Disclaimer: Concept is Haim Saban’s. Characters belong to us. This story is the First Fanfic after the Battle for Minosian Liberation Subseries. For the record Plastica is still around looking for information about the Scarlet Ranger. This takes place starting the Morning after the final scenes of Morgana’s Fall Part 2

Suspicions
By Robert Gutheim

The Story opens in the Kitchen of the Rimyard House. The family is just sitting down to Breakfast.

"If there is one thing I missed being away it was your cooking mom," Sarah commented.

"Glad to hear it Sarah. Maggie, you never told us how your audition went yesterday for that Play," Mrs. Rimyard commented as she set a stack of Pancakes on Sarah’s plate.

"I would like to know what passes for talent on this rock. Here a few of the best years of my life I spent on a soundstage doing a hit TV show and that imbecilic moron tried to imply that I had no talent for acting," Sarah’s older sister complained. "He probably wouldn’t know talent if the Scarlet Ranger bashed him in the head with it."

Tara started to go a little pale when she said it while Mrs. Rimyard grimaced when Maggie had made her comment.

"There is one thing that really has me worried. I hope that fiend is stopped soon," Mrs. Rimyard said.

"Now Diane, I doubt we need to discuss it over breakfast. All the girls have to do is be extra careful when they are out and about," Mr. Rimyard said.

"I know Wayne but I’m just worried one of the girls could get hurt. After all so little is known about who this ranger is. What powers the Scarlet Ranger?" Mrs. Rimyard put forth as an example.

"Well based on the fact that two morpher halves like these were stolen from Rangertech right before the ranger appeared Professor Damon and Miss Warren suspect that the Scarlet Ranger could possess Zordonian Powers. The subject came up after we returned yesterday," Sarah said after cocking her wrists so that her morphers appeared.

"Mom, think there is much chance that the Scarlet Ranger could attack us here at home?" Karie the youngest at ten asked.

"I doubt it Shrimp," Tara commented. "He is probably under a spell that keeps him from attacking non rangers." This last part was to make them think the Scarlet Ranger was a male.

Meanwhile Amelia was sitting in the Living room of her own house on a couch talking with her sister Alexis. Both her adopted parents had to be at work before then and Andrea had gone into the bunker to work out in the gym.

"What’s it like having ranger powers?" Alexis wondered.

"It’s not bad knowing that in case of trouble you are part of the Defense grid. Nice thing is unlike a lot of teams under Council control we are free to morph when needed. Part of this is because of our uniforms also back a few years ago a ranger was killed because she couldn’t morph and another ranger morphed to try and save her. After that their team was a little more free in when they morphed and we ended up with Free reign in when we morph. Of any of the actual rangers I have the most complete knowledge about our powers since I had developed the way the crystal interacts with the morphers so that we can morph. If anything I probably should be the Red Ranger and or the leader because I had developed the powers. Yet Michelle bargained with me and offered me the #2 job if I would let her be red. If it hadn’t been an emergency I would have debated it a little more like said that she could be red but I deserved the lead," Amelia said.

"I remember that whole thing since Mom and I watched it on the viewscreen in the temple," Alexis said. "Who knows maybe someday you will get accepted to the Mentoring program on Rangero."

"I don’t know I can’t picture myself mentoring a team," Amelia said.

"If anything sis you have it lucky. Here I spent my whole life except a few brief appearances on the Surface inside a temple and you’ve spent time on three different Planets, Earth, Lunar, Capsilon IX," Alexis said.

"You left out Phaedos. Our secondary powers are from there," Amelia said.

A short while later back at the Rimyards Tara was hanging out with a blond haired girl listening to music and doing each others hair. Sarah though wasn’t sure what was up. She slipped into her own room and flipped her communicator.

"Professor, come in this is Sarah."

"Sarah, what’s wrong?" Professor Damon wondered.

"There is a girl playing with my sister Tara right now and I remember her from somewhere and I don’t think the memory was real pleasant," Sarah said.

"I’ll look into it," Professor Damon said. He looked around to see his support staff working away. I/Oca was checking the computer archives to make sure everything was good and Alpha was cleaning the various consoles and trying to inventory the stuff in Amelia’s locker at the same time.

"I/Oca, could you bring up an image of what’s going on at Rimyard’s?" the professor ordered.

"Sure Professor. Any idea where April and Robert are?"

"Robert is either trying to help Janet cope with Andrew’s injuries or looking for clues about the Scarlet Ranger and Aphrealle is trying to take it easy today."

"Hi, I’m don’t think we met," Michelle greeted, as she attempted to throw a dart at a scoreboard.

"I’m Gallant this is Nina. We need to talk to you privately," tall dark and handsome said.

"I’m a little tied up right now," Michelle said. "Can it wait until later?"

"Professor, that blond haired girl It’s Nightshade trust me," Michelle said when the flash ended.

"I know. I’ll let Sarah know but we won’t do anything unless Nightshade tries to attack the Rimyards. She is up to something. Why even disguised would an assassin like Nightshade hang out with the sister of the Power Ranger?"

"Could Lord Xenon be up to something?" Michelle wondered.

"I don’t know. At least the Scarlet Ranger isn’t up to something. That’s a relief at least," Professor Damon said.

"Yeah but how long will it last?" Michelle wondered.

"I don’t know," Prof. Damon admitted.

Michelle then headed for the Gymnasium to practice her gymnastics. The Professor meanwhile called Sarah back on the communicators.

"Sarah, we have an idea on your sister’s friend," he called out.

"Well what did you find out?"

"Your sister’s friend isn’t as dumb as she appears. In fact she is very intelligent for an assassin. Her real identity is Nightshade."

"Nightshade as in Xenon’s lackey."

"The one and only. Unless she tries anything we won’t attempt to take any action but be ready."

"I will professor. Thanks for the heads up."

"Don’t mention it Sarah just be careful."

I better act dumb so Nightshade doesn’t realize the gig is up. Wouldn’t want to provoke an attack.

Nina didn’t try anything. In fact she ended up spending the night sleeping on a cot in Tara’s room.

"Don’t think you will win this round Laronnie," Nina scowled. "I’ll escape somehow."

The whole scene caused Nina to toss and turn. It woke Tara up and she walked over and shook her awake.

"Nina, you must have been having a real bad dream or something," Tara said.

"It was more like a nightmare. Oh man not my best time in battle," Nina said. "I remember I didn’t come out of that battle very well."

"What do you mean?" Tara wondered.

"Tara, you know that I’m not really a dumb blond these days," Nina said.

"Yeah I know that your dumb blond routine is a disguise and you are really one of Lord Xenon’s goons. Why do you call yourself Nina when you are disguised?"

"Nina is my real name. I wasn’t always an Intergalactic Assassin who worked for ever could pay me enough for my services. I was once Plain old Nina Hanson of Rigel VII. Then I was captured by Laronnie the Queen of Hell. Rigellian Mythology made references to Laronnie. She was the ruler of the underworld in the myths of Rigel VII. For a while I was the Fuschia Ranger on my home planet. Then Laronnie captured me and did something to my mind so that I became Nightshade. The first people I ended up killing were my own teammates. For a while I worked for Dark Specter, then a little bit Lord Wieskoph but on the far outskirts of his territory. Then after Lord Wieskoph was killed by Mechinack King Ransonov the Powerful Monarch of the Xeno Empire hired me to assist his nephew Lord Xenon with the capture of Slaves. My job was to do two things A get rid of any power rangers then when we had enough slaves I was to kill his nephew. Xenon found out what his uncle was up to and offered me quintuple to assassinate his uncle. I almost got killed myself but I pulled it off. Tara, I want to go back to being plain old Nina Hanson, to give up my evil ways as Nightshade. For the last Hundred and thirty two earth years I’ve been one of the most evil beings on any planet. I know I look like I’m anywhere from fifteen to as old as eighteen like some of your sister’s teammates but I’m really a hundred and fifty years old. Tara, help me," Nina called out as she fell back asleep.

The next morning once again found then around the Breakfast table.

"Nina, if you want you could accompany us to church," Mr. Rimyard said.

"I’ll pass if you don’t mind I have somewhere I have to be as it is," Nina said.

Soon as the Rimyards left Nina opened a portal to the Venom.

"My Lord, your theory that the Zordonian team has returned is true," Nina said as she aged a number of years and her weapons reappeared. Once again kind gentle Nina Hanson was the evil Assassin Nightshade.

"They always are worthwhile foes. I have a special task for your Scarlet Suited friend. She is to kill the Red, Green, Platinum, and Violet Rangers," Lord Xenon ordered.

"My Lord, let me kill the Platinum Ranger myself. There is no way Tara will willingly even when morphed kill the Platinum Ranger," Nightshade said.

"How do you figure that?" Lord Xenon wondered rage starting to appear in his eyes.

"The Platinum Ranger is her sister," Nightshade informed her.

"You will just have to work harder to convince her that’s all," Lord Xenon ordered her.

"Why those Rangers," Galactex wondered as he walked in.

"Easy by Killing the Red Ranger it will destabilize the entire team besides the White Ranger fancies herself in intimate love with her leader, Kill the Green Ranger and it will be even worse for the Pink Ranger, Killing the Platinum Ranger will insure that the Scarlet Ranger is truly evil. Oh and by killing the Violet Ranger we can ruin the lives of the Sapphire Ranger along with wreck her fragile friendship with the White and Purple Rangers," Lord Xenon responded to his General’s question. "Not that it’s any of your business. Now get to work on those engines and make sure the slave’s quarters are completed on schedule."

"Yes my Lord," Galactex replied as he backed away.

Soon as the Rimyards were done with Church Sarah headed for the Command Bunker.

"Professor, any idea what Nightshade is up to?" Sarah wondered. Robert happened to be over by a sensor control console looking something over.

"Last I knew she was aboard the Venom," Professor Damon said.

"Sarah, any theories as to the Scarlet Ranger’s identity?" Robert wondered.

"My sister Tara seems to think the Scarlet Ranger may be male. Maybe we should scan for any males with bootlegged morphers," Sarah suggested.

"Better idea Robert, scan for females with bootlegged morphers," Professor Damon recommended.

"Something up Powermatic?" Robert wondered.

"It’s just a theory. Here is the evidence; A Tara was spotted talking to a disguised Nightshade. The Scarlet Ranger works for Nightshade. Also Tara was trying to give the impression that the Scarlet Ranger was male," Prof. Damon said.

The Alarm suddenly went off.

"Nightshade is porting onto the Planet. Hum she is coming down in a park in Settlement 2. Powermatic, don’t contact the rangers until I tell you. Let me scout the area first," Robert said. "Showtime Plastica Style."

A multicolored Lightshow then took place. When the show ended Plastica stood where Robert had been. He then Teleported out coming down in a tree.

"Eagle," Plastica said changing into a Bald Eagle and hiding among the branches.

"Nightshade, why did you ask to see me?" Tara wondered. "We have to be careful that my secret doesn’t get revealed."

"Orders from the boss. He wants you to kill four of the rangers," Nightshade said.

"Which ones?" Tara wondered not sure she wanted to know.

"The Red, Green, Platinum, and Violet Rangers," Nightshade responded.

"You can go back and tell slimeo I won’t. Sarah has always been nice to me I won’t do anything to hurt her. Now if you had asked me to kill the Blue or Orange Rangers I doubt she would care since she doesn’t care for Mitsu as it is," Tara said.

"I tried to explain to him that your feeling of family would make it difficult for you to kill the Platinum Ranger even morphed but he insisted," Nightshade said.

"Nightshade, there is still good in you. I saw it last night. You go back and tell Lord Xenon that the day I hurt a member of my family is the day I die. It’s my plan to live a long time," Tara said as she turned and ran toward the tree Plastica was hiding in. Nightshade then summoned a portal and left. Plastica then flew down.

"Hello Majestic bird. I haven’t seen too many like you around. You probably saw that villainous bimbo try to get me to kill my sister and a select few of her friends and my reluctance. You see I look good on the inside but I possess morphers that turn me evil everytime I use them. I hurt people everytime I use them. Well no more. Soon as I get home I’m turning myself into Colonial Security," Tara said. "After all I stole the unpowered morpher halves. For that I deserve a stiff sentence."

Plastica then lightly tapped his teleport button with one claw while resting on Tara’s arm. They came out of teleported into the War Room. The other Rangers were on hand waiting for something. Soon as Tara teleported in she walked out of the War Room toward the Gymnasium.

"Well it was nice while it lasted. Trust me. I won’t miss these," Tara said cocking her wrist such that her morphers appeared and then removing them. She then returned to the War Room.

"Any of you know what to do with these?" Tara wondered showing her morphers.

"I’ll take them," Aphrealle said. "Where did you find these?"

"I had them," Tara said.

"Tara, you trying to say you were the Scarlet Ranger," Sarah said.

"Well I was but Lord Xenon tried to get me to kill Michelle, Greg, Kistra, and you and I refused. I figured the only way to get out of it was to get rid of them," Tara said.

Aphrealle during Tara’s confession had run some scans on the crystal inside the morpher.

"This is weird," Aphrealle said.

"What is weird Mother?" Amelia wondered as she walked up.

"The crystal is becoming more stable. It was about twenty percent stable when it was stolen back before you were born. Now it’s about forty nine point ninety nine percent stable," Aphrealle said.

"So what does it mean?" Tara wondered.

"It means that over time the crystal has become less dangerous. How I don’t know," Aphrealle said.

"How would it have affected me over time if I hadn’t given them up?" Tara wondered.

"Over time who knows how long as it stabilized the Scarlet Ranger would have become less evil," Aphrealle said.

"Mom, if Alexis, I/Oca, and Robert helped me I probably could stabilize it further," Amelia said.

"Well give it a try," Aphrealle said.

"What good will further stabilizing the crystal do?" Tara wondered.

"Easy Tara, I watched some scenes of you in battle last night so I could develop a strategy against you. If we can make Nightshade think you are successfully killing the rangers in question. We can lure her out. Robert has a fancy gun that is capable to knocking out a target without killing it," Bobby said. "It will take some work for the rest of us to fake grief. Soon as she appears it would be your job to attack her."

"Sounds risky Bobby," Tara said. "Besides, she might appear soon as the Battle begins. In fact Lord Xenon might send her into battle to do something to force me to try to kill the rangers Xenon chose to have me kill."

Amelia and her chosen crew got to work. A Couple hours later the alarms once again went off.

"Nightshade and some Xenonites all three flavors are attacking a playground in Settlement 5. Rangers, be careful and try to avoid collateral damage," The Professor briefed in the Rangers.

"Amelia, go I think I can finish up," Alexis said as the other rangers moved into position around the View screen even though Amelia didn’t move more then a finger to pick up a small probe that looked like an automobile diagnostic probe.

"OK I think we are ready," Michelle said. "Showtime."

"Red Zordonian Power." A towering inferno covered Michelle, from head to toe. When the flame slid apart she was the Red Ranger.

"Pink Zordonian Power." High above appears a pink cloud. It showered Amelia in a dust storm. When she could be seen again she was the Pink Ranger.

"Blue Zordonian Power." A whirlpool erupted from the ground and hid Bobby from view. As the water became vapor in the air, he was the Blue Ranger.

"Green Zordonian Power." Jolts of electrical energy flared throughout his whole body. As the energy subsided Greg was the Green Ranger.

"Yellow Zordonian Power." the surroundings became pitch black. The shadow dome burst open, revealing Marsha as the Yellow Ranger.

"White Zordonian Power." Pure intense white light surged around herself. None could look in her direction because the light was too harsh on the eyes. As soon as it became tolerable again Roxanne was the White Ranger.

"Purple Zordonian Power." A purple bubble incased her. None were able to see within the bubble. Popping open Vanessa was the Purple Ranger.

"Orange Zordonian Power." Rays of Sun shot through the Wall and shaded her from view. When the heat dispersed Mitsu was the Orange Ranger.

"Teal Zordonian Power." Lightning, Ice, and Smoke surrounded her. When the air cleared Andrea was the Teal Ranger.

"Platinum Zordonian Power." Lava covered Sarah from view. When it dissolved she was the Platinum Ranger.

"Mahogany Zordonian Power."

"Violet Zordonian Power."

"Sapphire Zordonian Power."

Alexis meanwhile worked away.

The Rangers appeared in the Playground fully morphed.

"Ah Rangers nice of you to show up. It’s been a while," Nightshade sneered.

"Not long enough Nightshade," Vanessa commented. "I have a feeling we will continue to beat Xenon’s tail even after you are defeated." Roxanne, let’s double team her. She owes us bigtime

Our two new allies the Violet and Sapphire Rangers.

A quadruple teaming takes place and eventually everyone looks up as the Scarlet Ranger appears.

"Rangers, meet your worst nightmare," Tara scowled. "Nightshade thanks for softening them up."

"What’s this a new ranger?" Sarah pretends to act surprised.

"I believe you have heard of me I’m known as the Scarlet Ranger," Tara growled as she pulled out a blaster. She then fired it on Michelle knocking her instantly out. She then fired on Kistra knocking her out and making Nightshade’s job easier.

"We are losing rangers left and right," Amelia called out as Greg went down. Just as Amelia was getting ready to sound a retreat the Scarlet Ranger went after Sarah.

"You will be the best since you are after one of the sexiest guys on the Planet for yourself," Tara said firing the weapon at Sarah.

"See how easy it is to follow orders," Nightshade said as she got ready to thrust a sword through Tara’s chest only to fall down herself.

"Thanks for the assist Plastica," Tara said.

The Rangers then teleported back. Soon as they teleported into the War Room Tara took her helmet off and set it atop the long range sensor console. She then looked for a section of console that was as button free as possible that she could to sit on.

"You think Lord Xenon and Nina fell for our act?" Tara asked.

"It’s hard to say," Professor Damon said. "After all Nightshade did act like she was trying to kill you."

"So what will happen to Nina now?" Tara wondered.

"It’s hard to say. We have to first figure out what caused her to become evil. If we can restore her to the side of the light we will if not She will probably be turned over to the IGPF and In talking to Andrew briefly she has enough warrants for murder against her that she will get either multiple life sentences or an Intergalactic Court Judge could put her before a jury and she could end up with the Death Penalty," Robert said. "Right now Alpha and Dr. Cummings are trying to see how much can be done. Michelle and the other rangers that were stunned so as to make it look like Tara has killed them are resting in their quarters. Nightshade is laying restrained in the Medical Chamber."

"I know there is good in her I just know it. She showed it to me last night in my room at home," Tara said.

"Tara, we will do our best but first we have to figure out how Laronnie turned Nina Hanson into Nightshade," Robert said.

"You know it’s funny but I almost think of Nightshade as being my best friend. I want to do everything I can to help her," Tara said.

"Tara, I’m sure Dr. Cummings will do her best," Mitsu said. "Tell you what let’s go down in the Gymnasium and spar a little. I promise I won’t try to shish kabob you."

"Mitsu, did you ever fix that one claw that was broken in that one battle?" Robert wondered.

Mitsu extended her claws to show that in fact she hadn’t.

"I think I’ll pass. I just don’t feel like it," Tara said.

The other rangers did head off though Amelia, Andrea, and Alexis for the Pool and the others for the Gymnasium. Soon the only people in the War Room were I/Oca, Professor Damon, Robert, Tara, and Aphrealle.

"Robert, you know it’s weird I studied your exploits in history classes both on Earth and here on Capsilon IX and I didn’t think I would ever meet the real you," Tara said.

"Stranger things have happened Tara. It will probably be a while until there is news about your friend. At least take the time for a swim. I had your weapon on Setting 2 so Michelle and the others should wake up soon," Robert said.

"I think your right Robert. Maybe keeping busy will help the time to go by faster. I’ll teleport home and get my swim suit," Tara said.

"Tara, take this key to the Uniform Storage Room and see if you can find a swim suit in your size," I/Oca said as he tossed a key toward her. Robert Followed her downstairs where a small Storage Room was revealed off the lounge heading away from the corridor to the Living Quarters. Tara went in there and looked for a halfway appropriate swim suit.

"What is with these people. Don’t they have any decent two piece suits? These all look to be one piece. They don’t even have a dark enough Red in here," Tara said. "Not that I have a dark enough red at home. I suppose I could use a normal red one for now."

She looked through the red ones to find one that would fit her. It was a bit of a challenge for two reasons. One Michelle was three inches taller and she also had a wider waist. Tara was as short as Amelia but Amelia wore a vastly different color.

Tara then tried to chicken out but Robert wouldn’t hear it. She then grabbed a Bluish colored suit that looked close to her size. She then went looking for an empty room to change in. When she came out Robert tossed her a Pool Cover-up that was a Nice Dark red. They then headed for the pool.

"Hi Tara," Andrea said.

"The others still sparing?" Tara wondered.

"I think so I heard a lot of calls coming from the Gymnasium. Bobby and Linoka are probably venting a lot of pressure," Andrea said.

"Why is that?" Tara wondered.

"AS you know Bobby is real good friends with Sarah and Kistra and Linoka are twin sisters even though they don’t share the same birthday. Apparently Kistra was born a few minutes before midnight and Linoka a few minutes after midnight," Amelia said.

"What about Michelle and Greg?" Tara inquired.

"All of us feel concern for Michelle and I’m doing most of the concern for Greg since he is my boyfriend," Amelia said.

A double cannon ball right then announced the arrival of Michelle and Sarah.

"Man Tara, when you were after me you made it sound real," Sarah said.

"Well I have to admit I’ve had a crush on Bobby for a couple years now," Tara said.

Greg was off to one side doing something but no one could see what since his back was turned. Just as the rangers were getting ready to play Marco Polo the sound of several communicators went off. Greg was closest so he hit his Comm Button since he was still getting ready for something.

"What’s up Professor?" Greg wondered.

"All Rangers to the Snack Bar in Utilities," Prof. Damon ordered.

"Oh boy. Greg, tell the Professor to give us time to dry off," Amelia called out.

Ten minutes later the last of the Rangers in their Utilities walked in. Tara since she didn’t consider herself to be a ranger had on Blue Jeans and a Dark Red Top.

"Tara, Prof. Damon specified utilities," Aphrealle said.

"I heard his orders and he said all rangers," Tara said.

"Reformed evil or not you are a ranger," Sarah pointed out.

"Sarah, the only reason I took back my morphers was to fool Nightshade and Lord Xenon. At this time I am resigning from the rangers," Tara said.

"Tara, We are not about to just let you walk away," Michelle said. "Would Nina want you to just give up?"

"That’s assuming we can separate Nightshade from Nina," Tara said. "How is she does anyone know?"

"Right now it doesn’t look good. Dr. Cummings ran every sensor we have on her. Near as we can figure a small implant on her brain right where her emotions are controlled is what is causing her to be evil and is also causing her to become Nightshade," Aphrealle said.

"So remove the implant and Nightshade should be no more," Tara said.

"Tara, it’s not that simple. It’s on her brain. The surgery can’t be done here. We can’t even be sure she will survive the surgery," Professor Damon said. "Right now it looks like we might have to take her to Earth. There is a neurosurgeon in Mariner Bay who can help her. I spoke quickly with Sergeant Hammond and He agreed to fly Nina to earth for the surgery. He wants an escort of three Rangertech Employees. I/Oca agreed to lead the escort."

"Who else is going?" Tara wondered.

"Well it was a challenge but I chose Alexis and Tara," Prof. Damon said.

"What about Debbie?" Andrea asked thinking of her friend.

"Debbie chose not to directly affiliate herself with the company. Alexis has been Assisting I/Oca quite nicely since she joined the company and by sending Tara there is a Ranger along in case of trouble," Professor Damon reported.

"Professor, how long would we be gone?" Alexis wondered.

"Probably not longer then a Month," Prof. Damon reported.

Tara went running out of the Snack Bar. Half an hour later Michelle found her trying to drown herself using a showerhead in her mouth.

"Tara, I/Oca and Alexis are waiting for you in the War Room," Michelle said.

"I’m not going," Tara said. "Here I had tendered my resignation already and your airheaded boss wants to send me on a medical run as a ranger."

"Tara, You’re going and that’s final. Come on we better get you packed," Michelle said. "Your resignation is delayed until after this mission is over."

Tara made every attempt to get out of the trip but when the ship finally left Tara was sitting next to her friend in the medical bay. She had Forest Green Pants on and a Dark Red Shirt but she was without a jacket. Alexis walked in wearing a Lt. Green jacket and Pants.

"How come your uniform is a different color then mine?"

"My fifteenth birthday isn’t until February," Alexis informed her. "Therefore I’m not eligible for full ranger status. Amelia from when she was twelve until she was activated wore a uniform of this coloring. She was a junior ranger herself."

"I just can’t see myself actually putting the jacket on. I’m worried that if I put on a jacket I will be accepting that I am a member of the team and as you know I don’t consider myself part of the team," Tara said.

"Tara, here I don’t even have full status and I consider you a part of the team and I think the others do as well."

To Be Continued