DOWN IN THE KITCHEN - ANDROS

I wait for Jason's reaction to what we've just told him about what Rita said about breaking the spell. I know that on Earth they have some weird ideas about sex and mates. Granted, I myself tend to gravitate toward women, but the idea of Zedd and Tommy - or any other two males - doesn't bother me in the least. Amusement threatens to overcome me as I watch his expression change with his racing thoughts. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Pina and Dar having much the same reaction as I am.

Finally, Jason sighs heavily and shakes his head. "Well, I guess there's really nothing to say, is there?" The three of us give him surprised looks. "I mean, if that's what it takes to hurry this along and he was hitting on Zedd anyway and he mentioned to me that he might be attracted to Zedd -" He shrugs again.

We're all startled when his communicator goes off. "Yellow Dino Thunder Ranger to Red Mighty Morphin Ranger. Come in, Jason, please."

We all snap to attention as he answers. "I'm here, Kira. Go ahead. What's wrong?"

"I know you're still a long way away, but I really think that Hayley needs some help and I don't know what to do."

"What's happening?"

"The others and I were talking since she seemed really out of it today. I found out from Trent that there have been problems with the Cybercafe and there's a monster that we're having real trouble with and none of us think that she's slept in a while. If she has, it hasn't been much. I went to the Cybercafe this morning and she came out of her office looking like she'd been crying. I think she's at the end of her rope." Listening to the girl and hearing the stress in her voice as clearly as the others no doubt can, we all wait for Jason's response.

"I've got help coming, Kira. Billy and Trini from the original team are on their way and they should be able to help with the Ranger stuff. What about the problems with the Cybercafe?"

"Trent says that someone's stealing from the business, but with Hayley so wrapped up in Ranger stuff, she hasn't had time to track it down and deal with it."

"Oh god."

"I told her she needs to deal with that and she snapped at me. She said that her focus right now was keeping us alive and trying to beat Mesogog and if her business failed and went under, so be it." Sounds like a Ranger if ever I'd heard one.

I watch as Jason pales at this news. "We won't let that happen, Kira. I'll get in touch with Billy and Trini and fill them in. What about the monster?"

"He's nearly wiped us out - twice now. The first time it was me, Conner and Ethan and the second time it was all of us. If it hadn't been for Hayley calling for us to retreat - well, Conner would probably be dead right now."

The four of us exchange looks. Though it's Dar that speaks up this time. "What are the details about the monster?"

Kira's voice becomes wary. "Who's that?"

"It's okay, Kira." Jason reassures her. "It's a friend in a unique position to help us."

Dar shoots Jason a surprised look as the girl relates all they know about the monster. Dar and Pina exchange amused looks. "Déjà vu," Dar comments. Pina nods as Dar continues. "Kira, this monster is similar to one that Rita used many years ago on another planet. If it's the same, there will be a small spot on the back of its neck that you'll have to hit to disable it before you can destroy it. It's only about this big." He holds up his hand to show Jason.

"About the size of a quarter, Kira," He tells her.

"Wonderful," she groans.

Pina speaks next. "Once you hit that spot successfully, you'll have to slash it across the throat. Does Mesogog grow his monsters after they are defeated?"

"Sometimes."

"It'll be more difficult once it grows since the spot you'll have to hit will be the same size and not grow with it. Do you have Zords?"

"Yes."

"Once it grows, assemble them. One of you must stay out to hit the spot, but then use the assembled Zords for the killing blow. Do you understand?"

"Yes. Thank you for the help."

Jason speaks again. "I'll see what I can do to hurry Billy and Trini along, Kira. Keep me updated."

"I will. Thank you and your friends again for the help. Kira out."

Jason runs his hand slowly over his face, obviously torn. Understanding his dilemma, I say, "It'll take us a week to get back there, Jason. Even if we left now, we wouldn't get there in time to be of any use - even if you could still morph."

"I know. Is there any way that Deca can patch me into the cellular system back home so that I can call Trini and Billy? If I can get them there sooner, I'll feel better about not leaving here just yet."

"She should be able to. Let's go do that and then we'll all try to get some sleep."

"Does this mean you two don't want dessert?" Holding up a pie he's made, Goldar looks at us expectantly.

Looking like he's considering it, Jason in the end shakes his head. "Maybe later Dar, I'm stuffed from dinner."

"Me too actually. We'll have some tomorrow." I agree getting up with Jason ready to head out to the ship and try and help set up the communication link for him. "Let us know if Zedd or you all need anything for Tommy or any help if he needs us to talk to."

"We will." Pina agrees before kissing her mate and taking the pie from him. "We'll have it tomorrow with lunch love, that way Zedd and hopefully Tommy can have some too."

"Assuming the human is back to his old only semi-annoying self," Goldar agrees with a sigh.