Caught in a spider's web is the disclaimer telling all of you that I don't own any Galaxy Ranger characters. Even though I made up a few for my stories. Well here it is, the culmination of a lot of stories and a lot of plotlines. Things are going to change in a big way for the Rangers. Again.

Tangled Web

Chapter One: Prophecy

"Welcome to the Black Rose Society Cain," Garson smiled as he pinned a black rose pin on Cain's jacket and lapel.

"Glad to be on board," Cain smiled. "So let's get down to business. What's this prophecy everyone's freaking out about?"

"I wouldn't say everyone," Garson said, bringing out a huge leather bound book. "Just the more superstitious members of our group. A while ago we were able to get this prophecy from a psychic in our employ. Read for yourself."

Cain looked at the passage. "It's in a leather bound book and everything. Boy you guys really know how to play up the drama don't you?"

Then shall come the five against the evil queen

The Bird of War will appear and the battles will range on

A psychic revealed. She shall start the conflict

That conflict will be inevitable when the Ocean's Maiden unites with her children for the first time. Before the birth of the First One.

And the Bird of War shall reveal the truth and strife will engulf the Earth

Human will turn against human

And our future within the stars shall be decided.

"Are you sure that guy who wrote that stuff wasn't, you know?" Cain indicated a glass with his hand. "A bit sauced?"

"Positive," Garson said.

"So you actually believe that the Galaxy Rangers are going to get us involved in some kind of war on Earth?" Cain asked. "Oh wait technically we already are!"

"It's all there, the bit with the evil queen…" Garson said. "And the psychic."

"It says five individuals, not four," Cain pointed out. "Unless you count the stupid android, you're a Galaxy Ranger short. And what's this nonsense about a Bird of War?"

"Two theories," Garson said. "You know the ship Captain Foxx was piloting when his wife was abducted was called the Phoenix. That did start the whole conflict with the Queen of the Crown."

"Yeah but how is that thing going to reveal the truth?" Cain asked. "And what truth is the prophecy talking about? The smart money is on that Captain Kidd and his stupid Iron Falcon."

"And I see you've already surmised the second theory," Garson nodded. "What confuses me is that Ocean's Maiden business."

"You haven't figured it out?" Cain asked. "Isn't it obvious?"

"What is it?"

"The Energy Star," Cain said. "The ship it was on when it sank over a hundred years ago was called Ocean Paradise. The star was it's most precious cargo…"

"That makes as much sense as anything else," Garson said. "And we are trying to recreate other energy stars. Perhaps something will happen when they are all put together?"

"The first one could make reference to that as well," Cain thought. "The first energy star recreated after all this time? Someone could steal that and use it as a weapon against us."

"Someone like Lazarus Slade or any of his friends from Tortuna?" Garson frowned.

"Or it can even be that bird brain, Captain Kidd," Cain added. "Bird of War?"

"Possible," Garson sighed. "So what do we do now?"

"Stop production on those new energy stars would be a start," Cain suggested. "Until we know exactly what that prophecy is talking about. That way at least no one can use them against us."

"They could also be used as a weapon for us."

"Do you really want to take any chances of that prophecy coming true?"

"You're right," Garson sighed as he took out his cell phone. "I'll make the call now. We also need to get the Energy Star in our hands."

"I thought it was already in our hands at Longshot?"

"Technically, but…"Garson said. "I think I'd feel better if it was in a more secure location. With only Black Rose personnel having contact with it."

"Let me guess, Doctor Popinjay again?" Cain raised an eyebrow.

"This time he's gotten the support of a senator to try out his latest crackpot theory."

"Which senator is that stupid? Besides Wheiner?" Cain asked.

"Martin of all people! I should have known that space hippie would support this! We have to get the Energy Star to a more secure location before who knows what kind of disasters will befall us!"

"You really think this so called conflict is going to happen don't you?" Cain asked.

"It's going to happen sooner or later," Garson said. "But we must do everything in our power to prevent this war. The war between humans anyway."

"And if we can't?"

"Then we must do everything in our power to win it," Garson growled.

"How much time do you think we have?" Cain asked.

"I don't know. It could be a year, maybe two if we're lucky," Garson said. "At least we know who the psychic is in the prophecy. Ranger Niko is the key. The prophecy specifically mentions a female psychic. We must keep her under control by any means necessary if we are to stall for time."

Little did he know, time had run out.

It had been three days since the debacle with Stingray and Darkstar. And still Commander Walsh was furious at Shane. Even though he had fully recovered Walsh was still terse with him and barely spoke to him outside the confines of the office. And even then it was only to give him orders.

"I failed him Niko," Shane sighed as he sat on the edge of his bed. "By letting the Supertroopers escape…"

"That wasn't your fault," Niko wrapped her arms around him from behind. She was wearing her nightgown. The two had spent the night together.

"That's not how he sees it," Shane let out a breath. "He's right you know? I just let Darkstar and Stingray go…"

"You didn't have a choice," Niko said. "Darkstar's pregnant. You're not heartless. She needs Stingray for protection…"

"I don't think he can protect anyone in the state I left him in," Shane admitted. "I took away his powers. Not his bio-defenses for healing but still…All I wanted was to help him. Instead I made things worse."

"You should have told Walsh about that. Maybe he would have…?" Niko began to suggest.

"Supertroopers aren't supposed to breed, Niko! If Walsh found out…He'd be even madder than he is now!" Shane threw up his hands. "I hate it when he's mad at me. I don't know what to do."

"Maybe I should talk to him?" Niko suggested.

"No, that would only make things worse," Shane sighed. "I know him. He's mad but…He'll cool down in a few weeks. Or more."

"We'd better get ready for the mission briefing," Niko kissed him.

"And make it look like we weren't together all night," Shane let out a breath. "I hate sneaking around like this."

"So do I," Niko agreed. "But we both know it's necessary. Maybe someday but now…"

"It's okay," Shane smiled at her and kissed her. "Come on, We'd better get dressed. I don't want to give the Commander any more reasons to tear into me."

It wasn't long before the Series Five Rangers were heading off to Walsh's office. Unfortunately they met their rivals the Series 5.2 Rangers on the way.

"Well, well…Look who's here," Captain Ares sneered. "Guess you're not Walsh's pet now are you Gooseman? I always said you could never trust a Supertrooper."

Zach began to say something but Shane stopped him. "Let it go," Shane told his friend.

"Maybe if Gooseman wasn't so distracted he might spend more time on his job," Troy Dumas made a condescending look at Niko.

"Maybe if someone minded their own business they wouldn't get their teeth knocked out!" Niko fumed.

"We can argue later," Glenn Sanders snorted. "We have a mission to go on."

The two Ranger teams separated. "I know we're all supposed to be on the same side but I really hate those guys," Zach admitted.

"Considering they are supposed to be our replacements I think you're allowed," Doc told him.

They entered the room to find Commander Walsh at his desk. "Nice to see you're all here on time," Walsh said briskly. "Our first order of business is to step up security at BETA."

"Considering the lack of security at BETA I don't wonder," Commander Cain spoke as he entered the room with Vice President Garson. "Let's see a renegade Supertrooper not only managed to find his way inside BETA Mountain but kidnapped Commander Walsh and Ranger Gooseman."

"And what's worse, Ranger Gooseman failed yet again to bring in any of the Renegade Supertroopers," Garson snarled. "Just exactly what did happen on that mission? You haven't exactly written a report on it."

"And you never told me what I was designed to be," Shane gave him a look. "You made me your mutant hunter from birth and you never told me."

"Then you should know by now that this is a part of your job you can't walk away from," Garson said. "Gooseman I consider myself a patient man but quite frankly your lack of results in this area has me concerned."

Garson looked at Walsh. "You guaranteed me that Gooseman would be the one to handle any renegade Supertroopers. However his failure to bring any of them in is starting to have me wonder about your word."

"You can't blame Goose for…" Zach spoke up.

"Captain Foxx," Commander Walsh glared at Zach harshly. He looked at Garson. "I did promise results. Believe me it will not happen again."

"It better not," Garson snarled.

"Fortunately for you we have larger problems than a few troublemaking mutants," Cain spoke. "We need you Series Five Rangers to escort Ambassador Magdella Domani and a few other senators to the League of Planets conference on Mars at the new Grand Martian Hotel. They're discussing the recent crisis concerning the Crown Empire's latest tactics."

"So far they're only against their own planets but you know it's only a matter of time before they start in on us," Walsh agreed. "Why they're acting like this I have no idea. Even our spies in Crown territory seem to be either incapacitated or..."

"Well no matter what the reason, there is no doubt that the Queen of the Crown is acting even more bloodthirsty than usual!" Cain said. "And we have to be prepared to stop her!"

"The conference is going to be broadcast live using interstellar Tri-D," Garson spoke. "Just make sure that nothing goes wrong!"

The conference seemed to be going well. Until a certain Senator from Earth opened his big mouth.

"I'd like to adress the council if I may," Senator Wheiner stood up to his full height. "And complain about how the planet Earth and it's resources are being abused by the League of Planets!"

"Oh goody," Doc drawled. "Another wonderful rant by the aptly named Senator Wheiner. What a way to start the day!"

"We can't deny the past few months have been difficult for the League of Planets," Wheiner addressed the delegates. "The failure of Floko and the fires on Granna were hard enough. But now our colony worlds are being inundated with waves of alien refugees! Our hard earned land and our dwindling resources are constantly put under pressure with the millions of aliens invading our space!"

"Senator Wheiner, these aliens are refugees fleeing the tyranny of the Queen of the Crown," Waldo spoke up. "Several races have been pushed to the brink of extinction. The Queen is systematically destroying planets in her own empire. The Walcam are only one race forced to flee their dying planets in order to survive."

"And let's not forget what's she's done to the Gurkins," Zozo spoke up. "And more recently the Pedulants, the Ikari and the Malakai are being persecuted. And we now have intelligence proving that the Zanquils, once the Queen's loyal subjects are all but extinct!"

"No one knows the rhyme or reason the Queen has gone mad and turned on her own subjects, but sooner or later she will turn on us. With all these alien races being threatened, it's clear that no living being that loves freedom is safe," Waldo added.

"Including the League of Planets and especially Earth!" Wheiner snapped. "Millions of aliens are heading for Earth colony planets and competing for space and dwindling resources! If the League of Planets is so concerned with the safety of alien species, why don't they allow these castaways to settle on their own colony worlds? Oh wait, only Earth has colonies! Almost all the other planets in the League have no colonies of their own where these aliens can settle!"

"That is not fair Senator Wheiner," Zozo said. "Kirwin and Andor have always helped their neighbors whenever they can. Both our planets have taken in refugees from other worlds and it was our technology that helps the human colonists on your planets to survive!"

"Yes, Andor and Kirwin always pull their share of the load but the bottom line is that Earth seems to pull most of the weight around here!" Wheiner snapped.

"Senator," Ambassador Domani gave him a look. "Ambassadors, although the words the Senator has used were badly chosen…His concern is genuine. While no one wants to turn away people in need, we have to consider the needs of the settlers that are already living on the colony worlds. And not all of them are human. Many original settlers on some of the worlds already resent this new wave of immigrants. The last thing we need is tensions to escalate."

"What do you suggest we do?" Zozo asked. "Tell all those people, 'Sorry, the League of Planets is full. Could you come back some other time?'"

"No, we regulate which worlds these refugees can go to," Ambassador Domani said. "For example the Planet Granna has specifically requested more farmhands to help rebuild and regrow the farmland."

"With all due respect Ambassador Domani, not every alien coming here is a farmhand or a laborer," A pink alien remarked. "And the charter of the League of Planets allows for the freedom of any one to come and go as he or she pleases."

"Any citizen of the League of Planets," Ambassador Domani emphasized.

"Technically there is no clause stating that the person has to be a citizen to move freely about the League," Waldo corrected.

"Are you kidding me?" Wheiner snapped. "Are you saying that you aliens can shove more aliens onto our worlds and we have to take them? You're out of your freaking minds!"

"Wheiner…" Domani hissed a warning.

"No, no! I am sick of all these aliens just pushing us humans around just because they think they can!" Wheiner snapped. "So they just happened to develop interstellar travel faster than us? Whoop de do! For all their advances you aliens need us a lot more than we need you!"

"That's outrageous!" A broccoli like alien snapped.

"Is it? Let's look at the facts shall we?" Wheiner sneered. "It's Earth's Galaxy Rangers that has to keep the peace when any alien menace comes along. It's Earth's colonies you aliens settle on because the Queen of the Crown ravaged all your worlds! It's Earth's minerals and crops you all use for your own worlds because most of you can't get them on your own! Without us, there is no League of Planets!"

This caused a stir among the aliens. "Order! Order!" Someone shouted and banged a gavel.

Wheiner ignored this. "You aliens treat humans like we're some kind of slow witted children when we're the ones doing all the work!"

"Well you are certainly having a temper tantrum now!" The Broccoli like alien snapped. "May I remind the Senator that Earth still only has Junior League status!"

"That is a load of bull you piece of crap!" Wheiner snapped. "We've been in the league just as long as most of you weirdoes here! If anything, you should be taking orders from us!"

"He did not just say what I think he said did he?" Zach's jaw dropped.

"You aliens have been nothing but trouble for Earth, oh sure you throw us a bone every now and then sharing your so called superior technology," Wheiner ranted. "But for the most part we're the ones saving your behinds! Earth's budget is already stretched to the limit taking care of you! We demand that you play Earth more restitution for our services!"

"He did," Doc groaned. "He must be having vodka in his cereal again!"

"Are you suggesting that we pay Earth for the services of the Galaxy Rangers and any other necessities?" Waldo gasped.

"It would be a start!" Walsh snapped. "Then maybe you moochers would actually contribute something for once!"

"The vodka never made him talk like this," Niko corrected.

"Then he must be trying something new," Doc quipped.

"We were supposed to make sure Wheiner got to this conference safely…Why?" Shane asked.

"I have no idea," Zach groaned as Wheiner started arguing with the broccoli alien. Then Wheiner punched the alien ambassador in the face. "I really have no idea…"

"Deny it all you like! But you alien nut jobs would be lost without us!" Wheiner shouted as he was dragged away. "One day you alien freaks are going to be put in your place!"

"Oh that went well…" Zach winced as a roar was heard all over the conference room from angry aliens. "So much for improving relations within the League."

Two hours later…

"The good news Gooseman is that the little incident with the Supertroopers is now clearly and totally forgotten!" Commander Walsh addressed both the Series Five and the Series 5.2 Rangers in his office.

"Yeah at least you weren't stupid enough to make a mistake like that on interstellar Tri-D!" Ares groaned. "Don't get me wrong. I agree with what Wheiner said but…"

"Do us all a favor Ares and don't finish that sentence," Zach glared at him.

"Why did he say all those things?" Niko asked. "I mean it's no real secret Wheiner is not the biggest fan of aliens and only tolerates them because he has to. But still I thought he was smarter than to rant on like that."

"I think we all overestimated Wheiner's intelligence or lack of it," Doc said.

"I've seen him lose his temper before but not like that," Shane snickered. "I kind of enjoyed seeing his career going down in flames. Although something tells me that's not the case, am I right?"

"Fortunately…or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, no charges will be pressed against Wheiner," Walsh sighed. "We had to make a few…backroom deals. However this is a public relations nightmare! So now your teams are going to provide security for two high level missions!"

"Yes and we all know how well it worked the last time the Series Five Rangers escorted someone to an important conference," Troy snorted.

"Hey! We were just supposed to get Wheiner there! And we did. It's not our fault the Senator is more cracked than a Ming Vase at a daycare!" Doc protested.

"The two high profile bodyguard assignments are Senator Zoot Martin…" Walsh began.

"That space case?" Ranger Katya Romanevski shouted.

"And Eve Wheiner," Walsh continued.

"An even bigger space case," Zach groaned.

"I am assigning the Series Five Rangers the Wheiner case," Walsh went on. "Her latest little project is producing a live concert right on the Iron Falcon. You are to make sure nothing happens to her."

"The Iron Falcon? Isn't that…?" Niko realized.

"Captain Kidd's ship, yes it is," Walsh sighed. "Somehow she paid for him to charter some kind of floating concert."

"What the hell does Kidd have to do with Eve Wheiner?" Shane asked. "Why does she need security?"

"I dunno, maybe all the millions of aliens her father just insulted today?" Sanders snapped. "We all know it wouldn't take much for that feathered fool to turn her over to some psychopath for a wad of credits. Right Foxx?"

"Hold it, you're actually entrusting the safety of a senator's daughter to the Series Five team? After they dropped the ball so many times?" Ares spoke up, "Why can't they handle Martin? At least if something happens to him, no one will care!"

"Fine you can take the Wheiner case," Shane snapped. "It doesn't matter to us as long as you stop arguing!"

"Silence! You can't just pick and choose which missions you want!" Walsh barked. "However…Since there is a history between the Series Five Rangers and Wheiner…Perhaps it might be best if the Series 5.2 Rangers take the Wheiner mission. Just to be on the safe side?"

"All right," Zach sighed. "So why does Martin need security?"

"He's not trying to protect Space Whales again is he?" Shane asked.

"No, he's working on a project with Doctor Popinjay from the planet Andor," Walsh sighed. "You all remember from you history the disastrous aftermath of World War III?"

"Yes but then less than a decade after that the miraculous event known as the Regeneration happened and healed the Earth," Niko nodded. "No one knows how or why almost all the radiation and damage was healed on the planet, since a majority of the Earth's population was either traveling in sleeper ships to colonize other planets, or sealed in domed cities around the world."

Walsh nodded. "Apparently the good doctor has convinced the senator that an alien influence was responsible for healing the planet so rapidly."

"That's always been one possible theory," Niko surmised. "No one knows for sure what caused the planet to repel the effects of massive nuclear emissions and global warming so quickly."

"Yes well the doctor's theory that an alien used the Energy Star you recovered from the bottom of the ocean is actually gaining ground within the scientific community," Walsh sighed.

"The alien scientific community you mean," Sanders snorted. "Gee I wonder why?"

"So you are going to not only protect the senator and the doctor but to make sure the Energy Star doesn't fall into the wrong hands," Walsh sighed. "Personally I think that the doctor's theory of an aquatic alien using the Energy Star to save the planet is a bit far fetched but…"

"Aquatic? What makes you think it was an aquatic alien?" Shane had a sinking feeling where this was going.

"Apparently the doctor is a bit psychic and he claims he is getting psychic vibrations about an aquatic alien," Walsh said. "So he's going to investigate them."

"Oh this day just keeps getting better," Shane grumbled under his breath.

Here we go. More madness and fun coming right up!