Prologue:
Author's Note: This story takes place before and after Power Rangers in Space.
Twenty Four Years Ago:
Andros, Zhane, and Vanya were called to the high elder's office. None of them liked it, but Andros was afraid he already knew why they were there. He hadn't heard from his parents in a while. They were on a mission for the colony.
"Andros, Zhane, Vanya… I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but we received word that all of your parents had been killed in the attempt to leave KO-35 to find a safe place for all of us to retreat to. There is not much that we can do to stand up to Dark Specter and his attacks on the colony. I'm so sorry," the elder said. "Now, Andros, Zhane, you are both nearly 17 years of age. I trust you to make a decision as to what you would like to do for yourselves. Zhane, if you would like assistance figuring out what to do with Vanya, let me know."
"Actually, Sir," Andros started, too shocked to show any emotion, "Zhane and I were already making plans to join the military."
"Is this true Zhane?" the elder asked.
"Yeah," Zhane started, rubbing the back of his neck so he didn't show emotion in front of his sister, "but I need to make sure my sister is taken care of first, Andros"
"I'll go into the military," Vanya said, speaking up, wiping the tears from her eyes, causing both Andros and Zhane to look at her in shock. "If both of you are planning on going into the military to fight for KO-35, I want to help. I just lost everything, too. You two are all I have left."
"Are you sure, V?" Zhane asked his sister.
"Yes," she replied to Zhane before looking to the elder and addressing him for the first time. "I guess you have three new recruits for KO-35's military, Sir."
A Week Later:
The funerals had been hard for Andros, Zhane, and Vanya. Andros had already lost his sister, Karone, when she had been kidnapped ten years ago. Now his parents were gone, too. Zhane and Vanya still had each other, but it didn't take away from the pain they were both feeling over losing their parents. Still, they said their goodbyes and left for their military training.
A Year Later:
Andros, Zhane, Vanya, and three other soldiers that Andros recognized as Stone, Luna, and Pluto were given orders to go to Eltar to see the great sage, Zordon. They had no idea why, but they were transported in one of their ships with their basic equipment, in case of an attack on Eltar while they were there. When they reached the village they were supposed to go to, they were taken to Zordon.
"Andros, Zhane, Vanya, Stone, Luna, and Pluto, do you know why I have called you here?" Zordon asked them.
"No, Sir. We don't know why you've given us this honor," Andros, as the ranking soldier on the team replied.
"I want the six of you to become my new Power Rangers, my first Space Rangers," he replied.
"Zordon, Sir, we're honored, but why us?" Vanya asked.
"All six of you are children of KO-35 who have suffered greatly because of Dark Specter. Yet, instead of letting vengeance and anger consume you, you have all followed a path to protect others, even if protecting others means your destruction. You are all pure of heart and I believe it is your destiny to help not only KO-35, but the galaxy in these dark times."
"I'm in, Zordon, Sir," Andros said, stepping forward and saluting the sage.
"If Andros is in, so am I," Zhane said stepping up.
"Definitely," Vanya replied, following her brother and Andros.
"I'm in," Luna said.
"So am I," Stone said.
"If you think we're really the ones meant to do this, then I'm in," Pluto said after a hesitation.
"Then step forward to receive your Morphers," Zordon said. One by one the six soldiers stepped forward and Zordon handed them a Morpher. When they all had morphers, he explained. "These are your Astro Morphers. They will be invisible on your wrists. To activate them, say 'Let's rocket,' which will make them visible on your wrist and then punch in code 335. Zhane, you'll notice you're Morpher is different. You will punch in the code 1580#.
"Andros, I have made you the Red Ranger, the team leader. I am also giving you this Battlizer. You are a natural leader and a fierce warrior. Zhane, you are Andros' best friend and his balance, you are the Silver Ranger, his second in command. You are impulsive, strong, and have great instincts. Vanya, you are as tough as you are caring. You will be the Pink Ranger. Luna, you are wise beyond your years, cunning, and strong, you will be the Blue Ranger. Stone, you are strong and cool under pressure. You are the Black Ranger. Finally, Pluto, you are swift and fierce, you will be the Yellow Ranger.
"This," Zordon said, leading the new rangers to a ship, "is how you will travel. This is the Astro Megaship. It is the fastest space ship in the galaxy at the moment. The A.I. on the ship, D.E.C.A. will be able to help you learn the functions of the ship, including the weapons systems. There are communicators on board the ship for all of you. This ship will be your home away from KO-35. It has sleeping quarters and everything else you will need. Now go, Rangers, and protect the galaxy. May the power protect you."
"Where do you want us to go first, Zordon?" Luna asked.
"Board your ship and D.E.C.A. will tell you where you are most needed if you ask," he said.
"Yes, Sir, Zordon. We won't let you down," Andros said before turning to his new team. "Let's go!"
They all ran to their new ship, eager to start their new adventures. The first planet they were led to was Triforia, were Dark Specter had sent his forces to try to destroy the Gold Zeo Ranger, Trey. After a hard fought victory, the Space Rangers were given supplies from Trey as gratitude for their help and they started on their next mission.
Three Months Later:
The Astro Megaship took a while to get used to, but it felt like home. Zhane and Vanya had been his family for years, but Luna, Stone, and Pluto were feeling like family too. Andros was finally showing them small signs of the side of him Zhane and Vanya had known for years, the side that wasn't always serious.
He was lying on his bed, thinking about everything in his life that had led him to where he was. He remembered that he and Karone had wanted to become Power Rangers together when they were kids, before she disappeared. His heart ached… he blamed himself for Karone's kidnapping because he left her alone for a minute. His heart also ached for his parents. While they were trying to find a way to save the colony he lost them. They would never see what he'd become, would never meet his family if he ever let anyone get that close to him. A knock on the door to his quarters brought him out of his thoughts. He sat up and pulled on his uniform jacket.
"Come in," Andros said, looking like the team leader and not a mopey teenager.
The door opened and in came Vanya. Even in her Astro Megaship uniform she looked amazing to Andros. He didn't say anything to her, she was Zhane's little sister, a member of his team, and he didn't want to risk messing anything up.
"Are you okay, V?" he asked as he walked to her.
"Andros…" she started, "I…"
"Ecliptor is attacking Mirinoi," D.E.C.A. announced before Vanya could finish her thought.
"Raincheck on the chat, V? We have to get to the bridge," Andros said to her, giving her a hug.
Vanya nodded and they both ran to the bridge where the others were waiting. Only Zhane seemed to give Andros a curious glance that he was coming onto the bridge with his sister. Everyone manned their stations, and as D.E.C.A. prepared their course to Mirinoi, the Rangers prepared their ship for battle, checking all systems, preparing the weapons. When they reached their destination, all of the Rangers departed the Astro Megaship to go to the planet's surface.
They had fought Ecliptor before. He was one of Dark Spector's lieutenants. He was a tough adversary. Andros told Luna and Pluto to start evacuating the battle zone. Zhane, Vanya, and Stone followed him into the fight with the Quantrons and Ecliptor. The four Rangers made it through the Quantrons with relative ease, but when they came up against Ecliptor himself, it wasn't as easy. As they battled back and forth, the Rangers fighting to gain the upper hand, someone new appeared on the battle field and everything changed for the Space Rangers.
She looked like she was possibly Vanya's age or a little younger. Unlike most of Dark Specter's forces, she was human… powerful, but human. She wore battle armor and carried a staff with her. Evil and cruelty radiated off of her.
"Ecliptor! Retreat! I will show these Power Rangers not to mess with Dark Specter or Astronema, Princess of Evil!" the new opponent declared.
"As you wish, my Princess," Ecliptor said, bowing to her before disappearing.
Astronema started attacking Andros and his team, proving she was as tough an adversary if not tougher than Ecliptor himself. All six Rangers were taking substantial damage. They had fought her for maybe twenty minutes. All of them were exhausted, and that was when she made the strike that would change the team forever in a split second.
The Rangers were on the ground, struggling to get back to their feet. Suddenly, Astronema lifted her staff and aimed it at Pluto, the youngest Ranger on the team, sixteen like Vanya, but still younger. With the way she had split the team up as she beat them down, Pluto was too far away for anyone to reach. All they could do was lay on the ground as she pointed at the ground under his head and watch as an explosion as strong as the strongest explosives could make went off right underneath their Yellow Ranger's body.
Andros ran to Pluto, mustering up the strength to get to him from his grief and anger. The other Rangers got back to their feet and went after Astronema. As Luna and Stone distracted her, Zhane and Vanya snuck up on her and hit her with their strongest hits, which made Astronema retreat… After warning the Rangers she would be back to finish Dark Specter's orders of destroying them all.
The Rangers had just suffered their first major loss as a team… the loss of one of their own. They gathered around what was left of Pluto's body, and Andros could hear Luna and Vanya crying in their helmets. When the people of Mirinoi came out to thank them, they saw the scene in front of them and gave their condolences on their fallen warrior. The Rangers called their Galaxy Gliders, and after Zhane helped Andros place Pluto on his Glider with him, they returned to the Astro Megaship, still in shock over the loss of one of their own.
"D.E.C.A. open communications with the elders of KO-35."
After a moment, one of the elders appeared.
"Sir," Andros said, saluting him, no longer in his Ranger uniform but his Megaship uniform, "my team has suffered a loss today. I have not contacted Zordon of Eltar as yet, but I wish to know if there is protocol in place…" Andros froze in his words.
"Protocol for what, Lieutenant?" the elder asked.
"In case of the death of one of the Space Rangers, Sir," Andros finally got out. "Our Yellow Ranger, Pluto, was killed by one of Dark Specter's, a human named Astronema. She is powerful, Sir, and clearly outranks Ecliptor."
"Notify Zordon of Eltar. He will tell you what to do as far as replacing the Ranger or not. As for Pluto, if you have his remains, bring him home to KO-35 and we will bury him. Your team can say goodbye before you leave on your next mission."
"Yes, Sir," Andros replied, saluting the elder, before communications were cut off.
After talking to Zordon, who decided for the time being they would not replace Pluto, Andros finally returned to his quarters. Zhane was waiting for him.
"Are you okay, Andros?"
"I'm fine, Zhane."
"No, you're not. I know you better than anyone on this ship. I know you're not okay."
"Our orders are to return to KO-35 so Pluto can be buried. We'll say our goodbyes and return to our mission."
"Andros, its okay not to be in control of everything, including your emotions sometimes."
"I'm team leader, Zhane. Astronema just showed up and nearly took us all out and then singled Pluto out for destruction. I failed him. I need to make sure she doesn't take any more of us down."
"I know she did, Andros. And Zordon made me your second in command. If you failed Pluto, we failed him. I know how hard you are about being responsible and I know I'm more relaxed about it, but if you need to talk, I'm here for you. Just remember that, okay?"
Andros looked up at his best friend and nodded. Zhane walked away, leaving him in his quarters alone for the first time since they left for Mirinoi… when Vanya had been in his quarters trying to talk to him. Being alone with his thoughts was driving him nuts, so he went to the simudeck to train. After downloading the data from the team's fight with Astronema, he Morphed and entered a simulation fight with Astronema, trying to learn how she fought to try to protect himself and the other Rangers.
Andros wasn't sure how long he had been in the simulation. He had been trying every counterattack and offensive move he knew trying to best Astronema and it was still barely enough to keep him standing. Suddenly, the simulation ended and Andros fell to his knees… and Vanya ran to his side.
"Andros, are you okay?" she asked, fear in her voice that made Andros' heart tighten.
"V? What are you doing in here?" he asked her in return.
"I was looking for you, but you weren't on the bridge or in your quarters. D.E.C.A. told me you were here. You looked like you were exhausting yourself in there so I cut the simulation. Are you alright?"
Andros tried to get up to put Vanya's mind at ease... but he couldn't. Vanya took his Morpher off his arm, causing him to de-morph.
"Vanya! Give me my Morpher back!" Andros exclaimed.
"No! You may be team leader, but you're no good to us if you work yourself to the point of extreme exhaustion," Vanya replied, helping Andros to his feet, steadying him against her. "I'm bringing you to your quarters so you can rest. I'll leave your Morpher on your desk so when you've rested, it's there for you. I'm not going to disrespect you or the chain of command so badly that anyone needs to know about this, Andros. We've been too close for too long. This can stay between us. Just don't fight me and make me need to call Zhane to help me get you to your quarters."
Andros wasn't happy, but he gave in. He did know Vanya well enough that if she felt he needed this, she wouldn't let this go… and if he fought, she'd call in Zhane who would tell anyone who listened. He let her help him to his quarters, out of his uniform jacket and boots, and into his bed. Andros watched as Vanya put his Morpher on his desk by his pictures of himself and Karone from when they were kids, before she had been kidnapped. Then Vanya turned to leave.
"V, wait," Andros called to her.
Vanya turned back to him.
"What?" she asked.
"Before all of the craziness of today, you came to me to talk. What did you want to talk about?"
Vanya looked at the floor hesitating. It bothered Andros that she was having issues talking to him. It had never been a problem before. For as long as he and Zhane had been friends, if Vanya had an issue she didn't want to talk to Zhane about, she had gone to Andros.
"Vanya, what is it? You've never hesitated to talk to me before," Andros said to her, gently.
Vanya looked at Andros, partially in shock that he had used her full first name and not in anger for her insubordination. She thought about it for a minute, knowing he was right. Finally, she took off her uniform jacket, placing it on top of Andros' on his desk chair, and her boots, leaving them next to his. She crawled over him on his bed so she was closer to the wall, like she used to before everything went to hell for all of them.
"Are you sure you're up to talking, Andros?" she asked.
"Apparently, it's about as much as I can handle right now," he replied, smiling at her, his tired, sad hazel eyes shining in a way they didn't usually.
"When I came to you earlier, I wanted to talk about all of our parents. I still miss Mom and Dad, Andros. And I can't talk to Zhane about it because he changes the subject or brushes it off if I try. Do you miss your parents, Andros?"
He hugged Vanya to him tightly, afraid he might actually let his emotions slip.
"Yeah, V. I miss my parents and Karone all the time."
"How do you handle the pain?"
"I focus on what we're doing. The people who took our parents, we're fighting to stop them. I feel like, by protecting others from what we went through, stopping Dark Specter and his armies, we can make our parents proud and give them peace in their afterlives. It's the only thing we can do. If we let ourselves get overwhelmed by our anger, we can turn as bad as any of Dark Specter's men, just like that human, Astronema."
"The one who killed Pluto," V said crying, making Andros pull her close again. "How could any human, someone who was born like we were, choose to join Dark Specter and become that, Andros?"
"I don't know, V. But I'm gonna do everything in my power to protect the rest of the team. I promise."
Vanya looked up into Andros' eyes. She could see the grief and determination in them. Still when he looked at her, she saw a glimmer of something else in his eyes. Before either Vanya or Andros knew what they were doing, their faces were extremely close… and Andros kissed Vanya on her lips.
The kiss was gentle, nothing wild or crazy. Neither one of them knew that the other had never kissed anyone else. They were each other's first kiss, a tender, sweet moment, in a time of chaos and uncertainty. When they pulled away from each other, Andros turned as red as his Power Suit, which Vanya found a bit amusing, but he held her until she fell asleep. Once Andros was sure Vanya was sleeping, he slipped out of his bottom bunk and climbed into the top bunk in his quarters. He may have felt something for her and crossed the line and kissed her, but he wasn't going to become inappropriate and sleep in the same bed as his best friend's sister.
It was the middle of the night and Zhane was on the bridge, watching the computers. He hadn't been able to sleep after talking to Andros. So, he went and did his best to clean up Pluto's body, knowing Andros would want to do it himself before they returned to KO-35. He dressed him in his KO-35 military uniform as best as he could, given the shape of his body, and left him in the healing room, where the cryotube was kept in case of emergency, so the room was kept at low temperatures at all times, to prevent his body decaying on the trip back to their home world. After a while, he decided he should check on his sister.
"D.E.C.A., is V asleep in her quarters?" he asked the computer.
"No, she is not, Zhane. Vanya is not in her quarters."
"Where is my sister, D.E.C.A.?"
After a few seconds, the computer responded.
"Vanya is in Andros' quarters."
Zhane took off towards his best friend's quarters. He had always trusted Andros with his sister, but he had seen them come to the bridge together before the mission to Mirinoi. Now, he knew neither Andros nor Vanya were thinking straight after what happened with Pluto. He didn't want to think Andros would take advantage of his sister, but she was the only family he had left. He would hate himself if Andros, crumbling under the pressure, took advantage of his little sister.
He reached Andros' quarters and D.E.C.A. opened the door for him without either of them knowing… And Zhane felt like an ass. Vanya and Andros were both sleeping, but not in the same bed. Andros had given V his bed and climbed to the top bunk to crash. Zhane backed out of the room, not wanting to wake them and returned to the bridge.
Two Weeks Later:
The Power Rangers had returned to KO-35 and buried the Yellow Ranger. Almost as soon as the boy was in the ground, they were back in their ship on some mission. Dark Specter sent some of his most loyal minions to retrieve the boy's body, without anyone knowing. His body was brought to the planet Onyx and resurrected… completely evil, under the influence of the United Alliance of Evil, and under the impression his team had abandoned him to die.