Dusk_v20
06-09-2005, 12:34 PM
Here's chapter 4! Finally.
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Someone to Hold
Chapter 4
Dawn broke slowly over NewTech City, the sun's rays casting a slight orange glow over everything. The city was just beginning to wake, people on their way to work, to school, or just into their living rooms with a cup of coffee to watch TV. In the center of the city, like an ancient monument to some pagan god, the SPD Base loomed benevolently and quietly, looking out over the entire city. The movement inside was minimal; janitors finishing up their nightly work, technicians fixing whatever problems had arisen in the late night. In a half hour, however, the morning call would sound, and the base would be alive once more.
In a far-off wing of the Base, lit by brilliant fluorescent lights, even at this time of the morning, nurses were peaking in doors to make sure their charges were still breathing. The lights inside the rooms themselves were off, of course, curtains drawn. The Medical Wing wasn't particularly full; safety was number one at the Base, after all. However, whispers had been circulating among the nurses and doctors since yesterday, when a patient was rushed in critical condition. The patient himself had caused excitement; it wasn't often that one of the Power Rangers landed in their wing. And what was more, one of the others had been by his side since he was brought in. The rumor circulating was that the blue Ranger had been put here by one of his own; and the culprit was so full of guilt that he'd not moved from the bedside in over twelve hours.
In one of the largest single rooms, reserved for patients of high rank, the sun was fighting to make its presence known from behind a thick curtain. The only light in the room came from a small bed-side lamp, casting a soft glow over a small area around itself. Laying motionless on the bed, hooked up to various machines designed to make sure he didn't die(or at least notify someone if he did), was Sky Tate, the SPD Blue Ranger. But he wasn't alone. Bridge Carson was there, too. His head lay on Sky's chest, one arm stretched over his stomach, the other around his neck. He was sleeping as well, his head moving gently with the rise and fall of Sky's chest as he breathed. Though he'd been asleep for hours, the area around his eyes was still red, giving testament to the crying he'd done almost all night.
Minutes before the morning call - which wouldn't sound in the Medical Wing, anyway - Bridge woke slowly. He was accustomed to waking up early. His eyes opened slowly, but he made no effort to move. He just lay there, listening to the sound of Sky breathing, lost in thought. All night his dreams had been plagued by the scene of Sky falling backward off the building. The fear in his eyes as he realized what was happening, the faint rushing noise as he fell, the sickening crunch of bones shattering against the ground. There was no escape even in the waking hours, however; it seemed to be all he could think about. That, and the fact that the whole thing had been his fault. He should've thought it out more clearly; he knew the Orange Heads were made of metal. How had he expected to harm the thing at all? I'm so stupid. The thought raced through his mind, playing through the scene of Sky's fall like background music. After five or so minutes of listening to Sky's breathing and his own thoughts, he sat up slowly, taking great care as he slipped his arm out from under Sky's neck. Bridge stood, trying to make as little noise as possible. He knew Sky was still unconscious, but decided he'd be quiet, anyway. Just in case.
After he'd gathered his things - he hadn't brought much, just a book and small shoulder bag with some candy bars to try and keep himself awake through the night - he made his way for the door, hesitating as he opened it. He gave one last forlorn look to Sky before steeping out, closing the door quietly behind him.
~
"Commander." Kat called softly, standing in the Command Center's doorway. At first, Krueger seemed not to hear her. Then, slowly, he turned away from the screens he was obsessed with. He looked at her wordlessly, hands clasped behind his back.
"Sir... I'm a little worried about Bridge. He showed up late for combat training today, and he did nothing but get hit. He was certainly not fighting up to potential. I think he's depressed. I think he blames himself for what happened..." Kat trailed off, not willing to speak of the event. Sky almost hadn't made it. He'd broken several vertebrae in his backed, most of his ribs had been broken, and his skull had cracked. Not to mention fractures in his arms and legs. All in all, he was in pretty sorry shape. Ten years ago, he wouldn't have made it. But modern medicine had evolved a lot since then; he had a chance. It wasn't looking good, but there was a chance he'd make it.
"You can't know that for sure. I'm sure all the Rangers are a little upset." Krueger replied, a hint of annoyance in his voice. Kat gave him a skeptic look, holding her clipboard close to her chest. She sighed, and shook some hair out of her face.
"They are, but Bridge is... different. He keeps to himself, he spends a lot of time in Sky's hospital wing room. He just seems... down. In fact, he kind of reminds me of you when you lost-..." Kat cut herself short, her face turning a light shade of pink. She'd just crossed a boundary that, though Krueger had never addressed, she knew better than to cross.
"Commander... I..." She tried to apologize, but couldn't find the right words. But instead of getting angry, Krueger's face fell. His eyes clouded over, and his posture slumped a bit. Without another word, he turned slowly from Kat, to gaze again at the screens. Kat wore an expression that was a mixture of regret, sadness, and anger. Anger at herself, for letting such a thing slip out of her mouth. She took a step toward Krueger, and started to reach out a hand. But she stopped, turned slowly, and walked out of the Command Center.
~
"You guys... do you think he'll get better?" Syd asked in a hushed voice, as if speaking of it would somehow make him worse. Jack didn't respond; in fact, he pretended he hadn't heard her. He didn't want to think about it. So he just kept eating his sandwich.
"I'm sure he will, Syd." Z lay a hand on the back of her friend's momentarily. Syd's eyes watered as she absently bit into her sandwich.
"Sky's a fighter. He'll make it. He has to." Jack finally spoke. He'd whispered that last part, as if to himself. The three of them sat in silence for a while, eating half-heartedly. After a few minutes of heavy silence, Z's eyes wandered to the other side of the room. She spotted Bridge. He sat alone, his lunch untouched in front of him. He stared listlessly out of the nearby window, his shoulders slumped forward and hands in his lap. He'd been like that for days now. At first, Boom had tried sitting with him, but had quickly given that up. Bridge just seemed to want to be alone. Z sighed.
"Is it just me, or is Bridge taking this harder than the rest of us?" She asked.
"He should. It's his fault." Jack muttered, though his voice held no contempt.
"Jack!" Syd whispered, aghast. She couldn't believe he'd just said that.
"What? It's the truth. Sky got blown backwards off the building because Bridge had powered down, and Sky was trying to protect him. If he'd just kept in Ranger form, none of it would've happened." He explained. He didn't seem to be angry at Bridge; he was just stating fact. Z and Syd really couldn't argue, though Syd did give Jack a scowl.
~
"Bridge!" Commander Krueger shouted. Bridge snapped out of his daze, quickly coming to stand at attention. Krueger walked up to him.
"Is there a problem, Cadet Carson?" Krueger asked softly. Bridge was silent for a moment, the rest of the team cutting their eyes over to try and get a look at his face. Right as Krueger was going to say something else, Bridge spoke.
"No, sir. I just let my mind wander. I'm sorry, sir. It won't happen again."
"... Good." That was all Krueger could think of to say. He turned from them and made his way over to the large desk on the far side of the room. He sat behind it.
"Bridge. I want you to continue your investigation of Gruumm's plans. In light of our recent... situation, I'm assigning Z to be your partner. Jack, Syd, you'll go about duties as normal. Bridge, Z... unless you've stumbled across a lead that you think will help us uncover Gruumm's intentions, I want you to respond to any emergency as normal." Krueger leaned forward in his chair, clasping his hands on the desk in front of him.
"Sir, with all due respect... two of us may not be enough to handle anything big that comes up." Jack said, stepping forward. Krueger nodded.
"I know, that's why I told Bridge and Z to answer any-" Krueger started to respond, but was cut off. Which he clearly did not like.
"I know, sir. But what if they do find a good lead? That leaves only two of us." Jack pointed out. Bridge's eyebrows furrowed; was Jack suggestion he do the investigation alone? Bridge knew he hadn't exactly been the poster boy for friendliness as of late, but he got the distinct feeling that Jack had it out for him.
"Yes, Jack, but perhaps you forget about me. If the need arises, I'll join in battle as the Shadow Ranger. And Sam should be back from the mission I sent him on within the next few days. I've already debriefed him in a transmission, and he gives you permission to use the Delta Max Cycle if need be, and we always have the Delta Base Megazord." The fact that Krueger was feeling a bit annoyed by Jack's incessant talking was starting to show through. Jack decided it was a good time to be quiet.
"Alright. Dismissed." Krueger nodded a little to them, then turned around. The Rangers lingered for a moment, then turned and began to walk off. Z paired off with Bridge, and was about to say something to him when Kat stepped directly in their path.
"Bridge... are you alright?" She asked, point-blank. Bridge just stared at her. He seemed calm, but his eyes had clouded over... in a much different way than when he was using his psychic abilities. He forced a smile, which, though the corners of his mouth were turned upward, looked more like a frown.
"Of course. I'm fine. Would you guys excuse me? I'm still trying to figure out how to make an omelette with my DVD player." He waved a little and then headed off down the hall. But the opposite direction from his room; he was heading toward the Hospital Wing.
"... I'm worried about him." Kat said to Z. She didn't respond. She just kept staring after her friend. She'd only known Bridge a little while, but he was kind, if not a little... odd. She hated the feeling that she was powerless to help him at all. But she couldn't. All she could do was watch him walk away...
~
"Tonight I brought some Emily Dickinson." Bridge said to the unconscious Sky as he closed the door behind him. The room was all dark, save for the small lamp on the bedside table. Bridge pulled a chair up next to it, facing Sky's bed, and opened the book.
"People always assume that I'm just this weirdo who's obsessed with computers. But I'm not. Really. I've loved to read for as long as I can remember. The classics are my favorites. Poetry is my second favorite form of writing, next to essays. Anyway... this is my favorite Emily Dickinson poem." Bridge took a deep breath and cleared his throat.
"Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all.
And sweetest in the gale is heard;
A sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me."
As he finished reading it aloud, Bridge gave a breathy sigh; in which a quiver was distinctly audible. He fought back the tears that couldn't be allowed to show. It would be forcing himself to admit that his feelings were running a little deeper than the natural feeling of guilt.
"Oh, Sky." Bridge lay his head on Sky's chest and heaved a quiet sob. He let the tears flow. It was too much to bear to hold it all in. He slipped his hand into Sky's. He gave it a little squeeze and closed his eyes, just letting himself cry...
What he was too upset to notice was that Sky squeezed back.
__________________________________________________
Someone to Hold
Chapter 4
Dawn broke slowly over NewTech City, the sun's rays casting a slight orange glow over everything. The city was just beginning to wake, people on their way to work, to school, or just into their living rooms with a cup of coffee to watch TV. In the center of the city, like an ancient monument to some pagan god, the SPD Base loomed benevolently and quietly, looking out over the entire city. The movement inside was minimal; janitors finishing up their nightly work, technicians fixing whatever problems had arisen in the late night. In a half hour, however, the morning call would sound, and the base would be alive once more.
In a far-off wing of the Base, lit by brilliant fluorescent lights, even at this time of the morning, nurses were peaking in doors to make sure their charges were still breathing. The lights inside the rooms themselves were off, of course, curtains drawn. The Medical Wing wasn't particularly full; safety was number one at the Base, after all. However, whispers had been circulating among the nurses and doctors since yesterday, when a patient was rushed in critical condition. The patient himself had caused excitement; it wasn't often that one of the Power Rangers landed in their wing. And what was more, one of the others had been by his side since he was brought in. The rumor circulating was that the blue Ranger had been put here by one of his own; and the culprit was so full of guilt that he'd not moved from the bedside in over twelve hours.
In one of the largest single rooms, reserved for patients of high rank, the sun was fighting to make its presence known from behind a thick curtain. The only light in the room came from a small bed-side lamp, casting a soft glow over a small area around itself. Laying motionless on the bed, hooked up to various machines designed to make sure he didn't die(or at least notify someone if he did), was Sky Tate, the SPD Blue Ranger. But he wasn't alone. Bridge Carson was there, too. His head lay on Sky's chest, one arm stretched over his stomach, the other around his neck. He was sleeping as well, his head moving gently with the rise and fall of Sky's chest as he breathed. Though he'd been asleep for hours, the area around his eyes was still red, giving testament to the crying he'd done almost all night.
Minutes before the morning call - which wouldn't sound in the Medical Wing, anyway - Bridge woke slowly. He was accustomed to waking up early. His eyes opened slowly, but he made no effort to move. He just lay there, listening to the sound of Sky breathing, lost in thought. All night his dreams had been plagued by the scene of Sky falling backward off the building. The fear in his eyes as he realized what was happening, the faint rushing noise as he fell, the sickening crunch of bones shattering against the ground. There was no escape even in the waking hours, however; it seemed to be all he could think about. That, and the fact that the whole thing had been his fault. He should've thought it out more clearly; he knew the Orange Heads were made of metal. How had he expected to harm the thing at all? I'm so stupid. The thought raced through his mind, playing through the scene of Sky's fall like background music. After five or so minutes of listening to Sky's breathing and his own thoughts, he sat up slowly, taking great care as he slipped his arm out from under Sky's neck. Bridge stood, trying to make as little noise as possible. He knew Sky was still unconscious, but decided he'd be quiet, anyway. Just in case.
After he'd gathered his things - he hadn't brought much, just a book and small shoulder bag with some candy bars to try and keep himself awake through the night - he made his way for the door, hesitating as he opened it. He gave one last forlorn look to Sky before steeping out, closing the door quietly behind him.
~
"Commander." Kat called softly, standing in the Command Center's doorway. At first, Krueger seemed not to hear her. Then, slowly, he turned away from the screens he was obsessed with. He looked at her wordlessly, hands clasped behind his back.
"Sir... I'm a little worried about Bridge. He showed up late for combat training today, and he did nothing but get hit. He was certainly not fighting up to potential. I think he's depressed. I think he blames himself for what happened..." Kat trailed off, not willing to speak of the event. Sky almost hadn't made it. He'd broken several vertebrae in his backed, most of his ribs had been broken, and his skull had cracked. Not to mention fractures in his arms and legs. All in all, he was in pretty sorry shape. Ten years ago, he wouldn't have made it. But modern medicine had evolved a lot since then; he had a chance. It wasn't looking good, but there was a chance he'd make it.
"You can't know that for sure. I'm sure all the Rangers are a little upset." Krueger replied, a hint of annoyance in his voice. Kat gave him a skeptic look, holding her clipboard close to her chest. She sighed, and shook some hair out of her face.
"They are, but Bridge is... different. He keeps to himself, he spends a lot of time in Sky's hospital wing room. He just seems... down. In fact, he kind of reminds me of you when you lost-..." Kat cut herself short, her face turning a light shade of pink. She'd just crossed a boundary that, though Krueger had never addressed, she knew better than to cross.
"Commander... I..." She tried to apologize, but couldn't find the right words. But instead of getting angry, Krueger's face fell. His eyes clouded over, and his posture slumped a bit. Without another word, he turned slowly from Kat, to gaze again at the screens. Kat wore an expression that was a mixture of regret, sadness, and anger. Anger at herself, for letting such a thing slip out of her mouth. She took a step toward Krueger, and started to reach out a hand. But she stopped, turned slowly, and walked out of the Command Center.
~
"You guys... do you think he'll get better?" Syd asked in a hushed voice, as if speaking of it would somehow make him worse. Jack didn't respond; in fact, he pretended he hadn't heard her. He didn't want to think about it. So he just kept eating his sandwich.
"I'm sure he will, Syd." Z lay a hand on the back of her friend's momentarily. Syd's eyes watered as she absently bit into her sandwich.
"Sky's a fighter. He'll make it. He has to." Jack finally spoke. He'd whispered that last part, as if to himself. The three of them sat in silence for a while, eating half-heartedly. After a few minutes of heavy silence, Z's eyes wandered to the other side of the room. She spotted Bridge. He sat alone, his lunch untouched in front of him. He stared listlessly out of the nearby window, his shoulders slumped forward and hands in his lap. He'd been like that for days now. At first, Boom had tried sitting with him, but had quickly given that up. Bridge just seemed to want to be alone. Z sighed.
"Is it just me, or is Bridge taking this harder than the rest of us?" She asked.
"He should. It's his fault." Jack muttered, though his voice held no contempt.
"Jack!" Syd whispered, aghast. She couldn't believe he'd just said that.
"What? It's the truth. Sky got blown backwards off the building because Bridge had powered down, and Sky was trying to protect him. If he'd just kept in Ranger form, none of it would've happened." He explained. He didn't seem to be angry at Bridge; he was just stating fact. Z and Syd really couldn't argue, though Syd did give Jack a scowl.
~
"Bridge!" Commander Krueger shouted. Bridge snapped out of his daze, quickly coming to stand at attention. Krueger walked up to him.
"Is there a problem, Cadet Carson?" Krueger asked softly. Bridge was silent for a moment, the rest of the team cutting their eyes over to try and get a look at his face. Right as Krueger was going to say something else, Bridge spoke.
"No, sir. I just let my mind wander. I'm sorry, sir. It won't happen again."
"... Good." That was all Krueger could think of to say. He turned from them and made his way over to the large desk on the far side of the room. He sat behind it.
"Bridge. I want you to continue your investigation of Gruumm's plans. In light of our recent... situation, I'm assigning Z to be your partner. Jack, Syd, you'll go about duties as normal. Bridge, Z... unless you've stumbled across a lead that you think will help us uncover Gruumm's intentions, I want you to respond to any emergency as normal." Krueger leaned forward in his chair, clasping his hands on the desk in front of him.
"Sir, with all due respect... two of us may not be enough to handle anything big that comes up." Jack said, stepping forward. Krueger nodded.
"I know, that's why I told Bridge and Z to answer any-" Krueger started to respond, but was cut off. Which he clearly did not like.
"I know, sir. But what if they do find a good lead? That leaves only two of us." Jack pointed out. Bridge's eyebrows furrowed; was Jack suggestion he do the investigation alone? Bridge knew he hadn't exactly been the poster boy for friendliness as of late, but he got the distinct feeling that Jack had it out for him.
"Yes, Jack, but perhaps you forget about me. If the need arises, I'll join in battle as the Shadow Ranger. And Sam should be back from the mission I sent him on within the next few days. I've already debriefed him in a transmission, and he gives you permission to use the Delta Max Cycle if need be, and we always have the Delta Base Megazord." The fact that Krueger was feeling a bit annoyed by Jack's incessant talking was starting to show through. Jack decided it was a good time to be quiet.
"Alright. Dismissed." Krueger nodded a little to them, then turned around. The Rangers lingered for a moment, then turned and began to walk off. Z paired off with Bridge, and was about to say something to him when Kat stepped directly in their path.
"Bridge... are you alright?" She asked, point-blank. Bridge just stared at her. He seemed calm, but his eyes had clouded over... in a much different way than when he was using his psychic abilities. He forced a smile, which, though the corners of his mouth were turned upward, looked more like a frown.
"Of course. I'm fine. Would you guys excuse me? I'm still trying to figure out how to make an omelette with my DVD player." He waved a little and then headed off down the hall. But the opposite direction from his room; he was heading toward the Hospital Wing.
"... I'm worried about him." Kat said to Z. She didn't respond. She just kept staring after her friend. She'd only known Bridge a little while, but he was kind, if not a little... odd. She hated the feeling that she was powerless to help him at all. But she couldn't. All she could do was watch him walk away...
~
"Tonight I brought some Emily Dickinson." Bridge said to the unconscious Sky as he closed the door behind him. The room was all dark, save for the small lamp on the bedside table. Bridge pulled a chair up next to it, facing Sky's bed, and opened the book.
"People always assume that I'm just this weirdo who's obsessed with computers. But I'm not. Really. I've loved to read for as long as I can remember. The classics are my favorites. Poetry is my second favorite form of writing, next to essays. Anyway... this is my favorite Emily Dickinson poem." Bridge took a deep breath and cleared his throat.
"Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all.
And sweetest in the gale is heard;
A sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me."
As he finished reading it aloud, Bridge gave a breathy sigh; in which a quiver was distinctly audible. He fought back the tears that couldn't be allowed to show. It would be forcing himself to admit that his feelings were running a little deeper than the natural feeling of guilt.
"Oh, Sky." Bridge lay his head on Sky's chest and heaved a quiet sob. He let the tears flow. It was too much to bear to hold it all in. He slipped his hand into Sky's. He gave it a little squeeze and closed his eyes, just letting himself cry...
What he was too upset to notice was that Sky squeezed back.