Power Rangers In Space by Heather Ray (uplifting book club books .txt) 📕

know," Ashley answered, "Astronema has the medallion, but that isn't enough to prove she's Karone. She could have found it, or perhaps its a replica or something."

"No, it is the second medallion half," Andros replied, "I know it is. And you're right, Astronema could have found the medallion. But even if she did, how would she have known what it meant to me? How could she have known what Karone looked like, or what she said when she was abducted. There is only one copy of the recording, and I have it. Only the creature that kidnapped Karone, myself, or my sister could know what happened that day. And Astronema repeated exactly what Karone cried out all those years ago."

"Isn't there some kind of conclusive scan you can conduct, to determine whether Astronema is Kerolian? Some kind of DNA test, maybe?"

"I have thought of that. Tomorrow, I will try to conduct some tests, both psychological and physical, to determine if Astronema is Karone. But still, the scans are never one-hundred percent accurate. What will I do if I find Astronema is Karone? And what will I do if I find she isn't? I counted on the medallion being the key to finding my sister, and if Astronema isn't Karone, I may never be able to identify her."

Ashley shook her head, and rose to leave. "Get some rest, Andros. Its been a rough day for you. We'll all figure it out in the morning."

Ashley squeezed Andros' shoulder, and stepped out of the room. Her shoulders slumped, and she glanced back at the door that closed behind her.

I... I don't want to tell Andros this, but I just don't trust Astronema,

she reflected, slowly walking down the corridor, I don't have an especially good reason, other than the simplistic one that she's evil. All the evidence so far points to her being Karone, but I just can't believe it. Something in the back of my mind is screaming for me to keep my eyes on Astronema...

Ashley paused outside her quarters. The doors parted for her, and Ashley was startled to see Carlos standing by the window, looking at the Earth floating below.

"What's up, Carlos?" she asked, gaining the young man's attention. Carlos turned around, and approached his friend.

"What's going on here?" Carlos asked, "Cassie, TJ, and I are totally lost, and it certainly looks like you know something we don't. What is that medallion? Why is Andros acting so strangely?"

"I... its not really my business. I think you should ask Andros about it."

Carlos frowned slightly. "I figured it'd be easier not to bury Andros with questions now. He's obviously shaken up about what happened today. I thought that if he entrusted this information with you, its not so secret that it can't be shared with the rest of us."

Ashley shook her head, a small grin crossing her lips. "Believe me, Carlos, Andros doesn't trust me any more than he does the rest of you. I just happened to have seen something that I shouldn't have. That's why I know what's going on. And believe me, Andros will explain everything to you, and clarify things for me. Just give him a chance."

Carlos nodded. "Fine. I'll ask him in the morning. Good night, Ashe."

Carlos moved to leave, but stopped when he noticed the stressed expression on Ashley's face.

"Are you okay?" he questioned.

Ashley nodded. "Its just been one of those days. G'night, Carlos."

Chapter Eight

Early the following morning, Andros stepped onto the bridge of the Megaship. It was obvious to the four rangers waiting for him that their leader hadn't gotten much sleep the previous night.

"Good morning," Andros said quietly, "Thanks for waiting for me."

"No problem, Chief," TJ said, "So, are you going to fill us in, or leave us in the dark?"

Andros sighed. "You deserve and explanation. No doubt you're all bewildered as to what happened last night."

"You could say that again," Cassie muttered under her breath.

"Well, the best way to explain it is to show you," Andros said, walking to the projector. He slid the small CD into the machine, and played the program of Karone's abduction. Cassie, TJ, and Carlos watched the film in quiet shock, while Ashley watched her friends, studying the reactions on their faces. After the scene faded, Andros turned off the monitor, and waited. Silence reigned for a few moments.

"So," said Cassie quietly, "who's Karone?"

"My sister," Andros answered, "I never saw her again after that incident."

"What she said," TJ said, "its exactly what Astronema said yesterday, out on the cliff."

"...and Astronema does kinda look like her," Carlos added.

Andros nodded. "So, you see my predicament. For years, I've been searching for my missing sister. I relied on the medallion to guide me to her, because each of us have a half of it. Now, I learn that Astronema is the one in possession of that second half. And she knew what happened the day when Karone was kidnapped. I... I don't know what to do. I need your help."

"You need our

help?" Cassie repeated, her eyes wide with surprise. Andros always chose to work alone, and seldom even informed the rangers about his personal life-- much less ask for their opinions regarding it.

"Yes. I want your help. I... don't know just how to approach this situation rationally. I can't conclude Astronema isn't my sister, simply because she is our enemy. And I can't conclude that she is based on the evidence we've seen so far."

Andros turned his back to his friends, and lowered his head. After taking a deep breath, and turned back to his team. "Will you help me find my sister?"

The four other Astro Rangers remained silent for a few moments, absorbing the weight of the situation that faced them. Finally, TJ stepped forward.

"We're a team, Andros," he said firmly, "to the end. You know you can count on us for backup, no matter what the situation."

"We'll do what we can," Cassie added, "So, what's the plan?"

"I plan on running every exam, test, and study that DECA has in her program, to determine first if Astronema could be Kerolian, and then, if she could be my sister. But, like I told Ashley, there is no such thing as a fool-proof test. Readings could be thrown off. Alot of factors could interfere with the accuracy of the scans. Somewhere along the line, judgement will have to make the final decision."

"Well, let's start from the beginning, and run the tests," said Carlos, walking to the door, "Let's go."

Chapter Nine

Astronema lay on the small cot inside her small cell. Her eyes were closed, and she consciously slowed her breathing, to make it appear that she was asleep. In fact, she had maintained this state of feigned sleep through most of the night. Alpha V stood vigil by her cell, and Astronema knew for a fact that human beings required sleep. Even though her species didn't.

After all, I need to keep up appearances,

she thought, So far, so good. Andros really is starting to believe I'm Karone! That's the only reason why he acted so upset last night. Now, all I have to do is maintain that I don't recall anything beyond ten years ago. No matter how suspicious he'll be, he won't be able to deny the fact that I could very well be Karone. And as soon as he lets down his defenses for his 'sister', the Power Rangers will be mine...

Astronema's train of thought was broken by the sounds of the entrance sliding open. She continued to "sleep"

, even thought she heard five pairs of feet walk into the room. She felt their scrutinous eyes on her, but she continued the masquerade nonetheless.

"Alpha," Andros said, turning his attention from the prisoner to the overnight sentry, "how's our guest?"

"She's been asleep almost all night," Alpha said, "She hasn't been giving me any trouble."

"Good," Andros said, glancing back at Astronema. He frowned slightly, and took a deep breath. "Time to wake up, Astronema. You've got a long day ahead of you."

"So you say," Astronema muttered, her eyes fluttering. She then let a yawn escape her lips. "I won't be cooperating with you. Like I said, you won't get anything from me!"

"Really?" TJ said, a grin on his face, "Well, then you won't be seeing this

again."

With that, he glanced at the Red Ranger. Andros nodded, and held up the medallion half he had gotten from the villainess the previous day. Astronema's brown eyes widened, and a scowl crossed her face.

"We thought you'd be more cooperative," TJ said, crossing his arms, "So, I guess we'll start with some questions."

TJ then glanced at Alpha. In response, Alpha nodded, and activated a few computers. Astronema didn't notice the robot, her entire attention focused on her pendant. After a few seconds of silence, Astronema's gaze rose from the pendant to the Red Ranger's face.

"I won't tell you about Zordon, or Dark Spectre's whereabouts," she maintained, "Like I said, you won't get anything from me."

"Then let's not ask questions about Zordon and Dark Spectre," Carlos said, stepping forward, "Let's start with something less threatening. Where did you get this necklace from?"

"What do you mean?" Astronema asked, seemingly perplexed by the question.

"I mean just what I said. Is it some valuable crown jewel from some planet you destroyed? Is it the magical center of your powers? A good luck charm, maybe?"

Astronema frowned. She remained silent for a few moments, as if she were deciding whether or not to be honest with her questioners. Finally, she nodded.

"Fine, I'll play your little game," she said, "I've always had this medallion, since the beginning. Its mine, and that's why I want it back."

Her voice lowered, and she seemed hesitant to continue. "Its all I have that's really mine."

Astronema's last few words were nearly a whisper, but the ranger's heard it. Carlos raised an eyebrow, and glanced at Andros. Andros kept his gaze