Through the thick, foggy glass plate that covered a small crevice of dense rock which served as a window, all he could see was the whirling sandstorms that blanketed the dry, lifeless desert planet of Sentar B. Spiraling, obscure, and desolate. Dark and despairing.

Such a barren environment would make any newcomer solemn. There was no life whatsoever on the surface, forcing those who dared make this rock home to seek the enclosed, shadowy caves beneath the surface. Not even the bravest of souls can live long amongst such hopeless emptiness.

Yet, he was different. He wasn't solemn, nor did he view his current home as desolate. In his view, anything was welcome compared to the thick block of ice that served as his home for two years.

Surely, he wasn't conscious during that time. In fact, he was more or less comatose, walking the thin line between life and death.

It made him appreciate life all the more, despite the conditions of it.

However, young Zhane had always been an optimist. The glass was never half empty. There was always light at the end of the tunnel. No circumstances were too despondent. Nothing could eclipse the everlasting glow of hope.

True, the survivors of KO-35 were trapped on a sphere of sandstorms, hiding from Dark Specter's forces who sought to finish what they had started two years ago, when the human colony was all but destroyed. True, they had been discovered by Darkonda, now forcing them to again leave their colony in search of a safer existence.

But, on the brighter side, the people could find a home that better suited human life. Also, they had the protection of the Silver Ranger, famed warrior and nobleman long before Dark Specter ever came into the lives of the people. He was looked up to as a shining star, or a sign from the Fates that KO 35 would be renewed. The Prince had survived his brush with death, and had returned to the realm of the living with the same charisma and sparkling personality that made him who he was.

It was a refreshing taste of the good days for all the rebels who were old enough to have been acquainted with the stories of Prince Zhane, the ever irresponsible, rather naïve, yet always loveable son of the Prime Minister Leonatus.

Now, the light-hearted young man leaned against the sharp rock wall, seated upon a wooden crate of supplies, with his vapid bright eyes staring forth through the window. Anyone else would have seen thick dust clouds. Yet he saw the eternal, endless expanse of the sky, littered with glistening stars, each one the center of a solar system that just might have a planet similar enough to KO 35 for the rebels to live upon comfortably.

Faintly, he wondered if somewhere in the sky hanging above was the invisible celestial fortress of the Princess of Evil.

The daydreaming prince was so rapt in his reverie that he didn't hear the approach of the elderly leader of the Sentar B colony.

"What occupies your thoughts, Zhane?" he inquired, seating himself on a nearby crate and gathering the folds of his brown robe, "I never thought you could be so quiet."

"I'm just wondering what kind of planet we'll find," Zhane responded, turning away from the window to his visitor.

Kinwon nodded. "I hope we will find concealment better than this planet proved to be. If you Power Rangers hadn't stumbled across Sentar B, Darkonda would have destroyed us all!"

Zhane smiled. "The Fates are watching, my friend. Our planet may have been taken from us, but we will survive until we can reclaim it."

A nostalgic smile perked Kinwon's aged lips. "You sound so much like your father, Zhane. Determination was never lacking in your family."

Zhane shrugged at the compliment. He then glanced up at Kinwon, a question lurking in his crystal eyes. "There... there aren't many survivors here," he said quietly, "I've only seen a few hundred or so rebels."

"Indeed. But don't fret, for there are several dozen small rebel units throughout the galaxy. Leonatus realized how dangerous it would be if we all remained together. It is far harder to hide the thousands of survivors in one locale. Each colony is headed by one of the Prime Minister's appointed ministers, advisors, or others of merit. Also, we have ceased any contact between colonies, so if any one colony were captured, Dark Specter would have no way to squeeze information about the locations of the other colonies."

Kinwon rose, and gently squeezed the Silver Ranger's shoulder. "Your family made it off KO 35 unharmed. I am certain they are alive."

"I am too," Zhane said in an unwavering voice.

"So, what troubles you?" Kinwon pressed, "Is it leaving your friends behind?"

"No, I'm not troubled," Zhane answered, "I'm just... thinking."

"Very well, my Prince. Just, do not hide yourself from the other Kerovans for long. I'm certain they would love to hear of your adventures. It gives such hope knowing that you have survived."

With that, the leader stepped away from Zhane, and left the storage closet.

Zhane watched him go, guilt marring his face. He couldn't bring himself to tell Lord Kinwon, one of his father's closest friends and advisors, the truth.

Certainly, Zhane was eager to help his people. He felt the need to, considering his social position. Also, without the aid of a Power Ranger, the colony wouldn't be able to relocate safely. Someone needed to watch over them, in case Darkonda would return.

But that wasn't it. He also had the burning need to separate himself from the front lines of the battle against Astronema. He didn't tell anyone... not even his close friend Andros, about his conflicting emotions.

But they were there.

For Zhane knew that there was an inevitable confrontation brimming between the Power Rangers and Dark Specter's most prized ally. Astronema.

Zhane was the Prince of KO 35. He had a responsibility to his people, and to his father, to uphold justice and truth. He was a Power Ranger. His duty was to protect life, in all its forms. Primary on that list was the defeat of the forces of darkness, and Astronema was at the top of the list.

He couldn't trust himself. He knew how his inexplicable feelings for Astronema put not only himself in danger... but the others. Take, for example, his recent date with her. He was willing to let the Power Rangers fight without him, just so he wouldn't be late!

He was always a bit irresponsible. He liked to think of himself as a free spirit. But no amount of youthful brashness could excuse him from disloyalty.

He was fortunate the other Rangers were strong enough to hold out until his tardy arrival.

What were his priorities? He had already demonstrated that he'd let Andros... the young man for whom he nearly died two years ago... face possible destruction, just so he could be in the presence of the Princess of Evil. What kind of a friend was he? What kind of a Power Ranger was he?

He had always been very open about his romantic interests with Andros. After all, they were the best of friends. But he knew there was no way he'd consider telling Andros about his uncontrollable attraction to Astronema. A deceptive, murdering, maniacal witch.

He couldn't bear Andros' reaction to his plight. He doubted the Red Ranger would be very understanding.

Zhane sighed deeply, gathering his legs toward his chest. He suddenly felt cold... just like the icy aura that encased him for two years during his healing. He hated being separated from those he loved. It was very hard for him to say goodbye to Andros, and to the other Rangers, who welcomed him into their lives with open arms.

It was very difficult for him to say goodbye to Astronema... although he didn't get the chance to say it to her. Instead, he said it in his heart.

But, he had to go. He had to leave, so as to avoid a truly impossible situation. He could always say that, if push came to shove, he'd side with Andros against Astronema. He could say it firmly, and to a certain extent, he could believe it.

But... he couldn't be sure. How would he know the desires of his heart wouldn't overcome his bonds of friendship? It was too risky to be placed to the test. It could cost Andros, or the other Astro Rangers, their lives. Then, the chain reaction would be unstoppable. If the Power Rangers fell, then the entire universe would fall, piece by piece...

...and it would all be his fault.

Yes, it was the cowardly way out. He was playing it safe, allowing his friends to go to the front lines without him. But, it was the only way for him to act. At least, until he had figured out exactly where he stood. He certainly couldn't stand the fence between Astronema and the Rangers. He couldn't have it both ways. It was one... or the other.

If he followed his heart, he'd do everything in his power to somehow reach the core of goodness he was so sure he perceived in Astronema. If he followed his head, he'd put her out of his thoughts entirely, and wouldn't take the chance of her taking advantage of his feelings for her, to destroy the Power Rangers.

After all, this... feeling of purity that he perceived within the Princess of Evil could be exactly that. A feeling. A figment of his imagination. A fantasy... and if he played a hunch that proved wrong, all of creation would pay for his blunder.

Young Zhane was an optimist. He always saw the glass as half full. There was always a light at the end of a tunnel...

...but even the most optimistic of men would see that a relationship between Good and Evil was impossible.

No matter how he longed to, he couldn't trust Astronema. He could love her... that much was clear. But he couldn't trust her. He must love her from a distance.

As great a distance as possible.

For no matter how strong his dreams were, Zhane couldn't make his vain fantasies a reality.

Only the Fates could.

To Be Continued in "Looking Glass"

The End