Disclaimer: See chapter one. Okay, here it is, the final chapter of my Beginnings saga. I'm glad you've all come along for the ride and enjoyed where I've taken this little idea of mine. I hope you enjoy this chapter and will review. I love reviews! J This chapter isn't pretty, there's a little humour but a lot of angst and despair. Enjoy! Mouse, March, 2004.
Beginnngs: Loss
By Angel Mouse
The silence reigned over the bridge for a little while, and with sigh, Andros stood and began to walk softly back towards his quarters. He rounded the corner and ran smack bang into Ashley. They both stumbled backwards and Andros's hands shot out, steadying her.
"Ashley, what are you doing up?" Ashley gave him a dishevelled look and a tiny smile.
"I woke up to get a drink and I heard voices." Andros nodded at her, taking in her appearance with a glance and a tiny little smile of his own. She had a glass of water in her hand
"Yes, DECA and I were talking." Ashley just nodded, still half asleep.
"Oh, okay. I just wanted to make sure everything was all right. I'll go back to bed then. Night Andros." Andros watched her turn and head back to her quarters. He tilted his head to one side and watched her go, shaking his head. The new Yellow Ranger was going to take some getting used to that's for sure.
"Night Ashley." Andros made his way back to his quarters and lay down on his bed again. DECA dimmed the lights and began to play soft music in the background. Andros sighed; knowing what DECA was trying to do. Tonight he had sorted through a lot of memories about his past and Zhane; perhaps he was preparing for the future, with these new Rangers. He wasn't sure.
"Zhane wouldn't want you to continue being alone Andros." Andros rolled over onto his back, staring at the roof of his bunk, looking at the picture Zhane had put there all those years ago.
"I know DECA. It's just hard, after all it has been a few years since I've had any one else on board the Mega Ship."
"Besides Zhane you mean." Andros suppressed a tiny smile. DECA could be so transparent sometimes.
"Yes, besides Zhane."
"I still think you should tell the other Rangers about him."
"No. Zhane is safe and sound where he is. No one else needs to know about him. I know you think they need to know, but they don't." Andros's tone was firm, unyielding.
"Why Andros?" Andros thought a moment and then turned onto his side, closing his eyes.
"I don't want Zhane to become the object of pity by the others. I don't want his sacrifice to be made something of by them. He's my friend and the last thing he would want would be to be treated like some sort of special case by them. No, he stays a secret. I will tell them if I have to, not before." DECA was silent a moment and then her red light blinked at him.
"I understand Andros. Good night." She left him alone and the music softly wafted in the background. Andros closed his eyes but one last memory came forward. And it was one that he didn't particularly want to remember, but it was one that it was insisting on being recalled…
The Mega Ship was being swarmed over by technicians and engineers, busily repairing the latest damage the two Rangers had incurred on their latest adventure, nine months after the abortive conference on Aquitar. Andros was currently in the middle of a very long council session while Zhane was over seeing the repairs.
DECA had been dealing with the long list of supplies and spare parts that the Mega Ship was going to need over the next few months. Things had not been going well for the people of KO35. The attacks against the planet had gotten so bad that the colonies leaders were meeting right now to decide what action to take.
Unfortunately for KO35 it was right near the border of inhabited systems that were under the control of Dark Spectre and the Alliance of Evil and therefore a prime target for attacks against the forces of good. Zhane and Andros had been run off their feet trying to defend the cities and people of their planet, but they were only two people and they didn't have the time to train anyone else to be Rangers with them.
Hence the meeting today that Andros was attending at the moment. The Eastern City had already been evacuated a week ago; it's inhabitants moving to the main capital. KO35 wasn't a hugely populated planet; its total population was just over the five thousand people mark. A small colony to be sure, but one that they were all happy with. There was plenty of room in the capital city for everyone, and it made times interesting.
The only inhabitants of KO35 that weren't living in the main city now were its farmers and graziers, and the fishermen on the coast. The ruling council knew that food still needed to be grown and fresh items were essential to keeping its population healthy.
Sighing, Zhane signed off on the last requisition request he had to fill out for the day. Giving the young woman a warm smile as he handed her back the form, he watched as she left and then when he was finally alone in the repair bay, he flopped down on the stairs, tired.
"DECA, is that all of them?"
"Yes Zhane. All repairs have been completed and requests for resupply filled. You are alone on the ship now."
"Finally. Any sign of Andros?"
"No, not yet. The records indicate that the council session is still going." Zhane thought a moment and then nodded.
"Alright, thanks DECA." Zhane leaned against the railing and closed his eyes
Andros? Is everything okay? Zhane waited for a response eagerly. He and Andros had barely seen each other for the last few days and Zhane found himself missing his best friend. Andros had been his rock for the last few months and for once, Zhane had found himself not minding being coddled slightly by his friend. But things had slowly gotten back to normal after the disaster on Aquitar.
Zhane still had the odd nightmare about it, but they were decreasing in regularity. The first few times he'd had those nightmares, Andros had come rushing in to make sure he was okay and they had ended up spending the night curled up together on his bunk, providing comfort to each other. Although Zhane occasionally dated girls to relax and get away from things, Andros never had dated girls.
Except one time where Zhane had made him and that brought a smile to Zhane's face. But neither of them found anything other than warmth and friendship in each other's arms. Very privately Zhane found that he preferred waking next to his best friend rather than some girl like he had a few times.
So, Zhane's recent dating spree had ended almost as quickly as it had begun. And besides, Zhane had only begun dating girls to try and stave off some of those nightmares he'd been having. Sighing, Zhane patiently waited for Andros to answer him.
Andros found himself wondering if he could blow up the council chambers and claim it was an attack by the Alliance and get away with it. He was seriously becoming very disillusioned with the council and its working. It was only a dozen people but they talked and prevaricated and procrastinated like six dozen people. He found it frustrating, annoying and downright painful at times. Right now they were haggling on should they abandon the planet or should they stay and fight.
Andros already knew the answer to that question after speaking to his mother Mera earlier in the day. They just didn't have the man power, even if they recruited every single civilian into the planetary defence forces, they wouldn't have the manpower to defend themselves against a major push by the Alliance. They would have to abandon the planet; they had no other choice.
Ships had already had begun to be provisioned and alternate locations for their people to hide at had been chosen. Help from other planets - such as Triforia, Eltare and Aquitar had been promised. But they wouldn't be able to do much more than hide small pockets of their people. But it was better than nothing. Hiding his sigh behind the motion of scratching his head, Andros wondered how much longer they could bicker on this. They all knew the truth; it's just that they didn't want to face it. Suddenly he felt Zhane gently intrude on his thoughts.
Andros? Is everything okay? Andros had to fight to keep the smile off his face. When Zhane had been offered the chance to join him at this council meeting today, the Silver Ranger had backed away slowly, hands raised, shaking his head and gleefully volunteering to oversee repairs to the Mega Ship. Andros had laughed at his friend, before leaving. They had barely so little time to spend together lately, what time they did was precious to him.
Yeah, just that the council doesn't want to admit the obvious. Zhane snorted through their link and once more, Andros had to fight not to smile.
That sounds about right. Am I ever glad I decided to stay here. Over seeing repairs is so much more interesting. Just tell them we haven't got a hope in all seven levels of hell of stopping a serious attack against our planet, we have to leave, even if it's temporary and leave it at that. You're the Red Ranger; you can order them you know. Andros thought that over a minute. True, as Red Ranger he did have the final say on defence matters and battles. But he didn't think how he'd go ordering the evacuation of their planet.
I know, but do I really have the authority to do that though. Zhane paused and after a moment, his voice came back to Andros, serious and sombre.
Yes, you do. Remember all those lessons they crammed down our throats Andros. The Red Ranger is the ultimate authority in matters of defence and safety. If you say we go, we go. Andros baulked slightly at his words.
Zhane, that's too much responsibility.
Too much or not Andros, it's ours. Our duty is clear. We protect our people. This is just a place, a thing really. Lives are what is important. We can rebuild somewhere else; we can't rebuild a life. Zhane's words hit home with Andros. The one thing in Andros's life he could really count on was Zhane's ability to see through all sides of a situation and give him the bare bones of the matter. He cut through everything to bring to the fore the most important thing. And in this case, it was their people's lives.
Thank you Zhane. You've just given me what I needed to get this meeting finished. Want to listen in? Andros could imagine the cheeky grin on Zhane's face.
Oh yes please. This'll be good. Sometimes, when they needed to, each other could occasionally hear or see what the other wanted them to see. It wasn't easy but they could do it. Andros could feel Zhane opening his mind up to accept the images from Andros's mind.
Well, here goes.
Good luck. Andros refrained from answering that slightly sarcastic comment from Zhane. Now that his job was done, the Silver Ranger was content to sit on the sidelines and listen.
Kinwon had been half listening with growing despair to the others on the ruling council of KO35. All this talking was getting them no where, and he was half hearted in his participation of this useless, time wasting debate.
Currently, Tikewa was in almost what was a screaming match with a member of the defence forces. Kinwon glanced across at Andros. The Red Ranger was showing remarkable patience with the council, as he knew that for the Red Ranger, diplomatic functions and meetings weren't really his strong point. Kinwon watched as the muscles along Andros's jaw rippled as if he was trying to stop himself from laughing or smiling. Kinwon studied the young man a moment.
The last four years had been trying on the two young men they had come to rely on to lead the defence of their planet. The decision made all those years ago to have Power Rangers had paid off in the two young men that were chosen. Andros had matured into a level-headed responsible young man and Kinwon was pleased that his choice had worked out so well.
Zhane was a brilliant fighter and could always be relied on to be by Andros's side at all times. Except at boring council meetings. Kinwon knew that these young men would be the keys to one day their planet being free of attacks and evil. He just hoped he was around long enough to witness that. His attention was brought back to the present by the slight movement from Andros. He had just nodded his head as if deciding something. Kinwon watched the young man earnestly, wondering what bombshell Andros was about to drop on them.
Andros cleared his throat but that got no attention at all.
Yelling at them to be quiet might work. Andros ignored Zhane's suggestion and cleared his throat louder this time. But still no reaction until suddenly there was a banging on the table and his gaze was drawn to Kinwon.
"I believe Andros would like to say something. Andros." Kinwon nodded for Andros to speak his eyes curious. Andros inclined his head in thanks.
"Thank you Kinwon. Yes, I would like to speak. All this talk is pointless. We all know we don't have the manpower to defend our planet. The most important thing is our people's lives. Buildings can be replaced. Homes can be rebuilt. Fields can be replanted. Lives cannot. We begin evacuation of non-essential personal in two days time. By the end of the month, I want everyone off the planet except essential military personal, Zhane and myself. We will then supervise the last of the evacuation and be the last to leave." An excited babble suddenly broke out amongst the council members. Andros suddenly stood up, his expression stern.
"Enough! I have given you your orders; you will carry them out, end of story." Silence reigned and all eyes were on him.
You tell 'em Andros! Zhane's approval came through loud and clear to Andros. And it's what he needed to keep going. It wasn't easy to tell people that were decades older than yourself what to do. Kinwon then stepped up and saved him once more.
"Andros is right. We will follow his orders. I believe that this is the end of the meeting, unless you have anything else you want to add Andros?"
"No thank you Kinwon. We will see you in the morning where we will brief the military commanders and civilian section leaders. Good night all." Andros nodded to the council and left the chambers.
Zhane, crack open a bottle of something strong will you please? I need a drink after all that politicking. Zhane laughed softly and Andros could feel their link fade back to its normal mental state.
Can do Andros. I'll even have something special tonight for us as well for dinner. Tonight it'll just be you and I, like always, and the universe can go hang itself for once. Andros laughed softly as he got into his hover car and headed towards the Mega ships hanger.
Yeah, that will be nice. See you soon Zhane.
Right you are. Take care on the drive home. Andros grinned to himself as he navigated the car effortlessly along the streets. Only Zhane could get away with saying something so inane like that.
Humming to himself Zhane opened a bottle of soft sweet wine he had picked up on Triforia a couple of months ago when he was their visiting Phantom and Trey. Trey had picked it out from his own personal vineyards and said it was a lovely sweet wine that they would enjoy. Zhane had tried it that evening and found it nice. So he had gladly accepted a bottle and had hidden it in his room, waiting for the right occasion. And tonight was the right occasion.
Andros had finally realised as a Red Ranger; his authority wasn't to be questioned. Something Zhane had been trying to get him to realise for ages. Andros had been reluctant to exercise that authority, but lately, with things getting worse for their planet, he had slowly began to realise that sometimes, someone just had to step up and take charge.
Shrugging out of his jacket and pushing up his sleeves, Zhane put the finishing touches to the table he had prepared and he could feel Andros's presence coming closer. He poured the wine into their glasses and moved over to the synthetron. Taking out the bowls of their favourite foods he sat them on the table, next to the fresh bread that he had gotten from a bakery near the base and turned to face the door.
Just then, Andros came around the passageway, his head buried in data readout. Grinning, Zhane reached out telekinetically and took it from his hands.
"Hey!" Andros looked up to see it land in Zhane's hand. Zhane grinned at him as he placed it on the workbench and gestured at the table. Andros glanced over it and gave a low whistle at the effort Zhane had obviously put in.
"Come on, time to eat, relax and have that drink you wanted." Andros looked at his friend and then grinned slightly. He saw that Zhane had stripped down to just his top and he shrugged out of his jacket as well, throwing it next to Zhane's as he sat down.
"Alright, but only because you've asked nicely." Zhane laughed and sat down opposite Andros. Andros looked over the spread of fresh food and wine appreciatively. Zhane lifted his glass up and looked at Andros, Andros did the same. The two of them clinked their glasses together and smiled. Zhane proposed the toast.
"Here's to us. We'll fight as a team, forever."
"Forever."
"Move it! Get those trucks of civilians out of here!" A nearby explosion drowned out what ever else he might have said but he just shook his head at the corporal, giving him a shove and pointing at the hover truck. The young man finally got the message and moments later the truck was rolling out. Sighing, Zhane wiped the sweat from his forehead, smudging grim and blood further over his already dirty countenance.
Automatically he glanced around for Andros and found his best friend-helping load a lorry with the last of the children that were to be evacuated. The staccato sounds of laser fire by the planetary defence forces were a constant noise in the background and every so often a large explosion would sound, occasionally spraying the evacuees with bits of debris. Zhane motioned for the next hover truck to come forward and begin loading.
This, along with the truck Andros was loading, would be the last of the civilians from the outer sections of the city. They had been slowly getting the majority of the civilian personal evacuated off the planet. This was the one of the last outer areas of the city that had civilians living in it and in a few minutes, it would be abandoned.
A few hours ago though, the enemy had begun one of the lightening attacks that they had been hounding KO35 with lately. These last two truckloads was it. Then they could concentrate on getting rid of the fighters and soldiers that were left in this area.
Zhane blinked suddenly, bringing his mind back to the problem at hand he felt someone come and stand beside him. It was Andros and he looked just as tired as Zhane was. Zhane reached down to his belt and pulled off the canteen someone had given him a little while ago, handing it to Andros.
Here, you need this. You look like hell. Andros took it without a word, his eyes darting everywhere as he drank. After a moment he handed it back to Zhane.
You look just as bad as I do. Is this the lot? Zhane nodded, draining the flask and casually tossing it out of the way.
Yes, that's it. Then it's just us and the defence personal. Andros nodded, glancing around. Sighing, he ran his hand over his brow, wiping sweat off his eyes.
Okay then, let's get this done. Then get back to the Mega ship and have a shower and a break. After that, and here Andros's mental tone turned hard, we talk with Kinwon and the others. The last of the civilians leave tomorrow. That's it. I'm sick and tired of us having to come in at the last minute because they are dragging their feet and don't want to leave. Don't they understand that it's for their own good, or do they want to end up at the morgue with the others! Zhane could hear the frustration in Andros's tone, something he would never show in public. Zhane reached out and put his hand gently on Andros's shoulder and squeezed it.
I know Andros. But you just can't tell some people. Come on, let's get this done. After we get back, I'll even give you a massage to calm you down. We don't want you giving ultimatums now, do we? The light teasing tone of Zhane's mental voice relaxed Andros slightly and he gave his friend a nod.
You know something Zhane; you're smarter than you look sometimes. The two young men shared a laugh and with a sigh, began to walk towards where the battle was currently raging.
Loud voices rang through the ship and Zhane blinked a few times, slowly waking up. He groaned as the lights in his room were brought up to a normal daytime level. He could still hear shouting going on; realising that was what had woken him a few minutes ago. Groaning, he pushed himself up and swung his legs over the bed.
"DECA, what time is it?"
"3 am Zhane. Andros and your self had just retired for the evening when a call came in from planetary defence headquarters. Andros said to let you sleep. He's been speaking to them for at least the last half hour." Zhane took a few moments to absorb that information and then staggered to his feet. They were both exhausted from the last three days of constant attacks.
Only a small civilian and military population remained on the planet now, a tribute to all their hard work that no lives had so far been lost during the evacuation. Some people had been killed though, in the sneak attacks that had been launched at KO35 while their attention had been focused on getting their people out of there. Sighing, Zhane padded softly along the corridor towards the bridge, the raised voices he could hear becoming clearer as he got closer.
"I don't care what the council says! I'm giving you a direct order, get your men the hell out of there and pull them back to the inner defences! Now!"
"But Red Ranger, our orders are to hold this position, no matter what!" Zhane could feel the frustration and annoyance coming off Andros in waves and without thinking he moved into the bridge and stood just behind his friend, lending his quiet support.
"I don't care about that! If you stay where you are, you and your men will all die!" Silence reigned a moment and then finally, the Planetary defence commander gave in, gracefully.
"Alright Ranger, we'll pull back. I'll pass the order along." Andros sighed, finally smiling.
"Thank you. Zhane and I really need to get some sleep, we've had none over the last four or so days. As soon as we can, we'll be out there to give you a hand with the final evacuation."
"Thank you Red Ranger. I'm sorry to have woken you this late." The channel closed and Andros's shoulders slumped tiredly. Zhane thought he looked exhausted, and then realised he wasn't much better off. He reached over and put his hand gently on Andros's shoulder.
"Come on my friend, let's get some sleep." Andros gave a little start; he was that tired he didn't notice Zhane coming up behind him. He gave Zhane a sheepish smile.
"Sorry Zhane. Guess I am a little tired." Zhane gave him a tiny, lopsided grin.
"More than a little, come on." Zhane gently guided him off the bridge and towards their rooms. They padded softly along the corridor, their bare feet making no sounds. Andros titled his head to one side and looked at his friend.
"How come you're awake?" Zhane gave him a grin.
"Well, I couldn't help but wake up with the racket you and that guy were making." Andros smiled sheepishly at Zhane and then laughed, shaking his head. Even when he hadn't had any sleep and was extremely tired, Zhane could always make him laugh. He let him Zhane guide him into his bedroom and they ended up sitting together on his bunk. Andros sighed as he closed his eyes.
"Sometimes Zhane, I truly wonder why we are bothering." Zhane raised an eyebrow at this and looked at Andros. He'd never heard that tone from Andros before. He kept his silence, knowing that his friend wasn't finished speaking yet. "I mean, sometimes, I just wonder why. Some of these people, it's like they don't want to live, to survive and continue our way of life. I don't know, I guess I'm just tired. But some days it just gets hard you know." Zhane reached over and gently pushed Andros over until he was lying on his bunk. Leaning over Zhane pulled Andros's legs onto the bunk and began to cover him with a blanket while he thought over his reply. After a moment, he finally spoke.
"We bother because we care. No one else has the training, the knowledge, and the drive that we do. We do this because no one else can. And honestly Andros, can you think of anyone that you'd trust to do this besides us?" The plain simple truth of that statement hit Andros and he opened his eyes, meeting's Zhane's blue ones and he gave his friend a faint smile.
"No matter what, you always know what to say to make me feel better, thanks Zhane." Zhane smiled at him.
"No charge. Now, get some sleep." Andros laughed softly, closing his eyes again. Moments later, Zhane suddenly found himself at the end of Andros's foot as Andros pushed him over on the bunk to get him to lie down as well.
"Sleep Zhane. If you don't, I'll have DECA give me something to sedate you." Zhane laughed softly, scrunching himself into a little ball on the end of the bunk as suddenly a blanket floated over and laid it over him.
"Hey, who's looking after whom here?" They both laughed and moments later, the room was silent as they both fell asleep.
The blaring of the Mega Ship's alarm system jolted them both two hours later. Scrambling into their uniforms, the two rangers ran to the bridge, throwing on their jackets as they did so.
"DECA, report!" Zhane stood besides Andros, their eyes affixed to the view screen
.
"Andros, The Alliance has launched a massive attack against KO35. The largest yet. In fact, our forces will not be able to hold for more than three hours." Zhane and Andros exchanged concerned glances. Zhane nodded slightly at Andros and Andros knew that whatever he decided next, Zhane was with him.
"Alright, have Kinwon begin the final evacuation. We'll hold them as long as we can. Where's the worst concentration of monsters and fighters pleasing DECA?" DECA brought up the location on the screen and they both gasped. It was right near the heart of the city, where the last of the civilians were. Zhane reached over and put his hand on Andros's shoulder, his words sombre and quiet.
"Andros, we have to do something. That's an awful lot of monsters and foot soldiers." Andros nodded, suddenly grateful for Zhane's physical presence next to him.
"I know. Come on, we'll do what we can. Ready?" Andros raised his arm that had his morpher attached.
"Ready." Zhane stepped slightly to one side and raised his morpher as well.
"LET'S ROCKET!" Moments later they were engulfed in morphin energies and then they disappeared in streams of red and silver light.
Explosions were going off constantly in front and behind them. Laser blasts and small arms fire echoed around them. And occasional, the flash of red and silver could be seen, running here and there, giving aide where it was needed. And it was needed in quite a few places, as things weren't going well for the defenders of KO35.
Currently, Andros and Zhane were fending off some piranatrons near the various the last group of civilians to be evacuated. This was the very last group of people that had to leave the planet. And then it just the two Rangers left. Andros directed the last group of defence personal to begin leading the last of the civilians to the spaceport. They did this, slowly but surely winning they're way through as Andros and Zhane provided as much cover as they could.
Things weren't going well though, and their progress finally ground to a halt about two hundred metres from the relative safety of the space port hanger. Andros and Zhane were fighting for all they were worth, pushing the monsters back as much as they could. Finally though, it began to get too much.
The two young men were tired, exhausted in fact as they had been fighting non stop for almost four hours now and hadn't gotten enough sleep to replenish their energies from the previous days battles. Zhane blasted a monster out of the way of a few civilians and parried a rather harsh slash at Andros's back by another.
"Andros, there's too many of them!"
"I know! This one's mine!" Andros rushed at one that was approaching them so fast you could almost see its death wish. Zhane quickly blasted another couple of monsters and suddenly he went cold all over. He turned to see Andros take a bad hit. A really bad hit. And fall to the ground.
"Andros! No!" Without thinking, Zhane rushed forward, slashing so hard at the monster that it backed up a few steps, driving it away from Andros. Glancing quickly back to make sure Andros was okay cost Zhane, as the monster slashed at him, hitting his armour in the chest and causing pain to flare through Zhane's already exhausted body.
Zhane quickly fought back and dimly could hear Andros yelling his name but something happened then that neither Ranger could have ever foreseen. The monster, seeing that he wasn't going to win against the silver ranger and in fact, could feel the dangerous energies he controlled getting out of his body, threw himself at the silver ranger just as he exploded. And then all Zhane knew was darkness.
Andros fell to his knees, his whole demeanour screaming denial. And then the smoke cleared and just sticking up through the debris, was a white-gloved hand that twitched for a moment, and then stopped moving. Scrambling to his feet, Andros began to franticly dig for Zhane, searching for his mind and unable to find any trace of his friend. He dug frantically through the debris, the battle forgotten for the moment.
Therefore he didn't see a large green general appear and over look the battle scene. Andros just dug frantically until he found Zhane's still body. His heart in his mouth, Andros reached out with a trembling hand and searched for a sign that Zhane was still alive. After a moment, he found Zhane's pulse, but it was very weak and thready.
Breathing a shaky sigh of relief, Andros stood slowly, then bent down and picked Zhane's body up, slinging it over his shoulder. He began to walk slowly towards the Mega Ship's hanger, not wanting to disturb Zhane's injuries any more than he had to. He stopped a moment, looking at the monsters and foot soldiers in his way.
Suddenly, they moved out of the way, clearing a path for him. Andros glanced around, confused for a moment and then he spotted the green creature on the nearby roof. He thought a moment and then recognised him as Ecliptor. Ecliptor nodded his head once and Andros returned the nod. Evil he may be, but Ecliptor seemed to have a sense of honour, he was showing the two Rangers respect by letting them leave now one of them had fallen. Studying him a moment Andros then turned his head slightly and looked at the defence forces commander.
"Move them all out." He nodded, shock over his features. Andros began to walk forward again; completely oblivious to what was now happening behind him. He only concern now was Zhane. Therefore he didn't notice the last of the defence personal and civilians fall into step behind him. Ecliptor watched as the Red Ranger walked slowly carrying his fallen comrade. His aide turned to him and frowned.
"Why are you letting him go like that?" Ecliptor didn't even bother to glance at him but when he spoke; his voice was soft, reflective.
"We have the victory here. They are leaving, the planet is ours. They have suffered the ultimate loss, the Silver Ranger. He was one of our most dangerous opponents. He is lost; there is no need for us to continue this fight. We'll let them go." Silence fell over the battlefield as Ecliptor mentally saluted the bravery of the two rangers. Dark Spectre would be pleased though that the Silver Ranger had fallen. Nodding to his aide, they disappeared in a whirl of green magic.
Andros almost stumbled and fell onto the floor. He was so tired and hurting all over, but he wouldn't stop until he had Zhane to the medical room. He turned the corner and stumbled into the room, laying Zhane gently down on the table. He reached up and took his helmet, off, knowing instinctively if he de-morphed now he'd collapse now.
"DECA, status on Zhane. How bad is it?" DECA was silent a few moments as she busily scanned Zhane's inert form. Andros studied his friend, not willing to remove his armour or helmet yet until DECA directed him to. He didn't want to cause any more damage. Zhane's armour was blackened and destroyed in parts. He could clearly see parts of Zhane's body that were deeply injured, blood slowly seeping from a couple of his wounds. After a moment DECA finally spoke her voice soft and regretful.
"Andros, his injuries are near fatal. There is nothing either you or I can do to heal him right now. The only thing that will heal him is cyro sleep." Andros jerked his head up and stared at her camera in the medical room.
"Cyro sleep? Are you sure there's no other way?" DECA sounded even more regretful.
"Yes Andros. If we don't get him in the healing cyro tube within the next few minutes, then he will die." Andros nodded absently; silently contemplating his friends still form. They had discussed the benefits of cryo sleep when they had first become rangers, but they both had said if there was no other choice, then that would be the last resort. Neither friend wanted to be without the other. Andros looked up at DECA's camera again.
"How long would he have to be in it?" DECA hesitated a moment and then spoke, her voice almost inaudible now. She cared so much for these two young men; it hurt her to see both of them in pain like this.
"I don't know Andros. His injuries are extremely severe." Andros nodded suddenly demorphing into his crumpled and dishevelled shipboard uniform. He held onto the bed slightly as a wave of dizziness swept over him, but after a moment it passed. He was almost as bad as Zhane was. But he wouldn't stop until his friend was taken care of. He gently picked Zhane up and began to walk slowly and carefully out of the room and towards the engine room.
"DECA, have the other ships gotten away?"
"Yes." At least that had gone to plan. One small consolation in a world of pain.
"Lift us off, take us out of here."
"Where did you want to go Andros?"
"Any where, I don't care. Our people will be scattered by now, all over the universe. Just take us away from here."
"Understood Andros. I have the cyro chamber prepared and ready for you."
"Thank you." DECA withdrew most of her attention then to carry out Andros's orders. Andros walked into the engine room and over to the cyro room. The door opened for him and he walked in. He had always hated this part of the Mega ship. It was so dark and cold, so impersonal for its important function. He walked over to the open chamber and gently lay Zhane's still body down on it.
He spent a few moments fussing over the way his friend was laid down; making sure it was a comfortable spot. He then hooked up the monitoring equipment and made sure that everything was in place. He took one last look at his friend's form; his hand going up and resting lightly against Zhane's helmeted face. After a moment he managed to finally speak.
"You better hurry up and get well my friend. I'm lost without you by my side." Clasping Zhane's hand in his one last time, Andros lay it back down and closed the lid. Moments later the machine swung into life and began to do its work. Andros's gaze was drawn to the monitors and he could see how Zhane would be soon stabilised but it would take a while before he was stabilised enough for the healing to begin.
Staring at his friend just lying there like that it finally hit home to Andros that he was now alone. He turned around and slid down to the floor, his back against the cyro tube mechanism. Sobs began to wrack his body as exhaustion, despair, loneliness and pure fear that his friend would never wake up again finally broke though his defences.
Putting his head on his knees and hugging his arms to himself, Andros sat on the cold, lonely, dark floor and cried. Cried for his friend, his family and his planet. They were all now lost to him.
The End.
There it is folks, the ending. But don't despair, an epilogue is on its way.
