Joel was in a hospital room getting his arm bandaged up when his wife walked into the room with their baby in her arms... Angela walked over to Joel and took a seat next to him, smiling, happy to see him home safe.

"How are my girls?" he asked, smiling at both of them.

Angela grinned. "Doing a lot better now that our cowboy is home safe....You are okay, aren't you?" she asked, eyeing him.

Joel laughed. "Yeah, I'm just fine. I can't say the same about the CellBorgs, but I'm sure no one is sorry about them…..I'll be a happy man as long as I don't ever run into another psycho living killing machine….."

"Then I guess that throws out my choice of movie tonight…." joked Angela.

Joel just shook his head. "You would think with all we've been through with these things, you would have a different taste in movies."

Angela just shrugged. "I know. You would have thought living it would have been enough."

Joel smiled, then his eyes fell on their sleeping daughter. "And how's Daddy's little girl doing?"

"Missing her father like crazy…..she can never seem to get to sleep without you wearing your hat…"

Joel laughed. "What can I say, it's a gift."

Angela just shook her head. "Come on, let's go home…"

"Sounds good, cause I plan on keeping my feet on the ground." Angela eyed him, knowing that was highly unlikely. "Well for at least a while…" he grinned.

Joel then took their daughter into his arms, and the small family left the hospital room to head home.

In Dana's office Carter had been telling Chad and Kelsey over and over about how sorry he was for not joining them on the mission. Both Chad and Kelsey were exhausted and beginning to fall asleep in the chairs they had been sitting in for the last hour. And every time they felt sleep coming on Carter would start in again.

"Guys really I'm sorry. I should have been there for you guys and I know I let you down..."

"CARTER!" both of them yelled.

"It's okay, man. Really." said Chad.

"Yeah…..but….."

"Carter, stop doing this to yourself. We understand your family is important to you," said Kelsey kindly, giving Carter a smile.

Carter sighed, he still felt so guilty. "I know, but it's just….you guys are my family too and I should have been there for you."

Chad sighed heavily. "Carter if it makes you feel any better we forgive you…."

"Yeah, we forgive you…..Now can you please let us get some sleep……" just as Kelsey finished her sentence the office door opened. It was Dana. Chad and Kelsey looked at each other knowing they were never going to get any sleep any time soon if they stayed here.

"Hey guys, did I miss anything?" asked Dana as she walked over to Carter. Carter slid his arm around her, holding her close to him.

"Only Carter apologizing about a thousand times," answered Chad.

Kelsey yawned deeply, feeling overwhelmed by how tired she was. She quickly grabbed Chad's arm. "Come on Chad, get me home before I become a permanent fixture in Dana's chair."

When Chad didn't move Kelsey pulled him to his feet, dragging him along with her. "Bye guys!" said Kelsey, as she passed by Carter and Dana.

Chad barely had a chance to say goodbye to Carter and Dana. "Ahhhhh…bye……guys!"

Once Carter and Dana were alone she walked around to face him. She took his hands in hers, smiling up at him.

"Those two are pretty crazy, huh?"

"I wouldn't say Chad is crazy. Kelsey on the other hand…." Dana grinned.

Carter gave a faint smile, still feeling partly guilty for what happened to Wes. "Is he really going to be okay?"

Dana knew that ever since the others had gotten back from the mission and seen Wes in the condition he was, he felt really guilty, feeling that if he had gone instead of Wes, Wes would have been just fine. "Yes, he's going to be all right. He'll have to take it easy for a few weeks, which is something I find most red rangers are very stubborn about."

Carter smiled. "It must be the color…"

Dana leaned closer to Carter, only inches from his face. "Must be..." she then kissed him softly on the lips.

It was late morning when Wes woke up, to find himself in the hospital. Everything was hazy to him at first, but slowly everything started to come back to him. The mission, Jen, Steelix, the burning building, and vaguely waking up sometime yesterday seeing Dana. Wes slowly sat himself up, turned his head towards the window. He could see a bright blue sky and hear birds chirping. Feeling the urge for some fresh air, he slowly began to get himself out of his bed.

"You're lucky it was me rather than Dana who saw you getting out of bed," said a voice. A voice Wes knew all too well.

Wes sat back down on the bed, while his visitor walked around to face him. It was Eric. "So how long have I been out?" asked Wes.

Eric pulled up a chair. "A while. You were in bad shape when Jason found you guys."

Wes nodded his head. "I kind of remember seeing him, and then I think I passed out…"

Eric nodded his head. Part of him wasn't sure if there was any point in telling Wes or not, but he knew Wes deserved to know just how he had survived. "Yeah….. Look, Wes, I don't know if it will mean anything to you, but from what we were able to gather it seems that Jen and you survived because Steelix saved you… Do you remember anything?" asked Eric.

Wes seemed surprised more than shocked. "He did…?" Eric nodded his head. Wes was silent for a moment trying to gather his thoughts. But most of it seemed blank and unclear to him, images he couldn't quite place. "I guess I should thank him, huh?" asked Wes looking up at Eric.

Eric bit his lips. "I'm afraid that won't be possible."

Wes looked at Eric confused. "Why? Did something happen?"

Eric sighed, knowing this wouldn't be easy. "Late last night Steelix died. He was injured badly. He lost a lot of blood…"

Wes was quiet; he wasn't sure what to think. Should he be happy that Steelix would no longer be hunting Jen down, that he would never be able to hurt anyone ever again? Or should he be mourning his death as he would a relative or friend?

Eric let out a sigh. It was only a short time ago when the future contacted him, telling him when they would be able to send for Steelix, and also explained a few things about Steelix. "There's more…." Wes looked at Eric, wondering what else could there be. Eric began to tell Steelix's story, including the reason why Steelix had betrayed Time Force.

"Man. I can't believe it," said Wes softly.

"Yeah. Neither could I. I almost feel sorry for him."

Wes was silent for a moment, thinking about Steelix's life, what he had been through. What it would have been like.

Eric could sense that Wes was thinking very deeply. "What? What is it?" he asked.

There was a long pause. "I can't help but think that if I had been in Steelix's place, I might have done the same thing…"

"You wouldn't have."

Wes looked at Eric, giving a faint smile. "I almost did."

Eric sighed, dropping his head.

"I practically told you I would kill both you and Andros and anyone else who got in my way, all to protect and help Jen."

Eric looked back up at Wes. "You were angry and scared. It doesn't mean you're Steelix."

Wes gave a faint smile. "Maybe in a way."

Eric felt slightly uncomfortable. "Can we change the subject?" he asked.

Wes nodded his head, agreeing. "Yeah… Are my dad and Taylor here?" he asked.

"Your dad was here last night to check up on both you and Jen, but then something came up that he had to take care of right away. But he should be back here sometime today to fly both Jen and you home. He thought both of you would like to recover at home." said Eric.

Wes nodded his head. He then eyed Eric. "And Taylor?" asked Wes.

Eric was silent for a moment; it hadn't even been a full day since he and Taylor broke up. "She was here. Told me to tell you hi and to take it easy… We broke up last night…"

Wes sighed, giving a faint smile. "You okay?" he asked with concern.

Eric smiled. "Yeah. We worked things out and we're still going to be friends."

"That's good. I guess that means no more double dates."

"Yep." Eric grinned a little. "But I'm sure Jen and you won't mind, seeing as how you two can't keep your hands off each other…"

Wes laughed lightly, knowing it was true. "Yeah, well, you'd be like that too, if you fell in love with someone from a different time…"

"I prefer to fall in love with someone from this century."

Wes nodded his head. "Speaking of not being able to keep our hands off each other... Did anyone tell Jen?"

Eric shook his head. "No. We all thought you would like to tell her."

Wes smiled. "Thanks."

"For what?" asked Eric, not sure what Wes meant by that.

"Being a good friend."

"You're not so bad yourself."

"Hey!" Both of them began to start laughing.

Rocky and Jason were outside of the hospital waiting for Kim and the boys to pick them up. It was a nice bright sunny day outside. Rocky and Jason were both fine despite a few cuts and bruises.

"So you really saw him, huh?" asked Rocky.

Jason had just finished telling Rocky how he was almost a goner. It felt good to talk about it, have it out in the open, although he wasn't sure if he should tell Kim or not. And he still wasn't sure if he would want to start a relationship with Kim that was more than just a friendship. Ever though Tommy had given him his blessing, he still felt as though it would be wrong and a big part of him wasn't ready.

"What did he say?"

Jason paused for a moment; he could almost hear Tommy's words again. "That he misses us and to tell Kim and the boys that he loves them…"

"Anything else?"

Jason looked at Rocky, debating whether or not to tell him that Tommy had said it would be fine if he and Kim got together. He knew if he told Rocky he never hear the end of it, perhaps it was better to leave that part unsaid. "No… He just said he really misses all of us… and that it's okay if we make new friendships to mend the one we lost..."

Rocky nodded his head, giving Jason a faint smile. "I wish I could have seen him. It would have been nice, you know, just to know he's alright."

Jason walked up to Rocky and placed his hand on Rocky's shoulder. "He's alright, and even though we can't see him, he's with us, watching over all of us everyday."

Rocky got a grin on his face. "…….Well I hope not all the time, because I have my private life……." He laughed.

Jason just shook his head and pretended to hit Rocky over the head. "Only you would think of something like that!"

Rocky grinned. "Can't blame a guy for thinking..."

A beep interrupted them. Rocky and Jason turned around to find Kim waiting for them in the truck. The two just stood there, staring at her for a long moment. "You two just going to stand there or are you going to get in? We're supposed to meet Adam and Tonya for dinner when we get back to Angel Grove."

Rocky noticed Tom and Trent in their car seats in the back of the truck. "I call the back!" Rocky turned and winked at Jason, before heading to the truck.

Jason just grinned, shaking his head. Rocky and his hidden motives. Jason opened the passenger truck door and got in. For a moment Kim and he just stared at each other, smiling.

"You okay, Jase?" she asked with concern, sensing something in his eyes.

"Yeah, I'm fine… And I think we're all going to be fine, because I know we have someone watching over us…."

Kim was silent for a moment, knowing who he was talking about. Rocky remained silent in the back watching the boys play with their stuffed dogs. "I know he is. That's why I didn't have to worry about you guys, because I knew he would protect you."

Jason smiled back at Kim. "He did. And you do know that he loves both you and the boys…."

Kim smiled, as she looked at Jason. "I know Jase; I'll always love him."

Jason nodded his head. He knew both of them weren't ready for anything more than a friendship; not today or tomorrow, but someday maybe. And if something ever came of it, it would still be fine because both of them knew, no matter what, they wwould always care for each other.

Rocky leaned forward. "Can we get going, I'm starving!"

Both Jason and Kim laughed. Jason looked over his shoulder. "Is food all you think about?"

"A guy's gotta eat," answered Rocky, as they drove off.

"Now Wesley, when we get home you are going to take it easy. That means no Silver Guardian business or going into the office until you are a hundred percent better," Mr. Collins said as he pushed Wes, in the wheelchair, down the halls.

"But Dad….."

"No buts. I'm your father and you're going to listen to me, is that clear?"

"Yes sir," replied Wes, rolling his eyes.

Collins just chuckled. "Just think, in a manner of months you'll know what it's like to be a father."

Wes grinned; he still couldn't believe he was going to be a dad. "So what do you think about being a grandpa?" he asked.

"I love it. And I can't wait until he grows up and becomes just like his daddy. So then his daddy will know what I was going through…." Collins grinned.

"Hey, I wasn't that bad…"

"Hmm. I seem to remember you making excuses about getting out of board meetings. My favorite is about you taking a girl out, but you didn't even remember her name…."

Wes laughed. "…Well, I've grown up since then. And I did end up getting to know that girl..."

Collins chuckled. "That you did," he said as they neared Jen's room.

Zhane, Andros and Ashley were walking down the hall getting ready to pass by Wes and his father. Wes saw them and knew he still had one more apology to make. "Dad, could you stop for a moment?" he asked.

"Sure." Collins stopped the wheelchair and they waited as Andros and the others approached them.

"Wes, it's good to see you up and moving around," said Andros.

Wes smiled. "Thanks." He eyed Ashley. "I'm glad you're okay…..You latched on to a pretty good guy..." said Wes.

Ashley smiled. "Thanks… He sure is." Ashley briefly glanced at Andros. "And I'm glad both Jen and you are going to be okay…oh before I forget, congratulations!"

"Thanks." Wes then looked back at Andros.

Zhane could sense that Andros and Wes needed some space. "Andros, we'll meet you in the car." Zhane then looked at Mr. Collins. "Um, Mr. Collins, could you….."

Collins looked at Wes and knew Wes needed to talk to Andros alone. "Yes, I'm happy to. I'll meet you later in Jen's room." Mr. Collins then left with Zhane and Ashley.

Once they were gone the two red rangers stared at each other for a long moment. Andros gave him a faint smile. "So you were heading to Jen's room?" asked Andros as he walked around Wes and began to push.

"Yeah. I haven't seen her yet. Everyone says she fine, but I want to see for myself and then tell her the news."

"Speaking of news, I never really congratulated you..." said Andros, feeling a pang of regret about his past actions.

"It's alright. I wasn't really looking for any… I'm sorry about before, about everything… The things I said…"

Andros sighed. "No, I'm sorry. You had every right to be angry. I can't say I wouldn't have done the same." Andros then stopped; they were in front of Jen's room. Andros walked around to face Wes once more.

"Yeah… So maybe someday we should get together, take our wives out, with Eric no longer dating Taylor…"

Andros smiled. "That's sounds like fun; maybe we can do that when I get back from space."

Wes eyed him carefully. "You're going on another mission?"

Andros laughed. "No. Well in a way, maybe…..I'm going to hand in my morpher with the other space rangers…"

Wes seemed very surprised. "Really? So what are you going to end up doing now? We could always use another Silver Guardian..."

"Thanks for the offer, but I think I need to find a job with a little less action."

Wes grinned. "I know what you mean. Well, if nothing turns up, I want you to know there's a spot for you…" Wes then put out his hand.

"Thanks. See you around, Wes, and be sure to take care of Jen." Andros then shook Wes's hand before leaving to catch up with Zhane and Ashley.

"You can be sure I will."

Wes rolled into Jen's room and found her resting on the bed. Rolling up to the bed, he found her sound asleep. He smiled when he saw her breathe softly. He almost had tears in his eyes as he stared down at her face, thinking about what could have happened. Gently he ran his hand through her hair. Jen slowly opened her eyes, feeling his touch.

"Hey," he said softly.

Jen quickly sat up and threw her arms around him. "Oh Wes. I thought that I lost you…I thought that I…I...hu…r.t……" she sobbed.

Wes put his arm around her. "No. You didn't lose me. You didn't hurt me…" Wes just held onto her not wanting to let her go. After a few long moments Jen pulled away to stare at his face.

She ran her hand across his face as if to check to make sure he really was there. "It really is you?" she asked.

"Only one way to find out," grinned Wes.

Jen leaned her head closer to his and kissed him softly on the lips. When the kiss was finished Jen took his hands in hers, smiling at him. "The last thing I remember is us being in the building and then it was on fire. How'd we get out?"

"No one told you?" Jen shook her head. Wes bit his lip. How was he going to tell her the truth about what happened? That it was Steelix who saved them. Part of him wasn't sure how Jen would react, not to mention he would also have to tell her Steelix was dead, if no one had told her that either.

"Umm….Steelix…."

Jen looked at him, confused. "Steelix?"

Wes nodded his head. He was finding it hard to tell her this. He knew either it would hurt Jen or she wouldn't care. But he had to wonder if there had ever been a time when Jen had called Steelix a friend; they had been partners after all. "…Yeah, he helped me fight off the CellBorgs, and then he sacrificed himself to save the three of us…" Wes told her the story, stopping as he looked into her face, trying to read her emotions.

"He died saving us?" asked Jen.

Wes nodded his head. He couldn't quite read what was going through Jen's mind. "You okay?" asked Wes gently, rubbing her hand with his fingers.

Jen looked at Wes. "I think so. I…I...don't know. I just can't believe he's gone…"

Wes pulled her closer, holding her. He gently rubbed her shoulder for the next few minutes. Jen was silent for a moment, letting Wes hold and take care of her. Part of her wanted to be happy that Steelix was gone forever, that he could no longer harm her or anyone else she cared about; but somehow she wasn't happy that he died, not after learning about what might have caused him to change. Maybe he never really did betray Time Force in the way she thought he had, maybe all he was doing was trying to save the one he loved. Unfortunately some things never work out the way you want them to, and Steelix learned that the hard way. Jen sighed heavily as the thoughts played over in her head, until something hit her. Something that Wes had said that didn't make much sense.

"Wait..." Jen turned her head to face Wes, her face alarmed. "You said the three of us, not the two of us, right?"

Wes nodded his head, grinning. "Yep…"

"You mean we're…….I'm…."

Wes laughed; the look on Jen's face was priceless. "You got it……That's why you weren't able to morph, you're pregnant…."

Jen got the biggest smile on her face as she looked into Wes's eyes. "Well, it looks like you'll be getting your birthday wish after all…" said Jen as she leaned closer to him.

"……Well now Jen, my birthday isn't for another few weeks, this doesn't count anymore….I was….." Jen pressed her fingers to Wes's mouth.

"Just shut up and kiss me…"

Wes grinned. "I can do that. I love you, Jen..."

"I love you too," said Jen, as Wes's lips met with hers.

"Oh, and Wes, honey," said Jen as their lips parted.

"Yes, dear?"

Jen grabbed him by the collar, looking him right in the eyes. "Don't you dare get yourself killed anytime in the near future!"

"I don't plan to," said Wes as he leaned in for another kiss. Jen wrapped her arms around his neck.

The end