Love of Mars

Chapter 13

After arriving at Stella's house and parking up, the two made their way inside the lab, Stoker in awe of how large and perfect-looking the house was whilst following Stella as she led him to her lab's entrance. Stepping into her work place Stoker let out a low whistle of appreciation.

"Well this sure beats working in a cave, that's for damn sure." A soft laugh left Stella's lips as she moved to be in front of him.

"Come, I'll show you everything! It's great to have someone who cannot only appreciate my work but will actually understand it!" And so Stoker was shown all of Stella's legacy projects, recently finished projects and some of her ongoing ones too. He was amazed at her gel DNA mask and was even more enthusiastic when she showed how it worked saying something like that would be invaluable on missions on Mars. The two had lengthy conversations about the theory behind each of her ideas and even brainstormed improvements and new ideas together.

"So, Stella-babe, what's this you're growing in this thing?" Stoker made his way to a large glass container full of multiple types of rocks and minerals and crystals.

"Oh that? It's just a hobby, I grow crystals and other minerals. I like to assess how they grow under different conditions."

"These pink ones, aren't they-"

"Tetra-hydro carbons? Yeah, I'd stand back though, too much exposure without the right equipment can lead to nasty side effects."

"Yeah, tell me about it. I need them to complete the project I'm working on at the moment... Didn't have the right coverage the first time. Let's say the side effects are more than nasty..." Stella hummed before moving the topic along, sensing he no longer wanted to talk about that.

"You're more than welcome to have some! They take around a hundred years to form to this size usually when in a natural environment but in optimum conditions it takes about five. And I grow as much at a time as possible, so far I have more than enough to spare you some if you ever need any."

"Really? Wow, thanks a lot, Doll. If I had some of those crystals I would be next to finishing my project!"

"What exactly is your project, Old Timer?"

"Less of the old thank you, Little Lady." The two shared a grin between them at the nicknames. "I don't wanna get anyone's hopes up but if I can finish it, it will save Mars. The machine has the potential to restore the lost resources. Life on Mars could return to normal! Water, food, plant life! All of it, restored in a matter of months. The war could be won easily; we wouldn't have to worry about having nothin' after. A better life for all."

"Sounds like a real nice plan. If you want, you can work here? I'd be glad for the company and I have all the machinery and resources you'd need and like you said, this is a damn site better than working in a cave. At least I have a coffee machine."

"I have nothing to give you, Honey. You'd still allow me to work here? With nothing in return?"

"Of course! I have plenty of money through inheritance and my own work, and have the space and equipment needed to help. I don't need anything in return. This house is secure as can be, the lab even more so! I have a free rooms upstairs too for when the guys and Charley stay over, you can stay there whenever you like!"

Suddenly she was swept up in a tight embrace.

"Thank you, Honey. You don't know how much this means to me or how much it will mean to Mars." A warm fuzzy sensation was on her cheek and she realised Stoker had kissed her cheek. It was a strange sensation and she couldn't help but wonder if it would feel just as strange if it was a different mouse... A deep blush took over her face.

"S'okay." He pulled away and studied her, he had felt her strong emotions just then through the brief contact with his antenna and her temple. There were so many mixed emotions that he couldn't pick just the one to focus on. 

"So which of my boys has caught your attention?" Stella sputtered in shock.

"What?!" The older mouse tapped his antenna.

"Mice can sense strong emotions with contact. You just felt a whole lot, Honey. So which of the bros is it?"

"I- um- I don't know what you're talking about..." Stoker made a uh-huh sound that showed he didn't believe her for one second. Cherry red mixed with Ice blue, neither breaking eye contact until they heard the lab door close and the sound of footsteps made their way down the hallway.

Stoker moved to be in front of Stella in a protective manner, Stella however, just shook her head knowing exactly who it was and went back to her white board to continue yesterday's work.

"Alright, Stella-girl? Old Timer?" Vinnie's loud voice entered the room before he did, followed by the other two mice.

"Hey guys, where's Charley?" Stella asked.

"Back at the garage, Stella-ma'am, told us to come here to get out of her way whilst she finished up. Said she'd join when she's finished." Stella nodded and went back to writing on one of the boards. The boys and Stoker made themselves comfy on the couches in the corner and took some root beers from the mini fridge. The 'old timer' keenly assessing each of the bros whenever the doctor was nearby.

"The new TV we ordered is in the main house by the stairs, boys if you wanted to set it up. You can catch today's game if you do it now." At that all three scrambled up to go get the tools and TV.

"Punks." Stoker smirked, sipping on his can of root beer. As chaotic as they left, the three came back and instantly started setting up the TV and attaching it to the bracket on the wall. Once it was all done they settled just in time to watch the game. At half time Charley waltzed in and slumped down in-between Stoker and Modo.

"So you're plannin' on sticking around for a while, Stokes?" Charley asked. "It'd be real nice to see you for more than a few days at a time, but won't HQ get a little pissy if one of their best guys ups and disappears on 'em?"

"I told 'em where I was goin'. They can't complain."

"Uh-huh." Charley smirked at him. "Knowing you, you probably just tacked a note on the door before taking off. 'Gone to Earth. Be back soon!' Am I right?"

He grinned. "It's almost spooky how well you know me., babe"

"Oh, it's no mystery," she snorted. "I practically live with a trio of Stoker-clones. If I haven't figured out what makes you macho mice tick by now, I'd be worried."

Stoker winked and chuckled before turning his attention back to the TV.