DISCLAIMER: Saban, DC. Short and to the point. Thanks again to Cinders for letting me use her storyline. Hope you like this...

ALTERNATE POWER PATHWAYS: THE TIME HAS COME
by: C.A. Turner

Billy sat alone at the controls of the Mega Ship. The repairs were nearly complete. Slowly he lowered the panel he held, into place, tightening the fastenings. Andros had offered to help him, earlier, but Billy had insisted on doing the repairs alone. His excuse was, that all of them needed as much rest as they could get, before continuing on in their quest to find Zordon.

In the course of the last few days, everyone had become edgy and were in a rush to get going, and he could well understand it. The longer the repairs took, the further away Zordon was from them.

He hated doing it, but Billy had received some reports about Earth, and he'd been keeping them to himself. The reports were, that Astronema and Arcus had been wreaking havoc on Earth. And with a heavy heart, Billy had held it in, knowing that there was nothing that they could do, that wasn't being done already. Lord Trey from Triforia as well as Blue Centurion, were doing all that they could for Earth, as well as the other dimensional heroes who were there. So he had decided, that for the benefit of the rest of the group, he'd keep it all to himself, until they were in a position to do something.

Billy brought his thoughts back to the moment, and the repairs that needed to be finished.

"How do you feel, DECA?" Billy asked, looking up at the red electronic eye.

"All systems are optimal, William," Billy smiled, remembering the time when he had sounded just like that, a time long before all of this had happened. A time when everything seemed... right.

He had kept his promise to everyone, about telling them about his reasons behind the deception. About how, when the aging started up again, it brought to the surface all of the anger and pain that he'd kept bottled up inside of him for years; how he'd let the alternate self take over just so that he could deal with it all.

He had apologized to them all, and with smiles and handshakes; and not to mention the back slapping, they had all forgiven him. Now he found himself with a few more friends than he'd left behind.

"You can call me 'Billy', DECA. All of my friends do."

"All right, William," Billy smiled again. It seemed such a strange thing to do, lately. It had been so long since he'd had anything to smile about, that it had become as foreign to him as dry land had become to the Aquitians.

Grabbing up a nearby rag, Billy wiped his hands, then tucked it back into the pocket he'd kept it in. Looking things over, he turned to leave the bridge, and found himself face to face with the Morphin Grid and it's containment field. For a long moment he just stood there, staring at it. The Grid had restored to him, his youth, but ever since, as he tried to unravel it's mysteries, he had failed. He had tried to unlock the Morphin Powers; he thought he knew how, but nothing ever happened. The Morphin Powers were locked up tightly within it, and he couldn't help the Rangers.

Ever since that day, he'd kept hearing small voices in his head, telling him what to do, but nothing had ever worked. He began to think that the voices were of his own imaginings. Frustrated by his failures with the Grid, Billy had turned to concentrating on fully restoring the Mega Ship's systems back to normal, and joining the others in finding Zordon. He had begun to feel like they had come all this way, hoping that he could help them, for nothing.

Slowly, Billy circled the Grid, trying to find the ever elusive answers, "What do I need to do, old friend? How can the former Rangers regain their powers, so that they can continue on to save Zordon? You remember Zordon, don't you?" What was he doing? He was talking to an inanimate object, like it was a living, breathing being. "I've totally lost it," Billy said to himself as he stopped circling.

"What have you lost, William?" DECA asked in her simple electronic voice.

"Nothing, DECA. I think I'll head down to the engine room; make sure that everything is as you said. Optimal."

"Very well, William," Billy shook his head as he left the bridge. He was beginning to really like DECA.

* * * Back on Earth...

The building that had once housed the Nation's Presidents for hundreds of years, now lay in ruins. Old Glory, stripped from the flag pole, lay in a burned heap at it's base. Debris covered the steps that once lead up to the glorious building. It was at the base of these steps that a large crowd had gathered. Gathered, not because they had wanted to, but because their appearance was demanded. Murmurs went up amongst the crowd about what was happening.

They knew that if there were any problems found among the people, the food rations would be taken away, or they would be placed in camps. Any work performed was done for the sole benefit of the newly proclaimed leaders.

Of all the questions going around the crowd, the main ones were; where were the Power Rangers, and why weren't they stopping the enemy? They stopped him throughout the world, why not here, in Washington, DC?

All sounds died down as a flash of purple and silver light appeared at the top of the steps. All eyes were trained on their new 'rulers.' The man, dressed in black and grey, strode forward, his arrogance prominent in his walk and stance. The woman, dressed in black, was pale and evil and remained behind him, a staff held in her hands.

"You are all probably wondering why I've brought you here today?" Arcus called out, looking at the large crowd that stretched back for nearly a block. Not all of the citizens had been called forth, his workers needed to keep working.

There were slight murmurs of agreement before his upraised hands silenced them all.

"Well, you'll soon find out. Though, I'd really like to clear up one little rumor that's been going around," he moved toward the edge of the steps, his hands clasped behind his back. "I'm sure you've heard that some heroes from the comic books, you know, Batman, Wonder Woman, Hawkman, and the like, they've been stopping me, making sure I fail. Know this: We will be preparing for them very soon." Arcus smiled smugly.

Karone willed herself to remain stoic. She couldn't afford to let anyone see her true anger and disgust, though it was literally killing her on the inside.

There was a slight movement at the back of the crowd as a lone figure pushed through the packed bodies. Every now and then he'd stop to try and look over the shoulders of the crowd, trying to spot his destination. He passed by shabbily clad men who had once, mere weeks ago, been lawyers in their three piece suits, as well as mothers who gently coddled their babies and toddlers, trying to keep the quiet. Spotting his destination, he began to wade through the crowd once again.

"What's happening?" he asked the tallest man to his left.

"They," he pointed toward the steps of the demolished White House, "told everyone that they were getting ready for the superheroes, which is no good. Things are only gonna get tougher from here on out."

"By the way, where are the others?"

"They're both on work detail today. Only those not working today, were required to be here," the young woman responded, keeping her gaze forward.

Both of the other's eyes snapped forward at the sound of Arcus' voice, "For those of you who wish to defy me, I have a little something that will make you reconsider those plans."

In a black blur, a figure appeared with two more figures in his grasp. Everyone recognized Ecliptor. He made the rounds in the streets at night, dragging anyone out into the streets who refused to obey the curfew laws. But more recognizable, were the two figures he held. One was bound and kneeling at Ecliptor's feet, the other was restrained with chains, trying to stand as proudly as possible, despite the obvious beatings he had taken recently.

The crowd grew immediately silent as they gazed upon the two bound men. Arcus moved forward to take Ecliptor's place between them.

"Good. I see I have your undivided attention. I'm sure that each and every one of you recognize these two men. This man here," he moved to stand next to the kneeling man, "use to rule this pathetic country, before I arrived. He has seen fit to stand down, and turn over all power and rule to me. Your President doesn't look so kingly now, does he?" Arcus pulled the President's head back by his hair. The suit that he wore was torn and bloody, his face cut and bruised. His normally combed black hair, was a mess of tangles now. A few people gasped at the unfamiliar sight.

Slowly, Arcus bent to whisper into the President's ear, "Who rules now?"

"Screw you!" The President gritted out from between clenched teeth. Another quick jerk on his hair threatened to nearly tear his head from his shoulders.

"Who...rules!" Arcus growled back. But his words were only rewarded with...

"IT SURE AS HELL ISN'T YOU, CRYBABY!" Followed by a slab of concrete, aimed & true, heading straght for Arcus. Once he was nailed, Superman snatched the President out of the line of fire.

"Know this, Arcus: I am gonna be on you like tight jeans on Brooke Shields! Make one wrong move, and I will be all over it, and you! It will end soon!"

The smaller group watched in amazement as the President was rescued by the Man of Steel. The younger man nearly cheered as he tried to make his way toward the steps. But the taller man stood in his way, a hand pressed against the younger man's chest, staying him.

"You can't go off half cocked like that. You'll only get yourself killed, then what?"

"We've worked too hard to put the resistance together for your hot headedness to end it now. Please... " The young woman begged.

The young man's intense green eyes looked back and forth between the two, "Okay, okay. You're right. And we do have a meeting tonight. And time," he looked back up to the top of the steps and Superman carrying the President to safety "...is running out."

Arcus moved to stand before his second and final prisoner. The prisoner kept his eyes raised, looking up into the air, refusing to lower himself to look upon Arcus. Arcus only laughed. For somewhere next to them, someone handed Arcus something. Arcus then slowly brought the object up between them, watching as the prisoner's adverted eyes fell, focusing on the object he held in his hands.

"Good. You do recognize this then," he waved it tauntingly.

"Recognize this?" another voice yelled. A silken rope, attached to a batarang, wrapped around the object, which turned out to be the Gold Zeo Ranger's Power Staff, which was then yanked out of Arcus' hands.

Arcus gazed back at the bound man, his black and gold robes... tattered and torn. The tattooed lines above and below his eye, were nearly lost amongst the numerous bruises that colored his handsome features.

"This... is Lord Trey, from the planet Triforia. Better known to all of you, as the Gold Ranger. Batman may have snatched your staff from me, but I still have..."

A red blur cut him off, rescuing Trey. Cries of joy rose up from the crowd once more, to Arcus' growing anger.

As he left with Lord Trey, the Flash gave Arcus a well deserved Bronx cheer. "PFBBBBBBBBBT!"

Karone watched, with a lightened heart, as the heroes made complete fools out of Arcus. But it wasn't over yet.

As she moved forward, next to Arcus, she leaned to whisper in his ear. "I think that you have proven to everyone, who's truly pathetic. Give up, now, while you've still got some pride left in you."

Arcus turned his head to look at her, "You use to be the most wicked and evil being I had ever seen..."

"Emphasis on 'Used to be.' She then whispered in his ear "Your beloved bitch Astronema is dead and gone. Karone is back, and this time, I'm back for good!"

"NO! You're lying!" he shouted, moving away from her as she just got closer, saying one word: "Loser."

Once more, Arcus stood at the very top of the steps. He was pissed.

"You'll get yours, Karone! How you'll get yours!"

"As I've already stated, I know there is a resistance going on. For those who know of it and can give me a list of people involved, they will receive those people's rations for the duration of your own life, under my servitude. Come on now, don't be afraid. Step forward."

The small group held their breaths as the gazed around at the crowd. There were several people there that knew of the resistance they headed, and some of them they had been uncertain of. There were some, who they often wondered, would rat them out, if given the chance. As they fretted, gazing over the crowd, the tallest man spotted an elderly man, as he moved slightly forward. His back was bent by years of hard living. He had attended some of the meetings, making sure to announce to everyone what would happen to them all if they were found out. They had tried to convince him to join them, and that what they were doing was the right thing. His military background would have given them an advantage.

Almost as if he knew right where they were in the crowd, he locked eyes with them, then he looked away. They had always worried that he might be the one to rat on them. As the tall man watched, the elderly man stopped his progress through the crowd, just a few feet from the steps. Arcus watched him approach, a smile on his face. A smile that seemed to waver when the old man stopped.

"Is there something you'd like to tell me... old man?" Arcus questioned, arms folded over his chest.

"No. Nothing. I was just trying to get closer so that I could hear clearly. Bad hearing... mind you," the old man tapped the hearing aide, almost invisible, in his left ear. Arcus turned, in exasperation.

"Very well. When I find these people, and I find out who all knew of them, along with these heroes that have shown up, you will find yourselves facing the wrong end of my blaster, as your weak President almost did, were it not for Superman."

"AND KARONE! Speaking of which..."

A bat-shaped sillouette flew towards her, and in a heartbeat, she and it were gone. Arcus snarled "You can have that traitor, you bat-freak!"

The small group let out a collective sigh of relief, as the elderly man remained silent. But, how long would it be before someone did give into the offer? And offer like that was too good to give up. They had to do something, and they had to do it fast.

After Arcus left, the crowd remained gathered for a little longer, talking among themselves about what had happened. Soon, fear in their hearts, they slowly departed, leaving the trio lagging behind.

"What time do the others get off of work detail?" the young man asked.

"I think, about... eight tonight," the woman replied, her gaze cast down.

"Then the meeting will take place as scheduled. I'll see you guys later."

"Okay, bro. Take care."

"Don't worry about me," the younger man called back over his shoulder, as he walked away.

They watched him disappear around the corner. Worried, the tall man turned to the woman at his side, "That's all I do, is worry about him. One of these days his recklessness will get him killed."

"But, ever since this... Arcus took over, he's been doing a lot better at being careful. He knows now, what is at stake."

"You're right. Let's get out of here. This place is starting to give me the creeps."

"I'm right behind you," the woman said, as she followed him from, the now empty, street.

* * *

The Old Command Center, restored

"Megaship, dead ahead!" Hawkman yelled.

Billy 2 spoke up. "Is everyone there?"

"Yup, plus Karone. Did you find..." Jason asked.

"Uh-huh, he did. Good to hear from you, again, Jase." Billy smiled.

Within 15 minutes, Billy was reunited with all of his old friends, introduced to their counterparts, and the otherworld heroes, and after an hour of handshakes, kisses, hugs, and trading stories, Billy promptly went to work with the Morphin Grid.

***

"Any luck with the Grid?" Billy jumped, startled by the unexpected voice.

"None. Ever since that day I touched it I thought it was telling me what to do, but everything I've tried to do hasn't worked. And ever since then, it hasn't done anything else. No glowing, pulsing... nothing. I've touched it, held it, everything I could think of to make it do something."

Andros 2 moved to stand next to Billy, who was checking the readings on the main power excellerator. "Kim's worried about you."

"She always is. Ever since we were kids," Billy smiled at the memories. One of the few good ones he still remembered. "How is everyone doing?"

"The injuries are all nearly healed. Now everyone's just biding time until they we can continue with our mission. The longer we stay here, the further Zordon gets away from us."

"I understand. That same thought has been on my mind every day and night."

"I trust you. You'll be able to get us going before you know it."

"I only hope that your trust is well founded." Andros smiled one of his rare smiles and patted Billy's shoulder, before leaving the young bearded genius to his work.

Billy had no idea of the time that passed between Andros' leaving and the whispered voice that called out his name. At first it was a mere whisper, so soft that Billy wondered if he had actually heard it at all. But then it seemed as if someone was almost yelling his name, the voice becoming more and more urgent in it's tone.

Laying aside the schematics, he moved to the engine room door, "Andros?" Silently he listened for a response. Where there was none forthcoming, Billy returned to his work. But, no sooner had he picked the papers back up, then he heard his name called out again.

"DECA, scan the ship for life forces."

"Yes, William," Billy continued on with his work, while DECA scanned the ship.

Quietly and cautiously, Billy made his way along the empty corridors of the Mega Ship, listening intently for any other sounds.

Carefully he checked in each open door, and soon found himself on the bridge of the ship, once again.

Leaning back against the console, Billy gazed around at the bridge at the numerous consoles and seats. His gaze soon came to settle on the silent Morphin Grid. He'd nearly given up on ever unlocking the Grid's secrets and the powers. Powers that were desperately needed in order to save Zordon. Now they'd have to rely on physical devices such as weapons, to defend themselves. A task that seemed nearly impossible.

"Not impossible." Billy jumped at the unexpected voice.

"Who's there?"

"You know. Deep down inside of you, you remember my voice."

"No, it can't be."

"But it is, young pup."

"But, you've been silent ever since you returned me to my natural age."

"No. You have only now, been willing to hear me." Cautiously, Billy moved nearer to the Morphin Grid's containment field. As he drew near, the Grid seemed to pulse with a life of it's own.

"How did you restore me to my natural age?"

"It is a difficult process to explain, and there is little time."

"You know about Zordon?" Why he was surprised by this knowledge, was beyond him.

"Yes. There is a great emptiness within myself that he once filled. But, there is more."

"More?"

"Yes. Your home world is still in great danger. Already the forces of evil have taken over the rule of your nation's capitol, this you already know. You and the others must prepare must prepare to leave as soon as possible, if you are to save your world."

"We have no powers to defend it with."

"It is for this reason that I have restored your age to you. You are to be the conductor for my power, through which all the others will become endowed with the power once more."

"Will we be given back our old powers?" Deep inside he hoped they would. He had missed the Wolf for far too long.

"You will be given the powers which you all have been destined to hold. Those that were rightfully yours from the start."

"The Zeo powers..."

"Yes, including the Zeo powers. They come from a shadow part of the Grid. Though they follow the rules of science, they are magical in origin."

Billy took a moment to let it all sink in. Using his brain, he tried to remember all of the powers, as well as the number of former Rangers. As far as he could tell, some of the Rangers would receive powers they had never held before. With pride, he looked at the Grid,

"What do I have to do?"

"Bring all of the former Rangers to me. Once they are here, remove my containment field, place your hand into the Grid. I will let you know who to call forth. When you do so, you will touch their hand, and the power will be transferred from me, through you, to the receiver of the powers."

Billy smiled. Deep in his heart he hoped that the powers of the Blue Morphin Ranger and the wolf spirit would he his once more. And he couldn't help but let the name the Grid had called him, boost that hope. 'Pup.'

"I'll get them together and bring them here as soon as possible."

"Very well. Return as quickly as you can. Time is against you all." Without another word, Billy raced from the Mega Ship to gather all of the former Rangers.

* * *

As Billy lead the group back to the Mega Ship, he was bombarded with questions from everyone. He tried the best he could to keep up with the few answers he had, until each Ranger have five or more, each, to answer.

"Everything will be explained soon," was the only answer Billy had left to give. The questions didn't stop, but were only whispered amongst the group.

In pairs, they moved up the ramp, boarding the Mega Ship.

The volume of the questions being asked seemed nearly deafening in the much smaller confines of the Mega Ship's corridors.

There was nearly a pile up, when Billy stopped outside of the closed bridge doors. Gathering their sense and balance, they back up a few feet from Billy. Turning, he faced the confused group with a smile.

"There is a way for all of you to get your powers back, but you have to be as quiet as possible and trust me," everyone nodded their understanding and agreement, as they followed Billy onto the bridge.

They stood, crowded, in the entrance of the bridge as they watched Billy move to the Grid's containment field.

As soon as the containment field was detached, Billy sat it aside and glared down at the pulsating, green orb of light that was the Morphin Grid.

"They're all here."

"I can feel them."

Billy glanced back at the others who stared at him as if he'd grown a second head, and was talking to it.

"I'm the only one that can hear you? Why?"

"You've had the most recent contact with me, and you are open to me. The others will hear me in time."

"I understand. Are you ready to proceed?"

"I am. Do as I have instructed you," Billy nodded as he reached his hand out to touch the Grid.

* * *

"Is everyone ready? Are Cindy & Jamie here?" Isis asked.

"We're all here. Billy, let's get started." Billy 2 smiled, when a greenish glow cast in front of them, soon revealing a 3rd set of Lightstar Rangers, and 11 others, who were Rangers, but wore the costumes of the Justice League.

Trini 2 said it for everyone. "Does anyone else hear the little 'X-Files' whistle on this one?"

THE END