Timeforce – Delta
Chapter 16 – Closure

The moment the rangers flew away, Vilex went straight to the enhancers. "Did they think we would not use these," he laughed. He selected the container for strength and pried off the lid, his men gathered around to see what would happen. "To the downfall of the rangers," he toasted and put his mouth on the rim, tilting ever so slightly so that some of the liquid slid into his mouth. He eagerly drank a few mouthfuls before putting the container down and waited for some change to takeover. But none did. Vilex flexed his fingers and rotated his head but he felt no different. He attempted to pick up one of his men and barely did so without having to drop him again. "I thought you said they were authentic!" he demanded.

The soldier who had inspected them replied, "I did sir, these are the real enhancers. Their chemical make-up is exactly what it should be!"

"Then explain this!" Vilex roared.

The soldier shook his head dismally until he spotted something on the inside of the case's top. "Sir there is a holographic communicator here." He picked up the device, much like the one Vilex had left for the team and gave it to his leader.

Vilex pressed the button on the top and another hologram screen appeared showing Sky surrounded by all the other rangers. "Ah Vilex," the red ranger smiled. "How can I help you?"

"The enhancers…" he growled.

"Yes, again thank you so much for volunteering to look after them at the disposal site," Sky crossed his arms. "When SPD comes to collect you, they'll also spill out the enhancers in an environment where we are sure there will be no harmful side effects. Until then, you were the perfect candidate to keep an eye on them. Call it a sign of good faith."

"Excuse me," Vilex's whole frame vibrated with rage.

"Well we would've done it ourselves but you were so eager to have them," Sky continued on nonchalantly. "Not sure why really, seeing as how they're useless to you."

"WHAT?!"

"Oh you didn't know?" Sky pretended to be surprised. "Wait were you planning on using… Now this is embarrassing."

"Commander my patience is wearing thin," the alien warned.

"General Vilex," Sky smirked. "Why did you think we gave them to you? The chemicals were designed to affect humans and Earth-based beings. Sadly, you are neither. They got as much potency as water to aliens. Such a shame." Sky's voice turned vindictive, "Twenty-odd years and you get the prize only to find out it's worthless. SPD will put you jail but as for me, justice for myself and my family, this is your punishment. To sit on a rock in space, knowing and letting your men see what a failure you are. If it was up to me, I may be tempted to let you rot there but as it is, I hope you're patience isn't too thin because you're going to be there for a while."

"There are others Commander," Vilex vowed. "You may get me but I will have my vengeance."

Z put her head by Sky's shoulder, "By 'others' do you mean the ones at 621*56*004? I got the coordinates from ship while setting the bomb, that's why the SPD ships will take a while, they're currently rounding those ones up first."

"How is that possible?!"

"I've mastered the art of being in two places at once," Z saluted and straightened up.

Sky waved, "Goodbye Vilex."

*TFD*

Sky shut off the screen and turned to the rest of the officers, "That's the end of that."

"You're sure they won't work?" Wes checked.

"Absolutely, remember Kat was spared the effects because her alien DNA," Sky pointed out. "I had her test it anyway, just to make sure."

"I still don't understand," Bridge shook his head. "There are a few alien SPD rangers, do the enhancers in their morphers not affect them then?"

"That's actually the best part," Sky glanced back to where the screen had been. "I didn't want to say this to Vilex because he'd attack the officers coming to get him but if he'd used a morpher, he would've gotten some of the power of the enhancers. SPD morphers can be used by anyone and -"

"And he had one," Jack caught on. "But then gave it back."

"Exactly," Sky nodded. "Dad's needed his genetic code to unlock it but Doggie's could have been easily activated."

"I don't suppose anyone is gonna tell him," Syd giggled.

"Before he steals one? Nah." Sky shook his head. "Besides it's more fun this way."

"Sky Tate – sorry Colins, talking about fun? This must be a good day," Z teased.

"The very best," Sky stood up and he and Wes embraced each other fiercely. Sky pulled away a bit, "Let's go home."

*TFD*

The whole team was buzzing with excitement and joy over the day's events. On the ride back, Z and Syd had taken it upon themselves to clean Wes up. There wasn't a shower on the shuttle but the small bathroom did have a sink so he could use a cloth to wipe most of the dirt and grime off himself. They gave him a haircut and a shave and also provided him with a new SPD uniform. The uniform was a bit loose but otherwise a good fit. Syd dusted off the shoulder, "Not bad, almost as good as the newspaper photos."

"Thank you girls," Wes smiled and examined his face in the mirror. "I'd almost forgotten what I looked like."

"I just sent a message home, they know we're on our way back," Jack announced.

After a couple of hours Bridge called, "This is it!" as they entered the Earth's atmosphere. Wes got up from his seat to look out the window while the ship made its way to the base. Upon entering the bay, it looked as though the entire SPD staff had come out to see them arrive and were lining the walls and the crowd extended into the halls as well. At the dock stood Kat, Boom, Eric, Taylor, Jen, the Carsons, and the Drews. The ship flew into place and the hatch opened to raucous cheers and applause.

Sky came out first and went straight to his mother, "Mom, he's back." They looked to the shuttle as Wes took his first step out with the rangers right behind him. The noise from the onlookers increased tenfold but Sky still heard his mother exclaim "WES!" and run right into her husband's arms. They held each other for the longest moment before Wes kissed Jen heedless of anyone else. Those on the dock became teary just watching them but soon they broke apart and the rest converged to welcome back Wes and Doggie.

"Come on everyone, get freshened up. There's a party upstairs in the meeting room," Kat herded them inside. In the same room where the rangers had confronted their families, they were now all gathered to celebrate this huge victory.

Sky was with his parents and Jack when Doggie approached him, "Sky you did an exceptional job as temporary commander."

"Thank you sir," Sky shook his hand.

"You know Supreme Commander Birdie has been talking about retiring," Doggie continued. "He asked me to take over for him and that would make you full-time Commander of SPD Earth."

"I'm not sure what to say," Sky was in disbelief.

"We'll discuss this is more detail tomorrow but I'd like you to give it some thought. I wouldn't want to just put this responsibility on you."

"Yes sir, thank you sir," Sky nodded and Doggie walked away.

"My son is going to be Commander," Jen lightly cheered.

"Hopefully you'll be able to find a girlfriend now," Jack teased.

"Yeah, maybe," Sky laughed softly. His eyes inexplicably slid to Z who was across the room, chatting with Taylor. He wasn't sure how long he was staring but Jack coughed into his hand to bring him back. His best friend looked ready to laugh while his parents looked between them, obviously waiting for an explanation. "Sorry, I'll be back, I just need to…" Sky excused himself pathetically.

"Of course," Jack raised his drink.

Sky walked over to Z and Taylor, "Excuse me, sorry to interrupt, I was hoping to talk to Z for a second."

"Sure," Taylor moved away and Z turned to Sky.

"Hey," she smiled.

"Hey," Sky scratched the back of his neck. "Ummmm listen, I was wondering if you'd like to hang out this weekend, do something fun."

Z grinned, "Like what?"

"I don't know," Sky shrugged. "Movies, lunch, or -" He was abruptly cut off by her lips on his. This drew catcalls from all sides of the room but neither of them particularly cared.

Z pulled away, "Or that?"

"Yeah that should definitely be on the list," Sky agreed.

"And with THAT," Sydney said loud enough for the room to hear her. "I'd like to propose a toast. To us, our family. Now we are bigger, stronger, and better than before and let nothing stand in our way ever again."

"CHEERS!"

A/N: Hey guys, tis the end of another wondrous power ranger adventure. I'm trying to figure out what to write next so feel free to send me suggestions or requests. Until next my loves ENJOY R&R PLZ!