Notes from the author/timeline: This is one of my patented (only a figure of speech) alternate timeline stories. It mostly takes place about eight years after Lost Galaxy ends and touches up on several things that happened during Lost Galaxy and yet another explanation as to where Kendrix went when she “died”.

Another thing to note is that A Red romance didn’t happen here. I hated that episode, so I’m either omitting it from just about every Lost Galaxy story I’m going to write or at least rewriting it to the way it was supposed to be.

Kendrix Morgan sat down at her computer terminal and started quickly entering the results of her experiment. She was in a hurry, because she wanted to get her 6 year old daughter Michelle and get home as soon as possible. It was her husband Leo’s birthday, and she was wanting to make the most of it.

As she let her fingers fly over the keyboard, Kendrix couldn’t help but let her mind wander to the day she had met Leo. He had stowed away on Terra Venture and accidentally knocked her down while running from security.

After Leo had politely helped Kendrix up, their eyes met, and it was love at first sight. Kai, a friend of hers who had been walking with her, had broken them up, and told him that he’d better be more careful.

Leo had apologized again, picked up Kendrix’s gear, and handed it all to Kai. Before he took off again, he had gazed into her eyes. Although she couldn’t tell at that time, since it happened so fast, she had long since realized that the look he had given her had been something akin to pure love.

When security asked Kendrix and Kai if they had seen Leo, she stopped Kai from saying where he had gone and said no, they hadn’t seen him. Security left, and her companion gave her a questioning glance. “He looked like he could use a break,” she explained. She could tell that he didn’t believe her.

Leo had gone on to save Kendrix’s life a few hours later that day. They had been a part of a military exercise on the moon, and had been separated from the others. Leo had spotted a detonator and had gotten her out of there. They didn’t quite make it, and were knocked down by the force of the explosion, but were amazingly not hurt.

Kendrix had been delighted to find that Leo had been her savior, and almost gave him a kiss for thanks, but Kai had interrupted them, as he came running, screaming her name. He had recognized Leo as the stowaway and was about to start a fight, when Mike came running up.

Mike had recognized Leo as his younger brother, but before he could really lay into him, a young woman, whom later introduced herself as Maya, came falling out of a portal. With her arrival, the group was soon wrapped up in an adventure to Mirinoi, Maya’s home world.

Kai didn’t go with them initially, but eventually did, with the Astro Megaship and the ship’s chief mechanic, Damon. They had gone through the same portal, which by then had moved out into space.

When the team returned to Earth, they were the Galaxy Rangers. But they brought trouble back with them, as their new enemy Scorpius followed them back to Terra Venture and started attacking.

They also had heavy hearts, for Mike had apparently died when Furio opened up a chasm and Mike dropped into it, but not before giving Leo his quasar saber. Leo’s grief over Mike kept him from asking Kendrix out on a date.

But in the adventure where Mike came back, and gained the powers of the late Magna Defender, the sparks between Leo and Kendrix resurfaced again, stronger than ever. Leo had gone on to ask her out later that day, and they dated until the final battle with Psycho Pink, when Kendrix “died”.

Kendrix hadn’t really died. Instead, she had been sucked into an alternate dimension, to a Terra Venture that didn’t need to have Rangers protecting them and had the technology for her to communicate with her friends and Leo in their dreams, and could intervene if necessary, to a limited degree.

While she had enjoyed her time there, Kendrix had been determined to get back to her own dimension and, more importantly, Leo. Meanwhile, knowing that the team needed a Pink Ranger, Kendrix had set events into motion that would make the former villainess Karone to become the Pink Galaxy Ranger in Kendrix’s absence.

She got her chance, when Terra Venture was going through a rip in time and space to get back to their own galaxy. They had been in the Lost Galaxy, and had been forced to return when the colony’s systems started failing.

It had taken a lot of work, but Kendrix finally got back to her own dimension, just in time to keep Terra Venture from falling into a nearby planet’s atmosphere.

Their enemy Trekeena had tried to destroy Terra Venture, but with the sacrifice of the Astro Megaship, the Galaxy Rangers had defeated her. Before the lone surviving engine gave out, they were able to put the space station in a permenant orbit above the “New World”, which turned out to be Mirinoi.

The Rangers had returned the sabers to the stone, and the people of Mirinoi had been reverted back from the stone spell Furio had cast. And so, the two people had co-existing nicely for almost eight years.

Kendrix had been over joyed when she was finally reunited with Leo. At the welcome home party the team had thrown for her, Leo had surprised Kendrix by proposing. They were married a few months later by Commander Stanton, and little Michelle came about eight months later, a sweet little honeymoon baby.

Kendrix snapped out of her reverie, and noticed that the report she had to make to Commander Stanton in the morning was finished. ‘Now that that’s finished, I can go home,’ she mused. Quickly printing up the report, Kendrix placed the sheet into one of her filing cabinet’s drawers.

Grabbing her purse, Kendrix then stood up and headed for the elevator. About halfway there, she noticed someone that was there who shouldn’t be. “Excuse me,” she said, tapping the man on the shoulder. “But are you new around here?”

The man turned around, and Kendrix soon found a gun pointed at her. “Be very quiet, lady,” he warned, “Damn, I thought I had gotten everybody from this floor. Where have you been that I missed you?”

“At my office cubical,” Kendrix answered, “What’s going on?”

“I ask the questions around here,” the man replied, “Let’s go to the elevator, but don’t try anything funny, because I’ve got a gun, understand?” Kendrix nodded. “Good, now move.” Kendrix reluctantly followed the man to the elevator. As the doors closed, she couldn’t help but pray that her daughter was all right.

Leo was totally exhausted. He had just finished his rounds about the city, and clocked out, and was looking forward to a great time with his wife and daughter. ‘I hope Kendrix isn’t planning on going overboard for my birthday,’ Leo thought, ‘I’m completely, utterly drained.’

As Leo out to the main room, he saw several of his fellow cops crowded around the television. “What’s going on?” he asked Pete, a friend of his. They weren't just partners, they were also good friends.

“A group of terrorists have taken the command tower hostage,” Pete replied, his Russian accent strained with worry. “It seems that Commander Stanton and most of the council were just barely able to get out before it was completely under siege.”

Leo’s eyes widened. “Oh no,” he whispered, “Kendrix and Michelle.”

Pete gave him a sympathetic look. Piotr Nikolovich was also a family man, with a wife and four kids of his own. “I’m sorry, Leo,” he murmured, “I forgot that your wife worked there.”

“I’ve got to get down there,” Leo said, “Maybe there’s something I can do to help.” ‘After all, I did use to be a Power Ranger,’ he mused, ‘Not to mention I used to work for security.’

Not too long after him and Kendrix had gotten married, Leo had tried again to be a member of GSA. He was put on security detail, and he did a good job. But he turned out to be the only one on the security team that wasn’t on the take. He quit before they could gang up and get him fired.

Taking off his equipment and grabbing his new bomber jacket, which had been an early birthday gift from his brother Mike a few years back, as well as his wallet and keys, Leo then headed out of the lounge and, from there, out of the police station. He went to his car, and started it up.

Letting out a big sigh, Leo started towards the command tower. When he got there, it was crowded by police mostly. Grabbing the small pistol he always kept under his seat and putting it in one of the deep pockets of his jacket, Leo stopped and jumped out of the car.

Leo started running towards the building, but was stopped by cops that he didn’t recognize about halfway there. “I’m afraid you can’t go any closer, sir,” one of the cops said, stepping into his path.

“I’m Detective Leo Corbett,” Leo said, flashing his badge. “Have the terrorists made any demands? Who’s the officer in charge?”

“Not yet, but we should be getting hold of them soon,” the cop replied, “And the officer in charge is Chief Makor. Do you have someone that’s being held hostage?” The other cops had left to head off a crowd of reporters.

Leo nodded. “My wife and daughter are in there,” he said.

“Then trust me when I say that we’ll do everything we can to get them out safely,” the cop assured him. The cop turned when there was a small commotion from the reporters. “But, cop or no cop, I can’t let you...” When he turned back, Leo was gone. “Now where did he go?”

Leo knew he had to work quickly, as he worked the manhole cover off. The sewers under neath the city ran right underneath the building, a fact he knew from his days as a security guard.

Once he dropped down the manhole, Leo took off running towards the sewers underneath the command tower. As he got down to the end, he took the gun from his pocket out. He would only use it as a last resort, but would only feel safe with it in his hands and accessible.

When he got to the end, Leo quickly worked the sewer grating off. It made a lot of noise, but there apparently wasn’t anybody close enough to hear it. As soon as it came off, he stepped into the subbasement of the command tower and replaced the grating back to where it was.

‘Man, what a way to spend a birthday,’ Leo mused, grinning. ‘But this is what I live for, even after all this time.’ He quietly made his way up some stairs, right into the main basement.

There were just two guards there, but they were easy pickings for the former Red Galaxy Ranger. ‘I just hope that Kendrix and Michelle are both all right,’ Leo thought, as he collected a few clips for his gun.

Kendrix hugged Michelle close. The women and children in the command tower had been separated from the men by the terrorists. “Mommy, is everything going to be all right?” Michelle asked.

“Sure it will, sweetie,” Kendrix replied, “Commander Stanton will make sure of that, I just know it.” As she stroked her daughter’s hair, Kendrix remembered the day Michelle had been born. The littlest Corbett had been a little over a month and a half premature and had been very tiny, barely weighing two pounds.

The doctors hadn’t been very hopeful towards the baby’s chances, but Michelle had showed the patented Corbett stubborn streak, even at that early age, and toughed it out. She was still small, but she was a very lucky little girl.

Kendrix looked up as a man started talking in rapid fire Russian. She knew the language from talking with Piotr, but he was going too fast for her to keep up. But she did get a good idea about what was going on. A couple of guards in the basement had been found unconscious, their assailant nowhere to be seen.

‘But who would be crazy enough to...’ Kendrix stopped that thought, as the realization hit her. ‘Oh man. I just hope that he’s all right.’ She turned her attention back to the apparent leader, who then told some of his goons over his radio to plant the explosives.

Leo knocked out another guard and grabbed the walkie talkie. “Let’s see if I can remember the frequency for the police anti-terrorist channel,” he muttered, changing the frequency of the walkie talkie.

“Sir, we’re getting a call from inside,” a cop said to the chief of police.

“Is it one of the terrorists?” the chief asked.

“Unknown, sir,” the cop replied.

“Give me that,” Chief Makor responded, grabbing a walkie talkie. “Who is this?”

“I don’t have much time to explain, Chief Makor,” Leo answered, “And I can’t tell you who I am, because this probably isn’t too secure a line, and I don’t want to endanger anybody here. All I can tell you is that I’m inside the building, and I’m working to stop the terrorists.”

“Are you alone?” Makor inquired.

“I’m afraid I can’t say,” Leo replied, “Have the terrorists made demands yet?”

“Not yet, but, with luck, we should be opening negotiations soon,” Makor answered, “So that anybody listening doesn’t get too suspicious or anything like that, talk to me. Do you have any family?”

“Yes, a wife and a daughter, and a brother, a sister in law, and a nephew,” Leo said, “What about you?”

“I’m a widower with three kids,” Makor commented.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Leo murmured, “How long has your wife been dead?”

“Not too long before we left Earth,” Makor replied, “Cancer. That’s what made me sign up for Terra Venture. Wanted to get away from all of the bad memories Earth held for me and my kids.”

“Oh,” Leo said, “How old are your kids?”

“15, 10, and 9,” Makor answered, “The youngest was barely a year old when my wife died. How old is your daughter?”

“Seven,” Leo replied, “Look, I’ve got to go, before I’m found out here. I’ll call back when I get the chance, all right?”

“I’ll hold you to that,” Makor said, with a grin. He put down the walkie talkie, and turned to the cop that had given him it. “Tell me whenever that young man calls again, understood?”

“Yes, sir,” the cop replied.

Leo cautiously stepped out into the hallway. There weren’t any of the goons there, so he quietly made his way to the steps in back. From there, he made his way up to a high floor, and decided on it as his base of operations.

‘Now, for a little taunting,’ Leo thought, as he picked up his radio and pressed the button, bringing it up to his mouth. “Would the gentlemen taking over the tower please pick up?” he asked politely.

“This is the leader of the group,” a voice said, “Who are you?”

“Oh, I’m just a regular old Joe, here to rain on your parade,” Leo replied, “You’ve probably heard of me by now, so let’s skip the formalities. You give up now, and there’s a chance that I might not kill you.”

“Ooh, big talk from somebody who’s outnumbered twenty to one,” the leader growled, “How about you give up, huh? Make it an even three dozen hostages down here, and nobody will get hurt.”

“You hurt anybody down there, and I’ll personally rip your heart out,” Leo threatened, “I don’t care about how many goons you have, nothing will keep my hands from around your neck. As for me giving up, hell has a better chance of freezing over before that happens.”

“You’re a cop, aren’t you?” the man replied.

“None of your business, but yeah, I’m a cop,” Leo answered, “And I’d like to think that I’m a good one, too. What are you going to do about it?”

“Oh, you’ll see in just a second,” the man said.

Suddenly, bullets slammed into the wall beside Leo’s head. He ducked and hid behind a desk. “Damn, I was hoping this wouldn’t happen,” he said, “But it’s either them, or me. And I don’t plan on dying on my birthday.”

With that decided, Leo pulled his service revolver from the holster on his hip and returned fire. A yell of pain announced that he had actually tagged one. He glanced from around the desk, and saw a man staggering about, a slight graze on his head pouring out blood.

Another shot took out the man’s knees. ‘Minimize the casualties, if possible, Corbett,’ Leo scolded himself silently, ‘I need one to tell me what the hell is going on, after all. And I just found my patsy.’

Suddenly, a man came up the aisle behind Leo. The former Red Galaxy Ranger kicked him in the groin, and ended with a shot to the heart just as the man was about to shoot him with a machine gun. “I’ve got to be more careful,” he muttered, “I won’t do any good to anybody dead.”

It didn’t take long for Leo to put down most of the rest of the terrorist goons, while a few ran for their lives. He approached the man he had wounded earlier. He was holding his knee and screaming in pain. “Tell me something, patsy,” he said, “Have you seen a beautiful blond woman with glasses, and her daughter, an adorable little brown haired seven year old?”

The man thought about it for a moment, then nodded. “I captured the woman myself,” he gloated.

Leo grabbed a hold of his knee, making him scream again. “Don’t gloat,” he warned, “Now, where are they?”

“They’re held with the other hostages, in the main room three floors down,” the man replied.

“Damn, I was hoping that wasn’t the case,” Leo said.

“You’re not going to kill me, are you?” the man asked.

Leo smiled. “No, I’m not, patsy,” he answered, “You’re going to be bait.”

The bait worked for a while. Leo would make the man call out to other goons, and have them come to where he was, where the former Power Ranger and security guard took them down easily and without mercy. The bad thing was that it only worked a couple of times, because the terrorists learned quickly. “You still won’t kill me, right?” Leo’s bait asked.

“No, I won’t,” Leo answered honestly, “But believe me when I say that you’re going to wish I had, when you’re in jail. I heard that they treat terrorists pretty bad.” Grinning, he left.

Kendrix watched Michelle as she fell asleep. It was nap time for the seven year old, and she was worn out. ‘She reminds me so much of her father,’ Kendrix mused, as she stroked her daughters soft brown hair.

Though Michelle looked like a brown haired Kendrix at that age, she had her fathers eyes, as well as his spirit. She liked to live life to the fullest, and never backed down if she could help it.

“Just like your father,” Kendrix murmured softly, before bending over slightly and kissing Michelle on the forehead. As she straightened up, the former Pink Galaxy Ranger couldn’t help but think, ‘Please don’t do anything stupid, Leo. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you.’

Leo leaned back, panting heavily. After a few more fire fights and gaining another pistol, he seemed to be finally getting a respite. He knew that he wasn’t getting sleep any time soon, but he could rest his tired feet, at least. Trying to stave off sleep, he picked up the radio. “Chief Makor, do you read me?” he said.

“I’m here, man,” Makor replied, as he picked up his own radio. “What’s going on in there?”

“I’m resting for the moment,” Leo said, “I’m exhausted. But I think I’ve taken out about half of the terrorists. What’s going on out there?”

“Well, the SWAT team is wanting to move in,” Makor answered.

“Don’t let them, if you can help it,” Leo warned, “There’s no telling what kinds of booby traps there are that the terrorists have set up. Has there been any ransom demands?”

“Not yet, but we’re hopeful that they’ll send out demands soon,” Makor replied, “This is a bit too uncomfortable, without knowing what to call you. Give me a nickname or something to go by here.”

“Just call me Red,” Leo said, trying not to laugh.

“All right, Red,” Makor responded, “I heard the conversation earlier. Is he right, are you a cop?”

“I am, but that’s all I can give you,” Leo answered, “Let’s just say that I have some family here, and don’t want to risk them getting hurt, or worse.”

“Thanks for that much, I guess then,” Makor replied.

Leo heard the elevator at the end of the hall ding, and swore softly. “I’m going to have to get off, Chief,” he said, “I’m going to be getting some company in a few minutes.”

“Right, Red,” Makor said, “Over and out.” With that, both of them shut off their radios. ‘Good luck, whoever you are,’ Makor thought.

Leo turned to the elevator, to see a man that looked to be a little older than him getting out. “Hey, you!!!” Leo called out.

The man turned in Leo’s direction. “Who, me?” he asked.

“Yes, you,” Leo replied, “Come here.” The man spotted him and, shrugging, walked right over to the former Red Galaxy Ranger. “What are you doing up here? I thought everybody in the building was downstairs.”

“I’ve been hiding, and that’s why they didn’t find me,” the man answered, “I heard that there was someone opposing them on this floor, and thought I’d seek that man out. It’s you, right?”

“Yeah, that’s me,” Leo responded, standing up. “What’s your name?”

“Roger Borden,” the man said.

“Well, nice to meet you, Roger,” Leo said, extending his hand. “My name’s Leo Corbett.” He took out the pistol that he had stolen from one of the guards and checked to see if it was loaded or not. It wasn’t, so he handed it to Roger. “Do you know how to shoot one of those?”

“I grew up on the streets, so yeah, I know how to shoot a pistol,” Roger answered.

“Good,” Leo said, “Watch my back, as well as your own, and we should be all right. Now, if you wouldn’t mind keeping watch, I think I’m going to get some sleep. Is that all right with you?”

“Don’t worry, Leo,” Roger replied, “I’ll watch out for bad guys for you.”

“Thanks,” Leo said. He laid down on the floor, made himself comfortable, and apparently fell asleep.

“Roger” made sure the safety was off, then went over and pointed the gun at Leo’s head. “As you Americans would say, ‘Asta la vista, baby’,” he said, with a thick Russian accent. He pulled the trigger, but nothing happened.

Suddenly, Leo lashed out with his foot with a kick to the knee, then kicked the gun away. He jumped to his feet. “You tricked me,” the traitor said, “There weren’t any bullets in the gun.”

“Of course there weren’t,” Leo replied, “I knew that they’d eventually send a spy up here, so I deliberately took the clip out of the gun. Now, where’s your boss, so I can end this?”

“Do you really think that I’d tell you?” the man asked.

“No, I suppose not, under usual circumstances,” Leo answered, then shoved his own gun under the man’s chin. “But with my wife and daughter down there, I...” He noticed a radio on the man’s belt, and saw that the traitors finger was pushing the button to connect with other radios. “Has that been on the entire time?”

The traitor nodded. “You’ve been found out, Mr. Corbett,” he sneered, “Maybe if you won’t stop for us, maybe you’ll stop if we threaten you with your family.”

“You son of a...” Leo couldn’t finish the sentence, as he had to dodge bullets that seem to come out of nowhere. He jumped away, landing behind a desk. He looked around, and saw some goons that had obviously come up through the stairs.

“You might as well come out now, Leo,” the traitor said, as he stood up and straightened his clothing. “I have most of what’s left of my men, and, though we’ve suffered losses, we still outnumber you.”

“Whoever the hell you are, you can go to hell!!!” Leo shouted. He was scooting around from desk to desk, hoping to get a clear shot. Along the way, he found the gun that he had knocked from “Roger”’s hand. Leo quickly loaded the gun. ‘I’ll probably be needing it in a second,’ he thought, ‘No sense in being unprepared.’

Suddenly, Leo heard some racket that appeared to be emanating from the radio that “Roger” had on his hip. He listened in as the traitor picked it up. “What’s going on down there?” he asked.

“A woman has been able to overthrow one of our guards,” someone replied, “She’s holed herself up in one of the offices. Nobody can go in without getting cut to pieces by the gun she has.”

‘Has to be Kendrix,’ Leo mused, grinning. ‘I don’t know of anybody else that would have that much courage.’ “Correction,” Leo said, “Me and my wife have a slight advantage over you.”

“Maybe for the moment, but only time will tell if that advantage will stick,” “Roger” said. He motioned to some of his men. “We’re going to stay here, and take him out. The rest of you, go help the others in killing his wife.”

“Yeah, good luck,” Leo called out sarcastically, “You’re going to need it.”

As the men he had told to leave started for the stairs, “Roger” looked around the room. “Know this, Leo Corbett,” he said, “We will kill you, as well as your wife and child, if you do not give up now, and tell your wife to do the same. If you do, we might spare all of you.”

“Yeah, well, I’ve got a better idea,” Leo replied, “You can all go to hell!!!” With that, he stood up and unloaded two rounds into the heads of the two nearest goons. They went down in a spray of blood.

Leo was able to tag a third, before he had to fall to the floor to dodge bullets as they flew overhead. It wasn’t a fatal shot, but it was able to knock out the man’s better shooting hand. The other goons ducked behind some cover.

Leo quickly crawled over to a desk next to the one he was hiding behind, then through the opening underneath to reach the one in front of it. Leo then stood up, and saw that a goon was doing the same. A quick shot put him out of commission. ‘I hope you’re all right, baby,’ he mused.

Kendrix panted heavily, as she hid behind the desk. It had been hard work getting the gun away from the guard, but with a little help from Michelle, she was able to over power him. She had been forced to kill him, but it didn’t bother her too much. After all, she was defending her daughter as well as herself.

Kendrix was now in her own office. She had told Michelle to go into the large closet that was attached to the office, where she was out of the line of fire. The former Pink Galaxy Ranger had looked in on her daughter, and found her to be fast asleep.

Suddenly, Kendrix’s thoughts were interrupted, as two goons broke into the office, shattering the door. She shot one, but the other was able to fire a bullet that just grazed her shoulder.

Kendrix quickly put down the second goon, before clutching at her shoulder with a wince. ‘Damn, that stings,’ she thought, ‘Good thing that it was a flesh wound.’ It was bleeding lightly, but Kendrix knew that it wouldn’t bleed too much. ‘I hope you’re all right, Leo,’ she mused.

Leo quickly finished off the last two goons that the apparent leader of the terrorists had kept with him. It had taken a lot of ducking and weaving through the desks, but the task was finally done. “It’s just you and me, whoever you are,” he called out. No answer. “Hey, anybody here?”

Leo stood up when he still didn’t get an answer. He checked all around, and found that the leader had apparently already taken off. ‘Geez, what a coward,’ he thought, ‘Better see if I can follow him.’

Leo ran towards the stairs and burst through the door. He looked down, and saw that a couple of goons were stationed at the bottom. ‘Boy, will this surprise them,’ he thought, and jumped over the railing.

It was a short fall to the floor, and it did indeed surprise the goons. Leo easily dispatched them with quick punches. He slipped through the door, and was surprised when he didn’t find anymore goons waiting for him.

Sticking to the shadows, Leo quickly and quietly made his way down the corridor to the end, where a door was with a small window. He looked in, and saw the main group of hostages. There weren’t any guards, from what he could tell. ‘They must have gone after Kendrix,’ he realized.

Leo was about to go into the room and free the hostages, when a side door opened, and out marched several goons, along with the leader. Seeing that he was outnumbered, Leo headed down an adjacent corridor.

Kendrix was so busy watching the door, that she didn’t notice some one coming at the window behind her until someone crashed through it and landed on top of her. She wrestled around with the man, finally catching him with a knee to the groin.

But when Kendrix got up to search for the gun, she found herself looking up into the barrel of a machine gun. She slowly stood up, putting her hands above her head. “Is there anybody in here with you?” the goon holding the gun in her face asked.

“My daughter’s in the closet,” Kendrix said, “But, if you don’t mind, I’ll get her myself. I don’t want to wake her unnecessarily.”

The goon nodded. “But don’t try anything funny,” he said, “I’ll be watching you.” Kendrix made her way over to the closet and opened the door. She walked in, and suddenly closed and locked the door behind her. She gently scooped Michelle into her arms and got away from the door.

Bullets flew through it a second later. Kendrix tensed, preparing for the worst, when she suddenly heard some fighting in the office area, and then two gunshots. “Kendrix, Michelle!!!” Kendrix almost sobbed to hear Leo’s voice.

“We’re in here, Leo,” Kendrix called out. Leo went over to the door and threw it open. As soon as he did, Kendrix threw herself into his arms, being careful as to not squash Michelle. “Oh man, I was thinking that something had happened to you.”

“I was thinking the same thing about you and Michelle,” Leo replied, “I was so worried.”

Michelle woke up and rubbed her eyes tiredly. “Daddy?” she murmured softly.

“Yeah, it’s me, Michelle,” Leo answered, giving his daughter a kiss on the forehead.

“Daddy!!!” Michelle exclaimed throwing her arms around Leo’s neck and giving him a big hug.

“Shh, be quiet, ‘Schellie,” Leo whispered, “There are a lot of bad people lurking about, and we don’t want them to know where we are.”

“Sorry, daddy,” Michelle murmured rather sheepishly.

“Well, you two find another office,” Leo said, “I’m going to go take care of some business.” Kendrix nodded, and he handed Michelle to her.

Slipping Kendrix a kiss, and Michelle another kiss on the forehead, Leo led the way out into the hall. Seeing that it was clear, he waved them out. Kendrix then headed for an office a couple of doors down.

“What a way to spend a birthday,” Leo muttered, as he silently made his way down the hall. “Getting shot at, betrayed, and my family was threatened. Well, time for this to end.” He grabbed the radio from his hip and turned it on.

“This is a call out to the leader of the terrorists,” Leo murmured into the radio, “You and me, on the roof, ASAP, to finish this. Come alone, or I’ll shoot first and ask questions later.” With that, he turned off the radio and headed for the stairs.

The terrorist leader looked at his radio and laughed. “So, he wants to fight me to finish things, huh?” he said, “Well, fine with me.” He gestured to his main goon, who came running over. They had plans to make, and only had six more goons with which to put them into action.

Leo was pacing on the roof, when the leader came out. The former Red Galaxy Ranger was surprised to see that he was alone. He took his guns, and tossed them aside for the moment. The leader did the same, and then cracked his knuckles. “I’ve been waiting for this,” he said, slowly circling Leo.

“So have I,” Leo agreed, “But first, what’s your real name?”

“Alexander,” the leader replied, “Why do you ask?”

“Because they’ll want to know what to put on your tombstone,” Leo answered.

“We’ll see who needs the tombstone,” Alexander said, “Now!!!”

Leo barely had time to move out of the way, before three of the six goons that Alexander had left jumped through the doorway and opened fire. However, he wasn’t quick enough, as a bullet shattered a couple of ribs.

Leo easily found his guns, since he had made sure he knew exactly where he had thrown them, and picked them up and holstered them with one hand, as he tried to stop the bleeding of the bullet wound. The bullet had gone straight through, and blood was everywhere.

Leo was barely able to stop the blood and checked his guns. Since he had gotten a pick up at the last fire fight he had been in, he had more than enough ammo. He turned a corner, to find one of the terrorists rounding another corner. A quick bullet put a stop to the goon trying to get his gun.

Leo found himself in a game of cat and mouse, as he hunted and was hunted by Alexander and his other two goons. He didn’t have much of a problem putting down the two goons, but he had a lot of trouble finding Alexander. He was about to head for the stairs, to see if Alexander had went down them, when he suddenly heard a noise behind him.

Leo turned, and saw Alexander with Kendrix in his arms, a gun pointed at her head. “Drop the guns, slowly, or your wife dies,” he threatened. Leo slowly let the guns slip out of his grasp. “Now, kick them away.” Leo did as Alexander said. “And now, for our game to end.”

Suddenly, a helicopter appeared behind Alexander and shined a spotlight right into his eyes. He brought up his hand to block the light, giving Kendrix an opening. She stamped his foot, then elbowed him in the face, making him lose his grip on her. Alexander recovered and pointed the gun at her, and...

Suddenly, a shot rang out. The gun in Alexander’s hand dropped, and he placed both hands over the bullet wound to the stomach. He looked up, to see Leo a few inches away, glaring at him.

“The game ends now, Alexander,” Leo said. He had to shout to be heard over the copter’s rotors. “When you get to hell, tell them that I sent you there.” With that, he shoved Alexander off the roof.

Kendrix closed in, and the two watched the terrorist leader fall and finally hit the ground after a long moment. “I knew you’d save me,” she murmured softly into his ear, “My knight in shining red armor.”

“Come here, you,” Leo said, gathering his wife into his arms for a passionate kiss. Suddenly, the door exploded, and Leo and Kendrix both went into defensive stances. They both relaxed when they sat that it was just cops pouring through the door.

Leo grinned when Chief Makor strolled out onto the roof, and directed Kendrix over to meet him. “Nice to meet you in person, Chief Makor,” he said, “I’m Leo Corbett. Thanks for the outside help tonight. I wouldn’t have made it without your help.”

“You’re Red?” Makor asked. Leo nodded. “It was a pleasure.” The two hugged brotherly for a long moment. Kendrix watched them with a proud smile. ‘It’s like they’re old friends,’ she mused.

Leo seperated from Makor and pulled Kendrix close. “Chief Makor, this is my wife, Kendrix,” he said, “Kendrix, this is Chief Makor, the man who was helping me from the outside in the beginning of this adventure.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am,” Makor said, shaking Kendrix’s hand. “And, please, call me Joseph.”

“Pleasure to meet you too, Joseph,” Kendrix replied.

“Where’s the little one?” Joseph asked, “I was hoping to meet her.”

Suddenly, Michelle appeared through the door. “Daddy, mommy!!!” she shouted, lunging at her parents for a hug.

Leo caught Michelle for a big hug. “’Chellie, this is Joseph, a new friend of mine and your mom’s,” he said, “Joseph, this is our daughter, Michelle.”

“Nice to meet you, Michelle,” Joseph said. Michelle shyly buried her face in Leo’s neck. “You two are lucky. She’s a living doll.”

“Thank you,” Kendrix murmured.

“Where are the other terrorists, and the hostages?” Leo asked.

“We stormed the tower, and the former gave up,” Joseph answered, “The latter have already been realeased. Speaking of which, come on, and I’ll try to get you to the parking lot without the press bothering you.” Leo hugged his family, as all three of them followed Joseph.

“Happy birthday, daddy!!!” Michelle exclaimed.

“Happy birthday, sweetheart,” Kendrix added, carrying a cake. “This isn’t quite the birthday party that I had hoped for, but I hope it’s enough.”

“It’s all right, Kendrix,” Leo replied, “I don’t mind that it’s just the three of us this year. I know that, if they could, the others would have made it. Back when we were Rangers, I would have minded, but I don’t anymore.” His ribs were still aching, but they were on the mend.

Kendrix grinned and was about to reply, when the doorbell went off. She went to the front door and opened it, to find Joseph and his kids, Mike and Maya with their newborn twins and eldest son, Damon and Teri with little Tara, Kai and Hannah, and, last but not least, Karone and Zhane. Except for Mike, they were all bearing presents.

“Come on in,” Kendrix said, waving them in. All of her guests did as she said. “The birthday boy is in the dining room, with Michelle.” Nodding, everybody followed her into the dining room, where the party really started.

After Leo blew out the candles, Joseph approached him. “Glad you could come, Joseph,” Leo said.

“Thanks, Leo,” Joseph said. He gestured to his boys. “I’d like you to meet my boys, Troy, Ryan, and Brandon. Boys, this is Leo Corbett, the hero of the hour who stopped the terrorists that took over the tower today.”

“Awesome,” Ryan replied.

“Can we have your autograph?” Brandon asked.

“Sorry about this, Mr. Corbett,” Troy apologized for his younger brothers. “But we’ve never really met a hero before.”

“That’s quite all right, Troy,” Leo responded, laughing. “And call me Leo. I’m not a hero, I’m just a regular cop. Besides, I don’t deserve all of the credit. I had my wife helping me take them on, and your dad helping when he could outside.”

“True, but you did most of the work,” Joseph pointed out.

“Maybe, but I’m still not a hero,” Leo replied, “I’m just a cop that was doing my job, that’s all.”

“No, you’re more than that,” Joseph commented, “You went above and beyond the call of duty. And so, I’ve been authorized to promote you. Congratulations, Lieutenant.”

“Thanks, man,” Leo said, shaking Joseph’s hand.

“Come on, Leo,” Mike said, “The candles are lit, and we’re waiting on you, birthday boy.”

Leo laughed, as he joined them. The cake was still on the table, except this time, there were candles on top, and they were lit. “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you!!! Happy birthday, dear Leo. Happy birthday to you!!!”

“Close your eyes and make a wish, daddy,” Michelle instructed.

Laughing, Leo did as his daughter ordered. ‘I’ve had all the wishes I’ve ever made come true, so I don’t really have anymore to make,’ he thought, ‘I just wish that I could have as normal a life as being a cop allows me.’ With that, he took a deep breath and blew out all of the candles.

As Kendrix turned the lights back on, the others started clapping and cheering. Leo glanced at his wife, as she walked back over to him and gave him a kiss. “Happy birthday, Leo,” she murmured softly.

Leo smiled at Kendrix, who returned his smile. They kissed again, a deep, passionate kiss. The others moaned playfully. “Let’s cut the cake,” Michelle chipped in, “I’m hungry.” Kendrix reluctantly pulled away from Leo and started cutting the cake.

Starting with Kendrix and Michelle, Leo glanced around at all of the guests. He felt that all of them were his family, and felt proud to have a family like the one he did. ‘But there’s no telling what the future will hold,’ he thought, ‘But that’s what I get for living a life in the fast lane.’

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