Disclaimers: yep. . .got it

Author's notes: All notes at the end


Teamwork
Epilogue: . . .there's always a way
By: stargazer_1017


Kendra looked up. "Hey, you actually got here," she said, smiling.
Taylor had a full grin on her face. "And miss the chance to fly in my one true love, never," she replied. She noticed Kendra in her flight gear. "So did you get it?"
"Despite your lack of confidence, I did. On one condition--I'll be your rio." Kendra laughed. "It'll be nice to see how rusty you are after all this time."
Taylor smiled to herself. Flying in the Eagle Zord was pretty good practice for this, Taylor thought to herself. Still, she had missed the F-15 planes. Kendra grabbed a helmet and threw it at Taylor. "Suit up, Eagle, you're going flying."
Taylor grabbed her gear and got ready in five minutes flat. "Let's go," Taylor said, getting on the plane.
Kendra rolled her eyes. "Yes, ma'am," she said wryly. She gave a thumbs-up sign to the flagman on the ground and he nodded back at her. After they got into the plane and the cover was brought down, Taylor settled in. Everything felt familiar. . .even though this wasn't her plane. She started the engines and smiled at the familiar hum of the engines.
"Skittles, this is Robin 2, you're clear on the runway."
"Roger that, Robin 2. We're on our way," Kendra replied. She looked forward at Taylor. "Your call, Taylor."
Taylor nodded and started up the engines. A smile spread across her face as she heard the familiar roar of the plane. Taylor looked to her left, where she saw the flag controller standing. It feels like old times, Taylor thought happily as she raised her right hand to salute the man. She accelerated and pushed forward on the stick and before she knew it, they were in the air. Taylor closed her eyes briefly and took a deep breath.
"Been forever since you've flown, Yellow Eagle?" Kendra asked.
Taylor shrugged. She had flew in the Eagle, her Wild Zord, lots of times. But she loved piloting the F-15 like she was doing now. "Not exactly," Taylor replied cryptically. She grinned as she manuevered the plane into double G's.
"Geez, Eagle, trying to get us killed?" Kendra was yelling through her smile, sounding like she was on a roller coaster. Taylor laughed.
"So how'd you pull this off, Skittles? How'd I get to have a ride in your plane?" Taylor asked, looking over all the controls, trying to get herself familiar with everything again.
"General Cooper gave me one last favor."
"Last?"
"I'm getting transfered to Pensacola."
Taylor frowned and was tempted to look back at her friend. "You are? When?. . ."
"Actually, today's my last day here," Kendra replied.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Taylor asked.
"I didn't think it really mattered."
"Of course it does. Skittles, we've been buddies since basic and we've just regained our friendship." Taylor sighed. "Are you staying there permanently?"
"Nah, probably not. I mean, everything I've got is here. See, that's why I didn't tell you. It's not like I'm going to be gone forever. But hopefully when I get back, you'll be back with us, huh?"
Taylor thought for a moment. She loved the Air Force, but she loved being a ranger even more. . .and she couldn't give that up. "I can't promise anything, Skittles," Taylor replied, looking over the side of the plane as she spoke. She smiled when she saw the Animarium in view. "Let's head back," Taylor said.
Kendra shrugged. "Sure."

When they got back down, Max was waiting for them. "Hey, how'd you get on base?" Taylor asked him.
Max was about to reply when a voice boomed out, "I saw him at the gate again, trying to get in." Taylor and Kendra turned to see General Cooper approaching from behind Max. Both Taylor and Kendra snapped to attention and gave a salute. When General Cooper saluted back, he laughed. "Guess he's joining us after all," he chuckled.
Max gave a nervous laugh and turned to Taylor. Taylor rolled her eyes and smiled slightly. "Lieutenant, report back to the offices when you're done here. The squadron's got a surprise for you," the General said.
Kendra nodded, saluting again. After General Cooper left, Kendra turned to Taylor and Max. "Hey, remember, think about flying with us again, Yellow Eagle," Kendra said.
Taylor nodded. "I promise I'll think about it, Skittles," she replied, extending her hand. Kendra smiled and shook her hand, then leaned forward to give her friend a hug. Then Kendra turned to Max. "You too. Ever thought about flying?"
Max shook his head. "No thanks."
Kendra shrugged. "Take care now, and show those squids how it's done," Taylor grinned, remembering her past dreams of being at Pensacola. Kendra grinned at her. "Sure thing." She nodded and turned around.
As she was walking away, Max gave Taylor a look. "Yellow Eagle? Skittles? What the heck was that about?"
Taylor rolled her eyes and proceeded to walk towards the gate. "Haven't you watched flying movies, Max? They're called call-signs."
"Why Skittles?"
Taylor laughed, remembering. "When whe started flight school, Skittles flew so high into the sky, the instructor swore that they had touched the rainbow up above," she replied.
"Cool," Max replied. "And Yellow Eagle?"
Taylor reached into her pocket to pull out her crystal, which held the Eagle inside. When Max nodded with understanding, Taylor asked, "What are you doing here anyway?"
"Saw the plane over the Animarium, and was just wondering what it was doing flying over there," Max said. "Does Skittles know?"
Taylor shook her head. "No, she doesn't," she replied. Then she heard the familiar roar of the F-15 engines and looked up just in time to see two streaking across the sky. She smiled slightly at the sight and after they had passed, she looked down at Max. "Come on, let's go home."

~The End~

Author's Note: Hope you liked the story. Okay, here goes my explaination of the story:
I made Taylor a 2LT because if she was anything higher, that means she must've stayed in the Air Force for more than 4 years. My guess at Taylor's age? At least 21. Kendra's rank is a 1LT.
I used F-15 planes, the Eagle, because that's one of the Air Force's main planes. My mistake on how many people are in the plane. The Eagle is a single-seater. I had to make them double-seaters to make the story work =) But in truth, yes the Eagle is a single-seater.
Had to change Taylor's call-sign. I had to rely on promo snaps to see her name, and I guess I didn't see it as clearly as I thought I did. That's what I get for missing the "Next time on. . ." Call-signs are pretty cool. Too bad not all military personnel can have that *grins* well, you could, but then I guess you'd look pretty stupid.
Squid is a nickname for the Navy. All branches have got nicknames (many nicknames), like for example, Marines--Jarhead, Air Force--Flyboy, Army--Grunts, etc. . .Flyboy isn't too bad *grins*
Thanks for reading, you guys. Just remember to review--and if you do review, please leave your e-mail. I'd love to e-mail you to thank you for reading my story! Ja ne!