"Mirror, Mirror: A Cry for Help" is the another chapter in the life of Andros, Zane, and Carlos and the second chapter in the "Mirror, Mirror" series. This installment takes place approximately a year after "Not in Kansas Anymore Toto".
Power Rangers, Power Rangers in Space, Power Rangers Turbo, AlienRangers, and all characters from the series are trademarks of and copyright by Saban Entertainment.
The song snippets in this chapter are from "I Need You Tonight" by the Backstreet Boys. I claim no ownership of the song. It's a great song and I felt it fit just right into the story.
Thanks everybody who gave me feedback on the stories. Y'all are great.
Jim, hey buddy...this is for you sweetie.
I welcome comments and suggestions. Send to marik_jol@yahoo.com or marik_jol@hotmail.com .
A Cry For Help
I was sitting in our apartment, in my favorite chair engrossed in a book. Andros and Zane were off doing something or another. They wanted me to go but I was just not in the mood to go. I was in one of my lazy moods just lying around doing absolutely nothing. I had to grin to myself that I have plenty of those days. I couldn't help but think how calm my life had become. The same was true for the other rangers. Cassie decided to go on a trip with some old friends of hers, Ashley had decided head on to college and TJ...well TJ was another story. He seemed to have gotten over, for the most part, his attraction to me, but he seemed to have taken it on himself to keep me out of trouble. Andros and Zane liked the idea. After the ordeal with the other-world rangers, TJ and I got to talk. We laid it on the line, full honesty and it seemed to help TJ a lot.
Just as I was getting into the book I was reading the phone rang. I picked it up. "Hey, this is Carlos."
"Carlos." It was Andros. "Zane and I were considering going to the amusement park. You want to go."
I thought about it and looked down at the book. I closed it and threw it on the couch. "Yeah why not?"
"Zane said that if we were going, see if TJ wants to go. If he does we could swing by and pick him up on the way out there." Andros said.
"Sounds great. I will call him and see if he wants to." I said.
"Okay, we will be there in a few minutes. Love ya." Andros said.
"Love you too. Tell Zane I love him to." I said more out of habit, because I knew Zane heard me through our bond. "And make sure he stays out of trouble."
As I hung up the phone, I could hear Zane in the background denying everything. I had to chuckle. I turned around and headed for the bedroom. I grabbed the portable phone and started dialing TJ's number. As it rang, I pulled out a black tank top, a loose pair of shorts and a pair of socks. Finally he picked up.
"Hello." He said.
"Teej...it's Carlos." I answered back.
"What ya up to?" He asked.
"Not much. Wondering if you wanted to go to the amusement park with us." I said struggling to get my shorts on while holding the phone.
"Yeah. That sounds like fun. What time?" He asked.
"Well how about an hour or so. They are going to pick me up and we will swing by and get you. How's that sound?" I explained finally winning the battle with the shorts.
"Perfect...I will see you three shortly." He hung up the phone.
I pressed the off button on the phone and threw it on the bed. I tossed the tank on and the socks and went to stand in front of the mirror . Everything seemed to be in order. I turned around, and stopped at the dresser. There was a picture of the three of us sitting there in a black frame. I picked it up and ran my hand over it. I was so happy to have them in my life. I could not remember a time without them. I would come home and either Andros or Zane would have cooked supper. We kinda prefer Andros to since cooking is not Zane's specialty. I would wake up with them beside me. And every time I needed someone they are right there. This is the life I always wanted. There was times I would think, this is too good. I figured I would wake up from this dream, but I never did. I sat the picture down as I heard the door open.
"Carlos?" Zane called out.
"In here..." I yelled.
"So this is where you have been hiding." Zane said as he kissed me hard.
"No, you big lug." I said laughing. "I was actually reading a good book. Something you ought to do once in a while."
"Zane, read? I don't think that will ever happen. He would have to sit still. And that is impossible." Andros said as he grabbed a baseball cap.
"Yeah, yeah. Pick on poor Zane here. I see how you are." He started to pucker up and pout.
I could barely keep from grinning. When he did that, all I wanted to do was pick him up and cuddle him. I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "I wouldn't have him any other way."
"Me too." Andros said messing his hair up.
"Okay let's go." I said. We walked down the steps to the jeep. "Who's going to drive?"
"I will." Zane said grabbing the keys. Andros and I both groaned.
===
Andros ended up driving after a tickling war to get the keys. We picked TJ up and he sat in back with Zane. He just stared out the window on the way there. He was quiet, but he didn't seem depressed or anything just forlorned. Zane was talking a mile a minute, non-stop.
"Hey TJ, what's up? You haven't said two words." I asked him.
"Nothing much. I was just thinking of our rangering days. I kind of miss them in a way. There was always some excitement here and there. Yes we had to deal with evil villains but we were active." TJ said. "And I missed the girls somewhat."
"Me too." Andros added.
"Well I don't miss it. Getting knocked around and bashed, never appealed to me." I said. "But I can see your point."
"Yeah, looks like we are going to have a quiet time from now on." TJ said.
"We're here." Andros said parking.
We entered the park and managed to ride almost every ride. I was getting tired and hungry. "Hey guys let's get something to eat. I am famished."
"You sound like Zane." Andros teased.
"How about you TJ? You hungry." I asked TJ.
"Hey.... It does sound like a good idea." He said. We cracked up.
"Nah, I am going to the arcade and shoot some hoops." He said enthusiastically. "Meet up with ya later."
We went to one of the vendor stands to grab a hamburger. We seated ourselves, and ate in silence or at least a passer by would say that. We were talking back and forth telepathically. When we were alone, it was our chosen form of
communication. We were not going to be rude to the people around us. As I was chewing on a hamburger talking about a new friend of ours reaction to finding out that we were together.
"You should have seen his face. At first he didn't seem to understand what I said. But then the light come on. He asked me if I was joking." Andros said. "Humans are so strange."
"Yes...we are." I said laughing.
"What did he say?" Zane asked even though we could see the whole event in Andros' mind.
"Before or after he fainted." Andros said with a straight face.
I nearly choked on my hamburger. "He did what."
"Faint. When he woke up, he said he was cool with it. He also thought it was neat." Andros said.
"My if only he knew all the rest of the story. Like the other night." Zane said.
Andros blushed. "Don't mention it."
"Guys it's getting late. Let's pack it in." I said.
"Yeah I am beat." Andros said.
"We can't call it a night yet. We haven't had 'dessert' yet." Zane asked.
"Is that all you think of?" I asked shaking my head.
"Well no...yes. Only ninety-nine percent of the time." He said finally.
Andros threw a french fry at him. "And the other one percent is food."
I just giggled. The strange thing I thought was that I was thinking the same thing. "Zane we could always get dessert while Andros rests."
"Good idea. What ya think Andros?" Zane said moving his hand under the table.
I saw Andros jump slightly. I had a good idea what he was doing. I could hear a zipper go down. I can't believe that Zane is doing that. But it was something that would fit his daring attitude. Andros turned his head to Zane.
"You are horrible. You fight dirty." He said laughing. Andros stretched and zipped up his pants discretely. "Let's find TJ and head home."
===
TJ hot footed it to the arcade so he could get some hoops in. He enjoyed this part of the amusement park the most. There was a huge arcade with any game you could think of. He looked around for the coin exchange machine. TJ looked at the coins in his hand and mused they were not enough for now that is. He chuckled to himself.
He walked over to one of the 'Shoot the Hoops' games. He inserted two coins, picked up the ball and aimed for the net. Within seconds he had a perfect score, the siren was going off and a crowd was growing around him. TJ inserted the coins again and came up with another perfect score.
TJ was turning around to get some more tokens when heard some applause and a familiar voice. "See that is how you do it." The voice said.
TJ couldn't place it. The other voice rang out. "And you would know."
TJ couldn't resist. He turned to the voices And to his wonderful surprise there stood Tommy and Jason. TJ covered his surprise well. "Hey guys what are you two up to?" He extended his hand to shake theirs.
"Not much. We decided to roam the park for a bit." Tommy said.
"Yeah, I have been trying for the last hour to get him to ride a roller coaster but he won't budge." Jason said popping Tommy on the ass.
"Well...." Tommy responded. "You here by yourself."
"No." TJ said as they walked out of the arcade. "Carlos, Andros and Zane are here. They stopped somewhere around here to get something to eat."
"Oh, my. The three love birds are here too." He said shaking his head. "Well if Zane is eating, they will be there for a while." Tommy said .laughing.
"Tommy your horrible." Jason said wrapping an arm around his waist.
"Maybe, Jason. But I think Tommy is right." TJ responded. "What have you two been doing? It's been about what close to eight months since we ran into each other last."
"Oh, not much. Tommy and I moved into a bigger place. He is still with the dojo. I help him every so often. I spend most of my time with the younger students." Jason explained.
"Sounds great. Hey let's find the guys. I know they would like to see you two." TJ said. He could not help but grin when he sees those two together. They are as different as night and day. Much like...he started to say to himself, but stopped just in time.
"So how is the love birds. Everything going well with them." Tommy asked. Jason didn't realize it and if he did there was no need for him to worry but Tommy has a soft spot for the three of them. And if it was not for them he and Jason would not be together.
"Perfect in fact. Zane is working as a life-guard now. Andros well he keeps Zane in line when he gets too full of himself. Carlos decided to start taking classes again." TJ explained. "Everything seems to be normal for them now."
"How about you?" Jason said cocking his head to look at TJ.
"Well I am not sure what I want to do. I have been working with my uncle and trying to decide what I want to do. I thought about going to school. Whatever I decide to do, I will probably leave Angel Grove to do it." TJ said.
"Why leave Angel Grove?" Tommy asked. He received an elbow from Jason. He looked back at his lover questioningly. TJ's only answer was to shrug his shoulders.
"Hey there they are." TJ pointed drawing attention away from himself.
Jason just looked at TJ. He knew despite the man's cheery demeanor something bugged him a lot. And Jason had a feeling it dealt with somebody they both knew. He would have to watch what was going on. As he thought that, he saw the look that TJ gave Carlos as he walked up. Bingo, Jason thought finally understanding and then empathized for TJ.
===
I was walking along holding Andros' hand. One would expect the people around us to look at us strange for holding hands. But it seems things are changing some around here. We do not get stared at as often anymore. As we walked, I was looking for TJ and Zane was talking to Andros about something that happened at the pool. Zane a lifeguard, I thought to myself. What a perfect job for him. I had turned to say something to Zane when I saw TJ waving at us.
"There he is." I said pointing in his direction. He had two others with him. I didn't have to try hard to figure out who they were. I could feel Tommy in my mind the minute I saw him. So did my two lovers. I sent a mental hello.
"TJ, where have you been hiding yourself?" Zane asked. "Hey Jason, Tommy." He hugged both men.
"Well, TJ didn't I warn to not pick up strays." I said teasing them. TJ grinned big.
"Strays...huh...' Tommy said grabbing me in a headlock that turned into a brotherly hug.
"It's good to see you Tommy, Jason." I said as I gave Jason a hug.
"Now you see what I have to deal with." Andros said pointing at me and Zane. I laughed as he greeted our two friends. "How are you doing?"
"Great." They chimed together.
We all laughed at that. "Well we were looking for TJ. He seems to get lost easily." Zane said.
"Why you..." TJ said socking him in the arm.
"What are you three fixing to do?" Tommy asked.
"We were gathering up TJ and heading out to get some rest. Zane has to work tomorrow." I explained.
"Oh. Hmmm...what are you doing tomorrow after Zane gets off work?" Jason asked. "If you aren't doing anything. I was going to barbecue."
Tommy turned his head in surprise. "You were!"
"Yes I am. If you would listen to me this morning instead of....." Jason said then blushed.
"Well I was too involved with what we were doing when you told me." Tommy said in a sexy accent. Jason blushed yet again.
I laughed. "How about it guys? Barbecue at Tommy's and Jason's tomorrow."
"Yeah." Andros said.
"Great. What time?" TJ responded.
"Barbecue...I love barbecue." Zane's only answer.
I groaned. "Would you have enough for Zane, the bottomless pit of a stomach?"
Tommy laughed. "Yes."
"Okay, how about seven tomorrow." Jason said.
We agreed. And said our good-byes. Just as I was leaving, Jason turned around and called after me. "Hey Carlos! Just a sec."
"Guys, go ahead I will meet up with you in a sec." I told them as they looked inquisitively. I just shrugged my shoulders.
"What's up Jason?" I asked.
"Carlos, tomorrow can we talk. Just you and I." He asked.
"Sure. Is anything wrong?" I asked concerned.
"No, no. For a change everything is so right." He said with a big grin.
"Okay see you tomorrow." I said turning and running to catch up with the others.
===
In the middle of a vacant parking lot on the edge of the city limits, a huge distortion appeared. It undulated in prismatic colors. Heat emanated from the aperture. Suddenly something was spit out of the hole as it closed up. The figure just laid there, trying to catch it's breath. It was on the verge of consciousness.
He could feel darkness claim him as he muttered, "TJ..."
===
We dropped TJ off and headed to our place. Zane was as hyper as ever. He was looking forward to 'dessert' as much as a toddler. He was incredibly horny tonight. Which is not surprising since it was time for him to start rivon again. I shook my head. Just knowing that every so often, you get incredibly horny without reason, was hard to fathom. But I had no problems with it. I just knew there was no sleep for me when one of them are in rivon. And god help me when both are at the same time.
I had barely gotten in the house as I could feel Zane's hands, rub my shoulders as his mouth nestled my neck. I moaned at the sensation. I turned around and met the expectant mouth with equal force. Our tongues melted together. I could feel Zane's hand slide into my shorts and squeeze my balls slightly.
"Zane...slow down. Too fast." I mumbled back.
He didn't hear me. But I could feel Andros come up behind Zane and he thought at us. "Hey is there room for me in here to."
Andros ran his hands down Zane's now bare back. Zane moaned at the shocking touch of Andros' hands. I moved my attention to the length of his neck,
downward I licked till I got to his right nipple. He arched his back, when I bit down on it. Andros was sucking on his neck. He began to writhe and press back into Andros. I continued my trail down till I reached his rock hard cock. It was so hard it must have been painful. I looked up at him, my mind buzzing. His eyes were glowing, bright purple. I looked at Andros his eyes glowed a bright blue flame. I returned my attention back to Zane. I swallowed in one motion. Normally I would have gagged but after doing this for years now it did not bother me. His hands grabbed on to both sides of my head and he started to push his dick in and out of my mouth. I loved it when he does that.
Andros was on his knees now. Both hands spreading Zane's cheeks. His tongue was exploring the warm hole. I could feel Zane tense and I knew I was going to need to swallow fast. He grunted and pumped my mouth full of cum. I swallowed greedily. Not wanting to miss a drop, He looked down at me with a content if not tired look. He helped me stand as he went to his knees. Took my member in his mouth and started massage my dick with his tongue. It felt great. I could feel his hands explore my ass. He used one finger and pushed it in and out then added two and was up to three in a short time. He knew what he was doing. I could feel a fire burn deep in the pit of my stomach as I let loose in his mouth. I leaned against a wall to brace myself.
I heard Zane grunt as Andros shoved his whole length in his waiting ass. Zane was laying face down on the floor as Andros gave him the once over. I sat back and watched them. Zane was getting his 'dessert' tonight. Andros pulled out and rolled Zane over. He lifted his legs and entered him again. Zane was moaning again louder. I had rested enough, my dick was thoroughly engorged once again. I moved behind Andros, placed the head of my dick right at his entrance and waited for him to pull back. As he did he slid up on my dick taking it all in one swift move. As he slid into Zane and pulled back, he would slide back on mine. On one such move he started to shake and I could feel his ass muscles contract sending me into uncontrollable spasms. I wrapped my arms around him and held him tight as I shot a second time into him and he shot into Zane. We collapsed on each other. Our sweaty bodies lying heavily on each other for long minutes.
I heard Andros say meekly. "Carlos, let me up. You are heavy."
I chuckled and rolled off him. He rolled on the other side and sat up. He was trying to control his breathing. Zane looked at us, tired but bright eyed. His eyes were still glowing as was Andros'. I leaned down to kiss Zane. Even though he was tired, his kisses were as full as possible.
"Carlos, I can't get over how bright your eyes glow." Andros said with a smile.
I blushed. "My mother always said I was a bright." I said lamely.
Zane groaned and rolled over and pushed himself up. "I am going to take a bath anyone coming."
"Well I just did twice. But if you mean, for us to go with you. Yeah." Andros said.
I kissed Andros. "You are so cocky." I said as I got up to follow Zane.
"So I am told."
We went to take a bath where we repeated our last adventure. Finally Zane was satiated. And we could get some sleep.
===
He turned over. His body hurt, muscle, bone and even his toe nails. He sat up slowly a blocked the sun out of his eyes.
He muttered to himself. "Ooh." As he said a multitude of curses. "Did I make it?"
He looked around and knew he was somewhere. He wasn't in the cave that was for sure. But was he in the right dimension. He was thinking of where the first place would be to look for the rangers. He realized that this worlds rangers do not live on the mega ship like he does so he would have to find them. But how. He tried his communicator, but apparently in this dimension it does not work. The phone book. He stood and started walking toward the downtown are of Angel Grove. As he walked, he looked around and watched the people come and go. All the while the destruction he saw before flashed before him. He began to panic and wonder if he would be too late. His friends were in trouble. They were battling hordes of quantrons and Astronema herself. He picked up his pace. He stood on the corner looking for a phone booth. Ah. There was one right on the corner. He opened the door and grabbed the book. He flipped through and looked for Andros, Zane or anybody he knew. But it seemed the book was too old for that.
"Who would be in here?" He said to himself. "Tommy!" He hit the jackpot.
Off he ran. The apartments he stayed in were not too far away. A couple of blocks at most. In about five minutes, he came upon the apartments. He found the apartment number of Tommy and banged frantically on the door. Suddenly it opened and a lady stepped out.
"Is Tommy here?" He asked hurriedly.
"No, he doesn't live here anymore." She said.
"Damn. Do you know where moved to?" He said hoping she knew.
"Yes in fact. Here is the address." She said writing the address down for him on a piece of paper.
He thanked her and ran off. Tanya shook her head wondering what was up. She knew he looked familiar for some strange reason. "Oh well." She said to
herself.
The address was a way off but he ran like his life was in danger.
===
I knocked on other door. As I waited, I looked at Tommy and Jason's new place. It was a small white house with brown trim. Just the right size for two people. He could hear footsteps coming to the door. It swung open and Jason stood there in an apron, a towel thrown over one shoulder.
"Come in." He said stepping to the side. "Tommy, they're here." He called back. "Where's TJ?"
From the bowels of the house, Tommy yelled. "Okay, be right there."
"Oh he will meet us here. He had to make an errand or two." I said.
"Oh. Make yourself at home." He said.
Zane and Andros walked into the living room and plopped down on a couch. I was heading to the recliner when Jason reached and touched my arm. He motioned for me to go with him to the kitchen.
"Zane, Andros...I am going to help Jason in the kitchen." I said.
"Okay, just keep the sharp objects away from him, Jason." Zane said.
I stuck my tongue out at him and followed Jason to the kitchen. I could smell onions and tomatoes. Bread was warming in the oven.
"Smells good in here. I didn't know you were a cook." I said.
"Well, it is a well hidden secret." Jason said.
"Oh well. So what's up? What's on you mind?" I asked leaning up against the cabinet.
"Want some tea?" He asked.
"Yeah sounds good." I asked wondering what could be vexing him. He handed me a glass. "Thanks."
He turned and just looked at me. I noticed he was thinking over a few things. He reached in his pocket and drew out a box. It was small and black. I knew what it was. He handed it to me. I opened and there was two rings in it. He was going to ask Tommy to marry him.
"Jason, I don't know. We haven't known each other that long...can I think about it." I said grinning to him.
"Asshole." He said laughing.
"I am sorry. I couldn't resist. Your going to ask him to marry you." I apologized.
"Yeah. I was wondering what you think." He asked.
"Well, you two love each other and have been through hell together. I say why not. I know when Andros and Zane asked me, I didn't know what to say. But I eventually said yes and never ever regretted it." I said truthfully and
absentmindedly playing with my ear cuff.
"I am going to ask him tonight while you four are here." He said.
Suddenly the doorbell rang. "Andros, could you get the door?" I called out.
Jason nodded.
"Congratulations. I am honored and I can speak for Andros and Zane. TJ as well." I said.
"Thanks." He said and looked at his feet.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
Intuitively I knew. "I wanted to thank you and the guys for helping and bringing him to me."
"Huh...Oh!" I said. He must know what happened between us.
"Yeah, don't worry. I have known about that for a while. Tommy doesn't realize I know. But I have no problem with it. If you hadn't helped him, I don't know where we would have been now." He said.
I grinned sheepishly at him. "Thanks."
"Who was it?" Jason yelled out as I handed him the rings back.
"It's me." TJ yelled back.
"Good you are just in time. The steaks are ready." Tommy called out. "Grab a bowl and meet me in the yard."
I grabbed the salad. Andros and Zane grabbed the condiments and tea. We walked out into the yard. They had a picnic table set up and a grill to the side. The steaks smelled good. We started a line and grabbed our food. This was life my lovers at my side with good friends, enjoying a meal and quiet time.
"This is good." Zane commented.
"Yes, very good." Andros said. "Jason you and Tommy out did yourselves."
"Yeah you did. These are the meanest steaks I have had in years." TJ added.
I just grinned at Jason and he grinned back at me. I winked at him and he nodded. "Tommy I think Jason has something to talk to you about."
Jason shook his head. "What's up love?"
"Tommy, we have known each other for a long time. We have been through hell and back. You have always been there for me. You have meant more to me than life it's self." Jason said getting on his knee. He started singing.
Open up your heart to me And say what's on your mind I know that we have been through so much pain But I still need you in my life this time
I need you tonight I need you right now I know deep withing my heart Doesn't matter if its wrong or right I really need you tonight
I figured out what to say to you Sometimes the words, they come out so wrong
yes they do I know inside that you know that What we have is so right
this time.
I need you tonight I need you right now I know deep withing my heart Doesn't matter if its wrong or right I really need you tonight...
I could see Tommy tearing up and so was Jason. "Tommy what I am saying..asking is will you marry me."
I felt myself get choked up. Zane and Andros grabbed each others hands and Zane reached for mine. He squeezed it tightly. TJ sat at the end of the table, unreadable but intent on what was happening. Tommy was looking at Jason, tears streaming down his face. He reached down and grabbed Jason and kissed him deeply.
He wrapped Jason in a hug. "Yes. Oh yes." He pulled back and Jason put the ring on his finger.
I clapped my hands and got up and go over to the newly engaged coupled. I hugged Tommy and congratulated him. I grabbed Jason. As I hugged him, I asked him. "How was that?"
He chuckled. "Intense." I laughed at that.
"Good voice." I said. He stuck his tongue out at me.
We had sat back down. Tommy and Jason were holding hands and each would steal a glance at the other. And the doorbell rang again. We all looked up.
"Were we expecting anybody else?" Tommy asked.
"No.:" Jason said as he got up.
I looked at them. Then I felt something come over my link with Andros and Zane. It was confusion, surprise and bewilderment. I have felt that before. They looked at each other then at me. I was getting worried now.
"What?" TJ said looking at me. I just shrugged. We all got up and followed the others into the house. As we reached the back door we heard Jason gasp.
"Guys, I think you need to come here." Tommy said. His voice had a light shake.
I rounded the corner and got the shock of a lifetime. I could feel understanding and surprise from Andros and Zane. TJ eyes grew big, his jaw hit the floor.
"Carlos!" I asked never thinking I would ever see my double again. I heard a thump on the floor next to me as TJ fainted dead away.
===
The other Carlos noticed TJ falling and moved fast to catch him. He sat on the floor cradling TJ's head. I was still in shock. Andros and Zane stood real still with an odd look on their face. Tommy had the same look. Jason looked at me then at the others.
"Let's get him here on the couch." I said bending down to pick TJ up.
"I can get him. I have done this before." The other Carlos said easily
scooping him up and laying him gently on the couch.
I knelt by Carlos. "Carlos, what are you doing here? How? Moreover, why?"
He looked at me. "I did make it. Oh....you don't know how good it is to hear that." He paused to look at TJ. "I came to get your help."
"What's wrong?" Andros said. He never met the alternate Carlos. Zane stood dumbfounded he could feel the urgency the other Carlos was emitting.
"Dark Spectre..." We heard TJ mutter.
"What...?" The other Carlos muttered.
"It's Dark Spectre isn't it. A hole opened and his forces started to plunder the city." TJ said easing himself up.
The other Carlos looked in shock. I sure was. "TJ what are you talking about? Did you hit your head or something?"
"No..." TJ said blinking his eyes to clear them.
"He's right. A day or so ago, an aperture opened and Dark Spectres forces filtered through and was destroying everything in its way. Ninety percent of the city has been laid to waste. Me and the other rangers tried to stop him but we couldn't. We decided to get help. And the only people we could think of is you." He explained.
"How did you get here?" Tommy asked.
"We went to the remains of the command center and retrieved a tachyon converter and Andros, that is my Andros." He said hazarding a glance at my Andros who had taken a seat. "Created a crude version of the converter that brought you to us Carlos." He said looking at me and holding out the converter.
I looked back at Zane and Andros. They were studying him. And from their looks he was telling the truth. "Now next question how did you know this TJ?"
"Well when we went to the park you asked if anything was up. Well I didn't tell you everything. I had been having nightmares over and over. The same scene just different players. I dreamt that Dark Spectre returned and we were unable to stop him. And....." TJ trailed off.
"And what....." Jason asked.
"One of us did not make it." He said laying back down.
"Oh my." I said. What was up with TJ?
"Nightmares... Oh dear. How long have you been having them?" The other Carlos asked.
"Ever since Carlos was whisked to your world." He said simply.
"My TJ was having similar dreams, starting around that time." The other Carlos said pulling his knees up to his chest and laying his head on them.
Zane, Andros and Tommy exchanged looks. They made eye-contact with me and Jason. It was evident that we needed to talk. Tommy motioned for us to go in the kitchen. I nodded.
"Carlos, stay here with TJ." I said as he looked up at me. It looked as if that was the one thing in the world he would do anytime.
Carlos turned to TJ who was lying still on the couch, deep in thought. He turned it over and over in his mind. Here is TJ, so much like his lover that he could not tell the difference. He was fighting the urge to touch him and hold him. TJ noticed Carlos watching him.
TJ grinned at him. "Carlos, what ya thinking?" TJ did not seem to have a problem with there being another Carlos.
"Just how much you are like the TJ I know. I teased TJ about how he had
mistaken your Carlos for me. But I know why now. He is going to have a field day with this one." Carlos said absentmindedly laying a hand on TJ's leg.
TJ looked down at the hand. A shiver ran through his body. He so wanted Carlos to touch him like that. And he came to terms with that not happening. Yet he could rest assured that at least one version of him had that chance. He thought about moving his hand. He decided not to. There was nothing wrong with it for now.
"Are we happy?" TJ asked the lost Carlos.
Carlos chuckled. "Very."
"That's good to know." TJ said sounding depressed.
Carlos stared at him. "Oh." He said moving his hand. "I am sorry. I didn't mean to."
TJ sat up and grabbed his hand. "No, its okay. I am ....I have always wished that my Carlos and I could be more. That is not a possibility now. I have dealt with it somewhat."
"Oh. I know my TJ told me how hard it was for Carlos to talk about Zane and Andros like he did. Despite knowing he wasn't me, that didn't help." Carlos explained.
"Yeah, don't worry. We will get you back there. If I know the others they are already deep into plans now." TJ said grinning. "Let's see what they are up to."
===
Jason hopped and sat on the counter. Tommy stopped in front of him. Jason wrapped his arms around his waist. Zane leaned against the wall and Andros paced. I stood between the groups at the center of the mess. We were asked for help by my double, whom I met a while ago.
"Does anybody understand what's going on?" Jason asked.
"I have a clue." I said.
"Oh, what is that?" Jason asked.
I looked at Zane then at Tommy. "I am correct that he is the Carlos I met in the other dimension."
They both nodded gravely.
At Jason' s confused look, I responded. "Jason remember when Tommy and Zane came after me, when I got lost. Well do you remember the reason Tommy went." He nodded. "Well I can be safe to say that Tommy, Zane and even Andros though he didn't join the rescue party, felt him come up on the porch. In their mind that is."
"Your right. I felt two of you. Which to me was odd? I just wrote it off from being tired." Andros said staring at Zane.
Zane blushed.
"Remember I am not as strong as you two in that respect. But I thought it felt familiar." Tommy said.
"Well I guess we agree he is who he says he is. Now what do we do. Do we help him." I asked.
"Yes but how. How did Dark Spectre come back.? I know in their world he was destroyed as well as in ours." I said.
"I can explain that." TJ said from behind us. We turned sharply not expecting him to be there. He stood there with a hand on the other Carlos' shoulder.
"If there is one dimension other than ours, then there should be others. And we know there is significant differences between ours and his. Why can't there be a dimension where Dark Spectre won?" TJ said.
"Ah, so you are saying that Dark Spectre of one dimension decided to conquer a dimension now." Jason said. "But why now when he hadn't before."
The other Carlos chuckled. "My turn. I figure he noticed the change in space time when you showed up last in our dimension. He noticed it and decided to try it himself I suppose. I suppose."
"So it's our fault" Zane said.
"Not necessarily. It's part of the problem. But what are we going to do about it." TJ said.
"I'm in." Tommy said quickly.
"Me too." Jason said.
Nods ran around the room. "Fine and dandy. But how do we get there to help them. We only had three converters then."
"You have four now." Carlos said handing them his crude one.
"Even if we had enough there is only so much time we had to find Carlos. After that we were stuck." Zane said.
"Let's go to the mega ship and see if Alpha could help us. There must be a way to do this." TJ said.
"Alpha." I said into my communicator.
"Yes Carlos. Seven to beam up to the mega ship. Oh and Alpha get your thinking cap on." I said.
===
On the mega ship, Alpha was waiting for the rangers to arrive on the bridge. The robot mused that there was a pattern to this. Few months of peace and then a crisis. One could almost predict when the next crisis was going to befall the rangers. And the ranger team was short two members, but the team wanted seven to beam up. The door to the bridge opened and Andros came through, then Zane, Tommy, TJ, Jason, Carlos, and then Carlos. Carlos! The robot bleeped out loud.
"Hey rangers. What's the problem? And how do we have two Carlos'." The robot asked.
"That is why we need your help." TJ said.
I couldn't help but believe Alpha was wondering if he sees double. "Alpha remember about eight months ago when I got sucked into that parallel dimension." The robot nodded. "Well, this is..." I said motioning to my doppelganger. "The Carlos from that dimension. He needs our help. It seems that a Dark Spectre from yet another dimension, noticed the temporary tear in the fabric of space and got a wild idea to conquer another dimension. Apparently, his forces are more vicious and stronger than the one's we dealt with here."
"And even more vicious than the one we dealt with. Before we knew it the entire city was in shambles. Destruction is everywhere. The other rangers and I headed down to see what we could do and we were beaten back and separated. Eventually we made our way back to our fallback position at the remains of the command center. Andros came up with the idea to send someone to get your help. When hadn't chosen who would go till Astronema and hordes of troops over ran the ruins. TJ, my TJ that is, shoved the device in my belt and turned it on sending me here." Carlos said sounding worried and said when he mentioned his lover.
"Ai, yi, yi. Rangers you know what that means. If that Dark Spectre can do that to their dimension. Ours could be next." The robot seemed pained at the idea. "What are we gonna do?"
"Is it possible to create some more of these devices? And if so, allow us to stay more than twelve hours." Andros asked.
The robot thought a second. "We can create more. But I might be able to stretch the time to at most three days. But that is very dangerous."
I looked at Andros and turned to the robot. "Go ahead. What will you need to make more?"
"Well how many are going?" Alpha said turning to the computer.
I knew Zane and Andros were going and TJ was a for certainty. "Zane, Andros, TJ and myself."
"Hey, hold up. We are going to." Tommy piped in.
"Don't forget us." Jason said.
"No offense but we did not want to speak for you. And you have to take into consideration you have no powers." TJ said.
"Your right. But we can't stand back and let this happen to them and then us. You need our help." Jason said.
I looked at Andros and he knew that we could not win this argument. "Okay." Andros said.
"Great. Let's get cracking." Tommy said enthusiastically, liking the idea to be in action again.
I watched Jason and Tommy chat with Alpha on what they will need. They had no powers and we were heading into a close to "no win" scenario. No powers huh. I thought to myself. I may be able to come up with at least one set of powers. I turned to Andros and noticed he had picked up on my thoughts. His face was unreadable.
"Rangers. I am going to need at least three tachyon converters and various other parts." Alpha said.
"Where can we get these?" Zane said.
"The parts should be in the remains of the old Power Chamber." Alpha said.
"I thought it was completely destroyed." I said.
"Not all. There is a shielded storage are deep within the cliff. It was unharmed." Alpha explained. "Those parts should be in there. While the converters are found in the base of Zordons tube."
Andros thought about it. "Jason you and Tommy stay on the ship and man the bridge. Carlos and TJ go to earth and get those parts. Hurry. Carlos, Zane and I must talk. I my have a solution to one of our other problems."
They departed. We headed back to our quarters. I knew Andros was thinking the same thing I was. We still had the green ranger morpher that hasn't been assigned. It once belonged to Tobias. Andros could not at one time stand being reminded of Tobias. But now he has healed. And we are in dire need.
"Zane, I think I have a way to get at least one of them a way to morph." Andros started.
"Tobias' morpher." Zane said. "I picked up on you thoughts Carlos. It's and excellent idea. But who should get the powers."
"We let them decide." I said.
===
Two pillars of light coalesced outside the ruins of the command center. The wind was still, the sun was on its last leg of its journey for the day. TJ took a second to let his eyes adjust to the light. His companion was quiet. He stared at the command center with fear and worry. TJ felt for him. If he had to leave his friends in the middle of a hopeless battle, it would eat at him. Moreover leaving your lover with no chance of helping him or even to know if he is alright. And there is a good chance that it would be too late.
TJ throughout the thoughts and shook his head. "C'mon man. It'll be alright. If your TJ is anything like me, he'll be okay." He laid a hand on Carlos' shoulder. He visibly relaxed.
"Thanks and you' re right he'll be okay. Or at least I hope so." He said.
They walked in to the abandoned shell. There was huge chunks of debris lying around and it looked as if a family of raccoons had taken residence. Carlos had perked up. He seemed to have put an on guard stance. It was like he was expecting an attack.
"Right over there." He pointed to where Zordon's tube used to stand. "Was where I stood when they attacked. We were surprised beyond all belief." He stopped a second leaned down opened a panel on the base of the tube. "Hold on. Yeah, there is one." He pulled a component out of the base and handed it to TJ.
He pulled the other three out. "Well that's the converters, now where is that storage area."
They started toward a dark passage way. It was quiet all they could hear was their respective breaths. As they rounded a corner they heard a loud squawk and something large and feathered smacked TJ. He jumped back, colliding with Carlos and they fell into a crumpled pile. Arms and legs were twisted around each other. TJ could not believe how easily startled he was as he muttered some creative curses. When he opened his eyes, he was staring directly into Carlos'. He could feel Carlos' arms around his shoulders. TJ wanted to stay like that forever but he couldn't. He rolled off of Carlos. As he rolled, his right leg brushed something particularly hard in a very inopportune spot.
Carlos leaned up on his elbows and stared intently at TJ. He turned away and jumped up. He extended his hand while laughing. "Hey what's so funny?" TJ asked giving Carlos an evil stare.
"Oh nothing. You sounded so much like my TJ. It was scary." Carlos said grinning wide.
TJ grinned back. He didn't let Carlos' hand go right away. They just looked at each other. Desire and confusion in one's face and longing in the other. "Uh...sorry. Let' s find the storage room so we could get back to the ship."
"Yeah...it's getting too dark in here." Carlos said walking down the corridor.
Eventually they found the storage room. TJ kept tossing looks at Carlos. It was awkward after they briefly touched. Each knew the other's desires. He had always wanted to be with Carlos. And in another dimension, the path not taken was taken. TJ wanted to be in his counterpart's shoes. He got everything TJ wanted.
===
Zane and I went to the bridge to assist Tommy and Jason. Andros was retrieving the green morpher. I kept having flashbacks to the time I was in the other reality. How disconnected I felt? I was lost everything I knew was there, but it was so different. Zane was dead, Andros was with Ashley, hell I was with TJ. I was near despair. I can understand what the other Carlos was going through. I kept wondering what TJ was thinking. How he was handling coming face to face with another me?
"Zane this must be hard on TJ. You know how he feels about me. He meets another me that is with the other TJ. Exactly what he wants and he is still odd man out." I said.
"Yeah. That would be extremely hurtful. You had a hard time with being over there. When I found you, I could feel the fear and hurt." Zane said. "It was extremely frightening to find out I was dead."
"Tommy, how are things going here?" I asked.
"Quiet and peaceful." Tommy said from the right hand con seat.
"Too quiet if you asked me." Jason said. "Some of these readings don't mean a thing to me. I wish Billy was here."
Zane walked behind Jason. "They're fine. See those peaks. They are background theta radiation. This over here shows subspace traffic."
"Oh." Jason said still completely in the dark. "Hey give me something to fight. That I can do. But this equipment nope."
Tommy chuckled. "Jason...."
"Oh, Tommy be quiet." Jason said with a chuckle.
The lift doors opened behind me. Andros popped out carrying a morpher. He had an almost pleasant look about him. He walked over and gave Zane and I a kiss.
"Hmm...what's that for?" I asked.
"Oh, because I can." He said. "Tommy, Jason. I need to talk to you."
The pair walked over and stood before Andros. "Yeah." Tommy said.
"I think I have a partial answer to the problem with you two not being able to morph." He said holding out the morpher. "We only have one."
"Whose is it's?" Jason asked.
"You two can work out who gets it. It is the green astro ranger morpher. It belonged to someone who was very special to me and Zane." Andros said in a very even tone.
"Green. Tommy you take it." Jason said handing it to Tommy.
"Why?"
"You were the green ranger at one time and it seems appropriate." Jason said.
Tommy just looked at it, then placed it on his wrist.
I looked at Tommy and saw an eagerness that bordered on excitement. I looked at Zane and he was smiling. The others couldn't hear us but Zane thought to me. "Who better to get Tobias' morpher?"
I thought back. "What do you mean?"
"He means.." And this was Andros answering. "Who better than the person who is for all purposes our fourth."
"Thanks." Another voice said in our minds. It was Tommy. I tend to forget he could do that on a limited basis. "I know he was very important to you."
"Try it out." I said out loud so everyone could hear.
"Okay...Let's rocket!!!" Tommy said as a flash of green light surrounded him. As the light dissipated, a green astro ranger stood in front of us.
We heard gasps come from behind us. Carlos and TJ stood there with their mouths open. "What?" TJ muttered.
"Guys meet the green astro ranger." Andros said with amusement.
"Power down." Tommy said. His normal street ware turned into a uniform similar to the other rangers except it was black like Zane's with a green undershirt.
"My, my." Jason said eyeing Tommy. "That uniform is kinda sexy on you."
"It feels great to have my powers back." Tommy said.
"We did not have a green ranger morpher, in my dimension." Carlos said taking in the sight.
"Welcome to the team." TJ said chuckling.
I turned around expecting to see Andros behind me, but he had walked over and sat down at the environmental systems console. I could feel a bit of mixed emotions. Zane had disappeared too. I could only imagine how hard it is to see a new green ranger. I walked over and kneeled beside Andros.
"Are you alright?" I asked grabbing his hand.
"I will be. Just the shock of seeing..." He said his voice breaking. He surprised me by smiling. "Tobias would have liked Tommy, and Tommy is probably the most suited for that color. Don't worry Carlos, I am fine. I think I have worked through my guilt. I still miss him but I have come to terms with it so to speak."
"What about Zane? He left the bridge." I asked. I knew he was slightly depressed by it, but didn't seem to be problematic.
"Oh he is fine with it. I think he went to our quarters to get some rest." He said running a hand over my cheek. "We all need to get some rest."
Andros stood up and got everybody's attention. 'We have the materials for Alpha to get started on the devices. I think we all need to get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day." There were murmured agreements. "TJ show Carlos where he can sleep. Use Cassie's quarters. Tommy, Jason follow me, I'll show you to your quarters so you can rest."
===
Andros and I deposited Tommy and Jason in my old quarters. I was standing beside Andros, he had been quiet the entire way back to our quarters. I grabbed his hand and held it as we walked. I gave it a light squeeze which he returned equally. Something else is on his mind. It is not just seeing the green ranger again.
I decided not to speak aloud. "Andros, what's wrong? And don't tell me
nothing. I know better. It's not just Tobias this time is it."
He stopped and turned to me. He looked me directly in the eyes. "No, your right. It's not that. I don't know how to explain it, but I have a real bad feeling about this."
"What do you mean?" I asked, searching his mind for any clues.
"I don't know. I just fear that something is going to happen. Something bad." Andros said.
I looked at him in sympathy. We had reached our quarters. Even before we entered, we could hear Zane snoring. I shook my head and chuckled lightly. Zane was a chronic snorer. He would awaken anybody in the next galaxy.
"You know you can't not love him you know." I said admiring my naked lover sprawled on the bed. He was laying on his back, no clothes, spread eagle.
"Your right. He is just so adorable." Andros said cocking his head slightly. "And tempting."
"You said it." I laughed. "I am going to get a shower."
"Okay." He said glancing once more at Zane. "Want some company?"
"Sure. The more the merrier." I said.
===
Tommy and Jason entered their quarters. Not exactly the Queen Elizabeth but it would do. There was a full size bed, a dresser and the bathroom was to the right. Tommy surveyed the lodgings. He would go stir crazy being stuck on this ship for days on end. Tommy was by no means claustrophobic. But he liked being able to abandon ship if need be. Jason sat on the bed and leaned back. He placed his hands behind his head and looked up at Tommy.
"Not bad. Not bad. Little hard but you and I know how to deal with that." Jason said.
"Oh your bad, so very bad." Tommy said tackling Jason.
They rolled over and over on the bed wrestling and tickling each other. Finally Jason got Tommy on his back. He pinned Tommy's hands above his head. Tommy gave Jason a crooked grin. Jason laughed and kissed Tommy on the tip of the nose. Tommy tried to kiss Jason but he kept pulling back just as Tommy got in range.
"You tease." Tommy said.
"Moi. A tease? Now let's talk about somebody in a skin tight undershirt wearing the most seductive and revealing uniform. Hmm." Jason said.
"Oh you mean Carlos." Tommy said with an evil grin. That earned him a slap on the ass.
Jason kissed him viciously before getting off of him. "Do you know how much I love you?"
Jason laid down beside Tommy. Tommy wrapped an arm around his lovers waist. "Not as much as I love you." He hugged him close.
Jason allowed himself to just let go when Tommy hugged him close. He felt safe, warm and perfectly at peace. He had wanted to ask Tommy to marry him at the barbecue but other events prevented him. At this rate, it will be a long time before he will get the chance again. He had brought the rings with him. He wanted to be with Tommy for the rest of his life. He could not be happy without him.
He felt Tommy raise up. "You alright. You haven't heard a word I said." Tommy asked.
"Oh dear. Sorry. I was just thinking." Jason said.
"About what?" Tommy said kissing him behind the ear.
Jason chuckled and rolled over to face him. "About you...about us." Jason startled Tommy by rolling out of bed and walking over to where his pants laid.
"Is everything ok?" Tommy said sitting in the middle of the bed.
"Everything is great." Jason said pulling a black box out of his pocket.
"What do you have there?" Tommy asked.
"It was something else, I had made for you." Jason said. He handed the box to Tommy. "Open it."
Tommy looked at it and opened the box. A silver wristlet laid there. It was beautiful Tommy thought. He looked at it and noticed the pattern on it. Tommy was shocked to see the pattern was unmistakeably a copy of that Andros, Zane and Carlos had on their cuffs. "What...how?"
"I have known for a while and don't worry. I have no problem with it. If it wasn't for them I would not have you." Jason said kissing him.
"You know I love you. And I can't wait to marry you." Tommy said putting the wristlet on.
Jason breathed in deep savoring Tommy's smell. He had said yes. Now they will be together forever.
===
Carlos and TJ were walking through the corridors in mute silence. The uneasiness that started while they searched for the converters remained. TJ really had no problem with what happened, but it seems that Carlos did since he was with the other TJ. TJ shook his head. This is so confusing.
"Carlos. What's on your mind?" TJ asked.
"Oh nothing and everything. I am so confused. I am worried about TJ and...." Carlos trailed off.
"Everything will be okay. Have faith. We Carter's are made of very stern material." TJ kidded.
"I guess so. TJ is so hard headed at times. But then so can I." Carlos said.
"You sure can be." TJ said chuckling.
"Huh?" Carlos looked at him.
"Uh...I mean my ...you...aw hell." TJ stuttered. "You both are hard headed."
Carlos blinked and started to laugh. "Yep I guess we are."
After the laughter stopped, Carlos looked at TJ. "Does Andros and Zane find Carlos hard headed you think?"
"To put it simply...yes." TJ said. "You know like speaks to like. Andros should know since he is the most hard headed person I know. Poor Zane with the both of them."
"Yeah...poor Zane. You know the biggest surprise for me was when Carlos told me that the three of them were together." Carlos said. "I just could not picture, ole stalwart Andros in a relationship like that. Albeit in my universe he is with Ashley."
"I can understand. At first I found it strange and oddly disconcerting but I come to deal with it. So long as Carlos is happy." TJ said. "Here is your quarters. Mine is three doors down if you need anything."
"Thanks." Carlos paused before entering. "You care for him a lot don't you."
TJ looked at Carlos intently. "I'll see you in the morning."
TJ left Carlos standing there. He headed into his quarters. As the doors shut behind him, he took some deep breaths. "Yes, yes I do." He said in response to the question asked of him TJ shook his head and got undressed. He sat back on the bed and tried to clear his mind, which was not an easy thing. TJ grabbed a towel and headed to the shower. He opened the sliding door and racked up the hot water. As he stepped in, the pounding of the water on his back soothed him and relaxed him. He allowed his worries and problems slip away if only for a little while. He ran a hand over the smooth skin of his head. As he relaxed he could feel himself drifting off. He got out and dried himself off. He entered the main bedroom area and looked at a pair of shorts on the chair by the desk. He thought about putting them on but decided against it. He laid down on the bed, naked and fell promptly to sleep.
Sometime in the middle of the night TJ woke up. He turned over and tried to go back to sleep but just couldn't. It was not unusual for that to happen to him. He sat up and stretched. He grabbed his shorts and threw them on. Some milk sounded good to TJ. So he headed to the synthetron. He got out in the hallway and looked down toward the other Carlos' quarters and shrugged. He was near the synthetron when he heard the simudeck running. Who could be up at this time of night, he thought.
As the door opened the smell of a fireplace and the sound of the wood crackling caught his attention. All of this was very familiar. The plush chair in front of the hearth, the smell of nutmeg and cinnamon made him take a deep breath. This was his grandmother's place in the mountains. The only place in the world that he felt safe from everything. Something told him who was here. He walked up to the back of the chair and looked down. Carlos was curled up in the chair in a tight ball. There were streaks under his eyes where tears had fallen. It pained TJ to see Carlos in so much pain. Carlos shivered visibly and TJ looked for the quilt that is always by the chair. He found it and covered Carlos with it. TJ couldn't help but wish he had someone like that. TJ grabbed some milk and returned to the simudeck. He took a seat in one of the other chairs and stared at the fire. Before he knew it, he was fast asleep.
===
Morning came quickly. I was tired, and Andros sure worked me last night. I was wondering if anybody else was up. Andros was getting a bath and Zane was up and getting dressed. Alpha and I were the only ones on the bridge. I chose a station and checked the sensor logs. Everything seemed quiet in our universe. Alpha was standing off to the side, its attention on one of the devices.
"Morning Alpha." I said.
"Good morning, Carlos. Sleep well?" The android said.
"Yeah pretty well. How is it coming along on the devices?" I asked.
"This is the last one." Alpha said applying the final touches. "I was able to stretch its time limit to three days. And even that is pushing it."
"Well if we can't get this worked out by then time won't help us." I said glumly.
I turned as the lift doors opened depositing Tommy and Jason. They were holding hands and looked positively radiant. They both had huge grins. Jason looked at me and I made eye contact with him. I knew just by that look he had asked Tommy to marry him. My mood picked up then. I was remembering when Zane and Andros asked me to join them. I remember how excited and happy I was for weeks.
"Hey you two. You two look positively exuberant. What gives?" I asked.
"Oh we had a wonderful night." Jason said.
"I bet Tommy, you are pretty sore." Zane said.
Jason looked at him funny. "How did you...." Then he looked at Zane. "Oh...I forgot." He chuckled.
Tommy reached up and laid a hand on Jason's shoulder. Andros could not help but notice the wristlet he was wearing and the pattern engraved in it. "Tommy..." I said pointing at the wristlet.
Tommy looked at Andros. He whispered to him. "Jason knows what happened. He gave me this to tell me he understod."
"Understood what?" Zane asked.
Andros held Tommy's wrist up to Zane. "Oh." Zane gasped. "Kinda appropriate you know."
"How?" Tommy asked.
"You are essentially our fourth." Andros said chuckling quietly.
Tommy laughed. "Don't let Jason hear that."
"Where is TJ and Carlos?" Zane asked.
"I am right here you lug." I said playing with him.
He kissed me. "You know who I mean."
Tommy said, "We haven't seen them yet."
===
Carlos started to stir. He felt a cramp in his lower back. "Man, I should remember not to sleep in a chair again." He said to himself.
He heard a yawn. "I wouldn't advise it."
Carlos turned to see TJ curled on a couch, looking right up at him. "How...why?"
"I got up to get some milk and heard the simudeck running so I peaked in to see who was up late. You had fallen asleep. I covered you with a quilt and I guess I fell asleep here to." TJ explained.
"Oh...." Carlos said stretching. "I guess we need to head to the bridge. The others are probably wondering where we are."
"Yeah...I think I am going to get a shower and change into something more comfortable and appropriate for a long day of battles." TJ said heading for the door.
"Good idea...damn. I didn't bring anything to change into." He said.
TJ chuckled. "I have something that should fit. Come on."
They headed back to TJ's quarters. TJ picked out some clothes for Carlos and handed them to him. "Hey why don't you get a shower while I find some clothes."
"Okay." He said heading into the shower.
TJ sat on the bed and closed his eyes. He can't believe what is going on. This Carlos is with somebody else. TJ would not like the idea of his boyfriend being with someone else. But there is some tension here. It doesn't help that his boyfriend is essentially himself. He had thought he had dealt with his attraction to Carlos. He had so long as it was his Carlos. He got up and opened a drawer. He rummaged through his drawer looking for loose pants and a shirt for the both of them. He had found a black pair of utility pants and a T- shirt for Carlos. TJ chose a pair of loose canvas pants with extra pockets and a hooded shirt.
"I can't begin to tell you how good that bath felt." Carlos said from behind him.
TJ turned around to respond and faced a totally nude Carlos. TJ hadn't really seen his friend naked but now he can't say that. TJ was thankful for being as dark as he was otherwise he would have been crimson.
===
I was gathering the supplies that we will need. We could not carry much, our load was no more than can fill a back pack. One change of clothes, our blasters, scanners and any other personal items. Jason packed a few first aid kits and medical scanners. Alpha had finished the converters. He had handed us each one. There was two still sitting on the console. TJ and Carlos have not shown up yet. I was getting worried now. As the thought escaped my mind, the lift doors opened. Carlos and TJ stood there silent and still.
"There you are. Where have you been?" I asked.
"Uh we overslept." TJ said.
"Okay." I said not convinced but I let the matter drop.
"Everybody ready." Andros asked. Various acknowledgements went around the room. "Remember we do not know what we will be walking into. Stay alert. We need to get this taken care of as quickly as possible. We have three days and not a second more."
"Also if for any reason we should get split up, meet at Angel Grove lake on the north side." Tommy said.
"Why not the command center?" TJ asked.
Carlos answered. "Dark Spectre knows it is our fall back position. That was when we were attacked. Good idea Tommy."
"Saddle up." Zane said. I had to grin at him saying that with a touch of a Texan accent.
"We are teleporting down to the caves behind the command center. That is where we will activate the devices." Andros said.
"Good luck, Rangers." Alpha said hitting the button to teleport them.
I opened my eyes to the blinding glare of the morning sun. "Damn, it's bright."
"Ahmen to that." TJ said squinting.
"Let's go." Andros said activating his device.
As I hit my button, I remembered a saying that fit the situation well: "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread." That was the last thing I was aware of as the familiar warping and bending of reality hit me. All I could do was hope we could make a difference.