"I still say yer insane, lad. There has to be another way of getting on board that ship without putting ye in so much danger," Ed argued for the third time in the last fifteen minutes.
"If you can come up with a better idea, I'd be thrilled to hear it," Billy shot back.
"Any idea would be better than walking straight into the mouth of the shark," Ed replied sharply.
"Then let's hear it!"
"I don't have one, yet. Modil, ye tell him he's insane."
"You're insane," Modil told the former Ranger, only slightly kidding. "But, that idea might actually work," he added reluctantly.
"Okay, then let's get ready. I'll use some of the instruments in the sickbay to make me look like you've roughed me up. You should send the transmission now, so they won't be surprised by our approach and just shoot us before asking any questions. We have the explosives already. Ed, you should start studying the layout of the ship so you can finish as quickly as possible. I have your personal cloaking device just about ready. Anything else?" Billy asked.
"Nae, lad, that's all fer now. I still say it's too dangerous for ye, but I guess I've been outvoted," the redhead muttered.
"It'll work, Ed. It has to. The Eltarans have to win this fight," Billy declared quietly, trying to hide his own unease with the plan. For all his intelligence, Billy was not really a tactician. Modil was a freighter pilot with no battle experience, and Ed was inexperienced as well. The former Blue Ranger sighed, wishing Jason or Tommy were around to provide advice. They were much better than he was at planning battles.
Their plan was fairly simple. None of them were comfortable with the idea of doing something like blowing the Briardian ship up, as it was Billy still felt guilty over his part in doing that to the Briardians that had been attacking Aquitar. They would prefer to disable the ship, making it vulnerable to the Eltarans' defensive strikes. Billy knew that if the Eltarans defeated the Briardians they would be safe from the Briardians for a hundred years, per Briardian cultural decrees. They decided that planting explosive devices in the shield and weapons systems to disable them would work best. The problem was how to get on board. Billy had told them that the Briardians wanted him because of what had happened at Aquitar. So, he suggested that Modil offer him to the Briardians as a means of establishing Modil's 'loyalty to the mighty Briardian Empire', and while that was going on, Ed could sneak off their ship and onto the Briardian ship and set the devices. Billy had devised a personal cloaking device that would keep him from being seen by the other Briardian crewmembers. At the last minute Modil would 'change his mind' and get Billy back on board his ship and away just before the explosions.
Ed had been amazed at the ideas that the teenager came up with, and his ability to make those ideas a reality. Having believed the young man to be at best of normal intelligence, he had been unprepared for the demonstrations of Billy's considerable intelligence and creativity.
"I still say yer insane, lad."
PRPRPR
"What are they doing now?" Jason asked tersely, unable to believe what they'd been seeing.
"It appears that Modil's ship has docked with the Briardian vessel. I though you said this Modil was a good guy?" Trini said, giving Jason an accusing look.
"He is. I swear it. He saved both our lives. I can't believe he would do anything to hurt Billy. He likes Billy," Jason replied, clearly upset.
"Well, we know he has had two Humans on board, and according to these new readings, one of those Humans has disappeared, presumably in a shielded part of the ship. And the other is on board the Briardian vessel. And the signal for that Human matches computer records for Billy. What else can we think, Jason?"
They were less than two hours behind Modil's ship, moving at maximum speed. With the beefed up sensors, they had been able to track the life signs on Modil's ship for the last few hours, and had been thrilled to find two Human readings. Now, they were confused as the Nebulan's ship rendezvoused with the Briardian vessel.
"There has to be a logical explanation. Is the cloak working right?" Some time back Billy had perfected a device that would render the ship invisible. They had been using it almost continually, and maintaining communications silence to hide their presence in this sector of space.
"Perfectly. We will be right up beside them and they won't even know we are there. Now all we need is a plan," Trini replied with a determined look.
"For a good plan, we need more information. Let's keep our ears and minds open to any opportunities."
Trini nodded her agreement, and quietly spoke into the intercom, updating Kim and Zack on the situation. Jason looked out the large view screen toward their destination and fought down his feelings of fear for his childhood friend.
"Just what do you think you're doing, Little Bro?"
PRPRPR
Modil and Ed both gave involuntary starts when they saw their companion for the first time. Using the medical equipment in Modil's sickbay in a manner it was never intended for, Billy had given himself some vicious looking bruises, enough to hopefully convince the Briardians that Modil had become tired of his hostage's smart mouth and attitude. He had trashed his clothes and added other outer signs of neglect and abuse. He looked terrible.
"That isna a good look fer ye, lad. Let's hurry and get this folly over with so's ye can get back to normal."
"You can undo that, right?" Modil asked, flinching at the appearance of the young Human.
"Yeah, I can undo it. Don't worry about that. I made this transmitter so if we should become separated some way you can track me," he said, holding up a tiny device about the size of a pencil eraser.
"Be careful where ye hide that, lad. They'll verra likely search ye quite thoroughly."
"Good point." Billy looked at the transmitter thoughtfully for a moment, then popped it in his mouth and swallowed it. "That should solve that problem. At least for a few hours. Anything else?"
"Nae, lad, that's all. I suppose I should be getting' meself into hidin' afore we dock with the Briardians. Ye be careful with the lad, got it?" Ed declared, poking Modil in the chest.
"I've got it," the huge Nebulan growled.
They all looked up a little surprised as they drew ever closer to the Briardian ship. Ed scurried off to his hiding place and Billy to the room they had designated as the brig. They were now in range of the Briardian sensors and would be docking in a few minutes.
The next couple of hours were bound to be interesting, to say the least.
PRPRPR
Modil stood with his 'hostage' in front of a group of Briardian officers, trying to work out a deal with them. He spoke slowly and thought over each counter offer thoroughly, using as much time as possible so Ed would have a chance to set the explosives and get himself back on board Modil's ship. The Nebulan could all but feel Billy's nervousness. He glanced down at his Human friend and saw how pale the teen looked underneath the bruising. Modil wanted nothing more than to tell the Briardians to forget it, he would keep his hostage, and get out of there. But he hadn't received the signal from Ed to let him know the explosives were set. Modil was wearing a small receiver made to look like an earring, through which he would receive Ed's signal that all was in readiness.
"I want the Briardian Empire's guarantee that I will be exempt from any sort of prosecution when making deliveries in areas under Briardian rule. Plus, exemption from having to pay the safe passage toll ever again, in addition to the four million standard credits to my intergalactic account," Modil stated firmly, rejecting the latest counter offer.
"Fool! You should be on you knees in gratitude that we do not kill you right now!" the Briardian captain growled.
Modil wasn't worried about that. For all their ruthlessness, Briardians had one of the strongest codes of honor known anywhere. They had agreed to negotiate, and negotiate they would. Modil knew he was safe from them. Regardless of the outcome of the negotiations, he would be free to return to his ship and leave, unless they captured Ed setting the explosive devices. That would alter things considerably. Modil was still formulating his reply when he felt his 'earring' vibrate, the signal that Ed was done and safe.
"Then your offer is completely unacceptable. I shall take my hostage back with me, I'm sure I can find someone willing to meet my demands, or I will simply enjoy killing him myself," Modil replied angrily, tugging roughly on Billy and turning to leave.
"Wait! We accept your offer," the captain said hastily.
Modil and Billy turned to the captain with wide eyes.
"You do?" Modil asked incredulously.
"Yes. As we speak the arrangements are being made. Ah, here it is now," the captain reached out for some documents a crewmember arrived with. He read them over while the two guests waited nervously.
"These appear to be in order. Just sign under my name and we will be done," he said at last, handing the papers to Modil. The Nebulan read them over and sighed. The Briardians had agreed to everything, and his account had been credited for the requested fee, he had unlimited permission to fly in Briardian controlled space free of charge, and documents granting him immunity from prosecution. He looked at Billy wordlessly, then reluctantly signed the papers. Two large guards came forward and took the helpless Human away.
"What are you planning to do with him?" Modil asked, his voice carefully neutral.
"That is none of your concern, Nebulan. He is ours now, and our emperor has a great desire to see him. Our business here is finished. Get to your ship and get out of here before I change my mind," the captain snapped, dismissing Modil from his presence.
"It's been a pleasure," Modil replied acidly as he was escorted from the room and toward his ship. Once on board he disengaged from the dock and moved quickly away from the Briardian ship.
"Did it work? Where's the lad?" Ed asked coming up behind Modil's seat.
"It worked, just not the way we expected. They accepted the offer," Modil mumbled.
"Ye left him there? How could ye?" Ed exploded angrily.
"I had no choice. We had discussed that possibility, you know that! I just can't believe they accepted that offer."
"We must find a way of getting' him off that ship. I set all the explosives, it should blow in less than an hour. When that happens they'll be bound to blame the boy. Ach! I knew we shouldna listen to the lad."
"We'll find a way to get him back," Modil promised.
"Get him back from the Briardians? Why was he left there?"
The voice from the hatchway startled the two, who turned to unison to look at the newcomer.
"Jason! How did you get on board?" Modil asked, surprised to see the young Human.
"We came to find Billy. Did you actually turn him over to the Briardians? I can't believe you'd do that, Modil."
"It wasn't really the plan, but I didn't have a choice," the unhappy Nebulan replied.
"What were you doing on the Briardians ship in the first place?"
"I was going to offer to turn Billy over to the Briardians, just as a distraction as Ed set explosives to disable the ship and give the Eltarans a chance against the Briardians. Our plan backfired a little. They accepted our offer and kept Billy," Modil explained.
"We need to make a plan to get him back. If you have no objections, I'll get the rest of us over here, and we can brainstorm."
"Rest of who, lad? Where's yer ship?" Ed spoke up at last.
"Are you the other Human who was on Kyn'raem's ship?"
"Aye, lad, I am. Ed's the name."
"Ed, I'm Jason, a friend of Billy's. From Earth. Our ship is cloaked, and I want it to remain so in case the Briardians try scanning us. 'Us' being myself and three friends. Let me get them over here so we can find a way to get our wayward friend back. I'm assuming there is limited time?"
"Aye, lad, that there is."
Jason nodded and moved his communicator closer to his mouth. "Trini, put Pyramidus on remote and you guys teleport over here, okay? We need to do some planning."
Within moments three beams of while appeared, then faded to reveal Trini, Zack, and Kimberly. Introductions were quickly made.
"Now, what exactly happened, starting with when you first met Billy, Ed. We need to know exactly what has been going on," Jason requested.
He and the other former Rangers settled in to listen.
PRPRPR
The Briardians' new prisoner was first taken to the captain's conference room, where he was formally placed under Briardian arrest, and informed that he would be transported to Briard as soon as Eltar was defeated. Once on Briard he would be executed in the traditional 14-day ceremony. The teen winced at that idea, but remained silent. His captor took delight in detailing all the ways the young man would be made to suffer before he would finally be put out of his misery. He then ordered the guards to take the former Ranger to the brig.
Billy was still wearing the manacles Modil had placed on him. That had been another part of their plan, just in case. The restraints were designed with a child's toy in mind. As children Billy, Jason and Zack had been fascinated by 'Chinese handcuffs', a woven tube that you placed at the end of one finger, then put another finger in the other side. The more you tried to pull them apart the firmer they held. You could only get your fingers out of the tube by releasing all pressure. Similarly, the restraints Modil had put on Billy could not be released by force, but by a careful twist and manipulation. So as Billy was forcefully propelled by the brutish guards toward the brig of the ship, Billy carefully released the manacles, keeping his wrists together to hide what he had done. As he was pushed ahead once again, he suddenly whirled and grabbed one guard's weapon, striking the hapless guard sharply across the head. He was able to knock the other guard out the same way before he could raise an alarm, then dropped the weapon and sprinted down the hallway, looking for a way to conceal himself while he made his way to the area of the ship that would house smaller space craft.
PRPRPR
"…and we headed out so as to not arouse suspicion. That's when you showed up," Modil concluded.
Jason sighed. "So, he's there alone, and pretty much defenseless. You say he has a transmitter…inside…him? Can you get a reading on that from this distance?"
"Yes. Here," Modil pulled up a display that showed a blinking blue dot moving sporadically through the huge Briardian ship.
"That's strange. He most likely should be in the brig by now. Maybe he's escaped," Modil commented.
"Fat lot of good that'll do him. Where's the lad to go on a ship full of Briardians?" Ed asked.
Jason turned to Trini with an expression that indicated he was forming a plan. "Trini, could I teleport through the Briardian's shields? Or will they deflect that?" He had vaguely remembered hearing Billy and Adam discussing once what could and could not penetrate a space ship's shields. He had been surprised to find some things could penetrate.
Trini had remotely accessed Pyramidus's computers for her information. "Yes, you could get through. It appears they are designed to repel pure energy only. Teleportation is not pure energy, and should be able to penetrate it easily. You have a plan?"
Zack and Kimberly perked up as well, turning to Jason hopefully.
"It's not much of a plan, really. I'm going to take Pyramidus up close to them, teleport in and grab Billy, and teleport back out. When the explosions occur that should distract them from attempting pursuit. Unless someone has a better idea?" He looked around hopefully.
They all looked at Jason silently.
"Okay. Modil, since this out of the Briardian sensor range, you keep your ship here. We'll meet back up with you when we're done. Kim and Zack, why don't you two stay here, just in case. Trini and I will be enough for this effort. We need the frequency for the transmitter he's wearing, and I think that's it. How long until the explosives go off?"
"Aboot twenty minutes, lad. Not a lot of time fer ye."
"It'll do. Come on Trini, let's do it."
With that the Gold Ranger and former Yellow Ranger teleported back to Pyramidus and set a course toward the Briardian ship.
PRPRPR
Billy knew he was in big trouble. He couldn't find any kind of ventilation system to hide in, no hidden access shafts. No place to hide. He scurried along the corridors, hiding as much as possible, well aware his escape would be discovered soon. The only thing in his favor was the fact the ship was so large and the crew so small. But it was only a matter of time before he would be discovered.
He heard the announcement of his escape all too soon. He gave up all pretense of stealth and set out as fast as he could toward what he hoped was the engine room. His memory of the ship schematics was shaky at best, but he believed from that location he could access all other parts of the ship. It was the only idea that occurred to him.
He turned a corner at a dead run and found himself facing pursuing guards at the far end of the corridor. He turned immediately into an offshooting corridor that terminated at a door that led to the system's control room, according to the sign on it. He stopped in a panic. This was one of the places Ed was to have planted explosives. He tried to backtrack only to find his way blocked by the arriving guards. One of the guards shot him in the leg with an energy weapon, causing the teen to collapse in pain. They advanced, raising their weapons and training them on the fallen former Ranger. Billy closed his eyes and turned his face away, convinced his life expectancy had been reduced to mere seconds. His only thought was a vague sense of relief that at least he'd be spared two weeks of torture.
He heard the sound of a weapon discharging, and stiffened against the expected flare of agony. It didn't come. Before he could even fully process the fact he wasn't dead, he was hauled roughly to his feet and found himself gazing at an all too familiar face.
"Jason!" Billy gasped, his mind having a hard time grasping this totally unexpected turn of events.
"In the flesh."
Billy turned to look at the guards and saw them all lying unconscious on the floor, then his gaze shifted to the weapon in Jason's hand. It was the Extirpator, set for stun.
"It works," Billy mumbled, still not quite processing things as quickly as normal.
"Yeah, it does."
They both glanced up at the sound of approaching footsteps.
"We need to get out of here," Jason said, pushing the pad that would open the door behind them. He dragged the protesting former Blue Ranger into the room with him, closing the door before the arriving guards could get off a shot.
"Jason, there's a bomb in here! This is not a good plan," Billy protested.
Jason didn't bother with a reply, but touched his communicator, teleporting them to Pyramidus seconds before the explosion that would disable the Briardians' shields and weapons occurred.
"You were saying?" Jason smirked as he deposited Billy gently on the floor of the pilot's compartment of Pyramidus.
"Nothing," Billy sighed, collapsing gratefully, for the moment too stunned to even register the pain from his injured leg.
Jason quickly turned to Trini.
"Did the explosives work?"
"Yes! Shields are completely down. Weapons systems show as totally disabled. You guys did it!" she crowed, turning her smile toward Billy.
"Good." He smiled back at her, seemingly not surprised to find her there.
"The Eltarans will have a chance now. Let's get back to the others," Jason said. "How're you doing, Bro?" he asked gently, seeing that Billy seemed to be a little overwhelmed by the recent events.
"Truthfully? I think I finally hit overload when you appeared at the last minute to save me. Thanks, by the way. It's good to see you. How did you know where I was? What are you doing with the Extirpator? Hi Trini," he added as she approached him, looking concerned about his odd and disjointed comments.
Trini knelt down and looked at the wound on Billy's thigh. It was a graze, rather than a direct hit, but she knew it had to be extremely painful. She looked up at his pale face and slightly glazed eyes.
"We'll be on Modil's ship in a few minutes, and we'll get you to the sickbay then. Why don't you lie back a little and rest?"
Billy made no protest, but settled down quietly. Trini went back to the helm to check their route back to Modil's ship.
"Is he okay?" Jason asked softly.
"He's in shock, I think. Was it that close?"
"Actually, yeah, it was. Well, he'll be fine once Kim takes care of him. I hope."
"If she doesn't kill him first for worrying her."
PRPRPR
Kimberly scolded Billy for taking chances with his life while she treated his leg wound. She berated him for risking his safety while she undid the damage he had done before they had gone onboard the Briardian ship. And she chewed him out for destroying her favorite earrings, in one of his experiments when they were both thirteen, as she checked him over for any other injuries.
"Kim! That was years ago," he protested feebly as he was lying on the treatment table.
"Yeah, well, I'm still ticked off about it," she said sternly as she moved yet another device over his prone form.
"Really?"
"No," she sighed. "But, dammit Billy, you really scared us this time. When we got to the Power Chamber and saw all that blood…" Tears filled her eyes at the memory of how she'd felt at that moment.
"I'm sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen. Please, Kim, don't cry," he looked at her with a stricken expression.
She dried her eyes and gently took his hand in hers. "I know you didn't intend it to happen. But it did. I just can't stand the thought of losing anyone I care for," she sighed, then forced herself to perk up. "I guess I've scolded you enough for one day. I want you to sleep for a while, give your leg a chance to heal. No arguments."
"No, ma'am. No arguments." He closed his eyes and almost immediately drifted into sleep, much to Kim's surprise.
"Well, that's a first."
PRPRPR
Trini monitored the communications between the Briardian ship and Eltar. The Eltarans had monitored the explosions and the Briradians' loss of shields and weapons, and immediately afterward trained all available planetary weapons on the now vulnerable ship. The Briardians had no recourse except to surrender, but rather than do that they had turned tail and run. The Eltarans opted to not pursue, sensing the captain and crew of the vessel would punished by their own government more than adequately.
"The transmissions also indicated that Billy Cranston and a mysterious would be rescuer were killed in an explosion onboard the ship. That was a happy accident, I'd say," Trini concluded.
They were seated around a large table to enjoy one meal together before the Humans all headed back to Earth in Pyramidus, and Modil made his scheduled delivery to Eltar. The Eltarans knew of the sabotage done by Modil and the Humans, and had invited them all to the planet surface to be rewarded for their efforts, but Jason and his friends had respectfully declined, wanting to head home as soon as possible. They had already contacted Zordon to tell him they had been successful and would be heading home with all available speed.
Jason had told the others a while back about Modil's horrible meals, so Kimberly, Zack, and Ed had commandeered the kitchen, preparing a gallimaufry that turned out to be exceptionally tasty.
"This is wonderful. Where did you get the ingredients?" Modil asked after tasting a few bites.
"You had them all in there," Zack said with a smile. "It's just a matter of mixing them correctly. Actually, Ed here shows signs of true talent for cooking."
"Ah, lad, I've spent many a year working my way across the galaxy, often as a cook and general handy man. 'Tisn't a bad life, really. Lonely sometimes."
"Same as working freight," Modil added. "If you're interested in remaining out here, I'd be happy to have you on my crew. Well, actually, as my crew."
Ed looked thoughtful at that, but before he could reply there was a soft voice from the doorway.
"That smells great. Is there enough for me?" Billy asked entering the room.
"Of course. Come in and sit down before you fall down, I'll get you some," Zack ordered him, indicating a vacant seat.
The former Blue Ranger sat down gratefully. He was still quite weak, though the pain was completely gone after Kim's treatment. "Is everything okay?" he asked.
The others filled him in on what had happened with the Briradians, the Eltarans' offer, and their plan to head home immediately.
"Sounds good to me. I'll be happy to see home again," Billy sighed. "And my dad. Geez, he must be going nuts,"
"I doubt it. He thinks you're in Europe with the rest of us," Zack told him with a smug look. He'd been in charge of covering their absence.
"Really? Great!" Billy perked up at that. His father had been through enough recently when it came to Billy's misadventures. Zack went on to regale them with how he had set up the deception in the first place, generating several rounds of laughter.
"Well, if everyone's done, let's get this mess cleaned up and we can get going," Kim said at last. The table was soon cleared, and Modil went back to the bridge to radio the Eltarans of his intention to dock soon. Kim and Jason set about cleaning up the kitchen, while Zack and Trini did the dishes. Billy went to the sickbay to set that to rights after his treatments there. Ed went with him.
"I'm grateful yer alright, lad. Ye had me worried plenty. I thought I'd have to kill the green giant when he came back alone," Ed said quietly.
"I'm glad it's all worked out. Are you looking forward to seeing Earth?"
"That's what I wanted to talk to ye aboot, lad. I'm stayin' here," he said softly.
"Here? You mean with Modil?"
"Aye, he asked me, and I'm thinkin' I'll take him up on it. 'Twould be nice to have a friend I could be dependin' on. He's a good man, Modil is. Despite bein' stubborn and pig headed."
Billy bit back a chuckle. "Yes, he is a good man. You're sure about this?"
"Aye, lad." He looked away pensively. "'Twas because of yer faith, really. Ye believed yer friends would come for ye, no matter what. I dinna believe ye, but ye never gave up on them. I canna say for absolute sure, of course, but I'm believin' Modil could be that kind of friend. I've never had that before in my life. And I'm thinkin' 'tis more important than seein' a city where I don't know a blessed soul. Besides, he's lonely," Ed concluded self-consciously.
As you have been, my friend Billy thought. "I guess I see your point. I hope you're happy. If you ever change your mind and want to see Earth, you'd always be welcome to stay with me. Of course, you'd have to find me first," Billy chuckled.
"Ah, lad, I could find ye, easy enough. And thank ye for the offer, lad."
"Billy, Ed, we should probably get going," Jason said from the doorway.
"'Tis only Billy 'twill be goin'," Ed told the burly teen. Jason nodded as if not surprised, then led the way toward the bridge to say goodbye to Modil.
They found Modil already saying goodbye to Kimberly, Zack and Trini. Even in the short time they'd been around him, they'd all gotten fond of the huge Nubulan.
"You take good care of yourself, or I'll hunt you down and make you sorry," Kim teasingly told him.
"Yes, ma'am," Modil replied to the petite girl who stood almost two feet shorter than him.
Ed walked up to Modil diffidently. "If ye were meanin' yer offer to work with ye, then the answer's yes," he said stiffly.
Modil grinned at the older Human. "The offer still stands. I can use someone to do all the work while I get all the profit."
"We'll be negotiatin' that point, ye can be sure of that," Ed growled, his blue eyes twinkling with good humor.
"First day and you're already arguing with me?" Modil demanded.
"Just ye wait until the second day," Ed threatened with a grin.
"Well, looks like you two will be getting along just fine," Billy commented dryly.
"Care to join us, lad?" Ed offered with a challenging look.
"No thanks. I'll just head on home with these guys. Modil, thank you again. You were in the right place at the right time to save my tail once again. If ever I can do something for you.." he began.
"You can not get yourself in so much danger anymore. I would consider that quite a favor," Modil scolded the teen gently.
Billy just smiled at the Nebulan and tuned his attention to Ed. "Thank you. You saved my life, no doubt about that. I can never thank you enough." He reached out to shake the redhead's hand.
Ed took the proffered hand and pulled the blond teen into a warm embrace. "Thank ye, lad. Ye gave me back my hope, got me out of Kyn'raem's possession, gave me the chance to change my destiny. Ye reminded me that there are times ye have to fight, not take the path of least resistance. Now, I don't ever want to see ye again unless it's on Earth or yer out here in yer own ship, chasing yer own dream. Hear me?"
"I hear you." Billy backed away and smiled at the older man, then joined his friends.
"Jason, despite the circumstances, it was good to see you again. But next time let's make it less exciting, okay? Give my regards to Zordon."
"Will do. Thanks again for taking care of Billy."
With that the five teens disappeared, teleporting back to Pyramidus for the long trip home.
PRPRPR
As Mondo's latest monster exploded in a geyser of smoke and flying debris the Power Rangers gave a shout of triumph, and prepared to disengage their individual zords and send them back to the holding bay. They teleported back to the Power Chamber to find newly repaired Alpha bustling around in a state of excitement that was unusual even for him.
"What's going on, Zordon?" Tommy asked worriedly.
"Good news, Rangers. Pyramidus is landing as we speak. They are home," the Power Ranger mentor announced.
The assembled Rangers gave a collective gasp of joy as four pure white and one black/gold beam landed in the Power Chamber and revealed the five former Rangers.
"Billy!" Katherine and Tanya cried as one, hurrying forward to greet their friend enthusiastically. Rocky and Adam were right behind the girls, to give him their own quick bear hugs. As they stepped back Tommy looked closely at his oldest teammate for a long moment before pulling the smaller teen into his own firm embrace. Ten voices mingled as the weary travelers were welcomed home.
The hubbub finally died down and Zordon's voice could be heard.
"Let me add my thanks to those of all other Eltarans for what you did. It was in incredibly brave act and one that probably saved the lives of thousands of Eltarans."
"We're just glad it worked," Billy said quietly.
"And if someone ever again tries to use himself as bait, I'll kill him myself," Jason added with a stern look at his friend. Billy blushed and looked down at his feet uncomfortably.
"Can we go home now?" Zack asked to distract the conversation away from the discomfited former Blue Ranger.
"Once Katherine done medical scans on you, you are free to go home if she clears you," Zordon said.
The five teens headed toward the Med Room with Kat, talking quietly amongst themselves.
PRPRPR
"Zordon, I suspect you wish to speak to me," Billy said as he arrived alone in the Power Chamber. He'd slept for almost twelve hours the night before, then met with the rest of the current and former Rangers to exchange news of the last few days. Billy had found himself at the receiving end of quite a scolding from his friends. He decided he might as well let Zordon have his turn.
"Are you okay?" the Eltaran asked.
"Yes, I'm fine. I have a couple of scars I'll have to hide from my dad, but otherwise I'm okay. I'm sorry I disobeyed you, but I felt it was necessary."
"I realize you acted in the way you thought best, but my sworn duty is to the Power Rangers, to guide and protect them. That is hard to do if one of them tires to sacrifice himself in my place," Zordon chided him gently.
"I didn't intend to sacrifice myself. I intended to get out of here before she arrived. My timing was a little off."
"Yes, it was."
"And, I felt it was necessary for you to be here to continue your sworn duty. We need you, Zordon."
The ancient mentor looked down on this most unusual charge of his. In eons of training Power Rangers, this one stood out as unique, on a team that was itself unique.
"Next time, if I tell you to get out, I will expect you to do as I say. Otherwise, I cannot allow you to continue in this capacity. Is that understood?" Though the words were stern, the tone of voice was gentle.
"Yes, sir. Understood." Billy looked up at Zordon with a questioning look. "Is that all?"
Zordon sighed mentally and shook his head. "Yes, that is all. Go relax some more, there is nothing critical that needs to be done, and you still need to recover some. Come back in a couple of days."
"Thanks, Zordon."
PRPRPR
A few days later, Trini found Billy in the auxiliary engine room, working on a device that appeared to be part of the electrical system.
"Hi Billy. I've been looking for you. What are you working on now?"
"Zordon keeps getting a minor flux reading from this. I thought I'd take this quiet time to tie it down for him. What did you need, Trini?"
"I just wanted to talk to you. We haven't had a chance to talk face to face for a couple of years now. I've missed you," she admitted softly.
"I've missed you, too," he smiled back.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course," he replied easily.
"You seemed to be very comfortable out there in space. With Ed and Modil. At ease, more so than I have ever seen you. Why?"
He looked at her, a little taken aback by her perception. Though thinking about it, he realized she had always been the one who had truly understood him, and what it was like for him.
"I guess I feel like I fit better out there," he answered at last.
"Why?"
"Trini, out there I'm not so smart. You know, in comparison to others. Earth is really a fairly primitive planet, when you look at, say, Aquitar. Here, my intelligence sets me apart. Out there, it doesn't. In fact, in some places, a lot really, I'd be considered average to below average. I guess I find that oddly comfortable."
Trini considered his words for a moment. She knew, perhaps better than any of the others, how much and how often Billy's extraordinary intelligence had hurt him. The times other kids had proffered friendship, when all they had really wanted was to pass Chemistry. Especially once they became teenagers, that age when fitting in is often of paramount importance, Billy's intelligence acted to single him out more than a handicap would have. As for that, most children are taught not to mock or torment those who have physical or mental handicaps. But geeks and nerds are open to any and all types of abuse. And Billy had been subjected to them all, despite Jason and the others' attempts to counter the other kids' cruelty.
Considering this, Trini could understand why Billy would relish a situation where he was considered normal. It hurt her to think that her gentle friend could not find such acceptance so easily on his home planet, but she understood.
"I hope that doesn't mean you are thinking of eventually going out there to stay," she said at last.
"I don't think so. I wanted to get home, more than you can imagine. However, that doesn't mean I wouldn't consider the occasional trip to other galaxies. Just, it would be nice to be doing it voluntarily, not being kidnapped."
Trini chuckled softly at that comment. Then she stepped up to Billy and gave him a friendly hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"I guess it's okay that you want to go back out there, just don't forget all the people who love you at home, okay?"
He returned her hug and kiss gladly.
"I won't forget."
The End
