Disclaimer: Powers Ranger Space Patrol Delta and all related logos are property of Disney Entertainment; I am using them without permission. Any original characters you see are mine, and I obviously have permission to use them.
A/N: This takes place only days after "Endings part 2"
New Tech City, California 2025 AD
Z laid across the bed in her quarters, staring at the ceiling. They were able to find a way to stabilize her DNA so that she and her replicant could survive, but now, she found herself worse off then when it all started. Jack leaving SPD left a void in her life, a void that was willing when she had a sister there with her, but now, both of them were gone. Even worse, she would never truly know which one of them was the real Elizabeth Delgato, and which of them was only a replicant.
Having Liz around was refreshing, someone who completely understood her. Not what she was gone, she knew she'd go back to being a freak. She sat up, leaning up against the wall. Her eyes lit up slightly, and within seconds, there was a replicant.
"Hi," she said cheerfully, hoping it would respond, but the replicant simply sat there, unable to speak.
With a sigh, her eyes lit up again, and the replicant vanished. She was able to replicate herself as many times as she wanted, but Liz had been unique. She had her own thoughts, her own ideas and opinions, but every other replicant was simply a shadow of herself, unable to say anything, much less have an original thought.
"Hey Z," a voice said. She turned her head to see Bridge walk into the room. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, it's just… I miss her, ya know?"
"Who? Liz? I don't know, it would be kinda weird to have two mes running around," he said.
"Its weird having one you running around," she giggled.
"No, I mean it. All of us were born different, with different abilities. People use to call me a freak because they didn't understand me or what I could do, but as I grew up I realized it didn't make me a freak, it made me unique. There wasn't anyone else like me anywhere, and it made me feel special. To have another me here would take away from that, almost like I was replaceable in my own life," he explained.
"But don't you ever feel lonely?"
"Sure, we all do, but we all have each other. We're all different in our own ways, and that's why we work so well together. We each bring something different to the group," he told her.
"I never really thought of it like that," she said.
"Besides, the other me would always eat my toast and wear my clothes. I'd write my name in my underwear and he'd just put'em on anyway. It would get annoying after a while," he brought up.
"Thanks Bridge," she kissed him on the cheek. "I feel much better now."
"Oh hey, I came in here because the Commander wants to see us in the command center," Bridge said.
Bridge and Z walked into the command center to see that Syd and Sky were already there, each of them standing in front of Commander Cruger.
"Rangers, Kat has run a scan of the anomaly and I am pleased to report that no one was hurt and the anomaly has completely dissipated. Now that we've gotten that one of the way, the question still remains as to who will receive the green morpher. As you know, Sky gave the green morpher to Liz Delgato as she entered the wormhole so that SPD could that technology to aid them against Gruum, but Kat has constructed another one," he pulled it out his pocket. "Officer Tate, I originally told you that it would be your responsibility to pick who would get the morpher, however, I feel as though a worthy candidate as already stepped forward," he said.
"Who did you have in mind sir?" Sky asked.
"Officer Drew, you questioned and even contradicted my orders to stand up for what you thought was right, and I admire that. Most officers hide behind the excuse of simply following orders, but you demonstrated that you are not only able, but willing to go against an order if you feel if incorrect. A good leader knows when to lead and when to follow, and also when to disobey an order for the greater good. Congratulations Syd, you are the new green ranger," the Commander said, handing Syd the morpher.
"Thank you sir," she said, admiring it.
"This leaves us with another dilemma, who will be the pink ranger now that Officer Drew has been promoted? I've given this a lot of thought, and I've found what I think it a good candidate for the morpher. However, we are a team, and the decision to induct this member must be an unanimous decision," he turned slightly as the doors to the command center opened, and she walked in. "I'm sure all of you remember Dr. Rheas," he said.
Dr. Rheas was wearing an SPD uniform, but without any color to it at all. It was simply black and dark gray, indicating she had yet to receive a color was only a cadet. The others looked her at, reminded of the time when they too had standard issue uniforms.
"Hi guys," she said cheerfully.
"Dr. Rheas proved herself to be invaluable in helping us with the anomaly, and while her skills as a fighter need to be improved, she showed great promise. Again, this has to be an unanimous decision," the commander told them.
"She is a good fighter, and her technical experience will be a plus. I'm all for it," Bridge said eagerly.
"I think she has what it takes, lets give it a shot," Z added.
"I for one think it's a good idea to have another woman on the team. I say yes!" Syd said in a perky tone.
Sky was last, taking a moment to think about the situation. "If it weren't for Dr. Rheas, we wouldn't have had to deal with this anomaly in the first place, and there are more qualified members of SPD who would be moved up. I wasn't here to see any of it, but…" he paused, grabbing Syd's hand. "…I trust my team, and I trust you commander. I say we give her a chance, but only as a cadet. She should be made to take academy courses and required classes to become a full officer," he said.
"I agree completely," the commander walked over to Dr. Rheas, presenting her with a morpher. "Congratulations, you are the new pink ranger. This is the finest group of rangers I have ever worked with; learn from them, follow their guidance and benefit from their experience. Welcome to SPD Cadet Rheas," Commander Cruger said.
"Thank you, and please, call me Elaina," she said.
"Elaina is it. Meet Officer Tate on the obstacle course at 0800 hours tomorrow morning so training can begin. Officer Delgato, could you please arrange for Elaina to get her own quarters?" he asked.
"Yes sir," Z said, saluting him, then motioned for Elaina to follow her out the command center.
"Bridge, Boom is waiting for you in the science lab."
"Yes sir," Bridge said, walking out the room.
"Officers Tate and Drew, am I to understand that the two of you are… an item?" Commander Cruger asked.
They both paused, looking at one another slightly, then back at the commander.
"We're not sure yet, but we're working on it," Syd said.
"There are no protocols or regulations about officers dating one another, but I trust that this will not affect your ability to lead this team Officer Tate," he said.
"No sir, it won't," he answered.
"I hope not, your new commanding officer may not tolerate any unnecessary situations," he said.
"I understand sir, I think that…" he paused. "Wait, did you say new commanding officer?" Sky asked.
"Yes. I was assigned to the Earth station in case of an impending invasion by Gruum. That threat is now gone, and I am being reassigned. As of tomorrow, I will be at the SPD facilities on KO-35. This will give me an opportunity to spend more time with Icinia," he said.
"Who will be assigned here?"
"I wasn't notified of my replacement, but Supreme Commander Birdie will be here tomorrow to make it official. I will surrender my morpher to him then. I expect that you will give your new commander the same respect that I have enjoyed from you."
"Count on it sir."
"It has been an honor serving with you," he said, nodding slightly.
"The honor was ours," Syd sighed.
Syd and Sky saluted him, knowing it would probably be the last time, then walked out the command center.
end?
