*** Disclaimer- You know the drill, I don't own Power Rangers Lost in Space, White Flag and That's the Way I Remember It by Chris Gaines or Creed and all that other stuff.
Chapter 2: The Trip Home
TJ, Cassie, Carlos, Ashley, Andros, Zhane and Karone all sit around on a picnic table in the park. Carlos sits on top of the picnic table, TJ and Cassie siting on the bench by his feet. Karone, Andros and Ashley sit on the other sit of the table, Ashley and Karone on either sit of Andros while Zhane leans up against a near by tree.
" Ok you guys I've got an idea for a vacation that we are all in major need of." Ashley says as they all turn to her.
" Let's hear it Ash." Cassie says with a friendly smile.
" I was thinking why don't we all go on a trip to KO-35 for a while." Ashley says looking to every ranger for a reaction, to her surprise Carlos response first.
" Sounds like a plan to me." Carlos says enthusiastically.
" Yeah I wouldn't mind seeing your guys's home world." Cassie says happily looking from Andros to Karone then to Zhane.
" Besides we deserve a vacation after destroying Dark Specter." TJ says smiling.
" I told you they'd love your idea." Andros whispers to Ashley as he slips his hand into her's under the table.
Ashley smiles and locks eyes with Andros as the others sit and chat about things to do on KO-35. Karone looks at Andros and Ashley and she notices their hands clasped together under the table. She smiles to herself then looks over them at Zhane. Zhane walks over behind Karone and puts his hands on her shoulders.
"See I told there's nothing to be embarrassed about missing home." Zhane whispers into Karone's ear.
She looks at him and smiles. Then he kisses her on the cheek. Ashley sees this and her eyes widen.
" What is it Ashley?" Andros asks confused.
" I-I just saw Zhane kiss Karone on the cheek." Ashley says spellbound and with a smile on her face.
" What?!" Andros says as he turns around to face Karone and Zhane.
He sees Zhane siting on top of the table talking to Karone she's smiling. Then Andros notices their hands clasped together on the tabletop. Andros starts to get up when Ashley puts her hand on his shoulder. He stops and looks at her confused.
" Leave them alone. They're happy together… like we are. They have as much right to be together as we do." Ashley says wisely.
Andros thinks for a moment then sits back down on the bench. Ashley smiles and squeezes Andros's hand.
***
Later on the Mega ship all the rangers resettle into their rooms as Alpha and DECA prepare for the trip to KO-35. Andros walks down the hallway to Zhane's room with a troubled look on his face. Zhane lies on his bed with a pair of headphones on. He nods his head to the beat of the music he's listening to. Andros walks into his room and pulls a chair over by Zhane's bed. He taps Zhane on the shoulder. Zhane stops nodding his head and turns his head to look at Andros. Zhane picks up the portable CD player and stops the CD. He takes off the headphones and sits up to look at Andros.
" Hey man… what's wrong?" Zhane asks turning to put his feet on the floor and leans his elbows on his knees.
" Look I don't mind if you and Karone are together but you'd better not hurt her." Andros says protectively.
" Hey Andros you can trust me. I really care about Karone I would never do a thing to hurt her… just like you would never do a thing to hurt Ashley." Zhane says as Andros's expression lightens.
" I'm sorry Zhane I was just-" Andros starts.
" I understand. You we're just looking out for your sister." Zhane says putting his hand on his best friend's shoulder.
" It's just that I lost her once and I just don't want to lose her again." Andros says solemnly.
" It's understandable, but think of it this way… who better to take your sister then your best friend." Zhane says and playfully punches Andros's shoulder.
Andros lightly laughs and smiles, Zhane smiles and laughs back.
"So what are you listening to anyway?" Andros asks looking at the CD player.
" It's a band called Creed." Zhane says picking up the CD player.
In Ashley's room. She walks around her room putting her things back the way they were, White Flag by Chris Gaines playing from her stereo.
" I say black
You say white
I say day
You call it a night
What's wrong with this scene?
What does this mean?
You set me up, set me down
I'm wounded on this battleground." Ashley sings as she plops down on her bed.
Cassie walks in and nods her head to the beat.
" I haven't heard you listen to this CD in a while Ash." Cassie says as Ashley sits up on her bed.
Cassie sits down next to her on the bed.
" I saw you and Andros holding hands today when we were at the park. Are you two an idem?" Cassie asks curiously Ashley smiles embarrassed and blushes slightly.
" I'm not sure… I mean we've never gone out or anything we've just hung out a lot." Ashley says still smiling.
" Man he's totally into you. Maybe when we reach KO-35 you should ask him out." Cassie says with a smirk.
" Where would we go? I don't know where anything is on KO-35." Ashley says optimistically.
" Then he can take you somewhere show you around his home. But still you guys should go out." Cassie says nudging Ashley in the side with her elbow.
" Maybe you're right Cas." Ashley says looking at a picture of her and Andros she put next to her bed.
" Of course I am. You two are perfect for each other." Cassie says and smiles laughing lightly.
Ashley laughs too and smiles as That's the Way I Remember It by Chris Gaines plays from her stereo.
