Chapter 11

John stood in shock over the news that his cousin was a Power Ranger… that everyone in the room with him was or used to be a Power Ranger. He raked his fingers through his short brown hair, taking long, deep breaths.

"Uh… not to put any pressure or anything on you, John, but Adam really needs your help."

"Oh… right." John joined Andrea and Billy at Adam's bedside. Quietly they made introductions and covered what tests were currently being run. For the most part, Billy just stared with astonishment as Andrea rattled off all manner of medical jargon.

"What?..." she asked innocently as a grin spread across her face.

Billy just shook his head and grinned back at her.

She winked at him before turning back to John. "So, where's your friend?"

"Luka? I think he went off with Erin to get more supplies…" John held out his hand for a new bandage. "Haven't you met him before?"

"No," Andy said as she swapped the blood-soaked gaze for a sterile one. "I haven't been to Chicago in years, remember? … Erin, however, talks about him ALL the time. Apparently they met while she was attending Northwestern for med. school." Andy paused momentarily. "Do you think it was wise sending the two of them off together?"

"Based on the tales I've heard from Erin, probably not." Billy chuckled.

"Hey, we're back!" Erin and Luka pushed through the sea of people surrounding the doorway; their arms full of fresh bandages and such.

"Great!" John exclaimed. "Just set everything down over there," he pointed to an empty corner of the infirmary.

The two did as they were told and then approached the bed. Luka Kovac stared at the former Ranger lying motionless before him… he had blood oozing from several wounds. It looked like someone…or something… had tried to slice him up.

John looked at Billy. "If he's bleeding internally, we'll have to transport him to the nearest hospital for surgery."

Billy nodded, his eyebrows furrowed as he looked at his unconscious friend.

"I can't watch anymore…" Andy whispered in Billy's ear and made her way towards the door.

Billy looked at John, who gave him a silent nod; letting him know that they could handle the situation without him and Andy.

The green-eyed scientist walked briskly out of the infirmary and found Andrea out in the corridor explaining Adam's condition to the rest of the Rangers.

"… he may need surgery…. may." Andy had a hand on Melanie's shoulder.

"Oh my gosh…" Kim's hand flew up to her mouth.

Andy swallowed. "Look, we're still running tests. If the ultrasound shows that he's bleeding internally, then we'll have no choice but to transport him to Angel Grove Community Hospital."

"Can… can I see him?" Melanie stuttered, trying to stay strong. She couldn't help but feel a bit guilty, even thought it really wasn't her fault.

"Uh… yeah. Absolutely." Andy nodded, glancing at the cuts on Melanie's face. "You might wanna have someone take a look at those cuts on your face, too…" Andy jumped slightly as she felt a strong arm wrap around her waist.

"Hey, can we talk?" Billy whispered softly in her ear.

"Sure," Andrea replied in a low voice. Then, a bit louder: "Guys, would you excuse me please?"

Billy took Andrea's hand and the pair slipped easily through the crowd. Once inside yet another empty room, Billy gently caressed Andrea's face with the fingers of his free hand. "Andrea… are you okay?"

She let out a deep breath and smiled. "Yeah. Sorry; the scene just brought back memories…" she lifted her injured arm.

Billy noticed that she had removed the sling. "Feeling better?"

"Much."

"Good," he pulled her into a hug and just held her in his arms, never wanting to let her go.

Andy relaxed in his arms, knowing she was safe with him. "You know, we haven't really been alone since you got here," she joked.

Billy smiled and kissed the sensitive skin behind her ear. "Well, we had that one night, but both of us were too tired," he chuckled.

"Oh yeah…" she sounded a bit disappointed as she remembered.

Billy chuckled again and began to kiss her neck. "So, how on earth did you know what tests to order for Adam?" he murmured against her skin.

"Mmmm… I double-majored in nursing and biology in college," she replied simply.

"Really?" he stopped kissing her neck and smiled, impressed.

"Yes, really," Andrea laughed, maneuvering so she could look him in the eyes.

An idea flashed through Billy's mind. "You know, there could be some pretty decent fantasies between me being a doctor and you being a nurse…" he winked at her.

"Billy!" she exclaimed, blushing bright red.