Notes: I wrote this back in '02 and found it on a disc today so I thought I'd post it. It feels complete, more or less.
The echo of Andros' boots clacked along the tiled floor and he was reminded again of how silent and lonely the MegaShip was when the other Rangers returned to earth for monthly visits. There always seemed like there was something missing -- something vitally important but Andros could never figure out exactly what it was. It was like a piece of the ship, itself, was gone and there was just this void that Andros knew all too well.
How many restless nights had he spent doing just this? Roaming the hallways, double checking the rooms to make sure everything was in place, not disturbed?
Too many too count.
He sighed, and shook his head. Life was different now. He didn't need to make sure every room was perfect, that there were no unexpected intruders going through things better left forgotten.
It was such a hard routine to break.
But he had to break it. He could still remember Ashley's shocked expression when she'd caught him making her bed. 'You shouldn't mess with my things,' she had chided. 'I can take care of myself, Andros. You need to let go.'
'I did,' he'd stubbornly argued.
'Then why are you in here?'
And why did he still insist on daily inspections of his ship when the duties were so equally divided?
Being alone did that to someone. And being alone could happen again, any second, so why should he lower his guard to be hurt?
It was insane, and so he refused to quit.
There was a crackle above his head and he instinctively ducked, only to feel foolish at the sound of DECA's voice.
Andros, came the prompt dialogue, the others will be returning shortly.
"Thanks, DECA," Andros replied, nodding curtly up at the console on the ceiling. He lowered his gaze and continued down the hallway towards the Bridge, where the lights shone brightly into the dimmed hallway.
As soon as he stepped onto the Bridge, he fell into his chair and began to fiddle around with the consoles. Acting important always made him feel better, even when he did nothing at all.