Disclaimer: I don't own any Power Rangers, but I do own paper….

Author's Note: Hello and welcome back! I hope you enjoyed Chapter 2. Now, on with the story!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Childlike

Chapter 3: Cruger's Surprise

It was noon the next day. Sky, who was currently carrying Bridge on his back, was walking into the Ready Room.

"How did things go?" asked Z while looking up from her magazine.

Sky placed Bridge down on the couch, then took a seat next to him. "It could have gone better," he answered as he handed Bridge a stuffed animal.

"What happened?" Syd asked as she examined her painted nails.

Sky ran a hand through his hair. "Well, first, it took forever to get him out of bed. Then, the checkup itself scared Bridge, and he refused to stay still long enough to get the test done." Releasing a deep sigh of relief, he continued, "But luckily enough, we got it all done and we won't have to go back until the results come in."

At that moment, Cruger walked into the room; the Rangers (expect Bridge, of course) stood up.

"How is everything going, Cadet Tate?" he asked.

"Everything is going fine, Sir," answered Sky. Cruger nodded and turned his gaze toward Bridge.

"How are you today, Bridge?"

Bridge turned to look at Cruger and said, "Look, Daddy! Kitty-cat!"

Cruger's eyes narrowed before he growled at him. Bridge's eyes began to water and soon bursted into tears, causing Sky to give Cruger an evil look.

"What the hell is wrong with you, sir, scaring him like that!" Sky snapped at Cruger. He then sat down next to Bridge and pulled him into a hug. "There, there, Bridge. It's okay. Shhhhh…."

"Kitty is mean," Bridge sobbed.

Cruger was about to say something when an evil look from the girls made him close his mouth.

"I know, I know. Shhhhhhh…" Sky soothed while gently rubbing Bridge's back. After a few minutes, Bridge stopped his crying.

"Sir, is there something you needed?" asked Jack after noticing that things had quieted down.

"Yes, there is one thing we need to address about Cadet Carson."

Everyone looked at him.

"What are you saying, sir?" questioned Sky, while Bridge was now sitting on his lap.

Cruger took in a deep breath and said, "Sky, we can't take Bridge with us on missions against Grumm, so I think you need to get a babysitter."

Sky was shocked at what Cruger had just said, so he held Bridge tight. "A babysitter, sir?" Sky did not want what he had just heard to be real.

"Yes, Cadet Tate; a babysitter," Cruger repeated. Sky was saddened by this news, but knew it was true.

"Who would we get to watch Bridge? I'm mean, half of the cadets here are idiots," Sky said; Bridge was now asleep on his shoulder.

"I'm glad you asked. You can come in now," Cruger said to the door, and RIC walled in.

"RIC, sir?" Sky asked, as if hoping this was some kind of joke.

"Kat installed a nanny program into him so he can watch Bridge when you're gone," said Cruger proudly.

Sky looked at RIC for a good, long moment. "I guess I could try him out…."

Cruger smiled, said, "That's very brave of you," and then walked out of the room.

"Well, I guess I need to get Bridge back to our room…" Sky said while slowly getting up.

"Why?" asked Jack.

Sky gave a little smile. "It looks like it's naptime for him. RIC, come with me, boy."

RIC did as he was told and followed Sky out of the room. Hey, he might as well use the program when he has the chance.

-----

Sky lay Bridge down on his bed, covered him up, and glanced downward at the robotic dog.

"Watch him. I'll be back in a little bit, okay?"

Sky walked toward the door, and RIC gave a soft bark and sat down.

Sky sighed softly and said to himself, "I now have a robotic dog-nanny watching my 17-year-old son-slash-friend…."

Sky clicked off the lights and walked out the door. As he walked through the hallway, a thought came to him.

"What else could possible happen to me?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, that was short chapter. Sorry about that…. I hope you people enjoyed it!

Thanks for the reviews. Chapter 4 will be coming out soon.