A/N: Portions of "Force From the Future, Part I" have been taken and I do
not claim ownership. I also apologize if some of the quotes are off . . .
it's all from memory and I haven't seen it in a few weeks!
***
Ransik's eyes rested on Alex as he stood facing him without fear, he growled in a low tone, obviously tired of fighting the Red Ranger . . . and always winning. He snarled: "You don't know what you're up against!"
Alex inwardly sighed, he knew all too well what he was up against, but he had to keep a positive attitude, otherwise Ransik would bring him down in an instant. "You don't know what you're up against, Ransik!" he countered, raising his arm and pointing defiantly at him.
They took a few long strides to the side, keeping their eyes on one another for any movements, no matter how small; Alex felt his legs trembling slightly, but only he noticed. Sweat beads formed on his brow, he tried to calm himself, there was no chance of success if he couldn't keep a level head. He was so close . . . so close to finally avenging his mother's death and bringing Ransik in, where he could never hurt anyone again. With a shout, Alex ran toward Ransik . . .
The mutant kicked a large and heavy box at him, but the agile Red Ranger easily avoided it by jumping onto it and flipping through the air to meet Ransik in a series of blows. He kicked hard, but soon found his ankle caught between Ransik's large hands, then his body being thrown into the air; a moment later he slammed against a crate and fell hard on his back.
"I told you!" Ransik laughed, "you are no match for me, Red Ranger!"
"Why don't we see about that?" Alex said, getting back on his feet.
Ransik blinked with his one eye, then smirked and lunged at Alex again; he leapt aside and struck out at him, matching his opponent blow-for-blow. He whirled around, grabbing the long black cape Ransik wore and twisting it around; momentarily forgetting the danger he faced, he chuckled at the mutant's brief confusion. However, in the next instant, Ransik's leg shot up and hit him in the chest, flinging him up; he whirled around in the air, trying to keep a sense of his surroundings.
Finally, he landed on his feet and grabbed the Chrono Saber with a yell, he now faced Ransik with his most valuable weapon; he took another breath, then charged, his sword meeting Ransik's. Sparks flew everywhere, blinding him for a moment, and long enough for Ransik to gain the upperhand; he pressed his boot to Alex's stomach and kicked hard, doubling him over.
Blindly, Alex pulled out his blaster and aimed it at Ransik, but then noticed what was behind the mutant: The same boxes he had slammed into earlier were filled with explosive materials. He inwardly calculated the risks, he knew how big the explosion would be . . . and he knew what the chances of walking out of the explosion were.
"It's over, Ransik."
Not giving himself a moment to second guess his decision, he squeezed the trigger and the laser shot out toward the crate . . .
. . . he opened his eyes to find he was still fully-morphed, and--- surprisingly---not dead; getting on his knees, he spotted Ransik lying on the floor a few feet from him. In a daze, he made his way over and yanked Ransik to his feet, the mutant was still disoriented from the impact of the blast.
"Let's go," Alex said, quietly, breathing hard.
The handcuffs appeared in a ray of light and fastened onto Ransik's thick wrists, then he grabbed the device he was after along . . . with a shove, they started outside. Each step was painful, but at the same time rewarding, knowing all his hard work had finally paid off; Ransik stopped in the doorway, either winded or unwilling to go on.
"Go!" Alex ordered.
He pushed Ransik and he fell to his knees as Logan called out orders to make sure he was secure, in a flash, Alex demorphed and walked up to Logan. He looked up at the captain, keeping a stern face as Logan said:
"Well done, Alex."
"Thank you, sir." He saluted sharply, then held out the device. "This is a hard-core time traveling device, he could've traveled to any time he wanted."
"That would've been a disaster," Logan said, smiling a little.
"Well," Alex said, "now he won't be going anywhere for a long time."
Logan nodded, placing his hand on Alex's shoulder briefly before going back to his troops; Alex saw Jen run forward excitedly and Logan pause, telling her something to which she nodded at. As the officer left, she hurried up to Alex, her face beaming with joy as she waited for a sign . . . he nodded slowly, and she threw her arms around him.
"Alex," she whispered, too softly for anyone else to hear.
Alex smiled, holding her tightly and laughing as he watched Katie nearly strangle Trip she was hugging him so hard; the night lit up with the cheers of the men and women of Time Force, but Alex and Jen were oblivious to it all.
"Come on," Alex murmured, "let's go celebrate."
*****
"I can't believe it!" Jen said, "you really did it . . . Ransik is gone for good!"
Alex gulped down the rest of his coffee, shaking his head. "Not yet, Jen," he said, "the trial is tomorrow evening. He's not 'gone' till he's locked up in cryogenic containment."
"He will be soon," Jen said.
Alex nodded, unzipping his jacket and taking a long, deep breath as Jen sat down next to him on the sofa, cuddling up to him. "I'm so proud of you," she said, "I always knew you could do it . . . even though I can't believe it's finally happened! I know you must be happy, too. Even if you're hiding it better than I am."
Alex chuckled. "Of course I'm happy!" he said, "I've dreamed about this day for thirteen years, and now it's finally happened! Ransik is going to get what he deserves."
"All because of you," Jen reminded him.
Alex flushed awkwardly. "No," he said, "because of Time Force. I couldn't have done it without my morpher---" he tapped the object strapped around his wrist.
"So . . . what now?"
"Well, I can go back to fighting little crimes."
"Good." Jen put her arm around his broad shoulders and rested her cheek against his. "I've missed having you with me, I need my partner."
"I've missed you, too," Alex said, "I'm so glad it's all over now, I don't have to worry about Ransik anymore. Or you."
"Me???"
"Well . . . " Alex's voice trailed off. "I was worried about you. I mean, Ransik was the cause of the deaths of everyone I cared about."
"Nothing is going to happen to me," Jen assured him, "I'll always be here."
"Me too," Alex said, "right here . . . with you . . . " he kissed her slowly, his hand creeping up and his fingers feeling her soft hair. "I love you."
THE NEXT EVENING
The holographic judges were silent as Ransik was led into the courtroom, chained from head-to-toe with guards surrounding him, holding their rifles at ready. Alex sat between Captain Logan and Jen, watching Ransik carefully, as if expecting him to break loose.
"Try to relax, Lieutenant," Logan said, "no need to worry now."
"I can't help it, sir," Alex answered, "I'm worried something will go wrong."
"Like what?"
"I . . . I don't know." He laughed quietly. "Just me."
After a few minutes, witnesses were called to the stand to testify against Ransik; one-by-one, victims of his most horrible crimes told their heart- wrenching stories before a crowd of tearful people. Alex's hands were sweating although he sat still, finally:
"Our next witness, Lieutenant Alexander Collins of Time Force."
Alex stood up and made his way out of the seats, Jen quickly squeezing his hand for encouragement; he walked deliberately up to the stand and faced the judges. The world faded around him as he was asked to relieve the attack in which Bobby, Dana . . . and Sienna were all killed. He was transported back in time to the scene, the darkness of the night, the adrenaline pumping . . .
"I went in first," he spoke, "and . . . Ensign Sienna Jacobson stayed behind to cover me. At the lieutenant's orders, myself and three others entered the warehouse Ransik and his mutants were meeting in. Ransik was instructed to surrender immediately, but he refused and attacked---we took cover, but Ensign Dana Shoeman was shot down. Ransik confronted me when they were done shooting and we fought, I shot him in the chest and was about to arrest him when another mutant shot me in the back."
He swallowed, the memories becoming more and more painful to recall.
"Ransik escaped. When I was being treated for my injuries in the field, I looked over and saw my partner---Ensign Jacobson---being placed into a body bag. Shortly after, I saw the bodies of Ensign Shoeman and Watkins."
"Is that all, Lieutenant?" one judge asked.
"Yes, Your Honor," Alex replied.
"Thank you," he said, "you may step down."
He sighed inwardly with relief, praying his legs wouldn't give out when he stepped down as he knew they were shaking; he walked back to Logan and Jen, sitting in between them and waiting silently, he glanced to his side and saw Sienna staring at him, perhaps a little shaken herself. The judges remained silent as well, looking at one another as if communicating telepathically---perhaps they were. Finally:
"The court will take a recess while we decide on a verdict. Dismissed!"
"You did good, Lieutenant," Logan assured him.
"I hope it's enough," Alex said.
"It will be," Jen said, "there's no way Ransik could get away."
"Go relax," Logan instructed, "it should be a little while before the judges reach a verdict---but don't worry about anything."
Alex nodded, taking Jen's hand and speaking softly: "Come with me." She followed him, a smile on her face as he gripped her hand tightly; he led her outside into the sunset, onto the tiny balcony overlooking the streets of Silver City.
"So . . . " Jen let her voice trail off.
Alex paused. "Now that Ransik and his gang of mutants are locked up," he began, "we'll have a lot more time to spend together."
"That'd be a nice change," Jen giggled, "to actually have a date with my boyfriend!"
It was time. No more waiting. No more sweating over it at night and thinking about it during the day. Alex licked his lips quickly and started again: "Actually, I was thinking of something a bit more permanent." He held out the crystal box and lifted the lid with a steady hand, watching the reaction in Jen's eyes as he took her left hand slid the diamond ring onto it.
"Jennifer," he said, "will you marry me?"
Tears filled her eyes as she grinned broadly and threw her arms around his neck, laughing wildly; Alex smiled, gently pushing her back. "Whoa . . . is that a 'yes'?" he assumed.
"Yes!" Jen cried, then hugged him again. "Oh, Alex . . . "
Alex's smile broadened, memories of the deadly battle pushed aside in the happiness he felt at the moment. "Now after Ransik is locked up," he said, pulling away, "it's you and me."
Jen nodded. "Forever."
Right after she spoke, a voice came over the loudspeaker: "The judges have reached a verdict." Alex took Jen's hand and they walked back inside, Alex's face immediately snapping to an expression of impassiveness while Jen couldn't contain her excitement.
Alex sat down slowly, feeling nervous despite knowing Ransik would be convicted---the judges couldn't possibly find him innocent. Could they? He shook his head as Jen joined him and slid her hand under the desk to hold his, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Logan, who smiled at them approvingly.
"We find the defendant," one judge spoke, "guilty on all charges. And we sentence him to cryogenic containment . . . for life."
The crowd rose as one and applauded the verdict, Alex letting out a long breath and shaking hands with Logan, who said loudly---trying to be heard over the applause: "Congratulations . . . to both of you."
"Thank you, sir," Alex said.
"Ensign Scotts," Logan spoke, "you have been assigned to transport Ransik to the prison, but there's no need to leave for another two hours. You're both on break for now."
Jen smiled, looking up at Alex. "Shall we go celebrate?" she asked.
"Sounds like a plan," Alex answered, "good-bye, Captain."
"See you later, sir," Jen added.
Logan nodded, clapping Alex once on the back as he left the courtroom; they bypassed Katie and the others, anxious to go off by themselves for the couple hours they had left. "Where're we going?" Jen asked, hopping into his car with him.
"Hmm . . . I don't know," Alex said, "where to?"
"Home."
"I like that idea."
The ride was silent, and they didn't speak as they went up to his apartment; Jen poured them drinks as Alex dimmed the lights, his hands trembling. "Yours better be non-alcoholic," he reminded her.
"It is," Jen said, rolling her eyes. "But yours isn't . . . I'm gonna get you drunk tonight."
"And do what?" Alex smiled, taking his drink and slipping his free arm around her waist.
"Not yet---" she pressed her fingers to his lips "---I'll let you know later. It should be a surprise for my . . . future husband."
"I can't wait," he whispered.
"Drink." She raised her glass. "Want me to make a cheesy toast again?"
Alex chuckled, raising his own glass and hooking arms with his fiancee. "Go right ahead," he said, "pour it on me as heavily as you want."
"To our lives together," Jen murmured, "the many years of love and joy to come. I will always love you, Alex."
"To you, Jennifer," Alex added, "my first true love . . . you may not know it, and I'm sure you didn't know at the time, but you saved my life when I first looked into your beautiful eyes. I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for you."
"Oh, Alex . . . "
He silenced her with a long kiss, then they drank and headed to the bed . . .
TBC
***
Ransik's eyes rested on Alex as he stood facing him without fear, he growled in a low tone, obviously tired of fighting the Red Ranger . . . and always winning. He snarled: "You don't know what you're up against!"
Alex inwardly sighed, he knew all too well what he was up against, but he had to keep a positive attitude, otherwise Ransik would bring him down in an instant. "You don't know what you're up against, Ransik!" he countered, raising his arm and pointing defiantly at him.
They took a few long strides to the side, keeping their eyes on one another for any movements, no matter how small; Alex felt his legs trembling slightly, but only he noticed. Sweat beads formed on his brow, he tried to calm himself, there was no chance of success if he couldn't keep a level head. He was so close . . . so close to finally avenging his mother's death and bringing Ransik in, where he could never hurt anyone again. With a shout, Alex ran toward Ransik . . .
The mutant kicked a large and heavy box at him, but the agile Red Ranger easily avoided it by jumping onto it and flipping through the air to meet Ransik in a series of blows. He kicked hard, but soon found his ankle caught between Ransik's large hands, then his body being thrown into the air; a moment later he slammed against a crate and fell hard on his back.
"I told you!" Ransik laughed, "you are no match for me, Red Ranger!"
"Why don't we see about that?" Alex said, getting back on his feet.
Ransik blinked with his one eye, then smirked and lunged at Alex again; he leapt aside and struck out at him, matching his opponent blow-for-blow. He whirled around, grabbing the long black cape Ransik wore and twisting it around; momentarily forgetting the danger he faced, he chuckled at the mutant's brief confusion. However, in the next instant, Ransik's leg shot up and hit him in the chest, flinging him up; he whirled around in the air, trying to keep a sense of his surroundings.
Finally, he landed on his feet and grabbed the Chrono Saber with a yell, he now faced Ransik with his most valuable weapon; he took another breath, then charged, his sword meeting Ransik's. Sparks flew everywhere, blinding him for a moment, and long enough for Ransik to gain the upperhand; he pressed his boot to Alex's stomach and kicked hard, doubling him over.
Blindly, Alex pulled out his blaster and aimed it at Ransik, but then noticed what was behind the mutant: The same boxes he had slammed into earlier were filled with explosive materials. He inwardly calculated the risks, he knew how big the explosion would be . . . and he knew what the chances of walking out of the explosion were.
"It's over, Ransik."
Not giving himself a moment to second guess his decision, he squeezed the trigger and the laser shot out toward the crate . . .
. . . he opened his eyes to find he was still fully-morphed, and--- surprisingly---not dead; getting on his knees, he spotted Ransik lying on the floor a few feet from him. In a daze, he made his way over and yanked Ransik to his feet, the mutant was still disoriented from the impact of the blast.
"Let's go," Alex said, quietly, breathing hard.
The handcuffs appeared in a ray of light and fastened onto Ransik's thick wrists, then he grabbed the device he was after along . . . with a shove, they started outside. Each step was painful, but at the same time rewarding, knowing all his hard work had finally paid off; Ransik stopped in the doorway, either winded or unwilling to go on.
"Go!" Alex ordered.
He pushed Ransik and he fell to his knees as Logan called out orders to make sure he was secure, in a flash, Alex demorphed and walked up to Logan. He looked up at the captain, keeping a stern face as Logan said:
"Well done, Alex."
"Thank you, sir." He saluted sharply, then held out the device. "This is a hard-core time traveling device, he could've traveled to any time he wanted."
"That would've been a disaster," Logan said, smiling a little.
"Well," Alex said, "now he won't be going anywhere for a long time."
Logan nodded, placing his hand on Alex's shoulder briefly before going back to his troops; Alex saw Jen run forward excitedly and Logan pause, telling her something to which she nodded at. As the officer left, she hurried up to Alex, her face beaming with joy as she waited for a sign . . . he nodded slowly, and she threw her arms around him.
"Alex," she whispered, too softly for anyone else to hear.
Alex smiled, holding her tightly and laughing as he watched Katie nearly strangle Trip she was hugging him so hard; the night lit up with the cheers of the men and women of Time Force, but Alex and Jen were oblivious to it all.
"Come on," Alex murmured, "let's go celebrate."
*****
"I can't believe it!" Jen said, "you really did it . . . Ransik is gone for good!"
Alex gulped down the rest of his coffee, shaking his head. "Not yet, Jen," he said, "the trial is tomorrow evening. He's not 'gone' till he's locked up in cryogenic containment."
"He will be soon," Jen said.
Alex nodded, unzipping his jacket and taking a long, deep breath as Jen sat down next to him on the sofa, cuddling up to him. "I'm so proud of you," she said, "I always knew you could do it . . . even though I can't believe it's finally happened! I know you must be happy, too. Even if you're hiding it better than I am."
Alex chuckled. "Of course I'm happy!" he said, "I've dreamed about this day for thirteen years, and now it's finally happened! Ransik is going to get what he deserves."
"All because of you," Jen reminded him.
Alex flushed awkwardly. "No," he said, "because of Time Force. I couldn't have done it without my morpher---" he tapped the object strapped around his wrist.
"So . . . what now?"
"Well, I can go back to fighting little crimes."
"Good." Jen put her arm around his broad shoulders and rested her cheek against his. "I've missed having you with me, I need my partner."
"I've missed you, too," Alex said, "I'm so glad it's all over now, I don't have to worry about Ransik anymore. Or you."
"Me???"
"Well . . . " Alex's voice trailed off. "I was worried about you. I mean, Ransik was the cause of the deaths of everyone I cared about."
"Nothing is going to happen to me," Jen assured him, "I'll always be here."
"Me too," Alex said, "right here . . . with you . . . " he kissed her slowly, his hand creeping up and his fingers feeling her soft hair. "I love you."
THE NEXT EVENING
The holographic judges were silent as Ransik was led into the courtroom, chained from head-to-toe with guards surrounding him, holding their rifles at ready. Alex sat between Captain Logan and Jen, watching Ransik carefully, as if expecting him to break loose.
"Try to relax, Lieutenant," Logan said, "no need to worry now."
"I can't help it, sir," Alex answered, "I'm worried something will go wrong."
"Like what?"
"I . . . I don't know." He laughed quietly. "Just me."
After a few minutes, witnesses were called to the stand to testify against Ransik; one-by-one, victims of his most horrible crimes told their heart- wrenching stories before a crowd of tearful people. Alex's hands were sweating although he sat still, finally:
"Our next witness, Lieutenant Alexander Collins of Time Force."
Alex stood up and made his way out of the seats, Jen quickly squeezing his hand for encouragement; he walked deliberately up to the stand and faced the judges. The world faded around him as he was asked to relieve the attack in which Bobby, Dana . . . and Sienna were all killed. He was transported back in time to the scene, the darkness of the night, the adrenaline pumping . . .
"I went in first," he spoke, "and . . . Ensign Sienna Jacobson stayed behind to cover me. At the lieutenant's orders, myself and three others entered the warehouse Ransik and his mutants were meeting in. Ransik was instructed to surrender immediately, but he refused and attacked---we took cover, but Ensign Dana Shoeman was shot down. Ransik confronted me when they were done shooting and we fought, I shot him in the chest and was about to arrest him when another mutant shot me in the back."
He swallowed, the memories becoming more and more painful to recall.
"Ransik escaped. When I was being treated for my injuries in the field, I looked over and saw my partner---Ensign Jacobson---being placed into a body bag. Shortly after, I saw the bodies of Ensign Shoeman and Watkins."
"Is that all, Lieutenant?" one judge asked.
"Yes, Your Honor," Alex replied.
"Thank you," he said, "you may step down."
He sighed inwardly with relief, praying his legs wouldn't give out when he stepped down as he knew they were shaking; he walked back to Logan and Jen, sitting in between them and waiting silently, he glanced to his side and saw Sienna staring at him, perhaps a little shaken herself. The judges remained silent as well, looking at one another as if communicating telepathically---perhaps they were. Finally:
"The court will take a recess while we decide on a verdict. Dismissed!"
"You did good, Lieutenant," Logan assured him.
"I hope it's enough," Alex said.
"It will be," Jen said, "there's no way Ransik could get away."
"Go relax," Logan instructed, "it should be a little while before the judges reach a verdict---but don't worry about anything."
Alex nodded, taking Jen's hand and speaking softly: "Come with me." She followed him, a smile on her face as he gripped her hand tightly; he led her outside into the sunset, onto the tiny balcony overlooking the streets of Silver City.
"So . . . " Jen let her voice trail off.
Alex paused. "Now that Ransik and his gang of mutants are locked up," he began, "we'll have a lot more time to spend together."
"That'd be a nice change," Jen giggled, "to actually have a date with my boyfriend!"
It was time. No more waiting. No more sweating over it at night and thinking about it during the day. Alex licked his lips quickly and started again: "Actually, I was thinking of something a bit more permanent." He held out the crystal box and lifted the lid with a steady hand, watching the reaction in Jen's eyes as he took her left hand slid the diamond ring onto it.
"Jennifer," he said, "will you marry me?"
Tears filled her eyes as she grinned broadly and threw her arms around his neck, laughing wildly; Alex smiled, gently pushing her back. "Whoa . . . is that a 'yes'?" he assumed.
"Yes!" Jen cried, then hugged him again. "Oh, Alex . . . "
Alex's smile broadened, memories of the deadly battle pushed aside in the happiness he felt at the moment. "Now after Ransik is locked up," he said, pulling away, "it's you and me."
Jen nodded. "Forever."
Right after she spoke, a voice came over the loudspeaker: "The judges have reached a verdict." Alex took Jen's hand and they walked back inside, Alex's face immediately snapping to an expression of impassiveness while Jen couldn't contain her excitement.
Alex sat down slowly, feeling nervous despite knowing Ransik would be convicted---the judges couldn't possibly find him innocent. Could they? He shook his head as Jen joined him and slid her hand under the desk to hold his, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Logan, who smiled at them approvingly.
"We find the defendant," one judge spoke, "guilty on all charges. And we sentence him to cryogenic containment . . . for life."
The crowd rose as one and applauded the verdict, Alex letting out a long breath and shaking hands with Logan, who said loudly---trying to be heard over the applause: "Congratulations . . . to both of you."
"Thank you, sir," Alex said.
"Ensign Scotts," Logan spoke, "you have been assigned to transport Ransik to the prison, but there's no need to leave for another two hours. You're both on break for now."
Jen smiled, looking up at Alex. "Shall we go celebrate?" she asked.
"Sounds like a plan," Alex answered, "good-bye, Captain."
"See you later, sir," Jen added.
Logan nodded, clapping Alex once on the back as he left the courtroom; they bypassed Katie and the others, anxious to go off by themselves for the couple hours they had left. "Where're we going?" Jen asked, hopping into his car with him.
"Hmm . . . I don't know," Alex said, "where to?"
"Home."
"I like that idea."
The ride was silent, and they didn't speak as they went up to his apartment; Jen poured them drinks as Alex dimmed the lights, his hands trembling. "Yours better be non-alcoholic," he reminded her.
"It is," Jen said, rolling her eyes. "But yours isn't . . . I'm gonna get you drunk tonight."
"And do what?" Alex smiled, taking his drink and slipping his free arm around her waist.
"Not yet---" she pressed her fingers to his lips "---I'll let you know later. It should be a surprise for my . . . future husband."
"I can't wait," he whispered.
"Drink." She raised her glass. "Want me to make a cheesy toast again?"
Alex chuckled, raising his own glass and hooking arms with his fiancee. "Go right ahead," he said, "pour it on me as heavily as you want."
"To our lives together," Jen murmured, "the many years of love and joy to come. I will always love you, Alex."
"To you, Jennifer," Alex added, "my first true love . . . you may not know it, and I'm sure you didn't know at the time, but you saved my life when I first looked into your beautiful eyes. I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for you."
"Oh, Alex . . . "
He silenced her with a long kiss, then they drank and headed to the bed . . .
TBC