Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers. Also, the idea that Sky is Wes and Jen's son does not originate with me. I think that honor is bestowed on WhiteTimeRanger.

Hey all, back again. Wow, I'm really happy with all the feedback I'm getting for this story. I've noticed that many readers don't take too kindly towards OCs if they cause problems within the relationships. But I can confidently assure you, the Sky/Sydness will commence soon.

Also, I know that the show refutes this fact, but for a purpose of this story, Sky is Wes and Jen's son. The purpose will come clear in this chapter as well as later.

Chapter 1

History Has a Habit of Repeating

He was a formidable figure, his beanied head emerging over the mass of his peers. With a calm detachment, his head swiveled, the pale spheres veiled behind tinted sunglasses studying the busy streets. No one made eye contact with him as his lengthy strides carried him across the streets of Newtech City. The pale spheres of his eyes lay hidden beneath the cold depths of the sunglasses. Languidly, he straightened the leather jacket hanging snugly across his muscular torso before sticking his hands in the pockets of the faded black jeans hanging low on his hips. The only semblance of color peeked out from underneath the jacket as his broad chest strained against the gray long-sleeved shirt. To the naked eye, he was simply another hoodlum on the street, scruffy and disheveled, aiming to cause civil disobedience. But the casual observer would also disregard his purposeful gait and dignified carriage as he strode along the sidewalk.

Stopping, he surveyed his surroundings with a cool gaze, his stubbled jaw tilting with an amused and wry twist of his mouth. These were sights he hadn't seen in over two years, and they brought back a rush of memories both good and bad. His destination loomed over in the distance, proudly shining in the bright sun. Shaking his beanied head, he allowed a dry chuckle to burst forth from his mouth as he took in the rush of activity that was Newtech's downtown.

"I'm home…"

xxx

Sky Tate strode down the halls of the academy weaving a path through the throng of cadets impeding his progress. Recognizing the many acknowledgements from his peers with a nod, Sky continued on, oblivious to the many embarrassed giggles and flirtations looks sent his way from many of his female counterparts. Jack had once told him that if he had bothered to notice, the blue ranger had quite a selection of female cadets to choose from if he was ever inclined to date. Sky had brushed off that thought with a shake of his head. He wasn't looking to date. Sad as it was, saving the world didn't exactly leave much time for a social life.

Passing by the room occupied by Syd and Z, Sky stopped as he spotted the pink ranger huddled up on her bed, her wave of blonde hair hiding her face. For a moment, he just stood there, watching his comrade, his heart aching. There, situated on the bed, was the reason he never bothered to notice his many admirers. In some strange and inexplicable way, Sydney Drew had wormed her way into his heart, startling the wits out of the stern blue ranger. In the five years they had been in acquaintance, Sky Tate had fallen completely head over heels for their pink ranger. There was only one fatal flaw in his otherwise unblemished approach: someone already had a firm grip on her heart, and the man who held it had been absent for the last three years. Sky sighed, his head falling to his chest. His hopeless devotion would go unrequited.

xxx

Syd glanced up as a soft knock yanked her from her state of misery. Hurriedly wiping her eyes, she smiled as the head of Sky Tate poked into her doorway, his blue-gray eyes lilting with warmness.

Syd relaxed, her head tilting at the sight of her best friend, "Hey."

One corner of his mouth quirked upward in greeting, "Hey back." Shifting slightly in her doorway, his hands playing with his uniform jacket, Sky cleared his throat.

"You want company?"

Waving him in, Syd scooted over to give him room on her bed. As his muscular frame sank down into the soft mattress, she tucked a strand of curly hair behind her ear. Running her thumbs against the smooth glass of the picture frame, Syd sniffled, and Sky glanced down at the photo displayed in the ornate frame, recognizing it immediately. Three figures stood prominently in the middle, formally dressed, with Sydney leaning back against the chests of the two taller boys. Sky had an arm slung around a tall, blonde-haired man, his eyes a pale blue, bordering on ivory. The three beamed up at the camera, with the third member clutching Syd to him, his infectious grin lighting up the picture.

"I remember that day."

Syd turned a watery gaze to the man she considered her best friend, a sad smile playing the ends of her mouth, "Yeah, me too." Sniffing back the tears, Syd's head shifted back and forth in a mournful shake.

"I can't believe its been three years."

Sky played with the broad silver cuff encircling his wrist, running his finger over the engraved SPD, "Yeah. I can't either." He chuckled ruefully, "That night seems like it was yesterday."

The pair of rangers sat silently as the memories of the day brought them back through time, a time that seemed so far away but shined so vividly.

Sydney paced back in forth in front of the academy steps, a harried expression across her face while Sky looked on, one eyebrow cocked upward in amusement, his hands stuffed casually in the pockets of his tuxedo pants. Whipping out her compact, Syd checked her appearance for the umpteenth time. Catching her companion's expression in the reflection of the mirror, Syd frowned, whipping around to treat her friend with a reproving glare.

"Don't give me that look, Schulyer Tate Collins! I want tonight to be perfect, and that includes my appearance!"

Sky chuckled, "C'mon, Syd. You know you look amazing, and he's going to find you amazing. Stop worrying."

Syd sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, "I know, it's just…I want tonight to be perfect for him. I mean, think about it, Sky. This is our last dance until we graduate from the academy."

Sky shrugged, "And it will be. Just quit obsessing. What did he say about your best look?"

An embarrassed grin worked its way across her face, and a slight tinge of red adorned her cheeks, "I look best when I first tumble out of bed in the morning."

"Exactly. So contrary to your belief that that's when you look your worst, I think he'll find you absolutely stunning."

Syd smiled, wrapping Sky in a tight hug as she pressed a kiss to his cheek, "Thanks, Sky. I don't know how, but you always know how to make me feel better."

Sky shrugged, "What can I say, it's a gift." Glancing over her shoulder, Sky grinned, gesturing behind her.

Syd whirled, a delighted grin splitting her face as the handsome, blonde-haired teen, his hair carelessly tousled, strode towards them, the roguish yet charming grin his father was famed for tilting the corners of his mouth, one hand clutching a single pink rose. Running down the steps, Syd flung her arms around his tall frame before planting a solid kiss on his mouth. Pulling away, his mouth formed a bemused yet thrilled "O." Wrapping an arm around her waist, he led her back up the steps to where Sky stood. Slapping his best friend on the back, the two boys knocked wrists, their bracelets clinking together as the taller teen observed his date with an appraising eye.

"Wow, Syd, you look amazing."

Glaring at the triumphantly smug smirk tilting Sky's mouth, Syd turned her gaze back up to her boyfriend, his trademark dashing grin firmly affixed to his face.

"So, what do you two say? Ready to cause general uproar?"

Syd's mouth turned upward in an interested expression, "I'm game."

Sky grinned, "Same here."

Sky's mouth turned upward in a mournful smile, "Turns out we did the exact opposite."

Syd snorted, "Are we remembering the same day? He jumped up onstage, grabbed the guitar from the lead singer, and began serenading me with 'Iris' by the Goo Goo Dolls." Her face quickly turned somber.

"That was our song."

Sky quirked a dry grin, "Yeah, well, that was pretty tame considering the other things he and I pulled."

Syd shook her head, "You've changed so much from those days." She glanced sideways at her companion, "Do you remember the last time we saw him?"

Sky's eyes dropped as his head bobbed up and down, "Yeah. I do."

Sky fidgeted nervously as he watched Syd talk with another cadet from their class. Working up his courage, he approached the two females.

"Can't believe he left you alone."

Syd rolled her eyes, "I think emptying his bladder is a legit excuse, Tate."

Sky grinned, "Yeah. Good point. So can I steal you for a dance?"

Syd nodded, taking his hand, "I'd say you could, considering you haven't been doing much dancing at all."

As they whirled along the dance floor, Sky grinned, "You know, I hate to say it but I was right." He elaborated at Syd's confused expression.

"About his reaction on how you look tonight."

Syd smiled, "Yeah, well, I needed assurance."

"Not from him you don't. I mean, he's completely infatuated with you. For God's sakes, his favorite look is when you first get up in the morning." Sky nudged her gently, "Do me a favor and never doubt him. If he's going to walk away, it'll be for a damned good reason."

"Geeze, I leave you two alone already I get the boot."

Sky chuckled as a playful punch connected with his arm. His best friend turned his attention to the beautiful girl beside them.

"Syd, can I talk to you alone?"

As he gently steered her away, Sky could only look on with a smile torn between happiness for his two best friends and remorse for the lack of his own love.

Syd leaned against the balcony railing, stealing glances at the man beside her, the moonlight illuminating his handsome profile. Slowly, he rotated, anxiously running his hands through his blonde hair. Tugging on the pearl-colored collar of his dress shirt, he nervously fixed the matching tie.

"I, uh, have something for you." From the depths of his trouser pockets, he produced a small pendant. Sydney took it, her fingers tracing the delicate metal. The medallion was a small circle, an even smaller circle protruding in the middle with a small gem embedded in the middle. As he hooked the chain around her neck, he fingered the pendant.

"It's from my birth planet. Dad gave Mom one of these. It's called an Eternity Sphere." He smiled at her, eyes shining with affection.

"Circles don't end, just like friendship, just like love."

Syd gazed up into his pale eyes, "Thank you, I love it." Pressing a gentle kiss to his lips, she laid her cheek against his.

"I love you, Brandon Chase."

His patented grin lit up his face, "I love you too, Sydney Drew."

Leaning in, the couple shared a sweet kiss as a throat cleared behind them. They broke away to find an older officer standing at the doorway.

"Cadet Chase, your presence is requested in the command center."

Brandon nodded, "Yes, sir." With one last kiss, he laid his forehead on Sydney's, stroking her soft cheek.

"I'll catch you later."

Catching Sky on the way out, Brandon jerked his head back, "You mind keeping an eye on her, bro? Make sure she gets back okay?"

Sky nodded, "Yeah. Where you going?"

Brandon only shrugged, "Command center."

"Okay, I'll see you, man."

Syd sniffled, her eyes drifting down to the photo that captured the one moment in time that , "And we never saw him again."

Sky nodded his agreement, "Yup. He just disappeared. Cruger said he never met with him. Do you remember when we went down to his room?"

Syd played with the pendant around her neck as she nodded, "It had been completely emptied except for his guitar. It's like he was never there."

Before their conversation could go on any further, the alarms blared as Kat's voice floated through the academy halls.

ALL RANGERS TO THE COMMAND CENTER. RANGERS TO THE COMMAND CENTER

Sky sighed, hefting himself off the bed, extending a hand to help Syd up,
"Well, duty calls."

xxx

Sirens blaring, the five morphed rangers rushed to downtown Newtech where another one of Gruumm's lackey's terrorized the streets. As the five halted before the criminal, Jack stepped forward to the head of the group.

"You know, Newtech is already in debt as it is. You wanna spare us all the time and money?"

The tall, looming alien squared up to the red ranger. His scarlet face twisted into a nasty leer, his bald head decorated with intricate tattoos. The black eyes sparked, malice shining in the depths, "And ruin my first visit here to Earth, I think not. I was hoping to christen the event with some destruction. Emperor Gruumm has summoned me, Domitrius, and his general Falstaff to aid his conquest of this pitiful planet, and I dare not disappoint him."

Jack shrugged, "Alright, have it your way."

As one, the team converged on the armored alien and his band of Krybots, rushing on their offenders. Jack reached the group first, making his entrance with a flying kick, knocking down one robot. As a Krybot advanced, Jack sidestepped, doubling the robot with a swift roundhouse kick. Using the machine as a vault, he hurdled over the crony, whipping around to unleash a tornado kick. As a hoard of robots charged, Jack whipped out his Delta Blasters, sending the swarm down in a hail of fire. Rolling underneath a punch, the red ranger straightened, dispensing two minions with dual fire from his blasters.

Fighting back to back, Bridge and Z warded off advances, batons slicing through the air. As the green ranger ducked, his yellow counterpart slashed over head, effectively sending a Krybot back in a shower of sparks. Her baton flying through the air, the yellow ranger cut down her remaining opponents. From his crouched position, Bridge swiped a leg beneath a robot, sending it down. Continuing his rotation, the green ranger kicked a leg up, knocking the minion back into a stone wall. Dropping to a knee, Bridge blocked an overhead strike from a Krybot. Knocking the weapon skyward, Bridge slashed the robot around the midsection. Rolling to his feet, the green ranger took two opposing Krybots with a split kick.

To their left, Sky and Syd took on Domitrius, their batons brandished at the ready. Sparks and smoke wafted through the air from the flurry of battle. Sky darted in first, his attack blocked a swift slash of Domitrius' sword. Knocking the blue ranger backward, the alien sidestepped as Syd's baton whipped through the air. In a quick motion, Domitruis kicked out, sending the pink ranger tumbling into her partner. Their chests heaving, Sky and Syd caught each other's glances, communicating without words. Taking a running start, Syd leaped up onto Sky's braced hands as the blue ranger propelled his counterpart up into the air. Her booted heel caught the alien square on the point of his chin. Domitruis stumbled backward, dazed as the five rangers regrouped, settling into fighting stances. A moment passed as the alien leered at the five multi-colored beings braced for battle. A slow and dangerous smile creeped across his face as Domitruis raised his sword to B-Squad.

"Pitiful beings. You think you have the power to defend this worthless planet? Now, rangers, behold the power of the emperor."

In an instant, a swarm of fresh Krybots came upon the team. Overwhelmed by the numbers, the five rangers plummeted backwards, forcibly demorphed. Advancing slowly on the battered group, Domitruis smirked.

"What pathetic beings humans are. It is surely a wonder why you are protectors of the galaxy."

Whipping his sword forward, Domitrius discharged a wave of energy, blowing the rangers back and off their feet. Cackling with glee, he advanced to the nearest ranger, his sword raised for the kill.

xxx

The sound of footsteps echoed through the alleyway as the lieutenant strode down the alleyway in the direction of his destination. Halting, he raised his head in question, sniffing the air. It was a stench he knew all too well, the smell permanently present in his nostrils. It was the smell of blaster fire. Fearing the worst, he wheeled, rushing through the streets. Already, he could hear the discharge of lasers, mingling with the sound of hysterics as the citizens of Newtech scrambled to avoid the combat raging through Main Street. Turning a corner, he skidded to a stop, his eyes widening in horror as a familiar figure sent a wave of green energy hurtling towards the five multi-colored figures. As the alien sauntered through the smoky remains, his heart clenched. If Domitrius was back, that could only mean…

The lieutenant was shaken from his reverie as Domitrius' cold cackle permeated his hearing, and his breath stilled as General Falstaff's second-in-command bore down on a pink-clad form lying stunned from the energy wave. The lieutenant hesitated. He was aware that in accordance to the SPD code, he had an obligation to assist in danger. But he knew revealing his presence would subject SPD, and Earth, to even more peril. He was torn. But as Domitrius raised his sword, the lieutenant made his decision and reached behind him, producing the all-important device.

"Damn code…"

xxx

Syd groaned, rolling onto her back. Shaking the fog from her head, she gasped as the formidable figure loomed over her, his sword raised in triumph. Domitruis smirked.

"You see, ranger? Your efforts are futile."

Before his sword could do its duty, a figure barreled into him, tackling the alien down. Rolling, it kicked a leg up, sending Domitrius flying into the side of a building. Lasers blazing from twin barrels, the newcomer whirled, firing shot after shot that smashed into the surrounding Krybots with deadly accuracy. Holstering the blasters at his side, their mysterious savior slowly rotated to face Domitrius as he clambered to his feet, and the rangers gazed out in surprise at the impressive figure before them.

His silver helmet glinted in the midmorning sun, the dark visor peering out at his opponent. Over a pale silver spandex suit, a black chest shield came over his back to flare out on the sides with three raised red dashes protruding up from the shoulder. The gray SPD symbol was displayed prominently over his right breast with the accompanying badge affixed to the same bicep. Black arm and boot guards protected his shins and forearms, the deep black contrasting with the pale silver. Across the light silver of his stomach, a black zero outlined in red decorated the torso. A heavy black belt hung low across his waist, weighed down with a compact blaster on each hip as well as the hilt and blade of a slim baton. The gray gloves dangled clenched at his sides as the mysterious ranger squared up to the alien hauling himself to his feet.

Domitrius' cold eyes radiated with hatred as they flickered over to the tall, strapping figure looming in the distance, hauntingly and painfully familiar, and his lips curled into a malevolent sneer. Domitrius circled his opponent, his sword brandished for attack.

"Well, well, silver ranger. We meet again."

The silver-helmeted head shook back and forth, the deep voice tinted with amused malice, "Aw, Domitrius, you missed me. I'm flattered."

The alien seethed, "Ah, yes, ranger. That wit of yours reemerges. But only a false façade of bravado, I assume?"

"Nothing was false the way I defeated you last time, was it Domitrius? Or have you conveniently forgotten that day." A dry chuckle floated from beneath the helmet.

"Can't say I blame you, Tomato Face. I did beat you pretty bad."

Growling, the fine string that held Domitrius' temper snapped, and the alien whirled, sending a wave of energy spiraling towards the silver ranger. In one smooth motion, too quick for the naked eye to perceive, the ranger drew the hilt and the blade of his baton from his belt, connecting the two pieces together. The sunlight reflected off the intricate design of the weapon as the silver ranger raised the baton to bat away the vigorous orb. Whipping the weapon around in a circular motion, the silver ranger summoned his own orb of crackling silver energy. In the wink of an eye, he sent the sphere hurtling towards its destination, blowing Domitrius off his feet.

The B-Squad rangers could only watch in confusion as the two fighters came together with a resounding crash of their respective weapons. Blow after blow rained down, indiscernible from its predecessor. The grunts of contact and effort permeated through the air to combine with the collision of each weapon. Their spectators stood amazed as the intensity of battle reached an unprecedented level. Strike after strike whistled down to its destination, brutal in intent. Never before had the rangers seen such a ferocious confrontation. It seemed as though there was an underlying motivation behind the conflict, something that was much more personal than good versus evil.

Domitrius' sword locked with the silver ranger's baton, and both struggled against the opposing force. Cold, black eyes focused on an emotionless blank visor, divergent from the heat searing from the face the covering hid. Sparks of silver and green emitted a harsh glow from the two weapons, illuminating the faces of the combatants. Without warning, a brilliant flash flooded the atmosphere as energy from the two swords erupted, flinging the warriors back. The silver ranger skidded to a halt, one hand braced on the ground while Domitrius tumbled to his belly. Raising himself onto a knee, his chest heaving from exertion, the alien straightened as he winced slightly.

"We shall continue this another time, silver ranger."

The ranger rose from his crouched position, staring down Gruumms' deputy, the dark, empty visor veiling the raging emotions beneath the helmet. As Domitrius cut the air with his sword, vanishing in a flash, the helmeted head drooped downward to the expanse of silver spandex between his chest shield.

"And I'll be waiting…"

The sounds of footsteps on gravel broke the ranger away from his thoughts, and he whirled to face the five B-Squad cadets. Jack approached, his dark features smiling with a reluctant respect.

"Hey, thanks. Y'know, for back there. We've been waiting for some help."

The silver helmet inclined slightly in acknowledgement, "Don't get used to it. I'm not going to be here for long."

The red ranger's dark eyes flashed indignantly as his brow furrowed with confusion, "Our home is threatened, and you want to go somewhere else?"

The ranger responded with a barely perceptible shake, "My help is needed elsewhere. My intention was only to acquire what I need from Earth than return to my mission."

Jack squared up to the mysterious ranger, "So what are we supposed to do? We need your help."

The silver ranger advanced on the shorter man, his taller frame looming over the leader of B-Squad, "Has it occurred to you that some beings have lost their homes, had their planets decimated? Do you have any idea what it is like to have to relocate and adapt to a completely new environment?" The cold visor flashing with ire, the silver ranger lowered his deep voice to a whisper tainted with fury.

"Earth has you five to protect it. Some planets have no one."

Jack stared up into the expressionless helmet, "Who are you?"

The silver ranger turned, walking away into the distance, "I'm not a friend, if that's what you're asking…" In a silver flash, he was gone.

Bridge continued to stare at the spot where the silver ranger vanished. His powers tingled again, deluging the green ranger's senses with a potent sensation. He frowned. There was something eerily familiar about the feeling he was experiencing…something he hadn't felt in years…

xxx

The lieutenant emerged from a darkened alley, one hand placing something behind his back. Straightening out his jacket, he continued onward to his destination, jerking the black beanie even more securely over his unkempt locks covering more of the wayward strands that peeked through and adjusting the dark sunglasses to cover his unique eyes from wandering gazes. Covertly, his hand came up to tug the sleeve of his shirt to securely cover the flash of metal encircling his wrist. The lieutenant shook his head in annoyance. He was supposed to be inconspicuous during his stay on Earth, but not two days into his stay, he had already revealed his presence and to the B-Squad power rangers, no doubt. He could only hope that his emergence would not compromise either Earth or his own mission.

Keeping his eyes straight forward, he kept his hands in his pockets, adopting a casual manner to blend in with the bustling population of Newtech. No one noticed the tall, muscular man as he made his way down the streets. Nothing was spectacular about him, and passersby simply passed by without a backward glance. He was merely another average Joe, so no one noticed as misstep, he vanished as the prominent sight of the large dog's head came into view, peeking over the skyscrapers adorning the sky.

xxx

His purposeful gait and noble carriage intimidated all who caught a glimpse of the man, and no one questioned his intention as he sauntered down the hallway. They all simply assumed he was one of them. His intended target was devoid of all people, and with a quick glance around, he entered the corridor that housed all of SPD's most important files and records.

Approaching the door marked with a warning, he pressed his fingers to the pad for entry. As a green light flashed, the door slid down, exposing a number pad, and a mechanical voice provided instructions.

Enter official SPD identification code. Slowly, his fingers pressed the desired numbers and letters.

Enter five-digit access code. Once again, his hand drifted up to the pad to punch in the code stolen from the SPD computers.

Place hand on scanner for palm print identification. Obligingly, he placed his hand on the cold surface, waiting as the red beam scanned his palm. The light above the doorway flashed green with affirmation.

Access granted.

Smirking with satisfaction, he stepped over the threshold to the SPD database, allowing the door to slide shut behind him.

xxx

The five B-Squad cadets sat in the lounge area, all nervously anxious about the mysterious ranger that had aided them earlier that day. Jack paced around the room, his features twisted into a thoughtful expression.

"I mean, how do we even know he is truly SPD?" The red ranger reasoned, bracing his hands on the back of his couch, "What if he isn't some officer who went rogue or something."

Bridge shook his head, "Rogue officers are carefully monitored by SPD. He wouldn't be wearing the SPD badge."

Z gazed up at her teammates, "I wasn't aware there were more rangers aside from A-Squad. How come we don't know about this silver ranger?"

Sky shrugged, "The possibilities are endless. He could be on a special mission, he could have a specific duty that's different from the normal ranger." The blue ranger ran a hand through his brown hair.

"I mean, SPD handles all sorts of covert operations that no one is aware of all the time. Maybe he's one of those cases."

Syd frowned from her place besides Sky, "Y'know, there have always been variations of ranger colors, but I've never heard of a silver ranger."

Jack's gaze shot to the blue ranger, "Sky, both your parents were rangers. I'm sure you know your history. Has there been a silver ranger before now?"

Sky rolled his eyes at his teammate's lack of knowledge, "Of course there was. There have been titanium rangers, phantom rangers, quantum rangers, the Magna Defender, at one point there was a gold ranger. But most teams are reluctant to use the color silver because of its connotations. It's considered to be the most powerful out of all the colors and is kind of revered because of the one man who did wear the mantle." He shifted in his seat.

"Look, all of this is based on truth, but over the years, it's been twisted into folklore and myth. I don't know if it really pertains to anything."

Jack raised his hands, "Well, right now, it might help us figure who this guy is and what he wants."

Sky sighed heavily, "If that's what you think…Alright, so about thirty years ago in the late 1990s, there was one team of rangers who operated predominantly out in space, fighting against a warlord named Dark Specter. They were called the Astro rangers and were made up of the second generation of the Turbo rangers minus the team's blue ranger. Their red ranger and leader, Andros, was from the space colony KO-35, and worked alone before the rest of his team joined him. But before that, Andros fought alongside his best friend, Zhane, the silver ranger…"

Sky paused, "Are you sure we really need to know this? I mean, how do you know if it will really do any good?"

Z shook her head, "But what if this silver ranger knew about his predecessor and is working similarly to him? Knowing the history might help us…"

Sky relented, hefting another sigh, "Fine. Okay, so back then, no ranger had ever been more powerful than the silver ranger. In fact, Zhane was the most powerful ranger alive. One day, while defending KO-35 from one of Dark Specter's attacks, Zhane took a hit for Andros, and the injury almost killed him. Andros managed to keep Zhane alive through hyper sleep, or cryogenic freezing, but his powers were weakened. And when Zhane was rehabilitated, he had trouble staying morphed. When the Astro Mega ship got lost, Zhane stayed behind to aid a rebellion against Dark Specter by a group of KO-35 on the planet Centaur B. Now, it's known as Narovia. During the end of the Astro ranger's fight against Dark Specter, Zhane later came back to assist them in defeating Dark Specter and saving Andros' sister, Karone, from her state as the villaness Astronema."

Jack digested the information, continuing his pacing, "So where is this Zhane, now?"

Sky shrugged, "I don't know. I think he's still alive. He settled down with Andros on Earth in Angel Grove and married Karone. She was a ranger in the next generation known as Lost Galaxy. About a year later, they had a kid."

"And where is he?"

Beside him, Sky could feel Syd noticeably stiffen, and he worked to swallow past the lump in his throat, "No one knows. He could be anywhere."

Jack snapped his fingers, "Then the silver ranger might be him. Y'know carrying on his father's legacy."

Sky's blue eyes darkened, "Well, sometimes legacies don't turn out the way you plan. And it's not possible that he's the silver ranger."

Jack frowned, "Why?"

"Because he's presumed dead!" Sky shot out, his sapphire gaze hardening to icy chips, "And dredging up history isn't going to help any of us." His breathing steadied as Sky calmed. Swiftly, his eyes flicked to the pink ranger situated beside him. Her cornflower eyes were shut tight, a distressed look splaying across her features. Sky returned his stare to his leader.

"Some things just can't reemerge from the past," Sky glanced at the ground, his gaze flickering with a deep remorse, "no matter how bad you want them to."

Jack gaped at the blue ranger's passionate outburst, too stunned to reply. At his sides, the red ranger could see identical expressions of shock displayed on Bridge and Z's faces. But glancing at their pink ranger, Jack spotted Sydney curled up in a ball at the corner of the couch, her bright blue gaze, normally lively and chipper, dulled to a lackluster cobalt. Her face impassive and bleak, Jack frowned as her eyes stared off into the distance, almost as if she was in another place, her right hand clutching the pendant always dutifully around her neck. As the red ranger was about to question Sky on his impassionate outburst, the alarms blared from all sides.

Shaken from his trance, Sky frowned, snapping into action as his eyes hardened into his business-mode, and the blue ranger regained his composure

"That's a Code 4 alarm." Striding towards the doors, he poked his head out as the legions of cadets and officers came rushing by. Retreating his head back into the room, a worried look crossed his countenance.

"Something's wrong."

RANGERS TO THE COMMAND CENTER. ALL B-SQUAD RANGERS TO THE COMMAND CENTER.

The rangers exchanged worried looks as the announcement floated through the speakers. Something was up.

xxx

A flash of silver light radiated through the midday air, and a tall, strapping young man materialized, startling an elderly lady walking by. Mumbling his apologies, he broke off into a sprint, dodging pedestrians as from the interior of the academy, the many alarms sounded. Cursing lightly, he disappeared in a burst of radiance. No one was supposed to be in the corridor at that time, but one hapless cadet had spotted him and pressed the alarm. Now, he was on the run.

"Hold it right there."

He slowed to a stop as the commanding voice cut through his path, and he turned to face the five cadets impeding his progress. The red ranger stepped forward, extending his SPD morpher.

"I think it is in your best interest to return what you've stolen from SPD."

The lieutenant smirked, hiding behind the façade as a brash, run of the mill street hoodlum. He couldn't reveal his identity to the rangers. His reputation was notorious at the academy, and if he acted like himself, they were sure to pick up on his real identity. The lieutenant couldn't take the risk. His presence was already subjecting Earth into more danger. Adopting a cocky lean, he feigned ignorance.

"Stolen, me? Good officer, surely you jest."

An amused lilt crossing the African-American man's face, he shook his head, "Look, we have evidence of your crime. Now, we can take you by force or you can come peacefully with us."

Still playing his role, the lieutenant simulated deep contemplation, "Hmm, decisions, decisions…" Turning to the rangers, he settled into a fighting stance, "So resistance was Option A?"

Sighing in defeat, Jack holstered his morpher, "All right, don't say we didn't warn you…"

Their tall opponent smirked, inclining his head to the team of rangers, "Consider myself duly notified …"

Jack paused for a moment, momentarily taken aback at the man's offhand audacity. Regaining his composure, the red ranger jerked his head to his team, "You heard the man…"

Bridge was the first to rush in. The lieutenant sidestepped to the left, parrying the green ranger's lead punch. Throwing out an elbow, he caught Bridge on the forehead, knocking the younger man back. Snapping his right leg up, the lieutenant sent the green ranger tumbling backwards with a snap kick. As Z advanced from the side, he warded her back with a tornado kick before whirling to catch a blow from Syd on his forearm. Ducking underneath a wild swipe from the yellow ranger, the lieutenant sent Z reeling as a ferocious left cross connected. Returning his attention back to Syd, he blocked two roundhouse punches before sending the pink ranger down as he swept her leg.

Sky circled patiently around their opponent. Darting in, he snapped off a quick right jab that whistled past the lieutenant's head as he ducked. The blue ranger went on the attack again, throwing out a series of punches in rapid succession. Sky allowed a frustrated growl to tear through his lips as each blow was deflected aside with a quick and deft hand. The blue ranger's opponent danced out of his reach, a smug grin tilting the corner of his mouth. As another punch cut through the air, the lieutenant grasped the blue ranger's wrist, jerking the arm around in a hammer lock. Knocking Sky off balance, the lieutenant spun the blue ranger around to tumble into his teammates. Straightening out the snug leather jacket, the mysterious stranger smirked.

"And then there was one…"

Jack glared out at the man opposite him, observing his appearance. His eyes were covered by tinted sunglasses, and a black beanie was pulled low over his ears, the pale blonde strands peaking out. His strong chin, graced with pale blonde stubble, lifted up, to leer at the red ranger. He looked like nothing more than what the red ranger used to be, a street rat carousing New Tech's downtown roads. But something about this seemingly normal man alerted the red ranger. He couldn't just be normal…

The lieutenant strolled casually around Jack as B-Squad's leader eyed his opponent, his hands clenched at his sides, ready for battle. The red ranger was slightly unnerved as the culprit stuck his hands in his pockets, and his steady gait was laid-back, almost nonchalant. The lieutenant tilted his head at his companion, his tone light and conversational.

"Y'know, they say that the red is a color that is most associated with rangers, and especially the red rangers are held in rather lofty regard." The lieutenant gave a flippant skip, behaving like he was taking a leisurely jaunt through the park not fighting a battle.

"Even the most prevalent ranger in history, Tommy Oliver, served two terms as a red ranger. There is a certain sheen to the mantle of the man or woman who wears scarlet. Only the best are truly worthy." The lieutenant paused, rocking back and forth on his heels.

"So what do you say, Cadet? Are you worthy?"

Jack glowered, snapping into a battle-ready stance, "More than you'll ever be."

Easing into his own fighting stance, his opponent beckoned the red ranger forward, "Well then, ranger, perhaps a demonstration is in order."

Jack growled rushing forward. As he lunged at the taller man, the red ranger stumbled as his opponent disappeared.

"Tsk, tsk. So quick to rush. Patience, red ranger."

Jack seethed, pivoting to face his adversary as the man reappeared behind the cadet. Advancing again, Jack kicked out wildly. With astounding agility, the stranger sidestepped, allowing Jack to fly by. Bristling, Jack threw out punch after punch, his frustration mounting as each blow missed its target by a considerably margin. Moving with impressive speed, the lieutenant evaded each strike effortlessly but did not retaliate.

Backing away from the man, Jack stared, breathing heavily. His challenger stood a ways away, composed and relaxed. In one last attempt, the red ranger charged, throwing out a heady punch. With a simple parry, Jack's arm was knocked across his body. As another hook came from the opposite fist, the same result occurred, leaving the red ranger in a helpless situation with his arms locked in their crossed position. A quick smirk flashed across his opponent's face before the man knocked Jack's arms upward. Whirling, the lieutenant sent the red ranger skidding back to rest at the feet of his team with a leaping mule kick.

The rangers helped their leader up, the team bruised, battered, and exhausted from the confrontation while their opponent was still at ease. Straightening out the snug leather jacket that hung across his broad shoulders, the lieutenant cocked an eyebrow to the B-Squad team.

"Well, rangers. I daresay it's been an entertaining experience. It's not every day that a lout like myself gets to rumble with the acclaimed B-Squad rangers." Wiggling his fingers in a wave, the lieutenant turned.

"Until we meet again, rangers."

The team looked on as he disappeared in a flash of silver. Still breathing heavily, Jack jerked his head.

"We should get back. Cruger might have something."

xxx

From the Command Center, Commander Cruger glanced up from the monitor displaying the fight. A hefty sigh wracked the dog's body as he glanced at Dr. Manx at his side. The doctor's feline features contorted into a melancholy expression.

"This is going to pose a problem, isn't it, Commander?"

Cruger growled in response, his big eyes shining with an unreadable expression, "Indeed it is, Ms. Manx. His presence here can only signify the worst, and I worry about that meaning."

Kat glanced at the commander, "What do we do about it."

"There is nothing, Kat but let everything run its course." Cruger looked up to the monitor as the lieutenant disappeared, "And that is what worries me the most…"

xxx

The lieutenant reached into the lapel pocket of his jacket, withdrawing the small disc that ensured the future of a people. His long strides decisive and quick, he turned sharply to a familiar dumpster in the middle of an alley. Thumping on the metal with his fist, he waited patiently as the cover slid open to reveal the prickly face of Piggy.

"I hear you are a being that can make things happen."

Piggy sniffed at the clean intruder, his features contorting in disgust, "But of course. With a price."

The lieutenant chuckled, smiling with amusement, "I have a feeling you'll be generous enough to let this one go on the house."

Piggy frowned, "And what in Saturn's rings would make you think that?"

Casually, the man lowered his sunglasses, allowing his pale eyes to twinkle at the alien, "The appearance of an old friend."

At the sight of the familiar eyes, Piggy hastily relented with a nod of his head, "What do you need?"

Coming Up:

A look into the past

Sky and Syd bond over mutual heartache

Something that will turn two people's lives upside down

So there we go to the next chapter. We now know the name of Syd's mystery boyfriend and know that he was also Sky's best friend. We have also met the mysterious silver ranger and know that he is the lieutenant as well. But that's about it…unless you readers have deduced other information – which I have no doubt you all did. Pay attention to detail. I left MAJOR hints. I know that I made the lieutenant seem like a jackass in the fight scene but that was to ward off suspicion of his real identity. Don't worry, he is a good guy, after all.

Major Sky/Sadness next chapter. Hope you all review!

Roxie