The soft, rhythmic beeping was the first thing Zhane was aware of as he started to wake. The second was a dull throb at his temple. As his eyes fluttered open, he was blinded by a bright light shining on him. He let out a soft groan as he turned away from the light, shutting his eyes and bringing a hand up to shield them.

Within moments, the light dimmed to a more comfortable level. Sighing in relief, he lowered his arm back to his side and blinked a few times as he glanced around to see where he was. Never had he been more grateful to see the walls and machines of the ship's med bay.

"Zhane?" A soft and familiar voice croaked beside him, causing him to look over.

To say she was happy to see the silver ranger's lopsided grin was an understatement. He looked to still be out of it a bit, but at least he seemed aware of his surroundings and was awake. Both were important. Though Rina wished that his smile had lasted longer before turning into a concerned frown.

"I'm so sorry," Zhane breathed, reaching a hand up to gently brush against the girl's bruised neck.

Shaking her head, she brought her own hands up and took hold of his. She shifted her head a bit and lightly kissed the back of his hand.

"Don't be," She whispered, ignoring the pain talking caused. It was clear what he was apologizing for and she wasn't going to let him blame himself for something he was not in control of.

While Zhane knew he shouldn't blame himself, he couldn't help it. It had been his hand that left those bruises. And though the girl tried to hide it, he could hear the pain in her voice and in the way it strained when she tried to talk. Tears came to his eyes as his mind went back to that moment. If he hadn't set off that burst of telekinesis, hadn't fractured the connection from the implants controlling him…

As if she was reading his mind, Rina shook her head and flashed him a reassuring smile. /Don't think that way,/ She mentally pleaded, giving his hand a gentle squeeze while holding it to her cheek.

"Can't help it," Zhane replied, not realizing that she hadn't actually spoken. When he saw her confused expression, he couldn't help but chuckle. "What's that look for?"

"I didn't…" Rina's words trailed off as she gingerly touched her neck, a grimace crossing her features.

Zhane reached his other hand up and gently held her hand, making her look at him. "If it hurts, don't speak," He softly stated. /Somehow, I don't think we need to speak to say what we want to./ He watched her expression as she blinked in confusion, a small smile crossing his lips as realization dawned on her.

Rina managed a small laugh and shifted so she was sitting beside him on the cot, still holding his hand. She watched as he pushed himself up into a sitting position. A smile broke out on her face as he pulled her close into a hug and wrapped her own arms around him, lightly clutching at the back of his shirt. /You're not allowed to do a mission like that ever again./

Zhane couldn't help but laugh, gently pressing his forehead against hers. /Agreed,/ He promised, running his fingers through her short curls. /Never again./