Date: Wed, 28 Jul 1999 11:11:23 -0500
From: marik_jol@hotmail.com
Subject: more the merrier-mirror, mirror pt 2

"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.