Coming Darkness (Celebration)

By: Jeanka

"It was awful," Allyssa Silverman, adopted daughter of Zhane Silverman andWhite Ranger of KO-35, said as she walked with Andros toward the briefing room in the Power Ranger Government building. "Thousands are dead, and everyone is blaming us for not seeing the Dragons return."

"It had nothing to do with us," stated Andros.

"I wouldn't be so quick to assume that. You are their most hated blood enemy and if I must say so, they want you dead above anyone else," Allyssa reminded him.

Andros said nothing as they enter the briefing room. The two sub-triumvirs, Lesary and Rance, stood to the right and left of Andros' chair at the head of the table. Other members of the Power Rangers governing force stood at their chairs as Andros went to his. "Please sit," he said. They all sat down. "As you've already been informed, Kanar's capital city of Jeryka was attacked by the Dragons. The triumvirate has decided to keep Zordan's request and the power rangers will not engage this enemy excepted from as safe distance," started Andros.

"I do not want Power Rangers needlessly dieing because they couldn't keep their distance. Every Alliance world is preparing for battle against King Ararat's forces. We have received a report of a gathering of dragon warships massing outside of the Kordan border. Our best defense has been set in motion by the reinitiating of the Poltor Mines."

"But Commander," a black ranger at the opposite end of the table interrupted. "Those mines haven't been used in almost three decades."

"We are optimistic," said Andros as an aid handed him a note.

Lesary took over allowing Andros to read it. "Over eighty percent of the mines have recharged and more are being restarted every day. But these mines alone can not stop any army of this size. Its purpose is to destroy enough ships to cause as weakness."

"There is no way to defeat Ararat," a red ranger in the middle said grumbling.

"Excuse me," Andros said standing. The others did the same as a sign of respect. Andros walked out the room to let the meeting continue. He had more important matters to see to.

"There you are," Ashley smiled and pulled him into an embrace. "We've been waiting. How's the meeting?"

Andros pulled back and smiled at her. "The leaders don't like the idea of seating and waiting. They want us to do something now, but that's just not possible with the state of things now."

"Well, can you get away for say an hour?" Ashley asked with her best puppy dog eyes.

"Maybe," replied Andros. He turned to TJ. "I need you to do something for me though."

"Anything," replied TJ.

"I need someone to go to Ambassador Kincade's house and pick up his eldest son, Potcho. He has a security briefing to attend with the Dec'lor delegates. Is there any chance…?"

"Don't worry about it, Andros. I'll take care of it," promised TJ.

Andros had only a second to agree before TJ left the room. "Time off," commented Ashley. "Any chance you'd want to see sunlight?"

Andros looked at her funny. "Sunlight? What is that?" he asked scratching his chin with a smirk.

"Very funny," she said slapping at his chest. "Come on. Let's get out of here."

Andros put her arm around her waist and began to move towards the door. "Commander," someone called out, causing him to turn back around. "Ararat has made a demand."

TBC