Planning One Short (Power Rangers In Space)

[estinose]

The team discovers they're short one Ranger. (Destruction... and After)


Disclaimer: None of the characters belong to me, but instead to Saban. This takes place during "Countdown to Destruction, part 2", part of a series detailing the events and aftermath of the two-parter.

This is the fourth of the "Destruction... and after" series of stories and was written November 26, 1998.

Planning One Short
by Selma McCrory
copyright 1998

"Maybe if we try this...."

Zhane inwardly sighed as he rotated his neck. He was getting stiff, which was not surprising considering his day. The others were listening to Carlos' idea, but he really had to take a moment out just to be able to stay in the discussion. Beside him, Cassie turned her head. "You okay?" she asked.

"I will be," he said, smiling back at her. "Long day, that's all."

Their exchange had attracted the attention of Carlos and T.J., and they looked up. "You're sure?" T.J. asked.

Zhane nodded, not wanting to be worried over at the moment.

"Where's Ashley and Andros?" Cassie asked, looking around.

"I don't know," Carlos replied. "I thought they were with us...."

Zhane suddenly knew where at least Andros had gone. Ashley he wasn't so sure about, but Andros he knew. Andros wasn't beyond going his own way if he thought that it was better, and this was one point that he wasn't likely to yield on. He was probably halfway to the Dark Fortress right now.

"Everybody, spread out, see if you can find them. Carlos, see if they headed out that way. Cassie, that way. Zhane, go over there, and I'll check over here," T.J. ordered. Zhane nodded, recognizing T.J.'s tone. At least if Andros was gone, T.J. could lead them. Ashley had told him early on that T.J. had been her team's original leader.

They were saved from having to search much when Ashley came from behind a pile of debris. There were tears running down her cheeks, and Zhane hoped that Andros hadn't said something he'd regret later. If there was a later. Andros would find himself with three very annoyed teammates if he did that to Ashley. Ranger teams tended to be almost closer than family, and family helped those members that were hurt.

"Ashley, where's Andros?" T.J.'s authoritative voice came from behind Zhane.

The Yellow Ranger sniffled, and didn't respond, except to cast her eyes towards the sky.

"Oh, God, he didn't..." Cassie said, going from apparent astonishment to anger. "The idiot!"

"I don't think anyone could have stopped him," Ashley replied. Her eyes pleaded for Zhane to support her, and he stepped closer to her.

"She's right. Andros wouldn't let anyone stop him, if he really put his mind to it. This is the only way he can see us winning, so he's not going to let us sway him."

T.J. shook his head, and looked about to speak, but didn't. Carlos and Cassie both continued to look angry. Ashley still looked like she was about to start crying again. Zhane was just happy he wasn't Andros - he'd certainly be hearing about this when he got back.

"I guess there's really nothing we can do about it," T.J. said finally. "We'll just have to plan without him, and deal with it if or when we get back."

"*When* we get back," Cassie said. "I'm not planning to die tomorrow."

"Right," T.J. replied. "Let's get back to planning. Tomorrow's going to be a very busy day...."

He, Cassie, and Carlos went back to the plans, while Zhane lingered a moment, looking at Ashley. She wiped the corners of her eyes. "Thanks," she said softly. "I don't think that Andros would have fought with all his heart if we'd forced him to stay."

"I know," Zhane said, just as quietly. He looked at the only other person that he knew of that was close to Andros, and did the best he could to cheer her up. "But now he will. He'll come back."

"I hope so," Ashley repled, with a weak smile. "I really do."

Giving her a quick hug, he led her back to the planning. They, too, had things to do.