Reconnecting
By: Jeanka

"For his bravely in the face of incredible odds, we present this award to Lt. Zhane Silverman of KO-35," the speaker's words were drown out by the clapping after his last name.

The silver ranger stood and walked from the astro rangers table to the stage and accepted the award. The speaker sent him back down and continued praising other rangers for their efforts during the Countdown.

Zhane took his seat next to Andros. "This is great," whispered Andros with a smile. His best friend smiled back.

The rest of the ceremony went the same with twelve rangers from different teams and six civilians being honored. Afterwards, the astro rangers returned to the orbiting space station where they were staying and celebrated. Andros ordered Banina, a drink with an affect similar to caffeine, for everyone. Commander Kinwon of KO-35 sent up an expensive dinner for the ranger in tribute to Zhane.

Finally, it was late enough and the ranger agreed to go to sleep. Once everyone was inside their rooms and the lights were off, Zhane got out of bed and went out into the main room. He had slept in his flight suit so there was no need to change. Silently, the silver astro ranger left the room and teleported to the surface.

He landed in front of a large elegant building that was housing the officials that hadn't gone back to their planets yet. Zhane flashed his morpher to the guard as he went inside. The lady at the registry desk happily directed him to Kinwon's room. Quickly, Zhane climbed the stairs to the second story. Three guards stood outside the commander's door. Again Zhane flashed his morpher and the guards allowed him to enter.

Immediately after stepping through the door, he heard the familiar sounds of his parents fighting. "How could you let him spent time with them?!" shrieked his mother.

Zhane guessed by the context of the argument that his father had just gotten home. "He's a grown boy," his father replied.

"So, you keep telling me, but if you don't remember, I haven't seen my son in three years. So I wouldn't know," said his mother. "Remember, you wouldn't let him leave the battle field and wouldn't let me anywhere near it."

"Now Kilna, don't start with that. He loves you. You know that," said his father.

"No Kinwon, I don't know that!" shouted Kilna. "Because I haven't seen my son. He's probably forgotten about me by now."

"I haven't forgotten you, mama," said Zhane quietly as he stepped forwards.

Kinwon and Kilna spun around to see there son standing in the entry way. "Zhane!!" cried Kilna and they embraced. Kinwon smiled broadly.

Zhane pulled away to look at his mom. They hadn't seen each other in three years. "I missed you," he promised.

"I know," she said standing three heads shorter than him. "I missed you too."

"See, everything worked out," said Kinwon.

Kilna glared at her husband. "You're not helping," she stated. "And you're ruining the moment."

"I think you did that on your own," muttered Kinwon as he walked into the main room.

"Come on, Zhane," Kilna said as she lead him over the main room. The family sat down.

"So, Zhane," said Kinwon. "What are you're plans next?"

"Well, Zarkin asked me to stay with him in the Daron sector, so I thought I would do that," said Zhane.

"When did you talk to Zarkin?" asked Kilna.

"Last week, after Dad called him and told him to call me," said Zhane regretting what he said the second it came out.

Kilna snapped to look at Kinwon. "You talked to Zarkin and didn't tell me!" she screeched.

"He was busy," Kinwon defended himself.

"Then why did he call Zhane?" demanded Kilna.

Kinwon looked at Zhane for help. "Uh, he couldn't talk long," started Zhane. His mother frowned at him. "And, uh, he wanted to say that he missed the family and wanted to come back for a visit sometime next year. Yeah," he said looking over at Kinwon.

The older man just raised an eyebrow. "I see," said Kilna coolly.

"Mom, I'm sorry. I thought that if dad spoke with him than you would have to," said Zhane.

"Well, I guess I can forgive you. When will you be leaving?" asked Kilna.

"When the rangers head back to earth, I'll be going to the Daron Sector," said Zhane softly.

"Tomorrow!" Kilna shrieked standing up. "How could you leave tomorrow? You just got here and you haven't talked to me in three years. Why are leaving so soon?"

Zhane looked over to Kinwon who rolled his eyes and said, "Dear, we're leaving tomorrow too."

Kilna looked fiercely at him. "Who asked you?" she demanded.

Kinwon shut his mouth and frowned. "Mom," said Zhane. "I'm sorry. I'll make sure to visit later."

"Make sure Zarkin is with you," she said agitatedly. "Good night, Zhane." She left for her bedroom.

"What's wrong with her?" asked Zhane.

"Markle left," said Kinwon.

"When?" asked Zhane shocked that he hadn't been told.

"Two days ago," replied Kinwon. "No one has heard from him except the note he left."

"What did it say?"

"Simply that he knew that he had come of age and he had to get out. Something else about being suffocated."

"I can't image why," Zhane said sarcastically.

"Your mother means no harm. She just wanted more love from her sons."

Zhane considered this for a moment. Zarkin was the oldest and he left five years ago. Zhane hadn't spoken to her for three years. Her youngest, Markle, never got really attached to her even through she wanted him to. She loved them all, but had a hard time showing it.

"I should go, before Andros wakes up and starts to worry," Zhane said as he stood up.

Kinwon rose with him and gave him a hug. "We wouldn't want that," he said as they separated. "Call us when you arrive, so we don't worry ourselves."

"I will," promised Zhane. He smiled and went out side to teleport back to the station. Kinwon and his guards followed to the door. Just before leaving, Zhane dropped a note as the beam took him. Kinwon went and picked it up. It was for Kilna.

Best to give it to her in the morning, Kinwon thought to himself as he went back up his room and climbed into bed beside his wife.

TBC