“So he was on some distant planet, why?” Kira asked Doctor Oliver. They had came back to Kira’s hotel suite after the police told Tommy he could leave the scene where Billy Cranston was found dead.

“He was aging, due to an invention he . . . invented. Him getting older, rapidly, was a side effect he didn’t know about. We tried everything to counteract it, but nothing worked. On Aquitar, there was a spring called Eternal Falls. From that, Billy was given water and it actually stopped the process, but it only lasted a while. That’s when he decided to stay there.” Tommy sighed as Kira handed him a cup of coffee and took a seat next to Conner. “I never thought I’d ever see him again, until he showed up at my doorway about a week ago. He said that something was going to happen. But as always, Billy didn’t go into details.”

“How did he know?” Conner asked.

Tommy shrugged. “He never really said how, he just said it would.”

“Well, what did he tell you would happen, Doctor O?” Kira urged.

Tommy bit his lip. “We did some research while he was here and learned about the past a bit more. Billy said that would help us. Then, he said that he had a dream about the future of this Earth. A demon ruler with more power than any Power Ranger would show up from . . . somewhere. His only goal would be to conquer this world. I don’t know why this world specifically, but this guy wanted it badly.” Tommy sipped this coffee quietly again.

“Anything else?” Conner asked. Tommy nodded.

“This demon guy was looking for someone. A girl, but Billy didn’t know who. There was someone else, too,” he paused. “The son of a Power Ranger, about ten years old. He wanted to kill this kid for some reason.”

Kira stood up in thought. “So, we need to find a past Power Ranger who has a son, right? Then we need to protect that kid from this evil guy.”

“It’s easier said then done, Kira,” Tommy said. “The kick is, this kid hasn’t been born yet.”

Conner bit his lip, pondering. “So this is what we know. An evil guy is going to come out of no where with a plot to destroy the world and re-conquer it for himself.”

“That sounds vaguely familiar,” Kira muttered and sipped her coffee.

Conner rolled his eyes and continued his thought. “He is looking for a girl who we have no idea who she is, and expecting parents who were Power Rangers or one was at least, with a kid who wasn’t born yet? That’s crazy. Are you sure this dream wasn’t just a dream, Doctor O?”

Tommy nodded. “I’m sure of it. But where to begin, I have no idea.” He paused. “Look, can we continue this tomorrow? I’m kind of wiped out from all this.”

Kira glanced at the clock. “No wonder, it’s almost three in the morning!” she exclaimed. “C’mon, you can stay here, Doctor O. The couch in the living room doubles as a pull out bed.” Tommy thanked her as they both headed off towards the living room.

Conner was left alone in the sitting room to his thoughts. All this was crazy, really. How could this actually be true? A kid who is ten years old but isn’t alive, and a girl that fit into this as well? If what Doctor O was saying was true, Conner was sure the next few days would certainly hold many surprises.

“He fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillows,” Kira said and walked back into the sitting room. “Hell, I don’t blame him. Finding out one of his best friends was killed and discovering a plot against the world is a lot for a guy to do in just one day.”

Conner chuckled as Kira turned on the TV to watch the news. His ears perked up as yet another strange occurrence in Briarwood found its way to the public.

“In only two weeks after the disappearance of nineteen year old Madison Rocca, yet another strange event has taken place in the city of Briarwood, California . . .”

“That’s a shame about that poor girl, too,” Kira commented and Conner nodded in agreement.

“A boy was found in the wreckage of an unknown object that was found in the forest just across from Lincoln Street. The name of the child has not been released, and authorities have found no reason why this object crashed or identification for what this object is. All we were told was that the boy sustained critical injuries and is in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of Saint Joseph’s Hospital in downtown Briarwood. If anyone has any information about this strange wreckage, please contact your local police department or call this nu-“

“That’s interesting. I bet the kid’s parents are worried sick.” Conner looked up from the magazine he had been reading.

“Tell me about it.” Kira responded. They sat there in silence for a few minutes more. Finally, Conner stood up.

“Well, I must be off. I’ve got a long drive back to Reefside.”

“Wait, why don’t you stay the night? So I won’t have to worry about you crashing on the way home.” Her voice became softer. “I’d hate to hear about another death so close to home. Besides, that . . . creep who killed Doctor O’s friend is still out there.”

He looked at her and saw the small speck of uneasiness in her eyes. “You have Doctor O. here for you. If anything happens—”

“Please, Conner,” she said and touched his arm. “Stay with me tonight” She shook her head and said quickly, “I mean, with Doctor O. and me. Stay with us tonight.”

He sighed. “If you insist.”

She smiled and went over towards the closet. There, she pulled out two pillows and a blanket, handing them to him. “Well, good night, and . . . thank you.”

Conner took the bundle and slowly bent his head down and kissed her cheek. “You’re welcome. Good night, Kira.”

She turned around and headed towards the bedroom door while Conner went to his. Once safely behind the door, she stood there for a second as a tear rolled down her cheek. She slowly crawled into bed and turned off the lamp. But for the young pop diva, sleep would not come as easily as she hoped. Numerous times she rolled over in thought and sighed, her eyes glanced towards her door. Across the hall from her Conner slept soundly, and in the living room Doctor O rested as well.

“If only life could be simpler,” she whispered and closed her eyes as finally sleep overcame her.

--

Alex wasn’t sure how long he had been asleep for, maybe only a few minutes, maybe it was hours. He had fallen asleep on Jen’s bedside and was awoken at some point during his sleep. He sort of wished he hadn’t awoken, but he did. That moment, the door to Jen’s room opened again and an older man wearing a black Time Force uniform walked in and handed Alex a cup of steaming black coffee.

“Thank you, Admiral,” Alex nodded and inhaled the aroma slowly. His eyes shifted back to Jen as the Admiral and he walked over towards the window of the hospital room.

“How is Lieutenant Scotts doing, Alex?” the Admiral asked.

He sighed. “Well, she made it through the night, sir. The doctors said if she could do that, they expect her to recover. But they didn’t know her length of time to recover fully.”

“Well, then it looks like your team will be one member short, Commander.”

“Excuse me, sir?”

“While you were here with the Lieutenant, Kane found a way to escape back to Dave’s time, to finish off the boy. Our sensors indicate he has not yet arrived in the year 2009 yet. But you must beat him back there and protect him.”

Alex bit his lip. “I assume I have no choice, sir?”

The Admiral nodded. “You are correct, Commander. However, I have given you a team of three of our best officers, and I believe they are a few old friends of yours.”

Alex turned around as the door opened and three smiling faces greeted him. “Well, this is a surprise,” Alex chuckled and shook one man’s hand.

“I just wish they were under better circumstances,” Lucas Kendall said. He was taken out of a qualifying race in New Zealand for this mission, but given the situation, the badge was more important.

Alex watched as a dark haired woman walked over towards Jen’s bed and took her hand in hers. Katie Walker, now Katie Aaronson after being married for three years now, shook her head. “Out of everyone here, I’d never think Jen would end up as badly as this,” Katie sighed. “She was always the fighter of our group.”

Trip Regis put his hand on Katie’s shoulder and smiled to his friend. “She’ll be fine, Katie.”

Lucas strolled over towards the other side and took Jen’s other hand. “Admiral,” Lucas asked, “What happened to Jen’s son? Is he okay?”

“That, we do not know. We’re not even sure he survived the impact the ship had when it crashed. All we know is that he crashed around the city of Briarwood, in the year 2009.”

“2009?” Katie asked, “Wait, so that means if we can find a way to contact Wes, then maybe he can help find Dave.”

Alex winced at the mention of Wes, but bit his tongue. “We’ve tried that,” the Commander lied. “But we haven’t received a signal back. Besides, Wes has his own problems to deal with.”

“So we’re putting Dave in more danger by not doing anything to find him?” Lucas asked, slightly annoyed by Alex’s response.

“Which is why, Rangers, you leave now for this mission. We must find Dave now and ensure his safe return home, before anything else happens.” The Admiral looked towards Alex who nodded.

“Yes, sir,” Alex agreed and turned to Trip, Lucas and Katie. “Gather what you may need, guys. Meet me in the hanger in sixty minutes. Dismissed.”

The three Officers turned and left, leaving Alex and the Admiral alone. “Sir, if it’s alright with you, I would like a few minutes alone,” he said as his eyes shifted back towards Jen.

The Admiral nodded and headed for the door. Before he left, he turned back to Alex. “Bring him home, Commander. I have faith in your team. They’ve never let us down before.”

“We will, Sir, you can count on us.” Alex’s eyes never left Jen’s face. Once the door was closed, Alex let the rail on the bed down and let out a slow breath. “This is it, Jen. I’ll bring him home, that’s one promise I won’t break.” He placed his hand against her warm cheek and bent down. Slowly, he kissed her cheek and squeezed her hand. For a second, he thought he felt her squeeze back. “I love you,” he whispered and stood up.

Alex left her room quickly, but not before placing a note on the side table for her, explaining what had happened and where they were. Glancing at the clock in the hallway, he had about forty-five minutes to meet Lucas, Katie and Trip in the hanger to begin their mission.

After a quick decision, he decided to gather some clothes from his room and make himself a quick cup of coffee. After hanging around his apartment for a few more minutes he began his walk to Time Force’s hanger where the ship they would be taking back rested.

He opened the Bombay door and walked up the ramp. A little more of an updated time ship, Alex thought, it was more like a small jet plane, almost like the ones he used to pilot himself. Good. Something about flying in the air and having nothing restricting you always put him at ease.

Sitting in the Captain’s chair brought back a very fond memory for him. Back when he had his license, he took Jen up for a ride through the sunset, and it brought a smile to his face.

Alex grinned as Jen sat sideways on his lap as they flew over the rooftops of Millennium City. It was just before sunset, and for a little thrill ride, Alex brought Jen out to see a sunset from the air.

“These things are crazy; who would have thought Time Force would let people pilot these?” Jen glanced side to side to the tops of the buildings of the city.

“I’ve always liked flying jets. It just feels so . . . free,” he said and banked the plane slightly right as they continued to fly.

Jen chuckled at him. “As long as you don’t do those things that the pilots do in the Air force, what do you call them? Bagel rolls?”

He laughed. “You mean a barrel roll?” Jen nodded and looked to the left. Alex hesitated for a second wrapped one arm around her waist and jerked the joystick right. The plane suddenly started rolling left rapidly, and sent Jen into a fit as she wrapped her arms around Alex’s broad shoulders and half laughed, half screamed.

Jen looked at him in awe. “That . . . that was fun, actually. Just, don’t do it again.”

“Whatever you say, Jen, whatever you say.” Alex smiled and kissed her warmly as they flew into the sunset . . .

“Alex?”

The Commander opened his eyes and turned in the chair to see Lucas, Trip and Katie standing on the platform, each with a bag in their hands. “We’re ready, Alex.” Trip stated.

“Very well, take a seat and we’ll depart.” Alex commanded as the three took seat behind him. “Kendall, I want you up here with me.”

Lucas grinned at Katie and Trip who shrugged. “Yes, Sir,” he responded and took the seat next to Alex. After buckling in and preparing the ship for departure, Lucas glanced at Alex to see a somewhat nervous look his face. “If I could say something without you yelling at me,” Lucas motioned.

Alex’s eyes never left the gages. “I’m listening.”

“If we do find Wes, and I’m sure we will, don’t tear him apart from us like you did back in 2001. I know you’re still sour at him for ‘taking Jen away’ but you can’t help these things, you know. Besides, that was seven years ago. A lot can change in seven years.”

Alex gave Lucas a sideways glance. “That’s what I’m worried about.” Lucas was going to ask, but Alex stopped him. “Tower from ship Yankee Tango Niner, acknowledge. We’re beginning our way towards the gate.”

“Received, Commander. You’re clear for take off. Good luck.”

“This is it,” Alex said as the plane began a soft hover and the wheels lifted. He expertly guided the plane towards the runway. Large panels rose from the runway as the turbines began to spin faster.

“Setting coordinates for Briarwood City, California, year 2008.” Lucas said over the roar of the turbines.

“Coordinates locked. Take off in 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…”

Alex pushed the joystick forward as the plane rocked forward towards the time warp gate. Lucas, Katie and Trip all stared into the gate with smiles on their faces. It was time for one more mission to the past. But they couldn’t help feeling worried for Dave, and sad for Jen.

 “Brace yourselves!” Lucas hollered back as the plane hit the gate and stuttered loudly. The air pressure in the plane dropped, and their eyes remained focused towards the white light at the end of the tunnel, a light that would lead them to the small city of Briarwood, in the year 2008.

--

He shook his head, glancing around the room. Somehow, he found his way into this strange place, but how he got here, he had no idea. This large room was dark, except for the small amounts of light that came from the ceiling.

“Where am I?” he asked himself. His question was soon answered. He suddenly ducked as the flames came towards him. But these flames were no ordinary flames. He felt the hotness of them on his skin. If this was a dream, then why did he feel that?

He looked in the direction of the flames and closed his eyes. After opening them, what he saw was confirmed. A man, about six feet tall with long, silver hair fought hard with someone in a white uniform. A woman, he discovered as he walked more towards them. He winced as the woman was thrown across the room, and this strange man walked towards him.

“Well, looks like you decided to join us after all. Let me introduce myself,” he grinned and bowed. “My name is Kane, and I shall be the one to kill you. All of you. However, I am glad you are here, my friend, for I’d hate to be the only one to witness this precious sight.” Kane looked towards the woman he flung and grinned.

“Oh my god,” the man whispered.

 The woman rolled around on her side. “Watch out!” she cried.

But when he looked, it was too late. Kane threw his sword at the man and he felt his skin tear open on his chest and cried in pain. He watched as Kane flew against the wall and the woman came running over to him.

“Jen, my god, what happened to you?” he asked.

“Do not let him defeat you here, do you understand me? Do not stay here!” Jen said. “Get out of here, now!”

Suddenly her body flew over him as a blue flame engulfed it, ripping her uniform to shreds. She fell with a hard thud against the ground and did not move.

Breathing heavily, he ran over to where Jen lay and looked at her. A thick pool of blood formed around her as he bent down and touched her wounds. The blood felt real. Her eyes looked real. Her wounds, he thought, were fatal. “Jen, please, wake up!” he shook her shoulders and put a hand over her wound as blood escaped it and soaked his hands. Her glassy eyes remained staring at him as Kane let out a loud laugh and pointed his sword at him.

“Leave this place,” she whispered. “Save all three of us,” she gasped for air and brought a bloody had to his face and touched his cheeks, pleading, “please.” She quietly closed her eyes as her hand fell, leaving a blood trail on his cheek.

“Three of us? What are you talking about, Jen?” But she did not respond. “Jen!”

Kane let out a hearty laugh as he held out his sword to the man. “You’re next, Red Ranger. Welcome to my nightmare.”

The man closed his eyes and braced for the hit, when he rolled and someone called his name, shaking him again and again and again . . .

She stared at him through the darkness as his grip around the sheets tightened and he squeezed his eyes closed tighter.

“Wes?” she asked and shook him gently again.

“Jen!” he jolted up from the pillows and awoke in a cold sweat, panting heavily. His hands shook as the vision replayed over and over in his head. He swallowed hard as she sat up.

“Wes, honey, are you okay?” she asked again and placed a hand on his sweaty shoulder. She reached over him to turn on the light, but he stopped her.

“N-no, don’t. I’m fine, Abby, don’t worry.” Wes closed his eyes and drew in a deep breathe. “It was just . . . a bad dream,” he said. “A bad dream.”

The blonde grinned at him. “Well, when my fiancé yells out another woman’s name while we’re in bed, I’d usually be a little concerned. But from the looks of it, you’re right. Why don’t you splash some water on your face, and then come back to bed, honey.”

He nodded and swallowed again. “That’s probably a good idea,” he said and walked towards his bathroom. “It was just a dream,” he muttered to himself as he closed the bathroom door, stood in front of the mirror and flicked on the light. Suddenly he gasped and jumped back against the wall, causing the towel rack to fall on the floor with a loud thud.

“My God,” he whispered and touched his face. His shirt, hands and left side of his face were covered in what felt like dried blood. On his face, three streaks of blood ran the entire length of this cheek and stopped by his lips. He raised a hand to them and touched the streaks.

The image from his dream of Jen lying in his arms, almost dead flashed in his mind and he heard Kane laughing in his ears. “Welcome to my nightmare . . .”

“Impossible,” Wes muttered and leaned closer into the mirror. But he stopped as he felt skin ripping on the upper left side of his chest. He winced and stood up straight again.

Slowly, he lifted his shirt to reveal several small cuts and one large one running diagonally from his left shoulder. He raised a hand to the cut and touched it, and several jolts of pain caused his to curse quietly.

“If this wasn’t a dream,” he thought and sat down on the toilet to think. But he looked at his hands. It wasn’t his blood, it was Jen’s. That cut on his chest was no ordinary cut. In dreams, he thought you couldn’t get hurt. But he felt the heat, he felt the pain, he felt Jen’s fingers touch his cheek . . .

“Wes,” Abby knocked on the door. “Eric is on the phone for you, honey.”

Wes opened the door and took his cell phone. “Eric,” he said, his voice shook. “I have the craziest thing to tell you.”

“Before you do, there’s something you should know. You’ve got to come back to Saint Joseph’s, Wes.”

Wes put the phone on speaker and set it down next to the sink and began to wash his face and hands, and clean up the cuts. “Have we finally got an identity on the boy?”

“Yea, but it’s complicated.”

Wes stopped washing his face. “How?”

“Just get down here, Wes.”

“Right, I’m on my way.” He said and flipped the phone shut. After placing a few gauze pads on the cut, he exited the bathroom and headed towards his dresser for a fresh shirt. Abby stood by the door as Wes exited, a look of curiosity rested on her face.

“Are you going back to the hospital, Wes? I thought Eric said he would watch over the kid so you could work?” she asked. Wes nodded.

“They have an identity on the kid, and by the tone in Eric’s voice, there is something bigger going on around here.” He threw on a pair of boots and sweatpants and grabbed his keys. “I’ll call you later,” he said and kissed her goodbye.

--

Eric looked at Wes as he walked into the hospital and they headed up towards the Pediatric unit. “What happened to you? You look like you went through hell.”

“I did, I’ll tell you later,” Wes said quickly as they rounded a corner. “Who is the kid they found in Briarwood?”

Eric and Wes entered the Pediatric Wing and stood outside the windows that led to the kid’s room. “That’s the complicated part. The Doctors have no idea who this kid is. They ran a blood test on him and ran it through their database. They found nothing. No social security, no dental records, no nothing. They went international, and even into the missing children records in outside countries. But nothing came up.”

“I thought you said you had an identity on the kid?” Wes asked, annoyed by Eric’s comment.

“I do— they don’t, and I think it’s safer to keep it that way. They gave me his wallet, and this is what I found, a picture.” Eric said. “His name is Dave Scotts.”

Wes stared at Eric blankly. “D-did you say Scotts?” Eric nodded. “It can’t be.”

Eric took the picture and showed Wes. “The woman in the picture is Jen.”

Wes took the picture and stared at it. There was no mistaking it. It was Jen. Slowly, Wes walked into the hospital room where Dave slept.  He sat down besides him and took his small hand in his. “Dave?” he said. “Dave, can you hear me?” Dave’s eyes opened slightly as Wes squeezed his hand, and Dave squeezed back.

“Is Mom okay?” Dave breathed and looked towards the man who sat at his bedside, “Where’s Mom, Alex?”

--