Chapter 12
When he opened his eyes again he looked around, his head felt heavy, just like when he had woken up the first time. He looked around, letting his new memories flash before his eyes. He was awake, but not totally onboard the ship. He saw Ashley, along with TJ, Cassie and Carlos, who he had heard about and read about in files - only now did he actually remember them. Memories flashed before his eyes, scenes of him playing basketball with Ashley, getting jealous when Zhane taught her telekinesis, him asking her out for a date, giving her a necklace. He watched his sister return to them from being Astronema; he saw himself kiss Ashley and hug her close.
Alpha stood there.
"Andros?" Andros shook his head and looked up.
"I remember Ashley and the others, but I want to know how deep my relationship with her goes. I saw us kissing and dating, giving her presents. I know we were more than team mates, and more than friends."
"Aiyiyiyi, Andros, this was one of Ashley's fears: that you wouldn't remember everything about her. You are indeed more involved with her than you have recalled: you married her shortly after the countdown. You will have been married six years next month," Alpha filled him in, knowing he was ready for the rest of the truth.
"I'm married to her? Why didn't she just tell me?" Andros gazed at the robot, confused.
"She didn't want to tell you because she knew you weren't ready for the whole story," Alpha said, pausing to allowed Andros to figure it out.
"We have a child together, don't we? I heard you earlier when you were talking about Kalyan. He is my son, isn't he?" Andros looked to the ground when Alpha nodded his saucer head slightly. The red ranger broke down into tears. "I have a son and I can't remember his birth, let alone marrying Ashley! How can I be a good father to him? Is it even possible?"
"Ashley thinks so, and I am sure Kalyan will think so as well. He is still young, and you have plenty of time to be with him and form new memories." Andros stood up, still in a sort of daze.
"I'll be going to bed now, I guess."
"Why don't you spend some time with Ashley?" Alpha suggested.
"I can't leave the ship, remember," Andros reminded Alpha.
"I will make it so you can. Spend the evening with her - she should still be awake - and then spend tomorrow with her and your son." Alpha left the room.
"My son! It feels so weird saying that," Andros spoke to himself, working out some of his thoughts. He ran his fingers through his hair and wished it was longer.
Alpha came back into the room with Kin-Won, the man looking like he had been dragged out of his house almost against his will!
"Andros' memories are as restored as they are going to get, although he might still get a few residual memories here and there." Andros snapped to attention in front of his commander.
"Andros, do you think you are ready to return to active duty?" Kin-Won asked.
"As ready as I am told I will be, sir," Andros paused, wondering if that was truly the right answer… no, he couldn't feel sorry for himself now.
"Take a few days off, Andros, and spend time with Ashley and Kalyan. Just relax, okay? If I catch you near the offices I will be forced to take action," Kin-Won told him, then pressed his fingers to one of DECA's screens. "DECA, release the lock down on Andros." When it was done he looked back to his red ranger. "Go, Andros."
Andros had DECA teleport him outside Ashley's house… no, his and Ashley's house. When he found the front door was locked, he slipped around to the back, knowing that most Kerovians never locked the back entrance. He let himself into the house and gazed around. The lights were all off, save from a security light here and there. He ran his fingers along a few of the surfaces and gazed at pictures that dotted the walls.
He went to the stairs and, having ascended them, peaked into the first room he came to. There was a night light on in the corner and a little figure sleeping in the bed. He watched with silent happiness as his son slept soundly and peacefully on. He closed the door quietly and found the door to the master bedroom. Ashley was curled up on one side of the bed. The light was on and a book lay beside her.