Memories

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Disclaimer: I don't own the BMFM or any character from that show. I do, however, own, Katianna, Dragon, Turbo, Starfire, Tactica, Sparky, Starmantle, Fire, Mari, Goldenmane, Taura, Pikestar, Stonewall, Nazira, Phoenix, Blaze, Blade, Rock, The Rockers, Firestars, Shimmers, Monarchs, the Fireblades and Junior. However, I don't own the original character, Marshall, who Junior is based on. Marshall is (C) to Brentwood Television Funnies as well as the BMFM.

I make no money from this writing (though I know we all wish we did) and do so only for the enjoyment of myself and others.

This story continues from Rescue. There is a warning of foul language and mild violence.

Memories

By Goldenmane

*********************

Mari awoke inside a small room, knees drawn up painfully, her chin resting on her knees. Junior had left very little room for her to move, though with the bruises she could see starting on her arms, she doubted if she could have gone far anyway. She could still find room to move her tail, which they had thankfully not broken, and drew out of her pocket the photo of the Rockers. She shifted her weight painfully, bringing one arm up. She traced each face with her finger, a silent tear falling for each name.

She closed her eyes, trying to picture them as she last remembered them. A few months before Monument fell. Mari shivered involuntarily. She could see Monument spread out before her. The children playing in the streets. Adults talking though some bore the uniforms of the army, many more still carrying weapons of some sort. Patrols constantly rolled by, the children breaking off from their games to follow the Freedom Fighters on their bikes.

Mari soon drifted off to a weary sleep.

Training grounds outside Marconia Base, Chryse Plains, 1982 Earth time

"Keep yer chin up. I've seen other Freedom Fighters who can aim better than you," Rock yelled. "It doesn't matter where you hit them, so long as you kill 'em."

Mari half smiled when she saw one of the new recruits sigh before reaming his laser. She centred her nerves before firing several rounds into the target. She grinned wider as the centre of the target fell out with a thud.

"Mari, how many times do I gotta tell you not to destroy the targets?" Rock said loudly.

"As many times as it takes, sir," Mari said with a grin. She knew Rock wouldn't be angry at her. She was the best sharpshooter of the unit.

Rock returned her grin with a quirk of the brow. "Alright Freedom Fighters, enough for today. Time to hit the town."

"Finally," Mari heard one of the new recruits say. "R&R!"

Mari chuckled heading for a knot of other fighters.

"It's a wonder Rock doesn't take your pay to replace all the target's you destroy," a grey-furred mouse said.

"Sparky, Rock knows better. So? What's the plan? The usual?" Mari asked.

Sparky shrugged looking towards the others. "Might just as well."

Mari motioned towards one of the new recruits, the one Rock had chastised earlier. "Hows about we ask him along for the ride? Looks like he's got no one or anywhere to go?"

"Charitable as always," Tactica laughed, smiling when her mate Sparky grabbed her from behind. "Fresh, aren't we?"

"No expiration date here," Sparky chuckled, pecking her on the cheek.

"Right," Mari said. "Be right back." She trotted to the new recruit, startling him. "Hi, name's Mari, care to join us for a night on the town?"

The brown-furred mouse ran a hand through his short salt and pepper hair. "Um, I guess so. Where did you plan to go?" he asked pensively.

"Wherever our bikes lead us," Mari said with a lopsided grin. "So, what's yer name?"

"Starmantle," he said, slinging his rifle over his shoulder.

Mari grinned wider. "Come on, it'll be fun. What are you waiting for? Plutarkians to escort you?"

Starmantle weakly chuckled, following Mari.

"Guys, this is Starmantle, Starmantle, this here is Sparky, Tactica, Starfire and Turbo," Mari introduced each one in turn. "I guess you could call us a sort of unit within a Unit."

"Isn't it dangerous to form close ties, I mean, with war and all?" Starmantle asked.

"War is dangerous," Turbo said, laying a hand on Mari's shoulder. "But we can't let it stop our lives. Death is a part of war, we all know that. And we know sure as the sun rises that one day we could go into battle and never return."

Starfire grinned. "But we've been friends since before those fish-guts landed on Mars, why should we let one little war break that up?"

Starmantle nodded. "I guess your right."

"So? What are we waiting for?" Mari asked. "Leave only lasts so long,"

They headed for their bikes, joking, laughing, having a good time, often explaining to Starmantle some of their jokes. They headed towards the nearest town, Monument. Some of them had homes there, others relatives. In the case of Mari and Turbo, a small family.

"Guys, see if you can find any watering holes around here, I'll be back in a flash, gotta check on Phoenix," Mari said, breaking off of the rest.

"Want me to come along?" Turbo asked.

"If you want, this won't take long."

Mari watched as his flame-streaked red bike pulled smoothly in beside her ice-blue bike adorned with lightning bolts. Fire and Ice, matched in abilities, complimenting each other, just like their riders.

"It's just a wonder that Nazira is so willing to watch over Phoenix for us," Turbo said, grabbing Mari's hand.

"I know, but it does her good to have a playmate the same age, since we can't always be there for her," Mari said, squeezing his hand.

They rode through the heart of Monument, passing a knot of Army soldiers sitting just outside one of the pubs. They slowed when several of them rose, moving to block their path.

"So," one of them said, "What we got here? Freedom Fighters?"

"More like a bunch'a losers to me," another said, rising unsteadily.

Mari wrinkled her nose. "Geeze, even through my visor I can smell you from here. You boys are soused good."

"So? What's it to ya?" a burly mouse rose, pushing his way past the others. "Wanna make an issue out of it?"

"Not really," Turbo said. "I got nothing against the Army."

"No?" the soldier asked. "Well I's got a problem with you 'Freedom Fighters'. If'n it weren't for you louts, we wouldn't be at war with the Plutarkians."

Mari chuckled to herself. 'If it weren't for us,' she thought, 'Mars would be run by the Plutarkians.' Instead she remained silent.

"Does Scabbard or Carbine know you're here? I don't think they'd like their soldiers drunk and acting very un-'army'-like," Turbo said, gunning Fire's engine. "Come on, let's go."

"You're going no where," the soldier said. "Boys, let's show these 'rebels' what it means to usurp the Army's authority."

Mari backed Ice up. "Sidewinder seven?"

"Sounds good to me," Turbo said, swinging Fire around.

Mari repositioned Ice so that both bikes backs faced the soldiers. "Ever wonder if Army grunts get enough training in the desert? I mean, have they actually experienced the dreaded 'sand in the shorts' experience?"

"What do you think yer doing?" the soldier asked, advancing.

"Oh, nothing," Mari said innocently. "Just wondering if you boys know how to blind fight?"

"Kick it?" Turbo asked.

Mari grinned. "Can't keep the other's waiting, can we?"

They gunned their bike's engines, back wheels spinning, sliding the bikes back and forth. A cloud of dust and spray of sand covered the soldiers. Mari and Turbo kicked their bikes in gear, speeding off with a screech of tires.

"Damned Army," Turbo muttered.

"Not the Army but the government. They control the Army, sending them on wild chases instead of stopping the real threat," Mari paused. "Or why do you think the Freedom Fighters were formed?"

Turbo nodded as they rounded a corner, stopping before a mud-brick house. "They ought to keep better tabs on their soldiers if they want to maintain an Army."

Mari only shrugged. "Remember the last time we all went for R&R?" She pictured the last pub they had gone to, the inevitable brawl starting in a far corner, spreading like wildfire until they and their friends had to defend themselves long enough to escape with their tails in tact.

Turbo had to agree, even the Freedom Fighters in Rock's Unit could get a little drunk now and then.

Mari walked up the steps, knocking on the door. She waited, smiling when a tall, muscular female mouse opened the door. In her arms was a two-year-old boy, a stuffed mouse in his hand.

"Hi, Nazira," Mari said. "And how is Blade today?" She ruffled the boy's hair. He giggled, waving the mouse around.

"Doing fine," Nazira said. "He and Phoenix had a good play session today and took their naps at the same time. I do have to admit one thing, Phoenix has a good effect on Blade. He seems calmer when she's around."

"She does have that affect, doesn't she," Mari said. "Got a sec so we can come in?"

Nazira moved. "She's in the other room. I had to change Blade."

"He still has accidents?" Mari asked.

Nazira nodded. "Not as frequently though."

Mari and Turbo went into the playroom, their daughter contentedly playing with the blocks in the centre of the room. Mari scooped her daughter up, ruffling her hair as well. "Did you miss us?"

Phoenix nodded emphatically. "Mommy!" she squealed. "Play?"

Mari sighed, a sad smile on her face. "Mommy and daddy'll be back in a while to get you, ok?"

Phoenix began to pout. "I wan' mommy."

Mari handed Phoenix over to Turbo. "Here, let daddy hold you for a while, I've got to talk with Nazira."

Phoenix started to protest, her discontentment abating when Turbo knelt on the floor and began playing with the blocks, taking her mind off of her mother.

Mari went into the other room, finding Nazira sitting, cradling Blade. "You hear the latest scuttlebutt going around?"

"That the Plutarkians are here to stay? That they've set up bases all over Mars? That they're doing more than just stripping Mars right out from under us?" Nazira said in soft, sad tones. "Oh, yes. I may not have much to do now that I have a family, unlike you two, but I still keep on top of things."

"Once a Freedom Fighter, always a Freedom Fighter," Mari said wistfully. "Stoker always watches out for us, even those who retired, early or no."

Nazira chuckled. "He wants me back, he needs every available fighter he can get. But I don't want to risk my neck out there. Blade already lost a father, I don't want him to loose a mother as well." Nazira looked up. "You two should think about stepping down for now, at least until Phoenix is older."

"Where could we go that there is no fighting?" Mari asked. "Most of Mars has been destroyed. Plutarkians hold a lot of land. And if it's not them, then it's their lackeys the Sand Raiders. And the rats aren't doing a whole heck of a lot to help us out."

"I know things are hard now. We grew up with peace. Before anyone or thing threatened our homelands, our families," Nazira said sadly. "Just think on it."

Mari lowered her gaze, walking out of the room. She found Turbo sitting, Phoenix in his lap snuggled against his chest. "I think I'll cancel our little 'date' with the others. Let them know I have other plans."

"Do those plans include me?" Turbo asked, looking up from his daughter.

"They can," Mari said with a grin. "If you want?"

Turbo rose, repositioning Phoenix. He motioned for Mari to lead.

They said their goodbye's to Nazira before heading to their bikes. Mari radioed Tactica telling her that they were taking Phoenix back to their home to spend some time with her. Tactica flatly stated that finally they were acting like a family rather than fighters. Mari chuckled as they headed for home, Phoenix safely strapped to Turbo.

Once they arrived at their place, Mari unlocked the door, opening it slowly. Dust had began to accumulate on the table and she sighed. They had been away from home too long. But war had a way of doing that. Breaking up families either through death or displacement. Sometimes she wondered how the mice kept their sense of racial identity intact with their world crumbling slowly around them.

Mari and Turbo played with Phoenix until their daughter began to rub her eyes. Mari kissed her on the forehead before getting her ready for bed. Turbo helped, tucking her in. They both kissed her on the cheeks before shutting off the light and closing the door behind them. They retired to their room.

Mari stripped bare, sitting on the edge of the bed. She sighed, smiling when Turbo began to caress and knead her shoulders. She reached up and took his hands in hers. She turned slightly, kissing him.

"I think we've been ignoring ourselves lately," he said softly.

"The Plutarkians keep advancing, little by little. We have to be ready. In case they get as far as Monument," Mari said.

"That's not what I mean. I know we said we'd wait until after the war to have children, but Phoenix happened to change those plans. I know we put our lives on hold to win this war," Turbo said. "But I don't want to. Not anymore. We've seen good mice die fighting the Plutarkians. Mars might not have a future. We might loose this war."

Mari turned to face him, running her hands absently along his chest. "We can't let ourselves think like that. Mars does have a future. One where we finally get those stink faces off our planet. We will have peace."

"But will we be in that future?"

Mari sighed, leaning him back. "Who knows. But at least we have this small moment to ourselves. Phoenix is asleep and we don't have to be back at base for another day or so. I think Rock'll understand anyway if we are a few days late."

Turbo chuckled. "Are we thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Dunno," Mari purred. "Let's find out, shall we?"

They dimmed the lights, finding pleasure all night long. When the morning came they rose only long enough to eat and check on Phoenix before heading back to bed. They would enjoy themselves for now because neither one of them could predict how the war would turn out, and they wanted to spend as much time together as they could.

Marconia Base, Chryse Plains, 1984 Earth Time

"Keep trying," Rock yelled at the radio operator. "We've got to reestablish contact with either Stoker or Carbine."

"Sir, I can't the signal's dead on their end."

Rock slammed his fist into the wall beside the radio operator who jumped visibly.

"I..I can try again in a few moments," the radio operator stammered.

"Do that," Rock said, storming away.

Mari went to the radio operator. "Don't worry. Rock get's upset over the littlest things now. This damned war has dragged on for far too long. We should have won by now."

"Stalemate," he said, trying in vain to raise someone. "Wait," he shouted. "I've got the Army frequency up."

The screen before them flickered to life. "General, Marconia Base reporting in," the radio operator at Army HQ shouted over his shoulder.

Mari stood just a little bit straighter as Carbine entered the picture. "General,"

"What's the situation?" Carbine asked.

"We're on full alert. We tried to raise the Monastery or HQ to check on situations there, no word from Stoker," Mari said.

Carbine nodded. "The Monastery has fallen to the Plutarkians. They had captured the heart of the Resistance."

Mari's heart leapt. "But..."

"We got them back, banged up but alive. Freed some other prisoners as well," Carbine said. "That only leaves you and us."

"What about the survivors?" Mari asked.

Carbine sighed. "Right now Stoker has them on the move. Though I'd better warn you now. The rats are not our allies, but our enemies. One of them infiltrated Monastery Base and kidnapped a mechanic right out from under our noses."

Mari swallowed hard. That hit a little too close to home.

"What about Marconia Base? Have the Plutarkians advanced any?"

Mari nodded. "They have gained a lot of ground. We can spot their encampment from the watchtowers in Monument. We've mobilized a task force to stay in Monument round the clock"

"Good," Carbine said. "But where's Rock? Shouldn't he be making the report instead of you?"

Mari paled. "Um.. yes, but he had to step out for a moment."

"Ah, temper got the best of him?"

"Um.. yes, sir," Mari said.

Carbine started to smile. "Don't worry, soldier, you did a good job reporting. Who knows, maybe one day you'll get your own command."

Mari half smiled. "Thanks, General."

"Keep us informed, HQ out."

Mari breathed a sigh of relief, turning from the screen. She froze when she saw Rock standing in the doorway.

"She's right. You would make a fine leader."

Mari began to speak, words failed her. "Thank you, Sir," she finally managed to squeak out.

"Head back home to be with your family. You deserve the time off. With a newborn and all, I'm surprised both of you wanted to come back so soon,"

Mari only nodded, exiting as fast as she could. She did not stop until she came to the bike bay and mounted Ice. Turbo had already headed home to be with his children. Sometimes she wondered who he doted over more, Phoenix who had to adjust to a new baby, or Blaze who demanded more attention.

Mari rode hard and fast, keeping on the lookout for Plutarkian patrols. She cursed her luck when she spotted three Plutarkians conversing with Sand Raiders. She cursed even louder when she picked up several unfriendly blips on Ice's radar.

"Plutarkians and Sand Raiders spotted," she radioed both to Base and the group at Monument. "Requesting back-up."

"Back-up sent," a voice said over the radio. "ETA five minutes from Monument, three from Marconia. Marconia says no-go."

"Of all the cheese," she began. "Thanks a bunch."

She activated Ice's defence system, riding as hard and fast as she could towards Monument. She dodged the rain of missiles as the Sand Raiders began their attack backed up by Plutarkian firepower. Never had they come this close to either Marconia or Monument. Something would have to be done about them. Something fast.

Mari could see in the distance the outer walls of Monument. "Incoming," she yelled over her radio, smiling when she saw several bikers sitting just outside the walls. "Well? Aren't you going to help me or not?"

"Gee," Tactica began. "I thought you had things well under control?"

"Very funny," Mari snapped. "Now give me some cover fire, will ya?"

"As requested," Sparky said.

Mari ducked their laser fire, skidding to a halt behind them. "Too many to battle, get inside the walls and we'll get them from there. That is, unless the rest of the defenders want a go at them."

Starmantle shook his head. "They won't leave the safety of Monument. They think that if they stay ensconced, then nothing will happen to them."

"Fools," Mari muttered. "If they can take out the Monastery Base, then they can get us anywhere."

"What?" the others chorused in disbelief.

"Heard it from Carbine herself," Mari said. "Plutarkians got the heart of the resistance and destroyed the Monastery. Stoker has the remaining fighters on the run. And yes, they did get our best fighters back."

Tactica breathed a sigh of relief. "Fighters, back to base."

Mari nodded. "Open the gates, we're coming in," she called to the watchtower.

"No can do. Not with Plutarkians so close to Monument," came the reply.

"I said, open up," Mari growled.

The watchtower guard cut the connection. Mari growled again when she heard the snap on her radio. "Damned fool."

"Can't blame them. This whole mess has us all scared, shaken, and wondering if today will be our last," Starfire said sadly.

"Well, fighters, there's only one thing we can do," Mari said. "Let's rock 'em till we drop 'em."

With a whoop, they sped off to meet the enemy, blasting Plutarkians and Sand Raiders with controlled abandonment. Mari swerved, grabbing a Sand Raider by the neck with her tail, dragging him on the ground. She released him, spinning Ice around to take out one of the Plutarkian's small buggies.

Tactica dodged laser fire from one of the Sand Raider's hoppers, firing missiles continuously at it. She smiled when Sparky fired a grappling hook at it's legs, toppling it. They headed off, side by side.

Starmantle aimed a missile at the centre knot of Plutarkian rifflefish. He cheered when his aim proved true. Starfire followed his lead, stopping short to point. "They've brought reinforcements."

Mari turned at Starfire's shout. "Back to Monument. And this time, 'watchtower', you're letting us in."

"No problem, this time," came a very familiar voice.

"Turbo?" Mari asked.

"I figured he needed a little persuasion in the matter," he chuckled. "All clear, doors'll open when you are in range."

Mari smiled. "Roger that. Mice, back to Monument. Time to regroup."

They sped back, hoping Turbo would time the doors. One miscalculation and they would slam full speed into the metal guard doors.

Mari ticked off the seconds as the walls of Monument grew nearer. She smiled when the doors parted and they shot through, the doors closing almost immediately. They screeched to a halt, dismounting and taking their helmets off. Mari relayed the info from Carbine, much to the dismay and shock of the others.

This war would be a lot harder to win then they had first thought, Mari mused. But win they must if they were to have any future on Mars. A future still clouded by the shadow of war and death.

Junior's Fortress, Holding Cell, 2000 Earth Time

Mari jolted awake at a grating sound. She tried to separate dream from reality. Shaking her head and grimacing at the stiffness in her neck, she looked around. She noticed one of the granite blocks had shifted. Mari wondered if her mind had played tricks on her because she could have sworn to see the block move. She could not move, helpless in her current state.

The block, however, continued to move, until it fell away completely.

"Mari?" a voice called from the other side of the hole.

"Vinnie?" she whispered.

"Stonewall'll break you out in a moment," Vinnie said in hushed tones. "Just give him a moment."

Mari nodded, smiling to herself. "Gotcha," she replied instead.

She waited agonizing moment after moment as the blocks slowly came away one by one. She hoped Junior or one of his warriors would not enter at that moment. Not while freedom was so close at hand.

When the last block fell, Mari tried to slide her way out. It was then she noticed her legs and hips had gone numb. She had no idea how long she had been there.

Slowly and painfully she bent her legs, letting Vinnie and Stonewall help her out of her prison. She collapsed to the ground, unable to stand.

"I've heard from some of the escapees that with confinement too long in there they lost the ability to walk for good," Stonewall said.

"Thanks for the comforting news," Mari said, groaning as Vinnie helped her to her feet. She massaged her jaw, wincing at the bruise. "Man but Junior's warriors did a good job on me. But that doesn't change the facts. We've still got to find Kat."

Vinnie shook his head. "No such luck yet."

"Split up," Mari said, standing on her own now. "I guess the maximum security cells must be near here. Maybe we can find them."

Stonewall nodded. "Best plan yet," he said, his deep bass voice rumbling along the stone walls.

"Meet back outside," she said. "Where's Ice?"

"Back with the Firestars. Taura wanted to keep all transporter bikes in one place. Far away from Junior," Vinnie said.

Mari looked around. "With these conditions, on foot is the best. Let's get going before Junior finds us."

They split, going their separate ways.

Mari had a feeling, deep down inside, that they would find the remaining prisoners, Kat amongst them, and solve the mystery of the maximum security prisoners. Junior's personal captives that may mean a way of beating him at last.

Mari centred her nerves and continued the search, blanking her mind of all thought. She had to be ready, vulnerable without a bike. And vastly outnumbered by Junior's forces.

The search would continue.