"I want to be assigned to Search and Rescue Squadron," demanded Sky as he faced Commander Cruger. It had been two days and still no sign of Dru or his ship. And no one seemed to be any closer to finding out what had happened to him and why they lost contact. Sky wanted answered and he wanted them now. Dru had been there for him when he first joined the academy, he felt he owed it to Dru to be there for his friend now.

"I cannot permit you to join Search and Rescue Squadron, Cadet Tate," exclaimed Cruger as he looked Sky right in the eyes. "Your time is needed here," his voice was firm. He had thought with time that Sky's attitude would change, but it seemed to only have gotten worse.

"My time!" exclaimed Sky furiously not backing down. "My time is being wasted baby-sitting." He could feel his frustration growing, his best friend was missing and no one seemed to give a damn about how he felt. Cruger wouldn't even take the time to understand why he would want to be placed in Search and Rescue Squadron. Did they really expect him to sit back and do nothing? Was he just supposed to turn his back on Dru and forget all about him?

Cruger eyed Sky sharply. "I wasn't aware that training with your teammates was baby-sitting to you."

Partly ashamed for his choice of words, Sky turned away and took a deep breath before meeting Commander Cruger's gaze once again. "Dru's my friend, sir. If he's in trouble I want to help him."

If only he knew. But he couldn't tell Sky, not now anyway. If Sky knew the truth about Dru, about Dru's believed betrayal. Cruger knew that Sky would fall apart and push himself even further from the others than he already does. It would push Sky farther away from him and put a wedge in their already complicated relationship. "I know," he answered softly. "And that is why I cannot grant your request to join. You would be too emotionally involved and I can't have that. I'm sorry Sky." Cruger knew what one would do for the bounds of friendship. He knew how loyal Sky was, he was the kind of man who would do anything for his friends. And that's what scared Cruger. He was afraid that if the intel of Dru's betrayal is true that would put Sky in grave danger. Dru may have already killed one cadet, he would not let Sky be the next.

Sky left without saying another word. What could he have said; there was nothing he could have said or done to get Cruger to listen to him. He felt powerless, like his life was no longer in his hands. That each and everyday his life was being set out and planned by everybody, but himself. Ever since he arrived, Cruger had planned his days. He was tired of doing what everyone wanted him to do. It was time to put himself in charge of his life. He was going work hard and prove to Cruger that he deserved to be a Ranger, to be at the top, be one of the best. No more of this kid stuff. It was time for him to become a man.

He passed by the lounge and found Syd and Bridge playing lightball. "Hey Sky, come on and play a few rounds with us," announced Bridge as he waved his friend over.

"Yeah. It'll be fun, Sky," smiled Syd. "Just like always."

"Sorry, but I don't have time for those kid's games," he replied harshly as he passed by the room heading towards the gym. He needed to train. Train more than he ever has before.

"Since when are we considered kids?" announced Syd, slightly offended by Sky's statement. Sure he could be a bit pigheaded at times, but he never referred to either her or Bridge as kids. They had been equals or so she thought.

"Well, technically we are kids and Sky is an adult, being over eighteen and all," announced Bridge seeing the logic behind what Sky said.

Syd just shook her head and looked at Bridge, not being able to believe he had said that; well, she could believe it, but still. Fed up with the whole thing, she left the lounge without saying a word.

"What? What did I say?" asked Bridge, totally oblivious to what had just happened.

"How goes everything on KO-35, Tykwa?" asked Commander Cruger as he contacted her through the visual communication screen. Tykwa, years ago, had been a close friend to both Zhane and Andros, as well as the other Rangers. Years ago she was part of the Kerovian rebel retreat when their planet had been attacked, but that was over twenty-three years ago. Since then KO-35 was a peaceful planet. She had been a respected elder leader on her home planet.

"It is well. Thank you for asking, we are doing much better now," she replied. Tykwa was now in her fifties, and had been left in charge of KO-35 ever since Kinwon had died without leaving behind an heir to take his place. He had no children; if Zhane hadn't died he would be next in line, because he was Kinwon's nephew. But until a new leader could be appointed, Tykwa was in charge of the planet.

"That is good to hear." His face then became very grim. "How are-"

"Better. It's… It's been a long time now. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself Anubis," she told him with a gentle smile. It had been known for years by many officials of KO-35 that Commander Cruger held himself fully responsible for the deaths of the Rangers, along with the fall of his planet and the loss of young Mora. It was a burden he had never been able to free himself of, a burden he didn't want to be free of.

"Yes. It's never easy for a parent to have to lose a child; even worse for it to two children and a grandchild," Cruger said with a heavy sigh. The very thought was unimaginable.

"Anders and Zelda are strong."

She was right, even after all they had been through, they had survived. First having their daughter kidnapped, their son fighting in a war, and years later having ther daughter returned to them, but not for long. Years later they would lose both their son and daughter and so much more. Something no parent should have to go through. But despite all their loses, all the tradegies that came before them. Anders and Zelda remained together and their faith never wavered. He admired that. "Yes they are."

"How are things on Earth?"

"We're doing well."

"Yes. I've heard you have a remarkable set of A squad Rangers."

"Yes, you've heard right. But I've heard you have a great set of Rangers as well."

"Yes, that we do." She smiled. Her face then became very serious, it was unlike Cruger to make social calls. "I expect there is some reason that you contacted me; this isn't a social call, is it?"

"No. I just wanted to know how Sinuku is doing."

"Still locked up and accounted for. We still haven't been able to get anything out of him, but don't worry, we will. How is Dr. Rheas doing?"

"She's fine. I have my squads keeping an eye on her, from a safe distance."

"Good." Her face then became serious. "I was sorry to hear about Officer Dru Harringtion." She saw a flash of concern cross Cruger's face. "Don't worry. It's all kept quiet here; only the officers out on the search for him know of his abandonment."

"Have you talked to Crystal, his supposed girlfriend?"

"Unfortunately, five months ago she was killed in an explosion."

"I am sorry to hear that. She was a good pilot." He felt a pang of guilt, like it had been his fault, if he hadn't…

"Commander Cruger, it isn't your fault."

He nodded his head. "Yes. Well I should let you get back to your work."

"It was good to hear from you, Commander Cruger."

"And you as well."

Kat and other doctors looked over the new cadets and officers, checking to make sure they were fit and healthy to be able to join into SPD daily training sessions. Anyone who showed signs that could interfere in their training and field work would have to undergo further testing.

Dr. Manx had already seen twenty new cadets, five of whom would need to go through more tests, to make sure that they would be able to handle the intense workouts and training. A young girl with long hair, a ponytail on each side, walked up to Kat and closed the room to the exam room. Kat looked down at her chart looking for the girl's name. She looked up and smiled. "You must be Sophie. I'm Dr. Manx."

"It's nice to meet you," smiled Sophie.

Kat looked down at her chart again, going over Sophie's file.

"Is there something wrong?" asked Sophie a little nervous.

"Um." Kat looked up from her tablet, a little confused. "It seems that some of your information is missing from what we have on file."

"Is that going to be a problem?"

Kat shook her head. "No. I'm sure the board must have mixed up your papers when they scanned them in. It happens all the time." Kat smiled. "I just need to know your age and then we can get started."

Sophie seemed a bit hesitant but then quickly responded with, "I'm fifteen."

"Okay, now if you can hop up here we can get started." Kat pointed to a lab bed.

Sophie hopped on and watched as Kat picked up a scanner of some sort. "What is that?"

"This is the new and improved way of scanning the body, one swipe and I get an entire profile of all your internal organs and bones." Kat typed in a few numbers, getting the device ready. "We want to make sure that there's nothing in there that shouldn't be. Make sure you're not a cyborg or anything," she joked.

Sophie didn't seem too amused; she seemed to tense up as Kat swiped the machine over her. The light began to flash as the power went out. Sophie felt her heart racing, as she slowly moved her hand and sort of waved it near the machine.

"That's strange." And just as she said it the power came back on. "There we go." Kat looked on the screen and saw a profile of human bones and organs.

"Everything okay?" asked Sophie.

"Better than okay." She turned to Kat. "You passed with flying colors. You're free to go."

"Thank you." Sophie smiled and hopped off and started towards the exit of the lab room.

"Strange though, the last girl that came in passed with flying colors too."

Sophie laughed under her breath. "We both must be really healthy then."

"I guess so." Kat smiled and watched as Sophie walked out of the room and a new cadet walked in. "You must be Matt."

It had been a little more than five years since he left home, even less since he met Z and swore to her that he would look out for her, be her older brother. And although they were very different, they were close as any brother and sister could be, maybe even more. They could always tell what the other was feeling.

It didn't seem to surprise Jack that he would grow up doing the same thing his parents had done, helping those less fortunate. Although his way was a little more different, not exactly legal and it could be dangerousat times. It was however rewarding. He felt a thrill of excitement every time he helped someone who at one point had nothing and after he helped them, they had something. So in the end it was worth it, even if what they were doing was stealing, but as he would always tell Z, it was no different than what Robin Hood had done. And it did help that Z was able to duplicate herself, so they were able to get done a lot faster.

"You know one of these days we're going to get caught," announced Z as she got back into the truck. She knew their luck could only last so long before the law caught up with them. Not something she was looking forward to. If she thought growing up in a group home was bad, she knew going to prison would be worse.

Jack smirked, brushing it off. He had no fear, he had grown accustomed to living on the edge. "Come on, Z, have a little faith." He started the engine. "Besides, we're doing it for a good cause."

"Easy for you to say, Casper." She grinned, she could never be mad at Jack. Part of her knew this was important to him, it was his calling. The only thing was, she wasn't so sure it was her calling and at the same time, didn't know what she wanted. She was like so many sixteen years olds: always mixing up what they wanted and what they needed.

"Casper, we're back to that again." He grinned as he pulled out on the streets.

Z fell silent; she wasn't sure where she would be if it hadn't been for Jack. He had become her family, but that didn't stop her from thinking about the family she had once had. She missed her parents more than anything and often wondered if they were watching over her, whether they were proud of her. Some nights she would wake up from a dream and think she was back in her old home and everything was okay, but when she opened her eyes, she would see she was in the truck and Jack not too far away from her fast asleep.

"What are you thinking about?" asked Jack looking over at her as they drove up the road.

She smiled. "Nothing." She had given up on asking Jack about his parents; every time he would act as if he hadn't heard her. But that didn't stop her from wondering if Jack ever thought about them, wondering how they were, what they were doing or whether they were even alive. She could only imagine that they were probably worried and wondered every day what had happened to their son. Some days she was angry at him for what he did to his parents. She would do anything to have her parents back and Jacks parents we're likely out there worried sick about their son who appeared not to care.

"Where is that freak-a-zoid?" announced a young boy as he and two others were searching, searching the basketball court of the children's home.

"Forget about him, we can get him later. I'm hungry," exclaimed another boy.

"Me too," answered the third boy.

"You're always hungry, Frankie." The bigger boy searched around again, but there was no one else in sight, only a few pieces of sports equipment lying around and a couple of dumpsters. "Yeah, I guess you're right, let's go."

Once the three boys were back in the building, Sam reappeared and stepped out from behind the dumpster. His special ability enabled him to be able to teliport to a hiding spot where he would be seen then he could temiport himself back when he wanted to be seen or when it was safe for him to come out of hiding. He had been here for two years and so far had made few friends, no one liked him and no one seemed to want to adopt him either. He had learned a year ago that his father had been arrested for abandoning him; shortly thereafter his father's rights towards him had been dropped and he became a ward of the state, an orphan. No one wanted him, not even his own father.

He sat down and leaned his back against the dumpster. He knew he could run away, but what would be the point, sooner or later someone would find him and he would be returned here or be placed in some other group home. All he wanted was to be like everyone else, then maybe the other kids would want to be his friend, then maybe his father would want him. Although, he barely remembered his father now; he wasn't even sure, if he ever even saw him again, that he would know that was his father. He couldn't picture him. He couldn't remember the sound of his voice.

Sam pulled a small photo from his jacket, the only photo he had left. It was of him and his mother, back when they had been happy. "I wish you were here, Mom." He stared at the picture for a long moment and soon felt a tear trickle down his face. "I wish I could have saved you."

It was late, but he didn't care. He had to become stronger, so he could prove to Cruger and everyone else here that he was ready to take the next step and not be held back. Sky punched the punching bag with great fury. He put everything he had into every single punch that he threw; he combined his punches with his kicks. His moves were quick and graceful, as if he didn't need to think about them, like they had been built into his mind since he was a child.

"Sky?" Syd yawned as she walked into the gym wearing her pajamas; she had gotten hungry and decided to head towards the kitchen for a midnight snack when she found Sky training. "Sky, what are you doing up this late, you should be in bed."

"I'm training!" Sky eyes met hers. "Plus curfew hours don't apply to me," he answered rudely as he continued to punch and jab at the punching bag. "Now, you on the other hand, you better head back to your room before I report you to Commander Cruger."

"What's eating you?" she asked. "You know what, fine!" She threw up her hands and stormed out of the gym, giving up. It had become clear that whatever has been going on with Sky as of late he wasn't going to open up to her. "Sorry for being concerned about your wellbeing."

"Huh. Wh-a going on," yawned Bridge as he started into the gym.

"Come on Bridge, I'll walk you back to your room," Syd replied to Bridge in a gentle kind voice, but not before she glared back at Sky. "Before Mr. Personality tells the big dog on us." Syd grabbed Bridge's hand and led him out.

He yawned again. "Okay. Night, Sky."

He didn't even notice that they had left. His mind was too set on his own priorities to care about anything else at the moment. Don't worry Dru, someday I promise I'll find out what happened to you.

1 year later…

"Dr. Manx, you'd better have a good reason for calling me down here. I was going over tactics with the A squad on their upcoming mission." If there was one thing he hated it was being interrupted.

"It is, sir." Kat went over to her computer and began typing in a few keys. "You remember our 'Robinhood Copycats'?"

"Yes. They have been a problem for the last two years, and as of yet, none of the SPD Officers have been able to do as much as get an identification on either one of them," he exclaimed.

Kat smiled. "Well, last night the department store camera was lucky enough to get a clear picture of both the thieves," She moved aside so he could watch the video. "And that's not all, I found out why no one has been able to get a clear identification of them."

Cruger watched as a young man and woman quickly made their way through the department store, gathering what they could. In quick flashes he began seeing more than one of the young woman, and if he didn't blink he could have sworn that he saw the young man go through a wall, taking with him all that he held. His eyes widened. "It can't be..." Cruger announced breathlessly. It couldn't be that easy, could it? "After all these years."

"It has to be them, sir, who else could it be?" announced Kat. There were only six human with abilities, three of them were already at the academy, one was still unaccounted for and as for the other two they had the same abilities as the two caught on the sercurity camera. It had to be Jack Landers Elizabeth Delgado "They have been right under our noses the whole time."

He turned to Kat and looked back at the still imaged screen, focused on both of the faces. "You're right. It has to be Jack and Elizabeth."

"And they couldn't have shown up at a better time," exxlaimed Kat.

"Yes," Cruger agreed knowing that the time had finally come. His old enemy had set his sights on earth. "The only problem now is getting them on our team."

"Well, you are very persuasive. I'm sure it won't be a problem," smiled Kat having total faith that Cruger would be able to get the job done.

He turned to her with a laugh. "Very amusing, Dr. Manx, I'll just remember that when evaluation reports come in."

"Now I see where Sky gets it from." She moved past him and started to gather up her papers and report files.

"Speaking of Sky," Cruger exclaimed as he turned to face Kat, his face become very serious. "Do you believe I should assign him as B squad red Ranger?"

"Sky is the best fighter and works harder than both Syd and Bridge," Kat notes.

"Yes, that he is." Cruger put his hands behind his back. "But that doesn't answer my question."

She turned back to him. "It's not my decision to make." She started towards the exit, huddling the packets of files in her arms, but stopped for a moment. "But for what it's worth, I know when it comes down to it you'll make the right decision." She smiled and then headed on her way.

He had already made his decision even before asking her what she thought. Yes, Sky was the best fighter and worked harder than most of the cadets here and showed promise in leadership. But at the present moment, after his conversation earlier in the day with Sky, Cruger felt that Sky was not quite ready to take on the role of red Ranger and all its hardships. There was much more the son of Wes Collins, aka the red Ranger, had to learn. Perhaps one day he would be ready to take on the role of red Rangr, but until then the position would have to be given to someone else.

Already he could feel the pieces starting to come together. The other two had been found. And if all went as planned, the five would be placed together, just as it was set by their parents years ago. In time they would come to know the truth about their powers and how that day had changed their lives forever.

But that only left one other, still out of the picture. The question was when and how this other would be found. Would it be years like it had been with Jack and Z or would it be just by chance that this other would be discovered? Only time would tell, but one thing was for sure, the future was NOW.