All I Ever Wanted

Part Seven: Connection

-Karone-

In all my life, I've never felt as out of place as I do at this very moment. Not when I first boarded the Megaship as Princess Astronema. Not when I set foot on KO 35, the home planet of which I had no memory. Not when I stood side by side with the Rangers in their triumphant return to Earth, even though I knew I had no right to be there.

Here, lying on this bed of pale pink cotton sheets, listening to the steady breathing of my slumbering roommate... I feel like an intruder.

This is Kendrix's room.

The bed that I lie on is hers. The comforter tucked under my arms is hers. The flannel pajamas I'd found neatly folded under the pillow are hers.

The room is stamped with her signature. The computer with a small cat made of pink plastic sitting atop the monitor. The vivid painting of a beach basking in the glow of sunrise. The framed photograph of Kendrix and Maya that stands prominently on the table. The floral print apron hanging on a hook beside the refrigerator. The dozens of books squeezed on the small bookshelf, covering a range of topics including Victorian architecture, mythology, botany, and even fictional adventures of the starship Enterprise.

A few hours ago, when Maya proudly herded me into the quarters that she meant for us to share, I was struck dumb by the impression this simple room made. This room has an overwhelming personality. It reflects the two women who live here, the two best friends that share this space.

How dare I try to make her home my own?

For once I'm glad I packed nothing when I left Earth, for if I replaced even one of Kendrix's tokens I'd feel as if I had desecrated this monument to her life.

I turn on my side, trying to will my mind into silence and allow me a small measure of rest...

..when the tone of my communicator rings in my ears.

I jump up, startled by the muffled sound. Thankfully my wrist was tucked under the pillow, otherwise I would've roused Maya.

My voice is low as I respond. "Karone here."

"It's Leo. Did I wake you?"

I glance at the digital clock beside the bunk bed. One in the morning... what's going on?

"No, I'm awake," I assure him. "What's the emergency?"

"Uh... it's not exactly an emergency. I was hoping I could get your input on a project I'm working on."

Is he serious? Why would he want to consult me on anything? I didn't think he wanted anything to do with me...

The anxiety in his voice, and my own curiosity, move me to a decision. I slide out of the sheets as quietly as possible, and retrieve my clothes from my bag. "Where are you, Leo?"

Another awkward pause. "Outside your room."

My eyes fly to the door. "Give me two minutes."

It takes me even less time than that to change out of my gray sleep shirt into snug leather. Combing my hair with my fingers I walk through the automated door, and I'm greeted with the tired green eyes of the Red Ranger.

"Hi, Karone."

"Hello."

This is the first time he's spoken to me. Our paths never crossed aboard the Megaship during our four-day transit to Terra Venture. And even when we arrived, he was silent and detached.

He begins to walk, and I fall into step beside him. The hall lights are dimmed, no doubt programmed to reflect the time of day the passengers are accustomed to. The complete absence of any activity, save for one or two security officers on patrol, only heightens the silence that hangs between us. I listen to the tap of our shoes as we make our way to a destination Leo hasn't even revealed yet.

I have no idea what to say to him. It would be foolish to introduce myself now, after four days of living on the same ship. Maya was kind enough to give me some details on my new teammates, and even though I know of the pain he feels after Kendrix's sacrifice, I'm in no position to offer any sort of comfort. No doubt every time he looks at me, he is reminded of the friend he lost. Of the friend I've replaced.

But he came to me. This isn't like when I confronted Kai on the Simudeck. I didn't force Leo to acknowledge my existence. I shouldn't feel this uneasy.

So I decide to touch on the one subject I consider 'safe.' "So, what's this project you're working on?"

His hands find the pockets of his faded blue jeans. "I've been doing research in the Galaxy Book, looking for some clue about the Nexus... the pocket dimension Kendrix is trapped in."

"The Galaxy Book?"

He turns to me, and I can almost see the hope fade from his eyes. "You've never heard of it?"

"Should I have?"

"I kind of hoped you did. I want you to help me figure it out."

My eyes widen in surprise as he slides a pass card into the reader just outside the Science Division. The light atop the doors flashes green, and the doors slide open, allowing Leo to guide me through Terra Venture's development center.

We soon enter a section reserved for "Cultural Analysis." The lights respond to our presence, slowly brightening to reveal a small room with several computers lined up. The walls are covered in large printouts of alien symbols and sketched images, with arrows and notes jotted in the margins in colorful ink. In the far corner is a case of glass, within which lies a large, leather-bound tome with yellowed pages.

Leo immediately takes a seat at a computer station with a small plant sprouting from a pink clay pot.

Kendrix's desk.

A few strokes of the keyboard brings up a two-framed visual, with a scan of alien text on the left, and a column of English notes on the right.

Intrigued, I stare at the screen over his shoulder. "So you've already translated some of the Galaxy Book?"

He nods. "The science team assigned to translate the Galaxy Book has made some headway, and even developed a program to automatically translate recognized symbols once enough characters were identified. The trick is, the Galaxy Book isn't all one language."

"Perhaps there is one language of exposition, and then incantations are recorded in their native text?" I suggest. "Do you have any idea who wrote the Galaxy Book? What planet it came from?"

Leo shook his head. "We don't even know what galaxy this book came from. It's been a mystery since we first found it."

"Hmm..." I murmur, walking to the Galaxy Book itself. "Can we take it out of the case?"

He types a code into the panel, making one side of the glass slide out of my way. I reach my hand out, closing my eyes as I "feel" for the glow of magic, that faint power, much like electricity, that I'd learned to wield in my former life.

"This book is enchanted. It feels almost like... it's locked."

"Locked?"

"There's a power blocking our perception of this book. Only someone with the 'key' can read this text easily. Whoever placed this spell can see through it, and understand all the text as if he were reading his native language. All others are exposed to this scrambled mixture of languages. I'm impressed you could make sense of any of this gibberish with Earth technology. It will take years to figure this out... if it can even be done."

I open my eyes, fully expecting Leo to be crushed by the bad news I'd related. Instead, I'm startled to see him smile.

"This isn't just any Earth technology," he corrects me, tapping the monitor. "Kendrix developed the translation program."

His faith in her abilities is unwavering.

I nod, accepting the challenge before us. "Let's start by isolating how many different languages we have to account for. Then, we should trace each translated language throughout the entire book, and see if we can find any reference to pocket dimensions." I then turn back to the book, carefully flipping the pages. "There also seems to be a lot of sketches in here... maybe one of them may represent the Nexus?"

He nods eagerly, and we get to work.

The hours fly by as we immerse ourselves in linguistic analysis, catching glimpses of the legends and histories of this and other galaxies. Leo walks me through Kendrix's software, explaining the translation process in surprising detail.

I stare at a block of translated text, comparing the English verse with the visual structure of the original alien symbols, when a soft chime distracts me.

"It's five," Leo announces, rising to his feet. He casually stretches his arms over his head, and shuts down Kendrix's computer. "Time to clear out before the research crew gets in."

I open my mouth to respond, only for a powerful yawn to overcome my words. I'd been so engrossed in my work I hadn't even realized I was so tired.

"Sorry I kept you up all night," Leo offers, collecting sheets of notes we'd taken, "I guess I got excited that we were making some progress. It's been pretty frustrating doing this stuff, especially after I'd finished reviewing the translated text."

I shrug the apology aside. "Don't mention it. I'm just glad I finally got the chance to talk to you."

His gaze grows serious, and I realize my mistake. I really didn't mean to sound so bitter... it must be my exhaustion talking. I never expected to be welcomed with open arms, and after that fiasco with Kai the other day, I recognized that, despite Maya's best efforts and my own good intentions, I may never connect with the other Rangers.

"Don't listen to me," I insist, heading for the exit. "Really... I'm just worn out."

- - -

-Leo-

I haven't felt this good in a long time.

I whistle as I walk through the halls of Terra Venture at noon. Sure, every few feet I pass someone who looks at me funny, but I really don't care. For the first time in four days, I feel like I've made some headway.

Karone and I have a plan. Together we're gonna find Kendrix!

Yeah, there wasn't much in the Galaxy Book yet. We've got a long way to go... but it's good to share this with someone. And Karone's experience with magic, pocket dimensions, and alien languages definitely brightens the picture. I mean, I always knew I'd figure it out eventually... but I'm glad we're on the fast track now.

Now I'm not so frustrated... so consumed. Now I can start paying attention to the people around me again.

I feel pretty lousy about how I've treated Karone so far. When we first discovered she'd become the Pink Ranger, I was so stunned I couldn't believe it was real. Seeing someone else wearing Kendrix's uniform... I just couldn't process it.

At that moment, when I stared at the face of a stranger beneath that too-familiar helmet, it felt like we'd given up on Kendrix. That she gave up on us.

After the initial shock wore off, I was able to think a little clearer. I know why she passed on the Saber. Mike gave me the Red Saber when he fell into the pit on Mirinoi. That didn't mean he was gone for good. It was a precaution... a reminder that the mission comes first.

She wants us to be as safe and strong as possible while she's away. That's all.

So I can look at the bright side. The team is complete, so when Trakeena throws another one of her tantrums, we've got the muscle to fight back. Plus we have a new teammate, with skills and knowledge we can use as we journey through unfamiliar territory, meet alien species, and unlock the mysteries of the Galaxy Book.

I can see she feels out of place. I mean, who wouldn't, surrounded by thousands of complete strangers? I felt pretty weird my first few days on Terra Venture, especially while I was reeling from Mike's disappearance. I've been in her shoes.

The least I can do is help her out. I should've reached out to her earlier, but better late than never.

So, balancing a tray of styrofoam cups in one hand, I press the tone to let her know she's got company.

"Come in!"

The door slides open, and I stare at Kendrix's workstation... where Karone is busily typing on the keyboard.

"Wow, Karone... I figured you'd still be asleep!"

"I've never been one to sleep much. Too many dreams." She finally turns to me, and my eyes are drawn to the bright pink headband pulling back her hair.

"It's a gift from Maya," Karone murmurs, her fingers brushing against the band. "Most Pink Rangers wear predominately pink, but since I'm not really a Pink Ranger, I figured a token acknowledgement of my color designation made sense." Her smile broadens. "Besides, it keeps my hair out of my face while I type."

My curiosity is piqued as I hand her a cup. "Type what?"

Her eyes are bright with triumph as she slides her seat away from the computer. "See for yourself."

I step closer, and my eyes widen at display. Is that... what I think it is??

"The translation program? But... how?"

"All computers on Terra Venture are networked. It was just a question of finding the right drive to access the Cultural Analysis team's shared files. And since Kendrix's system has full access to the Science Division, I didn't even need to hack in."

I slowly shake off my astonishment as I review the scans of the Galaxy Book. I can't believe it didn't occur to me to check Kendrix's computer! With all the late hours she'd spent reviewing her day's work, I should've known she had full access to everything right here! Of course, we don't have the Book itself... but this does mean we can work through scanned text remotely, at any hour we'd like!

"Leo?"

I turn to Karone, who stares at me with puzzled eyes as she holds up the cup I gave her.

"This is French roast with marshmallows and a splash of skim milk, isn't it?"

I grin as I nod. "I figured you'd need some caffeine to brighten your morning." I glance at the desk clock. "Well... afternoon."

"But how could you possibly know I like this?" she persists.

"I just checked the synthetron records on the Megaship to see what you requested. I mean, what's the point in ordering you a drink you don't like? Everyone drinks their morning cup a little differently. Though I must admit... marshmallows is a new one."

She stares at me for a moment longer, obviously stunned, before taking another sip. "You shouldn't have gone to the trouble."

I laugh. "What trouble? I just contacted Alpha to pull up the records, and then got on line at the coffee stand. It's not like I picked the coffee beans myself!"

She giggles softly, but her good mood is squashed almost immediately. I turn to her, watching her smile crumble despite her best effort.

"Karone?"

"Sorry," she mumbles, turning away from me. "You... just remind me of someone."

Oh.

It only takes her a few moments to regain her composure. Soon her smile returns, only it doesn't quite reach her eyes.

"So," she breathes, "shall we see what the translation program found while we were asleep?"

At that moment, I realize that I didn't really appreciate the magnitude of what Karone has done for us. I knew she was going above and beyond the call of duty by coming with Terra Venture, especially since she never intended to join us. But that look in her eyes is unmistakable.

She left someone behind. Someone she really loves.

She left him so she could board a colony of total strangers, and travel to parts unknown... all to fulfill a promise to a woman she'd never even met in the flesh.

I would never have the courage to do that.

Wow... have I been selfish or what, to ask for her help while totally disregarding how isolated she feels?

"You know what? I think I've had enough research for today."

She stares at me. "Huh?"

"I have a better idea. How about I take you on the grand tour of Terra Venture? You've only been aboard for one day, you couldn't possibly have seen it all."

It takes her a few seconds to snap out of her surprise. "Well, I haven't... but-"

"You don't have any other plans, do you?"

"No..."

"Then what else are you going to do today?"

When her eyes angle towards the monitor, I shake my head emphatically.

"I appreciate your help, Karone... really I do... but I won't let you stay cooped up in here. You need a change of scenery!"

She turns to me again, and I see her eyes brighten. "I think you're right."

- - -

-Karone-

There's only one word to describe Terra Venture: spectacular.

Considering I've spent half my life living on star ships and space stations, it takes a lot for a vessel to truly impress me. But Terra Venture is an absolute marvel! The Forest Dome alone is as large as a park, and unlike the uncanny illusions the Simudeck manifests, everything here is real. The river is real water, pumped beneath the dome and recycled to the beginning like an elaborate fountain. The trees that stretch heavenward are alive, some of them hundreds of years old. It's as if Terra Venture's architects decided to simply transplant a nature preserve whole, and set it atop this great glass-domed platform.

All around us, children are playing, couples are strolling, and officers on leave are enjoying a picnic lunch. This park is so full of life and energy, it's contagious.

We walk in amiable silence, giving me the chance to absorb the splendor of the Forest Dome. Every so often, he points out a landmark of some sort... the first tree he climbed onboard, the stable where Maya often visits the horses, even an ice cream stand strategically positioned near a designated playground.

His face lights up, and he urgently grabs my hand. "If you like marshmallows, then you've gotta try Hank's patented Ivory Heaven sundae! We're talking angel food cake and homemade vanilla ice cream drowned in marshmallow sauce and whipped cream, with white chocolate shavings all around. It's amazing!"

I let him guide me to the dessert stand, mesmerized by his mischievous grin and gleaming green eyes.

Gods... I miss Zhane.

I don't think I realized how much his absence has darkened my spirits. Before, I was so driven to get the Quasar Saber I hardly spared him a second thought. Then I had to face the overwhelming responsibility of being a Power Ranger, and trying to forge some kind of understanding with my new teammates. I was so distracted by my new challenges that I didn't really consider what I left behind.

I didn't let myself dwell on what I've sacrificed.

I may never see him again.

I knew I was risking my life when I went to Onyx, and again when I delivered the Saber to the Rangers on Guinit... but on the day I left Earth, my mission was clear-cut and simple. Get the Quasar Saber.

Never did I imagine joining the Rangers... and settling on Terra Venture.

I know the mission of Terra Venture; a space colony created to seek out a new home. The journey may take years, but at the end... this colony will settle on a world far from Earth. When the call went out for intrepid explorers to man and populate this new colony, they were warned that they'd never return to their native soil.

It may take years to find Kendrix, and Trakeena seems so consumed with destroying this colony, I'm certain she will remain on our heels no matter how far we travel. It may be years before my mission is complete.

I left Zhane without even a goodbye, thinking I'd see him again within a week. It's already been a week, and I still haven't mustered the courage to contact him. I don't think I can face him. How can I possibly explain the mission I've accepted? What... will he say when he learns of my decision?

"Terra Venture to Karone! Hello?"

I blink my eyes, and the amused smile of my companion comes into focus. "What?"

"Do you want two or three scoops of ice cream, Miss?"

My startled gaze slides from Leo to the kindly server behind the counter. This must be 'Hank.'

"Two please. Thanks."

He smiles again as he turns to prepare the treat. I can't help but watch in fascination as Hank carefully pours a ladle full of marshmallow sauce over the ice cream, and artfully swirls the whipped cream in a wide spiral on top. He then drizzles the masterpiece with chunks of white chocolate, and sets the massive dessert on the counter with a flourish.

"That's one Ivory Heaven for the lovely lady. How about you, Leo?"

"The usual," he answers with a grin of anticipation.

Curious, I watch Hank remove a warm brownie from his small oven, and smother it with three scoops of chocolate ice cream, fudge, caramel, crushed nuts, sprinkles, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.

Leo smirks as he holds out his meal card to complete the transaction. "That, Karone, is what we like to call the Cavity King!"

I can't restrain a laugh as Leo sets both our treats on a plastic tray, and nods his head toward the nearby picnic tables. A few moments later we're both comfortably seated under the warm glow of the simulated sun, indulging in the decadence that is Hank's famous ice cream.

"Like it?"

I nod eagerly, my mouth too full of sugar to give a verbal answer. Ever since Zhane first introduced me to the wonder of the marshmallow, I've developed an unhealthy addiction to the vitamin-devoid confection. But while I share his love for puffy candy, I could never comprehend his taste for artificially-flavored carbonated drinks...

A mournful sigh escapes me before I can catch it, and suddenly I have Leo's complete attention.

"What on your mind?"

I feel the heat on my cheeks in response to his inquisitive stare, and from the faint grin that emerges on his face, I get the impression that he's figured out what is distracting me.

I brace myself for the inevitable teasing- he just seems the type to find amusement in my lovelorn daydreaming- but when I meet his eyes again, so serious and resigned, I realize I've misjudged him yet again.

"Yeah," he sighs, "it hurts like hell to lose someone. Even for a little while."

The mood becomes intolerably solemn, and I try to shake off the discomfort by drowning my sorrows in marshmallow sauce until I simply can't eat another spoonful. But Leo doesn't join me in this escape... instead he stares at the ice cream almost blankly.

- - -

-Leo-

I shouldn't have ordered this.

My mind is thrown back to the first time I had one of these sundaes... on my lunch break during the single day I served as part of Terra Venture's crew. Kendrix took me out to lunch to celebrate surviving the first half-day, and introduced me to Hank, and the Chocolate Bliss brownie sundae.

When I asked Hank to top off his signature sundae with caramel and sprinkles, Kendrix stared at me as if I had two heads.

"You must be crazy, Leo! You'll get a cavity eating that!"

So, I decided to christen this custom dessert the Cavity King, in her honor.

...I can't believe how much I miss her.

A sudden squeal of distress yanks me from my thoughts. Reflexes kick in, and I jump from my seat, giving Karone an urgent glance. The temp Pink Ranger nods once, and together we follow the cries over the picnic area and passed the playground, until we see a group of children huddled at the edge of the river.

"Jamie, what happened?" I demand, kneeling beside a young girl in tears. She sniffles, pointing down river.

"We were playing, and our ball got away from us," Terry helpfully explains. "It rolled into the river."

"It's long gone now," Ricky, one of the older kids, comments.

Karone approaches the very edge, holding out her hand. "Don't worry... it's still within reach."

The kids stare in awe as she stretches her fingers into the distance. I'll admit, I'm pretty intrigued too as a small sphere floats casually towards us.

The kids gasp and whisper as the colorful ball lands in Karone's waiting arms. She smiles easily, bending to the girl who was crying moments before.

"Here you go. Make sure to keep your distance from the river, okay?"

Jamie stares wide-eyed at the ball. "It's... alive! And it... flies?"

"No it doesn't!" one of the other boys grumbles. "She did that."

All eyes turn from the magical ball to Karone.

"How'd you do that?"

"Are you a magician?"

"Nah, I bet she's an alien! They have weird mind-powers!"

"She doesn't look alien!"

I laugh out loud at Karone's bewildered expression. "Guys, calm down. This is my friend Karone. She's from KO 35."

If the kids were impressed before, it doesn't hold a candle to the starry-eyed stares they're giving Karone now.

"Ohmigosh, she's Kerovan!"

"Wow cool! Do you know Andros? He's my hero!"

"Then that was teleconsis you used to get the ball!" Jamie asserts, folding her arms.

"Telekinesis," Karone corrects with an indulgent smile.

"Can you teach me how to do that?" Terry begs.

Then, Dean's eyes light up. "Hey, wanna play with us? You can be on my team!"

"Hey!" half the kids snarl at once. They must be on the opposing team.

"Thanks, but I don't know how to play," Karone excuses.

The kids wail in unison. Wow, it's almost like they rehearsed this.

"C'mon, please? We'll teach you!"

"Yeah, it's easy! You just have to dodge the ball!"

"If Jamie can do it, anyone can!"

"Hey! I'm better than you are, Ricky!"

"Leo! Tell her to play with us! Pleease..."

I laugh aloud at Carmen's puppy-dog eyes. "Sorry, kiddo... Karone has to decide for herself."

I turn to my teammate, fully expecting her to look a little frustrated at all the kids' attention. I'm surprised to see her smiling, enjoying every moment of it.

"What d'ya say, Karone? We'll all teach you."

Karone stares at me, but any words she was about to say are completely drowned out by the kids' screams of approval.

- - -

-Karone-

I can't remember the last time I had so much fun!

I caught on to the concept of "dodge ball" pretty quickly... it's not really that different from some of the training simulations I'd endured in years past, only this activity lacks that ever-present feeling of danger.

Still, I try to play fairly as I duck and run, avoiding the ball as if it carried some lethal plague. The children's laughter is absolutely infectious... while I'm playing this game, I feel no pain.

The ball then rolls into Leo's hands, and a conspiring smirk makes his intentions clear. He's obviously noticed that I haven't been tagged yet since we started playing. I yelp as I scurry away from him, knowing he's hot on my heels.

"You're on my radar screen, Karone!" he taunts. I turn my head, staring at the ball that flies toward me. Without thinking I react... reaching out with my sixth sense and causing the ball to veer to the left.

His confident grin turns into an absolutely priceless grimace. "You cheated!"

I can't help it... I collapse into peals of laughter at his theatrical outrage. "No I didn't!" I retort, "You should've compensated for the wind."

"Wind? We're on a space colony!"

I respond with a disrespectful gesture I learned from Jamie today. I stick out my tongue.

At first he's stunned by the affront. Then, he too begins laughing at the absurdity of it all, and retrieves the ball. "You're just a big kid!" he accuses.

I stand up from the grass, brushing off the dirt clinging to my leather pants. "Well... it's not like I had much of a childhood. I guess I'm compensating now." I smirk at him, lunging to grab the ball as he approaches me. He manages to keep the ball out of my reach, and wags his finger to taunt me.

I roll my eyes. "And what's your excuse?"

His face lights up into a wide, though far from innocent, grin. "I just never grew up."

I lunge again for the ball, eager to get the better of him, when a sudden shriek draws our attention to the park benches.

Streams of people race from a gargantuan figure, with a magnet-shaped ornament atop its head, and another at the peak of its long scepter.

My jaw drops in open shock.

"Trakeena's back in the game," Leo mutters, tossing the ball aside. "Go Galactic!"

The burst of crimson energy swallows him, transforming him from man to superhero. The chaos around us kept the fleeing citizens from noticing the appearance of the Red Ranger, and without wasting a moment he rushes to engage the monster.

I bite my lip, and race to clear the area so Leo can unleash his full might against this abomination. And then, as I usher the children towards the exit of the Forest Dome, I hear a cry that will surely haunt my nightmares.

"Leo!"

A sudden fear assaults me as I run back towards the picnic area. My heart clogs my throat when I see the Red Ranger standing frozen, sparks of bright red energy flashing across his entire frame, climbing up the magnet squeezing his waist.

The Quasar Saber drops from his clawed fingers, and smoke rises as if he'd caught fire. Then, the monster draws his weapon back, laughing in repulsive glee as the Red Ranger falls flat on his back.

The energy matrix surrounding him flashes out of existence, leaving a bruised and unconscious Leo Corbett on the grass.

To Be Continued...