Devious One
06-08-2005, 09:43 PM
Well, hello again and welcome to the next chapter in the C2D novel. As everyone can tell, the Novel is coming to a close and I'd like to thank everyone who've read this and I urge to keep reading my work.
This chapter is part 1 of an either 2 or 3 parter dealing with the Aftermath of the war. It's tying up loose ends in the novel, so I hope you enjoy it.
Please, as always, send comments on this thread, because I love to get them, criticisms as well. Thanks again.
Devious.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 27
Three days later...
On the planet KO-35, the people of this world were beginning the long and exhaustive mission of settling back into their lives on their home planet. Andros, Ashley, T.J., Carlos, Cassie, Zhane, and Karone had arrived the day before and they were there helping the citizens to a certain extinct. It was a very important time for the Karovians as now that the forces of evil were gone, peace could finally be given a chance in the universe.
The Rangers were planning to leave today and head back to the Earth to help get their own lives back under control there. Andros walked with Commander Kinwon of the Karovians while his friends helped unload some additional supplies. "I...I wanted to speak with you about something before they left." Andros began.
Commander Kinwon, a senior member of the KO-35 Council, stopped him and put a hand on Andros's shoulder. "Andros, you do not need to say it. I know you are heartbroken about your friends' departure. I know they were upset when you told them you were staying here."
Andros looked at the ground for a few seconds. Telling them with Zhane and Karone had been one of the harder things he'd ever participated in. Especially when part of him wanted to go back to Earth them. But he was a Karovian and nothing could change that. His mission was over. This was his home. "I'm going to miss them."
"I know you are." the older man said. He furrowed his brow. "Or is it the girl, Miss Hammond that you are going to be missing? Hmm?"
Andros cracked a smile. "Your a lot smarter than people credit you for, Commander."
Commander Kinwon laughed. "Why don't you go back to Earth with them, then? You know we will understand. You don't have to worry about us. The Karovians have lasted milleniums and we'll continue to last, now that war is behind us."
"I can't leave." Andros said seriously. "I am a Karovian, sir......that means my place is here, with my people. KO-35 is my home."
"Your home is what you make it, Andros. You must follow your heart and nothing else. If you are worried about your mother and father, don't be. They would want you to be happy and it's clear to me that the Rangers make you happy. Trust your heart Andros and you'll find your home. Trust me on that." Commander Kinwon told him in utter seriousness before he guided the now quiet Karovian back to where everyone else was.
As they walked back to rejoin everyone else, Andros thought about what the Commander said. He thought about the night before, when he'd gathered his friends together on the bridge of the Megaship. When he told them what he felt he had no choice in doing. It was the biggest and most painful thing he'd ever done. Mainly because he'd never expected to fall in love with anyone, let alone an human Earth woman. But he had and he'd looked at her when he's spoken the words.
Andros and Zhane had stood there, looking awkwardly uncomfortable while Karone sat slightly behind them, still trying to adjust to her new life. Andros had stepped forward and started the difficult task of telling their friends this grievous news.
"Zhane and I have been thinking something over for a while now and I guess, yesterday, we came to a decision on it." Andros had began.
"What are you guys talking about?" Cassie had asked.
Zhane had then taken a steady breath. "A few months ago, Andros and I talked about the time when this war would be over and what we'd be doing since the mission would be over."
"We decided that it would be best if we returned to our people and help them piece together their lives." Andros said it. "We're.....staying here on KO-35."
There had been a total moment of silence as their friends digested this piece of information. Then, Ashley had walked to Andros. "Your......serious?" she had simply asked.
"KO-35 has always been my home, Ash. My plan always was to come back once Dark Spectre was gone and once I found my sister." Andros had answered after a few moments of silence.
Ashley had stayed quiet for another moment, then had looked at her other friends, before looking back at Andros. "Do what your heart tells you to do, Andros."
Then, she'd turned and walked out of the bridge, not once turning back.
That had been the end of it and he hadn't had any chance of speaking to her since. He wanted so much to just go up to her and ask her to stay with him, but he knew the answer just as she knew what his answer would be should she ask him to come. They were from completely different worlds and there was nothing to change that.
They rejoined the others near the Astro Megaship. As they did, Andros saw T.J. and Cassie walking towards a few Karovians and shaking their hands. "Well, I think that's probably the last of the boxes." T.J. remarked.
"Yes, you guys should have enough supplies now to help you get started rebuilding your planet." Cassie said. "And thank you for the supplies you've helped us get."
"Oh, think nothing of it, Rangers." a Karovian woman said. "We were happy we had a few things to give you for your journey back to Earth. And the Triforians will be helping us when we need it, so you don't have to worry about us."
The Karovian woman put her hands on her hips and looked at them as Carlos and Ashley walked over. "I have an idea. Why don't you Rangers stick around for a little while longer? I mean, it's only been three days. We would absolutely love the company."
"You know, that is a very tempting suggestion, but just like you have to rebuild your world, we have to rebuild ours." Carlos replied.
"Yeah, Earth suffered a great deal of damage because of this war." Cassie added.
"We really do wish we could stay, but we have to be getting back." T.J. told them.
"Well, we certainly do understand that, Rangers." Commander Kinwon said. "We want to thank you for everything you've done for us. If there is ever anything we can do for you, just let us know and we'll be more than happy to help you."
"Thank you Commander. We'll keep that in mind." T.J. replied as he shook the Commander's hand.
Looking at Commander Kinwon one more time, Andros then grabbed Ashley's hand and led her away from the others. He came to a stop and just stood there, holding her hand and looking at their joined fingers. "I wanted..." Andros started, then fell silent for a moment, "...I don't know what I wanted. I guess I just hoped you understood why I'm staying here."
Ashley took a breath and looked him in the eyes. "I do understand Andros.....you have to be at your home, just like I do. I don't like it, but I do understand."
He chafed her fingers. "I..." his voice was shaky for some reason, "Ashley, I love you."
She smiled at him, then kissed his lips. "I love you too. I just.....I never thought I'd see the day where I had to say goodbye to you."
"I know." Andros leaned forward and kissed her this time. He took his time with the kiss, gently moving his lips in sync with hers. His hands lifted to her face and he glided them over her skin, memorizing the texture and feel of her. After several seconds, he pulled back, just looking at her tear filled eyes. "KO-35 is my home."
She closed her eyes.
And as they walked back to Commander Kinwon and the others, he tried to convince himself that the statement was true.
*****
The hospitals in Angel Grove were all filled to capacity as a result of the war that just ended three days prior. Several citizens had broken limbs, deep gashes that needed tended to, and first and second degree burns on various parts of their bodies. At one hospital however, there was a room with a blonde woman, who, three days earlier, had gone into the labor stage of her pregnancy.
That woman was the former Pink Power Ranger Katherine Hart-Oliver. And three days ago, she gave birth to her baby and she had no regrets but one. That the father of her child couldn't make there to witness the birth, but she knew what he was doing and where he was because it was for her protection that he wasn't there. She understood it and she accepted it. She really had no other choice.
So, when she'd held her newborn baby to her chest for the very first time, she was delighted and saddened at the same time that Tommy wasn't there with her. They were to be married and she wanted him there with her. She wished it with all her might.
Then, her wish had been answered.
There she'd been, laying there in the hospital bed, her new baby in her arms. Her face and hair was soaked with sweat, but she held her child to her, loving her child. Tears had fallen freely down her cheeks as she touched his small hands and rubbed his little cheeks gently. She'd kissed him on his small forehead and wished for the child's father at that very moment.
Then the door to the hospital room had opened and he was there, looking at her and their baby with widened eyes and a smile had broken across his face when he took in the vision. "Oh my god." Tommy had whispered as he walked to the bed.
"Tommy," Katherine had said, openly crying now. "Say hello to your son."
And Tommy Oliver had leaned over and kissed Katherine with as much emotion as he could and put his arm around her shoulder.
And she knew, deep within her soul, that everything was going to be alright. She'd find out about Tommy and Zedd later. About the cuts and bruises she could see plainly on his skin. She'd find that out later.
The important thing for her right then, at that moment, was that he was there and they were together.
The three of them.
Kat laid there on the hospital bed, looking across the room at the television screen. There was a news reporter standing in the midst of the large square of Angel Grove where the most of the damage had taken place. Just behind her, the Dark Fortress laid there, ominous as it always was. Kat turned the volume up.
"This large structure behind me, which has brought fear to many of us for so long, has been approved for testing at NASADA's headquarters in New York. The FBI and CIA both have agents with the NASADA agents and very soon, the Dark Fortress will be on it's way to New York." the reporter informed anyone watching the news broadcast.
Katherine turned the volume of the television down as the door opened and Tommy walked in. She smiled warmly at him. "Hey." she said.
"Hey." Tommy greeted her with a kiss. He had a few bags with him. "I just talked to the doctor. She said that unless something happens, you should be ready to leave in a few days."
Katherine exhaled a breath. "God, I hope so. I would really like to be in our home, not this hospital room."
Tommy walked over and brushed her hair from her forehead. "I'm sorry it's been so rough on you. I should have gotten back to you sooner."
She shook her head and grabbed his hand. "Tommy, don't. We've been through this. You did what had to be done. Zedd would have kept coming back at you. You had to deal with him first. I am not mad at you for that, so don't you be angry at yourself."
He squeezed her hand. "I'll try. So," he changed the subject, "are your parents alright?"
"Yeah, they will be. It's taking them time to get over what happened to me. I have to admit, I might feel the same if the day comes something happen Michael." Kat said, thinking of their newborn. They'd both thought about the name and decided they both liked Michael Hillard-Oliver as their son's name.
He nodded. "We'll just have to make sure he's raised right, so he won't be put in those kinds of situations." Tommy said, then he took a deep breath. "I've got some news."
She looked at him, noted his defeated posture, and knew something was troubling him. "What is it?"
"I just talked to Kimberly and Adam." he said.
"Okay..." she urged him to continue.
"Something happened during all of this. Rocky, Adam, Kim, and Penny were pulled into something involving Billy, Master Vile, and Gasket and it didn't have positive results." Tommy said, his eyes showing the sadness he'd felt when he learned of it.
And as Katherine learned the tragic news of Penny's death, of Rocky's blindness, she found herself wanting to see her friend, to comfort him in this, his greatest time of need. But what she didn't know, what Tommy didn't even know, was that Rocky didn't want comfort.
She closed her eyes and welcomed Tommy's hug of comfort. It was a time of mourning. For more than just one loss, but the loss of many.
*****
There was a small crowd gathered to see the Space Rangers of Earth off. Andros, Karone, and Zhane were there, all waving at the Rangers as they boarded the Astro Megaship. Alpha 6 had already boarded and he was getting the ship's engines ready for takeoff. The others walked on through the ship, into the corridors that led to the bridge. Only Ashley remained behind, standing at the doorway and looking back at Andros.
She had fresh tears in her eyes, but she was trying to be strong, to not let them fall. And Andros, he was having the same problem, only, he was finding it that much more difficult to stop the tears. His breathing and heartrate sped up when Ashley closed the hatch to the Megaship and he knew, deep inside, that he was only moments from seeing his friends, the ones he'd called his family, leave and be gone forever.
Then, he felt Karone grab his hand. He looked at her. "You know," she said, "I could get used to living on Earth." she said with a smile. "If I had to."
"Yeah," Zhane added from the other side of Andros, "Earth isn't that bad a place. And besides, they may need us there."
"But what about KO-35? Isn't this our home?" Andros asked them.
"Yeah, this is our home planet. It's always going to be. But it's not our home." Zhane answered him. "If it's one thing I've learned since waking up from that deep sleep, it's that your home is what you make it. It's not necessarily where your from, but it's what you feel is your home. And I can see how upset you are, Andros. KO-35 is always going to be the place we were raised in, but it's not our home. Not anymore."
Andros thought about that for a moment, then looked over at Commander Kinwon. The older man locked eyes with him and nodded, knowing exactly what was going through his mind. And in that moment, Andros knew what his choice was to be. He looked at Karone and then Zhane. "Let's go home, then."
And the three of them boarded the Astro Megaship just moments before it lifted off of the ground of KO-35. And walking through the corridors, on his way back to his friends, and the love of his life, Andros recognized that his life had come full circle. He had his sister, he had his best friend back, he was going to have friends and family. All in all, things were looking very good for Andros.
Very good indeed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next: The Aftermath continues.
This chapter is part 1 of an either 2 or 3 parter dealing with the Aftermath of the war. It's tying up loose ends in the novel, so I hope you enjoy it.
Please, as always, send comments on this thread, because I love to get them, criticisms as well. Thanks again.
Devious.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 27
Three days later...
On the planet KO-35, the people of this world were beginning the long and exhaustive mission of settling back into their lives on their home planet. Andros, Ashley, T.J., Carlos, Cassie, Zhane, and Karone had arrived the day before and they were there helping the citizens to a certain extinct. It was a very important time for the Karovians as now that the forces of evil were gone, peace could finally be given a chance in the universe.
The Rangers were planning to leave today and head back to the Earth to help get their own lives back under control there. Andros walked with Commander Kinwon of the Karovians while his friends helped unload some additional supplies. "I...I wanted to speak with you about something before they left." Andros began.
Commander Kinwon, a senior member of the KO-35 Council, stopped him and put a hand on Andros's shoulder. "Andros, you do not need to say it. I know you are heartbroken about your friends' departure. I know they were upset when you told them you were staying here."
Andros looked at the ground for a few seconds. Telling them with Zhane and Karone had been one of the harder things he'd ever participated in. Especially when part of him wanted to go back to Earth them. But he was a Karovian and nothing could change that. His mission was over. This was his home. "I'm going to miss them."
"I know you are." the older man said. He furrowed his brow. "Or is it the girl, Miss Hammond that you are going to be missing? Hmm?"
Andros cracked a smile. "Your a lot smarter than people credit you for, Commander."
Commander Kinwon laughed. "Why don't you go back to Earth with them, then? You know we will understand. You don't have to worry about us. The Karovians have lasted milleniums and we'll continue to last, now that war is behind us."
"I can't leave." Andros said seriously. "I am a Karovian, sir......that means my place is here, with my people. KO-35 is my home."
"Your home is what you make it, Andros. You must follow your heart and nothing else. If you are worried about your mother and father, don't be. They would want you to be happy and it's clear to me that the Rangers make you happy. Trust your heart Andros and you'll find your home. Trust me on that." Commander Kinwon told him in utter seriousness before he guided the now quiet Karovian back to where everyone else was.
As they walked back to rejoin everyone else, Andros thought about what the Commander said. He thought about the night before, when he'd gathered his friends together on the bridge of the Megaship. When he told them what he felt he had no choice in doing. It was the biggest and most painful thing he'd ever done. Mainly because he'd never expected to fall in love with anyone, let alone an human Earth woman. But he had and he'd looked at her when he's spoken the words.
Andros and Zhane had stood there, looking awkwardly uncomfortable while Karone sat slightly behind them, still trying to adjust to her new life. Andros had stepped forward and started the difficult task of telling their friends this grievous news.
"Zhane and I have been thinking something over for a while now and I guess, yesterday, we came to a decision on it." Andros had began.
"What are you guys talking about?" Cassie had asked.
Zhane had then taken a steady breath. "A few months ago, Andros and I talked about the time when this war would be over and what we'd be doing since the mission would be over."
"We decided that it would be best if we returned to our people and help them piece together their lives." Andros said it. "We're.....staying here on KO-35."
There had been a total moment of silence as their friends digested this piece of information. Then, Ashley had walked to Andros. "Your......serious?" she had simply asked.
"KO-35 has always been my home, Ash. My plan always was to come back once Dark Spectre was gone and once I found my sister." Andros had answered after a few moments of silence.
Ashley had stayed quiet for another moment, then had looked at her other friends, before looking back at Andros. "Do what your heart tells you to do, Andros."
Then, she'd turned and walked out of the bridge, not once turning back.
That had been the end of it and he hadn't had any chance of speaking to her since. He wanted so much to just go up to her and ask her to stay with him, but he knew the answer just as she knew what his answer would be should she ask him to come. They were from completely different worlds and there was nothing to change that.
They rejoined the others near the Astro Megaship. As they did, Andros saw T.J. and Cassie walking towards a few Karovians and shaking their hands. "Well, I think that's probably the last of the boxes." T.J. remarked.
"Yes, you guys should have enough supplies now to help you get started rebuilding your planet." Cassie said. "And thank you for the supplies you've helped us get."
"Oh, think nothing of it, Rangers." a Karovian woman said. "We were happy we had a few things to give you for your journey back to Earth. And the Triforians will be helping us when we need it, so you don't have to worry about us."
The Karovian woman put her hands on her hips and looked at them as Carlos and Ashley walked over. "I have an idea. Why don't you Rangers stick around for a little while longer? I mean, it's only been three days. We would absolutely love the company."
"You know, that is a very tempting suggestion, but just like you have to rebuild your world, we have to rebuild ours." Carlos replied.
"Yeah, Earth suffered a great deal of damage because of this war." Cassie added.
"We really do wish we could stay, but we have to be getting back." T.J. told them.
"Well, we certainly do understand that, Rangers." Commander Kinwon said. "We want to thank you for everything you've done for us. If there is ever anything we can do for you, just let us know and we'll be more than happy to help you."
"Thank you Commander. We'll keep that in mind." T.J. replied as he shook the Commander's hand.
Looking at Commander Kinwon one more time, Andros then grabbed Ashley's hand and led her away from the others. He came to a stop and just stood there, holding her hand and looking at their joined fingers. "I wanted..." Andros started, then fell silent for a moment, "...I don't know what I wanted. I guess I just hoped you understood why I'm staying here."
Ashley took a breath and looked him in the eyes. "I do understand Andros.....you have to be at your home, just like I do. I don't like it, but I do understand."
He chafed her fingers. "I..." his voice was shaky for some reason, "Ashley, I love you."
She smiled at him, then kissed his lips. "I love you too. I just.....I never thought I'd see the day where I had to say goodbye to you."
"I know." Andros leaned forward and kissed her this time. He took his time with the kiss, gently moving his lips in sync with hers. His hands lifted to her face and he glided them over her skin, memorizing the texture and feel of her. After several seconds, he pulled back, just looking at her tear filled eyes. "KO-35 is my home."
She closed her eyes.
And as they walked back to Commander Kinwon and the others, he tried to convince himself that the statement was true.
*****
The hospitals in Angel Grove were all filled to capacity as a result of the war that just ended three days prior. Several citizens had broken limbs, deep gashes that needed tended to, and first and second degree burns on various parts of their bodies. At one hospital however, there was a room with a blonde woman, who, three days earlier, had gone into the labor stage of her pregnancy.
That woman was the former Pink Power Ranger Katherine Hart-Oliver. And three days ago, she gave birth to her baby and she had no regrets but one. That the father of her child couldn't make there to witness the birth, but she knew what he was doing and where he was because it was for her protection that he wasn't there. She understood it and she accepted it. She really had no other choice.
So, when she'd held her newborn baby to her chest for the very first time, she was delighted and saddened at the same time that Tommy wasn't there with her. They were to be married and she wanted him there with her. She wished it with all her might.
Then, her wish had been answered.
There she'd been, laying there in the hospital bed, her new baby in her arms. Her face and hair was soaked with sweat, but she held her child to her, loving her child. Tears had fallen freely down her cheeks as she touched his small hands and rubbed his little cheeks gently. She'd kissed him on his small forehead and wished for the child's father at that very moment.
Then the door to the hospital room had opened and he was there, looking at her and their baby with widened eyes and a smile had broken across his face when he took in the vision. "Oh my god." Tommy had whispered as he walked to the bed.
"Tommy," Katherine had said, openly crying now. "Say hello to your son."
And Tommy Oliver had leaned over and kissed Katherine with as much emotion as he could and put his arm around her shoulder.
And she knew, deep within her soul, that everything was going to be alright. She'd find out about Tommy and Zedd later. About the cuts and bruises she could see plainly on his skin. She'd find that out later.
The important thing for her right then, at that moment, was that he was there and they were together.
The three of them.
Kat laid there on the hospital bed, looking across the room at the television screen. There was a news reporter standing in the midst of the large square of Angel Grove where the most of the damage had taken place. Just behind her, the Dark Fortress laid there, ominous as it always was. Kat turned the volume up.
"This large structure behind me, which has brought fear to many of us for so long, has been approved for testing at NASADA's headquarters in New York. The FBI and CIA both have agents with the NASADA agents and very soon, the Dark Fortress will be on it's way to New York." the reporter informed anyone watching the news broadcast.
Katherine turned the volume of the television down as the door opened and Tommy walked in. She smiled warmly at him. "Hey." she said.
"Hey." Tommy greeted her with a kiss. He had a few bags with him. "I just talked to the doctor. She said that unless something happens, you should be ready to leave in a few days."
Katherine exhaled a breath. "God, I hope so. I would really like to be in our home, not this hospital room."
Tommy walked over and brushed her hair from her forehead. "I'm sorry it's been so rough on you. I should have gotten back to you sooner."
She shook her head and grabbed his hand. "Tommy, don't. We've been through this. You did what had to be done. Zedd would have kept coming back at you. You had to deal with him first. I am not mad at you for that, so don't you be angry at yourself."
He squeezed her hand. "I'll try. So," he changed the subject, "are your parents alright?"
"Yeah, they will be. It's taking them time to get over what happened to me. I have to admit, I might feel the same if the day comes something happen Michael." Kat said, thinking of their newborn. They'd both thought about the name and decided they both liked Michael Hillard-Oliver as their son's name.
He nodded. "We'll just have to make sure he's raised right, so he won't be put in those kinds of situations." Tommy said, then he took a deep breath. "I've got some news."
She looked at him, noted his defeated posture, and knew something was troubling him. "What is it?"
"I just talked to Kimberly and Adam." he said.
"Okay..." she urged him to continue.
"Something happened during all of this. Rocky, Adam, Kim, and Penny were pulled into something involving Billy, Master Vile, and Gasket and it didn't have positive results." Tommy said, his eyes showing the sadness he'd felt when he learned of it.
And as Katherine learned the tragic news of Penny's death, of Rocky's blindness, she found herself wanting to see her friend, to comfort him in this, his greatest time of need. But what she didn't know, what Tommy didn't even know, was that Rocky didn't want comfort.
She closed her eyes and welcomed Tommy's hug of comfort. It was a time of mourning. For more than just one loss, but the loss of many.
*****
There was a small crowd gathered to see the Space Rangers of Earth off. Andros, Karone, and Zhane were there, all waving at the Rangers as they boarded the Astro Megaship. Alpha 6 had already boarded and he was getting the ship's engines ready for takeoff. The others walked on through the ship, into the corridors that led to the bridge. Only Ashley remained behind, standing at the doorway and looking back at Andros.
She had fresh tears in her eyes, but she was trying to be strong, to not let them fall. And Andros, he was having the same problem, only, he was finding it that much more difficult to stop the tears. His breathing and heartrate sped up when Ashley closed the hatch to the Megaship and he knew, deep inside, that he was only moments from seeing his friends, the ones he'd called his family, leave and be gone forever.
Then, he felt Karone grab his hand. He looked at her. "You know," she said, "I could get used to living on Earth." she said with a smile. "If I had to."
"Yeah," Zhane added from the other side of Andros, "Earth isn't that bad a place. And besides, they may need us there."
"But what about KO-35? Isn't this our home?" Andros asked them.
"Yeah, this is our home planet. It's always going to be. But it's not our home." Zhane answered him. "If it's one thing I've learned since waking up from that deep sleep, it's that your home is what you make it. It's not necessarily where your from, but it's what you feel is your home. And I can see how upset you are, Andros. KO-35 is always going to be the place we were raised in, but it's not our home. Not anymore."
Andros thought about that for a moment, then looked over at Commander Kinwon. The older man locked eyes with him and nodded, knowing exactly what was going through his mind. And in that moment, Andros knew what his choice was to be. He looked at Karone and then Zhane. "Let's go home, then."
And the three of them boarded the Astro Megaship just moments before it lifted off of the ground of KO-35. And walking through the corridors, on his way back to his friends, and the love of his life, Andros recognized that his life had come full circle. He had his sister, he had his best friend back, he was going to have friends and family. All in all, things were looking very good for Andros.
Very good indeed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next: The Aftermath continues.