At Light Speed Base Andros, Ashley, Zhane and Karone were in a large conference room with the light speed rangers along with Captain Mitchell and Angela. They had been in there for the last few hours they have been discussing things about the mission and who would be going... For the most part things were going well, but there were a few problems they were encountering. Dana was pregnant and there was no way she would be joining this mission. It would be far too dangerous and a big risk on the baby. Everyone was in agreement including Dana herself she would not be joining them. And Carter was having second thoughts about joining this mission.
"I don't know guys. I know I said I would come with you but…." Carter looked at Dana sadly and everyone could tell he was frustrated at what to do. It was very understandable to all of them, especially Joel who could relate. "I can't leave, not now. Not with a baby on the way…." Dana however believed that Carter should go. From what Andros had told them they were going to need all the help they could get. And she had already given him her permission that he could go the night before. Dana placed her hand over his, as she looked him deeply in the eyes.
"Carter, I told you its okay…" Carter cut her off, shaking his head no.
"I….I can't just leave you Dana," Carter sighed taking Dana's hand in his, rubbing her hand with his thumb gently. This was really difficult on Carter he knew the mission was important, but Dana and his unborn child were more important to him. Dana smiled lightly knowing this was hard on both Carter and her. Although she had said he could go, a big part of her didn't want him to go. She didn't know what she would do if she ever lost Carter. Carter smiled briefly at her. He had made his decision. Carter turned to Andros. "I'm sorry Andros, but I can't go. Not this time," said Carter sadly. Andros looked disappointed and perhaps a little upset, but understood. He couldn't blame Carter for not wanting to go. He was married, with a baby on the way, something's were just more important. He and Ashley put having a family on hold, because part of Andros believed their lives as rangers weren't over.
Joel looked to be struggling as well, for the same reasons as Carter. He was holding his infant daughter in his arms, looking into her innocent sleeping face. Jasmine needed him, she needed her daddy. He just couldn't leave her and his wife behind. He loved them both too much, just to take off. What if something happened? What if he didn't come back? These questions played over and over in his head.
Angela could see where Joel was headed with the unsure look on his face. She looked him deeply in the eyes. Giving a sort of look that told him he had to go, that this mission was more important. Joel looked at her giving a brief smile. He was going to stay no matter what she thought. The Sky Cowboy was going to stay behind this time. Joel turned to Andros, and right away Andros knew right away what Joel was going to say, as if things weren't bad enough as it is. He had rangers backing down from a mission that needed to be taken care of. Did they not understand how important this was? Or did he not understand that they all had lives now, a family to worry about? Was it him that did not understand? It had been him that told Ashley 'no they couldn't have children, not now'. Andros began to wonder if he was more involved in being a ranger more then any of them were. Andros wondered would he always put his life on hold whenever the universe was a stake. How long would Ashley have to wait to have the family she always wanted? Andros's thoughts were cut off by the sound of Joel's voice.
"I'm sorry too guys, but I can't go," Joel looked down looking at the child he held in his arms. "I have responsibility now, to my family," said Joel not regretting what he said. Andros sighed. He had a feeling this would happen, with Carter, Joel and Dana not going on the mission. That made them only have a six ranger team at the moment, Chad, Kelsey, Ryan, Zhane, Ashley, and himself. The other space rangers would not be going; Andros knew there may be chance they may not win. They would need a team of rangers that still had their powers on Earth just incase.
This was very hard on Andros. He was hoping he would not have to involve Jason and the others. He did not want to have to be the one to tell them the CellBorgs were back, because that could mean what Tommy did was for nothing. But now he had no choice. He hoped he would have a better chance with Eric, Wes, and Jen.
"Alright, I'll see who I can round up," Andros glanced over at Ryan, Chad and Kelsey. He almost thought that those three by some chance would back down.
"You don't have to worry about me. You can defiantly count on me Andros," announced Ryan. Kelsey and Chad briefly glanced at each other they have been dating for months now. Chad took Kelsey's hand in his, smiling briefly at her. They both looked back at Andros.
"That goes for us to," said Chad. Andros nodded his head.
"Good, were going to need you," Andros turned looking over at Captain Mitchell. "How is the ship coming along?" he asked.
"It's finished, and we also made a smaller two person ship just incase you need backup sent," Andros nodded his head, that probably would come in handy. Although a big part of him hoped they would not need to send for backup. Captain Mitchell waited a moment before asking his question. He had been doing his best to hide his concerns and fears. He was very afraid for the sake of his son and his friends. It was only years ago he had gotten his son back. He knew what the CellBorgs were capable of. He knew they were all very lucky to have survived the last time. "When are you planning on leaving for this mission?" he asked eyeing Andros carefully.
"As soon, as I get another team of rangers. I'll need at least four or five more," said Andros his face grim things were looking down for them already. And he knew things would only get worse. Hopefully after that things won't get any worse, but Andros doubted that would happen. "I hope to leave in the next couple of days," He stared right at Ryan, Chad and Kelsey. "Make sure your all ready to leave, because once were on the ship there will be no going back. Not until our mission is completed," his voice was firm and in charged.
Jen was in Wes's room sitting by his side. She had been there ever since Wes had been taken out of surgery and hadn't moved an inch. Collins was growing very concerned for her and his son. Wes wasn't getting any better and Jen was in bad shape. She has barely eaten anything. All she does is sit by Wes starring at his motionless face. Outside of the room Collins, Kim and Jason all watched her sadly. It was a painful sight for all of them to watch. And hardest of all on Collins.
"I don't know what to do. I have tired everything to get her to leave just for a few minutes, but she won't leave his side," he sighed heavily. "I guess she's afraid to. That she feels something bad will happen if she leaves him," said Collins sighing, doing all he could to hold back his tears. He really was at a lost, as what to do or say. It seemed no matter what he did, it didn't help.
Kim looked through the glass window looking at Jen. In a way she knew what Jen was going through. She then began to remember what it was like for her to say goodbye to Tommy and how hard it had been to let him go. She didn't want to let him go, she didn't want to lose him, she didn't want to say goodbye. But if she didn't none of them would be here.
"I don't know what I'm going to do without you," said Kim through her tears. She began breaking down. Tommy quickly held her close pulling her into his arms, pressing his head against hers.
"I'll always be here for you Kim, no matter I'll always be there for you. I love you Kim," said Tommy softly. He looked Kim in the eyes and then he leaned forward giving her a kiss, their last kiss. One they both wanted to last forever. When they pulled way Tommy got down on his knees and pressed his lips to Kim belly. "That goes for you too little one," Tommy then stood looking back at Kim.
"I love you Tommy. I will always love you" she said through her sadness, bursting of tears. Tommy then stepped back getting one last look at all of his friends, taking one last memory of their faces. Then he was gone.
The memory of that day faded away, but would never be forgotten. No matter how many years would pass her by. She would never forget Tommy, the time they spent together, both the good and the bad times. Kim knows she will never for the rest of her life forget what it had been like for her to let Tommy go. And she knew she would always love him, even if at some point she gives her heart to someone else. Kim placed her hand on Collins shoulder. Collins turned his head looking at Kim. She could see the sadness and lost hope in his eyes.
"Will see what we can do Mr. Collins" said Kim kindly.
Kim and Jason walked into Wes's room. They both still couldn't believe that was Wes lying there. It seemed just like yesterday. He was playing with Trent and Tom, and getting everyone to plant the idea of having a baby into Jen's head. And now to look at him, his whole chest and waste was bandage up. His right arm was in a sling, his face looked a little out of color. Wes didn't have his usually bright smile that could light up a room in seconds. It had been replaced with a dry frown. Kim was on the verge of tears. It almost was too much for her to handle, but she knew she had to be strong. Jason gently gripped her shoulder letting her know he was there for her. Kim turned smiling, thankful for having him there with her. She knew she wouldn't have been able to do this on her own. "Jen..." said Kim softly. Jen slowly turned around and saw Kim and Jason in the room.
"Kim! Jason……."Jen quickly got up throwing her arms around Kim.
"We came as soon as we heard. I'm so sorry Jen…" said Kim putting her arms around Jen. Jen just let Kim hold her and take care of her. Jason watched as the two held each other, both of them crying.
For a moment he felt uncomfortable, not having experienced what they have been through. Sure Tommy was his best friend, almost a brother. But that was it. Kim had shared a life with Tommy, love and tenderness. Much like Jen and Wes had. Jason could relate to that effect only on a friend, brother level. So why had he come? He wouldn't be able to help much, sure Wes was his friend, but they weren't exactly close. Sure they saved the world together and been to a few parties together. But does that really make them close friends? And then he wondered if it was him lying there. Would he have wanted Wes to have visited him? Jason wasn't sure where his thoughts were going, in a way Wes had become a friend to him whether he would admit it or not. Could it be he was afraid, he maybe replacing Tommy's sport? Or was there more to it? Did he come for support for Jen? Or did he do it for Kim? Or all of the above? He knew Wes and Jen had done so much for Kim and the twins. But it was Kim who had practically begged him to come along. Like she needed him there incase she broke down. Maybe she was just afraid it would bring back all her memories of Tommy, and she needed him to be there incase she broke down. Jason thoughts would be cut off by the sound of Jen's voice.
"Thank you Jason for coming," said Jen softly. Jason looked at Jen's tearful eyes. He then saw how much it had meant to her, for Kim and him coming. He gave a kind smile pulling her into a hug.
"Hey what are friends for," said Jason kindly. Jason knew Tommy could never be replaced by anyone, but he began to realize that didn't mean he couldn't make new friends to help mend the loss. It really meant a lot to Jen for them showing up, she really needed a friend. With Eric and Taylor gone and the rest of her friends in the future, she was pretty lonely. She knew Collins was trying his best to help her, but it wasn't quite the same. Or perhaps it was because she and Collins were family and too close to Wes. And it was better to have someone that you weren't as close to.
Adam and Rocky were finding out just how hard it was to take care of two twin baby boys. Both Trent and Tom had woken up crying up a storm. They have tried everything from changing their dippers to feeding them, nothing was working. "Come on guys please stop crying," said Adam, as he lifted Trent up in the air with his arms. Rocky was doing the same thing with Tom, but the babies only continued to cry louder. Adam turned looking at Rocky with an annoyed look on his face. It had been Rocky's big mouth that had gotten them into this in the first place. "Rocky next time you have one of your brilliant ideas, leave me out of it," groaned Adam. Thanks to Rocky's brilliant idea they had to watch the babies, while Kim and Jason went to Silver Hills for a few hours to be with Jen. Rocky gave Adam a pouting defensive look.
"Hey! How was I supposed to know that babies could be so difficult to take care of?" complained Rocky, as he cradled Tom in his arms. Adam just shook his head he couldn't believe how dense Rocky could be at times.
"What did you think they were just like a car and come with directions?" Adam joked while, laughing. Rocky gave Adam a dirty look. "For a guy that comes from a large family I would think you be an expert on babies," mocked Adam. Adam knew Rocky comes from a family of six kids, he being the second oldest.
"Ha Huh, very funny Adam. But I wouldn't be talking if I were you, aren't you the one that's engaged to be married?" asked Rocky trying to make a point. Adam stared down at Tent's crying face.
"Engaged being the key word there," replied Adam knowing where Rocky was going with this. Rocky groaned and gave Adam a dirty look.
"Ah Man! I hate it when you do that," Adam laughed. "So where is Tonya, maybe we can call her," suggested Rocky who was about having enough of this crying business.
"Sorry Rocky, but she's in Africa visiting relatives she won't be home for another week," replied Adam.
"Great! I know I have said this before, but I'll say it again. I'm never having kids," mumbled Rocky. Adam just shook his head and laughed.
"You want to know how many times I've heard someone say that, and…….."
"Don't you dare finish that sentence, if you value your life," grumbled Rocky.
"Now Rocky, is that anyway to be acting around the twins. Think what you could be teaching them" replied Adam knowing very well if he continued this on any further Rocky would blow a gasket. Rocky just shook it off and laughed. Adam starting in on the laughing and before the two knew it the crying had stopped. Both of them looked at the baby each of them held.
"Well look at that, they stopped," said Rocky smiling as he stared down at the sweet innocent face. The child of his departed best friend, the last link any of them had with Tommy. Adam looked over at Rocky who was rocking Tom in his arms. He smiled. He knew Rocky didn't mean what he said about not having kids. He knew that someday Rocky would meet the girl of his dreams. He knew that some day Rocky would make a good dad.
Adam then looked down at Trent's seeing him sleeping soundly. Lately now ever since him and Tonya had gotten engaged. He had been thinking about what it would be like to have his own family, a wife, a few kids, and even a dog. He wondered if he would make a good father someday. Adam wondered what it will be like for Trent and his brother to grow up never knowing their father. Sure there will be pictures and stories, but they will have none of their own. No memories of their own, nothing to remember. Adam couldn't help but feel sad. The two will never being able to meet the great man that was their father. But it wouldn't all be sad; there was Jason who has been with Kim and the boys every step of the way. He had been with her the day Trent and Tom were born. He even stayed with her in the hospital the first night. And of course Rocky and he will always be around for the boys. Along with the others when they visit. Maybe things will turn out okay for them. One thing was for sure they would have plenty of male role models.
"Come on Rocky lets put them to bed," said Adam softly. The two then took the twins into their bedroom and put them in their cribs.
Eric and Taylor's vacation wasn't going too well. They pretty much have been at each other necks the whole time. Throughout dinner the two sat in silence, barley even giving a glance at one another. Neither of them were sure what stirred things up, but they defiantly weren't getting along and they both knew it. Both of them had thought they really did care about each other. They have been out together before and gotten along just fine, but on the other hand they normally had people with them. Most of the time it would be a double date Wes and Jen and them. Things always seemed fine then. But now it was just the two of them, on a vacation, alone. Both of them never said it, but they both knew it. Did they really fall in love all those months ago, hiding in the underground barracks? Or did they feel they both didn't have much time left and needed someone to cling to? Theses were question both of them were afraid to ask and ever more afraid of the answer.
Heading back up in the elevator to their room it seemed to be the reality of their relationship, silence. Although, they hadn't had any real major arguments there was tension between them. Eric sighed he knew, he was just putting things off. He knows he should say something. But what? This was his first relationship with a girl. He doesn't know how he should handle things? But one thing is for sure, putting it off has only made things worse. And there was the fear that there may have never been anything between them. He wasn't sure what scared him the most that it could be over or there may have never been anything in the first place.
Taylor sighed as the two walked down the hall towards their room. She glanced over at Eric who had his head down. She bit her lip. Sometimes she wondered what exactly she saw in him. When she first meant him, she couldn't stand him. But then when the CellBorgs came everything changed. They almost thought they weren't going to make it. Is that why they had gotten together? She wanted to shake the thought off. There had to be more then that. Were things not working out well because they were too much alike? She would of though that's why they would be good for each other, but maybe it's not.
The two came to a full stop at their room door. The two turned to one another, there was a long pause before either of them spoke.
"Taylor…"
"Eric….."
Both of them smiled briefly, that was a start.
"Can we talk inside?" asked Taylor knowing whatever they had to say to each other should be between them.
"Yeah, sure," said Eric softly. He opened the door with the key. The two started into the living room of their hotel room. Once they got there. They found, they were no longer around, someone had some how gotten into their room. Both of them were very surprised, even shocked. They never expected to run into these two, of all people.
"How heck did you guys get in here?" shouted Taylor looking at Andros and Zhane. Taylor seemed upset and shocked. Upset because this would delay the conversation she and Eric needed to have and shocked because she was not suspecting to find visitors in their hotel room. Eric stepped ahead of Taylor, in a military sort of way. He wanted answers and he wanted them now.
"More likely, what are you doing here?" asked Eric, yelling almost. It wasn't everyday that two people break-into your hotel room. Andros and Zhane glanced at each other briefly. Both Taylor and Eric saw something behind that look. Something was up, and it didn't look good "What is it?" asked Eric concerned. Andros stood up taking a deep breath.
"We have problem…."