Prologue
Kate was barely paying attention was Professor Hastlings went on reading from Brighton Hall's could feel her eye lids starring to fall and shook her head to stay awake. Kate's partner, Pachirisu, looked up at the ranger and let out a big yawn. Kate snickered. At least she wasn't the one who was completely exhausted.
"Why don't we go meet the others downstairs?" The professor's statement brought Kate back from spacing out. Professor Hastlings was waiting for Kate at the top of the stairs. He tapped his cane on the floor impatiently.
Kate lifted Pachirisu onto her shoulder and forced herself into a run. The professor was halfway down the steps before the ranger caught up.
Once she stepped out the front door of the Altru building, it took Kate a few seconds to take in the scene before her. Professor Hastlings was walking over to join Chairperson Erma, while Wendy, Sven, and Keith were reporting in what happened to her. Rhythmi and Murph were hanging back a little, listening intently to the three top rangers as they described the mission. Farther away, Barlow and the other area rangers were arresting the Sinis Trio. Even from across the square, Kate could hear Lavanna loudly protesting about going with Luana. Heath wasn't being much better. It took both Barlow and Chopin's combined efforts to get him to cooperate. Surprisingly enough, the only one not giving any trouble was the leader of the trio, Ice. He was seated quietly on one of the benches with his arms pinned behind his back by the handcuffs. A shiver ran down Kate's spine when she noticed the blunette turn his cold gaze on her.
Kate's reflexes kicked in as a firm hand was placed on her shoulder that was not already occupied by a small electric squirrel. She whirled around to see Keith standing behind her with Buizel at his side.
"Little jumpy there, Kate?" The redhead asked in a mocking tone.
Kate gave her friend a death stare but said nothing.
"Come on," Keith said after a short pause, "Chairperson Erma wants to hear your report." The redhead took hold of Kate's arm started down the stairs. He was going faster than his friend's tired legs allowed. Kate completely missed the last step and landed on her knees.
"Sorry," Keith said quickly and helped Kate to her feet.
Kate could feel the heat on her cheeks as she go up off her knees, and really hoped that only Keith had seen that.
A smirk appeared across Ice's face when he saw Kate go down. She was just as graceful as ever.
His gaze shifted once again as one of the area rangers finally got the cuffs on Lavanna, which was probably easier than he thought. After all, the girl's biggest weapon was her mouth.
The female ranger set Lavanna on the bench next to Ice.
The admin chose not to acknowledge his teammate. Consequently, it brought his attention back to the four top rangers. Kate had apparently joined the others and was giving her report.
"Forget about her," Lavanna growled into Ice's ear. He voice was low enough that only he could hear.
"That is none of your concern." Ice's voice remained calm, despite how annoyed he was with Lavanna for bringing this up. Lucky for him, the area rangers were ready to transport them, and Lavanna didn't have a chance to continue.