"Wow," was the first thing Jason said upon seeing Tommy's very secluded house. "Privacy issues?"
Tommy chuckled. "All will be answered." The former white ranger led the group into his house and into his living room where a huge dinosaur stood. He proceeded to open up the secret entrance to his Dino Lab.
"Nice," Jason said as he followed Tommy and the rangers down the stairs. His jaw almost dropped once he saw the lab that was contained under Tommy's house. "I'm impressed. But I'm having a hard time believing that you did all this yourself."
"Well, that's how Hayley got into all this," Tommy laughed.
"Hayley? "
"The redhead at the café."
"Hmm," Jason replied, wondering why a pink ranger was lacking. "Alright, Oliver, I'm waiting for that explanation."
Tommy sighed and motioned for everyone to take a seat. He spent the next hour explaining the events starting from his college days up to his final days as a Dino ranger. The teenagers took turns giving their input to the long explanation. When all was done, they all looked up at Jason.
The former first leader took a minute to absorb everything.
"So," he began. "Two questions: one, do you feel the need to steal everyone's color?"
They all laughed.
"And two?"
"No pink ranger?" Tommy looked surprised. Of course, Jason wasn't trying to insinuate anything, but Tommy seemed unsettled over the question.
"No, red, white, blue, yellow, and black were all that I found," Tommy replied. Jason nodded, satisfied with the answer.
"Who knew that the Tommy Oliver I knew in high school would grow up to be Dr. Oliver, science teacher of Reefside?"
The teens laughed at Jason's pretend dramatization.
"Well, to be honest, I didn't know myself. After racing for my uncle, I didn't know what to do next."
"How'd you get into paleontology?" Ethan asked. He was always dying to know the answer.
"I don't know. I got to thinking about things I was interested in. I considered opening a dojo at first, but I realized that I'd been doing martial arts for most of my life, I needed something new."
"And paleontology came up how?"
Tommy shrugged. "Zordon?"
Silence filled the room. Tommy and Jason were both deep in their own thoughts and the teenagers didn't know what to say.
"Well…" Kira said. "It's starting to get late."
"Yeah," Trent agreed. He stood up just as Kira stood up.
"I should get going then," Jason told Tommy. "I still got miles to ride."
"I heard you're heading back home."
"It's been seven years. I've been feeling homesick."
Tommy nodded his head. "I know the feeling."
"When's the last time you went back?"
"A few years ago. Not since…" Tommy trailed off. Jason bowed his head and mentally slapped himself. He forgot that Tommy's father passed away due to a heart attack. His mother followed a few months later due to a broken heart.
"Sorry, bro…"
Tommy gave him a smile. "Back home is full of good and bad memories."
"Well, if you ever feel like visiting, you know who to call. I'm thinking of settling there for a while. So…take care, bro. It was nice seeing you."
Tommy and Jason gave one another a hand shake.
"It was nice meeting you all, too." Jason turned to the other rangers and shook their hands. "Thanks for keeping the power alive."
"Yeah, well it's not exactly alive anymore," Connor said. "Our gems are drained."
"Doesn't mean you still don't have the power inside. Once a ranger, always a ranger. You never know when you'll be called back into action."
Connor nodded. Jason's words stirred something in him and he knew he was right.
"Catch ya on the flipside," Jason said as he saluted Tommy. The forever ninjetti only smiled. He watched as his best friend disappeared up into the living room. The sound of the front door opening and shutting close was followed.
"Shouldn't you guys be going too?"
"Yeah, we should," Kira said. "But…this is our last night all together again."
"Kira and I are heading to L.A. tomorrow. Then on Saturday I'm off to New York."
"Monday is my flight," Ethan shared.
Tommy turned to Connor.
"Don't worry Dr. O, I'll be here. I'm not leaving for another two months." Connor beamed at him. Tommy already felt the future headaches coming. "We can hang out!"
"I think we should go now," Trent said quickly as he saw Tommy's expression.
"Before you go," Tommy began. "I want you guys to take your gems."
"Really?" Connor asked.
"Yeah, something to remember your time as a ranger. And who knows, maybe Jason's right; one day you'll be called back in action."
"But the gems are-"
"There are other sources of power out there, Connor. If rangers are needed, it'll someway find a way to power your gem again."
Connor nodded. The ex-red Dino ranger looked at his comrades and moved to take his gem. The others slowly followed suit.
"Thanks, Dr. O."
"Any time. Speaking of time," Tommy joked, trying to lighten the mood. "It's time for you guys to head out."
The teens nodded. They all looked at one another as if stalling their good-byes. Finally, Trent stepped up.
"Take it easy, Dr. O. I'll be back visiting during my breaks."
"Bye, Dr. O." Kira stepped up and gave him a hugged. Tommy could've sworn he heard sniffling.
"See you around, Dr. O."
Tommy walked his former team mates to the door and said his good-byes. As he closed the door, he heard them telling each other to keep in touch. He also heard Kira tell Connor to look after Tommy. Tommy smiled. "They remind me of the gang back in high school."
He remembered when Trini, Jason, and Zack left for the Peace Conference. Kimberly and Trini were crying and Jason took him aside to wish him luck in leading the team. The next good-byes were said between him and Kim.
Tommy started feeling the empty feeling again. He looked around at his empty house. It was quiet and dark. That didn't really help his depressed mood. "I think it's time to spend some time with my good friend Jose."