It was one of those beautiful California Saturdays.  The sun was shining and the temperature was hovering in the mid seventies.  Tommy Oliver was whistling to himself cheerfully as he and Adam manned the grill.  Steaks, hamburgers, and chicken were the watchwords for the day, and a single salmon steak was on the top grill for Trini Taylor.  "So did you make that phone call?" Adam asked quietly.

          Tommy nodded.  "Yeah.  Jase said that he and Dr. Carstonn were coming."

          "Good," Adam replied.  Looking around he asked, "I wonder what's keeping them?"

          Tommy shrugged, "I don't know.  They've even got Trini Anne with them so I suspect they won't be long."

          "Trini told me last night that they had something to take care of over at Mr. Ko's Garden in Stone Canyon," Jay told his father and adopted uncle.

          Both men looked at each other and then back to the boy. "Did she say what it was about?" Adam asked.

          Jay shook his head, "No sir.  Just that they had to go there first."  Jay smiled and headed off toward where Aiden and Alex were sitting on a park bench talking quietly.  Tommy noted that it was the same bench around which he and his friends used to congregate.  The same bench he and Jase had come to thirteen years ago right after Billy died.

          Tommy watched them as they gathered and smiled.  He was glad his son had as good friends as he'd had at that age.  At least they didn't have to worry about dealing with giant monsters attacking the city.  There was another Ranger Team in place now, the Geo-Force Rangers, and they seemed to handle most of the monster attacks pretty well. "Hey Bro," Jason's voice startled him out of his reverie.

          Turning, he saw Jase and Kevin standing behind him, each carrying a large cooler.  "Hey yourself."  He nodded to Dr. Carstonn and made it a point to be polite, friendly even, "Hiya Doc."  Turning back to Jason he said, "I see you brought the drinks."  Grinning wickedly he peaked under the lid of the cooler Jason was carrying and quickly added, "Please tell me you got some of your mom's crab salad in there."

          Tommy noticed his oldest friend visibly relax at the interplay between him and his lover.  I hadn't realized this was causing so much stress with Jase, he thought to himself.  "Yeah, I've got two tubs of it," Jason told him.  "Mom gave Kev, the recipe and he does a passable imitation of it."

          "Hey," the man at his side protested, "It's better than passable."

          Adam came to Jason's rescue, "Maybe so Kevin, but nobody can ever make it like Jase's mom makes it." He winked at his colleague, "At least in Jase's eyes."

          "Ah," the doctor said.  "In that case I'll have to be content with only passable."  The look he gave Jason was one of affectionate annoyance.

          "So what held you guys up in Stone Canyon?" Tommy asked.  "What's going on at Mr. Ko's Garden?"

          Jason and the doctor exchanged glances, and then Jase smiled back at Tommy.  "Tell you what Tom.  Why don't you turn the grill over to Kevin and Adam and you and I take a walk.  I've got a couple of things I want to talk to you about."

          "Sure," Tommy gave him a sheepish look.  He remembered Jason once telling him about his football coach.  Anytime the man would tell one of his players, Let's take a walk, it usually meant the player was in for either a chewing out or bad news.  "Just how much trouble am I in?" he asked playfully.

          Tommy watched as Jason's gaze followed his daughter as she joined the other four teens.  By now they were all lounging around on the table like he and his friends did when they were kids.  He chuckled quietly to himself- even the old colors were all there.  Jay was in his favorite blue tank top, Mina was wearing pink shorts, Aiden was wearing a black tank and shorts, his twin Alex was in a matching yellow outfit, and Trini Anne was wearing a bright red blouse and a white skirt.  He couldn't help but notice when she came up to stand awfully close to Jay. He could see the look in his son's eyes that spoke volumes about how his feelings had changed in the last few years.  Looking back at Jason, he said, "Oh."

          Jason smiled and turned back to him, "You just now noticing that?"  He shrugged, "I've had it figured out for a while now."  Smiling he said, "Take a closer look."

          Tommy did.  He couldn't help but feel a sense of dejevu at the sight of all of them.  "They're just missing green aren't they?"

          "Or white," Jason added taking him by the arm.  "Come walk with me."

          Tommy didn't protest as his best friend led him along the path beside the lake.  After long minutes he asked, "Is what I saw between Trini Anne and Jay what you want to talk about?"

          Jason smiled at him, "Among about two other things."

          "You upset?" Tommy asked. He hated the distance that had grown between he and Jason over the past two years.  There had been a time when he wouldn't have had to ask, he would have known how Jason was feeling.

          "Actually, right now I'm very happy," Jason said.

          "About Jay and Trini Anne?" Tommy asked.

          Jase shook his head, "No, yes." He shrugged and added, "Jay's a good kid, and I trust Trini Anne.  If they develop anything between them, I couldn't ask for better son-in-law material."  He grinned at Tommy, "Besides, Red and Blue Rangers kind of go together."

          "Huh?" Tommy asked.

          Jason smiled, "I was cleaning up after dinner last night when I heard an old familiar tune in the next room." He grinned like a Cheshire Cat and added, "One that we used to hear a lot, and usually at the most inconvenient times.  Seconds later, Trini came in and said she had to drop some chemistry notes off to Jay, and disappeared out the back door."

          Tommy shook his head, "Jay wasn't at home last night.  He suddenly forgot his jacket in the park and had to go look for it."

          "I would have been surprised if he was."  Jason smiled, "You always were a little slow on the uptake Bro.  Haven't you noticed that Jay's been wearing a lot, I mean a LOT of blue lately?"

          Tommy thought about what Jason was saying.  "You're telling me that OUR kids are the new Geo-Force Rangers?"

          Jason nodded, "That's what it's starting to look like."

          Tommy sighed and leaned against a railing that led up to a wooden dock.  "And Jay's the Sapphire Blue Ranger?" 

Jason nodded, "Trini's Ruby Red, Aiden is Amber Yellow, Alex is Black Onyx, and Mina is Pink Quartz."

Tommy smiled and said, "It does sort of make sense, in a twisted Ranger sort of way."

          "I guess we get to find out how our parents felt," Jason told him.

          "Difference is, we know, they didn't," Tommy said.

          "I know.  I don't know if that'll make it harder or easier."

          Tommy smiled and said, "Probably a little bit of both. We'll at least understand why they suddenly disappear, but since we know where they're going, we'll probably worry more."  Jason smiled, but Tommy could see worry still in his eyes, "What is it Jase?"

          Jason took a deep breath and looked into Tommy's eyes, "I need to ask you a favor."

          "Anything Bro," Tommy said and was surprised to realize that he really meant it.  "Name it."

          Jason smiled, "Don't be too quick to volunteer.  You may not like it."

          Tommy repeated, "What is it Jase?"

          Jason sighed, looked Tommy in the eye and said, "Look we haven't told anyone else yet.  You're the first.  But I was wondering if you would be my best man."          Tommy took a minute to consider his friend's question before replying.  Jason continued, "I know you're not happy with me and Kevin, but he makes me happy.  If you feel uncomfortable with this let me know, and I'll ask Zack.  I just thought you deserved first shot at it.  After all, you are my best Bro."

          "Jason I can't begin to describe how honored you make me feel by asking.  That you still think of me as your Best Bro after all that's happened."  Again Tommy was surprised to realize that he really felt that way.  If Kevin made Jase happy, then maybe it was time for him to back off, time for him to simply accept the Doctor and get over it.  "Of course I'll be your best man."

          Tommy couldn't believe the relief and gratitude that lit up Jason's face.  All the former Red Ranger said was, "Thanks man.  You don't know how much that means to me."

          Tommy simply nodded as the two headed back toward the picnic.

~*~

          "Guys you won't believe what I found out last night," Trini told her friends as she leaned back against Jay.  She smiled quietly to herself when the Blue Ranger put his arms around her unconsciously.  He may not realize it yet, and she got the feeling that he didn't, but the two had just about settled into a couple.  Too bad there was trouble boiling between Alex and Mina over Aiden. Hopefully they would work it out without it becoming too disruptive to the team.  Trini was a firm believer in the idea that the team needed a little disruption- to keep them on their toes- but she didn't want to see any hard feelings develop. 

          "What?" Alex asked watching Aiden and Mina under lidded eyes.

          Trini looked around to make sure none of the adults could hear them.  "Oh nothing," she said innocently in her best air headed imitation of Aunt Kim.  Looking down at her fingernails she said aloofly, "Just the identities of the FIRST Ranger team."

          "What? Did Tabitha tell you?" Mina asked.

          Trini shook her head. "No. I found out all on my lonesome."

          "Spit it out girl," Mina demanded.  "Who?"

          "You sure you want to know?" Trini asked trying to stretch the suspension.

          "Yes!" Aiden and Alex said in unison.  Trini could have sworn she saw Alex stick his tongue out at Mina as if to remind her that there were still some things she couldn't share with his brother.

          "Well, let's just say that there're at least three Rangers in all our families."

          "What ARE you talking about Trini?" Jay asked.

          She smiled, "I mean that your dad and mom were Rangers; both my dads were rangers, and so were both the twins parents as well as Mina's parents."

          "But there were only five members of that team," Alex said.

          "How could all of our parents have been Rangers?" Aiden finished.

          Trini shrugged, "I'm not sure.  Maybe they each held the colors at different times. From the best I can tell, my dads were the first Red and Blue Rangers.  Jay's mom and Dad were Pink and Green, Mina's folks were the first Yellow and Black Rangers and Uncle Adam and Aunt Kat were also Black and Pink Rangers.  Ever notice the pictures on Jay's mantel?  All of our parents are wearing the appropriate colors."

          "That's not a lot to go on, Trini." Jay pointed out.  "I mean so far it's just speculation."

          Trini turned and smiled at her boyfriend.  "You know me better than that.  I overheard Dad and Kevin talking last night.  He was talking about his Rangering days with Mr. Oliver, and the rest.  Even Uncle Rocky was a Ranger."

          "Now that's just going too far," Mina said.  "I could almost buy the others, but Uncle Rocky is too serious to ever be a Ranger."

          "Well he was.  He was part of the team when Daddy got hurt."

          "Huh?" Aiden and Alex said in unison. 

          "It always confuses us…" Alex began

          "…when you talk about your fathers that way.  Which one…" Aiden continued.

          "…got hurt and how?"  Alex finished.

          Trini sighed, "My daddy- Billy.  He got hurt. That caused some kind of rift in the Rangers.  Anyway, Dad said that Uncle Rocky had gone to visit Daddy in the hospital."

          "Your father told this to Kevin why?" Mina asked.

          Suddenly Trini realized just how much she was about to give away.  She blushed deeply, "I'm not supposed to say."

          "But you're going to, right." Jay suggested.

          Trini shook her head in denial.  "Nope, I've been told that if I open my mouth before they do about what they told me last night then Kevin will put my appendix back inside me."

~*~

          Kat, Trini, and Kim split their time between watching the children talk quietly under the tree and Tommy and Jase as they walked back toward the group.  All three women realized that they were holding their breath, waiting to see what happened between the former Green and Red Rangers.  At least they were talking, a good sign, and Jason was carrying himself like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

          "So do you think those two lunkheads have worked out their problems?" Trini asked.

          Kim snorted.  "I realize Tommy is my husband and I DO love him, but this rift was all of his own making.  He's just got to realize that Jase is going to have someone in his life, and it's not Tommy's job to approve or disapprove of him."

          "Try to convince Tommy of that," Kat Park told her.  "He's always been very protective of his friends."

          "Except for Billy," Trini said so quietly as to almost be missed.  The other women simply nodded in agreement.

          "So what do you guys think of Dr. Carstonn," Kim asked.  Of all Jase's friends, she'd had the least opportunity to spend time with Jason and Kevin.  She realized it was primarily out of respect for Tommy's discomfort with the man, so she needed the other ladies' input.

          Trini and Kat exchanged glances and then looked at Kim.  "You haven't spent that much time around him have you?" Kat asked.

          Kim shook her head, "No.  Why do you ask?"

          Kat smiled, "Because if you did, you might understand why we think this whole thing between them is such a good idea."

          "Why do I get the feeling I'm being left out of the loop again," Kim asked only slightly hurt.

          Trini put her hand on Kim's shoulder. "You're only left out because you don't spend any time with Jase and Kevin as a couple.  It took me a while to figure it out, and frankly Adam had to explain it to me."

          "Explain what?" Kim asked.

          Again, her friends exchanged glances before Kat said. "If that means what I think it means," she pointed toward Tommy and Jason walking back together talking quietly, "then it won't take you long to figure it out yourself."  She shook her head, "It's really not our secret to tell."

          Kim just nodded knowing that she'd get nothing more out of them on the subject.

~*~  

          Adam watched as Zack stood watch over the grill like mother hen over her chicks.  More than once he worried for his and Kevin's fingers when they strayed too near the object of the first Black Ranger's affections.  Finally, he looked over at Kevin and said, "Hey, why don't you help me get the rest of the supplies out of the SUV," he glanced back at Zack, "that way we don't have risk life and limb around Samurai Fry Cook here."

          Kevin smiled, "Sure," and followed him toward the car.

          Once they were out of earshot, Adam looked over at the man who'd become a part of Jason's and by extension his life over the past two years.  "Got a question for you, Kev," he said casually.

          The doctor smiled over at him, "Shoot."

          Adam felt himself blush at Kevin's choice of words. Deciding to simply lay the facts on the table, he said simply "Exactly how did you escape after we all shot you back in high school." 

          The other man suddenly tensed as if he was about to go in fight or flight mode.  There was a wild and frightened look in his eye as he answered nervously, "What are you talking about?"

          Adam just continued in an implacable tone, "After we figured out which one of you was the clone and shot you, how did you escape?"

          "I don't know what you're talking about," the Doctor said evenly.

          Adam stopped and turned so he was facing the man, "Look Kevin, it doesn't matter to me or most of the rest of the team.  Some of us figured it out about a year ago.  You look just a little too much like Billy.  You have his middle name and your last name is an anagram of his- just a few too many coincidences.  For a while I thought that maybe you were him, but then I remembered the clone incident."  He shrugged, "You don't have to answer, I was just curious."

          Kevin sighed.  "And you just wanted to me to know that you knew?" he asked.

          Adam nodded and added, "And to find out if Jason knows."

          Kevin smiled, "Jason knows.  I told him the first night we went on a date."

          "Cool," was Adam's only reply.

          ~*~

          All in all, Kim had to admit that the picnic this year had been a very big success.  She was glad to finally have Jase and her husband burying the hatchet.  Tom had been the epitome of a gentlemen when it came to dealing with Kevin and for once she felt things were going right with the Rangers. Now if she could just get the whole conversation with Kat and Trini figured out.

          So intent was she on trying to figure that one out, she missed Jason rising at the table where all the adults were sitting.  Looking around nervously, he cleared his throat.  "Could I have everyone's attention please," he said.  Kim noted the wink he and Trini Anne shared between them as everyone turned to face Jason.

          "What's up Uncle Jase?" Aiden asked.

          Jason smiled, "If I could get everyone's attention, I'd tell you kiddo."

          A ripple of laughter traveled around the two tables as the Rangers, both former and present turned to face Jason. "I realize this is sudden, and all, and really short notice, but Kevin and I would be very honored if you all would join us two weeks from today at Mr. Ko's Garden."  He looked down at Kevin. "We're having our Commitment Ceremony."

          A general cheer went up around the tables.  Kim couldn't help but notice the tears of joy that were forming in Trini Anne's eyes.  Behind her, Aiden and Alex were exchanging high-fives and Mina was holding out her hand to Jay and saying, "Pay up."

          Before anyone else could say anything a sudden chime went off from the teens' table. "doo, doot, doo, tu doo tu."  Kim noted that every adult checked their wrists while all the children looked down at the rings they were wearing.

          "Uh…, uh…," Jay looked around.  "Can you guys give me a hand really quick with something… , … uh… at Trini's Jeep?"

          "Just go Jay." Kim said. "And be careful."

          Jay looked at his mom, "You know?"

          "Of course we know," Kat said.  "Just go, and like Kim said, be careful."

          The five teens suddenly disappeared in five streams of multi-colored light.  Tommy just winked over at Jason and said, "I see what you mean."