"Crush" by Zen'Aku Lati

Warning: Fluff.

Disclaimer: Alright, alright, I confess. I owned Powers Ranger all along. Which would explain why I'm getting crazy paid, but can't find two dimes to rub together…

Author's Note: This takes place during "Forever Red" and is from both Tommy and Jason's Points of View. Enjoy, and feedback gives me the warm-and-fuzzies. Don't deny a chica the warm-and-fuzzies…

Part XII

Anton Mercer's bathroom always had a strange echo to it. It amplified every moan.

But I guess he like it that way.

It would explain why he always insisted on coming at me in the shower.

Especially when I was mad at him.

Stormy fights. Steamy make-ups…and everything bounced off the tiling…

Bastard.

He loved it when I was mad at him.

What was it that time?

Right. His latest modifications to our experiments. I told him it was sketchier than usual. That we ought to be careful—or the FBI could come knocking.

He gave me those eyes. I stormed off for the shower.

And so there we were.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

This wasn't the time for (coherent) words anyway…

Then the phone rings. Anton's home-office line. It was a miracle I heard it at all, all things considered.

"Let the machine get it," he suggested. Uh…yeah, let's do that…

Beep…

"Thomas Oliver? This is Andros. I've been trying to track you down…"

Begrudgingly, I pulled away from him.

"Who is that and how did he get my number?" Anton asked, reasonably cross at the disturbance.

"That's another veteran Ranger, and your number is printed on your business card, Mercer," I replied, and stepped out of the shower. "He wouldn't be calling if it weren't for a good reason."

"…This is an emergency…" When is it never…? I picked up the phone.

"Hello? Andros? What's going on?...What?...Give me two hours." I then hung up the phone just in time to look up into those displeased steel-grey eyes.

"I have to act if the world's in danger, Mercer," I reasoned.

I should expect another fight when I get back.

Jason's POV…

It was strange to be back representing Red, especially when I had finally wrapped my head around not holding power anymore, especially Red power.

But I guess that's the secret truth: you may no longer wear the Red, but the Red still wears you.

Red still has a meaning, and it's good to know that after all these years, the understanding has more or less been upheld.

But some, in my opinion, have worn it better than others…

"So you must be the new guy," I observed dismissively. He was young—weren't they all?—overgrown, unkempt hair plastered down with a red cloth, probably ripped from the very shirt he was wearing.

He quickly wiped his hand on his jeans and eagerly extended it with a goofy grin. "Hi! I'm Cole," he introduced. You really think I'm gonna touch that? I don't know what he heard, but it's gonna take a little bit more than enthusiasm.

"That's good," I tell him as I pat him on the arm and moved down the line.

"I recognize…some of you guys," I admitted, looking at the red line-up with approval, and then stopped in front of Tommy at the end of the line.

"Some of you, uh…more than others," I said with a smirk. It was so good to see him.

He initially looked unfazed, but a smirk snuck its way onto his lips, and he said, "I was beginning to wonder whether you'd show up at all."

"You didn't think I was gonna let you do this without the original Red Ranger, did ya?" I countered with a similar smirk. Like I could stay away.

We clasped hands in that old familiar gesture, and I seriously considered bringing him in and kissing those lips, but then his smirk faded back to its initial impassivity and he withdrew his hand.

All of us then boarded the Astro Megaship Mark II and departed for the Moon. But despite the fact I was aware I was leaving Earth's atmosphere, watching stars pass by and would soon be where few on Earth have been, all I could focus on was Tommy, sitting across from me, conferring with Wes on how to set up the holographic projector, with Andros on the intelligence he managed to gather…

Busily ignoring me.

Just then, the noob, Cole, plopped himself into the seat next to me. Really, I smelt him before he actually sat down.

Be began babbling on about how honored he felt to be amongst all these veterans. How he had served with Wes and Eric before but didn't realize there were so many of us. Geez, what rock did you crawl from under?

He paused a bit, as if confused by something, but then continued, babbling now about what a great team Wes and Eric made, and that he could tell Tommy and I are an awesome team as well. That he could sense a strong connection between us. Jesus Christ! Could someone please pull this fanboy off of me?

He balked a bit and blinked rapidly as if something were blown into his eyes. "Hey, Cole?" I interjected, deciding I finally had enough. "Could you just back off a little? This is gonna be a serious mission, so if you wanna see how great teams operate, I suggest that you watch more and talk less," I delivered as civilly as I could manage. Get away from me! Damn!

Suddenly his enthusiastic grin fell and he recoiled slightly as if he had been struck, then looking at me like a wounded puppy, took a seat a few seats away from me. That kid is strange.

But to be very honest, none of us displayed great teamwork in the beginning…

Tommy's POV…

The plan looked great on paper; bring together the guys that personified leadership. The ones that showed what could be achieved under extraordinary circumstances, and then lead their team to victory.

But I forgot a few key factors in my calculations: when you put together a team of young men who at one point had been the head of his team, it wouldn't be easy to expect them to get out of the alpha-male mentality, and egos will clash.

Going in, each Ranger had something to prove…

"Several years ago, the Machine Empire emerged from deep space. It tried to invade Earth," I begin with the briefing. "Myself and the other Zeo Rangers succeeded in stopping the invasion, and during the events of Zordon's sacrifice, Mondo and most of the Empire was destroyed. But now the last surviving members of the Machine Empire have regrouped under the command of General Venjix, and are gathering here in the Sea of Tranquility."

"Looks like they're digging something, there," Eric interjects.

"What would they want on the moon?" Wes posed.

"Serpantera," Jason supplied, and we exchanged knowing glances, a throwback to when we were still a great team. But I let the moment pass. There were bigger things than just us going on here…But maybe later…

"Years ago, when Zedd was deposed, his personal zord remained hidden on the surface of the moon," I continued.

"I spent the last few years trailing General Venjix. Just recently he discovered the hidden location of Serpantera," Andros contributed. "But they're still looking for a neo-plutonium reactor to power it."

"And according to Andros' findings, in battle-mode, much like our zords, Serpantera requires five people to pilot it. But in vessel-mode, although still a threat, only needs one," I explained.

"So you're saying that you think Serpantera can double as a megazord," TJ assessed.

"Correct," I confirmed.

"Who would give zord technology to the bad guys?" Eric asked.

"Well, I don't think the Power itself discriminates between good and evil. It just allocates power to the wielder. No one knows that better than me," I confessed.

"In addition to the Astor Megaship Mark II's megazord configuration, we have the Mega Wingers on standby," Andros contributed.

"And if push comes to shove, as it likely will, we can contact the space and time-faring rangers we've served with," Jason chimed in. I bristled a bit. Not because Jason had spoken, but because it felt like he was undermining me and my ability to lead. I shouldn't have felt that way, I knew, but all the same I did.

"One thing that still bothers me, though, is that the Generals seemed to be looking for something else," Andros continued. "But I was discovered before I could determine what."

"Yes, it would make sense. After all, if they had everything they needed, why wait to destroy Earth?" Jason reasoned.

"And furthermore," TJ chimed. "Are they even certain Serpantera would even work? It has been buried and out of service for a long time."

"Even so, if they manage to acquire a neo-plutonium reactor to power it, Serpantera won't stay dormant, and can still pose a threat," Aurico posed logically.

"All good points," I concurred. "So let's study Andros' info and see if we can find any other chinks in their armor."

...But no Ranger seemed to have more to prove than Cole, the newest addition to the rank of Red.

It had to have been hard for him, watching all the more seasoned Red Rangers who, at some time or other had served with each other. Worse yet, processing scientific information, which might not have been his strongest suit. His was just a classic case of feeling left out—and no one likes that.

A fight, no doubt, would ensue.

"Thanks for helping me out back there," Cole offered up to Leo, who was busily reading over his holographic file.

"Hey, no worries, man," Leo replied barely looking up from his work. "I mean, you were a touch overzealous, but there's nothing wrong with that. With a little more time, you'll work that out."

"Overzealous? I was trying to stop that guy from getting onto Serpantera, and causing mass destruction. You know, like a Ranger's supposed to do!" the youngest ranger fired back.

Finally pulling his eyes away from the electronic document, Leo replied, "So you, all by yourself, were gonna take on those five mad-as-hell Generals, plus one of the biggest zords I've ever laid eyes on, and save the day? Yeah, like I said, overzealous. But there's still plenty of time to learn…"

"Are you really sitting there and telling me I shouldn't have wanted to stop them?" Cole lashed out.

This was gonna get ugly…

"What I'm saying is that part of being a good Red Ranger is being able to step back and acknowledge you need a plan. And we need a plan!" Leo fired back. "Charging in head-long will only do more harm than good."

"So I'm not a good Red Ranger, then? All because I'm not willing to stand by while the bad guys do God-knows-what?" Cole retorted hotly.

"Hey, no one is standing by here!" TJ piped in, annoyed in spite of himself at what the inexperienced youth was saying. "It's not passive to want to know your enemy, so that when you do take them on, you can strike harder! Really, how many missions have you spearheaded where rushing in won the day?"

"I may not have had that much experience, but I have the heart. Isn't that why we're here?" Cole reasoned, a little bit of his fire cooled, looking more like a puppy backed into a corner.

"No, Cole, that's right. No one's questioning your dedication. Just let us show you different ways to get things done," Wes interceded, not liking the mounting tension in the room—that was quickly becoming too small and too hot.

"But you better wise up to the fact that this is serious business, and it's going to take more than heart and zeal to beat these guys. They want to destroy our world, and they just might have the fire power to do it. And what would keep them from moving on to the next planet, huh? So either make yourself useful, or back the hell off!" Eric snapped, impatient with Cole and his impulses. Cole looked upon Eric with disbelief, feeling more than a bit betrayed.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the Sea of Tranquility, the Generals—who were displaying a hell of a lot more unity than we were at the present—had already disbursed their search parties onto the lunar mare's surrounding bays…

"I can't believe I'm being attacked here! I have as much right to be here as any of you, maybe even more so!" Cole argued.

Oh crap, here it comes…

"My power was given to me specifically. I've always had it. I didn't steal it like you did, Eric. And look at you, Leo! You weren't even supposed to be Red Ranger. Your brother was. He was the chosen one. You just got it by accident!" Cole pointed out.

And this is where all this testosterone comes to a boil…jeez…

Meanwhile, the alarm went off. Andros went over to the console to announce that the Machine Empire was on the move, but his alert got drowned in the chaos of Red.

"At least I earned the right to wield my power. From what I understand, Taylor the yellow ranger, is more qualified to lead than you!" Leo fired back.

And…the inevitable shot to the proverbial balls…

Eric wasn't helping laughing like that.

I took this as my cue. I shouldn't have been shocked to see Jason reacting in much the same fashion.

Pealing Red Ranger off of Red Ranger.

"Alright, guys. Break it up!" I demanded. "Do you hear that?" I alerted, drawing due attention to the blaring alarm. "A noise like that generally means something significant is happening," I stated, shooting everyone death glares.

"DECA, report!" Andros instructed.

"Additional activity on the Mare Tranquilitatis has been detected. Four search parties of 25 COGs. Each have begun probing the nearby lunar basins. These parties are lead by four of the five generals," DECA responded without emotion.

"We don't have time to be fighting amongst ourselves, when we should be fighting the enemy," I pointed out. "I'm gonna split us up into groups to cover more ground. Leo, Aurico and Cole. I need you guys to investigate what the generals are up to."

"You mean, you want us to spy on them," Leo assessed.

"Yes. Can you guys pull it together long enough to handle the task?" I challenged.

"No sweat," Leo assured, then turned his attention to Cole and posed, "Can you handle it, new guy?"

"Have a little more faith in me. I might surprise you," Cole responded steely.

"Good," I accepted. "Andros, is there some less eye-catching suits on hand they could change into for this mission?" I posed.

"Yeah," Andros confirmed. "DECA, please direct them to storage?"

"Of course," DECA replied.

"I need you guys to head out as soon as you're changed. Keep your communicators on at all times. Stay within radio contact of the base and each other," I ordered.

"Speaking of communicators," Andros piped in, "DECA, how long will it take to recalibrate all our communicators to the ship's main frequency?"

"Recalibrating now. Stand by," DECA replied.

"Good thinking," I commended. "Check back in to base every 45 minutes or until there are any significant developments. And vehicles?"

"I recommend the Jet Jammers," TJ suggested.

"Recalibration complete," DECA announced. "Rangers, follow my voice." And the three left the ship's control room.

I sighed. Why is everything always tougher than I thought?

Jason's POV…

I would love to say that that was where the internal conflict ended, but where's the fun in that…?

I had to also note with pride though that through all the ego trips, Tommy kept a level head. At this moment I could see the uncertainty flicker across his face, but he really was good at this mentorship role.

I always did believe in him…

"Next," Tommy continued. "TJ, Andros and I will be in charge of processing any intelligence gathered from any investigations or research done from base."

"I can live with that," Andros consented.

"And don't worry, guys. I have no doubt we're gonna be seeing enough action for a lifetime," Tommy assured with a slightly bemused smirk. "We can start back on what they could be looking for and what to expect from Serpantera.

"Finally, Carter, Wes, Eric and Jason? Once we've come to a conclusion about whatever information we gather, it'll be up to you guys to execute any plans that seem appropriate," Tommy continued. "If nothing happens in three hours, I'll send you guys out to relieve the first team, and I'll keep rotating you guys out like that every three hours, if it gets to that point."

"Until we get feedback from Cole, Leo and Aurico, let's go ahead and contact reinforcements," I suggested.

"Good idea," Tommy agreed.

Everybody then split up to perform their tasks, and the moment I got a chance alone with Tommy, I asked, "Not to doubt your judgment, but are you sure it's a good idea to put Cole and Leo together?"

He looked at me with an indulgent half-smile and said, "I think the best way to get them to get over their differences and get over themselves is to force them to work together. Besides," he continued, looking nostalgic. "I remember a certain little robot saying the same thing about us, and we turned out okay," he pointed out, giving me a bit of that old rapport, but soon his face fell—because we both knew we were anything but.

Just then the dull chirp of the ship's main frequency resounded.

"Leo to AMS-II, do you read?" came the Galaxy Ranger's voice over the intercom.

"We read. What's the word?" Tommy responded.

"Not good. The Generals have a neo-plutonium reactor and have already fitted it to Serpantera," Leo replied.

"Damn," Tommy cursed under his breath. "Did you observe any complications with the reactor or any power issues at all that could slow them down?"

"That's a negative at the present, but if there are any developments, we'll let you know," Leo offered.

"Okay, copy that," Tommy responded, and with that the transmission was ended.

"Damn," Tommy cursed with more vehemence, then quickly switching gears, asked, "How are all the contacts coming?"

"Some are easier to get than others," I reported. "So far we've managed to rally the rest of the Alien Rangers, Jen and Alex from Time Force, and Ryan and Joel from Lightspeed Rescue. Still waiting on confirmation from Trey, Dex the Masked Rider, Zhane of the Space Rangers, Merrick from Wild Force, and Billy. Haven't gotten a reply from Carone, Mike, Kai and Damon of the Galaxy Rangers."

"But there's some really good news," Wes interjected. "Time Force offered to contact some other Rangers from the future. Still waiting for a reply on that."

"We've sent out invoices on our mission to the ones we've already committed. They're standing by," Carter added.

"That's good to hear," Tommy commented. "All being well, we should have a healthy force to combat the Machine Empire."

Meanwhile…

There, majestic but immobile laid Serpantera, one of space and time's most devastating weapons. It may now be inactive, but soon it will once again reclaim its place as the great lord of the universe.

Venjix looked upon the machine with a mixture of awe and intimidation—and just a touch of frustration.

"We will acquire all the pieces and you will rise glorious once again, and then nothing can stand against us—not even the Power Rangers."

He couldn't help but wonder why his predecessors failed to recognize Serpantera's power. Why it took eleven years to do what this great god of war could achieve in one breath.

Suddenly touched with pride, Venjix felt resolute that it would be him to finish what his fallen masters had begun.

And he was close.

"What is the status of the search, Tezzlah?" Venjix demanded, looking to his yellow-clad compatriot.

"We are still scouring the Bays. So far, nothing from Harmony, Love and Honor…wait," Tezzlah paused, listening. "I just got word from Steelon. The Bay of Roughness has been completely searched and has turned up nothing," she reported.

"Well, that only narrows it down," Venjix stated optimistically. "Keep me posted on any changes." Tezzlah then excused herself.

One down, three to go.

"Automon," the head general called to his colleague who was avidly reading over his handheld computer. "Report!"

"Sir, as you know, we have successfully installed the neo-plutonium reactor, which given a little time, will be totally sufficient for flight. But,"

"But?" Venjix pressed.

"But Serpantera is capable of more than just flight, sir. Transitioning into its battle mode alone requires more power. Attack mode requires still more power, and the use of its dragon fire taxes the power even further. Our single neo plutonium reactor simply isn't enough the sustain Serpantera in all its modes, sir," Automon relayed.

"We need more power," Venjix summarized. "Fine. Automon, expand our search to include new power sources. Increase our search parties and start with the Bay of Roughness."
"Yes, sir," the subordinate accepted and excused himself.

The leader of the Generals looked on loftily at the dormant deity—and then he noticed it.

That flash of light in those great eyes. That glint of red that flared then disappeared as quickly as it materialized.

"I knew it," Venjix whispered with fresh awe. "So the legend is true!"

Alarms blared throughout the Palus Somni, the makeshift command center the Generals had annexed.

"Gerrok, report!" Venjix ordered.

"Sir, the COG patrollers responded to a disturbance just on the outskirts of the Bay of Harmony. Several COGs have been destroyed," the subordinate relayed.

"By who, man?" the head general demanded.

"Ranger spies, sir. Three of them," Gerrok replied.

"Of course. Andros would've no doubt enlisted friends," Venjix surmised, more to himself. "Gerrok, apprehend them. Find out what they know."

"Not possible, sir. They have managed to evade us and have already taken flight. Shall I send the Quadrafighters?" the lesser general offered.

"No," Venjix halted, thinking quickly. "Let them go, but tail them. They must have a base nearby—and no doubt it runs on fuel."

"Excellent, sir," Gerrok agreed. If it weren't for his helmet he'd probably grin. He then went off to fulfill his directives.

Meanwhile, Back at the AMS-II…

We had just gotten confirmation from the rest of the reinforcements, were awaiting their arrival, and were about to rotate out the spies when all hell broke loose…

Sirens blared out of every speaker on the ship. What fresh hell is this?

"AMS-II, come in AMS-II!" came Leo's frantic voice.

"Leo! What the hell is going on?" Tommy demanded into the intercom.

"We've been discovered by the COGs and now they're on our tails!" the Galaxy Ranger reported.

"And you're leading them straight to us," Tommy deadpanned.

"Sorry. Can't be helped. Talk to Cole," Leo reported snidely.

"Enough, just get back here!" Tommy snapped irritably.

"Copy," Leo replied, and the transmission was ended.

"How soon can the reinforcements get here?" our mission leader posed, turning to Andros.

"Most are already on their way," the Space Ranger supplied.

"Alright. Until they get here, we're on our own," Tommy assessed. "DECA, what are we up against?"

"Approximately 200 COGs and 50 Quadrafighters are heading this way, and will arrive in less than ten minutes," the computerized female voice informed.

"Okay, fellahs. It's go time," Tommy alerted. "Andros, TJ. Pilot the ship and run offense against the Quadrafighters. Let's blow as many away as possible. Wes and Carter, battlize and run ground offense against the COGs. Try and push then back. Eric and Jason, go with them. I'll defend the base from the inside," he finished.

"Alone, Tommy?" I asked protectively. Old habits die hard.

"I won't be alone, Jason. Push comes to shove, I'll have TJ and Andros, and Leo, Aurico and Cole will be here any minute. I'll keep Aurico, and send Leo and Cole out to battlize and help Wes and Carter, and have you and Eric pull back and run defense," Tommy answered strategically. "Now, let's suit up!"

Yet even though the plan was well thought out, the execution wasn't so smooth and defending the Ship went rougher than expected.

I don't know what I can say for myself except that 16-year-old me may not have felt the blows as deeply as the slightly older me does now.

So I, and few of my colleagues would be in the Infirmary for a bit. Fun...

I could hear the metal door to the ships infirmary slide open, and in walked Tommy with fresh bandages.

I sat there silently as he approached me and noted when his features shifted from impassive to concerned, and then a battle of the two.

Dare I dream that he could still feel something for me?

But as he tended to my back and his careful, perfectly clinical touches turned to gentle caresses, I held no more doubts.

I turned to face him and saw how hard he fought to keep his emotions off his face. He stood over where I was seated on the examining table, not looking at me. I gently pulled him to me.

This was good. To have this man I never stopped caring for, whom I never should have left, this close to me again. And I acknowledged bitterly that I could endure anything this life could throw at me so long as I could have this...

I sighed deeply and opened my eyes to the empty infirmary, then stretched and winced at my sore ribs. "I'm getting too old for this."

"Regretting joining the mission?" Tommy asked, medical kit in hand. I honestly didn't hear when he came in. "You really ought to be less reckless. We're not kids anymore. We can't afford to lose men before the reinforcements arrive," Tommy pointed out flatly.

I looked him over carefully, acknowledging how he seemed to look through me. Still, I wanted him close, to confirm that he was real—to remind myself how he felt. But he was right. We weren't teenagers anymore. It wasn't all adrenaline and lust. I was just one man realizing he would be happy with a touch. A kiss.

"You know I'll be there for you whenever you need me," I reminded him.

"Do I?" he replied, letting himself be pulled in, still not really looking at me.

"Do you know how much I've missed this?" Tommy confessed, sinking into me and closing his eyes. I brought him closer still, squeezing him against my tender ribs, but I didn't care. I needed this. I brushed my lips against his chin.

"You think I only need you as a Ranger? What about all the times I needed you? Why didn't you come to me then?" He was right.

"Forgive me," I whispered, kissing just under his jaw line.

He opened his eyes then as if something had just occurred to him.

"Do you think we should?" Tommy asked, looking somewhat passed me.

"Should what?" I asked, trailing my lips across his face, zeroing in on that beautiful mouth.

"Fuck one last time. Get it out of our system?" he replied bluntly.

I paused. "What?" I asked in disbelief, loosening my grip a bit and looking him over. Was that all that was left of our relationship? Was our relationship ever that strong?

Just then the ship's alarms went off. The COGs had broken onto the ship.

"It's show time. You think you're up to it?" Tommy asked, coming back to himself and detaching himself from me.

Coming off the table and getting my shirt, I responded a bit dejected, "Of course. It's what I'm here for."