Fractured Fates (S.P.D./inSpace Crossover/Power Rangers, prompt 7 ~ fire)
Just ... don't talk to me right now. Leave comments to make me smile. Because right now, this is all I've got to keep from crying.
Title: Fractured Fates
Author: Tsukino Akume
Relationship: Zhane/Sky Tate, Jack Landors/Syd Drew
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers, because I probably wouldn't have done this to it even if I did. This is all purplestripe66's fault.
Warning: Character with depression/health issues
Summary: When Andros put Zhane into cryogenic stasis, he didn't wake up until he was completely healed - twenty-four years later. Zhane finds a new team, and S.P.D. tries to deal with the aftermath.
List of 22: 7 ~ fire
Author's Notes: Another one of those chapters that didn't come out the way I'd originally planned, but I'm fairly satisfied with it. Zhane and Bridge are just too much fun to write as friends. ^_^
"Rangers, be careful. Bork's a ruthless criminal. He left Alpha Centauri in ruins; he'll have no problem with destroying Earth."
"Aren't they *all* ruthless criminals?" Silver muttered as they all ducked into hiding. "I mean, at least most of them?"
He grunted as Blue elbowed him in the side.
"Thanks for the warning, Commander," Red said quickly. "We're closing in on him now."
"Follow me!" Green declared. He vaulted over the side of a railing.
Silver launched himself after him with a quiet whoop of glee, purposely ignoring the frustrated sigh from Blue as he flipped over the second railing. Green landed on a small cart, flailed for the briefest of moments, and righted himself as he went careening gracefully across the yard. Silver looked around for another, only to have Blue grab his shoulder. He glanced back at him with a pout that could be seen through his helmet.
"Okay. We don't have to do that. ... Do we?" Yellow asked warily.
"Uh, no." Red promised.
"Good. Let's go!"
"You know, *I* heard, that this Bork is wanted on like a bajillion planets." Green piped up.
"Oh, really? That many?" Yellow mocked.
"Okay. Maybe only like, ten planets," he admitted.
"But he's still wanted!" Silver put in, smirking as Yellow shot him a look.
"No sign of Bork, Commander," Blue reported in, pointedly ignoring them both.
"Keep searching, Rangers. Bork's energy reading still shows him at that location."
"Zhane, Bridge, you guys got anything?" Red asked.
"Uh, I'm not so good at picking up on things in morph," Green said sheepishly. "Cause of the whole, you know, layer of armor an' all."
"I'm getting *something*," Silver returned. "But I can't be clear on what. I'm not as accurate as Bridge is." And whatever's got Bridge's energy so crazy right now is throwing off what I *can* get, he added silently.
Green glanced back at them. "Should I demorph and try?"
"Negative," Red ordered just as Silver said "No!"
They exchanged glances. "Whatever it is, it's not a good idea to be unguarded right now," Silver finished uneasily.
"Cadets, be careful. It looks like we have lots of uninvited guests." Cruger's voice informed them.
"You guys are good," Pink murmured, glancing between Silver and Green.
Silver shrugged. "Comes with being us. Let's get this over with."
Red nodded. "We're on it, Commander," he acknowledged as they charged across the open area.
"I'm not getting anything," Silver grumbled in frustration as they looked around.
"We keep looking," Red ordered. "Cruger said he was here, and Troobians, too."
"If we split up, we could cover more territory," Blue suggested.
"Good idea," Red agreed.
Silver shook his head as chills ran down his spine. "No. We should stay together until we know what we're dealing with."
"But we'll cover more ground if we separate," Yellow argued, moving to stand closer to Blue.
Silver's fist tightened on his Silverizer. "And I'm telling you, it's a bad idea," he argued.
Green was looking at Silver; Pink seemed undecided. The other two looked at Red.
He hesitated. "We split up and meet back here in fifteen," he decided finally. "Everyone be careful."
"Right!" they chorused. Everyone but Silver saluted him.
"We'll be careful, Zhane," Green's voice promised in his ear as he ran in the opposite direction. "Don't worry."
"A little late for that," he muttered under his breath. Something was wrong, and separating had been the *last* thing they should have done. His instincts were screaming at him.
But Red had made an order, and he'd promised himself he'd follow Jack's orders from now on. No matter how wrong it felt.
Andros, where are you when I need you? he pleaded silently as he slunk through another empty alleyway. Andros had *always* listened to his intuition, even when there was no reason for it. Jack still didn't understand.
But the plea wasn't quite a call, and Andros didn't answer.
"There's Bork! I'm going in!" Green declared abruptly over his comm.
The chills ran down his spine again. "Bridge, no! Wait! Not yet!" he protested.
He didn't respond.
"No no no no no!" he moaned under his breath as raced toward his teammate's last position. Please be okay, Bridge, he prayed silently.
The feeling of danger grew stronger as he passed Pink, who called his name in surprise. He raised his wrist and turned his Silverizer way from his face as he tapped into the comm. "Bridge! Bridge, can you hear me?"
"Zhane? What's wrong?" Blue demanded as he ran alongside him.
He didn't answer. The feeling was stronger than ever now, and he knew if he didn't get to Bridge *now* -
"This way, guys!" Red called as he and Yellow joined them.
They ran onto the dock, and Silver scanned wildly around himself. "Bridge?" he called anxiously. He tapped the comm again. "Bridge!"
"Bridge! Where are you?" Red shouted to the empty air.
****
"Will someone please explain what happened out there?" For once, Cruger sounded more tired than angry.
"I take full responsibility, Sir," Jack answered immediately as he stepped forward. "I ordered that the team split up to search individually." His eyes flickered to the side, towards Zhane, briefly before returning to Cruger. "Zhane felt that we should stay together until we knew what we were dealing with, and I ignored his suggestion."
"Sir, I made the suggestion to Jack that we split up," Sky put in. He glanced at Jack, but avoided looking anywhere near Zhane. "If I hadn't said anything, he might have not given that order. I also ignored Zhane's argument, despite his greater experience as a Ranger."
"I appreciate you taking responsibility, Cadets." Again, Cruger's tone was oddly gentle. Something about it put Zhane's nerves on edge. "But the suggestion and the order were good ones. The job we do has many consequences. And a Ranger missing in action, is one of those consequences. Despite Zhane's experience, tactically speaking splitting up *was* the most appropriate option. You did not ignore his advice - you merely outvoted it." He glanced at Zhane for a moment before turning toward where Kat was already searching for Bridge. "Kat?" he prompted.
She turned, her expression hesitant. "I've scoured the area within a two hundred mile radius. I'm still not picking up on Bridge's communicator signal. I'm really worried about him," she confessed quietly.
Zhane clenched a fist, looking away. You have *no* idea, he thought to himself. The feeling that Bridge was in danger hadn't faded. All he had now was an increasing desperate need to go find him, and the feeling that time was running out.
It didn't help that his mind had quickly provided dozens of reasons why Kat couldn't find Bridge within two hundred miles.
"We're all worried about him, Kat," Cruger reminded her, finally starting to sound frustrated. "But worrying doesn't help us. We need to take action."
"I'll go," Jack spoke up.
"So will I," Sky put in half a beat behind him.
Cruger looked at them both. "Jack. I want you to search for Bridge. Do not come back until you find him."
"I don't plan on it, Sir," Jack returned, his eyes narrowed in determination.
"Sky, you will lead the others on a search for Bork. Do what you have to do to find him. Whatever it takes."
"Yes, Sir," Sky said sharply.
"Time is of the essence, Rangers," Cruger finished as they both saluted. "Your fellow cadet is counting on you."
But they were already out the door.
Zhane paused briefly to look at Cruger. "You know I won't be following Sky," he informed him quietly. For once, there was nothing confrontational about his tone.
Cruger stared back for a moment. "Do whatever you need to," he said at last. "I will watch over the others should they need help."
He nodded once, swallowing hard. The idea of giving over his place to Cruger while he searched for Bridge was galling and frightening. "Keep them safe for me, Commander," he said softly.
Cruger nodded in return. "Bring Bridge back to us."
For the first time since he'd joined S.P.D., Zhane left the Command Center with the feeling that he and Cruger understood one another.
****
He'd followed Sky and the girls for now, because until he had some sort of lead to follow, there was no reason for him to leave them alone. His nerves were fried as it was with two Rangers out of his eyesight. But he still didn't understand why they'd come ... here.
The alien yelped as he lowered the glass bowl he'd been polishing. "Oh, you scared me," he sighed.
"Sorry," Sky muttered.
"Sorry?" he repeated as Zhane glanced at his boyfriend worriedly. "You said, you're *sorry*," he repeated as Sky raised his hands irritably in a gesture of peace. "You must want something. Hey," he went on, looking at Zhane. "Why don't I know you? You're new around here, aren't you?" He paused, leaning closer to him conspiratorially. "Just a tip? Hanging around S.P.D. isn't exactly going to make you any friends."
"I‘ll keep that in mind," he returned calmly. "We need to know where we can find Bork."
"Creamed Bork? Pickled Bork? Or barbequed - "
"How 'bout galactic felon, Bork," Syd cut in, glaring at him.
The guy froze for a moment before raising his hands with a shrug. "I don't know what you're talking about," he protested innocently.
"Yes, you do. No games, Piggy," Sky growled.
"Ooh ... He talks," 'Piggy' remarked. "Something big must be going down. The well-being of the planet? Dare I say, the galaxy, is at stake?"
He paused for effect. "So what's in it for me?"
:: ... ? ::
"Nothing," Syd returned flatly.
Zhane shook his head, rubbing his temple. Was that ... ? :: Andros? :: he tried.
Z hesitated. "What I'm about to tell you Piggy, is top secret, you don't say a word," she warned, pointing her finger in his face.
"Moi?"
"Piggy!" she said sharply. "Bridge was taken by Bork. Okay, he's in a *lot* of danger."
"Oh. Oh, no. Not Bridge," he returned mildly. "He's the one of you I dislike the least."
He turned to walk away and yelped again as he walked into a furious-looking Sky. "Hello ... " he said weakly.
Sky glared down at him.
:: ... Where am I? ::
Zhane paused. :: Bridge? :: he called cautiously. :: Is that you? ::
:: ... Zhane? ::
Z moved closer, staring at Piggy. "Dock 19?"
He nodded, leaning away from her. "Yeah."
"Got it." Her eyes flickered over his shoulder to Sky. She paused to set a hand on Piggy's arm as they all began to walk away. "Thanks, Piggy," she said quietly.
"Okay. No problem. And I won't say a word!" he called after them.
Zhane glanced at Sky as soon as they were out of hearing distance. "He's going to betray us," he informed him. Mentally he was still trying to keep a hold on Bridge's thought pattern. It was shaky and confused, which meant he was probably injured.
Sky's eyes flickered to his. "Z won't believe that."
He shrugged, feeling irritated. He wasn't really surprised: none of them ever believed anything he told them. "I'm going," he said instead. His turned just enough to look at Sky fully. "Bridge is calling me."
"Calling you?" Syd echoed from behind them.
He nodded. "I'm going after him."
Sky frowned. "But Cruger said - " He stopped, shook his head, and looked at Zhane closer. "You're not going to listen to Cruger's orders," he reminded himself ruefully.
Zhane almost smiled. "No. I'm not."
Sky nodded. After a pause, he reached out to touch Zhane's elbow. "Be careful. You'd *both* better come back in one piece."
He did smile then. "I'll bring Bridge back to you, Sky," he promised. He turned away before Sky could realize what he'd said.
He wouldn't make promises he could never keep.
****
Dock 19 was disappointingly empty. But that didn’t mean Zhane didn’t have a trick up his sleeve. :: Bridge, can you hear me? ::
:: Well, this is interesting. I didn't realize we'd gotten so close. ::
He smiled. :: Liar. You know you're practically my second best friend. ::
:: True. Although somehow I don't think Sky would be happy about that. He's not so good at the sharing thing. ::
:: Sky's freaking out over looking for you. You'll be able to milk it for a week once we get you home. ::
:: Sounds like fun. Any pointers? ::
:: Slightly pathetic, traumatized but trying to pretend you're not, and being clingy while pretending not to notice usually works pretty well for me. So where are you? ::
:: In a room somewhere. Jack said there's a train station, church bell, foghorn, and buzzer nearby. ::
:: You got a hold of Jack? ::
:: Yup. I was able to get my communicator repaired. My morpher isn't going to work anytime soon, though. It looks like Bork sat on it. Or at least stepped on it. Maybe he hit it with a really big mallet ... that would explain why my leg hurts. ::
He tried not to wince. Scatterbrained Bridge was normal. Scatterbrained and Injured Bridge was bad sign.
:: Well, it's that or the way I'm bracing it against the wall. I'd try to adjust, but I don't think a sprained ankle is too much of a concern right now. ::
:: Why's that? :: he asked warily. Something about the way Bridge was babbling wasn't right.
:: Well, I seem to be running out of time. The room is getting ... smaller. Oh, and I'm hungry. ::
"The room is what?" he demanded sharply. He shook his head as he caught himself speaking aloud. :: The room is what? :: he tried again.
:: Shrinking. You know how the walls close in in those old monster movies? Well, you probably wouldn’t know. But they do. There's usually sand pouring in from somewhere in the ceiling, too. Although in this case, there isn't. Which is a good thing. ::
Zhane reached for his morpher. "Jack, come in," he ordered. "This is Zhane."
"I'm a little busy right now, Zhane," came the irritated reply.
"Bridge says the walls on his cell are shrinking. How close are you?"
"They're *what*?!"
"How close are you?" he repeated.
"Right outside the building. But there's an army of Krybots between me and him. It's gonna take me a few minutes to get to him."
"Time Bridge doesn't have," he muttered. "All right, I'll have Kat send me your coordinates. You deal with the Krybots, I'll get Bridge."
"You got it. Good luck."
"Yeah, you too." He switched frequencies even as he morphed. "Kat, this is Silver. I need Red's coordinates *now*."
Kat was nothing if not efficient. "Transmitting. I've got them locked into your Silver Cycle."
"Thanks, Kat. Silver Cycle!" he summoned.
"How's Bridge holding up?"
:: Bridge? I'm on my way to get you. And Jack's right outside the building. We're almost there. Is there anything you need me to bring you? ::
:: Something to repair my morpher would be nice. So I can, y'know, morph. Oh! And a sandwich would be *great*. I'm starving. ::
He didn't doubt it; psychics tended to get hungry the more energy they used. And he'd noticed Bridge getting cravings whenever he was uncomfortable or upset. He was lucky he had such a high metabolism. :: Got it. ::
He turned his attention back to Kat's channel. "His morpher is broken and I'm pretty sure he's injured. He also said he wants a sandwich."
"I'll see what I can do," Kat returned, sounding amused.
He flipped into the air and landed on his Cycle as it drove past him. "Silver out," he informed her. He focused his attention back on the road. "Hang on, Bridge. I'm coming," he murmured.
His morpher beeped. "Zhane, it's Sky. I hate to do this, but we've got a big problem on our hands. Think you can help us out?"
He glanced up, swerving just in time to avoid a pile of crates sent flying by the sudden tremor. The robot towering above the city looked strong, but not unstoppable. Which meant it wasn't enough to disturb the city foundations by using the Delta Command Megazord. "Can't. I'm almost to Bridge." He hesitated. "Have Kat send you the MegaWinger. Just ... just be careful with her, okay?"
There was a pause. "Thanks, Zhane. Be careful."
He smiled to himself. "I love you too, Sky," he returned, and shut off the connection before Sky could sputter at him.
The S.W.A.T. Command Truck was a blur as he drove past it. He could see laser fire and sensed that Red needed him, but he had to trust that he could handle himself for now. Green needed him more. Green needed him now.
There was an Orangehead in his way. He fired rapidly, charging straight toward it. He wasn't sure if the laser fire that got it first, or being run over by the Silver Cycle. It didn't matter.
Once he found the room, the grate in the floor to Bridge's cell was easy to spot. He didn't even bother to stop his Cycle, flipping off and running for the opening. "Bridge!" he shouted.
"Zhane?"
"Cover your eyes!" He raised his Silverizer, firing at the edges around the grate until he could see the whole thing crumbling. He yanked it away one-handed, extending his other inside the opening. "Grab my hand!"
Fingers fumbled for his, and he clamped around them the moment he had enough to hold on to. He yanked hard, dimly registering Bridge's cry of pain. Bridge threw his free arm around his other wrist as soon as he was halfway out, and he threw himself backward to get the rest of his teammate free.
The walls slammed together moments after him.
They laid there for a moment, Bridge on top of him as they both struggled to breathe. The hands on his arms moved to his neck, and he retaliated by wrapping the other up in the tightest hug he could manage. His shoulder screamed in protest, but he didn't care.
He powered down, suddenly needing to *feel* Bridge under his fingers. His friend's skin was cold and clammy and covered in dust and sweat, but there was a rapid pulse beneath it. Overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, he turned his head enough to kiss Bridge's temple reverently.
Bridge made a soft sound that could have either been a sniffle or a laugh. "Sky's gonna be jealous," he muttered into Zhane's neck.
"Don't care," he mumbled back, tightening his arms again. This time the pain registered sharp enough to make him wince. "He's gonna be mad at both of us anyway."
"Yeah. That's true." This time it was definitely a sniffle.
At last Bridge pulled away to offered him a shaky smile, absently running a hand over his eyes. "Thanks, Zhane."
"This is one of those things I don't need to be thanked for," Zhane reminded him, reaching out to tussle Bridge's hair. He watched the cloud of dust the movement made for a moment before meeting Bridge's eyes again.
Bridge just smiled. "I know. Thanks."
The sound of barking made them both turn. "R.I.C.?" Zhane asked in surprise.
R.I.C. barked again, stopping in front of Bridge to drop something into his palm. Bridge smiled, reaching up to pat his head. "Good dog," he said admiringly.
Zhane shook his head, amused for reasons he couldn't explain at the sight of the replacement morpher. "Kat's on the ball as usual."
Bridge grinned at him faintly. His eyes were still a bit haunted, but that was something that would eventually fade with time - and nightmares. "We'd better get back to the others. S.P.D., Emergency!"
"Let's Rocket!"
****
"Jack, your determination to find your fellow Ranger was extraordinary. Sky, your leadership of the Rangers was exemplary. Bridge, your coolness under duress was inspiring. Z, you have truly become a selfless member of our team. Syd, your fighting skills are honed to perfection. Zhane - " Cruger stopped, hesitating.
He turned to face him fully, and Zhane raised an eyebrow as the line of random praise seemed to be broken. "Zhane, I owe you an apology," Cruger said at last.
Zhane blinked at him. "Sir?"
He shifted uncomfortably, and it was hard not to stare at the sight. "It has come to my attention that you do not receive enough recognition as the senior member of this team, nor for your skills and loyalty to your teammates. Everything I have said to the others, applies to you as well."
Zhane raised his eyebrows. "I'm not a leader," he reminded Cruger. "And everything I've done today was part of my job as Sixth. There's nothing special about it."
"You saved my life," Bridge spoke up, even as he stared straight ahead. "I'd say that's pretty special."
He sighed and turned to look at the others. "I do what I do because it's what we'd all do. I happened to be the one who got to Bridge first, but that doesn't mean that anyone else wouldn't have worked as hard to get to him. And if I was the one who'd been kidnapped, I know you'd all do the same to find me. It's what teammates do. It's what *friends* do." He paused and looked back at Cruger. Silence lingered. "Neither of us gives the other enough credit," he said at last. "But that's because we each have our own way of doing things."
Cruger nodded slowly. "That we do," he agreed solemnly.
Zhane continued to watch him, tilting his head. "I want ice cream," he declared abruptly.
The others were giving him funny looks. Most of the few people who always seemed to linger in the Command Center turned to stare at him. Kat was fighting a smile.
Cruger stared at him. "On base or off?" he asked eventually.
"Off," he said firmly.
Cruger let out a slow sigh. "Very well. I shall have Kat make arrangements. You are all off-duty for the remainder of the evening."
Zhane nodded, and at last gave Cruger a genuine smile. "Thanks, Cruger."
He received another nod. "I expect you to uphold your end of the bargain," the commander murmured back.
Zhane turned with a wide grin, throwing an arm across each of the girl's shoulders. "So. Ice cream," he said brightly. "Syd, you know all the good places, right?"
"We're going for ice cream?" Jack repeated blankly.
"Of course I do!" Syd chirped back, smiling at Zhane.
"We're *not* going out for ice cream," Sky said firmly. "You and Bridge were just released from the hospital wing. Dr. Felix said to take it easy."
"What's strenuous about going out for ice cream?" Z shot back at him, gently easing Zhane's arm from her shoulder. She must have remembered that he'd been warned about it.
"I like ice cream," Bridge remarked. "And Syd likes ice cream. And I know Sky likes ice cream. I'm pretty sure we all like ice cream. So ... why wouldn't we want to go get ice cream?"
Sky hesitated, his eyes flickering to Bridge. "Are you sure you're up for this, Bridge? We can always bring something back to you if you want."
Jack stared at him incredulously. The girls weren't much better.
:: Pathetic and needy, but trying not to be, :: Zhane reminded Bridge. :: Try not to overdo it or you'll lose him completely. ::
Bridge frowned a little. "Well ... ice cream does sound really good. And it'd be nice to leave the base while we're off duty ... But ... I don't want to be a bother," he murmured, shifting uncomfortably. "And I am a little tired ... you guys will probably have a lot more fun without me. I'll just wait here. You can tell me all about it when you get back." He tried to smile, and Zhane could see that the pain in his eyes wasn't completely fake.
"No, it's okay," Sky said quickly. "It's just ice cream. And spending time as friends could be beneficial to our ability to work as a team."
"'Our ability to work as a team'?" Z parroted back, rolling her eyes. "Stop quoting the S.P.D. handbook at us, Sky."
Zhane moved to wrap an arm around Bridge's shoulders as they headed toward their rooms. He tilted his head just enough to lean against Bridge as he walked.
"He'll get jealous," Bridge mumbled.
"I'm a touchy-feely guy," he returned quietly. "And I'm worried about my best friend being scared out of his mind today. I'm making him feel better."
He felt, rather than saw, Bridge's smile. "Yeah. I guess you are," he agreed softly. He leaned into Zhane's arm a little more.
He'd have to remember to thank Cruger somehow, for realizing what he meant when he‘d said he wanted ice cream. The old dog didn't seem so bad after all. For today, at least. "Hey, guys?" he called suddenly. "Let's get some sandwiches, too. I'm hungry."
Bridge's answering smile was blinding.
Title: Fractured Fates
Author: Tsukino Akume
Relationship: Zhane/Sky Tate, Jack Landors/Syd Drew
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers, because I probably wouldn't have done this to it even if I did. This is all purplestripe66's fault.
Warning: Character with depression/health issues
Summary: When Andros put Zhane into cryogenic stasis, he didn't wake up until he was completely healed - twenty-four years later. Zhane finds a new team, and S.P.D. tries to deal with the aftermath.
List of 22: 7 ~ fire
Author's Notes: Another one of those chapters that didn't come out the way I'd originally planned, but I'm fairly satisfied with it. Zhane and Bridge are just too much fun to write as friends. ^_^
"Rangers, be careful. Bork's a ruthless criminal. He left Alpha Centauri in ruins; he'll have no problem with destroying Earth."
"Aren't they *all* ruthless criminals?" Silver muttered as they all ducked into hiding. "I mean, at least most of them?"
He grunted as Blue elbowed him in the side.
"Thanks for the warning, Commander," Red said quickly. "We're closing in on him now."
"Follow me!" Green declared. He vaulted over the side of a railing.
Silver launched himself after him with a quiet whoop of glee, purposely ignoring the frustrated sigh from Blue as he flipped over the second railing. Green landed on a small cart, flailed for the briefest of moments, and righted himself as he went careening gracefully across the yard. Silver looked around for another, only to have Blue grab his shoulder. He glanced back at him with a pout that could be seen through his helmet.
"Okay. We don't have to do that. ... Do we?" Yellow asked warily.
"Uh, no." Red promised.
"Good. Let's go!"
"You know, *I* heard, that this Bork is wanted on like a bajillion planets." Green piped up.
"Oh, really? That many?" Yellow mocked.
"Okay. Maybe only like, ten planets," he admitted.
"But he's still wanted!" Silver put in, smirking as Yellow shot him a look.
"No sign of Bork, Commander," Blue reported in, pointedly ignoring them both.
"Keep searching, Rangers. Bork's energy reading still shows him at that location."
"Zhane, Bridge, you guys got anything?" Red asked.
"Uh, I'm not so good at picking up on things in morph," Green said sheepishly. "Cause of the whole, you know, layer of armor an' all."
"I'm getting *something*," Silver returned. "But I can't be clear on what. I'm not as accurate as Bridge is." And whatever's got Bridge's energy so crazy right now is throwing off what I *can* get, he added silently.
Green glanced back at them. "Should I demorph and try?"
"Negative," Red ordered just as Silver said "No!"
They exchanged glances. "Whatever it is, it's not a good idea to be unguarded right now," Silver finished uneasily.
"Cadets, be careful. It looks like we have lots of uninvited guests." Cruger's voice informed them.
"You guys are good," Pink murmured, glancing between Silver and Green.
Silver shrugged. "Comes with being us. Let's get this over with."
Red nodded. "We're on it, Commander," he acknowledged as they charged across the open area.
"I'm not getting anything," Silver grumbled in frustration as they looked around.
"We keep looking," Red ordered. "Cruger said he was here, and Troobians, too."
"If we split up, we could cover more territory," Blue suggested.
"Good idea," Red agreed.
Silver shook his head as chills ran down his spine. "No. We should stay together until we know what we're dealing with."
"But we'll cover more ground if we separate," Yellow argued, moving to stand closer to Blue.
Silver's fist tightened on his Silverizer. "And I'm telling you, it's a bad idea," he argued.
Green was looking at Silver; Pink seemed undecided. The other two looked at Red.
He hesitated. "We split up and meet back here in fifteen," he decided finally. "Everyone be careful."
"Right!" they chorused. Everyone but Silver saluted him.
"We'll be careful, Zhane," Green's voice promised in his ear as he ran in the opposite direction. "Don't worry."
"A little late for that," he muttered under his breath. Something was wrong, and separating had been the *last* thing they should have done. His instincts were screaming at him.
But Red had made an order, and he'd promised himself he'd follow Jack's orders from now on. No matter how wrong it felt.
Andros, where are you when I need you? he pleaded silently as he slunk through another empty alleyway. Andros had *always* listened to his intuition, even when there was no reason for it. Jack still didn't understand.
But the plea wasn't quite a call, and Andros didn't answer.
"There's Bork! I'm going in!" Green declared abruptly over his comm.
The chills ran down his spine again. "Bridge, no! Wait! Not yet!" he protested.
He didn't respond.
"No no no no no!" he moaned under his breath as raced toward his teammate's last position. Please be okay, Bridge, he prayed silently.
The feeling of danger grew stronger as he passed Pink, who called his name in surprise. He raised his wrist and turned his Silverizer way from his face as he tapped into the comm. "Bridge! Bridge, can you hear me?"
"Zhane? What's wrong?" Blue demanded as he ran alongside him.
He didn't answer. The feeling was stronger than ever now, and he knew if he didn't get to Bridge *now* -
"This way, guys!" Red called as he and Yellow joined them.
They ran onto the dock, and Silver scanned wildly around himself. "Bridge?" he called anxiously. He tapped the comm again. "Bridge!"
"Bridge! Where are you?" Red shouted to the empty air.
****
"Will someone please explain what happened out there?" For once, Cruger sounded more tired than angry.
"I take full responsibility, Sir," Jack answered immediately as he stepped forward. "I ordered that the team split up to search individually." His eyes flickered to the side, towards Zhane, briefly before returning to Cruger. "Zhane felt that we should stay together until we knew what we were dealing with, and I ignored his suggestion."
"Sir, I made the suggestion to Jack that we split up," Sky put in. He glanced at Jack, but avoided looking anywhere near Zhane. "If I hadn't said anything, he might have not given that order. I also ignored Zhane's argument, despite his greater experience as a Ranger."
"I appreciate you taking responsibility, Cadets." Again, Cruger's tone was oddly gentle. Something about it put Zhane's nerves on edge. "But the suggestion and the order were good ones. The job we do has many consequences. And a Ranger missing in action, is one of those consequences. Despite Zhane's experience, tactically speaking splitting up *was* the most appropriate option. You did not ignore his advice - you merely outvoted it." He glanced at Zhane for a moment before turning toward where Kat was already searching for Bridge. "Kat?" he prompted.
She turned, her expression hesitant. "I've scoured the area within a two hundred mile radius. I'm still not picking up on Bridge's communicator signal. I'm really worried about him," she confessed quietly.
Zhane clenched a fist, looking away. You have *no* idea, he thought to himself. The feeling that Bridge was in danger hadn't faded. All he had now was an increasing desperate need to go find him, and the feeling that time was running out.
It didn't help that his mind had quickly provided dozens of reasons why Kat couldn't find Bridge within two hundred miles.
"We're all worried about him, Kat," Cruger reminded her, finally starting to sound frustrated. "But worrying doesn't help us. We need to take action."
"I'll go," Jack spoke up.
"So will I," Sky put in half a beat behind him.
Cruger looked at them both. "Jack. I want you to search for Bridge. Do not come back until you find him."
"I don't plan on it, Sir," Jack returned, his eyes narrowed in determination.
"Sky, you will lead the others on a search for Bork. Do what you have to do to find him. Whatever it takes."
"Yes, Sir," Sky said sharply.
"Time is of the essence, Rangers," Cruger finished as they both saluted. "Your fellow cadet is counting on you."
But they were already out the door.
Zhane paused briefly to look at Cruger. "You know I won't be following Sky," he informed him quietly. For once, there was nothing confrontational about his tone.
Cruger stared back for a moment. "Do whatever you need to," he said at last. "I will watch over the others should they need help."
He nodded once, swallowing hard. The idea of giving over his place to Cruger while he searched for Bridge was galling and frightening. "Keep them safe for me, Commander," he said softly.
Cruger nodded in return. "Bring Bridge back to us."
For the first time since he'd joined S.P.D., Zhane left the Command Center with the feeling that he and Cruger understood one another.
****
He'd followed Sky and the girls for now, because until he had some sort of lead to follow, there was no reason for him to leave them alone. His nerves were fried as it was with two Rangers out of his eyesight. But he still didn't understand why they'd come ... here.
The alien yelped as he lowered the glass bowl he'd been polishing. "Oh, you scared me," he sighed.
"Sorry," Sky muttered.
"Sorry?" he repeated as Zhane glanced at his boyfriend worriedly. "You said, you're *sorry*," he repeated as Sky raised his hands irritably in a gesture of peace. "You must want something. Hey," he went on, looking at Zhane. "Why don't I know you? You're new around here, aren't you?" He paused, leaning closer to him conspiratorially. "Just a tip? Hanging around S.P.D. isn't exactly going to make you any friends."
"I‘ll keep that in mind," he returned calmly. "We need to know where we can find Bork."
"Creamed Bork? Pickled Bork? Or barbequed - "
"How 'bout galactic felon, Bork," Syd cut in, glaring at him.
The guy froze for a moment before raising his hands with a shrug. "I don't know what you're talking about," he protested innocently.
"Yes, you do. No games, Piggy," Sky growled.
"Ooh ... He talks," 'Piggy' remarked. "Something big must be going down. The well-being of the planet? Dare I say, the galaxy, is at stake?"
He paused for effect. "So what's in it for me?"
:: ... ? ::
"Nothing," Syd returned flatly.
Zhane shook his head, rubbing his temple. Was that ... ? :: Andros? :: he tried.
Z hesitated. "What I'm about to tell you Piggy, is top secret, you don't say a word," she warned, pointing her finger in his face.
"Moi?"
"Piggy!" she said sharply. "Bridge was taken by Bork. Okay, he's in a *lot* of danger."
"Oh. Oh, no. Not Bridge," he returned mildly. "He's the one of you I dislike the least."
He turned to walk away and yelped again as he walked into a furious-looking Sky. "Hello ... " he said weakly.
Sky glared down at him.
:: ... Where am I? ::
Zhane paused. :: Bridge? :: he called cautiously. :: Is that you? ::
:: ... Zhane? ::
Z moved closer, staring at Piggy. "Dock 19?"
He nodded, leaning away from her. "Yeah."
"Got it." Her eyes flickered over his shoulder to Sky. She paused to set a hand on Piggy's arm as they all began to walk away. "Thanks, Piggy," she said quietly.
"Okay. No problem. And I won't say a word!" he called after them.
Zhane glanced at Sky as soon as they were out of hearing distance. "He's going to betray us," he informed him. Mentally he was still trying to keep a hold on Bridge's thought pattern. It was shaky and confused, which meant he was probably injured.
Sky's eyes flickered to his. "Z won't believe that."
He shrugged, feeling irritated. He wasn't really surprised: none of them ever believed anything he told them. "I'm going," he said instead. His turned just enough to look at Sky fully. "Bridge is calling me."
"Calling you?" Syd echoed from behind them.
He nodded. "I'm going after him."
Sky frowned. "But Cruger said - " He stopped, shook his head, and looked at Zhane closer. "You're not going to listen to Cruger's orders," he reminded himself ruefully.
Zhane almost smiled. "No. I'm not."
Sky nodded. After a pause, he reached out to touch Zhane's elbow. "Be careful. You'd *both* better come back in one piece."
He did smile then. "I'll bring Bridge back to you, Sky," he promised. He turned away before Sky could realize what he'd said.
He wouldn't make promises he could never keep.
****
Dock 19 was disappointingly empty. But that didn’t mean Zhane didn’t have a trick up his sleeve. :: Bridge, can you hear me? ::
:: Well, this is interesting. I didn't realize we'd gotten so close. ::
He smiled. :: Liar. You know you're practically my second best friend. ::
:: True. Although somehow I don't think Sky would be happy about that. He's not so good at the sharing thing. ::
:: Sky's freaking out over looking for you. You'll be able to milk it for a week once we get you home. ::
:: Sounds like fun. Any pointers? ::
:: Slightly pathetic, traumatized but trying to pretend you're not, and being clingy while pretending not to notice usually works pretty well for me. So where are you? ::
:: In a room somewhere. Jack said there's a train station, church bell, foghorn, and buzzer nearby. ::
:: You got a hold of Jack? ::
:: Yup. I was able to get my communicator repaired. My morpher isn't going to work anytime soon, though. It looks like Bork sat on it. Or at least stepped on it. Maybe he hit it with a really big mallet ... that would explain why my leg hurts. ::
He tried not to wince. Scatterbrained Bridge was normal. Scatterbrained and Injured Bridge was bad sign.
:: Well, it's that or the way I'm bracing it against the wall. I'd try to adjust, but I don't think a sprained ankle is too much of a concern right now. ::
:: Why's that? :: he asked warily. Something about the way Bridge was babbling wasn't right.
:: Well, I seem to be running out of time. The room is getting ... smaller. Oh, and I'm hungry. ::
"The room is what?" he demanded sharply. He shook his head as he caught himself speaking aloud. :: The room is what? :: he tried again.
:: Shrinking. You know how the walls close in in those old monster movies? Well, you probably wouldn’t know. But they do. There's usually sand pouring in from somewhere in the ceiling, too. Although in this case, there isn't. Which is a good thing. ::
Zhane reached for his morpher. "Jack, come in," he ordered. "This is Zhane."
"I'm a little busy right now, Zhane," came the irritated reply.
"Bridge says the walls on his cell are shrinking. How close are you?"
"They're *what*?!"
"How close are you?" he repeated.
"Right outside the building. But there's an army of Krybots between me and him. It's gonna take me a few minutes to get to him."
"Time Bridge doesn't have," he muttered. "All right, I'll have Kat send me your coordinates. You deal with the Krybots, I'll get Bridge."
"You got it. Good luck."
"Yeah, you too." He switched frequencies even as he morphed. "Kat, this is Silver. I need Red's coordinates *now*."
Kat was nothing if not efficient. "Transmitting. I've got them locked into your Silver Cycle."
"Thanks, Kat. Silver Cycle!" he summoned.
"How's Bridge holding up?"
:: Bridge? I'm on my way to get you. And Jack's right outside the building. We're almost there. Is there anything you need me to bring you? ::
:: Something to repair my morpher would be nice. So I can, y'know, morph. Oh! And a sandwich would be *great*. I'm starving. ::
He didn't doubt it; psychics tended to get hungry the more energy they used. And he'd noticed Bridge getting cravings whenever he was uncomfortable or upset. He was lucky he had such a high metabolism. :: Got it. ::
He turned his attention back to Kat's channel. "His morpher is broken and I'm pretty sure he's injured. He also said he wants a sandwich."
"I'll see what I can do," Kat returned, sounding amused.
He flipped into the air and landed on his Cycle as it drove past him. "Silver out," he informed her. He focused his attention back on the road. "Hang on, Bridge. I'm coming," he murmured.
His morpher beeped. "Zhane, it's Sky. I hate to do this, but we've got a big problem on our hands. Think you can help us out?"
He glanced up, swerving just in time to avoid a pile of crates sent flying by the sudden tremor. The robot towering above the city looked strong, but not unstoppable. Which meant it wasn't enough to disturb the city foundations by using the Delta Command Megazord. "Can't. I'm almost to Bridge." He hesitated. "Have Kat send you the MegaWinger. Just ... just be careful with her, okay?"
There was a pause. "Thanks, Zhane. Be careful."
He smiled to himself. "I love you too, Sky," he returned, and shut off the connection before Sky could sputter at him.
The S.W.A.T. Command Truck was a blur as he drove past it. He could see laser fire and sensed that Red needed him, but he had to trust that he could handle himself for now. Green needed him more. Green needed him now.
There was an Orangehead in his way. He fired rapidly, charging straight toward it. He wasn't sure if the laser fire that got it first, or being run over by the Silver Cycle. It didn't matter.
Once he found the room, the grate in the floor to Bridge's cell was easy to spot. He didn't even bother to stop his Cycle, flipping off and running for the opening. "Bridge!" he shouted.
"Zhane?"
"Cover your eyes!" He raised his Silverizer, firing at the edges around the grate until he could see the whole thing crumbling. He yanked it away one-handed, extending his other inside the opening. "Grab my hand!"
Fingers fumbled for his, and he clamped around them the moment he had enough to hold on to. He yanked hard, dimly registering Bridge's cry of pain. Bridge threw his free arm around his other wrist as soon as he was halfway out, and he threw himself backward to get the rest of his teammate free.
The walls slammed together moments after him.
They laid there for a moment, Bridge on top of him as they both struggled to breathe. The hands on his arms moved to his neck, and he retaliated by wrapping the other up in the tightest hug he could manage. His shoulder screamed in protest, but he didn't care.
He powered down, suddenly needing to *feel* Bridge under his fingers. His friend's skin was cold and clammy and covered in dust and sweat, but there was a rapid pulse beneath it. Overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, he turned his head enough to kiss Bridge's temple reverently.
Bridge made a soft sound that could have either been a sniffle or a laugh. "Sky's gonna be jealous," he muttered into Zhane's neck.
"Don't care," he mumbled back, tightening his arms again. This time the pain registered sharp enough to make him wince. "He's gonna be mad at both of us anyway."
"Yeah. That's true." This time it was definitely a sniffle.
At last Bridge pulled away to offered him a shaky smile, absently running a hand over his eyes. "Thanks, Zhane."
"This is one of those things I don't need to be thanked for," Zhane reminded him, reaching out to tussle Bridge's hair. He watched the cloud of dust the movement made for a moment before meeting Bridge's eyes again.
Bridge just smiled. "I know. Thanks."
The sound of barking made them both turn. "R.I.C.?" Zhane asked in surprise.
R.I.C. barked again, stopping in front of Bridge to drop something into his palm. Bridge smiled, reaching up to pat his head. "Good dog," he said admiringly.
Zhane shook his head, amused for reasons he couldn't explain at the sight of the replacement morpher. "Kat's on the ball as usual."
Bridge grinned at him faintly. His eyes were still a bit haunted, but that was something that would eventually fade with time - and nightmares. "We'd better get back to the others. S.P.D., Emergency!"
"Let's Rocket!"
****
"Jack, your determination to find your fellow Ranger was extraordinary. Sky, your leadership of the Rangers was exemplary. Bridge, your coolness under duress was inspiring. Z, you have truly become a selfless member of our team. Syd, your fighting skills are honed to perfection. Zhane - " Cruger stopped, hesitating.
He turned to face him fully, and Zhane raised an eyebrow as the line of random praise seemed to be broken. "Zhane, I owe you an apology," Cruger said at last.
Zhane blinked at him. "Sir?"
He shifted uncomfortably, and it was hard not to stare at the sight. "It has come to my attention that you do not receive enough recognition as the senior member of this team, nor for your skills and loyalty to your teammates. Everything I have said to the others, applies to you as well."
Zhane raised his eyebrows. "I'm not a leader," he reminded Cruger. "And everything I've done today was part of my job as Sixth. There's nothing special about it."
"You saved my life," Bridge spoke up, even as he stared straight ahead. "I'd say that's pretty special."
He sighed and turned to look at the others. "I do what I do because it's what we'd all do. I happened to be the one who got to Bridge first, but that doesn't mean that anyone else wouldn't have worked as hard to get to him. And if I was the one who'd been kidnapped, I know you'd all do the same to find me. It's what teammates do. It's what *friends* do." He paused and looked back at Cruger. Silence lingered. "Neither of us gives the other enough credit," he said at last. "But that's because we each have our own way of doing things."
Cruger nodded slowly. "That we do," he agreed solemnly.
Zhane continued to watch him, tilting his head. "I want ice cream," he declared abruptly.
The others were giving him funny looks. Most of the few people who always seemed to linger in the Command Center turned to stare at him. Kat was fighting a smile.
Cruger stared at him. "On base or off?" he asked eventually.
"Off," he said firmly.
Cruger let out a slow sigh. "Very well. I shall have Kat make arrangements. You are all off-duty for the remainder of the evening."
Zhane nodded, and at last gave Cruger a genuine smile. "Thanks, Cruger."
He received another nod. "I expect you to uphold your end of the bargain," the commander murmured back.
Zhane turned with a wide grin, throwing an arm across each of the girl's shoulders. "So. Ice cream," he said brightly. "Syd, you know all the good places, right?"
"We're going for ice cream?" Jack repeated blankly.
"Of course I do!" Syd chirped back, smiling at Zhane.
"We're *not* going out for ice cream," Sky said firmly. "You and Bridge were just released from the hospital wing. Dr. Felix said to take it easy."
"What's strenuous about going out for ice cream?" Z shot back at him, gently easing Zhane's arm from her shoulder. She must have remembered that he'd been warned about it.
"I like ice cream," Bridge remarked. "And Syd likes ice cream. And I know Sky likes ice cream. I'm pretty sure we all like ice cream. So ... why wouldn't we want to go get ice cream?"
Sky hesitated, his eyes flickering to Bridge. "Are you sure you're up for this, Bridge? We can always bring something back to you if you want."
Jack stared at him incredulously. The girls weren't much better.
:: Pathetic and needy, but trying not to be, :: Zhane reminded Bridge. :: Try not to overdo it or you'll lose him completely. ::
Bridge frowned a little. "Well ... ice cream does sound really good. And it'd be nice to leave the base while we're off duty ... But ... I don't want to be a bother," he murmured, shifting uncomfortably. "And I am a little tired ... you guys will probably have a lot more fun without me. I'll just wait here. You can tell me all about it when you get back." He tried to smile, and Zhane could see that the pain in his eyes wasn't completely fake.
"No, it's okay," Sky said quickly. "It's just ice cream. And spending time as friends could be beneficial to our ability to work as a team."
"'Our ability to work as a team'?" Z parroted back, rolling her eyes. "Stop quoting the S.P.D. handbook at us, Sky."
Zhane moved to wrap an arm around Bridge's shoulders as they headed toward their rooms. He tilted his head just enough to lean against Bridge as he walked.
"He'll get jealous," Bridge mumbled.
"I'm a touchy-feely guy," he returned quietly. "And I'm worried about my best friend being scared out of his mind today. I'm making him feel better."
He felt, rather than saw, Bridge's smile. "Yeah. I guess you are," he agreed softly. He leaned into Zhane's arm a little more.
He'd have to remember to thank Cruger somehow, for realizing what he meant when he‘d said he wanted ice cream. The old dog didn't seem so bad after all. For today, at least. "Hey, guys?" he called suddenly. "Let's get some sandwiches, too. I'm hungry."
Bridge's answering smile was blinding.