Timeforce – Delta
Chapter 13 – On The Verge

Anubis and Wes were back in their cell, seated on the floor at opposite ends of the cage. Wes did his best to keep his eyes closed, holding on to the image of his son as a grown man. Sky even took his, Wes's, last name. For the briefest moment, he had his son back but now he could lose him forever. He never even got the chance to say 'I love you' just once. "Would he do it?" Wes didn't look at Doggie but whispered his question loud enough for the commander to hear.

"Perhaps," Doggie replied. "But I know the rangers, they wouldn't do it unless they had a plan."

"He's so grown up," Wes said brokenly. "How much have I missed?"

"Not as much as you stand to gain," Anubis countered. "Wes don't lose out hope now, the rangers will come for us, they've never failed yet." Wes said nothing and they fell back into the heavy silence. Even when a few tears slipped down Wes's face, there wasn't anything else to say.

*TFD*

Back in SPD, their families had gone home while Sky and team were workings on different plans that might help against Vilex. They somehow needed to believe that they were giving him the enhancers without actually doing it. The ruse needed to last long enough for them to get back Cruger and Wes and put enough distance between them and the alien so they could get ready to fight when he did discover the treachery. The problem was that they didn't know how much Vilex knew or didn't know about the substances. What if he demanded a test of some kind? Kat was currently trying to come up with a substitute that would display similar chemical properties but it was difficult and even the brilliant scientist was running out of ideas. Sky sat in the same chair he had when he first heard his father may still be alive. He was disbelieving then but he couldn't deny what his own eyes had seen. It felt like his mind was split between Vilex and Wes. His dad looked so different and yet the same and watching him in the hands of Vilex made his stomach churn. A pair of arms slid down his chest from behind and he looked up to see Z bending her head down to be near his. They both cast a glance at the others but they were too engrossed in their work to notice anything.

"How are you doing?" Z murmured.

"Happy, scared, nervous, shocked," Sky rattled off. "He's alive, Z."

"I know," Z smiled.

"But he's also in danger," the red ranger continued.

"I know that too," Z sighed softly. "We'll get him back Sky, he's coming home."

"I hope so," Sky held Z's hands. "If I lose him now I don't know what…"

"Don't think like that," Z insisted. "We'll figure something out." She pressed a soft but lingering kiss to his temple. Sky took a deep breath and let her comfort him. Right then, he needed that support. Z's lips left his skin and he immediately felt several degrees colder. He rubbed the arms still around him as his eyes fell on the doors behind which Kat was working. They had to isolate the lab and take all kinds of precautions to avoid anyone being infected. Kat could work with the chemicals without an issue but everyone else was at risk, not even Boom could help her. Slowly he was beginning to see another route, another way they could handle Vilex, albeit a risky one. He'd need everyone coming together for this and they'd only have one chance. It wasn't perfect but with just a bit of luck it might actually work.

Sky looked at Z, "Do you trust me?"

"Of course," Z responded automatically.

"No, this time I need you to really trust me."

Z nodded, "I'm with you all the way," and straightened up. Sky stood too and called the rest of the rangers to gather around. They knocked on the lab doors to get Kat to come out.

She emerged a moment later pulling off her rubber gloves, "What's going on?"

"I think I've come up with a way to solve our problem with Vilex," Sky told them all. "But we have to switch tactics and I need everyone on my side. If this works we can kill two birds with one stone."

"I'm here for you bro," Jack said.

"Me too," Bridge concurred.

"Same with me," Sydney seconded.

"Just tell what to do Sky," Kat said evenly.

"Well Kat you've got the most important job right now. Forget about the enhancers, I need you to find me a planet. Somewhere far and remote without an ounce of life on it."

"What for?" Bridge asked.

"That's where we'll make the exchange with Vilex," Sky answered. He continued to address Kat, "I also need you to make sure our ranger suits will protect us from the chemicals. While you're at it, do it for my dad and Cruger too, once we get there we can't guarantee there won't be an accident."

"Hang on a second Sky," Jack said slowly. "This is sounding like you're actually going to…"

"Sky you can't do that," Syd shook her head. "You heard our parents, if he gets them, it's going to be all over. He'll be unstoppable."

Bridge added, "Your dad and Cruger even said -"

"Guys," Sky cut across them. "If I am right about this, we won't have to worry about him using the enhancers at all. I have plan but yes, we will have to give the enhancers to Vilex."

A/N: Hey guys, yes I came up with this little plot twist when reviewing my notes for the story. I originally planned a traditional fight but I think this will be far more entertaining. Sorry for the long wait but I'm back in school and the special announcement will explain rest of it. Please take a minute to check it out, love you all and as always ENJOY! R&R PLZ!