Gaby, Emma, Angela, Gunn, the sisters, Alcott, and TransGenics are mine.
Rated PG-13 : Strong sexuality; harsh language, moderate violence.
The last chapter. The story is over, but not the series. The Second Time is coming very soon.
My thanks to everyone who read this far, and especially those who submitted reviews. They are appreciated, and
I do pay attention to the opinions expressed in them. The reasonable ones, anyway.
For Wes/Jen fans: Hang in there! She's an important part of the next story (but be patient), and even more of the one after that. Remember, most of the fun is not in the destination, but in getting there.
Wes took his time, walking slowly toward the small house where Emma lived with her sisters. He was enjoying himself despite his anticipation of what was to come. It was a pleasant night, and he had been cooped up in his father's house for too long. Not to mention the days he had spent in the hospital before that. Just being outdoors, walking along a quiet street, was a pleasure.
Too soon, he reached his destination. Using the keys Emma had given him, he let himself in and turned on the lights. Looking around, he saw the house was neat and uncluttered, containing very little that was not essential. He knew the sisters all lived here most of the time, and they also kept an apartment, which Angela had used during her brief relationship with Eric.
With a sigh, he morphed and looked around for something to do, ending up sitting on the couch with the television on. He chuckled at the thought of how ridiculous he must look, the famous Red Ranger sitting around watching the boob tube. Not to mention the remote wasn't that easy to handle with the Ranger gloves on. Hopefully it wouldn't take long.
Just as he found something interesting to watch, the wait was over. There was a crash as the front door burst open. The dark forms of men in black poured in, several of them charging into the living room to grab him by the arms and yank him up, pulling him quickly toward the door. He struggled, but not very hard. Other men ran up the stairs and swarmed through every room in the small house. Two men held him in the small entranceway while the search went on.
After a few minutes they returned to where Wes was being held, empty-handed. "The others aren't here!" one of them reported to a man standing in the doorway, obviously in charge. "Just the one."
"Better than nothing," the man said. "Move out." They dragged Wes out the door and swiftly pushed him into a car, the leader holding a blaster to his head. In seconds they were moving, turning onto the main street and heading south. One of them roughly pulled a cloth bag over Wes's head.
"Stay quiet. And don't try any of your tricks," the leader growled, poking him in the helmeted head with his blaster for emphasis. Wes was disappointed. He had been enjoying the view.
They rode in silence for perhaps twenty minutes before turning onto what felt like a dirt road, bumping along for another five minutes or so, and coming to a stop. He heard the doors open, and felt hands pull him out. Someone removed the bag, and he looked around at moonlit woods surrounding the large clearing they were in and a small cabin a few yards away, toward which he was rudely pushed. There was a helicopter behind the building. He let them open the door and shove him inside.
There was a man in a suit sitting at a table inside the cabin. He looked up as Wes and four of his captors entered. Confusion and alarm swiftly appeared on his face as he jumped to his feet.
"What the hell are you doing with him?" he shouted.
"What are you talking about?" the leader said. "We brought you what you wanted."
"I wanted the sisters! Not him!"
Wes shook off his guards' grips and grinned. "Sorry to disappoint you. But you're about to get a lot more than just me." He raised his morpher and pressed a button. "Eric? Time to join the party."
"Got ya," Eric's voice came back.
"Shoot him and let's get out of here!" Mr. Suit yelled.
"Shoot who? What the hell is going on?" the leader yelled back. He drew his blaster and pointed it at Wes indecisively.
"Blasting a helpless woman, huh?" Wes said. "I don't like that much." He pivoted and neatly kicked the blaster out of his hand, then punched him satisfyingly in the jaw. The other men in black moved to the attack, and Wes busied himself for a few moments with them, hitting two in the middle and knocking the last one down with another kick. "Thanks, I needed a workout," he said cheerfully, looking around for more.
He heard blaster fire and shouts from outside. As he ran out, he saw a squad of Silver Guardians in battle with the men in black, and the Quantum Ranger charging toward the cabin. They joined forces in the middle of the clearing and opened fire, moving to help surround the enemy. In moments the men in black were raising their hands in surrender and being rounded up. Wes turned back to the cabin to see the suit-man coming out, his hands raised also, with several Guardians behind him.
Eric moved closer to Wes. "You okay?"
"Sure. It worked like a charm."
"I still think I should have been the one."
"Oh, come on, Eric. You've got to let me have some fun sometime. And anyway, your morpher could tell you where I was. Mine doesn't talk to me."
They followed the Guardians and their captive to where the sisters stood watching, with Miller next to them. The prisoner stared at them with hatred, quickly masked by a cold smile. Dana and Carrie smiled back. Gina shrank back behind her sisters.
"Hello, Dr. Alcott," Dana said pleasantly. "Imagine meeting you here."
"Dana, Carrie, Angela, Emma, Gina." The man, middle-aged with a thin face, nodded at each of them. Wes found himself admiring his nerve.
"I'd like to introduce all of you to Dr. Jonathan Alcott," Dana said. "Dr. Alcott was one of the people in charge of us. He works for TransGenics, although I'm sure you won't be able to prove it."
Alcott smiled. "You always were the smart one. I'm glad to see you and your sisters have done so well for yourselves."
"Thanks. Obviously you weren't so smart, today."
After an unpleasant smile at Dana, Alcott turned back to Eric and Wes. "I'm curious. How did you do this?"
Wes said, "You tell them, Eric. It was mostly your idea."
"Simple. We set Taylor up to see the sisters, knowing he would run right to you. We also figured he'd get Emma's home address, and that you'd decide to drop in on them. Gina helped with the planning, she told us it would work, and even about what time you'd show up. You didn't see them, but the sisters were near the house the whole time, and Dana made the Red Ranger look like Emma to your men. They broke in, grabbed him, and brought him here. All we had to do was follow. And you were cooperative enough to be here in person."
"Clever. We could use a man like you on our side."
"Never happen. I don't work with people who attack me in my home. By the way, were you trying to kill me or kidnap me?"
Alcott smiled. "We had nothing to do with that."
"Of course. And you had nothing to do with that device that was planted in Wes Collins' office." Alcott's smile slipped a little. "That's right. Wes and Mr. Collins are fine. All that effort, and you have nothing to show for it." Eric motioned, and the two groups of men were led away. He turned back to Wes. "Now to take care of Taylor."
Wes grinned. "This will be a pleasure."
"Just give me half an hour alone with him..."
"Forget it, Eric. There would be nothing left for me."
It had been over a week since Wes had walked through the Bio-Lab front doors. The last time he was here, he had been carried out, on his way to the hospital. And only days ago, he had come close to killing his father and Eric. Remembering that, he began to look forward even more to what he was about to do. Eric was walking next to him. Side by side, they strode through the corridors, meeting his father, and then Gunn. The four of them walked quickly. Wes nodded at several people who obviously were surprised to see him, but he didn't stop.
They halted in front of Taylor's office. They were ready for the showdown, at last. Wes knocked on the door, and opened it when he heard Taylor's voice. He stepped in, his father and the other two following at his back. Taylor looked up, his surprise -- and a flash of dismay -- obvious.
"Wesley! I didn't expect to see you today. How are you?" he exclaimed.
"I'm much better, thanks. How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine," Taylor said, eyeing Eric cautiously.
"Glad to hear it. I just dropped by to thank you."
"Thank me for what?"
"For bringing me that picture. Made me feel like a different man."
Again dismay flickered over Taylor's face. But he recovered at once and smiled. "I was glad to help." They all stared at him, smiling grimly as his nervousness increased. "What can I do for the rest of you gentlemen?" he asked finally.
"As a matter of fact, you can tell us how long you've been working for TransGenics," Gunn said.
If any of them had any doubts about Taylor's guilt, his face would have dispelled them. Stark fear was on it. He hid it quickly and smiled again, a little shakily. "I don't know what you mean."
"Yes, you do. You've been hacking into our computer systems, looking for information. Gabriella Butler has collected enough evidence for us to arrest you for that alone. But there's more, isn't there?"
Wes took a step closer. "You brought that picture to me, knowing it was what was making me sick. Knowing it would make me violent. I could have killed my father, and my best friend, because of you. Then when you figured Dad and I were out of the way, your friends tried to get rid of Eric so you could take over here. And then you set up the sisters to be kidnapped."
Collins said softly, "You attacked my company, and more importantly, my employees and my son. And we can prove it. We have the device that was hidden in the picture frame. Care to guess whose fingerprints are on it?"
"That's attempted murder," Eric said with a fierce smile.
"You can't prove it. There's no way you can prove what that device was for."
"Maybe we don't have to. Think about it. T-Gen killed their own men during that break-in, rather than take the chance they'd talk. How long do you think you'll last, once they know we're on to you?"
"Maybe we won't have you arrested," Gunn said. "Maybe we'll fire you and leak the information that we know what you've been up to and who you've been working for. Let's see how long it takes for T-Gen to catch up with you."
Taylor's smile was long gone. He swallowed and looked up at each of their faces. "What are you offering?" he finally said.
I hate goodbyes. But there was no avoiding this one. You will not cry! Gaby told herself sternly. She wished fleetingly that she had stayed home, and avoided this. Such a coward. But she would never have forgiven herself.
She watched Emma finish packing the few personal items she had kept at work and turn to her with a smile. The time had come. Gaby grinned suddenly. "You know, you guys remind me of something. Five people with strange powers. Five different colors."
Emma laughed. "Yeah, right. The Power Mutants."
"You should get some costumes and go into the superhero business. You're naturals."
"The X-Sisters."
"Mutant XX."
They shared another moment of laughter, then smiled at each other again.
"How's the treatment coming?"
"Great, so far. Dr. Zaskin says our tests show definite improvement. And Dana and Gina say they can feel the difference." She smiled. "It's like a second chance. And we feel like we're getting free of T-Gen for the first time."
"Dr. Zaskin thinks his treatment may be what T-Gen was after all along."
"Could be. I don't think they knew about it specifically, but they were looking for a way to stabilize their mutants' DNA. So they spied on Bio-Lab since it was associated with mutants in the past."
"They probably thought Bio-Lab created them. Just like you did. So they were looking for information about them."
Emma shrugged slightly. "Yeah, we were wrong about that. And so were they."
"I hear Taylor totally spilled his guts."
"That's what I hear. Several of the hired guns in the break-in, and the attack on Eric -- and 'my' kidnapping -- talked too. They also found the blaster that killed those men in their possession. Of course, T-Gen covered their tracks, but not perfectly. There's a trail back through their subsidiaries and some 'former' employees. Mr. Collins says it should keep T-Gen's lawyers busy for a while. He thinks they won't dare come after us in the future. But most of us think it's better to disappear again anyway."
"Speaking of disappearing, I guess you know Dr. Alcott made bail and promptly vanished."
"Yes. He's probably gone back to South America. We may hear from him again."
"I guess it is safer for you to stay away."
"My sisters want me with them. But I hate to let T-Gen scare us away. It's like letting them win."
Gaby smiled. "This place won't be the same without you."
"Thanks. Wish me luck." Emma stepped forward and they hugged tightly.
"Good luck. Take care of yourself. Don't you dare not write to me."
"Don't worry. Keep an eye on Wes. And take care of Eric. So long, Gaby."
"Bye, Emma. See you."
Eric sat in his office, not even pretending to work. Wes had been there already, trying to get him to come and say goodbye. But he knew he wouldn't be welcome. None of the sisters would be glad to see him, despite his help. And with reason.
A light tap at the door interrupted his thoughts. He called, "Come on in, it's open," expecting Wes again. He straightened when Angela stepped into the room. She looked around, then closed the door behind her.
"Angela. I'm surprised you're willing to be alone with me."
"I don't think you'd do the same thing again."
"You're right. But I did do it once. No getting away from that."
"I forgive you. I hope you forgive me."
Eric looked at her, surprised. "Just like that?"
"Like I said, I guess we're even."
"Things shouldn't work that way."
"Sometimes they do. Are you going to be all right?"
"Sure. I'm fine."
"You're such a liar."
He sighed. "Maybe. But what can either of us do about it anyway? It's done now, both what you did to me and what I did to you. We can't change it."
She took a step closer. "Dana could suppress your memories. That would get rid of any feelings you have left for me."
He looked at her. "No. I don't want anyone poking around in my mind again. Besides, those memories are part of me now. I don't want to lose them." He hesitated. "I know the truth about you now. We could have an honest relationship. Maybe..."
She smiled, a little sadly. "No. What you're feeling isn't real. You don't love me, and I don't think you ever would, really. And I don't love you. It would never work, anyway. We'd both always wonder how much of what you feel is because of my power."
He was surprised at the strength of his disappointment. But he also felt a definite twinge of relief. "How long before I get over it?" he asked.
She shrugged. "A few weeks. You're already starting to realize I'm not quite as beautiful and fascinating as you thought."
He smiled slightly. "Can I ask you something?"
"Go ahead."
"Why did you say yes, that night?"
She smiled. "I guess I thought you were right, that I owed you something. Besides, you're a very attractive man. And I'm only..."
"Human?" They smiled at each other. "Where are you going? Will you be all right?" Eric went on.
"The east coast, probably. We don't know for sure exactly where we'll end up. Mr. Collins is helping us with money and new identities. Gina says everything will be fine."
"Nice to have a psychic in the family."
"Yes. Well, I'd better be going. They're waiting."
He stepped closer, to face her, and put out his hand. "Goodbye, Angela. And good luck. I hope you find a happy life."
She took his hand. "And I hope you find a way to be -- more comfortable with yourself. I wish you the best."
With a last smile, she turned and walked out. Eric watched her go, not moving long after she was gone.
Wes stopped outside Eric's office. The room was dark, except for the desk lamp. It wasn't like Eric to leave so early, or to leave his office unlocked, and he wasn't on any field assignments. On the other hand, under the circumstances, maybe he had left anyway. Wes stepped inside, intending to turn out the lamp. Then he saw Eric, standing at the window, looking out at the night, his dark head and dark uniformed back almost invisible.
"Eric? What are you doing?"
"Nothing."
Wes moved to where he could see Eric's face. "Are you all right?"
"Everyone keeps asking me that."
"They're worried about you."
"Have they gone?"
Wes didn't have to ask who he meant. "Yeah. They left a couple of hours ago." When Eric didn't respond he went on. "I came to ask if you want to come over to the house for dinner."
"No. Thanks. I'm not hungry. Wouldn't be good company anyway."
"That doesn't matter." Getting no answer, Wes went on. "Dad wants you to come. He wants to thank you for everything you did for us."
Eric turned away from the window and leaned against the wall. "He came back, Wes."
"Huh? Who?"
"My other side. The guy who stole the morpher, and fought with you, who held a blaster to your head and laughed. The one who's always angry, and always looking for a way to get back, and gets violent when he thinks he's been crossed. I thought I'd gotten rid of him. But he's part of me. He'll always be there." Eric's voice shook almost imperceptibly.
"Eric -- what happened?"
"Angela. She came to see me a few days ago. I was so angry. I wanted to hurt her the way she hurt me."
"What did you do?" Wes wasn't sure he wanted to know the answer to that.
"I tried -- I didn't think she'd say yes, but she did. But I wanted to humiliate her... make her feel dirty and used, like I did... I guess I got rough, and she got scared, started to struggle... For a minute I wanted to really hurt her."
"Oh, God."
His eyes moved to Wes's horrified face. "No, it wasn't as bad as you're thinking. I let her go -- felt so ashamed..."
"She didn't say anything."
"No. She even came to say goodbye." Eric turned away to look out the window again.
"If she forgives you -- maybe you should forgive yourself."
Eric sighed. "You don't understand. I knew she did what she did out of desperation. But all I could think about was myself."
"Look... You were angry and hurt, and that's natural. What they did to you -- playing with your mind, and your feelings, like that... it was enough to drive anyone a little crazy. Maybe you made a mistake, but you stopped before you did anything really terrible. Everyone has to try to control the side of them that's angry and ugly. I give you a lot of credit that you controlled it as well as you did."
Wes waited for a few moments, but there was no response. "Well, I'll leave you alone. Think about what I said. See you tomorrow." He laid his hand on Eric's shoulder for a moment and then started out. He had reached the door when he turned back at the sound of Eric's voice.
"Wes. Is that dinner invitation still on?"
Wes smiled. "Sure. Hurry up and get changed." He waited for his friend to join him at the doorway, before they left together.
Year: 2202
The room was small, darkened, and quiet. Three people spoke to each other in low voices. They had to be careful. So far Time Force had not detected them.
"So Alcott failed us," a tall, handsome, powerful-looking man with black hair said.
"Yes, for now. But the sisters were just an experiment. It's not a major setback," the other man said. He was not as tall or as heavy, and his hair was red and spiky.
"TransGenics has been affected."
"They're still in business. Their reputation is not important to us. And legal action will take years. By that time, no one will be able to stop us."
"Our plan is still in place. And Alcott is still free. Nothing has changed," a slender, silver-haired woman said.
"Good," the black-haired man said. "Time for the next step." His voice became softer as he turned to the red-haired man. "Destroy the Quantum Ranger. And we'll ultimately destroy Time Force."