A/N: A very pleasant Tuesday from the Great State of Texas. Welcome to the main event of the Project Phoenix series. As a disclaimer, this series is inspired by Kctimes2's The Adoption. Before reading this, you should read The Crane's Destructive Path and its accompanying one shot, Granted Wishes. Hope everyone is staying safe in the middle of the coronavirus. I am in Houston where it is running rampant.

The good news is that Texas Governor Greg Abbott put in a mask order a month ago and Houston has leveled off since. Dallas looks better too. I don't need to say this to people outside the States who are read this but for those in the States, please wear a mask. They work.

A/N 2: It's party time. And it's a Thanksgiving, Ranger style. Part one.

A/N 3: Couples featured are Jayden/Mia, Memily, Lantonio, Jason/Kat, Adam/Tanya and a slew of other old-school pairings. You'll have to read on to see if there is Tommy/Kim at the end...hehe.

A/N 4: Usual disclaimer. Power Rangers doesn't belong to me. Used to be Saban, then Disney, then Saban, now Hasbro owns them.

Chapter 37 - Generational Thanksgiving I

November 20, 2012

KO-35

What the Rangers who were gathered in Tommy's living room were not aware of was that the Space Rangers who had stayed behind to clean up KO-35 were watching too; Karone had Rhiannon set up a live feed so they could watch it.

"So that was the Mighty Crane of the Ninjetti?" Queen Kimana said. "And you guys are telling me she wasn't this hideous dictator all along?"

"Yes, your Majesty," Ashley said. "No she was not always like that. I was a year behind her in school, as TJ, Cassie and Carlos were, but we were both cheerleaders. Were very good friends until fate intervened. She was as pure as could be."

"She put everything on the line to save the life of the Phoenix Ranger until he was ready to fight, your Majesty," Andros said, sadness creasing his face. "Do I like that she had to surrender to Maligore, no, but it was prophecy. You have never read the prophecy of the Phoenix?"

"I have, but that still doesn't excuse the actions of her army. They committed atrocities that will take generations to clean up...and that's if we don't lose our democracy again down the line," Kimana said. "And if she was so pure, why didn't she let Zordon remove her from that curse when he died?"

Andros sighed decided to leave it be at that point. No one who hadn't been on the Megaship, or the Dark Fortress, at that time would ever truly understand why the Crane did what she did, or what she had been through.

"I get what you are saying, but with all due respect, your Majesty, you have absolutely no idea what the Crane has been through," Zhane said. "I think it's best to leave it there."

Kimana scoffed at that. What could possibly be the reason that the Crane wouldn't want to be free...via her mentor's sacrifice no less? As far as she was concerned, Kimberly Hart had sold her soul for ultimate power.

"Thanksgiving is coming up on my planet soon," Cassie said. "Watch how the Rangers rally around her. You just saw how much of a hero's welcome she got. It will be like that times a million in two days."

November 21, 2012, about mid-morning

1492 Valencia Drive

Reefside, CA

Perhaps she'd been away too many years on the side of evil, but the fact still remained that Kimberly Ann Hart never ceased to be amazed by things.

Even in her dysfunctional family growing up, she celebrated Thanksgiving every year - and it was always well prepared. But she'd never seen anything exquisitely prepared like this.

Every hour or so it seemed, some Ranger or ally would come through the doors with something that would be needed for the next day's celebration, and it would go right where it needed to go.

She supposed that was because Rocky was now a professional chef and owned a cooking school in LA - she learned that shortly after she temporarily earned back her freedom. She wasn't surprised by that either - Rocky was a bottomless pit even today and this was his wheelhouse.

It was her understanding that Mia had wanted to be a chef like Rocky, but when they first met, they both had decided it was better for Mia if she were involved in the business side of a restaurant. Another example, Kim thought, of not always realizing your dream although as she understood it, Mia had potential on the business side.

Her senses perked up when two people walked in with the necessities for making pie. If memory served her correctly from what Tommy had told her, they were Wes and Jen Collins from Silver Hills.

Kimberly obviously hadn't kept up as much with what went on in the Ranger world over the last 15 some odd years, but she did know of Jen and admired her very much. It had taken a lot for Jen to follow her heart and know that Wes was the one for her, not to mention Jen having the guts to come back in time and claim her man.

In many ways, Kim saw Jen as pretty much a duplicate copy of herself - in pretty much everything; personality, leadership and everything else. It was strictly Kim's opinion that if any female could lead a Ranger team, Jen would be it. She had all the capabilities to lead a team and had the respect of her peers.

And she had deep admiration for Jen taking Jayden to the Silver Hills amusement park months ago. That had done wonders because at that time, her son had been a little bit frazzled because of his newfound responsibilities as the Phoenix Ranger.

"Ranger watching, Kim?" a voice suddenly said from next to her. Kim looked to her right and smiled slightly. Another person who she'd gained immense respect for.

"You are...Lauren, correct?" Kim said, recognizing faintly the willowy blonde Red Samurai Ranger.

"I am," Lauren said. "I'm not sure anyone knows you're keenly watching everything going on. I only know you're watching them because I have to use the restroom."

"Honestly, it's been a long time since I've seen an American Thanksgiving," Kim said, "but I'm amazed at how well this is being run."

"Your brother in arms, the Red Ape, acts like a class clown but in the kitchen he is a drill sergeant. Knows what he's doing at all times," Lauren said.

"That is him in a nutshell. I think he enjoys that people think he is a prankster, almost think he wants people to think that. But when battle comes, he's ready to do whatever it takes," Kim said.

"I am honored at last to meet my brother's mother. I feel so sick for what has happened to you," Lauren said.

"Thank you for raising him, you and Ji both," Kim said. "I think it is wonderful that he had such an awesome role model growing up."

"I did my best," Lauren said. "He always did wonder whether he could live up to the standard I set. Until recently that is."

"I think he is determined to chart his own path. He loves us all, but I think he's doing just fine running the show," Kim said.

"And what a show it is," Lauren said. "Can I ask a question?"

"Shoot."

"Do you think they should have just called it quits? Could they have freed more planets?" Lauren said.

"That's a good question. I think Jayden made the right call," Kim said. "I'd say go free Eltar, but I still have my finger on the pulse there. The confluence reversed my fate temporarily but didn't destroy Flammia's army. Eltar is basically still under martial law though my other half's goons cannot use any of their powers."

"Besides, it's Thanksgiving," Kim said. "He needs time off. They all do."

"I was afraid of that answer on Eltar," Lauren said as she walked towards the kitchen.

"See you around," Kim said.

Thanksgiving Day, 2012, early in the morning

1492 Valencia Drive

Reefside, CA

Though her sleep clock had been thrown off a bit by her turn back to the side of light (at least temporarily), she was still an early riser at heart from her days in gymnastics. In fact, that was the one thing she still took with her. Her evil side had been like that too...was a very early riser.

The previous night had been fun. She'd played several board games, and even some poker with the Ninjetti gang and it felt like old times again, even if only briefly.

The guys had been surprised by her skill at playing poker...which they'd learned she acquired during her evil state at the disgusting Onyx Tavern. She faintly smiled when Tommy had asked her once, "Is it as horrible as the Space guys say it is?"

"That, and more," she recalled answering. "If you want to see a haven for corruption and just outright terrible behavior, that's the place."

Back to the present, one of the main reasons she'd been aroused was not just because she was an early riser, but because there was a delicious aroma that was, no doubt, coming from the kitchen area. She decided there, on the spot, to investigate as much as she could. She knew Rocky had commandeered the kitchen for the day as he had the last couple days, so no doubt whatever he was making was his doing.

As she walked towards the kitchen, out of the corner of her eye she caught Tommy walking into the kitchen to help Rocky. Her eyebrows began going up and down. She'd been out of the game, she knew, but since when did Tommy adopt being an early riser?

"I know what you're thinking. He acquired the habit when he became a teacher," a familiar voice said. She looked to her right and saw Jason and Kat.

"Are you two helping Rocky also?" Kim asked.

"Kat is, I'm not. I'm the police. No one who isn't assigned to be in there goes in except on pain of death," Jason said.

"Tommy being an early riser. That is the darnedest thing I've ever heard in my life," Kim said. "You couldn't get him out of bed early if Goldar was in the room!"

"You are going to tease him so much, aren't you?" Kat said.

"You know it," Kim said. "Payback for all the times that lug refused to get out of bed until it was almost too late!"

"When you teach high school kids, it's a habit," Jason said. "An acquired taste as you and Kat both well know."

"And when you're in law enforcement you're always on call no matter what," another voice said.

Kim's face formed a smile. Just the two Rangers she was hoping to see.

"You're Wes and Jen," Kim said.

"Kimberly Hart, it is an honor," Wes said.

"The honor is mine, Wes," Kim said. "When you mean law enforcement, you mean the Silver Guardians, correct?"

"That's right. We're pretty much always on call, just like the federal and state folks," Wes said. "My sleep hours are always changing."

In the next moment, Jen and Kim were throwing their arms around each other. The admiration the two women felt for each other was on full display for anyone who was watching.

"At last, I get to meet the woman who I looked up to every time I trained to be a Time Force officer..." Jen said.

"You forged your own path though," Kim said. "You looked up to me, but you did it your way."

"You paved the way for those who came after, though, Kim," Jen said. "We learned about you a lot of days in class, as well as Tommy of course."

"Speaking of the guys and Tommy, what's so delicious that they're making in there. It smells good, but I'm not sure it's turkey just yet!"

"It is turkey, but it's also breakfast rolls. In fact, I think by the time you go shower and get ready, they may be ready in 30 minutes to 45," Jason said.

Happily, Kim headed to the shower to get ready, and Jason and Kat looked at Wes and Jen.

"She's something, isn't she?" Wes said.

"In more ways than one, yes she is," Jason said. "She's been through a whole hell of a lot."

"I wasn't kidding when I said she was my role model when training to be a Time Force officer," Jen said. "Having met her, she's everything I expected and more. I just hope the universe forgives her when all is said and done."

"That...will not be easy and that's if she survives. Having just been around two planets and talking to people, it is going to take a great deal for most of the universe to forgive her," Jason said. "It's not the fault of Kim herself but so much destruction has been wrought against the universe and so much pain that the memories will be long."

45 minutes later, Kim re-emerged, and just as Jason said, the breakfast rolls were ready right on time. She could tell immediately that Rocky was a professional chef - these were some of the best breakfast rolls she had anywhere.

She was also right on time to see the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade from New York City, so she sat down to watch it. Even though Putties had destroyed her float years ago, she still loved parades and until her transformation into her evil alter ego, she watched the Thanksgiving day parade every year. She noticed the Samurai Rangers were in the room too, including Lauren.

For a while after Kim and the Samurai Rangers exchanged formal greetings, no one said anything...the Samurai Rangers except Lauren in particular dared not to because they knew they were sitting with not just Jayden's mother, but a living, breathing Ranger legend. She also took note of the fact that Mentor Ji was there too.

Finally, Mike spoke up.

"Lauren told us that she asked you about other planets, Kim," he said. "You told her that Eltar was still basically under martial law. How do you know this?"

"Because my time on both sides of this war has given me a connection with the Power that I'm not sure anyone can understand, Mike," Kim said. "I would know if my evil half's soldiers were turned to dust. I am quite certain they are not. Because of the confluence of power, they still live, they are just unable to use most of their powers outside hand to hand combat."

"Oh and Mike," Kim said, her eyes narrowing, "Jayden told me about that shit you did with your Samuraizer and the confetti. If you ever try that here you will be sleeping outside. Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," Mike said. "Your other half the Falcon basically read me the riot act about that too. Besides, my brother is in the Army now which has knocked a lot of the crap out of me."

Kim raised her eyebrow. That was a new one. Never before had she heard of a Power Ranger whose brother was actually in the armed forces fighting overseas.

"He actually told us to stand with our leader," Kevin said. "It was hard to do when we found out about his true heritage, but Mike convinced us. Antonio and Lauren too."

"So they live, but they just can't shoot lasers or do some of the freaky things they do," Antonio said. "Yeah, trying to pick a fight with them with the numbers game isn't a good idea. They may have had their powers reduced but they still have strength in numbers."

"Exactly," Kim said. "And I would certainly know if Scorpina was destroyed. She is not. In fact, she is temporarily heading my evil half's armies with my evil half out of commission for now."

"Crap," Kevin said. "I was hoping she'd be gone."

"I was hoping she'd be gone too, but I knew she wouldn't be," Mentor Ji said. "In my estimation, the Flame of Destruction along with the powers she already possessed has given her enough power to survive even the most powerful reversing of spells."

"Sadly, it will take a lot more than a confluence to destroy her," Lauren said.

"I'm not going to lie, facing Scorpina for the first time was the scariest thing I've ever done in my life," Emily said. "Not even Splitface stealing my soul was worse than that. She made us look like a JV basketball team."

"Take a number," Kim said. "She was even tough for us originals. Even all your powers alone cannot beat her. Only Jayden and the Ninjetti could destroy her for good."

A little while later, all the dishes had been brought into the kitchen and breakfast had been cleared. Right as she was leaving the kitchen to go outside, she spotted Mentor Ji.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" she suddenly asked him.

"Sure. How about we go outside?" Ji said.

Kim nodded and they both headed outside, away from the throng that was probably either making dinner, watching football, or taking care of the younger children that were there.

"Thank you for raising him," Kim said when both were seated outside. "I know it could not have been easy."

"It hasn't been, but Kim, Jayden has learned so much, especially over the last six months," Mentor said. "Even with the prophecy, there is no way I ever thought Jayden could do the things he's been doing. The Flame of Destruction is so powerful...there have been many times where I thought, that's it, it's over."

"I don't blame you for thinking that," Kim said. "I've had to live with this crap for 15 years. No one has been a standby witness to her destruction more than my soul. I sacrificed my soul to protect Jayden, but I still hurt a lot of people."

"I called you out here for a different topic than that though, Ji," Kim said. "I appreciate in a way some of the things you did while you were in charge...in particular, making sure my son didn't do what Tommy and I did all those years ago. But you made a huge mistake with your no fraternization rule."

"I know. And I acknowledge that," Ji said. "There is a very fine line, and unfortunately while I did some good things, I think I actually hurt the team by not allowing Jayden and Mia's relationship to flourish."

"In fact, I think he's actually to a point now where I get concerned about his well being sometimes," Ji said. "He needs to be able to maintain a balance. I get concerned when he gets on autopilot."

"I hear you," Kim sighed. "The Flame of Destruction is a monster to deal with, but Jayden needs to have some fun sometimes. I never thought I'd say that my son needs LESS discipline than he exhibits but that may be the case."

"Can he actually do it? Can he actually put down Maligore's power for good?" Ji said.

"At this point, I'm not sure," Kim said as she stood back up and began to head for the kitchen to get a drink. "The final battle is still to be determined."

Review box is at the bottom. Please review/follow/favorite if you don't mind. Thanks. In the next chapter of this Thanksgiving part of the story, the Rangers have turkey, Kim meets Tommy's brother David, is reunited with Mr. and Mrs. Oliver, and much, much more.