Life's Second Chance

Prologue: Trapped

"Is it ready yet?" Rimfire commented as he peeked over Harley's shoulders.

"If you'd stop hovering I would get it done much faster," she laughed.

"Ahwwwwwwwww!" Vinnie called out in his boisterous way, " Hahaha Rimfire's got a new girlfriend!"

"Shut up Vinnie!" Rimfire just punched the mouse playfully.

"Settle down guys," Modo knelt down beside Harley, " Anything I can do?"

Smirking Harley added, "I need you to wield this spot right there while I go get her helmet." Seeing the nod from Modo chuckled as she happily ran off towards her work station where she'd run into Stoker, who picked her up and greeted her with a hug. "You're in a good mood today," he cooed warmly.

"Ray's present is just about ready! It's the best work I've done yet!" she beamed as she quickly side stepped the Martian and grabbed the helmet.

"Any call from the 'outside?" Stoker called out to the departing she-mouse.

"Yea, they should be here in about an hour!" Harley waved, "Don't be late!"

Back outside, the grey Martian just grinned at his finished work, "All done," Modo smiled as he stood up.

"Where's Rimfire?" Harley asked.

"He's gone to get them now," cybernetic eye dropped to see the helmet in tow. "I still can't believe she's leaving." His tones were sad and low.

Vinnie slapped his grey friend across the shoulders, "C'mon bro, don't-" he was cut mid sentence when Carbine burst in to the scene- fear in her eyes.

"What's wrong?" Harley was the first to address.

"Her ship, it's under attack! They can't dock here for long."

Just as Carbine had spoken, Throttle, Rimfire and Ray walked into plane sight.

"Babe what's wrong?" Throttle walked up to the female.

Carbine's words were trembling, "The ship is under attack, she's gotta leave - now or never!" she heaved, "I don't know how much time we can buy," she added before turning to Ray. "Captain-"

"I heard," Ray stated formally. She'd gotten a call on the receiver she was given the moment she'd made contact with the M.I.B. and thus her appearance at that moment. Not wanting to leave without a goodbye ran up to Harley and hugged her close, for she was the closest thing she'd had to a sister. "Going to miss you Harley.."

Tears swelled in the fae's eye as she gave the helmet, "This is for you." Side stepping revealed a custom bike with all the trimmings, "As a thank you for everything.. " she sniffled. Rimfire was next, and he couldn't help but have tears escape making Ray's heart sink. The lad may have had a tough exterior but deep inside, he was a softy. "Take care of yourself Cap."

Feeling tears well in her eyes Ray whispered into Rimfire's ear, "Call me Ray.." Kissing the teen on the cheek looked up to see Stoker who wore a grave expression. "We have to go now." Urgency filled his words. Seeing the girl mount her bike turned to his boys, "We will need an escort."

Vinnie grinned ear to ear, "We're in!"

Throttle whistled, making their trusty bikes pull in, "You know the drill bros." chuckling looked Carbine in the eyes before she kissed him on the cheek saying, "Take care of yourself." Throttle just smiled sweetly back and ran his fingers against her cheek, "You know me babe."

"AHAHAWWWWWWWWWWW! Let's get this party started!" Vinnie called before going off ahead.

Modo turned to Ray, "Think you can handle it?"

Smiling as she kicked in the engines , "Heh, music to my ears," the girl smirked before looking back at Harley who had her arm over Rimfire's shoulders. "We will meet again- My word..as a Freedom Fighter!" she waved.

Rimfire smiled as he stepped forward and out of Harley's grasp and choked out, "I'll hold you on that!" which made Harley wipe a tear as she saw the young mouse slouch his shoulders and bow his head. Leaning into Stoker's side Harley allowed herself to shed tears of both happiness and sorrow.

"In coming fire bros!" Throttle chuckled as he skidded to the left, only to hear a loud engine kick up suddenly from his right as it shot ahead.

"This is one's mine!" Ray called out quite happy with her new bike as she bunny hopped over an incoming rat as she fired a pair of mini missiles that struck the ground next to the buggy making the driver and sharp-shooter fly into the air.

"Nice one!" Modo called after he swerved holding out his robotic arm striking an attacker across the chest.

As Ray sped towards the landing pad she couldn't help but feel this sinking feeling in her gut, true they were under attack, but... it was still way too easy. Within moments of arrival after defeating their attackers, Ray was swarmed by Martian militant guards.

"Easy guys she's with us!" Throttle cut in as he stopped to her right.

"We have warrant for her arrest." Came one of the well decorated officers.

"What? But that can't be?" Ray protested eyeing the landing pad only to find it empty. "Where's the ship!?"

A familiar laugh rang out making her blood run cold.."No.."

"Why, we meet once again my good Captain." Came the smug lyrics of Lawrence Limburger.