Disclaimer: Power Rangers belongs to someone else, not me. Anything that
sounds vaguely original may be mine, however. Please don't sue me, I'm but
a poor college student.
A/N: This would be my first post ever, so I apologize for any formatting oddities. As for the story itself, for what it's worth, enjoy it or hate it as you will. My only request is that should you choose to review, please no flames, if you have anything to say, please do so constructively. Thank you.
--Random Reader
sigh Here goes nothin'...
Chapter 2: The Palace of Dahnmara
After several grueling sessions in the Simu-deck, Andros was satisfied that his Earth dwelling counterparts were so well prepared for their mission that he was convinced they could pass as Solorians.
"Andros, we're nearing the Norvolon system," Ashley reported.
The red ranger nodded, "DECA, hail the Palace of Dahnmara, please."
"Hailing now," the ship replied.
On the screen, a young man who looked about the same age as the rangers appeared. He was dressed in midnight blue and silver.
"Your Highness," Andros bowed deeply. "I am Andros, I hail from KO-35 in the Kerova System. I lead the Ranger Team of Earth. The High Council of the Power has sent us at the request of your father, His Royal Highness King Aileron."
The young man called "highness" regarded the ranger team skeptically with his green-hazel eyes. "You judge me well, Andros of KO-35," he said brusquely. "I am Prince Tiernan, second son of Aileron Han Caldon. We have been expecting you, Rangers. Welcome to Soloria. A formal reception awaits you this evening in the Hall of Kings. I will receive you in the mean time, if you would do us the honor of landing your ship."
"We shall," Andros kept his tone from biting. "Thank you."
Prince Tiernan nodded. "I am sending coordinates of a suitable area for your landing." The smile that the Prince plastered on his face looked unnatural. "On behalf of the Royal Family, I thank you for answering our call." And the screen went blank.
"Well," Cassie said caustically, "the younger prince was just all smiles and warmth. I wonder if his brother is the same."
"Sibling rivalry," Carlos suggested, grinning. "My brother and I are the same way." The others rolled their eyes respectively.
Andros excused himself briefly and returned with a flat black box. Opening the box, the red ranger explained, "The Mega Ship automatically translates any language into our own. On Soloria, we'll have to wear these." He presented each of his teammates with a small earpiece. "Not only will they translate what they say to us, but also vice versa."
"Nifty," Carlos remarked, putting in his earpiece. "I can't even tell it's in."
"You'll have to keep them in at all times," Andros continued. "But don't worry, they're weather resistant and the like so there shouldn't be any problems, and as you can see, they conceal easily within the ear."
"Is there anything else we're gonna need to know?" Cassie asked. "Last second details?"
Andros shrugged. "Keep on your toes," he replied. "That's about all I can think of. Alpha, initiate landing sequence," Andros ordered. "The rest of you, prepare for landing."
The other rangers secured themselves accordingly as the Mega Ship was landed. Andros seated himself beside Ashley, who took his hand comfortingly. He looked over at her and she offered him a bright smile. "Things will be fine," she whispered.
The red ranger nodded, but his face remained grim. He didn't like the attitude he received from Prince Tiernan nor did he like landing the Mega Ship. He would have preferred to take a shuttle down to the planet's surface, but it would have been impolite to refuse a royal invitation.
Once things on the Mega Ship were settled, Andros and his team readied to meet the second son of King Aileron. TJ had suggested that they arrive morphed, but Andros had insisted that they remain in the NASADA issued uniforms until they were presented to the King.
An entourage of Solorian soldiers awaited them as the rangers stepped off the ship. Prince Tiernan was among them; he stepped forward and spoke commanding words in the musical language of Soloria. The soldiers stepped forward, bowed to their left knees, lances erect in their right hands and shouted a greeting, the formal reception of the Monarch's Own, called the Silver Guardsmen.
The Ranger Team, in turn, bowed in the fashion taught to them by Andros; right fist over the heart and low at the waist, the formal greeting of the High Council.
Prince Tiernan approached each of the rangers and kissed them on each cheek. The Earth Rangers were reminded of the way Europeans greeted each other. "Rangers, if you would please follow me," the Prince requested. "We shall escort you to your quarters in the Palace. Servants will bring your things in due time." Before any of them had a chance to respond, the Prince turned on his heel and was walking away.
Cassie cast a sideways glance to the others. "Smiles and warmth," she whispered.
Tiernan led the team through a Courtyard; courtiers and servants looked on with interest.
"Rangers," one whispered.
"They don't look old enough to be," said another.
"They have the Power written all over them."
The rangers ignored the gossip and kept their gaze ahead of them. Once inside the palace walls, orbs suspended from the ceiling lit their way. There were ornate tapestries decorating the interior of the Palace, carefully sculptured statues and several suits of armor.
The Prince halted in front of a hallway. "Guardsmen, return to your posts. Sergeant Kelen, I leave you in charge." As the rest of the soldiers dispersed, only one remained at the Prince's side. "Rangers, this hallway leads to the guest chambers. There is a room for each of you as well as a bathing room. If there is anything you need, our Palace servants will be at you beckoned call. Your personal belongings have already been transported. Once you are all settled, I will meet you again in the Lesser Library. The servants know the way. If you will please excuse me, I will take leave of your company so that you may get things adjusted."
-----
Tiernan walked towards his brother's study, flanked by his personal bodyguard Rohan.
"What do you make of them, Rohan?" the Prince asked.
"There is a strange aura about them, Highness," the bodyguard replied. "The Kerovian is ill at ease."
"They shouldn't have come here," Tiernan said suddenly. "They have no business here!"
Rohan took hold of the Prince's arm and motioned him out of the corridor. They ducked into one of the empty rooms. "Are you mad, Tiernan?" the bodyguard demanded. "To openly dispute their arrival may be deemed treason. What if someone heard you?"
"I have little care of these matters, Rohan," Tiernan answered severely. "The Power turned their backs on us years ago and we've managed fine without them."
"It is your father's wish, Prince Tiernan." The soldier met his prince's gaze evenly. "You would do well to remember that."
"There's trouble among our people," Tiernan blurted out. He crossed to sit in one of the high backed chairs. "There are rumors of an uprising and I can feel the tension in the Guardsmen. The Out-Kingdom is restless and it puts us in a serious situation. My father, at my brother's advice, is taking these matters lightly."
"Do you think that is why they are here, Tiernan?"
"Maybe," the Prince replied.
"Are you worried, Prince?"
"For my people, yes," Tiernan confessed, "for my family as well. If this dispute were to escalate, it would reflect badly upon our name. My father has worked hard to ensure our family's honor, as my brother is sure to do as well. I do not want Alandor's first year as King of Soloria to be forged in blood shed."
Rohan came up beside the Younger Prince and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Forgive me, Prince Tiernan, for misjudging you." The bodyguard knelt beside Tiernan. "I mistook your display for envy. You have only your country's best interest at heart, and in this case, your perception does not include these Rangers."
"No, it doesn't," Prince Tiernan declared. "At least, not now. And I tell you this in confidence, Rohan. This must not be known."
"Yes, your Majesty."
----
"All's well where you are, Andros?" The silver ranger beamed at his long time friend. "Such a mission," he enthused, "I wish I had hung around."
"Oh shut up, Zhane," Andros snapped. Once the red ranger was settled in his room, he had hailed the Council to let them know of their safe passage and then KO-35 to his sister and his brother-friend. "You know I hate these affairs. I'd rather be out scouting with you or running statistics on a new weapon."
Zhane regarded the Astro leader seriously. "You could have declined the mission," he observed. "Master Xanthos would have sent someone else."
Andros sighed. "I know that," he replied, "but I was drawn to this mission. It's just that I would have preferred to..."
"Do it alone," the silver ranger finished. "Please, Andros, you don't have to play 'Lone Ranger' anymore. Haven't you figured that out yet?"
The red ranger's brow furrowed. "It's not about that, Zhane," he said tersely. "My teammates know nothing of envoys or the situations surrounding them."
"You don't give them enough credit," Zhane reasoned calmly. Neither the red or silver ranger was one to let their tempers flare. Zhane detected his brother-friend's unease and attempted to quell the red ranger's bad humors. "Ambassadors aren't trained overnight. This would be an excellent opportunity to gain experience."
Andros knew that Zhane was right. He couldn't quite put a finger on his feelings, but he knew that he didn't like them. "I'm sorry, Zhane," Andros said heavily. "I'm just worried."
Zhane smiled, "Don't be," the silver ranger said simply. "It'll be fine, old friend. Xanthos wouldn't have sent you if he didn't think you couldn't handle it." A soft tone sounded and Zhane looked at the device on his wrist. "Hey, sorry, man, I have to meet that sister of yours...oh, don't give me that look, Andros," -the red ranger was glaring at his friend- "Kwinwon asked us to help with the reconstruction of the square. Trust me, I'd much rather be where you are. Heavy labor and I just don't get along."
"Working in general is not something you get along with," Andros quipped. Before Zhane could argue he added, "Get going! Don't keep Karone waiting. Send her my love."
Zhane winked. "Of course, Andros," the silver ranger assured his friend.
Andros shook his head and switched off the comm screen. The servants had left their belongings in the bedroom and the Kerovian was in the process of unpacking.
A soft chime sounded. Ashley. Andros knew it would be her. Ever since he met her, she had bonded to him and it had only become stronger since then. "Come," the red ranger called.
He heard the sliding door open and close. "Andros?" He heard her call and smiled to himself. "Where are you?"
"In the bedroom," Andros replied.
"Did you get in touch with KO-35?"
The red ranger nodded. "Zhane wishes us well," he explained flatly. "He and Karone are helping rebuild."
"Stop that, Andros," Ashley said sharply. "You worry too much."
For her sake, Andros smiled warmly. He could always smile for her; he enveloped the yellow ranger in his arms. "Are you enjoying yourself?"
Ashley curled into Andros' embrace. "Oh, of course," she replied, "my room is fascinating. So many sights to take in, what with the different walls," she added dryly.
"Smart ass," Andros declared, "I forgot that we haven't had much of a chance to look around. My mind has been elsewhere..." A delicate finger touched his lips. He looked down into Ashley's eyes.
"Quiet," she whispered. "Kiss me."
Andros needed no further prompting and complied. His kiss was soft at first and then he let the moment take him further. The red ranger drew her down onto the bed, kissing her all the while. "You're wonderful, Ashley," he said lovingly.
"So are you," the yellow ranger replied.
Andros wanted nothing more than to stay the way he was, comfortable with his beautiful girlfriend in his arms, but duty tugged at him. "We should..."
"Stay like this for a little while longer," Ashley finished. She held him firmly in place. "We have time." She kissed him again.
"You're...a terrible...influence..." Andros admonished between kisses, but he made no effort to move. She has me whipped, he thought to himself.
A/N: This would be my first post ever, so I apologize for any formatting oddities. As for the story itself, for what it's worth, enjoy it or hate it as you will. My only request is that should you choose to review, please no flames, if you have anything to say, please do so constructively. Thank you.
--Random Reader
sigh Here goes nothin'...
Chapter 2: The Palace of Dahnmara
After several grueling sessions in the Simu-deck, Andros was satisfied that his Earth dwelling counterparts were so well prepared for their mission that he was convinced they could pass as Solorians.
"Andros, we're nearing the Norvolon system," Ashley reported.
The red ranger nodded, "DECA, hail the Palace of Dahnmara, please."
"Hailing now," the ship replied.
On the screen, a young man who looked about the same age as the rangers appeared. He was dressed in midnight blue and silver.
"Your Highness," Andros bowed deeply. "I am Andros, I hail from KO-35 in the Kerova System. I lead the Ranger Team of Earth. The High Council of the Power has sent us at the request of your father, His Royal Highness King Aileron."
The young man called "highness" regarded the ranger team skeptically with his green-hazel eyes. "You judge me well, Andros of KO-35," he said brusquely. "I am Prince Tiernan, second son of Aileron Han Caldon. We have been expecting you, Rangers. Welcome to Soloria. A formal reception awaits you this evening in the Hall of Kings. I will receive you in the mean time, if you would do us the honor of landing your ship."
"We shall," Andros kept his tone from biting. "Thank you."
Prince Tiernan nodded. "I am sending coordinates of a suitable area for your landing." The smile that the Prince plastered on his face looked unnatural. "On behalf of the Royal Family, I thank you for answering our call." And the screen went blank.
"Well," Cassie said caustically, "the younger prince was just all smiles and warmth. I wonder if his brother is the same."
"Sibling rivalry," Carlos suggested, grinning. "My brother and I are the same way." The others rolled their eyes respectively.
Andros excused himself briefly and returned with a flat black box. Opening the box, the red ranger explained, "The Mega Ship automatically translates any language into our own. On Soloria, we'll have to wear these." He presented each of his teammates with a small earpiece. "Not only will they translate what they say to us, but also vice versa."
"Nifty," Carlos remarked, putting in his earpiece. "I can't even tell it's in."
"You'll have to keep them in at all times," Andros continued. "But don't worry, they're weather resistant and the like so there shouldn't be any problems, and as you can see, they conceal easily within the ear."
"Is there anything else we're gonna need to know?" Cassie asked. "Last second details?"
Andros shrugged. "Keep on your toes," he replied. "That's about all I can think of. Alpha, initiate landing sequence," Andros ordered. "The rest of you, prepare for landing."
The other rangers secured themselves accordingly as the Mega Ship was landed. Andros seated himself beside Ashley, who took his hand comfortingly. He looked over at her and she offered him a bright smile. "Things will be fine," she whispered.
The red ranger nodded, but his face remained grim. He didn't like the attitude he received from Prince Tiernan nor did he like landing the Mega Ship. He would have preferred to take a shuttle down to the planet's surface, but it would have been impolite to refuse a royal invitation.
Once things on the Mega Ship were settled, Andros and his team readied to meet the second son of King Aileron. TJ had suggested that they arrive morphed, but Andros had insisted that they remain in the NASADA issued uniforms until they were presented to the King.
An entourage of Solorian soldiers awaited them as the rangers stepped off the ship. Prince Tiernan was among them; he stepped forward and spoke commanding words in the musical language of Soloria. The soldiers stepped forward, bowed to their left knees, lances erect in their right hands and shouted a greeting, the formal reception of the Monarch's Own, called the Silver Guardsmen.
The Ranger Team, in turn, bowed in the fashion taught to them by Andros; right fist over the heart and low at the waist, the formal greeting of the High Council.
Prince Tiernan approached each of the rangers and kissed them on each cheek. The Earth Rangers were reminded of the way Europeans greeted each other. "Rangers, if you would please follow me," the Prince requested. "We shall escort you to your quarters in the Palace. Servants will bring your things in due time." Before any of them had a chance to respond, the Prince turned on his heel and was walking away.
Cassie cast a sideways glance to the others. "Smiles and warmth," she whispered.
Tiernan led the team through a Courtyard; courtiers and servants looked on with interest.
"Rangers," one whispered.
"They don't look old enough to be," said another.
"They have the Power written all over them."
The rangers ignored the gossip and kept their gaze ahead of them. Once inside the palace walls, orbs suspended from the ceiling lit their way. There were ornate tapestries decorating the interior of the Palace, carefully sculptured statues and several suits of armor.
The Prince halted in front of a hallway. "Guardsmen, return to your posts. Sergeant Kelen, I leave you in charge." As the rest of the soldiers dispersed, only one remained at the Prince's side. "Rangers, this hallway leads to the guest chambers. There is a room for each of you as well as a bathing room. If there is anything you need, our Palace servants will be at you beckoned call. Your personal belongings have already been transported. Once you are all settled, I will meet you again in the Lesser Library. The servants know the way. If you will please excuse me, I will take leave of your company so that you may get things adjusted."
-----
Tiernan walked towards his brother's study, flanked by his personal bodyguard Rohan.
"What do you make of them, Rohan?" the Prince asked.
"There is a strange aura about them, Highness," the bodyguard replied. "The Kerovian is ill at ease."
"They shouldn't have come here," Tiernan said suddenly. "They have no business here!"
Rohan took hold of the Prince's arm and motioned him out of the corridor. They ducked into one of the empty rooms. "Are you mad, Tiernan?" the bodyguard demanded. "To openly dispute their arrival may be deemed treason. What if someone heard you?"
"I have little care of these matters, Rohan," Tiernan answered severely. "The Power turned their backs on us years ago and we've managed fine without them."
"It is your father's wish, Prince Tiernan." The soldier met his prince's gaze evenly. "You would do well to remember that."
"There's trouble among our people," Tiernan blurted out. He crossed to sit in one of the high backed chairs. "There are rumors of an uprising and I can feel the tension in the Guardsmen. The Out-Kingdom is restless and it puts us in a serious situation. My father, at my brother's advice, is taking these matters lightly."
"Do you think that is why they are here, Tiernan?"
"Maybe," the Prince replied.
"Are you worried, Prince?"
"For my people, yes," Tiernan confessed, "for my family as well. If this dispute were to escalate, it would reflect badly upon our name. My father has worked hard to ensure our family's honor, as my brother is sure to do as well. I do not want Alandor's first year as King of Soloria to be forged in blood shed."
Rohan came up beside the Younger Prince and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Forgive me, Prince Tiernan, for misjudging you." The bodyguard knelt beside Tiernan. "I mistook your display for envy. You have only your country's best interest at heart, and in this case, your perception does not include these Rangers."
"No, it doesn't," Prince Tiernan declared. "At least, not now. And I tell you this in confidence, Rohan. This must not be known."
"Yes, your Majesty."
----
"All's well where you are, Andros?" The silver ranger beamed at his long time friend. "Such a mission," he enthused, "I wish I had hung around."
"Oh shut up, Zhane," Andros snapped. Once the red ranger was settled in his room, he had hailed the Council to let them know of their safe passage and then KO-35 to his sister and his brother-friend. "You know I hate these affairs. I'd rather be out scouting with you or running statistics on a new weapon."
Zhane regarded the Astro leader seriously. "You could have declined the mission," he observed. "Master Xanthos would have sent someone else."
Andros sighed. "I know that," he replied, "but I was drawn to this mission. It's just that I would have preferred to..."
"Do it alone," the silver ranger finished. "Please, Andros, you don't have to play 'Lone Ranger' anymore. Haven't you figured that out yet?"
The red ranger's brow furrowed. "It's not about that, Zhane," he said tersely. "My teammates know nothing of envoys or the situations surrounding them."
"You don't give them enough credit," Zhane reasoned calmly. Neither the red or silver ranger was one to let their tempers flare. Zhane detected his brother-friend's unease and attempted to quell the red ranger's bad humors. "Ambassadors aren't trained overnight. This would be an excellent opportunity to gain experience."
Andros knew that Zhane was right. He couldn't quite put a finger on his feelings, but he knew that he didn't like them. "I'm sorry, Zhane," Andros said heavily. "I'm just worried."
Zhane smiled, "Don't be," the silver ranger said simply. "It'll be fine, old friend. Xanthos wouldn't have sent you if he didn't think you couldn't handle it." A soft tone sounded and Zhane looked at the device on his wrist. "Hey, sorry, man, I have to meet that sister of yours...oh, don't give me that look, Andros," -the red ranger was glaring at his friend- "Kwinwon asked us to help with the reconstruction of the square. Trust me, I'd much rather be where you are. Heavy labor and I just don't get along."
"Working in general is not something you get along with," Andros quipped. Before Zhane could argue he added, "Get going! Don't keep Karone waiting. Send her my love."
Zhane winked. "Of course, Andros," the silver ranger assured his friend.
Andros shook his head and switched off the comm screen. The servants had left their belongings in the bedroom and the Kerovian was in the process of unpacking.
A soft chime sounded. Ashley. Andros knew it would be her. Ever since he met her, she had bonded to him and it had only become stronger since then. "Come," the red ranger called.
He heard the sliding door open and close. "Andros?" He heard her call and smiled to himself. "Where are you?"
"In the bedroom," Andros replied.
"Did you get in touch with KO-35?"
The red ranger nodded. "Zhane wishes us well," he explained flatly. "He and Karone are helping rebuild."
"Stop that, Andros," Ashley said sharply. "You worry too much."
For her sake, Andros smiled warmly. He could always smile for her; he enveloped the yellow ranger in his arms. "Are you enjoying yourself?"
Ashley curled into Andros' embrace. "Oh, of course," she replied, "my room is fascinating. So many sights to take in, what with the different walls," she added dryly.
"Smart ass," Andros declared, "I forgot that we haven't had much of a chance to look around. My mind has been elsewhere..." A delicate finger touched his lips. He looked down into Ashley's eyes.
"Quiet," she whispered. "Kiss me."
Andros needed no further prompting and complied. His kiss was soft at first and then he let the moment take him further. The red ranger drew her down onto the bed, kissing her all the while. "You're wonderful, Ashley," he said lovingly.
"So are you," the yellow ranger replied.
Andros wanted nothing more than to stay the way he was, comfortable with his beautiful girlfriend in his arms, but duty tugged at him. "We should..."
"Stay like this for a little while longer," Ashley finished. She held him firmly in place. "We have time." She kissed him again.
"You're...a terrible...influence..." Andros admonished between kisses, but he made no effort to move. She has me whipped, he thought to himself.