[PR] A Rose By Any Other Name (9/11) and a few more deep thoughts
*sigh* In a somewhat better mental place than last night. Sort of. Meh. Too drained to expound on it.
General query... what do you all do for a living? If I'm starting to think that I'm not going to be a vet, I'll have to do something else... and it occurs to me that I haven't got a clue what else is out there. O_O Now, I'm depressed.
Fandom: Power Rangers
Pairing: Andros x Zhane, TJ x Ashley... and beyond that, I'm not telling. ^_~
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: Total -- 56,556; shortest part is 3866 words, longest is 6831, most fall somewhere in between. I tried to keep them uniform... it just didn't quite break down that way. :-P
Warnings: Slash. Not mine. Don't sue.
Summary: Andros and Zhane have fought many battles together, both with and against each other. And no one can cause you pain like the one you love, a lesson they have to learn the hard way. Add in three other Ranger teams and a long-lost sister and even that lesson won't be easy. Sequel to Taking Root and Forget Me Not.
April 19, 2010: And this part contains one of my absolute favorite sets of lines I've ever written. ^_^ Thank you, Tommy!
A Rose By Any Other Name, Part 9
by Renée-chan
Not for the first time, Andros was feeling conflicted. On the one hand, he understood why his fellow Rangers needed to return to Earth now and then, especially for dates of significance. On the other hand, however, he was all too well aware of how much work they still had to do to find Zordon... too well aware of how much harder this fight would become if and when Dark Spectre managed to drain too much of that one's power. So, really, birthday or not, they shouldn't be taking this time out for a break on Earth, especially now that they no longer needed to. But, of all people, Billy had been the one to put his foot down. And Andros had been so shocked that he'd allowed himself to be bullied. So, here they were, in a park on Earth, celebrating Ashley's birthday with the Earth Rangers. Worst of all, though... he was having difficulty convincing himself that he wasn't having a good time.
Deep in the middle of this conflict, he almost didn't notice the Pink Ranger sneaking up on him. Fortunately for his reputation, however, almost didn't count. Catching the foot that propelled itself in his direction, he neatly flipped the smaller Ranger onto her back, then stood over her arching an eyebrow, "So, is this a customary greeting where you're from? Or am I just special?"
Kimberly smiled brightly as she extended a hand to the Red Ranger to help her up, "Oh, Andros. Of course you're special!"
In spite of his normal difficulties with emotional displays, Andros found it easy to smile back at the diminutive Pink Ranger. He couldn't deny that from the first time they'd met, a camaraderie had sprung up between them. Something about Kimberly Hart put him at ease. Deciding that he had enough unhappiness in his life, he had uncharacteristically decided not to question it and instead had decided to just accept it and enjoy it. Pulling her to her feet, Andros answered, "Well, that's a relief. I thought I was going to have to learn a whole new welcoming procedure. Though I confess to being a little disappointed. I think I like this one better than the handshake."
Kimberly gaped at him for a moment before socking him in the arm and bursting into giggles. When she finally sobered, the pair moved back to sit on the picnic table that Andros had abandoned to deal with the unexpected "attack". Eyes taking on a serious cast, the Pink Ranger raised an eyebrow at Andros, "All joking aside... How are things?"
Andros sighed. He'd known they were going to come around to this sooner or later. He should have expected that it would be sooner. Resting his elbows on his knees and clasping his hands together, he answered her quietly, "I wish I could tell you, Kim. We have our moments when things are almost... normal. He helped me out of a really tight spot and I was able to tell him a little of what I told you. That... it made a difference. I think. But it's not enough and he isn't meeting me halfway anymore. And I'm just not sure what to do."
"I never said it would be easy, Andros," was the sad reply. "Relationships are hard work, remember? He told you himself -- he's been meeting you more than halfway for a while now. He just wants you to do a little more of the reaching. It sounds like you've made a good start. Now you just need to make sure you follow up on it."
A quiet nod, "You're right, of course." Another sigh, "I'll keep at it."
Across the picnic tables, another Red Ranger was confused and just itching to share that state of mind with someone else. Leaning over to Tommy, he asked, "When did Andros and Kim get so chummy? They've only met twice."
Tommy shrugged, "You've got me, bro. Ever since Kim found out they were coming in for Ashley's birthday she's been excited. If I didn't know I had no cause to be, I might be jealous." At Jason's sharp look, Tommy laughed, "Easy! I didn't say I was jealous!" His smile softened, "Like I said, I know I don't have to be. I trust her, Jason. She sees something in Andros that she likes, something she recognizes... something that she doesn't see in any of us. Whatever it is, she can relax around it. It's almost... there's almost a sibling vibe there. Like she found a kid brother. Or an older brother. I haven't quite gotten the dynamic figured out yet. Whichever, though... I know he's no threat. And if she enjoys his company and he enjoys hers, where's the harm?"
Jason's smile was so wide his face almost hurt. If you'd asked him a year ago if this conversation would have been possible, he'd have been forced to say 'No'. But the last year had wrought some very positive changes in his friend. It was good to see Tommy relaxing back into himself like this. He'd missed that poise and confidence in the team's lone wolf. He clapped the other man on the shoulder, "You've got that right, bro. You do, indeed."
With a self-deprecating smile, Tommy shook his head, "Man, you have got to stop being proud of me every time I don't act like a selfish ass. It's gonna go to my head."
Jason laughed, "I can't help it! It feels good that you feel good. I'm glad that my team is finally happy and settled in. Even though it's harder this time around... it feels different. Better. And I confess, I've been getting a bit of a high from it."
Tommy snorted, "Are you sure that's why you're so perky?" Narrowing an eye in his Red Ranger's direction, he commented, "Because Kim and I couldn't help but notice that the real improvement in your attitude happened when you found out that Billy would be joining the Lightstar Rangers on Earth for Ashley's birthday."
To Tommy's surprise, Jason's answer to that was an intense blush. The Red Ranger ducked his head and let out a small groan, "How many people has Trini talked to about this?"
Now it was the Green Ranger's turn to be confused, "Trini didn't say a word... Should she have?"
Jason lifted his head long enough to gape at Tommy, "Wait a minute. You mean you and Kim figured it out on your own?"
Blinking in bemusement, Tommy said, "Figured what out? That you're happy to have your best friend back?"
Jason's eyes widened, "So you didn't figure it out?"
Tommy was now looking comically distressed and feeling like he was caught in a round of 'Who's on First?' with him as the straight man... as usual. He almost whimpered as he asked, quietly, "What are we talking about, again?"
Before Jason had a chance to answer -- and no doubt confuse the situation further -- an amused voice broke through the conversation, "I'm torn between the desire to help you guys out and the desire to just sit back and enjoy the show. Are all Earth men this clueless?"
The two Earth Rangers turned away from each other and towards the newcomer in equal parts relief and frustration. Jason smiled sheepishly, "I always thought of myself as pretty astute in these matters, actually..."
Zhane arched an eyebrow, "Well, I suppose as an Empath, you ought to be. But really... that makes watching this conversation even more painful. Would you like some help?"
Tommy nodded his head vigorously at the older Ranger, "Speaking for myself, at least, any light you could shed here would be greatly appreciated."
The Silver Ranger chuckled quietly as he settled down across from them on a picnic bench, "My pleasure. You see, Tommy, as near as I have been able to figure from a) watching my fellow metallic Ranger fret himself into a state this last month from missing Jason and b) from the vehemence with which he declared that we would return to Earth for Ashley's birthday... he apparently has feelings for your Red Ranger." Smiling slyly at said Red Ranger, Zhane continued, "And judging from what I just overheard, the feelings are apparently mutual."
Tommy blinked, "Feelings? What kind of feelings?"
Ignoring Jason's frantic shushing motions with a glee that was bordering on maniacal, Zhane continued, "Romantic, Tommy. Romantic."
Jason dropped his head into his hands and let out a quiet moan. Tommy looked up at his best friend with even more confusion than before, "So you figured that was what Kim and I were talking about?"
A nod was the Red Ranger's only response.
Tommy continued, "Well... it wasn't. But I don't see why you'd be so stressed even if it were. So, I'll bite. What's the big deal?"
Now it was Jason's turn to be confused, "Wait... What?"
The Green Ranger shrugged his shoulders, "So what's the big deal? It's not like we could see all the things that we've seen and still hang onto something as crass as homophobia. We've always known how much you love Billy and how much he loves you. So what's the big deal if that love takes on a different form? I'll go you one further -- I'll bet none of us would even be surprised."
The look on Jason's face was priceless if Zhane's sudden laughing fit was anything to go by. He let it fall into a scowl as he turned it on the Silver Ranger, "This isn't that funny."
Zhane turned his beaming smile full-force on the younger Ranger, "Actually, Jason... it kind of is. But really, we're not the ones you need to be talking to." Nodding across the clearing, he indicated Trini and Billy, "You need to be talking to him." Sobering, he placed a hand on Jason's arm, "But, in all seriousness, Jason... You need to grab your chances at happiness in both hands and wring from them all the joy you can, because you can lose them all too easily." Eyes dropping, he finished with, "Take it from someone who knows."
Jason nodded as he clasped Zhane's arm in return, "OK. I give. You're both right and I need to stop being a selfish ass. We'll get this settled... one way or another."
Zhane's smile returned, though a bit softened around the edges, "I'm glad to hear it." He gave Jason's arm a squeeze before releasing him, "Luck, Jason."
Already halfway turned away from the older Ranger, that last turn-of-phrase caused Jason to look back, "Zhane, I've been meaning to ask you... where'd you pick that up?"
Finally having his own turn to be perplexed, the Silver Ranger frowned, "Pick what up?"
Jason frowned, "That phrase... I've only ever heard my mother use it."
Zhane shrugged, "I probably picked it up from her, then, Jason. She was my father's best friend and I did know her as a child." He gave the younger man a shove, "And you're ducking the issue! Go talk to Billy -- no more excuses!"
Shooed on by both Zhane and Tommy, Jason soon found that he had no choice. With a heartfelt sigh, he went to face his fate.
At the same time that Jason was having his talk with Tommy and Zhane, Billy was having an equally productive one with Trini. Only one month into his time with the Lightstar Rangers and Billy was already starting to regret his decision to leave Earth. Was it true that he could do more good in Space? Yes. Was it true that he wanted to get to know his only living team mate better? Of course. Was it true that he wanted a chance to explore the AstroMegaship -- his team's "Blue" Ranger's last legacy -- in more depth? Absolutely. But even so... Billy knew the real reason why he had left Earth. He was running away.
He and Jason had always been close. As children they'd been inseparable -- and it made sense, really. After all, until meeting Zack and the girls, Jason had been Billy's only friend... and vice versa. But even once they'd widened their circle, Billy and Jason had been closer than most friends, at times more like brothers. So, when they hit high school and started saving the world, Billy had been mortified by his own reaction to the side effect of running around in skin-tight outfits while doing so. He'd expected to have a reaction to seeing Trini and Kim that way -- after all, even a techno-geek was still a teenaged boy. What he hadn't expected was his reaction to seeing Jason that way. It was worse than football season.
So, desperate to forget that he'd ever had those thoughts about his best friend, he'd buried them in his pursuit of more and more advanced technology and geekdom. Fortunately for him, the others never looked past it. Though in retrospect, it was a surprise that Jason had never called him on it, especially in light of his recently revealed Empathy. Maybe he'd just done what Billy did and chalked it up to teenaged curiosity and hormones. Regardless, Billy had run from it as fast as he could, and really, Jason had done the same, running off to Switzerland with Trini and Zack.
For a while, Billy had been able to forget by burying himself in his work and in helping out the new Ranger team. He'd come to accept that he was different and even to enjoy that difference a little -- as long as he didn't have to think about the man who was like a brother to him that way. Then Jason had come back. He'd been exceedingly pleased by that, but while Jason did help Billy to get over his depression and angst-fest, he'd unknowingly thrown a different wrench into the works at the same time. You see... Apparently, he looked just as good in black skin-tight body armor as he did in red. But again, Jason said nothing. And Billy had been more than a little confused. He knew by then that Jason was an Empath and had assumed that his best friend would spare him the embarrassment of saying anything about it by mentioning it himself, especially with all the other uncomfortable revelations their team had been having.
By the time they left to go to Phaedos, Billy was beginning to suspect that the reason Jason continually said nothing was that he didn't want to tell Billy that he didn't feel the same way. And after all, why would he? He was captain of the football team, a black belt in multiple fields of martial arts, leader of the Power Rangers -- the all-American boy. It's not like he would be gay. But then once they were settled in on Phaedos, Jason had started sending him some awfully mixed signals. It was nothing overt... it was all in the subtleties. It was in the way that Jason would invade his personal space -- he always had, but now that they had a whole planet's worth of space all to themselves it was more noticeable. It was in the way that whenever they had to split up to do something, Jason always made sure they were together. It was in the way that Jason would send out this irritated vibe whenever he found Billy alone with Trini.
But that wasn't the worst of it. The worst of it was that Trini was giving off the same subtle vibes. Billy had held onto his crush on Trini with a fervor bordering on desperation. That crush was his last tangible proof that he was "normal" in that way. Deep down inside, however, he knew that the appreciation he felt for her beauty was not the same as the bone-deep attraction he had always had for Jason. When he saw her starting to respond to him in the same way, and knew that he couldn't return that depth of feeling... he panicked. Fortunately, that was near the end of their time on Phaedos. He'd been able to duck the issue when they returned to Earth, but the minute that a chance had presented itself to run from the two of them, he'd taken it. See... the problem had never been about whether he knew what he wanted. He wanted Jason. He always had. But how to achieve that without scaring his friend off -- or worse, hurting Trini -- he had no idea.
In the back of his mind, he had thought he might be able to bring himself to ask Zhane for advise... but with the current situation between he and Andros, it just hadn't seemed right. So, he had sulked around the AstroMegaship, growing more and more despondent, until Ashley had hesitantly suggested that she would like to return to Earth to celebrate her birthday. He'd seized on that opportunity like a drowning man to a life raft. But now that they were back... he hadn't been able to get Jason alone to talk to him. And time was running out.
He'd enjoyed his time talking with Trini, but was beginning to feel a little desperate. Andros was enjoying himself now, but he was sure to start eyeing his chronometer soon and hinting that it was time they returned to the ship. As though noting his increased anxiety, Trini patted his knee, "Billy... as much as I've enjoyed catching up with you -- and I have -- I think I'm going to go check on Zack. He and TJ look like they're about to get Adam into trouble."
Caught off guard, Billy jerked his head up to look at her, "But... what?"
A knowing smile resting easily on her face, Trini pointed out Jason walking quickly and purposefully in their direction. Leaning over to plant a chaste kiss on Billy's cheek, she whispered, "It is a far, far better thing I do than I have ever done." At Billy's startled look, she rested one hand against his cheek and spoke quietly but deliberately, "Talk to each other. Work it out. You have my blessing." And then she was gone.
Jason finally reached the bench that Billy was sitting on and asked quietly, "Was it something I said?"
Billy shook his head as he stood up, "No." Looking away for a moment, he steeled his resolved and motioned for Jason to come with him. He didn't want to have this talk in full view of everyone. It seemed wrong somehow. With a sigh, he said, "Let's take this somewhere a little more private. We have a few too many prying eyes here."
Nodding wordlessly, Jason followed Billy off into the trees. They found a small grove of evergreens and Billy settled down at the base of one, a look of peace stealing over his features. Mirroring his friend's actions at the base of a tree nearby, Jason also felt himself relax. They hadn't had time alone like this since Phaedos. It wasn't a surprise that neither of them seemed to want to fill the peaceful silence with uncomfortable words... nor was it a surprise when they both finally gathered up the courage to do it at the same time.
"Billy, I have something to tell--"
"Jason, there is a matter of some importance--"
They both stopped and looked at each other. Only a moment later they both broke up into laughter. The laughter had a slightly hysterical edge to it, but at least it broke the tension. Billy waved at him to start. Jason sighed, "Billy... we've been dancing around something all this last year and I think we need to get it out into the open."
The Platinum Ranger nodded, "Agreed."
Jason met Billy's eyes and saw only encouragement and support. Somehow, he thought Billy knew what he was about to say. That made this easier. Taking a deep breath, he plunged on ahead, "Billy, how do you feel about me?"
Billy blinked, startled, before getting out, "What?"
Jason blushed, "Well, I do realize that I'm an Empath, but a long time ago, I decided that there were times it wasn't appropriate to use my gift. So, I make an effort to block it at those times. This felt like cheating... so I didn't. I'm as clueless as a plebe here... so that's why I'm doing this the old fashioned way and asking. How do you feel about me?"
Shaking his head, Billy let out a huff of laughter, "Well... that explains a few things." At Jason's inquisitive look, Billy smiled, "One I found out about your gift, I assumed you already knew how I felt and just weren't mentioning it because you didn't want to embarrass me or hurt my feelings."
"Oh." Meeting each other's eyes again, there was a world of silent understanding that passed between them. Jason's mouth stretched wide into a grin, "So, I guess that answers my question."
Billy's lips twitched upwards, "I guess it does. Now the question is, what do we do about it?"
Jason looked down at his hands, "Well... I suppose that depends, doesn't it? I mean, I'm stuck on Earth and you're going back into Space..." Abruptly he looked up, "Unless you're not? I wouldn't mind it if you stayed on Earth, you know. My mother can handle the Lightstar Rangers on her own, I'm sure. You don't have to go..."
Billy held up a hand. Who knew? Even Jason babbles when he's nervous... He smiled at his oldest friend and shook his head, "Whether I stay or go isn't the issue, Jason -- though I'm naturally pleased that you wish me to stay. What I meant was... how do you want to pursue these newly admitted feelings?"
A moment later, Billy blinked in genuine startlement, Well, I'll be damned... Apparently, he blushes, too...
Jason coughed lightly into his hand, "Billy... I've never... I mean..."
Billy could only stare in amazement. Somehow, he had just assumed that -- as with so many other things -- Jason had more experience in this arena than he had. He smiled, touched at his friend's nervous stammering. Seeing Jason in this new way was... enlightening, to say the least. This wasn't exactly what he had intended when he'd asked that question, but since the conversation had taken this rather... interesting turn... He inched closer to get a better view of his friend's face, "Not even with a girl?"
Jason looked up, startled to find his best friend suddenly much closer and with a very odd light in his eyes, "Well... I've kissed girls. And I've made out with one or two. Nothing more than that." Jason's eyes then got comically wider, "Have you?"
Billy had to laugh at the look on Jason's face, "Not with a girl, no."
Jason's eyes narrowed in suspicion. He turned and pursued Billy back up against his own tree to stare down into his eyes, "With anyone I know? And why didn't you tell me?" That almost seemed a betrayal of sorts. How could Billy have lost any form of his innocence and not told him? When had it happened? Had he told Trini?
Billy coughed and looked away, sensing his friend's hurt and now regretting having been flippant about it, "It was Cestro. When the Aquitian Rangers came to help us out during the Zeo Quests. That was... it was a difficult time for me. I had just given up my position as an active Ranger, all of my teammates were children, you, Trini and Zack were still at the Peace Conference and Kim was in Florida. I was lonely and he was... he was good to me." Standing up and walking a few paces away, Billy wrung his hands together, "We hadn't... we hadn't done much more than what you described as your experiences with girls. But then the others came back from their Zeo Quests and things... they only got worse for me. Cestro could see how lonely I was, even among my friends, and he asked me to come to Aquitar with him. He even came up with a reasonable excuse -- said that they needed my help to repel an alien invasion."
Turning back to meet Jason's eyes, he said quietly, "I almost stayed with him, Jason. I even almost convinced myself that I was in love... but I wasn't. And neither was he. Our relationship was about comfort and friendship, not love. I was grateful for what he did give me, but we both knew that it was never meant to be any more than that. We each had someone else that we would have rather been with."
Jason rose to stand with him, then hesitantly enveloped him in a hug, "Then I suppose I'll just have to be grateful that he was there when you needed someone and that your first time was with someone special... even if it wasn't with me."
Billy huffed out a laugh against his friend's shoulder, "And I suppose we should be grateful for one more thing..."
Jason leaned back to look down into Billy's smiling eyes, "Oh? And what would that be?"
The Platinum Ranger laughed as he wrapped one hand around the back of Jason's head to pull him down for a steamy, needs-a-private-room-now kiss that was over far too soon for him to fully appreciate his friend's skill. When the kiss was over and he'd managed to refocus his attention on his friend, Billy said cheekily, "This way, at least one of us knows what he's doing."
There was only one way that Jason could answer that. He pulled Billy tightly against him and bent his lips to the other man's once more to prove that while he might lack experience, he could make up for it with enthusiasm.
Aerin couldn't help but feel a surge of melancholy as she wandered the empty corridors of the AstroMegaship. Timing had not favored her on this visit. Everett, though inordinately pleased to see her when she'd showed up on their doorstep, had a business trip scheduled for the coming weekend. They'd only had a few hours together before she had to take him to the airport. If it weren't for the fact that he was traveling with a co-worker, she'd have volunteered to teleport him to gain a little more time... but it wasn't to be. It was a shame, really. Especially after this last year, she'd been missing him a lot. And she was all too aware of how little time they truly had. Not even a full century... possibly not even another half century. Only a handful of decades left before she would ultimately lose him. But this time, she had resolved not to take the coward's way out. This time, she would stick by him until the end -- no matter what pain it cost her. She owed him that much, at least.
For now, however, that included allowing him to live his life the way he saw fit. And that meant letting him do his job. And so, she found herself alone, wandering the deserted hallways of the AstroMegaship, remembering other friends that she had barely had the chance to know before losing them. And this ship... it was eerie, in a way. She could almost feel Decka's presence -- like a flash she was catching only out of the corner of her eye, or a snatch of melody heard upon the wind. Perhaps it was that the computer's voice sounded so much like her friend's. Perhaps it was that she could see Decka's artistic touch in every line of the ship. Perhaps it was just the echo of memory. This ship had been the golden-haired Ranger's magnum opus and, in a very real sense, had been even more her child than Andros and Karone had been. After all, she had only put 9 months into making her human children... but she had slaved over the design and building of this ship for almost 10 years.
It wasn't a great surprise to find her wanderings leading her to the Simudeck. In truth, she'd always been fascinated by the place. A room that could create a world so realistic that human senses couldn't tell it from the real thing. Only Decka could have come up with something like that... and enacted it. The other Engineers had scoffed at her for even dreaming up the idea, much less for actually following it through. They hadn't thought she could -- or really even that she should. They'd considered it a waste of precious resources that would be better used to create a larger arsenal. But really, Decka was brilliant to have considered this one thing that no one else had -- that while off patrolling the deepest recesses of space, when one could expect that they might not see planetfall for months or more, the basic knowledge that one could go to the Simudeck and experience a sunny day in the park from back home went a long way towards helping one keep one's sanity.
Dialing up her favorite Simudeck program, Aerin walked through the doors... and into paradise.
True, it might not be what the others would consider beautiful, or even restful, but to Aerin... it was home. Altiyar was a desert planet, its settlements clustered around its few precious bodies of water and built either deep into the sand or high up in the mountain elevations to avoid the scorching heat of their overly close sun. A network of natural caverns housed the planet's underground rivers and lakes and the mountain retreats its cloud-parks where most of the growing was done. This particular program was of her cavern... the one where she'd morphed for the first time, when she'd discovered how truly different she was from the rest of her people. More than anywhere else in the universe, this underground grotto was home.
Stripping off her shoes and socks, Aerin dangled her legs into the water, smiling as this set off a ripple effect that was reflected throughout the entire cave. Peeling out of everything else but the bathing suit she'd donned under her clothes, she let herself slide the rest of the way into the water, resting on the ledge she knew was just at the right height to keep her head above water. She'd missed this. The peace... the tranquility... She was asleep before she even registered how tired she was.
It could have been minutes or hours later that she was abruptly jerked out of her nap by a hand under her arm and an exacerbated voice saying, "For the love of little green men, Aerin! Are you really that stupid or are you trying to kill yourself?"
Confused and disoriented, Aerin could only splutter, "Decka?? What the-- How did you--?" Getting her feet under her at last, Aerin spun around to face the smaller woman, "You're supposed to be dead!"
The golden-haired woman put her hands on her hips and scowled, "Of course I'm dead, you numb-wit! And you'd have been joining me if you dipped your face any further forward! It's a good thing I was paying attention!"
Aerin gaped at the woman for a full minute before shaking her head to clear it, "So this is a dream?"
The Purple Ranger shook her head and sighed, "No. It isn't. It's the Simudeck, Aerin. This is a subprogram I've been working on to use the Simudeck to facilitate my interaction with the Rangers. I have often thought that having a human face to speak to would greatly enhance the Rangers' receptiveness to any suggestions that I make. Also, using what I learned during the incident with the Craterites, I believe that I will be able to utilize this fully interactive program anywhere on the ship. I have not had occasion before now to try it out, however."
Aerin visibly deflated, "Oh. You're not Decka. You're DECA." She'd been so sure... For a moment, when she'd first responded, Aerin was sure that she'd been talking to her long-lost friend. But once she'd wandered off into techno-babble, she'd sounded like the AstroMegaship computer again. Maybe it had just been wishful thinking. She sighed, "Well... that's as may be, but I'd be careful about how you introduce this new facet to your abilities. Andros doesn't take well to change."
A soft, "I know," was DECA's only response before fading from the Simudeck.
Suppressing a shiver, Aerin did the same.
A/N:
Zhane: *snickers* OK... that was good. I enjoyed that.
R-chan: ^_^ Thought you might!
Billy: *smirk* I enjoyed it, too...
R-chan: *eg* Mmm... yeah, also thought you might. ^_^ *blinkblink* *pokes* Jason... you're awfully quiet.
Jason: O_O I'm still reevaluating.
Billy: *laughs* Turned your world on its side, did I?
Jason: O_O Little bit, there, yeah.
Billy: *smirk*
R-chan: *beams* My work here is done, I think. ^_^
Master Post and Chapter List
Questions, comments, boysenberries?
Coming Soon: Astronema has successfully invaded the AstroMegaship... or so she thinks. She even starts to begin reeking havoc, only to find that it won't be nearly so easy as she thought it would be.
General query... what do you all do for a living? If I'm starting to think that I'm not going to be a vet, I'll have to do something else... and it occurs to me that I haven't got a clue what else is out there. O_O Now, I'm depressed.
Fandom: Power Rangers
Pairing: Andros x Zhane, TJ x Ashley... and beyond that, I'm not telling. ^_~
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: Total -- 56,556; shortest part is 3866 words, longest is 6831, most fall somewhere in between. I tried to keep them uniform... it just didn't quite break down that way. :-P
Warnings: Slash. Not mine. Don't sue.
Summary: Andros and Zhane have fought many battles together, both with and against each other. And no one can cause you pain like the one you love, a lesson they have to learn the hard way. Add in three other Ranger teams and a long-lost sister and even that lesson won't be easy. Sequel to Taking Root and Forget Me Not.
April 19, 2010: And this part contains one of my absolute favorite sets of lines I've ever written. ^_^ Thank you, Tommy!
A Rose By Any Other Name, Part 9
by Renée-chan
Not for the first time, Andros was feeling conflicted. On the one hand, he understood why his fellow Rangers needed to return to Earth now and then, especially for dates of significance. On the other hand, however, he was all too well aware of how much work they still had to do to find Zordon... too well aware of how much harder this fight would become if and when Dark Spectre managed to drain too much of that one's power. So, really, birthday or not, they shouldn't be taking this time out for a break on Earth, especially now that they no longer needed to. But, of all people, Billy had been the one to put his foot down. And Andros had been so shocked that he'd allowed himself to be bullied. So, here they were, in a park on Earth, celebrating Ashley's birthday with the Earth Rangers. Worst of all, though... he was having difficulty convincing himself that he wasn't having a good time.
Deep in the middle of this conflict, he almost didn't notice the Pink Ranger sneaking up on him. Fortunately for his reputation, however, almost didn't count. Catching the foot that propelled itself in his direction, he neatly flipped the smaller Ranger onto her back, then stood over her arching an eyebrow, "So, is this a customary greeting where you're from? Or am I just special?"
Kimberly smiled brightly as she extended a hand to the Red Ranger to help her up, "Oh, Andros. Of course you're special!"
In spite of his normal difficulties with emotional displays, Andros found it easy to smile back at the diminutive Pink Ranger. He couldn't deny that from the first time they'd met, a camaraderie had sprung up between them. Something about Kimberly Hart put him at ease. Deciding that he had enough unhappiness in his life, he had uncharacteristically decided not to question it and instead had decided to just accept it and enjoy it. Pulling her to her feet, Andros answered, "Well, that's a relief. I thought I was going to have to learn a whole new welcoming procedure. Though I confess to being a little disappointed. I think I like this one better than the handshake."
Kimberly gaped at him for a moment before socking him in the arm and bursting into giggles. When she finally sobered, the pair moved back to sit on the picnic table that Andros had abandoned to deal with the unexpected "attack". Eyes taking on a serious cast, the Pink Ranger raised an eyebrow at Andros, "All joking aside... How are things?"
Andros sighed. He'd known they were going to come around to this sooner or later. He should have expected that it would be sooner. Resting his elbows on his knees and clasping his hands together, he answered her quietly, "I wish I could tell you, Kim. We have our moments when things are almost... normal. He helped me out of a really tight spot and I was able to tell him a little of what I told you. That... it made a difference. I think. But it's not enough and he isn't meeting me halfway anymore. And I'm just not sure what to do."
"I never said it would be easy, Andros," was the sad reply. "Relationships are hard work, remember? He told you himself -- he's been meeting you more than halfway for a while now. He just wants you to do a little more of the reaching. It sounds like you've made a good start. Now you just need to make sure you follow up on it."
A quiet nod, "You're right, of course." Another sigh, "I'll keep at it."
Across the picnic tables, another Red Ranger was confused and just itching to share that state of mind with someone else. Leaning over to Tommy, he asked, "When did Andros and Kim get so chummy? They've only met twice."
Tommy shrugged, "You've got me, bro. Ever since Kim found out they were coming in for Ashley's birthday she's been excited. If I didn't know I had no cause to be, I might be jealous." At Jason's sharp look, Tommy laughed, "Easy! I didn't say I was jealous!" His smile softened, "Like I said, I know I don't have to be. I trust her, Jason. She sees something in Andros that she likes, something she recognizes... something that she doesn't see in any of us. Whatever it is, she can relax around it. It's almost... there's almost a sibling vibe there. Like she found a kid brother. Or an older brother. I haven't quite gotten the dynamic figured out yet. Whichever, though... I know he's no threat. And if she enjoys his company and he enjoys hers, where's the harm?"
Jason's smile was so wide his face almost hurt. If you'd asked him a year ago if this conversation would have been possible, he'd have been forced to say 'No'. But the last year had wrought some very positive changes in his friend. It was good to see Tommy relaxing back into himself like this. He'd missed that poise and confidence in the team's lone wolf. He clapped the other man on the shoulder, "You've got that right, bro. You do, indeed."
With a self-deprecating smile, Tommy shook his head, "Man, you have got to stop being proud of me every time I don't act like a selfish ass. It's gonna go to my head."
Jason laughed, "I can't help it! It feels good that you feel good. I'm glad that my team is finally happy and settled in. Even though it's harder this time around... it feels different. Better. And I confess, I've been getting a bit of a high from it."
Tommy snorted, "Are you sure that's why you're so perky?" Narrowing an eye in his Red Ranger's direction, he commented, "Because Kim and I couldn't help but notice that the real improvement in your attitude happened when you found out that Billy would be joining the Lightstar Rangers on Earth for Ashley's birthday."
To Tommy's surprise, Jason's answer to that was an intense blush. The Red Ranger ducked his head and let out a small groan, "How many people has Trini talked to about this?"
Now it was the Green Ranger's turn to be confused, "Trini didn't say a word... Should she have?"
Jason lifted his head long enough to gape at Tommy, "Wait a minute. You mean you and Kim figured it out on your own?"
Blinking in bemusement, Tommy said, "Figured what out? That you're happy to have your best friend back?"
Jason's eyes widened, "So you didn't figure it out?"
Tommy was now looking comically distressed and feeling like he was caught in a round of 'Who's on First?' with him as the straight man... as usual. He almost whimpered as he asked, quietly, "What are we talking about, again?"
Before Jason had a chance to answer -- and no doubt confuse the situation further -- an amused voice broke through the conversation, "I'm torn between the desire to help you guys out and the desire to just sit back and enjoy the show. Are all Earth men this clueless?"
The two Earth Rangers turned away from each other and towards the newcomer in equal parts relief and frustration. Jason smiled sheepishly, "I always thought of myself as pretty astute in these matters, actually..."
Zhane arched an eyebrow, "Well, I suppose as an Empath, you ought to be. But really... that makes watching this conversation even more painful. Would you like some help?"
Tommy nodded his head vigorously at the older Ranger, "Speaking for myself, at least, any light you could shed here would be greatly appreciated."
The Silver Ranger chuckled quietly as he settled down across from them on a picnic bench, "My pleasure. You see, Tommy, as near as I have been able to figure from a) watching my fellow metallic Ranger fret himself into a state this last month from missing Jason and b) from the vehemence with which he declared that we would return to Earth for Ashley's birthday... he apparently has feelings for your Red Ranger." Smiling slyly at said Red Ranger, Zhane continued, "And judging from what I just overheard, the feelings are apparently mutual."
Tommy blinked, "Feelings? What kind of feelings?"
Ignoring Jason's frantic shushing motions with a glee that was bordering on maniacal, Zhane continued, "Romantic, Tommy. Romantic."
Jason dropped his head into his hands and let out a quiet moan. Tommy looked up at his best friend with even more confusion than before, "So you figured that was what Kim and I were talking about?"
A nod was the Red Ranger's only response.
Tommy continued, "Well... it wasn't. But I don't see why you'd be so stressed even if it were. So, I'll bite. What's the big deal?"
Now it was Jason's turn to be confused, "Wait... What?"
The Green Ranger shrugged his shoulders, "So what's the big deal? It's not like we could see all the things that we've seen and still hang onto something as crass as homophobia. We've always known how much you love Billy and how much he loves you. So what's the big deal if that love takes on a different form? I'll go you one further -- I'll bet none of us would even be surprised."
The look on Jason's face was priceless if Zhane's sudden laughing fit was anything to go by. He let it fall into a scowl as he turned it on the Silver Ranger, "This isn't that funny."
Zhane turned his beaming smile full-force on the younger Ranger, "Actually, Jason... it kind of is. But really, we're not the ones you need to be talking to." Nodding across the clearing, he indicated Trini and Billy, "You need to be talking to him." Sobering, he placed a hand on Jason's arm, "But, in all seriousness, Jason... You need to grab your chances at happiness in both hands and wring from them all the joy you can, because you can lose them all too easily." Eyes dropping, he finished with, "Take it from someone who knows."
Jason nodded as he clasped Zhane's arm in return, "OK. I give. You're both right and I need to stop being a selfish ass. We'll get this settled... one way or another."
Zhane's smile returned, though a bit softened around the edges, "I'm glad to hear it." He gave Jason's arm a squeeze before releasing him, "Luck, Jason."
Already halfway turned away from the older Ranger, that last turn-of-phrase caused Jason to look back, "Zhane, I've been meaning to ask you... where'd you pick that up?"
Finally having his own turn to be perplexed, the Silver Ranger frowned, "Pick what up?"
Jason frowned, "That phrase... I've only ever heard my mother use it."
Zhane shrugged, "I probably picked it up from her, then, Jason. She was my father's best friend and I did know her as a child." He gave the younger man a shove, "And you're ducking the issue! Go talk to Billy -- no more excuses!"
Shooed on by both Zhane and Tommy, Jason soon found that he had no choice. With a heartfelt sigh, he went to face his fate.
At the same time that Jason was having his talk with Tommy and Zhane, Billy was having an equally productive one with Trini. Only one month into his time with the Lightstar Rangers and Billy was already starting to regret his decision to leave Earth. Was it true that he could do more good in Space? Yes. Was it true that he wanted to get to know his only living team mate better? Of course. Was it true that he wanted a chance to explore the AstroMegaship -- his team's "Blue" Ranger's last legacy -- in more depth? Absolutely. But even so... Billy knew the real reason why he had left Earth. He was running away.
He and Jason had always been close. As children they'd been inseparable -- and it made sense, really. After all, until meeting Zack and the girls, Jason had been Billy's only friend... and vice versa. But even once they'd widened their circle, Billy and Jason had been closer than most friends, at times more like brothers. So, when they hit high school and started saving the world, Billy had been mortified by his own reaction to the side effect of running around in skin-tight outfits while doing so. He'd expected to have a reaction to seeing Trini and Kim that way -- after all, even a techno-geek was still a teenaged boy. What he hadn't expected was his reaction to seeing Jason that way. It was worse than football season.
So, desperate to forget that he'd ever had those thoughts about his best friend, he'd buried them in his pursuit of more and more advanced technology and geekdom. Fortunately for him, the others never looked past it. Though in retrospect, it was a surprise that Jason had never called him on it, especially in light of his recently revealed Empathy. Maybe he'd just done what Billy did and chalked it up to teenaged curiosity and hormones. Regardless, Billy had run from it as fast as he could, and really, Jason had done the same, running off to Switzerland with Trini and Zack.
For a while, Billy had been able to forget by burying himself in his work and in helping out the new Ranger team. He'd come to accept that he was different and even to enjoy that difference a little -- as long as he didn't have to think about the man who was like a brother to him that way. Then Jason had come back. He'd been exceedingly pleased by that, but while Jason did help Billy to get over his depression and angst-fest, he'd unknowingly thrown a different wrench into the works at the same time. You see... Apparently, he looked just as good in black skin-tight body armor as he did in red. But again, Jason said nothing. And Billy had been more than a little confused. He knew by then that Jason was an Empath and had assumed that his best friend would spare him the embarrassment of saying anything about it by mentioning it himself, especially with all the other uncomfortable revelations their team had been having.
By the time they left to go to Phaedos, Billy was beginning to suspect that the reason Jason continually said nothing was that he didn't want to tell Billy that he didn't feel the same way. And after all, why would he? He was captain of the football team, a black belt in multiple fields of martial arts, leader of the Power Rangers -- the all-American boy. It's not like he would be gay. But then once they were settled in on Phaedos, Jason had started sending him some awfully mixed signals. It was nothing overt... it was all in the subtleties. It was in the way that Jason would invade his personal space -- he always had, but now that they had a whole planet's worth of space all to themselves it was more noticeable. It was in the way that whenever they had to split up to do something, Jason always made sure they were together. It was in the way that Jason would send out this irritated vibe whenever he found Billy alone with Trini.
But that wasn't the worst of it. The worst of it was that Trini was giving off the same subtle vibes. Billy had held onto his crush on Trini with a fervor bordering on desperation. That crush was his last tangible proof that he was "normal" in that way. Deep down inside, however, he knew that the appreciation he felt for her beauty was not the same as the bone-deep attraction he had always had for Jason. When he saw her starting to respond to him in the same way, and knew that he couldn't return that depth of feeling... he panicked. Fortunately, that was near the end of their time on Phaedos. He'd been able to duck the issue when they returned to Earth, but the minute that a chance had presented itself to run from the two of them, he'd taken it. See... the problem had never been about whether he knew what he wanted. He wanted Jason. He always had. But how to achieve that without scaring his friend off -- or worse, hurting Trini -- he had no idea.
In the back of his mind, he had thought he might be able to bring himself to ask Zhane for advise... but with the current situation between he and Andros, it just hadn't seemed right. So, he had sulked around the AstroMegaship, growing more and more despondent, until Ashley had hesitantly suggested that she would like to return to Earth to celebrate her birthday. He'd seized on that opportunity like a drowning man to a life raft. But now that they were back... he hadn't been able to get Jason alone to talk to him. And time was running out.
He'd enjoyed his time talking with Trini, but was beginning to feel a little desperate. Andros was enjoying himself now, but he was sure to start eyeing his chronometer soon and hinting that it was time they returned to the ship. As though noting his increased anxiety, Trini patted his knee, "Billy... as much as I've enjoyed catching up with you -- and I have -- I think I'm going to go check on Zack. He and TJ look like they're about to get Adam into trouble."
Caught off guard, Billy jerked his head up to look at her, "But... what?"
A knowing smile resting easily on her face, Trini pointed out Jason walking quickly and purposefully in their direction. Leaning over to plant a chaste kiss on Billy's cheek, she whispered, "It is a far, far better thing I do than I have ever done." At Billy's startled look, she rested one hand against his cheek and spoke quietly but deliberately, "Talk to each other. Work it out. You have my blessing." And then she was gone.
Jason finally reached the bench that Billy was sitting on and asked quietly, "Was it something I said?"
Billy shook his head as he stood up, "No." Looking away for a moment, he steeled his resolved and motioned for Jason to come with him. He didn't want to have this talk in full view of everyone. It seemed wrong somehow. With a sigh, he said, "Let's take this somewhere a little more private. We have a few too many prying eyes here."
Nodding wordlessly, Jason followed Billy off into the trees. They found a small grove of evergreens and Billy settled down at the base of one, a look of peace stealing over his features. Mirroring his friend's actions at the base of a tree nearby, Jason also felt himself relax. They hadn't had time alone like this since Phaedos. It wasn't a surprise that neither of them seemed to want to fill the peaceful silence with uncomfortable words... nor was it a surprise when they both finally gathered up the courage to do it at the same time.
"Billy, I have something to tell--"
"Jason, there is a matter of some importance--"
They both stopped and looked at each other. Only a moment later they both broke up into laughter. The laughter had a slightly hysterical edge to it, but at least it broke the tension. Billy waved at him to start. Jason sighed, "Billy... we've been dancing around something all this last year and I think we need to get it out into the open."
The Platinum Ranger nodded, "Agreed."
Jason met Billy's eyes and saw only encouragement and support. Somehow, he thought Billy knew what he was about to say. That made this easier. Taking a deep breath, he plunged on ahead, "Billy, how do you feel about me?"
Billy blinked, startled, before getting out, "What?"
Jason blushed, "Well, I do realize that I'm an Empath, but a long time ago, I decided that there were times it wasn't appropriate to use my gift. So, I make an effort to block it at those times. This felt like cheating... so I didn't. I'm as clueless as a plebe here... so that's why I'm doing this the old fashioned way and asking. How do you feel about me?"
Shaking his head, Billy let out a huff of laughter, "Well... that explains a few things." At Jason's inquisitive look, Billy smiled, "One I found out about your gift, I assumed you already knew how I felt and just weren't mentioning it because you didn't want to embarrass me or hurt my feelings."
"Oh." Meeting each other's eyes again, there was a world of silent understanding that passed between them. Jason's mouth stretched wide into a grin, "So, I guess that answers my question."
Billy's lips twitched upwards, "I guess it does. Now the question is, what do we do about it?"
Jason looked down at his hands, "Well... I suppose that depends, doesn't it? I mean, I'm stuck on Earth and you're going back into Space..." Abruptly he looked up, "Unless you're not? I wouldn't mind it if you stayed on Earth, you know. My mother can handle the Lightstar Rangers on her own, I'm sure. You don't have to go..."
Billy held up a hand. Who knew? Even Jason babbles when he's nervous... He smiled at his oldest friend and shook his head, "Whether I stay or go isn't the issue, Jason -- though I'm naturally pleased that you wish me to stay. What I meant was... how do you want to pursue these newly admitted feelings?"
A moment later, Billy blinked in genuine startlement, Well, I'll be damned... Apparently, he blushes, too...
Jason coughed lightly into his hand, "Billy... I've never... I mean..."
Billy could only stare in amazement. Somehow, he had just assumed that -- as with so many other things -- Jason had more experience in this arena than he had. He smiled, touched at his friend's nervous stammering. Seeing Jason in this new way was... enlightening, to say the least. This wasn't exactly what he had intended when he'd asked that question, but since the conversation had taken this rather... interesting turn... He inched closer to get a better view of his friend's face, "Not even with a girl?"
Jason looked up, startled to find his best friend suddenly much closer and with a very odd light in his eyes, "Well... I've kissed girls. And I've made out with one or two. Nothing more than that." Jason's eyes then got comically wider, "Have you?"
Billy had to laugh at the look on Jason's face, "Not with a girl, no."
Jason's eyes narrowed in suspicion. He turned and pursued Billy back up against his own tree to stare down into his eyes, "With anyone I know? And why didn't you tell me?" That almost seemed a betrayal of sorts. How could Billy have lost any form of his innocence and not told him? When had it happened? Had he told Trini?
Billy coughed and looked away, sensing his friend's hurt and now regretting having been flippant about it, "It was Cestro. When the Aquitian Rangers came to help us out during the Zeo Quests. That was... it was a difficult time for me. I had just given up my position as an active Ranger, all of my teammates were children, you, Trini and Zack were still at the Peace Conference and Kim was in Florida. I was lonely and he was... he was good to me." Standing up and walking a few paces away, Billy wrung his hands together, "We hadn't... we hadn't done much more than what you described as your experiences with girls. But then the others came back from their Zeo Quests and things... they only got worse for me. Cestro could see how lonely I was, even among my friends, and he asked me to come to Aquitar with him. He even came up with a reasonable excuse -- said that they needed my help to repel an alien invasion."
Turning back to meet Jason's eyes, he said quietly, "I almost stayed with him, Jason. I even almost convinced myself that I was in love... but I wasn't. And neither was he. Our relationship was about comfort and friendship, not love. I was grateful for what he did give me, but we both knew that it was never meant to be any more than that. We each had someone else that we would have rather been with."
Jason rose to stand with him, then hesitantly enveloped him in a hug, "Then I suppose I'll just have to be grateful that he was there when you needed someone and that your first time was with someone special... even if it wasn't with me."
Billy huffed out a laugh against his friend's shoulder, "And I suppose we should be grateful for one more thing..."
Jason leaned back to look down into Billy's smiling eyes, "Oh? And what would that be?"
The Platinum Ranger laughed as he wrapped one hand around the back of Jason's head to pull him down for a steamy, needs-a-private-room-now kiss that was over far too soon for him to fully appreciate his friend's skill. When the kiss was over and he'd managed to refocus his attention on his friend, Billy said cheekily, "This way, at least one of us knows what he's doing."
There was only one way that Jason could answer that. He pulled Billy tightly against him and bent his lips to the other man's once more to prove that while he might lack experience, he could make up for it with enthusiasm.
Aerin couldn't help but feel a surge of melancholy as she wandered the empty corridors of the AstroMegaship. Timing had not favored her on this visit. Everett, though inordinately pleased to see her when she'd showed up on their doorstep, had a business trip scheduled for the coming weekend. They'd only had a few hours together before she had to take him to the airport. If it weren't for the fact that he was traveling with a co-worker, she'd have volunteered to teleport him to gain a little more time... but it wasn't to be. It was a shame, really. Especially after this last year, she'd been missing him a lot. And she was all too aware of how little time they truly had. Not even a full century... possibly not even another half century. Only a handful of decades left before she would ultimately lose him. But this time, she had resolved not to take the coward's way out. This time, she would stick by him until the end -- no matter what pain it cost her. She owed him that much, at least.
For now, however, that included allowing him to live his life the way he saw fit. And that meant letting him do his job. And so, she found herself alone, wandering the deserted hallways of the AstroMegaship, remembering other friends that she had barely had the chance to know before losing them. And this ship... it was eerie, in a way. She could almost feel Decka's presence -- like a flash she was catching only out of the corner of her eye, or a snatch of melody heard upon the wind. Perhaps it was that the computer's voice sounded so much like her friend's. Perhaps it was that she could see Decka's artistic touch in every line of the ship. Perhaps it was just the echo of memory. This ship had been the golden-haired Ranger's magnum opus and, in a very real sense, had been even more her child than Andros and Karone had been. After all, she had only put 9 months into making her human children... but she had slaved over the design and building of this ship for almost 10 years.
It wasn't a great surprise to find her wanderings leading her to the Simudeck. In truth, she'd always been fascinated by the place. A room that could create a world so realistic that human senses couldn't tell it from the real thing. Only Decka could have come up with something like that... and enacted it. The other Engineers had scoffed at her for even dreaming up the idea, much less for actually following it through. They hadn't thought she could -- or really even that she should. They'd considered it a waste of precious resources that would be better used to create a larger arsenal. But really, Decka was brilliant to have considered this one thing that no one else had -- that while off patrolling the deepest recesses of space, when one could expect that they might not see planetfall for months or more, the basic knowledge that one could go to the Simudeck and experience a sunny day in the park from back home went a long way towards helping one keep one's sanity.
Dialing up her favorite Simudeck program, Aerin walked through the doors... and into paradise.
True, it might not be what the others would consider beautiful, or even restful, but to Aerin... it was home. Altiyar was a desert planet, its settlements clustered around its few precious bodies of water and built either deep into the sand or high up in the mountain elevations to avoid the scorching heat of their overly close sun. A network of natural caverns housed the planet's underground rivers and lakes and the mountain retreats its cloud-parks where most of the growing was done. This particular program was of her cavern... the one where she'd morphed for the first time, when she'd discovered how truly different she was from the rest of her people. More than anywhere else in the universe, this underground grotto was home.
Stripping off her shoes and socks, Aerin dangled her legs into the water, smiling as this set off a ripple effect that was reflected throughout the entire cave. Peeling out of everything else but the bathing suit she'd donned under her clothes, she let herself slide the rest of the way into the water, resting on the ledge she knew was just at the right height to keep her head above water. She'd missed this. The peace... the tranquility... She was asleep before she even registered how tired she was.
It could have been minutes or hours later that she was abruptly jerked out of her nap by a hand under her arm and an exacerbated voice saying, "For the love of little green men, Aerin! Are you really that stupid or are you trying to kill yourself?"
Confused and disoriented, Aerin could only splutter, "Decka?? What the-- How did you--?" Getting her feet under her at last, Aerin spun around to face the smaller woman, "You're supposed to be dead!"
The golden-haired woman put her hands on her hips and scowled, "Of course I'm dead, you numb-wit! And you'd have been joining me if you dipped your face any further forward! It's a good thing I was paying attention!"
Aerin gaped at the woman for a full minute before shaking her head to clear it, "So this is a dream?"
The Purple Ranger shook her head and sighed, "No. It isn't. It's the Simudeck, Aerin. This is a subprogram I've been working on to use the Simudeck to facilitate my interaction with the Rangers. I have often thought that having a human face to speak to would greatly enhance the Rangers' receptiveness to any suggestions that I make. Also, using what I learned during the incident with the Craterites, I believe that I will be able to utilize this fully interactive program anywhere on the ship. I have not had occasion before now to try it out, however."
Aerin visibly deflated, "Oh. You're not Decka. You're DECA." She'd been so sure... For a moment, when she'd first responded, Aerin was sure that she'd been talking to her long-lost friend. But once she'd wandered off into techno-babble, she'd sounded like the AstroMegaship computer again. Maybe it had just been wishful thinking. She sighed, "Well... that's as may be, but I'd be careful about how you introduce this new facet to your abilities. Andros doesn't take well to change."
A soft, "I know," was DECA's only response before fading from the Simudeck.
Suppressing a shiver, Aerin did the same.
A/N:
Zhane: *snickers* OK... that was good. I enjoyed that.
R-chan: ^_^ Thought you might!
Billy: *smirk* I enjoyed it, too...
R-chan: *eg* Mmm... yeah, also thought you might. ^_^ *blinkblink* *pokes* Jason... you're awfully quiet.
Jason: O_O I'm still reevaluating.
Billy: *laughs* Turned your world on its side, did I?
Jason: O_O Little bit, there, yeah.
Billy: *smirk*
R-chan: *beams* My work here is done, I think. ^_^
Master Post and Chapter List
Questions, comments, boysenberries?
Coming Soon: Astronema has successfully invaded the AstroMegaship... or so she thinks. She even starts to begin reeking havoc, only to find that it won't be nearly so easy as she thought it would be.