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Disclaimer: Characters belong to us even though Haim Saban has the concept rights. This is the second fanfic after the Battle for Minosian Liberation Subseries ended. Those of you who read the last one know that the threat from the Scarlet Ranger is over and Nightshade is basically in custody pending the results of brain surgery.
A Day out from Capsilon IX while Tara is sitting in the small kitchen trying to fix a Vietnamese dish she liked. Alexis Warren walks in on her.
"Tara, I looked for you in the Medical Bay. I figured you would be maintaining vigil over your friend," Alexis said.
"I was hungry and didn’t feel like trying to trust the Synthetron in the Medical Bay. Knowing what jokes are made about hospital food I was worried that some of the parts to the Synthetron in there would make the food less appetizing," Tara said.
"Just as well anyway," Alexis said. "Andrew and I/Oca were worried about you."
"They didn’t know Nina the way I did," Tara said. "Knowing Andrew he would probably have preferred to just throw the cuffs on her without hesitation."
"Andrew has been under a ton of stress according to Amelia and my mom. Right after his back and shoulder were injured he found out that he was being considered for possible promotion to Lieutenant from Sergeant and the whole thing didn’t go well. Captain Griff the Commander of the office on Capsilon is gunning for him out of need more then anything. He wants Andrew as his second in command. A lot of the younger Rangers except Bobby, Sarah, and Mitsu. They attend school in the settlement near the base. Amelia, Greg, Marsha, the Jackson Twins, Tyrone they all have Andrew’s wife Janet for class since she teaches Galactic History and they are worried how she will act around them. I’m lucky and I won’t have her until next year," Alexis said.
"What I find strange is the rangers all have living quarters and yet At least Sarah lives at home," Tara said.
"They all pretty much live at home. The two new rangers Kistra and Linoka live in a hotel in Old Colony and Mitsu actually uses her quarters but that’s so as to protect her family. Apparently her family has received a lot of death threats in some of the other places she lived. Andrea lives with Amelia’s family but then she doesn’t have much family anymore. She recently lost both her parents," Alexis replied.
Andrew came in right then still using the hoverchair.
"Tara, anything good on the stove?" He asked.
"Just some Vietnamese food I like," Tara said.
"With or without meat?" Andrew inquired since he was a vegetarian.
"With meat," Tara replied.
"I think I’ll pass," Andrew said.
"Lex, what kind of tidbits did you pick up on that whole issue?" Tara wondered.
"Mrs. Hammond reluctantly dropped off some soy noodles for him to eat. Andrew is a Vegetarian," Alexis informed her.
"Between here and Earth there isn’t much I can do about it but I’ll find time to plan some appropriate menus for the return trip. Let’s face it Lex you will find Earth to be a fun place. Our primary destination Mariner Bay I actually lived there for a short time. Then I lost my family and was sent to live with the Rimyards in Los Angeles. From there after a short time we moved to Capsilon IX with the Zhangs," Tara briefed Alexis in.
"Who are the Zhangs I’m not sure I know them," Alexis pointed out.
"Bobby and his parents," Tara said. "One time shortly after we all moved here Bobby and Sarah were at the Youth Center and actually met a power ranger only she was unmorphed and they didn’t even realize it," Tara told them. "Of course there were rumors that she was since she arrived right when the Rangers first appeared."
"You will probably spend most of the time holding vigil by Nightshade," Alexis said.
"I will some but I want to find a Dark Dark Red 2 piece non bikini style swim suit in addition to Dark Dark Red Spring and Winter jackets especially to wear to school," Tara told her.
"Robert spoke to Michelle about the swim suit issue and regulation issue swim suits are one piece," Alexis said.
"These won’t be issue though but out of my money," Tara pointed out. "As for uniforms I refuse to wear the jacket in school."
"It is permitted. I spoke to Alpha briefly and the rangers are issued PT Uniforms including swimwear, Fatigues, Utilities, and a dress uniform. All of it through GSA. They even have special ID cards separate of Colony ID’s," Alexis said. "Amelia carries her Battalion ID Card, her school ID, Her electronic payment card, and her colony ID. I didn’t bother getting a Battalion ID and I lack a EP Card so I only carry two cards my Colony ID and my School ID."
"What last name did you put down on your ID?" Tara wondered.
"Warren. I didn’t feel like using Amelia’s last name," Alexis said.
"Alexis, when you look at it we are two of a kind people connected with the battalion who are in fact outsiders. Nightshade tricked me into becoming a ranger. It wasn’t my choice. That’s why I’m trying to distance myself from the Scarlet Ranger. IF I was to propel myself full steam into the Battalion it will affect the populous enough that a long amount of time would be needed for me to get a decent reputation," Tara pointed out.
"Tara, It’s my guess that even after I become eligible I might not receive powers right away. Yet I plan on continuing with the Battalion in some kind of non combatant role. This one girl I sort of hung with after I came to the surface Tyra Johnson was with the Battalion Ever since it was established on Capsilon IX even though she left the rangers early in 69 she stayed on in a technical role. She was on the tech crew while the Demona Rangers were fighting you and Nightshade. You could always assist in a non combatant role yourself," Alexis pointed out.
"I’d prefer not being affiliated period yet You think there is much of a chance that Someone whether it’s your mom or Michelle or even your sister will accept my resignation after Nina is separated from Nightshade?" Tara wondered.
"Can’t say Tara, I’ve just started to get to know Amelia and Michelle. I probably know Patricia and their parents better then I know Amelia. After all Amelia and the others weren’t back long when we ended up leaving on this mission," Alexis said. "Being able to visit Earth should prove interesting. When I was training in the ways of the Crystal Guardians the possibility of visiting another planet was far from my mind. All that my mom the Guardian of the Temple and her friends Edrik and Remonna the only remaining Crystal Guardians spoke of was the importance of protecting the crystals from evil. WE had already lost one Crystal by then and didn’t want to lose the others. We ended up hiding seven crystals in a mine under one of the settlements. Several times it looked like we would lose those seven but it didn’t happen. When the Crystals were found it was by a science team from the Command Bunker. I didn’t realize it and mom had to point it out to me but Amelia was the person to actually find the crystals," Alexis said.
"What crystals. Not the ones the Rangers use and I used to use," Tara said.
"Yes in fact it was the Zordoniam Crystals that Amelia found. Marsha and Bobby were also on the team that found them. Amelia was already a Jr. Ranger by then. If we had thought about it Marsha and Bobby easily could have also been Jr. Rangers," Andrew said. Since he hadn’t spoken much the two women had forgotten he was still there. "Tara I assume you do have your morpher with you in case we run into trouble."
"Let see did I bring it along. I’m not sure if I did. After all technically I should never have had it to begin with," Tara said.
"I hope your brought it since you have the job of providing security for the ship in an emergency. Did you have a zord when you were evil?"
"Yes Catherine the War Zord. Nightshade’s was Myrra the Death Zord. I wonder if now that I’m on our side if I can still call for Catherine. She got hit pretty good in a battle against the Triforian Duo," Tara said. "That’s assuming I ever fight again."
"You will," I/Oca said. "Your sister found these in your bedroom at home and she slipped them to me," he continued as he set Tara’s morpher halves on the table. Alexis took a couple minutes to really look the morpher over.
"Man my sister did some good work. How long did the project take her?" Alexis wondered.
"Better part of three years. Amelia had built them to be used. When Stephanie first developed the Demona powers she hoped they wouldn’t get used. In fact her lab assistant Tyra was sneaky in her getting ahold of the morphers. While Stephanie could flit good she wasn’t always fast when powered down. Tyra had the morphers off the tray and distributed pretty fast. Luckily the morphers were ready since their only other option was three Demona Powerbands"
"Back on Earth when we were younger Bobby Zhang and I used to kid Sarah about her fascination with Power Rangers. I remember the first time I met Bobby before my own family died in a fire Bobby commented how Knowing Sarah she would try to find a way to become a power ranger," Tara said.
"Yet all three of you ended up becoming rangers in some manner. Bobby was one of the original five Zordonians; Sarah was recruited during a rough moment and Tara you became a ranger through underhandedness. I haven’t spoken with Robert or even Aphrealle about this but I wonder if Tara might have had something to do with the Scarlet Crystal being able to stabilize. After all the only time you were evil is when you were morphed. If the Crystal was truly unstable then it should have effected you all the time," I/Oca said.
"Meaning what I/O?" Andrew wondered.
"I think Tara’s goodness is what was stabilizing the Crystal," I/Oca said.
"That could be after all According to Edrik and Remonna Tiwaka the Crystal Guardian in charge of the Scarlet Crystal was not a very pleasant person and did all sorts of things to the Crystal. That could be how it became unstable to begin with. I remember Edrik and I had used the violet crystal for some power saturation experiments. We were trying to see if we could boost the potential power output of the crystals. Yet what ended up happening is the Crystal bled off the power and formed another Crystal. It’s almost too bad that we only tried to saturate the one crystal," Alexis said.
"Why is that Alexis?" Tara wondered.
"Well it could have provided a power source for ME and one for Nina once she has recovered," Alexis pointed out.
"It’s possible that Nina after she recovers will be able to access her old crystal so it would give her powers. Besides the only crystal we have with us is the one in my morphers," Tara said.
"Tara, I’m not about to saturate your crystal. I can’t even guarantee it’s stability. For all I know it could end up destabilizing if I try to saturate it," Alexis said.
The journey to Earth proved long. But eventually they arrived.
"It’s good to be home," Tara said. "Alexis welcome to Earth."
"One thing is for sure I’m going to stop in to see the in-laws," Andrew said. "Besides there is a researcher in Central City who could probably help me," Andrew said. "Alexis, I know you aren’t familiar at all with Earth but do me a favor and keep an eye on Tara. This card here is set up for Earth Currency. It contains Tara and Nina’s clothing allowance."
"OK Andrew. Why do Tara and Nina need a clothing allowance?" Alexis wondered.
"Well Tara was having trouble finding an appropriate swimsuit in a dark enough red so that card will allow her to buy sufficient one piece suits. She can also buy a couple two piece suits for her own use. Also Nina will probably need some sort of wardrobe. I brought some rough uniforms minus color in her size but she might want normal clothes as well. Besides that way she can buy whatever color she prefers," Andrew said.
"That is assuming she survives," Tara said.
"I’m sure she will," Andrew said as he prepared to teleport down to Central City Iowa where his wife’s parents lived.
After Andrew teleported out Alexis took a small interface cable out from behind the waist of her uniform and plugged it into the computer.
"Computer adjust compensator for Earth Parameters," Alexis ordered.
"Please specify coordinates for calculation of parameters?" the computer requested.
"Mariner Bay California," Alexis responded.
"Calculating environmental parameters," the computer said after a couple minutes. Alexis noticed the compensator adjusting to the new settings.
"What was that all about?" Tara wondered.
"When you grow up deep under water you tend to have problems with Air Pressure and Gravity above water so I have a compensator to help my body adjust," Alexis said. "I wanted to adjust it for Earth so I could spend time on the surface. Andrew adjusted the controls for my room so I can go without it in there but I’ll probably need it while on Earth."
The two girls then teleported down to Mariner Bay with Nina’s sedated form. Their first stop was the Mariner Bay Hospital.
"Hello Girls, May I help you?" a nurse asked.
"Yes we are here to drop our friend off for some Neurosurgery. It was supposed to have been arranged by Rangertech," Alexis said.
"Sorry girls but we need to talk to an adult about it before we do the work," The nurse said. She then headed off.
"Nuts, what will we do, I have no idea how to contact Andrew," Tara said.
"What if I called Amelia’s mom," Alexis said. "She is a doctor."
"Yeah but it would be an expensive call," Tara said. "Besides would they want to call a doctor on another planet."
"They may have to," Alexis said. "Nurse."
"Look kids I already told you that I can’t help you," the nurse said. "Besides I’ve never heard of this Rangertech whatever it is."
"My friend’s attending physician is Dr. Bethany Cummings on Capsilon IX," Alexis said.
"Man kid you just don’t listen do you. I can’t do anything to help you," the nurse said. "Now get lost before I call hospital security."
Alexis was annoyed She then grabbed the nearest phone and hit 0.
"Hospital Switchboard," a voice said.
"Sorry wrong number I wanted an outside line," Alexis said.
"Outside lines are found by dialing nine. Who are you trying to call?" the switchboard operator said.
"Dr. Bethany Cummings collect at the Terra Venture Medical Center on Capsilon IX," Alexis said.
"Hold on one minute," the operator said.
Ten minutes later Dr. Cummings came on the line.
"Dr. Cummings."
"Doc, It’s Alexis, we arrived safely on Earth. Only we have a problem. Andrew went to visit his in-laws and some real cretin of a nurse at the hospital in Mariner Bay won’t help us unless she talks to an adult."
"Does she know you are calling me?" Dr. Cummings asked.
"She is staring daggers at me right now. I guess I’m not supposed to use this phone but Tara and I are getting desperate to get Nina the help she needs," Alexis explained as the nurse grabbed the phone from her hand.
"This is Nurse Atkins."
"Nurse, I’m Dr. Bethany Cummings the Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff at the Terra Venture Medical Center. The girl that the other two are dropping off for neurosurgery has no real family that we can find. She has some kind of implant in her head which tends to take control of her. The implant has to be removed. She was sent to your hospital because No one on Capsilon IX is capable of that kind of surgery."
"I see Dr. Cummings I will write up to have the attending doctor here coordinate with you on things. What about the patients friends?" Nurse Atkins wondered.
"OK have him call collect," Dr. Cummings said.
"OK thankfully you called collect. The public phone is over on that wall," Nurse Atkins said. "I’ll have your friend admitted for the surgery. She will probably be here for a while. IS there somewhere you can go?"
"Yes we will be going shopping for now and will come back later," Tara said.
"What is your friends name?"
"Nina Hanson she currently lives on Capsilon IX but she was born on Rigel VII," Tara said. "I don’t know her date of birth but she looks to be around sixteen."
"OK you can go now," Nurse Atkins said as she began to get the paperwork done for Nina being admitted along with the paperwork needed for the surgery. The girls then headed outside into the December Air.
"Man I didn’t realize how cold it would be I better go back to the ship and grab my jacket," Tara said. "Stay here."
Tara then teleported up to the Ship where she headed right to her quarters.
"Great where is my Ski jacket I made sure I packed it. I bet Sarah removed it from my quarters either that or someone hid it," Tara complained.
I/Oca walked in right then.
"Something wrong Tara?"
"Yeah I can’t find my ski jacket. It’s a little cold on Earth where we are and I had more summery type clothing on," Tara said.
"What’s wrong with this jacket?" I/Oca asked referring to the Forest Green Jacket that was part of Tara’s uniform.
"What wear that and give folks the wrong idea that I’m actually a ranger get a life I/Oca I refuse to wear it," Tara said.
"Unfortunately it looks to be your only option," I/Oca said.
"I guess I have no choice but make note I/Oca the only reason I am wearing it is because I have no other choice," Tara said putting her uniform jacket on. She then teleported back down meeting up with Alexis.
"Nice choice of jacket," Alexis commented.
"Sorry I couldn’t find my ski jacket. I bet my sister hid it on me," Tara said. "Otherwise I wouldn’t want people to think I was really a ranger."
The two girls then headed for a mall. Their first stop was Sears.
"Mr. Cummings gave me authorization to buy stuff using his Employee Discount," Alexis said.
"Neat," Tara said. "What will we be getting here?"
"If they have any decent swimsuits we will use some of your clothing allowance," Alexis said.
Unfortunately Sears didn’t have any swim suits out. They then headed for a Sporting Goods Store. The Store had swim suits in Tara’s size and Tara picked up five one piece swim suits in a decent color red along with two decent two piece non bikini style in a nice dark red. When she went to pay the Store Employee took a look at her uniform and hit a few keys which surprised Tara.
"What do you think was up with those extra keys?" Tara wondered.
"Don’t know. We better tell I/Oca what does the receipt show?" Alexis wondered.
"A twenty percent discount of some type," Tara reported showing her the receipt. Their next stop was an Asian market. Tara took out her normal Transaction card. After picking up a supply of about ten percent of the stores inventory Tara went to the register.
"Did you find everything you were looking for?" the owner asked.
"I think so," Tara said. "Do you accept Colonial Credits from Capsilon IX at all?"
"Yes we do. You a Ranger?" the owner asked referring to Tara’s uniform.
"I was drafted but my period of service is almost up and I’m hoping to get out," Tara said.
"Where do you ranger?" the owner wondered.
"On Capsilon but I’m originally from Earth. In fact I lived here in Mariner Bay for a few months," Tara said.
Right then a girl about their age walked out of the back room.
"Tara Nquyen, man has it been a long time," the girl said.
"Shuki Floro, That it has. I wasn’t in LA long before my new family moved off planet and I went with them," Tara said. "Rimyards ended up adopting me."
"Is Sarah still a nut when it comes to Power Rangers?" her friend asked.
"Well sort of. She is a Power Ranger now," Tara said. "She is still on Capsilon IX. I was given a detail off world which brought me back to Earth. Of course I didn’t want to come."
"You always were stubborn. I remember you tried to do everything you could to get out of being sent down to LA. IS Sarah still friends with that Zhang guy who was her neighbor?" Shuki wondered.
"Actually he is also a ranger. In fact Bobby was a ranger longer then either Sarah or I was," Tara said. "This is my friend Alexis Warren, she is part of the detail with me," Tara said.
"Guess where I’m headed soon?" Shuki challenged her old friend.
"I have no idea," Tara said.
"Triforia to attend the Academy there. Did Sarah attend Triforia?" Shuki wondered.
"No she didn’t. She was recruited and I was sort of drafted," Tara said. "In fact given a choice I’d rather not be a ranger."
"Tara, there is an old expression Once a Ranger always a Ranger," Shuki said. "What brings you here to the shop?"
"Provisions for our ship. I packed what I needed for normal appetites only to find that one of the guys on the detail with us is a vegetarian so I wanted to lay in supplies so I could prepare some vegetarian type dishes on the way back to Capsilon IX," Tara said.
"Tell you what Tara, grab whatever else you want to take up to your ship on me," Mr. Floro said.
"Thanks Mr. Floro," Tara said as she grabbed some of practically every item in the store.
"Man did you ever make out like a bandit in there," Alexis said.
"Well you can’t beat free food," Tara said. "Besides this will allow me to really cook up a storm especially if we end up here for a while."
"Depends on what Professor Damon decides based in Nina’s progress. Well I suppose we should get the provisions up to the ship," Alexis said.
They then teleported up with the crates that the Floros provided for the stuff Tara had selected. They spent the rest of the day unloading everything. The next morning Tara showered and changed into a clean uniform with jacket.
"What is on your plan today?" I/Oca wondered.
"Well first thing I’m going to see how Nina is doing. Hopefully she is doing good. Then I’m going to see about a couple civilian jackets. One for spring and a Winter Jacket both in a proper color of red of course," Tara said. "My uniform caused me to get a twenty percent discount yesterday at the Sporting Goods store but I’d rather not have to rely on that kind of thing all the time."
"Tara, hate to say it but I spoke with the Professor along with April and you were declared essential, That is the main reason that the Professor arranged for a clothing allowance for you. In simple terms you won’t be able to step down as a ranger," I/Oca explained.
"Well who knows maybe I’ll be able to do some good. What will happen to Catherine?" Tara wondered.
"Don’t know," I/Oca explained.
Tara then teleported down to the hospital Nurse Atkins saw her as she walked in.
"You’re here about the Hanson girl aren’t you?" Nurse Atkins wondered.
"AS a matter of fact I am," Tara said.
"She was in surgery until 2am this morning. Her condition is critical," Nurse Atkins explained.
"What does critical mean?" Tara wondered.
"People in critical condition have few chances of survival," Nurse Atkins explained.
"So Nina is going to die," Tara said.
"Right now it looks likely but that doesn’t mean she will. I didn’t realize yesterday you were a ranger. How come you weren’t in uniform then?" Nurse Atkins wondered.
"I was a ranger somewhat reluctantly and I was planning once Nina was all right to hang up my morphers only last night I found out that I had been declared essential. In other words I can’t step down," Tara said.
"Why if you are a ranger are you here on Earth if you are stationed elsewhere?" Nurse Atkins wondered.
"I was chosen for the detail of bringing Nina here for her operation for the simple reason that at least that way there would be a Full Ranger on the team. The detail was of four people. Our Pilot is a retired ranger although he was reactivated for a problem on another planet and was injured so he couldn’t help much, my other friend that used a hospital phone to call Dr. Cummings is only a junior ranger and the other member is an Android and he is in command of the detail," Tara said.
"Sounds like a good detail. What is Rangertech anyway?" Nurse Atkins wondered. "Your friend the Jr. Ranger referred to it."
"Corporate Identity. What Rangertech is supposed to be doing I’m not sure. I’m still new at this. In Reality though Rangertech is the Ranger team on that planet along with our support staff. Dr. Cummings is unofficially part of our support staff because of her oldest daughter being our second in command. Her younger daughter like my friend is a Junior Ranger but just barely, Also one of the other rangers lives with her family," Tara said.
"Who is on the actual support staff?" Nurse Atkins wondered.
"Well the Head of Rangertech is a guy named Professor Pedro Damon, HE is our mentor. His Assistant is a woman named Aphrealle. In fact Aphrealle is the birth mother of our second in command who was eventually adopted by Dr. Cummings. My friend Alexis is Aphrealle’s younger daughter. Their technical head is this guy I/Oca he is the goofball who told me last night I was essential since He is the head of the detail. Why are you so interested in all the stuff dealing with rangering and our Corporate Identity?" Tara wondered.
"A couple reasons. One my daughter who is thirteen is thinking of becoming a ranger and two I find the fact that you wear uniforms off duty interesting. What do you do about school?" Nurse Atkins wondered.
"We even wear them then. Well I don’t my morpher’s core was unstable at first so I was evil and I became connected with Rangertech while trying to put my past behind me since my morpher minus the core was stolen from the lab at Rangertech. I think that’s part of the reason I was selected for this trip as a way for them to decide whether to let me give up. Well they stabilized my morphers core. In fact I was nailed during a meeting at the base when I showed up out of uniform. We have uniforms for every little task Physical Training, Unmorphed battles which our fatigues rarely get used, Our normal utilities like I’m wearing, WE even have dress uniforms," Tara said.
"On your planet Rangering must be like joining the military," Nurse Atkins said.
"Sort of. The others spend a lot of time training. I probably should except well I’m still going to try and quit the rangers whether I’m essential or not," Tara said.
Nurse Atkins let Tara look in on Nina for a while through a glass window since Nina was in intensive care. After Tara left she went for a walk eventually coming across a small airport. A plane similar in lines to an old MiG 29 was on one runway. Tara walked over to it.
"Man you look like a pretty nice plane. I’ve flown something similar to you but with some differences," Tara said to the plane.
"Hello Tara," the Plane said.
"Catherine, what are you doing here?" Tara wondered when she realized she was looking at her old zord.
"I came to help you," Catherine said. "I’m glad you aren’t evil anymore. In fact with you turning to the light it also removed the evil from me. I’m no longer crazy Catherine the War Zord. I’m now Jet Zord 14 better known as Catherine. How is Nina doing Myrra called me on the interzord communicator and was asking about her?
"Right now it doesn’t look good. She is in Intensive Care in critical condition which means she could die," Tara said. "Did you hear that I was declared essential and can’t easily quit."
"Tara, take a seat," Catherine said as she opened her canopy.
"Catherine, I’m not exactly morphed," Tara said.
"So what just hop in," Catherine said.
Soon as Tara took a seat in her old zord Catherine took off and went to the air.
"Catherine, why are we at 25000 feet?" Tara wondered as she looked at the altimeter.
"I figured this way we could talk in private. Why do you want to quit the rangers?"
"Because of the time I spent as the Evil Scarlet Ranger. I didn’t want to become a ranger to begin with but Nina while under control of the interface that turned her into Nightshade tricked me into stealing the morphers. I admit Sarah and the others accepted me as part of the team but I don’t feel like I am. Besides except for Kistra and Linoka the others were off on Minosia fighting during the time I was evil," Tara said.
"Tara, whenever we were fighting together I could sense your goodness. I knew you wouldn’t always be evil. Even if you don’t feel like you are part of the ranger team you are part of my team," Catherine said. "I can’t fight effectively without you."
"Catherine, somehow I doubt I deserve a zord with your wisdom," Tara said as several jets started to make themselves known.
"Catherine, what is attacking us?" Tara wondered.
"Whatever they are they aren’t friendly," Catherine said.
"OK Looks like we have only one option. Showtime Scarlet Zordonian Power," Tara called out. Tara was bathed in a Deep Scarlet Light. When it faded she was dressed in a Scarlet colored Suit with Black boots and gloves. Her helmet was almost solid Scarlet except for two black eyeholes.
"Catherine, open a link to the ship maybe we can get an idea on them from IGPF records," Tara said.
"What Rules of Engagement are we under?" Catherine wondered.
"Even if we are in danger of being shot down we don’t fire until we have a full ID of the enemy," Tara said. Catherine struggled to get a connection when a Huge almost Jumbo Jet appeared alongside Catherine.
"Greetings noble pilot you are heading into a battle zone I suggest you turn around," the voice said.
"I’m a ranger," Tara said.
"Oh my mistake," the voice said. "In that case we could use the assistance."
"Tara, the other zord doesn’t have AI so I can’t interact with it but according to the ship that zord next to us is used by the Geo Ranger Team," Catherine said.
"Good to know Catherine, where are the rest of their zords?" Tara wondered.
"The rest of their zords are either water zords or ground zords," Catherine replied.
Tara took the time to take out a good number of the enemy fighters. After the battle she broke off and returned to Mariner Bay.
"Tara, report to the ship," I/Oca’s voice came over the comm.
"Acknowledged I/Oca," Tara said before teleporting away after she had slipped behind a hangar. She headed right for the rec. room when she arrived.
"OK here is the situation, I spoke with Andrew he is going to receive back surgery tomorrow which will require a couple months of physical therapy here on Earth afterwards. AS we all know things are a little rocky between Andrew and his wife at home in part because of his injury. Well there could be a bright spot in that story. I was also on the comm with Alexis’s mother. Andrew’s wife is a week maybe two into her first pregnancy. I called the Bunker after I spoke with Andrew so they would know that we are going to be here for a couple months and as a result won’t be home for Christmas," I/Oca explained.
"Well I spoke with Nurse Atkins before I went for a walk around town this morning and Nina wasn’t awake in fact Nurse Atkins said she was in critical condition," Tara explained.
"WE will hope for the best. There is an Air Show at the Mariner Bay Airport for the next week. Today there was a bit of a buzz after a Mysterious MiG 29 showed up there. They didn’t remember booking the plane for the show. It was further mysterious when the plane suddenly took off," I/Oca said.
"Talk about an interesting way of not being too obvious. I/Oca I have an ID on the mysterious MiG," Tara said.
"You were at the Air Show Tara," Alexis said.
"Well no I happened to be walking by and I saw the MiG. I walked over to it since it was so close to my zord that I wanted to check it out," Tara said.
"What differences did the MiG have from your zord?" Alexis wondered.
"Lex, the MiG in question that showed up so Mysteriously is Catherine as in my zord," Tara said.
"That is interesting a zord hiding among a bunch of other old fighter planes so no one hopefully would wonder why an old Russian Fighter was doing on American Soil," I/Oca said.
That afternoon Tara and Alexis decided to check out the Air Show. I/Oca stayed on the ship.
"With I/Oca on the ship we are without our walking Encyclopedia," Alexis said. "He could probably rattle off all sorts of information about these planes he has been around long enough.
"Hello Girls," An Air Show executive said. "Come to check out the planes."
"Yes we are I’m Tara Rimyard this is Alexis Warren we are with the 101st Company 56th Battalion based on Capsilon IX. We were in the area and decided to check out your Air Show," Tara said.
"Do any of these Planes actually fly?" Alexis wondered.
"Most of them are capable of it but we don’t really have pilots who are checked out on them. Take that plane over there It’s a MiG 29 Fulcrum which was used back in the late 20th and early 21st Century mainly by the Old Soviet Union and then Russia along with a few other nations Mostly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East Along with a couple countries in Asia and of course Cuba," the executive said. "Interesting thing is the Air Show didn’t plan for a MiG of any type."
"Sir, I can think of at least one other unit that has a MiG of that type. Rangertech a Research Company on Capsilon IX keeps a MiG on hand for use by their Defense Arm. Only one though. In fact by looking at the markings I think that MiG is fielded by Rangertech. I can call see if Rangertech has any personnel in the area," Tara said.
"You do that Miss Rimyard," the executive said before he headed off.
"Tara, when are you going on your shopping trip?" Alexis wondered. "You know the one to get the civilian jackets."
"I may scrub that trip. With Catherine here and already redesignated as a Jetzord hanging up my morphers seems unimportant right now," Tara said. "Besides I seem to do better when in Uniform then out of uniform."
"Glad to hear it Tara," Alexis said. "Besides Nina needs you now more then ever."
"I know," Tara said.
Over the next few weeks Tara usually kept morning vigils as close to Nina as she could get. After a week Nina was moved into a private room from the ICU though she was still on life support. Three weeks after the surgery Tara was visiting with Nina one day.
"Nina, I know you probably can’t hear me but let’s face it I miss you. After all if it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t be a ranger today. I’d just be a simple kid. I’m doing the best I can to keep up with my studies as is Lex. It isn’t easy when you can’t do your hands on science work over deep space communications. It’s been three weeks my friend since you went under the knife to remove the interface that kept Nightshade a part of you. We will be here another five weeks probably since Andrew has Therapy for his back until then. I never knew how boring Mariner Bay is. Thankfully Catherine is here as well otherwise I’d be bored out of my mind. Every now and then I take her out and just go up unmorphed and fly among the clouds. Heck some of the time I end up helping the Geo Rangers Down in Angel Grove out. I think they are used to Catherine and I showing up. Who knows helping them out might help my reputation back home. Well I better be going but I’ll be back tomorrow," Tara said. Before she left she took Nina’s left hand in her own and gave it a good hard squeeze. As she was getting up she felt something. It seemed like Nina was squeezing her hand in return. A Tall Red headed nurse with fairly short hair walked in right then.
"How is your friend doing Tara?" the nurse asked.
"She is doing good Bea. In fact I think I got a response out of her today," Tara responded. "I gave one hand a squeeze and it seemed like she was squeezing back kind of like this," Tara said as she gave Nina’s hand another squeeze. Bea watched as Nina’s fingers did in fact squeeze back.
"That definitely seems like progress. She seems like she is probably a nice kid," Bea said.
"She is. Nina has a few shadows but then most of us do," Tara said.
"Millicent Atkins told me a few things about your shadows. She wanted me to know what I was dealing with. Are you and Nina lovers or something?"
"No we are just close friends. It was Nina that convinced me to become a ranger," Tara said.
"I see," Bea said.
That afternoon Tara filed her report.
"It’s encouraging. Definitely encouraging," I/Oca said. "Who knows she could be out of her coma by the end of the week."
"I’m hoping she will be I/Oca I miss her," Tara said.
"I’m sure you do," I/Oca said.
The next day Tara was having breakfast when her communicator went off.
"Tara here."
"Tara, it’s Bea. I was checking on your friend and she seems more responsive then yesterday when you left."
"OK Give me a couple minutes to get down there," Tara said.
Tara then finished her breakfast and headed for her quarters to finish getting dressed. Instead of wasting time getting into uniform she threw a quick sweater on over her Dark Red Shirt. She then teleported down outside the hospital in an alley and headed for Nina’s room. Just as Tara was walking into the room she noticed a slight flutter in Nina’s eyes. Four minutes later Nina woke up.
"Hi Tara, how is everything going. Lord Xenon attack lately?" Nina wondered.
"Couldn’t tell you Nina," Tara said.
"Why did you quit the rangers?" Nina wondered.
"No we’re on Earth," Tara said.
"Earth why Earth?" Nina wondered.
"You needed surgery that couldn’t be done on Capsilon IX so we brought you to Earth. WE being Andrew, I/Oca, Alexis, and myself. You’ve been in the hospital for close to a month," Tara said.
"My head seems clearer then it has in a long time," Nina said.
"It is clearer after all we removed your biggest Demon from your body," Tara said.
"I don’t get what you mean," Nina said.
"Nina, you no longer have to worry about Nightshade. You are free of her," Tara said.
"I am," Nina said.
"Yes you are just plain old Nina Hanson the Fuchsia Rigellian Ranger," Tara said.
"Former Fuchsia Rigellian Ranger you mean," Nina said. "It’s doubtful my old powers will be intact enough. I’m surprised you aren’t in uniform or are you trying to distance yourself from Sarah and the others because of you know."
"I’m not exactly distancing myself from my sister and the rest of the team. At first I was in fact I tried to get out of making the trip to Earth. The reason I was even sent on the trip was in case of a problem a ranger would be on hand," Tara said. "I was in a hurry to get down here after Bea called so I didn’t bother getting into uniform."
"I imagine Lord Xenon was steamed after you all captured me," Nina said.
"We weren’t on Capsilon long enough to find out," Tara said. "In fact my parents are probably wondering if the universe is coming to an end after all within a couple days of Sarah returning from her trip I had to leave to come here.
Nina was put through a whole battery of tests that day and close to dinner time Nina was released, she, and Tara teleported up to the Ship from Tara’s usual Alley.
"I have a feeling it will take time to get used to not having Nightshade inside of me," Nina said.
"Look at it this way Nina you still have me as your friend," Tara said.
"A friend I’m not sure I deserve," Nina said.
"Nina, you and Alexis are probably my best friends in the universe. I’ve always had friends but not friends that I considered to be my best friends. Tomorrow you, Alexis, and I are going shopping," Tara said.
"Why?" Nina wondered.
"Well we have to figure out what you will wear and so forth," Tara said as she showed Nina to a room aboard the ship. Nina looked in her closet.
"I see a few basic things," Nina said. "4 hangers with Forest Green Pants and jacket, 4 hangers of just Forest Green pants, and a Rough almost Fancy Suit like outfit."
"The hangars with Pants and Jacket are Ranger Utilities, the just pants are for Physical Training, and the fancy one is Dress Uniform. You don’t have fatigues because your color would be worked into them. Fatigues are that vital as it is since they are for unmorphed battles but as you know a ranger rarely battles unmorphed. Some of the rangers take Physical Training seriously also from what Andrea told me they generally use their PT uniforms in gym class. Dress Uniforms can come in handy. I usually just use some type of Dark Red shirt with my uniforms," Tara explained.
"What about normal clothes?" Nina wondered.
"WE can easily pick up some of those as well," Tara said.
"I bet Lord Xenon was really steamed after you defected and then I was captured. After all your defection lead to his losing both of us," Nina pointed out as Alexis caught up with them.
"Tara, We are needed in Angel Grove in fifteen minutes in Dress uniforms," Alexis said.
"What are we doing that requires Dress Uniforms?" Tara wondered.
"A few people Kelly Brennan’s fiancée among them want to meet with us," Alexis said.
"Well you two go on ahead I’ll take it easy tonight," Nina said.
"Not a chance Nina you are coming with us," Tara said.
Twelve Minutes later the three girls Nina wearing a simple white shirt with her uniform that she had the synthetron whip up, Tara in her usual Dark Red coloring. Alexis had a pale blue trim much lighter then Bobby’s color on her uniform met up to teleport down to the planet.
"Alexis is it. You also a ranger?" Nina wondered when she saw the younger girl’s uniform.
"I wish, No I’m just a Jr. Ranger," Alexis said. "Come end of February I can become a true ranger."
"Why end of February?" Nina wondered.
"My fifteenth birthday is February 24th and at least on Capsilon IX you have to be fifteen to really be considered a ranger. Amelia my sister was partly screwed when she turned fifteen. Her birthday was in November and it was the following July before she finally received full status. Better part of a year waiting to become an official ranger. In fact it was Lord Xenon who caused her to receive the promotion she deserved."
They then teleported down to their destination where Gamma was waiting for them.
"Hello There, you the bunch from Earth," Gamma said.
"Yes we are," Tara said. "You are?"
"I am Gamma I’m the robotic Assistant for this team of rangers."
"I’m Tara Rimyard, I fought alongside your team a few times as of late. My associates are Jr. Ranger Alexis Warren, and Ranger Nina Hanson."
Gamma then lead them through to the dining area where the Blond Haired leader was goofing off.
"Ah we have visitors," Brad said. "Glad to see you three could join us."
"I/Oca briefed us in on all of you so you goofy must be Brad," Tara said.
"That I am don’t wear me out," Brad said.
"Your pretty worn out as it is," a redheaded girl said.
"Ah Heather the Pride of Naples," Tara joked.
"Of course," Heather commented.
"So any clue as to what Janet and Andrew are up to?" a dark blond haired male asked.
"Of course Billy. Andrew is undergoing physical therapy for his back right now in Iowa and Janet is at home taking care of their daughter Ashley and slowly getting fat with pregnancy," Tara said.
"That’s hard to believe Billy’s silly cousin pregnant," a dark haired female said.
"Pilar, I’m going by news that was passed on. After all we’ve been here for better part of a month so far," Tara said.
During all this the Brown haired male was trying to sneak up behind Nina only for Nina to flip him over her shoulder.
"Sven, careful, you don’t know my friends story," Tara said.
The last member of their team an African American girl chuckled at Sven’s situation.
"Nina, Tara said you are a ranger and it’s obvious Tara is a ranger. So which one of you has the silly MiG that has been flying off my wing lately?" she wondered after calming down.
"Actually both Tara and I fly MiG’s but Myrra my zord is still on Capsilon IX I think but Catherine who is Tara’s zord did slip over to Earth. So it was probably Tara’s zord you saw."
At that moment an older gentleman walked in.
"So what’s up Zolks?" Sven asked from his position on the ground.
"Not much Sven," Zolkar said. "Danielle, your mom called and you have to watch Janey and Jassie tonight so you might want to get going?"
"Why do I always get stuck with that job?" Danielle asked as she left the room.
"That always happens when ever we have a team function She gets stuck watching her little sisters," Brad said.
"How hard a life does she have normally?" Tara wondered.
"She lost her family in a big devastating attack by a villain called Taxicat a few years ago. This was right before Danielle became a ranger. In fact Andrew helped her in a couple ways. To start with he got in touch with me about her becoming a ranger. That basically told me it was time to bring her in. Andrew also ended up arranging for a new home for her away from the shelter. A lot of families were torn apart by that attack," Zolkar said
Brad turned away from the others.
"Brad, it’s important that they know the full story so deal with it," Zolkar continued. "Brad is particularly sensitive about that attack simply because he was away visiting his girlfriend and his mother eventually died of injuries suffered in the attack."
"Were there a lot of kids orphaned as a result of the attack besides Danielle?" Nina wondered.
"Oh yes around 150. Andrews daughter Ashley was one of them. 2 dozen kids were sent to Capsilon IX for adoption," Zolkar said.
"Evil Villains can be cruel," Nina said.
"Ferigot isn’t any better," Brad said. "He gets his kicks out of the suffering of innocents."
"Besides Danielle with her little sisters does rangering cause any other problems?" Alexis wondered.
"Yeah, If it wasn’t for Ferigot I’d have retired and left Earth so I can be with my fiancée," Brad said. "In fact we all would have retired."
"How come none of you have left rangering for other things?" Tara wondered. "My mom has a small problem with my slightly older sister Sarah being a ranger. I can’t imagine what the look on her face will be when she realizes not only that I’m a ranger but the once evil Scarlet Ranger. It could really get interesting since soon as she is old enough Karie plans on becoming a Jr. Ranger."
The small talk ended right then as they sat down to dinner. Due to the late hour by the time they were done Tara and the others accepted an invitation to spend the night. During the course of the night a mysterious figure left a small device on the table by Alexis’s bed before teleporting out. The next morning Alexis noticed something was up.
"Strange, this doesn’t look to be mine," Alexis said. She then walked out eventually passing Zolkar on his way to the lounge.
"Zolkar, I found this by my bed when I woke up you recognize it?"
"Yes it’s a Geo Synchronizer," Zolkar said. "I can’t tell right off whose Synchronizer it is though."
"What I want to know is why it was in my room."
Right then Heather walked out of a nearby room.
"Zolkar, have you seen Pilar at all this morning. She wasn’t in her bed?" Heather wondered.
"No I haven’t. You are the first of our rangers I’ve seen," Zolkar said.
Fairly soon the gang was in the kitchen area grabbing some breakfast. At exactly 7:06:23 a Message came on the Screen.
"Zolkar, Geo Rangers, I was thinking about something Tara asked last night about why all of us stuck together for so long. It’s strange that we did stay together for three and a half years after we defeated Taxicat and Rendab only for Ferigot to show up. Well I decided to take my chances and leave the Rangers. I left my Geo Synchronizer with Alexis having chosen her to take my place," Pilar’s image stated.
"Too had about Pilar leaving," Brad said.
"I agree," Zolkar said. "Alexis, did Pilar discuss you taking her place with you at all?"
"No she didn’t. I’d rather not accept the position with your team," Alexis said. "I have an older sister on Capsilon IX who between her trip to Minosia and my trip here so soon after she returned to Minosia who I barely know since we grew up apart from each other and I want to get a chance to get to know her."
"Understandable. I knew the day would come when you all would choose to retire. I kept a file on selected candidates for replacement rangers. You all didn’t know about the file since it was in my private secured files. Any of you know Lindsay Regan at all?" Zolkar wondered.
"She is a friend of my sister Tanya’s She is Korean born but was adopted by the Regans as a baby," Danielle said since she had gotten back late the night before from her babysitting. "Why do you ask Zolkar?"
"Lindsay is at the top of my list of candidates to replace Pilar," Zolkar said. "How to recruit her though."
"Maybe Nina and I should handle it," Tara said. "We’ll teleport her aboard our ship and talk to her and maybe half an hour or so after we signal Zolkar can teleport up to our ship."
"Sounds good," Zolkar said.
Fairly soon Tara and Nina teleported onto a tree lined street in Angel Grove. Fairly soon they arrived outside the Regan residence.
"Hi," Lindsay said.
"Lindsay Regan," Tara said.
"That’s me," Lindsay replied.
"We have an important matter to discuss with you. If you could come with us," Tara said.
"No I won’t come with you. WE can discuss it here and now," Lindsay said.
"It concerns the Rangers," Tara said.
"The Rangers all I can say is this get lost you crazy Homo," Lindsay said.
"I’m not a Homo," Tara said "Neither is my friend."
"Can’t you see I’m not interested," Lindsay said.
"Not really," Tara said.
Nina then placed one hand on Lindsay’s arm and teleported away. Tara quickly followed just as a tall Caucasian woman looked outside to see them teleport away. They came out of teleport aboard the ship.
"Ok why did you kidnap me?" Lindsay wondered.
"We did it because we had to. Lindsay, you have a chance to do something not many people get a chance to do. You have a chance to become a Power Ranger. The team here on Earth had an opening suddenly come up. You were chosen to fill that opening. In your shoes I would jump at the chance."
"You and your friend are two of the present rangers on this planet I take it?" Lindsay asked.
"Actually no. We are stationed on a different planet. I’m part of a whole team of rangers only my unit had to send a detail to Earth on a medical run and I was sent along in case of trouble," Tara said.
"That explains the uniform huh," Lindsay said.
"Yes it is standard issue for my unit," Tara said. "I recently joined up probably part of the reason why I got stuck with this detail."
"Yeah right Tara," Nina said.
"To be honest a friend of mine is trying to get me to attend the Triforian Academy with her next session in July but I don’t know if I have the right stuff as they used to say in the early days of the Space Program," Lindsay said.
"Lindsay, if you didn’t have the right stuff we wouldn’t be talking to you," Nina said. "We’ve temporarily allied ourselves with the rangers here. WE leave in a little over a month to return to our own planet. Lindsay, we are offering you a chance to find out now if you have what it takes. If you don’t take the time now to find out if will be anywhere from six seven months to a year before you find out. Lindsay, Earth needs you now not a year from now."
"I’ll think about it," Lindsay said.
Nina escorted Lindsay to one of the unused quarters of the ship so she would be alone. Twenty minutes after that Zolkar teleported in.
"How did it go?" he wondered.
"It went slow Zolkar. At first it seemed like it would be a lost cause. She didn’t even want to talk to us. Finally we brought her up here by force. On our terms we managed to learn enough that she hopefully will agree to join up. A friend is trying to convince her to join her at the Triforian Academy for the July to December session. Lindsay isn’t sure if she has the right stuff," Nina reported. "I tried to explain otherwise. She agreed to think about it."
"Nina, I’m leaving this in your care just in case she comes around," Zolkar said.
Zolkar then handed Nina the Yellow Geo Synchronizer. His next move was to teleport out. Nina silently left it on the table next to Lindsay’s door.
Two hours later the Computer sent a monster alert out.
"Alert, Alert, Alert, Monster detected," the computer called out.
Tara came running from her quarters. Lindsay was heading for her own door when she saw the Geo Synchronizer on the table. She picked it up.
Whatever this does maybe I should keep it with me. She then put it on her left wrist.
Thank you Yellow Ranger, The Synchronizer said. To activate me go Geo 5 Power Up Yellow Geo Power.
Man this is like totally weird.
Lindsay met up with Tara and the others on the Bridge. She simply nodded at I/Oca and Alexis since they were never properly introduced.
"The monster is located here. So far no Jet Fighters have been sent," I/Oca briefed.
"Inform Zolkar I’m on my way," Tara said.
"Same here," Lindsay said. "How though will we get there."
"Teleport," Tara said as if it should be obvious.
"Does it hurt?" Lindsay wondered since she wasn’t sure she really wanted to teleport.
"Did it hurt last time?" Tara asked her as a clue.
"Accept for your friend squeezing my arm so tight no," Lindsay said realizing what Tara meant. They then teleported onto the scene.
"This is something else," Lindsay said as she fought one of Ferigot’s drones. She then noticed Tara crossing her arms right over left across her chest in an x shape.
"Showtime," Tara crowed. "Scarlet Zordonian Power." Tara was bathed in a Deep Scarlet Light. When it faded she was the Scarlet Ranger.
Lindsay then noticed how Tara’s outfit changed into that of the Scarlet Zordonian Ranger.
"Geo 5 Power Up," Lindsay crowed for the first time. "Yellow Geo Power."
Lindsay almost seemed awed as for the first time the Yellow Essence from her synchronizer came up and enveloped her before fading away to reveal Yellow colored armor along her chest arms and legs, White Boots, and gloves with blue waves on them and Her helmet was almost Pure Yellow accept for Smoky Brown Screen over her eyes and the silvery plate over her nose and mouth. On her left shoulder was a picture of the Earth, as it would look from space.
"Talk about unbelievable," Lindsay called out in excitement after she finished morphing.
"Let’s get these creeps," Tara said as the other Geo Rangers arrived already morphed.
"Whoa did Pilar come back or something?" Heather asked.
"No," Lindsay said. "Who was she my predecessor?"
It was hard to see the confusion on the other ranger’s faces. Meanwhile they had the Monster along with the Drones to deal with. Eventually the Monster Grew.
"Talk about not good," Lindsay said. "Do they always do this?"
"About ninety five percent of the time yes," Brad responded.
"Catherine Maximum Burn," Tara called out.
"We need Geo Zord Power now."
Catherine was there in minutes. The Purple Geo Zord was with her. Meanwhile Brad, Billy, and Sven’s zords were just pulling up, Lindsay carefully followed Heather to the cove where the Pink and Yellow Geo Zords were anchored. Lindsay was soon at the controls of the Hovercraft. "Pink Ranger, the battle is on land how will my zord reach the battle."
"Easy Yellow Ranger Hovercrafts are capable of traveling on land and water. You have it easy compared to me I have to sort of trailer mine."
"Of course why didn’t I think of that?" Lindsay wondered.
They soon arrived on the scene. Catherine by this time had converted to Battle Warrior Mode.
"Good Heather and the new kid have arrived we can form the Geo Megazord," Sven said.
"Watch it you green suited freak," Lindsay said in retort.
"Knock it off you two," Brad ordered.
"Brad, she is new give her time," Danielle said.
Lindsay had been listening to the conversation so she concluded that Heather was the Pink Ranger and Brad probably the Red Ranger. She also recognized the last voice.
"Danielle, that you?" Lindsay asked.
"Yeah it’s me," Danielle said. "I’m up above in the Big Jet."
"Great at least I know one person on the team," Lindsay said as Brad gave the order to form the Geo Megazord and Lindsay had to bring her zord upright alongside of the Hydrofoil Zord. Billy then brought the Truck Zord up and switched it around to form the lower chest and forearms. The Dunebuggy Zord with Sven at the Controls then formed the upper chest and arms. Finally Brad’s Cycle Zord came up and twisted around to form the head just as Brad landed in his seat.
"Wait for me everyone," Danielle called out as she flew close to the ground and pulled up hard at a 105o angle to land on the back to the Megazord where the wings came up and locked over the back and the front folded down over the front finishing off the Geo Aerial Megazord. Danielle thumped in her seat.
"I never did get used to that last step," she commented.
"Well there are gaps in when we use this Megazord," Brad commented.
Fairly soon the monster was defeated using the Megazord’s finishing move. Soon as everyone arrived back at the Geo Ranger’s base Lindsay ripped her helmet off.
"That was something else," she exclaimed. "It seems different watching it on the news then physically being there."
"That it does Lindsay," Danielle said after she demorphed.
"Well now when your sister bugs me about the Triforian Academy I can turn her down without regret," Lindsay said.
"She will be surprised that is for sure," Danielle said.
"Tara, how come Nina wasn’t in battle?" Lindsay wondered.
"She is semi retired," Tara said. "She hasn’t actually fought as a ranger in years."
"She doesn’t look that old," Lindsay said.
"I know but she is," Tara said.
"This is something else most of our rangers have safely demorphed and one ranger is standing around in uniform," Zolkar said as he walked in. "Lindsay, I’m glad you accepted the offer."
"Well the decision was made in the heat of battle," Lindsay said. "Geo Power Down."
Lindsay’s uniform then faded away to reveal her clothes from earlier.
"You did good though Lindsay even if you weren’t fully sure," Heather said.
"Well I was getting a crash course after all in Rangering," Lindsay said.
"Lindsay you want a crash course in Rangering at my school on Capsilon IX is a Glass encased impression that a yellow ranger made once when she tried to use a pure energy weapon inside a building and she didn’t realize you have to brace her feet so she ended up flying backwards into the wall behind her," Tara said.
Danielle made sure Lindsay met everyone and then Gamma took her on a tour of the Base showing her the Sleeping area including showers which Lindsay quickly made use of. The Lounge and kitchen areas along with where Zolkar’s room and office where. The Geo Rangers even had a Full Medical Bay.
That night Lindsay was hanging with the other rangers when she decided to hit the hay. Soon as she was in her private room she teleported up to the room she had used earlier on the ship.
The next morning Alexis was in the kitchen making breakfast when Lindsay walked in.
"Morning Lindsay, we didn’t get a chance to meet yesterday but I’m Alexis. What brings you up here?" Alexis wondered.
"I decided to sleep up here. Are Tara and Nina awake yet?"
"If they were they would probably be in here," Alexis said as Nina walked in.
"Slept up here last night huh Lindsay?" Nina asked.
"Hope you don’t mind. I probably should slip home and get my things. Only thing is I have nothing to wear here or at the Chamber," Lindsay said.
"I think I can fix that," Nina said as Tara walked in and almost slammed into the refrigerator.
"Morning everyone," she said right before a yawn came out of her.
"Rough night Tara?" Alexis asked.
"Mornings after battles always are for me you know that," Tara said as she almost knocked over the orange juice when she fell forward after sitting down.
After breakfast Nina took Lindsay around the ship.
"Your ship can be a challenge to get around. The Simudeck looks interesting though. Think I/Oca and Andrew would mind if I made use of it for training. Especially if I had permission from Zolkar?" Lindsay wondered.
"Shouldn’t be a problem," Nina said.
Nina then took Lindsay to the Clothing dispensary and found a Ranger Uniform with yellow shirt in her size. She quickly removed the 56th Battalion Zordonian and GSA emblems from the jacket and put on a Geo Rangers Emblem. They then teleported down to a wooded area near Lindsay’s house. From there they walked.
"Lindsay, where on Earth did you run off to. Your father and I were worried. Especially since that awful Ferigot had attacked. We were worried you could have gotten killed," her mother asked her.
"Mom I was all right. I just forgot to call that’s all," Lindsay said. "Besides I wasn’t exactly near a phone."
"Well young lady you are grounded for the next month. No friends over. You will be home by seven o’clock if you insist on going out somewhere unless you can find a way to call us and let us know you will be late," Her mother stated.
"Mom trust me if it wasn’t important I would have been home last night," Lindsay said.
"Important by whose choice?" her mother asked.
"I think we would both agree my being a ranger is important," Lindsay said. Oops what if she wasn’t supposed to know. Well too late now.
"A ranger," Mrs. Regan said.
"They had an opening come up unexpectedly and I was chosen to fill the opening," Lindsay said. After all the cat is already out of the bag so I might as well tell her everything.
"I thought you were going to go to the academy with Tanya first before you became a ranger," Mrs. Regan said.
"It was last minute. I wasn’t even sure if I really wanted the job but when Ferigot attacked suddenly I figured why not," Lindsay said.
"Is that why you suddenly vanished yesterday from the front lawn?" Mrs. Regan asked.
"You saw that?" Nina asked speaking for the first time.
"Just by pure chance yes," Mrs. Regan responded.
Lindsay and Nina then headed upstairs to Lindsay’s bedroom. First thing Lindsay did was open the comm channel on her morpher to contact the base.
"Zolkar, come in," Lindsay said.
"Yes Lindsay is there a problem?" Zolkar’s voice inquired over the speaker.
"Not sure my mom was yelling at my for not coming home last night and I kind of let slip that I was a ranger," Lindsay said.
"She is allowed to know anyways Lindsay so it isn’t a problem. How upset was she?"
"Well I’m grounded for the next month. I can’t have friends over and I have a seven o’clock curfew. In fact it was when I told her after she grounded me that if it wasn’t important I would have been home. She wanted to know by who’se definition it was important and that’s when I let slip about my being a ranger," Lindsay said.
"You still at your house Lindsay?" Zolkar wondered.
"Yes I am," Lindsay said.
"Stay there for now just in case," Zolkar said.
"Why what will you be doing?" Lindsay wondered in a panic.
"You’ll know soon enough."
The transmission ended right after that. Half an hour later while Lindsay and Nina were secretly packing her stuff up in case Lindsay had to move fast there was a knock on her door. Nina quickly hid in Lindsay’s closet while Lindsay answered the door.
"Zolkar, what are you doing here?" Lindsay said.
"I came to see if I could get you off the hook with your parents," Zolkar said.
"How successful were you Zolkar?" Lindsay said.
"I managed to get the grounding lifted. After all she can’t enforce the grounding if you are never home," Zolkar pointed out.
"Where would I be?" Lindsay wondered.
"Well when it’s in session unless duty calls you would be in school. Off duty and when school is not in session you would be at the bunker unless you decide to slip home for some reason," Zolkar said.
" The worst part about being a ranger you don’t get to use it as a reason to drop out of school," Lindsay said.
"You definitely got that right. I see you are close to being packed," Zolkar said.
"Yeah I just hope I can fit everything in my car," Lindsay said.
"We’ll teleport everything. I hope you realize that we don’t have a lot of space for parking at the Chamber," Zolkar said.
"So you saying I shouldn’t bring my car?" Lindsay wondered since she didn’t want to leave her car behind since it was one of her more important possessions. "One thing is for sure this weekend I’m going to take the old zord out in oh 200 ft of ocean and drop a line down and see what is biting.
"Sorry can’t regulations forbid it," Zolkar said.
"What good is having a hovercraft for a zord if you can’t go fishing with it?" Lindsay wondered.
"It’s too risky. Besides we don’t want the entire populace knowing you are a ranger. The fact that your family knows is enough. Besides this way at least your best friend knows," Zolkar said. "I’ll try to find somewhere you can keep your car when you aren’t using it. Why would you want it on hand as it is?"
"Getting back and forth to school, the mall, my boyfriend’s, Zolkar, you realize I’ll have a lot of explaining to do if Ferigot attacks while I’m on a date," Lindsay said.
"Trust me Lindsay, you won’t be the first person to have their relationship strained due to rangering. Brad has problems all the time since his fiancée is an instructor at the very school your best friend is planning to attend," Zolkar said. "In fact I’m well aware of Tanya Williams’ aptitude towards rangering related skills and if you will let me know when she sends her application in I will see what I can do to give her a first class recommendation."
"Should I warn her about this?" Lindsay wondered.
"You better not. I’ll also have Danielle keep it under wraps," Zolkar said.
Half an hour later Lindsay’s room at the Bunker was busy with Nina, Tara, and Alexis helping her unpack everything.
"This will definitely take some getting used to. Thankfully Zolkar arranged for a special phone to be put it so I can keep in touch with my parents," Lindsay said. "It’s a dedicated line to my parents house so I can’t use it to call my friends."
"You don’t need a phone to call us just have Gamma open a connection to the Bunker or if we are in orbit for some reason the ship," Tara said. "What was Zolkar’s opinion on your outfit?"
"He hasn’t commented yet but he probably will thankfully I had enough yellow clothes as it is that I can get by without shopping for now," Lindsay said.
"If you want I’ll have the Synthetron on the ship whip up a few more uniforms like what you have before we leave even if it will still be a few weeks," Alexis said.
"Before I say yes I’ll see what Zolkar says," Lindsay said.
"What Zolkar says about what Lindsay?" a male voice asked from the propped open door.
"My uniform Brad, Nina whipped it up this morning for when I slipped home to get my things," Lindsay responded.
"Definitely looks good Lindsay," Brad said. "I bet Zolkar will go for it."
"I hope so," Lindsay said.
That weekend The younger Rangers got together to do some real serious shopping in Mariner Bay.
"This jeweler used to be pretty good. Of course I only lived here a few months," Tara said.
They looked through the jeweler. At one point Alexis came across a necklace with an amethyst in it.
"Not too bad looking. It's Reasonably priced too. Mind if I take a closer look?" Alexis inquired of the sales clerk.
"Sure," the clerk said. He then set the necklace on a felt stand on the glass display case. When Alexis held the gem in her hand she sensed something. The gem also glowed very bright.
Stealth Ranger Power
"Something up Lex?" Nina asked.
"I’m not sure. There is something strange about the necklace but I can’t tell what," Alexis replied.
"Could it be something you learned about during your training while growing up?" Nina wondered.
"I don’t think so. Nightshade, hand me the clothing allowance card. I’m charging this to the company. I think I/Oca should look at it," Alexis said purposely using her friends nickname from a whole different lifetime.
"Lex, this might not be an authorized move. The clothing allowance was for Tara and I to buy clothing not for you to buy some strange necklace," Nina said.
"Nightshade, this necklace needs to be analyzed. We can’t do it here. We have to do it aboard the ship. In order to get it up there we have to buy it. I don’t want to tarnish my record as a Jr. Ranger by getting arrested for shoplifting," Alexis said.
"Man what’s the hold-up," Lindsay asked.
"Nina and Lex are arguing over who should pay for a necklace Lex wants I/Oca to analyze. Lex thinks Rangertech should pay for it but Nina isn’t sure," Tara said.
"You all are rangers aren’t you?" the jeweler asked.
"Well I’m a Junior Ranger but basically yeah," Alexis said.
"What is the name of your company again?" the jeweler asked.
"Rangertech it’s outside of Settlement 14 on Capsilon IX about 2 miles," Alexis said. "Our friend over there with the globe on her jacket is with a different unit though."
"No Problem. Your Jr. Ranger friend is correct this necklace will need analysis. Several experts have looked at it but it didn’t behave for them the way it did for your friend. I’ll send a bill to your company for your purchases today," the jeweler said.
A short time later they left the jeweler.
"Lindsay, if the Prof. or my mom asks about your stuff on the bill I’ll cover it by saying it was interunit cooperation," Alexis said.
When the four girls teleported up to the ship a short time later Alexis headed right for the bridge. Andrew was working away at the main controls.
"Hi Andrew what’s up?" Alexis wondered.
"I managed to finish my therapy earlier. We’re getting ready to break orbit now. You chose a good time to return from your shopping spree," Andrew said. "Ranger healing helps some for things like this."
"Hold on Andrew," Alexis said as she headed for the residential deck.
"Lindsay, we’re breaking orbit so you better head down to Geo Ranger HQ before it’s too late," Alexis said.
"What about Andrew are we just leaving him behind?" Nina wondered.
"No he is the one that told me we were about to break orbit. With the help of Ranger healing he is done with his physical therapy," Alexis said.
"Well I hope to see you three around. Tara, it was nice fighting alongside you. We should do it again some time," Lindsay said.
"Agreed," Tara said.
Lindsay then teleported down while Alexis went looking for I/Oca. He was in the Rec room.
"Something up Alexis?" I/Oca wondered.
"Yeah I found this necklace in a mall in Mariner Bay. There is something up dealing with this necklace. I think you should analyze it," Alexis said.
"What exactly seems to be amiss about the necklace?" I/Oca wondered.
"I’m not sure," Alexis said as she went to hand him the necklace. The amethyst was once again glowing within her hands.
Stealth Ranger Power
"I’ve been reading up on various sources of ranger powers because of the work I do as Technical Assistant for both the Demona and Zordonian Rangers," I/Oca said. "You familiar with the Phantom Ranger at all?"
"Some, he has a power ruby. Without his ruby he will die within a few hours. Why do you bring him up?"
"Because it is theorized that that the Phantom Ruby chose Gulermo as it’s guardian. Also it is rumored I never actually met Gulermo but he is said to have a morpher very similar to this," I/Oca said taking the necklace.
"I wonder. Both times I held the gem in my hand I sensed something like Stealth Ranger Power," Alexis said. "I wonder if it’s a message or something," Alexis said.
"It could be the key to proving my theory. WE better check it out," I/Oca said. "Very carefully."
"I know I/Oca you forget I’m a Crystal Guardian in training," Alexis said putting the necklace around her neck and then picking up the bottom so the gem was in her hand. It started glowing.
"Stealth Ranger Power," Alexis called out.
Right then a Strange Aura started to envelope Alexis, Her body faded away from view such that it looked like she wasn’t there. A Whitish Outfit then formed where her body supposedly was. It was very similar to the Phantom Ranger except it was white where the black was on the Phantom Ranger. Also in the center instead of the ruby was a larger version of the Amethyst.
"Alexis is that you?" I/Oca wondered.
"I think so. This is totally weird," Alexis said. "Almost seems as if I morphed," Alexis said.
"You did," I/Oca said as Nina peeked into the rec. room.
"I/Oca, have you seen Lex at all?"
"I’m right here Nina," Alexis said waving a white arm.
"You look like a white version of the Phantom Ranger Lex," Nina said. "Are you capable of turning invisible?"
Alexis then figured out how to cloak her body. She then moved around a little.
"Lex, I don’t think you have it quite right since you flicker when you move," Nina said.
"Nina, you mustn’t forget the Phantom Ranger had the same problem," I/Oca said.
"Of course," Nina said. "Thanks I/Oca I had forgotten."
"Stealth Power Down," Alexis said.
She was then back in her normal form.
"Whoa what brought that on?" Nina wondered.
"The necklace," Alexis said.
When they arrived in orbit of Capsilon IX a week later a battle was going on. The Monster was already Huge with the Megazord’s outgunned.
"Well Tara, Let’s do it," Alexis said.
"Agreed," Tara said. "Showtime, Scarlet Zordonian Power." Tara was bathed in a Deep Scarlet Light. When it faded she was the Scarlet Ranger.
"Stealth Ranger Power," Alexis called out. Alexis disappeared and her uniform appeared where she was. When it appeared she was the Stealth Ranger.
They then teleported down.
"Catherine, Maximum Burn," Tara howled.
"Ghostrider, Maximum Burn," Alexis called.
"Whoa I see Tara is back. But who is that?" Greg asked from the Zordonian Megazord.
"I’m not sure," Amelia said. "That is not a standard Zordonian uniform. Almost looks like the Phantom Ranger."
"But isn’t the Phantom Ranger’s uniform black?" Bobby wondered.
"Yes it is," Amelia said.
"Ghostrider, Maximize," Alexis called out.
The Majestic Stealth Fighter then Went to Battle Warrior Mode In it’s Robot mode it almost Resembled it’s pilot.
"Ghostrider Online."
By this time Catherine was also in Battle Warrior Mode.
"Whoever controls that new zord really knows what he or she is doing," Roxanne said.
"You said it," Linoka said from Nefertari.
"Amelia, you think the mysterious ranger could be Alexis?" Kistra wondered from Nefertiti.
"It’s certainly a Possibility," Amelia said.
"We definitely need to figure this one out," Tyrone said.
"I know," Michelle said.
"I also need to find a way to Combine Hercules, Nefertiti, Nefertari, Catherine and either Myrra or that Zord into a third Megazord," Amelia said as the Nefertiti and Nefertari used their Twin Beam Attack while Hercules, Catherine, and Ghostrider used their own attacks on the Monster destroying it. The Rangers then headed for the Bunker and the Jetzords returned to Airtron with Catherine returning to the old cave where Myrra was waiting.
Alexis looked around and saw Nina and I/Oca looking over a couple of scanners. Since both knew her secret she knew keeping it a secret would be difficult.
"Stealth Power Down," Alexis called out as her uniform vanished.
"I figured it might have been you," Kistra said.
"What was your first clue Kistra?" Alexis wondered.
"You appearing at the same time that Catherine appeared. Nina, how come Myrra wasn’t out there fighting?" Kistra wondered.
"I sort of lost my old Rigellian powers when I first became Nightshade," Nina responded. "Unless Aphrealle is hiding another Crystal somewhere I doubt Myrra will see action again."
"Nina, remember one thing Once a ranger always a ranger," Tara said.
"Gang, you realize since Alexis is now the Stealth Ranger she is considered a Ranger and yet she is still about a Month away from reaching full ranger status under Rangertech policy," Nina pointed out.
"Well the only reason I’m a ranger now was because I found the necklace that acts as my morpher," Alexis said. "The necklace didn’t care that I was only a Jr. Ranger until February 24th."
"She has a point Nina," Aphrealle pointed out. "Her morpher chose her despite Rangertech Policy."
"Sis, I’m glad to see you in Full Uniform," Sarah said.
"Well for some reason my uniform jacket was the only jacket I had with me so I had little choice when it came to wearing it due to the weather this time a year in Mariner Bay," Tara said.
"If you all could excuse me for a few minutes," Alexis said.
"Meet us in the lounge downstairs when you get done with whatever you are doing Alexis," Aphrealle said.
"No problem Mom," Alexis said,
When Alexis walked into the lounge a short time later She was wearing the regulation Forest Green Uniform of a full ranger complete to a Gray and White shirt under her jacket.
"It was hard finding a color to represent stealth," Alexis said. "Therefore I tried to approximate the colors of my morphed form."
"Probably a good idea," Prof. Damon said. "Ah Alexis about a bill I received from the Mariner Bay Jeweler."
"Well Nina wasn’t sure we should use the clothing allowance to procure my morpher and when he realized we were rangers he billed our purchases to Rangertech. There was some stuff the new Yellow Geo Ranger had picked out but we told her that we would explain it away to you as interunit cooperation," Alexis said. "Of course I didn’t know it was a morpher until we got back to the ship. I wanted I/Oca to analyze it but I didn’t feel we should steal it simply so it could be analyzed."
When Alexis walked into school the next time with her friends The Principal called out to her.
"Alexis, a moment of your time," the principal said.
"Sure," Alexis said. "Something wrong?"
"Sis, meet us at the Youth Center at lunchtime," Amelia said.
"No problem Amelia," Alexis said.
"No it’s not that. Your teachers filed a report on the work you did during your trip. Alexis, I know the school year is halfway through but it was decided to move you ahead a year. What this means is you will be taking classes with your sister and her friends. Whenever possible I tried to make sure at least one ranger was in your class with you," the principal said.
"Wouldn’t it be simpler for me to just be in an advanced level of the classes I’m currently taking?" Alexis wondered.
"You were in the advanced level only it wasn’t advanced enough," the principal said. The principal then handed her a piece of paper.
"Here is your new time schedule. If any of your new teachers have any questions have them call me," the principal said.
"OK let my old teachers know I will be dropping off the textbooks after school," Alexis said as she looked at her schedule "Galactic History Mrs. Hammond. Ugh I’m stuck with Janet first period." Alexis then headed for her class. By the time she arrived Janet had already closed the door.
"Well I suppose I should knock," Alexis said right before doing so.
"Alexis, what are doing here, get to your class," Janet said. Alexis simply threw her schedule into the former ranger’s hand and looked for a seat.
"Alexis, I thought you were a freshman," Janet said. "My class is sophomore level."
"I was informed a few minutes ago by our highly astute administrative head that I was being moved up a year," Alexis said.
"I’m lost but I will take your word for it," Janet said.
"The principal said to call if you have any questions," Alexis said.
"You’ll probably need this along with this," Janet said handing back Alexis’s schedule along with the proper textbook."
"How did Tara’s friend turn out my husband wouldn’t talk about that part of the trip?"
"She turned out good. She is staying with Rimyard’s right now and is doing academic placement tests although she is hoping she won’t actually have to attend school."
"She probably will," Janet said.
They continued on in the notes. Alexis lucked out and there was always a ranger in her class. After school she handed in her old textbooks to the proper teacher. She then went over to the bunker for a few minutes.
"Alexis. How did school go today?" Aphrealle wondered when Alexis walked into the War Room where Aphrealle had the watch.
"I was moved up to Amelia’s class at school. My first period teacher made me feel like an intruder."
"Who was your first period teacher?"
"Mrs. Hammond the class with all the rangers in it," Alexis said. "Except for Bobby, Mitsu, Rimyards, and Nina of course," Alexis said.
"I see," Aphrealle said.
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