Waiting for more episodes before continuing my JF story arc, so bear with me while that happens. In the meantime, here's a little spin-off from The Phantoms Arc: My Way, centred on the OO team. This is set around the trial as they face charges for their crimes under Jellica's control. Anyway, time to address the usual stuff.

Rating: T – May be some adult themes and language.

Legal: I do not own Power Rangers, or the associated names, places, characters etc. Anything not covered by the aforementioned rights is to be considered purely the creation of the author.

Ronny sat uncomfortably on the hard, wooden benches of the courtroom, shackles cutting painfully into her wrists and ankles. She looked out over all the judgemental faces of the public gallery. Their sneers and cat-calls pained her deeply. Not that long ago those self-same people had praised and cheered her for saving them countless times. She reached over to Mack, her fingers lacing with his in a comforting gesture as they awaited their judgement.

"Have the jury reached a verdict?" The judge asked.

"We have your honour." The foreman replied. "We find the defendants...guilty as charged."

"NO!" Ronny wailed as her tears began to fall. "We didn't mean anything, it was all because of Jellica, it was..."

"Order in the court!" The judge roared as he hammered the bench with his gavel. "You have been found guilty by a jury of your peers. I sentence you all to life imprisonment without possibility of parole."

"NO! You can't do this!" She screamed as she was grabbed and pulled away from her fiancé. "Mack!"

"Get your hands off her!" He growled at he snapped the chains restraining his wrists with ease. He barrelled through the guards towards the door. She watched in horror as the fateful gunshot echoed around the courtroom. She screamed an anguished cry as his body slumped to the floor lifelessly. She rushed to his side, cradling his limp corpse to her body. She shook him, willing him to return to her, but it was too late. He was dead.

"Mack NO!" She wailed as she swatted away the first of her gaolers. "You can't leave me, you can't!"

She felt his body hanging limply in her arms and knew it was hopeless to do anything. The first guard grabbed her, but quickly regretted it as he found himself being thrown across the room, though not before she snatched his gun from its holster. He heard the cocking of several guns as she held the pistol in her hand.

"You don't need those." She whimpered. "I only need one shot."

With that, she put the barrel of the pistol in her mouth.

Ronny snapped into consciousness, soaking wet with sweat as she lay in the bed. She'd had nightmares about the trial before, but this was by far the worst. She got out of the bed realising she wouldn't get back to sleep anyway. She went out onto the veranda, finding her fiancé, Mack standing there.

"You couldn't sleep either?" He asked. "I tried not to disturb you."

"You didn't." She replied, hugging him. "I woke up anyway."

"I can't believe how much people hate us." He sighed.

"We did do a lot of bad things." She responded. "I guess it's more 'what have you done for us recently' than 'what have you done for us' as far as they're concerned."

"Ronny, some guy slashed my dad's tyres." He commented. "Spencer got attacked the last time he did the groceries run."

"I know you hate how much this is hurting them." She replied. "It'll all be over soon."

"Yes, but how?" He asked. "If we're found guilty..."

"You can't think like that." She stated, looking deeply into his soft, brown eyes. "You can't..."

"But we might." Mack interrupted her. "Ronny, if we're found guilty we'll never see each other again. They don't exactly have co-ed prisons."

"Mack, you have to believe we'll be alright." She implored him tearfully. "You have to. Your dad's paid for the best lawyer he can, he..."

"Ronny, the best prosecutor in the state has agreed to do the case pro bono." He reminded her. "It'll be a career maker if he gets the Power Rangers sent down."

She had to admit he was right on that count. Tyler Drake was a merciless prosecutor who had not yet failed to send a defendant to prison. He was a terrifying opponent in the court room.

"Do you want some hot chocolate?" Ronny asked him. "It always makes me feel better."

"Can you make me a truckload?" He chuckled. "I have a feeling I'll need it."

They made their way downstairs, finding Dax, Will and Rose all sitting there, sitting in quiet contemplation of the day ahead. Obviously they had all had much the same thoughts and couldn't sleep.

"It wouldn't have been too long ago I wouldn't have cared about this." Will remarked, slurping his hot chocolate. "I could easily have escaped. I guess I'm growing up."

"Getting old you mean." Rose teased him, prodding him gently in the ribs. Her chuckle quickly died out in the darkness though. Everyone was much too worried about the possible outcome of the case.

"I'm scared." Dax commented, breaking the silence. "Those other guys inside are bound to give us a hard time because of our past."

"Dax, we're not going to prison." Rose stated, snuggling into Will as she spoke. "We won't be found guilty, we weren't in control."

"Like no innocent person's ever been sent down before." He grumbled. "Rose, we have to face facts, our asses are on the line here."

"Well worrying about it isn't going to help." Andrew stated as he arrived in the room. They all turned to look at him.

"Dad, sorry we woke..."

"I couldn't sleep anyway." He interrupted. "Is anyone hungry?"

"I'll get to work." Spencer yawned, making his way to the kitchen wearily.

"Spencer, there's no reason for you to miss out on sleep too." Dr. Hartford told him. "I can get that."

"You forget that I've been here since Mack came into your life too." Spencer told him. "His potential future worries me too."

"Spencer you old softie." Andrew began with a smile. "I never knew how much this was affecting you."

"I merely worry for my continued employment." He lied, looking away so his expression wouldn't give him away. "After all, if you live alone, you'll have no need for a butler."

"Spencer, you can't lie to me." Mack interjected. "It's alright to be scared. We all are."

"Why are you scared?" Tyzonn asked, arriving in the room. "You did nothing wrong."

"It isn't that simple." Mack told him. "On earth whether or not a person committed a crime is decided by a jury."

"So how do they know what happened?" He asked. "They never saw what happened."

"That's why they're chosen." Dr. Hartford replied. "It's taken that because they have no previous knowledge of the incident that their decision will be based on facts and evidence as opposed to their own perspective of the event they witnessed."

"I guess that makes sense." He commented, sitting down. "But since they don't know what happened, doesn't that mean that sometimes they make mistakes?"

"Unfortunately yes." Dr. Hartford told him. "Sometimes mistakes are made. Sometimes people who commit crimes go free and sometimes..."

His words tailed off as he looked around the room at the nervous Rangers. Everyone was pointedly aware of the potential outcome. Rose was the next to speak.

"So did the lawyer get everyone he wanted to cross-examine?" She asked.

"He did." Dr. Hartford replied. "Anyone he couldn't contact, I found for him. We've put together the strongest possible case for your defence."

"I just wish I could be more confident about it." Mack sighed. "I still can't believe how much everyone's turned on us."

"You know, we could have gotten the case thrown out of court." Dax interjected. "I heard about this one guy, who argued that because the details of the crime he was meant to have committed were in all the papers and magazines that people would have already made their minds up and he wouldn't receive a fair trial and got the case thrown out."

"Dax, we can't do that." Rose reminded him. "We could get the case dropped that way, but then everyone would always say we got away with it on a cheap technicality and that we took a cheap way out. They'd take that as proof we were guilty and we'd never hear than the end of it. People would never leave us alone."

"We could always move away." He suggested.

"Where to?" Will asked him. "Everyone knows us; it wouldn't matter where we went."

"I guess you have a point." He sighed. "It doesn't make me feel any better about the trial though."

"Matthew's a highly capable attorney." Dr. Hartford assured them.

"I for one just wish it was over." Ronny remarked. "Another night of bad dreams like this and I swear I'll be going completely insane."

The next few hours passed quickly in the mansion with no-one able to sleep. They all began getting ready into their formal wear as Dr. Hartford's lawyer arrived.

"Matthew, it's always a pleasure." Dr. Hartford greeted him.

"I just wish it could have been under better circumstances." He replied. He was a tall, slender man with short black hair. He had worked for Dr. Hartford for years on many of his business dealings, though this would be the first time he needed to represent him in a criminal case. He came to Mack next, shaking his hand.

"It's been a while Mack." He continued.

He sat down with them in the living room, gathering his notes from his brief case and looking through them.

"I promise not to bring it up again, but I have to mention it. Are you sure you don't want me to move for getting the case thrown out?" He asked.

"We can't do that." Dr. Hartford answered. "If we do, it'll be like an admission of guilt."

"Well you've all already admitted to performing the crimes, the crux of the case will be proving you weren't in control of your actions." He began. "Your blood works show the venom from Jellica's sting, but the prosecution will be trying to cast doubt over how much the venom controlled you."

"Do you have any idea who they might have called as witnesses?" Mack asked him.

"Tyler's been really cagey about who he's calling." He responded. "Normally I'd contact my guy in the mail room of his firm, but he hasn't even given his witness list to his secretary. He's really holding his cards close to his chest on this one."

"Who could he be calling that he wants to keep quiet?" Mack asked him.

"I have no idea." He replied. "Now, let's go over your statements again."

Later in the day, Dr. Hartford's limo took them to the courtroom through the assorted throng of journalists and spectators. They were heckled loudly as the car made its way through the crowd.

"We have to go out there." Matthew told him. "Just keep your heads up and don't let them get to you."

The rangers got out the Limo to an intimidating scene. There seemed to be dozens of spectators picketing the courtroom with signs depicting hurtful slogans. They chanted and screamed all sorts of horrible insults at them. Mack flinched as an egg was launched at him, smashing on his suit.

A journalist came over to them, thrusting a microphone into Matthew's face.

"Cassidy Cornell, channel 99 news reporting from San Angeles Supreme Court where noted attorney Matthew Walker is set to defend the Overdrive Rangers in their upcoming case. Mr Walker, it has to be asked. Why did you take such a high profile case?"

"I've been friends with Mack and Andrew Hartford now for many years." He explained. "I do not believe Mack to be responsible for these crimes any more than I could accuse my own children."

"On that subject, are you intimidated by Tyler Drake and his impressive record?" She asked.

"My esteemed colleague is a fine lawyer." He began. "He has never lost a case, but there's always a first time. I'm confident this will be that time."

"Finally, it has to be asked. Is it true you've called the Jungle Fury Rangers as character witnesses despite them being the target of their attacks?" She asked him.

"I can categorically state that is media fabrication." He put down. "I have no idea how they could be contacted, and as much as I would love for them to speak in my clients' defence, I know that they have pressing responsibilities back in Ocean Bluff."

With that, he gestured the Rangers inside before the crowd could get any more restless. Ronny looked out over the crowd, seeing them turn on the one-time heroes. Looking to the front of the crowd, she could see a young girl holding a Yellow Ranger action figure, though her expression was one of anger. She threw the toy at Ronny, narrowly missing her head. The police struggled to keep the crowd under control as they headed inside. If the Rangers were worried about the trial before, then they were terrified now.

Matthew led them to the waiting room, where they were confronted by a bailiff carrying manacles.

"The prosecution has asked that the prisoners..."

"Defendants." Matthew corrected him. "They have not been convicted."

"The prosecution considers them a flight risk because of their genetic powers." He told him. "They're insisting that the defendants are restrained to prevent an escape attempt."

"My clients will not be chained like animals." He put down flatly. He turned to the Rangers to speak with them. "I need to talk to the judge about this."

"I thought we had to do this." Ronny stated.

"Tyler's starting the cheap tricks early." Matthew told them. "He only wants you led out there in chains to make you look like a threat. He's trying to turn the jury against you."

"We'll follow any advice you give us." Mack replied.

"I'll be right back." Matthew told them. He headed up into the courtroom, where the judge was just beginning to settle into the stand when he approached. He could see Tyler sitting at his desk, awaiting his opponent. He was a little shorter than Matthew, with an athletic build concealed beneath his expensive, white Italian designer suit. His long, blonde hair was pulled back into a pony tail, and he had a thin moustache and goatee. He pulled off his expensive sunglasses and approached the bench as he saw his opponent.

"Your honour, I have to protest at the treatment of my clients." He began. "There is no need for them to be restrained. They have satisfied all their bail conditions, and they have been more than accommodating to the courts requests..."

"Your honour, with their genetic powers, they would be more than capable of breaking free of the court's security staff." Tyler began. "I simply wish to ensure that they don't try and abscond."

"Your honour, the media attention in this case is making it hard enough to ensure a fair and impartial jury..."

"You were present for the jury selection." Tyler sighed, putting his sunglasses away in his inside pocket. "Don't try that sob story about them not getting a fair trial; we already know they aren't seeking that defence."

"They only did that because they wish to be proven innocent beyond all reasonable doubt." Matthew replied. "Your honour, I only ask that my clients not be brought out here like prisoners."

"But your honour..."

"Our legal system is still based on the presumption of innocence." Matthew interrupted him. "I will stand responsible for their behaviour."

"I want it noted on record that I was against this." Tyler grumbled, making his way back to his desk.

"Your objection is noted." The judge replied. "Bring out your defendants Mr. Walker; I want to get this case underway. It's enough of a circus out there."

"Thank you your honour." He replied. With that, he went down into the waiting area to retrieve the Rangers.

"You will not be brought out in chains." Matthew told them. "Remember, first impressions mean a lot. Walk out there tall and proud, don't give the jury any reason to think you might feel guilty, otherwise they'll see that as a sign of guilt."

"That'll be easier said than done." Will sighed. "The crowd out there was ready to lynch us. They seem to have pretty much made up their minds already."

"Well it's my job to change their minds." He reminded them. "It's time."

He led them up into the courtroom, gesturing to their seats by his desk. Mack looked around the room at the intimidating scene. The public gallery and the judge's stand towered over them ominously. Massive guards blocked each of the exits, barricading the doors. He felt Ronny grab his hand and squeeze it comfortingly as they prepared to begin. Tyler leant back in his chair awaiting the opening address by Matthew.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, this is a most unfortunate case." He began. "Not only because I consider these fine young people to be my friends, but also because of their past good deeds."

He paced the room, addressing the jury as he continued. "Mack Hartford and the rest of the Overdrive Rangers have saved the world more times than anyone can remember. However, unlike many other Ranger teams, their identities were known to the public. All of their actions were broadcast to a worldwide audience. Because of that, they have become a target for many who would seek to do them harm."

He picked up his brief notes, holding them up. "I intend to prove that they were nothing more than victims of a conspiracy to harness their power against the world. Jellica's venom forced them to act against their own will." He put down the notes and made his way to the centre of the room.

"They could have, and indeed would have been best served getting the case thrown out because the media interest has ensured the chances of a fair trial are minimal. Who among the jury can honestly say they have heard nothing of the Overdrive Rangers and their deeds? However, being in the public eye, these fine young people are role models whether they asked for it or not."

He made his way back towards his chair, getting ready to sit down. "It is a responsibility they take so seriously, they have, against their best interests, sought to fight the case and prove their innocence and clear their names. Why else would they risk everything this way? I intend to prove that they acted under duress. If by the end of this case, you believe that they were acting under the influence of the venom, then you must find the defendants not guilty."

As he finished and sat down, Tyler began clapping and made his way into the centre of the room.

"I applaud my esteemed colleague's opening statement." He began. "It really is the greatest work of fiction I've ever heard."

"What?" Ronny roared. "How can he say...?"

"Order in court." The Judge commanded. "Miss Robinson, you will get your chance to have your say in due course."

"Thank you your honour." Tyler replied. "I mean we keep hearing about this venom, but do we have any proof that it had the effects they say it did?"

He made his way across to their table. "I am not trying to defame them or take away from their heroic deeds, why I myself was once rescued by Dax during a monster attack during their glory days."

"Maybe we shouldn't have done such a good job." Dax grumbled under his breath. Rose nudged him in protest. She knew he didn't mean it, but she also knew that the prosecutor would likely pounce on any excuse to make them look bad.

"But we cannot simply ignore what they did because of good deeds in the past. I mean, I can admit doing a few things I wasn't proud of when I've had a few too many drinks, but no one considers that to be an excuse."

He made his way over to the jury stands, leaning on the rail. "Why, this Jellica hasn't even been seen since the events in question. Where is she? Did she even exist? Or is it the desperate invention of a group of desperate criminals, seeking to evade justice? These are highly powerful and potentially very dangerous individuals." He began. "We cannot allow people with that kind of power act as they wish. They must be held accountable for their actions. If you believe as I do that they must be made to face the consequences of their actions, then you must find the defendants guilty as charged."

With that he sat down. The Judge shifted in his seat.

"Will the defence call their first witness?" He asked.

"We will your honour." He began. "The defence calls Mackenzie Hartford."