Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Power Rangers…this is for entertainment only!

So Alex is back as the Red Ranger! How will this effect Jen and Wes's relationship? Will Jen be saved in time?

Enjoy!

Red With Envy: part 2

"Come on, Jennifer…wake up…it's time." Vinnie's voice reached her ears.

Jen rolled over to see him standing over her. Her headache was still pulsating. "Time for what?"

He smirked. "You'll see." He took her arm and dragged Jen up and out the door. She tried to resist, but he gave her another dose of the drug, making it impossible for her.

At Time Force

He was alone. The apartment was cold and empty. Her footsteps didn't make the floorboards crease like they did when she walked.

For once, she didn't wake him up. The buzzing sound of his alarm kept going. No one reached over him to shut it off.

It was another sleepless night for Wes. He rolled onto his back and sighed. Wes got up silently and walked into kitchen.

"I can't live my life like this." Wes muttered. "It'll ruin me. I've got to do something."

After a quick shower, Wes got dressed. Later, he walked downstairs into the cafeteria. But someone stopped his path.

"Wesley." Wes turned around to see a mirror image of himself. But Wes knew it wasn't a mirror.

"Alex." He said, his voice low. "Shouldn't you be off saving someone?" Envy was visible in Wes's tone.

"Wesley, we need to…" Alex began.

As usual, the alarms went off. "GALDEN IS ATTACKING! GALDEN IS ATTACKING! ALL UNITS REPORT TO ASSIGNED AREAS AT THIS TIME!" the announcement said.

"We'll finish this later." Alex said as he ran off.

Wes's face shrank as Alex ran off. "Oh we'll finish it all right." Wes went to where he needed to be, unsure of what events would take place.

Harbor Circle

The shopping outlet was quiet. A little too quiet for Jen's liking.

Her vision was blurred. Figures moved around making her eyes hurt. Vinnie had given her a bigger dose of the drug, just to make sure she didn't run off.

"It's almost time." Vinnie chuckled. He looked at Jen who lay against the bench trying to sit up straight.

She heard sirens in the distance, and they soon became louder.

A figure in red pulled up on a motorcycle. Jen knew this as only one person. 'Wes.' She thought. Jen smiled to herself. 'He's got the morpher back.'

The Red Ranger dismounted and walked forward. A badge materialized in his hand. "In the name of Time Force…I place you under arrest."

"Oh this is going to be good. I can't wait to see him kick your asses." She muttered. Vinnie threw her to the ground and loaded him gun.

"So this is the esteemed Red Ranger I've heard so much about." Vinnie muttered. "Galden!"

The mutant gave him a look. "What?"

"Kill him." Vinnie snapped him fingers. A smirk came over the mutant's face.

"With pleasure!" he powered up his weapon and charged.

The Ranger charged forward. "Chrono saber!" his weapons materialized in hand.

Metal clashed as sparks flew. It was not five minutes later and Galden was down. He slowly crawled to where Vinnie stood.

"He's too powerful, Harting. We…must retreat." Galden said.

Harting loaded his gun. "Never!" He aimed the gun. "So long, Red Ranger!" His finger was on the trigger.

But the gun never fired. Instead, Vinnie's wrist snapped backwardand his face was hit hard with a boot.

"That's for drugging me, you bastard!" Jen yelled. She pulled the rags out from under her sleeve and threw them on him.

"Galden, transport!" Vinnie said. "You'll regret this, Jennifer…" he disappeared.

A cheer came from the officers. The Red Ranger rushed forward.

"Wes!" Jen said happily. He jumped into his open arms and hugged him, but her grip was weak. "I've missed you so---"

But Wes was standing behind her and the Red Ranger. He walked over, envy burned in his eyes. Jen backed away, her mind wondering who was behind the mask. She looked from Wes to the helmet. "What's going on here?"

A flash of red and Alex was back in his uniform. Jen's face dropped in disbelief. "Jennifer." He said.

"Alex?" Jen asked. "Wh—" she saw something in his glasses. Jen turned around to see Vinnie standing there, his gun loaded and aimed right at Jen.

"Here's a little good bye present!" he yelled fiercely.

She drew her blaster and walked towards him. "Put the gun down right n—" she stopped short as the sound of gunfire rang out. She collapsed to the ground, clutching her stomach. She cried out in pain.

"Jen!" Wes shoved past Alex and ran to where Jen was laying on the ground, blood seeping through her hands. "Oh no." Wes looked to where Logan and Datas stood. "Get an ambulance, now!"

Logan jumped into the car and got on the radio.

Alex stood there and turned his head. "Search the city! Find him!"

Wes watched Jen's face suddenly turn pale. "Jen?"

She turned onto her side and threw up violently. But what came up worried Wes greatly. Blood from her gunshot wound and blood that she threw up mixed into one, creating an ugly pool of red on the ground.

"Where the hell is that ambulance!" Wes yelled. Within minutes, the ambulance pulled up and the medics ran towards them. Once she was on the stretcher, Wes took her hand. "You're going to be ok, Jen." He took her hand and ran a thumb over her forehead.

He looked at her and some things that he didn't see at first. Her skin felt clammy, her face pale. Her eyes were unfocused and her grip weak.

"What did he do to you?" Wes whispered. The medics pushed him out of the way as Jen was hoisted into the ambulance.

Wes watched them pull away. His eyes watched the back doors. Finally, the ambulance was out of sight.

Logan's voice reached him ears. "You're off for the rest of the day, Collins. Go home and relax."

Wes turned to him. "Thank you, Sir." With that, Wes began his 4-block walk to headquarters.

Later

Wes walked into the lobby of the infirmary. "Excuse me," he said to the receptionist. "Can you tell me what room Lieutenant Jennifer Scotts is it?"

The receptionist looked at him. Wes was dressed in a black t-shirt and a pair of jeans. "And you are?"

Wes got out his wallet. "Officer Wes Collins." He showed her his badge. She nodded.

"Ah, Collins. That's right. Captain Logan said you may come by here." She paused. "The Lieutenant's in room will be 511. She's in surgery now."

Wes thanked her and made his way to Jen's room.

"Excuse me, sir. You can't go in there yet. The doctors are working on her now." A nurse said.

"Do you know anything about what's wrong with her?" Wes asked nervously.

But all the nurse could do was shake her head. "No, I am sorry. I don't." she left.

Wes walked back into the lobby and sat down. 'Please let her be all right.' He thought. He lay down on the infirmary couch and closed his eyes.

"Do you, Wesley Andrew Collins take his woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the priest said.

Wes smiled into the eyes of his beautiful bride. "I do."

"And do you, Jennifer Ann Scotts take his man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

Jen smiled back at him. "I do."

"If anyone has any objections to why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace."

The doors to the church burst open. "Yea, I have an objection." Vinnie walked in. "Stupid bi---"

His voice was cut off as he fired a gun. Wes watched the bullet fly.

"No!" he tried to stop the bullet. His feet were in concrete as he watched the bullet hit his bride in the chest. Her white gown turned blood red.

"JEN!" Wes reached for her, but he was too late…

"Wes…" she muttered.

But Wes felt himself being pulled away from her. Jen's voice grew distant. "Wes…"

"Officer Collins, wake up." Someone shook him.

Wes's eyes shot open. "Huh?" he blinked. "Where am I?"

"The infirmary, Officer. I thought you'd like to know about Lieutenant Scotts' condition." The doctor hovered over Wes.

Wes rubbed his eyes. "Yes." He coughed. "And?"

The doctor sighed and flipped a switch on his clipboard, causing it to light up. "Well…with her gunshot wound. That's been stitched up and a cream is on it now. We have her on meds for some lead poisoning. The reason why she was throwing up blood. From blood tests, it was apparent she was drugged with Kerosone."

Wes gave him a puzzled look. "Kerosone?"

The doctor nodded. "Kerosone. It was a drug made about 150 years ago. It's formed from a liquid form of heroine. The syrup from a cocaine plant and a few drops of weed syrup is mixed together. Salt is added to make the user dehydrated. It's a pretty nasty combination. After it's injected into the blood stream, the user becomes sick. You start to feel clammy, cold and tired. Symptoms are dehydration, eventual malnutrition, blurred vision and stomach walls start to bleed. Once the blood is mixed with bile, it is expelled by throwing up. Without the proper medication, the user is dead in about an hour or so."

"Will she be okay?" Wes choked on his tears.

"It's a miracle she even survived. She was given an extensive amount, but I think she'll be fine. She'll be on a lot of meds, though."

Wes leaned back in the chair and sighed. "That's good."

"You can see her now, Officer."

Wes thanked the doctor and went into Jen's room. Once he was inside, he closed the door slowly, not wanting to disturb her slumber.

But Jen wasn't asleep. She turned her head slowly. "Hey." Her voice was raspy.

He pulled up a chair. "Hi. How are you feeling?" Wes took her hand in his. It was indeed clammy and cold.

"I've felt better." She muttered. Wes chuckled.

"Jen, I've told you drugs are bad." He said. Jen rolled her eyes.

"Please." She paused. "I guess you and Alex have talked?"

Wes shook his head. "No. Not since before the call." He paused. "Jen, what if I don't get the morpher back? I'm sure you and Alex will be pared up again. You…you wouldn't…"

Jen squeezed his hand. "Never, Wes. Nothing in the world can change how I feel for you. A part of me will always belong to Alex, yes. But I'm all yours. Nothing, no matter what happens, will change that."

He nodded. "Okay." But seeing her sitting in that bed was too much for him. He let out an unsteady breath. A few warm tears dripped down onto her hand.

"Hey, hey. I've never seen you cry before. Why start now?" she whispered.

He held her hand tightly. "I lost you once before, Jen. I just don't want to loose you again. I don't know how I would live."

"It's okay, Wes. It was just a drug that made me sick and a gunshot wound. That's it. I'm fine, Wes."

Jen felt him shake. "I'm just happy you're all right. I…just love you so much, Jen."

Before she could reply, a nurse came in. "Excuse me, Officer. Visiting hours are over." As quickly as she arrived, the nurse left.

"They only give you fifteen minutes don't they?" he muttered.

Jen giggled. "Yea, what can you do?"

Wes put his chair back in place. "I'll come back later, Jen." He walked over and gave her a gentle kiss.

"I'll be waiting." Jen smiled slightlyas he left.

She rested her head against her pillow and let sleep engulf her.

At the apartments

Wes stepped into the elevator to find one other person. His face turned into an angry red. "Alex." He muttered.

"Wesley, we-"

"Ok, it's Wes, not Wesley." Wes said. Alex nodded. "Now…what were you saying?"

"We need to talk. And I think you know about what." Alex stated.

"Two things. Either that morpher, or Jen." Wes said.

"Actually, both." Alex said.

Wes smirked. "Figures." He muttered. "If you'reging to try andtake Jen away from me, you're not going to."

"Wes, I'm not here for that. But as long as we are the Rangers, I expect you to follow our rules." Alex's tone rang authority as it became firmer.

"Well, as long as you are here, don't try and keep Jen and me apart. I know you think it 'stole' her from you, but you can't help who you fall in love with." Wes's voice rose and matched Alex's tone.

Alex's eyes narrowed and he sighed impatiently. "I wouldn't dream of keeping you two apart."

Wes didn't like his sarcasm one bit. "And if you're going to be staying across the hall from us…"

Alex looked at him, mouth gaped. "You're living together?"

"Is there a problem with that, Alex?" Wes asked.

His teeth grinded. "Not at all." Alex bit his lip to keep him from saying something.

The elevator stopped at the 22nd floor. Both officers got out and went their separate ways.

They gave each other a dangerous glance then parted.

Once Wes was inside he looked at the clock. 12:13am. "Wow…time really flew by."

He walked into their bedroom and changed into his pajamas, wondering why Alex reacted the way he did. What was his problem with them staying together?

"None of his business what Jen and I do in out personal lives." He muttered to himself.

Wes lay down on the bed and closed his eyes. But sleep didn't come easily for the officer. His mind lingered on why Alex was so surprised to hear that Jen and Wes were living together.

In Alex's room

"They're living together?" Alex asked himself as he threw off his shirt. "How the hell can an officer and a Lieutenant be living together?" Something else popped into his mind. "Are they sleeping together? What if they've…"

His mind lingered back on what he and Jen did when they were going out. Oh sure, she'd stay the night at his apartment. But Alex never lived in Time Force's apartment complex. Jen would stay overnight.

How was it possible?

"Why do I even care?" Alex looked into the mirror. But he knew why he cared. "Alex, you can't love her anymore."

He shook his head to try and get rid of the thought that he was still in love with Jen. "You're paranoid, that's all. Worried that she'll get hurt. Worried that Wes will do something stupid. Worried that he'll hurt her."

As much as Alex tried to get this thought out of him mind, it kept coming back stronger.

Alex lay down and tried to fall asleep. But Alex knew one thing, and one thing only.

He was still in love with Jen.

A few days later

Wes awoke to hear the sound of rain falling against his windows. "Good morning Silver Hills! It's 9am and a rainy February first, so get those umbrellas out!" the radio announced.

He groaned. "I hate rainy days." He rubbed his eyes. Sunday. It was Sunday, and his day off.

He got dressed and headed down to the infirmary to see Jen.

Time Force Infirmary

Once he neared Jen's room, he heard a laugh from inside. "Mom, I'm fine." Jen's voice was heard from inside the room.

"Jen, I've been wondering…how is Wes doing?" he recognized the voice to be Jen's mom, Angela.

"He's been doing okay." He heard Jen sigh. "He's been great for the past few weeks."

"And have you two been…you know." Angela's voice shrunk.

"Mother!" Jen's voice said strongly. "What Wes and me do in our personal life is none of your business." Her voice paused. "But…I do think…" her voice became dreamy as she sighed. "he's the one."

"Oh? Really…has he talked about it at all? Jennifer, marriage is a big step. Not to mention with all these mutants going around…and with Vinnie still on the loose." Angela stated.

"Yes, I know. But…" she hesitated for a moment. "I love him, Mom. I really do think that he's the one."

He heard Angela's footsteps walking towards the door. He ran down the hallway and went to a near-by corner. As she walked out, Wes turned the corner. "Angela!" he called.

She looked at him. "Wes! What a nice surprise." She hugged him. "How have you been?"

He shrugged. "Fine. Can't complain."

She gave him a nod. "Well, I'll let you two have some time alone." She left with Jen standing in the doorway.

He followed her in and closed the door. "Someone's feeling better." He kissed her hello.

Jen gingerly walked over to the ledge by the window and slowly sat down. "I'm feeling better. Doctor Philips still has me on a lot of meds, to counter act the Kerosone." She placed a hand over her stomach. "And the gunshot is almost healed. We've got some cream that helps speed up recovery. But it makes your muscles lock up like a friggen' safe." Jen's face twisted.

Wes chuckled. "And when you come home?" he sat down next to her. "It's quiet around the apartment."

"Actually, I'm coming home today." She said with a smile. As if almost on queue, a knock was heard at the door.

"Lieutenant, we have your release papers ready." She placed the papers on the table.

"Thank you." Jen said. The nurse nodded and left. "My mom was here helping me pack."

"Aww, you could have called me." Wes protested.

Jen nudged him. "I wanted to surprise you." She paused. "Have you heard from Vinnie or Galden yet?"

"Nope. Captain Logan doesn't think we will until word gets out that you're back on active duty. Which may I add won't be for at least a week and a half."

"Great. Desk duty. Can't wait." She rolled her eyes.

He laughed. "Come on, let's get you out of here." He picked up her suitcase and they walked out.

The next day

Jen sat down at her desk, which was something she wasn't looking forward to. "I hate paperwork." She muttered under her breath.

All of a sudden her door burst open and four people jumped in. "WELCOME BACK, JEN!"

Allie, Jamie, Davis and Kyle leapt around her chair. "Ah! Easy, guys! Easy! HEY!" Jen protested.

With all her energy, she pushed the four of them off of her chair. They fell to the ground laughing; Jen gave them her well-known death glare. "What the hell is so funny?" she yelled.

Allie took a breath. "Just seeing your face when we came in. It was like you were surprised!"

Jen just rolled her eyes. But someone else walked in, carrying a box. Wes was just about to speak when he saw the Ensigns standing in the office. "Ensigns, go, leave. Now…" Jen pushed them out of her office.

"See you later, Jen." Jamie and the guys called. Jen closed her door yet again and collapsed into her chair.

"I'm not back one day and all ready I'm getting attacked." Jen said. She paused and looked at Wes. "Hi Wes."

He laughed. "Nice to see you, too. Brought you some lunch, figuring you were sick of processed meatloaf and mashed potatoes."

She got up slowly and hugged her boyfriend. "Thanks." She opened the box. "Salami and cheese sub. My favorite."

"Yes, I know." He retorted. "I ran into Alex the other day."

Jen wiped her mouth and swallowed. "And?"

Wes sat down and shook his head. "He doesn't seem to happy with the idea that we're living together."

"It's none of his damn business what we do." Jen stated.

"That's what I told him." Wes paused. "I better get going, anyway. I'm paired up with Jack for patrol duty. He's a stickler for being on time."

"Then you better get going!" Jen chuckled. "I'll see you tonight."

He smiled and left.

Later

Jen walked out of her office and headed to her apartment, the one she and Wes shared.

No one in Time Force except for herself, Wes, Captain Logan, the Ensigns and now Alex knew Wes and Jen were living together.

But this was a dangerous secret. And now that Alex knew…

"Jennifer." His voice penetrated her train of thought. Jen turned around to see Alex following her. "We need to talk."

"We have nothing to talk about." She said flatly.

He grabbed her arm as he felt her tense up. "Yes, we do." Alex pulled her into the locker room and locked it. "Jennifer, I know you're living with him."

She glared at him. "Living with who?"

His voice rose. "Don't play dumb with me. I talked with him the other night in the elevator, and he said you two were living together."

If there was one thing Jen hated, it was people who knew too much about her. And she planned to make that clear.

"What Wes and I do in our personal lives is none of your business." Her voice went low as she got up into Alex's face. "I don't care what Datas thinks of our relationship. I don't care of Datas fires me because of that relationship." Jen's voice dropped to just above a whisper. "I don't care of all of Time Force knows we slept together. I'm happy, Alex. I love him, and he loves me. And as far as I'm concerned, I could never step foot inside this building again and not give it a second thought."

"I just don't want to see him hurt you, Jen. I don't want to see him abandon you and push you away."

Jen voice went soft. "Just like you did."

A drop of water from the faucet echoed loudly throughout the locker room.

Alex was silent, eyes focused on the floor.

Jen left abruptly, leaving Alex standing there. Her word echoed through the room.

Just like you did…

Later: At an abandoned house

It took years for him to plan this. Each day it changed. It took years to plan his escape. It happened in one day. It took him nine years to plan his revenge.

And in a second, those nine years were gone.

Vinnie stood in the shadows by the barred window, the moon casting an eerie glow inside the room. His eyes stared aimlessly outside.

"Soon," he said. "My plan will be complete. I will have my revenge." An evil smile ran across his face as he chuckled.

A red vile glowed in his hand.

ch 11 up soon…