Disclaimer: The Power Rangers and all associated characters belong to Disney. No infringement intended.

Setting: This installment is a brief vignette in Astronema's voice, during "A Date with Danger," immediately after the first park scene.

Written May 2006.

Reaching Out

Impression

I don't understand what's wrong with me.

I have other things to do. A planet to conquer. A team of Power Rangers to destroy. And instead of making future plans, or even reviewing the last attack with Ecliptor to see what insight we can gain from our failure with the Horrorbull, I'm leaning against the view pane, completely lethargic, staring out into space.

I wonder if the atmosphere settings are correct. Perhaps I'm not getting enough oxygen. Could that explain all this… sighing?

I suppose it's possible, but that doesn't explain the sweet taste that lingers on my tongue. Or the way his face seems to float against the starry background of the sky.

This is ridiculous! It's as if I'm… haunted by the entire experience! I can almost feel the bed of leaves against my cheek as I regained consciousness. I clearly remember his scent, crisp and clean, as he leaned over me with a moist towel for my forehead, and a bitter broth to, supposedly, help me regain my strength.

Of course, I will never forget his arrogance. What kind of fool dares to turn his back to me? After I spurned his wretched treatment, he simply left, seasoning his brew without a care, leaving me, the Princess of Evil, without so much as a shackle to restrain me. How dare that inept Ranger underestimate me?

And when I did make my move, my Wrath Staff mere inches from his throat, he had the gall to stick that fluffy candy… what was it called? A marshmallow?... on the sharp tip and roast it on the fire. As if I couldn't roast him on that fire just as easily.

But I didn't. Why, I don't know. Was I in shock, that he treated me with such impudence? I've fried beings for lesser insults, so it must have been shock. No one has treated me so… so…

Familiarly.

Touching my face. Leaning close to me. Smiling so easily at me. No fear in his eyes.

His… green eyes. Odd that I noticed.

By all that is Evil, I'm sighing again.

I suppose curiosity also may have prevented me from killing him. I… admit I am curious. The Ranger had me at a disadvantage. It shames me to admit it, even privately, but he was able to spirit me away from the battle without anyone stopping him. I still don't know how long I was unconscious. When I finally returned to the Dark Fortress, Ecliptor had been halfway in a panic.

The Silver Ranger could have killed me. Or, at the very least, imprisoned me. Or whatever it is Power Rangers do with their enemies.

I'm certain it isn't standard procedure to mend their wounds, offer them treats, return their weapons and bid them a good afternoon.

What game is he playing?

There is nothing the Power Rangers can possibly gain by releasing me. At least, nothing I can fathom. But there must be a reason, a motive behind the Silver Ranger's peculiar... kindness towards me.

I can't help but wonder if the secret of his actions lies in his smile. In the way he lingered so close to me. The way his eyes held my stare, when most others would turn away or shrink back...

...and as soon as the thought forms in my mind, I can't help but laugh.

It's ridiculous! Absurd! I mean... how could it be possible?

How could a Power Ranger come to... care for me?

A strange unease settles in my stomach. Not quite fear, but in a similar vein; perhaps a blend of fear and anticipation, as I plan a strategy of an entirely different nature than usual.

I can order Ecliptor to watch for any power signatures of the Rangers on Earth. Even when they aren't morphed they can be traced. And once they've been sufficiently monitored, I will have a better idea of their activities outside of service.

Also, on Earth, while surrounded by scores of other humans, I could arrange for a "chance" encounter. Just to see what kind of impression I can get of him outside of our duties; if he behaves at all like the cheerfully arrogant man that both frustrated and bemused me this afternoon. And then, I'll determine my next move.

Can a Power Ranger care for me? As peculiar as it sounds, it may be worth investigating.

After all, I also wonder if he's spent as much time staring into space today as I have.