Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Power Rangers…this is for entertainment only…
Will Vinnie be sent to prison?
Forgot to mention this in the last chapter: Special thanks to Mike (PRTF LO) for helping me with the court scene…glad to see you enjoyed it!
I am thinking about a sequel for this; let me know what you guys think…
LAST CHAPTER! HOPE EVERYONE ENJOYED THIS! I am truly happy with this re-write and how it turned out…
Keep an eye out for my next one…entitled "The Time Code"-chapter one may be up today…
Bring Me That Horizon
"It is the ruling of this court," Chapman said. "that the defendant, Vincent Nathaniel Harting, be found guilty of all charges and be sentenced to prison," he paused. "For life."
A cheer erupted from all around the room as Jen jumped into Wes's arms, who cheered as well.
Vinnie bowed his head as a pair of strong arms pulled him up and handcuffed him. "Back to prison with you, Harting." One guard said.
As Vinnie was being carried out, he looked at Jen who was rejoicing in Wes's arms. He jumped from the guard's arms and sprinted down the path.
"You'll pay for this, Jen! I'll be back for you, Jennifer!" Vinnie was tackled to the ground as the guards regained control of him.
Jen waved him off and rolled his eyes. "See ya!" Jen called to him.
Once they were done thanking everyone, Wes walked over to Jen who was chatting with Daniel. They said their good-byes as they began to walk up the aisle.
"You know, Jen. Now that Vinnie is away, we can take that vacation we've always wanted." Wes said.
Jen smiled. "Can't wait."
"How about I treat you to dinner next Friday?" Wes asked.
She shrugged. "Sounds good to me. Considering…"
"I'm going to have a lot of paperwork to complete, I know." Wes mimicked her. He placed his arm around her waist and led her out of the courthouse.
Sunday afternoonA group of cadets each stood inside the auditorium, each standing proud in their clean uniforms.
Jen walked into the room as the officers around her said hello. Jen stopped at the top of the room and scanned it. Everything was perfect now. No more mutants to worry about, no more criminals to stop. For now it would be smoothe sailing. Her eyes made a double pass.
A pair of arms went around her waist. "Looking for someone?" Wes asked.
"Nope." She said. Wes's face shrunk. "You're all ready here." Wes shook his head. "You ready to become my second in command?"
"Second in command?" Wes protested. "What do you mean by that?"
"Is it the fact that I've had my morpher longer, and the fact that I was appointed as Lieutenant longer then you?" Jen said as-a-matter-of-factly.
Wes was going to say something else when Captain Logan interrupted his train of thought.
"Lieutenants, can we get this going, please?" he asked.
"Damn it, Wes! Now you're gonna make us late." Jen said as she walked past him and down the aisle.
Logan stepped up to the microphone. "All right, if everyone were to take their seats, we'll begin."
Jen and Wes took their seats up on the stage as Logan continued to speak.
"Today is a milestone for Time Force. We've accomplished what seemed to be impossible. Our streets are now free of any dangerous mutants that have threatened out lives for years before. But I don't have a doubt more trouble will surface as time continues to tick. These fine cadets will help keep our city streets safer, and insure that Time Force will reign supreme. Now, when I call your names up, come up to receive your badge." He took out a piece of paper and began to read names.
Jen got up and shook hands with each cadet that came up. About twenty minutes later, the last name was finally read. Logan nodded to her and she approached the microphone.
"When I first joined Time Force almost eight years ago I had no idea what to expect, or the people I'd meet, or the places I'd do. Especially the placed I'd go. My first few years at the Academy were difficult nonetheless, but there was one man who helped me through, Captain Alexander Drake, who unfortunately cannot be here with us today. But when Ransik went back in time, and my fiancé was killed, I was lost. I was leading a team that I never thought would succeed. We were lost in the year 2001, with no food, money or a way of life. All we had were these Chronomorphers strapped to our wrists and the uniforms on our back."
She turned her head and smiled at Wes.
"Someone helped us get through these tough times, and became more then just a friend for me. That person, ladies and gentlemen, is Officer Wes Collins."
A loud eruption of clapping came as Wes stood up next to her. "Officer Collins has accomplished what no officer has ever done in the history of Time Force, except for Captain Drake. He has proven his worthiness of claiming the rights to the Red Ranger's Chronomorpher. Today, we gather to promote Officer Collins to Lieutenant as give him full possession of this morpher." She paused. "Congratulations."
More applause erupted as Wes was handed the morpher. He pushed up his sleeve and placed the morpher onto his wrist.
"DNA CONFIRMED."
Jen stepped next to him and raised her left wrist. "Ready?"
He threw up his wrist. "Ready!" In loud unison, the two chanted.
"TIME FOR, TIME FORCE!" Two flashes of light engulfed them and left the Rangers in their attire.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Lieutenant Jennifer Scotts and Lieutenant Wesley Collins, the Pink and Red Time Force Rangers." Logan said.
The cadets, now officers, were given a command to rise and salute. Two more flashes and they were now back in their uniforms.
Wes walked over to the podium. "Well," he said. "I quit!" People laughed as Wes continued his speech. "Seriously, folks. I am truly honored to have gotten this far. When Jen and the Rangers came back to my time, I thought she was crazy. But once I saw the destruction Ransik was doing, I knew that she wasn't. Once I had found them a place to live and stayed with them, I came to realize how fragile this mission was, and how good a friend Jen was becoming. Maybe more then a friend. I never thought I'd end up here, though."
Wes cleared his throat. "There are some people I wish to thank for helping me through this. First, is Captain Logan, who came back to get me in the first place. He's helped me through the Academy and through Time Force. The Ensigns as well. You four gave me advice when I needed it and helped to get me standing here before you."
He looked at Jen as he took her hand. "The last person I'd like to thank is you Jen. You helped me realize what I wanted out of life, and helped me realize who I was. When Rob first came back, me told me how you were, running yourself down. To tell you the truth, that was the first time in my life I'd been scared. I had lost you once, when you returned back to your time first. Now, I don't have to worry about loosing you, because I'll be by your side everyday, knowing you'll be safe. I don't have to worry anymore." He paused. "I love you."
Jen had tears in her eyes. "I love you, too."
Wes hugged her and gave her a kiss. Whistles blew as they stood up on the stage.
Once everything else was finished, the newly graduated cadets were dismissed. Wes grabbed his keys.
"Jen, I have some things I need to get, I'll be back later." He said.
She nodded and gave him a weird look. "All right, I'll see you later then."
Wes headed towards his car, and felt for his wallet. It was indeed in his back pocket. With a smile on his face, Wes got into his car and left for the mall.
Twenty minutes later
After finally finding a parking spot, the Red Ranger got out and parked. A few high school girls walked past him and smiled.
Wes walked proudly into the mall and looked for a certain store. He found it up on the second floor.
The sign read Kay Jewelers. Wes walked into the store and headed off towards the ring section. After looking for a few moments, his eye caught one.
It was a beautiful gold band with diamonds encrusted into it, three in all.
"It's perfect." Wes said aloud.
"Yes, it is." The salesman said. "One of my most famous."
Wes turned to face the man, but couldn't find his words. 'Eric?' he thought.
"Justin Edwards." The salesman stuck out his hand.
"Wes Collins." Wes replied. His eyes turned back to the ring in the casing. "You made this ring?" he asked.
Justin nodded. "One of my most famous."
"How much?"
"The retail price is 495.99. I'm having a special this week with a 20 percentdiscount, so that makes it 405. But considering that Time Force saved my store a few times, and I take it you're the Red Ranger, make it three-hundred even."
Wes was shocked. "How'd you know I was the Red Ranger?"
Justin smiled. "My best friend's little sister is the Time Force Lieutenant, Jen Scotts. Adam's told me all about her new boyfriend. I never thought I'd see him in my store. I wanted to make sure it was actually who Adam described him to be."
"Oh." Wes responded lamely. "Three hundred even, huh?" Justin nodded. "You've got yourself a deal." Wes shook the salesman's hand as he handed Justin the credit card.
Once the transaction was made, Justin handed Wes the box with the ring inside. "Take care of her, Wes. Adam'll kill you if you don't."
Wes laughed. "He's told me that numerous times, don't worry. I will." Wes headed towards the exit. "Thanks again!"
Once outside the mall, Wes laughed. "Eric would flip if he found out he was a jewelry maker in the future."
Wes sat inside his car and waited to drive off, but he gave Jen's ring one last glance. "Only one more thing to do." Wes said. He drove off towards a restaurant to make dinner reservations.
Later at Time Force
Wes walked through the halls of Headquarters with a bounce in his step. He entered an elevator with a smile on his face. Once he was onto his floor he walked out to the railing and looked down the building, his eyes scanning for a flaw. The hole in the center of the building made a good spot to look out from. Officers on floors below him gave him a nod of approval.
He continued around the floor as he walked down another hallway and into an office.
"Alicia, can you clear my schedule Friday afternoon and into the night?" he asked the receptionist.
She nodded. "Yes, I can."
"And Jen's too, if possible?" Wes asked.
She smirked. "If she heard you say that, you'd be dead." She smiled. "Going somewhere special, are we Lieutenant?"
Wes nodded. "I'm taking Jen out for her birthday."
"Get her anything special?"
Wes scanned the hallways, hesitating incase Jen came in. He pulled out the box and showed Alicia the ring. Her eyes widened. "Oh my, it's beautiful."
"It'll look even better on her finger." Wes said.
"What about my finger?" a voice asked. Wes turned around and jammed the box into his pocket.
"Uhh, nothing." He shrugged. "I was just telling Alicia…how I sprained my finger the other day." He shook his hand. "Still hurts too."
Jen rolled her eyes. "You're impossible."
"I know." He replied smartly. They walked into their office and Jen sat on the couch.
"I like this new office. Much bigger, and a better couch." Jen chuckled. Ever since Wes had gotten his promotion, they were moved into an office to accommodate both of them.
Wes sat next to her after closing the door. She leaned her head back against the rest as he gazed into her eyes.
"Friday night is all set. We've got a reservation at Luchentos. I talked with your dad before as well, I saw him there. Seemed he had the same idea I did."
Jen giggled. "You and my dad have become buddy-buddy haven't you?"
"I guess you can say that." Wes said. "So how old are you going to be?"
Jen laughed. "I don't like the term 'old.' I'll be twenty-six on Friday."
Wes leaned in towards her and pushed her down into the couch. Jen tried to push him back, but he put all of his body weight on her. Jen burst out into laughter as Wes gave her a loving kiss.
"You're old, Jen." He said. Not another word was shared between the two as he gave her another loving kiss.
But a sudden knock at the door interrupted their moment. "Lieutenant?" a female voice called.
Jen pushed Wes off of her as she sat down in her chair. "Come in," she said. A young officer walked in.
"Lieutenant," she said with a salute. "I am Cadet Brianna Thompson, in for Officer Dolan."
Jen nodded. "What can I do for you, Cadet?"
The young brunette handed Jen a package. "This has come for you just now, from the prison on Sarasota, Florida."
Jen took the package, curious of what it was. "Thank you, Cadet. Dismissed."
With another salute, the Cadet left, leaving both Jen and Wes in awe. She took out a letter opener and opened the package.
A packet of papers came out. Wes watched her face turn into a smile. "What is it?" he asked curiously.
"It's from the prison, saying what's going on with Vinnie. Says here that he's undergoing mental help and is being kept in a coded cell, the coded lock changes every five minutes, so Vinnie won't get out. Says that they've got a guard posted outside his cell and they have a stun gun with them." She whistled. "Doesn't seem like he's getting out anytime soon."
Wes gave her a strange look. "Well, I would hope not!"
Jen turned back to her computer and took out a file. Wes did the same as he popped a CD into the stereo, and both Rangers got to work.
As Jen began typing away, Wes turned his head around and cautiously took out the ring, and looked at, trying to visualize it on Jen's hand.
Wes smiled at his future wife, and got back to work, her ring securely inside his pocket.
Friday Night
"Jen, are you ready?" Wes called. "We promised to meet your parents at the restaurant in twenty minutes!"
She walked out of their bedroom and took Wes's breath away. Jen was wearing that same plaid skirt, pink shirt and the black leather jacket he gave her all those years ago.
"You were complaining?" Jen said smartly.
"You look beautiful." He smiled as he kissed her. "Come on, let's go."
Jen took his hand and both made their way out to Wes's car. He patted his pocket discretely, the ring in his pocket.
Tonight was the night; there was no turning back.
Later
Wes sat nervously in his seat next to Jen. They had just finished dinner and dessert was on the way.
Wes cleared his throat. "Jack, can I talk to you for a minute?"
Jen's father nodded. "Sure, Wes." They walked into a back hallway. "What's wrong? You're not usually this quiet. Everything okay?"
Wes nodded. "Yea, everything's…" he pulled out the box, Jack's eyes widened. "fine. Just fine. I wanted to get your approval before I gave Jen this."
Jack smiled. "Of course you have my approval, Wes! You've had it since we met. I'll be honored to have you as my son in law."
Wes let out a sign of relief. "There was also something else I was thinking of as well…"
The music became louder as Wes told Jack his plan for their wedding.
Ten minutes later
Wes walked nervously up to the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention please?" The room soon quieted. "Thank you. I don't know if everyone knows, but today is my girlfriend's birthday." The band began to play 'Happy Birthday' in the background. "Jen, if you would come here, please?"
Jen shook her head. "No, no, no." But her brother and sisters pushed her onto the stage.
"There's some things that I wanted to get off my chest since day one." Wes said. He took Jen's hand. "We've been through a lot within the past few years. Between Ransik and Vinnie, I couldn't help but be worried that I'd loose the one love in my life. The day you left to return here I cried. And the day I came here, I rejoiced. Everything's been so hectic, but we've made it through those."
Jen looked at him, tears developing behind her eyes.
"I love you so much, Jen. I couldn't think of a day in my life where I could live without you." Wes said. 'Here goes nothing.' He pulled the velvet box out of his pocket, took the ring out and got down on one knee. He slipped the ring into her finger as Jen gasped.
"Jennifer," he said. "Will you marry me?"
Jen sniffed. "Yes!" she declared. Clapping erupted as Wes hugged his girlfriend, now fiancé. She cried tears of joy into his shirt collar as he kissed her.
Back at Headquarters
It was a wonderful night for Jen and Wes, a newly engaged couple of Time Force. They stood close as they entered their apartment headed towards the bedroom. Once both were changed, they lay down in each other's arms, but were too excited to sleep.
"I've got something special planned for the wedding, too. I talked it over with your dad and it's all good. Now all we have to do is tell my Dad and Eric." Wes stated.
Jen chuckled. "Won't they be surprised." But something dawned on her. "Wait…Eric and your dad…they're in the past."
"Exactly. I thought it'd be nice to maybe have them come here for the wedding. Hell, it's only two people." Wes stated.
"Sounds great, Wes. I'll run it by Logan tomorrow." Jen said happily. With one final kiss, the two fell asleep, dreaming of the months to come.
The next day—Year 2005
Eric sat in his chair, writing off more applicants.
"Eric, how's our new applications going?" Mr. Collins asked.
Eric threw down the pen and banged his head on the desk. "To tell you the truth, Alan. I'm stressed to the point of a friggen' meltdown!"
Collins laughed. "Well, we all have our days, don't we?"
A sudden beep was heard. "Commander Myers, there are some people here to see you, sir."
Eric pressed the call button. "Send them in, Jackie."
A few moments passed, then two people walked in. Both Eric and Mr. Collin's eyes widened. "Wes?" they said simultaneously.
Wes smiled as he and Jen walked in. "Jennifer!" Collins said happily. He rushed over to where his son and Jen stood. "Oh it's so good to see you both!"
"Happy to be back, Dad." Wes said. He hugged his father. Wes then walked over to where Eric stood. "Too stubborn to say hi to your best friend?"
Eric gave him a smirk, but that quickly turned into a smile. "Good to see you, Wes." Each gave the other a brotherly hug. "Jen, nice to see you too."
"Likewise." Jen said as she hugged Eric.
Collins smiled. "I do hope you two aren't here on business."
"Actually," Jen said. "We are." She looked to Wes who walked back over to her and placed his arm around her waist. "We've got something special we'd like to ask you two."
"And what would that be?" Eric asked.
Jen smiled. "We'd like the both of you to attend our wedding." She glanced at Wes who looked at Eric.
"Eric, if you'd do me the honor in being my best man." Wes asked.
Collins threw up his hands. "Jennifer, Wesley! Congratulations! It's about time you two were engaged!"
Eric, however, stood dumbstruck. "You mean to tell me that he's only been there for a year and NOW we're hearing this?"
Wes laughed. "There was some complications, but it's all clear now." Eric grunted.
"Oh come on, Eric. You know you'd want to come." Jen pressured.
Eric walked back over to where Wes stood. "Glad to see you've gotten what you wanted, Wes. I'd be happy to be your best man."
"When is the wedding anyway?" Collins asked.
"Two weeks from Saturday, in the year 3006." Wes said.
"You two are getting married in the future?" Eric asked. "Well, this should be interesting."
"I've gotten everything cleared up with Rob and your papers are in for coming to my time. But for the meantime, Wes and I are going to stay here, catch up on some things, if that's okay, Mr. Collins." Jen stated.
Collins merely laughed. "Jen, please. You're my future daughter-in-law. Call me Alan, or Dad. Doesn't matter." Jen gave him a smile and nodded.
"Now, if you'll excuse us, Jen and I have some things we need to take care of. We'll see you at dinner, Dad." Wes stated.
A few more words were exchanged as Jen and Wes left to settle into the mansion for a nice two-week time to relax.
Two weeks later—Year 3006—Jen's house
"Come on, get up Jen!" a persistent voice called. "You're getting married today! WAKE UP!" the pounding on the door grew louder.
"Al'ight. M'ake." Jen muttered into the pillow.
Her sisters and to her surprise, Katie walked in to get her up and ready for her big day.
Meanwhile—In a hotel
Eric threw the sheets off of Wes's bed. "Come on, Wes. Time to get married!" Wes didn't move. "Someone get the ice water!" Eric yelled.
"I've got it!" Trip said as he and Lucas came into the room.
"Wes, don't force us to do this." Lucas said. Wes still didn't move. "All right," the Blue ranger shrugged. "Do it."
Trip dumped a cupful of ice water into Wes's face and he bolted upright. "I'm awake! I'm awake!" he said.
Eric and Lucas shoved him into the shower. "I don't know how Jen got him up everyday." Eric shook his head.
Later—Jen's house
"Oh Jennifer, you look marvelous." Her mother stated. Jen immerged from her room in a white wedding gown and make-up plastered onto her face.
"Aunt Jen! You're so pretty." Bobby said.
"I think you're prettier!" Mark countered. Both boys began to quarrel, but their mother stopped them. A loud cry broke out as Jen's new niece began to cry.
"Everyone!" Katie scrambled into the room. "The photographer's here!"
The whole bride's party dashed downstairs and set up for pictures.
At the hotel
"I still can't tie a tie." Wes muttered. Adam walked over.
"So all those years of living in high society and prep schools, they never taught you how to tie one of these?" Adam asked.
"Nope."
"That's because shit for brains over here didn't pay attention in prep school." Eric said as he completed his knot. Wes rolled his eyes.
"Ah, the father of the groom!" Jack walked in to see Wes's dad standing by him. "Jack Scotts, Jen's father."
"Alan Collins." Alan said. "A pleasure to finally meet you. Jen's told me all about you."
Jack smiled. "I've heard many good things about you from Wes. You've got a good kid here, Alan." He slapped Wes's shoulder. "A good kid. Loves my daughter with ever inch of his heart."
"That's all I heard since the day Jen left, was how much he loved her. I'm all loved out!" Eric said.
"Ignore the dip shit over here. Doesn't have a clue what he's talking about." Wes muttered.
Just then Diane's husband, Jen's brother-in-law walked in. "Photos guys! Lets move here!"
The group went in to take pictures just as the limo hovered up.
One hour later
Jen sat inside the room as the church bells chimed happily. She thought about everything that had happened over the last few years. She thought about how she had changed so much. But the one thing that she thought about most was her future with Wes, and what would happen.
"Jennifer?" Alan asked. Jen turned her head around to see her father-in-law approaching her. "Oh my, you look marvelous." Jen stood up and hugged him.
"Thanks Alan. I'm just a little nervous." Jen said.
"Of course, I was when I was getting married." He cleared his throat. "I just wanted to thank you for making Wes's life so happy. I am proud to call you my daughter-in-law."
Jen smiled. "Wes has made me so happy, too. I love him with all my heart."
Just then, the organ keyed up. "Ready?" Alan held out his arm. Jen took it as her heart increased for the moment.
In the church
Wes watched and waited for her to come down the aisle. Once the organ began playing, Jen came into sight. His face lit up to see her in that wedding gown. It was beautiful, and brought out ever feature in her that he loved. It seemed like forever until they were standing together at the alter.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to make two into one. On this blessed day, these two will be joined in holy matrimony and you all will be here to witness it." The priest turned to the alter boy for his book.
"Repeat after me." He said. "I, Wesley Andrew Collins take this woman to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live."
With a shaky breath, Wes spoke. "I, Wesley Andrew Collins take this woman to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live." Wes took the ring from Eric and placed it on Jen's finger.
The priest turned to Jen. "I, Jennifer Ann Scotts take this man to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live."
Jen took the ring from Katie and placed it on Wes's hand. "I, Jennifer Ann Scotts take this man to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live."
"If anyone has any objection to why these two shall not be wed, speak now, or forever hold your peace."
A grueling silence was sustained. With a smile on his face, the priest completed the ceremony. "I now pronounce you husband, and wife." He turned to Wes. "You may kiss the bride."
Wes smiled at him, then turned to Jen. "I love you."
"I love you too." Jen said. He pressed his lips to hers in a heart-stopping kiss. A cheer erupted as Jen and Wes walked off of the alter and outside to the limo and on their way to the after party.
Hilton Hotel- Honolulu, Hawaii-10: 39PM
Jen collapsed onto the bed as Wes turned on the lights in the bedroom. She let out a happy sigh as he sat next to her.
"And what are you sighing about?" Wes asked.
Jen smiled at him. "I'm just so happy, Wes. I've gotten everything I wanted."
He lay down next to his wife and looked deeply into her eyes. "What would that be?"
Jen leaned up and kissed her husband. "A wonderful job, a nice place to live, and a wonderful husband. Not to mention I'm about to have a wonder two-week vacation away from Time Force. It's perfect Wes."
"Well, that makes two of us for getting everything we've wanted." He saw something in her eye that sparkled. "And at this moment," his head hovered over hers. "There's something else I want."
Jen smiled. "I think that makes two of us, Wes."
He kissed her passionately as he pulled the covers over them, surrounding them on a cloud of passion.
Then out went the lights…
The End