What Was Lost: The Return Home

by superdory57

When life happens people change and time can pull apart even the closest friends. That doesn't stop the rangers from coming together when the world needs them. Will the original rangers be able to come together to save each other from themselves? Will the rest of the rangers be able to keep them safe from a threat unknown? And what does Jason's wife have to do with it?

48. Chapter 48 Who did it?

Wes kept his hand on Tommy's back and his blaster in hand until Tommy was through the door into the conference room. He paused just inside the door to put the blaster in its holster as Tommy headed for his seat. Carter followed almost right behind them, shutting and locking the door. Everyone was looking at them in surprise—they'd all see the blaster in Wes' hand.

"What took so long?" Conner asked, frowning as Tommy sat. "You shouldn't have been that far behind me. Did it really take that long with JJ?"

Tommy shook his head.

"I ran into a problem," he said shortly. "It's fine."

Carter and Wes were heading for their seats now, too.

"What kind of problem?" Conner asked suspiciously, standing up and looking toward the door. "Is there someone in the hall? Is that why Carter—"

"Sit," Tommy said.

"But—"

"You are not getting out of this meeting," Tommy said firmly.

"But I wasn't trying to—"

"Sit," he said again.

Scowling, Conner dropped back into his seat. He shot looks at Wes and Carter, but they ignored him. Eric looked at Wes expectantly as he sat, but Wes just shook his head. With everyone sitting, Carter glanced at Tommy who nodded.

"Alright," Carter said, looking around. "Tommy and I have some questions for the rest of you."

"What kind of questions?" Nick asked.

"How about why are you here?" Tommy asked shortly.

"I'm not sure I understand what you're talking about," Nick said. "I'm supposed to be here."

The rest of the group echoed agreements. Tommy shared a look with Carter. Both of them guessed an answer wouldn't be immediately forthcoming and they were right.

"No, you're not," Carter said.

"Yes, we are," Nick shot back.

"Fine, you're right," Tommy said. "You are supposed to be here—your team isn't."

"Oh, well, you should be clearer," Nick retorted.

Carter and Tommy both shook their heads.

"How were we supposed to know?" Justin asked.

Tommy raised an eyebrow at the blue ranger.

"I believe I made it very clear at the last meeting that I didn't want a mob," Tommy said, turning back to the rest of the group.

"But you wanted a united front, Tommy," Nick pointed out.

"So, we thought we'd make a real show of force," Brody shrugged.

The other reds grimaced, and Nick elbowed Brody. The younger red grunted.

"Not we like we," Brody said quickly, trying to recover. "We. Individually. With our teams."

Tommy leaned forward, his elbows on the table, glancing at Carter next to him.

"The younger teams aren't organized enough to do this on their own," he said, talking to Carter now.

"Nope, they aren't," Carter agreed.

"So, they needed help," Tommy said.

"I had no part in this," Carter said, shaking his head.

"I know. So, which one of the others was it?"

They both turned to look at the rest of the group.

"I am not a red," Justin said quickly. "I would like to emphasize that point. I wasn't even at the meeting."

"That's true," Tommy admitted. "Which is why I don't actually suspect you. But I know you know the answer."

"But I wasn't part of it!" Justin protested.

Tommy nodded.

"Again, I know," he said. "But if there is one thing I hear all the time, it's that TJ always forgets you. So, I can assume he didn't tell you. Which means you heard it from someone else."

"I'm vindicated!" Justin crowed with a grin, looking at TJ.

"And I'm hurt," TJ said. "Relieved I've been cleared…but hurt."

"You've been cleared, but I haven't," Andros scowled at him.

"That's because you remember me more often than TJ, Andros," Justin snickered. "And we never even fought together."

"Ouch…" TJ muttered.

Several of the others snickered at him, too.

"That's true," Tommy agreed, glancing at Carter. "But as impulsive and reckless as Andros can be at times, he isn't one to go behind our backs. He would have at least run it by you first, Carter."

"True," Andros said.

"So not Andros," Tommy stated.

"I agree with that assessment," Carter nodded.

They turned back to the group again. They studied them silently for a moment, waiting to see if anyone would just confess. Those who hadn't been cleared were all shifting a little uncomfortably under Tommy and Carter's gaze. Hunter leaned over to Shane.

"So, what excuse do we have?" he muttered.

"We're innocent?" Shane retorted.

"I don't know…" Hunter said, eyeing Tommy. "I don't think that he'll just buy that today…"

Tommy ignored them, turning back to Carter.

"Eric wouldn't hide it," he said. "If it had been him, he would just say screw it and laugh in my face. He might organize it behind my back, but he wouldn't hide that he's responsible."

"You know me so well," Eric grinned.

"And if Wes did it, Eric would be throwing him under the bus right now," Carter added.

"Also accurate," Eric said, smirking at Wes.

Wes scowled but didn't argue. He knew that was true.

"So probably not Wes, either," Tommy said.

Carter nodded, studying the group.

"Is it possible it was one of the ones not here yet?" he asked.

"No," he said, shaking his head. "Any of the ones who followed Mystic Force are still too new to have organized it. So that leaves out Casey, Mack, and Jayden. And if it was Cole, Conner would have outed him in a heartbeat just to watch him get in trouble."

"True," Conner grinned. "Can I say it was him just so you'll be mad at him anyways?"

Tommy turned to look at Conner. Carter was looking at his phone and texting, but Tommy ignored it.

"Technically, I haven't eliminated you yet," he pointed out.

"Should I be flattered?" Conner asked, leaning over to Hunter and Shane. "Cause he's kind of saying I'm smart enough to have organized this on my own."

"Dude, take it as a compliment," Hunter snorted.

Shane rolled his eyes.

"It's not like it took that much to put it together," he scoffed. "Like three sentences and everyone agreeing."

"Dude!" Hunter exclaimed.

"Whoops," Shane winced.

Tommy was looking at Shane now.

"You're either admitting to not working hard at it or belittling the one who did," Tommy mused, studying him. "But I'm leaning toward the second. Carter, do you agree?"

"I do," Carter nodded. "It wasn't them."

Hunter and Shane both sighed in relief. Tommy turned to look at Nick.

"It wasn't—"

"It wasn't you," Tommy interrupted. "You have the brains and the guts to organize something like this. Not to mention you'd be able to talk most of the younger ones into it. But I don't think you quite have the standing to carry it through with everyone after I said no. However…"

He turned to the other side of the table.

"The look on Rocky's face after Shane's comment says he did carry it through," Tommy finished, looking at Rocky.

"You have no proof!" Rocky immediately protested.

"I could always have Hayley pull up the recordings from the meeting," Carter said, crossing his arms.

"You'd have to convince her first," Rocky shot back.

"So, you're saying there is proof?" Tommy countered.

"I didn't say that!" Rocky exclaimed.

Tommy pulled out his phone and held it up. Rocky flinched.

"Run, Rocky!" Conner exclaimed.

Taking Conner's suggestion, Rocky bolted from the table. Tommy stood, reaching to try and grab him as he ran but missed. Leaning on the table, Tommy watched in amusement when Rocky nearly faceplanted in the door because he had forgotten it was locked.

"Let it go, Dr. O," Hunter snorted. "Not worth the effort."

"Besides," Shane added. "You look beat."

He paused, frowning at Tommy. Carter stood, going to unlock the door. Shooing Rocky away, he stuck his head out for a moment before coming back in.

"What exactly did happen in the hallway earlier?" Shane asked.

"Nothing," Tommy said shortly.

"I'm not sure any of us believe that," Hunter scoffed. "Wes came in with blaster in hand—after he and Carter practically sprinted from the room."

"Plus, Carter was practically glaring at the door before he opened it just now," Nick inserted. "Like he was daring someone to still be out there. Does this have anything to do with there being a guest on the floor?"

Conner shot up out of his chair, leaning on the table as he looked at Tommy.

"Did someone touch you?" he demanded.

"Oh, he better not have," Carter growled. "He's already in enough hot water."

"I'm not talking about it right now," Tommy said irritably. "It's late and I'm leaving. So, drop it and leave me alone."

He headed toward the door. Frowning, Conner followed him.

"Dr. O, we live in the same suite," he pointed out.

"Not if I don't want you to," Tommy countered. "Go back to your own suite."

Conner stopped in surprise as Tommy continued toward the door.

"But Krista is in the Command suite!" he protested.

"She can stay," Tommy shrugged, pausing in the hall to look back. "She hasn't ticked me off today."

He shut the door as Conner sputtered in response. Spinning, Conner looked at Carter.

"Can he do that?" he demanded.

"Yep," Carter nodded.

"Dr. O!" Conner exclaimed, opening the door.

Tommy was halfway to the elevator and didn't stop when Conner shouted after him. Conner spun, glaring at Rocky. The rest of the group was heading out around Conner now.

"Fix it," he said. "You messed it up by suggesting all of this. So, fix it."

"How?" Rocky asked. "Is apologizing really going to help or just make it worse?"

"Shouldn't you know that answer?" Hunter inserted. "You've known him longer than any of us."

"Thanks for the help," Rocky shot back. "Come on, Conner. Let's go see what I can do…"

"I cannot believe the nerve of that man," Trini muttered. "Making those kinds of accusations and demands—and in front of the rangers no less. And I was so stupid and bought right into it…"

Groaning, she dropped her head in her hands. After finally getting rid of Sullivan and coming back down to residential with Trent and Cam, she had headed straight to the Command suite to warn Kat and wait for Tommy. She needed to tell him what had happened after he went to the meeting. Trent and Cam had gone straight back to the others—which meant it wouldn't be long before all of the rangers knew Sullivan had tried cornering Tommy. And actually managed to get him alone for a few minutes.

"I can't believe I told him we weren't afraid of him knowing what we have," she sighed.

"Well, we aren't," Kat pointed out.

"I know, I know," Trini said. "But it's all a game and I was too focused on getting him out of there before the reds came out of the room and I slipped. I'm better than that… I practically told him he could have what he wanted and I'm not about to let interviews happen…"

Kat shook her head as the door opened.

"So, don't give him interviews," she said. "Give him something else."

"Interviews with who?" Tommy asked.

Kat and Trini looked over in surprise.

"You're supposed to be in a meeting," she said. "I know Carter said you were almost done, but I wasn't expecting you this quickly."

"I just had to crack Rocky," Tommy said, walking over to sit at the table with them. "Didn't take too long once I actually got in there."

"Ah," Kat nodded, standing up. "Probably should have guess him in the first place."

She gave Tommy a kiss on the cheek and went to grab the food she'd gotten ready for him. Setting the plate down in front of him, she took her own seat again.

"Probably," Tommy agreed. "One of the only ones with enough influence on the whole group to make it happen. Even if it wasn't originally his idea. And I'd already eliminated Adam since he was with me. Just had to narrow it down from there. Now—what interviews were you two talking about?"

"It's nothing," Trini said quickly.

That was not the part she had intended to tell him about. She'd just been complaining with Kat. Tommy, who had started working on his dinner, shook his head.

"And that's a lie," Tommy said, studying her. "Come on, Trini. I just spent fifteen minutes interrogating the reds. Put some heart into it if you're going to lie to me. You have more practice than them."

She sighed.

"Normally I interrogate you," she muttered.

"Tables have turned," he said. "Now, what were you talking about?"

"Wait, where's Conner?" Kat interrupted, frowning.

"I ditched him," Tommy said with a shrug. "Left him at the Dino suite and told him he couldn't come back here."

"Tommy!" Kat scolded.

"He was bothering me about what happened in the hallway," Tommy said. "I'll let him back in eventually. Now, Trini?"

"Fine," she sighed. "Sullivan was requesting—"

"Demanding," Kat corrected.

"Demanding," Trini conceded. "That he be allowed to speak with everyone involved himself because he is still stuck on treating this like a trial."

"This isn't a trial," Tommy frowned.

"I know that, you know that—he's ignoring that," she sighed. "Even though I have explained it to him several times. He also doesn't believe anything really happened because those two psychos are lying to him. So now he wants to talk to ours."

"He's not talking to them," Tommy said firmly.

"I already told him no," Trini said, hesitating.

"But…?" Tommy said, catching the hesitation.

"He started trying to make a power play and I was distracted," she admitted. "I fell for it trying to keep him from catching the reds' attention and he got me to admit that we could essentially give him whatever he wanted because we weren't afraid of him knowing… so, now I have to figure out how to do that without letting him think he's running the show…"

Tommy paused, nodding as he looked at her.

"What exactly is it he wants?" he asked.

"Immediate access to the testimonies," she said. "Actual evidence. And… well, he wants to interview everyone himself. In person… and I can't let him have that so I have to figure out what I can give him that will be good enough."

She sighed.

"But I'm afraid he's not going to accept anything less than a face-to-face interaction at this point," she admitted.

"I may have made that worse…" Tommy said a little guiltily. "I told him he needed to take a closer look at the people involved when he was talking to me…"

"Oh, good," Trini sighed. "That's probably what inspired all this then. But it's not like you're wrong. He should know who is involved and why. But that's why he has that list."

She paused, looking at Tommy.

"What exactly did he want from you?" she asked. "He wasn't very clear about his intentions when I spoke with him."

"Oh umm…" Tommy said hesitantly. "He was trying to convince me to talk to the rangers about granting leniency and letting them be tried in US courts."

"He asked YOU to grant them leniency?" Kat sputtered as Trini stared in surprise.

"I'm almost completely sure he has no idea who I am," Tommy added.

"Then why did he corner you?" Trini frowned. "Because when I spoke to him—"

"Oh, he knows I am the green ranger," Tommy said, shaking his head. "But I don't think he realizes I'm also Dr. Thomas Oliver, one of the listed victims on the list. But, based on what he did say, I believe he's looking for a sympathetic ear. From someone who has done bad things in the past and been forgiven for them…"

"He said what?" Kat exclaimed.

"Kat…" Tommy said.

"No!" she snapped, standing abruptly. "I don't care who he is. He does not get to throw that in your face and try to play games with it."

She started pacing back and forth in the kitchen as Tommy and Trini watched.

"He has absolutely no idea what he is talking about," Kat growled. "How dare he pretend he has any idea what you went through or try and play on your sympathy for those two monsters! You were NOT in control of any of your actions so there was never anything—"

"Kat," Tommy said, standing.

He caught her, pulling her into a hug.

"It's ok," he murmured. "I'm fine. Everything is fine."

They stood there for a moment as Tommy spoke quietly to her to calm her down. After a few minutes he convinced her to sit back down. He kept her hand in his.

"So, what do you plan to do?" Tommy asked, looking at Trini again.

"I'm not sure," she sighed. "But I have to figure out what to give him so he'll back off and not go crying back to the committee—which will mostly just cause a bigger headache for me. And at the same time, make it clear we are not just letting him walk all over us. It needs to be at our discretion, not his, or else he is just going to keep demanding things."

Tommy nodded.

"Well, then let's give him part of what he wants," he said. "And make sure he gives us something in return."

Trini frowned.

"What do you mean?" she asked. "We can't give him the testimonies early. Hayley and Ethan haven't finished editing them for identity protection. We'd have to rush and might miss something."

"Not those," Tommy said, shaking his head. "Let's give him some interviews."

"Tommy, you already said no to that," Trini pointed out. "Just like I did. I thought you agreed he shouldn't have access to everyone. That's why we did the testimonies."

"Not everyone," Tommy clarified. "I'm still not letting him anywhere near Jason—or most of the others. But if we gave him a few higher value interviews—essentially the ones he would consider important—he would think he's won something from us. And we can demand something from him in return."

"Like what?" Trini asked.

"Video recordings of Will and Christine explaining their relationship to each of the victims," Tommy said with a smirk. "In their own words. Could be very enlightening for some people. And he won't see the point."

Trini nodded slowly.

"And if he gives them directly to us, we don't have to play them if we don't want to," she said.

"And if we want to, we can use them," Tommy agreed. "Makes the point that we are still in control while giving him just a little of what he wants."

"That's not a horrible plan," Trini admitted. "But who do we give him access to?"

"The ranger victims."

"Tommy, that's all of them!" Trini exclaimed.

"The known rangers, Trini," Tommy said, raising an eyebrow. "So, me."

Kat frowned but Tommy just squeezed her hand as Trini sighed.

"You aren't the only one, Tommy," she pointed out. "What about Conner?"

"That shouldn't be an issue," Tommy shrugged.

"But Sullivan can't see him unless he's morphed," Trini countered.

"He morphed for the testimony," Tommy pointed out.

Trini paused.

"Ok, yes," she said. "But we don't even know if he'd agree to do it."

"Hold on," Tommy said.

Standing, he headed over to the door and opened it. Conner and Rocky were both standing outside.

"Conner, would you be willing?" Tommy asked.

"Duh," Conner answered. "You aren't going without me."

He quickly slipped into the suite past Tommy with Rocky right behind him. Tommy didn't try and stop either one, he just let them in and shut the door before heading back to the table.

"See?" Tommy said, taking his seat again.

Conner followed him to the kitchen while Rocky hesitated by the door. He wasn't sure how upset Tommy was with him right now.

"But how did you know he was out there?" Trini frowned.

Kat snorted as Tommy shrugged.

"Please," Conner scoffed, crossing his arms. "I'm not about to let him out of my sight. Bad things happen—like being cornered on the Command floor!"

Tommy grimaced. He was hoping Conner hadn't heard from Trent yet. Apparently, he had left him in the hallway too long. Trini shook her head.

"We handled it," she said. "And he's been out of your sight in here."

"Yeah, but I was listening at the door," Conner said with a shrug. "Plus, Kat's in here. She's a safe bubble. And if she actually runs into something she can't handle, she calls for help appropriately."

"Thanks, Conner," Kat said drily.

Trini didn't say anything for a moment, thinking over their options. She really didn't want to give Sullivan too much. Not that she was worried about the strength of their evidence, she really just didn't want to go through everything twice. It would be easier to just go through it once with the UN committee.

"Maybe we can get away with just one," she said slowly.

Tommy shook his head.

"He won't be happy with just Conner," he said.

"I know," she sighed. "But what about just y—"

"If Dr. O is going, I'm going," Conner interrupted with a scowl. "He is not going to see that guy by himself. Not after tonight. He could have attacked him, Trini! We don't know him or what he's capable of."

"I am well aware, Conner," Trini said shortly.

"Conner, I'm fine," Tommy said.

Conner shook his head.

"Should have called for help," he muttered. "He would have learned his lesson real fast. And again—I'm coming with."

Tommy just sighed and shook his head.

"It would look weird if you showed up with Tommy at the interview," Trini pointed out. "Yes, all of the rangers protect him. But Dino Thunder wouldn't be the first group they expect to see as his protectors."

"I'm still going if Dr. O is going," Conner insisted. "I can at least be close by."

"Fine," Trini sighed, conceding.

Then she paused.

"But to prove a point, you both take escorts," she said suddenly with a grin. "So, we can drive home just how much he screwed up—because now all of the trust is gone."

"Good idea," Tommy nodded.

"I can work with that," Conner agreed.

"You can't escort him, Conner," Trini sighed.

"Fine," Conner muttered. "But can I pick?"

"No," Trini said firmly.

Conner scowled and then glanced at Kat.

"Can Kat pick?" he grinned.

"No," Trini answered.

"Trini," Kat frowned.

"Ok, fine," Trini sighed. "But they need to be appropriate for Tommy as the green ranger."

"Kim with a blaster seems appropriate," Conner grinned.

Kat laughed, nodding in agreement as Tommy and Trini both shook their heads.

"No," Trini said.

"Alright, fine," Kat sighed. "I'll think about it."

Standing, she gave Tommy a kiss and went to clean up the rest of the dishes from his dinner.

"And I'm gonna go talk to my escort," Conner grinned. "I'll be back later."

He headed for the door but paused before opening it.

"You're not gonna lock me out, are you?" he asked, looking at Tommy suspiciously.

"Just go," Tommy said, shaking his head.

"Yeah, yeah," Conner muttered, heading out the door.

"I'm going to go work out some details on this," Trini said, standing. "We'll have to do them tomorrow. I need to go talk with Billy. And maybe Hayley."

"Let me know when," Tommy said. "Oh, take Carter with you when you talk to him. If he pushes too much Carter can consider conceding interviews with Chad, Eric, and Wes as well since they are named. No compromise on the rest."

Trini nodded, heading to go find Billy.

"Rocky, you can go, too," Tommy said.

Rocky, still hovering by the door, shook his head.

"I just want to—"

"Nope," Tommy interrupted, shaking his head.

Ignoring the look on Rocky's face, Tommy stood and headed toward JJ's bedroom instead. Rocky stared after him. Tommy knocked on JJ's door.

"JJ are you ready to talk?" he asked.

There was a pause and then the door opened. JJ stood in the doorway staring at his feet.

"So?" Tommy said expectantly.

"I did what you said," JJ mumbled.

Tommy sighed.

"JJ, do you understand why you are in trouble?" he asked.

JJ nodded.

"Yes…" he said.

"And?"

"I'm sorry, dad," he said earnestly, sneaking a peek up at Tommy. "I shouldn't have acted like that…"

Tommy nodded.

"Thank you," he said. "Now…"

JJ sighed.

"What else do I have to do?" he asked.

"Well, first—go pack up your gym bag," Tommy said. "And then come out here and apologize to your mother."

JJ looked up at Tommy in surprise.

"Are you kicking me out?" he exclaimed.

"Yes," Tommy said drily. "You're eleven now. So, get out."

He shook his head as JJ stared at him. Kat was trying to hide her amusement as she listened from the kitchen. Rocky chuckled quietly.

"You've got seven more years before that's legal, kiddo," Tommy said, reaching out to ruffle his hair.

"Technically six," Kat called.

"Now, go pack your bag," Tommy said, ignoring Kat. "We're going down to the gym after you, your mom, and I have that talk."

"Oh! Ok!" JJ exclaimed.

Spinning, he bolted back into his room. Tommy turned to head back to the kitchen, pausing when he saw Rocky still standing there.

"Tommy," Rocky said quickly. "I just—"

"Out," Tommy said shortly.

"But I just—"

"No," Tommy said, shaking his head. "I would like some time alone with my family. We can talk tomorrow."

Rocky hesitated for a moment and then nodded. Turning, he reached for the button to open the door and stopped.

"You'll call me if you need something?" he asked, looking back over his shoulder.

"Yes, Rocky," Tommy sighed. "Just go."

Nodding, Rocky turned to go. He opened the door and walked out.

"Hold on," Tommy called, a thought occurring to him.

Rocky stopped in the doorway, turning to look at Tommy.

"Just so you know," Tommy said. "When they get here, probably sometime tomorrow—because I know they'll be here—I'm not dealing with those two."

He pointed to Conner's door. Rocky frowned.

"But he's part of your—aww man…" Rocky grimaced.

It had clicked which two Tommy was talking about.

"Well, crap," Rocky muttered.

"I'm not dealing with it," Tommy said. "Not when I'm already going to be dealing with the rest of them now. You invited them, so it's your problem."

"But Cole was already coming!" Rocky protested.

"Yes, and I was going to deal with it," Tommy said. "But now I have to balance everyone so dealing with the two of them is part of your punishment. Now, goodnight, Rocky."

Huffing, Rocky turned and headed down the hall muttering to himself. Shaking his head, Tommy ducked into his room to grab his own gym bag. He was waiting in the kitchen a few minutes later when JJ came out with his bag.

"Go set it by the door and come sit, JJ," Tommy said.

JJ quickly did as he was asked and joined Tommy and Kat in the kitchen. Before he sat, however, he walked around to Kat.

"I'm sorry for talking back to you, mom," he said. "It was wrong and I know better… I'll try and do better."

Kat smiled.

"Thank you," she said.

JJ turned to Tommy next.

"I'm sorry again, dad," he said quietly. "I should have just told you I was mad cause you were leaving again…"

Tommy nodded.

"I understand why you were mad," he said. "Thank you for the apology."

JJ nodded, sitting down in the chair between his parents.

"Remember, JJ," Tommy said. "If you're upset you need to talk to us. We won't always be able to fix it, but we can at least try and make it better in some fashion."

He paused, sighing.

"And I need to apologize to you," he said.

JJ frowned.

"Why?" he asked.

"These last couple of weeks have been a lot for you," Tommy said. "New places, people, information. Plus, the worry and stress over me. I'm sure it's been overwhelming. And, on top of that, you've had to share me with Marc. I should have been more understanding of that."

"Maybe a little…" JJ admitted. "But sharing you with Marc doesn't bother me. I share you with kids all the time."

"Not quite the same thing," Tommy said. "But I'm glad you aren't upset about that. You also need to understand, like I said before, there are going to be times you don't get to know what's going on. Even as an adult you won't always get to know all of the information. As a part of growing up and eventually becoming an adult, you have to learn to accept that. Be content with what you do know and let it go when you aren't supposed to know—especially when it's for your own good or for someone else's good. Sometimes you just don't need to know."

JJ nodded.

"We've talked about that before," he said. "Like when we have foster kids in the house. Cause I'm not supposed to ask questions about why they are there."

Tommy nodded in approval. JJ froze as something clicked.

"Wait a minute!" he yelped. "Did something else happen to Marc's dad? Is he coming to live with us? Is he a foster kid now?"

"No," Tommy said quickly. "Jason is ok. However, the circumstances are similar."

JJ and Kat both frowned at Tommy.

"Why?" JJ asked.

"Well, we found some information," Tommy said slowly. "That Marc's mother was doing some things she shouldn't have done."

"Duh," JJ scoffed. "I'm pretty sure we all know she was doing things she wasn't supposed to do. They arrested her for trying to kill you, dad!"

Tommy and Kat both stared at him in surprise for a moment. Neither one had actually explained the details of Christine and Will's arrest to their son or that they had tried to kill Tommy.

"Where did you hear that?" Kat exclaimed.

JJ hesitated for a moment while he eyed his parents.

"Well…" he said slowly. "I talked to Trevor who heard something from Charlie who overheard his dad talking about something bad that had happened and wasn't supposed to but he didn't know what. So, we asked Amelia who said she knew but she wouldn't say and then Trevor decided to ask Izzy and she knew her mom found something cause Rae helped and Aunt Hayley was mad at Marc's mom before they were arrested and—"

He paused, looking at Kat.

"Mom, is it true that Marc's uncle touched you?" he asked.

"Who told you that?" Kat frowned.

"Well, Jazzy says that's why her dad says that dad showed great restraint for not ripping his head off. So, I assume that's why dad didn't kill him before."

He turned to look at Tommy.

"You could though, couldn't you?" he said.

Tommy sighed, exchanging a look with Kat.

"We don't kill people, JJ," he said firmly. "You were answering the question?"

"Right!" JJ exclaimed. "So, between what Charlie heard and Trevor asked Amelia about and Izzy told us we all knew it was something really bad they were arrested for. And it happened right after you got hurt again and then we asked Marc and he told us his dad told him everything and that his mom and uncle tried to kill you all."

He stopped and for a moment no one said anything. Leaning on his elbows, Tommy rubbed a hand over his face.

"JJ?" he said. "Next time, start there. With the point of the story."

"So that means it's true?" JJ exclaimed. "She tried to kill you?"

Sighing, Tommy nodded. There was no point in trying to hide it.

"Dad, is Marc gonna be taken away from his dad because of what happened?" JJ asked suddenly. "Is he gonna come live with us? Am I gonna have a brother?"

"No, JJ," Kat said.

She paused, looking to Tommy.

"No?" she said again, a little hesitant.

She hadn't been directly involved in anything regarding custody of Marc.

"No," Tommy said firmly. "Marc will always be welcome at our house, but he is staying with Jason."

"Ok, good," JJ nodded. "Cause otherwise we'd have to give him Conner's guest room and then where would Conner sleep?"

Tommy chuckled faintly, shaking his head.

"Tommy, what did you find?" Kat asked quietly.

He sighed, taking a moment before he continued.

"Christine—Marc's mom—not only hurt me, Conner, Adam, and Rocky," he said after a moment, watching JJ closely as he spoke. "Nearly killing all of us. Though her original intent was to hurt Jason—and possibly kill him. But we also found out she's been hurting Marc his entire life."

JJ listened quietly, staring a Tommy with wide eyes. Kat sighed.

"I wish I could say I was surprised," she murmured. "But I'm not… What was she doing?"

"Well, according to Marc," Tommy said, still watching JJ, "she regularly hit him. And there was some emotional manipulation as well. She was threatening to separate him and Jason—permanently—if he didn't do as she wanted."

Kat grimaced and Tommy put a hand on JJ's shoulder. He was still very quiet and staring at his lap now. Tommy was concerned he was a little overwhelmed by everything he had just been told.

"JJ, are you ok?" Tommy asked.

His head shot up.

"Is Marc ok?" he asked nervously. "Did she hurt him while he was here? I would have told you if I saw!"

Tommy sighed.

"I know, kiddo," he said, squeezing his shoulder. "But yes. That's how we found out. Hayley found some video footage while going through the security cameras. Unfortunately, the twins got caught up in it, too. So, that's what I was doing earlier. I was talking with Jason, Adam, Tanya, and the kids."

Kat shook her head, clearly angry but not wanting to explode in front of JJ.

"But they're all ok?" JJ asked anxiously. "They are, right? I mean, I know they probably aren't ok ok—but they're ok?"

"Yes, JJ," Tommy assured him. "They're ok. And they all know I was going to talk to you and your mom about this. I got their permission before I did, however, which is why it took so long for me to talk to you. But, unless Marc brings it up, I don't want you to press him. Ok? He may not want to talk about it. It's a lot for him right now."

"I won't," JJ said. "Promise."

He paused, looking at Tommy.

"Should I do anything else?" he asked. "Does Marc need a better mom? He can borrow mom. I can share."

He spun, looking at Kat.

"Mom, I know I was a brat earlier but I can share!" he said. "I know I can. I haven't messed up too much with anyone else who's stayed with us—have I?"

Kat smiled and pulled him into a tight hug as Tommy watched with a smile.

"You have not," Kat assured JJ. "You've always done a wonderful job with the other kids."

"But really," JJ said, pulling away and looking between his parents. "Is there anything I can do? How can I help?"

Tommy smiled, ruffling JJ's hair.

"Right now, just be his friend," he said. "Don't treat him any different than you have and be there if he needs you. Ok?"

"Ok!" JJ said, nodding eagerly.

Then he paused, frowning as he looked at Tommy.

"Does Jason need you right now?" he asked. "Should you go see him? He's your friend. You can go if you need to, dad. It's fine—I can wait to go to the gym. And mom is here with me and—"

"No, JJ," Tommy said, shaking his head. "Jason and Marc need some time together tonight. They are both going to be fine and Jason knows how to get ahold of me if he does need me. And I need to spend some time with you. Just because other people have problems and issues doesn't mean you are going to be forgotten or left behind."

JJ nodded slowly.

"Now," Tommy said, standing up. "I told you we were going to spend some time in the gym and we are going to as long as that's what you want. So, are you still up for going?"

"Really?" JJ said, looking up at him eagerly. "But—won't you get in trouble?"

"For what?" Tommy frowned.

"Well, we're going to the gym…" JJ said hesitantly.

"Oh, no," Tommy said, catching on to what JJ was asking. "I have to go slow, but as long as I don't push myself too hard it's fine."

"And if he does too much, you'll just come tell me," Kat said, ruffling JJ's hair as she stood, too.

"I can do that," JJ snickered.

"See?" Tommy said, shooting Kat a look. "You ready?"

"Yes!"

Jumping out of his seat, JJ bolted for the door to grab his bag. Tommy leaned down and grabbed his off the floor by the table. JJ waited by the door, bouncing in place. Putting an arm around his shoulders, Tommy opened the door and the two headed for the gym.

Next door in the Mighty Morphin' suite, most of the group was relaxing in the living room. Kim and Jake were curled up on one end of the couch. Trini was on the other end of the couch, her legs stretched out and her tablet in her lap as she worked on a couple of things. Zach was lounging in one of the recliners. Billy was sitting in another. Hayley was sitting on the floor with Rae and Izzy helping them with a small project. They'd all been talking quietly, just enjoying each other's company in a rare quiet moment. When Jason's bedroom door opened, however, they all glanced up.

"Marc fell asleep," he sighed, walking over to join them.

Grabbing another chair, he dropped into it. Kim glanced at the time.

"Already?" she said. "Really? I thought teenagers usually stayed up as late as possible."

Jason snorted.

"Teenagers sleep when they want," he said drily. "I seem to remember sleeping a lot of weird hours as a teenager."

"So do I," Kim shot back. "But it had nothing to do with being a teenager."

Izzy and Rae both looked up as they listened to the conversation.

"It was because of your gymnastic schedule, right?" Jake asked quickly.

"Oh, yes," Kim quickly agreed.

She had momentarily forgotten the girls were in the room.

"Were you really dedicated?" Izzy asked curiously.

"She was dedicated alright," Trini answered in amusement.

"Will you teach me?" Rae asked. "I want to be more ninja."

"More ninja?" Kim repeated, looking at Billy and Hayley in confusion.

"Yes," Rae nodded eagerly. "Uncle Tommy is teaching me, but he's not good at tumbles. Just kicks and flips."

Kim laughed, nodding. The other adults who had known Tommy in high school were laughing, too.

"He never was that good at tumbling," she said in amusement. "But yes. We can work on some later."

"Ok!" Rae beamed.

Trini, having looked up from her tablet, paused as she looked around.

"Oh, wow," she said.

"What's wow, Trini?" Zach asked.

"This," she said, gesturing around the room. "Do you realize how long it's been since the five of us have just been able to sit down together? Without there being some kind of emergency accompanying it."

"Oh, just great, Trini," Zach muttered.

He looked nervously around the room and held up his wrist to stare at the communicator he was wearing.

"What is wrong, Zach?" Billy asked.

"I'm waiting for an alarm to go off," he answered. "Trini just jinxed us."

Grabbing a pillow off the couch, Trini threw it at Zach's head. Laughing, he caught it.

"Zach, when did you get a communicator?" Kim asked. "And who did you get it from?"

"Oh, Hayley gave it to me," Zach answered. "Last week? No. This week…uh. No. No, it was this week. Like two days after Jason and Conner got shot. I remember her saying something about Tommy feeling better if I had a way to call for help that didn't involve relying on a cellphone or someone else."

Kim frowned, turning to look at Hayley.

"So, am I getting one?" she asked.

Jake, sitting next to her, froze as he looked sheepishly at his own wrist. Kim caught it and followed his gaze.

"Jake, is that mine?" she asked.

"His wrist is bigger than yours, Kim," Hayley pointed out. "And I left two on your dresser. I figured you would like it if Jake had one, too."

"How did I miss it?" Kim exclaimed. "And for this long?"

"Well, I think that day we were supposed to be meeting someone for breakfast and running late," Jake said. "Cause you were doing that thing when you are looking up while trying to put on mascara and not stab yourself in the eye. And then you just grabbed your jewelry and left without looking…and when we came back you threw a sweater on the dresser. So, it's probably still on the dresser. I honestly thought you had grabbed it by now."

Rolling her eyes, Kim hopped up to go search for it. Jason was shaking his head.

"Jason, your watch functions as a communicator," Billy said, catching his attention. "And do not worry. I am also working on one for Marc that functions like JJ's."

He paused.

"Actually, for most of the children," he admitted. "I have orders…"

The others laughed as he sighed. There were a lot of kids between all of the rangers at this point.

"Thanks, Billy," Jason said gratefully. "I appreciate it."

"Dad, do you think I could run backward on this?" JJ asked, glancing over at Tommy.

They were both on treadmills in the gym. JJ was running on his while Tommy walked slowly on the one next to him, keeping his hands on the handrails as he walked. Tommy glanced over, raising an eyebrow.

"Do I think you could? Yes," he said. "Do I think you should? No. So, don't. That's not it's intended use and—"

"And we only use gym equipment in the way it's supposed to be used…" JJ sighed. "Can I turn it up?"

"Go ahead," Tommy said with a smile.

"I want to see how fast I can go!" JJ grinned, turning up the treadmill.

Tommy just chuckled, maintaining his own pace as JJ sped up. Even his slow pace was hard work for him right now, so he wasn't about to try and run like JJ.

"I hit two miles!" JJ exclaimed a few minutes later.

"Good job, kiddo," Tommy smiled, nodding.

"How far have you gone, dad?" JJ asked.

"Not that far…" Tommy sighed. "Let me put it this way—Hayley could outrun me right now. And Hayley doesn't like to run."

"Wow… that's slow…" JJ snickered.

"I didn't say it wasn't," Tommy retorted. "It'll get better. I just need more time."

"So, in other words, when we go on our camping trip Uncle David isn't gonna want to kill you for trying to lap him?" JJ smirked.

Tommy snorted.

"No promises there," he said. "We've always been a little competitive."

JJ laughed as he continued to run. Tommy shook his head. There was a chance David was already mad at him if the raptors were getting antsy. Not that he was going to tell JJ that. But he didn't have any texts saying there was a problem, so he was going to assume all was well.

"Oh, about the camping trip, kiddo," Tommy said, glancing over. "We're probably going to have to do it the week right before school starts again."

JJ frowned as he looked over at Tommy.

"But don't you need to set up your classroom that week?" he asked.

"Yes, but I think we're going to need to wait that long for me to be ready," Tommy admitted. "But I'll just cash in a favor with Anton so I don't have to worry about it."

JJ nodded. The door to the gym opened and voices interrupted their conversation as another group piled into the gym. Tommy looked over his shoulder and sighed before turning his attention back to JJ. The group walking in was led by Xander and Nick. Vida, Brody, Preston, Calvin, Hayley, Sarah, and Levi were with them. Most of them headed straight for the mats. But Xander, having seen Tommy on the treadmill, jogged over to him.

"Tommy, wanna give us a hand?" he asked, stopping by the treadmills. "We're gonna teach Brody and his crew a few things. Come help give some pointers?"

JJ sighed on the treadmill next to him, though he continued to run.

"No, I'm busy," Tommy said, shaking his head.

Xander looked at him in surprise.

"Oh," he said. "I mean, we don't actually expect you to participate. Just giving pointers and maybe some suggestions on other things to work on? Doesn't have to be long. Nothing strenuous, obviously."

"Sorry," Tommy said. "But not this time. JJ and I are working together right now. If you guys want my help you'll have to wait for another time."

"Oh, ok," Xander shrugged.

Turning, he jogged off to meet the rest of the group without an argument. JJ sighed again and looked over at Tommy.

"Dad, it's ok if you need to go help them," he said quietly.

"Nope," Tommy said firmly. "It's not an emergency they need help with and you and I are already doing something. I want to keep working with you."

JJ broke out in a grin.

"Ok!" he said. "Dad?"

"Hmm…?"

"When we get home, we can go on walks and things, too," he said. "Except outside since we don't have a treadmill. I'll keep you company while you get back in shape!"

"That would be great," Tommy smiled. "And maybe by the time I'm back in shape, you'll actually be able to keep up with me."

"Hey!" JJ protested as Tommy laughed. "I'm gonna do at least twice as far as you today!"

Turning determinedly back to his running, JJ turned up the speed again. Still chuckling, Tommy turned his up just slightly.

"I know it's going to be ok," Rocky sighed. "Tommy implied as much when he said we'd talk tomorrow. So, it's fine. But it's just annoying that it keeps happening…"

Aisha shook her head, trying to hide her smile of amusement at Rocky's frustration. They were sitting in the living room of their suite talking. The kids were all settling down for the night, reading or playing quietly. Bedtimes would start shortly.

"It's just because we've all been cooped up with nowhere to go," Aisha said, trying to reassure him. "We don't usually spend this much time together."

"Tommy spends a ton of time around us during the summer," Rocky countered. "He's in Angel Grove all the time when school is out."

"It's not the same," Aisha said, shaking her head. "When we are home, he can leave and go to the resort or his parents or Adam's house. There are other people, and we can go outside and do things and have space from each other."

Adam came out of his room and headed toward the kitchen. The stress of the evening combined with the medication he was still taking had worn him out, so he had gone to get ready for bed. Showered now, he was coming out to get something to drink while Tanya took a turn in the shower. She was going to get the girls in bed after she was out.

"But still…" Rocky grumbled. "How come it keeps being me he's mad at?"

"Aww man…" Adam muttered.

Rocky and Aisha turned to see what was going on. Adam was standing in the kitchen staring at the floor, one foot held off the ground and a glass of water in his hands.

"Adam?" Aisha said, a little concerned.

"It's fine," he said. "My sock is just wet. There's a puddle."

Aisha frowned and then turned. Damien had come running out of the kitchen not long before, but she hadn't thought anything of it.

"Damien?" she said, turning to where he was playing.

There was a glass of water on the floor next to him.

"Yes, momma?" he said, looking up at her.

"Did you get yourself a glass of water?" she asked.

"Yes, momma," Damien nodded.

"And did you spill a little?" she asked.

"No. I spilled a lot."

Aisha sighed as Rocky snickered, quickly turning it into a cough.

"Thank you, honey," she said. "But next time please tell me so I can help you clean up. Ok?"

"Ok," he nodded.

Aisha stood to head into the kitchen.

"I'm sorry, Adam," she said.

He was already cleaning up the water with a towel.

"It's fine, Aisha," he assured her. "It was just water and it's not the first time I've stepped in a mess one of the kids made. I'm going to bed anyways, so I'm not worried about my socks. Go sit down."

"Are you sure?" she asked. "I can—"

"Go sit," Adam said. "It's just water and I'm already done cleaning it."

Aisha smiled gratefully as she turned to go sit back down. Finishing his drink, Adam took care of the glass and headed over to the kids. The twins, sharing a coloring book, looked up at him.

"Jazzy, Lilla, I'm going to bed," he said, crouching next to them. "Goodnight."

They scrambled up and threw their arms around him. He smiled as he caught them.

"I love you," he said, giving them both a kiss.

"We love you, daddy!" they chorused.

When he tried to stand up, however, both girls clung to him. So, he just picked them up.

"Coming with me?" he asked in amusement.

"Yep," Jazz said, nodding.

"We'll tuck you in, daddy," Lilla beamed.

Laughing, Adam took the girls with him to his room.

"Don't worry, Trini," Conner said. "I'm texting Krista right now. She'll remind me and I'll make sure I'm there on time."

Hayley and Trini were sitting on the couch in the Command suite. Conner was standing in the living room talking with them, his phone in his hand. Kat was sitting in one of the recliners where she had been waiting for Tommy and JJ to come back. The rest of the Dinos were still absent, hanging out with some of the other rangers. Conner had come back because Trini had called him to talk about the interviews the next day. The door opened and JJ came racing inside.

"Mom, mom, mom, mom, mom!" JJ exclaimed, sliding to a stop next to her.

"JJ?" Kat laughed, catching him as he nearly fell over.

"Mom, I ran five miles!" he said excitedly. "Dad only walked two."

Kat shook her head as he laughed. Tommy, who had followed JJ in at a much slower pace, shook his head.

"Yeah, yeah," he said. "Laugh it up. Just you wait, kiddo. Give me a few weeks and I'll be running again. Then you'll be running that far because I'm chasing you."

"Ok," JJ grinned. "Try and catch me, dad."

"Alright," Kat interrupted. "Not tonight. But that's great, honey."

She tried to give JJ a kiss on the cheek and he squirmed away, protesting.

"Mom!"

"Alright, alright," she sighed. "Now, you need to go shower and clean up before bed."

"But mom…" JJ groaned. "It's only like eight."

Kat raised an eyebrow.

"If you would let me finish…?" she said.

"Sorry…" JJ said sheepishly.

"Go shower and clean up," she said again. "And by the time you are done, I can have hot chocolate and popcorn ready and we can play a game before you go to sleep. Ok?"

"Oh! Ok!" JJ exclaimed.

He spun, actually noticing Hayley, Conner, and Trini.

"Hi Aunt Hayley! Hi Conner! Hi Trini!" he said, then bolted toward his room yelling over his shoulder. "Bye Aunt Hayley! Bye Conner! By Trini!"

Then he was in his room, the door swinging shut behind him. Tommy shook his head as he walked over to give Kat a kiss.

"Hey," she said. "How was the gym?"

"I survived," he said drily. "Now, what are you two doing here? Did Kat invite you to game night?"

He was looking at Hayley and Trini on the couch.

"You don't invite me to game nights anymore," Hayley scoffed.

"No, because you cheat," Tommy shot back.

"Counting cards is a strategy, not cheating," Hayley countered.

"I didn't invite them," Kat interrupted before Tommy could answer.

"We were here to talk to you and Conner," Trini said.

"About the interviews, Dr. O," Conner said. "Apparently I'm going first so I can make sure my crew is there on time."

"Crew?" Trini said, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm sorry—escort," Conner said with a shrug.

"And Chad will go after him," Trini said. "Pending Carter conceding the rangers to Sullivan. If not, you'll go next. But you'll follow either Chad or Conner."

Tommy nodded.

"Works for me," he said.

"I will let you both know as soon as I know," Trini continued. "Kat, have you thought about who you are going to ask to escort Tommy tomorrow?"

"Already spoke to them," Kat said.

"Oh, good," Trini nodded. "Who's coming?"

"You'll find out tomorrow," Kat answered.

Trini frowned.

"Kat, you do realize you can't come, right?" she asked. "You were never associated with the green ranger…"

"I know, Trini," she said. "Don't worry. I've made appropriate arrangements."

That didn't make Trini feel better.

"Please tell me you aren't sending an entire team…" she sighed.

"No, I'm not," Kat assured her. "I promise there is nothing to worry about. Everything is well within the rules you gave me and would make sense to even an outsider—like Sullivan."

Trini eyed Kat and Tommy shook his head.

"Not much point in asking, Trini," he said. "She's not going to tell you if she hasn't already."

Trini sighed.

"But do text me that update as soon as you talk to him in the morning," Tommy said. "For now though, I'm going to take a shower. Because—as pathetic as it sounds—I actually worked up a sweat with my two-mile walk…and I'd like to be out before JJ."

"I was wondering what that smell was," Hayley smirked, eying him.

Tommy scowled, shifting the bag on his shoulder.

"Remind me to leave my gym socks in your car," he retorted.

Turning, he headed to his room.

"Half the time you don't even wear socks!" Hayley countered, yelling after him. "You practice karate!"

Tommy ignored her, disappearing into his room. Trini shook her head as Kat rolled her eyes and Conner snickered.

"You two are weird friends," Trini sighed as she stood. "Have a good night, Kat. Conner."

Still shaking her head, Trini left the suite. Conner turned to follow.

"I'm gonna go find Krista," he said. "I left them all with the Ninjas and some of the others in the cafeteria."

He paused at the door.

"Gym is safe now, right?" he asked. "No kids gonna be wandering around?"

"Well, mine is here now," Kat said.

"And mine aren't going anywhere either," Hayley said. "But I'd warn Rocky and Adam if you guys are planning anything a little out there. I doubt they're taking their kids out again tonight, but you should check just in case."

"Just gonna burn some energy with each other," Conner grinned.

"Don't hurt each other!" Kat called after him.

Conner waved as the door shut behind him.

"And on that note, I'm out, too," Hayley said, standing. "I promised Rae and Izzy I wouldn't be long. We still have part of our project to finish. Have a good night."

"Good night, Hayley," Kat smiled, heading for the kitchen as Hayley left the suite.