Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Power Rangers…this is for entertainment only…all other characters are mine…

Ch 3 up…who are those mysterious figures that are following our Rangers?

Ch 4 will be up within the next week, or sooner. Make sure to watch for it. I start school Thursday...bleh.

Enjoy!

Steph

Familiar Strangers

8 weeks later

"Rangers, we have trouble!" Chip said. "Denthrax has sent another mutant to attack the city!"

"We're on it!" Alan said. "Let's go!"

With a nod the rangers flew down the stairs, only to be stopped shortly by someone waiting in the shop.

"Okay, when we get to the mu—"Alan stopped abruptly when they saw the person downstairs.

The man gasped. "Alan? Alan is that you?" The man said. He was about age 65 with grey hair. He was dressed in a business suit with a red tie. Alan tried to remember a face. One soon came.

Alan was amazed. "G-Grandpa?"

The man smiled brightly. "Yes, Alan it's me. It's been 20 years. My gosh, look how you've grown." The rest of the rangers smiled at the reunion.

"Grandpa. How are you? How did you know I was here?" Alan hugged him.

"Eric told me you were here. I asked where. His response was where do you think? After pondering for a minute I realized exactly where you were. Your parents worked here when they were younger." He smiled and paused. "Speaking of which where is your father?"

Alan's smile faded. He took a deep sigh. "Six months ago, in the year 3024 he was assigned on a mission to capture some renegade mutants in Death Valley. But he was reported as M.I.A. I haven't had contact with Dad since."

"Oh no." He turned his head. "Wes. And Jen?"

"Same." Alan said.

"God help them. Anyway, who are your friends?" he said.

"Oh. Sorry guys. This is Shannon Vienna, yellow ranger." She smiled. "Austin St. John, green ranger." He nodded. "Mike Camden, blue ranger." Mike cocked his head. Alan smiled as he looked at Jessie. "Jessie Myers, pink ranger."

"Ah, Ms. Myers. How lovely to see you again." The man said.

Jessie eyed Mr. Collins, something didn't click. But being polite she responded with a smile. "A pleasure as always."

"Guys, this is my Grandpa, Alan Collins. Mom named me after him." The rangers said hello.

"Uhh, sorry to cut the reunion, but I'd like to remind you WE HAVE A MUTANT TO STOP!" Mike yelled.

"Damn! I forgot! Gotta go Grandpa, we'll talk later!" Alan said as they rushed out the door.

"Be careful!" Mr. Collins yelled out the door. He watched as they rounded a corner. Then five multicolored heroes drove out on their cycles off to save the day.

"Just like his mother. Always ready to fight." Mr. Collins smiled.

Mr. Collins told the driver to go back to the mansion; he told him he needed to see someone a few blocks down. After agreeing, the driver returned to the mansion, leaving Mr. Collins alone. He walked off in the opposite direction of downtown.

Regents Park

"Time Force! You're under arrest!" Austin said.

"Surrender now or we will be forced to shoot!" Shannon followed it up.

"Not on your life rangers!" The mutant said.

Citizens watched as the Ranges fought the mutant. After about 20 minutes, Jessie kicked him sending him in Alan's direction. Alan then called for his weapon and fired. Soon the mutant soon shrunk down to size. Cheers were heard from all around. Alan and Jessie gave each other a high five. Shannon took the canister and the rangers went home.

They mounted their bikes and began to power them up for the ride home. Out of the corner of his eye, Alan spotted someone behind a tree looking at them with binoculars. He got off and began walking toward the person.

"Hey." He called out. The figure ran. "HEY!" He followed the figure down and around a series of pathways, coming to a dead end. But the end was empty. "What the hell is going on?" Alan asked.

"Alan! Are you okay?" Mike came running behind him. "You took off like something was wrong."

"I'm fine. I just---" he paused. "Thought I saw another mutant run through here." Mike eyed him.

"Okay, but let's get going all ready! It's 7:00PM and I'm starving! Austin wants pizza tonight." Mike said.

With a quick scan of the wall, Alan left. He didn't notice the figure standing up on the roof, gazing down at him. 'Soon. You'll know soon enough.' With a swish of the cape the figure left.

The next morning

Alan awoke to hear the sound of rain on the clock tower roof. Looking at the clock he saw that it read 6:57am. Alan went downstairs to fix a cup of coffee. For no reason in particular he looked at where Shannon and Jessie slept. Only Jessie's sleeping area was empty. 'Probably downstairs managing the desk.' But instead he heard a cough and looked toward the window. Sitting on the ledge was Jessie. Her hair was down and the light of day shined on her face. She was beautiful. Alan grabbed another mug and filled them, then walked over to the ledge.

"Hey." Alan said. Jessie jumped at his voice. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you." He said.

"That's okay. I was just thinking anyway." Jessie gazed at the clouds. "I love the rain. The way it falls. It's so quiet. It's like nothing can go wrong when it's raining. Just one of those days when you want to sit around and read a good romance novel…" She trailed off and looked at Alan. He was staring at her, lost in thought. "Did you want something Alan?"

As she said his name he was awoken from his reverie and remembered why he came over. "I, uhh, brought you some coffee." He said. "M-mind if I sit?"

Jessie's eyes lit up. "No, not at all." She moved over let him sit. He handed her the cup and she took a sip. "I guess they don't have coffee in the future."

"You mean find someone who can make a good cup of coffee is more like it." Alan smirked. Jessie let out a short giggle and took another sip.

There was a tension rising between them. Jessie spoke up. "What were your parents like?" She asked.

Alan laughed. "My parents. There's a story for ya." He smiled. "Both were stubborn as hell. How they found each other is beyond me. My mom was originally from the future…she was a Time Force officer like me, except she took the first recorded trip through time, in an untested time ship. The first illegal one I might say. She followed Ransik back in time, because her ex-fiancé, told her to. He was Time Force's Red Ranger." Alan said.

"Wait, I thought your dad was the Red Ranger?" Jessie cut in.

"I'm getting to that. Yes, but the man I'm talking about is Captain Alexander Collins. Not my dad. No, my dad met mom by pure luck, as he would say. She was scanning for mutant DNA when she bumped into him. He dropped his keys for his motorcycle and picked them up. She crashed into him. But then my mom was facing Nidera and some cyclobots when he showed up and saved her. Then it started from there. Funny thing is though, Dad and Alex looked identical." Alan sighed.

"What happened afterward?" Jessie asked.

"Well, after much debate Mom finally let him keep the morpher. Not too long after he moved in with mom, Katie, Trip and Lucas. Then it took off." Alan took a sip. "But what mom says was the saddest part of their relationship was when she had to leave the year 2001. After almost a year there, she finally got up her courage and told Dad she loved him. He confessed his love for her as well." Alan paused.

"That's so romantic." Jessie said.

Alan smiled at her. "Yea. But wait, there's more." He teased.

Jessie kicked him. "Then tell me all ready! I'm dying of suspense!"

Alan laughed. "Then two years later, Dad and Eric got a visit from Captain Rob Logan. He asked Dad if he wanted to go to the future, and work with Time Force. But Dad lost his morpher when he said yes. But after helping Mom capture Galden he was given it back. Not too long after he proposed and she accepted. Then I was born." He laughed.

"What's so funny about you being born?" Jessie asked.

"Let's just say what happened after I was born." He paused. "When Mom first joined Time Force, she worked with a guy named Steelix. He was put into cryogenic detainment, but was soon unfrozen. After Mom recaptured him, he escaped. I was almost one year at the time when he kidnapped me."

"Oh my gosh!" Jessie exclaimed. "You poor thing!"

"That's what everyone says." Alan rolled his eyes. "But not long after, I was safely back with my parents. After my Grandpa threw me a celebration for my first birthday, we left and returned to the future. When I was 15, I put in an application to join. At age 17 I was given my badge. My parents were also promoted to Captain. But four months ago is when I dawned my morpher. After they were M.I.A." He paused. "And at age 17, I met Cindy."

Jessie's smile faded. She watched as Alan's face slowly melted into a sad one. "Tell me about her, Alan. What was she like?"

Alan smiled. "She was beautiful. Red hair, green eyes. She—" He paused and looked at her. "She looked a lot like you. Minus the hair color and eyes. She was a hard worker, but always found time to hang out. I was going to ask her to marry me but…" He trailed off.

Jessie looked away. 'He's still in love with her.' "I'm sorry. It kind of sucks doesn't it?" Jessie said. Sadness was in her voice. Alan looked up.

"What sucks?" He asked.

Jessie closed her eyes. "That I look like her. It must hurt to look at me." She got up and left. Alan jumped.

"No, not at all, Jessie! Not at all." Alan looked her right in the eye. "I'm fine with you being Jessica Myers, not Cindy. Actually, I kind of like you not being her. I like you the way you are." Alan smiled.

Jessie smiled in return. As the rain fell into the window, Alan found himself leaning in closer to kiss her. It was something his heart wanted. Jessie leaned up to meet him. The same desire in her heart. Their lips were inches apart when…

"Alan! Jessie! We've got---" Shannon and Austin came running on during their moment, a small smile spread across their faces.

Mike came running up. "We've got trouble! Mutants are attacking!"

Alan and Jessie jumped away from each other, both blushing. "Let's move!" Alan said in a shaky voice. The green, blue and yellow rangers ran, leaving Jessie and Alan alone. Jessie looked at him, a smile on her face and went to join the other rangers. Alan stood by himself and watched Jessie run out of the room, wondering what had happened. The thought of it made him smile as he ran off to capture the mutant.

Silver Hills Boulevard

"TIME FOR TIME FORCE!" the ranges morphed. In front of them stood Denthrax and Tyranis.

Jessie stepped forward. "Time Force! You are under arrest."

"Hardy har har little pink ranger. You make me laugh!" Denthrax taunted. "I've been amazed how Time Force finds such hilarious people to be power rangers. Ha ha!" Denthrax attacked her. "It's a pity I will destroy you!" He hit Jessie sending her back into Alan's arms.

"Jessie! Jessie are you okay?" Alan asked.

"Yea, I'm fine. Just got he wind knocked outta me." Jessie coughed.

Alan looked at Denthrax with anger in his eyes. "He is going DOWN!"

"Alan! No!" Jessie tried to get up but she had a nagging pain in her lower back.

"Jessie! Are you okay?" Shannon said. Mike and Austin were flung beside her. Shannon was hit with a blast as well. The rangers powered down automatically.

"No!" Alan watched as Tyranis pummeled his team.

"Now, it's your turn Red Ranger." Tyranis raised his weapon and brought it down. Alan heard the sound of metal on metal as he watched a saber fly in front of his face. The figure turned around and wiped it across Tyranis' waist. He fell back in pain.

"Impossible!" Denthrax called out.

"Nothing's impossible, Denthrax!" The figure said. The voice was female. Alan thought he recognized it, but he wasn't sure.

"Oh, well you will be impossible in a minute. Not even Time Force will be able to identify your body when I'm through with you!" He fired his weapon, but the caped figure easily dodged.

"Chrono blaster!" The figure commanded. A blaster materialized in her hand.

"What!" Denthrax said. His temper was rising. "Toxabots! DESTROY HER!" Denthrax commanded. His gang disappeared in a flash of white.

Alan and his team watched as the caped-crusader fought the toxabots. From the voice, the person was female. She battled them until there were no more.

She stopped and faced the rangers. "Who are you? Identify yourself!" Alan demanded. The person walked toward them.

"I thought I raised you better then that, Alan." The figure removed the hood. Alan was reduced to a puddle.

"Oh my god." Alan said. He sprang forward into waiting arms. "You're alive."

"And well, yes." She smiled. "Alan I missed you so much!" She returned the embrace happily. Eric stood nearby with a smile on his face. He walked forward.

"Eric. It's good to see you." She said.

He smiled. "Hello, Jen. You're looking good." He crossed his arms and smirked.

"Why don't we jet before any reporters show up?" Jen suggested.

"Yes, let's go home." Alan smiled.

Clock Tower, 11:00PM

Jen and the rangers walked up the steps. Memories of Jen's time here flooded her mind. "Gosh, how this place brings back memories."

They reached the landing and went up to the main room. Jen smiled as she walked around. Something on the table made her smile. She picked up an old Polaroid and looked at it. She giggled. "I remember when Trip walked in with this." She turned and faced the rangers. "I was doing some research when he walked in. Wes took a picture, and that was it, they were hooked. I ended playtime right after Wes kissed me. The next one Lucas took was me beating the ever-loving shit out of him." Jen laughed and sat down. "Those were the days."

Alan smiled. "Oh, Mom, this is my team, the new Time Force Rangers." Shannon stepped forward. "This is Shannon Vienna."

Shannon spoke for herself. "Yellow Ranger."

Alan pointed to Austin. "Austin St. John."

He smiled. "Green Ranger."

Mike stepped forward. Alan told Jen is name. "Mike Camden."

Mike nodded. "Blue Ranger."

Jen watched Alan's face light up as Jessie was introduced. "Jessica Myers."

"It's Jessie. I'm the Pink Ranger, and may I say, Mrs. Collins, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Jen laughed. "Please, Jessie. Call me Jen." She smiled. "So this is the new team. Looks like you've been successful here. Keeping the family job?" Jen asked.

Alan laughed. "Yep. Nick Of Time Odd Jobs is back in business, and it's going great." Alan paused. "Umm, where's Dad?" Alan watched as Jen's smile faded.

"Your father…" Jen sighed. "He was killed a few weeks ago. Tyranis found where were hiding and attacked us. I escaped after your father knocked me out. When I awoke I found his jacket lying on the floor, tattered. Blood all over the place, then I…" Jen turned her head. "I found his body."

Shannon and Jessie gasped. Mike bowed his head. Austin turned away. Alan had tears in his eyes. "Oh no."

Jen continued. "So I tracked your morpher down and found you. Now here I am." She still had tears in her eyes. She turned around and quickly wiped her eyes and sniffed. After clearing her throat she turned at looked at the rangers. "Anyway, how has the issue with Denthrax going?"

"It's been going smooth. We really haven't had much of a problem." Shannon said.

"How many mutants did he bring?" Jen asked. "Do you know?"

"We estimated about 10. We've captured 5 or 6 by now. But they've been getting stronger, and it's taken more time to defeat them." Mike said.

Jen shook her head. "That's what I've feared. He's saving his strongest mutants for last. Ransik did the same."

"Captain, with you here we have six rangers." Austin said.

"Hey, don't forget my dad!" Jessie added.

Jen laughed. "Good old Eric. You're right. We have seven rangers. Eric included."

There was a few moments of silence. Jen looked at the clock. It read 11:53PM. "It's late. I want everyone to get some sleep. We need to be on our top game." Jen said.

"Yes, ma'am!" Shannon, Mike and Austin said. The group laughed. Alan was silent. He followed the group up to their sleeping areas until he heard his name.

"Alan, can I talk to you for a minute?" Jen said. He nodded and took a seat across from her. She took a deep breath. "How have you been?" She asked quietly.

"Fine. A little overworked, but fine." Alan said.

"That's good. Money hasn't been as issue has it?" His mom asked.

Alan looked at her with sad eyes. "No." There was silence.

Jen kept her eyes on the floor. "Do you blame me?" Alan's head bolted up.

"Blame you for what?" He asked.

Jen let tears fall from her eyes. " For your father's death." She said quietly. Alan jumped and put his hands on her shoulders.

"No! Not at all, Mom. Why would I think that?" He asked.

Jen got up and went to the window. "Because I could have prevented it. I could have stopped it from happening, if I just stayed awake." Tears were streaming down her face.

Alan hugged her tightly. "I miss him too." He paused. "But we're here. We have each other. Not to mention Grandpa came here the other day and visited us."

Alan looked at his mother, her eyes were wide.

"Mom, is everything all right?" He asked. Jen took a deep breath. Her voice was quiet.

"Alan," Jen paused. " your grandfather's been dead for 10 years."