Disclaimer: See chapter One. Thanks once again for enjoying and reading the story. These started out as a curious little idea and now look at it, and it's showing no signs of stopping. There are at least three or maybe even four more chapters to go. Once again, thanks to Feline Feral and Hagar for their constant reviews. Hagar, just a little FYI re my spelling – Australian's use a slightly different version of the English dictionary. Hence the slight grammar and spelling mistakes you think I'm making. But trust me; I do use a spell checker. This is another chapter, a little sad, a little dark, a little bit of humour. Please, read and review and enjoy! Mouse, February 2004.


Beginnings: Secret Mission

By Angel Mouse

Andros put the photo back on his desk. His expression was sad and thoughtful. That photo had been taken as they had arrived back from delivering Keestra's body to her family. That was the last time they had ever had a chance to have a break away from their Ranger duties. When they had returned, they threw themselves into their work.

Andros moved back over to his bed and lay down on it, trying to go back to sleep. The memories of him and Zhane when they were young and first got their powers were coming back to him tonight strongly for some reason. After a few moments thought he realised it was because of the new arrivals, the new rangers on the Mega Ship. He frowned slightly a moment, trying to decide if he would tell them about Zhane.

DECA's prediction for his awakening were not good, Zhane wasn't going to wake up any time soon, so for the moment, that could stay a secret. He didn't want anything to come between him and his best friend. The other rangers didn't need to know about him for the moment. Sighing, he turned over and lay flat on his back, his eyes resting on the roof of his bunk.

Suddenly, a tiny grin appeared on his face as he saw the picture that had been scratched into the metal. Zhane had put it there to apologise to him for something that had happened a long time ago. Particular regrets and sadness over that memory came to the fore now, and he soon found himself back in those hectic days.


A year had passed and the two boys were counted as the best fighters KO35 had ever produced. They were now fourteen, going on forty according to some people that had daily dealings with them both. Andros was focused and sombre as ever. Zhane was unchanged and unchangeable. He was friendly, warm and brightened up everyone's life whenever he meets them. He was the only one that could get through to Andros and make Andros possibly change his mind once it was made up.

They found themselves going from one area of the planet to the other, fighting, rescuing civilians and military personal where required. They moved out of their family home and into the Mega Ship permanently. It allowed them greater freedom of movement around the planet and also privacy from prying eyes of the media and a curious public. They were beginning to value their privacy greatly, as they found that as the attacks increased around the planet, so did the publics need to see them more and more.

One day they had been called back to the Mega Ship by DECA, who advised them that they had a message from the Eltaran Rangers for them. Intrigued, they hurried back to the Mega Ship and locking the doors so they wouldn't be disturbed. They two Rangers quickly logged into the secure Ranger communication network and waited for the Eltaran rangers to come online. They quickly came on and the Eltaran red ranger stared back out them.

"Greetings Rangers of KO35. I am Kirst, Eltaran Red Ranger."

"Andros, Red Ranger. This is Zhane, Silver Ranger." This got a slight reaction from Kirst; he raised his eyebrow as Andros introduced Zhane. His expression barely altered but Zhane caught it. His dark eyes stared at Zhane, not leaving his for a moment. Zhane saw something in them that he didn't like.

"I wasn't aware your second Ranger was the Silver Ranger. We had heard that the Silver Powers had been activated by Zordon, but I didn't realise they had been given to a Kerovan. It's a pleasure to meet you both." Zhane shared a glance with Andros. The disdain in his voice and the look he gave Zhane didn't go down well.

I don't like this guy or liking where this is going to head. Andros gave him a kick under the control panel.

"Is there something we can help you with?" Andros got straight to the point and Zhane was hard pressed to keep a smirk off his face. Andros didn't have time for people that seemed to dismiss Zhane out of hand, which many people tended to, do when they first meet him. Zhane could tell that Kirst had taken his eyes off him only because Andros had spoken.

"A rumour has come to our attention that you are in a better position to investigate than we are right now. Eltaran Rangers are to well known across the galaxy. Whereas yourselves as the Kerovan are fairly new Rangers and not well known. We need someone to go to Onyx and investigate the rumours we're hearing about a major push against some Alliance planets. We can't go in ourselves at the moment; we'd be spotted a mile away. But you, you may have a better chance of sneaking in and finding out this information that we need. If there is a major push about to happen, we need to know about it as soon as possible."

Andros and Zhane looked at each other a moment, concern on their faces. Zhane broke the silence finally and looked back to the view screen and his blue eyes bored into Kirst's dark ones.

"So, you want us to go to the one planet in the galaxy that's inhabited by every evil scum, monster, over lord and generally nasty people and spy for you? That about right?" Kirst didn't even blink.

"Yes." Zhane raised an eyebrow, his tone was light and airy, but underneath was steel.

"Just so we understand each other." Andros reached out and put his hand on Zhane's arm

.

"Zhane." Zhane closed his mouth and frowned, but refrained from saying anything more. "When did you need us to leave by?"

"As soon as possible." Andros nodded.

"Alright, we'll leave in the next day or so. We'll let you know when we return and call you with what ever we find out." Kirst nodded and the channel suddenly closed. Andros turned to Zhane and frowned slightly.

"There was no need to be so rude." Zhane snorted, moving over to the navigation station.

"There was no need for him to be so condescending either Andros. When shall we go?"

"Later on today. I want to go let the council know we're leaving for a few days. Can you prep the ship for the trip?" Zhane nodded, his hands busy programming the trip.

"No problems Andros."

"Thanks Zhane." Andros left the bridge and Zhane sighed, leaning back in the chair. He waited a few moments until he knew that Andros was out of hearing and turned to DECA's camera.

"DECA, I have a bad feeling about this mission. Keep an eye on Andros for me will you."

"As you wish Zhane." Zhane's expression was thoughtful. After a few moments he sighed and then got back to work.

They left the Mega ship landed on an asteroid just outside Onyx's system and took their gliders in the rest of the way. They left them on the outskirts of one of the major towns on Onyx, to make sure they were nearby in case they needed a quick getaway. They had brought disguises with them and moving through the hills they made their way to the back of the town and waiting until it was night, they snuck into the town under the cover of darkness. Creeping around, they found an abandoned house on the outskirts of the town and settled in for the rest of the night.

Andros, what's the plan for the morning? Andros opened his pack and drew out some rations, throwing one packet to Zhane.

We find a tavern or a pub or something and blend into the background and see what we can over hear. And then drift from tavern to tavern. Hopefully we can be done within a couple of days. Zhane tore open the packet and began to eat.

Yeah, I hope so to. A couple of days eating this stuff will be enough to drive me mad. Andros gave a tiny laugh and began eating as well.

I thought you already where. Zhane grinned at his friend.

Hey, I resent that remark. Even though it's true. Andros grinned back at him, enjoying the banter between the two friends. The atmosphere had been a little strained between them since the call from the Eltaran Ranger the day before. They settled down, eating their meagre rations. I think DECA makes these so nasty so we appreciate her cooking even more. Andros snorted and coughed, choking slightly on his mouthful. Zhane tossed him the canteen of water and he swallowed it.

Don't do that to me. Zhane just grinned and the two Rangers settled down for the night. They would take turns taking the watch during the night, as they weren't going to drop their guard while on this planet.

Andros woke to find Zhane gently shaking him, a smile on his face, and his cloak in his hand.

Rise and shine sleeping beauty. Time for us to get to work. Andros gave a tiny groan and opened his eyes. On the way to the planet they had decided they would avoid speaking aloud while they were on the planet and use telepathy exclusively. They wanted to avoid being identified as Kerovan while they were there.

Is it morning already? Zhane grinned and helped him sit up.

Yes, unfortunately. Has been just for the last few hours. Everyone's starting to stir outside and I think it's time we began to mingle. Andros nodded, taking the ration bar Zhane held out to him.

How long did you let me sleep? I thought I told you to wake me a couple of hours ago. Zhane shrugged, sitting down cross-legged in front of him.

You needed the sleep Andros. You've been working too hard lately. Andros stared at him, absently finishing off the ration bar.

Me? What about you. Every time I turn around you're doing something for me, or instead of me, or because of me. I don't know where you get the energy from sometimes. Zhane blushed faintly and shrugged, taking a drink from the canteen before handing it to Andros.

I think I told you before Andros, I'm here to make it easier for you. So I do what I can, when I can. Ready to go? Zhane stood up and began to shrug himself into the black cape that he had brought for this occasion, pulling gloves onto his hands. He reached down and helped Andros stand up.

Yeah. And thanks. Zhane nodded and helped Andros into his dark red cape. Taking a deep breath, the two of them left via the back entrance of the building, hiding all traces that they had been there.

The next seven hours proved frustrating and annoying for the two Rangers. They had wandered from tavern to bar and overheard nothing. They had heard various things about various monsters, enemies and what evil over lord was running what system. But nothing about a planned invasion of any of the Alliance systems. After a few more hours of sitting in one tavern, nursing a couple of ales and staying in the background, they finally saw and heard something that was interesting.

The doors opened and in walked large, greenish, granite like individual. He had a large sword by his side and a swagger to his step. Zhane noticed him first and gently nudged Andros.

He looks like trouble. This could be interesting. Andros gave a tiny nod, absently picking up his ale and sipping at it. They had checked the ale to make sure it wasn't harmful to Kerovans and they were being careful not to drink so much, they needed their wits about them. They both leaned forward slightly, trying to catch what was being said by the green being. There was just something about him that caught their attention.

You know Zhane, he looks dangerous. I mean, more dangerous than some of the scum we've seen here today.

I know. I wonder who he is. I'm taking an image for the database when we get back. It had been an idea of Zhane's to discreetly snap digital images of all the monsters and overlords they saw, to compile a database for them to use in the future. You never knew when it would come in handy.

Good idea. Hang on, he's moving over this way. And indeed he was. He had a drink and took it to an empty table next to them, but it was far enough away from them to give him some privacy. The two rangers leaned back casually, trying to blend into the shadows and look inconspicuous. Just then, another evil and dangerous looking monster walked in. He was red, scaly and just seemed to ooze evil. He saw the green guy and getting a drink from the bar came over and stood at the table, looking down at the green guy. Finally, the green guy looked up and saw him there.

"You."

"Yes, me. May I join you?" The green monster just looked at him a moment and then shrugged.

"I don't care Darkonda. Do what you want, you normally do." The red being now identified as Darkonda sat down and smirked.

"Always nice to see you Ecliptor. How's business with Dark Spectre?"

"Fine. Not that's it any of your business. So, what evil scum lord are you working for now?" Darkonda just sipped her juice.

"I'm between jobs right now. Any work going for Dark Spectre?"

"No." The tension between to the two was so thick you could almost cut it with a knife.

"Are you sure? I haven't worked for him for a while, ever since that job I did all those years ago." Ecliptor jerked his jade head up and stared daggers at Darkonda.

"That job is history. You will not speak of it again to me. There is no work going at the moment."

"I heard something bigs coming up. I had thought to join in. On the winning side."

"There is, but scum like you aren't invited. You'll hear about it when it's over with. The whole galaxy will once we finish with those Eltaran scum." Both Andros and Zhane had to sop themselves from reacting and as it was, they barely controlled their reactions.

"You're going after Eltare?" Ecilptor looked at him.

"I didn't say that. Just keep your eyes open over the next three or four years. It'll be soon, but not straight away."

"Sounds like opportunity for me to earn some gold."

"Among other things. But as I said, stay away from Dark Spectre; he's got his own henchmen. He doesn't need mercenary scum like you." With that, Ecliptor drained his drink and standing, stalked out. Darkonda sat there, watching him go, smirking. He turned back to his drink and finally noticed the two beings sitting in the corner near them. Immediate suspicion flared up.

"What are you looking at?" Zhane just stayed still and Andros stirred slightly.

"Nothing." Darkonda stared at them moment longer and then draining his drink, he left the bar and the two hidden Rangers relaxed a moment.

That was close Andros. Let's get out of here.

Defiantly. I think we've heard all we're going to. Let's get out gear and get off this stinking planet. It smells worse than your bedroom.

Hey, my room doesn't smell that bad. Zhane grinned beneath his hood and followed Andros outside.

The two rangers made there way slowly, but steadily. Unfortunately they didn't notice that Darkonda was following them. Darkonda had gotten suspicious just by them being nearby and then leaving immediately after he had. He followed them to a deserted house at the edge of town and watched as they got out some hidden packs.

It was now dusk and glancing around, the two-cloaked figures made sure they weren't being followed and then set off at a run to the nearby hills using the cover of dusk. They were acting very suspiciously and that defiantly got his attention. Using techniques he had learned and stolen over the years, he followed them into the hills and watched with interest.

They arrived back at their gliders and finally they relaxed a moment. They took off their cloaks and began to fold them up to put away. Zhane looked at Andros as he put his cloak in his bag.

"So, do we tell the Eltaran Rangers what we over heard and found out?" Andros frowned and glared at him, answering him absently.

"Of course we do. And we'll tell them straight away. For some reason they don't seem to think very highly of you." Zhane snorted as he put away his bag on his glider.

"It's because none of them have the Silver Powers that's why. You heard what Zordon said when we got our powers; they are some of the strongest in the universe. I think they are jealous that a Kerovan got them instead of one of them!" Zhane closed the compartment on his glider just as Andros strode over to his side and grabbed his arm quickly.

Zhane! Be quiet! We said we weren't going to speak out loud! We don't know who may be listening or watching us. Be quiet! Zhane looked at him, hurt in his eyes.

Sorry. I forgot for a moment. Andros was angry for some reason, mainly because he was worried and trying not to think about what the information they had over heard meant for their planet. Plus he was hot, tired and feeling frustrated they hadn't heard more. He felt like he had failed the mission that the Eltaran Rangers had given them. And unfortunately, Zhane was the only person that was nearby for Andros to take out his frustration on.

You're always forgetting the important things Zhane. You never think about the consequences sometimes. Andros let go of his arm and stalked back over to his glider. He glanced back at Zhane one last time and ground out between clenched teeth.

"Let's go." Andros held his wrist out and moments later had morphed into the Red Ranger and leapt onto his glider moments later, he had gone. Zhane stared after him a moment, glad it was dark so that Andros hadn't seen his tears.

"I said I was sorry." Zhane murmured and moments later, he had morphed into the Silver Ranger and followed behind on his glider. Darkonda stepped out of his hiding place and grinned, stroking his chin in thought.

"Interesting. I wonder how much Dark Spectre will pay for that little titbit."

They had arrived back at the Mega Ship and had set a course for home. Andros had instructed DECA to let them know when they were in COM range of Eltare. The atmosphere between the two friends was strained and they were barely speaking to one another. Andros had retired immediately to his room while Zhane went to the bridge. He sat in his seat, at the weapons panel, and swung on it absently.

"Zhane has something happened?" Zhane sighed and stopped swinging on his chair, not aware Andros had left his quarters and was standing outside the bridge, listening quietly.

"I stuffed up DECA. I stuffed it well and truly up. I let down Andros badly, something I swore I'd never do."

"What happened Zhane?" DECA's voice was softly concerned. She could clearly see Andros standing outside the door but choose not to say anything. One of her missions was to provide for the physical and mental well being of her charges.

"We said we'd only use our minds to talk to each other, in case we let something slip about whom we are and what we were doing out there. But when we got back to the gliders without thinking I said a couple of things out loud I shouldn't have. Like whom we were and what powers we had. And Andros wasn't too impressed with me when I spoke out loud. Andros accused me of not thinking, and he's right. I don't think sometimes. I just act. And that's a bad thing. One of these days it's going to cost me. And I just hope to heaven that it's not Andros that pays the price for my recklessness."

"Zhane, you are one of the strongest Rangers in the universe. Your fighting skills are second to none. Only Andros can match you when you spar, and even then he has to work hard to. You have a large heart and are the kindest person I have ever seen. You follow your heart that is something to be proud of you, not disappointed in."

"But when I do stupid, impulsive things like that, Andros could get hurt or worse! I couldn't bare anything to happen to him DECA. "Zhane's voice softened and became almost a whisper and Andros had to strain to hear him. "He saved me all those years ago DECA, by offering me something as small as his friendship. He saved me from becoming one of those statistics that they tell you about, you know the ones that show how many young people turn to crime and end up dead. I would never, ever do anything to hurt him. And I've disappointed him." The silence stretched out a moment before DECA spoke again.

"Zhane, how do you know that you disappointed him? He may have spoke without thinking, like you are accusing yourself of doing. You know him better than anyone on this planet. I have watched you both these last two years since you both got your powers and I came to the conclusion that the two of you share a special bond. Nothing can break that. No words, no deeds, no actions will break that." Zhane bowed his head, so that DECA couldn't see his tears. But she knew that they were there.

She switched her view so that she could see both of them together. Andros had his own head bowed but she could see the tears there as well. These two young men had so much responsibility piled on their young shoulders, was it any surprise that something would finally give. And it looks like this was it for the two young men.

"DECA what should I do?" Zhane lifted his head up and the pain in his eyes was terrible. But she was saved from replying by Andros walking in, the same pain in his eyes as he walked over to stand in front of Zhane. His brown eyes met Zhane's blue ones.

"Zhane, I'm so sorry I hurt you. That wasn't my intent. I was worried about what we'd heard and what it meant for our home. I was distracted and I shouldn't have taken it out on you. Can you ever forgive me?" Zhane reached out and grabbed Andros's hand, standing up as he did so.

"There's nothing to forgive Andros. I should be asking for your forgiveness. It was stupid and silly and your right, I don't think before I act and one day it will hurt you and I just pray that I can grow up before that happens." Andros smiled slightly, reaching over and wiping the tears from Zhane's face.

"Zhane, you are the most forgiving person I know. And I hope to heaven that you never grow up." Zhane just managed a weak smile and before you knew it, the two of them were embracing, crying softly on each other's shoulder. After a few moments DECA cleared her throat softly.

"I hate to interrupt, but we are within COM range now of Eltare." The two boys broke apart and grinned slightly at each other. Zhane clapped him on the shoulder.

"You can deal with those guys, I need to take a shower and get something to eat." Andros nodded, smiling at him.

"Alright, I'll come get something to eat in a little bit." Zhane nodded and left the bridge. Andros watched him go, sighing softly.

"I almost wrecked it DECA, make sure I don't do it again."

"Yes Andros."

Zhane walked along the corridor, heading for his room. He paused outside Andros's and smiled slightly, reaching into his pocket he quickly opened Andros's door and walked in. He made his way over to Andros's bed and lay down on the bunk. Grinning, he reached up and began to scratch into the metal with his pocket knife.

One of Andros's favourite things in the world was being able to sneak out of training when they were younger and going walking in the nearby forest. There was this one little spot that was a favourite of theirs, over looking the forest and the nearby lake. It made them feel like they were alone on the whole planet, and that it were just them and no one else.

It was their special place, something they never shared with anyone else. So now Zhane drew upon those memories to create something special for Andros. Something that Andros would always have from him. Just in case. And little was he to know, that sooner than both of them would realise, something would happen to one of them.

Tbc……in our next chapter, the evil forces of the universe begin to make their move, and our two friends are hard pressed to keep up.