Here's a one-shot preview, with this one mainly focusing on Ashley/Andros, one of my all-time favorite pairings outside of Tom/Kim, Carter/Dana, Wes/Jen. I can't decide on a lot of others, though, because it may go either way. Anyway, this is kind of an idea of what happened in between the Space and LG series. I can't help but wonder what went on in between those two shows and how did Andros take the fallout of destroying Zordon's energy tube, which a couple authors did. Strange I didn't think of it either when I watched it. Plus, the last episode where the Rangers are on KO-35, I don't know if it's some time after the battle and the backlash against Andros occurred or not. In addition, the revelation of the Rangers' identities to the public is something I have no idea what occurred after that. Anyway, here's a short idea.

Disclaimer: Own absolutely nothing.

After the Countdown

Episode 1: Reactions

"DECA, how long till we reach Earth?" asked Andros.

"Approximately 3 Earth hours", replied the computer.

"Keep us posted DECA", said Andros.

"Acknowledged, Andros", the computer replied.

"So glad we're going back home", said Carlos, "I miss good old-fashioned home cooking."

"You sure it's only that Carlos?" asked Cassie, "I doubt you'll be able to eat in peace after we basically revealed ourselves to the world."

"It won't be that bad, right?" asked Ashley with a bit of worry in her voice.

"If this were KO-35 then it wouldn't be", replied Zhane, "Though, the fact that you guys aren't supposed to reveal yourselves on Earth, that might be a slight problem."

"Slight?" asked TJ, "Zhane, we all took that risk and now we're going to deal with a whole lot of press releases, not to mention people most likely treating us differently."

"Try looking at this whole thing from my position", said Karone, "I'm the former villainess who nearly destroyed your planet and forced you guys to reveal yourselves. I'm just as much going to take heat for this as anyone else might be."

Ashley put a hand on Karone's shoulder to comfort her.

"It wasn't your fault", said Ashley, "Besides, it would've happened eventually. Just a matter of when."

Andros nodded, but he knew that it was going to be a difficult transition period for the whole team once several major factors were considered.

It was almost a week following the Astro Rangers' departure from KO-35. After helping their people, Andros, Zhane, and Karone all joined the Earth Rangers on the Astro Megaship for their voyage home. It was a joyous occasion after the destruction of Dark Spectre's Alliance of Evil and the reign of peace throughout the universe thanks to Zordon's sacrifice. Unfortunately, all of that was the easy part.

Andros was the one who shattered Zordon's energy tube with his Spiral Sabre to release Zordon's energy to wipe out evil from the universe. It was with great hesitation that Andros destroyed the tube, even with Zordon's urging. Despite the sacrifice, the Astro team knew that Andros will be more likely the target of their predecessors' anger once they learn of Andros' involvement in Zordon's demise. The Astro team all agreed to stick by Andros, even at the cost of putting themselves in a bad light in the eyes of Zordon's original 12. The four Earth native Astro Rangers took over the Turbo Rangers spots from four of those Rangers, who were also Mighty Morphin' and Zeo Rangers. Andros will most likely be considered a traitor in those Rangers' minds, however unfair it may seem to the Astro team.

Andros' role will certainly make for a difficult battle, but it would be even more so once the past Rangers meet Karone. In all likelihood, the original Rangers would have learned of Karone's time as the evil Princess of Evil, Astronema. During that time, Karone aided in Dark Spectre's capture of Zordon, which was then followed by Dark Spectre's draining of Zordon's good energy. After the battle ended, Karone learned of what happened, and spent the good part of the next couple of days hiding in her room on the Megaship, overwhelmed by guilt over her involvement in Zordon's end. It took a great deal of support from the team to let her know it wasn't her fault, particularly Andros, Ashley and Zhane. The people of KO-35 might be willing to forgive her, but it was going to be a tough sell with the original Rangers and the people of Earth.

Speaking of said planet, it will arguably be an even greater battle to deal with the fallout of the Astro team revealing their identities to practically the whole world. Granted, it was in Angel Grove they revealed their identities, but who knows about the rest of the world. According to news reports, it was decidedly mixed with the United States obviously concerned about the attacks while the rest of the world wasn't too sure. Still, with their identities made public, it will certainly make the lives of the Earth Rangers uncomfortable to say the least. Andros and Zhane may have been used to it on KO-35, but on Earth, they will most likely be treated as celebrities. Along with Karone, the KO-35 natives will be treated with additional scrutiny due to their status as Rangers or as a former enemy. It was going to be a struggle for the whole Astro team on Earth.

Soon, a beeping was heard from the ship's computers.

"We are receiving a hailing signal", said DECA, "From the planet Aquitar. It is sent by Billy Cranston."

All of the Astro Rangers went alert upon hearing it. The Aquitian Rangers were valuable allies, and the first Blue Ranger was living amongst them. Billy Cranston was a legend for his high level intellect, and the people of Aquitar was benefitting from his knowledge. Unfortunately, he couldn't return to Earth due to his advanced aging, thus having to live on Aquitar to drink the planet's water to slow it. Still, he was a major player in intelligence gathering and weapons defense for the Ranger team.

"Is the transmission coded?" asked Andros, acting out of instinct for fear of possible pocket resistance from the Alliance of Evil.

"Affirmative", replied DECA.

"Decode it and then play the message", said Andros.

"Acknowledged", DECA said.

"What would Billy Cranston want?" asked Ashley.

"More specifically, Aquitar", said Zhane, "It's possible they want to know what happened with Andros on the Dark Fortress."

At that, Andros slightly tensed up, still feeling the raw emotions of guilt and sadness of being the one to end Zordon's life to save the universe from evil. Ashley immediately went up to Andros and reached his arm. Andros relaxed slightly, reveling in Ashley's touch.

A few seconds later, a beeping sound was heard.

"Message decoded", DECA said.

"Play it now", Andros quickly replied.

"Playing now", DECA said.

"Greetings Astro Rangers", said a voice, "This is Billy Cranston. I am pleased to know that you are all still alive and well. I know of Zordon's passing, and I am sorry Andros that you had to do it. I know the others will strongly be angry towards you, but I ask that you look from their viewpoints. Zordon was a father to all of us, and I along with the other original Rangers, wish he was still present. Regardless, you may have more pressing matters to attend to. As your identities were made public, there is a concern that you will be targeted. The Aquitarian government has learned that some of the remaining forces of the Alliance have put out bounties to destroy you as means of vengeance or reputation. It is possible that they will reach Earth and search for all of you. That does not even include possible Earth activities that might have similar intentions to the mercenaries, as most of the people of Earth will seek to follow your every move and possibly seek out means to be recognized. Please contact Aquitar as soon as possible to discuss more on the matter. Cranston out."

"Transmission ended", DECA said.

The Astro Rangers all were sitting silently after the transmission was heard, all asking themselves the same question. 'What now?'

Andros decided to make the answer to that. "DECA, send a transmission to Aquitar on a secured channel. Tell them we're all present and ready to hear from them."

"Sending now", said DECA, "Transmission sent."

"Now all we do is wait", said Andros.

The Astro Rangers all took to their stations, waiting for any word from the Aquitarian government. For the next couple of hours, the transmission was the only thing on their mind as they were examining the ship's operations. What forces are still out there that may still be threats to all of life in the universe after the Alliance was decimated? What did the Aquatarians find?

*BEEP*

"Response received," DECA said, "Visual is available. Aqua Rangers are standing by for transmission."

"Put it on the screen", Andros stated.

The entire team stood to attention and prepared for whatever news the Aqua Rangers had. The viewing screen was turned on, and appearing in front of the Rangers were the Aqua Rangers. Standing in between them was the original Blue Mighty Morphin' Ranger, Billy Cranston, technological extraordinaire.

"Hello Astro Rangers," said Billy, "Thank you for responding quickly."

"Greetings Astro Team," said Delphine the lead Ranger, "We are glad you are still safe, considering the battle's fierceness."

"Greetings everyone," said Andros, "We are glad you all are also well. We received the transmission and you said that there are still remnants of forces out there possibly out to attack us. Could you elaborate on that for us?"

Billy solemnly nodded. "Of course. As you know, the Rangers followed a strict rule of never revealing our true identities in public. The fallout would not only be great, but public scrutiny would be on a scale none of us would be prepared for. I suppose it is a good thing that Angel Grove has received the brunt of all the Ranger teams' presence, so that might help. In any case, the rest of Earth we're not entirely sure of and we are concerned how you might be treated on the planet."

"We understand that", said Cassie, "We all took a big risk but we couldn't let those people be hurt by the Quantrons for the sake of our identities."

"We understand that", said Corco, "And given the situation, I do not believe another way could be found. Nonetheless, you must be careful of the possible fallout. There will be rogue elements within your planet's various governments who will want to capture you for nefarious purposes. That is not even counting the remnant forces from the Alliance."

"With your identities made public, it will embolden them to come to Earth and find you", said Delphine, "Andros, Zhane and Karone are all recognized throughout the universe most likely. But for the Earth based Rangers, there is a concern that these remnant forces will attack you in any way possible."

At that comment, the four Earth rangers all suddenly were wracked with worry. The consequences of their actions would be great, but they never knew how great. Now with the fact that remaining Alliance forces are present, they will have to be extra careful of what they do.

"Is there a way for us to protect ourselves?" asked Carlos, "Those closest to us?"

"We have considered alternatives," said Billy, "We first thought of putting you all in hiding but found it to be highly improbable considering your loved ones will be targeted anyhow."

The Rangers visibly relaxed, knowing that they would never hide in any case.

"As of this moment we will have some of our allies figure out ways to inform you of potential threats", Billy continued, "Trey of Triforia is currently developing a communication system with Blue Senturion and Phantom Ranger to inform you of possible threats. We will also help in creating ways of identifying potential threats who take human form. Rest assured, we are all going to work to our fullest capacities to make sure you all stay safe. You are the Ranger team that defeated the Alliance of Evil and these rogue forces will stop at nothing to hunt you down."

The Astro team all soaked in the information with sobering thoughts. Their lives were irrevocably changed and not necessarily for the better.

"Andros", said Billy. Andros immediately looked up the viewing screen.

"I know that you didn't want to destroy Zordon's energy tube, but seriously, if there was another way, Zordon would have told you. I am glad that Zordon's fight is over, but I wish there was a way still without killing him. You did what you had to do. Let it be known that I do not hold it against you. At first, I was angry and sad, but then I realized that Zordon did what was necessary. You were the better man, Andros. I just hope the others also understand that."

Andros slowly nodded, struggling to hold on to the tears that were threatening to form. Ashley immediately placed her hand on Andros' back to comfort him, and it worked. Andros immediately calmed down.

"We shall end this transmission", said Delphine, "As soon as we learn of anything new, you will know immediately. Good luck Rangers, and may the Power protect you."

"Good-bye", the Astro team said.

The video transmission ended and the Rangers were now staring at space. The Astro team all were standing still in complete silence, now knowing of a new fight that was barely starting after the last one.

"Rangers", said Alpha, "We are now approaching Earth."

"Already?" asked Karone, "That was fast."

"Too fast", said TJ, "Hoped that we'd hold it off for a while longer."

"Not likely", said Ashley, "Let's just hope for the best."

The Megaship entered Earth's atmosphere and landed at NASDA's shuttle launch area, where it was immediately besieged by reporters and civilians alike. All were hoping for a glimpse of the Astro Rangers and only the NASDA security prevented them from rushing out at the risk of getting crushed under the ship's weight. Cameras were flashing and nobody let up on the screaming.

"Guess we knew that part was coming", Zhane cheekily said. No one, however, was laughing, only looking at the scene before them.

The Astro Rangers knew what was coming, with their public identities on Earth and the threat of rogue enemies. From this day forward, they were to be at their best if they wanted to survive.

The ship landed, and the engines shut down. Everyone stood up, not one making any movement, all except one.

"Let's go team", said Andros, "We have a lot to do."

Everyone stood to attention, and followed Andros out to the docking area. Ashley stood to Andros' right, while everyone else surrounded them on either side. With deep breaths, the Rangers prepared for the media bombardment.

"DECA", said Andros, "Open the doors."

"Acknowledged", said DECA.

The bay doors opened, and as they walked out, cameras were flashing and people screamed with questions and praise. The space Rangers were all walking out to a new unknown as a team, and as a team, they will face whatever is coming their way. They just didn't know what would come their way.

So here it is. I hope someone can pick this up and maybe turn this idea into a full length story. See you soon.