Disclaimer: Who does own these guys these days, it's certainly not me. Wish is was though. Anyway's, here is chapter three where our heroes get their powers and learn a hard lesson. Anything in italics is thoughts between the two and once more, please read and reviews. I love reviews. Mouse, January 2004.

Beginnings: First Mission

By Angel Mouse

Andros put the picture back with a gentle thought, smiling slightly as he recalled the very next day Major Feron telling them they were going to be Power Rangers. For Andros, it was the culmination of a dream.

Being a Power Ranger meant that he had more of a chance to find Karone finally. And Zhane, Zhane came along as he put it to make sure that Andros didn't kill himself in his search for Karone and protecting their planet.

Sighing, Andros turned over and tried to go to sleep again. Once more, images of him and Zhane invading his memories and disturbing his much needed rest. He turned again and punched the pillow like Zhane used to do time and time again. This time the memories that surfaced were of them once they had gotten their powers.

They two boys stood looking threw the view screen at the legendary Zordon of Eltare. He currently was off planet, on a little planet called Earth. They had been on Eltare for the last few weeks finishing off their training and receiving their final instructions on what it meant to be a Power Ranger. Now was the day that they had been looking forward to for so long. At the age of 13 years, they were becoming Power Rangers.

"Andros. Zhane. You have passed with honours all the trials, training and instructions that we have put you through. You do your home planet proud. I wish that I could be there in person to give you your morphers, but I am currently occupied organising the protection of the planet Earth. They are about ready to get their first team of Power Rangers, and we have a lot to do to prepare. But I have already prepared for you. If you'll step forward to the pedestal, there is a box. Open the box." Andros and Zhane shared a quick glance and then stepped forward as one. Andros reached out gently and opened the box.

"It's open." Inside the box were five identical morphers with a different coloured band around the outside, and one that was slightly off to one side. "What do we do now Zordon?" Zordon smiled benignly at the two young men standing before him.

He was truly proud of everything that they had accomplished. As he was of all the Ranger teams all across the universe. He kept up to date and in contact with all the mentors, teachers and instructors from all over. But he had a special fondness for these two.

So young to be given the power, there had been some reservations among the morphing masters but in the end it was decided that their bodies would be able to handle the power. These two young boys had proved their mettle time and time again over their short lives, so the reservations were quickly overcome.

"Inside, you will find six morphers. Reach in a take one." Andros looked up at Zordon, his face confused and Zhane's was as well.

"But which one do we take?" Zordon smiled at them both.

"Andros, you take the one with the red band. That is the morpher for the Red Ranger, the leader of the Astro Rangers." Andros's hand froze over the red-banded morpher.

"Leader?" Andros's voice quavered and Zhane just grinned at him.

"Yes Andros. You have amazing strength of character and will. No matter what you will get the job done. You have the drive and the passion inside you that will make you a wonderful Red Ranger. Reach forward and take your destiny in your hands." Andros slowly picked up the morpher and strapped it around his wrist. He gazed at it and then up at Zhane, his eyes full of wonder. Zhane smiled at him and then glanced at Zordon.

"Which one do I take Zordon?"

Zordon gave Zhane a rare grin. He'd been following Zhane's progress with interest since his name had been brought forward as a Ranger candidate. There was just something about Zhane that stood out from the others. Out of all the ranger candidates over the centuries, Zhane had been very unique, in his personality, manner, character and skill.

So after some thought, Zordon had decided that Zhane could handle a very special, unique power of his own. Zordon had seen into Zhane's soul and knew that Zhane's desire to protect and help Andros would sustain him over the hard times to come, and therefore he would be able to handle the Power Zordon was going to give him.

"Zhane, the black and silver morpher on the side is yours. This morpher is for the Silver Ranger." Zhane slowly picked the morpher up, studying it and then looking at the others.

"How come it's different than the others Zordon?" Andros looked at it as well, then down at his.

"It's very different, isn't it?" Zordon smiled warmly.

"That's right. Zhane will be an Astro Ranger like you Andros, but the Silver Ranger powers are unique in that they will make Zhane one of the two most powerful Ranger's in the universe." Zhane gulped and his eyes went wide at this statement.

"Excuse me?" Now it was Andros's turn to grin at Zhane.

"That's right Zhane. The Silver and Gold Ranger powers are the two most powerful Rangers' in the universe; they only go to extremely special people. Your friendship with Andros, your desire to help and protect him and to be with him is what makes you unique. You're also extremely intelligent, kind, skilful and always put others before yourself." Zhane blushed faintly and Andros clapped him on the back.

"He's right Zhane. You're always putting me before anything." Andros was pleased at the expression on his face. The one and only time he could say he'd seen Zhane surprised by something. It was priceless. Zhane swallowed hard and looked up at Zordon.

"If this will make me the one of the most powerful rangers in the universe, shouldn't Andros get it? He'll need it more than I will." Andros was touched to the core by Zhane's offer but before Zordon could answer, he beat him to it.

"No, I won't. Think about it a minute Zhane. The situation's we'll be getting into, I'll be tackling them head on. I'll need someone strong to watch my back. And you're the only person I trust to watch my back. I need you to take these powers. Think of yourself for once will you."

Zordon stayed silent, he knew that this would have to be worked out between them. Zhane studied Andros a few moments and then nodded, closing his hand around the morpher.

"Alright, but only because you asked." Andros smiled at him and as one; they turned to face Zordon on the screen.

"Okay, what we do now?" Zordon smiled at them both.

"Now, you access your powers for the first time. You need to morph." Andros and Zhane exchanged concerned glances and then both took a deep breath. Andros looked at Zhane, who nodded, taking a deep breath Zhane looked at Zordon.

"What do I do?" Somehow, Zordon knew Zhane would try his powers first.

"Open the morpher and type in MEGA. And brace yourself." Zhane nodded and stepped away slightly.

Opening the morpher, he slowly typed in the word and then hit the enter key. Suddenly his whole world shimmered and he was encased in a warm glow. He could feel the power inhabiting his body, enhancing him, making him stronger.

There also came all knowledge that goes with being a ranger. Weapons, zord piloting skills, tactics, strategies, knowledge that would be invaluable in the years to come. And then suddenly he was standing there, fully morphed. He held up his hands in front of his face, his helmet covering his head fully. Reaching up he undid the clips and took it off. The grin on his face said it all and he turned to Andros.

"I feel like right now I can take on the whole universe!" Andros laughed along with him and studied Zhane carefully. Zhane's was encased in a silver suit of armour, with gold and black outlines on his helmet and gloves. He looked stronger, taller, and more confident than Andros had ever seen. Andros smiled at Zhane and clapped him on the back. Turning to Zordon he took a deep breath.

"Zordon, what do I have to do to morph?" Zordon smiled, pleased at the successful transformation of Zhane.

"Press 359 EJ on the keypad and then brace yourself." Andros opened the morpher that was now strapped to his wrist and taking a deep breath, he typed in the code. Suddenly he was engulfed in a stream of red light, it filled his entire being and he felt in invade ever pore of his body, but it was warm, welcoming and gentle.

Knowledge of past red rangers filled his mind, of all the things that Zhane had been given as well. Plus the strength of will that it took to be a red ranger was now enhanced by the power. He blinked and glanced down at his white-gloved hands. Reaching up he took off his helmet as well, the grin threatening to split his face wide open. Zhane smiled at him and as one, they did their trademark handshake. Clasping hands firmly at the end of it, they stared into one another's eyes.

"We'll vow to fight as a team, forever."

"Forever." Zhane echoed. Through their mental link, Andros could feel the pride that Zhane had in him, and the love that they shared. Their brotherly bond was now strengthening by the power. Zordon looked down at the two young men before him and knew that he had chosen well, the power suited these two young men. They would make two of the greatest Power Rangers.

In one of those rare flashes of insight Zordon sometimes got as a Morphing Master, he foresaw the road that these two would be travelling would be fraught with danger, dispar, death, destruction but in the end, hope and joy would fill their lives. They would go down in history as two of the greatest Power Rangers and would be great champions of the Power. Yes, Zordon had chosen well.

He broke off his introspection to find that Zhane and Andros were now standing before him, morphed but with helmets off. The mood was spirited but sombre, until Zhane suddenly grinned at them all.

"So, what's our next trick, saving the universe right?" Unable to help himself, Zordon burst out laughing, along with Andros. Zhane was irrepressible at times, but he always knew what to say to break a mood.


Along with their newfound knowledge, came access to special weapons and also transport. Besides teleporting, they now found that they had the knowledge and skills to build what they ended up calling their galaxy gliders. Andros's was red, naturally, but Zhane decided to have some fun with his and spent a lot of sleepless nights getting what he wanted done right.

He had DECA give him a hand with what he wanted and in the end his galaxy glider was almost the same as Andros's, except it was slightly larger, and when he wanted it to, it could turn into a motorbike. Something he'd always wanted. Andros had laughed softly and then been amazed when he saw the final result. Zhane knew what he wanted and as long as he didn't kill himself on it, Andros thought it would be fine.

They had returned to KO35 bursting with pride and good intentions, only to find as they approached the atmosphere on their gliders, DECA following in the Astro Mega Ship some leagues behind them, that the planet was under attack. A hurried conference quickly ensued.

What do you think; go in blasting the fighters with the Mega Ship? Andros frowned, taking in the number of fighters swarming around the capital. He raised his wrist.

"DECA, how many fighters do you detect, and are there any forces on the ground?"

"There are fifty fighters currently in the airspace above the capital. Ground forces are moving in, quadtrons mainly, three legions of them. Planetary defence forces are holding for the moment. The greater threat is coming from the air strikes against the planetary defence fighters. They are greatly outnumbered." Andros cursed then, forgetting he was currently linked mentally with Zhane.

Remind me not to get you mad at me okay, I'd hate to be on the receiving end of some of those words, I didn't even know you knew what some of those meant. Andros blushed underneath his helmet.

Sorry Zhane, I forgot you where there for a moment. Okay, this is what I want to do. We'll take the Mega Ship, I fly, and you fight. We blow those fighters out of the sky and then go down and help the ground forces mop up. Sound okay to you?

Sounds fine to me. Let's go. The two rangers turned their gliders around and flew back to the Mega Ship. Moments later they docked and quickly made their way to the bridge. Andros slid into the pilots chair like it was made for him and Zhane took the weapons station. They moved closer to the planet and glancing at one another, they took a deep breath.

"Here we go."

Almost eight hours later they were exhausted, bruised and battered. The Mega Ship had been docked finally at the spaceport. They had helped destroy numerous fighters then about five hours ago had landed and began the arduous task of getting rid of the ground forces. It had taken them longer than they had thought to get rid of the ground forces that had invaded their city.

They had begun at the space port and worked their way outwards. After the first hour they had fallen into a routine and began anticipating each others moves, watching each others back became instinctive and working as smoothly as a team that they didn't even need to talk to each other.

After the fourth hour of fighting ground forces non-stop they had made their way to the main defence base – the very place that they had left almost a month ago to go to Eltare. They fought their way inside slowly and made there way finally to the main control centre, where the defence of the city was being co-ordinated from.

They went inside and looked around for whom ever was in charge. They were directed to where Kinwon was standing next to a captain they didn't know. Kinwon looked up as they approached, the relief on his face enormous.

"Rangers! Andros, Zhane! You made it back. I'm so happy to see you. I could barely believe it when I heard the first reports that you had returned. Are you both okay?" Andros reached up and removed his helmet, as did Zhane. Kinwon winced as he saw how tired they both looked. According the reports he had received, they had been fighting on foot, hand-to-hand for almost four hours straight, and that was after an intense three-hour air battle.

He knew that most of the ground forces had been in similar situations but being Rangers most of the attention and attacks had been focused on them once the enemy forces discovered that they were on the ground and on foot. Andros just sighed and nodded.

"Yes sir, we are. What's the situation?" Kinwon gestured for them to have a look at the readouts. The two rangers moved over and studied the tactical readouts. Tikewa had taken one look at the two young men and had moved off to one side. Moments later she returned with two drinks in her hands. With a smile she pressed them into their hands.

"Drink these; you need all the energy you can get. If something happens to either of you two, we would never forgive ourselves." They took the drinks with a smile and she moved to Kinwon's side. Zhane pointedly stared at Andros until he began drinking the beverage that she had provided them with. Once Andros began drinking, only then did he drink his own.

Zhane stayed silent as Kinwon explained the situation to Andros. Andros took it all in, draining the drink, noting absently that he felt a little better as its warmth spread through his body. The power made them stronger and faster and everything, but it also depended on the individual's strength as well. The two young men were strong, but sometimes, physical strength can only take you so far. Andros took the situation in with a glance and thought quickly.

"Okay, if the planetary defence forces can push the quadtrons in this direction, Zhane and I can be waiting at this point here to destroy the remaining ones. And that will get rid of them for good. For at least this attack. Can the planetary defence forces do that?" Kinwon thought a moment and then nodded.

"Yes, they can." He moved away to begin issuing orders and suddenly Andros found the empty mug in his hand replaced with another one. He looked up startled, to find Zhane standing they're grinning at him.

Drink. You need it, you're tired. In fact, I'm tired. Andros just gave a tiny snort and began to drink.

And you? I hope you're having something as well. Or am I going to have to force you? Andros's tone had taken on a no-nonsense tone that he used very rarely. Zhane knew that when Andros took that tone with him, there was no argument. Andros very rarely used that tone with him as most of the time Zhane did take care of himself, but sometimes Zhane forget himself to take care of Andros instead. Zhane grinned and gestured at his refilled mug.

Yes Red Ranger. Andros raised an eyebrow at him, his eyes suddenly mischievous look.

Call me that again and I'll feed you to the quadtrons. Zhane snorted suddenly, spilling hot drink all down his front. That set Andros off and the two Rangers shared a look and then both burst out laughing. It heartened the surrounding personal to see the two young men share a moment of laughter. They may be Power Rangers now, but they were still young men.

One day had passed and the two Rangers had slept themselves out, mainly because DECA had refused to wake them up when they had requested a wake up call. They finally woke up, in the same spot they had collapsed in when they finally returned to the mega ship. They had de-morphed and managed to drink some soothing broth that DECA had prepared for them.

Zhane had then insisted on taking Andros into his room, making sure that he was settled before going to his own room. He had watched as Andros flopped down on his bed and then with a very tired smile he knelt down in front of Andros and took his boots off.

Andros just sat there; nursing his assorted bruises and a sprained wrist; and just absently watching Zhane. He took in Zhane's face that was sporting a massive bruise and a small bandage over his right eye. There was also a cast on his right arm, where he had taken a blow meant for Andros.

The power sped up the healing process and with the advanced medical technology they had available to them, they would be only injured for a day or so. But it still took a lot out of them. Andros just looked at Zhane, barely having the energy to keep his eyes open. Zhane just smiled gently at him and very gently stood up, pushing Andros back on the bed and covering him over with a blanket. Moments later Andros was asleep. Zhane made the mistake of sitting down next to him, to watch him for a moment.

"DECA, cancel the wake up call he asked for. And don't tell him I said to." A few moments later he lay down on the bed, and then seconds later, his eyes closed and he was fast asleep as well.

Andros awoke to find that for some reason his feet were very warm and he felt extremely safe for once. He opened his eyes to find that the room was dark except for the light coming in from under the door. There was a largish thing on the end of his bed and he blinked a couple of times, for his eyes to adjust to the darkness.

After a few moments his eyes took in the blonde hair and dark clothes and he smiled gently. He felt the blanket over him and he knew that Zhane would have put it there. He pushed himself upwards and reached out and gently shook Zhane.

Zhane, wake up; I think we've over slept, DECA hasn't woken us up. A groan greeted him but the figure on the foot on the bed didn't move. After a few moments Andros felt a faint presence in his mind.

Go away, you need to sleep. Hell, I need to sleep. Go back to sleep Andros. Andros smiled and gently shook Zhane again.

Come on, wake up Zhane. Andros looked up.

"DECA, gentle lights please, and what is the time?" The lights in his room came up slowly, Zhane groaned and put his hands over his head, burrowing into the bed.

"It is midday Andros. I have let you sleep until you woke. You were both injured and exhausted. Your care is my responsibility; I will not have you over working yourselves." Obscurely, Andros was annoyed. They were old enough to be rangers; they were certainly old enough to look after themselves. Somehow DECA was suddenly acting like his mother.

"We're fine DECA. I clearly recall asking you to wake us up this morning at 8." Before DECA could reply Zhane stirred and finally opened his eyes. He blinked a few times and slowly pushed himself up to a sitting position.

"Andros, leave it. DECA was only doing what I told her. We both needed the sleep. We needed time to heal." Groaning slightly, not all of it was an act; he pushed himself up and looked over at Andros. "Leave her alone Andros. If you're going to get mad at someone, get mad at me." Sighing Andros looked at Zhane and then suddenly shook his head, a small smile on his face.

"I can never stay mad at you. Come on then sleepy head, lets get up. I'm dying for a shower. I stink." Out of the two of them, Andros was more aware of personal appearance, always appearing neat and tidy. Whereas Zhane would look good no matter what he had on, and therefore his uniforms tended to be slightly rumpled and well lived in. Zhane sat up properly and grinned at Andros.

"No, you pong, I stink. Race you to the showers!" With that, Zhane gave him a not so gentle shove with his good hand and sprang up, racing to the door. DECA managing to open it just in time to dodge his careering figure out the door. With a startled shout Andros jumped to his feet and chased after him, the pair of them laughing at the sheer joy of having survived the previous day's encounters.

Several hours later, after showering, clean uniforms and an extremely hearty breakfast they made their way to planetary defence headquarters. The two boys were greeted with warm smiles and friendly faces everywhere they went inside the base.

They took a slight detour to Mera's post. Andros needed to make sure that his family was okay. His parents had come through everything fine. Mera of course, fussed when she saw the almost healed cut on Zhane's forehead and saw the bruises on Andros. But reassured they were both fine, Mera gave them both a hug and sent them on their way, extracting a promise for them to come and see them both for supper the following evening.

Andros and Zhane were led into the main control room once more. This time it was a quieter, less frantic atmosphere that greeted them. Unusually, Kinwon was standing at the main control centre, directing everything. The two boys shared a concerned glance.

Isn't that Major Feron's job? Andros nodded slightly to Zhane's question and they walked over to Kinwon. He smiled as his attention was directed to the two boys.

"Andros, Zhane. I'm glad to see you are rested and feeling better." Zhane didn't say anything; he was content to let Andros deal with it all.

"Thank you Kinwon. Tell me, what is the damage and full reports of yesterday's attacks?" Kinwon picked up a report and handed it to Andros.

"Here's a complete list of the damage to property and personal. There is also an injury list and," here he paused, gauging how his next bit of news might be taken. But Andros spared him the need to say it. He looked calmly up at Kinwon.

"And a casualty list?" Kinwon nodded and then swallowed.

"I think, I think you need to look at the casualty list first Andros." Frowning, Andros did so, Zhane looking over his shoulder. Andros scrolled down the names quickly, not really understanding what Kinwon wanted him to see. Then he reached the section where it stated the injured that weren't expected to make it. Suddenly, he threw down the list and took off. Zhane stared at him a moment, and then took off running after him.

"Andros, wait!" He finally caught up with Andros outside the building as Andros was climbing into his hover car. Zhane slid into the seat beside hi. "Andros who's name did you see?"

"Feron's."

Zhane hated hospitals. Always had and always would. He had bad memories of waking up in the main city hospital after the attack of his village nine years ago and being told he was the only survivor. Resolutely he pushed the bad memories out of his mind and stood next to Andros as they stood at the foot of Feron's bed.

The doctors had informed them that he didn't have long left. He'd been trapped under some steel supports on the outskirts of the base, where he had been helping shore up its defences and by the time they got him out, the internal damage was too bad, even for their advanced medicine.

He had refused cryogenic treatment saying it was against his beliefs. His family had already been in and said goodbye to him, now it was Andros and Zhane's turn. All in all, seventeen people were killed in the attack yesterday. That toll was expected to rise to over twenty in the next day or so according to the doctors..

Feron opened his eyes slowly to see the two young men standing at the foot of his bed. He managed a tiny smile for them and they smiled back. When he finally managed to speak, his voice was a shadow of what it was

.

"Well boys, your back. In one piece?" Andros nodded, and Zhane managed a tiny smile.

"Yes, we are for the most part. Thanks to your training." Feron smiled again at Andros's words.

"Now, have you been successful in gaining your Ranger powers?" Zhane nodded, finding himself unable to speak. This was becoming to hard for him to handle. But he wouldn't leave Andros's side.

"Yes, we have. I'm the Red Ranger and Zhane is the Silver Ranger." Feron raised an eyebrow at this and gave them a warm smile.

"Good, I'm glad that it all hasn't been for nothing. Now Zhane, I've watched you over the last six months, I know that you will do anything for Andros, and will never leave his side. I admire that trait in you Zhane. But never forget to live your own life, for you." Zhane didn't know what to say so just nodded. Feron's eyes sought out Andros and smiled at him.

"Andros, you are a natural leader. You inspire others and give them hope. Never doubt yourself and always follow your heart. And let Zhane look after you, and look after him occasionally as well. You are both strong willed, full of life and hope. Always know that I'm proud of you both. What you have become and what you will do in your lives." Andros swallowed hard against the lump in his throat, and a tear rolled down Zhane's cheek. Somehow, Zhane found his voice.

"We will always remember you sir. And what you have taught us. Thank you." Andros suddenly felt Zhane's hand in his and he squeezed his friends hand gently.

"Thank you for what you taught us sir, we'll never forget it." Feron smiled one last time.

"I'm glad. Look after each other boys. You'll be all you have sometimes." And with that, Feron fell silent, the effort to speak too much. And then a few minutes later he gave them one last, tired smile and then slowly closed his eyes for the very last time, his chest rising one last time and then stopping. Squeezing Zhane's hand one last time Andros released it and moving to the head of the bed, gently drew the sheet over the major's face. Glancing at Zhane he nodded, and the two of them left the room.

Tbc… In our next chapter, Andros and Zhane's duties expand and they discover a horrible truth…