Later that night, Collin and Lucas were settled in bed, and Eric and Taylor called Sky and Ani into the living room.

The twins could see that their parents were holding hands and sitting very close. Not that they weren't used to seeing this, but it was the look they had in their eyes that made them uneasy.

For as long as they could remember, their parents had always been so strong and solid. But now… they looked… lost somehow.

"Sit down guys," Eric said gently. The twins followed orders and listened to him. "Your mother and I have been talking about this for a while now, and I think the time's right."

"Right for what, pop?" Sky asked.

"For you two to start at the SPD academy," Taylor finished. "With your father going away, we want you both to be protected and able to defend yourselves."

The twins' faces lit up. They had wanted to go there ever since it was officially established two years ago, but they had been too young.

"Really?" Ani said excitedly. Eric nodded his head.

"I've talked to Kat and Cruger already, and everything's arranged. You'll start next week at the new headquarters in New Tech City," the Quantum Ranger said.

Both twins were out of their seats immediately, wrapping their arms around their parents.

"I'm going to be the best ranger. Just like you pop," Sky said. Eric tussled his hair a bit, before he turned to his mother. "You too mum."

"Me too," Ani said. "Better than you!" she said to Sky.

"I'm sure you both will be great rangers someday," Eric said. The twins went back to their rooms and Eric wrapped his arms tightly around Taylor.

"I don't think I've ever seen them so happy," she commented as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"I know they'll make us proud," he said. They sat together in comfortable silence until Eric felt his wife beginning to fall asleep. God, he was going to miss this.

Miss the comfort of his family… his children… his wife. Miss holding her in his arms, kissing away her brash comments… making love to her until neither one of them could move…

"Eric?" Taylor said softly. She was awoken by a sudden feeling of longing. Thinking back to the day before her deployment all those years ago, she knew Eric was hurting. Neither one of them could explain it, but they felt that deep connection way down in their souls.

"Go back to sleep," he whispered, kissing her head softly.

"No," she said as she sat up. She took his face in her hands and brought her lips to his gently. Eric's arms wound their way around her, his hands gently caressing her back. She pulled away and looked straight into his eyes. "I want you to know that I love you…. And when you're out there, I want you to remember this moment. The day we had today with the kids… everything."

Eric, for the first time in his life was rendered speechless. He had never seen this side of Taylor before. Of course they had said they loved each other countless times, but this time, he saw the true meaning in her eyes. She was truly his entire world.

"I'll remember," he said as he leaned his forehead against hers. "I'll never forget anything. Not about you, or the kids… nothing. You'll all be with me… always." He kissed her with a fierce passion. It was desperate and seeking and Taylor knew that they both needed it.

Without another word, He effortlessly picked her up and carried her up to their bedroom…

Hours later saw Taylor, Animaria, Schuyler, Collin, and Lucas all standing outside the launch pad at the new SPD building in New Tech City. Jen, Alec, and Katie were standing around, waiting for the two red rangers to emerge from the hanger.

Moments later, they all saw four figures emerge from the hanger first, and Taylor and Jen recognized them as the four SPD rangers Eric was going to lead into space. They had been hand picked by Eric and Cruger and they had every confidence in them. The four rangers walked onto the ship and the two remaining rangers came out.

Eric and Wes were dressed in their Guardians attire, and approached their families.

The Red Time Force ranger knelt down and took both his children into his arms.

"You two watch out for each other, and your mum," he said as he kissed each of them on their foreheads. They exchanged farewells and Wes turned to his wife.

"You be safe," Jen whispered as he held her. Wes pulled away and kissed her gently. "I love you."

"I love you too," he whispered back. "Forever." He walked to the ramp and, with a final glance at his family, boarded the ship.

Eric knelt down as well and took Lucas into his arms. Lucas buried his head into his shoulder and Eric could feel a few tears on his neck.

"Papa please don't go," he cried into his ear. Eric tightened his grip a little.

"I have to Lucky… I have to stop the bad guys from coming here."

"I know, but… I don't want you to leave me!" Eric's heart broke then at the admission of his youngest.

Eric pulled away a little and looked into his green eyes. "I won't ever leave you Lucky… I'll always be with you," he said as he placed his hand over his heart. Lucky hugged him again, and knew that his papa had to go.

He turned to Collin, and the little boy threw himself at his father. "I'll miss you papa," he said softly. Eric pulled back and tussled his hair a bit.

"I'll miss you too buddy," he said as he kissed the side of his head. "I want you to look after you little brother for me, okay?" Collin nodded his head as a tear fell down his cheek.

Eric composed himself and turned to face his eldest son. Schuyler, for the first time in a long time, had tears welling up in his eyes. Without words, the two men embraced and Eric could feel the tension in Sky.

"You make me very proud Schuyler," Eric said. "Never change the person you are. You have my stubbornness and your mother's heart… it's a lethal combination," he said laughing a little.

"I love you pop," Schuyler said into his father's shoulder. Eric squeezed him tighter and pulled back, facing his daughter.

Ani's eyes were already overflowing with tears and she clung to her father as if for dear life. "Ani, please don't cry," Eric said, trying to keep his emotions under control. "You are one of the strongest women I've ever known Animaria, next to your mother." Ani laughed a little at that. "You're going to do great things in this world, and I intend on seeing them when I get back."

He pulled back and kissed her forehead. He moved on to the final member of his family and took her into his arms, trembling at the thought of never returning to her.

Taylor knew that this mission was more dangerous than he let on. Their lives would never be the same again, she knew that…

"I love you Taylor," he said into her blonde hair. "Always."

"I love you too," she responded as they kissed. They broke away and Eric grabbed her face in his hands. "Come back to me."

Eric wiped away a tear falling from her eye with his thumb. "I swear I will," he said. He pulled her to him and kissed her one final time. He pulled away quickly and walked up the ramp to join the others.

Taylor watched as the love of her life closed bay door with a final look at her. The ship took off, and Taylor had a terrible feeling in her heart…