Thought I'd check in with the SPD crew once again just to keep the stories a little fresher. Hoping everyone will respond to this as well as they have up until now, any comments and reviews are gratefully received, even criticisms (hey, I need to know what I'm doing wrong if I want to improve my writing.) Now to get the usual stuff out of the way.
Rating:- T. Mild themes, language and violence, but nothing that should seriously offend or upset anyone.
Legal:- I do not own Power Rangers or any of the associated names, characters, events, places etc. etc. This story is to be considered non-canon and with the exception of everything covered under the rights as stated above, all characters, places, events etc. are to be considered purely the creation of the author.
This story follows on from my previous fics, Departure and Happy Birthday Syd, so obviously I'd prefer it if you read them first. Just in case though, here's what's been happening.
Six months on since Jack left SPD and Sky became Red Ranger, Bridge became more and more focussed on his training and began spending less time with the team, becoming a virtual recluse with no real explanation. Shortly afterwards Supreme Commander Birdie Fowler retires and Cruger leaves earth to replace him, promoting Sky to Commander of SPD earth and charging him with choosing a new Red Ranger.
Bridge's mood and behaviour becomes, if anything more erratic and self-destructive. Following some careless words from an arrogant young cadet, Bridge is involved in a violent confrontation in which he inadvertently hurts Z. After an emotional talk with her, Bridge finally reveals why he's been acting so strangely. Not only is he feeling the crushing loneliness of watching all his friends leave the squad, but he is tearing himself apart physically in an attempt to single-handedly replace the entire squad.
Sky, unable to fathom what has happened in a state of confusion asks Bridge what has happened, and when Bridge refuses to speak he suspends him, causing Bridge to storm out of the complex. In an emotional display Z tells him in no uncertain terms what has been going on in Bridge's mind and what she thinks of how Sky has handled the situation, before leaving to find Bridge. Finding him outside in an emotional state, she reveals that she loves him and takes care of him during his brief homelessness.
Sky, himself distraught at how badly everything's gone is urged by Kat to find Bridge and make amends, however his confidence in his ability to lead has been shaken and it is only through the intervention of Commander Cruger that he is convinced to remain at SPD and not resign his position. Having resolved to stay at the helm, he finally makes the decision that was left in his hands by Commander Cruger and promotes Bridge to the position of Red Ranger.
A few months later, the team attend Syd's birthday party, where they are surprised to discover that Syd's family are good long-term friends with Kimberly, the original Pink Ranger, and her husband David, whom Syd considers family and refers to as aunt and uncle. The celebrations are interrupted when an alien attacks the city, and Syd is badly injured during the battle and requires a blood transfusion, which leads to her making a painful and startling discovery. Her real parents are in fact Kimberly and David, from whom she was stolen as an infant and sold unknowingly to her uncle who gave her to the infertile Drews who were desperate to start a family.
With Sky's intervention, she is eventually able to talk to her family, who she feels have betrayed her by lying to her since her birth, and begins to work things out with him. She also finally reveals that she is in love with Sky, and the two share a passionate kiss which begins a romantic relationship.
Family Business
Sky came into the gym of the SPD base in the early afternoon. He had granted Syd leave to deal with her recent family situation, and he wanted to get his mind off her for a little while. They'd had a couple of dates since they'd gotten together, but at the moment she was concentrating on sorting things out with her parents. Just because he understood her spending so much time with them didn't mean he didn't miss her dreadfully, or look forward to her coming back from leave.
It had been a couple of months now since she had gone home, and her extended absence had necessitated bringing one of the cadets up to replace her on the active roster on a temporary basis. He found her working out on one of the rowing machines as he entered. She was relatively short, possibly a little shorter than Syd, but he couldn't be sure because he'd never seen them together to compare and she was quite slight in build. Indeed, Johnson had once affectionately referred to her as "munchkin", but that offered him and the others a direct lesson in exactly how capable a fighter she really was. Johnson still hadn't recovered from the humiliation of his defeat on the sparring mat, and the rest of B-Squad constantly teased him about it. She had jet black hair and warm, brown eyes. Despite the dark colouring of her hair, she was remarkably pale skinned. Sky had to admit he'd noticed that she was quite attractive, even though his heart was with Syd, and that wasn't going to change any time soon.
"Hi there, do you fancy a little sparring?" He asked, greeting the young cadet. She stopped rowing briefly to catch her breath, mopping sweat from her brow with a towel.
"Are you still missing Syd?" She asked him, knowing he normally pushed himself in the gym any time something was on his mind.
"I miss her like crazy," he admitted as he strapped on his sparring mitts, "so, how about it? Fancy letting me work off some aggression?"
"Maybe later Sky, Z gave me a pretty good run for my money earlier." She replied, taking a sip from her water bottle. "Perhaps my brother would like to go a few rounds with you."
She gestured over to another cadet who was working his way through a set on the bench press. Sky had noticed both of them during training, and had been impressed by their progress. They were well ahead of schedule in their classes, and were almost due for
promotion to active reserve status, which is why he'd seen fit to give her the opportunity. They were almost identical in ability, occasionally one having a slight advantage, but on the whole they were very evenly matched. It was only the fact that he thought her brother might object to being asked to replace the Pink Ranger that made him take the decision to award the position to his sister.
"Hey, feel like taking on your Commanding Officer?" Sky taunted the young man. "If you think you're up to it of course."
He re-set the weight bar on the cradle and sat up on the bench. He was a fair bit taller than his sister, almost the same height as sky. His physique was toned, more like that of someone who'd spent many years training as a fighter than simply being big like a weight lifter. He had soft brown eyes, and blonde hair that was slightly too long and he just let do it's own thing most days. He eyed Sky up thoughtfully for a second, before giving him a little half-smile. "No weapons, nothing's wild?" He asked.
"Sure, if you insist." Sky replied with a shrug. Clearly the rookie didn't know what he was letting himself in for. Pulling on his mitts and stepping onto the mat, the cadet stretched off and prepared a guard. "Are you ready?"
"I'm ready anytime you are." The cadet answered, beckoning him forward. Z and Bridge stopped their own workout to watch the show. Sky would probably have gone easy on the rookie, but that little gesture would have earned him a lesson in respect. Sky launched into a kick, which the cadet barely managed to slip, but Sky managed to grab him, sweeping his leg and bearing him to the floor. He held a fist above the cadet's face.
"You let your guard slip." Sky commented. He allowed the cadet to get up and re-set. "Are you ready?" Z and Bridge were sharing a small joke at the cadet's expense. His sister rolled her eyes and sat by the edge of the mat to watch.
"Stop messing about bro." She groaned. "He can handle it."
He looked over to his sister and gave her a barely noticed wink. "I'm ready when you are." He answered Sky with a smirk. Sky rushed forward for a punch, but the youngster was too quick, catching him flat-footed in a scissor sweep, bringing him to the ground and finishing the round with a swift chop to the back of his neck. He released Sky before flicking nimbly back to his feet. Sky followed suit, re-setting to the starting position.
"Nice move kid." Z shouted encouragement from the sidelines.
"It's been a while since a cadet put you down." Bridge chuckled at Sky light-heartedly. It was true that he wasn't often bested by a cadet, even his own squad members regularly had difficulty keeping pace with him. Sky had clearly underestimated the young man.
"You did well kid." He complimented the youngster, shaking his hand.
"Fancy stepping it up a gear?" He asked in response. "Do you fancy a little freestyle?"
"Look, I don't want you to overdo it." Sky answered.
"I'm cool with it." He answered. "Come on, it'll be fun."
"OK." Sky said with a long sigh. "Of course freestyle is a lot different from one point finish."
"I know." He answered. "So, do you want to lead off?"
Sky launched into a barrage of kicks and punches which the cadet parried with expert precision. Launching a few attacks back, Sky quickly found himself under pressure, before finally gaining some distance to breathe by spinning away a short distance.
"You're pretty good." Sky complimented him.
"Thanks." He responded, launching to the attack again. "You're doing great too."
By now no-one in the gym was working out, save for Sky and his opponent. Everyone was far too interested in watching the Commanding Officer in action. Blocking a couple of skilful counter-attacks from Sky, the cadet attempted to snatch him into an arm lock, though Sky's attempt at an escape and counter was quickly locked, leaving both men in a stalemate position, unable to press any form of attack.
"You're holding back aren't you?" The cadet asked him with a smile.
"Of course I am." Sky responded.
"Please don't." He told him, before shoving Sky away. The two continued to battle back and forth, neither one able to put the other away. Eventually, several minutes later, they both finally stood, staring at each other thoroughly exhausted. Sky waved a hand in the air in front of him to indicate that the match was over.
"Shall we call it a draw?" Sky asked, still fighting for breath.
"Oh thank god, yes." The cadet panted back, now allowing his exhaustion to show. Sky came over to him and congratulated him with a handshake.
"You did exceptionally well." He remarked. "Where did you learn to fight like that? I know those aren't just academy moves."
"Mom and Dad always wanted us to be able to defend ourselves." He responded as he sat down, trying to regain his composure. "Dad trained me since I was about five; we used to spar all the time."
The substitute Pink Ranger came over to her brother's side and patted him on the shoulder. "Not bad baby brother." She congratulated him cheekily. "You managed to keep the base commander on his toes."
"You know, I am only 19 minutes younger than you sis." He reminded her. Bridge and Z quickly joined the rest of them by the bench.
"Hey, you did great." Bridge greeted him warmly. "Maybe we could train together sometime."
"Well talent seems to run in the family." Z commented. "Your sister usually drives me pretty close to the wire."
"She also makes a pretty good Ranger." Sky chimed in, causing the poor girl to turn the same shade as her uniform.
"I'm sure you'd rather have Syd back." She muttered. "I know I'm just the substitute."
"But you handled the role well." Sky put down with authority. "I have every confidence in both of you. I'm glad you're being promoted to reserve status."
"Thanks sir." They chorused together.
"Anyway, do the two of you want to grab a bite to eat or something?" Bridge asked.
"I'm afraid we can't." The substitute Pink Ranger said with a note of regret in her voice. "We're having dinner with Mom and Dad tonight."
"Yeah, mom isn't coming to our graduation tomorrow." Her brother informed them. "We agreed to do the whole celebration dinner thing tonight."
"Is she too busy or something?" Z asked. "I'd have thought she'd love to come."
"We kind of asked her not to." The Pink Ranger answered. "She doesn't do it intentionally, but whenever we go out, she has a habit of drawing attention to herself."
"People just kind of crowd round her when she goes out in public," her brother confirmed, "We just wanted it to be a quiet ceremony. Dad's coming though; we couldn't stop him bringing his video camera if we tried."
"Well at least your mom will get to see the video." Sky commented. "Enjoy yourselves."
"I'm sure we will." The Pink Ranger called back. "We'll see you guys tomorrow."
"See ya." The Rangers chorused together as they left.
"You know, it's a shame we're only allowed five Rangers." Bridge interjected thoughtfully as he put an arm around Z, pulling her close. "I'd really like to see them on the squad some day."
"You know, I am still a Ranger." Sky reminded him, launching his sweat towel at Bridge's head, but accidently hitting Z.
"Gross!" She shrieked, throwing it back. "I would definitely recommend a shower before your date tonight."
"Oh that's right, you're seeing Syd tonight, aren't you?" SOPHIE interrupted as she arrived in the room with Johnson, the Blue Ranger. "Where are you going?"
"Syd loves Italian, so I'm taking her to that fancy place on the edge of town." He replied, unable to stop a little goofy grin cross his face. "It'll be great to see her."
"How long is it until she gets back?" Z asked.
"She wants to come back in a couple of weeks." He answered. "She's almost got everything sorted with her folks, but she said she wants to get back before she gets rusty." With that, he got off the bench, making his way to the shower room.
"Tell her we were thinking about her." Bridge shouted after him. Sky waved over his shoulder to confirm he'd heard the Red Ranger.
"I suppose it's time for our workout." Johnson stated. "Do you want to warm up first SOPHIE?"
"How many times do I have to remind you?" She groaned. "I'm a Cyborg, I don't need to exercise."
"Well, enjoy yourselves anyway." Bridge remarked as he got up to leave. "Come on Z; let's have a look through the DVD library for something to watch."
"OK, but no chick flicks." She commented as she took his hand and turned to leave. "See you guys later."
Sky checked his watch for the umpteenth time as he sat alone in the restaurant. It was a little after 7, so Syd wasn't really late, but he hadn't seen her in over a week, so he was keen to catch up with her. The waiter came over yet again to see if he wanted something other than water and bread.
"Sorry, I got a little held up." Syd greeted him with a quick kiss as she sat down. "Could I have the minestrone to start?"
"I'll have the same." Sky interjected. "What's the special?"
"The chef has prepared bolognaise of wild boar." The waiter informed him. "It really is excellent."
"I'll have that then." Sky told him, handing back the menu.
"I'll have that too," Syd responded, also handing back the menu, "and a bottle of the house red."
"It's great to see you." Sky said to her, handing over the bread basket. There wasn't much left because of his habit of always arriving chronically early and then waiting for ages. "You look great tonight. How are things back home?"
"Kim and David are fine." She began, taking a crusty roll. "So are mom and dad. It's been tough, but I think things are starting to go a lot better. How's my substitute doing?"
"It's funny you should ask that." Sky commented, nodding his head in the direction of the private dining rooms. The Pink Ranger's substitute and her brother had just arrived, being greeted by a man who looked to be in his early fifties, with slowly greying short hair and designer reading glasses. Sky couldn't help thinking he somehow looked familiar. "They said they were meeting their parents for dinner, what are the odds?"
"They're here?" Syd asked. "Maybe we should ask to join them?"
"No offence, but I'll see them tomorrow." Sky put down, smiling at her. "I want tonight to be just about us."
"You always were a charmer." Syd replied. "Hey look, here comes the starters."
The next morning, six cadets had assembled in the main foyer of the SPD base in their formal uniforms, ready for the graduation ceremony. Rows of chairs had been set up to allow family and press to watch the ceremony. The Rangers, minus Syd's substitute who was with the graduating cadets, had assembled at one side of the stage, just across from the cadets. Sky approached a podium and tapped the microphone to make sure it was working.
"Good morning distinguished guests." Sky began his speech. "We are here today to witness these fine young cadets being recognised for their hard work and dedication by being advanced to active reserve status. In the event any one of the Rangers is unable to perform his or her duties, I have every confidence any of these young people will be able to fill their shoes."
The audience and the Rangers applauded the cadets, as Sky suddenly noticed a late arrival sitting down in a reserved seat in the front row. He was in his early fifties, and greying slightly, but Sky got a direct look at his face and recognised him from his picture in the Ranger Hall of Legend.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are lucky enough to be joined today by a legendary Ranger, Dr. Tommy Oliver." He announced, gesturing to the new arrival in the front row. "Would you do us the honour of saying a few words?"
Tommy made his way to the stage, taking his place by the microphone, looking a little sheepish. He had only come to watch the ceremony, not take part in it. "Uh, sorry I don't have anything prepared." He began apologetically. "I'd just like to say, that even though you will not be Rangers, you will be required to undertake an awesome responsibility. You have proven yourselves capable, and you have every right to be proud of yourselves. May the Power protect you."
The audience and the cadets applauded the speech as Tommy made his way back to his seat.
"OK, I guess all that's left is to hand out the diplomas." Sky stated, resuming the ceremony. He was interrupted as several members of the press suddenly seemed to amass around someone coming in the front door, taking pictures and barking questions. Sky strained his neck to see what the commotion was, noticing a short, blonde woman in a business suit and dark sunglasses forcing her way through the paparazzi.
"I'm here for the ceremony." She yelled at them. "I'm not answering questions." She made her way over and sat down beside Tommy.
"Well I'm sorry about that." Sky said a little grumpily, clearly upset at having been interrupted. "OK, I'll begin. Kenneth Anderson."
The crowd applauded as the first cadet came to accept his diploma, shaking Sky's hand and making his way off stage to his family.
"Benjamin Davis." Sky continued. Another cadet accepted his diploma and sat down to the crowd's applause. "Sandra Dixon." The first on two female cadets accepted her diploma. "Stephen Forrest." Another cadet took his scroll and sat down. Sky then prepared to read the next name, but found himself stopped in his tracks, and a little smile crossed his face. He hadn't bothered to check the personnel records! He had to try hard not to laugh as he now realised who they were.
"Emma Oliver." The other Rangers almost collapsed as Sky read out the name. She'd never told them her surname. They now realised why Tommy was there, and why the woman beside him had caused such a storm with the press. She was Kira Oliver, the famous singer and record producer. As Emma approached Sky, he chuckled slightly as he handed her the diploma. "You kept that one quiet."
"We always wanted to make it on our own." Emma explained. "We didn't want people to think we got by on who our parents are."
As she left to join her parents, Sky announced the last name. "Frank Oliver." Frank accepted his diploma.
"No wonder you fight so well," Sky commented, "being trained by Tommy Oliver."
"What can I say; it's kind of a family business." He joked. "It's not like we were ever likely to end up in desk jobs."
"Let's hear it once more for our graduates." Sky announced, causing the audience to applaud once more as Frank left the stage.
"You said you wouldn't come." Frank groaned to his mother as he sat down. "That whole thing with the press was so embarrassing."
"Embarrassing their kids is what mothers do." Kira replied. "Besides, did you really think I was going to miss this?"