouse, but we love her.  I agree, she could almost be one of the clan.  Her mother didn't seem too fond of the idea, but I'll try to bring her to the next fun event.  The poor child would definitely be throwing things beside the mommas if she heard about this one.  Oh, she wants Xander to sit on Council too....elder."

"I know, you guys have been waiting to tease me for years," he sighed, shaking his head.  "Okay, we've got a plan for tonight and if anything's left, we can gladly go on the destruction tomorrow.  Throttle, you want in?"

"Only if we're going to Cleveland."

"Nope, and no one knew that the baby was Xander's.  Wrench went back to talk to Buffy and Wesley, who begged for everyone else's lives."  Wrench nodded behind his current hotdog.  He was even holding one out to Vic.  "His momma said he's got to eat real food now and then and don't try to feed him onions, Wrench."

"So he eats like Xander?" Chassis joked.

"More or less," Vinnie agreed with a grin back.  He grinned at Throttle.  "We're also planning a raid on the old homeworld of the stinkfishes to bring back the useful stuff.  Wanna help plan?"

"I could use something to do," he admitted.

"Cool.  The rest of the clan and everyone else is stepping in to build the houses," one of the older mice at the fire offered.  "It'd be a shame to not be able to bring the baby home when he's free."  He looked at Vinnie.  "How about those students, elder?" he asked with a grin.

Vinnie groaned and held his head. "Not you too!"

"Once a punk white mouse, always a punk white mouse," he joked.

"Not true, I turned into an admirable, barely punk white mouse," Wrench joked back.

"Yes, nephew, but you found a lady who changed you and sent you two spirits to vex you."

"Only now and then," he offered.  "Willow promised she'd come chat with anyone who wanted to talk to the girl."  They all shook their heads and he grinned at Vinnie.  "Including you."

"I think we get enough of her influence through Spike," he assured him.  "Now there's a recently hyper white mouse."  He sat up straighter.  "We never told them not to tell Spike.  Racer was already there at the hospital helping.  Aw, crap!"

"What's so special about Spike?" Chassis asked.

"He's like Tara," Throttle offered. "He's *Spike*."

"Oh. And that means....."

Vinnie coughed.  "Go ask Willow tomorrow, cousin.  He's from there."  Willow faded in and gave him an odd look.  "What?  We don't keep secrets from the clan."

"Not looking at you funny for that.  You're more worried about what Spike will do?"

"He's been mentored by Xander," Throttle pointed out. "He kinda looks at him a lot like a big brother now.  I'm expecting him to raise all kinds of hell to get to Cleveland and hurt the bitch."  Vinnie shifted away.  "Sorry, Vin."

"Not a problem, bro.  I've called her a lot of names so far today too."  He looked at her. "Is she alive?"

"Faith saved her.  She was told the baby was stillborn but she might have heard it cry as Enamel was walking out with him. What's his name? Buffy and Wes wanted to know for the official records."

"Tag," Throttle told her.  "He's a white mouse with Xander's eyes."

She smiled and came down to hug him.  "He's not the boon gone wrong," she whispered.  "That'll be in a few years."  She faded out, heading down to tell her that.

Wrench looked up then at Vinnie.  "The Seal wanted to know if we were going to charge the mother up here for doing this."

"I'm not sure we can," he admitted.  "Or that we should as more than a clan."

"If we charge her as the clan, she's going to be ripped into little pieces," Chassis vowed.  They had done it to one other person before, a clan member who had turned on them all.  "Vin, man, we're sorry about Carbine and that whole death warrant thing."

"You were played by the Plutarkians," Throttle told her quietly.  "It's not your fault.  Hell, Carbine was willing to kill me a few times at the same time she wanted our kid."  They all shivered at that.  "We don't blame you guys for that at all."  That got some nods and he looked at Vinnie.  "They were going to try you in front of the clan?"  He nodded.  "I'm sorry."

"It had to happen. I had to prove it to them," he pointed out.  "I can't have my clan seeing me as a bad guy, not even for a minute."  Throttle pulled him over to hug him too.  "Thanks, bro, still feeling mushy?"

"Yeah, I'm still feeling odd about being a daddy already.  Where's Repel?"

"There.  She went to help and talk to Xander."  Vinnie grinned at him.  "She basically ate, told us to kill the brat the most horrible way possible for misusing this gift of motherhood, then left to go help him.  We'll be helping you by rotating out now and then."  Throttle nodded at that.  "C'mere," he ordered, pulling him closer to hold him.  "Now, about Tag's future.  Want him to be a biker?"

"I can almost see him being the badass Xander can be when he's in one of those moods," Throttle offered with a grin.  "Challenging his daddy over some stupid rule like a curfew. His daddy having to whip his tail to prove he's the high priest and the know-it-all."  Vinnie chuckled at that.  "We blessed him to Othra earlier.  We already know he was touched by the Powers."

"Hey, we can babysit now and then too if and when you've got to head back to Earth for a few days," Vinnie promised.  "Not an issue."

"My momma said that you're not babysitting, she is," he said, grinning at him.  "I have the feeling we're going to have to give her something else to do or that baby will be a spoiled white mouse."

"That's okay, the mother yelled at me that the baby wasn't human," Wrench said.  "I kindly had to point out that's what happened when you took Martian fur."

"Why did she do it?" Throttle asked him.

"She wanted him.  She thought he'd leave you for her if she was having his baby.  I about killed her then and there, but that would've hurt the new cuz."  He shrugged and looked at the sleepy baby mouse next to him.  "You ready for a nap?"  Vic shook his head. "You should be."  He looked at Vinnie.  "By the way, his kiddie bike is guarding the site again tonight.  It's a very sweet job."

"It is," Throttle agreed.  "We did a good job on Vic's kiddie bike."

"Especially on the weapons," Wrench offered.

Vinnie groaned.  "He gave the baby weapons?"  He looked at Throttle.  "Couldn't wear him out that day, bro?"

"No.  Otherwise I wouldn't be able to sit."

Wrench chuckled.  "They'll only come on when he's alone if he's in danger.  If it's alone they're on, if there's an adult around and say so they're on.  He's guarding the new house."

Vic yawned and looked at his daddy.  "Is little baby brover?" he asked.

"No, sweetheart, your cousin," Vinnie said back.  "It's Uncle Xander's baby.  Xander's your uncle so that makes Tag your cousin.  Like Wrench is your cousin."

"Oh."  He looked at him.  "Are you brover?"

"To many here," he said happily, patting him on the head. "But to you I'm your cousin, little mouse.  Take a nap and we'll try to explain that again tomorrow."  Vic pouted but settled in to nap on his cousin.  "So I take it everyone's a brother or a sister?"

"Yeah, and apparently my momma was very busy because she had Micah and Max and Lorne too," Vinnie joked.  "Not to mention Oz, Meg, and their baby."

"Your momma was just pushin' out babies every day then, wasn't she?" Stan joked.  "Was I there?  Because I can't say as I like the thought of incest with this one," he joked, squeezing Chassis.

She pinched him.  "Trust me, Stan, you're close but not quite one of us yet. You'd need bigger ears and a tail."

"Tails can be fun," he whispered in her ear.  "What time is it down there?"  He looked at his watch.  "Crap, it's four."  He got up with a groan.  "Take me back, dear?"

"Take Charley with you," Vinnie ordered.  Chassis gave him a look.  "She's got her bike and Vic can stay but she's got an early customer coming in."  He nudged his wife, making her blink up at him.  "It's four in the morning, you should head back to the garage."  She nodded, getting up with a yawn and heading for her bike.

***

Stan looked at the guard on the doorway.  "I've still got to get back to work, man.  I can't be that late."

"And I've got someone coming at seven-thirty to pick up their car," Charley stated.  "Unless you're going to make up what I'll lose....."  The guard let them through and they both rode through the transporter to the house in Chicago.  She turned it off and looked at him.  "Which one do you want?"

"I'll take the vampire bar.  It's on my way home."  He grinned.  "Have fun waking Micah up.  He seems like the grumpy sort."

"Oh, you have no idea," she admitted.  They headed for their respective tasks.

Stan stopped in at the vampire bar Xander had shown him and Ray, getting out of his car to look at the bouncer.  "Do you turn into a statue during the day?"

"No, but Xander claims I live in the wall behind me.  Is there a problem, Detective?"

"Actually, I just wanted to pass on some information.  Is Boris in?"  He nodded. "May I?"

"Go ahead."  He opened the door.  "Straight back.  He's on the floor somewhere."

"Thanks."  He grinned and walked in, hands in his pockets.  He found the Fred alien first and looked at him.  "Go get your daddy.  I need to pass on some information."

"Oooh, did something happen to a site?"

"No, ta Xander and his baby boy."  Fred's eyes went wide and he ran out to get his daddy from the floor, dragging him back.  He nodded at Boris, taking the seat pointed at and the rootbeer he was handed by the waitress.  "Thanks."  He looked at him.  "Chassis and I got home to a message today from the bros here."  He took a drink.  "It seems one of the slayers decided to have a baby with Xander without tellin' him."  Boris's face went rigid and he vamped out.  Stan held up a hand. "She had Wolfram and Hart do it.  If it had been implanted in anyone but her, it'd have been the daughter who wouldn't be touched by the Powers.  It's a son.  Xander had measles when she took the fur from him and they made sure it stayed with the baby this long.  They're both in quarantine at the moment on Mars.  He's got to stay up there from now on to stay away from them."  He finished his drink and put it down.  "The VanWham clan thought you should know and they're not allowed down here until tomorrow."

"Is she living?"

"Willow said she is," he admitted.  "I don't know how.  I do know that she was told the baby was stillborn."  Boris nodded at that.  "It's the same girl who put the drugs in Dawn's cars many years back."

"Oh, really?" he asked dryly.  "Well...we know that slayer very well," he said smugly.  "Thank you, detective.  Is his son all right?"

"Tag's got measles.  He had them in her so Enamel took him a bit early.  Xander ran into quarantine to help his baby boy.  Throttle is a good daddy already and he loves his boys.  Repel, the mother of his kids, is loving the little guy too."  He grinned.  "He's a good boy already.  Loves his daddy to cuddle him. He breathes better when he's being held.  The nurses are prying him from Xander's arms to check on him."  That got a smile and a nod.  "Thought you should know."  He looked at Fred.  "If I asked, would you draw us a map so we could go loot Plutark?"

"Sure!  I can make the doc draw one," he said fondly.  "I haven't gotten to play with him in weeks."

Boris patted him on the head.  "Yes you may, Fred. We'll do that tomorrow night.  It'll be an acceptable welcoming present for the baby."  He grinned at him. "Who else is being told?"

"Micah.  I'm tellin' Ray in the morning."

"Thank you, detective. Some of us only needed a reason."  He got up and snapped his fingers, making his children follow him out.

Stan grinned at the waitress, who was calling someone.  "I'm heading home."  He walked out to his car whistling, and called Ray on his way.  "Hey, it's me.  Nope, but I'm waking you before anyone else can.  Just got back from Mars and Xander's new son is still good, even though he's got measles.  No, one of the slayer twats stole his seed and had him made by Wolfram and Hart.  He had measles inside her.  Well, I did just tell his former boss," he offered dryly.  "I'm expecting there's going to be a massing and you're on call for that tonight."  He chuckled.  "Nah, he's a cute baby mouse.  Next time I can I'll take a picture."   He hung up.  Vecchio would go help them destroy stuff and make sure his Ma wasn't caught by the cops or anything.

***

Micah woke up to someone calling him, his least favorite method.  He growled as he batted the phone off the hook.  "Someone had better be dying."  He sat up, listening to the words she was saying.  "What kid?"  He listened to the whole story.  "Oh, they're so very much in trouble," he promised.  "Give me ten minutes to change and then transport me and my bike there.  I may also have Lorne and Max to come."  He hung up and went to get some of the nice black jeans and t-shirts he had found, dialing Max on the way.  "I'll either be late or you're going to Cleveland to kill someone."  He listened to her sleepy complaints.  "One of the brats took fur off Xander to have his kid without telling him."  That got her awake and apparently Lorne too since he could hear him in the background.  It was about time.  "No, I'm headed to Chicago.  I'll try to be back in time for that meeting with the president.  If not, call and tell him before he leaves the White House." He growled. "I may be under arrest for homicide by then, dear.  Just do it.  Also, our next target to break and make leave is Wolfram and Hart.  Start on that if you don't go to Cleveland to kill Sandy."  He hung up and headed down to the garage with his sidearm, looking at Hendrix since he was leaning against his baby.  "You're coming to help destroy too?"

"No, I had to stop Miss Summers from making you pay for office repairs.  I wanted to know what was going on.  She was incoherent."

"One of the slayers used some of Xander's fur to have a kid without his permission.  Wolfram and Hart made the baby and it had measles."  He shivered and got out of the way as the transporter glow started.  "I may be back in time for my meeting with the president. I've already told London and Cash."  He got onto his bike and disappeared.

Hendrix shivered, holding himself. He hadn't seen Micah Simms that angry since the NID tried to kill him.  He went back to his office to make sure they had no dealings with that law firm and to stop any agency that did.

Episode 81:

Xander looked up as the nurse came in, giving him a pitiful look.  "Can I run away now?"

"Enamel will have to do one last test," he offered with a small grin.  "Then you're to head to your mother-in-law's since your man's there with the baby.  But Stoker wanted you to stop in to get a report before then. He's in his office waiting on you."  Xander nodded, looking at Enamel as he walked in.  "He's ready to escape."

"No, that was his last stay here," he complained, checking him over.  He finished up with the disc and looked at him. "How did you manage to not eat?"

"It was oatmeal."

"Never mind.  Your mother-in-law will be feeding you."  He got him free. "Spike, take him to your daddy now."  Spike grabbed Xander and hauled him off, allowing him to smirk at the nurse.  "Tag has Throttle wrapped around his tail already.  He and his half-sister are going to be some spoiled mice soon."  He walked out, finishing off the notes and putting the chart away.  Then he headed out for the house.  Their house was being built at the moment and it was looking wonderful.  Boris had sent a few of his crew up to help them with it and it was going pretty fast.  Xander's former second-in-command was really good at crew management and teaching others.  He had paired each of the students with someone experienced and let them learn from them and their specialties.  They now had one guy who could run plumbing and wiring exclusively, which meant others, like Throttle's momma, could get hers repaired before it caused a fire again.  Not that Xander knew about it, or even her son, but Wrench had let it slip that it had happened already.

Xander was drug up the halls by Spike.  "How's my son?"

"Doin' good," he offered, smirking up at him. "Racer and Ramjet were cooing at him this morning before classes.  Racer's momma keeps trying to steal him."  He kicked on the door then opened it, shoving Xander inside.  "Have fun," he offered before strolling off.  He had stuff he had to do, even though he was suspended for the day.  It was his punishment to help his father, that way he supposedly learned not to beat up on the bullies picking on the other kids.

Xander looked at Stoker. "What happened?  Did I forget to pay for the cliffs?"

"No, I checked, all that's gone through and ready for you.  The bike did stop one of the kids from looting but the cop who answered pointed out you're not on rations, which was what he was trying to equalize out in his head."  He put his feet up on his desk and kicked back.  "Sit, you look tired."

"The hospital's a noisy place," he admitted as he sat down.  "Did I do something wrong?  Or more wrong than usual?"

"No, Xander. I've got reports from Earth for you."  He tossed them over.  "Dawn stormed into Cleveland like some avenging Goddess.  Buffy managed to save the house and the girls, but they're doing a bit of remodeling now," he said smugly.  "She said something about the  roof hitting a house up the block."  Xander shivered and looked at the reports.  "Also, Micah took on Wolfram and Hart.  What was left of it."  Xander looked up and he smirked.  "Apparently a lot of people really like you, kid.  I can see why even if you can't, but there's a few new vampire lawyers in the city of Chicago now.  Most of their empire is starting to crumble.  I believe your boss shouted at one of the senior staff not to fuck with you again.  I'm assuming they learned their lesson this time."  Xander went back to reading, flipping pages quickly.  Then he groaned and looked up at him.  Stoker smirked again. "Yeah, the punk and his clan decided to loot Plutark as a baby welcoming present.  Fred the alien was most helpful in that.  He tortured Karbunkle to get a map for them.  A bunch of them transported up and then Chassis's flying a ship back.  They're on their way back right now.  The early reports that they sent said 'at least two transporters and at least a ton of recyclable materials'.  Chassis talked her squadron leader into coming out to tow some stuff in as well, against orders.  She used your cargo containers on a tow beam."

"Sure. I said you guys could have them when I was done with them," he promised.  "What about the Bringers?"

"Wrench and Rivet went with them just in case.  She had the scythe, he said to tell you that, and she was beautiful according to his report.  There may still be a few there, but she's there waiting on her unit to appear and start the looting with her help.  Wrench said he's got to get you to work out with him more often too."  He smirked. "Those are your copies of the reports, mini punk.  Hand them to Throttle and go to his momma's house. Your house is nearly done, they're just waiting on things to finish drying and the like. You'll be able to take him home soon."  He sat up, his feet hitting the ground with a thud.  "When were you handing over that filtering technology?"

"When I had an official come out and test it once the house was done," he offered. He grinned. "Wrench said it tastes good too."

"It does. I couldn't tell.  How often do you scrape the screens?"

"About once a week, just in case.  It can probably go two, but I didn't want it to."

"Sure," he agreed, grinning at him.  "How much are you going to soak us for over this?"

Xander grinned.  "Ten years of free taxes for the compound, families, and the club when I get it opened."

Stoker chuckled and nodded.  "Sure, punk.  I'll tell Exhaust to come out and check it.  He's taken some training in that."  Xander nodded.  "What was with his nephew and Racer?"

"His nephew was of the opinion that being tortured was the worst fate the Plutarkians gave us.  Racer's opinion was that those born to experiment on and those who were half- Plutarkian had it worse."

"I'm not sure which I agree more with," he admitted, considering it.  "Racer was born to be experimented on?"  Xander nodded.  "Any changes made?"

"Not that I've ever been told.  Ask Enamel."

"Point.  Not that it matters.  He wouldn't be the first."  He kicked back again, but kept his feet down.  "So, how are you liking being a daddy?"

"So far it's okay.  He's a pretty quiet mouse."

"Yeah, so was Spike," Stoker said dryly.  "Thanks for that by the way."  Xander just grinned.  "He's a good kid most of the time, but now and then...."  He shook his head. "Anya redid their marking again.  She needs more fur dye."

"Sure, when I go down for the final shopping trip, after we temporarily transport the house up to switch out the furniture and stuff, give me a list.  We'll be doing one final moving moment with the last six containers."  Stoker moaned.  "Not that he knows it," he offered with a grin.  "Has Throttle been out to the caves?"  Stoker nodded.  "Really?"

"He wanted to see and explore.  He took two days and went to roam every inch of that property of yours. He wanted to know how you were doing inventory.  He only went into a few of the caves, he hid during that small storm we had."

"Vinnie," Xander said with a smirk.  "It'll give him something to do and a way to help teach others in the clan."

"Have you told him that yet?  He's not exactly the responsible sort," Stoker joked.

"You'd be surprised," Xander offered with a sweet grin.  "My big brother can be responsible when he wants to be.  I'll even let him borrow my PDA for the inventory database."  He stood up.  "Anything else? I need a Throttle cuddle."

"He's probably outside the door and give him those reports."  Xander nodded, grinning at him. "You're having us out to dinner when everything's finished."

"Sure."  He winked and headed out, walking into his mate with a grin.  "Hi."  He stole a kiss and handed over the reports.  "Where's Tag?"

"At home with Momma.  She refused to let me bring him."  He nodded. "Repel's in labor."

"We should be there then."  He walked him back there, grinning at the nurse who gave him a horrified look. "His baby's coming."

"Oh!  Repel's having yours!  Okay.  She said my last terror was coming to see me."  She led them to Repel's room, letting them inside.  Then she hurried off.  They hadn't wanted to see Xander again for a very long time but he wouldn't be staying this time.  All the nurses said prayers that he wasn't going to be staying this time.  He had been horrible!

***

Xander was led out to the house, expecting a shell to be up.  Instead he found everything up just like his plans and it was all perfectly finished. All they needed was the furniture.  "Wow," he breathed, looking around.  "I did a really good job on the plans."

Vinnie chuckled. "You did.  A lot of us pitched in to help," he offered, steering Xander that way.  "Charley's hugging the bathroom because you remembered she wanted green marble."  He walked him inside, showing that Dawn and Wrench had already done the displacement spell and the furniture was all in.  "The kids thought Modo's bed was really cool.  One of them joked about needing something like it to make sure his kids were as good as Punch was."  Xander grinned at that.  "We couldn't leave the gym down there so we just brought up the building," he offered, pointing at it.  "Sorry if it blocks the view or anything."

"No, it's good for me and I can always paint it if I have to."  He smiled back at Throttle. "I love our family."

"Me too.  It saved me from having to lift Modo's bed."  Xander grinned and pounced him to kiss and cuddle. "Is anything left on the construction, bro?"  Before he got involved.

"Setting up the greenhouse to grow stuff, planting the garden when it's time.  Hooking the final hose on the water lines."  He handed over the wrench with a grin.  "We thought you should do that."  Xander beamed and went to do that, then turned on the tap happily.  Everyone in the house clapped.  "Okay, now what's left, Xander?"

"A final shopping trip right before the holidays, or right after the holidays," he announced. "That way we can figure out if we forgot anything and get a final list from the Councils.  Did our transporter come up?"  Vinnie nodded. "Is it still working?"

"Yeah, we've already had Dawn up and here and left again," he said dryly.  "Stan loves their house.  He said their future kids would love drawing over the wallpaper you chose."  Xander grinned at that.  "Dawn and Rimfire both squealed over theirs and she's planning on stealing room in a cargo container for her office stuff.  The Canadians told her what she needed."  Vinnie pulled him in for another hug.  "Welcome home, baby brother."

Xander sniffled and smiled up at him.  "Thanks, big brother.  I love you too."  He hugged him as hard as he could, then pulled Throttle over with his tail to hold him too.  "Big brother, I want you in charge of the stored stuff."  Vinnie cackled at that.  "That way we know when we're running out of things."

"Fine," he agreed with a grin.  "Modo would be better, bro."

"Yeah, but he's busy with the bike plant and you're going to be helping me with the club," Xander teased.  "Speaking of, I've still got to submit the formal plans and talk to my cook," he said dryly, grinning at Throttle.  "Where's momma?"

"Home, with the kids.  The same as she was when we left a bit ago," he teased.  "We did a bit of shopping before the displacement too, dear.  There's a few extra beds in storage out there too, just in case."  Xander grinned at that.  "Plus, I found where you hid Crankshaft and the new daughter's bikes. You'll have to do one for Tag."  He gave him a kiss.  "Let's go find Charley girl."  Xander led the way into the bathroom, making him whistle.  "Wow.  This is huge!"

"It is," Charley agreed happily.  "Everything's water efficient too!"  She hugged Xander. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."  He gave her a nuzzle then patted her stomach. "This one'll need it."

"No, no more kids," she said firmly.  Vinnie chuckled. "You knew?"

"Kinda obvious, sweetheart, you tasted even better than usual last night."  He stole a kiss with a wicked grin.  "So, what's this one?"

Xander laid a hand over her stomach.  "I think it's a girl."  He shrugged and went to check the taps.  "We already checked all the lines?"  Vinnie nodded.  "Shoot.  What do I have left to do?"

"Christen it," Vinnie and Charley said in unison.

Xander let out a wicked chuckle and pounced his mate, dragging him to their apartment.  He could do that.

***

Xander flipped the steak over, looking over at his helper.  "Momma, you know I want to open a club, right?"  She nodded.  "Well, I had an idea for all the Martians who can't cook, like most of us can't."  She gave him a sideways look.  "I want to open a small kitchen at the club, one meal a day, and serve a ration's worth of food.  Something like stews or soup or casseroles, but something worth the full ration."  He looked at her, giving her puppy eyes.  "That way you'd get to have something to do most of the time and Throttle could brag on your cooking to a lot more people, and it'd be family working together."

She kissed him on the cheek.  "Dear, I heard about this idea, and I agree, you need a good cook.  Should I help you find me one?"  He pouted. "You wanted me?"  He nodded.  "Dear, I'm not that good.  Modo's momma cooks better, baby."

"No, you do.  I like your stew better," he pouted.  "Besides, she's busy all day with Racer and the twins and the daycare she's running.  We need to get you out of the house so some young mouse stud can come woo you and make you a happy grandma."  He leaned closer with a wicked grin.  "Just think of the scandal. You and a mouse Rimfire's age?" he teased.

She swatted him but was laughing. "I wouldn't know what to do with a mouse his age.  Are you sure?"  He nodded.  "Positive you want me?"

"You'll keep a clean kitchen, you cook well, you can easily make stuff that's great tasting that's worth the ration coupon.  I doubt anyone's going to doubt you're filling them up for it.  It had better be you or else we might starve."

"When were you submitting plans?"

"Stan, come take over the grill," he called, walking her back to his office to let her see everything.  "That's what I've got planned for the club.  Including the kitchen.  I'm going to take over that building that we got into trouble at.  It has a small kitchen but nothing big enough.  You'd be fully in charge of the kitchen, including shopping with the prior day's ration coupons, and you'd have complete control of the menu. You can even complain about the music now and then, momma."  She smiled at that.  "I was planning on a mix, like our favorite club does, with one techno day a week so I won't forget what it sounds like."  She nodded, looking over the kitchen.  "I can change those if you want.  All the basics were in a container marked 'for the club, don't use in compound's construction' so they should still be together."

"They are," she admitted, handing them back.  "I like that idea, baby.  Have you got it approved?"

"I'm bringing it to the council tomorrow but I can hold off.  If you wanted, I can include recipes and things to make sure it's enough food for a whole ration coupon.  I can offer the filtering technology tomorrow instead."

"I think you should wait, that way I can pull together a sample menu," she offered, standing up.  "You're sure you want me?"

"Yes!  Your kitchen is clean, you cook very well, and you even put up with me, who'll be running the club with Vinnie's help," he offered with a grin.  "The first week's stuff you can easily start by raiding our stores here."  She nodded, leaning across the desk to give him a kiss on the cheek.  "I figured one full ration coupon for a regular meal, two with dessert and extras."

"That works for me," she admitted, smiling at him.  "I'll get to work on that tonight, after we go home, baby.  Now, come eat.  The babies will be getting up soon."  He beamed and walked out with her, going to take his daughter and son to cuddle and hold.  She walked up to Stoker.  "How long have you known?"

"Since the day he brought me out here to look over what he wanted for land," he admitted.  "He said he was going to talk to you the day he moved everything up here."  He shrugged and grinned. "We'll want a sample menu and portions, how you plan to equalize them out and the like."  She nodded.  "Tell him he's got a spot next week for that."

"He said he's going to be offering the filtering technology tomorrow."

"Sure.  We could use that.  This is really good water. Even if the screens do need cleaned again."  He walked off, smiling at Carbine and her man.  "Hey."

"Hey yourself.  Why are you smirking?"

"Well, Chassis' group is back with her, they're landing later tonight."  Stan smiled at that and held up the next steak, which was snatched from the fork before it could drip once.  "Put on a few more if we've got 'em."

"He bought the big box of steaks for tonight," Stan offered, going to get a few more.

Stoker grinned at Carbine.  "He planned this party well.  He's also just talked to Momma about heading the club's kitchen for him.  I told her we'd want a sample menu and relevant prices and things."  She nodded at that.  "He's bringing the filtering stuff to us tomorrow."

"I like this system, even if you would have to scrape the filters every day instead of every week.  He did a great job making this house low water usage. Even the tubs."  Stoker nodded at that.  "I never considered them to be that pretty before but he did a very nice job designing these.  Have we even seen Enamel and Shell since theirs got done?" He smirked and shook his head.  "Wonderful. Maybe another one?"

"Hopefully.  He's a good daddy and Xander could always use more kids to spoil."

Chassis strolled in, fluffing out her hair as she pulled it down from her braid.  "Babe, feed me before I have to eat you," she demanded.  He grinned and pulled her closer to kiss her making her moan and clutch him.  "Never mind.  I think I'd rather have you for dinner instead," she purred, teasing his chest with her fingertips.  "Hand the sharp, pointy thing off, dear."  He handed the fork to the nearest mouse and let her drag him off to their house.  She looked around, frowning at the wallpaper.  "That's a bit huge."

"The kids can trace over it when they're bein' bad," Stan teased, dragging her up to their room.  It had been over a week already.  He wasn't that patient.

Back at the patio Carbine's boy Thrust was holding up the fork.  "What do I do with this?"

Both mothers came over to take over the grill.  Throttle's momma grinned at her cohort. "Xander wants me to run the kitchen in his new club."

"I heard about that," she admitted, smiling at her.  "It'll give you something to do besides push for more grandbabies."

"No more kids for quite a while," Repel called. "Xander where's my daughter? I haven't gotten to hold her in days!" she complained, heading for him.  The clan laughed.

He gave her a sheepish grin and handed her over.  "Sorry, Repel."

"Not an issue, dear.  You can have her back when she needs changed."  She walked off with her content and sleepy baby, going to cuddle her.  Someday soon she might even remind them that she could watch her overnight too.  Her daughter blinked up at her and smiled, so she grinned back.  "Hey, baby mouse.  How are you?"  She sat down, cuddling her gently while she ate another bite of dinner.  "Are the big, fuzzy blurs treating you okay?  Do you like the little fuzzy blur too?"

Throttle came over and handed her more food and kissed her on the cheek. "She likes sleeping with Tag and Tag likes to suck on little Comet's ear."  He grinned and walked off, going to pounce Wrench for the gag he had found on their bed earlier.  He found him and frowned, he had a plate in his hands.  Then again, someone saw and stole his plate, leaving him open and complaining already.  He pounced, knocking him down to stare down at him.  "I didn't need the extra equipment."

"Yes you did!  You scared Willow!"  He wiggled and Throttle picked on him in finest biker mice style, making them both happy and sore.

Xander grinned, holding up their son.  "There you are, Tag.  Your daddy is playing like a little mouse again.  Some day we'll get to teach you that too."

Vic walked up to him, hugging him around the thigh.  "When me get bike?"

"When you quit talking in baby talk because I know you can," he said dryly, looking down at his cousin.

"Fine, when can I have a bike?" he asked.  "I'm not the littlest anymore."

"No, you're not the littlest, you're the biggest.  So when you're ready to move up in bikes, Tag and Comet will get yours."

Vic considered it. "I'll give 'em rides for a few years," he promised.  Xander grinned down at him.  "I have a bike?"

"You do have a kiddie bike.  I will tell you now that the weapons are only for practice, they will only be coming on when there's an adult there or you're in danger, and the first time you pull a Spike and head out into the desert for a long ride, it's going to Crankshaft instead."

"Yes, Uncle Xander."  He gave him his best begging look.  "My birthday's tomorrow."

"I know it is.  Go ask your daddy.  He's with Stoker."  Vic ran that way and Xander looked down at his son.  "Some day, you'll have his or Spike's bike and then we'll have to keep track of you too," he offered, kissing him on the cheek.  His son cooed at that. "You'll be a studly little baby biker mouse."  He walked him back to the grill, he was really hungry.

"Daddy! Uncle Xander said I could have my bike early!" he said, bouncing around his legs. "Please!"

Vinnie looked down at his son.  "I'm not sure you're ready yet since you walked into my shower this morning, son."

"You said we should preserve water," he defended.

Stoker chuckled at that, shaking his head.  "Not even Spike tried that one," he admitted. "Did they ever take the weapons off?"

"Uncle Xander said they'd only come on if I was in trouble or there was a big mouse around," Vic defended.  His daddy's bike had weapons so his should too, it was only fair!

"If you need help training the AI, we've got Spike's so it'll come home when we tell her to, even if he doesn't want it.  She will override him and bring him home when we say."

Vinnie grinned at that. "We'll have to get that far on his too.  Fine, go tell Uncle Xander to pull your bike out of storage."  He crowed and went to do that, and Xander taught him how to whistle.  He watched as his son's bike crept through the crowd, smiling at the pretty paint job.  It looked like a sunset and went very well with his son's auburn fur.  Stoker whistled and Vinnie grinned.  "He hadn't painted it the last I knew."  He watched as his son ran over and hugged it, getting beeped at.  Then his son used a chair to climb up and settle himself.  The bike fixed his position a bit by shifting, then they were off, zooming past the crowd into the open space.

"Xander, I wanted him to wait a year," Charley complained.

"Oh, quit, Spike had his by then and Anya was riding her momma's with help," Stoker told her with a small grin.  "He's a natural, Vinnie.  Good job."

"Thanks, he rides my sweetheart with me every chance he gets, plus with his momma and Auntie Dawn and Rimfire too.  He's even talked Micah into giving him a ride."

"I do believe Xander loves your baby boy more'n my daughter," Modo joked as he came over.  "That' a pretty bike, bro."

"It is.  All the first kids'll get one," he assured him.  "Magnet will get one of her own probably too since they're so close in age."  He grinned at him.  "Xander's already got one for Punch, Crankshaft, and Comet.  He's got one for Healer but Enamel's complaining a lot."

Stoker shook his head.  "I love that boy of yours, Vinnie.  What about Racer's next one?  He's about to need a bigger one."

"Xander said Racer's big enough to ride Rimfire's other kiddie bike until his real one.  He told him that and Racer agreed."  He sipped his rootbeer.  "Son!  Do not ride off!" he called.  His son sped back and went back to riding in the empty space.  "We'll have to set up a bike course next," he joked.

Modo clapped him on the back.  "I can't wait until Punch starts to ride."

"Me either, bro.  It'll be easier with the kids able to follow us sometimes."  He looked over as Enamel stormed past with his son clinging to his back and grinning. "Hey, Healer."  Healer looked back and waved, still grinning at him.  "His sister will get his kiddie bike I think."

"Xander, don't do that to my son," Enamel demanded.

"Yo, Healer's bike!" Xander bellowed.  A few minutes later a small touring bike parted the crowd, looking just like his daddy's bike.  It beeped inquisitively so Xander pointed at the new rider.

Healer hopped down and ran over to it, hugging his bike.  "Just like daddy's!" he crowed, getting on.  His bike adjusted him and he wiggled.  "Make it go!"

Enamel glared at Xander. "He's too young."

"Bet me," he snorted.  "By the way, I'm putting the bike course on the southern side of the house."  He got up and went to help the little guy with his momma's help, watching as he joined Vic riding in circles.  Then he sat down again with a smug look.  Anya tugged his arm.  "You, my dear, are ready for a bigger bike anyway and your momma said you can use hers."

"I know."  She hugged him.  "You're very special, Uncle Xander."

He grinned.  "Thanks, most people mean that the wrong way."

"I'm not sure which way I mean it, but it's true either way," she teased, going to help the boys.  "Spike, come help me!" she bellowed as she strolled.

Spike looked over there, then smirked, going over with his crew to help their junior members.  His sister started to sniffle so he looked at her, then whistled.  Her bike came roaring around the house and stopped in front of her, staring at her.  She just stared back until he gave her a shove.  "It's yours, dumb bint."  She ran over and climbed on, heading  off into the desert for a ride.  "Get back here!"  His bike came over and he went to herd her back.  She was a lot like him and she'd be driving their parents insane later by wanting to bring her bike inside to sleep with her too.  Just like he had.

Switch moaned and shook her head.  "Xander!"

"Yes, dear?" he called, using his most sweet, innocent, and kind to kittens and puppies smile with it.

"You're horrible, mini punk," Stoker said as he walked past him.  "Absolutely rotten.  Crankshaft, get back here, or no biking for a month!" he yelled. His daughter turned right around and headed right back to hug him, Spike behind her.  "Nice try, son.  Nearly there too."  He looked at Racer, who was grinning at them.  "I guess it's time to teach these punks how to ride, huh?"  Racer nodded, smirking at him.  "Then we've got to work on your riding skills."

Racer whistled and a pretty new bike showed up.  It looked a lot like Modo's but a bit less stretched out since he wasn't as big.  It was still a bit big for him but he'd grow into it.  He got on and headed out to do some tricks, making Stoker just gape in awe.  Then he grinned.  "Momma Cell taught Flat on me," he said proudly.  Then he winked at Spike.  "We're doing him next."

"Give him two years first, kiddo.  Please."  He shook his head, looking at his family.  He never thought he'd have a family but damn, they were definitely his.  Spike cackled and he smirked at him.  "Yes, you, son.  Just like me.  Racer, where did you get the bike?"

"I walked into a cave and it came over to love on me," he offered.  "I showed Momma Cell where that was and she had Uncle Modo and Auntie Staff come out to rescue the hiding bikes and put away their former owners."  Stoker nodded at that.  "He's mine and I love him, Uncle Stoker, even if I'm too young."

"Sometimes young is a state of mind," Enamel assured him.  "You need some work, but you're looking good so far.  We'll help you on the bike course Xander's going to be putting up for the kids."  He looked at his own son, who was still riding around in circles.  He was definitely too young, but he looked good on his little bike.  He still glared at Xander for it and got one of those shit-eating grins in return.  He rolled his eyes and went to help his son a bit. He was still off-balance and leaning.

Vinnie shook his head. "I just realized. There's Spike's crew and then there's going to be Crankshaft's crew.  She'll have all the younger kids but Vic in hers."  He finished his can of rootbeer and tossed it in the recycling can.  "Two complete units of Freedom Fighters, including medical backup."  He looked at Stoker.  "Mars will keep going for a long time."

"Oh, definitely," he agreed.  "Which was what we fought for."

Xander came over to hug them both, grinning at them. "That's years in the future, guys, quit being so glum.  For right now, they just want to ride like the daddies and mommas.  This is their fun.  They don't even realize I've already trained them."  He smirked at Stoker.  "Just wait until you see Racer on the agility course tomorrow, old guy."

"I've got tomorrow afternoon free," he noted, looking at Racer, who was preening in front of his uncle and mommas.  "Are you sure he's not a VanWham by birth?" he asked Vinnie.

"Yeah, I am. I checked.  His momma was almost related by marriage.  His daddy's is one of Mirror's former kin.  His daddy was the last Highest of Othra."  They shared a look and then looked at Tag, who was being cooed at by Switch.  "Makes ya wonder," Vinnie noted dryly.

"Not really.  That kid'll be one terror of a punk, but he'll be skilled to back it up."  Vinnie nodded at that.  "What about Comet?"

"Oh, she's got a pretty bright future," he promised, grinning at him.  "She'll be Vic's second wife."  He walked off shaking his head at that.  They weren't that close of relatives.  Wrench and Repel were on the distant side of the family from his, like third cousins or something, so it'd be fine.  They'd just have to watch those kids really closely. He went to make a note in his journal, the one he'd pass onto the next Clan Elder, just in case he wasn't around and Wrench conveniently forgot.  That made it Spike and Dawn's first daughter, Vic and Ramjet, then Vic and Comet, Anya and someone hopefully understanding, Crankshaft and Piston, Tag and Punch, and Racer with a young mouse in his clan.  Those were going to be some dangerous grandkids.  The lines were going to be really fun later on in his life.

Willow faded in.  "I thought it'd be Anya and Racer," she pouted.

"Nope, he likes boys," Vinnie said with a smirk for her.  "Anya needs someone supportive and understanding, Racer will be working a lot of hours."

"Fine.  I still think they'd be cute together."

"I think Anya and that one boy who stares at her back are cute together.  That or her and Thruster, the younger one.  He adores her and doesn't put up with her crap."

"True," she agreed.  "Maybe.  I could see that.   They'd be cute babies."

"They would," Charley agreed as she came in.  "Doing clan stuff?" she asked.

"Writing down some things Wrench saw about the future kids."  He pulled her into his lap to kiss and cuddle.  "Healer's going to have some uptight mouse named Brink.  His sister Disc will have some studly biker that'll remind her a lot of Chassis."  He grinned and kissed her again.  "Vic and Ramjet will be cute for a while then they'll split and he'll hit someone else's baby girl."

"I don't want that mental image," she decided, kissing him to take it away.  "You're sure I'm pregnant?"  He grinned and nodded.  "Absolutely positive?"

Vinnie used his tail to raise the nearest window.  "Hey, Enamel, come check her!  She's pregnant again!  I'm looking forward to a son this time!"

"It's a girl and you're out of luck, it'll be a mini-Xander with your fur and her hair," he called back.

"Yes!" Xander howled, cackling madly.  "Another baby to warp into my image...I mean teach!"

Charley moaned and reached over to put down the window.   "Another image I don't need."

"At least our daughters will be beautiful and sought after," Vinnie teased, stroking her stomach.  "Every mouse will want our daughters."  He winked at her. "I'll have to challenge any serious ones to a riding contest and tell them they can't date her unless they beat me and Xander."

"Well, that's one way not to have grandkids," she complained, kissing him to stop him from bragging that she was right.  "Hush, Vincent."  He nuzzled her neck and she moaned.  "Never mind.  Just keep doing that.  You're good with your mouth."

Throttle walked in and took Magnet from Charley, then walked out, locking the door behind them.  "Remember, we only have a few extra beds, bro."

"If you'd quit breaking them, we'd have more," he called, pulling his wife to their bed so he could celebrate.  "No more after this one, sweetheart, give it a few years," he said with a grin.

"I tried!"

"I know," he said smugly, going down on her.  "I know how hard you tried and it makes me hard thinking about you trying."  She wiggled and grabbed his ears to stop him.  "Awww, sweetheart!"

"Be nice and gentle," she ordered.

"Yes, babe, always."  He winked.  "Unless you order otherwise."  He went back down to pleasure her.  He loved it when she was pregnant.  She tasted so good!

Outside, Repel looked at Throttle.  "If I want a second one, could I actually have that one for a few weeks at a time?"

He shook his head. "Probably not.  You want Comet tonight?"

"Sure, why not.  She hasn't even been inside my house yet."  Wrench came over to steal her.  "Hey!  My daughter!"

"Not tonight, dear, there's another meteor shower coming."  She moaned.  "Later this week, once you've rebuilt again."

"I swear I'm moving into Xander's housing project," she complained.

"You and Starlight both," he offered with a wink.  "We're helping him we can help you too."

"If I have anything left," she complained.  "Stoker, whatever happened to our beam to fry asteroids?" she called.  "I'm tired of rebuilding!"

"We're talking about making everyone in that section move," he called back.  "It's still working everywhere but there.  Sorry, Wrench."

"Not an issue, I can always put up a new temple," he sighed. "Anya can do more statues for us."  She grinned at that.  He went to call the clan to warn them, that way they'd be around there when and if it happened so something might get saved.   Flat just gave him a look and shook his head.  "Already?"

"Yup, already.  Fortunately we moved you and Repel already. Starlight said so.  He said she can stay with him until she finds a new spot. I guess you're staying with the elder or your son.  Oh, the hand came off again."  He cut the connection.

Wrench looked up.  "I love you, Lady, but how long do I have to live in this insanity?  And which one will be my right hand, Vic or Tag?"

The Seal appeared.  "Xander's going to be finding you one," she admitted.  "It's neither kid.  Tag's going to Othra's exclusively since he's got no magic, and he'll be the one training the slayers later.  Vic's just the clan heir as far as we know.  He has the chance to turn out like Willow but I doubt Xander will let him.  Later on, there'll be a girl who'll need to step out of succession.  She'll be your right hand girl and a field watcher first."  She grinned at him.  "Tag will be your trainer once Xander's busy with his daughter in a few years.  She'll be an 'empty nest' baby."

"That long?"

"No, not really.  They'll have to go to a real school some day," she pointed out. "That'll break his heart."  She grinned at him.  "Not that long."

"How am I supposed to find a girl of my own when I'm being hounded by you two?" he asked bitterly.

She leaned down to kiss him on the cheek. "You could ask us to help you look.  We found one girl we like a lot."

"Human?"

She snorted.  "Hell no.  Martian."  She winked and faded out.

"Okay, I'll ask. Who?" he called.  Willow came in with a grin, then wiggled her finger to make him follow.  She led him outside and out to the party, pointing at one lady there in the crowd.  "Who's she?" he asked.

"Piston.  She's Stoker's assistant," she whispered in his ear.  "It's not her, but she has a very nice young sister, who is Taver.  She's of the Clan Arc."  She floated over, making Piston blink and stare in open-mouthed shock.  "Hi, I'm Willow," she said, shaking her hand.  "I hang with Spike a lot."

"Okay."  She nodded, looking at Wrench as he came over.  "Highest."

"This is informal, Wrench, please," he offered, smiling and shaking her hand.

"Don't hit on my assistant!" Stoker yelled.  "I'm not losing her!"

"I'm not leaving, old man," she complained.  She shook her head.  "He's paranoid I'll get married and leave him to flounder under his paperwork again."

Willow beamed.  "Well, I can help you find someone," Willow offered, "but I'm more here about Taver."  She nodded at Wrench.  "I think those two should meet."

"You're very blunt, I like that in a being," Piston noted.  "She's presently dating."

"Pity," Wrench offered.  "She's pretty good at finding people to know."

"I'll gladly introduce you two.  I hate her current boyfriend.  He's a bragging little brat."  She walked off with him, her arm around his.  "How's your schedule tomorrow?"

"Probably clear.  I'm told most of my house was destroyed in the last meteor strike."

"You can have our spare room," Xander yelled.

"Thanks, babe."  He waved and walked on with her.  "So all I've got tomorrow is finding a new spot to live along with the temple."

"Good.  Meet me for lunch in the main building?"  He nodded.  She smiled.  "Let me call my sister."

"The comm's this way," he offered, grinning at her.  "Who's she dating?"

"Some punk named Thruster at the local base."

"I know him, he's the base gossip," he admitted, walking her to the comm system.  "He and Rimfire are pretty tight."

"Yes, I've heard all about his hero worship for Rimfire.  Where is he anyway?"

"Finals. He'll be up in a few days for the holidays and then they'll be back down there for the next semester."

"Oh, wonderful."  She dialed her sister, staring at Thruster until he moved away from her.  "Lunch, tomorrow? I'll buy."

"Why?" she asked.

"Well, Rimfire's coming back in a few days and I thought you'd like to get used to being alone, plus I've recently met some new friends and they're going to be wandering all over the city chasing after the newly-biked children in the family."

"Huh?" she asked.

Wrench smiled at her.  "Xander gave Spike's little sister Crankshaft and my cousin Victor their first bikes, plus Enamel's son got his a bit early as well," he offered.  "Xander has to come in for a Council meeting tomorrow about his filtration system and I was going to tag along to look for a new place to live.  Your sister and I thought you'd like to join us for lunch tomorrow since I'm going to be around the main building all day."

"Sure," she agreed.  "Who're you?"

"Oh, Taver, this is Wrench, the Highest of the M'dreth.  Unfortunately his house is out in asteroid field."  Her sister shuddered.  "Hence him in looking at open buildings tomorrow."  She smiled.  "Since Stoker's not going to be that busy, I thought I'd help him out.  So, lunch?"

"When is Rimfire coming back?" Thruster asked.  He looked at Wrench and glared a bit.  "I'll expect you to be more gentlemanly than your reputation."

"I haven't been a punk like you in years, little boy," he sneered back.  "I'd get on your happy little bicycle too.  Rimfire's bringing his lady home for the holidays again.  They're going to be settling in here at the compound over it."  He shuddered.  "So yeah, you'll probably be out here with me anyway."  He grinned.  "And the humans on Mars."

"Why are there still humans on Mars?" Taver asked, looking at her boyfriend.  "Huh?"

"Rimfire's girl is a human," he admitted.

"So's Chassis' stud," Wrench offered.  "She's the new ambassador and Stan's her helper."

"Oh, that's very cool," Taver admitted.  "At least they found a lot of love with them.  Better that than being alone and lonely or having the horror of having been a slave of Plutark in *that* way."  Wrench nodded, swallowing a bit.  "When should I pop around?  My job's not that demanding, I'm only hiring for the bike plant."

"Anytime between eleven and three," Piston offered with a grin.  She squealed as Vinnie grabbed her and moved her.

"Thruster, Rimfire wanted a call soon, like the day after tomorrow when he gets up here," he noted.  "They're moving up here permanently in about another year if they're done with their education on time."  That got a small nod.  "They're going to want your help setting up her computer stuff so he doesn't have to heft and tote since he hurt his back the other day."

"Fine," he agreed.  "How much stuff is there?"

"Her formal wardrobe for State stuff.  Her office and library, plus the storage stuff. You're more than welcome to use our transporter too so you'll probably need the day off.  She told Rimfire he couldn't fly them home because she didn't want to ever crash and he still wasn't that great at landings."

He moaned.  "Fine.  I'll ask General Rotor for that day off.  Thank you, Vinnie."

He grinned.  "Welcome, kid.  Hey, Taver.  This is my cousin Wrench in case he forgot that part.  He's my second in the clan."

"Cool.  I like how you two managed to keep the clan together through everything, Vinnie.  I think you and he do a very good job.  What does Chassis do?"

"She's our enforcer.  She basically goes out to slap those who need it," Wrench offered with a grin.  "It keeps us from having to yell at certain relatives."

She chuckled.  "Gotcha.  I need one of those.  Piston, dear, dating?"

"Not ready," she assured her firmly.  "Not going to happen either.  Stoker's still paranoid."

"Fine.  I'm bringing my assistant with me so you two can talk about how to organize my office again."  She waved and hung up.

Vinnie grinned at Piston.  "Thank you.  Wrench, you can have the extra room in our apartment if you want.  Charley's already asleep."  He headed out to the celebration to eat.  He needed it.

"Is it always this lively around here?"

"Not really the roving party, but kinda," he admitted, walking her back out.  "Stoker, how soon before we know how much of my neighborhood is gone?"

"I've already got reports from the military unit sent out to help.  Your temple was deserted, but heavily damaged.  Where are you moving to?"

"I'll figure that out tomorrow," he decided, heading out to watch the kids play on their bikes.  Vic was sleeping on his.  Healer was petting his like the cats.  He looked around.  "Vinnie, where are the cats?"

"Coming tomorrow," he called. "You always move pets first or last so they have time to get used to stuff.  The fish are coming then too."  He grinned at Modo.  "Have Cell get rid of Rimfire's friends the day he's due up so they can help those two move in and get the pets and stuff."

"Sure.  Cell?"  She looked over at him, letting the baby gnaw on her piece of steak.  "Rimfire's got a sore back, he'll need help moving stuff day after tomorrow.  Plus the fish and the pets.  Think they can get free?"

"Sure, we can count it as PT," she agreed happily.  "Rotor!"  He looked over.  "PT for Rimfire's bros day after tomorrow is helping him move!"

"Sure!  I'll excuse them and drag them here myself," he promised with a grin.  "I've got to say, Racer looks good on his bike," he told Stoker.

"He wants to be a doc," he said firmly. "He's Enamel's apprentice."

"Fine.  Pity, but fine.  How about his training?"

"Xander," he said dryly.  "All Xander."  Rotor looked pleased at that.  "Along with Spike and Anya, Vic and all their kids, Crankshaft when she's a bit older....  At least he won't have time to be bored for a bit."

"Good!  We like that idea!"  He clapped him on the back and went to tell Vinnie about his son.

Vinnie came walking over and stopped to 'awwww' at the cuteness.  "That's adorable!"  He looked around and took the camera, taking a few pictures of them.  "Healer."  Healer looked up and grinned, continuing to pet his bike.  "Good boy."  He handed the camera off.  "Go download those before we move anyone."  Throttle chuckled but went to do that.  They were cute.  He came back and nodded.  "Cool."  He walked over there, picking up his son carefully.  The little tail wrapped around the handlebars.  "You can ride with me tomorrow, son.  For now it's time to rest," he said quietly.  "Let the bike go. We can go camping later this week with it in the caves."  He unwound the stubborn tail and walked him inside, tucking him into his bed.  Then he headed back out, finding Stoker holding his sleepy daughter and Healer being walked home too.  He grinned at Racer.  "Got a few?"  He nodded so Vinnie brought him into the comm center, turning on the file he had found earlier.  "Okay, I did a bit of background checking.  Everyone thought you were part of the clan and it's my job to find all of us and put us back together again."

"I am?" Racer asked.

"You're not," he admitted, "but you have a few family left."  He pulled up the file.  "I traced the base records of your parents.  Your daddy used to have Xander's job as Othra's high priest." Racer looked stunned.  "The Plutarkians *really* wanted him.  They raided your house in a true raid to get him, Racer."  He patted him on the back.  "Your momma was one of us by her first marriage, which had no kids, but her family is gone as far as I could tell.  There may still be some.  We're still trying to figure out who everyone on Mars is and where they are.  I know your daddy's family was Mirror's."  He blinked at that.  "So you've got a bit of kin left on that side.  Now, again, your momma may have some left, I'm not sure.  I couldn't find any but then again the files are kinda in a mess."  He kissed him on the forehead.  "That way you know."

He looked at him. "Thank you, Vinnie. Are you tellin' Momma or Momma Cell?"

He snorted and hugged him. "Do you think it matters to either of them, boy?  They could care less if your parents showed up tomorrow.  They're your family now."  He gave him a squeeze.  "You never have to worry about that, okay?  The same as you might as well be my clan too."  He looked down and Racer nodded, looking relaxed.  "This was just for you so you can track others down if you want.  Remember, Mars has a long history of adoption and you're still one of Modo's clan with the way you ride."  He clapped him on the back and let him go.  "Now, come on.  There's food out there and she wore me out, again," he offered happily. "A little girl like Xander," he said happily as he walked him out.

"She'll be the worst kid in the whole preschool," Racer assured him.  "I'll sic Spike on her now and then."

Vinnie chuckled.  "That'd be fine.  It'll take all of us to make my daughters calm down anyway.  Just look at Magnet," he said, pointing at where she was trying to climb Exhaust from the back of his robes.  He snatched her off and tickled her as he walked away with her.  "You should be in bed, Magnet."

"No sleep!" she crowed proudly.  "Me bike?"

"Not yet you're not.  Not until you're too big to ride with me."  He walked her back inside and tucked her back into her bed. "You stay in here.  There'll be plenty to do tomorrow cleaning up."  She nodded, snuggling in with her teddybear.  He grinned and walked out, closing the door behind him.  He saw a mouse snooping around and cleared his throat.  "You are?"

"Oh, I'm Herald, I'm with the new newspaper service, Mr. VanWham."

"I'm sure Xander will get a subscription eventually.  Why are you in front of my door?"

"Because I thought I heard a noise."

"My wife is more than capable of whipping tail if someone's in there," he noted, dragging him outside and putting him in front of Stoker.  "He was snooping in my bedroom.  Or trying to."  He walked off, heading back to his plate, which he had to shoo Spike away from.  "Go make another one if you're hungry!"  Spike grinned and went to toss another steak on the grill.  He sat down and shook his head, grinning at the sleepy Xander on Throttle's lap with Tag in his arms.  "He's cute, bro.  Gonna keep him?"

"Yeah, I'd better.  My momma'd get pissed if I tossed him away. You know how she can be about wanting grandbabies."

"Not funny," Xander complained sleepily.  He glared at the man staring at him.  "What?" he growled.  He turned away.  "Who is he?"

"Reporter," Vinnie offered, reaching over to take Tag.  "Hey, cousin, come cuddle me. My lap's empty again."  He watched as Xander got up to stalk the reporter back into the house, coughing and nodding at his cousin Tire to follow him. "Reporter," he mouthed.  Tire snorted and followed, dragging him out by the tail a few minutes later.  Xander came out and hit him, knocking him into the ground.  "What'd he do?" he called.

"He was staring down at Magnet," he called back, hitting him again. "Licking his lips."

"Hey, hit 'im for me," Vinnie called.  "'Cause if he touches her, he's mine!"  Xander punched the guy again and he looked at Stoker.  "So, how's our penal code doing?"

"Arbitrary," he admitted, going to rescue the poor idiot before he died.  He shook him, staring him down. "Were you going to touch that child inappropriately?"  The man sobbed and nodded. "Pity."  He handed him off to Exhaust.  "It's your month to be on the court bench starting tomorrow.  Have fun with him.  Want some guards?"

"Please," he said, dropping him and wiping off his robes.  "Nice work, Xander.  Thank you for handling that peacefully."  Xander just growled. He held up a hand.  "Let me handle it from here.  If he's set free, you can have him back."  Xander nodded, going back to his comfy Throttle seat.  He looked back down at the mouse.  "I believe you realize what's in your best interests."  He nodded quickly and Exhaust looked around as two more bikes roared up and suddenly stopped, just inches away from Stoker's feet.  "Nice slide," he noted, pointing at the idiot.  "Him."

"What was the charge?"

"They caught him standing over Magnet VanWham's sleeping body and he told Stoker he was going to harm her by touching her inappropriately."  The mice glared.  "He's going to be seeing me tomorrow.  Find him a cell and an advocate."

"I want to press assault charges."

"Fat chance you're going to hurt a man for protecting his house," Stoker told him.  "The law has always stated that a mouse may protect their house and their mates by hurting, but not killing, the one trying to harm what's theirs.  You've already lost that battle, mouse."  He whimpered and was drug off. "Have one of the medics look him over too, that way he can't claim torture."  The guards nodded and drug him away.  He looked at Exhaust.  "I'd do it but I'm too close as her godparent."

"Understandable," he admitted.  "Besides it's too late for us to go back in tonight anyway."  He looked around, finding Racer talking with Modo in a set of chairs.  "Is he all right?  I whipped my nephew's tail for what he said."

Stoker nodded.  "He's fine.  Vinnie's been checking on his family and I think he found him one.  Oh, did you know that I'm getting reports on who accesses the family database again?"  He shook his head.  "I don't know why but I am."  He shrugged and walked off to complain to someone else about that.

Modo looked around.  "Mirror?"  She walked over, smiling at the couple.  "This is Racer, my little brother, and it looks like a distant cousin of yours."

She smiled and patted the boy on the head. "I was more than happy to see you went to a good family, child."  He looked up at her.  "If you want me to be, I'll be around for you, that's not a problem, but I'm not the pushy sort."  He relaxed and nodded.  She smiled and fluffed his hair up.  "That was excellent riding by the way.  I'm very impressed.  Are you joining the military when you're older?"

"I want to be a doctor, ma'am."

She smiled.  "Even better.  We need more of those, especially good ones."  She winked at him.  "Come see me sometime this week after school so we can trace it back.  There's a few other cousins here and there."  She walked off, pleased with that news.

Modo nudged the boy.  "See, I told you it wouldn't matter.  It didn't matter to Cell, it don't matter to me, and it's all right with her too.  Now, quit worrying!  You're too young to be so worried and we don't need those ulcers to come back, hear me?"  Racer grinned and nodded.  "Good boy.  And good riding, I was impressed too.  I'll help you wherever I can with your bike, little brother."  He patted him on the knee and got up to rescue his wife from some of Vinnie's younger cousins.  They'd embarrass her horribly and she'd blush all night.

Racer kicked back and relaxed.  He was secure and wanted, it was all a young mouse needed beyond his bike, who was beeping at Spike's now and then.  "Don't take tips from Spike's bike, Dragon, we'll get in trouble," he called. His bike beeped at him and went back to talking to the younger bikes.  "Oh, well, I tried.  That's all that would get me in real trouble," he noted, sipping his rootbeer.

Episode 82:

Xander woke up panting and looked around, then up.  "Okay, Othra, if you want me to catch a clue, please quit being so obtuse.  I'm not that smart," he hissed, glaring at the ceiling.  "I'm also not native, I have no idea where that is," he complained.

"Where what is?" Throttle mumbled.  Xander showed him.  He snorted.  "Not there."  He pulled Xander back down and cuddled him until he fell back asleep.

Xander grimaced at the ceiling.  "Any other clues you'd like to give me to identify the temple?"  Throttle blindly kissed him so he went back to mentally mumbling at his God, which earned him a stomach rub, which was nice, but he didn't want to keep Throttle up.  So he settled in to discuss this in the morning with a real expert.  One who wouldn't mind him barging into his room.

***

It turned out to be later that afternoon before he got a chance to ask but he did barge into Wrench's room without a knock.  "I need help."

"We've known that for years," Wrench noted dryly.  "What do I wear on a date?  Usually the girls would help but they're hiding in fear of me going to destroy the physical seal since they ruined my favorite shirt with some perfume earlier."

Xander looked at the few outfits and snorted.  "You're going to go to the place that has the second biggest wardrobe on Mars and let me help you before you go out looking like a geek, Wrench."

He gave Xander a sideways look.  "Don't you mean the biggest wardrobe?" he asked dryly.  "I moved it for you.  By the way, I stole the green leather pants."

"Fine, like I care, I can always buy a tighter pair."  He gave him a small smirk.  "Didn't you get to see Dawn's floating wardrobe?"  He nodded, shuddering a bit.  "That's only the stuff she doesn't plan on wearing for the next few months. That was maybe a fifth of her wardrobe.  I have the second biggest closet on Mars, dear.  Anyway, I'm getting repetitive dreams about a temple somewhere around here and I have no clue where.  I pointed out I'm not native and not smart enough to figure out the clues he's given me, but I'm still getting flashes of it."

"You are more than smart enough," Wrench said patiently.  "Quit putting yourself down before I have to steal the black leather pants."

"You'll stretch them out, your tail is more round than my flat ass."  He showed him the pictures he kept getting.  "I'm figuring I'm supposed to go Indiana Jones something.  I just don't know what."

Wrench smacked him across the back of the head. "You also sent over the hot dream you had about Vinnie, which was just so wrong, man!"  He shook his head, clearing that off, but hearing Willow and the Seal snickering at it.  "You two!"

Xander snorted.  "They're somewhere very safe, Wrench.  They probably did it on purpose so you'll have to get something nicer to impress the girl they like.  Remember, Buffy taught Willow about fashion."   Wrench looked horrified at that.  "Willow used to wear fuzzy overalls."  He grinned.  "She also used to love her pigtails with her fuzzy overalls."  He steered him toward his room, smiling at the baby sleeping in his cradle.  "Sorry, I'm letting him nap so he can keep us up later."  He threw open the doors on his 'good clothes' closet - as opposed to his 'working clothes' closet - and looked around. "Think you're wearing the green leathers?"

"Probably not.  It doesn't go well against my bike."  He looked and pulled out a medium blue shirt.  "I look good in blue."

Xander put it back.  "A t-shirt is not allowable on a first date unless you're going to a beach, a picnic, or a heavy metal concert.  Remember, I lived with many girls, including Anya, and had to watch as Anya was taught about this stuff.  What's the destination chosen?"

"My bedroom?" he suggested dryly.  Xander pinched him and he yelped.  "Hey!  Be nicer to me or I won't tell you where that temple is!"

"Sorry.  Do you know what I'm supposed to do?"

"Go Indiana Jones it," he admitted.  "You got that part right.  The temple is up toward where you took that," he coughed, "dream quest to get your bike."  Xander gave him a look.  "Vinnie told me, Xander.  You confused him and he was trying to figure out if it was real or not.  You're going to what was commonly known as his bachelor temple, the one he built before he was wed to the Goddess and they had Mylar and a few others. Good luck with that considering it's surrounded by spirits and that's where a bunch of cults popped up."

Xander suddenly groaned and held his head, blinking back tears by the vision.  "Be a bit nicer, please!" he yelled.  The baby sniffled and he went over to hug him, letting himself calm down.  He looked up again.  "Again, road map might be nice," he complained.  "Noting for the third time, I'm not naturally Martian, I don't know spots by sight yet."    He got a better view this time.  "You want me to go help at a temple that's near where every mouse purist on the planet lives?" he asked, looking amused.  "Okay, you're the God of Protection and Teaching.  I can do that as long as you cover my tail with Throttle about my fighting."  He got another one and it was gentler, showing him a nice temple.  The feeling coming from it was definitely feminine and nurturing.  "Thank you, Goddess Mylar.  That was much more handy.  When am I going?  Now, tomorrow?  This weekend since we've got Vinnie's birthday party on Saturday?"  That got an amused feeling and he nodded. "Sure, I'll leave Sunday.  Thank you and praised be."  He put down his son and went back to the closet.  "There's a few other priests around.  I'm going to meet them at Sycresta.  Yes, I've heard about the town.  It doesn't really matter."  He looked and pulled down a black silk shirt that was too tight on him, but Wrench was less muscular than he was, he was built more like Vinnie.  "That, and this," he said, pulling out a dark blue pair of silk dress pants.  "Wear nice, shiny shoes.  Make a good impression and bring her back here if you want.  We're not against that at all."  He grinned and went to find Throttle, leaning in the office.  "Babe, I've got an assignment I've got to start on Sunday, early.  Don't let me forget, all right?"

"Sure.  What are you doing this time?" he asked without looking up.

"I'm being sent to talk to some of the other priests up at the old temple in Sycresta.  Then I may have to go do a puzzle thing at one of the other temples.  I'm not sure yet."  He blew a kiss.  "Wrench has a date tonight.  I just gave him something to wear. Love you."  He wandered off to help Wrench some more.

"How do you expect to clean silk on Mars?"

"Easy, that in-the-dryer dry cleaning system."

"Oh.  I didn't know there was one of those."  Xander nodded, sitting on his bed.  "You're sure about this?"

"The last time you saw me in all black, outside of my leathers, what did you think?"

"A bit dangerous, nice ass, tight bod.  The time before that I think it was 'I can fix him up with my sister'."  He shrugged.  "I'm not you."

"Put it on," he sighed.  "Now."  Wrench took it into the bathroom and came back a few minutes later.  Xander looked him over.  "First, the underwear shows.  So either put on the boxer briefs we got you or go commando."  Wrench blushed at that.  "I do all the damn time in my leathers, honey."

"I'll be cleaning those green leathers soon," he noted dryly.

"Why?  Vinnie wore those last," he said with a small smirk and a wink.  "We won't discuss Vinnie's problem with underwear."  He looked him over.  "Second, tuck the shirt in.  It's a polite thing and it'll show off your chest and arms better that way."  Wrench turned and tucked the shirt in, looking in his mirror.  "See?"

"I do, but I still say I look like a geek."

"Only if you go in wearing glasses.  Put on your black sunglasses, the one you wear when you're working.  You'll need the boost of confidence they'll give you.  Wear your blue trench over it."  Wrench looked at him.  "At one time I lived with seventeen slayers and Dawn," he said patiently.  Wrench let out a whimper and nodded, going to find his shoes and shine them.  "When is your date?"

"Four hours," he admitted.

"Then change back until just before you get ready to go.  That way you don't get kitty fur or wrinkled."  Wrench nodded, going to do that and leave it hanging in the bathroom. He came back with his shoes to shine.  "Need socks?"

"No, I have some black socks."  He gave him a sideways look.  "You're not too bad at the prophetic dreams, you know."

"Actually, I suck at them. Usually I get ones that give me road signs and questions to look at. These ones with orders aren't what I'm used to and I still don't know everything I should.  I need a map of all the temples."

"I can get you that.  We've got one in the archives."  Wrench went back to shining his shoes.  "Are you sure this is the right way to impress her?"

"Unless she's impressed more by dirty mice with dirty minds, yeah."

Wrench smirked.  "I can be one of those, but not tonight.  I was being suave when I met her."  The comm center beeped and he sighed.  "That's probably her canceling."  Throttle answered it, you could just hear his velvety smooth, yet slightly rough, voice.  Then someone knocked on the door.  "My date canceling?"

"She wanted to know if you'd like to go to the jump event tonight at the Remembrance Canyon."  He smirked.  "Just to watch of course."

"I can make it across there, I have in the past," he noted.  "Sure.  Should I dress up or not?" he asked Xander.  Xander shrugged.  "Nice jeans?"

"Yeah, borrow my black jeans and wear that shirt or my medium blue silk shirt.  A mix of nice and a bit dirty and down-home."  Throttle just looked confused. "I'm helping him get ready for tonight."

"Okay."  He went back to tell her.  "He's fussing over his outfit but he said that'd be fine," he offered with a small grin.  "Jeans are fine?"

"Yeah, that's fine.  I'm good with jeans most of the time."  She smirked at him. "How bad is he fussing?"

"He and my husband are diving into his closet at the moment."  She snickered at that.  "Xander used to live with a bunch of girls.  Sometimes he takes these moods."

She smiled. "A nice shirt and jeans is more than impressive for me."  She winked and signed off.

He made sure it was off on their end.  "Jeans and a nice shirt," he called.

"Sure, thanks," Xander called from Wrench's room.

Throttle walked that way, leaning in again.  "What's this about Sycresta?"

"I've got to go meet a bunch of the priests up there at one of the older temples," Xander told him.  "So I'm leaving early Sunday morning."

"Sure," Throttle agreed.  "Need help with your pack?"

Xander just grinned.  "Sure.  That way you can make sure I make a good impression."  He leered.  "Should I wear my older black leathers since they're stretched."

"I love you, babe, but I don't want you to fight every mouse on Mars."  He went back to look in Xander's closet, then decided it gave him a headache and went to find the pack first. He found a survivalist's pack, which already had a tent and a lot of canteens with it, and decided that was fine.  The supplies in it were more than good enough and another blanket would be okay in there.  Then he went to get Xander's usual riding clothes.  He'd need to be comfortable for the four day trip.  Xander came in and kissed him and replaced one of the outfits with something more formal, then added his cloak on top, then stole a deeper kiss and headed back to help Wrench once he found the shirt he was lending him tonight. "Those poor priests," Throttle moaned, blinking after his mate.  "They won't know what hit 'em."  He shook his head.

***

Wrench walked in and flopped down on Xander's other side.  "She said I looked cute."

"That's good in girl speak," Xander promised.

"Not on Mars," he complained.  He knew he was whining.  "I'm not a cute mouse.  Vic is a cute mouse."  Vic beamed at him.  "You are, kid."

Xander sighed and hugged him.  "I'm sure she was thinking cute in a more manly way, Wrench.  So, when do we get to meet her?"

"When she's well and truly mine," he complained, pushing him off.  "She liked your shirt more than me."

"So she was taking the opportunity to feel you up," Xander offered with a small grin.  "That's a good sign."

Wrench looked at him.  "How does playing with my sleeve mean she's feeling me up?"

"Easy, she was touching your arm.  She was probably stroking it over your muscles?"  Wrench nodded slowly.  "She was groping, man!  Why didn't you bring her home?"

"Her assistant said there's a problem at the new bike factory.  That's where Staff is by the way."  He slumped down some, looking at Charley as she came in.  "If a lady calls me cute, is that bad?"

She looked at him. "That depends, what was she doing at the time?"

"That was right before she leaned in to kiss me on the cheek and check out the fabric on my shirt by playing with my sleeve."

"Why didn't you bring her home?" she asked patiently.

"Because she had to deal with an emergency," he admitted with a small pout. "I'm going to lunch with her tomorrow."

"Picnic," Xander said slowly and clearly.

"I can't.  She's only got an hour," he complained.

"Good.  Bring her to the tasting tomorrow for the new club," Xander told him.  "Good food and free."  Wrench grinned at that.  "Plus, it's a nice, safe thing where she'll get to be a bit businessy but not totally because it'll be Momma and a few of the Councilors.  Repel and I will be there with Tag and Comet, and Racer if he's feeling bored.  It's part family dinner and part business lunch.  She can be the 'normal' citizen."

Wrench smiled and got up to make sure that was all right with her.  He grinned when she answered her bike's comm.  "I got us invited to the tasting tomorrow for Xander's new club, the stuff for the new kitchen.  Would that be okay? I didn't want to make that plan without checking.  It's free, but his mother-in-law is cooking.  So it's part business and part family."

She smiled.  "That would be fine, Wrench.  When and where?"

"The main building, maybe at....  Xander?"

"Two!"

"Two?" he offered.  She smiled and nodded.  "His mother-in-law is a very good cook."  He winked and cut the connection.  Then he grinned stupidly for a moment, enjoying the sensation before he wiped it and headed back to the living room.  "Okay, we're on."

"You might tell her," Throttle warned.

"She already knows there's going to be extra people there.  She's making enough for twenty people."  He grinned at him. "The rest is for dinner, which we're to be at."  Throttle nodded at that.  "Good!"  He beamed at Wrench. "Good work."

"Thanks. What'm I doing when you're gone?"

"You're allowed to raid my wardrobe," Xander assured him, patting him on the arm.  "You need to work out some more too."

"That's not who I really am," Wrench complained.  "I'm not a jock."

"You've still got to keep up in the studly family contest, cuz," Vinnie offered with a grin. "You and Xander can work out together."

"I need him to work on my hand-to-hand anyway," he admitted.   "Rivet is a lot better than I am," he complained.  "She's got that natural grace of the chosen and the strength."

"Yeah, Buffy has that too," Xander agreed, smirking at him.

"She's still an airhead."

"Well, yeah, at times," Xander agreed. "Sometimes she can be really focused though."

"Yeah, in the pursuit of chocolate," Vinnie joked.

Xander elbowed him.  "She's been serious in the past.  She's a living legend, she's allowed."

"If you say so."

"What are we doing tonight?" Throttle asked from behind his book.

"I thought we'd do something special for our first night of tv watching on Mars," Xander offered.  "Got anything in particular you want to watch?  Either that or someone has to go hook up the satellite dish so we can hit the edges of the Direct TV broadcast overflows."

"Is that legal?" Vinnie asked.

"I pay for it," he defended.  "I've got the box and decoder and everything."

"Sure, fine," Vinnie agreed.  "We get radio broadcasts, why not Direct TV."  He shook his head.  "Where is the dish?  I haven't seen it yet."

"Back on Earth.  It's in Oz's closet."  He grimaced.  "It'll be one of the things we're bringing back during our final trip this year.  So I need a list of what's missing and what'll be needed in the next twelve months for the storage cavern, Vinnie."

"You need some sanity," Vinnie said dryly.  "You bought more stuff than we could use in ten years!  I can't eat that much Spam!"

Xander stared at him for a moment.  "Why not?  It's a square hotdog."  Vinnie shuddered.  "That was more for the kids anyway," he noted patiently.  "Or maybe for donation.  I don't remember buying any Spam."

"You've got a case out there," Throttle assured him. "There's also a case of pork and beans.  A case of pinto beans, dried out of course."  Xander looked confused so he went to get the list and handed it over.  "That's what's out there."

Xander looked and snorted.  "Military supplies.  Micah must have donated."  He grinned and handed it back.  "That must mean that the rest of the stuff is still down there."

"We did end up leaving one of the supply cases," Vinnie admitted.  "What was in it?"  Xander just grinned.  "Will it go bad?"

"Not with how cold it was the last time we were down there," Xander assured him.  "Worry more about frozen stuff that shouldn't be."  He winked and got up, heading over to the DVD cabinet.  "Any choices?"

"Xander, we don't know half of what you bought," Throttle complained.  "Put in something you like and we'll complain if we don't."

Xander looked back at him, then looked over the available choices, his hand hovering over one selection.  Then he decided to put in a movie.  "There's a series after this one," he decided.  "Since it's about alien worlds and all that."  He slipped the disc into the player and sat down, turning it on when the menu came up.  He nudged Wrench.  "I think I'm going to be sent to be him," he hissed.  Wrench nodded a few times, then got up to make some popcorn.  He came back a few minutes later and handed over a bag then went back to get his from the microwave and sat down again.

"Hey, the Svandi," Vinnie said fondly, eating a handful of Xander's popcorn. "They're not too bad."

"Those are bad guys," Xander told him.

"Then they're probably based on the Vertga," Throttle offered.  He continued to watch, then nodded.  "Yup, the Vertga."  He reached around Vinnie to steal some popcorn, then went back to watching.  "This isn't too bad.  There's a series?"

"Yup."  Xander looked around Vinnie at his mate.  "They're real?"  Throttle nodded without looking.  "If I get turned into one suddenly, I'm going to have to whine at you, dear.  I'll look horrible in the Egyptian kilt."

"Why whine at me?" Throttle asked, looking amused.

"You didn't tell me they were real and that I could get possessed that way.  Especially when I'm going to some of the older temples to do stuff for my chosen one.  Am I going to run into a stargate?"

Throttle shook his head.  "I've never seen one."

"Good!  If I find one, I'm sending you one long rant of a call while I'm gone."

"You wouldn't be upset at having a symbiot?" Vinnie asked, looking confused.

"Hyena.  Soldier.  A few other notable dead people.  What's one more voice?" he complained lightly.  "I figure it'll get along with the others in me.  Besides, I'd have to be in a more equal relationship with it.  I've had to do that too many times in the past."

"So, let me get this straight," Wrench said, hitting the pause button on the remote.  "You wouldn't care or complain if you got a symbiot, but you'd complain because of the *clothes*?" he demanded.

"Well, yeah.  That's a dorky wardrobe and while I've had the dorkiest of dorky wardrobes, not even *I* could wear that and get away with it.  What remains of my innate manly fashion sense would scream in horror and I know Dawn would come up in a heartbeat to make me go shopping at Viccy's with her for the sin of wearing a kilt - especially such a girly looking kilt.  She did the last time I tried for Halloween and it was a horrifying price to pay for wearing a traditional Scottish kilt."  He shrugged.  "Besides, what's one more voice in my head?  Maybe this one'll have information I don't and can fill in some gaps, like with physics and stuff. You're supposed to get a bunch of information right up front and I'll be more than able to keep it at bay now and then."

"Point," he admitted, "but not much of one."  He just stared at Xander.  "You're way too odd and that says something coming from me," he decided finally.

Xander just grinned.  "You say the sweetest things.  Now, turn it back on so I know when to complain to Throttle about getting another voice in my head."

Wrench turned back on the movie, then looked down at Throttle.  "There's not really any Stargates, right?"  He shook his head quickly.  "You're sure?"

"Quite. They also don't fly in pyramid-shaped ships.  We won't have to worry about Xander and symbiots."

"You know, Micah said he's got a Pentagon liaison with a super secret military project," Xander offered.

"I've just reached that point where I don't want to know," Vinnie decided, looking over at Xander, then covering his mouth with his hand.  "No more, Xander.  Please."  He nodded, grinning at him.  "Thanks."

"I'm guessing some of the nicer ones of them landed," Throttle offered with a small shrug.  "We really should send him our fact file of other alien races."  Vinnie nodded at that, then covered his mouth with a hand too, then used his tail to restart the movie.

Charley snickered from her seat, grinning at him.  At least until Staff ran through the house behind them and right to a bathroom to get sick.

Xander got free and stopped the movie, going to check on her.  He tapped gently on the door, then walked in to help her by moving her hair out of the way.  "Hey, Staff, are you all right?" he asked gently.  She nodded.  "Should I call Enamel?"  She glared at him between bouts.  "I doubt it's anything but morning sickness, sweetheart."  He got her some water once she was done then went to find Enamel, since he was in the kitchen it was easy.  "Would you please come check on your newest patients?" he asked quietly. "That's the fourth time Staff's made the mad-run-for-the-bathroom dash."  Enamel finished his sandwich and followed him back to the bathroom.  "Here he is.  He can see if it's a problem or not."

"I'm fine," Staff moaned.  "I know I am."

"Good."  Enamel took a bite of his sandwich then picked her up, putting her on the counter while he chewed.  He finally swallowed by the time he was done examining her.  "Congrats."  She sighed and nodded.

Xander tweaked her nose. "He'll be so happy!"

"Yeah, but I start work next month," she complained.

"So? You can't work while you're pregnant?"

"Do you think he'll let me?"

"His momma will have him seeing sense," Enamel promised.  "After all, she worked while she had him and Cell."  He put the small disc on her stomach, looking at the display.  Then he tapped a few things, frowning greatly as he reran the tests.  "I'll be damned.  I knew I was right."

"About...." Xander asked.

"Viagra makes female mice drop an extra egg," he said.  He looked at Staff, who looked really pale for a gray mouse.  She was quickly approaching the white mouse shades.

"Twins?" she squeaked.

"Triplets," he said, looking very serious.   She burst out in a wail of misery, which brought Modo running.  He looked at the big man.  "Congrats."

"Another one?" he asked, looking happy.  "What's wrong, Staff?" he soothed, cuddling her to his chest.  "It's all right.  I'll stay home if I need to," he offered, stroking her back.  "Is something wrong?" he asked when they continued to stare at him.

Enamel nodded, but Xander answered.  "The viagra she's taking to stop those little bumps made her release more than one egg, big guy."

"So, twins?" he asked with a grin.  "I'm sure they'll be better than Primer's two."

"Triplets," Enamel told him.  "A set of identical twins and an extra one."  Modo looked stunned, then passed out with a loud crash.

"Well, I guess I'm fixing the sink before we go to Momma's tomorrow," Xander offered dryly, staring at the little pieces now scattered around.  The others ran in and he held up a hand.  "Just a giant shock, guys.  He's fine.  I never knew happy news could make someone break and pass out, but that's okay too."  He looked at Enamel.  "She's okay, right?"  He nodded and grabbed his sandwich, walking off with it.  He looked at Staff, who was down there trying to wake him up, then at the others.  He grinned.  "She's pregnant."

"Cool," Vinnie said slowly.  "Why did Modo pass out?  I've known him nearly forever and he's never passed out before."

"He's having a Modo the second, third, and fourth," Xander told him.

It took a moment for Vinnie to catch the meaning, then he too slid to the floor.

"Triplets, whoa," Throttle said, looking impressed. "How?  That's almost unheard of."

"Enamel said Viagra makes girl mice drop an extra egg," Xander said with a shrug.  He grinned.  "So, all three little gray Mini-Modo's will be wonderful and great.  Staff, should we carry him to bed for you?"

She shook her head. "It'll be fine.  He should probably be in here in case he needs a damp cloth or something."  She looked up at him.  "You can't tell his mother."

"Sure," he agreed, grinning at her.  "He'd better do it before I leave on Sunday though."  Then he picked up Vinnie and walked out with Throttle after him.  He grinned at Charley as she came out with Tag.  "It's triplets."  She nearly dropped the baby, staring at him.  "Modo's having a Modo the second, third, and fourth."

She clutched the baby, hugging him tightly.  "Any idea why?"

"Viagra."  He put Vinnie down in his bed, then took the babies and went to watch his movie some more.  He found Wrench staring at the frozen picture. "Thanks, man.  Here, have Magnet."  He sat down to let the babies cuddle on them, smiling as Throttle took their picture from the doorway.  "We should show that to Taver."  He nudged him and grinned.  "It proves you're good with babies and innocents."

"I'm not sure she cares about kids.  We've only had the one date," he noted.

Xander grinned. "I have faith. You came home so happy."  He kissed him on the cheek.  "Babe, we could use a bottle."

"Us too but we don't usually drink," Throttle complained, going to get the babies bottles.  Three baby Modos at once.  "Well, at least they'll be polite and calm babies," he decided.  "Maybe they'll calm Primer's twins down."  He took the bottles back to the lounge and handed them over, then cuddled up beside his son and mate.  Comet was staring at her uncle for now. "No more for a while, right?" he prompted his mate.

"No, dear, I think we'll have enough babies until you're ready," he promised, kissing him then grinning.  "Watch with me. I'm not sure which Daniel I like better.  This one or the one in the series."

"They switched Daniels?" Wrench asked.  "Why?"

"Because James Spader doesn't really do network tv most of the time.  I guess.  Not a clue why," he admitted, shrugging a bit.  "Just enjoy him, Wrench.  For he is eye candy."

Throttle carefully took the babies and put them aside, then hauled his mate up so he could carry him into the bedroom.  He slammed that door and tossed Xander on the bed, proving to him once again that he was the only needed eye candy and any other candy too.

Wrench shook his head.  "Man, three baby Modos," he said in awe.  "Wow.  His momma's gonna flip when she hears."

***

Modo looked at his mother across the comm.  "Momma, would you come out for dinner tonight?" he asked.

"Is there news?" she asked, smiling at Staff since she was clinging to her son's arm.  She had been very cuddly the last time she had been pregnant too.  She had been even more cuddly than Xander if she remembered right.  "I can come out for lunch."

"No, Momma.  Stay there for lunch.  Come out for dinner," Modo said with a small grin.  "Go ahead and invite Cell too if you want."

"Of course, son.  What news is there?  Good news I hope?" she hinted.

"You'll have to wait to find out," he ordered, grinning at her and signing off.  Then he picked up his lady and took her to their room to celebrate with her again.

"Modo, I'm still sore," she complained.

He grinned. "I'll be real gentle," he promised.

Outside in the garden, Xander went back to shining his bike, grinning at those two.  He looked up as another bike came his way, smiling at the woman getting off.  "Hey, Taver.  Wrench is in the garage."

"Thank you.  I know we're supposed to have lunch today but I got off early."

"Sure.  Have him give you the tour," he offered in his most gentlemanly fashion.  "I planned the house using all water-saving appliances and bathroom stuff.  I'm very proud of my designs."

"Sure."  She headed where he pointed, finding her date doing a tune up in a muscle shirt, flexing his arms as he tightened some bolt.  She wiped the drool off before he saw it and walked closer.  "Did she spring a leak?"

He jumped and stared up at her, then stuttered a bit.  He finally shook his head.  "No," he offered gently.  "No, she's good, just needed some sand cleaned out around her engine.  Am I late?"  She smiled and shook her head. "You're sure?"

"I'm quite sure," she promised, walking over to kiss him on the cheek. "You've got a spot of grease," she offered, pointing at it for him. "There."  He wiped it off with a shy grin.  She felt her stomach clench and looked at his bare arms, stroking one.  "That shirt last night didn't show off how impressive you are."

"You should see him doing his hand-to-hand, he stunned me," Vinnie said as he walked his son out.  "We're heading for a ride."

"Go Grandmommas?" Vic asked.

Vinnie looked down at his son.  "You can speak in full sentences.  Quit using the baby talk."

"Momma likes it," he defended.

Vinnie picked him up to nuzzle noses with him.  "I don't."  Vic grinned at that.  "We'll let you head out with Xander tonight, son.  They're going to his momma's for dinner."  He beamed at that and nodded.  "For right now, we're going to pick out a spot for the new bike course.  Call your bike the way you're supposed to."  His son grinned and whistled, bringing his bike out of the corner.  Vinnie got down to help him rewind the cord, then got his son settled on.  "Helmet," he said firmly.  "It's the second law of the land, son.  You don't even want to know what your momma would scream if you didn't wear one."  Vic got off his little bike and got his helmet, then came back and climbed back on, revving his engine and taking off to play in the sun for a few minutes.  Vinnie sniffled, watching his son.  "He's so great!"  He hugged Wrench.  "Some year your first kid can have his bike."  He hopped onto his bike and headed out with his son, watching him ride.  "Very good, son," he called when the kid avoided a pothole instead of trying to go through it.

"Fank you.  Can we see Spikey today?"

"We'll see, son," he said with an amused and fond grin for him.   "Maybe we can talk Stoker into letting him come out."  Vic beamed and went a bit faster.  "Not out of my sight, son!" he called after him, speeding up.  His son was so like him at that age!  Always going fast!  Loving the ladies and his bros!  It was so great!

Wrench looked at his lady and gave her another shy grin.  "Sorry.  Vinnie wants to make sure his son isn't the next Highest."  She burst out in giggles and kissed him on the cheek, so he kissed her for real.  "Let me change."

"Can't you go like that?"

He grinned.  "Throttle's momma might object.  I think I've got something nice enough though."  She smiled and let him finish tightening that bolt and put back on the covering and bolt it back in place before he walked her inside.  "Go ahead and get a drink.  I need to clean up so I don't get you greasy."  He walked off, mentally slapping himself for saying that, blushing a lot.

She blushed too but she could see that.  He came out ten minutes later dressed in a skin- tight t-shirt and jeans that left nothing to the imagination.  She forgot to wipe the drool this time.  "Do you get to wear that often?" she asked plaintively.

He grinned and nodded.  "Whenever I'm not being official.  My official robes are a bit more loose, but I've got hand-to-hand practice with Xander this afternoon and then we're working on Vinnie's birthday party.  It's Saturday if you wanted to come," he offered. He took her hand and kissed the back of it.  "With you by my side, not only would I glow with the edges of your radiance, but I'd be the most envied mouse in my clan once they saw you for you are beauteous and perfect in every way I know how to count."  She blushed at that and he slipped on his sunglasses.  "Sorry, sometimes I break out in poetry.  I'm not the little punk I used to be, now I'm much more knowledgeable and smarter.  Shall we?  We can use the extra time for a leisurely ride.  I'm sure you could use the stress break.  You looked a bit tense earlier."  He kissed her gently again, then smiled.  "Sorry, had to. You're like a drug."

She pulled him closer, raping his mouth with her kiss.  He moaned and clutched her and she pulled back to look at him.  "I like you.  No more dancing, no more flirting needed."

"That's just me, babe," he offered with another shy grin.  "Ask Xander or Vinnie if you don't believe me."

"It is," Xander called.  "I'd come in but I've got Magnet and she's filthy."

"It's fine, Xander.  I've got nieces."  He brought in the baby, making her wince at the mud.  "Did a line break?"

"She was in the greenhouses helping Throttle plant some seedlings and wet down the bag of potting soil, then got down to play in it," he sighed, carrying her past them into the bathroom.  "Sorry."

"That's okay.  That's what kids do," Wrench noted dryly.   "Vinnie and I used to be able to find mud anywhere on Mars.  We had internal mud sensing radar."  Taver laughed at that, swatting him on the arm. He unconsciously flexed at that and grinned at her.  "We did.  That and we had this horrible habit of wandering off. Vinnie swears he found one of the ancient cave mice."  He grinned at that.  "He still does.  Shall we?"

"Please."  He handed her another rootbeer with a wink.  "It won't deprive anyone?"

"Xander did some shopping on earth for the year.  We've got plenty.  Vinnie's in charge of that and he's already complaining."  He walked her out, taking her back to her bike, his bike following.  He got on once she was seated, then put on his helmet.  His bike wiggled and he looked down.  "Hey, a creeper," he said, casually shooting it then pocketing his laser again. "Sorry.  Bad former habits."

"It's not a problem.  Do the cats I saw hunt those?" she asked as she pulled up beside him.  He nodded.  "Aren't those things poisonous?"

"Not to the cats. No one's ever said if they're poisonous to any partial mice."

"Like Vic?" she asked quietly.  He nodded, staring her down, she could feel it.  "It doesn't matter to me.  He found love and that's special," she said quietly.  He relaxed and nodded. "I'm wondering what other things Xander is."

"He used to be human.  Willow, my spirit antagonist, got him."  She looked surprised at that.  "I'll tell you while we ride," he offered.  She nodded, following him out of the compound.  By the time they got to Momma's, she was fully clued in on the whole family, down to the triplets and Dawn.   She smiled when they got there and kissed him on the cheek again.  He grinned at her.  "What was that for?"

"For being the normal one among the insanity that Xander brought into everyone's life," she said with a wink.  He burst out laughing and hugged her as hard as he could.  "You're *very* strong," she offered with a smile.

"I've got to keep in shape.  Want to help me look at the new building and temple tonight?"  She smiled and nodded.  "Cool.  Momma, can we come in yet?" he called.

"Get your tails in here," she called back.  She looked surprised at the young woman.  "You brought an independent taster?" she asked, pinching Wrench's cheek.

He blushed and nodded.  "This is Taver.  We had a date for lunch and Xander suggested your table."  Momma laughed and shooed them off to the living room.  "You're sure you don't mind?"

"Not in the least.  A more normal opinion would carry more weight with the fussy councilors from other cities, Wrench.  Where is Xander?"

"Getting Magnet clean.  She decided to make mud and roll around in it," Taver said, sitting down delicately.

"Sweetie, my son can bounce around on everything in here and so can my grandchildren.  Be yourself.  It makes you more attractive.  I've got to go stir."  She headed back into the kitchen.

Wrench grinned at his date.  "Xander loans me clothes all the time.  She'd probably have told me to go change too."

"I liked you in that shirt.  It was soft and subtle, plus it made your eyes stand out," she promised, kissing him on the cheek again.  "I've never been courted before, Wrench.  Take it easy on my poor ego."

He pulled her closer to kiss her for real again, giving back as good as she gave earlier.  "You never have to fear for yourself, your safety, or your love with me," he whispered against her lips.  She shivered and nodded, settling back into her seat.  He grinned at her. "How did you get away early?"

"Staff had morning sickness all over the meeting this morning.  It made others sick so I got to escape early."  She smiled.  "It's great she's having another one."

"Punch is a sweetheart.  She's very polite and delicate.  Though she will beat the snot out of Primer's twins if they need it.  Then again, it's pleasing to watch and Racer cheers her on something fierce whenever she does it."  Taver chuckled at that and Momma came back out.  "You can't tell his momma yet, he's going to announce it tonight, but Staff's pregnant again."  She squealed and hugged him.  "They're not mine, momma."

She swatted his arm.  "I knew that.  What is it?"

"A mini Modo the second, third, and fourth," he said dryly.  She stared, simply stared.  He nodded and grinned.  "That Viagra stuff she's taking for that condition made her drop an extra egg and twins do run in the family."

"Well," she said fondly, grinning at him.  "At least Xander will have plenty of children around to spoil horribly."  She swatted him again.  "Did you two need anything?"

"No, but can we help?" Taver asked.

"No, dear, I've got to prove to the Councils that I can do this on my own," she offered with a small wink.

"Ya see, in Xander's upcoming club, he wants to add a kitchen that'll serve food for a ration coupon," Wrench told her.  "Momma here's going to be the chef.  They're looking her and her cooking over to make sure it's enough food for a full ration coupon and what her menus would be like."

"I like that idea.  I can't cook a bit," Taver admitted.  "I always end up short of ration coupons by the end of the week buying prepared stuff.  My dinner on Friday is usually something like a raw vegetable."  She looked up at her. "How many meals a day, ma'am?"

"Just the one for now, dear.  Since it's a club it'd be dinner. He might be open to expanding it at a later date, but we're not sure yet.  We're still getting permission to do it this way since ration coupons are so fiercely guarded.  I know my baby boy can't cook at all.  He'd starve if it weren't for Xander."  She bustled back into the kitchen as more bikes started up the road to her house. "Let them in, Wrench, and please be nice."

"Of course," he called, "I'm always nice, even to politicians."  He opened the door and nodded Stoker inside.  "Taver's here as well," he offered when the older mouse came up the walkway.  "He said to invite her," he offered at the amused look.  "We're the normal people vote."  He got out of the way.  "Taver, this is Stoker.  He used to ride my tail all the time."  He sat down next to her, smiling at the odd look he got.  "Thank you for allowing me to use my housing coupon for the new building."

"Not an issue, kid.  If we hadn't, you'd be out with Xander all the time.  Then I'd get bothered by Rivet's kids more.  They're coming to Anya for advice on how to decorate the house."  He sat down, looking toward the kitchen.  "You're getting ten councilors total, momma, plus these two freeloaders and whoever else Xander invites."

"As far as I know it's just him," Taver offered.  "He never said the others were coming."  She looked outside at the sound of a deep, purring engine.  "Damn," she said in awe.  "That's his bike?"

Wrench nodded.  "Yeah, it sometimes makes us feel less than manly, but his boy's a good bike.  A lot like Xander, a lover and a warrior when necessary, but kinda shy and lazy now and then."

"And then there's his odd moments," Stoker said dryly.  "You've got to watch out for those."

"I manage them very well, thank you," Wrench said firmly, staring him down from behind his glasses.  Xander walked in wearing his leathers and he took off his sunglasses to look at him more clearly.  "Why are you wearing those?"

"So I can go for a long ride later," he said cockily.  He walked into the kitchen and kissed Momma on the cheek.  "Are you ready?" he asked quietly.

She patted him on the cheek.  "Of course I am, dear.  How's that poor dear, Staff?"

"Puking," he said with a grin. She squealed and hugged him.  "Triplets," he whispered in her ear.  She just beamed and nodded.  "Enamel said that viagra stuff makes you guys drop an extra egg."

"You are one of us, son."

"Yeah, but I'm not a girl," he teased.  He let her go.  "You're sure?"

"I'm sure!  Go!  Shoo!"

Xander walked back into the living room.  He grinned at all the people waiting around.  "Hi, guys.  Welcome to my mother-in-law's house.  For those who don't know, I'm a Xander mouse."

One of the female councilors looked at him.  "You're a partial mouse?"  He nodded.  "Born?"

"Made actually.  You'd have to ask Wrench how Willow did it."  He grinned sweetly.  "Now then, I'm sure you know why you're all here, besides lunch.  Momma?"  She came out wiping her hands on a towel.  "Maybe you want to tell them about the shopping and stuff?"

"Sure."  She patted him on the back.  "I don't know why you wore those today, Xander."

"I'm going for a ride later, then I'm beating up on Wrench for practice," he defended.  "Since I like Wrench a lot I had to get into the mood to whip his tail."  Then he grinned sweetly at her.  "All in a good cause of course."

"I'm sure it is," Stoker agreed.  "We never could teach him the official methods the rest of us used."

"Oh, get over it, old man," Wrench said, scowling at him.  "I could whip your tail then and I can now."  He grinned at Momma.  "He's sorry he's so rude and grumpy today.  I'm guessing Spike interrupted them again."  Taver snickered and hid her face in his arm, allowing him to pull her closer and put that around her while she giggled.

Momma rolled her eyes.  "I don't know why I got cursed with the clan VanWham," she muttered.  Then she smiled at them again.  "Sorry, they're in a playful mood."  The others nodded at that.  "Anyway, I traded Racer, who is Modo's little brother by adoption, for ten of his ration coupons.  I traded food out so his family won't go hungry and I got it from Xander's stores before anyone asks.  He agreed to it and the kid's looking forward to eating with us more often since the twins are driving him nuts again."  She smiled at them.  "The only extra thing I took was some herbs and spices which aren't readily available up here but which Xander thoughtfully got me a few months back.  Since I have pounds of them, I'm doubting they're going to run out anytime in the near future."  That got some smiles and nods.  "Now, everything I'm fixing today was done with nine and a half of those ration coupons and I gave the other half one back so they could get something nice for the twin's birthdays today."  Xander groaned and held his head.  "Did you forget?"  He nodded.  "Just appear, that'll be enough."

"Not after I gave Vic, Healer, and Crankshaft their bikes," he said, looking over at her.  "I'll think of something."  He sank down beside Wrench, looking at Taver.  "They're here as the normal people opinion."

"That's fine," Stoker agreed.  "What sort of food are we talking, Momma?"

"Some stews and the like.  I was going to give you enough to taste everything while a full plate was put out.  Xander can have that later because he knows how well I cook already."  She smiled at them.  "Did you want to eat in here or at the table?"

"The table would probably be easier," one of them noted, standing up.  "May we help?"

"Don't worry about it, you're a guest.  Xander."  He got up and went to help her dish up sample bowls of everything while she loaded the full versions for their viewing.  He carefully carried the prepared trays out, setting them on the table with forks and spoons while she carried out each individual overfilled plate for the viewing.  He was so nervous he was bouncing again so it was safer that way.  "Here you are, come eat, dears.  The tasting portion should be more than a filling lunch.  Whatever's left my boys will eat tonight with the kids."

Stoker sat down in his usual spot and the rest gathered around, Wrench and Xander getting a few extra chairs.  "Looks good, Momma."

"You've known her for a while?" the female councilor asked.

He nodded. "This is Throttle's Momma.  She used to bring us all dinner now and then. She and Modo's momma used to take over the mess every once in a while to make sure we ate real food."

"I had to, you weren't eating," she said, pinching him on the ear.  "How's Anya?  Last I heard she was frustrated with a drawing."

"She still is.  She broke her favorite blue crayon."

"I've got new packs of crayons and markers, just like she asked for her school," Xander said patiently from his seat in the corner.  "There's a whole case of crayons, markers, colored pencils, and paper stuff for them somewhere."

"Thanks, Xander.  You're making my little artist feel very appreciated."  He dug into the first bowl.  "Hmm, Momma, spicy.  Were you cooking with Switch again?"

She chuckled.  "Well, that one is a bit spicy, as is the red one, Stoker, but now and then that's good for you.  I can make it more subtle.  I made it for myself and Xander really.  I can easily cut the spices in half or less."

The others ate and nodded, sipping the rootbeers Xander went out and brought back. "I think you're right," one of the foreign councilors noted.  "We need our own bottling plant soon."  Stoker nodded at that.  He finished his bowl and covered his mouth while he burped.  "Well, that part was excellent and more filling than what I had for lunch yesterday."  He looked at the full plate version and just stared in awe.  "That's more food than I had yesterday."  Most of the other councilors looked at that too, then most of them nodded, finishing up.  A few pushed theirs aside after another few bites and finished their sodas.  Those were put into one bowl and handed to Xander, who just beamed at her. "You like spicy food?"

"Now and then.  I grew up around where three major spicy food traditions merged on Earth," he admitted, eating heartily.  "I'm also the one who introduced Switch to hot peppers."

"Which I'd still like to kill you for," Stoker said with a grin.  "Do you know what it's like to kiss your girl and suddenly have to rush for the sink because she just ate something that hot?"

"Rinse and spit," Xander advised with a grin. He finished off his and Momma brought out the next one.  "I didn't know you were making the pork stuff, momma.  You should have told me.  I've got those canned tomatoes."

"I know, dear.  I stole a can from you last week."  She looked at them and smiled.  "It's not in this version of the dish since it's not found locally."  She put the full plate version down and they all stared, but dug in. Everyone but one person finished that one.  She looked at him then went into the bathroom, coming out with a familiar pink bottle.  "Take a swig of that.  It'll help those stomach problems."  He nodded, taking a large gulp, then making a face.  "Five minutes before you can eat or drink."

He nodded.  "That's fine.  It's already working.  I will sit out of the other spicy dish however."

"It won't hurt once you've taken Pepto," Xander promised.  "You can have that bottle too. I've got the family sized one she can steal at home."  He nodded, tucking that into his pocket.  "It's for upset tummies and lots of stuff.  It's even mostly safe on kids.  Vic made Vinnie use a lot of it since he was born."  That got some snickering.  "He's out riding with him right now, Stoker."

"I saw."  He looked at the plate.  Five pieces of meat with the sauce around it but not on top.  "Any veggies with this one, Momma?  Not that it's not filling."

"For the single ration coupon, no.  For the full meal, including dessert, for two coupons, yes."  She went to get some of that stuff and put it out.  "These sides go with nearly everything and they're good to last for a few days.  Again, still part of that nine and a half coupons I used.  Even the dessert."

They all looked and one person stole one of the cookies, then grinned at her.  "These are good.  My momma used to make good cookies too."

"It's something that'll make people feel younger and happier," she pointed out. "It'll give them a few minutes to relax and remember."  He nodded, finishing that one.  "Now, the next one is another spicy one, but it's the last."  She handed out those bowls, swatting Xander's hand.  "No, dear.  Throttle said you couldn't have any of this today because you were so naughty last night."

"I was a saint last night," he defended, taking his bowl.  "He can spank me if he wants, but I was a good boy.  I shared my bath with him, I gave Charley girl a backrub, and I teased Wrench to no end."  He grinned at those two.  "So?"

"I like this," Taver admitted, eating quickly.  "I like a bit of spice now and then myself.  How many of these would you be offering a night?"

"Probably two or three different things," she admitted.  "They'll keep for two days so I'll make a batch and use it up.  I figure one meat dish, one each of the soups or stews maybe.  The sides can be rotated out and some are cold so we could just keep them there since Xander did bring up a fridge."

"How much power does it use?"

"A lightbulb's worth every day," Xander told her.  She looked impressed at that.  "Everything I brought up from earth for my compound and for the club is energy and water efficient.  Even the hottub can recycle the water so it's clean and ready for use the next time without having to refill each and every time you use it."  She nodded at that and he grinned. "It's an indulgence, but my back needs it some days.  Plus we share among the whole family, including Momma and members of Vinnie's clan.  I walked out this morning and found cousins I didn't know I had out there."  Wrench snickered at that.  "Who were they?"

"Auntie Tireiron's kids," he admitted.  "VanWham's by marriage since she just married into the clan."

"Fine.  As long as they don't make it a habit."  Wrench shook his head. Then the door was opened and they all looked.  "Hey, Vinnie, hey, Vic."  Vic ran in and gave him a hug and stole his lunch.  "Hungry, little guy?"

"We stopped in to get a bandaid before his momma saw his scrapes," Vinnie admitted, giving Momma one of those pathetic, sheepish looks.  "I didn't mean to intrude, Momma."

"Sit your tails down and eat," she demanded.  She went to get him a set of testing bowls too, handing him Vic when she brought them out.  "You could have just shown up."  She looked at Vic's arm, then took him off to clean him up.  She handed him over and went to clean her hands then bring out the next dish.

"Can I have the big plate?" Vic asked, drooling at the sight of his favorite dish.

"Later, dear," she promised.  He nodded and dug into his little bowl.  Everyone was staring at him so he scowled back.  "I'm a growing mouse, I need food, my momma said so!" he defended, licking his bowl.  Vinnie handed over his and his son beamed at him.  "Fank you, daddy."  He dug in, eating happily.

"If you had gotten up for breakfast, you could have had french toast," Xander said dryly.  Vic pouted at him. "Next time, get up in the mornings."  Vic nodded and sighed, then stuck his finger in the bigger plate, getting a swat for it from his daddy, who he glared at.  "Later, Vic.  We're showing them how good Momma cooks."

"Fine, I wait," he whined.  Momma added more to his little bowl with a wink and went back to get the next one.

"I'm already full," Taver noted, stealing a cookie to nibble on.  "You could offer it like this every now and then, call it the bottom of the pot's scrapings night, and I'd come to eat all the time."

"I do come to her to eat, a lot," Stoker admitted.  "Switch isn't always the best of cooks."  The others laughed at that. He looked at Xander.  "We had to ground Crankshaft from her bike already.  She refused to come in last night.  I'm sure by now she's snuck off on it."  He nodded, smirking at him.  "You saw her?"

"In the market, she was heading for where Modo's momma was teaching."

"Oh, good.  At least she went somewhere there's reasonable people who will watch her."

"She also had the smaller dog on behind her."

"Ah.  I wondered where he was."  He shook his head. "He's still following me to work nearly every day."

"It happens.  They're very loving dogs," Xander reminded him with a grin.  "Need help training the other one?"

"No, we're good on that," he noted.  "He's well trained.  He likes to fetch Crankshaft."  Then he grinned at Momma as more food was put in front of him.  "Momma, I think Taver's going to burst."

"Nonsense.  She's much too thin and overworked," she said firmly, handing her the bigger bowl.  "Eat it all, dear. Especially if you're going to watch Xander and Wrench spar."  She went back into the kitchen and drug out a few more things plus that full plate.  She handed over more cans of rootbeer too.  "This is what's called a casserole on Earth.  That's got beef, potatoes, and some veggies in it.  Xander's version has cheese but he knows the rest of us won't eat it."  They all nodded and dug in, most of them moaning at it.  She smiled.  "It's so easy too.  You stuff the dish, put on a crust, then put it in the oven.  It's a wonderful thing."  She went to get more stuff, bringing those out.  "These are the last few dishes I prepared."  She set down each one beside someone.  "Then you can help yourselves to the sides and desserts if you want."

"I'm going to burst," one councilor noted, but he kept eating.  "You really got all this for nine and a half?"

"The raw ingredients are cheaper and I do haggle nicely," she offered with a smile.  "As for any extra ones, we'd save them up for use at the club, and if we got too large a stockpile would probably donate them to a school or one of the orphanages."

"Actually, as far as I'm concerned, the orphans can come in and eat for free," Xander told her.  "I leave any other starving mice up to you but I won't see a kid go hungry," he said when she looked at him.  "That's the only rule I'm making about your kitchen, momma."

"Of course, dear. I understand. You're very good to all children and animals."  She kissed him on the top of the head and sat down to nibble on her own dishes.

Vic beamed.  "Tacos!"  He dug into his then blatantly stole his father's and Stoker's.  Stoker just shook his head so he grinned at him. "I'm cute."

"You're definitely Vinnie's son," he said dryly, smirking at the father.  Who only nodded and beamed back.

Xander coughed.  "Ask."

"Sorry.  Stoker, may I please steal off your plate?" Vic asked as he ate the taco.

"Sure, kid.  If you're that hungry, go ahead.  I'm full anyway."  Vic kissed him on the cheek, giving him a little nuzzle, then went back to stuffing his face.

"What meat was this taco thing made with?" the touchy-stomach councilor asked.

"That new herd beast someone's raising," she admitted.  "It's not too expensive and it about mimics beef perfectly.  This one would be more rare, it's a bit of a chore to get everything ready but fairly simple to fix.  It's meant to feed a lot of people at once."  They all nodded and ate that, one of them coughing and putting his down.  "Problems?"

"I can't eat that meat stuff," he said, then started to gulp his soda.

Momma got up and got him something, handing it over. "He said someone might be allergic to it," she offered, fretting a bit.  He took the pill with the last of his soda and she got him another one.  "You might feel a bit sleepy but that's for allergies like this.  I'm sorry about that, dear."

"It's not a problem, ma'am.  It's happened in the past," he admitted with a small smile.  "Can you adopt me too?"

"We'll see, but you'd have to be closer.  Throttle needs to be around more of his family more often.  Or else Xander will drive him to naughtiness by being a bored mouse."

"Not with the kids in the family," Xander said dryly.  "Oh, Momma, and gee, did I just sound like Modo, I'm being sent to talk to some of the other priests for a few days," he told her. She smiled at him.  "Starting Sunday.  So you can have Vinnie and Throttle oversee the refinishing of the club.  Or you can if you're bored and want to go bother the people putting in your kitchen."  She kissed him on the cheek and sat down to eat some more.  "I'm not sure how long I'm going to be gone, but I should be back by the time the club's ready to open in a month."

"Of course, dear.  What are you doing until then?"

"I think puzzles.  Putting some things back together again.  I'm not really sure yet."  Wrench nodded.  "Am I headed for the one near Omega City?"

"No.  Throttle said he'd find Othra and beat him senseless if you had to get into that many fights," Wrench assured him.  He finished off his lunch with a grin for the councilor from that area.  "It was thought that since Xander's not a full mouse, some of your residents might not like him working at the temple out there for a bit."

"No, I agree, we've got some militant mice out that way and they all gather in one portion of the city.  It's wise to think of such things," he told Xander.  "You dedicated yourself to Othra?"

He nodded.  "With my past, it made more sense.  Plus I found a temple to his son in Sunnydale.  I used to spend a lot of time in there when I needed some comfort and reassurance.  It was always welcoming to me.  That's why I didn't really freak when I met the bros in Chicago.  Or when I turned into a mouse."  Willow faded in and he glared at her so she faded back out.  "Your assistant is back."

"She does that now and then," Wrench noted dryly.  "Willow, please go find wherever you put my blue shirt?" he called.

"Nope.  Not happenin'.  You keep giving us freaky shivery chills whenever you wear it and we don't want to think about you that way, Wrench."

"It's good to know that you can make those on the astral plane hot too," Xander offered with a grin.

"They were staring at you while you did the construction stuff too," he pointed out dryly.

"Are you one of Othra's too?" the female councilor asked.

"No, I'm the Highest of the M'dreth."  She looked shocked and he grinned.  "This is informal and I'm not that stuffy or monastic.  Around the family I'm just Wrench."  He looked at Xander. "Unless someone nearly gets the bikes possessed again."

"Hey, I protected the bikes," he defended.  "I sent them away from the possessed car when it tried to jump into them."  He reached over to steal a cookie.  "Finish up, people, I know you're busy folks and I'm sure someone somewhere is screaming to know where you are."  He grinned at the group.  "I know Stoker's assistant is probably fending off Carbine already."

"Probably Exhaust," he admitted dryly, taking his own cookie and splitting it with the kid next to him since Vinnie was giving him such a pathetic look.

"I haven't eaten this well in months," Taver noted as she leaned back.  "Momma, you're one hell of a cook. You whip tail in the kitchen."  That got her smiled at.  "If I continue to date Wrench, will you feed me more often?"

"I'd hope you dated him for other reasons, dear," she said firmly, staring the young executive down.  The girl shivered and nodded.  "Then I'll gladly feed you now and then." She smiled and the girl relaxed. "Of course, if you hurt him, I'm siccing Xander and Vinnie on you."

Taver looked at the two white mice, then her white mouse.  "I won't ever hurt you on purpose."

He grinned and kissed her.  "Thanks.  Vinnie, Xander, butt out of our lives."

"Sure, cuz," Xander offered with a lazy grin. "But I still get to dress you now and then.  Otherwise the seal will have you wearing my white leathers soon."

Vinnie moaned.  "Not those, please?" he pleaded.

"They wouldn't fit him as well anyway, Vinnie.  Relax."

"I've never seen you in those," Wrench noted.

"That's because Throttle confiscated them," Vinnie said firmly.  "He put them on to go clubbing and Throttle wouldn't let him out of their room in them. Xander made it upstairs to complain but we thought he was naked.  They match his fur exactly and they're fur- tight.  The only way we knew he wasn't really naked was because we couldn't see his spots."

"If I ask, would you take me where you shop and let me go insane?" Wrench asked.

"I'd never get anything done if you wore leather that tight," Taver said, staring him down.  "I don't need impressed more, Wrench."

He grinned.  "Thanks.  I just want to help him go shopping. It's fun watching Throttle lose his mind slowly as each new leather outfit is pulled out and tried on."

"He still doesn't like the blue leather shorts outfit," Xander said as he finished his meal and grinned at his mother-in-law. "You've seen them.  Is there anything wrong with that outfit?  The shorts are schoolboy shorts, but otherwise I think it's cute!"

"Xander, the more you tease my son, the more he wants to pounce," she noted patiently.  "Him pouncing you that often means he won't sleep and then I'll get him on the couch again.  Try to tease him more gently, dear."

"I do try but sometimes he deserves it.  Besides, they're comfy."

"Are you going to be the Martian version of that guy in the silk pajamas on Earth?" Taver teased.

"Well, I could be the next Hef, but I think my family might object," he offered with a grin.

"Yes, we would," Vinnie said firmly.  "A lot and loudly."

"So you see, I can't.  My butt would end up spanked and not in a good way," he finished.

Vinnie gave him his most sweet grin.  "You mean like tonight?"

"I'm foreseeing the need to do inventory tonight," Xander joked back.

"Uh-huh.  Not a chance," Vinnie told him.  "Why would I need to?"

"So you can tell and show Stoker what Micah sent up for him to steal and so we know what Momma took?"

"I got everything from the kitchen, Xander," she said firmly.

"You know we set aside...."

She covered his mouth.  "Enough."  He nodded so she removed her hand.  "The poor thing spoils myself and Modo's momma so much that we gave up our rationing coupons," she told the watching councilors.  "We thought it only fair with how much stuff he hands over."

"I wondered why you used someone else's rationing coupons," the touchy-stomach councilor noted.  "I heard your son was shipping you groceries from earth.  Did you have any problems with that?"

"Just some jealousy by some other mice," she admitted dryly.  "Otherwise nothing much. A few things don't transport well.  He sent me some cheeseless lasagna and it was warped in transport.  Still tasted good, but not the layers it had been."  She ate a bite and nodded at the desserts as she chewed.

"That means try those," Stoker interpreted.

Xander kissed his mother-in-law's cheek gently.  "I like to spoil you.  You deserve to be spoiled.  If you complain any more about spoiling, I'm going to start doubling it with each complaint.  Within a month you'll have to start keeping a cargo container handy," he said patiently, staring her in the eyes.  She shivered and nodded, letting go of that argument.  "The same as I told the others who complained to me directly about me spoiling you that they could have a child crash on earth and send them stuff to.  It was only fair since Throttle wasn't here to help you around the place or to help you with the gardening stuff."

"A few of Winch's family have sent her lists as well," Stoker admitted. "She's sending back stuff too.  She agreed with you, Xander.  It's only fair since she's not here to help with the planting and stuff.  They've got some huge warehouse clubs out there."

Xander nodded.  "That's how we do most of ours too," Xander admitted. "Vin, we've got to figure out the frozen food stuff soon.  I'm not living without pizzas now and then and I know I didn't bring up enough freezer space now."

Vinnie rubbed his forehead.  "Why am I seeing you turning one of those caverns out in the cliffs into a walk-in freezer?"

"Well, that's an idea, but not a real one," Xander offered with a grin.  "I don't need *that* much pizza or hot pockets.  Hopefully not in my entire life.  Do you think we need another freezer?"

"Maybe," Vinnie admitted.  "It'd be nice to store a pint of ice cream in the back now and then too.  For birthdays and things."  He looked at Stoker. "One of the cargo containers we brought up had stuff from Micah apparently.  Spam, pork and beans, plain beans, cans of stew."

"That's fine.  We can come out and get it any time soon," he offered, leaning back in his chair.  "Separate it out for us or mark it so you and Xander don't have to hover over us while I'm having some punks move it."

"Oh, get Thruster and his friends," Xander said dryly.  "They seemed to like to move stuff, Stoker."

He snorted and shook his head.  "Thruster said it was cruel and unusual punishment to make him move Dawn's wardrobe."

"It's only a fifth of it," Xander snorted.

"I wondered what that room off to the side of the master suite was," Wrench admitted.

"A closet for Dawn's clothes.  She learned bad clothing habits in Sunnydale.  Enamel thought it was for a nursery and Rimfire just hugged me because he'd have a closet to himself again."  Everyone who knew those two snickered at that.  "She already moved her 'summer' and 'formal and business' stuff up here.  Plus some of the stuff Buffy and the slayers gave her to wear, like the sweats and stuff.  I'm sure she'll be stocking up so she won't have to shop for the next ten years or so.  The same as I did."  He grinned at Wrench.  "Yes, you can help me go leather shopping this winter.  It'll be fun."  He grinned at him.  "I go to a very Boris place to leather shop."

"No wonder you look like that in them," Vinnie noted dryly.  "Does your mate know you go there?"  Xander grinned and shook his head.  "You know I'm gonna tell him, right?"

"What's he gonna do?  Tie me down and make me forget leather ever existed?" Xander asked with a cocky grin.

"I'll suggest that to him too," Vinnie promised.

Momma snorted.  "You kids have much too much fun out there by yourselves."

"It's hard because Modo and I are the reasonable adults out there," Wrench assured her.  Taver poked him in the side, making him grin at her instead.  "We are."

"You're just as naughty, Wrench.  I'm sure of it."  She kissed him gently then looked at her watch.  "I should get back to work.  Ma'am, when is the club opening so I can start eating real food again?"

She smiled at the young woman.  "The club itself opens in another month, dear.  We're deciding about the kitchen now."

"When you buy prepared food in the market with your ration coupons, you maybe get a quarter of this amount of food," the female councilor noted.  "I'm not seeing a problem.  We'll have to bring this back to our own councils, but I really don't see a problem."  Everyone else shook their heads.  "Stoker?"

"Let me know so I can let them know.  We all know how well Momma cooks around here," he noted.  "We've all been out here for picnics and the like while Xander was planning stuff."

Xander just grinned. "You make me sound like I'm the pushy sort who manipulates others."

"You're not, you're persuasive when the situation calls for it," Stoker admitted.  "You've never tried to influence anything about the council or what we're discussing, though you have offered suggestions in the past.  Some of us consider you an odd advisor sort now and then, like me.  Hell, Carbine asked Anya the other day about the new housing project and agreed with her, the stiff, formal designs of a century ago were icky and too formal."  He shrugged. "We all get help where we can.  As far as the local one's concerned, it's pretty much a done deal to us.  He's planning on employing about ten mice total?"  Xander nodded at that.  "Around the club. Plus the restaurant would be for Momma to deal with.  Is her staff included in that?"

"Two servers and a helper to chop things if she wants it," Xander told him.  "That way she could teach someone else to cook if she wanted to."  Momma looked back at him. "If you wanted to, I'm not going to make you."

"Thank you, dear.  I was thinking that Dawn could use the help now and then."

"Probably true, but her momma was working on that before she died.  Dawn just doesn't like to cook."

"Ah."  Stoker nodded.  "Switch is that way.  She can cook but she doesn't like to, especially not the cleaning portion afterward."

Xander nodded.  "I know that feeling.  That's why I bought a dishwasher.  They use less water than doing it by hand and it saves my hands for more important things, like tickling Vic for stealing food again."  Vic's tail quit reaching for the remains on Taver's plate.  "Wrench, hand him something."  He handed the baby his leftovers and the baby grinned before digging in.  "Manners."

"Fank you."

"Xander, he says he's still using baby talk because his momma likes it."

"Well, yeah, at his age human kids are about the same as he was around his year and a half mark.  He should be at the most like Healer is at the moment."

"That's fine.  I'll talk to Charley girl tonight."  He patted his son's hair flat. "You need a trim, son."

"No be bald, daddy, want hair like Uncle Throttle's."

"We'll see what your momma says," he agreed patiently, looking at Xander, who only grinned. "One of these days I'm going to have to stop you from spoiling the kids," he said firmly.  "I'm nearly under orders to from Modo's momma."

"I'll just go behind your back and do it anyway," Xander taunted, still smirking.

"I could order you as the clan head."

"You could try," Xander snorted.  "I'd still do it anyway.  The kids deserve it."

"I could kick you out of the clan if you disobey," Vinnie noted, smirking back at him now.

"If you did that, I'd have to declare you incompetent due to possession and have Willow trot through your head for the next three weeks to see what was wrong with you," Wrench said firmly.  "I'm sure she could find every single little touchy spot in there and make sure that you were firmly fixed into her version of a mouse."  He stared his cousin down, making him shiver.  "Believe me, I could, and then I'd let the Seal do it too."  Vinnie whimpered and hugged his son tighter.  "You're letting him spoil your son so the rest of Mars doesn't get spoiled to death by the mouse.  Get over it, you're losing your son to a good cause.  You're saving Mars from birthday balloons and Santa Clause."

"Hey, I like Santa!" Vic protested.

"I know you do, little mouse," Wrench offered with a grin.  "We'll have to see if he can make it up here.  Usually he doesn't leave Earth."

"Then how to Martian kids get Christmas, Chanukah, and Solstice presents?" Vic asked.

"Most Martians don't celebrate those holidays," Vinnie told him.  "We have other holidays, son."

"Will I get presents?"

"We'll see.  Only good kids get presents," Stoker told him.

Vic glared at him. "I'm a good boy! Just ask my momma!"

"Yes, you are, most of the time," Xander agreed.  Vic beamed at him. "We'll talk about the holidays later.  Remember, we've got to talk to Spike and Crankshaft too."  Vic pouted. "We'll talk later, kid.  After I beat up on Wrench for practice."

"Is he gonna need ice packs?  I'm good at making ice packs," Vic offered, grinning at Wrench.  "I'll baby you a whole lot, cousin Wrench."

"Thanks, kid, I might need it after I get done with Xander."  He kissed him on the ear.  "Quit showing off," he whispered. "You're already cute and loved enough."

Vic just smiled and finished off his borrowed food.

Momma looked at the councilors.  "They're like this all the time."

That got them laughing and moving.  Some of them were holding their stomachs but it was in a good way and they all looked happy.  The people involved all smiled at each other, then Vic reached for the large plate of his favorite meal, slurping before anyone could stop him.  He was a hungry mouse.  The adults just sighed and shook their heads but he didn't care. He was a small, hungry mouse and his momma had said he needed to eat.

Episode 83:

Xander pulled up in front of the temple, nodding at the spirits around him.  He got off his bike and used his cloak to cover it.  It was still very early so it wasn't warm yet.  He walked into the temple, looking at all the spirits hanging around.  He walked up to the main altar and bowed, then whispered and the candles on it lit.  He stepped back respectfully and said a quick prayer, then turned when he heard footsteps, smirking at the mice staring at him in horror. "Hi.  I'm Xander."

"I dreamed about you."  The older mouse stepped forward to clasp wrists.  "I'm Tangent."  He led the boy away, bowing at the altar himself.  "I have no idea why we're up here."

"I was ordered to go to one temple, his bachelor temple from what the M'dreth Highest told me, and then the one near Omega City, but that would have forced me to fight to protect myself.  Then I got ordered here," he said with a small shrug.  "We're in Stoker's city."  No one had told him what the name of the city was, but that's what everyone was calling it.  That or Freedom Fighter City.  He mentally shrugged and looked at the other mice.  "Technically I'm vowed to both him and Mylar.  I'm just kinda like that," he admitted dryly.  They all shivered.  "My husband doesn't mind too much, as long as this doesn't take all month.  The other real me has a club opening then."

"I've heard about that," one of the young mice in the back offered.

"You're married?" Tangent asked.  "How?  We took a vow of celibacy!"

Xander grinned at him. "I was married before I vowed and I'm a lot more normal and calm when I've had a lot of sex.  Otherwise I'm a bouncy, flaky, worried, uptight, dangerous mouse on a hair trigger with a bad sense of fun."  They all stared in horror. "I'm guessing he either likes me with Throttle or he's ignoring Throttle.  Either that or I never got that message and personally that is something that would make me leave."  He shrugged.  "All up to you, big guy."  He felt the funny touch in his mind that signaled a vision and relaxed his shields.  He had figured out he got less of a headache when he did that.  A few pictures flowed through him and he grinned, nodding.  "As you will it.  Thank you.  Of course I will.  There's the shrine, there?  Or just near the cliffs maybe?"  That got a warm, fuzzy feeling so he nodded. "As you will it, Lord."  He bowed and the feeling vanished.  He looked at the others, especially Tangent.  "Did you get that too?"

"I did, son.  I agree, I prefer you when you're not celibate.  We'd have to send you back to Earth if you got that bad again."  He had apparently seen more than Xander had by the look on his face but now he knew more about his newest priest.  He clapped him on the back.  "We're back in the old library. Come join us."  They headed back that way and Xander went out to get his cloak and pack, coming back already digging out some water and some dried fruit.  "Thanks for this."

"Not an issue.  I brought up tons of food, literally, to stock the compound for now."  He shrugged.  "It helps.  I'm being useful."  He sat down and looked at the books on the table.  "The M'dreth code.  The Goddess' main and the Moonlight paths," he said, touching each one after he identified it. "What's this one?"

"That's our code, Xander," another priest offered gently.  "Have you not seen it?"  Xander shook his head.  "Then go ahead and read it over.  We'll try to find you a copy for your future temple.  What are you doing?"

"Training the family mostly," he admitted.  "With some helping the Highest of the M'dreth with his own training and that of his girls.  That's what I was doing on Earth."  He flipped through the pages, skimming this time.  "Not too difficult.  Again, I'm still wearing leather," he called.  "Pity, but I like it and it's comfier than jeans for me."  That got another fond touch.  "Besides, with being devoted to Mylar as well, I need to be in natural fabrics now and then."  He kept going, finding the hated celibacy clauses.  He looked at them.  "Not to rock the boat or anything, but are we sure this is good for today's Mars?"  They all shook their heads. "Let me guess, I'm the medium so you're using me to send the prayer?"  They all grinned and nodded. "Sure.  Not a problem."  He flipped into the Moonlight path book, finding it helpful at this moment.  He found the ritual he'd need and handed it over.  "I need that to do it properly."

"You've got your own setup in the back, son," Tangent said patiently.  "You guys got your own section so you wouldn't freak the rest of us out like you did at the altar just now."  Xander only grinned at him. "Did you follow the Goddess before?  Or the Lady?"

Xander closed both books and looked at him.  "I was the Chosen Warrior and Knight of one of the slayers on Earth," he noted calmly.  "I was the helper the Watchers used and that she needed."  They all shivered at that. "All I ever did was protect, but I was under the Powers That Be's thumbs.  My son now is, and someday I'm told I'll have a daughter who won't be."  That got some sad looks.  "Tag's never leaving Mars.  They can't really do much to or with him up here."

"At least you know, son."

"Yeah, I knew it when they had me and when they abandoned me.  Part of being me is that dead people put me on like shirts now and then.  Some information was left by one of them and things suddenly started to make sense.  Then the Seal showed me a Martian temple on my Hellmouth and things started to get more peaceful in my life. It was to his son Kolar, Protector of Innocence."

"I'm sure it welcomed you often," Tangent told him.  "At least you don't need much training."

"No, only in the priestly stuff.  I'm a decent enough fighter anymore," Xander admitted. "I took the chance to up my skills while we were all working on Dawn's training, including joining her in her martial arts classes.  I'm a very good at some things but patience and stillness aren't my things, and neither are manners at times.  Even Throttle says so."

"Throttle?" one of them said, sitting up straighter. "How do you know Throttle?"

"He's my husband."  Xander grinned at him.  "You're a relative?"  He nodded. "He'd love to hear from you, man, and his momma's about ten miles from us at the moment.  Call sometime or just drop in.  I know he wanted to see more of his family."

"Sure, I can do that.  What's your comm signature?"  Xander wrote it down and handed it over, along with Momma's.  "Thanks, man. You're pretty neat, even if you are sleeping with my cousin."  He shuddered and hugged himself.  "Sorry, that's just a bad thought."

Xander grinned. "Actually, we're very cute.  Everyone says so.  The same as they say about me and Vinnie VanWham."

"You know that clan?" Tangent asked, looking helpless.

"Vinnie's my adopted big brother."  Then he grinned his cheeziest grin.

They all shuddered and whimpered.  The VanWham clan was forbidden to serve Othra since they were so insane and dangerous.  It was said that the Gods went into hiding after the VanWham clan was formed, though the interpretation most of them used was the Gods went into hiding *because* of the VanWham clan being formed.  But at least all those mice were in one clan and you could easily tell them apart from normal mice.

Tangent patted Xander on the back again.  "It's all right, I'm sure our God knew what he was doing when he nominated you.  We'll figure that out as we get to know you better."

Xander grinned at him.  "Throttle's still trying, but I look forward to your trying."

The others shivered, knowing they might have met the match of Mars.

***

Throttle looked at the storehouse, then shook his head with a moan.  He looked at Vinnie, who just grinned.  "Why are we humoring him?"  He hadn't seen the toilet paper yet, but he was sure there was a lot of that lying around too.

"Because otherwise we can't stop him when he goes back for more.  By the way, did you know that Xan is shopping for leather at a vampire shop?"

Throttle nodded.  "I heard about that. One of the vampire waitresses told me.  She told me it was cute watching them drool over him."  He looked at him.  "Try to stop him from buying more."

"He said Wrench could help him shop for leather.  He said he's stocking his closet for ten years."

Throttle moaned.  "He doesn't need more clothes.  He and Dawn are both overly clothed considering how little they like to wear."  He sighed and shook his head.  "How long will this take?"

"How long before Xander gets back?" Vinnie joked.  He looked over as Modo joined them with Piston, the older version.  "Come to help us?"

"Stoker sent her to arrange for their stuff to be sent," Modo offered with a grin.  "Staff wanted to know if he brought up any pickles."

"Sure, I'm sure there are," Vinnie agreed.  "Where do we want to start?  The main cavern, the auxiliary cavern, or the minor storage caverns?"

"How many are there?" Modo asked flatly.

Vinnie looked at him. "Vic lost count at the highest he can go."

"He can count how high?" Throttle moaned, holding his forehead, his arm braced on his handlebar.  That's when his bike bucked and threw him.  "Sorry, girl," he said from the ground.  "I won't insult Xander again, but he did buy too much stuff and he did overplan this."

"Nah, ya think?" Modo asked dryly.  "Where's the stuff for Stoker so she can get started.  We can start there too."

"The main cavern," Vinnie said, pointing at the ramp up to it.  "It's where the toilet paper is too."

"That's always handy to know," Throttle agreed as he got up.  His bike moved away from him.  "What?" he whined.  "I apologized!   He knows I think he overspent."  His bike beeped reproachfully.  "No, we're not breaking up," he sighed.  He shook his head.  "I love Xander, dear.  I'm never leaving Xander, just now and then I need to control Xander from his own worst instincts.  He probably bought enough to supply Mars for the next ten years."  Vinnie nodded at that. "The city only?" he asked hopefully.

"I don't know how much the city uses," Vinnie admitted.

"I do," Piston offered dryly.  "It's a lot more than I thought too.  We can always see and I can tell Stoker about the treats he's got stored because I know that boy has cookies."

"Vic said those are in the auxiliary cave, which has a lock only Spike can get into," Vinnie said dryly.  "Come on, let's head up to the main cavern first. It's the largest as far as I know."

"Is that where the gas is?" Throttle asked as he got onto his bike and headed after him.  He stroked his bike.  "I like that you're loyal to Xander, dear.  I love you just as much as I do him, but even you've got to agree that sometimes the boy needs a keeper."  She beeped quietly.  "Yeah, well, that's me since he's mine.  So sometimes I get to groan about Xander.  At least I do it to you and the bros, not to him."  She beeped assenting noises at that.  "Okay?  Are we good again?"  She beeped and shifted and he grinned.  "Thanks, love."  He looked around.  "Hey, Vinnie, what are the smaller caves?"

"Some are too small, some have a few weapons stashed," he called back.  "I'm not really sure."  He stopped to look in one, using his handlight to illuminate it since it was deeper.  "This one's got some pillows."  He headed to the next one up. "This one's pretty shallow so it's got a rifle."  He looked back at Throttle. "We're going to be making a stand here some year."

Throttle just nodded. "Well, he always overplans for emergencies too," he admitted, riding on.  He stopped inside the main cavern and let out a small whimper. "Lights?" he called. The bike beeped and his headlight focused on some arena lighting.  "Where's the switch?"

"It's a plug in and start the generator system," Modo called.  He noticed his voice kinda echoed a bit.  "I remember that much."  He headed just inside and to the right of the doorway, finding the generator by feel.  He found the key and turned it and it came on, illuminating the single light tower that was still plugged in.  He plugged in the rest and then looked around, whistling in awe.  "Are we sure there's not another bike hidden in here?"

Throttle looked at him. "Don't encourage him.  Otherwise your next three will have their own too."

"We'll be making theirs by then," he said firmly.  "We're training people on the kiddie bikes."  He looked around again, looking up at the 'economy' packages of angel soft that ran along the top of the cavern, stacked ten bundles high.  "I'm surprised it's not Charmin."

"He said it's got too high a cotton content and it can plug septic systems," Vinnie said, looking around. "How do we get those down?"

"He joked and said to shoot 'em," Modo offered.  "Slingshot?"

"Vinnie, feeling the need to fly?"

"Hell no."  His bike beeped reprovingly. "I know, it's a bad habit I picked up off Xander, sweetheart.  Still."  He looked at Piston, who was just staring in awe.  "Now you know why we try to calm Xander down," he said fondly.  He looked around then pointed. "The last I knew we put the stuff from the spam truck that way. Dawn, Willow, and the Seal moved most everything though.  It could be alphabetical by now."  A piece of paper floated down and he caught it.  "Oh, hey, it's the map," he said dryly, waving it.  "It's alphabetical starting on the left side, bros.  Why we have cans of albacore I don't know."

"What's albacore?" Modo asked.

"Fish."

"Eww," Throttle offered. "Why?"

Willow appeared, giving him one of those reproving looks.  "Because he thought he could use it to trap some critters now and then that were bothering people, like the creepers or the thing that bit him.  There's only like ten cans of it."  Throttle just nodded at that.  "Didn't he give you the map he drew out of everything?"  They all shook their heads and she sighed.  "Xander!  You're such a moron some days!"

"Hey!" Throttle complained.  "He's not!  He probably did it on purpose so we'd have to come see and admire what he did.  He does sneaky things like that now and then since he can't openly ask for affection and approval thanks to you and Buffy."  She nodded, hanging her head.  "Now, maps, lists?  Anything?"  Willow called over a clipboard off the wall and handed it over.  "Thanks.  Want to help?"

"Sure."  She looked at Piston.  "We put all the stuff that we thought was from Micah to you guys in one cave.  It's over here," she offered, floating that way.  "We knew Xander would never buy pinto beans or spam.  We figured Micah did so he wouldn't have to send MRE's, which are really sickening and gross."

"That's putting it mildly," Throttle muttered, looking over the list.  He looked at Vinnie, then hit him with the clipboard on the arm.  "This is set up just for you," he said fondly, smirking at him.

"Oh, man!" Vinnie complained, looking it over.  "Hot damn."  He continued to flip, looking at the map on the back.  He added Willow's map to the clipboard, then looked around.  "Modo, pickles are in this room, about two-thirds over and toward the back.  There's a few huge jars and a few boxes of the individually wrapped ones. The jars need to be refrigerated if opened."  He nodded, heading back that way. "It's alphabetical.  Find the 'P' section and it's about the second shelf probably."

"Sure thing, bro, thanks!"

Throttle looked at Vinnie. "Where's the emergency and survival supplies?  I'll start there."

"Well, the gas is in its own cave, bro," Vinnie admitted, showing him the map of the cliffs.  "He's got two tanks here. I'm not sure how big tanks are, but they're there."  Throttle nodded at that.  "Now, apparently one of the doorways we passed, about eight or nine back it looks like on the right, was a doorway to where the true 'survival' supplies are.  The camping stuff and that stuff.  There's a cavern of just dried stuff as well and it's just below that and it looks like there's a staircase."  Willow floated back and nodded. "You guys?"

"Dawn.  She stated quite firmly she's not hefting books."  She grinned. "Should we get that other cargo carrier?"

"If you can without a lot of trouble," Throttle agreed.  "Thank you, Willow."

"Eh, it's not a problem.  I like you, you stick up for Xander and love him more than I could have.  Just keep doing that and we won't have to have a talk with a nice, heavy shovel."  Then she smiled sweetly at him.

"So that's where he learned that look," Vinnie said dryly.

"I can teleport you without your bike into somewhere horrible, cold, and about six thousand miles from here," she noted dryly.  He just smirked.  "I mean it."

"I'm sure you do but that would upset Xander and Wrench.  Wrench would have to take over the clan duties again and that would take him from Taver, and he'd be really pissed at you for that."

"Point," she admitted with a small sigh.  "Oh, Throttle, he's with one of your cousins?  The Seal said they're groaning over Xander being Xander."  She faded out, going to get that shipping container. It gave her something to do and she was kinda bored today since Wrench was just moving stuff around in the temple.  After all, she had already peeked through the naughty stuff in his closet. The cargo container landed outside and she unpacked everything, putting it where it should be, which magically updated the list in Vinnie's hands.  He shouted in happiness and she beamed as she faded back in.  "I thought you might like that instead of having to do a physical count.  Throttle, this way."  She showed him to the survival supplies, and then how to get downstairs and to the gas as well. There was a small ledge to ride across. Whoever had hollowed these cliffs out had some very good ideas.

Throttle looked at the gas tanks, then just stared in horror.  He'd never seen tanks that size before.  "Bros?" he called over the radio.

"Yeah?" Vinnie asked.

"What measurement does the entry for the gas have?"

"Two tanks, full, no evaporation or leaks," he read.

"Two tanks, which are bigger than most ships we travel on, full, no evaporation or leaks," he corrected.

"Micah got them for him," Willow told him.

"I heard.  He talked to the President, who allowed someone to do him a favor he could return some day."  He looked at her. "This is way too much."

"It's premium too," she offered smugly.  "He got a really good deal since the former owners were sucking up so heavily to the Prez in hopes of a higher job."

Modo rode in and whistled.  "Wow."

"Very.  Looks like we won't have to pump gas at a station for a while."

"He's got a pump set up to the farthest one," Willow noted, pointing it out.  It was an older style pump but it looked pretty neat. "He did beg me to put temperature controls in here but they're not really needed at the moment," she offered. "We did it anyway, just because we didn't want to see the cliffs go into space suddenly.  The Seal giggled at that image."

"Guys?" Charley called.

"Modo and I are in here," Throttle called. "Vinnie's up the main ramp!"

Charley came up to join them, staring at the tanks.  "Those are industrial size.  That's what they use to store it in the warehouses."  Willow nodded.  "Why did he do that?"

"He loves you guys," Willow noted.  She stared at her now.  "Think water heater, water bill, gas bill....  Should I have to go on?"  Charley shook her head.  "He's planning on more food and some minor clothes and electronics shopping before and after the holidays," Willow noted.  "He said this should last at least three years."

"Three generations is more like it," Modo said, still sounding stunned.

"Oh, yeah, if these or the stockpile of propane ever start to leak, the list is spelled to come beat whoever is at the house or whoever is closest until someone comes out to fix it.  It should be okay but they were used and I don't want to take that chance."

"No, I agree with that," Throttle assured her, looking at her. "Propane?"

"For the grill?" she offered dryly, smirking at him.  "So you guys can really cook now and then?"

Throttle put his head down on his handlebars, groaning and shaking his poor, aching head.

***

Stoker looked at the bikes coming up to his house, just staring at the stuff.  "What's all that?" he asked, sipping his bottle of rootbeer.  He sat on his front porch, watching as they parked and unhooked the carts. "What's that?" he called louder.

"From Micah," Throttle called with a wave.  "There's more.  Come help or go without!"  He got back on his bike and headed back, shaking his head.  "Spike, come help!" he yelled as he rode away.

"Coming!" Spike yelled, looking at the carts.  He snorted and headed to his bike, following them.  He caught up to Vinnie.  "My bike can't haul yet."

"That's okay, we need into the auxiliary cavern.  It's not on the inventory."

Spike snickered.  "Sure!  You ready for a shock!"

"We found the gas.  Is it worse?" Throttle asked.

"Matter of opinion.  It could be considered better by some," Spike called over to him.  He sped up, heading through the market at breakneck speed, weaving through the people and stalls.  He came out the other side and had to stop since three of the officers were already waiting on him. "Bloody hell," he complained scowling at him.

One of them grabbed him and took him off his bike.  "We've had this talk before, Spike."

"So?"

Throttle stopped in front of the officers.  "We need him to get into something for us so we can hand over some of the supplies Micah sent.  Want to come with us, officer?"  The guy nodded.  "Sure."  He looked at Spike's bike. "Head home, I think he's in real trouble this time."  The bike sighed and rode off, looking dejected.  "I'm sure he'll be grounded at least."

"His father's going to be paying a huge fine this time," one of the other ones offered. "You guys brought more stuff up?"

"Yeah, we just delivered some to Stoker," Vinnie offered as he joined them.  "There's about another cargo container of stuff.  Piston, Stoker's assistant, is moving it out there to separate it out."  He grinned.  "You can come help haul too if you want."

"Hey, the more of us the better," he noted. "When should we show up?"

"Give us an hour.  We need Spike to break into one of the sealed caverns.  Xander set the alarm to him somehow."  Spike just smirked at him.  "One of you guys are more than welcome to escort him.  We are law abiding mice, officer."

"Sure, I'll come," the guy holding Spike by the back of his shirt agreed.  "You go get others."  He nodded and the other cops headed off to do that.  "A lot of stuff?"  Throttle just moaned.  "At least it's good for Mars."

"Xander's horrible at spoiling people," Vinnie admitted, heading off again.  "What did he do?"

"Went through the market like Wrench.  We're under orders to stop him too, sir."

"I'll warn him later," Vinnie noted. "We can't have the Highest being naughty."

"I'm sure he'll appreciate that, bro," Modo called back. "I saw Racer, I'll be there in a few minutes."

"Sure," Throttle called back.  He was going to have to spank Xander when he got home.  There was no other alternative to stopping this problem of his.

"At least no one will starve," Vinnie offered from next to him, quietly, not over the radio.

"No, no one would starve, but isn't that why we have rations?" he asked, looking at him.  Vinnie nodded.  "He went way overboard this time."

"Maybe, but you can't yell at the guy because he gives a damn, Throttle. He's trying to prove his worth to everyone."  Throttle nodded at that, letting out a small sigh of defeat.  "We need to sit down and make out smaller lists with him."

"Yeah, that might be the best idea yet," he admitted.  "I don't think we'll need more gas for the next few years."

"You guys are storing gas?" the officer asked.  Throttle nodded. "Don't you need special containers and stuff?"

"It's in storage tanks," Vinnie assured him.  "It's the sort they use to warehouse gas."

"Yeah, but there should be permits needed."

"It's far away from the food, officer, and off totally by itself in a cliff-side cavern. I'm sure Xander already checked into all that as well."

"If you say so. I will have to report you guys do have some."

"Stoker knows already," Vinnie admitted.  "Let me call him."  He flipped on his radio.  "Stoker?"

"Why do I have a case of pork and beans on my front lawn?" he answered.

"Micah sent them. Did Xander have to file things to keep his horde of gas?"

"No.  We don't have permit controls set up yet.  He's keeping gas?"

"In safe containers.  Come on out."  He turned it off. "Just in case," he told the officer.  Who simply smiled and nodded. "He's trying to make sure we don't have to dent Mars too heavily for anything."

"Which is really nice of him and all that, but we can't let him be dangerous either."

"Xander?  Dangerous?" Vinnie joked.  "Who would'a thought."

"Bro," Modo complained over the radio.  "Broadcasting!"

"Sorry.  The only dangerous thing about Xander is that he's a strong believer in spoiling people."

"So I can tell," the officer noted as he pulled up with them.  They rode around the house and he smiled at it.  "That's very pretty."

"All Xander's work," Throttle admitted proudly.  When they got to the caves, Vinnie took Spike and Throttle took the officer to the gas cavern.  "There.  Those."

The officer looked, then let out a small whimper.  "Is he expecting another invasion?"

Throttle gave him a very serious look.  "Xander always plans for the worst case scenario and then goes five percent overboard. This is worst case for a year, plus a few equalizing percentage points."

"Does he have any relatives I could marry?  I'd even marry a human for that."

Throttle snorted. "Only Dawn and she's already taken."

"I heard.  She seems pretty nice from what his friends have said around," the officer offered, looking at him.  "I don't care if she is human, they've been very helpful to us. The kids are mostly mice so I'm good with them, sir."

"Thanks."  Stoker rode up and Throttle pointed.  "Did he file anything about those?"

"Yup, with Carbine.  It's legal and she checked on them when they came out. One of the engineers set up the pump for him too."  He looked at the cop.  "My son?"

"Getting into the auxiliary cavern," Throttle said dryly.

"Wonderful.  Isn't that where he put the stuff he mugged off Little Debbie?"  He headed that way through the interior tunnels, coming out in the main cavern, then heading back further. He found his son staring in horror inside.  "Was it wrecked?" he asked dryly.

"Harris on a super sugar rush," Spike said, giving his father a horrified look.  He burst out into tears and went running for him, needing a hug.  "He'll bounce us to death!"

"If he gets that bad, we'll put him on a machine so he can create energy, son," he soothed, patting him on the back.  He rode closer and flipped on the lights, making Spike shudder and hide inside his shirt.  "I'm sure we won't let Xander eat all that at once, son."

"Won't matter."

Throttle looked at the rows and rows of Ho-Ho's, Nutty Bars, and other assorted snack foods, and moaned.  "Where did we put the industrial size tylenol?" he asked Vinnie.

"Back about ten feet and to the right of the door, down two aisles and chest-high shelf," he offered.  Throttle went back to break into that stash and bring some back for the rest of them.  They'd need it.

***

Throttle looked over as the comm unit beeped, looking at his missing mate.  "We went out into the caverns today.  It's a good thing you made the map since I only saw a few of them when I was snooping around.  I don't think we'll need to shop much, Xander."

"I was going to do another rootbeer and hotdog run since I underplanned how much we used so far," he offered.  "Plus pick up some more stuff I had on order, like the DVD's and stuff."  He gave him the sweetest grin.  "I'm here with your cousin, who has shudders each time he thinks of us kissing."

"Some mice are like that," Throttle noted philosophically.  He waved at his cousin.  "Hey.  You survived too?"  His cousin just blinked and nodded.  "Anyone else?"

"Two. My stepdaughter and one of my cousins on the other side of my family.  Your momma?"

"She's fine," Throttle offered with a small grin.  "Come down sometimes, she's been anxiously waiting for them to finish the database project."

"I heard about that, it's a good idea," he admitted.  "This one is really yours? You never seemed that controlling.  He seems like he needs to be a cherished pet at the old Symposium Club."

"Most of the time I go on the leash system. He's got one and it's got so much room and then he suddenly runs into the end and chokes himself."   He stared at Xander.  "Like in the gas he bought."

"I thought we'd need it," he defended.

"Stoker said if Mars comes up on a major shortage one of those is theirs."

"I already agreed to that with Carbine.  That, some of the other supplies in times of extreme famine and there's not enough for rationing."  He shrugged. "That's not a problem.  Also, I've got to change the stuff to the Martian bank on earth."  Throttle just nodded at that.  "Sorry."

"Not an issue but we really don't need more stuff," he complained.  Xander glared at him and he wilted.  "We'll see."

"Fine."  Xander grinned.  "Remember, I've got to go to the sex shop too, otherwise we'll run out of lube."  Throttle groaned and shifted a bit. "I'll let you two talk for a bit.  I'm going to help some of the spirits dissipate.  I'll be back in ten minutes."  He walked off, going to talk to the spirits watching them all.

Throttle's cousin just gave him a long stare.  "You help him stay calm?"

"That's three days without sex.  Just wait another week," he said dryly.  "How long will he be up there?"

"We'll gladly let you use the transporter we hear your city has to bring him home," he offered with a grin.  "He's already done what we really wanted and needed him to do.  Othra said he's to start putting things back together again and he's to set up his own temple somewhere out there."

"We've got a nice boundary cave that would make a pretty one," Throttle admitted.  "It feels kinda nice and calm in there."  He shrugged.  "Since we own that too."

"He was worried about what you'd say earlier."  He glanced to the side, then back at his cousin.  "Didn't you like his plans?"

"Xander plans for the worst emergency then adds five percent," Throttle told him.  "Someone might want to hear about that somewhere."

"At least he plans."

"True," he agreed.  "He does it very well. We found his ice cream stash too."  The cousin just stared in open-mouthed shock.  "Exactly. He has a whole cavern worth of sweets.  Tell him he made Spike cry and hide in his daddy's shirt."

"I didn't mean to and I certainly won't be eating them all at once," Xander called.

"That's fine because two cases of each kind of stuff out there went to the general fund," Throttle noted patiently.  "I love my boy but sometimes he's horribly naughty."

"He said you might spank him."

Throttle nodded.  "Yeah, Vinnie and I are both thinking about that after we saw the industrial sized freezer Xander had put in and hooked into our power system."

Xander's head reappeared in the screen.  "Did it cause a drain?  I was worried about that."

"No, no drain, not even a flicker on the gauge according to Enamel.  Willow had it put in one of the accessory caves by itself since it'd probably stay cooler in there."

"That's fine.  That's why I ran that line out there," he agreed happily.  "Can I have pizza when I come back?"

"You're going to be lucky to sit down when you come back," Vinnie said from the doorway, lounging in it with his arms crossed and this wicked smirk on his face.  "I should spank you for handing me that job."

"It's not like it's demanding," Xander said with a small pout.  "I was planning on having Dawn magic the lists and everything for you.  That way you'd have something you could do when you're bored.  You're in charge of the food shopping lists.  I'm in charge of the entertainment shopping lists."  Vinnie shook his head. "Yes I am."

"No, you're not," he said dryly.  "I'm in charge of those," Vinnie assured him. "That way you don't get any more classical music in the collection."

"I like it when I'm meditating and Dawn does her yoga to it."

"And?  We've got more than enough."

"Uh-uh.  We can use it to mix tracks," Xander said with a smirk.  "I liked how I mixed some on my computer.  Oz said they were neat sounding too."

Throttle looked at Xander.  "We'll see about that, I get to approve everything so you don't bankrupt yourself again."  Xander sighed and nodded.  "Thank you.  When should we expect you back?"

Xander winked. "I've got to hit a few others places too, honey.  I've got to gather some puzzle things and bring them home to work on."

"You really should work on them there," the cousin noted dryly.

"Then I'd never get home and my mate would continue to be cranky without his infusions of Xander."  He grinned and clapped him on the back.  "I'll be right back."  He headed over to stop the priests fighting.  "Quit!"  They all stared at him and he glared back. "No more!"

"Fine," Tangent agreed.  "How are things at home?"

"I left my cousin-in-law talking to my hubby.  Throttle's not too pleased with my ideas of stocking the new lair."  He shrugged. "When I get the puzzly things done, do I leave them there or bring them with me?"

"Bring them home with you so you can work there," the younger priest told him.  "Since you're setting up a temple there already." Xander nodded.  "You could use one of the former ones but you'd have to rededicate it."

"I've thought about that and there's a huge old temple near where I live, but it's on the other side of the city and I'm not sure if that's allowed or not. I can definitely use that to work on the puzzly things though.  The last I knew those were being counted as holy sites and not for common people."

"You're not a common person, Xander.  You're one of Othra's high priests," Tangent said patiently.  "I can contact them if you have any doubts."  Xander nodded.  "Why would you doubt?"

"Because the M'dreth Highest doesn't use theirs."

"Ah."  He nodded.  "That can be for many reasons."  He walked the boy off, taking him to his bike so he could call the council out there, getting an older priest of another faith.  "Exhaust, brother mouse, we need to know the regulations for using some of the old temples.  Xander is one of Othra's and Mylar's high priests and he's been ordered to either set up a new one or reopen an older one."

"If you guys say he's a priest he can use the ones near here. There's a shrine up by Mons, Xander, and the one in the Valley."

"I like the one in the Valley," he admitted sheepishly.  "The one by Mons is for miracles and for non-believers to come request help."  Exhaust nodded at that. "You're sure that's okay?"

"I'm fine with it. Or you could decide what Wrench did and build one closer and use the one out there for the Holiest of days and things.  That way he didn't have to spend all day on a bike or clean and rededicate that one."

"Okay, I'll figure it out," Xander said happily "Thanks, Exhaust.  Did you need to steal any more of the supplies?"

"No, we're good.  Thank you for the treats for the next city picnic."  He winked and signed off.  Exhaust looked at the others.  "Xander is Othra's High Priest and is devoted to Mylar too?"  Stoker groaned and Carbine nodded. "Why?"

"Because he's like that," Carbine noted dryly. "Which is he doing?"

"He'll figure that out.  The one in the Valley is about an hour's ride so he may not want that one with where his house is."  He shrugged.  "Who knows with Xander."  He looked over as Spike walked in and headed for his father with a letter while Mirror walked in and took her usual seat.  "How did it go?"

"He's to take special classes with Xander, not ride alone for a year, Stoker, and he's also to do ten days of punishment this year in the public works stuff."

Stoker nodded.  "That's fair.  Is there a fine too?"

"I thought it might unfairly levy against your family and what would you give us?  Stuff Xander gave you?" she noted dryly.  "There's just that and I did have a word with his bike as well.   The AI does know the restrictions."

"That's fine.  Thank you, Mirror.  I'm sure he's going to be sorry if he's not already."

"I'd hope so.  We don't need or want needless accidents from youthful stupidity to take out more mice."  Spike nodded, looking dejected.  "You may still ride as long as there's a reasonable person with you, Spike, and I don't mean Wrench.  Of course, if it's an emergency, then it's fine," she added for good measure.

"Thanks," Stoker agreed, picking up his son to sit him on the lap.  "We'll get with Xander when he comes back so you can start training with him full time on the weekends."

Spike looked up at him.  "As long as he's not on a sugar rush," he said plainly.

Stoker hugged him.  "Throttle was warned, he won't let Xander eat a box of candy bars again.  Or take in too much caffeine."

Spike nodded and relaxed.  It could definitely be worse and he did need to start training this body again so it was as good as his last one was.  Xander would be helping him with that, he had promised, so it'd be part of those 'special classes'.  Besides, the kid would make him ride better too.  He looked around, then up at his father.  "What's going on?"

"Nothing much," Exhaust told him.  "We just told Xander the rules about using the temples in the Valley and other places."

Spike gave him an odd look.  "You're letting him start his cult?"

"He's a high priest of Othra and Mylar, son," Stoker said firmly.  "He can't step out of their bounds."

"Where is the poor dear now?" Mirror asked.

"Sycresta by the tracer tag on the signal," Exhaust admitted.  "I don't know why but there was another priest up there as well."

The Seal faded in and grinned at him.  "He was ordered to go meet with them then get some things that were broken and put them back together again so they could go into the temple he'd either build or clean up."  She grinned at Spike.  "Willow's mad at you for that stunt earlier, she's so upset she can't even bake cookies."

Spike shuddered.  "There's plenty in Xander's storage caves."

She smirked. "We know, who do you think put them there?"  She winked and faded out.  "Gotta go tell a secret."  She traveled to the new lair and landed beside Throttle's bed, watching him sleep curled around Xander's pillow.  "Awww," she said, waking him up.  "Put on some pants, studly.  There's a few things you didn't get to see."  He put on pants and boots, following her out to his bike and then to the cliffs.  He followed her up the steeper ramp, having to fire his jets to make it up there, and then inside the small cave.  She got off and walked through a wall.  "It's not real," she called when he hesitated.  He walked that way and stopped, staring at everything in that cavern. "This is a secret thing he's been hiding, Throttle.  It's not the only one though.  This is just the future birthday presents."  She walked him back through a smaller entry, letting him into a bigger, hollowed out cavern.  This one held a ship and a few other things.  "He told one of the clan's kids to find certain things for him and he brought them back in this ship," she said quietly.  "He's planning on doing something dramatic and he didn't want you to know."

Throttle walked down there, opening the side of the ship with the standard Freedom Fighter entry code, then walked inside.  He blinked at the stuff that had been found, then backed out and looked at the size of the ship again.  "Magic?" he asked.

"Yeah, he had Starlight do it for him," she admitted. "Starlight worked with Pierce and Chain to find all this and then Gap flew it back.  All at the urging of Terror."

"I thought he and Terror were too chummy," Throttle said dryly.  The mouse in question came in from the other door. "How much stuff is there?"

"Don't ask," he noted.  "Really."  Then he grinned.  "I like your mate.  Don't ever lose him or else we will steal him.  I know Pierce wants him something bad.  I can't imagine those two being anything but terrible together on Mars."

"Neither can I," Throttle admitted.  "Which one was the occult Plutarkian?"

"Marscipone."

"Oh, wonderful," Throttle said dryly, shaking his head.  "How much other stuff does he have?"

"A lot of artifacts spread around his estates.  The Bringers apparently took them out first because they had a clue."  He leaned on the side of the ship.  "Xander's offering them up for Solstice, Throttle. You can't spoil that for him."

"A present for Mars," he said dryly.  Terror nodded.  "Are you leading the others back?"

"Probably.  I can't stand to be surrounded by so many mice anymore."

"I understand.  If you need anything, yell."

"With those caverns up there?" he joked dryly, smirking at him.  "I doubt it."  He nodded behind him.  "There is one more cave he found, man.  Wanna see?  I like to mediate in there."

"Sure."  Throttle walked back out and joined him, looking inside the cave with all the crystals.  "Diamonds?"

"No, the floor show crystals that used to amuse the kids so much," he admitted, prying one out and putting it into the light in the other room. A glow of colors came from it, showing on the ceiling and the side of the ship.  "Those things."

"Wow.  I haven't seen those in years," he admitted.  He shook his head and picked it up, putting it into his pocket.  "I think Vic's getting a new treat today," he offered with a grin.  "It's almost Thanksgiving.  He's handing it over at Solstice?"

"Vinnie told him we've got a holiday about that time this year.  Our version of Halloween was what he called it."

Throttle nodded. "I remember that celebration, it's a lot like how the Day of the Dead was described to us," he agreed.  "He's giving Mars things to remember with on the day of remembering the dead.  My man is amazing," he said suddenly, grinning.  "Vinnie was really wanting that obelisk back.  Did you find that?"

"Half of it.  The top half had been chipped or broken off."  He shrugged.  "It happens."

"True, it does."  He clasped hands with him. "Thanks, I won't spoil that for you.  Good job."

"Thanks, Throttle.  It means a lot to me.  Chassis is finishing her report for the main councils tomorrow so they can decide whether or not to send others back to Plutark to loot some more and get back some of our stuff.  No matter what Starlight did, we couldn't fit their library."

Throttle nodded. "If they don't, Xander will more than happily allow and fund you guys to go back."  Terror nodded, knowing that.  "Have a good night."

"Thanks.  You too.  Think I can try some of that ice cream stuff?"

"Yeah, go ahead.  It's sweet and cold."  He walked off grinning, smirking at the Seal when he passed her.  "Thanks."

"You're welcome.  I thought those crystals might make you happy."  She gave him a hug.  "Vic will adore those things."  She led him back out and back to his bike, watching him pick up something and hand to her.  She sent it to Terror, then followed him home, tucking him back in since he needed it.  Then she covered the crystal and took it to Vic's room, putting it where it would catch the first morning sunlight. She whispered in his ear, "uncover the present when you get up, it needs light to shine," then disappeared.

***

Vinnie sat upright and grabbed his blaster from under his pillow at the screaming going on, panting hard.  He got out of bed and headed for his son's room, finding Modo and Throttle already there, and something glowing in the middle of the floor.  "Whoa, I haven't seen one of those in years!" he said excitedly.  He walked in and hugged his son.  "Those are very special, Victor.  They're called Floor Show crystals.  Do you like it?"  His son beamed and pointed at the pretty lights.  "Yeah, those are pretty.  When they fade, you cover up the crystal for two hours and let it rest, then it can go again.  All right?"  Vic stuck his finger in his mouth and nodded, but didn't look happy.  "That way it'll glow just as brightly."

"'Tay," Vic agreed, watching the lights.  "Now?"

"Sure, we can do it now."  He pulled the cloth next to it over it, then picked his son up and stood up.  "Where did you find that?"

"Last night in the caverns.  The Seal showed me where some were naturally occurring," Throttle said gently.  "I saw Terror too."

"Cool.  I was wondering where he was hiding."  He hugged Vic. "Someone left you a very special present."

"Can I take it to daycare and play today so I can show it off?" he asked, putting his head on his father's shoulder.  "That would take two hours."

"It would," Vinnie agreed happily.  "Let's get you fed and washed up, son, and then I'll take you over there, okay?"  His son nodded and wiggled down to head for the bathroom.  "We have more?"

Throttle nodded.  "There's a whole cave of them."

"I want one," he pouted.

"Tell Terror to pluck you out one and send it up," he snorted, heading back to his room.  "I can take him in, that way I can check with Stoker about things we've still got to do."

"Sure, bro.  That'd be fine.  Have fun playing with the kids," Vinnie agreed, grinning at Modo.  "I never thought I'd see one of those again."

"Me either.  They were kinda nice when you're little."

"They make pretty pictures when you're trying to sleep too," Vinnie said, clapping him on the arm as he walked past him. "Magnet, you up yet?" he called.  His daughter squealed and bounced up and down in her crib, reaching for him.  "I thought you might be since your brother was such a loud auburn mouse today."  He picked her up and took her into the bathroom to help her big brother clean up, and to let him help her clean up.  It was good to share on Mars.  Besides, Vic liked to help her bathe.

***

Throttle smiled at the daycare worker's shocked looked at him.  "Vic said he wanted to come play with Spike and them.  He got given a present by one of his cousins and he wanted to show it off too."  He set Vic down, helping him out of his baby biker jacket.  "There you go."

"Hasn't it been two hours yet?" Vic pleaded.

Throttle checked his watch, then nodded.  "Yeah, I guess it has been."  He winked at the teacher and put the crystal's bag on the desk.  "Hey, guys, one of Vic's cousins found this last night in the dessert."  He undid the bag and pulled it out, letting the crystal glow in the bright and sunny room.  One of the students shut off the light and they all stared in awe.

The teacher smiled at him.  "Those are really rare since they used them for tuning crystals."

"Xander might have some in his cave complex, we're not sure.  Terror found this one."  He handed her the bag and walked over to where the foursome were staring, bringing Vic with him.  "He wanted to play today."

"Sure," Ramjet said, not looking at them.  "How often can it do that?"

"Every two hours.  It's got to be covered for two hours when it gets too dim to let it store up enough dark to glow again."  She glanced at him and he nodded.  "Seriously.  They're called floor show crystals.  They used to be big when I was a little mouse your age.  They also used to be a lot more common."

"The clan had a huge one at the ancestral home," the teacher admitted, staring in wonder, sniffling a bit.  "The stupid, smelly stinkfish took it first."

"Ask Terror, you never know what he'll find," Throttle offered quietly.  She looked at him and he grinned, winking a bit.  Then he looked at the restless kids.  "I think it's getting dim."

"It is," she agreed, putting it back in the bag.  She smiled at the pouting and whining kids.  "It needs to store up some darkness so it can do it again.  Give it two hours, guys," she ordered.  "We can watch it again after lunch."  That cheered them up and they went back to playing. "Thank you, Throttle and Victor."

Vic beamed.  "I thought it was pretty too.  I wanted to share."  He beamed at Spike.  "You need happies."

"I do," he agreed.  He hugged Vic briefly then let him go.  "We're building today and working on the code."  Vic squealed and dug in to help them.  Spike looked at Throttle.  "Shoo off, adult."

"Fine," he said with a grin, going to help some other kids play.  One little girl just looked at him and sniffled. "What's wrong?"

"My daddy looked like you."

"I'm sure he was a handsome and good mouse, sweetheart," he soothed, stroking her forehead.  She nodded and cried on him, and he could only hold her with a worried look for the teacher, who nodded he was doing the right thing.  Everyone had to heal something of a loss, even the youngest ones, and he had plenty of fur to get damp from crying.

Episode 84:

Xander found his last piece of stuff for this latest thing he had to rebuild and looked at the altar, sending up a quiet prayer. "Is there anything else?" he whispered.  He heard a quiet creak and looked toward the back room.  He headed back there, finding a small casket laying on a table.  He opened it slowly and smiled.  "Special stuff for special days?"  He felt that same warm mental touch.  "Sure, I'll tell Tangent so he can tell me what I do with them."  That got another warm, fuzzy touch that felt like the Goddess to him.  He closed it and looked around, finding a few more things that probably should go.  Books, a few journals, things like that.  He walked out and bowed at the main altar, then headed out to his bike, where people were staring at it then at him.  "Hey, guys.  I'm Xander.  One of the new High Priests."

"To who?" one of them demanded.

"Othra and Mylar."  They all backed off at that.  "I'm working on reopening the temple in the valley and then I'll be setting up my own nearer to the house so that one can be used for special services and things like that."  He put everything on the back of his bike with the other things, then called Tangent's bike.  "Hey.  It's me.  I found a cup set in a casket?"

Tangent smiled.  "Those are very important," he agreed.  "You take those directly to the valley temple.  You'll find a special cabinet behind the main altar, not the blue veined one, the big white one with black and green veins."  Xander nodded.  "They go in there on the middle shelf."

"Yes, Tangent.  Thanks."  He hung up and looked at the other guys.  "Did you need someone to lead you in prayers, gentlemen?"

"No, but we don't believe Othra would have called a half-mouse either," one sneered.  "He's always been very concerned about his people being whole and healthy."

"Really?  Then why was I accepted and why am I being allowed the privilege of opening that one temple?"  He hitched down the last strap and stepped back, looking at the odds.  Six mice, two hanging back, five bikes that he could see.  He calmed himself.  "I was one of the Chosen on Earth before I changed over.  I've been doing this since I was fifteen and protecting that planet.  I'm sorry if you don't believe that.  That's not my problem though.   I will gladly talk to you if you have doubts about my qualifications. I can give you references who have seen me fight and train.  Including a number of Martians."  They just glared at him and he shrugged.  "You do what you have to do to protect your chosen planet.  At that time, mine was Earth and now it's Mars.  I came by invitation of not only Othra but of my mate."

"What woman would have you?" the one who called him a half-mouse sneered.

Xander looked at him. "Many of them if you want to get technical about it," he snapped back, glaring at him.  "Then again I gave up the women.  They weren't worth it at the time."  He felt Throttle's mind touch his and pushed him away with a gentle caress.  "Must we really play 'test the new mouse' today, boys?"  Two of them rushed him and he pulled something off his belt, extending the collapsible pole.  He hit one in the throat and the other in the stomach, then twirled it while he turned to face the others.  "Your friends now need a medic.  Are you going to stand here and let them suffer?  I have no problems with you but I will continue to defend myself."  He stared down the obvious leader.  "Retreat, boys.  Now.  Take your wounded and become much more honorable mice in the future."  They gathered their friends and rode off, the hidden bike coming back up the path to get the guy who had been hit in the throat.  He collapsed the pole again and tucked it back into its pocket.  "Bike, call the local Council."  It dialed and he sat down, looking at the person answering.  "I'm Xander."

"I know of you, Mr. Harris.  Has something happened?"

"I was sent to gather some broken things from the local temple of Othra to put back together for the bigger temple in the valley."  She nodded slowly.  "A few of your people tried to jump me.  I did have to hit two of them.  One of them I basically hit him across the throat in a clothesline maneuver with a pole and the other one got it in the stomach."

"I see.  Where are they?"

"Heading off.  There were six of them.  One of them sneered and I snapped back," he admitted.  "I'm sorry I had to hurt those two.  I wish I hadn't had to."

"I understand.  Were you in the temple?"

"The inner courtyard."  He tipped the camera.  "Here."  He tipped it back.  "Again, I'm sorry. They should be fine.  I wasn't vicious about it or anything."

"What did you hit them with?"

"My collapsible aluminum pole."  He pulled it out and waved it a bit.  "It extends to about my height."  She nodded at that.  "Do I need to report down there to fill out a report?  I don't want to make trouble but I don't want them to start spreading rumors about me being vicious either."

"No, Mr. Harris. If they make a complaint I have this taped as I do all calls of Council business.  If we need you back to answer for anything or because they're trying to accuse you, we'll call your city's council and tell them."

"I thank you, Councilor.  I'm headed home.  I hope I don't have to run into anyone else like that."  He shrugged.  "It's been a long trip. I've hit six other temples."  She nodded at that.  "Have a better night, ma'am."  He hung up and called home, getting Throttle and Stoker.  "I just had to defend myself from some mice who kept calling me a half-mouse," he confessed. "I hit one in the stomach and one in the throat with my collapsible pole."

"The silver one?" Throttle asked.

"My aluminum one.  Wrench still has my silver one."  Throttle nodded at that.  "I also called to confess before they could make anything about it. I offered to talk."  His bike beeped.  "Did you record that, sweetness?"  His bike beeped smugly.  "Go ahead and send it to Stoker and Throttle then.  They can send it over if necessary."  The bike sent the datastream and he relaxed.  "I'm still trying to figure out which way is the easier way home.  Across the former ocean or through the cities?"

"Do you have enough food and water for the harder trip?" Stoker asked.  Xander nodded.  "Then I'd take that one, mini punk.  There might be a few colonies of mice out that way.  We used to have a base out there but we lost contact with them.  If so, invite them to rejoin the rest of us in mine and Carbine's name."

"Sure.  When are we officially naming the city after you and Carbine anyway?"

Stoker gave him a dirty look.  "I will whip your tail."

"That's what everyone calls it anyway," Xander said with a small shrug and a grin.  "All right, I'm taking the shorter, but more difficult way, home.  I need to learn the terrain anyway.  Laters.  I'll check in tonight."  He hung up and patted his bike.  "Let me fill up the waterskins again, just in case," he offered.  He rode the bike to the fountain in the center of the courtyard, using a dipper to fill his tank and his bike's water cooler.  He checked the radiator and it needed some too so he filled it up too and then capped it again.  "Are we ready?"  The bike beeped and he looked at the temple.  "Someday we'll have to send a priest here to reopen this grand palace of faith."  He put on his helmet and took off, heading for the farther desert.

***

Stoker called the other council and sent the file to the mouse who answered.  "Xander Harris just called about some mice jumping him.  That's what his bike recorded."

The female councilor smiled.  "Thank you, I talked to him already.  Let me run it to check."  She put them on hold and scanned the images, blinking at a few of them. She brought them back so they could see the image.  "Who's that?"

"How do you do that?" Stoker asked.

"It's fairly simple.  Can't you use the comm?"

"I can call people," he offered dryly.  He looked, then looked at Throttle, who shrugged.  "We're not sure.  He looks...thin."  To him, it looked like a ghost, but he didn't think film could pick those up.  Or at least normal film and they were talking about Xander's bike.

"He did, that's why I asked."  She considered it. "Not to doubt his bike, but I'm going to have someone try to clean up that image."  They both nodded.  "By the way, we like his idea.  Only one person wasn't sure and that was because it could set a bad precedent."

"As long as we approved before each one and did some inspections as members of our Councils, it isn't such a bad idea," Stoker admitted.  "We'll have to get restaurants back some year.  Plus it gives us a reason to eat away from home or to take our mates out for a nice dinner."  She nodded at that.  "Have you heard from the special council?"

"We've gotten our copy of the report Chassis gave.  We're doing another joint meeting next month to make those decisions.  I know I'm announcing that someone did take that step and some of the things they found.  There is some information in ours that was considered top secret, something about our Death Day celebrations?"  Throttle nodded. "Have you seen them?"

"Some," he admitted.  "Xander will be back by then.  He's taking the other way home."

"That's fine.  Hopefully he'll be able to find any mice out there and tell them that we won and they can come back."  She waved and hung up, then called her former commander who did audio and visual stuff.  "Come clean up this tape from a bike," she ordered.  "There's a shadowy image behind someone and he called in to report he had to defend himself.  He wasn't pressing charges, more apologizing."   The male mouse nodded and she saved everything down, then relaxed and looked around.  "Stoker," she said in explanation.  "Xander sent them the tape of the encounter.  Has anyone seen them?"  One of them nodded, smirking a bit.  "Are they badly hurt?"

"No, but they're definitely whining," he admitted. "I heard them go past talking about vicious white mice.  One walking past the doorway was hunched over holding his stomach, the other was rubbing his throat and whining harder."

"I'm guessing he can be.  I got his confidential file from Carbine when we were considering his application for the club's kitchen.  It's very ...enlightening.  There's a reason he's a priest of Othra."

They all nodded at that and a few shook their heads.  Some people needed that to calm down after the war.

***

Xander rode through a small mountain valley slowly, not wanting to speed. He could feel pain ahead, and he knew he was going to come upon the remains of a battle.  He didn't want to trip into it by accident.  A ghost popped up in front of him and he stopped his bike, putting his feet down and leaning forward.  "Greetings, sister mouse."

"You're a priest?" he demanded.  "Of who!"

"Othra and Mylar.  I'm Xander, adopted little brother to Vinnie VanWham."

"He survived?" the ghost asked, floating closer.  Xander nodded.  "How?"

"They took off to deal with the Plutarkians at their homeworld.  They were captured and managed to escape but also managed to crash on earth before making it home."  She shivered at that.  "They fought the Plutarkians starting on Earth.  Now this solar system is totally clean of them.  The few left are running for their lives."

"We banished them?"

Xander grinned.  "They stole a M'dreth artifact from Earth and took it to one of their worlds.  It opened a portal that let out evil creatures who liked the taste of fish.  That wiped out most of them, sister mouse.  They ran back to Earth and we drove off the remainder of them last year.  Now they're flying in any direction looking for a planet who'll take 'em in."  She bowed her head at that.  "Are there survivors of the battle I can feel?"  She stared at him and he shrugged.  "I worked with the people like the M'dreth on Earth."

"I'm alive."

Xander reached out and put a hand through hers.  "Are you sure about that?" he asked gently.  She burst out crying.  "It's all right," he soothed, leaning forward a bit more.  "Many spirits are unsettled because of the war.  I've seen many who fought the same battles over and over as they tried to ascend."  She looked at him through her tears. "We won.  Mars is rebuilding.  Take me to the other survivors."  She nodded, sniffling and wiping her nose on the back of her sleeve.  He grinned.  "My nephew Victor does that same thing," he teased.

She sighed.  "Vinnie had kids?"

"Two so far with one on the way," he admitted with a grin.  "I have pictures.  Are you part of the clan?"

"I married into it," she admitted. "My youngest sister Taver used to laugh at them."

"You're from the Arc clan?" he asked.  She nodded.  "Taver now leads you and she's dating Wrench, Vinnie's cousin and second in our clan.  He's the Highest of the M'dreth," he offered with a grin.  She just gaped and he nodded.  "Really."

"I'm so going to find her and pick on her," she stated, then floated off.  "Follow me.  There's some caves that lead down to the old base."

"Sure.  I heard a lot about this base and I got told to see if there were any survivors."  He followed her, letting her lead him through the underground caves.  He smelled a few mineral pools and smiled at the ghosts in them as they came out to see him.  He nodded cordially and continued to follow his guide.  They came to a large chamber with some furniture that looked military issued and some other mice staring at him.  He looked around.  "I can brief everyone or just a few," he offered.

"You're a Freedom Fighter?" one of them, an older male mouse demanded.

"I would have been had I been up here when the war was going on.  It ended a few years back, brother mouse."  He looked stunned.  "I'm Xander, adopted little brother to Vinnie VanWham."  He got off his bike and stood beside him.  "I'm a priest of Othra and Mylar."

"Where were you born?" he asked suspiciously.

"Earth.  I'm a changling," he admitted, taking a step forward. His bike beeped and he stroked the handlebar.  "They can't hurt me," he soothed.  "I know they can't."  He walked forward, standing in front of him.  "Can you still share memories?"

"I'm as alive as you are."  Xander did the hand test and he gaped, then stared at him.  "Who are you!"

"Just who I've said," he promised gently.  He coughed.  "You can verify it. If you're a spirit, you can home in on someone you knew and go to them.  I know that there's many mice left.  We've recently, in the last few years, gotten a few back from Plutark and those imprisoned in space in abandoned ships.  Carbine and Stoker both head their city, it's by Mons."  He looked stunned.  "There's four cities now on Mars.  We're starting to rebuild. I was asked to stop at these farther bases to see if there were any survivors who might want to rejoin the others."

He nodded, sniffling a bit.  "I can find Stoker.  I knew him well."

"That's fine.  Go ahead.  Watch out for his son," he offered with a small grin. "And his cat, Angel."  The ghost gave him a dirty look.  "Seriously.  They can both see you even if no one else can.  He's married to Carbine's younger sister Switch, they've got three kids born and one on the way.  Anya is the oldest, then there's Spike and Crankshaft.  Two dogs somewhere and the baby she's carrying."

"Fine. I can verify that.  Anything else?"  Xander leaned closer to whisper next to his ear.  "How did you do that?"

"The clan went to loot and see if there was more helpful things they could have back now that the Plutarkians are almost annihilated.  They found some.  That's where they are.  The clan is gifting them back on a special day soon."

The mouse nodded.  "I will check.  You will stay here, you and your bike."

"As you wish.  Are there those still living?  I have some supplies with me."

"There are those who seem more solid," he admitted.  "They're in the chambers."  He faded out, concentrating on his old bro, Stoker.  He found himself outside a nice house in a growing city.  He saw a white mouse and stared back at him.

"Daddy!" Spike called.  "It's a ghost!"

Stoker came out onto the back porch and looked. "Where?"  Spike pointed.  "A dangerous one or someone looking for Wrench, son?"

"He's an old mouse wearing a uniform like Auntie Nibbles," he said with a frown.  He looked at him.  "You were a fighter?"  The mouse nodded.  "Did Xander send you?"

"Not everything is his fault, son," Stoker said dryly.  "It took me a very long time to see that but it's not."

The ghost faded in. "He did actually.  We thought we were living and he gave me information I could check on."  He floated closer.  "Stoker, you got old."

He looked at his former friend. "I wish I could say the same," he said quietly.  "Where were you?  You were supposed to be at Luna base."

"We were.  There's some there in the chambers.  We're not sure who's really alive or not. I thought I was until he showed up."  He stared at Spike.  "He said you could see me, you and your cat."

Spike smirked. "I'm a rebirth," he said quietly. "I used to be a vampire, mate."

"Son, I don't need to know such things."  He faded in and touched his friend's mind, finding the truth the boy had told him.  He pulled back and sobbed. "I'm sorry we let you down."

"You held it long enough.  We won, bro.  We finally won and some of us survived.  Xander helped with the end of the war.  You can trust Xander, even though he's a flake and a fighter now and then."  He stopped Wrench from coming out.  "Xander ran into an old base," he said quietly. "Don't."

"Then I won't."  He looked at the older mouse.  "Welcome, brother mouse."

"Who are you?"

"Wrench, cousin to Vinnie VanWham, second in the Clan VanWham, Highest of the M'dreth."

"Dating my second's sister," the old mouse finished.  He looked at Taver.  "The last time I saw you, you were barely able to ride, mouse cadet."

She sniffled. "Uncle Pole?"  He nodded. "You did die?  Momma hoped so hard!"

"I died long ago, child.  There was a landslide caused by a battle.  I was trying to evacuate us.  I thought I had," he sighed, shaking his head.  "I should have figured that out."

"The dead often can't see beyond their last few days," Wrench advised. "It's what keeps them here and bound until they can resolve what they have left."  The mouse nodded.  "Tell Xander to be more careful.  The dead like him greatly."

"I will, son.  You picked a good one to adopt."

"He's Othra's and Mylar's," he offered with a grin.  "He used to be one of us on Earth."  He winked and got out of the way, holding Taver instead.  "He can come visit," he assured her.  The mouse nodded.  "Go back and verify, you can always come back to visit her.  You're more than welcome in my temple anytime, brother mouse, and you can make her want to come to visit."  He nodded and faded out.

Spike looked at him.  "Will we get many of those?"

"That depends on who and what he runs into," Wrench offered.  "If he's like he was when he took me to Sunnydale for the day, possibly," he admitted quietly.  He looked at Stoker.  "I'm sure the next one will go to Carbine."

"Let's hope so."  He walked back inside and found the 'medicinal' bottle of whiskey, pouring himself a drink and downing it.  Xander drew the dead so he'd probably see a few more people he knew soon.

***

Xander looked over as the chamber door was opened by a big mouse, nodding to him.  He had been shown up here when the ghost had gotten back and he had tried to figure out the stasis chambers but he wasn't that much of a techie and he didn't want to hurt anyone so he had called Omega City for help.  "I have no idea how to open them and not kill them."

"They only had the power for ten months, son.  It's probably already too late.  They would have been dropped into hard stasis at the end of that time.  We can't bring 'em back."

Xander looked at him.  "Would anything?"  He nodded.  "Was it broken or destroyed?"

"We stole those off the Plutarkians, they have a machine to bring you out.  We never had it."  He shrugged.  "I wish it weren't true.  There's a whole group of them who we're debating about burying these poor ones."

Xander nodded.  "If we went to Plutark, would this be something they would have taken all of with them?"

"No, it's hand-held, but no one's going back there."

"Actually, yeah, there have been," he said quietly.  "My clan did go and is asking permission to go back."  He blinked at that and Xander nodded, whistling for his bike.  "Also there's a young lady downstairs.  She somehow got out of a chamber and is still living.  Can you just check them?"

"Of course.  Who are you?"

"Xander, one of Othra's priests."  He nodded, moving around him to check.  Xander moved to his bike, tapping the screen.  "Honey, get me Enamel and Chassis on the same screen if you can."  Vinnie looked confused.  "We have some people in stasis."

"We never got that machine."

"Plutark's bare.  We have transporters."

"Point," Vinnie admitted.  "Enamel!  Chassis!"  Both of them came from the kitchen.  "Xander!"  He got out of the way.

"Chassis, babe, I love you, but did you see any of the machines to bring people out of stasis?"

She nodded.  "I saw two in the lab on the estate.  I didn't think to grab any though.  Why?"

"Because.  We've got people in stasis here and in the local city near here."

"I'm forbidden to go back without authorization," she noted.

Xander looked at the guy.  "Will they keep?"

"For the rest of eternity in this form," he admitted.  "A few days won't matter."  Xander nodded.  "They're all in deep stasis.  Even with the machine, it's a fifty-fifty chance."

"I'll take those odds, it's better than them dying right off," Xander pointed out.  That got a nod and a small grin. "I was heading home.  Were there other bases out this way?"

"Ten or twelve. Our crew's slowly working our way out here, Xander."  He took off his bandana and scratched the top of his head.  "What are you doing out here?"

"Heading home from a temple near Omega City to Stoker's City."

"Ah.  Taking the long way home?"

"It's about the same distance," he admitted.  "I was asked to hit the bases and see if there's any survivors left out here."

"I've got a good crew.  We can do that," he promised.

Xander nodded, shaking his hand.  "Thank you.  I'm headed home by transporter then.  Babe, get me to the Council's chambers?" he asked.  "Let me get that kid first.  Unless you want to take her?"  He shook his head.  "I didn't think you would since you're on body patrol.  Give me ten, Vinnie."  He went to get the child, smiling at the ghost sitting with her. "I'm taking her right to Taver," he promised, holding out his arms.  "She'll go to the temple of the M'dreth there first, that way she's around more spirits and then slowly gets used to people."  She nodded, kissing the baby and whispering in her ear, then handing the child over.  "Rest well, ma'am.  You're one hell of a mouse."  He walked the child off, taking her back to his bike.  He sat down sideways and the bike disappeared, landing him in the middle of the Council's chambers.  "We gotta talk," he told Carbine, the only one in there.  "I just found some bodies in stasis."  She gaped.  "They need the machine from Plutark to try to revive them.  It goes above and beyond the call of duty, but still."

"As long as you're quiet, I will allow someone on active military duty to go," she promised gently.  "Who's that?"

He grinned.  "I'm headed to see Wrench about her, then out to the valley, then home.  Come see me later and call the house.  Chassis was there with Enamel."  He shifted so he was straddling his bike.  "Let's go, baby love.  We've got to see Wrench and Taver."  His bike purred and roared to life, making the baby squeak.  "Shh, little one. It's all right.  My bike will protect you."  She nodded, clinging to his neck.  He rode him out heading for the temple up the road.  Wrench met him outside in his formal gear and he nodded, stopping in front of him. "She was saved from stasis by her mother," he said, patting her on the back.  "Her mother died.  She's Taver's niece by her mother's spirit's account."

"Bring her inside, brother mouse.  She'll be more at home for a few minutes until I can find her aunt."  He looked at the baby staring at him.  "I'm Wrench.  Would you like a cookie?"

"What's a cookie?" she whispered.

"It's a treat but we make many of them around here," he promised, holding his arms out.  "Come on.  There's plenty like you're used to inside and your aunt is on her way. I can hear her bike.  I'll tell her if Xander doesn't."  The baby carefully climbed into his arms and he carried her inside, sitting her on one of the stools in his kitchen.  A plate of cookies was already sitting there and he put one in front of her.  "Try that," he offered with a grin.  "Willow?"  She faded into view.

The baby looked at her. "My mommy can do that."  She broke off a small piece and nibbled on it.

"I bet she was great at it, lovey," she offered, hugging her.  "What's your name?"

"Taver, after my auntie."  She looked outside.  "She's crying."

"She didn't know about you, sweetness, it's joy," Willow assured hr.  "Try the cookie, you'll like cookies."  The baby ate a bite and grinned so Willow did.  "See?  I knew you'd like it.  Let Wrench go."  Taver let go of his sleeve and he patted her before leaving them alone. "You're welcome to come out whenever you want, Taver.  We're friendly humans and mice here."  She nodded, finishing that cookie.  "Go ahead and eat another, baby.  It's good for you and it'll keep Wrench from doing it."

"I'm not a baby."

"Well, you're certainly a little mouse," she teased, pinching her ear.  The baby grinned and stole a cookie, nibbling it without breaking it into pieces this time.  She looked out, watching Xander hold the crying mouse and talk to her to get her calmed down.  Wrench joined in, taking Taver to hold.  He turned her toward them and Taver ran inside, coming in to hug the child.  "She's fine, Taver.  We're having cookies."

"I can see that," she admitted, kissing her again on the forehead.  "Oh, baby, if I had known, I would have gotten my sister home to have you there," she sobbed, clinging to her again.  "It's all right.  We're family and you've got a loving home with me and momma, little one."

"Momma named me after you," she whispered, liking this hugging stuff.  Her momma hadn't been able to and the Xander mouse who had found her gave different hugs than her auntie did.  "She said she missed you and she didn't think you had survived.  I was her tribute to you."  She looked at her. "Do I have to change my name?"

"No, love, not unless you want to," she promised, giving her a squeeze.  "I'm so happy I'm crying and I don't know what to do first."

"Call your momma," Wrench offered gently from behind her, moving to hold her again.  "That way she can cry in joy too."  Taver burst out in tears so Wrench let Xander hold her then went to make the call from his office.  He nodded at the older women who answered.  "Ma'am," he said, nodding politely at one.  "I need to speak to Taver's mother.  We just had a bit of news.  Is she not there?"

"She is, Highest.  Give me a moment."  She tipped her head back.  "Olympia!"  She came running.  "There's news from the Highest."

"Is it my daughter?" she demanded, turning to look at him.  "Is she hurt?"

"Not Taver," he admitted.  "Xander was off visiting the older temples of his faith to gather some things for the local one and he found some spirits taking care of a child."  He keyed in the codes to show her the kitchen.  "I'm sure you recognize the one in her arms.  Xander said she looked a lot like her mother."

She looked then gasped and burst out crying.  "My baby!"

"Ma'am, that's your granddaughter," he offered gently.  "Can you come here to cry on them?  Her momma named her after her baby sister."

"Of course!  I'll be right there!  You don't move!"

"Only to the kitchen to get the poor thing some rootbeer, ma'am."  He hung up and went to do that, getting himself some too.  He looked around but Xander was gone.  He looked at Willow. "He left me with the hard work."

"He went to take the special cups and things to the main temple," she offered.  "The Seal is watching him.  Chassis left to get one of the anti-stasis machines."

"Why?" Taver asked, looking up at her.  "Are there some in it?"  Willow nodded.  "Where?"

"Omega has a few and Xander just found a few more.  Even with only half a chance it's better than none," she said gently.  Taver nodded and hugged the baby tighter.  "Maybe you should take the cookies and rootbeer into the living room," she offered. "It's softer."  Taver nodded and picked up her niece, carrying her that way.  Willow waited while Wrench carried stuff.  "Call the medical board so they can verify it," she said quietly.  "Just in case the grandmother wants to."  He nodded, going to make that call from his office. The child would need looked over anyway.  She was pretty thin and tiny.  Willow opened the door when the bike nearly ran into it. "This way, ma'am.  We moved them into the living room and have called a medic to check her over to make sure she's all right."  She nodded, following her into the living room.  She stopped and stared, then burst out crying and ran over to hug her.

"Wow, we sure cry a lot," the younger Taver told her aunt, who just smiled and nodded.  "Momma never said anything about that."

"Sometimes our emotions get the better of us, dear," Taver explained.  "It's a good thing this time.  We didn't know you were alive and we're happy you are."  The girl nodded and hugged her grandmother.  She really could like this hugging thing.  A new mouse came to the door and she looked at him.  "Who're you?"

"I'm Enamel.  I'm a doctor."  He looked at the mother, who just stared at him.  "It was overturned."

"Why?"

"Because I had a new trial and this time I got to defend myself," he admitted.  "You can ask the medical board, but I'm the one with the best grasp of stasis injuries.  May I?"  She nodded, getting out of the way.  "If you know that mother, ma'am, you can have her call the medical board and ask for the transcripts. I've already given permission for them to be given to her.  New information came to light."  He looked at her and she nodded for him to go on.  "There was an autopsy performed during the trial that never got told about.  She died due to the stasis generator going out one night."  She gasped and he nodded.  "I've already told them to give the mother the transcripts when she wanted them.  She can ask Mayflower or Stoker for them."

"Fine, I know her and I'll tell her.  Thank you.  I know you tried."

"I did.  I tried very hard.  If we'd had the medicine, I would have cured her."  He got down to look at her.  "Hi.  I'm Enamel.  I'm a baby doctor."

"I'm not a baby."

"Well, no, but I take care of big kids too.  Sometimes even that Xander mouse who brought you home."  She smiled and nodded at that.  "I take care of his kids, sweetheart.  Okay?"  She nodded. "Good girl. I'm going to do three things today.  This first one'll check your general well being.  One will tell us who your daddy was so we can see if you've got any other family.  Just to see if you're going to get cried on again," he offered with a small smile.  She smiled and winked at that. "Good girl.  Let's do that first."  He put that on her and a reading came up.  He put it on both the other women and it came up with their relationship and something else.  "Well."  He smiled at her, then at the mother.  "She was dating Rimfire's daddy?"

"Well, no, but they were on many long-term assignments together.  Why?"

"I'll need to check," he noted.  "Just to make sure."  He showed her the screen.  She blinked at it then nodded and sighed.  "If so, I'm sure she'd be happy with you too."  He took that disc off.  "We think we know who your daddy was so we'll see if you've got more crying relatives later.  We're doing a large database to find everyone family."  The girl nodded so he put the next one on her, looking at it as it came up.  "Well, it looks like you need to eat more than cookies for dinner, but I think your momma took excellent care of you, sweetheart."  He looked at her and she sucked on her finger.  "Hungry?"  She nodded.  "I'll have them fix you a *huge* lunch later."  She smiled and nodded at that.  "Mommas, they've been doing very well.  I'm pretty certain she's been eating the survival supplies they had there."  The girl nodded.  "She's a bit on the starved side but not too bad.  A few good meals will solve that. It says she's about six but that she had been in minor stasis for two years."  He looked at them.  "Sound about right?"

"It does.  Sister said she had news the next time she got leave, which she expected soon," Taver said miserably.  "What happened?"

"Momma said the rocks gave them ouchies," little Taver told her.  "She thought she got out but that Xander mouse showed her she didn't."  She sucked on her finger again, looking at Willow, who was hovering.  "Can my momma come visit me here?"

"Sure.  Our temple is open to any and all peaceful spirits," Willow assured her.  "She can send you a dream to come and then show up to talk to you or just to watch you.  We've had others who have too," she promised. "We've always got cookies too," she offered with a small grin.  The girl grinned and stole another one to eat in one large gulp. "Good girl."

"Cookies make a good lunch for my son too," Enamel told her.  He put the last one on and looked it over. "She's fine," he announced.  "Just that bit of hungriness.  Needs her inoculations."  He took that off her and tucked it away again, leading the mother a bit away.  "My wife is Shell."  She shivered.  "I think the child will need to see her now and then, just to get used to stuff.  Or you could have her talk to Spike and Anya, Stoker's kids.  They've seen some stuff when they snuck down to see Xander."  She nodded and swallowed.  He handed over his comm number.  "For the kid if you need Shell.  She'll be fine.  It looks like she broke her left leg last year but it healed pretty well.  She may still have some aches there now and then.  If so, when she gets older we can rebreak and reset.  For right now, treat her like she's been on desert maneuvers.  She's hungry and needs a long, hot bath."  The mother smiled and relaxed.  "And definitely tell that mother to get the transcripts if it won't hurt her too much.  I never wanted to hurt her and I always wanted to save her child.  I'm sorry I wasn't good enough."

"I understood.  You tried so hard," she said quietly.  "I'll tell her that before she sees you on the street."  He nodded, heading out after stealing a cookie of his own.  She looked at Wrench, who simply nodded behind him.  She went into his office to make the call.  "Dear, sit."  Her friend scowled but sat.  "There's some news, dear.  I'm not sure if you've heard.  Enamel's here."  The woman jumped up.  "There was a second trial, one where he was allowed to speak.  He said there was evidence that wasn't given to you.  Including an autopsy."  She just blinked.  "He said he's authorized you to get a copy of the second trial's transcripts from either Stoker or Mayflower at the medical board.  He told me to tell you so you wouldn't see him riding down the street."  She coughed.  "He's also the one who came up with the way to cure it totally using the transporters.  I heard Cell talking about it with someone at the main building when I went for my check up.  He wanted you to read them before you went to scream at him again and he apologized for being mortal."

"What does it say?" she asked quietly.

"He said the stasis generator went out."  She swallowed. "Go get them and I'll sit with you while you read through them.  He's got a family now and he's helping where he can. He just checked my granddaughter over."

"Granddaughter?"  She nodded.  "How?"

"My daughter's spirit protected her from the rockslide. She did some time in stasis, but she's fine.  She needs to eat.  You get that file and Taver and I will bring her home soon, dear."  She nodded and hung up.  She stood up and went to hug her granddaughter to her.  "You are such a precious gift," she murmured, stroking her hair.  She looked at Wrench.

"Her momma and you guys are always welcome here.  One of the reasons for the temple is because spirits are always welcome here.  She's more than welcome to come back to see if her momma will come visit her.  She wouldn't be the first," he said gently, getting out of their way.  "Plus we've almost always got cookies for the kids around here," he offered with a small smile.  He waved at the baby.  "You'll see me later, dear.  Don't worry about it."

"Our date...." Taver started.

"She's more important and you've got lots of stuff to do with her right now," he promised.  "I'm not leaving."

Taver got up and kissed him. "I'll see you on Sunday?"  He smiled and nodded, tweaking her nose.  She smiled and walked out with her family, taking them home.

Her mother put a hand on her arm, staring her down.  "I like that one, daughter.  Keep him."

"He's very hot," she hissed. "Nice arms, and he's part of Vinnie's clan, his second."  She grinned and got onto her bike. "Here, you can ride with me, namesake and niece."  That got a grin and she clung to her back as she rode off.

"I like that boy, even if he does deal in strange stuff," the mother announced, heading after them once she got some stuff for them to cook.  She got home and found a basket of food on her doorstep, making her smile.  She liked her friends a lot.  She read the note and nodded, heading inside.  "This basket's owner said that they wanted to talk about the daddy's family, that she thinks there is some," she offered. "They want to talk to us first."

"I don't know how," Taver admitted. "Rimfire's daddy?"  She nodded, looking at her.  "I wouldn't have expected it from him."

Modo tapped the back door and held up a basket.  "Sometimes these things happen on assignment.  Cell made more food than we can conceivably eat this year.  She's worried."

"I don't see a problem sharing her," Taver noted.

Modo shrugged. "I leave that to Cell and you guys.  I'm just the delivery boy," he offered with a shy grin.  "Hi, princess.  How are you?"

"You're part metal?"  He nodded, tapping his arm.  She sniffled.  "That was mean of someone!  Did you get to hurt them back!  My momma said it's only fair to hurt someone who hurts you or your family that badly."

"My bros and I did," he promised, walking in to kiss her on the head.  "It's all right.  It was a long time ago."  He patted her on the head and looked at the mothers.  "My gray furred momma suggested that you guys come over tonight for a picnic since you're neighbors anyway."  They nodded at that.  "We're not a pushy sort.  Whatever you decide."  He left, heading home.  She was an adorable little girl and she looked a lot like Rimfire, only she was tan and her hair had a black stripe down the left side, just above her ear.

***

Chassis and Xander came off the transporter with a few things, handing them to Enamel.  "Yours."  She handed the other to Carbine, who was sitting on the counter. "Yours and hand it to the other cities as well, boss lady.  Also, these," she said, holding up the data keys.  "From the lab.  I didn't get a chance to do much recon, but once Xander killed the Bringer I did some."

"Thank you," she said, taking them.  She looked over as Rivet came off wiping off the scythe.  "Did it go okay?"

"There's still a few left.  Just six or seven," she admitted.

"Eleven with that one dead," a voice called, sounding like Willow.  "Six are on another continent."

"Eleven of those suckers we can handle," Xander admitted, collapsing his rod again and putting it back.  He looked at Wrench as he came in.  "How is she?"

"Eating.  What Enamel ordered her to do."  He kissed him then hugged him.  Xander patted him on the back.  "She said she still wants to see me Sunday.  Her mother said to keep me," he said happily.

"I agree, but can I breathe?" he joked.  Wrench let him go and he grinned.  "I told you so."  He looked at Enamel.  "They got stepped on but they should still work.  Chassis thought so."

"If not, there's probably more," he admitted, going to call the medical board.  Mayflower scowled at him.  "I told you she could have the transcripts, I meant it," he noted.  "Neither of us knew some of that stuff."

"Fine, I'll release them to her.  What's going on now?"  He held that device up.  "What's that?"

"The anti-stasis machine.  Chassis said they might have been stepped on, but she thinks they still work."

"Give!  Now!" she ordered.  "Right now!"

"Come get 'em.  There's two," he promised with a small smirk.  "Unless you want me to send Vic in by himself?"  She shook her head and got up.  Enamel ended up looking at his accuser.  "I'm sorry, ma'am."

"I've heard that."  She looked at the file in her hand, then at him. "Explain it."

He nodded, puling over a chair with his tail. "Sure.  I'd been on Earth.  I was captured..."

"For another death?"

"Sort of, I was protecting an orphanage and wasn't careful who I shot during an attack."  She looked stunned.  "I was captured and handed over to the guy who dealt with the Martians in the US, Micah Simms."

"I heard his name now and then.  And?"

"He made it part of my sentence to treat the guys there," he said gently.  "He's also the one who pushed Stoker for a real trial when he found out that I hadn't had a chance to speak at mine."  She swallowed and nodded.  "Stoker found the file, including evidence your lawyer didn't want presented.  Things like that autopsy report and why the medicines had suddenly disappeared.  A few tests done on the computers showing that the treatments would have worked had the stasis generator not given out completely."  She caught herself from sobbing again.  "You know I wanted to heal her.  I tried my best, but I'm not one of the Ancient Gods."

She swallowed.  "I'm going to read this over.  It doesn't help."

"I know.  If it were my children, I'd have killed by now."

She nodded. "I nearly did," she admitted.  "I was stopped by Stoker."  She stared him down.  "Are you practicing?"

"More consulting and teaching.  I treat the family out here.  I didn't want others to need the explanation.  Besides, I'm a father now and I need to be here for my kids."

She nodded. "You should be practicing.  Besides my daughter you saved many children.  Mars still needs you.  I guess that's why they gave you a second chance."  She walked off.

Xander hung up and hugged him.  "If you need to talk or scream, I'm here," he whispered.

Enamel shrugged him off and stood up. "There are days I hate you," he spat.  "You brought me out of where I was finally comfortable and made me...."

"Heal?" Xander suggested, interrupting him.  "Yeah, I'm sorry about that, not."  He crossed his arms and looked at him.  "Let's face it, Enamel.  Where would you be if we hadn't gotten tangled up in my changing?"  He swallowed then nodded.  "You can be damned pissed at me, I would be.  You've still got pain and anger from your banishment and today it got reopened.  Be mad if you want, just don't do it around the kids. I won't have them hurt."  He turned and walked out.

Enamel watched him go, then sighed and followed. "Xander!"  He caught up to him outside, staring at him.  "It's my pain."

"Yeah, and do you realize how much shit I brought into your lives?" he asked.  "How much stuff I changed with being here?  How much stuff I impacted?  Not all of it good and even when it's good not everyone's thankful.  It's a double edged sword, Enamel.  Yeah, I started you healing and now you're in pain again."

"Sometimes you've got to hurt to heal, like your burn."  He stepped closer.  "I'm not mad at you for it."

"I know, but I'm mad at myself that I can't keep my fucked up life from fucking up everyone else's now and then.  Things would have been a lot simpler if I hadn't been the one sent to Chicago that time.  Think about how sane things would be without me."

"Yeah, but think about how dead we'd all be," Throttle said from the doorway, using the frame as a brace to hold him back.  "If it hadn't been for you, we wouldn't have won against Limburger for a long time, Xan.  Or been able to help Mars like we have.  You create a lot more happiness than you do bring pain and strangeness."

"Are you sure of that?  Because I'm not."  He walked off, heading off on his bike.

"What's wrong with him?"

"Today he got to tell a lot of people that their families weren't coming home, that some were in stasis, and that the one child he knew was coming home had been because the ghosts had worked together and some had worn themselves into a non-afterlife to help her," he admitted.  "He hates to see people in pain, Enamel.  He should have been a doc.  He really should have been."

"Sometimes we can't help the pain either.  He'd have been alcoholic and a drug user by now if he were a doc," he said honestly.  He looked at Throttle.  "Seeing a patient die in front of him because we can't cure cancer would have killed him."

Throttle nodded.  "Yeah, but like later on, he'll remind himself it was necessary and he's needed.  We all take moods like this, when the futility comes back to us sometimes."

"Yeah, but...."

Throttle shook his head.  "You forget, Xander adopted us.  We're his clan now.  All of us.  Hurting us hurts him.  He hates having to hurt anyone not attacking him.  It's been a long few days.  He's headed to the temple and then he'll come back."

"I remember that state.  It's what led me to stop feeling."

"Yeah, but you didn't have anyone to bring you home and make you feel until him.  He's got us."  He headed back inside, going to call his mate and ask him to come home.  It was too soon but Xander needed to hear his voice and know that he was wanted.  He had the last time.

***

Xander wandered into the house and Vinnie caught him, just hugging him.  "I'm fine. How is Enamel?"

"Worried about you, Xan."  He led him back to their room, tucking him into the bed. "Let me get Throttle, he's out watching the stars."  He jogged outside and drug Throttle back inside, both of them laying around him.  "There," he said once he was settled. "Better?"

"I'm fine, Vinnie."

"You're not, babe," Throttle admitted.  "You did good but it wears on you," he said gently.  "We want to be here for this too."

"All those people thought they were still alive," he said, looking at him. "It was horrible and I had to burst their bubbles to help them, then make them move on.  I can't do that again.  I'm not sure I can help people anyway.  I suck as a counselor.  Just look at how I messed up Enamel now and then."

"You helped him a lot, bro," Vinnie soothed, stroking his stomach.

Enamel tapped and walked in with a mug.  "Here, soup."  He handed it over.  "A good counselor knows when to kick ass and when to back off and let you figure it out, Xander.  Besides, you're not going to get a lot of that in your chosen faith.  You're not the God they come to for that."

"No, but I couldn't help the other priests either."

"I'm sure you did, even if you think you didn't."

"I fucked up beyond belief talking to one guy about his PTSD."

Throttle gave him a squeeze. "I still hate that word and I doubt it, Xander. You've never done that before. You're not starting now."

"I stumbled and stuttered and Tangent had to take over I did it so wrong."  He finished his soup and handed the mug back, then rolled into his mate's stomach to cuddle.  He pulled Vinnie up behind him. "I suck at this."

"Not all priests are meant to council," Vinnie pointed out. "Some are meant to do and some are meant to speak. You're meant to train and make sure the next generation works right."   He gave him a tight squeeze.  "So what if you couldn't give the right advice? Everyone gets some bad advice, it's a skill knowing when it's bad."

"Vincent, probably not helping," Enamel said with a small scowl for him.

"Babe, you're meant to teach, not to council.  I'm sure your fellow priest knew that too."  He nuzzled him gently.  "You're not Othra, you're not expected to be Othra.  You're his priest and mortal.  Therefore you mess up now and then.  That's why there's others and us around, babe.  So you don't have to face this stuff alone."  He stroked the thin back.  "Did you not eat while you were gone?"

"I did so eat," he complained.  "Quit harping on that, please!"

"Fine.  You know, Xander, you can only count on three things in this world.  Your brains, your bros, and your bike," he offered gently.

"Since you've got the studliest and best possible for two of those, we'll forgive you for not being that smart," Vinnie offered, grinning at Throttle.  At least until Throttle kicked him out of the bed with a mighty foot shove.  "Hey!"

"Enough, Vincent.  Quit picking on Xander.  Damn it, I just sounded like Shell yelling at her grandkids," he moaned, holding his head.  Xander snickered at that and hid his face deeper in Throttle's chest.  "Fine, you laugh.  Just think, triplets."  He glared at Vinnie. "He's very smart.  After all, he finds a use for you."  Throttle kicked him out of the bed too.

"I feel better now.  Babe, want a cuddle?"  Xander nodded.  "Then strip down and let's cuddle.  The other two chuckle heads can go back to their own beds."

"No I can't.  Charley won't let me go to bed," Vinnie complained.  "Can I come back yet?" he yelled.

"Vincent!" Charley yelled. "Get your tail in here!"

"You said I couldn't come in!" he whined as he headed back to his room.  "Oooh, Momma," he howled.  "I like it!  No wonder I couldn't come in!"

The door slammed and Magnet started to cry but she was quickly silenced by Vic carrying her into Modo's room to lay with Punch, and then Vic went to sleep on his bike.  Sometimes his parents got too loud.  He passed Shell in the hallway.  "My parents are too loud for me to sleep.  I'm going to my bike."

Throttle and Enamel chuckled at that, shaking their heads. Enamel was drug off by his wife, who asked if he wanted Xander too, and if so, she could find some fur dye and make him a sorry mouse when she bent him over their couch.  He blushed at that but let her take him home.

Throttle cuddled his mate.  His poor boy needed the comfort and rest.  He needed him, so it all worked out in the end since he liked to cuddle.  Just as long as he got Xander out of his leathers and boots.  "Strip, babe.  I want to cuddle."

Xander sighed but got up and took off his leathers, showing off the cut on his side.  "Before you ask, it's not bad, it's not tragic, I got a rock scrape," he defended, laying back down.

Throttle looked at it, then licked it and put a kiss on it.  "I can see that."  He kissed him and got naked, then pulled him back to cuddle some more.  "Scrapes happen.  You get babied for scrapes."  Xander just looked at him. "You do.  It's in the super stud's handbook.  Scrapes and booboos get babied.   Cuts and tears are what you freak out about.  Burns and gunshots or laser burns you scream and freak about.  I'll find you a copy later."

"Sure."  He kissed him and snuggled in, letting Throttle wrap around him. "Thanks, babe."

"Welcome anytime," he promised, giving him a squeeze.  They both laughed when Vinnie howled in pleasure.

"Don't do that!  You're keeping my babies up!" Modo yelled, slamming his door.  Which cracked Xander up further until he was snickering into the warm, tan fur again.  Not that Throttle minded.  He liked the soft breaths and the warm lips there.

Episode 85:

Xander looked at the people gathered as he rode up, parking his bike and heading up to the dias with the casket he had found. "You needed this, Tangent?" he asked, handing it over.

"I did," he agreed, smiling at him.  He took them and looked inside.  "It's all here and shined.  Good job, Xander."

"Thanks."  Xander looked around.  "I wasn't sure if you needed some of the slabs."

"I could use two of them."  He looked at Xander.  "How are you doing?"

"I'm missing pieces."  He whistled and his bike moved through some of the crowd, parking beside him.  He looked around and nodded Spike to lift off the two platters and carry them up, handing them to him.  "Thanks, Spike.  Good job."  He handed them over.  "As many pieces as I found, Tangent."

He nodded, looking at them.  "Silver trays?"

"My personal favorite for working on things, just in case they bring trouble."  He shrugged. "I'm like that."

"I would be too with your past."  He laid the trays out and watched as Xander got down and poured something into a cup, then put it among the flowers around the stone of names. He gave him an odd look. "Libations for the dead?"

"Earth habit among some of my friends.  Admittedly learned from Gunn and some of his street friends.  Like the Egyptians burying the people with food."

"Libations for the dead," Tangent decided, nodding.  He looked around, then at Xander's bike.  "Back off."

"Spike, watch Vic," Xander ordered, coming up to hand over the bottle of wine.  Tangent looked at it then sniffed.  "Yes, wine.   It should be good wine on today."  He looked around, then up.  "What ship is coming in?"

Stoker looked at him.  "No ship, Xander.  Even though I heard you've got one coming in."  Xander gave him a look.  "Not yours?"  Xander shook his head.  "How can you tell?"

"They make my ears pop."  He looked up again, moving a few feet away.  "Stoker, can we call a time out on this?"

"It's not for another hour, Xander.  I'm sure it's just yours."

"It's not mine, mine is still at home. Terror's not coming until the end of the ceremony."

"You and Terror, there's an image worthy of my nightmares," Tangent sighed, shaking his head.

"I like my cousin Terror!  He's a cool mouse and we understand each other very well!" he defended.

"Sir!" Stoker's radio crackled.  "We've got a ship incoming to where you are!  I can't tell make, model, or species!"

Stoker tapped his end.  "Any lifeforms?" he asked.

"No, sir.  Well, yes, but we can't tell how many or what type.  Do you want a unit?"

"Yeah.  Now.  Just in case."  He hung up and looked at Xander.  "No laser?"

"Um, no. I don't tend to come armed with visible weapons to remembrance thingies."  He gave Stoker an odd look.  "Why does everyone always assume I'm armed and dangerous even if I'm naked and in the bathtub?"

"Because that's the sort of mouse you are," Tangent advised.  "Sorry, but you really are like that."  He smirked at him.  "What do you have?"

"About what I went traveling with.  A few crossbows, my pole, a dagger."  He shrugged.  "Nothing too major."  They looked up as the ship started to become visible. "That's not friendly."

"How do we know that?" Stoker demanded. "Spike, get Vic, head home!" he yelled. "People, we've got a ship coming in, we're not sure of the reason or who it is!"   Most everyone ran and Spike got Vic onto his bike, programming it to head to somewhere safer because he'd never make it home in time. Besides, all his parents would be heading in. Stoker helped guard most everyone back to the nearest bunker, looking around and counting noses.

Xander was the one who noticed Spike was still there.  "Why didn't you go with him!"

"Bike wouldn't let me, it said it's not an emergency and Vic's not a reasonable person."  He shrugged.  "Sorry!"

Xander sighed and looked around, then whistled, bringing his bike back.  He patted down everything and ended up finding a side cannon that came off.  He looked up, the ship was getting ready to land.  "Here, take this, get behind the stone, guard anyone still running and follow them.  If someone takes the gun, give it!"  He headed off.  "Bike, guard the fleeing! Spike, you can ride him this time!"  He pulled out his pole and expanded it, looking at Tangent.  "That's Plutarkian, I can smell 'em from here," he called.

"As can I."  He called the base.  "Base, this is High Priest Tangent.  We have sighted and smelled Plutarkian landers at the Remembrance Canyon.  I repeat, it is Plutarkians.  We do need assistance.  Most everyone has been evacuated and is running."

"Two field units en route, Tangent.  Can you hold a line?"

"We'd better," Xander agreed. "They're not getting any farther in."  Tangent nodded and cut the connection.  The ship landed and a raving lunatic ran out, straight for them. "Marshall," he sneered, stepping up to take him out himself.  Him and the three guards following him were all downed within minutes, and then a Bringer came running out.  "Oh, fucking wonderful!  Tangent, we need Wrench and Rivet!" he called.  He sent that out mentally to Throttle too.  He'd be somewhere closer to Wrench anyway.  He beat the shit out of the Bringer, but they were super vampires who could withstand anything but that scythe.  "You want the Plutarkians?" he called as someone came riding up behind him.  A female mouse jumped off.  "Not him!  Only Rivet, Wrench, or I can kill them, it takes something special!"

"You're sure?"

"Yeah, that's a Bringer, they ate the Plutarkians!  Get the stinkfish!"  She nodded, heading to help Tangent. He went back to beating the Bringer, and its buddy that appeared too.  "Seal!" he howled.  "Some help here please!"

"I can't open, more will come out!" she yelled back.  She appeared and tossed him the scythe.  "Here!  Rivet's too far away!"

"Blessed be, and all that jazz."  He tossed his pole to her and went to work on the Bringers for real now.  And hey, it worked on smelly Plutarkians too.  He cut off the head of Marshall Limburger very quickly.  He took a deep breath and focused himself, heading on to take care of the others.  A few more were coming out and he charged.  He felt someone fall in step behind him and glanced back, nodding at Wrench.  "Hey!  Long time no see!"  He swung and then ducked, then swung again, gutting it to slow it down so he could cut its head off.   And he kept going.  By the time he was done, there weren't any adults or Bringers.  One tried to get up so he walked over and calmly finished severing the head, then kicked it into the canyon.  "Here, be an honor guard to those killed by your own stupidity."  He growled when someone came near him, panting a bit.  They smelled like a Plutarkian.  They really did.

Wrench looked over then casually stole the scythe and used the end of the handle to knock him out.  "Throttle, your boy keeps getting lost in there," he called pleasantly.  "You might want to work on that with him now and again.  Just for our safety."  He looked around, then down at himself.  "Wow, I need a shower and a change of clothes."  Taver, both of them, ran up and kissed him and he grinned at his ladies.  "Hi.  That's almost as good as a shower and a change of clothes.  Seal!"  She appeared and he tossed the scythe.  "Put it back in my office and tell Rivet where it is this time."  She nodded, bowing to him.  "How many are left on Plutark?"

"Three.  All on the smaller continent."

"Thanks.  Shoo."  She faded out, taking the weapon with her.  He sighed and held his ladies, watching Throttle go into super fuss mode.

"Man, he didn't leave us any," Vinnie complained as he rode up.

"I wish we had, then you'd be dirty too," Wrench joked.  He looked at Tangent, who was staring at Xander.  "Now you know why."

"I do, I did before," he admitted.  "He can't counsel very well but he trains magnificently.  I think I'll put him over that."   He walked back up to the podium, checking on everything.  He moved a piece back into place, watching as it fused.  "Blessed be, Lord Othra, for bringing us this defender.  Please guard his mind so he doesn't break from this."

"Not a chance," Throttle called, looking over at him.  "It's happened in the past too."

"When?"

"When he ran the people up the valley," Vinnie admitted.

"That was him!"  The mice in the know all nodded.  Tangent looked up and smiled.  "Thank you, Lord.  I feel no qualms about dying or anything else now.  He is more than fit to follow and lead the next generation.  Thank you."  He went back to checking the stone tablets, his touch fusing them where they should go.  He smiled at the nearly complete ones.  "It's as they should be," he announced.  He looked around.  "They'll be honor guards and slaves to the dead in the afterlife.  Are there young on the ship?" he called.  The person who had been searching it shook his head.  "Are you sure?"

"Very.  There had been two ships but the other headed off while this one landed," he reported.  He looked at the mouse Throttle was holding.  "Does he need medical attention, sir?"

"No.  Just a pillow.  We're good."  He looked over, seeing Spike coming back on Xander's bike.  "Where's yours?"

"I can't ride alone unless it's an emergency."

"I'm going to be redefining an emergency later," Stoker said from behind him.  He looked at his son.  "Nice work."

"Thanks."  He grinned his most shit-eating grin.  "I'm starting with Xander this weekend."

"Fine.  As long as you don't turn into him."  He walked off shaking his head after a quick hug.  He checked on Xander, then Throttle. "You okay?"

"No.  He didn't leave us any."  He looked at him.  "I want to watch him fight.  Did anyone get it on camera?"

"Spike did.  The bike was herding and he managed to get caught here, but hidden.  His swearing was very well heard over it.  What are Bringers?"

"The super vamps who ate the Plutarkians," Wrench noted.  "It takes that scythe to kill 'em, Stoker.  That's why he wouldn't let the others near them.  It'd have gotten them killed."  He looked at Carbine, who casually dropped a box on Xander's chest then walked off.  "He'll get you for that," he called, knowing very well what it was.  He had one of those in his closet from the battle where he found faith.  He looked at Stoker, then at himself.  "I need to change."

"My place is closer.  Throttle, get your boy there too.  You can both change."  Throttle nodded and called their bikes over, Xander's bike pushing his out of the way.

"Whoa, babe.  He's fine.  Just knocked out so he didn't hit the rest of us too.  We're heading to Stoker's to clean up, all right?"  The bike beeped and he put Xander on him, watching as he rode off.  He got onto his own bike to follow, he needed to clean up from the stuff he'd gotten off Xander's clothes.  By the time they got there, Xander was awake and complaining about the mess in his fur and the medal that had stuck in the mess on his fur.

Xander walked in and handed Anya the medal.  "Here, make something pretty out of that."

"I can't, not that one.  Daddy said that's sacred and I'm not allowed to use it for my medal statues."  She handed it back. "Sorry, Uncle Xander."

"Xander, the bathroom's already ready for you," Switch offered, coming out to kiss him on the cheek.  She smiled at Throttle and Wrench as they rode up too.  "I'm sure you guys can share a bathroom.  I've got some clothes since Willow sent some over.  Shoo!  Bathe!"  They headed in there and she went to rearrange the clothes, then headed out with the kids.  "We're heading there!  Close the door when you come."

"Sure!" Xander agreed.  "Wrench, don't scrub so hard!" he whined a moment later.

"It's the only way to get your fur clean," Throttle complained.

"Ow!  Babe!"

***

Stoker looked up as the three mice returned, staring at Wrench, who was wearing new robes.  They looked darker to him and they fit him a bit better too it appeared.  Throttle was back in his usual leather vest and jeans.  He had been dressed up earlier.  Xander was....  He blinked a few times, staring at him.  "White leather?" he muttered.  He nudged Tangent.  "Can he do that?"

Tangent looked, then blinked.  "He's got spots, so those must be some sort of clothes."

Vinnie looked and groaned. "I thought he confiscated those."   He looked at Tangent.  "When did you see him naked?" he demanded.

"When he was bathing while we were working together, before he rode off again.  I caught him in the communal bath.  Nothing happened."  Vinnie glared but left it there.

"I did," Throttle growled.  "Willow found them and sent them for him to wear."  He looked at his mate, who was very warmth inducing in that outfit.  Fur-tight didn't begin to describe what those leather pants did for Xander's legs and butt, or his tail.  He let out another little growl when Spike let out one of desire.  "Mine, Spike."

"I never appreciated him when I had the chance," he sighed, shaking his head.  "Damn!"  He walked off shaking his head.

"I suggested he use more fur dye, but Uncle Throttle yelled at me," Anya offered as he stomped past her.  "Nice job recording, little brother."  Spike nodded at that and continued on, going to get a drink from the table.  Ramjet pounced him and he growled at her so she smirked.

"I've got you, Spike.  Some day you'll get those from him.  Then you'll be hot and wanted too."  She got off him and dusted him off, taking him over to hang with their group.  Vic was with his mommy and Switch was watching Crankshaft and some of the other kids with Cell and Modo's momma.   Ramjet looked up as another ship appeared.  "Should we run?"

"No, that's Martian," Switch said loudly.  The people around them relaxed.

Terror landed and stepped out once the engines were off. "I had planned to do this later," he announced, "but I'd hate to make more people paranoid.  The Clan VanWham had some members who went to Plutark to loot and on the grounds of one mansion we found some of our relics.  We're handing them back today and asking formal permission to retrieve the rest," he said, nodding at the full councils of Mars since they were all there. "The ship's odd, but there's plenty of stuff on there.  If you wouldn't mind?"

"Can you offload?" Stoker asked quietly.

"I could, but then you wouldn't be able to move them anywhere else for a bit."

"Point," he admitted, shrugging and following him.  "For those who don't know, this is Terror VanWham.  Come on, people, I do trust him."  The others followed and he walked into the ship, looking around.  "Wow.  This is much bigger than it looks outside," he said dryly.

"Starlight said the same thing," he noted dryly.  He got out of the way, waving them on.  "There you go, Councilors."  They all wandered in and around, a few sniffling and touching some things.  A few stared at the base of the obelisk.  "That's always been Vinnie's favorite," he offered to one crying.  "He doesn't know we've found it yet either."  She nodded and hugged him.  "There's more things there and we could use what they've given up. It's ours and made from our stuff anyway."

"I heard you found a Floor Show Crystal," one of them said, looking at him.

"In Xander's caves there's a small one with a few," he admitted quietly.  "I pried one off for Victor."  She nodded, smiling at that.  "I'm sure there's more."  She nodded, walking around to look at the things again. "It's up to you, boss."

Carbine looked at him. "How long will this...deepening last?"

"Until Starlight enters the ship again.  Though he was looking a bit tired by holding it recently."

"Then offload it here.  We can use some of the other ships to move them," Carbine ordered.  The others stared at her.  "We can decide that during our meeting later this week.  We have some ships, we can easily move them individually."  That got a round of nods and a few nodded at Terror to do that.

"Sure thing, Carbine."  He went to open the back doors and start the mechanical arm unloading, watching the process as it kept going.  "By the way, their main library was still up there.  Even if you don't like it, we're going back for that and donating it in total to the new University."

"Thank you," the female councilor from Omega City said, kissing him on the cheek.  "Was that a clan decision?"

"We didn't have to ask, Vinnie would have agreed.  Vincent!"  He came in and stared, then ran over and hugged the obelisk before calming himself and wiping his face off.  "Xander mentioned that one by name, cuz."  He punched him on the arm.  "The main library was there.  We're donating it to the uni, right?"

"Hell yeah."  He nodded, punching him back with a small grin.  "In total, but we need to send Micah a file with the various species of aliens around."

"Done," Stoker admitted.  "You're sure, Vinnie?  This could mean a lot of cash for your family."

"Why do we need it, Stoker?  The kids need it more.  That way we don't have to worry about training healers and engineers and things like that.  Give it to the university."  He smirked at Terror. "You could come up to the house."

"Why?"  He shrugged and flipped over a smaller crystal from his coat pocket.  He winked.  "You want to ride the obelisk out?"  Vinnie grinned and went back to hugging it while it was taken out.  "It was his favorite part of visiting the ancestral home."

"I visited it many times as well," a male mouse noted quietly.  He looked around as the rest of everything was offloaded, picking up something smaller to hand carry.  The others followed suit, a few choosing to carry one of the larger things between them.  Stoker and Carbine came back for the last thing and carried it off.  Then Starlight came inside and sighed in relief as the spell ended.  Starlight tossed out the book then went to lie down in one of the staterooms for a bit.

Stoker looked at the mass of things, then at the ship lifting off.  He looked at the gathered crowd.  "Some of our history was found on Plutark," he noted calmly and quietly.  "It was given back to us by the Clan VanWham.  Even if Vincent is still clinging to his favorite thing."  Vinnie slid down with a sheepish grin.  "Later, punk."

"Yes, coach," he answered automatically.

Carbine stepped forward.  "There have been those who have suggested we take back what they stole of ours that's left, and loot the planet of Plutark. The full councils of Mars will be meeting to discuss that later this week.  Talk to your councilors, people, so we know what the majority feel like."  They all nodded at that.

"Most of us have assistants so call our offices," Stoker noted.  "Otherwise we'll get nothing else done this week."  He looked around but Xander was with Tangent, holding stuff for him.  He smiled at the boy, then at Carbine.  "The battle earlier was fierce and we would like to thank those who helped us, even though they're only commanders in name."

"If you do, I'm running," Xander said quietly, but sweetly.

A few mice laughed at that and Carbine rolled her eyes.  "He's like that, forgive him."  That got a lot more laughs.  "He and the Highest and the others who fought have our deepest gratitudes and we'll be figuring out how to reward them later this week as well."  She looked at the other councilors.

Another one stepped forward and smiled.  "We of the full Martian Councils want to thank the Clan VanWham for being pushy and going without permission to do this for us.  If there are further trips, they may head it, but others may go as well.  We'll figure that out later this week."  Everyone smiled at that.  "For now, let us get on with our remembrance.  Everyone should be remembered for the brave souls they were.  They survived as long as they could and tried their best to help us win the war.  Their sacrifices are not forgotten today or any other day."  He turned and the priests there stepped forward to lead the prayers, Xander in the background. He looked, he hadn't realized the boy was naked.  He heard the squeak of leather and smiled at him.  White leather on a white mouse.  His mate would be making him sore later for being so naughty he was sure.

***

Xander got off his bike, looking over the house.  He was pleased with how everything had gone today, even the fight, though he hadn't planned on it.  He sighed and looked at the fledgling gardens they had started the last weekend and smiled.

Throttle walked by his mate and grabbed him by the ear, walking him off.  "Naughty white mouse," he said fondly, smirking at Modo when he opened his mouth.  "He deserves it."

"Momma said not to make him too sore.  We're all eating here tonight."

Throttle nodded.  "That's fine.  We'll come out eventually."  He walked Xander into his room and kicked the door closed, then let his mate go, smirking at him, arms crossed over his chest, legs crossed as he leaned against the wall.  "Strip, naughty mouse.  You deserve to be punished for wearing that outfit."

"I didn't choose it," he offered with a small grin. "Willow picked it out."

"You still bought it.  You still jumped in without a real weapon today. You deserve double punishment."  He uncrossed his legs and his arms.  "Now, naughty mouse."

Vic pounded on the door.  "I want a hug!"

"Later, little mouse.  Xander needs a cuddle from me.  You can have him at dinner."

"Fine," he said, sounding like he was pouting.

"You know, your momma's pregnant again," Xander called with a grin.  Vic squealed and headed to find his mother.  Xander smirked at his mate.  "I'm the naughty mouse?"

"That's three now," Throttle assured him.  He undid his belt.  "I'm going to cut those off if you don't take them off." Xander took off the vest, tossing it in their chair.  Throttle moaned and shifted some.  "Keep going.  Those pants are worse than the top."  Xander undid the buttons, moving closer.  "All the way.  No stripping today."  Xander kissed him and allowed him to push the pants down.  He moaned into the talented mouth and pulled back to breathe.  "Naughty mouse."

"Ya think?" Xander offered with a grin.  He unzipped his mate's pants, getting down to please him.  "How naughty was I?"

"Very, very naughty.  People thought you were naked and enjoyed it."  He moaned, arching into the warm heat licking him.  "Then you teased me," he growled, picking Xander up and tossing him onto the bed.  Throttle stripped and came over, stopping to pick up the special lube they kept.  Xander was on his stomach, his tail waving around.  Throttle smirked and put the lube down, bending down to spank him.  Xander yelped and glared at him.  "No more jumping in without a real weapon, Xander. You could have died and I would have followed. I'm going to stuff your laser in your bike's bag and you'll use it."

"I couldn't have killed the Bringers with it," he promised.

"I know, I saw.  I'm impressed and proud, but you still went after the Plutarkians with a pole."  He spanked him again.  "I won't lose you already, Xander.  Do you understand me?"  Xander nodded, putting his head down.   "I should paddle your ass until you beg," he said quietly, leaning forward.  "You scared the tail off me, Xander.  Please don't do it again."

"I didn't want to do it that time but I didn't have any weapons on me," he admitted, pulling Throttle down to cuddle him. "I'm sorry."

"I understand, but you're putting weapons in your bike's bag."  Xander nodded, putting his head down on his chest, making Throttle smile. "I'm not mad, you just scared me gray, Xan."  Someone knocked on the door.  "No!"

"It's me, bro.  I want a cuddle too." Vinnie forced open the door and came in to hug him.  "I'm proud, impressed, and going gray, Xander.  Please, babe."  He kissed him gently then headed back out.  "Tonight, Throttle?"

"Maybe.  Lock the door again."  Vinnie grinned and locked the door before closing it.  Throttle looked at the foot of the bed, then got up to hand Punch back to her daddy, who was blushing.  "She's a sneaky mouse."  He headed back, checking the room before locking the door.  He looked at his mate.  "They agree, you're putting a weapon on your bike."  He moved closer, staring down at him.  "Get yourself ready."  Xander moaned and nodded, picking up the pot of oil and working on his own body.  Throttle sat down on the bed, patting his lap.  "When you're done, sit here."  Xander moaned and nodded, continuing with the oil that made him much more sensitive.  He was finally done and spread the remaining on his hand down his mate then sat on him, moaning the whole way down.  Throttle held Xander, just holding him still while they cuddled.  He touched his mate's mind, hearing him repeating over and over not to jump in.  "I don't care if you jump in, just carry more weapons, babe," he said quietly, putting their foreheads together.  Xander nodded, his eyes closed.  "I was so worried."

"I'm sorry."

"I know, but I had to watch in case they got a lucky shot in and you died, and I didn't want to think about that happening."  Xander crushed him in a sudden hug, making him feel he was still there.  "Thanks. I need this."

"I'm sorry."

"It's all right, just never again."  He held onto him, moving gently now.  He had to reaffirm that Xander was still there.  He needed his mate howling and screaming for him.  He arched up and Xander relaxed, letting him lead, just doing whatever he wanted this time.  It was gentle and long and hard, but it was what they both needed.  During it, Vinnie picked the lock and came in, locking the door behind him.  Throttle looked at him.  "What?" he asked when he was closer to coming.

"I needed a real cuddle.  I'm bouncy and worried."

Throttle nodded and finished off, then handed over his mate, cuddling them both for now.  He understood the tight bond those two had and it didn't really bother them but he wasn't going to allow them to hurt Charley either.  Xander relaxed and fell asleep in Vinnie's arms and Throttle stroked Vinnie's arm over Xander's side.  "He's okay, bro."

"He is, but I'm not."  He looked at him.  "That was the last one, right?" Throttle nodded. "We're putting a gun in his bag?"

"Tonight."  Vinnie relaxed at that.  "He was amazing."

"So?  He still nearly died."  He squeezed his Xander tighter to him and just held on.  "I can't lose him either, bro.  I just can't."

"We're not, Vinnie.  He's ours and we're not losing him.  Xander will outlive us all by at least a few days."  Vinnie nodded and slowly relaxed, allowing himself to fall asleep like that.  Throttle grinned and covered the white mice, then got up to clean up and head out to see who else was there.  He found Charley hitting the heavy bag. "They're cuddled together but nothing else," he said quietly.

"I don't care about that!" she said angrily.  "He nearly died!"

"Whoa, Charley girl, he's fine.  He didn't have another weapon with him.  We're fixing that tonight."  He pulled her into his arms, letting her vent on him for a bit.  Pregnancy was making her weepy, but she calmed down.  "He's fine.  Why don't you go cuddle them too?" he offered gently.  She nodded, wiping off her cheeks and heading that way.  He came out and found Modo staring in the freezer.  "Pizza, bro."  Modo nodded and pulled some out, putting them in the oven.  "Thanks."

"Not a problem. I was thinking pork chops."  He looked at him.  "He's a dangerous mouse."

"Yeah, but I love him anyway," he sighed with a small grin.  "He didn't have another weapon."  Modo looked stunned.  "Spike was on his bike because of the restriction blocking him riding his alone.  He took on Plutarkians with a staff."  He moaned and forced himself to calm down.  "He's fine.  I checked, he's fine.  A bit bruised but fine.  Vinnie and Charley girl are holding him as tightly as they can."

"That's good.  I'll get my own cuddle later."  Modo looked outside, then at him. "He's a good fighter, bro."

"He is," Throttle agreed proudly.  "A very good fighter. I saw it in Cleveland and I thought it was all anger.  Man, was I wrong."  He checked the pizza and turned up the heat.  "Four-fifty, big fella."  He clapped him on the arm.  "Who else is comin' out?"

"Momma and all them.  Stoker and the kids.  Switch said she wants a night off so she can cry in private.  Your momma's already called to make sure he was fine too.  I told her he was and to come out.  Some of the clan probably will too.  I know Chassis wants to give him a long hug."  He shrugged a bit.  "Most of the family again."

"That's fine.  They can fix themselves stuff when they get here.  Xander's going to be in my lap most of the night."  He went back to his room, curling up behind Charley to hold her too.  She needed it more right now.

***

Rivet walked up to Xander later that night, looking at his bare chest.  "Xander, who hit you on the chest and the back?" she asked.

"That's from being squeezed so hard," he admitted with a shy grin.

"I can understand that."  She smiled at him, then pinched him on the ear.  "You're not the Chosen one up here, Xander.  Don't do that again!"

"I couldn't wait for you," he defended.  "I didn't have any other real weapons besides a crossbow and I sent my bike off with Spike since his wouldn't go with him.  All I had was my collapsible pole and a dagger."

"Yet you used the scythe and used it well," she stated, staring down at him. "Now I know why Buffy worries about you."

Wrench grabbed her by the back of the neck and walked her off, saying something quietly in her ear.  "She's sorry, Xander.  She knows you know your stuff."

"That's fine.  Figure out why they all want to baby me," he called, waving a bit.  He smiled as Vinnie came over to take his turn guarding him.  "She started on ye olde Buffy rant number two - that's my job and thou are not chosen."  Vinnie snickered at that.  "Sorry, had to do it."

"No, I understood why you did it.  Rivet was way out in the desert.  She never would have gotten there before someone died.  If you ever do it again, I'll have to become a gray mouse."

"Would that mean Modo would have to adopt us?" he joked.

Vinnie pinched him. "Neither of us would be allowed in their family, we're not that polite, little brother."

"Momma said she could fix that," Modo joked from a few feet away, winking back at Xander.  "Just wait."

Xander groaned and leaned over to rest his head on Vinnie's shoulder. "Protect me?"

"Hell no," he snorted.  "Where is your mate?"

"I don't know.  He said he'd see me in a bit."  He looked around, seeing the mothers eyeing him and realized he was about to be spanked by one of them, if not both.  "I'll be back."

"Sure," Vinnie agreed, smirking as Xander made a dash for the garage.  He figured Throttle had anticipated again and was waiting for him wherever he was going to hide now.  He grinned at Chassis as she strolled over and took Xander's seat.  "He escaped."

"Throttle did that a while ago.  He's impressive, Vinnie, but so wild."

"He had to.  He didn't have any other weapons and Spike's bike wouldn't let him ride it out.  It didn't consider it an emergency.  Yo, Stoker?"  Stoker's head popped up.  "Did you fix Spike's bike?"

"Yeah.  It apparently decided that since Xander was there, it wasn't an emergency.  It has been corrected, I let Carbine do the definition of an emergency this time."  He saluted him with his bottle of rootbeer.  "Where's the mini punk?"  Vinnie just grinned.

"Hey, cousin, since he's gone, can Taver and I borrow your hot pool?" Wrench called.

"Yeah, fine," he agreed lightly.  He caught Wrench's arm.  "If you create the baby in there, Xander and I get to name him," he said, staring his cousin in the eyes.  Wrench just smirked and walked his lady off, watching her blush cutely.  "Those kids will make me look sane," he decided.  "They'll all be like Wrench when he was younger."  He grinned at his son, who was looking around and frowning.  "He escaped, Vic.  You know how he is about mushy stuff."

"I was looking for momma," he said, still scowling.  "I wanted to hug the baby."  He spotted her finally when Modo moved and ran over to hug her belly, grinning up at her.  "Hi, momma, hi, sisser."

"She says hi right back, Vic.  Who told you I was pregnant?" Charley asked, smiling down at him while she tried to smooth his forelock.

"Uncle Xanner."  He rubbed his cheek on her stomach.  "When do I get to cuddle her?" he demanded.

"When she's born, son, just like with Magnet and Comet."  She looked at Repel, who was snickering at that.  "There are days when I wonder if he's not Xander's after all.  He's got his forelock and his nature."

"It just proves Vinnie was meant to adopt Xander," Repel said lightly, shrugging a bit.  Comet belched and she looked down at her. "Thank you, daughter."  She wiped her mouth off with a smile. "That's the clan spirit.  Got another one?"

"Hey, Repel?  When are you going to find someone for Xander and I to threaten?" Vinnie called smugly.

"Last week as you very well know," she called back.  "He's around here somewhere."  She gave him a look. "He's not happy with me surrogating for them."

"I'd do it but it'd ruin my figure," Vinnie joked, smirking at her.

"A kid between you and Xander would ruin Mars," Charley said dryly.  "It really would."  Modo and his momma both chuckled at that. "It would!  We'd never catch him once he started to crawl. It'd be like Racer, Spike, and Vic had a kid.  It'd be a white mouse with a violent streak that he uses very well, a desire to prank, and he'd never quit bouncing."  She looked at Modo.  "You never did get to tell your momma the good news.  Remember, she didn't make it out that night thanks to Shot."

Modo coughed and found his lady, pulling her into his side. "Everyone?" he called, waving his real arm a bit to get attention.  Everyone stared at him.  "We've got an announcement to make.  The family is growing again.  She's pregnant.  It's triplets thanks to the Viagra.  You might wanna watch out for that now and then."  Staff pinched him but she was smiling up at him.  "Enamel said it's three boys, Xander's already called them Modo the second, third, and fourth."  His sister squealed and rushed over to hug Staff.  His mother passed out.  "Oops.  Sorry, momma.  That's why I wanted you to come out," he said, meeting Racer at her body to help her wake up again.

"Don't feel bad, he and Vinnie both passed out at that news," Staff said when she woke up.  "Modo's head broke the sink."

"At least Xander will never be bored again," Momma said weakly.

"Yeah, Modo, thanks for giving Xander something to do besides my kids and Spike's crew," Vinnie teased with a bright grin. "That'll keep him occupied for at least the next six years."

"When is yours due?" Chassis asked dryly.

"I don't know.  Charley, how far along are you?" he asked with a grin for his lady.

"Morning sickness, can't you feel it?" she smarted back, staring him down.  He just grinned at her.  "Why did I take you in?"

"Because I'm so cute you couldn't resist.  Otherwise you and Throttle would've started having babies years ago."  He nodded at Stan, who pushed her closer so he could catch her and settle her in his lap.  "Thanks.  Stan, Chassis, got any announcements you'd like to make?"

"I don't believe in knocking my women up before marriage. That's why someone intelligent invented birth control," Stan said dryly, smirking at his lady.  Who only blushed at that.  "Sorry," he mouthed.  She pulled him closer and took control of his mouth, then blatantly walked him inside.

"If you conceive in our house, we get to name him," Charley called.

"Let Uncle Xander, he's very good at it," Anya offered with a grin for them.  "Congratulations."

"Thanks, Anya.  When she's further along you can play with her tummy again."

"Sure!"  She bounced off to hug her father.  "I'll get to play with the baby again," she said proudly.  "They said I could."

"That's because they're using you to try and make her a normal mouse," Stoker said dryly, patting his daughter on the back.  "Did Xander leave his new medal?"  She nodded, beaming up at him.  "We need to give it back to him."

"Since he left it, you should present it to him," she said with a grin.

Spike looked around Racer and Ramjet at her. "That's a thought worthy of me and my evil mind.  Congrats," he said, saluting her.  He shook his head, then suddenly cackled.

Stoker and Carbine shared a long look, then smirked and nodded.  They could do that.

***

Wrench walked into Xander's room, pulling out clothes and putting them on the foot of the bed, then he hauled Xander out of Throttle's grasp, getting a laser pointed at him. "We're wanted at the council."  Throttle groaned and put his head back down so Wrench walked Xander into their bathroom and put him in the shower, making him shriek as the cold water hit him.  "We've got a half-hour to get to the Council, Xander.  Get dressed!  I pulled out something respectable."  He walked off to the muttering, going to find his new formal robes and put them on.  They were really comfortable.  He could almost sleep in these.  He was bending over and doing up his boots when Vinnie walked in, handing over a cup of coffee.  "Thanks, cuz."  He looked up at him, then took the cup.  "What's going on?"  Vinnie shrugged.  "No clue?"

"Not that I've heard."  He walked out, going to present Xander with his usual soda or two.  Xander was still trying to figure out how his pants went so Vinnie handed off the soda and got him sitting and dressed.  "There.  Hurry up.  You'll be late."  Xander pulled on his boots and grumbled the whole way out to the garage.  He and Wrench left together and Vinnie chuckled.

"What's going on?" Throttle demanded, his eyes shut.

"Xander conveniently forgot his newest medal so they get to present it to him.  Wanna come watch?  I'm taping it for Dawnie."

"Sure."  He got up with a groan, grabbing his robe in case the little mice were going to be there.  Modo and Charley had plates for them so they sat down to eat and watch the Council's work.  "I knew I should have stuffed that in his bike's bag," he noted dryly.

On the screen Wrench walked in, looking calm, cool, and centered.  Xander was behind him but he still looked a bit sleep mussed.  "You called for us?" he asked, standing in the center as protocol demanded.

"Yup, we sure did," Mirror said with a big grin.

Stoker looked at Carbine.  "I'm delegating this to you."  He leaned back and put his feet up, his arms behind his head.

"Gee, thanks," she said dryly, standing up.  She snapped her fingers and one of the messengers ran up with the tray she had prepared earlier.  "As you refused to take these in the quiet way you usually do, we've decided you must want them in a more public fashion."  She smiled at them, and her eyes were full of glee, you could tell. "Wrench, Highest of the M'dreth, for jumping into that fight even though you were not on active duty at that moment, and for saving multiple lives during that battle, we do present you with the Martian Star."  She walked forward and put the medal on his robe.  "This is only given for the bravest of the brave acts, those which have saved our world."  He nodded at that, she knew he already knew that.  She turned and grabbed the other one.  "Xander Harris."  Xander let out a small whimper and Wrench oh so calmly grabbed him by the arm. "For not only jumping into the fight, but jumping in with only an aluminum staff instead of a real weapon, and for taking on creatures that no one on Mars but you or Rivet could defeat, we're giving you the Martian Star in addition to your many other medals and your honorary commendation as a Commander of a cavalry unit.  As such, you will also be given a raise in rank to General, honorary of course."

Xander let out another whimper and she grinned.  "I thought it about time we gave you these medals publicly," she announced, taking off the ribbon of his other ones.  "Since you've since refused to come get them, we've been keeping them for you and do present you with them all today: three Martian Ahnks for bravery and saving of lives, four Life Crystal awards for doing some very brave, yet stupid things that also saved lives, plus six Pretrasias - named for that former unit and the sacrifices they made to save their base - for how you handled the last invasion you were part of.  We also thought it fitting at this time to give you a Talisman of Othra for sheer, dumb luck at not getting killed in any of those battles you have jumped into the middle of."  She stepped closer.  "These of course go with your honorary commission into the cavalry of Mars and your honorary position of General within that unit.  Step forward and be recognized.  Oh, I almost forgot, there's a medal on here for personal bravery in front of the Council as well," she said meanly, "for the daring audacity to beard some of us on our worst days."

Xander looked at the medals, then at Stoker, then he made a run for the transporter, sending himself to Micah's office.  He looked at Max and Lorne, who were at their desks.  "Save me?  They're giving me medals."

"Sure, come on up, Micah could use a report," Lorne promised, walking him off.  He understood that very well, he ran from medals too.  Carbine came through and Max helpfully pointed the way and Xander got away from him and ran off to hide in the building.

"It won't save you!" Carbine called.  "As soon as you come back, you're getting them!"

"Banish my ass!" Xander yelled back.

"Hell no!  Things are calmer with you on Mars!" Micah yelled, coming to the edge of his loft office.  "What's going on?"

"We're graciously awarding him for his stupid, yet brave actions.  He ran."  She looked behind her as Spike came through. "Find him for me, Spike."  Spike sniffed and smirked, leading her right to him.  She pulled him back by his tail.  "If you don't accept them, you can't come back to Mars ever, Xander, and we'll have to keep Throttle so you're going to be alone and lonely."

"No I won't!  He'll visit!" he said, trying to break free. "Max, help! I can't whip her tail!  I'll get in trouble!"

"Sorry, Xander, you're on your own.  Medals happen to the best of us," she quipped.

"That's mean," Lorne complained. "You'd save me, right?"  She grinned and shook her head, heading up to hand Micah a folder.  "Can I go to Mars to hide from my next one at least?" he called.

"No," Micah called back.  "If you do, I'm letting the Chinese have you back!"  He watched as Xander nearly made it back through but someone stopped him again.  "I wonder how many he has now," he told Max.  "The last I knew was thirteen."

"I'm sure we can get that report from Dawn," she said cheerfully.  She went to call her to share this new gossip, having to leave it on her voice mail.

Back on Mars, Carbine picked up the other strip as the other three mice were led into the chambers by the mothers, smiling at them.  "Thank you, that's very good timing.  We're also presenting the awards for helping clear Earth of its Plutarkan menace as well.  Vincent?"  He shook his head and Xander hid behind him.  Both of them ducked behind Modo but the mothers pushed them forward, letting her pin them on their clothes.  She looked at Throttle's bathrobe.  "No one let you dress?"

"I'm going back to bed after this."  He took his with a small snatch and looked at his mate, then sighed and pulled him forward, whispering in his ear. "If you don't accept it, we'll all have to stay forever."  Xander whimpered but held out his hand.

"Oh, you've got one other than they do.  It's come to our attention though our ally Micah Simms that you were instrumental to helping save Earth a number of times before you met our people, Xander. For that, he's given you this and wanted me to present it as well."  She held up the Congressional Medal of Honor and smiled sweetly.  "It takes an act of their Congress to award this medal and it was told in secret what you had done and how you had helped.  They believed you deserved it as much, if not more for being a normal person and doing the job anyway."  She pinned that on his shirt then the rest of his.  "There you are."  She smiled and saluted him. "General."

He snapped off one with a sigh. "Thank you, Carbine.  I'll get you later," he said through clenched teeth. She laughed and went back to her seat.  "Are we done yet?"  They all nodded and he turned, running out of the room before anyone could stop him.  Outside Overthruster stopped him to give him a hug and a grin.  "Thanks, little mouse.  But I've got to escape before they come up with more useless decoration stuff.  I don't do this for the medals. Shiny stuff makes you more visible."  He hurried out to his bike, heading for a private hiding spot.  He found Chassis there and she pounced him to hug, and he let her.  She was a very good hug.  Stan gave him a look so he shrugged. "She pounced me."

Stan looked at all the medals and shook his head. "At least I don't get those. I've only got two from the PD."  He clapped him on the back and took his girl from his arms. "C'mon, Terror wanted to have breakfast."  Xander nodded, heading after them to eat with the members of the family who understood.

In the chamber, Throttle was headed out to his bike with his new medals, stuffing them in his saddlebags.  He headed for the house to get dressed, and to find his mate eventually.  Xander would have to appear sometime soon.  His poor mouse was severely traumatized by all this medal stuff.  He understood even if everyone else thought it was funny.  He found Charley holding up a pair of pants and slipped into them, then handed his robe off. "Where is he?"

"Having breakfast with Terror, Stan, and Chassis."

"Cool. I'm headed there to calm him down."

"It was a nice escape," she joked with a grin for him.

He nodded.  "Very.  He should learn to play blaster ball."  He headed back to his bike, then out to the caverns. His poor mouse.

Episode 86:

Rivet flopped down next to Buffy.  She was down for some training but her counterpart didn't seem to be ready to start.  "I can see why you worry about Xander.  After that last battle I gave him what he called 'ye olde Buffy rant number two', even though he did really good."

She smirked at her.  "Was that the one that ended with 'and get me a latte, skim milk only'?"

"No, that was 'thou are not chosen, quit doing my job', basically," Rivet complained, handing over the tape.  Buffy looked at it, then at her.  "The last battle and the medal ceremony the next day.  It was really funny how he ran."

"How come he gets medals?  I never get medals."  She called Micah. "How come I don't get medals?"

"You have one sitting in my desk and he got them for being a normal guy and butting in, Buffy.  Think about how many times he could have and should have died.  That's why he gets medals.  Who's down?"

"Rivet."

"Hi."  He hung up.

"I should still pout because I never get medals."  Buffy put in the tape, hitting the rewind button first. "How bad was the fight?"

"Some of the last Plutarkians appeared right before our remembrance ceremony and Xander didn't have a weapon.  He was doing okay until the Bringers showed up."  Buffy gave her a horrified look. "I was off in the desert on maneuvers, but he did call immediately for me or Wrench."

"What is Wrench?"

"The M'dreth are like your Watchers," she admitted. "He's the Highest, meaning he's the head guy.  He was closer and the Seal brought Xander the scythe.  He did really good.  I was impressed with that alone.  If he and Throttle still needed a mother for their future kids, I'd gladly do it."  She found the remote and hit play.  "Its not working."

"That's for the DVD player," she admitted, finding the VCR remote and flipping it to play and the right channel on the tv when it came up fuzzy.  Then she sat back to watch, finally letting out a shriek that brought Wes and Fred running.  "Xander!  Fighting!  Not of the good!  Plus, lots and lots of hottie mice around my sister!"

"It's their planet, of course there are other mice there," Wesley said impatiently.  He looked at Rivet.  "That bad?"

"I was too far away, Xander had to handle it with Wrench.  I must admit, they fight very well together, like they're in mental contact or know each other's styles intimately," she admitted dryly.  "I figured out why Buffy used to yell at him about fighting, I nearly did.  He called it 'ye olde Buffy rant number two'."

"Was that the one with 'get me a mocachino?" Dawn asked as she appeared.  She thought back.  "Never mind, that's number five.  No, two was 'thou aren't chosen, quit doing my job'."  Buffy nodded, pointing at her.  "I hear he got a reward."  She sat down and rewound the tape.  "Rimfire's grandmomma said Rivet was bringing down a tape and we should see it.  Rimfire's making popcorn."  Rimfire appeared a few minutes later and snuggled in next to her, making her grin.  "Okay, start it again."  Buffy hit 'play' and they all stared in awe as Xander fought.  Then they giggled as Xander ran away from the medals.

Micah appeared and Buffy looked back at him.  "Did you need a copy too?"  He nodded, giving her his patient look.  "When do I get my medal?"

"The next time you're in town."  He leaned on the back of the couch.  "How many did he get?  The last I knew he was up to thirteen or something."

"The Congressional.  Fifteen in the first batch, a few more from another thing," Dawn reported, eating a bite of popcorn.  Rimfire handed back the bag and he took some.  "You know he's got some shopping left to do, right?"  Micah groaned and nodded.  "Mostly food, DVD's, CD's, things like that."

"Fine.  I'm wondering if he's used all the gas yet."

"I don't think that's possible," Dawn snorted, swatting at him.  He swatted back.

"You hit girls?" Buffy asked, looking confused.

Micah gave her an odd look. "Buffy, there are female agents in every agency.  If one of them comes after me, I've got to be able to hit them," he said dryly.  "The same as if Dawn hits me I get to hit her back.  The only girl I don't hit back is Max and that's because I don't need to bruise her ego by kicking her ass. It'd get her dead in the field if she's still pouting the next time she went out."

"So you don't try her because you know she'll kick your ass?" Buffy teased.

He snorted.  "While Max is very proficient and technical about it, I'm much more a street and a dirty fighter.  Max would not win against me.  She doesn't win against Lorne," he said dryly.  "We simply don't want to bruise her ego too much or she'll get hurt in the field while she's distracted by her pouting."  He stole some more popcorn.  "Give me the tape and I'll copy it."  Buffy hit the 'eject' button and handed it over. "Thanks.  Rivet, I need a report on what went on, just in case."

She pulled out a small DVD and handed it over. "Our file on known alien races."

Dawn looked at her. "Are the Stargate aliens real?"

"I don't know, but Vinnie said Xander said he'd have to yell at Throttle if he got infected by them," Rivet offered with a grin.  "He said he'd look dorky in the man-skirt so you'd instantly come up and nag him like the time he tried on a kilt."

"He's not worried about a symbiot?" Micah asked dryly.

"No, his reason was something like 'what's one more voice in my head' or something like that," she offered with a grin. "He said they'd get along well and he'd be something called the Tok'ra?"

Micah just nodded and headed back home, hitting the switch to let Lorne know to pull him back.  He walked off the other end shaking his head.  "Max, copy that.  We need a copy, Dawn wanted a copy.  Give me an accurate medal count as well."  He looked up at his office, then sighed and headed up there.  "I just got asked if the Stargate show was real."

The Pentagon liaison just looked at him. "How did you answer?"

"I didn't. The end of that discussion gave me a headache so I came back."  He sat down and took something for that then pulled up his budget to go over it with the guy.

***

Wrench sat up, gasping for air.  He calmed himself and held his head, then stared at his wall for a moment.  That had been a horrible one.  He slowly got up and headed to take something for his headache.  Once he had some caffeine in him and some tylenol in his system he called the new lair.  "Xander?" he murmured.  Xander grinned at him, then raised an eyebrow and sat forward.  "I just had a bad prophetic dream.  That half-mouse thing is going to come back to nibble your tail soon.  There's going to be an attempted invasion and takeover."

Xander nodded.  "I figured there would be," he admitted.  "Could you tell when?"

Wrench shook his head.  "Just anger.  Anger at you for what you brought up and the club and all that stuff."  Xander nodded at that.  "You've got to make some plans."

"Already done," he admitted.  "I'll put it into play today.  Any specifics?"  Wrench nodded.  "Write it down in case.  Send it to Throttle when he gets up."  Wrench shivered and nodded.   "Let me handle this.  I've got it, I figured as much.  I've already got plans made for this."

"At least you do," Wrench admitted.  "It was you facing off with about ten or twelve punk bastards at the boundary of the land, at a gate.  You were on your bike, daring them to try, reexplaining the facts a few times.  They still tried to come across. You ended up hurting a few, killing one.  You had to... um, you went to Throttle to punish you since no one else would," he said quietly.  Xander nodded at that.  "You're too calm."

"No, I thought this might happen," he admitted.  "Not the killing someone part, but I did expect someone to try to break in and steal something.  Them becoming aggressive isn't anything I didn't expect, Wrench.  If you see someone with a lot of stuff, especially something like food, when you're living on rations, what would you do?"

"I would probably seethe but I know plenty of people who would hold it against you.  Can I help?  I feel like I'm swimming in the sea of helplessness."

"Nah, I've got it," Xander promised with a small grin.  "It's all good.  Just relax and recover.  If you want to, you can come out later.  After I get back from the council."

"Sure.  Later then."  He leaned over to hang up, then slumped in his seat again, ordering his thoughts.  He got up to find his official journal and wrote down as many details as he could.  It wouldn't be admissible in court, but it would help someone later.  Especially if there was an attack and someone managed to get away.

***

Xander walked into the council building and handed the messenger the sealed message.  "Right to Carbine," he ordered.  "I'll be there in a few, but she needs to read that," he said quietly.  "If she asks if it's necessary, tell her yes."  The girl nodded and hurried in.  Xander went to pace around for a bit, calming himself down.  This was only an official announcement but he needed her to make sure she laid out every little detail to minimize the risks his family was going to be under soon.  He calmed himself and headed for the doors to the chamber, looking at the door guards.  "Are they ready for me?"

"Yes, sir, they've been kicked back for the last hour," he offered with a small smile. "What's the problem?"

"The official announcement of the club, man.  I'm hoping it's going to offset some people who are mad at me for bringing stuff up."  He opened and walked through the door, nodding at the councilors.

Carbine looked at Xander. "You're sure this is necessary?"

"Very."  He walked over and whispered in her ear why.  She slumped and nodded.  "Sorry."

"That's okay.  I'm bored anyway."  She waved him back.  He smiled and put down a current picture of the family on her desk. "Thank you."  She smiled at the relaxed ex-lover in the picture.  She smiled at him.  "Well, Mr. Harris, you've managed to bring us an unusual request that made every councilor on Mars actually think for a bit, as well as eat."  He grinned a bit at that.  "As a matter of formality, I'm going to have to go through some older facts we're all aware of."  Everyone in the chamber gave her an odd look.  "It's unfortunate but necessary.  All right, Xander.  The idea is that you're going to have a club with a kitchen built in."

"Is this really necessary?" Stoker asked.  Carbine passed him the note under the table and out of the view of the cameras.  He looked down then nodded.  "I guess it is.  Cute picture, mini punk."  He balled it up and put it into his recycle bin.  "Go ahead, sorry to interrupt."

"That's fine.  The official details are going to be boring anyway," Carbine noted.  "Okay, in the club portion, you are allowed a break on the rent and the taxes because you are using an existing structure, which will mean one less bare building in the future.  Your plans for the club and the subsequent investigation of the structure once it was completed found it to be perfectly fine, even if I'm still not sure about the open-air dance floor.   In the kitchen portion, I have it listed that for the first few weeks, until the kitchen portion is solvent, the stores will be coming out of your own stores?"

"Yes, Carbine.  I'm not expecting it to take very long."

"That's fine.  The menus and the rate structure have all been approved.  For the single ration coupon, the simple meal with one of the ten or twelve options that are being offered that day.  Any future menu changes will have to be approved by at least three councilors on this city's council before they're acceptable and you do agree to routine checks by any and all of the councilors, unannounced and unexpected ones, correct?  These would be in addition to us just popping in for dinner."

"Yes, Carbine."

"Good.  Now, the ration coupons that are gathered over the course of business will only be used for the club.  Your cook, who is your mother-in-law, will use them only for the purposes of the club's kitchen and any extra will be stored safely away so that no one within the club's patrons or workers can touch them.  You will be using some of the extra to make staff payments?"

"I've already figured that up.  For the first week's salary I'm again taking it out of the stores I brought up from earth.  I've already talked to someone on the ration's board to make sure, with my mother-in-law, that the food will equal out to their salary once we get going.  Each worker in the club, and I've hired six as of this moment, will be making ten ration coupons a week, plus a meal at the end of their shift if they wanted and there was food left in the kitchen.  Until we're clearing that, I'll be giving them food equal to it."  Everyone nodded.  "I knew that would have more meaning and usefulness in the current economy of Mars than cash would."  Stoker nodded quicker at that.  "The employees all knew this before they signed on and knew who would be doing the selection, but they would have some choices in what is in their baskets."

"That's fine," Stoker agreed formally. "You'll be checking with someone official and that's all we wanted.  What about the extra ones you'll eventually be getting?"

"We've arranged with the rations board to have a lockbox in their office that we'll transfer any extra to once a week.  We agreed that if we got to the point where we're storing too many to be comfortable, we'd work out a way to either donate some of them to families that need them or to one of the orphanages in the city."  Everyone nodded at that.  Xander swallowed.  "I also want it stated that the ration coupons will not be going to uphold any of my family, or anyone at the compound we live in, nor will it go to anyone I obliquely support from the stores we brought up from earth."

"True, that's why you're not on rations yourself," Carbine agreed.  "What was your rationale for that?  It'd have been much simpler."

"Yes, but we've been down there long enough to be used to eating a lot more than we would be able to on ration coupons.  We're slowly cutting our consumption down to what is acceptable on Mars, but since I have money available and the ability to move food and other supplies up here I thought it more reasonable a decision at the time."  He let out a small grin.  "If we had to live on what the rations would give us, they'd starve half the week.  The guys selling hotdogs in the markets only sell one per coupon."

"That's fine with us.  We've used that ability to go shopping shamelessly," Exhaust noted.  "When are you going back for your final one this year?"

"Within a week," Xander offered, grinning at him.  "I'll need a list."

"Of course.  Within three days," Carbine noted.  She went back to the facts she was reciting.  She did understand why this was going on.  She knew some of the idiots under her command would gladly go out to assault the compound for being self-sufficient. "I do think everything is in order for the club and the kitchen.  Have you arranged something for take-out?"

Xander nodded.  "Yes, Carbine.  Momma's found someone locally that can make some covered pots from the local clay.  We're paying him a bit per dozen and we're putting out a note that we want to recycle them.  We suspect we'll have about an eighty percent return rate for the pots.  They hold a full portion of any of the main dishes and a second one with wax paper separating the layers for the more extensive, expensive meals."

"That's fine.  That works for me."  Carbine smirked at him.  "There were only two dissenting votes for your plans from the full Martian council, both of them worrying that others could try the same plan and serve less food.  It was pointed out we would gladly go to examine the output officially and unofficially, plus there are already people doing that, that's why so many Martians run out of ration coupons at the end of the week.  When are you opening the kitchen?"

"Within six days," he offered, taking the certificate.  "Thank you all.  I'm sure we'll all be happy with it.  I look forward to any and all inspections as well."  He nodded.  "Is there anything else?"

"The temple you're putting up?"

"There's a wonderful few caves on the grounds at the southern border that I'm planning on using for the local temple.  I'll be using the one in the valley for special services.  The one closer is the one I'll be doing the basics of training out of.  The top priest on Mars, Tangent, has already agreed and seen the cave, as far as I know.  He's given his permission but I'm not sure if he visited or if he sent someone.  Vinnie just said someone came out to look it over."

Stoker smirked at that. "How much are you charging for lessons?"

"It's one of the duties of a priest, Stoker.  I'm to train anyone who wants the self-defense and other skills I can pass on.  The same as I suck as a counselor, but I'm to do that as well if someone comes to me.  I can comfort and help but I don't do it as the best person for it.  Shell finds the words that are needed so much better and easier than I do.  I often trip over my tongue, even though I've been there."

"It's not something we can all do," Stoker offered. "You do well enough from what I've seen. You helped Racer a lot."

"I try, but Wrench and Shell still do it better.  If anyone wants, I'll gladly try, but I'm honest about sucking at it," he offered with a small sheepish grin.  "I do try when asked and needed."

"Sometimes that's the most important thing," Mirror offered.  "Is there any other business with Mr. Harris?"  Carbine shook her head. "The club is fully built and everything?"

"The last coat of paint is drying," Xander promised.  "The lights are up, the stereo system is hooked up so both levels of the dancefloor are serviced.  We may not have a DJ yet, but I can easily load in a hundred CD's and set it on random."  That got some smiles.  "There are times when you've got to relax and unwind.  Otherwise life starts to overrun you and you die from the strain of carrying it."  He bowed.  "Thank you.  Is there anything else I have to do?"

"No," Stoker said, handing over something.  "The agreements from the councils for the trips back to Plutark.  Please hand it to Vincent so he can assign squad leaders from his clan since they're the ones who requested it. We'll be sending the volunteers to the leaders.  Have him plan on four or five leaders."

"Yes, Stoker."

"Good boy, Xander," Exhaust praised.  "Did you already register the fees for the water filtration system?"  Stoker nodded.  "Good.  So in ten years, we'll start collecting taxes."

"Ten years?" one of the councilors from the other cities offered quietly.

"Xander came up with a new filtration system," Stoker noted.  "That one with the screens?"  The councilor nodded and smiled at Xander for that.  "The price for it was tax relief for him, the whole compound, both maternal family homes, the club, and half taxes for the VanWham clan.  There were too many of them to forgive outright for that long."

"That's fairly cheap.  How much did you pay for it?"

"About six hundred thousand," Xander told him.  "US dollars.  A friend of ours who was working with us kept the earth rights to it, I only took the Martian ones.  We're using it at the compound."

"Wonderful!  I've seen and tasted it in action.  It does work very well, Xander.  Thank you.  You've found something very special for Mars."

"I try," he offered with a shy grin.  He looked at Exhaust.  "Three days for the shopping list?"  He nodded.  "Deal.  Give me approximate amounts as well.  Throttle complained that I overplanned the food, especially the treats I've got hidden."  He waved.  "I look forward to you guys coming over on opening night.  Laters.  Thanks."  He hurried out, heading out to check on the club.  He proudly hung the certificate on the wall and looked at his mother-in-law, kissing her on the cheek when she smiled.  "It's official."

"Why did they have to go over that?"

"Because Wrench foresaw what I already knew would happen.  Angry guys who wanted what we brought up."  She gaped and he shrugged.  "I wanted it known to diffuse some of the problems before they can start. They knew."  He picked up a pot and sniffed it. "Are these cleaned?"

"I'm washing them today, Xander.  They just got delivered."  She pinched him on the cheek and went to bring the first load back to the kitchen, watching as he carried the rest.  "Thank you, dear.  Now go fuss at home."

"I don't wanna fuss at the house."

"Tough.  Go jump my son.  He's been walking right for far too long."  She shooed him off, pushing him out.  "I can do this all by myself.  Shoo!  Go plan for the shopping trip.  You'll be here the first few nights and then go shopping.  I know what I'm doing in a kitchen.  Shoo!"

"Yes, momma."  He headed for his bike and then back to the house, going to check the bike course first.  Vinnie finally had it done and it made him smile.  He had separated out a part for the kids and one for them.  "Let's try it, big guy."  His bike beeped and headed for the adult course, giving him time to look it over as they rode around the outside of it.  "Where's the start point?" he called to Throttle, who was riding up.

"The red pole.  It's traditional."  He watched as Xander started, slowly to be sure, but he did start.  The slide portion made him speed up and then the jumps made him go at normal riding speeds.  "Go again, regular speed!" he yelled.  Xander nodded and headed back to the start point, heading over it again.  He watched, frowning at Xander since he was leaning a bit.  He whistled and Xander paused to look at him.  He pointed at his ear and Xander sighed and nodded, then shrugged, going back to it.  Throttle gauged it. It was starting to get bad again.  He called Enamel's extension.  "Hey, doc, it's me.  When is Xander due for his next ear shot?  Because I'm on the course watching him and he's leaning to the right again.  Thanks."  He hung up and whistled again, bringing Xander over to steal a kiss.  "Go see Enamel.  You're leaning, babe."

"I know, I'm trying."

"He said to come see him.  Go see him now."  Xander nodded.  "Did it go through?"  Xander grinned and nodded.  "Good.  We'll go see Momma later."

"She shooed me out already."  He shrugged.  "Within six days.  We can all go play, right?"

"Of course.  Who's babysitting while we're gone?"

"Repel said she wants Comet or else she's going to throw a fit."  He blushed a bit.  "She told me she expected to be more of a mother to the kids than she's been so far.  She said I was a very good mommy mouse in her place though."  He grinned and headed off, going back to see Enamel.  He found him in the garage with the needle and groaned.  "It's only been two and a half months."

"Yay.  Come here, Xander," he said patiently.  Xander got off his bike and went to let him look in his problem ear, grabbing the workbench when he stuck the needle in there.  He hissed and winced as it was shot into there, then calmed down.  "Thank you.  Give it a day. Go lounge."

"Yes, sir."  He headed inside, going to lounge in the common area in front of the tv.  He had to get back up to put in a tape, but otherwise he got comfy and ended up napping.

Throttle came in to check on him, smiling at the sleepy mouse of his.  He looked over as Wrench came in, smirking at him.  "What was it?"

"People coming to attack since you're shopping on earth."  He moved closer.  "Some of them wouldn't back off.  You ended up giving Xander the punishment he needed for having to kill one," he said very quietly.  Throttle shivered and nodded at that.  "He already figured out it might happen.  That's why the council went back over every little detail today."

"That's fine, I'd expect it too.  I hadn't thought of it before, but I figure it'd happen sometime."  He nudged him.  "How do you and Xander fight so well together?"

He smirked.  "I understand how he thinks.  I used to think the same way."  He walked past him.  "I need to add some stuff for the shopping trip."

"Chocolate chips and what?" Throttle joked.

"Some sugar too, dude.  Please. Plus some soda.  Otherwise I'd have to steal more of yours.  I'll bring over a full list tonight."

"The main list is on the computer.  Add a section under your name.  Remember, it'll be a year's worth this time."

"Sure.  Thanks."  He went to the office and turned on the computer monitor, kicking back and pulling the keyboard into his lap.  He waved at the person on the other side.  "Hey, Meg.  He's napping on the couch after his newest ear thing."

"That's fine.  When are you guys coming back for the last shopping thing?"

"Throttle?"  He stuck his head in the office.  "Meg."

Throttle walked in and waved.  "Hey, Meg.  How's the baby?"

"Oh, he's adorable," she said with a grin.  "He's flipping over and trying to crawl, but he doesn't quite get that 'forward momentum' part yet.  He also looks so *cute* in his little elf outfit and pointy ears," she offered with a grin.  "When are you guys coming back?  We're packing up to move to DC in a month and he's got a closet of stuff here."

"In about a week or a week and a half.  Go ahead and move it back to the house.  We can pick it up from there when we come back down."

"Sure.  We can do that.  He misses Vic hugging him, he misses his fuzzy people."

"We miss you guys too, Meg.  Trust me, even Xander misses the baby."  She grinned at that.  "We'll see you in about a week, okay?"

"Sure.  A week or so.  Laters."  She blew a kiss and signed off.

Throttle looked at him. "Did you call?"

"No, she was waiting when it came up."  He shrugged and opened the word processor.  He found the list and his name on it, then started to add his needs to it, including quantities.  Throttle gave him an odd look.  "What?  Do you know how many cookies we make every day?"

"You must eat nothing but cookies," Throttle said dryly.

"Some days, but mostly they go to the neighborhood kids and those who visit, and of course the ladies.  Willow and little Taver have found companionship and a kindred spirit while baking."  He added a note to find him a cookbook of cookie recipes please.

Throttle shook his head, watching the list take shape.  "You drink more soda than we do as a group, Wrench."

"Do not," he complained.  "Just now and then.  Besides, if that's too much, hey, it'll keep," he said dryly.  "And I'm not the only one drinking it.  Every now and then Willow and the Seal steal some.  Taver steals some of my soda, little Taver likes to sneak into the kitchen and steal one before going to play.  It's cute and I don't mind, but I need to dig a basement."

"Well, that's one way to get Rivet her exercise for the day."  He headed off shaking his head.  "How many containers do we still have down there?" he asked Vinnie as he walked past him.

"Three. Why?  Are we going to need 'em?"

"Wrench is making out a large list as well."

"Cuz, what did you need that badly?" he called.

"Soda and cookie making stuff," got called from the office. "Plus a new mattress."

"We'll probably only fill one of them with everything," Vinnie offered, finishing his sandwich.  "We'll have to find a way to mark out what goes where."  He walked off eating, going to watch the kids in the study.   Vic was trying to teach Healer and Crankshaft how to read as well as he did, which wasn't too bad, but Spike still did it better.

Throttle moaned.  "We don't need that much stuff," he complained.  "Mars doesn't need that much stuff."  The comm beeped so he went to get it. "Yeah, Stoker?"

"If I asked, would you and Xander go play in public so you can get fined again?  People want beer for the next city picnic."

Throttle stared at him for a moment.  "I don't think so.  I'm not normally like that.  That was the effect of a bouncy white mouse."  He hung up and went to cuddle his mate.  Some people just showed no respect.  He found Magnet staring at Xander and grinned at her.  "He's having a nap."

"No," she said, shaking her head slowly.  She smiled at him.  "Me no!"

"No, you don't have to nap.  Want to cuddle?"  She beamed and waited until he was cuddling his mouse before crawling in and getting between them.  Like her brother before her, she hadn't equated cuddling with naps yet so she drifted off unaware that his devious plan had worked.

"Is that my daughter?" Vinnie asked from behind the couch, making Throttle fully wake up from his doze.  Throttle looked, then nodded.  "Give her here.  That couch isn't that wide."  He took his girl back to her bed, laying her in it and covering her, then he went back to helping the kids learn a bit more. It was fun for him to teach.  He heard a bike and looked out, waving at Staff as she parked.  She came in a few minutes later with Punch, settling her at the table as well.  "We're working on reading."

"Ooooh," Punch said, looking happy.  "Book?"

"Sure," he agreed, grinning at his son.  "We'll read after Vic works out six more words, okay?"  She wiggled and nodded, looking happy about that.  Vic got back to work, he was going to be good at this to make his daddy proud.

***

Momma looked around the club, it was open four days after the final certificate had been handed over, and there were already a few people lining up to get in.  She checked the signs, then nodded at the bouncer to officially open the club's doors, heading back to the serving area.  The first few headed for her and she smiled, pointing at the board.  "This is what we have tonight," she told them.  "Just the main dish itself is a ration coupon, with three sides and a dessert it's two."

"Cheese optional?" one person read.

"He knows, but he also knows that sometimes mice need calcium and we don't get enough," she said, shrugging.  "If you want it, you have to ask for it," she assured him with a bright smile.

"And probably weather the looks the rest of us would give you," he noted dryly.  Momma nodded and smiled at that.  "Are there sample plates?"

"That's what I forgot!"  She hurried in to get the sample plates, putting them out.  "Don't worry about those, the workers will get them later tonight, dears.  What can I get for you?"

"Do you have to eat it here?"  Momma pointed at the pile of pots.  "Okay.  Let me have some of that white layered stuff."

"That's the casserole," Xander said from behind him.  "'Scuse me."  He put up pictures of everything next to their names on the menu board, then winked at Momma.  "There, that might help some too.  I'm heading upstairs."  He jogged that way.

"Oh, yeah, he's a VanWham," one of the waiting people said dryly.

Momma laughed. "By adoption."  She got a pot.  "You wanted it to go, right?"  He nodded so she dished him out some and brought it out, handing it over and taking the coupon, which went into a little slot on the counter.  "Next?"  The first guy looked inside then at her.  "Too little?"

"Way more than I expected, ma'am."  His eyes were large and quite round.

"That's the way a mother should feed you," she noted, smiling at him.  "It's always going to be like that around here."  He nodded and headed out, taking his dinner back home.  He did sneak a bite once he was on his bike, and it was good!  Momma smiled at the next one in line and pointed at the menu board.  "What would you like, dear?"

She gulped.  "Some of the casserole as well?  Or do you get more with the stew?"

"You'll be getting a full pot, dear, no matter which one. Those plates are actual size."

Her eyes bugged out and she pointed at the the stew.  "Then I want that please, ma'am."

"Of course, dear."  She went to get it for her, taking the coupon and dropping it down the slot.  She smiled at the next one, then got her arm tugged on.  "Dear, you're out of line."

"You'd never see me."  She smiled up at her.  "Can I sit in the corner until it's my turn?"

"Of course."  She put her in a seat and patted her on the head, then washed her hands and got the next few people their stuff, then winked at the child. "What did you need, dear?"

"Daddy said to get something for dinner.  He said he didn't care as long as it was edible."  She grinned at her.  "I'm sure Mr. Xander's momma cooks really well so I came here."

"Well, technically I'm his mother-in-law, but that's okay.  What would you like, sweetheart?"

"What's in the casserole thingy?"

"Some potatoes, some ham, like that stuff that was in the cans that got handed out in the last general fund basket?  Some pepper, some onions.  It's very subtly flavored but it's very filling."

"Okay, I'll have that then.  How much for both of us?"

"Did you want to start with one and come back if you needed more?" she offered.  "That's how much you're getting, dear."

"Oh."  She blinked and nodded.  "Sure!  That's more than I usually get when daddy's tired.  Thank you, Mr. Xander's momma."  She smiled.  "You're very neat."

"Thank you, love."  She got to work bundling up some food for the little one. "How do you know Xander?"

"I met him at the council building and I told him I'm going to name my kid after him."  She grinned and handed over the coupon book, watching as she tore one out carefully.  Then she tucked those back in her pocket and took the pot.  "Thank you, ma'am."

"You're welcome, Overthruster."  She had heard that bragging from Xander.

The girl beamed and walked out, letting the guard help her through the crowd.  "Hi, Mr. Wrench," she called with a wave.

"Hi, Overthruster.  Need help getting home?"

"No, I just live up the street."  She walked that way, smiling at her daddy as he came out, and Anya as she came up the street.  "I got to meet Mr. Xander's mother-in-law."

Anya squealed and hugged her.  "We love Momma.  She cooks very well.  Even better than my momma does," Anya promised.  She waved at Overthruster's father.  "Can she come over to play next weekend?  I'd ask this weekend but we're starting our special lessons with Uncle Xander and we're going to be tired this weekend.  So can she come over to play? I promise we'll be good and I'll show her some of my new drawings, and we'll be in the back yard."

"Sure, kid," he agreed, smiling at her.  "What's that, Overthruster?"

"This is from the new club up the street.  This is what they serve."  She handed it over and the ration coupons.  "Mr. Xander's mother-in-law cooks in there."

He looked inside the pot, then at her. "How much did this cost?"

"One," Anya told her.  "Momma said it's only right to feed everyone like she would her kids.  My daddy had to help them draw up the official paperwork and stuff for the full Martian Council."

He counted the ration coupons, then looked at the girls.  "You're serious?"

Overthruster nodded and smiled.  "Yup.  She said that's a casserole.  It's got ham, potatoes, some pepper, and some onions. It's very subtle but filling.  They had a few other things but I'm tired of soup.  I wanted something solid for the belly rumbling tonight, daddy.  I hope you didn't mind."

"No, dear, I didn't mind," he promised, taking a bit out to nibble on.  He smiled and nodded.  "I like this. It's always going to be a single one?"  Both girls nodded at that.  "We might have to go up there more often."

"She even knew who I was because I told Mr. Xander I wanted to name my baby after him," she said proudly.  "I'll see you next weekend, Anya.  Have fun in classes with Mr. Xander.  I want to do that when I'm older too."  She skipped inside, going to take care of her daddy.

"I'll make some pretty new drawings to show you," she called, then headed home. "Daddy, Overthruster's coming over to play next weekend."

"Sure," he called. "Come eat."

"Can't we go eat at Uncle Xander's?"

"No.  Come eat."

"Yes, daddy."  She sat in her seat and took her crown off, putting it carefully beside her plate.  Her mother smiled at her for remembering that and she dug in. "Overthruster just got back from picking up dinner up there, her daddy wasn't sure it was only a coupon but he counted and I assured him it was," she told her parents.  "Since you said so when you helped him work on it, I knew that.  Plus, she said she wanted to take lessons with Uncle Xander too," she said happily.  "I've got to work on some new drawings to show her."

"After dinner," Switch ordered patiently.

"After our ride out to see the sunset," Stoker reminded them all.  Everyone smiled at him.  "Eat or we'll have to watch it from closer to the city."  Everyone dug in and Spike was done first, reaching for his sister's half-full plate. "Spike."

Switch dished him out some and he grunted in pleasure, digging in again.  "I always loved growth spurts," she said fondly, grinning at her mate.

"Yeah, it's about the only time it's acceptable for a mouse to make a pig of himself."  He watched his son eat. "That new duster of yours is going to be too small soon."

"Crankshaft can have it," Spike said between bites.  "She needs one anyway."  He finished his second dinner about as everyone else was and followed them out, watching as the line from the club wandered down the street toward their house.  "Wow."

"I told you gossip was a disease," Switch noted dryly.  "Stoker, can we go dancing later?" she asked, sounding wistful.

"Sure, mouse cadet.  After everyone's in bed.  We'll leave Anya in charge."  She smiled and blushed, then headed off after Crankshaft, who had found one of her friends from daycare up the line and was talking to her. "Come on, sunset is waiting," Stoker called.  His daughter squealed and waved at her friend, then followed the rest of them.  "I hope Momma's prepared for that sort of rush."

"I'm sure she is.  She's smart enough to know that she'd get a lot of people tonight. I'm sure she's doing some baking at the moment."  He nodded, that was probably true.

In truth, Momma was putting things together while she let her helpers dish up food for her.  She really needed to prepare more every day.  She had thought this would be easier. Oh, well, live and learn.  "How many people are waiting?" she called.

"About half the city," Wrench called back, coming in to wash his hands and help.  "I can cook, sorta," he offered with a grin.  She smiled and handed him the potatoes to peel.  "Ooh, fun."  He got to work peeling them into the bucket for organic waste, then slicing them like she had.  Then he grabbed some other stuff and got to work on them.  "Momma, are you going to spend all day putting these together?"

"Xander said there's a machine that can slice them faster than we can," she admitted.  "I think I'll be spending the few hours in build-up to the opening putting stuff together so we can bake it all night.  It'll keep in the freezer in those dishes he got.  She slid the next three into the ovens and looked at her helpers. "When that runs out, it'll be about another twenty minutes on the newest casseroles.  We're putting more together now.  What about the soups?"

"Most people say they're souped-out," one of her helpers said as she rushed to fill another container.

"What's on tomorrow?  Some people wanted to know," the other helper called.

"Apparently this and the other two casseroles, plus the leftovers of the soup and stew from tonight," Momma called back.  "When Xander gets back, we'll have a hotdog night once a month.  Four on a plate for a coupon.  That'll be in about two weeks."

"Thanks."  The helper smiled and took the next person's coupon, going to get a new tray of pots and bring them out.  "What did you want tonight, sir?"

"When was that casserole made?"

"About twenty minutes ago," she promised with a smile.  "Momma didn't think we'd get a rush like this tonight.  She's making more right now with a family volunteer."

"That's fine," he promised. "Go ahead and give me one of that, and what's with the deluxe meal?"

"Three sides, which fill a second pot, and a small dessert of cookies tonight."  He handed over the second one and she pointed at the sides.  "Which ones did you want, sir?"

"What are they?"

"That's beans, green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, and there's potatoes in the casserole if it matters to you, um.... Momma?"

"Cornbread, which is a rougher textured bread but it soaks up juices very well, and humus, which is made from some earth beans and garlic.  Tomorrow I've planned for more of them, I didn't figure we'd get so many requests tonight," she offered with a small smile.

"That's fine, ma'am, you're already making my stomach growl.  Go ahead and give me the beans, the corn, and the cornbread.  What sort of cookies?"

"Chocolate chip.  The Highest gave me his recipe."  She smiled back at Wrench.  "He's coming along very well in the kitchen for only being able to bake."  She hurried back and went back to work making more casseroles.  "Wrench, be a sweetie and start another single batch of cookies?"

"Sure, Momma.  Anything to help.  I probably should call Taver."

"I saw her outside, dear."  She waved at Taver through the door and pointed behind her.  The woman just smiled and shook her head, but shrugged.  Apparently she understood.  She looked up as the music got turned up, then rolled her eyes.  "Those boys!" she complained, but she didn't have time to do anything about the music and it was catchy.

Episode 87:

Throttle looked at the munchkins around his mate and sighed.  "That's it.  Xander, go find the tent and get a bag."

"Why?" he asked, looking confused as he fed Vic another cookie for a job well done.

"Because we're going.  Now."

"But, Throttle."

Throttle kissed him firmly, making Xander moan and the kids giggle again.  "Grab the tent and a bag and let's go," he repeated, staring into his eyes.

"But, the club and the shopping, we have to be here....."

Throttle shut him up with another kiss.  "I want to spend some time with you without all the kids," he said quietly. "No more giggling people.  Now, grab the tent and pack a backpack or I'm dragging you off without them.  Just us, some stars, maybe that bottle of wine you've been saving...."  Xander beamed and nodded, going to find the things he wanted.  "Guys, you're going to have to bug your parents for the rest of the day," he announced.  The kids pouted.  "Sorry, but it's my turn to have the Xander.  He's mine."  He walked off, going to call his mother as well.  "Momma?"  She smiled at him across the comm link.  "I'm taking Xander for a camping trip tonight.  You can handle the club, right?"

"Well, I'll need someone here to make certain decisions if something happens," she pointed out.  "It is his club, son."

"Momma, they're giggling whenever you I try to kiss or nuzzle him.  I'm taking him for an overnight camping trip.  Sorry."  She just smirked knowingly at that.  "I'm sure daddy had one of those days too."

"True, and it nearly meant a second child," she admitted with a smug look.  He groaned and shook his head.  "That's fine, dear.  I can always call Wrench or Vinnie."

"Vinnie, then Wrench, then Terror, it'll do him some good to get out of the caves," Throttle told her.  "Terror and Xander are bros anyway."  He waved and signed off, going to stalk his mate out to the garage.  He found the picnic basket already on the back of his bike and smirked.  "Isn't that your romantic basket for Modo?"

"Yeah, with a few changes," he admitted with a shy grin.  "No chinese food up here after all."  He stole a deeper kiss, hearing the giggles from the other room, and sighed.  "I see why we're going camping.  Momma?"

"Can call Vinnie, Wrench, or Terror, babe.  Let's go.  What's missing?"

"A pack and the tent."  He went to find them, then came back a few minutes later.  Everything was put onto his bike and he headed out, teasing Throttle by the way he was riding.

Throttle got onto his bike and followed, smirking a bit.  His mate was so bad.

***

Vinnie looked confused as he walked into the garage.  "Where are Throttle and Xander?"

"Vic said something about camping," Charley said from under the bike she was working on.  "Okay, no spitting this time.  Let's try this again."  The bike revved and she watched, then got out from under it.  She smiled at Vinnie.  "Apparently the kids were giggling again."

"They do that to us too," he said dryly, watching her work.  "She okay?"

"She's fine, Vinnie.  She just needed an oil change and a small problem with a bent fuel line fixed."  She finished up and polished the chrome to remove any fingerprints or excess oil, then let the bike down off the lift.  "There you go, pretty and done, baby.  Call your rider."  She walked over to kiss Vinnie stupid.  "Remember, if Xander's not here, the club is your responsibility," she teased.

"We'll head over tonight, after the kids are down," he agreed with a smirk for her. He spanked her then let her go as a female mouse walked in.  "Here you go, I'll let you have Charley girl back for a bit," he offered with a grin, going to find his son and get more involved.  Xander did way more than he did with the education stuff.  It was time he got more involved. He also stopped to call his cousin Terror and tell him he could be drafted into the service of the club until Xander got back, then invited him up for lunch.  That way he could show off how well Vic was doing to his family.  He always liked showing off his son.  Xander had done an amazing job with Vic and the others.

***

Xander looked around their campsite then back at his husband.  "Are you sure we're allowed to just camp out here?"

"I'm sure," he promised patiently.  "You ask the same thing each time we end up camping, Xan."

"I know, but I know there's spots that are off limits and I don't want to get the family in trouble."

"We're not," he promised, grabbing him by the hand and pulling him down next to him. He gave him a gentle kiss.  "We're fine out here.  There's no holy spots out here, no battlegrounds, nothing but us.  And possibly some ghosts," he noted, looking across the fire at the spirit floating their way.  He waited until it settled across from them.  "Brother mouse."

"Welcome," he said with a smile.  He looked at Xander.  "We heard you can talk to us."

"More often than not."  He looked at him.  "You know you're a spirit, right?"  The spirit nodded.  "Then what's wrong?"

"There's a few survivors out our way.  We need someone to come talk to them."

"We can do that tomorrow," Throttle promised.  "Where?"  The ghost drew a map and Xander pulled out a notebook to copy it down.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome.  They're stubborn mice and it'll take someone powerful to get them to move.  Possibly even a priest."  He grinned at Xander, then back at Throttle.  "I'm surprised he's not out here alone."

"We were married before I took my vows, I have permission," Xander said dryly, staring him down.  The spirit just smirked.  "You know who I am really?"  The spirit nodded. "And who he is?"

"He's Throttle, second-in-command in the Freedom Fighters.  It will take all of you."

"Agreeable," Xander assured him.  "We'll be there tomorrow sometime."

"That's fine," the spirit agreed with a smirk.  "Welcome to Mars, Harris."

"Thanks, probably," he retorted with a smirk back.  The spirit just chuckled.  "Shoo.  We'll be there.  Meet us there tomorrow."

"Sure, Mr. Harris.  Remember, we'll be waiting anxiously for you."

"Sure.  Should I bring weapons?"  The spirit just stared at him so he narrowed his eyes back.  "Should I?"

"Hopefully not."  He smirked again.  "We'll be waiting, Harris."  He faded out.

Xander looked at Throttle.  "Did we remember to finally put weapons in my bags?" he asked dryly.

"Your laser," he admitted.  He stole a kiss and got up to look.  "Why are you worried?"

Xander held up the map.  "That's right near where the Seal said the last vampires on Mars are," he admitted.  Throttle gave him a look.  He shrugged back.  "They're sealed in a cave.  I don't know, all I know is that she said so."  He put the notebook aside and got up to look at his bike.  "We're going on a ride tomorrow, big guy.  Do you have enough gas?"  His bike beeped negatively.  "Crap.  Okay, can you head back to the cavern and have Terror or someone take some out of the tank?"  Both bikes beeped.  "Sure.  You guys do that and we'll be right here cuddling."  His bike beeped and turned, heading off.  "Tell whoever pumps the gas to put a stake in you too," he called.  His bike beeped again and headed off, Throttle's waiting until she was petted before heading off.  Xander grinned at Throttle, making him stroll back over and sit beside him again.  "So, up for a roadtrip?"

"As long as it's not like the one where we found your bike," he offered, stealing a quick kiss.  Xander pulled his head back around and kissed him for real, making him moan.  Throttle got up to quickly put up the tent, just in case someone rode by or another ghost stopped by, then came out to pick his mate up and carry him inside.  He laid Xander down, staring down at him as he took off his vest and tossed it aside.  Then his boots and jeans came off, leaving him naked.  Xander was just grinning and teasing his t-shirt covered stomach.  "Am I stripping you?" he asked.  Xander nodded, moving a finger up to suck on the tip of it.  Throttle moaned and hauled Xander up, taking his t-shirt off him and tossing it onto the pile of clothes.  Then he undid the jeans, thanking every deity that they were some of his looser jeans and they fell without any help.  He got down to undo his boots and then helped Xander sit in his lap so he could push everything off him.  The clothes pile grew a bit more.

Xander was moaning lightly so he zipped the doorway closed, putting his mate onto his stomach.  First, a good backrub.  He straddled the narrow hips and got to work, stroking and pleasing his mate.  He needed this. He needed this connection to Xander again.  His husband was always so active and out doing things.  He was almost jealous of their kids and how much time he spent with them.  Throttle shifted up and got to work on the well- muscled shoulders, smiling at the moaning going on beneath him. "I think you like that," he teased lightly, using his tail to tease the red antenna below him.  Xander shifted and moaned again, letting it happen.  He was completely limp and willing beneath him, yet he still wanted to touch and stroke him.  "We need more time alone, Xan," he said quietly.

"We'll have it soon.  Just as soon as everything starts going smoothly," he promised in a lust-husky voice.  "Tag and Comet are nearly ready to be babysat too."  Throttle moaned at that, it was a good thing to have babysitters and his bros knew why they'd need them.  They had an arrangement for babysitting already.  "Lube?"

"Sure."  He opened the basket, then stopped when he saw what was remaining in it.  "Um, babe?  Didn't you pack any in the basket?"

"No, I thought there'd be some in there," he admitted.  He turned his head, grinning back at Throttle.  "Give me a minute to try to summon some."

"We're pretty far from home."  Throttle jumped as something crashed outside and a small wind started.  "That sounds like a thunderstorm."  He unzipped the tent's flap, finding a small pot in front of the fire, picking it up to sniff it.  "Have any idea what this is?"

Xander took it to sniff, then nodded.  "Yup, that's the stuff I found in the archives to give oil blessing baths."  He grinned and handed it back.  "I'm not sure where it came from, but I'm game if you are."

"I think that'd probably insult someone," Throttle said dryly, staring him down.  He shook his head.  "Try for the normal stuff, Xander."

Xander concentrated but nothing came.  He groaned.  "We're out."

"We can't be out!  How did we use a case of lube in four months?"  Xander gave him a long, steady look.  "Never mind."  He sighed and shook his head.  "Fine.  Whatever.  Did you want to do more than cuddle?  This isn't how I planned it."

Xander pulled him down to give him a kiss.  "Use some spit, babe.  Now.  Before I get impatient," he offered with a wicked grin.  "We'll just have to remember to pick up more lube when we travel back to Earth for shopping."

"I'll make sure it's on the list," he promised, grinning and getting to work. Fingers were easily coated with spit, after all his mate made him drool.

***

Xander rode into the village late the next morning, stopping in front of the temple.  People started to come out to look at him. "I got told to come here by a wandering spirit to point out we have cities if you guys wanted to join them."

"We have cities?" one older female mouse asked.  "Since when!"

"Since about two years ago," he noted patiently.  "Four of them now, and a university that's going up so there'll probably be at least a town near it too."  He leaned on his handlebars.  "The spirit didn't think you guys knew about that, that's why he sent me and my mate up."

"Who're you?" someone asked, coming out of the temple.  He stopped and stared.  "High Priest!"

"Sometimes," he agreed with a grin for him.  "Relax. I'm newly promoted myself."  The mouse relaxed some.  "My mate's behind me.  Did you get that memo?"

"Yes, sir, and I, um, spent some time breaking that rule before it was rescinded."

"Hey, it happens.  I was a guardian on Earth."  He shrugged a bit and looked at the others.  "I have no idea why I got called instead of someone like Stoker or Carbine, or even Wrench, but it's me and Throttle."

"He lived?" the priestly mouse demanded.  "Where is he?"

Xander tapped the button for his helmet.  "Babe?  One of the mice here wants to see you.  Where are you?"

"Looking at the markings on that cave we passed by.  You're right, it's what Wrench said to look for.  Be right there."  He hung up.

Xander looked at them.  "That cave.  Have you had any problems coming out of it?"

"They're fully buried," the priestly mouse assured him.  "You know of those things, brother mouse?"

"They're what I was fighting on Earth," he admitted, grinning at him.  "I worked with the equivalent of a M'dreth down there."  The mouse shivered.  "You'd like the Highest, Wrench, he's a nice guy. Very normal mouse most of the time."

"Wrench?  The assassin Wrench?" the older female mouse asked, looking stunned.  "Since when?"

"Since a few years before we got cities I think."  He shrugged.  "You can ask him if you want.  His current slayer's name is Rivet."  They all looked confused at that. "Never mind.  Not important right now."  Throttle pulled up behind him and parked, so Xander got off his bike too.  "Anyway," he sighed.  "If you guys want to come back with us, we'll gladly ride escort duty to the city we live in.  From there, the Council can help you find any remaining family members or help you get to one of the other cities if you want."

"What's your city's name?" one young male mouse asked.

Xander shrugged.  "We're still arguing about that, kid.  Some people want to name it Freedom. Some people want to name it after Carbine.  Some people want to name it after Stoker."  He shrugged again.  "It's the current heated debate topic."

"Wow."  He looked at Throttle. "Are you a Freedom Fighter?"

"I was.  I'm Throttle, kid."  The others all nodded and he grinned.  "We crashed on Earth on the way back.  That's how Xander and I hooked up."

"Whoa," the priest said, staring in awe.  "That's amazing.  Othra's will be done."

"And then some," Xander agreed with a smirk.  "I got sent to pick up something, they weren't anywhere near me before then."  His bike beeped and he looked down at the screen. "Hey, Momma.  How was last night?"

"Fairly usual, baby."  She smiled.  "Are you coming back tonight?"

"Momma, we're got told to stop and help some refugees back," Throttle said, grinning down at his mother's face.  "A wandering spirit joined us last night while we were camping.  Did Vinnie spaz out?"

"No.  He was a good boy, up on the dance floor all night.  It even rained a bit but everyone stayed up there to play in it."  She smiled at them.  "Xander, baby, I need into the storehouse to get some more chocolate chips."

"Sure, if there's any out there.  Go for it," Xander promised with a grin.  "Cookie bars?"  She nodded, smiling at him.  "That's cool with me then.  I'm hoping we'll be back by tomorrow night.  It's about a six-hour ride from here back to the city."

"That's fine.  I'll tell Stoker you're up there with some refugees and have him mark the spot in case you leave anyone behind."  She smiled.  "You two behave now.  Vinnie said you were being naughty."

"Not really, no stuff to be naughty with," Xander offered dryly, smirking a bit.  "We're as good as I know how, Momma."

"Um-huh.  Try harder, baby.  My baby boy's a good boy and I want him to stay that way."

"I always *try*, Momma," he protested, making her laugh. "Well, I do."

Throttle shook his head.  "He does try but he's not always successful.  That's why he's a white VanWham mouse, Momma.  We'll be back as soon as we can.  Love you."  She smiled and hung up.  He looked at his mate.  "You need to try harder some days, Xan."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," he offered with a small smirk.  "I'm as good as I know how to be."

One little boy tugged on his hand.  "Didn't your momma teach you how to be good?"

"No, my momma didn't do much teaching of me," he admitted, grinning down at him. "But Throttle here tries very hard now and then and I'm teaching some little mice about your age how to be good mice.  So I've learned a bit."  The boy grinned at him.  "Were you gonna be a biker when you get older?"

"If there's any bikes left," he agreed happily.  "We might have to fight for them."

"No, we're working on restarting the bike plant," Throttle assured him.  Everyone stared in open-mouth shock.  "We are.  We're hiring for it right now actually.  Modo and his lady are both working there once they open."  A few of the older mice slumped and nodded.  "You mice are more than welcome to stay up here.  We can't force you to come back with us, but if you want, we'll gladly play escort.  We're doing our best to get Mars back to the glory she once was.  Including going to raid Plutark now that it's abandoned."

"I'm worried that the remaining ship went back there," Xander said quietly.

"Even if they did, they wouldn't attack us, Xander. It was little kids."  He shrugged.  "We're just taking back what's ours anyway."  Xander nodded at that.

"What about the mice on Plutark?" the old female mouse demanded.  "My son was captured and sent there!"

"We freed them last year," Throttle told her.  "The last of the mice we've found came home, ma'am.  There's a chance your son made it.  I can tap into the database project. It's about half done at the moment.  I know the refugees were put on first."  She nodded and he tapped a few keys on his bike's console, getting that.  "Here, what's his name?"

"Tiger."

He tapped that in and came up with three matches. "Huh."  He pulled up the files.  "Are any of these yours, ma'am?"  She came closer and pointed, sniffling a bit.  He finished pulling it up and let her see.  "I'm sorry, ma'am.  It does look like you've got other family though."  She burst out crying and the priest grabbed her.  "He was one of those found on a floating ship," he said quietly.  "Long gone."  The priest nodded.  "She does have a grandchild noted in the system however."

"Thank you," he whispered, leading her inside.  Then he came back out, making Xander look at him. "My wife's in there, brother mouse."

"That's fine.  As long as she's got some comfort."  That got some nods.  "So, who wants to come back with us?  Even if you only want to send a few delegates at this time, so they can report back and you can make informed decisions, that'd be fine with us.  We know a lot's changed since the war ended and you've got to be behind on the news.  This would give you some sort of recon and planning abilities.  You could even send them with a list of names to look up in the database."  He shrugged.  "Either way.  We can camp just outside of town and leave in the morning."

"You could stay," the young mouse who had yanked on Xander's hand offered.  "We don't have much food and stuff."

"We've got some travel rations, little guy," Xander promised with a grin.  "We were camping last night to get away from the kids in the house."  A few of the parents giggled and a few snorted at that.

"They were giggling when I kissed him," Throttle said with a faint smirk and a small shrug.  "We don't want to be a bother or a drain, citizens."

"No, that's fine. There's a room above the temple you can use," the priest assured him.  "That way we can pump you for information."

"Sure," Xander agreed, grinning at him.  "Should I call Tangent and tell him he's got another priest available?"

"Tangent lived?" he asked, his face lighting up.  "Please!"

Xander hit the 'quick list' button and found his name, hitting it to call him.  "Hey.  Look who I got sent to find."  He got out of the way, letting the kid have his bike for a moment since he was nearly crying in happiness.  He looked at their supplies.  "How much did we bring?"

"Enough but not a great lot," he admitted quietly.  "What about your saddle bags?  Did you ever unpack from your trip?"

Xander opened his saddlebag and took out things, laying them on his seat.  "Why did I let you pack my green shirt?"

"Because you look great in it, babe."

"Point but it wrinkles and now I'll have to iron it."  He continued to dig, putting that side back and getting into the other side.  His laser was put down carefully, then he smiled.  "Dried fruits."  He pulled out the three bags and looked at them.  "Cranberries, flavored cranberries, and trail mix."  He tossed them to the nearest elder person.  "Here, for dinner tonight."  He put everything back, including his laser, then tied the bag shut.  He looked at Tangent, who was staring at him.  "Throttle reminded me I hadn't unpacked yet."

"What are you wearing?"

"My normal clothes?  Tight jeans, a t-shirt.  Sunglasses.  Why?  What's wrong with what I'm wearing this time?"

"I was almost sure you'd be in those white leathers again."  He stared him down.  "No more at ceremonies."

"Hey, I didn't pick 'em," he defended.

"Don't worry, I hid 'em again," Throttle called tolerantly, giving his mate a look.  "I agree, they're a bit too much for anything but teasing the masses."

"Again, I didn't pick 'em," Xander defended, smirking at his mate.  "Besides, you and Vinnie both enjoyed watching others stare at me in 'em."

"Not really.  Did I forget to mention I was a possessive mouse, Xander?" he joked.

"Enough," Tangent ordered, but he was smiling about it.  "You two can play tomorrow, boys.  For now, take the room at the temple, bring someone back so they can see and report.  Then Xander can fulfill his duty to go to Earth and get some shopping in for the General Fund."

"Yes, Tangent.  Ooooh!"  He held up the little pot. "This appeared last night while we were camping," he noted dryly.  "We didn't want to insult anyone by using it."

"Hmm.  Is that the stuff you found in the archives?"  Xander nodded.  "That's fine. Let Proton pack it in with the temple's supplies, Xander.  Good idea not to use it."  He hung up.

Xander handed it to the priest.  "It appeared last night while we were camping."

"What were you doing when it appeared?" one mother asked, shifting the baby on her hip to the other side.  Xander and Throttle both looked at the kids nearest them, then her.  "Oooh!"  She nodded.  "That's probably a good thing then."  She walked the kids off, taking the fruit with her. "How do you cook these?"

"They're already cooked, just dried," Xander told her.  "You can rehydrate in something or use them that way.  Cranberries are tart if it helps any."  She smiled back at him.

"I almost missed Thanksgiving sauce," Throttle admitted.  "Dawn makes good sauce."

"True," Xander agreed with a grin.  "She uses her mom's recipe too."

"Is Mars finally all ours?" a teenage looking female asked quietly, stepping forward. "We're all alone again?"

"Except for the two humans married to Martians, yeah," Xander admitted.  She looked horrified so he smirked a bit.  "They live with us, kid.  They left Earth to be with their mates.  They're nice if you give 'em a chance.  Dawn's my adopted daughter.  Stan's a pisser and a prankster now and then.  They're nice guys."

"But... humans?" she asked, still looking horrified.  "Why?"

"Because they found love that way," Throttle said with a small shrug. "There's some half- mice running around too.  Some from before the war, some from during it, some from after it.  And Xander, three. Charley."

"Sorry, I keep forgetting about her," he sighed.  "It's not like she's not counted as one of us."

"Point.  Charley girl's done a lot for us when we were crashed and for Mars when she could."  He grinned at him.  "The same as you did."  Xander grinned back.  Throttle looked at the girl.  "To be totally truthful, their kids are three-quarter mice.  We have six more DNA thingies than humans do.  So far they've all been furry too.  Then again, we had to separate out those unfortunate mothers and their kids who were forced to bear Plutarkian babies."  She shuddered and someone pulled her closer for a hug.  "They've got their own village, citizen.  They were forced, but the Constitution on Mars said 'even one drop' and it's safer for them because of some wrench-heads that came home."

"I'm so sorry for them," the teenager admitted quietly.  "How many?"

"About fifteen moms and about eighteen kids.  They've also got their own medic and teachers," Xander admitted.  "It was thought better for the kids because there's still mice who would attack them."  That got some nods.  "Stoker and Carbine basically head our council and they made sure they're safe and taken care of."  That got some other nods.  "As for the half-mice?"  He grinned and pulled out his wallet, showing off a picture.  "I dare you to figure out which kid it is."

The teenager came closer and looked, then looked at him.  "They all look so normal, but there's a human."  She looked again.  "I know that white mouse from somewhere."

Xander looked.  "Which one?  The one with the human or the other one?"

"The other one."

"That's Wrench, sweetheart," he offered with a grin.  "The Highest of the M'dreth and second-in-command of the VanWham clan."

"Oooh."  She looked again and pointed at one mouse.  "His eyes aren't red. Him?"  Xander nodded.  "Is he the only one?"

"One of the babies," Xander admitted, pointing him out. "Him.  My son.  His momma didn't tell me she was going to steal some fur and have him made by a scientist."  She whimpered and he put the wallet back.  "It happens.  I knew people like that," he sighed.

"Yes, and thankfully they're not up here so we can't kill her," Throttle reminded him.

Xander grinned.  "True.  She's not up here and we can't kill her for making Tag."

The girl sniffled and hugged him.  "Thank you, sir.  Can I come?"

"If your parents allow it," he promised.  She nodded, going to talk to the elders to see if she could go.  Xander looked at the priest, grinning a bit.  "Even my parents would have shrieked if I had taken off that way."

"Mine too," he agreed.  "Come up and put your stuff down."  Xander nodded, parking his bike and heading inside with his saddlebags.  Throttle came after him with his and they  parked their stuff in their borrowed rooms then went back down to the temple.  Proton watched as Xander bowed at the main altar, saying a short prayer, then he moved to the side to pray longer at one of them.  "Mylar?" he asked Throttle.

"He's devoted to her," he said quietly.  "That means he's devoted to both, kid."  He grinned at him.  "Xander's a very special mouse."

"So Tangent said," he noted dryly, looking at him.  "You know that no VanWham was ever supposed to serve Othra, right?"

Throttle smirked.  "Yeah, we heard.  Then again, he's adopted into the clan."  He punched him on the arm.  "If you'll show me where people are meeting I can fill in some of the history you guys got to miss."

"Sure.  This way.  Xander?"  He bowed and stood up, then followed them out.  "So, you know these humans very well?"

"Yeah.  Charley girl, Vinnie's lady, took care of us when we crashed on Earth," Throttle told him as they walked.  "She babied our bikes, treated our scrapes and injuries, and took good care of us.  Rimfire and Chassis both found their mates their first day on Earth and it was like lightening stuck them.  They were lost to them and they're really happy most of the time."

"It's the usual coupley fights," Xander assured him.  "Chassis makes terrible coffee and won't let Stan mine his with candy anymore.  Dawn wears short skirts and Rimfire gets really jealous."  He grinned at their escort.  "The normal stuff."

"I guess."  He tapped on a door then opened it. "They said they're willing to answer what questions they could."

"Sure," one of the women agreed, smiling as they came in.  "How long have you been home for?"

"Fully home for a few months," Throttle admitted.  "We had a transporter at our disposal for the last almost three years," he said as he sat down, Xander beside his feet.  He patted him on the head.  "He came from Sunnydale to join with us.  We were stranded in Chicago on Earth."

"Wow," she said, looking at Xander.  "You're not a full mouse, are you?"

"Changed," he admitted, taking off his glasses.  "I'm about ninety percent we think.  One eye, an ear difference, a few things like that."

"Mad scientist?"

"The haunting spirit that came to the M'dreth a few years ago actually," he offered with a grin.  "I'm old friends with Willow."

"The Seal?" the teenager asked.

"Her too," Xander admitted.  "I came from that town and fought on that Hellmouth for many years."

"Ooooh ."  She winced.  "Poor you."  He nodded and Throttle patted him again.  "So, you two....?"  They both nodded.  "I guess that's cool.  There were always same-sex mice before the war.  Any plans for kids?"

"We've got two," Throttle admitted.  "One was carried by one of Vinnie's cousins.  The other was made without the girl telling Xander.  They're adorable toddlers."

Xander shivered. "Tag's just learning how to crawl."  All the parents winced.  "Yeah, and we basically moved everything from the house on Earth."  That got some smiles.  "It eases the boredom now and then."

"Yes, your DVDs do ease boredom," Throttle agreed dryly.  "Can you maybe get some more action movies, Xan?  Just for the manly mice in the house?"

Xander grinned up at him.  "There's six cases of movies you never opened, Throttle.  That's the action section.  Get Vinnie into the caves and make him unpack some necessary stuff."  Throttle yanked on his hair but grinned. "Geez, buy a mouse all the kung fu movies ever made and he complains because he doesn't unpack 'em," he said dryly, making the others laugh.

"Every?"

"Yes, even Rush Hour," he admitted dryly.

"Cool.  I'll whip Vinnie's tail into that later."  He went back to stroking his ear.  "You need brushed."

"It happens," he agreed, grinning back at him.  He grinned at the others.  "Sorry, we're on vacation from the kids."  That got some more laughs.  "What can we help fill in?"

"When did the war end?" the motherly woman asked.

"Officially?  I'm guessing after the last real attack attempt, or when they ran from Earth and we defended," Throttle admitted.  "That makes it about a year, year and a half ago."  Xander nodded at that. "There was a minor attempt on Remembrance Day but Xander and a few others fought off that one."

"Wow. Are you a Freedom Fighter?"

"In name.  Honorary," Xander admitted.  "If I had been up here, I definitely would have been beside Rimfire the whole way, even underaged."

"Wow," the teenager said.  "I've heard of him.  Where is he?"

"Doing college on Earth to learn advanced desert farming techniques and more computer skills," Throttle told her.  "It's something he can bring back to us."  That got some nods.

"The main reason the war was stopped was because most of Pluatrk got eaten," Xander admitted.  "See, the Seal was sent to Plutark from Sunnydale."  That got some winces and some opening mouths.  "Yeah, they opened it and it ate most of them.  The remaining ran off, went to Earth for a bit, but we made them leave.  They tried Mars on the way past and then one last attempt on Remembrance Day, but nothing too severe.  They're down to about a ship's worth of Plutarkians, including eggs."

"Wow," the elder male said in awe.  "Now we're raiding Plutark?"  Throttle nodded.  "For just our stuff?"

"That first, the rest is being decided upon," Throttle admitted.  "We are taking their library in total for the university, but a lot of mice feel that's stealing instead of recovering and they're not comfortable with it.  That's being decided by the full Martian Council, all the cities together.  They meet once a month to discuss Mars-wide things."

"The durability of the rationing system was recently brought up," Xander admitted.  Throttle looked down at him.  "There were questions about how long they could use it, what happens if people start to grow substantial gardens, what happens in a bad year.  Things like that.  I pointed out that we're buying stuff from Earth and they're not taking stuff away from others that way.  It's a safety cushion and they figured up how many years that could last.  Someone wants to work on restarting the monetary systems within two years and slowly fazing the other out."

"We need to do it sometime," Throttle agreed. "We need food production to be increased first.  That should be the base of it."

"That's what they were thinking since most places that are actually paying wages are paying in either food or ration coupons."  He shrugged.  "The ten I give the people at the club is about standard from what I heard."

"A day?" the motherly woman asked.

"A week," he admitted, "but we serve meals at the club for ration coupons and they're allowed a free meal at the end of the night if they want.  That way they go toward other things."  That got some nods.  "Most places aren't even trying to pay right now without any monetary system.  Work's plentiful, especially if you can do construction or planning and things, or you want to work at the bike plant, but the secretarial things are lower priority.  You still apply for whatever you want though."

"It's going to be a mess to restart money," Throttle said, thinking about it.  "How will people with businesses figure out how much they're worth and how much to pay or even where will they get the beginning funds?"

"They're working on that slowly," Xander assured him.  "They don't want to cause a panic, just a gentle switch over slowly.  Within five years they want ninety-five percent of the people off rations.  The rest would be those who couldn't work."  Throttle nodded at that.  "They've had a lot of talks with Micah and someone he found to advise from a university down there.  They're moving very carefully with that plan."

"Good."  Throttle went back to stroking Xander to keep himself calm.  "What else can we tell you?"

"Tell us about your city," the teenager requested.  "Is it big?  Like I heard stories about Alpha and Monument?"

"Not quite that big," Throttle assured her with a small grin.  "Let's see, Freedom...."

"For lack of a better name," Xander added dryly.  Throttle pinched him on the ear.  "Sorry."

"That's fine, babe.  We've got about ten thousand mice, I think.  We've got a hospital and a few outlying clinics near some of the suburban areas.  We're about thirty minutes from the Valley of the Temples.  We've got four new housing developments going up soon because the apartments that were put up first were done too quickly in some spots.  The main downtown centers around the town square, where we have monthly picnics and hand out General Funds baskets.  Next to it is the Main Building; that holds the Council, city offices, and the hospital.  It also holds the Martian Medical Board and the Educational Board since we were the first city set up.  We've got one good high school and about seven smaller schools for daycares and the younger kids.  Downtown has a few places to work, plus the building crews, plus there's two bases within riding distance.  The bases now work on a reserve status with the 'active' personnel serving a year then moving to reserve."

"That's one week a month," Xander offered.  "The base we always seem to end up helping is the one Commander Rotor is running.  The other one does the telemetry and stuff as far as I can tell.  Rotor does a lot of the training for incoming recruits."

"We're still working out the Freedom Fighters vs Real Army stuff," Throttle told them, making them smile at that.  It was an old argument.  "Right now, Carbine's winning.  Those counted as 'active' are considered Army, even if they started out a Freedom Fighter.  You can always opt in for more if you want to stay military instead of going back to the regular life.  Most of the Freedom Fighters I know have retired to let the younger set do it now, but we're still lurking around their shoulders and doing our week a month.  Speaking of, babe, mine's during that time we're leaving."  Xander looked back at him.  "Sorry."

"Not an issue.  Who am I bringing with me then?"

"Not a clue.  Vinnie, Modo, and I are all on that week.  You may get to start on your own and then we'll join you after a few days.  You're still leaving on Thursday, right?"  He nodded.  "Then we'll join you after our first night off.  That way we can complain in private."  Xander grinned and nodded.  "Try to show some restraint, okay? Vinnie's actually made lists for you."  Xander gave him a wicked smirk.  "At least try?"

"I always try but you also underestimate how much stuff we're going to use."

"Babe, you bought sixteen cases of toilet paper.  We haven't even used four multi-packs yet.  You can leave that off until next year probably."

"Not if I donate some," he offered with a grin.

"Xander," he sighed, shaking his head.  "No."

"Fine.  I'll *try* to be good."

"Thank you."  He continued to pet him.  "Since we were down there so long, we let our stomachs stretch.  We've got the money so we're using it to stock our house so we don't take from Mars."

"That's very nice of you," the teenager assured him.  "Do others mind?"

"Not once they hear we're not on rations," Xander admitted with a grin for her.  "There is a dance in three weeks for all the city's teenagers," he told her.  "If you come with us, we'll make sure you go and have a proper chaperone so no one can say anything bad."

"Thank you, Xander."

"Welcome.  I had to do it often enough for Dawnie."  He grinned at the mother since she was staring at the girl.  "How else is she going to meet some nice male mice?"

"Point," she admitted.  "I'm sure she'll be chaperoned by someone from here as well."

"I was planning on going as one anyway since Modo's adopted little brother is going for his first dance," Xander offered with a grin.  "Racer's just turned ten."  The mother nodded, understanding that age very well.  "They're debating the square of my club right now."

"That's fine, Xander.  Thank you."  She smiled and got up to check on something, then came back nibbling one of those flavored cranberries.  "How did they do that?"

"Something they soaked them with during the drying I guess," Xander said with a small shrug.  "I have no idea how they made flavored cranberry snacks.  They're really good when you're camping so I keep some in my bag for quick energy.  I've got most of a case of them at home."

"That's because you're the only one in the house who eats them, Xander," Throttle said patiently.  "No more chocolate either."  Xander pouted and he shook his head.  "No."

"But I've made a good dent into it."

"Yeah, and you scared the little vampire mouse doing so," he said firmly.  "No."

"Fine."  Xander sighed and mentally decided to do it anyway.  He'd have to change the lock on that cavern again but that would be fine. It wasn't that hard to do.  Throttle gave his fur a little yank and he looked at him.  "I'm being good."

"I doubt it," Throttle assured him with a small grin.  "Behave, babe."

"No."  He stuck his tongue out and grinned at the nice people again.  "Sorry, I have a chocolate habit to maintain and he hates it."

"He bounces," Throttle told them. "He's sorry in advance if he scares anyone."

"That's what I'd expect from a VanWham mouse," the teenager admitted with a grin.  "Terror had been up here for a few months."

"Terror's living in our storage caves," Xander told her.  "He's my bro.   Him, Pierce, Wrench, and Stud."

"Yes, and the five of you make Stoker shudder in horror whenever he sees you together," Throttle said calmly.  He didn't mention the others, like him and Modo.  Xander already knew about them and had laughed about it for quite a while.

"Does Terror have a lady yet?" the teenager asked.

Xander grinned and shook his head.  "Nope.  He doesn't like to come out and be around people, sweetheart.  We can barely get him up at the house because the kids scare him."

The others laughed and the mother went back to check on dinner again then came back to ask more questions about the current state of Mars.

***

Xander walked into the club.  "I'm back!" he yelled.  "I brought Terror some old buddies to drink with!"

"You did what?" Terror called from the office.  He stuck his head out.  "Who?"

"A teenager named Torque.  A whole village full of people who heard you were with us and went 'awwwww'."  He grinned at him.  "They're in the Council right now.  You could have brought them with you, Terror."

"Oops."  He came out, looking Xander over.  "Are you okay?"

"We got asked to go visit and invite them back."

"Uh-huh."  He looked him over again.  "You don't look starved or lonely."

"Throttle took me camping?" he offered, grinning at him.  "We're out of lube.   I've got to put that on the shopping list."  He shook his head as he walked into the office.  "Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine, Xander," Terror assured him, following him into the office.  "I've made sure nothing too major happened at the club.  The teenagers decided to hold the dance in the town's square but to borrow some music.  That way their parents could hide here and have their own dance."  He leaned against the wall, watching Xander look everything over.  "It went fine."

"Good."  Xander grinned at him.  "We've got to go to Earth to shop too."  Terror whimpered.  "Did you know that the bros have their first week of duty starting that Monday?  I'm going to be all alone on Earth for nearly four whole days.  Maybe even five."

Terror shook his head.  "Oh, no you're not!  If I have to, I'll send Wrench!"

Xander chuckled. "You could come."

"I don't wanna come."

"Fine.  Are you scared of humans?" he cooed, smirking at him.

"I'll get you for that someday."

"Yeah, you and the fairy army you've got hiding under your tail," he teased back.

"I wondered where that noise was coming from," Wrench said, leaning in the doorway.  Terror punched him so he beamed.  "Xander, did you find more mice?  Stoker suggested in open Council that we let you go wandering around Mars to find the rest of us."

"Throttle would get really, really upset if he never got sex again," Xander noted dryly.  "Do we realize it's nearly shopping time?"

"Yup, but the Council wanted you to postpone it for two more weeks since they want to do it after the next basket to see how much stuff is really left."  Xander pouted.  "I know.  You can always go play."

"For three weeks?  Momma would skin me."

"Yes, she would!" she called from the kitchen.  "You need more chocolate chips.  Stan had to steal some of your M&M's for me, baby."

"Sure, Momma.  I'll put it on the list," he called.  He pouted at his bros.  "How am I going to last that long?  We're out of lube."

"How did you use a case of lube in four months?" Wrench demanded.

"Easy.  Sometimes a bottle only goes for a single night," he offered with a faint blush but he was grinning.  "Sometimes we need it extra slick."  Both mice whimpered.  "Sorry, TMI?"

"Definitely," Terror said dryly.  "You could always go down to get a few bottles and come back home quickly."

"Or you could go ask Dawn to find some," Wrench offered. "That way you don't abandon us again."

"I didn't abandon you.  We went camping.  Unfortunately we didn't have lube."

"What does lube have to do with camping?" Wrench asked.

Xander looked at him.  "We went camping so we could kiss, cuddle, and have sex without the kids giggling at us for kissing and cuddling.  It was driving Throttle insane."

"Well, Vinnie wanted to take a few days and go camping as a group," Terror offered.

"Shit, then I won't need lube," Xander complained.

"No, he was going to bribe us to watch the kids," Wrench assured him.

Xander perked up.  "Then maybe I will make a run to Earth."  He winked.  "I'll be right back."  He walked out of the office.  "Momma, I've got to hit a drugstore!" he called.

"Pick up another few cases of hotdogs."

"We've got nineteen cases in the cold cavern," he reminded her.  He peeked into the kitchen.

"You've only got six, baby.  I used the rest," she assured him, patting him on the cheek. "Pick up some more, all right?"

"Sure, but this is just a quick trip.  We're out of lube so the camping wasn't as fun as it could have been."

"Thankfully Vinnie wanted to take you older mice out with him," she promised.  "Be a good boy, Xander."

"I always *try*," he complained, but he was grinning.  He headed out to his bike and to the Council's chambers, grinning at them.  "Quick trip. Need anything *right now*?"

"No," Stoker said, watching as he disappeared.   He looked at Throttle, who had escorted in their newest refugees.  "I take it the camping was good?"

"Would have been better with some lube," he admitted.

"I...don't need to know that," Carbine complained.  "Neither does the rest of Mars, Throttle.  Behave or else I'm going to assign your week while he's shopping."

Throttle looked at her.  "He only stocked the caverns for six months the last time, Carbine. Do you *really* wanna see what he'd bring home this time?"  That got some shudders among the Council.  "I didn't think so.  Vinnie doesn't want to catalog or count it, and we're sure Xander will bring more chocolate, no matter what we do to stop him.  If we go with him, he won't be able to do that."

"Fine, you can go with him," Stoker assured him.  "We'll make it mandatory even."  The rest of the council nodded at that.

"Xander seemed very nice," Torque offered from her seat next to Throttle. "Why are they worried?"

"Xander sometimes get a wild hair up his tail," Throttle assured her, patting her on the back.  "It'll be fine.  Just watch out for bouncing white mice.  I'm sure he'll get Terror into it too if we're not there.  Or Wrench.  One of them will have to go with him if we don't."

"Terror would probably enjoy going to look at all the pretty girls," she offered with a grin.

Terror walked in and glared at her.  "Don't make me go hide more, Torque.  That's mean.  Sending me with Xander to a mall is cruel and torturous.  Don't do that to me.  You don't torture friends."

"Unless you're Spike," Throttle joked.

"Not even Spike's that mean," he complained.  He looked at Stoker and handed over the paperwork.  "We did it while they were ...camping."  He walked out shaking his head.

"Maybe we'll let Xander take him to a beach," Throttle mused.  "Bikinis are always fun.  He'd appreciate that."  Torque laughed and Spike looked over at him, then groaned and shook his head.  "What?"

"Too evil for even me," he said happily.  "Good to see Harris is corrupting you to my side, Throttle.  If I get turned, I'll come to make you my second."  He took the copies of the papers and went to deliver them.  He hated messenger duty but it was a punishment.  Even if he did get to torture the adults all day.

Stoker looked at Throttle.  "Vinnie wants to take you all camping, maybe you should have Xander get whatever you needed this time," he suggested.  "It'll make you a normal mouse again, Throttle.  I don't think I can handle an evil you."

"We only ran out of lube," Throttle complained.

"Again, not something we need to know about," Carbine complained.  "I will allow you to call Dawn from my office if necessary so I don't have to hear this again."

"No, he's getting it," Throttle assured her, smirking a bit.  "He knows what we need."  Xander came back and he looked at the back of his bike.  "Xan!"

"Momma said we needed more hotdogs," he protested.  "I'm filling orders!  Behave!"  He dropped those off then went back to the other bags, proudly holding one up.  "The usual lube store was out so I had to get the nasty, over-the-counter, stickier stuff.  But it'll do until we can get real lube."  He looked at Spike as he came back, then flipped him a small box.  "That's yours if you deliver the hotdogs to Momma."  Spike growled in pleasure and went to do that for him.  "Thanks, Spike."  He winked at his mate.  "See you at home."  He rode off, cackling madly.  Throttle was *so* in for it when they got their next alone time.

Throttle swallowed and looked at Stoker, who was shaking his head.  "If I come back like the last time I complained about it, just ignore me."  He got up and headed after his mate.  Sometimes chasing Xander wasn't so bad after all.

Episode 88:

Terror smiled at the kids he was watching.  Vinnie had bribed him and he was going to try to do a good job.  He knew he'd be skinned if he didn't, so he'd try.  "I know you guys are really young, but I also know you guys are *way* smarter than your parents think," he assured them.  "You guys are probably takin' a break from all the stuff Xander's tryin' ta teach ya, and that's cool with me," he assured them, smiling at Punch.  "But you never have to pretend with me, okay, guys?  You're all really smart and I already know this.  Just remember that and we'll get on fine until your parents get back."

"Where is daddy?" Punch asked, sucking on her first finger.  She looked exactly like Modo, only she had some silvery, wispy hair coming in and growing out.

"They had to take off for a few days but they'll be back within a week."  He grinned and tweaked her on the nose.  "I promise, they're fine, they just had to go for a long ride."

"Why not grandmommas watch us?" Magnet asked.

"Well, Throttle's momma's really busy with the club so she doesn't have the time to watch you guys, and Modo's momma, Punch's grandmomma, isn't feelin' too well," Terror admitted calmly, his voice a bit gruff.  "She doesn't have the energy until she's feelin' better to watch you guys.  So I've got all you little kids."

"Target's momma 'bandoned her," Punch said very seriously.  "She dropped her off then went to 'spital and never came back."

"Oh, no, sweetie, nothing on Mars will be stoppin' your daddy from coming back," he promised, picking her up to sit her in his lap.  "If anyone or anything ever tried to stop your daddy from coming back to ya, they'd be one hurtin' thing," he promised, making her smile and nod, she knew that.  "I'm just babysittin' and we'll be fine.  You guys are cute and adorable and really smart."  He tweaked Magnet's ear.  "You're an especially cute mouse."

"Hey!" Vic complained.  "That's my job!"

Terror looked at him.  "She's a girl mouse, Vic, they're cute in different ways than boy mice."

Vic gave him a look like he was insane.  "No she's not!  She's a sister, not a girl!"

Terror chuckled.  "Trust me, sisters are girls, just like Aunts and mommas are," he promised.  "She's an adorable girl, the same way Punch is, Victor.  I promise she is."

"Can we go for a ride?" Magnet asked sweetly, smiling up at her cousin.  She liked this one.  He was a neat playmate when he came out of the caves.

"Sure," he agreed.  "We can go watch the sunset.  That'll be in about four hours or so."

"Can we go now and then?" she chirped, smiling and snuggling in to nuzzle him under the chin with her ears.  Her daddy fell prey to that maneuver all the time.  That's why she was a spoiled white girl mouse.

Terror considered it.  "Maybe.  I'll have to see what sort of notes the daddies left before they took off for their time off."

"Were they kidnaped?" Punch asked.

Terror looked at her and shook his head.  "No, sweetheart, they weren't taken by anyone.  They're out camping in the desert.  I'm sure they'll be calling once they make camp if they're close enough."  He patted her on the back, leaning over to kiss her on the edge of her ear.  "It's all right, I promise, it's just like when you're normally babysat.  Only I'm not one of the mommas.  I was gonna play games with you guys later if you wanted.  Are you sure you want to take a ride now?"

Magnet teased some of his chest fur.  "What sort of games?"

He looked down at her.  "You're gonna be that sort of girl, huh?  Well, mouse cadet, I was gonna play neat board games with you guys, like Candy Land, but since you're a flirt and a spoiled mouse, maybe I should let you guys nap so you make it to sunset tonight?"  She pouted and he felt his chest clench, then sighed.  No wonder Charley had warned him about her 'antics' and 'personality'.  She was good!  She was only three and a half and she had him wrapped around her finger already!  "Wouldn't you like to play a board game?"  She shook her head, smiling at him.  "Fine, we'll go ride out toward the caves then back home so we can pick out a spot to watch the sunset.  Then maybe we can play some board games?"  It was the only thing he knew that could take hours out of the afternoon.

"I wouldn't mind," Vic assured him, giving him a hug.  "It's okay, daddy taught her how to do that," he whispered in his cousin's ear.  "She's got daddy good a few times."  He nuzzled him.  "Can we go now?"

"Sure, little mouse.  Come on, let's find jackets and boots."  The kids hopped up and went to find their gear, coming back to let him figure out how to allow them to ride with them.  Only he and Vic had bikes - though he had seen the girls' bikes out in the caverns for their next birthdays.  Thankfully Comet and Tag were being taken care of by Comet's momma for the week the bros were going to be gone.   He decided to let the girls ride in front of him and go a bit slower.  It'd be fine.  He herded the kids out to the garage, getting on and settling the girls in his lap, then watching as Vic found his helmet and mounted his bike, taking off for outside.  "Wait for me," he called.  He hurried after him, but carefully since the girls weren't doing more than holding onto him with their tails.

***

Punch looked across Terror's stomach at Vic and Magnet, looking pitiful.  Vic was asleep against Terror's stomach and he was asleep too.  "I miss daddy and momma," she whispered.  "They haven't called."

"They're out of range," Vic mumbled, then he flipped over and went back to his nap.

Magnet considered it.  Nothing and no one had ever kept her daddy from telling her a bedtime story.  Even when he was gone he had called to read her one.  Now, he hadn't called.  So something must have happened.  Her baby mind made the connection to all the horrible things that could happen, including bad people who liked to taunt Uncle Rimfire and Uncle Throttle about their mates.  She had heard a few.  She looked at Punch, then nodded.  "They should have called."  Punch sighed and shifted a bit, looking even more miserable.  "Come on."  She and Punch checked Terror then snuck off toward the caverns.  They knew they had bikes waiting.  Uncle Xander was like that and Crankshaft had told them so because she had gotten hers from him.  They looked at the cavern complex, pouting a bit.  Then she got the bright idea.  Daddy and momma whistled for his bike.  She'd try it for hers.  She whistled.  A bike came to one of the openings and she waved.  "Down here!" she called.

"Oooh!" Punch cooed, coming over to pet it.  "You're a very pretty bike. Are you my bike or Magnet's bike?"  It revved and focused its headlight on Magnet.  "Is mine up there?"   The bike beeped and called back up to her friend, getting another bike, which was a lot like her daddy's bike.  She squealed and ran up the ramp to hug it, climbing on.  "Come on, bike, we've got to rescue the daddies.  They've been kidnaped or something.  They didn't call at bedtime like they do."

Magnet stopped petting her bike and climbed on, nodding.  "We should rescue them."  She headed off, taking the path the bigger bikes had worn toward the road and the city. She could see the city's lights so she knew which way to go.  They'd need some help from someone older.  They knew they were too little to do much. But Spike and Crankshaft weren't.  Crankshaft was old and Spike was really old, they could help their families.

***

Terror woke up and looked around, looking panicked.  "Magnet!  Punch!" he called.  No answer. He looked at his bike.  "You let them walk off?" he demanded.  It beeped and played an audio track of two bikes in the distance.  "Oh, hell!"  He got up and grabbed Vic, putting him onto his bike.  "Head home with him, girl.  Bike, call Stoker."  Stoker's face appeared on the screen.  "Stoker, is Spike with you?"  Stoker gave him a look like he was insane then slowly shook his head.  "Shit!"  He hung up and dialed the house instead, getting Spike.  "The girls took off," he explained quickly.  "I told them their parents were just camping but I don't think they believed me."

"They think someone stole them?" Spike asked, smirking a bit.  Terror nodded.  "I haven't seen 'em," he offered.  He looked around.  "Crankshaft?"  No answer.  "Crankshaft!"  Still no answer.  "CRANKSHAFT!  GET YOUR BLOODY ARSE IN THIS HOUSE NOW!" he yelled at the top of his little lungs.  Still no answer.  He gave Terror a look and headed outside at a run, finding the yard empty of everything but Crankshaft's bike.  He looked again.  His bike was gone.  He growled and stomped back inside.  "She's got my bike!" he said hotly. "She bloody well took off."

"Could they be anywhere in the city, Spike?  Are there other friends?"

Spike considered it and shrugged. "Wrench?"

"I hate to call him about this," he complained.  His cousin would laugh his tail off.

"So?  Better more help findin' the loony bints than less!"  He hung up and called Racer.  "Come get me.  Cranky stole my bike and headed with Punch and Magnet to find their parents.  They think they were stolen."

Racer blinked at him.  "Where's your bike?"

"Crankshaft."

"Oh, hell," he said, blinking a few more times.  They had put weapons on Spike's bike so he could learn how to use them.  No wonder his sister had stolen his bike.  "Give me twenty, Spike.  Let me tell Momma.  She'll feel better for the laugh."  He hung up and ran to grab his jacket and a shirt, sticking his head in Momma's bedroom.  "Momma, Terror lost Punch and Magnet, plus Crankshaft stole Spike's bike.  I'm gonna go help 'em."

"Fine," she agreed, blowing her nose.  "That's fine.  Give 'em a hug for me, dear.  Are they all right?"

"Spike said he thinks they think their parents were captured so they're mounting a rescue attempt with Crankshaft."  He shrugged.  "We'll find 'em."  He hurried out to his bike, hopping on and heading over to Spike's house.   He only had to pause and Spike was running out and hopping on the back of his bike.  "I'm gonna tell Wrench first.  Maybe he can get Willow to find them."  He sped on, the new temple was nearby.  He parked and ran inside, having to head into the temple.  Wrench looked up from his prayers, looking alarmed.  "Punch and Magnet rode off with Crankshaft.  We think they think their parents were captured."

"So, like a true daughter to Vinnie and Modo they went to rescue their family?" he asked, looking a bit more amused.  He started to snicker at the nod.  "That's so cute!  Where are they?"

"We don't know," he said dryly.  Wrench groaned and held his head.  "I'm taking Spike with me.  Cranky stole his bike.  Terror was about to panic."

"I'm coming."  He headed back to his room to grab his jacket and sunglasses, and decided to bring a laser too, there were still Sand Raiders in the desert in places.  It'd be just like a VanWham kid to run into them.  He followed Racer out, grabbing his bike from the garage so he could follow them to the compound.  They met Terror on the way, stopping in the middle of the road to talk to him. "Did you search the lands?"

Terror nodded.  "I told Enamel to watch and listen for them and us too.  Chassis just laughed.  Stan said we should call someone official but I don't wanna know what Vinnie would do to our tails."

"Our?" Wrench asked, still looking amused.  Terror glared at him, silently telling him that Vinnie could blame him too.  "Besides, Xander would do worse since *you* agreed to watch the kids."  He pushed his sunglasses back up.  "Okay, which way would they head?"

"I told 'em their parents were camping in the desert."  He noticed the gun.  "You don't think they're in real trouble, right?"

"No, but there's still a few Sand Raiders here and there and Magnet is a VanWham."

Terror shivered and let out a small whimper. He hit the comm signal for the clan's bikes, groaning a bit when he saw how many answered.  "Attention, clan members, Magnet VanWham and Punch are out on their own, possibly with Crankshaft, Stoker's daughter, in a kiddie rescue mission for their camping parents.  Please, if you see 'em, call me or Wrench.  Please?"

Chassis came back.  "You're not joking!"

"No!" he shouted back.  "I was watching the clouds and they snuck off!  Vic's at the house!"

"Wrong," Racer said, pointing at the little mouse heading their way.  "Hey, Vic, where would they start?"

"He said the desert, they're heading towards Mons probably.  That's where Daddy tells us stories about camping as kids."  He looked at his bigger cousins, then at Spike, grinning.  "Cranky?"  He growled but nodded.  So Vic stood up and whistled loudly, listening.  He did it again and a roar was heard.  "You forgot, Uncle Xander's bike decided not to go," he said with a smirk.

Spike nodded.  "Thanks, mate."

"On Mars, the usual name is bro," Terror told him.  He looked over as Xander's bike showed up.  "Can Spike ride you?  The kids took off and we've got to find them."  The bike revved and Spike transferred over.  He looked really tiny on the massive bike, but that was fine.  Some day he'd fit on a bike like that.  "Okay, let's head toward Mons.  The kids would probably stay on the road, right?"

"It'd be easier. How did they get bikes?" Wrench asked as they headed off together.

"Their birthday is coming up," Vic called.  "Willow and Crankshaft told them how we got ours."

"I'm gonna kill my sister," Spike growled.  He called his father's desk, getting his assistant.  "Don't worry dad, but Crankshaft stole my bike and headed into the desert with Magnet and Punch, who think their fathers were taken.  We're gonna find 'em now.  I'm on Xan's bike."  He hung up before she could say anything or call anyone.  He sped up to ride beside Racer.  "We need to head off the path in case," he called.  "The road don't go to Mons."  Racer nodded and rode ahead to talk to the bigger mice.  He leaned closer to the bike.  "Thanks for this.  I know you're as special as I am.  I won't tell Xander if you don't."  He sat back up, looking around for the kids.   "How much of a head start did they have?" he called over the comm.

"Maybe twenty minutes," Terror called back.

Wrench said a silent prayer to The Lady for some patience.  His cousin should never be allowed to do more than an hour's watch of the kids.  He had proven he wasn't able to handle it on their first day together.  At this rate, he'd end up sitting after all.  He felt Willow coming closer and mentally ordered her to find the girls.  She said she couldn't find 'em.  He waved at Terror.  "Willow can't see 'em," he called across the short distance between their bikes.  "They're on blessed or holy ground."  Terror nodded.  "Twenty minutes?"

"I didn't think I fell asleep," he defended.

"Xander's gonna kill you, cuz!"  He sped up, heading for the path to Mons.  He saw some tire tracks off to the side and looked, finding smaller bike tracks.  "Is that theirs?  Spike, is this your tread?" he called.

"My tires are nearly bare," Spike admitted as he rode up beside him.  "No, not mine or new."  Wrench sighed.  "Willow?"

"Can't see 'em," he admitted.  "They're on holy or blessed ground."  He sped off, mentally mapping out all the spots they could be in on the way.  He sent a mental order to keep looking for them.  They could be found as soon as they stepped foot away from the protected lands.  They were most of the way to Mons when the Seal popped up with an announcement of finding them, in the other direction.  He and Terror both groaned and got them turned around, heading that way instead.  He looked at Vic, who wouldn't be able to keep up for very long.  "Go back to Momma's and wait," he ordered.

"No!  She's my sister and I think they're right!  Daddy would've called!  Momma needs us!"

"Vic, your bike won't be able to keep up with us," Spike called.  "It'll get tired."

Racer looked at him.  "Vic, I left Momma sick in bed and alone with the twins."  Vic glared at him.  "Hey, you guys needed me more but they won't wait too much longer.  So go watch my momma, okay?"  He nodded, breaking off to head that way.  He looked at Spike and shrugged. "They've been plotting again."  He sped up to get next to Wrench.  "Why would they head out there?"

"There's a temple out there that Xander said he liked to sit and meditate on top of because he can see most of the desert," Wrench called back.  "Hopefully they'll be camping there tonight since it'll be so late when we get there."

"Sure," Racer agreed, pulling back.  They were adults but he knew the girls wouldn't be camping.  They were young and dumb, they'd keep going.   He would have when he had been an infant, like Spike.

***

Vic walked into the house and slammed the door, heading up to his grandmother's bedroom.  He tapped gently and stuck his head in, grinning at the older mouse in the bed staring at him. "Racer said to come guard you from the wicked and evil ones."  He walked in and climbed in with her, giving her a hug.  "They can find the girls."

"What are they doing, dear?" she asked.

"They decided the daddies must be kidnaped since they didn't call.  Daddy always calls, no matter where he is," he said firmly, sniffling a bit. She'd understand and give him a hug.  "I think they're right."

"No, baby, they're just too far away to call."  She gave him the cuddle he needed, patting him on the back.  "I'm sure they're fine.  After all, they're only camping and even if something happened, they're very good and very skilled.  My poor little gray mouse Modo would surely beat up anyone who touched the family."  Vic nodded, looking up at her.  "I'm sure it's just because they're too far away."

"Their bikes could call," he said quietly. "Uncle Xander's can."

She considered it, then sighed and nodded. "Maybe they were busy and thought you'd be in bed, Victor.  You really should be asleep by now."  She got him out of his jacket and boots, putting him under the blankets with her.  "Here, you curl up with grandmomma and keep me company.  We'll wait together."  He nodded and rested on her shoulder, falling asleep after a few minutes' cuddle.  "You poor thing. I'm sure they tried the house and you were out."  She stroked his back, smiling at the familiar feeling.  Racer had done the same thing when they had brought him home.   She heard a door slam.  "Cell?" she called.

Primer stuck her head in.  "Just me, Grandmomma.  What's going on?  I saw Vic's bike."

"The girls took off because their fathers are camping and they didn't get called.  The poor things think they're in trouble or something," she said with a small smile.  "Racer went to help find them.  He sent Vic to watch me."

"That's fine.  Do they need help?  Mars is a big place."

"I'm sure someone was smart enough to put tracers on the kiddie bikes."

"We turned 'em off," Vic mumbled, snuggling in harder and wrapping his tail around her waist.

"Oh, dear," Primer sighed, going to call Racer's bike and tell him that.  Maybe it'd help.

***

Stoker slammed open the house door, finding no one there.  He looked around, then frowned in the yard at his daughter's bike.  "Where's Crankshaft and Spike?" he demanded.  It beeped and showed him a picture of Racer.  "Which one does he have?"  She beeped and showed her rider's picture.  "Why?"  She beeped frantically, but he didn't understand.  He called Racer, he was obviously involved.  "What is going on!" he yelled when he connected.

"Ow, I needed that hearing," he complained, rubbing an ear.  He smirked a bit at the radio static covering the swearing, a quirk of the Martian system.  "The girls decided that their parents have been kidnaped since they didn't call at bedtime so they took off on their kiddie bikes.  Crankshaft stole Spike's to help them.  Spike's on Xander's bike and we sent Vic to Momma's since she's sick and alone with the twins.   We're hoping to find them by morning."  Stoker growled. "They snuck away from Terror," he admitted.  "We think we know where they're heading.  We're going after them and we hope we can intercept them before they take off again!"

"Fine," he growled.  "Call Cell."

"I'm not that brave," Racer admitted, turning off his comm.  "Spike, your daddy just growled at me.  He said to call Cell."

"I'm not that brave," Wrench and Terror called back in unison.

"We called Chassis, that took all the balls we had," Terror agreed.

Spike snorted and shook his head, using the bike's system to call Cell.  "Hey," he said in greeting.  "Cranky, Punch, and Magnet escaped and are hunting their fathers to see why they didn't call.  Cranky's on my bike, the girls have theirs.  We're trying to find them."

Cell glared at him, noticing him flinch.  "Where are you?"

"On Xander's bike.  They probably turned off their tracers.  I know mine's off.  Cranky knows how to turn hers off too."

"Where are you headed, Spike?"

"Ask Wrench!  He said it's a temple.  System or something?"

"Sistema?" she suggested, clearly holding in her temper.  He shrugged.  "Fine, where is Wrench?"

"About thirty feet in front of us," he admitted with a grin.  "We've got Racer, Vic went home to guard your Momma."  He hung up and looked at Racer, smirking a bit.  "Extra eyes and all that."

"Yeah, because Cell's *so* gonna not beat Punch's tail for this," he shot back with a grin of his own.  He put down his face shield when Terror looked back at them.  "Can I apprentice under you two for advanced training?" he called.

Wrench chuckled over the comm.  "We'll see, Racer.  Only if you call someone else to tell them."

"Spike called Cell."

"Better him being tail-chewed then me," Wrench noted dryly.

Terror looked at him.  "I'm never gonna hear the end of this, am I?"

Wrench beamed and shook his head.  "Nope, and I'm telling the Elder and Xander on you.  Then I'm making popcorn!"  He sped up, taking the turn out to that temple.

Spike noticed something, speeding off in another direction.  "Tracks!" he called.  "Mine!"  They turned and came back to look at the grouping of tracks.  "What's this way?"

"Mons," Racer said, frowning a bit.  "But they'd have to pass by some of the sinkholes.  Wrench?"

"Willow!"  She appeared, looking scared.  "Are they back in sight?"  She shook her head.  "Not at all?"  She shook her head again.  "Do a tracking spell, Willow."

"I tried!  It's blocked!  I don't know why but it's blocked!"

The Seal appeared, holding up a hand.  "Crankshaft just passed by Othra's shrine at that one battlefield.  They're headed in the wrong direction.  They came this way to get to that temple and are apparently heading off toward some campers."  She looked at Terror.  "You're so getting it when Xander hears, dude.  I pity you.  I really do."  They faded out, her taking Willow before Wrench could lose his temper.

"Fuck," Wrench muttered. He looked at Terror.  "We've got to do it, man."

"No we don't!"

"Yeah, we do!  They're headed the wrong direction!  They're headed for the mountains!"

"Fuck," he growled.  He sighed and punched the buttons on his bike, getting Vinnie's bike.  "Charley girl?  Vinnie?" he called, hoping someone was nearby.  No answer.  He looked at Wrench, then groaned and shook his head.  "Elder!  There's a problem with the kids!"  The bike beeped at him and he sighed.  "Yeah, them.  Wake 'em up or whatever, bike.  Please.  The kids took off."  The bike beeped frantically.  He heard a tired sounding sigh.  "Modo, my man, the kids snuck off.  They think you're in danger since you guys didn't call.  They're headed for the mountains."

"They're what?" Staff asked.  "Is this a joke!"

"No," Terror whimpered.  He was more afraid of her than he was of anyone but Charley and Xander.  "You guys never called and the girls snuck off while we were watching the sunset and moonrise."

"Terror, I'm going to kill you," she noted, hanging up.

"I'm so dead," he moaned, leaning on his handlebars.  "Guys, let's head them off.  Maybe if we present them to their parents we can escape for a few hours."

"Fat chance, mate," Spike said, smirking a bit.  "Harris will whip your tail for years about losing his pride and joy."  He headed off with Racer in the lead.  The adults would never be able to stop the girls.  They were stubborn like that.

Wrench reached over and patted him on the shoulder.  "I'll give you a head start, man.  It's all I can promise."  He headed after the boys, knowing they'd get into trouble.  After all, he and Vinnie had all the time.

***

Staff coughed, making everyone around the fire look up.  "Terror just decided to prank us.  He said the kids ran off?  That we didn't call so they snuck off to find us."  She sat against Modo's side again, giving him a cuddle.  "He said they're headed for the mountains."

"Man, I didn't do that until I was seven," Vinnie said dryly, smirking at Xander.  "You think it's a joke?"

"No," he said honestly.  Everyone stared at him.  "Punch and Magnet both know their daddies would call every single night, no matter where they were.  We forgot until after bedtime."  He smirked a bit.  "I'm sure they're finding them and trying to keep them out of trouble."

"I'd hope so," Charley agreed.  "Anything about Vic?  Or was it just Magnet?"

"Just Magnet," Staff said through a yawn.  "You can call Terror back."

"No thanks," she noted, looking at Vinnie.  Then at Xander.  "Their bikes are being grounded."

"Sure," he agreed, nodding. "Only with a parent. We can tell them that.  I'm sure they're upset at their riders anyway."

"Well, they're *our* girls," Throttle said, sounding a bit proud.  Vinnie cackled and nodded.  "They can't really get into any trouble.  Not with the family and the clan searching for them.  I'm sure they'll be caught within an hour or so."

"I'd hope so," Vinnie agreed.  "Magnet's not that smooth yet."  He looked at Modo.  "If not, does that mean our kids are really gifted or my cousins are really lame?"

"Both," Throttle assured him.  He heard a bike in the distance and stood up to look around.  "Not them at least.  If so, I'd have them in tracking classes by this weekend."

Xander pulled him back down and kissed him until he quit struggling.  "Behave."

"Why?" he asked smugly.  "Don't you like me like this?"

"No."  He kissed him again.  "You're the good boy of the bunch," he reminded him.  "Modo's the tough, sensitive one, you're the good boy, and Vinnie's just Vinnie.  Follow the script, dear."

"Fine," he agreed with a grin for his bros.  "You agree with him?"

"Well, Modo always was the first one to apologize when you three trashed the garage," Charley reminded him.  Modo blushed at that.  "Your momma obviously knew you'd be giving her a lot of grandkids very shortly so she made you able to get along with a woman.  Throttle's knew he'd be out doing dangerous stuff and pick someone dangerous to mate with, that's why he's just a good boy."

"My momma wanted me to settle down with a nice girl," Throttle protested, but he was grinning.  "She said it was an unreasonable desire when I was about ten, but otherwise..."

Xander kissed him again.  "Shut up, dear.  Tease me, not Charley and baby Tivo."

"We're not naming the newest daughter after a video recording service," Vinnie said firmly.  "I was thinking Laser or Turbo."

"You want to name them after male American Gladiators?" Xander asked.

Vinnie pounced him, he deserved it this time.

The others just grinned.  They knew they were just like that.

***

Magnet stopped to get a drink from the water bottle on her bike, pouting because it was empty.  "We need water," she called.

Punch stopped beside her and looked at her.  "Out here?  There's no pump."

Crankshaft sighed and shook her head.  "There's usually a fountain at the older temples.  We can refill at one of them."  She looked at Magnet.  "Can you hold on that long?"

Magnet considered it, then nodded.  "Can I pee too?  I really have to pee."

"Sure.  No one's gonna see out here," Crankshaft told her.  "We'll turn around."

"What about toilet paper?" Punch asked, looking clueless.

"It'll air dry," Crankshaft told her.  "Unless you brought some?"  The girls got off their bikes and checked the saddlebags.  Crankshaft found some babywipes in Spike's saddlebags, holding them up.  "I don't want to know why he has those."

"He said they're for when he has to clean his weapons," Punch said, taking them and handing one over to her buddy.  They picked a rock and went behind it to use it, then came back after burying it in a hole.  They hadn't covered it very well, but they were still pretty little and didn't have shovels with them.  Punch handed out the energy bars she had found and they continued on, looking for a temple.   They'd need water if they were going to keep going.  A few miles they found one but it didn't have a fountain outside.  "Should we go inside?"

"It's deserted," Magnet assured her.  "Probably not any ghosties either."

Crankshaft nodded.  "Sure. Pull your bikes into the entryway.  That way no one can see 'em."  They pulled inside and parked, heading to look.  Crankshaft found a water spigot and got it turned on to a drip, then went to watch the desert while they refilled their water bottles.  She could do hers last.  She heard a motor and growled.  There were bad mice on the other side of the temple from them!  They'd have to be careful!  Their daddies would whip the bad guy's tails once they found them, but she was sure they were looking for them.  She heard a bike pass on her side of the temple and stepped back into the shadows, watching the bike pass by.  She didn't know that mouse.  She knew better than to talk to any mice she didn't know.  Unless her daddy told her she could, she wouldn't trust that mouse.  Military or not.  The girls came back and she pointed at the tracks he had left, getting nods of understanding, so she went back to fill her water bottles and the former soda bottle she had found in Spike's pouch.  It was good water.  She turned it off most of the way, leaving it barely dripping now and then.  She couldn't close it all the way.  She walked out to the main altar and looked up at the *huge* statue that was even bigger than Uncle Modo.  "I'm sorry I couldn't make it quit dripping, Ma'am.  Please don't be mad?"  She hurried out to her bike and they were off again, heading off toward where she could see Mons sticking up.

***

"What do you mean you haven't found those children yet!" Cell bellowed.  "How hard can it be to find three little girls in the desert!"  The search teams cowered.  "Get your tails back out there and go back to it!  What are you?  Lazy humans!"

"Hey!" Chassis complained.

"Not yours!  He's not lazy!"   Chassis still glared.  "And why weren't *you* watching them?"

"Vinnie bribed Terror," she defended.  "It wasn't my night!  I was getting them tomorrow night!"

Cell snorted.  "You may get them the rest of this vacation!  Out!  Now!"  They all ran for their bikes.  They knew better than to dally, argue, or whine in her hearing.  She'd clip their tails and then feed it to them.  They all gassed back up and headed off, following the search pattern the others were doing.  Cell sat behind her desk to call Stoker.  "Still no word?"

"Spike claims he doesn't know where they are.  He does say he can see Mons and they haven't run into the girls yet," he said bitterly.  "Which means they stopped somewhere I guess."

"What path are they taking?"  She pulled over a map, looking at it.  "They're taking the old track, right?  The one we used to train on?"  He nodded.  "There's about ten temples out that way."  She looked at him, then hit the button for the comm.  "People, the girls may have stopped at one of the temples out on the old Track.  Search them too."

"Yes, ma'am," they called back.

"Look for water, kids," Chassis called back.  "Crankshaft has had some desert training if I know her daddy."

"She'd be right about that," Stoker admitted dryly.  "Also, I just found out that Spike's bike has weapons.  They're training him on them."

Cell hit the button to talk.  "Be aware that Crankshaft's borrowed bike has weapon capabilities, people.  He was starting to train with them."

"And the bike's still good," Chassis agreed.  "Spike's a very good shot and his bike's not bad."

"Cheese!" one of the guys yelled.  "That young?"

"Spike *is* Stoker's son," Cell reminded them.  "Xander was teaching them all.  Vic can do the child's course out at the compound already.  Out."  She hung up and looked at Stoker.  "I still say they're too young."

"Apparently not if they're avoiding us this well," he complained.  "Where should I start?"

"Stay there, Stoker.  In case they call.  Crankshaft would call you because you're about the only adult they *know* they can get hold of and trust."  He nodded and sighed. "Sorry, it sucks tails, but sorry."

"Fine.  I'll stay. I want hourly updates."

"Yes, sir."  She hung up and looked at the map.  Something was off. The old track ran past Mons, but not onto it.  If they were heading for Mons, they'd have to leave the track and go across some gullies. "Let's hope we find the kids before they reach the dangerous ground," she muttered, marking the called-off progress.  One of the guys found water running at a temple so they gathered there, finding tracks leading off.  She sighed and called Wrench's bike.  "It's me.  They took a right angle from the Water Goddess' temple.  They're doing it visually."

"It's not like they can read a map," Wrench shot back.   "How do we know?"

"They stopped for water and left a drip.  It's a small puddle.  They think they stopped right before my guys got there and hid from them."

"So, they're in the cracks?" he asked.

"Possibly.  They headed off on a visual lock toward Mons."

"From there, Mons is hidden," Terror called.  "You can see the minor mount next to it though."

"Fine.  They're headed for that one then."

"Wonderful," Racer agreed.  "We're going to move to intercept their path.  We're on an older road right now. How's Momma and Vic?"

"She's fine, Racer.  Vic's napping with her.  Primer called when she got home."

"Good. The twins were muttering and planning earlier.  They were debating whether or not they'd stink again."  He cut the connection.

"Are you sure you don't want me to check for possession of the twins?" Wrench asked, sounding perfectly serious.

"Xander did, he couldn't find one," she admitted.  "Thank you though.  Good luck."  She hung up and said a silent prayer that *someone* find those girls.  It was giving her a good idea of where they needed to upgrade training, but really!

***

Punch looked up at the mountain in front of them, then at Magnet, who was scowling.  "What's wrong?"

"This isn't Mons.  It's Moonfire's spot."  Their friend from daycare had went camping a few weeks back and had brought back pictures and stories.

"We can still see from the top of it," Crankshaft reminded them. "Let's head, ladies."  They headed for the small path they could see winding up the side of the mountain. It had other tracks so it would be fine. The tracks weren't bike tracks, but that was fine.

"What made these?" Punch asked.

"I don't know, but it's smaller than our bikes," Magnet told her.  "It's not a threat, Punch.

We'll be fine."

"Okay.  As long as daddy's fine."

"I'm sure all the daddies are fine," Crankshaft called back.  Her bike beeped frantically so she read the message on her screen.  "Hey, the Rover the humans sent up as a toy was here," she called.  "If you see the little robot, avoid the front, it's got cameras."

"Sure," Magnet agreed.

"They won't want pictures of us?"

"They don't know we're here," Magnet reminded her.  "Daddy said so."

"Oooh!  I remember your daddy telling you about that."  Magnet sniffled so she rode closer and leaned over to give her a hug.  "It's all right, Magnet, they're fine!  I know they're fine!  My daddy's big and strong and yours is handsome and they're fine.  Uncle Xander's with them too and he can beat anything!"

"Yeah, I hope so," she agreed, looking unhappy.  "We have to find the daddies!"  She sped up, smiling at Punch.  "Thanks."

"You're welcome."  She smiled.  She loved Magnet, they were the best friends on Mars.

Crankshaft found where the path split and looked back. "Let me scout ahead, see which one goes where."  They nodded so she went ahead.  One went into a cave complex.  One went up a bit farther and then broke off.  She went back to the caves, exploring into it.  She saw an older mouse sitting in there.  "Citizen, how do we get up to the top?" she asked politely.  "We need to see if we can see where our daddies are camping.  They might be in danger since they didn't call."

The mouse stared at her.  "Aren't you a bit young?" he asked.

She snorted.  "So?  They didn't call their daughters, they're obviously in trouble.  They need our help!"  She would have stamped her foot if she could have.  "Is there a pass- through up here?"

"No, but there's a way around it, dear.  Who is your father?"

"Mine's at home.  Magnet's is Vincent VanWham.  Punch's is his bro Modo.  Our Uncles Throttle and Xander are with them, plus their ladies - the girls' mommas."

He nodded.  "Where do you think they are?"

"Camping.  That's why we needed to look."

He smiled and nodded.  "There is a small group camping to the North of here," he said, pointing that way.  Then he brushed back some of his hair.

"You have house elf ears," she said, frowning a bit.  "Are you one of those elfy mice, sir?"  He chuckled and nodded.  "Cool.  Uncle Vinnie swears he met one of you near the underground river."

"Was he a white mouse?"  She nodded.  "Then it may be true.  I remember someone saying they had met one of us in the past."  He winked at her. "Go North," he said, pointing the way again.  "There's some foothills.  Once you pass them you'll be able to spot their camp.  If it's not them, they can call them.  The foothills block calls at times."

"Thank you, citizen.  Ride free."  She turned her bike around and headed back down to the others.  "We've got to go north."  She pointed the way.  "There's some foothills in the way but the old mouse up there said that they're camping on the other side.  Once we get past the foothills we'll see 'em."  The girls perked up at that and nodded, heading after her.  "How are we on gas?" she called.

"I'm nearly empty," Magnet admitted.

"Me too," Punch said, looking at her bike.  "I've got backup power."

"Me too," Magnet agreed after checking.  "Full tank."

"Cool.  Spike's nearly empty too.  I wish we had a gas supply out here."  She looked around. Then up.  It worked for her Uncles.  "Lord Othra?  Uncle Wrench's Lady Goddess ma'am?  Please help us find their daddies?  They're missing and may be hurt.  Uncle Xander is one of yours and he's with them but the girls are really worried.  All we need is a bit of gas and maybe some food.  Is there any out here?"  She sighed when she wasn't answered, but her bike picked up something once they came closer to the foothills that she had been warned about. There were caves.  Caves always held smelly Plutarkian stuff.  "Search the caves for gas and food," she ordered her bike.  It beeped and focused on one.  "Ladies?" she called, pointing at the cave.  "Gas!"

"Crankshaft!" Wrench yelled over the comm.  "Where are you!"

She turned off the comm and made sure the tracking signals were still off.  But there was gas in there if they could figure out how to get it into the bikes.  She was sure her prayers had been answered.  She sent up a prayer of thanks and smiled when they found the old ship.  The bikes all beeped and moved closer, finding the way themselves.

***

Wrench clicked a few buttons.  "They're out by the foothills," he called over the comm.

"How in the cheese did they get out there!" Cell yelled, making everyone rub their ears.

"You ask like we know," Spike shot back finally.  "They're girls, love, who has a clue about girls?"

"If you don't, we certainly don't," Racer agreed.  "Where in the foothills?"

"I tracked the signal.  They're just starting into them," Cell ordered.  "I'm calling the base out that way.  Maybe they can intercept them on one of the paths.  There's only three of them."

"Do their bikes know that?" Terror asked.

"I'd hope so," Wrench shot back, shaking his head.

"Yes, Xander updated all the bikes with travel maps," Cell responded.  "I'm sending my people that way as well.  Expect Chassis fairly quickly."  She cut off.  Then she came back.  "They're at Delta-189, boys.  Or at least they were."

"That's away from all the passes I know," Wrench admitted, checking his bike.  "It's the shorter part though so they might make it through."

"They've got to be out of gas," Spike noted.  "I'm low."

"There's some caves, I'm guessing that call was Crankshaft telling them they'd found some gas," Terror noted.  "I know there's a few crashed ships out there.  The bikes are programmed for survival instincts, even the kiddie bikes.  They can pump their own gas from a wrecked ship."  He looked at Wrench.  "Am I proud or really upset that they've slipped this far past us?"

"I'm going with proud.  I joined this late and I'm not leading it," Wrench said with a smirk.  "You're in deep shit when Xander hears."

"Yeah, right," Terror snorted.  "I'm going to run far, far away when Xander hears."

"You and me both," Spike called in a sing-song voice.  "We'll need gas then too, mates."

"It's bros, Spike," Terror reminded him.

"Nibble me," he snorted back.  He looked at the bike.  "Can you find us their source of gas, love?  I know you're smarter and more capable than nearly any bike ever on Mars."  It beeped and found two sources.  "I found it.  Well, he found it."  They gathered around to look at the screen on his bike.  "There's two sources of gas out here.  There's one near us and one there."  He pointed at it and it expanded.  "They're probably there."

"We can diverge around the cracks and come out nearer that way," Racer noted, pulling up his maps to check.  "If we go this way?" he asked Terror, who used to live out this way.

"There's a gully here," he noted.  "No natural bridge, kid.  Good thought though.  We'd have to jump it."

"We're all on jump capable bikes," Spike noted.  "I can hang on."  The adults looked at each other so he looked at the map.  "What if we move to the East?"

"The gully gets bigger.  It's thinnest just off the line we'd need to take," Wrench admitted, pulling that up on his bike.  "Fine, we'll try.  If we have to, Spike can jump with one of us and Xander's bike can do it on his own."  The bikes beeped.  "Good.  Where's this other source of gas?  I'm on fumes."  Spike showed them and they nodded, heading that way.  It wasn't that far off their path.  It was also a Martian ship so the fuel was comparable.

***

One mouse sat on top of a rise, looking around her boundary, frowning at the update her bike was pulling up.  "What are children doing this far out here?" she muttered, tapping into the comm system.  "Commander!  I just got an update from Freedom City?  Some missing girls?"

"Yes, one VanWham, Modo's daughter, and Stoker's younger daughter," he sighed. "They've decided that their parents didn't call so they must be in trouble and went looking.  So far they've shown they're very smart children by going off the paths we'd take and hiding when they heard other bikes."

She snorted.  "So we need to think like kids?  Fine.  Are they heading our way?"

"Their last known position was Delta-189.  Which means you're about to be run into, Sergeant.  Do you hear or see anything?"

"Negative.  A slight dust trail off in the distance but I'm guessing it's their pursuit with how many there are."  She sucked on her buck teeth while looking for any signs of the kids.  "What's there anyway, sir?"

"According to the records, there's a crashed ship near there.  Cell called and said one of the girls said something about finding gas."

She blinked.  "They're good!  How old are they?"

"Three, three, and nearly five."

"What!" she demanded.  "Who was watching them?  I'd never let my toddler out of my sight!"

"Apparently a cousin of the VanWham child was babysitting and they were watching the sunset," he said dryly.  "He doesn't have children, Sergeant."

"Still!"

"Tow, his family will be having his fur for a rug," he said blandly. "Magnet is the clan elder's first daughter."

"Ooooh," she said with a wince.  "Then I almost pity him.  I still don't see 'em, sir, but I'll call if I do."  She heard a small rumble and looked around.  "Did you get that?"

"I did. It sounds like a ground shake."

She considered it.  "Has anyone ever went through those caves?  Is there a pass through in one of them?"

"Not a clue, Tow.  Go for it. I'm sending Line out to take your spot.  Over."  He hung up.

She waited until her replacement was in sight then headed down to check the nearest caves.

Unfortunately the girls were on backup power because Crankshaft had seen and heard her.  That was silent and they were sneaking through a gulch between some of the hills.  Just like she and Spike did to get past their momma when they wanted to play while they were grounded.

***

Xander shot awake and looked around. "Engines," he said, shaking Throttle.  He got a sleepy complaint.  "Engines!"  He got up and found his blaster, heading out to check.  The bikes were all standing guard, staring in one direction. "Is it the kids, ladies?"  They beeped negatively.  "Sand Raiders?"  They beeped.  "Shit!  Sand Raider!" he called.  Modo came out first and gave Xander a look.  He looked down then went to put on some pants, getting Throttle up in the process.  When he came back out, the Raiders were closer, their dune buggies loud in the middle of the night.  He and Modo looked at each other, then at the tents.  Throttle came out.  Vinnie crawled out.  Xander pointed.  "Sand raiders."

"Yay," Vinnie said tiredly, getting up and heading to his bike.  "Sweetheart, let's rock and ride 'em into the ground, okay?  I need another nap."  His bike sped off with him yawning, and Throttle sped off too.

Modo looked at Xander, who waved.  "You're sure?"

"I'll guard the ladies and the camp.  Go."  He nodded, heading off.

Charley came out of her tent, looking at him.  "How far away?"

"A good thousand feet at least," he said at the first explosion.  "We might get some debris."  He shrugged and turned back.  He took aim, hitting one that was getting closer.  The tire popped and it spun, flipping over.  "Yeah!" he said happily, running out to go help.

Staff looked at Charley across the firepit.  "Is that a guy thing or a Xander thing?"

"It's a guy thing," Charley assured her through a yawn.  "I hope they kill them all so I don't get captured again."  She laid back down, letting the guys handle it.  They could use an excuse to get rid of some aggression and testosterone that didn't end in sex.

Staff watched her man at work, smiling and cheering silently as he got another one all by himself.  He was such a stud!  She'd have to reward him when he got back.  The bros finally came back and she grabbed her mouse, forcing him into their tent to reward her hero.  And all he could do was lay there and take it.

Vinnie and Throttle shared a grin at the groans going on, but they got their own rewards and were happy enough to join the groaning mouse.

***

Magnet looked around the flat part of the desert.  She could see a big fire in the distance and looked at the other girls.  They nodded, that had to be the daddies.  Their daddies destroyed things, that's just what daddies did.  So of course the big fire had to be caused by them.  "We have to go help them," she ordered.  "The fire's still burning so it's been a long fight.  Cranky, you have weapons?"

"Of course.  Spike just got his put on."  She patted the bike.  "Let's go, bikes."  Her bike beeped negatively.  "Their daddies are there and we promise we'll stay out of trouble unless they need help!"  She overrode the computer, Rimfire had shown her how the last time he'd been home and her bike was being fussy, and she headed off toward the fires.  They saw what it was as they got closer and switched to backup power.  They didn't want to alert any of the scuzzy Sand Raiders to their delectable young bodies.  They might eat or keep them or maybe even make them take icky mud baths.  It had to be something horrible since all their daddies had said they were bad and nasty critters.  Crankshaft saw one of them moving and sped around him, but he raised a weapon.  Her bike fired, making her squeak, but the weapon exploded and the guy passed out.  It was all good to her.  They sped on, finding their daddies on the other side.  They were okay now.  The girls looked at each other, parking their bikes next to the bigger bikes.  Crankshaft scouted a bit, then nodded Magnet at one tent and Punch at the one across from it.  She got the extra cuddly Uncle Xander since their kids were still too little to help.

The kids snuck into the tents, sneaking in to cuddle their parents.  Their fathers smelled like they had shot stuff, so they had caused the pretty destruction.  They had been right, they were in danger and needed to be found!

Throttle opened his eyes when he felt the sneaking body, catching her and making her squeak.  "Crankshaft?"  She kissed him on the nose.  "You're in so deep," he warned.  He let her snuggle in next to Xander and got up, going to call from his bike.  He even took it a bit away, shooting the Sand Raider trying to get up.  He put on his helmet, switching to the general channel.  "Terror, is there something you'd like to tell me about the kids?" he asked sarcastically.

"We're still looking?" he offered sheepishly.  "They snuck past two bases worth of people and us, Throttle.  Don't blame us!"

"How did they get all the way out here?"

"Are they there?" Wrench demanded.

"Yes," he said impatiently.  "Crankshaft just crawled in with me and I saw two other kiddie bikes.  Would you like to explain this to me?"

"No," Wrench told him. "I'm just backup, man. I got called in to help search.  I'm gonna go home.  Terror, Spike, and Racer can explain."

"I'm taking Spike home," Racer assured him.  "He's borrowed Uncle Xander's bike with his permission."

"Uh-huh," Throttle said flatly.  "You four will appear at our campsite by morning, children.  All four of you, Wrench."

"But..."

"Wrench," he ordered.  "Now."

"Fine.  Where are you?"

Throttle looked at the wreckage.  "By the pretty fire.  We just took out some rats about an hour ago."

"Well, the girls were sure you were in trouble," Spike said smartly.

"Here, now, people," Throttle ordered. "By breakfast."  He hung up and went back to the camp, checking the other tents.  Modo's chest had grown a Punch-sized lump under the sleeping bag.  Vinnie's tail was curled around Magnet and she was using it to suck her thumb against his back.  He crawled back in with Xander, looking at the smiling, sleeping Crankshaft.  "You're in so much trouble when your daddy gets you, young lady," he warned.

Xander kissed him.  "Comet will never do this," he promised quietly. "We can fix this one too."

Throttle kissed him. "We'd better.  They got past two bases, Terror, Wrench, Racer, and Spike, who's on your bike."

"Hmm," Xander said, smiling happily.  "Tomorrow, Throttle.  Cuddle?"  He got his cuddle and all was right in his world.

***

Terror poured out some coffee when Vinnie's scream echoed around them, holding up the cup when Vinnie stomped out with his daughter in his arms.  "Be proud, we are," he advised.

Vinnie stared at him, just stared.  "You really lost the kids?" he demanded.

Terror flinched.  "We were watching the moonrise and apparently I fell asleep," he whimpered.  "I'm sorry, Elder!  But they got past two bases and us!"

"I don't know if that says more about you or them," Modo said as he came out with Punch.  He took his cup of coffee and sat down, cuddling his daughter.  "I'm proud, but you're still grounded. You could have been badly hurt, daughter."  She just gave him the most pitiful look he'd ever seen.  Obviously she'd been taking lessons from Magnet again.

"Nope, not working," Staff said as she joined them. "You're so grounded, Punch.  You're going to be lucky to be ungrounded by when the triplets come."  She glared at her, then at Magnet.  "Where's Crankshaft?"

"I'm guessing she got the cuddly uncle," Vinnie said, taking his cup of coffee.  He looked around.  "Where are the others?"

"Wrench took the boys home.  He made my bike come to confess but he took the boys home."

"I told you all to show up," Throttle said as he came out with Crankshaft.  He handed her his helmet.  "Call your daddy before he has a stroke."

Crankshaft put on the helmet and sat down, smiling when her daddy growled.  "Morning, daddy!" she said cheerfully.  "We found 'em and they were right!  They had to take on some Sand Raiders.  They were in trouble and they needed us!"

Stoker choked and the static cut in.  "Get your tail home, daughter, before I whip it bald," he finally managed to get out.  "You're in so much trouble it's not funny!"

She handed the helmet to Terror with a bright, cheerful grin.  "Here, it's Daddy."  She hugged her Uncle's waist. "I love you and I saw a mouse with house elf ears."  Vinnie spit his coffee.  "Shame on you, Uncle Vinnie, wasting coffee!"

"You saw an elven mouse?" Xander asked as he came out.  "Where?"

"The place where Moonfire went to camp.  He was in a cave and he said he remembered someone running into Uncle Vinnie when he was little."

Everyone stared at Vinnie, who just shrugged. "Don't ask me!  I didn't do it!"

"This time," Modo joked, looking at the girls.  "We're very proud of you, girls, but you're still in trouble."

"How did you get over the pass?" Xander asked.

"Backup power, just like Daddy showed me," Crankshaft said happily.  "It's really quiet and we snuck past 'er."

Punch nodded, grinning at her daddy.  "She swore a lot so we knew where she was."

"And the house-elf mouse told me to come North and pointed out where you were," Crankshaft finished happily.

"We had to hide too.  We didn't know if it was bad mice we didn't know following us," Magnet said cutely, smiling at her daddy, who just groaned and set her down before walking off.  "Daddy!  Don't you love me?" she called, running after him.

He turned and picked her up.  "I'll always love you and I'm very proud of you, Magnet, but right now I'm about to yell and scream at you so I'm taking a time out.  Got me here?"  She pouted.  "Not working, daughter.  I perfected that look long before I ever met your mother.  I perfected it when I was your age on my momma.  Now, go sit by the fire until I calm down.  Then we're gonna have a talk, daughter."

"Yes, daddy.  As long as you're okay and you still love me."

Charley came out and grabbed her daughter, carrying her off.  "We were fine, dear, but you weren't up when we called.  Go, Vinnie."  He nodded, heading for his bike to take a quick ride.  She sat down, looking at the girls.  "We were fine.  You were the ones in danger.   You could have been very badly hurt riding by y ourselves.  I want you to promise us you won't ever do something like this again without trying to call first!"  Punch sniffled so she stared her down until she nodded.  She looked at Crankshaft.

"They had me come help because they're so little," she defended.

"So are you!" Charley assured her, still glaring.  Crankshaft wilted and nodded.  "Magnet?"

"I just thought you were in trouble.  Daddy didn't call and he *always* calls.  Even if he's just at the club," she whined.  Vinnie came back and grabbed his daughter, taking off with her.  "Daddy, please don't be mad!" she begged.  "I'm sorry but you didn't call and we thought something bad or icky had happened!  You always call and you didn't!"

Vinnie stopped, cuddling his daughter.  "When we tried, it was past your bedtime," he said calmly.  "We expected you guys to be in bed, but there wasn't an answer."  She nodded, snuggling into his chest.  "I'm sorry we worried you, but from now on, you will *call*," he said firmly.  "That should always be the first step, daughter.  Call me.  Call my bike.  Call your mother.  Call first."  She nodded against his chest, nose buried in it.  "I'm still very proud of you and I still love you, sweetheart, but you could have died.  All three of you could have died.  Think about how bad that would have made everyone feel."  She sniffled and burst out crying.  He stroked her back.  "I understand, Magnet.  I'd worry about me too," he said more gently.  "You still should have called.  Your Cousin could have called for you from his bike even.  You're much too young to be riding on your own.  We don't even let Vic do it and he's older.  Racer and Spike aren't allowed to either and you know that.  What were you thinking?"

"That you're my daddy and that something bad or icky had happened so you needed help," she said quietly, staring up at him, tears still falling from her pink eyes.  "I'm sorry, daddy.  I didn't meant to make you worry."

"That's fine, princess."  He nuzzled her and cuddled her.  "We'll be talking about your punishment when we get back.  Today, your cousin is going to take you home.  Until we get there, you are grounded to the house.  No bike course, no rope course, only the house."  She nodded, wiping her nose on his chest.   "Thanks," he said dryly, wiping off her cheeks.  "When we get home in a few days, we'll be discussing your punishment with your momma.  Because right now, we're both ready to whip your tail black and blue and that's not right."  She nodded, blinking up at him.  He kissed her on the forehead. "I'm still proud you managed it, sweetheart, but you nearly made me sick with worry.  You guys can hang for an hour or so then head home."  She nodded, giving him a hug.  He rode back to the camp, handing her back to her mother.  "They're grounded to the house until we come back and discuss their punishments," he ordered Terror.  "No courses, no sunsets, nothing.  The house only."

"No tv, no dvds, no videos," Xander added.  Terror nodded.  "Hopefully we'll be more calm when we get home."

"I said they could stay for about an hour," Vinnie offered. "Is that okay?"  Everyone nodded and the girls got passed around for hugs.  Vinnie sat down with Magnet once he got her back, just cuddling her.  He'd talk to Crankshaft when he got home about the elven mouse she had seen.

***

Stoker jumped up when the front door opened and his daughter walked in. "What were you thinking!" he demanded.

She looked at him, then at her mother, who looked like she was mad.  She turned and ran.  Wrench caught her and walked her back inside.  "I'm sorry, daddy," she whimpered, giving him the most hopeful look.

"You're in such deep shit," Switch assured her.  "Don't even try."  She swallowed.  "Please put my child down on the couch, Wrench.  Thank you for bringing them back."

Wrench looked at them.  "I know it was bad, but she planned everything," he told them.  "How to get past people, how to find the gas out there, everything."  Stoker sighed and nodded.  "She's a great kid, Stoker, but yelling won't cut it.  Oh, and she found an elven mouse.  He helped her figure out where they were camping."  He hurried out before his tail got knotted too.  He went back to the temple, going immediately to the temple and kneeling in prayer for their safety and their skills.  "Thank you for giving us strong future guardians, Lady.  Praise be for keeping them safe," he whispered, looking up.  He got up and went to get the chocolate cake from the fridge, putting the last piece on the altar.  He had been planning to have it when they found the girls, but she deserved the best he had.  He bowed and knelt to send up a longer prayer.  He did smile when he heard Stoker still yelling from up the street, but that was parenthood for ya.

Taver came in and knelt beside him, sending up her own prayer of thanks, then she kissed him on the cheek.  "They're okay?"

"Just fine," he promised, smiling at her.  "They managed to sneak past two bases and us."  She smiled at that. "Crankshaft saw an elven mouse."  That got a small grin and a nod.  He kissed her gently, then looked up.  "Thank you."  He walked her back to his living room, going to sit with her.

Around the altar a pale cream glow started and the cake disappeared.  He was an excellent baker. Maybe he had missed his calling.

Episode 89:

Xander looked around the house he used to live in. It was empty.  Dawn and Rimfire were in DC with Micah for the weekend.  The bros were on active duty this week.  He was all alone on Earth.  He looked behind him as the transporter went off, smiling at Terror.  "What are you doing here?"

"This is my punishment for letting the kids escape," he said dryly.  "Wrench is coming later."  Xander hugged him.  "Fine, I'll be your bodyguard."

Xander chuckled.  "It's fine, Terror.  I promise to be a good boy shopping on Earth all by myself."

"Vinnie said this is my punishment for letting the kids escape," he said firmly.  "You're not going to be shopping alone on Earth."

Xander giggled. "Sure.  I've got to do two things before we head out."  He headed up to the office, getting onto their accounts online.  He smiled when he saw everything was in place.  Then he found the envelope with his name on it.  Inside were the new cards and checks for his new accounts in Mars' bank on Earth.  He called the number on the card to activate it, then did another check.  His third account was active and it was all good.  He wrote a note to the bank manager's email address telling him he was doing the final move and he'd be closing that account in two weeks, but that he was draining it this week to do the remainder of the shopping.  He got back an auto reply message and shrugged. He decided to call instead, smiling at the cheerful voice on the other side. "Hi, I need to talk to Mershan Philips?"  He was transferred.  "Hi, this is Xander Harris. Yes, him," he said happily.  She remembered him.  "Nope, I'm doing the final moving shopping this week.  Yup, off that last account."  He sat up, listening to her.  "What other account?"  He smirked.  "No, I hadn't remembered having that.  Huh.  That must be from the remainder of my insurance payoff after Sunnydale went south.  Sure.  No, just to inform you that I'm back in town to shop on that account...."  He snickered. "I'm only going to be back here once a year and I don't want to pay maintenance fees, ma'am.  Sure."  He listened to her plans.  "Okay, can I still use the same cards?  Then I can be down there to do that first," he agreed.  "Thank you.  Sure!"  He hung up and grabbed everything else.  "Terror, come on, we've got to head to the bank."

Terror came out of the kitchen with a chicken drumstick.  "Already?"

"Yup.  Sorry. You can eat on the way."   He headed down to his bike, patting him gently.  "Come on, big guy, let's go shopping!"  The bike snickered but let him climb on and head out with Terror following.  Once they got to the bank, he handed Terror the ID that had been in the envelope for him and for Wrench.  Then he headed inside, smiling at the woman behind the reception desk.  "I need to see Miss Philips?"

"She's expecting you, Mr. Harris.  Right this way," she said, getting up so he could follow her.  She tapped then opened a door, letting him inside.  "Here you are and you have a nice day."

"You too," he agreed, smiling at her.  He walked inside and shut the door, shaking her hand.  "Hi."

"Hi, Mr. Harris.  Sit, let's do this minimal bit of paperwork.  We really would hate to lose you as a customer."  She got to work on the paperwork, then went to cash out the remaining balance on both his accounts.  She would get rewarded for keeping his account somehow, even though he was moving out of state.

***

Xander walked into his favorite music and video store, pulling out the list he had made at home on his computer.  He looked around and smiled at one of the guys, who he knew worked on commission.  "Hey," he said.  "Can you help me?  I'm doing a fair bit of shopping."  The guy nodded and came over.   Xander grinned.  "You guys still work on commission right?"  He nodded, looking eager.  "Good.  I have these from this year, I need everything else that came out on DVD, video, and CD in these genres."  He handed over the list. "I'm even paying cash."

The man looked at it, then at him.  "Why?" he asked cautiously.

"I've moved out of state and there's nowhere closer.  I live on the edge of the desert and there's not even a satellite signal.  I'm easily bored and I have ADHD."

The guy just nodded.  "Sure.  You're up to here, right?" he said, pointing at the titles.  That got a nod.  "Did you want duplicates on DVD and video, sir?"

"No, if they're out on both I'd prefer DVD."

"Sure."  He led him to the computer to print up a list for him by release date.  "We do have some rereleases and we do have some special editions," he warned.

"So?"

"Point, thank you, sir.  My family will love you for my holiday shopping."  He led him to pull out what they had, putting in the order for the rest of it when they were ready to check out.  The cart was nearly overflowing and Xander had stopped at the game systems.  "Those just came out but we do still have the last version and most of the games."

Xander considered it, then nodded, pulling down two of each, then going to find the games.  "My big brother's good at video games," he admitted with a shy grin.  "What about the other stuff?"

"With three exceptions, they'll be in within three days, sir."

"Xander, please," he offered, grinning at him.  They cleaned out that section and he ended up buying the other type of game system as well, plus some new computer games.  Then he handed him the stack of cash, watching as he counted it out, kicking in an extra hundred from the stash in his pocket.  He pushed the buggy out and over to the UPS place up the hallway, sending everything to himself.  Then he returned the cart with a wave and headed off to the other stores he needed to visit.  He ran into Terror in the food court, still staring at everything.  "Hungry?"

"Yeah, suddenly I am," he admitted.  "No wonder you guys brought up your own food. You could never be satisfied with what you can grow and buy at home."  He looked at Xander.  "Where were you?"

"Music and video store."  He walked him over to the pretzel stand and got them each one, then looked around.  "Japanese or hotdogs?"

"Um...."

"You can have the other one later," he promised with a grin.

"Hotdogs then."  Xander nodded and went to buy him food, sitting down to nibble on his pretzel while his cousin ate.  "You're not hungry?"  Xander held up his pretzel.  "That's not very filling."

"I'm good until dinner. I made breakfast this morning."  He finished his first one off and Terror took half of his second before handing it over and finishing off his lunch.  "Ready?" he asked once he was done. "Good.  Then we've got to hit the other spot."

"What about the packages?"

"They're being shipped back to the house."  He patted himself down, then looked around before muttering to summon his wallet.  It landed in front of him and he checked it, it still had cash and cards.  "Okay, let's head," he ordered, standing up and tossing away the trash.

"Man, no wonder Vinnie said he can eat ten hotdogs."

"I've seen him and Modo put away forty between 'em," Xander said with a grin.  They headed out, finding Wrench reading on his bike.  "Do we need to hit the bookstore too?" he teased.

"I will beg, plead, and let Throttle talk me into sleeping with you," Wrench said seriously.  He looked at them. "Did you eat?" he asked, pointing at some mustard.  Terror licked a finger and got to work on his spot.  Wrench sat up, looking at Xander.  "Where have you hit?"

"Candles, video and music, herbs, t-shirt place. We can hit the bookstore too."  He pointed at it.  "It's only right there."  Wrench nodded, giving him a begging look. "Sure.  Come on.  Terror?"

"Do they have anything on guns?" he asked, noticing the odd looks.  "My momma named me that," he defended.

Xander grinned at one lady.  "Really, she did.  He's former military too. Imagine his commander's look the first day."  She shivered and they headed into the bookstore and of courses guards came to bother them.  "Wrench, he found your ID too," Xander said as he pulled his.  Terror's got given long stares, then he did.  "His momma named him funny, guys.  He's even former military."  They shuddered and walked off, going to make a report about that in case anything else got said.  Xander found the stuff he read, pulling down the stuff he wanted and loading up his carry basket.  He found the how-to manuals and got some of them as well.  Then he went to find Wrench, who was hugging a bookcase. He sighed and shook his head.  "Go find a cart, Wrench."  Wrench hurried off and came back with a helper.  He looked at him. "Work on commission?"

"No, sir, but he said he was buying a good portion of the store."

"Can you guys ship it to us too?" Terror asked as he joined them.  "I'm surprised he's not in the mythology/occult/paranormal/theology/philosophy aisle," he joked.

Wrench looked at the guy.  "You have one of those?  Do you have Dextra's books on astrophysics and spiritual travel?"  The guy shrugged.  "We can head there next, right?"

"Sure," Xander agreed, grinning at him.  He looked at the guy.  "We live out near the edge of a desert.  We only get in to do this once a year."

"I see.  Did you need anything from our video or CD sections, sir?"

"Actually, I stopped at the place up the mall," he admitted.  "Got anything they wouldn't?"

"A few.  We get a lot more anime than they do."  He called over an associate.  "Help them.  They're moving out of state to the middle of nowhere and are stocking."

"I saw him in the music store," she admitted, leading Xander away.  "How far away?"

"The edge of a desert.  We only get back up here once a year," he admitted. "After this, we're doing groceries tomorrow and some leather too."

She smiled and led him to the videos.  "Here'll probably be the easiest stop."  She unlocked the cases and let him pull down things.  The other place apparently didn't get tv shows.  "Are you looking for any others?"

Xander looked at her and nodded.  "Yeah.  I only got Stargate up to season three and CSI to season three."

"We can help with that too," she said happily, going to the computer to make order lists.  "How long are you in town for?"

"A week."

"Hmm.  I can rush this but it'll be extra."  He shrugged.  "Okay then."  She ordered everything and rushed it then went back to help the others check out, watching as he stopped at the calendars and then the graphic novels.  She smiled and got him a cart of his own.  Then they went to the music section.  They did some local band pimping and he got them as well.  Plus a coffee.  They paid and walked the carts down to the UPS store and then brought back the empty carts.  Then they headed out to dinner.

***

Wrench looked around the clothes that Xander had piled up and waiting to be loaded into the cargo container. "Are you sure you need this many clothes?"

"Thirty percent of these are for the guys and another thirty are for the General Fund," Xander said patiently.  "I mostly expanded and replaced."  He banished everything into the container then checked it, nodding at the fullness.  He looked at Wrench, who shook his head.  "I'm not insane."

"So you protest," he agreed, walking him back inside.  The container was shut and locked by Terror, who was still wincing in pain from the hefting he had done of the first few boxes of videos and books.  The rest of that load would be the parts that Charley said she needed for her garage.  Now they had the hard shopping to do, the grocery shopping.  The stuff for the Councils had already been sent back last night in a large crate and a U-Haul that had been displaced for a few minutes.  Wrench looked around the house, it was nearly bare.  "I'll miss this place."

"Me too," Xander admitted, grinning at him.  "If you can figure out how to move it to Mars, you can have it, Wrench."  Wrench pinched him for it, but did think about it. Xander looked around as well, then went to pack one bag he had forgotten.  He had already popped around to see Meg, Oz, their baby, and Micah.  "If you can't, Micah said he's taking it over as a house for the local problem fixers.  He's even going to pay the property taxes on it.  After Dawn and Rimfire come up, this last transporter will come up with us, leaving the one in Vegas and the one in Micah's office."  He hauled that bag down to beside his bike, checking his wallet.  Still plenty of cash. "Come on, guys, it's time to do groceries."

"We're way ahead of schedule," Terror complained as he came in.

"I'll even treat to dinner."

"Then I'm in," Terror admitted.  "Do you have Vinnie's lists?"

"Of course," he said, pulling them out of his pocket.  "Of course they're going to be added to as well," he offered with a grin.  "Oh, I need to put in another cooler compressor into one of the caves.  Momma wants to do a once-monthly hotdog thing and we'll need more storage room."

"Isn't the one enough?" Wrench asked, looking confused.

"Only if you don't want to be able to walk into it," Xander assured him.  They all groaned at that.  "Sorry, guys.  It's already up there though.  I got it a few months ago.  I just need to finish installing and plug it in."  He got onto his bike.  "Come on, baby, let's go rent a truck so we can do the groceries."  His bike snickered/beeped and backed out, letting him drive off.  Terror took off with Wrench on the back of his bike.  Xander would drive the truck, Wrench would ride his bike, and Terror would escort, just like the last few times.  It worked well for these trips.

***

Xander appeared with the last three cargo containers, then grinned at the Seal waiting on him.  "Hi."

"Hi, Xander," she offered with a grin.  "You left stuff this time."

"Shit!"

She shook her head and brought it up, letting him head into the caverns.  He got that one compressor installed then came out and gave her the pitiful look.  "What?" she asked.  "I'm not that nice."

"I brought you chocolate ice cream with walnuts.  It's in the back of the cargo container with the food," he offered.

"I hate you," she muttered, but everything was put up.  Including the store of hotdogs into the quickly cooling chamber.  "That'll freeze."

"I know.  I'll turn it down in a few minutes," he promised, grinning at her.  "I'd give you a hug but you're not solid enough."

She snorted and checked the house, bringing up the rest of the stuff in the garage, then shook her head.  She did give him a hug, making him shiver from her chill, then took her ice cream and left with one of the books he had bought.

Willow appeared and looked around and Wrench held up a thing of ice cream for her, making her squeal.  "Do the books go into the library?"

"No!"

"Yours, duffus," she teased, grinning at him.  "Throttle's only *threatened* to turn it into a real library."

"Sure.  Can you send the videos and cd's to their right spots too, along with the cabinets?"  He popped open the container of ice cream bonbons and she moaned, doing it so she could steal that and her ice cream.  "Thanks, Wills."   He grinned at Wrench and handed over the fried chicken he had gotten him and Terror for dinner, then headed back to sneak into the house. He was tired!

"Your pad or mine?" Terror asked, salivating at the smell of the chicken.

"Mine. It' not a cave."  He took off and Terror followed the chicken.

Vinnie and Throttle came in from their fun ride, stopping when they saw the new entertainment cabinets.  They looked at each other, each picking one to open.  Then they groaned.

Modo found the shrunken box in the bathroom and opened it, yelping as the toilet paper sprung out and grew to pile up on top of him.  "I think they're back!" he called.

Throttle came in and groaned.  "Vincent!"  Vinnie came in and closed the box, stopping the spewing toilet paper bundles.  "How deep is that thing?"  Vinnie shrugged, looking around and laughing.  "Fine.  You laugh and clean this up.  Modo, did you see my lunatic?"

"No, bro.  I was with the kids. I noticed some new books hit the library."  They went that way once Vinnie had taped closed the toilet paper spewing box.  The library was much fuller now.  Modo looked around.  "At least we won't be bored."

"We should just start a real library or donate it to the one in town."  Throttle stomped off toward the bedroom, tripping over the two cases of tubes of lube next to the door.  He growled and walked into their bedroom, stopping to watch Magnet, Comet, and Tag cuddle his mate.  He sighed in pleasure.  Xander looked so sweet and innocent being cuddled by their brats.  Too bad it was all such a lie.  He went to the comm, calling Wrench's house, getting him mid-bite of chicken. "KFC?"  Wrench nodded, finishing his bite and chewing.  "Should we send for Stoker to come confiscate some chocolate?"  Wrench shrugged and took another bite.  "The truth?" he asked patiently.

"Not a clue, Throttle," Terror admitted.  "There was a bike show next to where we were shopping.  They were showing custom mods."  He leaned into view.  "Sorry, man.  We tried.  Sixteen trips, man.  Oh, can you ask your Momma to put out a menu or a schedule or something so we know when the monthly hotdog thing is?"

"Monthly hotdog thing?" he asked flatly.  "Xander!"

"Shhh!" Magnet called back.  "Mine!"

Throttle hung up and went to find the inventory list, whimpering at the thickness of it.  He looked over at Vinnie, waving it.  "There was a convenient bike show next to the grocery store."

Vinnie winced and took the clipboard since it was his duty.  "At least it's all put up."  He looked it over.  No more gas.  Still no listing for the snack cavern.  "There's an extra cool cavern with more hotdogs?"

"Momma apparently wants to do a monthly hotdog thing," he said, crossing his arms.  "Well?"

"I'm reading," he complained, going over the list again.  He looked at him, then shrugged. "Nothing more than what he already had restocked and a bit more."

"Bet me!  Look at that thickness!"

Vinnie flipped through the list, noticing a few new things.  "Charley girl's got some parts, she's got her own cave of parts and tires," he admitted.  "That's sixteen of the pages, bro."  He continued on.  "No, nothing really out of the ordinary."  He looked at him.  "We could go look."  He noticed the signs that his bro was about to have a blood pressure problem and got him onto the nearest seat. "I'll go look.  Okay?  It says we need to turn down the new cooler anyway."  He headed out, going out to the caves.  He saw Willow floating out there and looked at her.  "How bad?" he asked.

"Mostly the same things only with more.  He did eat all of some of it," she pointed out with a grin.  "The snack cave is now locked from everyone, Vinnie. I can't even get in."  Vinnie groaned and headed up to check things out.  Charley's cave was one of the more modest sized ones but it was all arranged by boxes.  A few things got shifted off the more delicate equipment underneath but it was mostly fine.  He headed to check on the cool cavern, turning that one down a bit before he shivered himself bald.  He headed into the grocery cavern, noticing how much higher the shelves were in some places.  He noticed the diaper aisle was shrunk, but it contained a few of those shrunken boxes.  "Hey, Willow, how many do these hold?  We've got one of toilet paper in the house."

"I don't know," she admitted. "I can't tell."

"Cheese," he complained as he walked.  He walked back to the snack cavern and sure enough, it was locked against him.  "How do I break this?"

"I'm not sure you can.  It's numerical," she admitted. She watched as Vinnie tried all the numbers he knew, finally finding the right one.  "What date was that?"

"The day he met us," he said smugly, swinging the door open.  An avalanche of boxes fell out and were put back by Willow before he was smooshed by Little Debbie.  He groaned, looking at the piles of cakes, cookies, nutty bars, and ho hos.  He wanted to cry just like Spike had but Throttle wasn't here so he couldn't hide against his chest.  He looked at Willow and let out a small whimper, and Throttle appeared so Vinnie let out a sob and hid his face in Throttle's chest.  "Him on a sugar high," he sobbed, pointing.

Throttle looked and winced.  "Oh, damn, babe.  Too much.  Way too much."  He looked at Willow, who shrugged.  "Can you get Stoker to come steal part of this?"  She shook her head.  "Why not?"

"Because they got half a U-Haul with it," she admitted.  He shuddered at that.  "He did buy some more cheese too."

"Why?" Vinnie whined.

"Because he needs calcium.  His family has a history of shrinkage in old age."  She shrugged and closed the door.  "Vinnie knows the code."  She wiggled a finger and pointed at a new door that used to go to an open cave.  "His soda stash.  Not the rootbeer but the regular stuff so the kids can't get into it."

"Thank you," Vinnie said, pulling back and wiping off his face. "That's a horrible thought!"

"Hey, he got us ice cream," she said with a smirk, fading out.  She searched the lot in Chicago, finding a few more dropped things.  She was even nice enough to go down there and pick them up before bringing them back.  They went into the right spot and she grinned at them.  "The clothes in the 'bros' section of that container are in the garage so you can wash, sort, and all that stuff.  His are in his closet, and his spare closet, and the spare bedroom in your rooms, Throttle.  The general fund stuff we already sent down there."  She faded out with a grin.

"Come on, let's go call Stoker.  Maybe he'll take some of the candy anyway."  Vinnie nodded, following him out.  Throttle looked into Charley's cave, smiling at her happy dance with some of the parts. "We're heading back."

"Sure.  Clean out the garage so I can find my workbench," she ordered. She went back to dancing with her parts and tires.

Once they got home, Throttle called Stoker.  "He bought *more* chocolate.  Need more?"

"Cheese, no," he said grimly.  "We've got more than enough for all this year's picnics and to supply the baskets with some each time.  Also to fill all the baskets for the next ten months with stuff we've never used before, including water and powdered milk."  He looked at him.  "How are you?  Is he okay?"

"He's napping it off," Throttle admitted.  "It could be worse."  He sat down with a sigh.  "He's also locked up the regular soda and left our stuff in the garage."

"Then I'd go clean it before Charley girl gets you for cluttering her space up," he said seriously.  "Anything really new?"

"More hotdogs since Momma said she wanted to do a hotdog thing once a month apparently.  I'm sure he's donating those."

"He probably is, that's what he said he'd do," Stoker admitted.

"Why did he tell you that?"

"To clear it with the Council."

"Oh."  He grimaced.  "Fine.  Anything else I should know?"

"Did he remember lube?" he asked with a hint of a smile.

"Yeah, there's ten cases out there and two in our bedroom.  We're set for the year," he said dryly.  "Did he forget anything?"

"The canned hams aren't the same brand but they still taste okay when we did a taste test.  The fresh stuff was nice too and the canned veggies were a bit different.  Nicer, but different.  We weren't real specific.  Just veggies, meat, the usual list."  He shifted and put his feet up barely in view of the camera.  "Are you okay?"

"I didn't want him to do that.  We've got more videos and tapes, plus more cd's and more books too."

"I'd suggest donating it in total to the local library but it needs to be rebuilt.  It's a fire hazard."  He shrugged.  "Anything good or did Wrench do that stop?"

"You'd have to ask him.  My head hurts," Throttle assured him.  "Let me know if you need something he didn't get.  That way I can handcuff him and go back with him."  He hung up and went to wiggle around the kids to get to his mate.  Xander blinked at him.  "Way too much," he said quietly.  "It's depressing how much stuff we've got."

Xander kissed him.  "The General Fund warehouse is twice the size of ours and that'll last us for the next year."

"I'd hope more than that," he said, stroking his cheek.  "I don't want you to go broke, Xander."

"I'm not.  I've got money, I didn't even spend fifty thousand this time, Throttle."  He stole another kiss and shifted so he could lay on his shoulder.  "Why are you wet?"

"Vinnie saw your chocolate stash and had a small panic attack about you on a sugar high."  He stroked the back of his head.  "What clothes?"

"You guys have stuff that's got holes, stains, and rotted seams.  I replaced it."  He shrugged, getting more comfortable and yawning.  "I'm going to nap."

"Sure, you nap.  What's for dinner?"

"I don't care, pick something and let Staff cook."  He shrugged and snuggled in, closing his eyes.  "I got maternity clothes too."

"I'm sure they'll appreciate it," he agreed.  "You didn't spend that much?"  Xander shook his head.  "What was so expensive the first time?"

"The building materials, the cargo containers.  The electronics."  He shrugged and yawned again.  "I think I spent fifty-three including shipping costs to get everything back to the old lair.  Oh, Micah said he wanted it."

"That's cool with me if it is with you," he promised quietly, stroking his back.  "Can we donate the books to the library once they finish rebuilding it?" he asked quietly.

"Half?"

"Fine."  He went back to soothing his mate.  He had obviously worn himself out.  He hoped they didn't need to go back for anything else.  There wasn't any room for anything else.  He watched as Vinnie carried in bags of stuff.  "Mine?" he asked quietly.

Vinnie looked at him.  "Terror was having flashbacks to helping him shop.  He basically walked into the usual places, got three carts and stopped at each and every rack to find us stuff.  Then they tied the bags differently.  I'm hoping the salesgirls there work on commission like they do at the video store."  They shared a look and a smile.  "What are we doing with the old stuff?  I seem to have a whole new batch of shirts to spill mustard on."

"Call the fund people and see if they can use it for work clothes?" Throttle suggested.  Magnet glared at him so he grinned.  "Go back to sleep."

"I can't. You're noisy.  You and daddy both.  Kiss him already."  She huffed and put her head back down, turning it the other way, but still holding onto her uncle's tail.  She loved tails.

Vinnie looked at his daughter's back, then at Throttle and gave him a kiss.  "I'll check on that tomorrow.  What's for dinner?"

"He said he didn't care, let Staff decide and cook."

"Cool.  She's going out to the club to try the new recipe."  He looked around.  "Chicken?"

"Sure.  Terror was."

"I noticed."  He went to get his stuff and put it in their room, then headed out to the caverns to find a box of fried chicken.  Or two, they were hungry.

***

Carbine tapped on the garage's door, walking in at Charley's yell.  "Hey."  Charley smiled at her.  "How did the shopping go?"

"As far as I know it went okay.  What did he forget?"

"To give us the receipts."  Charley pointed at a box in the corner.  "All of them?"

"As many as we've found.  We did find about twenty from the grocery stores."

"He didn't do those mega club warehouse stores?"

"He said one's closed," she admitted.  "He might not have been able to get into it before it closed."  She got up to hunt through the receipts.  "I don't think these are yours.  Most of these have milk."

"He did get us powdered milk."  She looked them over, separating out the ones she thought were theirs.  "What did he get at the gap?"

"A few t-shirts for Modo," she said, putting that aside.  "Why are we worried?"

"He didn't get the usual cheap brands.  Some stuff was actually name brand."

"So you're worried about pennies?"  Carbine nodded.  "You might try asking him."

"I can't seem to find him.  I called his bike and it's out of range?"

"He's out in the back yard.  His bike may be visiting a temple.  Xander!"  He came jogging in.  "They needed the receipts."

"I left them in the bags."

"We never found them."  Carbine looked at him.  "Did you buy name brand things, Xander?"

"The warehouse club was closed. The other one has sanitary violations.  I'm not going to risk everyone's lives on a place where the fresh fruit is moldy and the freezers are leaking stuff into the food and they don't remove it."  Carbine shuddered at that.  "So I did shop the sales.  I'm sorry if that offends and I'll make up any difference you think there should be, but I spent less this time.  Most of the receipts should have been in the shipping crate.  I did that one first."  She nodded and went to call someone.  He hugged Charley.  "Can't please her, can I?" he whispered.

"Probably not.  Where is your bike?"

"Visiting the temple with Spike.  Wrench wanted to do some advanced training in case something like that happened again.  My bike agreed."  He shrugged and hopped up onto the counter.  "I took your list in.  Did I forget anything that's not on back order?"

"I wondered where a few things were," she admitted, pinching him on the thigh.  "You did good, Xander.  I'm sure Rimfire and Dawn will send up the rest when it comes in."

He nodded.  "Thanks, Charley.  It's nice to hear someone say that.  Did the shirts fit okay?  I wasn't sure."

"They're fine, Xander."  She kissed him on the cheek.  "Thank you for encouraging Vinnie to wear shirts now and then."  Carbine came back.  "Find 'em?"

"I did," she admitted.  "Or at least part of them.  It was about the same as last time."  She looked at him.  "I'm sorry, but we do have to be a bit tight fiscally sometimes, Xander."  He nodded.  "We have too much coming out of the budget most of the time."

"That'll even out someday soon," Xander reminded her.  "Besides, Micah said you've got stuff coming from sales still."  She nodded at that.  "I wouldn't worry about it yet, Carbine. There's worse things to worry about."

"Like what we're doing with all the stained and ripped clothing," Charley admitted.

"The General Fund can't really use things like that," Carbine said, staring her down.

"We thought maybe work clothes for those on building crews," Xander told her.  "That way they could have good, non-stinky clothes."

"I'll check and see if they've got anything for that.  Just stained stuff?"

"Mostly Vinnie's accidents with mustard and sauces," Charley agreed, smirking a bit.

"A few with baby spitup we couldn't get rid of," Xander agreed.

"I'll ask," Carbine noted, heading out to her bike to head back into town.  She sat down in her office and called Micah, giving him the figures.  He checked with his person at one of the warehouse clubs then held up a figure.  "It's not that much different.  A whole ten dollars."

Micah smiled at her.  "Xander and Dawn both know how to get a good deal, Carbine," he reminded her.  "Did you get the email I sent about that material someone wanted."  She nodded.  "Anything come of it yet?  He's already checked back today."

"It's on the schedule for this afternoon," she assured him.  "I'm not sure if we can or not."  She shrugged.  "What about our funds?  They seemed lower recently."

"Taxes, Carbine.  I had a word with the President, who had a word with someone, so they're supposed to making you a non-profit as of when the account started.  That will get you a refund of at least some of us."  She nodded at that.  "We're doing what we can.  How are things going?"

"Better.  How is the newest president taking the news?"

"He threw a fit.  He demanded to know why he wasn't told this before.  We pointed out that we were waiting until he took office and easing him into it.  We did let him meet the two ambassadors.  He wasn't very impressed.  He said it was clear to see why we had chosen Dawn, who then told him exactly why we had chosen her.  Which also outed her sister, but Buffy said she didn't care.  We have warned him to not say anything about it or to go to Cleveland on any future tour stops.  He was not amused," he finished sarcastically.  "Then again, neither am I most of the time.  Is Xander still down here?"  She shook her head.  "It only took him a week?"

"He's been back now for two days, Micah.  Terror and Wrench are still having flashbacks from the shopping."  He chuckled and nodded.  "Thank you for your help."  She hung up and leaned back, considering her options.  She called Stoker's office, getting him since it was lunch.  "We need to talk."

"Why?"

"Because our funds are going to keep getting shorter if we don't add to them somehow."

"So we either sell something else or we go begging to Enamel and Xander?"  She nodded.  "Please tell me you're not thinking about seizing their accounts?" he begged.

"I wasn't.  That's a desperation move and I don't want to do it," she assured him.  "That would piss them off and Xander is about supporting us right now.  He's doing all the shopping and everything else.  We should start going to Winch for some things since Chicago just lost one of their warehouse clubs."  He winced.  "It was only a ten dollar difference."

"Oh, good.  Is he back?"  She nodded.  "Fine."  He considered it.  "What's up for sale this time?"

"An engineering patent for an engine for a prototype bike we never got to work.  That same military guy over the bike corps down there wanted it."  He nodded at that.  "I don't know what to do, Stoker.  We're going to drown soon."

"We won't," he assured her calmly.  "If we have to, we can always go raid part of Plutark and sell them some of the crap they've stolen over the years.  Or sell them an old ship or something."

"Point," she admitted.  "We do have plenty of partial wrecks up here."  She sighed and calmed herself.  "Micah wasn't telling the whole truth. I think Xander kicked in on it."

"He usually does," Stoker agreed.  "Groceries are expensive.  I'm sure he did this time too."  He shifted a bit.  "What do you want to do, Carbine?"

"I don't want to sell that.  I feel like we're selling ourselves to them anymore."  She looked at him.  "I don't like that feeling."

"Neither do I but it's the only way to get some things done.  I'd like to end our dependence on Earth within five years.  By the time we get money."  She nodded at that.  "Can we draft a resolution to that effect in the main Council?"  She nodded, looking more cheerful. "That will give us time to work on harvesting and meat beast solutions.  Within five years we should be nearly self-sufficient again.  If we get to work on it.  Hell, I'd even take ten right now."  He stared at her.  "It was once suggested that we put the remaining green spaces to use," he said quietly.  "That would mean sharing it with the other cities and the university but we could do that.  Make the year of active service guarding the farms for the cities."  She nodded, accepting that.  "The reserve units could guard the shipments coming in now and then.  Plus, if we could get a new source of water going, we could get some gardening done down here too."

"It isn't just gardening," she pointed out.  "Entertainment. Electronics."  She swallowed.  "Engine parts because Charley had to get Xander to buy a lot of that for her."

"We're working on that, Carbine.  For right now, focus on the immediate needs.  Food, water, shelter, clothes."  She nodded, accepting that.  "So we can put it as five years for food stuffs and other essentials, ten years for everything else?"

She nodded. "Would that include Xander?"

"We can't stop him, he's got his own transporter," he pointed out.  "By then he shouldn't need stuff either.  I can go talk to him if you wanted.  I'm sure he foresees this coming up."  She nodded and sighed.  "It'll be odd to think of him and Enamel as the Bill Gates of Mars," he noted, trying to make her at least smile.

She did crack a grin. "If he isn't poor by then.  He just replaced all the ripped, stained, and weakened clothes of everyone out there.  They wanted to know if we could use the stained stuff for laborers, that way they could save the rest for off-duty times."

"Maybe," he said with a shrug.  "It never hurts to ask."  He smirked a bit.  "What next?"

"I think I want a nap," she admitted.  "I'm tired."  He nodded so she hung up and went to nap on her office couch.  This would take some careful planning.  They were too dependent on earth and if they had a problem with their economy it could collapse what little Mars had.

***

Stoker looked across the desk at Xander.  "We're drafting a resolution before the full Council," he said quietly.  "It'll end our dependance on Earth within ten years, five for food."

"Gee, then I guess I'd better stock up on pizza," Xander noted dryly, staring him down.  Stoker gave him a dirty look.  "I'm assuming this is an FYI?"  Stoker nodded.  "I knew it'd happen sometime, especially with you guys crimping the budget."  He leaned back in his chair.  "So, what can I do to help with that?"

"Well, first of all, when we end it, you might not be able to get back down there."

"Bet me I won't go shopping for entertainment," he said dryly.  "Mars doesn't even have a band right now, Stoker."  He sighed and nodded.  "Once there's one up here, I'll gladly start to focus on them in the club as long as they're good."  That got a small smirk.   "I'm not going to torture my customers.  That would make me a business without customers and that would be a bad thing."  Stoker grinned at that and nodded.  "If you guys can get it working, great. If not, I'm still going to do whatever I have to so my family isn't suffering."

"I understand. We mostly wanted you to know.  In five years, everyone should be into a house if they want a house.  We should be steady at that point.  We have no idea what we should be working on for grown stuff."

"Look at your traditional menus.  What's in them?" Xander said gently.  "Plus you'll need meat beasts that most people aren't allergic to, unlike the one you've got now."   Stoker nodded at that.  "You'll also have to decide how you're going to farm and raise beasties.  You're going to need to do that in concert with the other cities and you're going to need to be able to plan this out to within an inch of your patience.  This is the fine detail work, Stoker.  Plus, I hate to say it, but you'll need more water.  Even that green area is shrinking due to lack of waterage.  You might want to get Chassis' squadron to look for ice asteroids to start refilling a lake or ten.  Even if it's just for growing stuff."  That got another nod.  "We're going to have to rewet Mars to get more than just that little area for growing stuff.  Not that it won't do beautifully up there, but still not the best solution."

"Can you guys do anything about that?  I mean magically?"

"You might ask the Seal. I know she's seen some problems in the magic flows on Mars.  Mars is very weak in magic compared to Plutark and Earth. Even Dawn's complained about the heaviness of the magic and the pain of drawing it and she *is* magic."

"Fine.  We can start looking for space ice sources I guess."  Xander nodded.  "What about when we reach that limit?"

"If things are going okay I wouldn't care to buy local stuff.  I'm not going to rob Mars of food that could go to kids.  If and when we get to the point when I can comfortably shop up here, then I'll only stock stuff I can't get up here."

"That's fine.  You'll probably want to make it more subtle."

"True," he agreed, grinning as Throttle came in.  "They're moving to end dependence on earth within five years for food and stuff."

"Good luck," Throttle told him.  "I wish you luck planning how to do that."  He sat down, putting his feet up on the desk.  Xander glared at him so he grinned.  "What?"

"Dirty boots on my desk.  Off."  Throttle sighed and pulled out a drawer, putting his feet on that instead.  "Thanks.  Much better."  He looked at Stoker again, weathering the grin.  "So, what can we do to help with that?  I know Dawn and Rimfire are working on a plan to rewet Mars."

"Really?  How far are they?"

"I have no idea.  It's too sciencey for me," Xander assured him.   Stoker nodded at that.  "I'm assuming they've got the support of their teachers on this too."

"I'll call and ask him if he's finally home."

"They went to DC to help Micah with the president," Throttle told him.  "He's not impressed."

Xander looked at him. "So we should send Modo since he's one of our most impressive mice?" he joked.

"That might work," Throttle agreed.  "I'll ask him if he wants him."  He smirked at Stoker.  "How's Spike's training on Xander's bike going?"

"Why is he training on Xander's bike?"

"Because my bike likes Spike," Xander said blandly.  "If it ever leaves me, it'll be for your son."

"I hope not.  I don't think we could go on another quest to find you a bike," Throttle told him.   "The last one nearly drove us nuts."  He looked outside, noticing the bikes were in the backyard.  "What are they doing?"

"Magnet and Terror are washing them."

"Ah.  She's good at that."

"She looked good on her bike too," Stoker reminded him.

"Yeah and she's still grounded for that stunt," Throttle assured him. "She only rides with her daddy until she can beat her daddy on the big people's course.  That's the limits they set."  He shifted, crossing his feet in the other direction.  "Are you going to set limits on the kiddie bikes for riding alone?"

"It's been discussed but most of us feel that's the parent's job," Stoker admitted.  "Besides, they'd end up like Spike's bike, thinking it's not an emergency because Xander's there."  He stood up.  "I'll let you get back to being slackers."

"Slackers?" Xander snorted.  "I've got to shift music around at the club today.  I'm going to ask Stan if he wants to help me with the music stuff.  I can't listen to all of it by myself, it's making my head hurt and it run together."  He grinned.  "We're doing a techno night tomorrow night.  Fair warning about the complaints."

"I'll send that on," Stoker said, heading outside shaking his head.  Xander's club was a good place to spend some time, but he got so many complaints about the music.  Maybe he'd be willing to move it further downtown. Either that or someone was going to have to step in to regulate the music.  He saw Terror and Wrench outside, looking at the guys in shorts.  "Can one of you guys help Xander with the club's music?"

"I bake, isn't that enough?" Wrench asked.

Terror snorted.  "I've tried."  He looked at the bikes.  "So, babe, you gonna go to Spike instead of Xander?"  The bike beeped angrily and popped up a gun.  "Hey, just askin'!" he defended, backing off.

Magnet swatted the bike.  "Behave!  You play with Spike more than Unclie Xander.  Do not shoot at Cousin Terror.  He's a nice cousin."

"Yes I am but I'm not going to let you ride off by yourself ever again," he assured her.  She giggled and hugged him.  "Thanks, mouse cadet."  He looked at the bike.  "Sorry."

The bike beeped and calmed down, putting the gun away.

Magnet curled up in her cousin's lap, twirling her fingers in his chest fur.  "Cousin Terror?" she asked sweetly.

Stoker looked at her and groaned, shaking his head.  No wonder that kid got away with everything.  Not even Crankshaft was that manipulative.

"What?" Terror asked, smiling at her.

"Can I have some candy?"

"Hell no," Stoker told her. "We don't need more white mice on a sugar rush on Mars."

Terror snickered, shaking his head.  "You'd have to ask Xander, sweetie.  I can't get into that cavern."

"Shoot."  She went back to teasing his chest fur.  "Are you sure?"  She nuzzled his chin too.  "I'll be a good white mouse."

"I'm sure you will," he agreed.

Wrench looked at her then shook his head.  "You're so whipped," he taunted.  Terror flipped him off behind the baby's back.  "Magnet, sweetheart, we can't get into that cave."

She switched to him, doing the same thing to him and he melted in her little fingers.  "Can you get into that cavern?"

"No, sweetheart.  Only Xander can.  Sorry."

"Vinnie, save us," Terror yelled.

"What's she doing this time?" he called, coming out to look at his daughter.  He watched his daughter work his cousins and smirked.  "You guys are so whipped."

"Hey, she's special!" Terror complained.

"I'm leaving before she gets me too," Stoker said, heading back to the office.  He did hear Vinnie tell her she couldn't have any until dinner, and then she and Uncle Xander could have one cookie each.  He got there and parked, then headed inside, taking his messages from one of the kids playing messenger today. "Anything important?"

"No, but they're tail waving."

"Wonderful."  He walked in.  "Sorry, I was out watching Magnet VanWham coo and cuddle her cousins into submission and pliant gooeyness."  He sat down and looked at them. "You could have started the usual fight without me."

Carbine looked amused.  "She was doing what?"

"Cooing and teasing them into giving her chocolate."

Exhaust snickered.  "How?"

"A lap cuddle, a bit of fur twirling on the chest, some nuzzling.  She's a master.  Not even Crankshaft was that good," he admitted.  He kicked back.  "What's on the schedule today?"

"Elections."

"Yes, we should hold some.  Yes, they should be mandatory.  How many others are we getting?"

"There's four people challenging us and only Exhaust's spot open," Carbine told him.  "You and I are unchallenged so far."

"Cool.  And?"

"How are we determining who can run?" Exhaust told him.

"Let them register, campaign, and the least stupid campaign wins?" he suggested.

"How would we register them?" Exhaust asked.  "Do we want them to come in with a petition and so many signatures to run?  Do we just want to register anyone?"

"I like the petition idea," Stoker admitted.  "That would weed out those without a real clue and no real qualifications."

"Did we have qualifications?" Carbine joked.

"We led people, that's qualification in my mind," Stoker said dryly.  "If I'm not reelected, I'll just go train the kids so they can't travel like that ever again."  That got some laughs from Mirror.  "Really."  Exhaust snickered at that.  "Have we revamped the training yet?"

"We're trying," Carbine assured him. "Cell brought out Ty Rod and she ran the guys ragged.  They've learned why kids think differently.  We hope to have them updated by spring."

"That's four months," he said.  "At least the kids are grounded well past that."

"And no camping trips planned?" Exhaust joked.

"Not so far.  I'm sure they'll be calling next time."  Everyone laughed at that. "What level do we want to do the petitions at?"

"I was thinking a hundred names," Carbine offered.

"That's not too many," Exhaust offered.  "It might not be practical though."

"If they're serious about running they'll hold meetings to gather support and put their names on the petitions," Mirror noted.  "We will be."

"Do we have to register?" Stoker asked.

"We can simply register.  The non-incumbent people have to have petitions."  That got some nods.  "Not to be unfair, but we don't have time to gather names or hold many support or rally meetings."

"I'm sure we'll figure it out," one of the other city's councilors offered.  "Maybe on the weekends?"

"Perhaps.  Or at the city picnics?  We can have a booth on the outer edges?" Mirror suggested.

"No," Stoker said firmly.

"That's the only time when we're assured everyone is together."

"No," Stoker said more firmly.  "Those are to relax and to let the people chat, make friends, and celebrate the little things.  No politics unless it's gossiping or complaining.  No."

"Fine," Carbine agreed.  "I can agree to that restriction."

"Sure," Mirror agreed.  "Do we want to put any restrictions on it?"

"No giving away food or buying votes," Stoker noted.

"No exchange of goods, cash, or food," Carbine amended.  "Simple interest meetings and ways of getting your views across.  You may serve snacks, but not anything further."

Stoker nodded.  "That wouldn't put an undue burden on anyone," he agreed.  They all nodded at that.  "I also want election monitors.  Someone independent from another office.  They can attend the meetings and make sure the rules are kept.  They'll be the ones registering people as well if possible."

"A new office?" Mirror suggested.  He nodded.  "Fine.  I can agree with that.  Exhaust?"

"Sounds good to me.  Do we have any idea who it should be?"

"Make it someone who hates everyone," Stoker told him.  "That way they can't show favor for one group and they won't try to fudge things.  Some miserable old mouse who hates everyone and makes everyone around them miserable."  That got some smiles.  "Even they can find work that way.  They can even count votes."

"Sure," Mirror agreed, grinning at him.  "Before the election we really should name the city, shouldn't we?"  Everyone groaned.  "The other cities will have to elect people to come monitor and help us.  They should know where they're going.  I know one ballot reads 'the delegate to go bother Stoker and Carbine', but really, that's not the official name."

"Oh, I don't know, it could be," Stoker noted sarcastically, looking at the other city's people.  "What do you guys think?"

"I think the three suggestions so far have been Carbine's City, Stoker's City, and Freedom City," one of them put in, smirking at him.  "Besides, we like to come bother you.  Even if you named the city it'd still read that way."  Everyone laughed at that.  "So take a vote at the elections."

"Either that or hold a trial election to name it," Xander called from outside.  He peeked in.  "Have you guys seen Vic?  He's supposed to be up here now and we haven't seen him yet."

Stoker called his office.  "Victor?"

"In here playing with Spike."

"Thank you."  He looked at Xander.  "Piston and Spike have him."

"Thanks."  He headed that way.

Stoker looked around.  "Anyone like his idea?"  They all raised their hands.  "Cool.  Let's do that then.  When do we hold that one?"

"Election day is the same as when we got elected," Carbine noted.  "So we can run it a few months before that.  That'll make it the fifth month?"  Everyone nodded and accepted that.  "Good.  We'll formally start taking nominations for the new name of the city next month.  We'll figure out how to weed them down if we've got too many."  That got a gavel bang. "Onto the nicer things.  The food baskets are going out when?"

"Tonight," Mirror noted.  "During the picnic."  That got some smiles.  "Did we find those receipts?"

"Most of them," Carbine agreed.  "There's apparently a problem with the warehouse club place he used to shop so he went for what was on sale."

"That's fine.  Should we start to bug Winch for these things?"  Everyone shrugged.  Xander didn't seem to mind after all.  "Fine, we'll table that until next year's list is ready.  Onto other pressing business.  We have a petition here to bring up fast food places."

"Hell.  No," Stoker told her.

"Sure," Carbine agreed.  "Unless we can get a Chef Andy's up here, it's not my cup of soup either."

"Any dissent to turning it down?" Mirror asked.  No one said anything.  "Then denied."  That got another gavel bang.  And on it went.

***

The Seal popped into Wrench's room late that night, looking worried.  "We've got problems."  He sat up, staring at her.  That was always a bad sign.

Episode 90:

The Seal popped into Wrench's room late that night, looking worried.  "We've got problems."  He sat up, staring at her.  That was always a bad sign.  "You know we've been trying to figure out what's wrong with the magic, right?"  He nodded slowly.  "Well, there's a buildup of chaos magic right around the core and it's affecting the magnetic flows.  If we don't do something really quickly it could unbalance the planet totally.  The only way I can see of getting rid of the buildup is to use it."  She handed over some papers.  "Those are all heavy draws.  The problem is that I'll have to find a target and I'm not sure I can undo it once it's done."

He looked at the spells, then up at her. "These are a bit extreme, Seal."

"Yeah, well, it'll use that up, which will make the core spin more naturally, which could only help Mars."  She shrugged.  "I don't know what to do.  We literally have days."

"Okay," he said, scooting up to lean against his headboard and think.  "Who did you want as a target?  Doing this would cause confusion and mass hysteria if it got out."

"I can go to the compound but they're already attracting it," she complained.  "It's unfair to keep hitting Xander and them."

"Point," he agreed. "But we may not have a choice here, Seal.  What did Willow say?"

"To do something really heavy.  She's watching the buildup create a sticky point.  The core isn't round, it's got some spines still.  One of those is starting to drag against the magic."  He nodded at that.  "I don't know what to do and I don't know how to do it."

"Fine."  He looked at the spells again, then sighed.  "Can cursing just one person fix it?"

"Yeah, maybe, but I still can't be sure I'll be able to change them back."  She floated down to sit on the end of his bed.  She looked miserable.  "I don't want to hurt anyone with this."

"I know.  I think we can explain it and get consent.  What would be the perfect match?"

"Xander draws chaos magic, it'll be attached to him easier.  It'll be harder to change him back.  Vinnie's got some draw but it won't stick; his natural magic will try to fight it.  He could end up really sick if we use him.   We could use Modo, but he's a null subject and Staff would hunt me down and kill me.  We can't use her or Charley because of the babies."  She looked desperate.  "I don't know what to do here, Wrench."

"First, calm down."  He looked at the spells again.  "Okay, take these to Vinnie and Xander and explain it to them.  Let them decide which of the three bros it'll be, or even Terror if they can guilt him into it."  She nodded, taking them back. "Explain it to them first."

"Yes, sir.  Let them pick?"  He nodded.  "Okay!"  She sped off, landing beside Throttle and Xander's bed.  "Guys, get up!  It's an emergency with Mars!"

"Not another invasion," Xander whined from under the blankets and Throttle.

"No, but it's magic related and it's going to be bad.  We need a family meeting like right now!"  She growled when they didn't move.  "I mean right now right now!"

"Fine," Throttle complained.  "Go get up Vinnie and I'll wake up Xander.  You can have them."

"We need you and Modo too," she assured him.  "Maybe even Starlight and Terror."  She sped out, going to wake up Vinnie.  He growled and pulled a gun but his wife took it from his hand.  "It's an emergency!  You've got to get up!"

"Fine," he complained, climbing out of bed and putting on some boxers.  He saw the speculative look and smirked. "Like you wouldn't."

"If Charley or Xander were mine, they'd never get to wear clothes and neither would I," she assured him.  Charley blushed and groaned, pulling the covers over her head.  "Unfortunately it's a whole family meeting.  We need you all."

"Modo's at his momma's tonight," Vinnie complained.  She muttered and sped off, leaving the papers there with him.  He looked. "Whoa. Heavy chaos magic.  Xander?  Can you call Wrench?"

"Just did," he said as he walked past their doorway.  "It's a buildup we've got to release."

"Cheese," he complained, heading that way.  They all met in the kitchen, getting sodas and things out and getting ready for it.  He put the papers down on the table.  "She left these.  I'm not sure why."

Xander sipped his coke. "Because Mars is building chaos magic and they've got to release it or else the core will stick and we'll lose magnetism and gravity," he noted patiently.  "Wrench said so."  He took another sip.  "So they'll have to drain it somehow."

"Why are we the target?" Throttle complained.

"Because if we disappear for a few hours, no one will notice," Xander assured him.

Willow appeared.  "It gets worse.  If and when we release the buildup, it might not allow us to reverse it immediately," she told them.  "It's critical.  We'll have to do it tonight."  She looked around.  "No Modo?"

"Not yet," Vinnie said, looking at her. "How critical?"

"Do you want to suddenly start floating?"  He shook his head. "You will within three days."  He groaned and put his head down.  "So we need to do it now.  We need a target and we need to pick a spell.  These are mostly harmless but they're heavy draw," she noted.

Xander went into the library and came back with a book, flipping it open and letting her see it.  "That one's better."

She read it over, then looked at him.  "Since when did you know chaos magic?" she whined.

"Since it comes in handy now and then," he whined back.  "That's easier to cast and better for Mars."

"Yeah, but I can't change the chaos over that way."

"Dawn can."

"Dawn can't," she countered.  "She's not strong enough, Xander.  She may be the Key but she's still in a human body."

"Willow, that can be cast by Vic.  It's not that hard!"  She frowned and nodded. "Seal!"  She appeared.  "What about that one?"

She read it over, then looked at him.  "Nice idea.  Where would we do it?"

"Mons?"  He shrugged.  "The Valley?  It'd be looked on as a miracle."  He yawned.  "Just a suggestion."

"It raining fish would not help anyone," Vinnie told him.

"It can be used as fertilizer," Charley offered.  "The Native Americans used to."

"So can cemeteries but that's icky," Vinnie told her.  He slapped himself on the head.  "I sounded like Dawn."

"Fine," Xander agreed. "I'll yield the point.  So, do we want to change someone's gender, age, or status?"

"Gender or age would be easier," the Seal offered.  "It'll be effective and easier to counter later.  The problem is that doing it to Vinnie or Xander means it'll stick harder."  That got a groan from Throttle.  "Exactly, we might not be able to counter it."

"I like my penis where it is," Vinnie said firmly.  "I like being a boy mouse."

Throttle snickered.  "You have for many years, bro."  Vinnie punched him but he just grinned back. "You'd make a cute girl."

"I'm not sleeping with him if he turns into one," Charley said firmly.  "I'm many things but not a lesbian."

"Fine," Willow agreed. "It'd be harder on them anyway.  So that leaves Throttle and Modo, and possibly Terror.  We're not sure about him."

"Nope," Xander said, shaking his head.  "Can't happen."  They sighed and nodded, leaving it there.  He obviously knew something they didn't.  "Are there any transgendered mice we could do it to?"

"Not that I know of," Enamel said as he walked in.  "I was summoned?"

"Yeah, unfortunately we're going to wear on your nerves," Willow told im.  "The chaos magic is building.  We're going to have to do something to someone to fix it or else we'll be losing gravity shortly.  The easier things would be to change someone's age or gender."  Enamel nodded once at that, crossing his arms over his chest.  "The easier people would be Modo or Throttle."

"Not Xander?"

"I'm sticky," Xander reminded him.

"They make shampoo for that, cuz," Wrench said as he joined them.  "Have we made any sort of decision?"

"It's down to age or gender and Throttle or Modo," Charley offered.  "Xander vetoed Terror for some reason."

"Past history, leave it there," Xander told her.  She nodded, accepting that.  Wrench and Vinnie both looked at him.  "Not going to tell, guys.  Tough."  He looked at the spirits.  "Okay, which is going to work best?"

"Gender," the ladies said in unison.

"It creates the after confusion too," Willow pointed out.  "Age is cute making and it could build faster."

"Okay, so we make Throttle and/or Modo a girl," Enamel agreed.  "Can we change them back?"

"We hope so," Willow agreed. "If not, it'll only be a year before we've built up more."

"We have to do this each year?" Throttle demanded.

"No, by next year, we'll have an idea of how to use it or keep it drained."

"We could age charm Stoker into a teenager," Xander offered.  "He said he was feeling old."

"That's an evil thought," Throttle said patiently. "I'll help you get rid of those again later, Xander."  He looked at them. "I'm not thrilled with this plan, ladies."

"Us either," they assured him.  Then they glared at each other.

"Truth, Throttle, I'd love another way," the Seal assured him.  "I'd love to turn this into the favor of Mars.  I don't know how."

"Point," he sighed, shaking his head.  "I like being a studly biker mouse."

"It'll hopefully only be for two days," Willow said.

"I'll miss myself for those two days.  Plus we'll have to hide from everyone and Momma."

"You're due on base in two days, bro," Vinnie reminded him.  "Is he the better candidate or Modo?"

"The same really," Willow offered.  "Neither one uses and neither one has used magic. It won't stick.  Their bodies won't fight.  Staff might scream and holler.  Xander would probably try to seduce Throttle into bed to try it out.  We're running out of time, guys."  Modo stomped in, not looking very happy.  "I'm sorry."

"Why now?"

"Because we weren't checking on it to build," the Seal told him.  "Normally a planet would trap and then bleed off the chaos into pools or springtime.  Mars is out of balance so it's sticking.  We're down to two spells," she told him.  "Probably one but we can bend.  We can either change a gender or an age.  It's down to you and Throttle, big guy."

Modo looked horrified. "I like being a boy mouse!"

"Vinnie said the same thing," Charley said, patting him on the arm.  "Throttle?"

"I can take one for Mars, as long as someone turns me back."

"I'll do everything in my power to turn you back," the Seal promised.  That got a nod.  "Do you want to be a baby mouse or a girl mouse?"

"A girl mouse," he sighed. "Bros, I want you guarding me and my family."

"Of course," Modo agreed.  "How long does he have to do this for?"

"Two days," Willow told him.  Modo groaned.  "We know about the base thingy."  He nodded.  "We might be able to get it moved back.  It's with Rotor, Cell's husband."

"And Carbine, who will laugh her tail off," Vinnie said bitterly.

"Why can't we get the chaos mice to do something about this?" Xander complained.  Everyone stared at him.  "You know, Enamel's brother, those people?  You said there were six or seven who came back."

Willow frowned.  "I almost scared the magic out of him, Xander."

"How do you scare the magic out of someone?" Vinnie asked.

"Well, you can't *actually* scare the magic out of someone, deterrent methods don't really work against magic using," she complained.

"Gee, ya think, Oh Great Wicked Wench of the East?" Xander said dryly.

"Hey, I'm wicked, she's nice," the Seal complained.

"Boys.  Girls.  Mice!" Throttle complained.  The Seal giggled.  "Sorry, it's the middle of the night and sometimes I get confused in the middle of the night," he complained.

"That's right, you do," Xander assured him, patting him on the back.  "That's why you usually roll over and cuddle me until we have sex and you get to go back to sleep," Xander cooed.  "It's all right.  We can do that."

"How would the chaos mice do that?" the Seal asked.

"Do I care?  Make it rain.  Make it snow.  Grow trees upside down," Xander said with a shrug.  "It's all good!  We're all required to keep some sort of balance on Mars. They can help."

"Fine.  We'll go bother them for a few minutes," Willow said impatiently.  "Where is Enamel's brother?"

"Like I know?  It's not part of my duty to keep track of 'em," Xander reminded her.  "Follow the biggest pain in your ass...."

"I did, it led here," Willow shot back.

"Kids," Modo said, staring them down.  "Why don't you ask Enamel?"

Everyone looked at Enamel, who shrugged.  "Wrench?"  Wrench snorted and woke up.  "Where's my brother?"

"Core.  He moved cities."  He yawned. "It's the middle of the night there too."

Xander shrugged.  "So?"  He went to the transporter, keying into the mouse he knew.  He found him by name recognition, logging into the phone book system Mars had just included as part of the database.  Then he yanked him there, walking over to grab the glaring mouse.  "It's a chaos problem.  You're a chaos mouse.  Therefore, you get to figure out how to fix the problem and it's got to be done tonight or we lose gravity."

The mouse walked in and stopped, looking at Willow and the Seal.  He bowed.  "I'm in your service, ladies."

"Good," the Seal said, grinning at him.  "We've got a horrific buildup of chaos energy around the core.  We need it released.  We were going to curse one of these guys to being either a baby mouse or a girl."

"It won't work," he told her, interrupting her spiel.  "You'll need something that uses more energy and ties it back into the main flow of Mars."

"How?" Willow asked.

"Well, you could create water," he admitted, "but it might not be very good water.  It'd still help though.  You could...," he thought about it.  "You could easily ripen some extra crops."

"That or the water sounds really helpful.  Can either be done tonight?" Xander asked.  He looked at him and nodded once.  "Both?"

"Both might stretch it.  Crops or water would be easier."

"Crops. We're about a month from that and it'll allow some extra growing time," Wrench noted.  "Then can we open an access to some water?  I know there's more than those three underground rivers."

"There's one by Core's main school," he offered.  "It's smaller though.  "There's one in the Valley but it's pretty deep.  We might have to give up a few of the ancient temples."  He looked at Xander.  "Yours could go."

Xander sent up a silent prayer and didn't feel an answer.  So he went to call Tangent.  "Hey, it's me.  If we had to sacrifice the temple in the Valley to open up a new water spot, should we?"

"Um," he said, blinking hard.  "Is there another option?"

"Mystra's," Enamel's brother offered, coming over.  "There's an energy buildup we've got to cure.  It's an option."

"We need Mystra's, we can always rebuild ours.  Did you get an answer, Xander?"   He shook his head.  "Then...."  He sighed.  "If you must, but please give us an hour to clear the temple of all the holy artifacts?"

"I can do that.  Thank you, brother mouse."  He hung up.  "He's nice."

"He's the Highest of Othra," Xander said as they went back to the table.  "We can if we need to but we have to clear the temple first."

"Doable," Willow agreed. The Seal nodded.  They both looked at the chaos mouse.  "We need to do this tonight."

"Send me home, let me gather my people.  Come to me.  I will need a reference.  I can age things but I'm not sure about growth and maturity rates."

Xander pointed behind him.  "The orange bookshelves, man."  That got a nod and he headed in there, coming back with six books.  "I'd better get 'em all back," he warned.  "I'm dedicated to Othra and Mylar."

"Done," he agreed.  "Can I use the transporter?"

"Of course," Throttle agreed.  He, Willow, the Seal, and the papers disappeared.  "We're done, right?"  Everyone nodded. "Good.  Xander, come make me less confused."  His mate grinned and walked him off, going to help him get back to sleep.

Comet crawled out a few minutes later and went to visit Vic, who came out carrying her and handed her to his momma.  "They're too noisy for her to sleep, just like you and daddy."  He went back to his room, leaving the red mice behind him.

Vinnie went jogging in there when Tag started to fuss, bringing him out too.  No one else was brave enough to go in there when Throttle and Xander were having sex.  Enamel took Tag, Modo took Comet, and everyone went back to their beds.  Fortunately they were the same as they had been when they were forced up.

***

Stoker walked into the office the next morning, seeing the newspaper sitting on his desk. "Piston?" he called, reading the prominent headline about overnight crop growth.  "What happened?"

"I don't know.  I called Taver, she called Wrench, who just said something about gravity."  She came out of the other room, handing him a rootbeer.  "We're not sure and I'm not brave enough to wake up someone at the compound if they're still sleeping."

"They've got little kids.  They're up by now," he assured her, sitting behind his desk to call.  He got Punch, which made him smile. "Where is everyone?"

"Uncle Xanner said that everyone confused so they went back to bed and had cuddles," she said, grinning at him. "Can I play wif Cranky?"

"No," he reminded her.  "She's still grounded, the same as you are."  She pouted and he felt his heart constrict but he shook his head.  "Sorry.  No.  Can you wake up Uncle Xander?"  She shook her head and hung up on him.  "Cheese," he muttered, calling Modo's Momma's house.  He got Modo, which was good.  "What happened and did you know your daughter was at the compound and everyone's asleep?"

"We got woken up late last night by the Seal and Willow.  There was some buildup of energy that had to get used up or else they thought we might lose gravity, so they let the chaos mice over in Core City deal with it when Xander suggested it.  Or else we'd all be girl mice today," he said with another yawn at the end.   "Sorry, but I'm tired too, Stoker."

"That's fine, Modo.  Go back to bed once you've helped your momma harvest.  What about Throttle's momma?"

"She's got some nut and fruit trees.  The rest is just a small garden for herself," he admitted, yawning again. "Momma's is already done too.  I didn't get to get much sleep after getting home.  I thought that time of the pregnancy was bad with Punch," he said with a grin and a blush.  He hung up too, heading up to bed.

"That's more than I needed to know about his private life," Piston said firmly, cracking him up.  "Sorry, boss."

"That's fine, Piston.  Who else is already in?"

"Exhaust, he's praying.  Carbine's due in within another twenty minutes.  Mirror's called off today due to her harvest.  The others called off as well."

"Hey, nearly a holiday," he said happily, taking the message she held out.  "From?"

"Micah."

"Wonderful."  He looked at it, then nodded, dialing his office on Earth.  "Morning."

"Time difference, late night here," he said, looking over at him.  "What happened?"

"A few of the counselors felt like we're stripping Mars bare to sell it off.  They feel like prostitutes."

"Okay, I get that.  He wanted to know about the ships from Plutark.  Think there's a chance?"

"That definitely.  The Full Council agreed that we could happily sell of anything the Plutarkians left for cash.  They also accepted the resolution that we become independent food producers within five years and at least majority independent in other areas within ten."

"Good," Micah agreed.  "That'll save on fuel and things.  Not that we mind working with you guys.  We like you guys.  You're much better and nicer than the guy who decided to drop in on Dawn needing repairs. Thank Charley for teaching her niece about those repairs too."  Stoker nodded, grinning at him.  "So how are things going?"

"Fine.  The money system was decided on, coins are cheaper for us to mint so we decided on denominations.  The pictures and stuff will come later."  Micah grinned at that.  "We decided on how to do the canning of taxes.  Things are going okay.  I'll have Carbine call you later when she comes in to talk about the Plutarkian stuff."  Micah nodded, still looking happy.  "Of course we had something happen that ripened crops last night about three weeks before it was due," he added, frowning a bit.  "Modo said something about an energy surplus, losing gravity, and it was that or there'd be a bunch of girl mice that hadn't been before."

"Ah, a Xander event.  I'm glad he lives up there."

"You want him back?"

"Hell no," he said firmly. "Even Cleveland has calmed down in the last few weeks.  Did Terror and Wrench ever calm down after their shopping with him?"

Stoker shook his head.  "I haven't checked but I doubt it."

"Taver said Wrench wanted to become a nudist when he came back but he's thankfully allowing clothes in his part of the building again."

"Well, maybe they'll work something out so she moves in," Stoker offered, making his assistant chuckle.  "You sure you don't want Xander back?"

"No, we're good.  How's Tag?"

"Growing like all baby mice.  Did you get to hear about Punch, Magnet, and Crankshaft?"

"Your daughter Crankshaft?"

Stoker nodded.  "The group went camping, leaving Terror with the kids.  That's why he got to help shop, it was a punishment.  Anyway, they didn't call to give bedtime stories."  Micah moaned, shaking his head.  "Oh yeah.  The girls decided they had been kidnaped or something equally bad and nasty.  So those two found their bikes and took off, but at least they remembered they were still very young.  They took Crankshaft with them, and she stole Spike's bike because it had just had training weapons put on."  Micah moaned again, now holding his head. They evaded two bases, one run by Cell, Wrench, Terror, Racer, and Spike, and later on most of the other cousins to make it to their fathers."  Micah whimpered.  "They snuck past guards, hid a few times...."

"Found an ancient and mythical cave mouse," Piston added.

"True, Punch said she had.  That he pointed the way.  She also used Spike's bike to find gas in the desert from a crashed ship.  They traveled about three hours away.  Very impressive."

"Do gray mice turn white the same way Vinnie always says he's turning gray?" Micah asked.

Stoker chuckled and shook his head.  "No, not quite.  There are a few more wrinkles though.  Carbine and Cell are working to revamp the training guidelines. Some people complained about that until she brought Ty Rod out on Cranky's bike for a day and she wore them out. They couldn't even catch her in the yard.  There was no more complaint after that."  Micah and Piston both laughed at that.  "Needless to say all of the girls in question are grounded and none of the mice that Xander is teaching are allowed to ride by themselves until they're able to reason.  Except for Spike and his is punishment for speeding through a marketplace.  Oh, you got a copy of that tape, right?  The one with the landing ship?" Micah nodded, grinning at that.  "Spike's bike was instructed not to let him ride alone unless it was an emergency.  During that, it wouldn't let him ride alone because Xander was there and therefore it was not an emergency."  Micah burst out in snickers, hanging up on that.  Stoker smirked a bit at his assistant.  "It was funny after the fact."

"It was," she agreed.  "I also saw Spike on his bike and he looked quite good, Stoker."

"Thanks, Piston.  Ok, let's go do this easy day."  He headed down there, running into Carbine.  "Micah called, they are interested in the Plutarkian crap.  I told him about the other and the resolutions, he congratulated us and said he'd miss trading so much with us."  She smiled at that.  "The sudden crops are due to an energy buildup the Seal and Willow apparently had to help fix.  Either that or something happened.  Modo said we'd lose gravity if it wasn't fixed and we almost ended up with a lot more girl mice overnight."

"I'd pay to see Throttle and Xander in a set of heels," she said, smirking a bit evilly.

Willow appeared.  "He's being a mean poppy-head," she complained, handing over a picture.  "He decided to go as Frank this last year.  The other is Rocky the year before."  She faded out.  Carbine was staring at them when Xander stomped out and snatched them.

"It's a Halloween thing, I'll show you the movie this year."  He stomped off, going back home through the transporter.

Carbine looked at Stoker and whimpered.  "Do you know about that halloween thing?"

"Yeah, I heard all about it from Vinnie their first year going.  Even Rimfire was traumatized and confused.  Dawn went in an identical outfit to that panties and heels one."  He went in to take his seat, noticing the people waiting. "Problems, citizens?"

"What happened!" one female demanded.  "We had three weeks!"

"There was some sort of funny energy building up around the core of the planet and it got released," Stoker told her.  "We don't know if it'll happen again or why it happened in the first place yet.  We're going over the information available today."  Most everyone relaxed at that.  "At least it didn't destroy them.  It only ripened them faster.  But know that we are working on it and if I have to listen to metaphysical and odd crap to understand it, I can even do that."  That got some smiles and some nods, and most everyone left.

Overthruster, Xander's biggest fan, came over and gave him a hug.  "We like you, Mr. Stoker, you're very neat. You're very smart and you have very pretty daughters."  He patted her on the head.  "Momma wanted to know about rotations for the next few months?"

"Ask Carbine, Overthruster.  She's outside traumatized by a picture of Xander."

She giggled and headed out to pounce her.  That way she got to talk about her favorite subject on all of Mars, Xander! She even remembered to ask about the rotation schedule first since Miss Carbine looked really out of it by the time she was done.

Carbine watched the little girl go, waving at her back as she skipped off. "She's just like a   miniature Xander," she said softly, going in to take her seat.  "Are you sure Tag is Xander's only Martian child?  That girl is a lot like him," she said weakly.

"He's her hero, Carbine, of course she is," he agreed, smirking at her.  Carbine's lover walked in and picked up his mate, carrying her off to her office.  "Make her take a nap, she looked kinda tired," he called, smirking a bit.  Exhaust came in and pointed, mouth open.  "Xander and Overthruster.  Did you know Xander once dressed up in high heels for something called Halloween?"

Exhaust looked really confused.  "Huh?"

Throttle came out of the transporter, handing over the DVD.  "This way we don't have to watch it again," he said dryly, heading home.

"Hey, I guess the cameras are working," Stoker said fondly.  He got up to take the tape, looking at the pictures on the back.  "That one.  Xander, mouse Xander, in that one," he said. "Rimfire said Dawn did it too."

"I've got to see this," he said, heading to his office. "Hold the fort.  It says it's about two hours long."

Stoker kicked back, grinning at a job well done.  It's not like anyone was going to be bringing any problems today, not with the sudden harvest.  A few hours later Exhaust came back in, looking even more confused.  He handed off the DVD.  "How was it?"

"Odd.  Less odd than _The Wall_ but odd."  He blinked as he sat down, missing his chair entirely.  He got up and sat back down, shaking his head a few times.  "There was a part in the extras section that described people going to showings of the movie in groups and dressing up.  I guess it was where he did it?"

"Hopefully," Stoker admitted, reading the summary.  He'd watch it during lunch with Piston and possibly Switch if he could get her out of the house.

***

Stoker walked into the club, handing Xander the DVD.  "Keep the strange stuff away from me," he ordered, walking off.

"I love you too, Stoker.  Am I on the rotations yet?"

"No!  You'll corrupt innocent mice!"

Xander let out a high-pitched giggle.  "Thank you!  That's the nicest compliment I got all day!"

"I think you're a wonderful mouse, baby," Momma called from the kitchen.  She came out, watching Stoker's tail wave in aggravation.  "Stoker, dinner?"

"I'll come back.  Tell me when Xander's gone!"  He slammed the door.

She went back to the office.  "Now, Xander.  What did you to do annoy him?"

"Willow stole my pictures from the last two years' Rocky Horror showings," he said, handing over the DVD.  "I'm guessing he watched it and got confused."  He grinned at her confused look.  "Put it on and watch it until someone comes in, Momma. It's a Halloween tradition.  Charley, Dawn, and I all go dressed."

"Fine," she agreed, going to do that.  The stereo system could play DVD's since there was an attached tv for video games as well.  She let it start and went to turn off the oven, then came back to watch while her helpers watched things.   Xander came out of the office with the remote and handed it over with a grin.

Thirty minutes later, Throttle came in.  He heard the music.  "You bought the soundtrack too?" he demanded, heading toward the office.  "Xander, that's cruel!"

"Your mother and the others are watching it," he called, sounding smug.

"Momma, no!" he called, hurrying to stop her before she got that 'confused with the Xander' look that so many had gotten that day. "Momma," he moaned.

"Gee, who sounds like Modo now," Xander taunted from the safety of his office.  Then you heard the door shut and lock.

"It won't save you!" Throttle called.  He paused the tape but his mother took the remote and turned it back on, growling at him.  "Momma, please?" he begged.

"Hush, baby.  It's just a movie."  She went back to watching it.  "We need some of that popcorn stuff," she said after a few minutes.

"Momma, by the time I get home, find some, and get back, that'll be over with."  She shrugged and continued to watch.  He sighed and went to call in reinforcements.  "Bros," he said when they answered.  "Xander's _Rocky Horror_ DVD is being played down here for the staff.  He's sucked my momma in. She wants popcorn."  That got a small moan from Modo.  "Help?"

"I'm not goin' there, bro," Vinnie said quickly.  "I got traumatized last year with my little brother's costume.  I did not want to see Xander dressed up like Frank'n'Furter."  He shuddered.  "I'll send Terror down if you want."

"Please," he begged.  "Before Momma decides to do the showings too."  He hung up and went to check the kitchen, finding someone in line.  "Hey, Citizen, they're watching a movie.  Momma, customer!"

"Coming."  The tape was paused and she hurried out, smiling at the nice waiting mouse.  "Sorry, we were watching one of Xander's movies since no one's come in tonight," she promised.  She took the ration coupon.  "Which did you want, dear?"

"Can I have the ham and stuff casserole, ma'am?"

"Of course."  She dished him up some from the pan in the oven since it was still so warm.  "There you go," she said, adding a cookie on top with a wink.  He smiled and walked out with his dinner.  She checked, cleaning up the little spill she had created, then went back to the movie.  "Xander, how did you get to a certain scene without fast forwarding?" she called.

"Menu, scene selection, arrow keys," he called from the still locked office.

"Thank you, baby.  Who did you go as?"

He came out of the office.  "The first time we took the panicking male mice I went as Rocky.  I was newly furred.  I used to go as Frank all the time," he offered with a grin.  "The last time I went I went as end scene Frank."  He winked and went back inside, closing the door before Throttle could pounce him and locking it while he held it shut against his mate.

"Xander!  Quit corrupting people!" Throttle called, earning a giggle of glee from behind him.  He looked.  "Hey, Overthruster.  Did you need dinner?"  She nodded, grinning at him.  "Overthruster's here," he called.  Momma hurried back out and hugged her, taking her to dish up her family's dinner as well. Then she hurried back, taking it off pause this time.  She had finally figured out how to do that.

Overthruster tugged on Throttle's tail, getting his attention.  "What are they watching?"

"A very odd movie," he told her. "You can watch it when you're older if we don't break all of Xander's copies on him."  He grinned and patted her on the head.  "There's just some movies that are too odd for normal mice."

"Then I might like it?" she asked.

"You might but it's rated for teenagers and up.  So you've got to be at least Racer's age."  She beamed and nodded, skipping home.  "I've got to find all his copies before he can corrupt another generation.  Rimfire was bad enough."  He noticed Pierce coming in and walked over to help him. "This way," he said gently, leading him to a table.  "Were you here for dinner, Pierce?"

"No, I wanted to talk to Xander.  He thought he might have an idea on how to help my implants work.  Xander?"  He came out of the office and hugged him.  Xander was the only person who hugged like he wanted you to die in his arms.  "Easy," he complained, patting him on the back.  "What's your idea?"

"Sweetie, do you have any spare pairs of field specs?" Xander asked, blinking his big eyes at his mate, making him smile.

"These are my spares," he admitted.  "Let me call Stoker.  Do you think it'll work?  Mine came in staticky and unclear."

"Mine are almost completely dark," Pierce admitted.  He heard the giggling. "What are they doing?"

"Watching _Rocky Horror_," Xander said happily.  "Willow so *thoughtfully* shared my costume pictures with Carbine this morning."  Pierce giggled and swatted him with his tail.  Enamel walked in with the pair of specs about twenty minutes later.  "Bored?" he asked.

"Another case of the only qualified person," he admitted, sitting across from Pierce.  "Hey.  I'm Enamel."

"I figured as much when I heard your voice."  He reached out and Enamel took his hand.  "What do you need to do?"

"Shine some light and look and use the scanner."

"Sure.  Been done before but sure."

"What did they say?"

"Something about corroded wires and infection and I'm not sure."  He shrugged.  "All they said was they couldn't fix it."

"Let me try."  He took Pierce into the office, closing them in there.

Throttle grabbed Xander with his tail, pulling him in for a kiss.  "Please behave?"

"You knew I was naughty when you asked me to go to Pennsylvania with you," he reminded him, grinning a bit.  "I could be much naughtier."  He winked and went to dish up food for the person coming in, making her a happy mouse and the guy behind him a happy mouse too.  Momma came out a few minutes later and gave him a hug before going to wash her hands.  "I take it you liked it, Momma?"

"It's very funny," she agreed, smiling at him.  "You really wore that one outfit?"

"Yeah, that's half the fun. You dress up, you go play at the showing, you spend time with a lot of people who enjoy the same things as you do."  He grinned and turned over the serving utensils to her care.  "Should I turn on the music?"

"I was wondering if you were open since there wasn't any noise," one of the mice newly coming in told him.

Xander grinned and went to turn on some noise.  More mice came in and he even got his office back.  Pierce came out with the field specs so he hugged him.  "Does it work?"

"I'll need a wire replaced," he said, "but I can at least see shapes and light and dark with these.  He thinks the wire replacement will fix the rest."

"That's fine.  Doc, what did you need to do that?"

"I've already got it, Xander.  Don't worry about it.  I can take him in tonight and fix it for him.  Come on, Pierce.  I'll call my favorite helper in to help me."  He nodded, following him out.  His bike would still be doing the driving but it was good enough for now.

Xander bounced around a bit more until Terror came in, hugging him to death too.  "Pierce is getting his implants fixed tonight," he said happily.

"We heard," he admitted, rubbing his ribs.  "Easy, Xander.  What movie?"  Xander showed him to where the tv was, letting him close that door to keep out the music, then he went to play up on the roof and watch the stars come out.  It was a pretty night.

Terror joined him a few hours later with Wrench and Throttle.  "Bro, we like you a lot, but you're just strange," Wrench told him, patting him on the back. "That says something when I say it."

Xander grinned and hugged him.  "I don't care what you think, cuz.  I love you anyway.  Wanna go to a showing with me this year?"

"Hell no," Wrench said, shuddering a bit.  "You dressed up like that?"

"In October," Xander said proudly.  "I went one year as Rocky and one year as end scene Frank."

Terror looked at him.  "How did you do the heels?  They always killed my feet."  Wrench looked at him.  "It wasn't my choice," he said firmly, hitting him hard on the arm.

Wrench rubbed his arm.  "I had no idea you were tortured like that, cuz.  I can listen if you want to talk about it and not tell a soul.  Are you okay now?"

"I'm fine."  Xander hugged him gently.  "Thanks, Xander."

"I talked the Willow monster out of trying to make you a girl when she wanted to do that instead of the other stuff to wear out the energy," he said quietly.

"Thanks."  He gave him a squeeze. "You're the best cuz since Vinnie."

"If you try to steal my mouse, I will have to whip your tail," Throttle assured him.

Wrench chuckled.  "Those two would wear each other out," he complained.  "Besides, Terror's still afraid of kids."

"After watching their oldest ones?  Yes!  Hell yes!" he said firmly. "Those kids are rotten and I'm surprised I survived!"

Xander patted him on the back.  "Some day soon my great plan will be complete and they'll all be little mes.  Just like Dawnie is," he said with a wicked grin.

Throttle picked up Xander, carrying him off.  "Excuse us, I'm going to make him sane again."  He headed down to the office, weathering the smirking and the knowing looks.  "He wants to make Magnet and Punch just like Dawn," he told them, heading in and closing the door.  Xander giggled from where Throttle threw him so he undid his pants.  "Suck, Xander. Now."

Xander bent forward to get his Throttle infusion of sem-sanity.  Because if he did this enough, Throttle would someday end up just like him and Vinnie.

"I heard that thought; no way, no how, not an ability of mine.  Suck harder."  Xander chuckled but did as requested.

Upstairs, Terror was looking at Wrench.  "Do you think he can make Magnet that sane?"

"I'm going to tell Vinnie you said that," Wrench joked, smirking at him.  "I wanna see you run this time."  Terror tried to pounce him but Wrench ran off, heading for the club's comm system. He got Modo.  "Tell Vinnie that Terror thinks Xander turning Magnet into him will make her sane."

"Huh?" he asked.

Terror finally managed to pounce Wrench.  "Xander said all the kids will someday be just like him and Dawn.  I thought that might make Magnet a normal mouse."  Wrench got him in a chokehold but he broke it, tagging him between the shoulderblades to go at him again.

Vinnie leaned in.  "My daughters are perfect, boys.  Remember, they're *my* daughters."

"We know, that's why he'd make 'em sane," Terror said, beating the snot out of Wrench.

"Can he work on her teasing problem?" Wrench begged, finally getting Terror off him by kicking him and rolling away.  He stood up.  "You made me dirty and I'm seeing Taver tonight," he complained.  He walked off trying to de-dust his fur.

"Have her brush you, she might not mind," Terror called after him.  He looked at his elder, who was smirking. "Pierce is getting his implants fixed."

"I heard that.  Cuz, can't you get past one little girl?"

"Yours is a tease!" he complained.  "She's going to be devastating when she's older, Vinnie.  She's getting her practice with me and Wrench."

"She got me earlier," Modo admitted.  "That snuggling, nuzzling, chest fur teasing?"  Terror nodded and whimpered.  "She'll learn better from her momma some day soon."

"Who do you think taught it to her?" Vinnie said, snickering at his hurt look.  "Charley girl uses it on me all the time, Modo.  But yes, Terror, I'll tell her to leave my less manly cousins out of her teasing circle.  That way she doesn't torment you.  Will that be good enough?"

Terror nodded, giving him the pitiful look. "Thank you, Elder."

"You suck tail," he joked, shaking his head.  "Behave, Terror.  Keep Xander from being too naughty tonight."

"Throttle took him to make him sane when he said he was going to turn all the kids into little hims.  Just like Dawn."

Modo shook his head.  "Not my daughter.  She will never be that strange or that teasing.  She'll be a good girl, like her momma."  He walked off, going to talk to his beloved Staff and make sure she knew that Magnet was a big flirty tease so they could make sure Punch wasn't copying her.

Xander came out of the office singing the Toys'r'us theme song and still bouncing.  Terror nearly whimpered.  "Poor Throttle," he moaned.  "That poor mouse."  Vinnie came in a few minutes later and he pointed at the office.  "Throttle took him in there and Xander came out even more bouncy and happy."

"We can fix that," Vinnie agreed smugly.  Terror pointed at where Xander was now, going to take him to tease him to death.  Charley had said so.  Apparently she hadn't taught Magnet the ear nuzzle so she decided Xander should pay for teaching her that.  Vinnie picked up Xander, making the mice around them laugh. "He's been a bad mouse.  My daughter's been teasing and flirting when she wants something. She learned it off him."  He carried him back down to the office, closing them in there again.  He could make Xander quit bouncing and make Throttle wake up.

"Throttle didn't believe me when I said the more I had him the more he turned like me," he said as he let himself slide down Vinnie's body. "Don't you think I'm sucking the stuffiness out?"

"Not yet, but I'll let you try on me," he agreed, grinning at him.  He sat down, letting Xander handle his pants and boots, after all it's not like he wore much else.  He would make sure the future of Mars wasn't a cult of Xanders and that Xander would be good to his family and not warp them too much.  After all, Mars couldn't really handle a dozen Xanders.  Wrench, Terror, and Xander were bad enough.  Spike, Racer, and Vic would be worse, and his girls plus Punch and Comet would warp Mars for good toward the better.  Xander could help, but he'd let the kids finish the job.

@@@@@

The two women touching the young Xander's forehead stepped back, leaving him alone for a moment. They looked at their helper, then disappeared.  "Xander," he said gently, making him look up at him.  "That can happen but it doesn't have to," he said quietly, moving closer.  His medium blue robes and pants rustled in the quiet temple, making Xander shiver. He had only run in here to get away from the pain of things going wrong, but the Lady and the Seal had been watching him, that's why they had brought him down to talk to the boy.  The giant white mouse took off his shades, looking at the young man.  He couldn't be over eighteen at this point in his life.  Xander just gave him a long stare.  "You have a choice to make, Xander.  As I said, that *can* happen, but it doesn't *have to* happen.  You will keep some of the knowledge.  You may be able to change something but I can't promise it.  If you do, you must realize that it could change that possible future."  He stroked the smooth skin gently, staring into his eyes.  "We need to know what you want, Xander.  Do you want to be a with a big, furry guy?"

Xander took a deep breath.  "Was I happy?"

"Most of the time.  Now and then you two did fight.  The future is not set in stone, but that's how it'll happen if you let it."  He stroked his cheek again.  He hadn't been told to peek but his Lady had shown him his parts in that life.  Xander would be a bro to heal and soothe those in his life, something stable they could count on when the nightmares came or when you needed help.  That's what Mars would need to heal and become a great lady again.  "There was more after that but people are looking for you now and they can't find you here. It could ruin a great many things if they found the temple here instead of on Mars."  Xander nodded, still staring at him.  "It is up to you.  You are always welcome here.  As you saw, you're a son of Mars.   Even without the fur, the tail, or the big ears, you're so very ours.  It's still up to you.  You may have a totally happy life down here."

He shook his head.  "No I won't," he said quietly.  "They sent me away.  They're doing it already and it's the only thing that ever made me feel special."  He leaned forward, hugging him, making sure he was solid.  One big hand stroked through his hair, a very missed feeling in his life.  "What do I have to do?" he whispered against the tense shoulder.

"Just be yourself.  You saw yourself and what you knew.  Remember even during the bad times that there's a reward coming for you.  There is nothing that will stop us from getting you as a true son if you follow that course."

"But most everyone is alive somehow.  I'm happy.  I'm a daddy," he said with a small smile.  "I didn't think it'd ever happen or that I'd be a very good one but I'm a really good daddy?"

"Those kids will be the terror of Mars for decades.  They'll take your place and you'll be training their grandkids when you and your mate die, bro," he said softly.  "You'll lose Modo to an accident a few years before, but you can move on after you heal."

"Life is loss," Xander agreed, staring into his eyes.  "You swear to me, on your honor and on the honor of whatever Goddesses those were, that that'll happen if I just go with it and train myself?" he asked quietly.

"It's yours, babe."  He stroked through his hair again, pushing down his rage at the *need* in those dark brown eyes to feel contact.  He kissed him on the forehead.  "You're very special, Xander, to a great many individuals.  No one else ever quite thinks like you do."  That got a sad smile.  "If I had known about Jessie, I would have tried to stop them, Xan," he whispered, pulling him in for another cuddle.  It was hard not to cuddle this man.  He radiated the pain of rejection.  He was starved for anyone's touch.  He was more than ready to move on from this town.  "I know it sucks the big one," he whispered.  "But remember, there is a reward coming."  Xander nodded.  "We'll be waiting for you when you come back, Xan.  Never worry about our love.  Even Terror loved you greatly."  Xander shifted and nodded again.  "Now, little cuz, you've got to go back out there."  Xander looked up at him.  "There will be pain and sacrifice, Xander, but not forever.  Remember that. It will get better and you have a very bright reward coming your way.  When it's all done, you'll be home and that's all that'll matter to you.  You'll be content, loved, admired, envied, and pitied by some, but you'll be happy and wanted and needed.  All because we wanted you."

Xander swallowed.  "How long?" he asked quietly, pulling back and pulling himself together. He looked around.  "I wish I had known about this place when Jessie died."

"If we had known you needed us, the doors would have opened to you sooner, Xander," he promised, smiling gently at him.  "The sacrifices are already starting.  The girls are on their own path.  Remember that you're more than they think and that you'll be happy before the time you're thirty.  You will rock Mars to its core and make many other happy and content mice. All you have to do is survive and keep going."

"Until Cleveland," he agreed, swallowing a bit.  "You were there?"

"Yeah, little cuz, I was there.  We're bros.  I got called to talk to you since my Lady couldn't and neither could the Seal.  I'll be there. You have my word, on my honor and on the honor of Mars.  Just hold on for a bit longer.  You're the reason it goes right."

"Normal, boring, can't-fit-in-me?" he said bitterly.

"No one here understands you, Xander.  Remind yourself of that.  There are others in the world who will understand and welcome you and your jokes.  Even your fear of hotdogs."  Xander nodded, grinning a bit at that.  "Can you hang for a bit longer?  Make it all go right?"

"If I have to," he agreed.  "Can I come back?"

"Whenever you need the temple, it's here for you, Xander.  That's why it opened for you.  It was built by His followers years and ages ago and the town got built on top of it.  Only a true son or daughter can come here and we welcome you back to the family."

"What about that girl?  Dawn?"

"When she comes, if she needs us, you can bring her.  She's an in-law," he offered with a small grin.  "I won't be here. I was pulled down from my trial of faith to come help you."

"What happened?"

"I just blew away most of a base's personnel of bad guys.   A bad general sent me and some people to die.  I intend on living.  Like you, I just have to hold on and have a bit of faith.  My Lady, The Lady, is helping me even now while I'm down here.  Remember, she loves you too.  Call out if you need advice.  Then fall asleep here.  You do the work, you should get the benefits of protecting innocents."  That got another small grin.  "Now.  You're needed.  Are you going to answer the call?"

"I'll have to.  His fur seemed really soft," he told him, standing up.  "Need help from me?"

Wrench smiled and shook his head.  "No, Xander.  I've got my sitch wrapped up and heading North again.  Remember, you can come back.  Just hold on."  Xander nodded and turned, walking out of the temple.  Wrench looked up.  "Lady, are you sure it was right to give him warnings?"

The Seal appeared, kissing him on the cheek.  "It was the right thing to do.  If he leaves the fight, I'll win and be used.  The planet will die.  Everyone would die."  He shuddered and nodded.  "He's the cure.  His faith is strong.  It's been in his line for eons.  He'll be the first black mouse to return to Mars, his daughter the second.  Mars needs their most volatile u yet steady defenders.  He'll save us all just by being himself."  Wrench hung his head and nodded.  "Now then, young man, you've got to get back there.  Your Lady is waiting on you.  Remember, all you have to do is hold on.  Help is coming soon and you'll be free of the idiots for good.  Remember me on your upcoming dreamquest, but we'll be fine together later on."  He nodded and stood up, putting back on his sunglasses.  "Good shooting, Wrench, and be safe until we meet again."

"Help that boy, Seal.  He needs physical contact."

She smirked a bit.  "He's got some coming in Anya.  Don't worry about it."  She winked and sent him home, then settled down to listen to her children plot and plan. She shoved someone into a direction that would allow them to intercept Xander, not the best choice, but Faith would do for now.

End of Series.

Table of Contents

Episode 71: 2

Episode 72: 22

Episode 73: 44

Episode 74: 56

Episode 75: 75

Episode 76: 90

Episode 77: 108

Episode 78: 129

Episode 79: 141

Episode 80: 153

Episode 81: 174

Episode 82: 189

Episode 83: 210

Episode 84: 225

Episode 85: 239

Episode 86: 253

Episode 87: 264

Episode 88: 279

Episode 89: 297

Episode 90: 312