Disclaimer: I own nothing except Ink and Alice.

Ranger References: Contains scenes from the Time Force episode 'A Calm Before The Storm' and refers a lot to events that happened in 'Reflections of Evil'. I'm finding this arc of the story really really tough to write so I apologise if it's not that impressive! Author Shout-outs at the end, hope u enjoy!

TIMES ARE A'CHANGING

"Astro Booster! Um…so that's the Astro Rangers!"

"Space Rangers."

"They're known by either so I still get that point."

The mood in the Clock Tower's upper room was extremely light-hearted and had been the Rangers had realised that when they captured Ransik, they could go home. It had made everybody excited and even Wes, who knew he'd be left behind, was excited for them and was currently downstairs helping Jen man the counter and repair some watches someone had brought in the day before. Lucas was out on a job as a delivery driver and Trip and Katie had managed to convince Alice to join in a game with them.

Alice grinned, the blue gun in her hands disappearing immediately. Trip and Katie sat in front of her, arguing lightly about who was right or wrong. It was one of their favourite games to guess the weapon and team it belonged to. Ever since they'd gone over the history of the Rangers for Wes, Katie and Trip had wanted to try and remember all they could of their lineage. Circuit could provide images on the holoscreen of teams from time gone by and Alice could help them prep up on the weapons used. Ink sat on a chair, her fingers flickering in the space in front of her and weaving strands of purple magic together idly. Her mind was somewhere else entirely.

There should be no side effects from staying within that mirror world to fight, Eric. If you feel at any time nauseous or as though you are disappearing then tell me. Then Alice and I will work our skills to sufficiently ground you here.

Reassuring, thanks, Ink. So you're saying I could just disappear?

Moving between dimensions is often troublesome for mortals who are not used to it, even those who possess the Power as you do. It is not something that I can say for sure will not happen

Eric growled angrily to himself, the latest Time Force adventure had involved getting sucked into mirrors and strange dimensions and it had unnerved him. He was going over some Guardian reports in his office at Bio-Lab before his weekly meeting with Mr Collins about the status of the troops he commanded. His boss liked to know how everything was running and if there was any chance they could make more money. Truth be told, Mr Collins had changed considerably since his brush with death dealt to him by Ransik. He still wanted to make the most money that he could out of his resources but he now understood his son's place was with the Rangers and allowed for them to help out the Guardians in their work. It made Eric's job a lot easier.

He shrugged out of the Lightspeed Rescue jacket Ink had brought him on the night the Lightspeed Rescue Rangers had left, dropping it onto his chair. He'd been strangely pleased when she'd presented it to him a few weeks ago. He wore it on colder days for extra warmth and always had to field probing questions from some of the Guardians who had lived in Mariner Bay and wanted to know all about Eric's time fighting with the Lightspeed Rescue Rangers. He'd refused to tell them anything. Ryan had come to see him a few days later and taken him out for a drink. Eric found he enjoyed the Titanium Ranger's company more every time he saw him; there was such a feeling of familiarity between them. They'd exchanged numbers and Eric had found himself cautiously referring to Ryan as a good friend, certainly someone he could talk to and probably count on in an emergency. Someone who knew the feelings of what he'd been through when he was younger, probably the only one.

Anyway I can stop the side effects? He frowned, his concentration slipping as he tried to find the financial report from the past month Mr Collins always insisted he bring along. He felt Ink shake her head.

Only if you are willing to go under some serious magical experimentation. Alice and I could scan your body for remnants of anything picked up in that mirror world and work to eradicate it.

How long would it take?

Several hours but honestly, I think you would enjoy working with the Silver Guardians more. If you do feel overly dizzy or out of sync with the world around you, I will know and come to aid you.

I'm not going to miss work because of some mirror bug. I need the money.

And you will not miss work unless something happens inside of you; the chances of this happening are very slim. You did not get bitten by Venomark when most of the city was taken ill from his venom.

"Commander, Mr Collins is asking for you," Eric turned to see a Guardian standing in his office doorway. "He wants you in his office in five minutes."

"Thanks, Wells," Eric nodded at the Guardian who saluted and exited quickly, knowing that the Commander valued his privacy.

Gotta go, Ink.

Indeed amusement coloured Ink's thoughts. I take it I will see you later?

Unless I suddenly win the lottery? Tell Alice I'll play her at draughts tonight. Ryan told me she knows how to play.

She will be thrilled

Was that sarcasm?

I could not possibly comment and you are going to be late for your meeting. Until later, Quantum Ranger

Later

Ink blinked slowly and lightly let the purple chain bracelet she'd created float in the air. It was studded with large crystals and drifted over to Katie who giggled as it slid into her open hand.

"Cute. Thanks, Ink."

"I can't believe you still make jewellery," snorted Alice. "I'd have thought by now you'd have graduated further than that to something more impressive like statues or something."

"Only if I want to."

"Ink, Dulcea isn't here anymore. You can make what you want now."

Trip looked between the two of them; it was the most sisterly he'd ever seen them act. Usually Alice treated Ink with a great amount of respect tempered with affection but since they'd been spending more time with the Time Force Rangers, Alice treated her more and more like a human sister would.

"I think there's a story here," he commented.

"Not much of one," corrected Ink, leaning forward and pressing a fingertip to the bracelet in Katie's hand so that it turned from purple to yellow. "Dulcea, our eldest sister, forbade me from created anything larger when we were younger. Her magic is for bringing life to creatures she has created but I conjure inanimate objects. The two are opposite and Dulcea felt that making anything larger would interfere with her magic as well as disturb the others' work."

"Others?" asked Katie confused, fiddling with the bracelet.

"Our sisters. There are many of us. Guardians and Protectors to the legions of Power Rangers on this planet and the others," explained Ink with a nostalgic proud smile. "I have not seen them since Zordon passed on and we decided to fly to our various posts, to stay there until we were needed. Alice and I came to Earth and buried ourselves beneath it. Dulcea, her work done by the time Zordon was gone, is waiting for us to return when our work here is completed."

"So when we go home, you get to go home too!" exclaimed Katie happily. "How long have you been here on Earth?"

"Too many centuries to count," laughed Alice. "I like it down here. When we're done, I'll go back to Eltar with Ink for a while but then I'm coming straight back to help Ryan out."

"What's Eltar like?" asked Trip fascinated.

"It is different from Earth. There are less people, many of them are space wizards as Zordon was and now they live to continue his mission of peace and balance throughout the galaxies. The place itself is shaped vastly differently too. It is a deep blue and it is the place we call home because that was where we were created and where our siblings who have served their duties wait for our return," answered Ink almost dreamily. "Truthfully, it is a place I miss greatly sometimes."

"Were you just created the way you are now or did you grow up like humans do?" asked Trip interestedly.

"Like we had time to grow up," muttered Alice loudly, arms crossed. "We were just created at a certain age and we do mature. I'm younger than Ink and when I was first born, she didn't have the silver streaks in her hair. It just takes us longer to age than mortals do. How old do you guys think we look?"

Trip and Katie regarded the sisters carefully. Ink hid a smile. It could be a very dangerous question to answer though she herself wouldn't be offended by whatever figure they came up with together. A small wave of worry emitted from Eric. Frowning, she stared off out of the window to try and concentrate.

"I'd say by our standards you're somewhere near twenty," Katie said at last to Alice. "As for Ink, I don't know. Maybe thirty-five?"

"Ha! Zordon's work did pay off then!" exclaimed Alice triumphantly, turning to look at her sister and noting her far-off expression. "Sister, are you ok? Is it Eric?"

"Yes, Alice. I am not sure but something has perturbed him but I am sure we will hear of it soon," Ink answered, turning her dazed attention back to the people in the room. "And thank you, Katie, thirty-five is very flattering."

"What did you mean? Zordon's work paid off?" Trip wanted to know.

"Oh he created us to look the right age for Earth, you know not look as old as our Earth years would be. I estimate I should look about twenty-two by your timeline and Ink should be somewhere around thirty-nine. Good guesswork."

Katie slid the bracelet onto her wrist and held it out in front of her to admire. Alice bent down to take a better look.

"Not bad, sister. Considering you were distracted when you made it," she decided. "She made all my jewellery for me."

"It was a fun thing to do for you my sister," replied Ink pleasantly as she turned to Trip and Katie to explain. "Since I am part of a technological team and linked to a partly technological power, I can create solid objects of metal and wire. It has proved useful and it is nice to be able to give something to your sister which you have made yourself."

She trailed off as the feeling of discomfort and worry flowed from Eric again.

Eric? What is wrong?

Crystals. Zaskin's talking about making crystals, from the Zirium Powder. The ones you told me about – what were they called?

Trizirum Crystals. Eric, are you telling me that Mr Collins is going to create Trizirium Crystals?

I'll tell you more soon. I'm coming over to see you..

"Eric is coming to the Clock Tower," she announced out-loud.

"Eric's coming here? He never does that!" exclaimed Trip in surprise.

"It must be important then," interpreted Alice seriously.

"Indeed," was all Ink said as she returned to staring out of the window and her mind spinning through the thousands of possibilities.

"So we're agreed then, fifty new Silver Guardians," concluded Mr Collins.

Eric nodded as he flipped through the papers in his gloved hands and was about to add about additional weaponry costs when he realised someone else was in the room.

"There's been a breakthrough in the Zirium Powder research!" Dr Zaskin announced as he placed a silver briefcase on the desk.

He produced a small plastic tub from the case which he passed to Mr Collins. Eric frowned, trying to remember where he'd heard about Zirium Powder before and why it sounded so familiar. Then he remembered. Ink had told him, filled him in on what he'd missed when he wasn't part of the team. It was something that Frax, that insane gold robot that had now broken away from Ransik, used to create crystals. Crystals, what was it about crystals that had got Ink so worried?

"Our team has determined that this powder is not just a useless by-product. Its molecular structure can form a crystal," Dr Zaskin continued excitedly.

What was it about crystals? Eric fought hard to try and remember what it was Ink had told him one of those evenings they'd sat and talked over what had gone on before he'd become the Quantum Ranger which could be important to him and his work. He watched impatiently as Mr Collins opened the tub to reveal small spikey amber-coloured crystal. He pulled two pieces out, playing with them in his hands

"What's so special about it?" asked Mr Collins urgently.

"The energy in one crystal could light up an entire city! If we could just combine the crystals to be large enough……"

Mr Collins looked at the crystals and slowly brought them together. A light so brilliant that Eric had to briefly close his eyes appeared between the two. Mr Collins laughed in delight. This could not be good. For some reason, Eric felt his stomach turn. Something niggled in his mind about crystals, the crystals Frax had made and been so pleased about according to Ink. Something wrong.

"Can we combine them?" he heard Mr Collins ask eagerly. There was silence in which Eric guessed Dr Zaskin nodded, he was too busy wracking his brains for some memory or clue. "Well get your best scientists on it!"

They had a name he knew that. Something complicated.

Eric? What is wrong?

Crystals. Zaskin's talking about making crystals, from the Zirium Powder. The ones you told me about – what were they called?

Trizirum Crystals. Eric, are you telling me that Mr Collins is going to create Trizirium Crystals?

I'll tell you more soon. I'm coming over to see you.

He stopped then and turned to Mr Collins who was carefully marking some statistics down. The name of the crystals had sparked off a memory. They were created in the future, something that helped when electricity began to run out and a new way to light buildings was needed. Ink had told him they weren't meant to be made now and that she'd hoped that they'd all been destroyed. He'd have to cut this Guardian meeting short.

"Mr Collins? I need to leave, sir. I have some urgent Ranger business to attend to," he spoke out-loud.

Mr Collins looked up surprised but smiled at his Silver Guardian Commander.

"That's fine, Eric. I'll need you back here soon though for news on the Guardian drills."

"I'll make sure of it."

With a brief salute, Eric marched from the room. If he drove fast, he'd get to the Clock Tower in no time.

"Ok so that's about $50 altogether," concluded Jen, slipping an elastic band around the roll of bills she'd just counted. "And when Lucas gets back from that delivery job, that'll be at least ten dollars more."

"That's great! We've really had some good luck with work recently," mused Wes, leaning on the opposite side of the counter to her.

"Let's just hope that luck continues," Jen replied neutrally. "Things are a little too quiet round here. I mean, I'm glad we have some time to breathe but Ransik never stays quiet for long."

Wes nodded, leaning on his hand as he gazed at Jen. She was so busy putting the money away safely; she didn't seem to notice his attentions. She was so beautiful, did she even realise it? Wes frowned a little as he caught sight of the sparkling engagement ring on her finger. No matter how strong his feelings were for the Pink Ranger he still didn't know where he stood since she wore another man's ring. The man who happened to be his distant descendant. When had life got so damn complicated?

A knock at the door disturbed his thoughts and he straightened up as the door opened to reveal, of all people, Eric. Eric looked very uncomfortable as he walked in and seemed unsure as he gazed around the room.

"Eric, hey what's up?" Wes asked uncertainly as he turned to look at his friend.

"I thought you'd want to know that Bio-Lab is doing some research. They're trying to make a Trizirium Crystal," Eric said finally.

"Trizirium Crystals? But they shouldn't be made for a hundred years!" exclaimed Jen, walking around the counter to Wes's side.

"Well if it's up to Mr Collins, they'll have one a lot sooner than that," replied Eric calmly. "I think you need to have a talk with your father, Wes."

Wes nodded, horrified shock still showing on his face. It was an expression mirrored on Jen's face.

"Well….." Eric turned awkwardly to go, suddenly feeling very out of place but Wes's voice calling his name stopped him and turned back.

"Thanks for the information," Wes said with a nod.

Do not leave, Quantum Ranger

Purple smoke appeared between Wes and Eric and moments later it crystallised into Ink, hands touching her shoulders. She smiled widely at him.

"It is a pleasure to have you here, Eric," she said. "What news do you bring about the Trizirium Crystals?"

"According to Dr Zaskin they have the power to light up an entire city. Mr Collins wants them to be created from the Zirium Powder; he knows he could make a lot of money from this," relayed Eric rapidly, taking a step closer to his Guardian as a serious expression dropped over her smile.

"This is not good," Ink murmured, her eyes worried. "And there is no way you can stop him, Eric?"

"I don't have that much influence," admitted Eric grudgingly. "But Wes does."

Ink turned to look at a surprised Wes. He stepped forward.

"I'll do all I can but I can't promise Dad'll listen to me," he said.

"You are his son, Red Ranger. You have more influence over him than the rest of us put together," Ink encouraged, taking his hand in her's and squeezing it gently. "Please see what you can do."

With a nod at everyone and a final look back at Jen, Wes broke away to retrieve his motorbike from outside for his trip to Bio-Lab headquarters. Eric turned back to Ink.

"Well I need to get back to my meeting with Mr Collins," he said with a sigh. "I'll see you later, Ink."

"Quantum Ranger," Ink stepped forward, glancing back to see Jen hurry upstairs to tell the others what was happening. "Thank you for sharing your acquired information. It will help that the whole team are aware of the situation"

"Working in a team does have its benefits," was all Eric said. "Gets the job done quicker and more efficiently."

Ink smiled at me, a smile that lifted the years from her. Eric blinked in surprise.

"You have changed my Quantum Ranger and I am proud of you," she said simply. "I will see you tonight."

As Eric left, Ink's face dropped into a frown. The end was in sight with so many mutants locked away and only a few remaining but what end would be created? Even now as Wes raced to stop his father from changing the future, the timeline was shifting and she, a sorceress of time and magic, could not tell what would form eventually. That worried Ink more than anything else.

AUTHOR NOTES

White Time Ranger: Hey glad to hear you aced your assignment! That's great news. Thanks as always for your review which made me smile a lot! U never fail to drop me a few lines which means a lot so thank you! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and that it didn't interfere with your work this time:- )

Cmar: Wow what a lot of reviews! U always give me food for thought and certainly help me develop my writing through your thoughtful constructive criticism. My fave chapter of the Lightspeed arc is 'The Boys Left Behind' too, I'm glad you enjoyed that one so much. I know I tend to go a bit too much and I really should stop overdoing a point. I really am trying but I'm finding this final arc so hard to write. Thanks again for your amazing words :- )

Mag Cat: LOL well I didn't really feel it was necessary for the TF Rangers to do the LR Rangers morphing sequence as well! It would have been kinda pointless. I promise I'll try and keep Ryan and Eric's friendship mentioned. I reckon they'd remain friends long after the team-up ep. Thanks again for your review and hope you liked this chapter :- )

TF Princess: Thanks for your kind words, I'm glad you think I got Wes's thoughts right. The whole chapter was fun to write as it was a lighthearted break from the darkness of the season's (and this story's) final arc. Hope you enjoy this chapter:- )