Authors Note:By the way, has being weird lately with letting page breaks in, so I'm trying something different this time. I'm using a row of the '' sign to see how that goes. Cheers.
By Angel Mouse
A couple of days had passed since Zaron's betrayal and a lot had happened. The Mega ship was quiet, drifting slowly in space, not heading in any particular direction. Inside the majority of her inhabitants were sleeping. Cam and Billy had been working hard to repair the engines and damage done by the explosion. So hard that in the end Karone, who had recovered quickly from her minor injuries, had given them both something to help them sleep and sent them to their beds for twelve hours minimum. Merrick was waking for longer periods of time now, his healing having speed up now that he was over the worst of his injuries. Zhane hadn't woken yet, but DECA was hopeful it would be soon. Karone sighed as she wandered through the Mega ship. She had just left Andros sleeping in his cabin. Since she had woken up and he had told her about Ashley, he hadn't rested or slept, which hadn't allowed him to heal. So, taking a leaf from his book, she drugged the soup she had managed to force him to eat, and he was currently dead to the world in his quarters. It hadn't been easy to get him to leave Ashley's body, but she had done it. She sighed softly as she began to head in the direction of the medical rooms.
"DECA, are the engine repairs completed?"
"Yes Karone. I would not push them above hyperrush five though, as the structural damage to my hull would not stand up to the stress." Karone thought a moment, making a decision for them all. She was sure it was a decision that Andros would agree with, as they were heading there anyway.
"DECA, set course for Phaedos, hyperrush four."
"Setting course now Karone. We should arrive in thirteen hours."
"Thank you DECA." Karone made her way to the medical rooms and sat down besides Zhane. Merrick was sleeping quietly and when he woke up again, Karone was going to move him back into his quarters. Before he had gone to bed, Cam had checked him over again and said that would be best now, as Merrick was almost healed. Sighing, tears slipping down her face again, Karone picked up Zhane's hand and held it against her cheek. With her other hand she reached out and began to stroke his hair gently. Tears began flowing more freely down her cheek as the reality of what happened came crashing down on her.
Zhane struggled back to awareness, realising more than most would where he was and what had happened to him. It was an all too familiar feeling that eventually woke him. Before he even opened his eyes he knew he had been hurt, was in the medical room and that something bad had happened. As he began to open his eyes, he could feel someone next to him and he turned slightly to see Karone sitting beside him. She was crying softly, her head down on the bed, and he could feel her tears against his hand. He squeezed her hand softly and managed to speak after a moment.
"Karone." Karone's head flew up and she looked at him, tears on her face and there was a deep sadness in her eyes. But he could see the joy in her face that he was finally awake.
"Zhane! Oh Zhane! Thank heavens your finally awake." Karone threw her arms around him and began sobbing and without thinking, Zhane wrapped his arms around her, wincing slightly at the pain in his back.
"Karone, what's happened? Last thing I remember was there was an explosion and I tried to get Andros out of the way." Karone took a deep breath and let go of him, suddenly mindful of his injuries. Relief at him finally being awake had made her forget for a moment. Karone wiped the tears from her eyes and face and a calming breathe. She held his hand and spoke softly.
"Well, when I woke up it was to find that Andros had minor injuries, as did I. Merrick is waking more and more often, he's almost healed. Cam and Billy were only knocked out by Zaron's treachery and were taking care of the rest of us. The ship took some damage, but Billy and Cam have repaired most of it, we're currently on course for Phaedos." Zhane looked at her, hearing what she wasn't saying.
"What aren't you telling me Karone? And why isn't Andros here?" Zhane gave her a tiny smile, his tone light and teasing. "He's normally by my side when I've managed to hurt myself." Karone took a deep breath and then holding his hand even tighter and continued with her tale.
"Ashley didn't make it Zhane. DECA and Cam both think she was possibly allergic to something in the sedative he gave Cam and Billy. As far as they can tell, she just went to sleep and her heart stopped because of something that was possibly in the drug. They aren't sure and without an autopsy they will never be sure. The only thing that's been a comfort for Andros was that it was peaceful and she wasn't in pain. Andros isn't taking it to well." Tears began to flow down Karone's face again. "I've had to sedate him today. He's spent the last couple of days in the room where her body is, sitting there, holding her hand, just appearing like all life has gone from him Zhane." Tears formed in Zhane's eyes as her words spilled out and they ran down his cheek and hit the pillow. After a long moment he was able to speak, his voice catching.
"No wonder Andros isn't here. That would explain why I think I felt an echo of pain a few days ago. Must have been when they told Andros. Karone, he's bad?" Karone nodded, unable to speak and she stroked his hair lightly with her hand, while the other was still holding his.
"Yes. I honestly don't think I've ever seen him this lifeless, this alone." Zhane swallowed hard but let his tears continue to fall. He had great love and respect for Ashley and would miss her dearly.
"I have, once before. As soon as I can, I have to go to him." Karone didn't say anything, she knew how close her brother and her lover where. And she knew what Zhane was referring to as well. She nodded and looked at the readings, blinking away the tears.
"Well, a few more hours sleep and you should be able to go up and about. You'll be sore for a few days." Zhane nodded, closing his eyes.
"Okay, thanks Karone. I think I'll get some sleep, and then I'll deal with Andros." Karone leaned over and gently kissed his cheek, putting his hand down and moving to the door.
"Karone," Karone turned to see Zhane watching her, a tiny smile curving at the corner of his mouth. "I'm glad your okay. And don't worry about Andros, I'll take care of him as soon as I'm out of here." Karone gave him a grateful smile and then left him to his rest.
The room was dark and had an air of sorrow about it. The air was musty and felt dank against his bare arms. The whole place really reeked of sorrow. Zhane took a hesitant step inside Andros's room, his bare feet making no sound on the floor. The lights were off so all he had to go by was the light streaming in from outside the room. But that was enough for him to see the figure on the bed. Andros was curled up in a little ball in the corner of the bed, against the wall. He was dishevelled and tired looking. His eyes had dark circles under them and he was still in the same dirty and explosion damaged clothes that he had been wearing when this had all happened. Zhane pushed back his own sorrow and grief, knowing that for them to function as a team and to get ready for the onslaught they knew was coming, Andros had to pull himself together and come back to them. And Zhane knew that it was up to him to bring him back to the land of the living. As much as Andros wouldn't want to come, he didn't have much of a choice. They'd be arriving at Phaedos in a few hours, and from what little information DECA had shared with him that Cam and Billy had found, the planet would be attacked soon by an over whelming force. They need to regroup, repair the Mega ship and plan a defence. Sighing softly Zhane sat down on Andros's bed and looked at his friend.
"DECA, soft lights please." The room lit up gently and Zhane was even more stunned by his friend's appearance. He reached out and gently put his hand on Andros's arm. "Andros." There was no reaction, and he wasn't surprised, he wasn't really expecting any. So he tried again. "Andros. Come on, speak to me."
Go away Zhane. Zhane gave a tiny little sigh of relief; at least Andros was willing to tell him to go away. That was a start.
No. I'm afraid I can't do that Andros. I'm not going to let you loose yourself in your grief again like you did before. I won't let you do that. I won't let you be that selfish. Zhane knew his words were harsh and hard, but he didn't have a lot of options. And sometimes, the best way to get through to Andros was to challenge him. Andros's head came up slightly and he turned his eyes to stare at his friend. It cut Zhane to the core to see the pain and how much the life seemed to be gone from his friend, but Zhane was resolute. Andros had to snap out of this funk, he had to be able to plan, to function, to start living again. They needed him too badly for him to lie on the bed like this, killing himself with neglect.
She was my wife Zhane. She was my entire being, my soul. I'm entitled to my grief don't you think. Zhane knew Andros's words were true, but he had to be the strong one this time. For the both of them.
Yes you are. We all are. We all loved her Andros. Maybe not the same way you did, but we all loved her just the same. But Andros, you have to share your grief, you have to let me in, let me share some of your pain. Let me help you. Karone had been trying for three days to get through to Andros with no luck. Now it was Zhane's turn, and Zhane knew what buttons to press to help his friend. Andros, you've gone and died inside again, and I swore that I'd never let that happen to you again. I'm sorry she's dead Andros, more than you know. But you have to let me in! Let me help you! Zhane mentally pushed at the barriers his friend had placed around his mind, trying to get Andros to let him in, let him help him. But Andros was resisting unexpectedly.
I want to die Zhane. I want to be with her. I wanted to grow old with her, have children with her, live my life with her. She was my life. Zhane shifted over and reaching out, wincing slightly at the pull on the wounds on his back, but he ignored them as he gathered Andros's limp form in his arms and pulled him close, holding him tight.
Oh I know Andros, believe me I know. I was looking forward to being the crazy uncle that you told your kids to take no notice off. And I know for a fact Karone was looking forward to being a doting Aunt. But Andros that's all gone now and nothing we can say or do will ever change that. All we can do is carry on. And we need you to carry on. Zhane held Andros close, letting his words sink in a moment before continuing. Andros, you're my brother in every way that counts bar one. You're my best friend and sometimes you're all that keeps me going. So please Andros, let me help you with this. Let me share your burden and help you carry this weight on your soul. Andros didn't want to hear Zhane's words, but he did. The proximity of his friend, the honesty of his words, the truth he could feel radiating from Zhane as well as worry and concern for him, finally broke through the barriers he had so carefully put up and he began to sob softly in Zhane's arms. The barriers around his mind also broke down and Zhane could now feel the full impact of his pain and loss as well. And that's where the two friends stayed for a long time, sharing their grief and their tears.
The Mega ship settled into orbit over Phaedos. Billy and Cam had woken up feeling a lot better and were watching as Karone gently bought the ship in. Karone turned to Billy and gave him a tired, gentle smile.
"Can you go down and see Dulcea, and see if there's somewhere we can set down to do the outer hull repairs?" Billy smiled.
"Sure thing. Won't be too long." He raised his wrist and was gone in a flash of blue. Cam sighed softly and managed a small smile for Karone.
"Once things are all up and running again, I'm going to get you to show me how to fly this thing." Karone gave him a grin.
"It'll be my pleasure." Just then she turned her expression hopeful. Moment's later Zhane came walking into the bridge, looking tired and worn, but he wore a small smile.
"Zhane. How is he?" Zhane stood next to her, wrapping his arms around her and holding her close.
"He'll be okay now Karone. He's sleeping naturally and when he wakes he should be able to get back to work." Karone sighed and held him tight. Zhane looked across her head and smiled at Cam. "Thanks for all your hard work fixing things. Normally I'd be right in they're with you giving you a hand, but, well." Cam nodded and smiled slightly.
"It's fine Zhane. I'm just glad to see you up and about." Zhane nodded and opened his mouth to say something when there was a flash of light and Billy teleported back in.
"Zhane! Nice to see you up and about." Zhane grinned at him.
"Thanks." Billy grinned back.
"Dulcea said we can land the Mega ship on the southern edge of the desert. It's a good spot, near her and the temple and also near fresh water and some materials we might need." Karone let Zhane go and moved to the controls.
"Okay great. I'll set her down and.." what ever she was going to say was stopped by the wicked grin on Zhane's face as he gently put his hand over hers on the controls.
"Ah Karone. I've seen you land the Mega ship before. I'll do it." Karone grinned at him, pleased by the familiar teasing and the loving tone in his voice.
"Hey, I only knocked over that one thing."
"And squashed Kinwon's favourite tree, his hover car and his grand-daughters hover bike. I'll land the ship." Karone pouted while Cam and Billy both laughed. She joined in with their laughter as she moved away from the controls as Zhane took over to land the ship.
The hatch lowered slowly and the airlock door opened. Immediately the fresh, warm air of Phaedos entered the Mega ship and the two rangers at the door felt immensely better. Zhane and Billy were at the door while Cam and Karone were helping Merrick. He had woken while they were landing and demanded to be allowed up. As he was almost healed and was feeling a lot better, they were currently helping him to go outside. Zhane moved along the ramp and saw Dulcea waiting for them, Billy close behind him. He walked over to her and bowed in greeting.
"Zhane, it is good to see you again."
"Dulcea, thank you for letting us land. We appreciate it greatly." Dulcea nodded and looked over her shoulder at the others descending the ramp.
"Billy has quickly informed me what has happened. I share Andros's sorrow, all your sorrow. You will have to tell me everything that has happened and we will have a lot of work to do." Zhane nodded and gave a small sigh.
"It's not going to be easy Dulcea. We've been hurt badly, emotionally and physically." Dulcea gave him a wise smile.
"That is why you have come here Zhane. To heal. To restore yourselves. As Billy can tell you, for Ninjetti, anything is possible. While you are here you can rest, restore your souls, heal your wounds and plan your next move."
"Thank you." Just then Merrick came walking down the ramp, very slowly, with Karone and Cam standing either side of him. Dulcea gestured to him to join them and he moved over slowly, standing next to Zhane.
"You are injured. Come with me. I will take you both to the healing springs. An hour spent soaking in their waters will heal all your injuries." Dulcea studied them a moment. "And bring Andros as well. His spirit will be helped in this healing." Zhane thought a moment, he had heard something about how Phaedos was renowned for all sorts of things to do with the power, and this was obviously one of them. He nodded and turned, walking back into the ship. It was time Andros got up anyway. They waited in silence a few moments and then the two friends came out slowly. Andros looked terrible, but at least Zhane had bullied him earlier to having a shower and putting a clean uniform on. Andros blinked against the harsh bright light of Phaedos but kept pace with Zhane. He stopped in front of Dulcea, seeming to take an interest in where he was finally. He managed a small bow to greet her and Dulcea bowed back. She reached out with a gentle hand and brushed it against his heart.
"Andros, you have taken a great hurt. I cannot promise to heal your soul but I can try to give your spirit some relief. Come with me." Dulcea turned and began to walk away. Merrick fell into step behind her and Andros glanced at Zhane. Zhane gave him a small push and he stumbled along, falling in behind Merrick. Zhane glanced at Karone and leaning over, gave her a quick kiss and then followed the others. They watched them go and then Karone sighed.
"Come on guys, we might as well get stuck into the repairs while we wait for them to return." Cam and Billy nodded, following her back inside.
Steam came off the water of the heated pool. Dulcea gestured to it and smiled gently at the three injured rangers. She studied them intently, her eyes and spirit seeing their physical and emotional wounds.
"Below are the healing springs of the Neola jungle. They heal all physical injuries and will help with your spirits as well. But stay in the water no longer than an hour. Once you have left the water, some and seek me out Andros. You and I have a lot to discuss and some hard decisions to make." Andros nodded in an abstracted kind of way and Zhane led the three of them down to the springs. They reached the bottom and Zhane began to strip. Moment's later Andros followed him. Kerovan's were extremely casual about nudity and the two of them had bathed this way before. Merrick watched them a moment and then shrugged, beginning to undress as well. He wasn't fussed either, as many a time he and his friends, the ancient warriors, would go swimming in the rivers around their home. Stepping gingerly, Merrick accepted Zhane's help to walk over the slippery rocks and slip into the warm water. Andros followed them and the three rangers sat down, the warm water seeping into their weary bodies. Zhane gave a soft sigh and then threw a grin at the other two.
"Just think, here we are, relaxing in this warm beautiful water, and the others are probably back at the ship working hard fixing things." Andros gave a soft snort and threw his friend a look, finally showing the first signs of life since this whole disaster happened five days ago.
"That'd be right. Thinking of yourself again." Zhane grinned wickedly at his friend.
"Naturally." Andros just shook his head again and looked at Merrick, an expression of long standing suffering on his face.
"And he's supposed to be looking out for my sister. And here he is relaxing while she's working." Zhane gave a snort and splashed Andros.
"Hey, I look after Karone plenty." Andros raised an eyebrow and turned slightly, looking at Zhane.
"By rights I should be quizzing you again about your intentions with my sister." And with that, he splashed Zhane back. Pretty soon, the two of them were splashing each other, getting thoroughly soaked and enjoying themselves like two schoolboys instead of the adults they were. Merrick just smiled gently and indulgently. He admitted he was feeling a lot better physically, thanks to the healing properties of the water and he relaxed completely, watching the two friends play. He somehow knew that Zhane had baited Andros deliberately, to try and get him to relax and begin the healing from the loss of Ashley, and he admitted that it seemed to be working. He shook his head and then suddenly he was doused with water.
"Hey!" He shook his head, pushing his hair out of his eyes and found two pairs of identically innocent expression staring at him. He frowned and then couldn't help but grin slightly. "Right, all gloves are off." And with that he splashed them both back and then the three of them were soon having fun splashing around in a massive water fight.
Dusk had fallen and they had moved a few little things from the Mega ship out to the temple centre circle - things like chairs with cushions and a table was off to one side with the remains of their dinner on it. The six remaining rangers were gathered around the fire. Karone was seated in the middle of Andros and Zhane. Zhane had his arm around her shoulder and she was leaning against him, yet her hand was holding her brothers and he was leaning against her. Merrick was sitting next to Andros, with Cam and then Billy next to him. Dulcea studied them a moment before speaking. Earlier, after the three rangers had left the healing springs, she had spoken with Andros. It had been hard for the red ranger but afterwards he had felt better. First thing tomorrow morning they would be burying Ashley's body near the temple, in a secluded grove. Unknown to the other rangers, it was the same place they had buried Zhane's body that they had removed from the Mega ship's cyro chamber the first time they had come back to Phaedos. Andros had agreed to the simple ceremony, knowing that it was for the best. It had been a hard discussion, but one that helped with his healing process. He then went on to tell her all about Zaron's deception of them all and his betrayal. That hadn't been easy for the Master Warrior to hear, as he had fooled her as well. She suspected it was only the fact that Phaedos was the home of the Great Power had stopped it being attacked like all the other planets of light. Sighing, she knew what had to be done, she was just reluctant to take such a drastic step. Knowing now as she did that the Prophecy was possibly a fake and had been corrupted, the only thing they could really do would be to go on the offensive, something that Power Rangers didn't do. Dulcea looked up and found that Andros had been watching her, his eyes still full of sorrow, but clear and determined. He seemed to know what she had been thinking and he gave a small nod. Taking a deep breath, Dulcea began to speak.
"Rangers, what has happened is a tragedy no doubt. Ashley will be missed by all of us. But we must ensure her sacrifice was not in vein. That her memory will be honoured by your actions and the decisions you make now." They all nodded and Andros gave a soft sigh. Karone squeezed his hand, feeling the sorrow coming off him in waves, but also determination. He would continue to grieve no doubt, but he was now ready to face the universe again, and put things to right. Andros looked at Dulcea, resolve on his face.
"We need to strike back. We need to stop this menace at the source." The others looked at him and Billy leaned forward slightly.
"Andros, one of the prime rules of being a ranger is never escalate a battle. You're proposing taking the fight to them?"
"Yes, I am. We take it to their planet. We destroy the menace at the source, it's the only way that makes sense." Silence reigned a moment and then was broken by a soft sigh from Cam. He looked up at managed a tiny smile.
"If it's the only way. What do we do?" Andros looked over to Dulcea and she nodded. Andros looked around at them all, his expression hard.
"We bring forward some re-enforcement's. We're going to bring forward some more Rangers."
Tbc… The rangers have a funeral for Ashley and then bring forward some re-enforcement's with some unforseen consequences.