Chapter 10- The proposal

Mrs. Bale opened the door for them and gestured that they should enter. Andros was standing by Zaldin's chair and to Cassie's surprise Zaldin was also standing beside his chair. Cassie had to admit he cut a very dashing figure standing there.

"Rangers, Welcome." Zaldin's gentle voice was deep and very reminiscent of his father's voice. It sent chills up the ranger's spines. Zaldin bowed to them, and they, in shock bowed back.

"Please allow me to introduce my friends," said Andros who was smiling warmly at his fellow rangers. "This is TJ, Carlos, Ashley, Zane, Karone, and Cassie." He gave Cassie a small wink

"I am very pleased to meet you properly at last" said Zaldin. "Please sit" he waved his hand to the sofa and the chairs that had been brought in. Zaldin sat down as well, and though none of the other rangers noticed, save Andros and Cassie, he winced a little as he seated himself.

"Rangers," said Andros, "May I introduce Zaldin, son of Zordon, Representative of the Planet Eltar, and leader of all the power rangers."

"Pleased to meet you sir," said TJ. The other rangers where trying to cover there shock at the news that this young man was Zordon's son.

Cassie was in awe at the transformation that had taken place in Zaldin, gone was the relaxed figure with his head resting against the back of the chair and in it's place was a man sitting tall and straight, as much a king on his throne as he could be. No wonder people went formal around him; you could feel the power and command he had. Her fellow rangers seemed stiff with shock and respect, she remember Zaldin saying that people reacted this way, but she wondered if he realized that it was not only his position but himself that people where reacting to. She smiled at the thought, knowing that Zaldin likely had no idea that even without his titles and lineage he was a very formidable presence. But one thing he had gotten right; the meeting was awkward and formal.

"I am afraid I will have to make this meeting quick, although I do hope to speak with many of you individually before I leave." Zaldin began. " This Ranger team is unlike from any ranger team before it, you have traveled space and defended worlds that are not your own. You have made many friends, and earned the honor and respect of legions. It is because of this and because of you fondness for each other, for I can see that you are very much a family that I offer this proposal to you. For traditionally you are nearing the age at which it would be time to move on with your adult lives, as did your predecessors before you. Now I will say first that you need not decide right away, I would in fact prefer it, if you made no decision for a time."

Even Andros looked intrigued, and Cassie was glad to find out that she wasn't the only one who was out of the loop.

"When the rangers began long ago they where guardians of their worlds, though they could not morph they went where they where needed and stayed as long as they where needed. The need for the morphers has once again left us, but I think that there are many places that are still require the aide of those who will help them when they have need. I would ask this team, to remain together and be the guardians of peace once more. And who knows there may be a time, when you will be called upon again to act as rangers. "

Cassie looked at her fellow rangers, she could see in many of there eyes that they would like nothing more. But she also knew what kind of sacrifice it would mean to each of them; they had many dreams on Earth too.

"I would ask that you not discuss it with each other until after the party, this is a time to enjoy yourselves and not worry about the future. Trust your own hearts when deciding this, for your hearts have been your guide on this long road and have served you well."

The others where all shocked into silence, none of them knew how to respond.

Zaldin smiled at them all, and in that smile he looked like a friend once more, and Cassie gave him a small wink. The others all managed a "Thank you", which comically sprang from there lips in unison. They all giggled a nervous giggle. It was like a release value and the laugh drained the tension that had built up during the conversation.

Zaldin chuckled with them, his musical laughter made them all smile. Cassie and Andros noticed that he had once again clenched his side.

"Normally I would invite you to tea, and we could get to know each other better, but I regret that I cannot this meeting, although I hope to talk with each of you during the party."

They all stood to leave, TJ extended his hand to shake Zaldin's, "It was a pleasure to meet you sir. "

"The pleasure was mine" replied Zaldin.

They left Zaldin's chambers with much to think about for the night, they bid each other a goodnight and went to their rooms.