The Jessica Hartgrove Series: Zeo An Alternate Scenario
by
hollytiger
Summary: Book 2 of the Alternate Scenario version of the Jessica Hartgrove Series. Read Book 1 first before you read this. Picks up where MMPR ended. The Command Center has been destroyed by Rita and Zedd and the Zeo Crystal stolen. Is this the end of the Power Rangers or a new beginning?
Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers. Saban does.
Chapter One: A Zeo Beginning
The rangers were still in disbelief as they ran towards the rubble of the Command Center. Jessica sat down on a piece of rubble with Lexie, who had been uninjured after the rangers had been teleported out of the now destroyed Command Center.
"Man, I hope Alpha and Zordon survived," said Tommy as the rangers surveyed the damage.
"I thought the Command Center was the one safe place that Rita and Zedd could never touch," said Kat.
"Now look at it," said Adam.
"There's gotta be something we can do!" cried Rocky.
"I just wish I knew what," said Jessica. The group continued on through the rubble.
Up on the moon, Rita, Zedd and their band of monsters were celebrating.
"Whoohoo! No more Power Rangers! No more Power Rangers!" sang Rita as they danced around in the Chamber.
"No more Power Rangers!" parroted Zedd. "With the Power Rangers finally out of the picture, the galazy shall be ours at last!" Zedd twirled Rita around.
Finster came darting in.
"I'm sorry my Queen, I hate to interrupt your celebration," started Finster.
"Then don't!" interrupted Rita.
"But there really is something you must see!" continued Finster.
"Not now!" cried Rita. "I'm having too much fun!"
Before Rita and Zedd could continue to celebrate, there was a loud rumble, causing the moon to violently shake.
"WHOA!" cried the occupants of the Moon Palace as they all fell over.
"What's going on?" asked Rita.
"That's what I was trying to tell you my queen!" cried Finster.
"Hmm, better take a look," said Rita, heading over to the Repulsascope.
"Out of my way fool," said Zedd, pushing Squat and Finster out of the way. "Well?"
"Zeddy...I think we're in trouble!" said Rita frightened as she pulled away from the telescope.
"Man, look at this mess," said Rocky.
"Yeah, it's been totally wiped off the map," said Tommy.
"There's nothing left," said Tanya. "It's all rubble."
Just then, something caught Adam's eye and he got up.
"Adam, what is it?" asked Jill.
"Do you see what I see?" asked Adam as he pointed to a glowing light in the rubble.
"Impossible!" cried Jessica, standing up.
"It can't be!" added Rocky.
"Crystal! Crystal!" said Lexie. Everyone stared at Lexie as she pointed at the light and the group rushed over to the rubble surrounding the light. The group started digging and moments later, the group stood in awe as Billy held up the Zeo Crystal.
"It is! It's the Zeo Crystal!" cried Tommy. "It's all there."
"This is incredible," said Kat.
"Rito and Goldar must have dropped it in the explosion," said Jill. "I can't believe it survived the blast."
"But does it still have it's power?" asked Kat.
"Whoa!" chorused the group as the Zeo Crystal flashed and glowed.
"I think it heard you," said Rocky to Kat jokingly.
"Billy, you better not hold on to it," said Jessica. "Who knows what the blast did to the crystal."
Tommy nodded and laid the Zeo Crystal down on the ground. Before the others could react, the crystal planted their feet down to the ground and the ground began to sink.
"Well I think we're about to find out!" exclaimed Tanya and the ground collapsed beneath them.
"MOMMY!" cried Lexie as Jessica clung tight to her. "Mommy I scared!"
"Hang on baby, it will be okay!" said Jessica.
Up on the Moon, Rita and Zedd and their gaggle of monsters were evacuating the Moon Palace. The Machine Empire was invading the Moon.
"Let's get out of here Zeddy!" cried Rita as the group piled into Serpentera.
"And where just precisely do you suggest we go?" asked Zedd.
"I know! My father's!" cried Rita.
"What about Rito and Goldar?" asked Baboo.
"Forget those insufferable dingledorks!" cried Rita. "They failed me!"
Up in the rotating gears of the Machine Empire, King Mondo and Queen Machina laughed as they watched Rita and Zedd run for their lives.
"Look at them run darling," said Queen Machina. "This is even more fun than the gyroscope!"
"Rita and Zedd will soon be gone forever!" said King Mondo. "Then you and I shall claim our rightful thrones. With nothing to stand in our way, the Machine Empire will be unstoppable!"
Back on Earth, the eight teens and Lexie were still trapped in the crystal's prison as the ground continued to slowly sink.
"Is it ever going to stop?" asked Jill.
"I don't know what's causing it," said Billy. "We must have activated something when I put it on the ground."
"We're sinking more!" cried Rocky.
"Let's bail out of here!" cried Adam.
"We can't move!" cried Kat. Lexie was still sobbing hysterically into Jessica's chest. Rocky grabbed Jessica by the waist and held them close as the ground finally gave way. Everyone screamed as they fell down into the earth. Up on the surface, the Command Center's foundation started to resettle. The group came crashing down on top of boxes and mats.
"Ooomph!" cried Jessica. "Lexie, are you okay, Sweetheart?"
"Yes," said Lexie. Jessica sighed in relief as she and Rocky hugged Lexie.
"Is everyone else okay?" asked Rocky.
"I think so," said Tanya. "Where are we?"
"Looks like one of the Command Center's sub-basements," said Jill.
"It is," said Jessica. "It's the lower chamber of the Command Center."
There was a loud bang and the group turned in fright.
"What was that?" asked Tommy.
"I don't know," said Billy.
"Let's follow it," said Jessica. "Stay together."
The group walked down the hall of the lower chamber while unbeknownst to them up on the surface, the Command Center was starting to take its original form again. As the group continued to navigate the halls, Jessica heard a voice above.
"Reestablish communication with beta pathways..." said the voice.
"You guys, did you hear that?" asked Jessica.
"Serial ports enabled..." said the voice again.
"Alpha! Alpha!" cried Lexie.
"Lexie's right, that sounded like Alpha," said Rocky.
"AI YI YI YI YI!"
"Now that REALLY sounds like Alpha!" said Tommy excitedly as the group grinned in excitement.
There was an explosion and the group screamed as some debris fell on them.
"Everyone okay?" asked Tommy.
"The foundation must be resettling," said Billy. "Let's just hope it was nothing."
"Rangers," came Alpha's voice, "please step through the vortex."
"The vortex?" asked Adam. The group continued around the corner and the group came to a stop as they saw a door with the lightning bolt insignia open to reveal a swirling green vortex.
"Whoa," said Jill.
Tommy stepped forward, reaching out to put a hand through it.
"Tommy," started Billy, "be careful." Tommy nodded and put his hand in the vortex as everyone drew in a breath. They breathed a deep sigh of relief as nothing happened to Tommy and he pulled his hand back out.
"How does it feel?" asked Tanya.
"It feels kinda cool," said Tommy.
"Rangers, please step into the vortex," came Alpha's voice again. Tommy looked at the others and he stepped into the vortex. Kat and Tanya held hands and stepped into together. Billy and Adam followed suit, and the twins stepped in together with Lexie. Rocky was unsure about the vortex as he rubbed his hands together and looked around, a bit uncertain. Before he knew it, Jessica had reappeared and Rocky let out a yelp as Jessica yanked him into the vortex, the doors slowly closing.
The vortex closed around the group and they appeared in a strange room.
"What is this place?" asked Tanya.
"Wow!" said Kat.
"It's the next generation in strategic command outposts," said Billy.
"It's the Command Center alright," said Jessica. "I've seen plans for this in the mainframe, but I didn't think it actually existed."
"Unreal," said Adam in awe.
"Hello Rangers," said Alpha and the group turned around. "Welcome home."
"Alpha! You're okay" cried Jill.
"I'm just fine," said Alpha as the rangers came over to hug him. "It takes more than a little implosion to keep me down! Heh heh, heh heh! And you;ll be happy to know that all systems are online!"
"Alpha, how did you," started Rocky, "I mean, where did this place come from?"
"The Power Chamber has always been here," said Alpha. "We knew there could come a time when the Command Center would become vulnerable to an attack."
"What about Dad?" asked Jessica. "Is he..."
"Ai yi yi! Don't even think it!" said Alpha. "Zordon is just fine!"
The group turned and watched as Zordon floated down into his energy tube.
"Dad!" cried Jill and Jessica
"Zordon!" cried the others.
"Welcome Rangers," said Zordon. "I'm glad you're all safe. How do you like our little surprise?"
"It's fantastic!" said Jessica.
"Alpha has been working on it for months," said Zordon. "I'm sorry we kept it from you, but we didn't want to worry you unnecessarily."
"I think we're just glad you both are alright," said Billy.
"Yeah," said Tommy.
"And Tanya, this must be quite a shock to you," continued Zordon. "I regret that you didn't have an easier time adjusting to your new surroundings."
"Well, it's a little different, I'll say that," said Tanya, causing everyone to chuckle.
"Although we have time to celebrate, time is of the esscence," said Zordon. "You must listen carefully what I'm about to tell you. At this very moment, a dark and evil force has descended upon our galaxy."
"Rita and Zedd?" asked Tanya.
"I only wish it were that simple," said Zordon. "I'm afraid this new threat is far more treacherous that Rita and Lord Zedd could ever hoped to be. Rangers, prepare yourselves for the Evil Machine Empire."
"Evil Machine empire?" asked Jessica.
"It's the one force that can prove to be unstoppable," said Zordon.
"I don't get it," said Adam.
"Who are they?" asked Kat.
"Where do they come from?" asked Rocky.
"And how come we've never heard of them before?" asked Billy.
"Rangers..." started Alpha/
"How can we fight them without our powers?" asked Tommy.
"Do Jill, Billy and I still even have powers?" asked Jessica.
"Rangers!" said Alpha again.
"What about Rita and Zedd?" asked Adam.
"Why are they coming here?" asked Kat.
"What do they want with us?" asked Jill.
"What can we do?" asked Tommy. Just then, Tanya noticed that Alpha was overloading.
"Alpha what's wrong?" asked Tanya.
"Too many questions..."started Alpha as he jumped up and down shakily. "Must process all information..." Alpha shot sparks out of his head as he spoke gibberish.
"Sorry Alpha," said Jessica, putting a hand on his shoulder. "There's just so much we need to know."
"And so you shall, my daughter," said Zordon. "In time, I'll attempt to provide you with answers to all your questions, but beware. Do not underestimate the capabilities of the Machine King. These next few days may be the most perilous you have seen."
Little did Rita and Zedd know that Rito and Goldar had suffered from Amnesia and were wandering around Angel Grove. They had wandered up to the home of Bulk and knocked on the door of the garage Bulk and Skull had screamed at the site of the two and ran around screaming. Eventually the two realized Goldar and Rito were not a threat and put the two to work.
Back at the Power Chamber, the Rangers looked at the Viewing Console.
"The time has come for you to familiarize yourselves with the latest threat to our galaxy," said Zordon. "This is King Mondo, the Machine King, supreme ruler of the Machine Empire."
A large blue, metallic robot appeared on the screen.
"This is his wife, Queen Machina," continued Zordon. "They have broken away from the United Alliance of Evil and have set out to invade our galaxy."
"Great," said Jill. "Just what we need, more freakin machines."
"This is Prince Sprocket, heir to the Machine Empire Throne," continued Zordon as Mondo and Machina's son came on screen. "And these are Clank and Orbus, footmen to the throne. Together they make up the leadership of the Machine Empire. They will stop at nothing until they control the entire universe."
"I can't believe Rita and Zedd would put up with this," said Tommy as they stared at the screen.
"The Machine Empire is so powerful, even Rita and Lord Zedd have retreated, fearing for their very existence," said Alpha.
"Rita and Zedd gone?" asked Rocky.
"No way," said Jessica.
"This must be really bad for those two to run," added Kat.
"Your concern is understandable, Rangers," said Zordon. "The Empire is equipped with very efficient fighting machines."
"What are those things?" asked Tanya, pointing to the screen at several smaller machines.
"They are called Cogs," replied Zordon. "They are King Mondo's Highly Sophisticated Mechanized Fighting Robots. They have no fear, and must be completely dismantled to be destroyed."
"I don't get it Zordon, what do they want with us?' asked Tanya.
"Our solar system is the final link in a chain of galaxies already conquered by this evil empire," replied Zordon.
"So once they conquer us they'll have it all," said Billy. "No one will exist that can defeat them."
"That is correct Billy," stated Zordon. "Quite literally, the future of the universe rest in your hands."
Up in space, Rita and Zedd had escaped into Serpentera. The Tengas were snoozing as the giant robotic dragon flew through the depths of space.
"That sure was a good old castle," said Squat.
"Yes, I made some of my best monsters there," added Finster.
"I mourn for Clem," said Squat.
"Buck up Bucko," said Baboo as he handed Squat a towel to dry his eyes.
"And now we're on our way to live with Master Vile," said Finster as Squat aired out the dusty rag. "What a dreadful turn of events." Squat bawled.
"I've never been so humliated," said Zedd in his chair. "They haven't heard the last of me. I will be back one day to rule the galaxy with every bit of evil I posess. Mark my words!"
Back at the Power Chamber, the Rangers stared at Zordon after looking at the Machine Empire on screen.
"Zordon, I don't get it," said Rocky. "How are we supposed to defeat the Machine Empire if we don't have any powers?"
"Yeah, and do Jess and I still even have any control of our powers?" asked Jill.
"Yeah, the Power Coins disappeared when the device was destroyed in the implosion," said Jessica. "We had the original five power coins in the device ready in case the Zeo Crystal didn't work."
"While the majority of the Power Coins are gone forever, Jessica, Jill and Billy are still able to use their Power Coins. However, your recently completed quests provided a new energy source- one that would bring much greater powers than possible. Rangers, behold, the fully energized Zeo Crystal."
"Zordon, before you continue, there's something I want to say," said Billy.
"Yes Billy, I believe I know what it is," said Zordon.
"What's up Billy?" asked Tommy.
"As we all know, the Zeo Crystal has five subdivisions, which means there's only enough power for five rangers," said Billy. "And with the uncertainty that my power coin will work, I've decided to step down as a Ranger and use my knowledge here at the Power Chamber instead."
"But our power coins should work," said Jessica.
"That's because your and Jill's power coins were activated by your dad himself," said Billy. "Where as the original six power coins were activated by Ninjor thousands of years ago. Working with Alien Rangers made me realize something."
"What's that?" asked Rocky.
"My brains might be more useful here at the Power Chamber, than me fighting out in the field," said Billy. "That's why I'm giving you my crystal Tanya. Aisha would have wanted that to happen."
"Billy are you sure about this?" asked Tommy.
"Absolutely," said Billy. "This is the best thing for everybody."
"Billy, you've done so much for us," said Kat. Jessica nodded.
"Kat's right, Billy will prove much more useful in here than being a Ranger," said Jill. "An extra set of eyes and ear if you will."
"And if there is ever an emergency, I can still assume the Zeo Power," said Billy.
"Dad, what about Tigress and Apollo?" asked Jessica. "Are they okay?"
"Yeah, what about the Shogun Zords?" asked Rocky. "Can we still use them?"
"The Shogun zords would not be able to withstand King Mondo's machine army," said Zordon. "However, with the new powers comes new zords. Jessica, Jill, your powers have also been upgraded. While your uniforms will still look the same as the original, because the Zeo Crystal is powering the Main Power Grid, your powers will be slightly more powerful due to the energy burst."
"Isn't that dangerous?" asked Jessica.
"No, not for the two of you," said Zordon. "Because of your Eltarian powers, the energy burst will only feel like a warmth is running through your bodies. As for Tigress and Apollo, they are both just fine."
Just then the alarms blared.
"What is it? What's that sound?" asked Tanya.
"What's going on?" asked Kat.
"Our sensors indicate that King Mondo is wasting no time," replied Zordon. "He has sent his fighters to the Earth's Outer Atmosphere to test the Earth's defense systems."
"We don't have much time," said Jessica.
Up in the Machine King's throne, Sprocket came barreling in the room.
"The quadrifighters report that the Planet Earth is defenseless and that Rita and Zedd are out of the picture!" said Sprocket.
"Excellent Sprocket!" said Mondo. "I knew you'd succeed when you put your mind to it."
"Yes!' cried Sprocket. "I'm the greatest! I should be King of Everything!"
"Don't push it Sprocket," said Mondo. "You're beginning to overload your gears! Clank! Prepare to launch a full-scale assault! And make it snappy!"
"Yes Sire," said Clank. "Like the wind, Sire!"
"Power Rangers," said Zordon back in the Power Chamber as the group stared at five morphers on the console, "a new day is upon us and the time has come for you to accept the new powers of the Zeo Crystal. Tommy, Kat. Tanya, Adam, and Rocky, these are your Zeonizers. They will allow you to morph and call upon your new zeo powers. Value them and protect them as you did your morphers and your power coins."
As Tommy and the other four picked their Zeonizers, Jessica and Jill placed their Power Coin Necklaces back around their necks, just like before they had become rangers.
"Alright, here it goes," said Billy as Tommy looked at him. Billy pushed several buttons. "Good luck guys."
The seven rangers stood in a straight line as Zordon spoke.
"Rangers, your courage and sacrifice has brought us the Zeo Crystal," said Zordon. "It will bestow upon you powers beyond your imagination." The image of the Zeo crystal broke into its five sub-divisions and floated over their respective retriever.
"Katherine, you will be known as Zeo Ranger 1 Pink," said Zordon as the power from her subcrystal allowed her to morph.
"Wow," said Kat, feeling the energy run through her.
"Tanya, you will be known as Zeo Ranger 2, Yellow," continued Zordon as Tanya transformed.
"The subcrystals the boys have retrieved have given them new colors. Rocky, you will be known as Zeo Ranger 3, Blue."
"Man..."sighed Rocky
Billy took a deep sigh as Alpha put a hand on his shoulder and Jessica looked a Billy with sympathy.
"Adam, the power of Zeo Ranger 4, Green, belongs to you," said Zordon again.
"Awesome," said Adam.
"And Tommy, you will assume the identity of Zeo Ranger Five, Red," finished Zordon.
"Cool," said Tommy as he was morphed. "What about Jessica and Jill? How do their powers work?"
"Jessica, Jill, because the original Morphing Grid was damaged in the implosion, your morphers will not work. However, you can still call upon your powers as long as you wear the power coin, just like you would summon your ninja powers. Because your coins are powered by me, all you have to do is say, "We need Ranger Power now!" and you will be able to transform. Concentrate your minds and focus your energies on your power coins. That is all you need to transform. Now concentrate and accept your birthright and destiny."
Jessica looked at Jill and nodded as the two placed their palms together and closed their eyes. The others covered their eyes as a flash of light appeared moments later and the group saw the twins in their brand new Power Suits.
"Whoa!" cried Jessica. "This is incredible!"
"I feel every single one of our ancestors running through me!" cried Jill.
Jessica and Jill were both still purple and orange, but instead of the white diamond shapes on their chests, the suits were colored completely solid and glittered like the Metallic Armor suits. A tiger was etched into the front of Jessica's suit in Black, while an owl was etched onto Jill's.
"Incredible!" sad Rocky. "They are literally powered by Tigress and Apollo!"
"Yes Rocky, Tigress and Apollo are the spirits of Jessica and Jill's Ninja animal spirits," said Zordon. "While their destinies are not completely fulfilled, Jessica and Jill have claimed their birthright as Leaders of the Power Rangers. Someday I may be gone, and my legacy will live on. The knowledge and power is within you two, and after I am gone, you will be able to continue to defend the Earth and the universe from the forces of Evil. The Power Rangers will live on."
Jessica smiled weakly as she turned and looked at the old power suits, that now hung in the Power Chamber.
"You will have many new tools at your disposal," continued Zordon. "These will all be revealed in time. I'm very proud of you all. As Power Rangers, you have served your planet well. But the Power Rangers as you have known them are gone forever. In their place has emerged a new and more advanced fighting force. You are no longer the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, but are now Power Rangers Zeo, the next level in the fight against evil."
King Mondo let out an evil laugh in his chambers.
"The hour of destiny has arrived!" said Mondo. "Assemble the ground forces. They'll never know what hit them! Ahahaha!"
"Ooh, let me give the order!" proclaimed Sprocket. "Just tell me where you want them to go and I'll send them!"
"All right Sprocket!" said Mondo with a laugh.
"Oh goody goody!" said Sprocket with a clap.
"The target- Angel Grove. We'll begin right where Rita and Lord Zedd left off. What do you think dear?" asked Mondo to Machina.
"Love it Darling! Ha ha ha!" replied Machina.
"Good! Alright Sprocket, give the order and begin the assault!" proclaimed Mondo.
In the Power Chamber, the alarms blared.
"Alright guys, the first test of your new powers," said Billy. "Good luck."
"Thanks Billy," said Tommy and the others nodded.
"For everything," said Jessica.
"POWER RANGERS! ZEO!" cried Tommy, Kat, Adam, Rocky, and Tanya as they flipped their zeonizers.
"We need Ranger Power now!" cried Jessica and Jill as they waved their arms around like when they would call upon their Ninja Powers. The two raised their fists into the air.
"Zeo Ranger 1, Pink!"
"Zeo Ranger 2, Yellow!"
"Zeo Ranger 3, Blue!"
"Zeo Ranger 4, Green!"
"Zeo Ranger 5, Red!"
"Purple Ranger Power!"
"Orange Ranger Power!"
Down at the junkyard, King Mondo's cogs were roaming around.
"Something is not right," said a cog. "I sense an intrusion."
"HIYAH!" cried the Rangers as they jumped out of the sky onto a cliff. They turned around to face the cogs.
"Tell King Mondo if it's a fight he wants, it's a fight he'll get!" said Tommy. "Right guys?"
"Right!" cried the others.
"Power Rangers! Hiyah!"
The seven rangers jumped off the cliff and began to fight the cogs. The rangers easily took them down one by one and the rest of the cogs fled.
"Alright! We did it!" cried Jessica.
"These new powers are awesome!" cried Adam.
"Power Rangers!" cried the group in unison.
Up in his chambers, Mondo had watched the whole fight unfold.
"Hmm, it seems the earth isn't defenseless after all," said Mondo. "It could be an interesting diversion to have a formidable enemy. Don't you agree?"
"Yes, definitely!" agreed Machina. "Our journey toward galactic domination has been getting boring!"
"Especially when we win!" said Mondo.
"Yes," said Machina.
"This will be quite an endeavor!" said Mondo.
"Dearest, do the Rangers worry you?" asked Machina.
"No, not at all," said Mondo. "The Power Rangers have proven to be worthy adversaries. They will be difficult to defeat, but it'll make it that much sweeter when I scatter them to the farthest reaches of the galaxy!Ha ha ha ha!"
"Man, I never thought I'd say I miss Rita and Zedd's Tengas," said Tommy as he and the guys walked into Ernie's Cafe.
"Yeah, those cogs were brutal," replied Adam as he, Rocky, Billy and Tommy sat down at a table.
"Zordon says King Mondo can manufacture one an hour," said Billy.
"Thank goodness for the Zeo Crystal," said Rocky.
"So Billy, if there's a full mount up attack, with the Zords gone and Ninjor back in the temple, what's going to happen?" asked Tommy.
"Don't worry, we're working on that," replied Billy. "You won't believe what we came up with."
Just then, the four girls and Lexie walked up to them.
"Hey guys," said Jessica.
"Hey," said Tommy as Jessica kissed Rocky on the lips. "You guys just look like you won the lottery."
"Well Kat's parents said it's okay if I stay with them," said Tanya.
"And starting tomorrow, she's enrolled at Angel Grove High," added Kat.
"Awesome!" said Adam.
"Excellent!" said Rocky, high-fiving Kat and then Adam. "The rangers are back in action!"
"And I know it seems weird I won't be fighting alongside you guys, but it will be worth it," said Billy.
"Once a ranger, always a ranger," said Jill.
"We're back you guys, and better than ever!" said Jessica as they put their hands in the middle of the table.
"Yeah!" said Tanya.