Disclaimer: This is the next chapter in my Beginnings series. I don't own the Rangers, wish I did. Please, read and review as I love feedback. Anything in Italics is thought between the two boys. Now, some of you will feel like I cheated slightly in some parts but not describing more than I have, but you'll understand why once you've read the whole chapter. Mouse, January, 2004.
Beginnings: Training
By Angel Mouse
Andros turned over onto his side on his bunk. He couldn't get settled into sleep, his mind was too busy replaying the day's events and then going into his past. Without conscious thought, his hand opened up and a picture came floating off his desk and into his hand.
He looked at it, studying it for a long moment, his mind going back to the memories that it invoked; a memory of happier, simpler times. It showed him and Zhane as young boys in uniforms, standing next to a tall, proud man. It had been the start of a new life for the two of them, a life that led him to this moment, this place.
Years past and the two boys became so close it was like they were almost one being. They had been training constantly for the past six and a half years and now at the age of twelve they were leaving home to join the other Ranger candidates for the final phase of their training and the selection of the two Rangers.
They would be joining ten other young boys and girls at the main military base for KO35. They arrived at the start of the working week, along with the other ten young people. There were eight more boys and two girls. Andros and Zhane stayed apart from them all, for the moment needing only each other. Finally, after they had been waiting for almost thirty minutes their instructor finally approached them.
Major Feron was the current head instructor for the planetary defence forces. He was an expert at hand to hand combat and battle tactics. He had been given the job of assessing the candidates, training them, and then choosing the two that would be best suited as Power Rangers. Not an easy task.
He had studied the files on all the candidates carefully and was eager to begin work. Out of the 12 candidates, he was sure at least three would drop out during the first couple of weeks, then at least another four or five by the end of the second month. He figured that by the end of the six-month course, he'd only have four left.
His eyes roved across the figures before him. The girls were sticking together, and the boys were milling about, talking to each other, except for two of them. They stood slightly apart, seemingly aloof but he knew better. His attention had been previously drawn to these two and he had paid special attention to their records.
They were exceptional fighters according to their instructors; strong fighters apart but even better together. They seemed to have an almost telepathic connection when it came to fighting together. They had won numerous bouts and tournaments against their fellow students. They were also smart, their school marks being among some of the highest. They had also both had their share of tragedy and that had seen to bring them very close together.
The young boy with the almost white hair and sparkling blue eyes was Zhane. A bit of a mischief-maker he'd been told by his teachers but had a good heart. Andros was quiet, reserved, almost withdrawn; the only person that he'd interact with beside his teachers was Zhane.
He'd been asked if possible, to try and get him to lighten up socialises a little more. He knew he'd he have his work cut with these two as he'd been warned that Zhane didn't handle discipline well and that Andros wouldn't respond well to trying to get him to open up. Sighing, he knew that it would be a challenge, but he also had a feeling that these two, out of all of the candidates, would be here for the long haul.
"Cadets, can I have your attention please?" Twelve sets of eyes swung around to look at him and he was pleased with the reaction he got. He was a fairly imposing figure in his uniform, and knew that first appearances are sometimes everything.
"My name is Major Feron and I'll be your instructor for the next six months. I'll be hard but fair with you all, but I'm not going to coddle you or hold your hands. The first we need to do is get you billeted. Grab your packs and follow me." He turned and began walking towards the nearby barracks that had been set aside for his use. As one, the kids picked their bags and began following, not speaking. Feron didn't have to turn his head to know that the last two in the line would be Andros and Zhane.
He just hoped that they'd stand up to what he was going to put them through. They reached the barracks and he motioned for the kids to enter. "Choose your bunks and place your bags in your lockers. Then get changed into your work out gear, you've got five minutes. Get to it!" Feron watched them file in, and was pleased to see he was right as Andros and Zhane filed in last, Zhane going first strangely enough, like he was protecting Andros.
He'd have to watch that, try and get him out of that habit. Sometimes, watching someone else's back because you felt they were more important could get you killed. And that wasn't the point of being a Ranger at all. The point of being a Ranger was protecting everyone, not only your fellow Ranger. Filing that little titbit away for further use, Feron waited outside the barracks for them to come. And again, as he thought, Andros and Zhane were the last ones out. They were all now in their work out clothes and he grinned slightly.
"All right, let's see how you go. I want two laps of the sports field." He clapped his hands together and then pointed. "Off you go, now!" The candidates all took off at a steady run, as they'd been taught, and he watched them go. The next few months would be interesting, that's for sure.
Two and a half months had passed and the class was now down the six. The two girls had lasted until the end of the third week and had left together. They both having decided the dedication; the absolute devotion and sacrifice that a Ranger needed to make, was too much for them to handle. They wanted to have normal lives, and therefore decided to, once they were of age, to join the planetary defence forces.
The four boys had left at various times during the last week and a half, all stating different and various reasons. But after the third boy had left, and then to have the fourth boy confirm it, Feron began to suspect that there was another motive. The boys were just completely overwhelmed and awed at how good Andros and Zhane were at every aspect of the intense training they were going through.
The only thing they weren't that good at was astronavigation and discipline for Zhane and diplomacy and interpersonal relationships for Andros. Ironically, astronavigation and discipline were Andros's strong point and diplomacy and interpersonal relationships were Zhane's. And those four things were necessary for potential Rangers to master.
He had taken them aside one night after training and talked to them about it, finally, after a long time, managing to extract a promise from Andros to concentrate on his diplomacy and Zhane to knuckle down on his astronavigation. He'd also had to have words with Zhane about his tendency to play pranks around the base.
It made things interesting, that were for sure, but it tended to disrupt things sometimes. The one thing that Feron noticed was that the pranks were usually the only thing that got a laugh or a smile out of Andros. And it was then he realised why Zhane did them. He did them to give his friend a laugh. Putting this information with the other that he had gathered on the two boys, Feron began to watch them more carefully.
The training exercise for today was an exercise in stealth and teamwork. The three sets of pairs had to go away, 'borrow' something from a specific area and place it on Feron's desk without being caught by anyone or by Feron himself to pass. Andros and Zhane had chosen the kitchen to 'borrow' something from as Zhane said he also wanted to get some ammunition for a prank he wanted to pull on Major Feron. Andros had just looked, raising an eyebrow and then gave Zhane a tiny grin as he shook his head.
The two of them set out, they had been given a full 24 hours to complete the exercise in, and instead of what the other two pairs had decided to do, which was wait until darkness, Zhane surprisingly had gone along with Andros's suggestion that they go out in broad daylight and do it. So, the two of them were walking along towards the kitchens, talking softly to each other.
By now, the personal of the base was used to seeing the younger men about, so they didn't attract too much attention. To all intensive purposes, they were walking along with out speaking; yet, mentally they were carrying on a frenzied mental conversation.
Zhane, you're nuts. If you do that to him, Feron will throw you out of the program! He'll throw us out of the program because he'll know I helped you! Zhane gave a sideways glance to Andros and a wicked grin, which promptly disappeared as they walked by some superior officers.
No he won't, he likes you, and knows you won't go on without me. Just as he knows I won't go on without you. Besides, the guy could use a good laugh Andros. Andros just sighed and looked at Zhane, studying his friend for a moment. Zhane's casual seeming words about not continuing in the program without Andros meant more to Andros than anything.
The first few months after Karone's disappearance had been difficult at best, and if it hadn't been for Zhane, he doesn't know what would have happened to himself. He once more thanked whatever powers were in the universe that brought Zhane into his life. Shaking his head and grinning at Zhane and at his daring, Andros finally answered him.
Alright, but your stealing the stuff we need, I'll do the distracting this time. This stopped Zhane dead in his tracks and he looked at Andros, his expression bordering on incredulous.
You? Seriously? Andros, you've barely said boo to anyone besides our instructors since we got here. Somehow I think I'll have a better chance charming the kitchen staff, besides, Lennia is working today and she likes me. Andros gave a tiny snort of amusement, something that would startle those close to him, as he wasn't the type of person to do such things.
But his time with Zhane had given him a slightly warped sense of humour, like Zhane's but not as bad. The two could some time practically finish each other's sentences sometimes, which freaked a few of their instructors out.
All right, all right. You talk to her then. I'm not that bad am I? Zhane laughed, clapping him on the back and they continued on their way.
You seriously don't expect me to answer that do you? They laughed as their eyes met and Zhane grinned at him.
They reached the main kitchen area and Zhane walked in, Andros hanging back, just inside the door. Even at this young age Andros could do unobtrusive like no one's business, a skill that he had been teaching to Zhane. Zhane bounded over to a woman working at the main bench with an innocent smile on his face. While he was talking to the woman, Andros studied him a moment.
Zhane had always been there to help him through the bad times, enjoy the good and accept the consequences of the mischief. Somehow after Karone had been taken, he had become a person that had to enjoy life to the fullest and he seemed determined to make sure Andros did as well. Andros had never really asked Zhane why he had become like that; as somehow, he was sure he didn't really want to know.
Resolving to ask him that very day though, Andros knew it was something that would bug him until he had the answer for it. Suddenly, Andros's attention was drawn the discrete movement of Zhane's hands behind his back to let Andros know that the time was right. Andros concentrated carefully and suddenly, a fruit pie, one of many cooling on a nearby bench, began to float discreetly over to where Andros was standing.
Holding his hands out Andros let the pie land in his hands, quickly moving them behind him. He then concentrated some more and the pies re-arranged themselves so their 'borrowing' of the pie wouldn't be noticed for a bit. Grinning slightly at his triumph he quickly also grabbed two small cakes that were also on a nearby tray.
They would be a nice treat and a surprise for Zhane. He then looked up, making sure that the act hadn't been seen, and luckily it hadn't, and then smiled as he heard Zhane thanking the woman and coming over to him. They left the kitchen and moved around to the back of the kitchen area, out of the way of prying eyes. Zhane grinned at Andros, showing him the small packet of flour he had obtained for later on that evening.
"Did you get you it?" Andros smiled, bringing his hands around. In one he had the pie dish and in the other the two other small cakes he had 'borrowed'.
"That I do. And here, this is for you." He held out the cake to Zhane, grinning slightly as he did. Zhane took it from his hands and looked up into Andros's eyes. Zhane's blue ones were merry and full of remembered joy.
"Isn't this where we first met?" The two boys gave a laugh then, eating their ill gotten treat, before heading back towards Major Feron's office the long way, around the backs of buildings, avoiding people and generally keeping quiet.
Major Feron's gonna love this, it's his favourite, I checked. Andros was glancing around a corner and without turning he answered Zhane.
You would. You know, you get away with so much sometimes Zhane. I don't know how you do it. Zhane grinned at Andros's back, deciding not to give away any of his secrets and then followed him as they ran the short distance into the main training building and the barracks where they were staying.
Laughing softly, they made their way to their bunks and settled down on the beds. Grinning at Andros, Zhane unlocked and opened his draw and Andros slid the pie into it. Closing it and locking it again they quickly left, trying not to arouse suspicion. Andros looked at Zhane as they both headed for the training ground.
So, when will we put it on his desk? They reached the work out area and began to remove their jackets. Zhane frowned a moment, slipping his jacket off and beginning to stretch and limber up.
Tonight I think when he's taking the evening's training. He always expects us early, so he's here earlier than we are. So, we just keep an eye out, when he leaves his office, we go in then. You keep watch; I sneak the pie in. Andros had removed his jacket and was now stretching as well. Underneath their jackets each had a tank top on. Zhane's was grey and Andros's was red. For some reason, they had begun to favour those colours over any others. The other four candidates were the same, choosing different colours for their own personal wear under their training uniforms.
Sounds good. Now, what shall we work at today? It's your choice if I remember correctly. Andros finished stretching and looked curiously at Zhane. Zhane just grinned and walked over to the equipment cupboard.
Major Feron was standing at his window, watching the two young men out on the practice field. Andros and Zhane currently had wooden staves in their hands and in completely synchronisation with each other, they were going through an exercise he had taught them some weeks ago and as far as he could see, they were doing it almost perfectly.
Their movements were fluid and controlled, and in perfect time with one another. He watched them as they completed the exercise and then began sparring with one another. They were in perfect time, neither catching the other unawares, each just as good as the other. Feron felt rather than saw the man come and stand next to him.
"They fight well don't they?"
"Yes they do Kinwon. We are only half way through their training, yet I feel there is not much more I need to teach them." Kinwon's eyes didn't leave the two young boys, who were now sparring with such ferocity you would think they were enemies instead of best friends.
"So, you have made your decision then?" Feron shook his head, finally turning his back and moving over to his desk.
"No, I haven't." Kinwon raised an eyebrow at him.
"From all your reports, you've practically decided Andros and Zhane are the ones." Feron looked at him as he began to look through his desk.
"I know my reports of them are complimentary, but I haven't made my final decision yet. There is still a few tests to go through." Kinwon moved back over to the window and stared at them.
"Those two have been through so much, yet they seem to be so strong." Feron sighed and picked up the report he was looking for. He came back over to Kinwon and handed him the report.
"Yes, they are. The one thing that I am certain of is that those two are strong when they are apart, but stronger when they are together. Even if they don't make the final grade and pass the final tests to become Rangers, they should be posted together, in what ever capacity they decide to serve." Kinwon took the report and glanced down at it, taking in at a glance its contents.
"I know. I have kept in touch with their family ever since, well, you know." Feron nodded. He'd been a young Sargent then, and had helped with the search for Karone.
"I know. Is there anything specific you wanted today Kinwon?" Kinwon smiled gently.
"No thank you Feron. I was passing and thought I'd get the latest reports from you while I was nearby. I'll see you in a couple of days at the fortnightly meeting."
"Yes Kinwon." Kinwon left and Feron watched the two boys again for a few minutes. They were sparring once more, but this time using practice swords. The movements were graceful and fluid, like they had been master swordsmen all their lives. Sighing at the unfairness of it all, Feron went back to his desk and began to go through their academic reports.
Four and a half months in and they were now down to four candidates. The training was becoming harder and more intense, as was the academic studies. But today was a special day. Today the four cadets and Major Feron were going to the spaceport to go through the special ship that was being constructed for the Rangers.
It was a state of the art warship, equipped with weapons and shields. It could carry a couple of hundred people in a pinch, or a team of rangers. It was equipped with living facilities, workshop, a fully equipped medical wing and a spacious bridge. It was all being built as per the plans sent to them from Eltare, along with the Astro Morphers.
They had been given a tour through the construction facility and were now going through the ship itself. Professor Drehere was given them the tour personally, and they were all suitably impressed. They reached the bridge and he explained the function of each station to them. They would be given training for the MegaShip as she was going to be called, in the coming weeks. The professor beamed at them all as he came to an innocuous looking panel in the corner.
"And this is the heart and soul of the MegaShip. The Artificial Intelligence that runs the ship, Delinear Electronic Comprehensive Abilities, or DECA for short. DECA, this is Major Feron and the Power Ranger candidates. Two of these young men will become your charges and you'll be looking after them." The blinking light on a camera swivelled around and began to blink in time with the modulated, dulcet tones that issued from an invisible speaker.
"I'm pleased to make your acquaintance Major Feron, Cadets. Welcome aboard the Astro MegaShip. Please feel free to ask me anything." Zhane threw Andros an almost angelic mischievous grin and Andros refrained from groaning. Unfortunately Major Feron caught this and suppressing his own smile spoke softly.
"Zhane, what ever you're thinking, don't even go there because I will find out." Feron was still smarting slightly over the incident with the flour in his bunk. He couldn't prove it was Zhane, but he'd lay good credits on it that it had been the young prankster. His roommate was still teasing him about it three weeks after the fact. Zhane looked up at him and Feron could swear that there was nothing mischievous in his eyes but experience by now had taught him better.
"I promise Major, I won't do anything, honest." This was too much for Andros who turned his head and covered his mouth, turning his laugh into a cough. Feron just raised an eyebrow at Zhane whose grin didn't change and Feron mentally threw his hands in the air. Zhane was just too much sometimes.
"Just see that you don't. Now, you were saying Professor?" The Professor glanced at the two young boys and then continued with his presentation, but it was only half heard by Zhane now, as his mind began to tick over all sorts of possibilities.
Two weeks later Andros and Zhane had just finished off their last training session for the day, which had been with DECA and they were tired. The training had been so hard lately, and so intense, at the end of each day they were collapsing into bed, tired and exhausted. They powered down the consoles they were using and wearily made their way to the maintenance bay, where the ground exit was located.
"Andros. Zhane. Sensors show you are both tired and I recall that neither of you have eaten today. I have taken the liberty of preparing a meal for you. You will sit down and eat it before leaving my care today." Andros looked at Zhane who just shrugged.
Zhane and DECA had formed a strange partnership. She would let him get away with all sorts of things whereas she had also seemed to pick up on Zhane's habit of looking out for Andros all the time. The two boys exchanged glances but Zhane was already redirecting Andros's steps to the table.
He then went over to the sythetron and got out a couple of plates. He brought them over and sat them down in front of them each. Sitting down they began to eat in silence. After a little while, DECA began playing a soft, relaxing tune, which helped sooth, the day's cares away. Zhane glanced up at where her sensor was and gave her a grateful smile. Andros was slowly nodding off, which is the outcome Zhane was after.
Andros had been working himself particularly hard the last couple of days and Zhane was worried. Zhane watched as Andros leaned against his fist and his eyes slowly drifted closed. Zhane waited for a few moments, making sure that Andros was asleep. Standing up, Zhane walked around the table and picked Andros up in his arms.
"DECA, can I use one of the rooms?"
"Certainly Zhane. Use the rooms on deck three."
"Thank you DECA."
"You're welcome Zhane." Zhane walked softly to the lift, going up to deck three. DECA had the door to a room open for him already. Zhane walked in and laid Andros gently down on the bed. He got a blanket from the bottom of the bed and covered his friend gently.
"You'll let them know where we are."
"Yes Zhane." Zhane watched Andros curl up into a small ball and smiled gently.
"Thanks DECA."
"You need your sleep as well Zhane. The bunks are big enough for two." Zhane just grinned at her as he pulled out another blanket and curled up on the bottom of the bunk, next to Andros. Moments later he was asleep as well. DECA watched them a moment and then turned her attention to letting Major Feron know where there two boys were.
They were so young to be put through this much pressure, but that wasn't her concern for the moment. After letting Feron know the boys were with her, she went back to her duties, but kept a sensor out for them both.
The six months had passed so quickly that it was barely noticed by the cadets. As Feron had predicted to himself, he was down to four candidates for the final test. Andros and Zhane being one pair, and two others – Jarek and Ryek. There was the one, last final test they had to pass before the final decision was made who would be the Rangers for KO35.
Once the decision was made, the two successful cadets would have a couple of weeks off to spend with their families, and then they would be sent to Eltare for a months final training and then they would be given their morphers.
The purpose of today's exercise was to see how the cadets handled being under fire and in a bad situation. A volunteer from the planetary defence forces was located in a warehouse surrounded by 'monsters' from Dark Spectre – more defence force volunteers.
The assignment was to get in, rescue the hostage and get out again with minimal damage and avoiding detection if possible. Andros and Zhane had elected to go first, which was a change, as normally they preferred to follow the others in the tests and trials. But Feron wasn't going to complain and after giving them their briefing, let them loose.
Andros and Zhane stood side by side, on the top of the medical building over looking the warehouse district, studying the layout below them. There was a time limit on this exercise, but they were pretty confident they could handle it. Zhane pointed out a route that he thought would get them in quickly and quietly.
Round the side way looks good, but that is also too easy. Andros's eyes followed Zhane's pointing hand.
I agree. But from above, they won't be expecting anything from there. Zhane studied it for a moment and then grinned.
Oh, that's sneaky. Did you want to distract them or shall I? Andros mulled it over a moment while coiling some rope up.
Actually, I'm thinking that we should be able to both sneak in and out. Getting out we'll have to go by rope between buildings don't you think? Zhane looked at it again and then nodded.
You're right. I'll jump over, with a telekinetic push from you, and secure the rope. You can then shimmy along it, join me, we go in through the skylight, grab the hostage, come back out the same way. You and the hostage shimmy back over the rope, I untie the rope and leap back over the gap, we leave and we're done. That about sum up what you're thinking? Andros nodded quietly at Zhane and then gave him a small grin.
"Come on, this'll be fun." Laughing, Zhane clapped him on the back and followed him off this roof. Time to get busy.
The two figures crept across the rooftops, getting closer to their target. They finally reached their target building and Andros began uncoiling the rope for Zhane to carry over. Zhane glanced over the edge and swallowed at the distance that it was. Even with Andros giving him a push, he wasn't sure he'd make it. But he'd give it a good try. Better him try it than Andros and have something happen to him.
Andros handed him the rope and gave him a tight smile. Clapping him on the back, Zhane threw the rope over his shoulder and backed up. Giving Andros a grin, he took off at a run and leapt towards the building. Andros pushed out his hand as if giving him a push, which he was telekinetically.
He held his breath while Zhane flew through the air and released it in one go as Zhane landed on his feet, rolling gently to a stop a few metres in on the opposite roof.
Are you okay? Zhane grinned at him from over the other side and standing up slightly unsteadily, he waved.
Yeah, I'm fine. Man that was fun. Rope coming over. Zhane threw the rope, pushing it with his telekinesis and Andros caught it with his. Tying it off against an iron ring, he quickly pulled it tight as Zhane did the same on his side. Taking a deep breath, Andros swung his legs over the edge and hooked them on to the rope. He then began a slow hand over hand crawl along the rope.
I don't know why you're not letting me jump this. Andros concentrated on watching his hands, making sure they didn't slip.
Because I'm the insane one in this partnership Andros. Beside, I almost didn't make it. Even with your help. Andros just grunted and kept going.
Feron raised an eyebrow at Zhane's jump, unconsciously holding his breath as well. Kinwon did the same and then when he made it across sighed. Kinwon glanced at Feron.
"Interesting approach I must say."
"Yes, it is. I'm looking forward to what they come up with next." They stood there, along with the instructors and watched as Andros slowly, painfully, made his way across the rope and finally made it to the other side.
Zhane helped him over the ledge and then the two of them ran to the skylight. They were quickly through and the watchers turned to the monitors that were placed inside the building, watching eagerly.
Andros and Zhane slipped through the window and without making a sound made their way to hide behind some boxes. The defence force volunteers were marching around, pretending to be monsters and generally having some fun with the day's unusual duties. Without even thinking about it, they glanced around the area, each checking one certain area and formulating the best strategy.
Okay, looks like our hostage is in that office over there, no routes in besides the front door as far as I can tell. Any ideas? Andros was just as stumped as Zhane. They crouched down behind the crates, thinking about their plan of attack. After a few moments Zhane grinned and gestured to one side, drawing Andros's attention to what it saw.
What do you think? Andros followed Zhane's finger. His only answer was a grin.
The machine beeping was constant and soft in the background, so much so it went unnoticed. The two figures were curled up on a nearby couch, worn out and exhausted by the day's events. A third figure sat on a chair between the two beds. Major Feron sighed and his eyes wandered over the sleeping figures of Andros and Zhane.
He thanked whatever deity he believed in that those two were alright, and not in the same position as the two lying in the beds next to him. Andros and Zhane certainly proved their mettle today, and he had no hesitation whatsoever now recommending that those two be made Power Rangers.
When the real monsters had attacked in the middle of the other cadets training session, those two had unhesitatingly thrown themselves into the midst of the battle, making sure the injured got out, and then rescuing their fellow cadets when they were trapped by fire in a part of the training grounds.
Sighing, Feron knew that those two boys' lives had just become more complicated and more dangerous. The doors to the hospital room opened and Kinwon came in. He studied the sleeping forms of Andros and Zhane and then glanced over at Feron. Motioning with his head, he went back outside, Feron following him. Feron closed the door behind him and looked at Kinwon. Kinwon was looking tired and sad; they were all pretty much worn out.
"How are they Major?" Feron sighed.
"The two boys will be okay in a few days. Minor burns and smoke inhalation. Andros and Zhane are fine, just exhausted. Today was a long, hard day."
"Yes it was. I take it from your tone you've made your choice?" Feron nodded, his gaze settling on the two sleeping forms he could see through the glass in the door.
"Not that I had much choice. From the outset, those two have stood out as excellent choices. And today proves it. Andros and Zhane will become Power Rangers." Kinwon nodded, pleased.
"Thank you for confirming what we already knew. Those two boys are special; they'll go far and do a great job protecting our people and our home. I'll leave you to it Major." Kinwon nodded at him and left. Sighing, Feron went back inside and continued his watch over his charges.
Tbc in Beginnings: First Mission
