"Because you hopped on board a UFO and blasted off before we could get there!" Rocky remonstrated. They couldn't believe he'd gone just like that, and now this seemed so much more permanent.

"Besides at least then we knew where you were!" Adam said. "This time we don't know where you are going."

"That includes me" Billy laughed nervously "If it means anything I'm pretty sure we will be going to Aquitar! I promise to send you a postcard."

"You'd better!" Adam threatened.The thunderstruck illusions faded away before her eyes, reality taking their place. Cassie found herself leaning against Andros, his arms wrapped around her waist for support. It was tempting just to stay there, but she forced herself to pull upright and smiled at him.
          "You all right, Cassie?" Kimberly asked. "First time's the longest, but we were a little worried when we all came out of it and you were still in."
          Cassie shrugged. "I'm fine, really," she replied. "Let's get moving again, okay?" Then Sandy was helping him out, prying his fingers off of the ladder and pulling him through the hatch with a grip that probably could have bent hull plating. Zhane was right behind him, his face pale as Sandy dropped her flashlight and used both hands to haul him out and steady him. "You all right?" she asked, searching his expression.

He nodded, brushing her off and slouching over toward the transparent doors at the end of the hallway. Andros met Sandy's gaze, silently apologizing for his friend's behavior. She just smiled and shook her head, mouthing it's okay and cocking her head in Zhane's direction. He took the hint, following the Silver Ranger while Sandy waited for the others.

Zhane was leaning against the doors now, and he said nothing as Andros joined him. He looked better, though, greedily soaking up the outdoor vista as he was wont to do whenever he felt trapped. Andros was suddenly struck by the familiarity of that expression: it was the same one his Zhane had been wearing nonstop for the last few days. Now matter how hard he tried he couldn't remember when it had first appeared, and it worried him.

          The other Rangers nodded, and the group headed off, soon reaching the exit of the cave. As they stood, taking in the fresh, open air, Andros leaned over and whispered in Cassie's ear. "For what it's worth, I think you're beautiful," he told her. For a second, she couldn't figure out what he meant, then she realized that he must have heard her talking to the illusions.
          "Thanks, Andros," she replied. "That means a lot." More than you'll ever know.

"Be careful, both of you!" Tommy ordered in his best leader voice and then smiled, still regretful they were not all going out into space together.

"We'll give it our best attempt just for you." Skye replied wryly. "And you, you all take care of yourselves while Billy isn't here to patch up the zords and all". The artists tone was light, but his eyes seemed to seek out Jason and Rocky in particular. He gave a nearly silent sigh.

"If I come back and find that you've wrecked ANOTHER set of Zords...so help me!" Billy said in a mock growl, causing everyone to laugh. Finally the girls gathered round and hugged the pair ending the farewells. Just as the Rangers were leaving to give Billy and his dad some privacy, Adam turned one last time.