***
Alex stood outside the hospital and watched as a dark SUV pulled up, the driver slamming on the brakes in front of the back door; to no surprise, Wes jumped out of the passengers side and raced through the doors, leaving Eric sitting alone.
Alex leaned against the brick building behind him, Eric still had no idea that he even existed, which was just as well . . . better to keep it secret from the natives. The leader of the Silver Guardians parked not far from the door and remained there, probably worried about Mr. Collins well-being himself.
Ten minutes dragged by slowly, with Alex imagining what was going on behind the closed doors of the hospital; another ten minutes passed, then Wes finally came out, a big smile on his face. Alex could barely hear his words, but he could read what he was saying:
"Eric!!! Come in here!"
Eric got out of his vehicle and strode over to Wes, his face grim till he saw the expression on Wes' face. "What's going on?" he asked, loudly.
"You're not gonna believe it!" Wes cried.
They went in together and Alex finally left the parking lot, beginning the walk back to the Clock Tower, where the others had undoubtedly already arrived. He dreaded seeing them all again, after their last encounter, which had been less than friendly--- 'to say the least,' he added silently.
Thirty minutes later, he slowly walked up the long flight of stairs, hearing voices coming from above---excited, celebrating their victory against Dragontron. Hesitantly, he walked in the room where they were all gathered on the couch, eating popcorn.
"Where've you been?" Jen asked, straightening up.
"I had something I needed to do," Alex answered, walking straight to his cot and making sure all his equipment was in order. He could feel their stares as he checked his weapons, then reached for his sunglasses.
"Leaving?" Lucas assumed, sounding hopeful.
"Yes."
He turned as Jen stood up quickly and folded her arms, her eyes widening; one thin eyebrow raised slightly, for a moment, she stared at him, then finally spoke: "So soon?"
Alex paused, watching their faces for any signs of a reaction; Lucas looked relieved, Trip did look a little sad, Katie was blank, and Jen . . . the disappointment and hurt in her expression was almost too much for him to bear.
"I can be of more help in the future," he said, quietly. "You don't need me to be here with you."
"I-I guess not," Jen agreed, "so we'll see you when this is all over then?"
"Yes," Alex said.
Katie looked up. "Why don't we walk with you down to the beach?" she volunteered, "no reason for you to go alone---right?" She looked down at Trip, who nodded enthusiastically; Lucas didn't make a move, just stared into the TV screen.
"It's getting late," Jen pointed out, "why don't you stay one more night? No reason to rush off, is there?" Her eyes were filled with hope, her small hands now slowly reaching for his and holding them tightly . . .
"All right," Alex said, "one more night."
Silence fell for a few seconds as Alex and Jen shared a gaze that lasted an eternity for them, Alex vaguely heard someone say something about getting lunch, and then the three others left quickly. He ran his hand up her arm slowly, not failing to notice how she had changed into her civilian clothes again; but he decided not to mention it, not like he minded seeing her in that skirt anyway.
"I really did miss you, Jennifer," he whispered.
"I missed you, too," Jen said, "so much . . . "
Before she could say anything else, Alex covered her mouth with his, wrapping his arms tightly around her and pressing her to him; she made a few soft moans as he lifted her gently and carried her over to the bed, laying her down.
"They won't be gone long," she murmured.
"That's all right." Alex smiled, lying down next to her and putting one arm around her shoulders. "I do love you, Jennifer . . . more than anything."
She stiffened. 'Dammit,' Alex thought, 'this isn't right. Something is wrong.' He kissed her forehead tenderly, watching her close her eyes and smile softly; for a moment, he was afraid she would mix up their names again.
"What's wrong?"
"I---I wish you didn't have to leave already."
"It'll all be over soon," Alex said, "then you can come home, and it'll be like before. Ransik will be locked up again---because you will capture him, I'm sure of that."
"Well, you're the one who knows," Jen said, rolling onto her side and looking at him. "So I guess I should trust what you say."
"Is that the only reason you trust me?" Alex said, only half-teasing.
"I trust you, Alex," Jen said, "but a lot of things have changed now."
"Of course some things have changed," Alex said, "it's been months now and-- -"
"We just have a lot to sort out," Jen told him, cutting him off. "But we can talk when I get home, when we don't have all this to worry about."
Alex nodded silently, sitting up and walking away from the bed, leaving Jen staring after him; he got out a drink and---after struggling for a moment--- managed to pop the tab of the soda can. Jen smirked as he took a sip and made a face, clearly showing what he thought of its taste.
"Twenty-First Century beverages," Jen chuckled.
"This is disgusting," Alex said, shaking his head and looking at the label. "Coca-Cola???"
"You have to get used to it," Jen said, "all that sugar." She walked up to him and took the can, setting it down and pouring him a cup of cold water. "This is better."
"Thanks," Alex muttered, gulping it down quickly. "Much better."
"Looks like you're more suited for the healthy life," Jen said.
"I guess so . . . " He stared down into the water, lost in thought; a soft breeze swept through the open windows and he shivered slightly.
"I need to go for a run," Jen said, "clear my mind . . . and I haven't run for a few days now anyway." She smiled, but without warmth. "I'll be back in about an hour, if the others get back just tell them that, okay?"
Alex nodded, walking over to the couch and stretching out on it as he heard her footsteps on the stairs; the last battle had taken it's toll on him, and now he felt a constant pain in his back. He reached over to the table set up in front of the couch and grabbed the container of Aspirin, popping two into his mouth before settling back down.
The TV continued in the background, and he perked up when he heard a familiar voice talking: "We're just---really grateful to the medical staff for caring for my father."
Alex opened his eyes as a reporter came on the screen: "Just to recap, in a mysterious turn of events---Alan Collins has fully recovered from his injuries sustained in the attack on Bio-Lab yesterday morning."
He smirked, watching Wes sit at his father's side in the hospital room, his face beaming with joy; even Eric wore a smile from where he stood in front of the window. Mr. Collins looked directly at the camera, putting a hand on his son's shoulder as he spoke:
"I'm thankful that I've been given a second chance at life . . . "
'Use it wisely,' Alex thought. He knew what it felt like to be given a 'second chance', although he had the feeling that he'd already messed it up . . . horribly. Jen was falling for Wes . . . falling hard and fast, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.
'Memory adaptation,' he reminded himself, 'every officer must go through it.' But still, could he go on with their relationship knowing she had loved another? And would she ever admit it to him? 'You could be just jumping to conclusions,' he told himself, 'Jen has never lied to you before.'
"I trust you, Jennifer," he whispered.
*******
"A-Alex?"
He felt someone touch his shoulder with a trembling hand and gently shake him till he opened his eyes and peered up at them, crowded around him on the couch; Lucas stood over his head, his arms folded, a deep frown on his face.
"Have a good nap?" he said, his voice dry.
"Lucas---" Katie rolled her eyes, then looked down at Alex "---are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Alex said, sitting up. "How long were you guys out?" he asked, glancing out the window and noticing the sun's different position in the sky.
"About three hours," Trip said, "Katie dragged us to the mall, she couldn't resist it when we went by."
"Were you asleep the whole time?" Katie said, her eyes widening.
"Is Jen here?" Alex ignored her question, standing up and looking around. "She left not long after all of you . . . said she had to go for a run, but that she'd be back in about an hour."
"She's not here," Lucas told him, "we didn't even see her on the road."
Alex bit his lower lip and chewed on it worriedly for a second before realizing what he was doing and stopping immediately; he shook his head. "I'm going to look for her, there's still a couple hours of daylight left."
"I'll go---" Katie began.
"No," Alex cut her off, "that's all right. You all stay here."
"But you have no way of contacting us," Trip pointed out, "if you need us. It's dangerous."
"I told you," Alex said, "stay here, I'll be fine."
He left without another word, a nagging fear in the pit of his stomach as he stepped out into the fresh air and began his search. If he found her and she wasn't harmed at all, she would probably be upset with him for being over-protective, but that didn't matter . . . as long as she was unharmed.
Not knowing his way around the ancient city, he made sure to remember all the details of his trip as he continued down what seemed to be the 'running path'. Although he didn't know just how much, it was clear time was passing as the sun got lower in the sky; it was nearly sunset when he went by the hospital. He stopped abruptly, catching something out of the corner of his eye . . .
Jen was standing outside the hospital with Wes, both were smiling, their faces flushed and Wes' eyes sparkling with joyful tears. Alex vaguely heard Jen's voice, but he couldn't make out what she was saying; he watched for a few more moments as they embraced, Wes squeezing his eyes shut and burying his face in her bare shoulder.
"Master Wes!" the butler called from the limo, "your father is ready now."
Wes let go and hurried off to join his father as he was wheeled out of the hospital, Jen stood in the parking lot until the limo disappeared down the street, then turned and walked down to the street. She stopped on the sidewalk, staring at Alex.
"What're you doing???" she demanded.
"You said you'd be back in an hour," Alex reminded her, "it's been three. I was worried."
"I can take care of myself."
Just the reaction he expected, Alex rolled his eyes and reached out, grabbing her arm as she started back down the sidewalk. "You shouldn't go off and not tell anyone," he said, sharply, "you could've been attacked, for all we knew!"
"And I told you---" she jerked away "---I can take care of myself! I have for a while now, you know."
"Dammit, Jennifer!" Alex snapped, "if you wanted to see Wes why didn't you just tell me? I'm your fiance, I have a right to know when there's someone else!"
"There isn't anyone else!" Jen said, "we're friends, Alex, I thought his dad had died! I-I just wanted to give him some comfort!" She set her jaw, a glare deepening the lines in her forehead as her eyes narrowed and looked up at him. "You think I'm sneaking around behind your back with Wes!?"
"I think you have feelings for him and you haven't told me!" Alex replied, "I have no idea what you two have been doing these months I was 'dead'."
Her hand shot out and hit him across the cheek before he make any move to avoid it, he immediately felt the tingling and turned his head away, unable to look at her.
"How can you accuse me of that???" Jen asked, her voice unsteady.
"I saw you two," Alex whispered, "I know he loves you . . . I don't want to wait till this is all over to find out you don't even love me anymore." His eyes met hers. "I've made mistakes, Jennifer. But I want this to work."
"If I didn't want the same thing," Jen said, "I wouldn't still be wearing this ring . . . " she fingered it, her gaze falling down and watching the diamond sparkle in the sunset.
"Then . . . " Alex put his hand under her chin and lifted it up " . . . say it."
There was a hesitation, almost too long for him to bear as she stood and stared at him. "I love you, Alex," she finally said.
Alex let out a breath and put his arms around her, closing his eyes and listening to her breathing, her heartbeat against his chest. 'It'll be all right . . . everything is going to work out.'
***
"I'm sorry I was a little hard on you all," Alex spoke to the team, standing on the beach in front of them with his hands folded. "You are all excellent Rangers."
Taking on step, he faced the youngest of them all, the boy whom he had helped rescue from a doomed planet what seemed like so long ago.
"Trip," he said, shaking his hand before placing it on the boy's head, smirking at the hat he wore.
He passed Lucas and Katie, shaking their hands in hopes that the rifts he had created could someday be mended; then he stood in front of Jen, managing: "I don't know what to say."
She smiled slightly. "Don't say anything, I know you were just trying to do what was right."
They embraced, and for the first time he could feel her longing for him in her arms as she clung to him, crying out softly, so only he could hear. He pulled himself from her and turned, walking away before he could try to convince himself to stay; but before he could reach the timeship, he heard his name being called.
"Alex!" It was Wes.
They stood face-to-face, having barely met but for a few moments in which they exchanged morphers---the morpher Wes now wore. Alex glanced at it, but then looked up to see the smile on Wes' face as he spoke:
"It was you, wasn't it? You saved my father."
Alex nodded slowly, unable to keep a smirk off his face, even as Wes pressed him on one issue: "Now wasn't that playing with destiny?"
Without a thought, Alex immediately answered: "We all make our own destiny . . . you taught me that." He extended his hand, hearing a relieved sigh from Jen as Wes took it.
It was an eerie sensation, grasping hands with an ancestor who had died almost a millenia ago---not to mention an ancestor who happened to be your identical twin. Alex let his hand fall, continuing to stare at Wes for another second before finally heading into the timeship; he strapped himself into the chair and spoke:
"Computer, set destination for the year three thousand."
'Time to go home.'
TBC
Alex stood outside the hospital and watched as a dark SUV pulled up, the driver slamming on the brakes in front of the back door; to no surprise, Wes jumped out of the passengers side and raced through the doors, leaving Eric sitting alone.
Alex leaned against the brick building behind him, Eric still had no idea that he even existed, which was just as well . . . better to keep it secret from the natives. The leader of the Silver Guardians parked not far from the door and remained there, probably worried about Mr. Collins well-being himself.
Ten minutes dragged by slowly, with Alex imagining what was going on behind the closed doors of the hospital; another ten minutes passed, then Wes finally came out, a big smile on his face. Alex could barely hear his words, but he could read what he was saying:
"Eric!!! Come in here!"
Eric got out of his vehicle and strode over to Wes, his face grim till he saw the expression on Wes' face. "What's going on?" he asked, loudly.
"You're not gonna believe it!" Wes cried.
They went in together and Alex finally left the parking lot, beginning the walk back to the Clock Tower, where the others had undoubtedly already arrived. He dreaded seeing them all again, after their last encounter, which had been less than friendly--- 'to say the least,' he added silently.
Thirty minutes later, he slowly walked up the long flight of stairs, hearing voices coming from above---excited, celebrating their victory against Dragontron. Hesitantly, he walked in the room where they were all gathered on the couch, eating popcorn.
"Where've you been?" Jen asked, straightening up.
"I had something I needed to do," Alex answered, walking straight to his cot and making sure all his equipment was in order. He could feel their stares as he checked his weapons, then reached for his sunglasses.
"Leaving?" Lucas assumed, sounding hopeful.
"Yes."
He turned as Jen stood up quickly and folded her arms, her eyes widening; one thin eyebrow raised slightly, for a moment, she stared at him, then finally spoke: "So soon?"
Alex paused, watching their faces for any signs of a reaction; Lucas looked relieved, Trip did look a little sad, Katie was blank, and Jen . . . the disappointment and hurt in her expression was almost too much for him to bear.
"I can be of more help in the future," he said, quietly. "You don't need me to be here with you."
"I-I guess not," Jen agreed, "so we'll see you when this is all over then?"
"Yes," Alex said.
Katie looked up. "Why don't we walk with you down to the beach?" she volunteered, "no reason for you to go alone---right?" She looked down at Trip, who nodded enthusiastically; Lucas didn't make a move, just stared into the TV screen.
"It's getting late," Jen pointed out, "why don't you stay one more night? No reason to rush off, is there?" Her eyes were filled with hope, her small hands now slowly reaching for his and holding them tightly . . .
"All right," Alex said, "one more night."
Silence fell for a few seconds as Alex and Jen shared a gaze that lasted an eternity for them, Alex vaguely heard someone say something about getting lunch, and then the three others left quickly. He ran his hand up her arm slowly, not failing to notice how she had changed into her civilian clothes again; but he decided not to mention it, not like he minded seeing her in that skirt anyway.
"I really did miss you, Jennifer," he whispered.
"I missed you, too," Jen said, "so much . . . "
Before she could say anything else, Alex covered her mouth with his, wrapping his arms tightly around her and pressing her to him; she made a few soft moans as he lifted her gently and carried her over to the bed, laying her down.
"They won't be gone long," she murmured.
"That's all right." Alex smiled, lying down next to her and putting one arm around her shoulders. "I do love you, Jennifer . . . more than anything."
She stiffened. 'Dammit,' Alex thought, 'this isn't right. Something is wrong.' He kissed her forehead tenderly, watching her close her eyes and smile softly; for a moment, he was afraid she would mix up their names again.
"What's wrong?"
"I---I wish you didn't have to leave already."
"It'll all be over soon," Alex said, "then you can come home, and it'll be like before. Ransik will be locked up again---because you will capture him, I'm sure of that."
"Well, you're the one who knows," Jen said, rolling onto her side and looking at him. "So I guess I should trust what you say."
"Is that the only reason you trust me?" Alex said, only half-teasing.
"I trust you, Alex," Jen said, "but a lot of things have changed now."
"Of course some things have changed," Alex said, "it's been months now and-- -"
"We just have a lot to sort out," Jen told him, cutting him off. "But we can talk when I get home, when we don't have all this to worry about."
Alex nodded silently, sitting up and walking away from the bed, leaving Jen staring after him; he got out a drink and---after struggling for a moment--- managed to pop the tab of the soda can. Jen smirked as he took a sip and made a face, clearly showing what he thought of its taste.
"Twenty-First Century beverages," Jen chuckled.
"This is disgusting," Alex said, shaking his head and looking at the label. "Coca-Cola???"
"You have to get used to it," Jen said, "all that sugar." She walked up to him and took the can, setting it down and pouring him a cup of cold water. "This is better."
"Thanks," Alex muttered, gulping it down quickly. "Much better."
"Looks like you're more suited for the healthy life," Jen said.
"I guess so . . . " He stared down into the water, lost in thought; a soft breeze swept through the open windows and he shivered slightly.
"I need to go for a run," Jen said, "clear my mind . . . and I haven't run for a few days now anyway." She smiled, but without warmth. "I'll be back in about an hour, if the others get back just tell them that, okay?"
Alex nodded, walking over to the couch and stretching out on it as he heard her footsteps on the stairs; the last battle had taken it's toll on him, and now he felt a constant pain in his back. He reached over to the table set up in front of the couch and grabbed the container of Aspirin, popping two into his mouth before settling back down.
The TV continued in the background, and he perked up when he heard a familiar voice talking: "We're just---really grateful to the medical staff for caring for my father."
Alex opened his eyes as a reporter came on the screen: "Just to recap, in a mysterious turn of events---Alan Collins has fully recovered from his injuries sustained in the attack on Bio-Lab yesterday morning."
He smirked, watching Wes sit at his father's side in the hospital room, his face beaming with joy; even Eric wore a smile from where he stood in front of the window. Mr. Collins looked directly at the camera, putting a hand on his son's shoulder as he spoke:
"I'm thankful that I've been given a second chance at life . . . "
'Use it wisely,' Alex thought. He knew what it felt like to be given a 'second chance', although he had the feeling that he'd already messed it up . . . horribly. Jen was falling for Wes . . . falling hard and fast, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.
'Memory adaptation,' he reminded himself, 'every officer must go through it.' But still, could he go on with their relationship knowing she had loved another? And would she ever admit it to him? 'You could be just jumping to conclusions,' he told himself, 'Jen has never lied to you before.'
"I trust you, Jennifer," he whispered.
*******
"A-Alex?"
He felt someone touch his shoulder with a trembling hand and gently shake him till he opened his eyes and peered up at them, crowded around him on the couch; Lucas stood over his head, his arms folded, a deep frown on his face.
"Have a good nap?" he said, his voice dry.
"Lucas---" Katie rolled her eyes, then looked down at Alex "---are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Alex said, sitting up. "How long were you guys out?" he asked, glancing out the window and noticing the sun's different position in the sky.
"About three hours," Trip said, "Katie dragged us to the mall, she couldn't resist it when we went by."
"Were you asleep the whole time?" Katie said, her eyes widening.
"Is Jen here?" Alex ignored her question, standing up and looking around. "She left not long after all of you . . . said she had to go for a run, but that she'd be back in about an hour."
"She's not here," Lucas told him, "we didn't even see her on the road."
Alex bit his lower lip and chewed on it worriedly for a second before realizing what he was doing and stopping immediately; he shook his head. "I'm going to look for her, there's still a couple hours of daylight left."
"I'll go---" Katie began.
"No," Alex cut her off, "that's all right. You all stay here."
"But you have no way of contacting us," Trip pointed out, "if you need us. It's dangerous."
"I told you," Alex said, "stay here, I'll be fine."
He left without another word, a nagging fear in the pit of his stomach as he stepped out into the fresh air and began his search. If he found her and she wasn't harmed at all, she would probably be upset with him for being over-protective, but that didn't matter . . . as long as she was unharmed.
Not knowing his way around the ancient city, he made sure to remember all the details of his trip as he continued down what seemed to be the 'running path'. Although he didn't know just how much, it was clear time was passing as the sun got lower in the sky; it was nearly sunset when he went by the hospital. He stopped abruptly, catching something out of the corner of his eye . . .
Jen was standing outside the hospital with Wes, both were smiling, their faces flushed and Wes' eyes sparkling with joyful tears. Alex vaguely heard Jen's voice, but he couldn't make out what she was saying; he watched for a few more moments as they embraced, Wes squeezing his eyes shut and burying his face in her bare shoulder.
"Master Wes!" the butler called from the limo, "your father is ready now."
Wes let go and hurried off to join his father as he was wheeled out of the hospital, Jen stood in the parking lot until the limo disappeared down the street, then turned and walked down to the street. She stopped on the sidewalk, staring at Alex.
"What're you doing???" she demanded.
"You said you'd be back in an hour," Alex reminded her, "it's been three. I was worried."
"I can take care of myself."
Just the reaction he expected, Alex rolled his eyes and reached out, grabbing her arm as she started back down the sidewalk. "You shouldn't go off and not tell anyone," he said, sharply, "you could've been attacked, for all we knew!"
"And I told you---" she jerked away "---I can take care of myself! I have for a while now, you know."
"Dammit, Jennifer!" Alex snapped, "if you wanted to see Wes why didn't you just tell me? I'm your fiance, I have a right to know when there's someone else!"
"There isn't anyone else!" Jen said, "we're friends, Alex, I thought his dad had died! I-I just wanted to give him some comfort!" She set her jaw, a glare deepening the lines in her forehead as her eyes narrowed and looked up at him. "You think I'm sneaking around behind your back with Wes!?"
"I think you have feelings for him and you haven't told me!" Alex replied, "I have no idea what you two have been doing these months I was 'dead'."
Her hand shot out and hit him across the cheek before he make any move to avoid it, he immediately felt the tingling and turned his head away, unable to look at her.
"How can you accuse me of that???" Jen asked, her voice unsteady.
"I saw you two," Alex whispered, "I know he loves you . . . I don't want to wait till this is all over to find out you don't even love me anymore." His eyes met hers. "I've made mistakes, Jennifer. But I want this to work."
"If I didn't want the same thing," Jen said, "I wouldn't still be wearing this ring . . . " she fingered it, her gaze falling down and watching the diamond sparkle in the sunset.
"Then . . . " Alex put his hand under her chin and lifted it up " . . . say it."
There was a hesitation, almost too long for him to bear as she stood and stared at him. "I love you, Alex," she finally said.
Alex let out a breath and put his arms around her, closing his eyes and listening to her breathing, her heartbeat against his chest. 'It'll be all right . . . everything is going to work out.'
***
"I'm sorry I was a little hard on you all," Alex spoke to the team, standing on the beach in front of them with his hands folded. "You are all excellent Rangers."
Taking on step, he faced the youngest of them all, the boy whom he had helped rescue from a doomed planet what seemed like so long ago.
"Trip," he said, shaking his hand before placing it on the boy's head, smirking at the hat he wore.
He passed Lucas and Katie, shaking their hands in hopes that the rifts he had created could someday be mended; then he stood in front of Jen, managing: "I don't know what to say."
She smiled slightly. "Don't say anything, I know you were just trying to do what was right."
They embraced, and for the first time he could feel her longing for him in her arms as she clung to him, crying out softly, so only he could hear. He pulled himself from her and turned, walking away before he could try to convince himself to stay; but before he could reach the timeship, he heard his name being called.
"Alex!" It was Wes.
They stood face-to-face, having barely met but for a few moments in which they exchanged morphers---the morpher Wes now wore. Alex glanced at it, but then looked up to see the smile on Wes' face as he spoke:
"It was you, wasn't it? You saved my father."
Alex nodded slowly, unable to keep a smirk off his face, even as Wes pressed him on one issue: "Now wasn't that playing with destiny?"
Without a thought, Alex immediately answered: "We all make our own destiny . . . you taught me that." He extended his hand, hearing a relieved sigh from Jen as Wes took it.
It was an eerie sensation, grasping hands with an ancestor who had died almost a millenia ago---not to mention an ancestor who happened to be your identical twin. Alex let his hand fall, continuing to stare at Wes for another second before finally heading into the timeship; he strapped himself into the chair and spoke:
"Computer, set destination for the year three thousand."
'Time to go home.'
TBC