DISCLAIMER:Nothing new here. The Power Rangers belong the Saban, the details of this story to me. I won't make any money doing this.
COMMENTS:My name appears above this story at Mele's insistence, under loud protests from me. All I did was make a few remarks, supply one or the other line of dialogue ... and I honestly don't feel that I contributed all that much. The idea, story and execution are all Mele's; I got to beta-read, comment and add a bit here and there. I'm honored that my dear friend felt strongly enough to put my name up there alongside hers. Thank you, Li'l Lady! *grin*
COMMENTS II:It was a lot more than a line or two of dialogue. Dagmar took the skeletal beginnings of a story and fleshed them out, making it far better than it otherwise had any hope of being. Her name belongs where it is. Thank YOU, Little Missy! **smile**
NOTES & TIMELINE: Early Morphin' era, Tommy is still the Green Ranger, pre Green Candle.
Author's Notes 2015: It's been interesting reposting all these stories, and I noticed this one is similar to "Betrayal", with Jason guilt stricken by having done something to harm Billy. That friendship always fascinated me for some reason. Guess I worked out all my aggressions on them.
What Price Duty?
By Mele
With Dagamar Buse
Jason fought to hold on; his opponent was wiry, and much stronger than he expected. His grip almost slipped, but the Red Ranger was able to compensate and keep the upper hand in this struggle. It wouldn't be much longer, he realized with a resigned sigh. Just a few more minutes at most. Already the other's efforts to free himself had weakened, so much so they seemed barely more than muscle spasms.
The water reached almost to Jason's chest, and was brutally cold, but Jason's trembling was not entirely from the temperature. If there had been any other way, any other option, he would have taken it gladly. Killing was not something he had ever wanted to do, but the situation demanded it. He glanced over to the deck of the pool and focused his gaze for a moment on Tommy. The Green Ranger looked nearly as sick as Jason felt.
The earlier fracas had resulted in Jason being dunked several times, so a casual observer might not have been able to tell the moisture on his face was more from tears than from the water he was still standing in. He felt the muscles in the body he held relax completely, and knew the other was dead, but he had to be careful, so very careful. He continued to hold the still figure under the water.
Morbid curiosity finally moved him to look down, and his heart broke at the sight of the lifeless blue eyes staring up at him from below the water's quieting surface. Eyes that seemed to peer at him with a painful mixture of betrayed trust and confusion. The dark-haired teenager closed his own eyes and tilted his head back with an expression of pain and grief, a low moan of despair issuing forth. But despite his feelings, he continued to do what he knew he had to.
And as he held the motionless body of Billy Cranston under the water, he thought back to the circumstances that brought them there, and wondered if he'd just made a terrible mistake...
PRPRPR
...The Youth Center was crowded that afternoon, at least partly due to a karate exhibit being put on by the Stone Canyon Gym. After the exhibit, some free training sessions were offered, and Jason, Tommy, Trini, and Zack were all looking forward to learning some new moves. So their disappointment was severe when the chiming of their communicators summoned them to the Command Center.
"What's happening, Zordon?" Jason asked, biting down his impatience. If they could dispatch the monster easily, perhaps they could still get back in time for the lessons.
"Rangers, observe the viewing globe. Rita has sent down the Putrid Piper, who can paralyze his victims by playing certain tones on his flute. Extreme caution should be used in dealing with this monster. Alpha is already programming a soundproof shield to protect you from the Piper, but it will be ineffective at a range of less than twenty feet."
"Man, that is one ugly-sounding monster. How are we supposed to defeat it if we can't get within twenty feet of it?" Zack asked as the other Rangers looked distastefully at the cavorting monster.
"You are only at risk if he is playing the flute. He must pause for breath periodically, and you can time your attacks for those intervals. You should try to focus your efforts on destroying the flute. Be careful, Rangers, and may the power protect you."
"Come on guys, it's morphin' time!" At Jason's prompt, the six teenagers called upon the ancient powers and morphed into their protective suits. Moments later they arrived near the Putrid Piper in a multicolored flash.
"Oh, look, some Power Rangers wish to attend my concert. Care to hear a lullaby?" The Piper began to play, but the shield Alpha had prepared worked perfectly, protecting them from the dangerous sound.
Angered, the Piper played harder, trying to break through the shielding, until finally he lowered his instrument, breathing heavily. Immediately Jason ordered an attack, which drove the Piper backwards a little, but didn't cause any damage. Their attempts to destroy the flute or get it away from the Piper were likewise unsuccessful.
"Watch it, guys, he's raising it again - back off!" Jason called out, backpedaling rapidly. The rest of the team followed, reaching a safe distance just in time.
"Man, he's tough. The flute appears to be shielded; how are we going to get it away from him?" Tommy asked, frustration evident in his voice. The Green Ranger took all of Rita's attacks personally, more so than his teammates, because of what the evil witch had made him do while he was under her spell. This mockery of the method he used to call on his Zord angered him at a very deep, almost visceral level.
"Maybe if some of us distract him, while the others concentrate on the flute," Trini suggested.
"Good idea, Trini. You and Billy go after the flute, while the rest of us work on keeping his attention away from you. Looks like he should be ready for a breather, so get ready, guys."
As soon as the Piper began to lower the flute, they attacked. Jason, Kimberly, Zack and Tommy went after the Piper in a series of rapid attacks, sending the monster staggering. Billy and Trini approached from behind, unnoticed until they were very close. Trini was able to grab the flute, but the Piper whirled, throwing the Yellow Ranger into her companions who had retreated a little to regroup. She landed in a crumpled heap on the ground, momentarily stunned. Nevertheless, Billy tried to attack while the Piper was still off balance, but the monster was too fast, spinning away from the Blue Ranger and raising the flute to his face. Billy was the only Ranger close to the Piper, and as the first notes sounded he collapsed silently to the ground, demorphing.
"Oh, no! Billy! Jason, we have to do something," Kimberly cried, turning to their leader. Seeing that Trini was already getting back up, Jason made a snap decision.
"Come on, guys, we have to lure him away from Billy, but be careful! It won't help if any of the rest of us are hurt."
Taunting the monster, the Rangers were able to entice him away from their fallen teammate. However, they were still unable to find a way to damage or disable the Piper. They were growing desperate when Zordon's voice came over their communicators.
"Rangers! I believe we have found a solution. I am sending down the Harmonic Reverser, which will cause the damaging sound waves from the Piper to be bounced back at him. That should effectively destroy him. Stand by to receive the device."
Moments later they activated the device, and the Putrid Piper exploded in a surprisingly mild blast. Before they even reached his side, Billy was reviving.
"Whoa, easy there, Bro. You took a pretty good hit. Let's get you back to the Command Center and check you out," Jason said quietly, putting a mildly restraining hand on his friend's shoulder.
"What happened?" Billy asked groggily.
"You got a bit too close at the wrong time, man. Luckily it seems the effects are temporary," Zack explained, lending Jason a hand in helping the Blue Ranger to his feet when they saw their friend was determined to rise.
"However, we are going to give you a thorough exam as soon as we get you back to the Command Center," Kim told him sternly. "We have to be sure it didn't hurt you." Knowing how stubborn all of her male companions were about this, the petite girl braced herself to argue the necessity, but for once got a surprise.
"Okay," Billy shrugged, obviously still a bit addled.
Not about to look a gift Zord in the mouth, the Pink Ranger just shot her friend a slightly incredulous look and initiated the teleportation sequence. Once at the Command Center, Kimberly got Billy on the diagnostic table and began her scans. The other Rangers stood around restlessly until Kim turned to them in irritation.
"Oh, for Heaven's sake, go back to the Youth Center, already. We will be along as soon as I'm finished here. If there's a problem I'll call. Okay?"
"Are you sure Kim? Do you mind, Billy?" Jason asked, feeling that as leader he should be there until it was determined if Billy was totally okay, but he had really been looking forward to the karate classes.
"We'll be fine, right Billy?" Kim said decisively, daring him to contradict.
"Sure," Billy mumbled, not seeming to care. He lay back and closed his eyes, letting the scans run.
"You'll let us know how he is the minute you find out, right?" Trini asked worriedly.
"Absolutely. Now go, you're in our way."
Somewhat reluctantly the four Rangers teleported out, leaving the Pink Ranger to do her work. Kimberly had always been interested in first aid, and when they became Rangers she had fallen naturally into the role of 'nurse'. She had spent hours training with Alpha, often along with Billy, who was more interested in how the various machines worked than in the actual medical aspects of the training.
When the triple beep indicated the completion of the various scans, Kimberly and Alpha fed the results to Zordon, then went over the data themselves.
"Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" Kimberly asked their ancient mentor.
"If what you are seeing is nothing, then, yes, I concur."
"That's it. No sign of injury, no sign of any sort of spell, poison, or anything else. Looks like you got off very lucky, Billy," Kimberly said with a smile.
"So it would seem."
"Do you feel okay?" she asked.
"Sure. Except for a minor headache, I feel fine. Well, and I'm a little sleepy. But that would make sense, right?"
"Yes, Billy. The aftereffects of the Putrid Piper's attack would naturally include a degree of fatigue. It would be advisable for you to sleep for a couple of hours to counter the effect. If you wish, you can sleep here," Zordon offered.
"Thanks, but I think I'd be more comfortable at home. You'll tell the others I'm okay?" he asked Kimberly.
"Sure. You sure you're feeling alright, Billy?" Kim asked with a sharp look at her friend. That had been almost too easy.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry so much. A nap and I'll be good as new. And, really, I'm not that upset about missing the karate classes. Knowing how our four teammates are, we'd end up being there all day."
Kimberly couldn't resist a chuckle at that. "Good point. Okay, I'll tell them you're fine, and that you'll join us later for a smoothie?" she turned the last part into a question.
"Affirmative," the Blue Ranger yawned. He touched his communicator and teleported out in a beam of bright blue.
Kimberly looked over the printouts again to reassure herself that nothing had been overlooked, then teleported to the Youth Center to rejoin the other Rangers.
PRPRPR
"You're sure he's okay, right?" Jason asked again, swirling his straw around in his smoothie in a nervous gesture.
"He's fine, Jason. All the scans were negative. He was a little tired, that's all. What would you expect? He was hit by a paralyzing beam, knocked senseless for a time by its effect. He should be fine with a little rest," Kim reiterated. She'd already explained Billy's condition twice before.
"You know, I do believe you're right about that," Zack said suddenly, looking at Kim with a smile.
"Thank you, Zack. It's nice to know someone has faith in my abilities."
"I do, Kim. Plus, I just happened to glance over there," he tilted his head, using his chin to point at the entrance to the Youth Center. Billy was walking toward the table, looking healthy and perfectly normal.
"Hey, Billy. Good to see you're okay," Zack grinned as the Blue Ranger pulled up a chair and sat down. The others seconded the sentiment with nods and soft murmurs of agreement.
"Thanks. It seems all I needed was a bit of sleep and I feel perfectly fine. How was the karate seminar?"
"Awesome, man. The guy has traveled throughout Asia, learning different disciplines, and he's combined them in ways I've never seen before," Tommy enthused, demonstrating the hand gestures energetically.
"He has found ways to combine the mental disciplines as well," Trini contributed, knowing that would interest Billy more than the physical aspects.
"What disciplines has he combined?" Billy asked, effectively launching a torrent of explanations from his teammates.
As the discussion grew ever more animated, Jason sat back a bit, studying Billy. Something was bothering him, but he couldn't figure out what. Billy seemed perfectly fine, nothing was the slightest bit abnormal in his behavior. The others all seemed not to notice anything amiss. But Jason couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong with his childhood friend, something so subtle that it defied analysis. As he watched his friends laugh and joke, he felt the fleeting, icy touch of terror in his heart, and wondered what could be causing it.
Or who.
PRPRPR
Jason awoke with a start, the dream clinging to his mind with the tenacity of a terrier. He sat up and turned on his bedside light, his breathing still a little ragged in the aftermath of his fear. In his dream, he and the other Rangers were once again fighting Putrid Piper, and again he saw Billy collapse from the Piper's sound. Only this time he saw something else, something none of the other Rangers seemed to notice. While they continued their fight against the Piper, a strange, faint gray mist seemed to settle over the fallen Blue Ranger. It hovered for only an instant, then simply melted into the prone form.
Jason was not particularly superstitious. He didn't believe in clairvoyance, ESP, or psychics. He had not actually believed in monsters until becoming a Power Ranger. Since that time he had encountered enough strange things to open his mind to more extraordinary options, but still there existed in the Red Ranger a core of pure, hardheaded realism. But despite that, he knew this dream was not an ordinary nightmare. There was too much detail, too much texture, to be simply a dream.
He sat on his bed undecided for a time, unsure as to what he could do to alleviate this sudden worry. Sighing, he finally rose, pulled on his clothes, and teleported to the Command Center.
"Jason! What are you doing here so late at night?" Alpha asked as he waddled up to the Rangers' leader.
"I don't really know, but I feel like I had to come here," Jason said uncertainly, looking up at Zordon.
"Why is that, Jason?" Zordon inquired.
"I had a dream. About the fight today. But in my dream, after Billy collapsed, a weird mist sort of thing kind of settled over him, and he seemed to absorb it. Weird dream, but when I saw that mist, I knew it was something bad. Is it possible that something like this really happened?" Jason could have kicked himself for not being able to express himself more clearly, but this was the best he could do. After all, it was more vague impressions than anything concrete he thought he'd seen.
"The sensors did not detect any other entities besides the Putrid Piper," Zordon pointed out.
"I know. But this dream ... it seemed so real. Can you scan Billy? See if something is there?"
Zordon considered Jason's request. He did not like scanning the Rangers unnecessarily, and Billy had been thoroughly scanned after the attack, but even after so short a time working with Jason, Zordon trusted the teen's intuition. He knew the Red Ranger would not ask unless he felt it was absolutely necessary.
"I can. Alpha, initiate a scan on the Blue Ranger. Make it a level five." A level five scan was the most comprehensive examination they could run.
"Right away, Zordon. Scanning now." Various multicolored lights blinked on the console in front of Alpha. A few minutes passed silently until Alpha spoke up again. "Scan complete. I'm feeding you the results now."
"Well?" Jason asked impatiently when Zordon was silent.
"There is nothing there, Jason. If indeed something entered the Blue Ranger, it is impervious to our scans. And that is highly unlikely."
"So, I guess it was just a bad dream, after all. Sorry to bother you with it," Jason said.
"You were right to come to us. If you have this dream again, or if you observe any sort of behavior change in Billy, please let us know at once."
"Will do, Zordon. I guess I better get back home, before my parents discover I'm not there. Good night." He teleported out in a scarlet flash.
Back in his bedroom, Jason realized that despite Zordon's reassurances, he was still uneasy. The feeling that something was wrong, that something more than they realized had happened that afternoon continued to plague him. It was a long time until he could fall asleep again.
PRPRPR
"Zordon I'm going to go run a few diagnostics on the Zords, just to be sure all the systems are fully operational. If you need me, I'll be in the holding bay," Billy told his mentor the day after Putrid Piper's attack.
"How are you feeling today, Billy? Have you experienced any ill effects from yesterday's attack?" the ancient being asked, Jason's nocturnal visit still on his mind.
"Negative. I feel fine," the Blue Ranger insisted.
"Very well. Please feed your diagnostics results into the main computer so I can review the status of the Zords."
"Will do," Billy agreed, heading toward the doorway that would lead to the underground tunnel that connected the Zord holding bay to the Command Center.
Billy was perfectly content to spend considerable time among the giant machines, running diagnostics, checking connections, experimenting with possible modifications that would give them an edge in a fight. Since becoming a Power Ranger it was not unusual for the quiet teen to pass at least a couple of hours each day either working with Alpha and Zordon in the Command Center or alone in the Zord holding bay. He still enjoyed time with his friends, but time that before he would have whiled away in his garage lab he now spent at the Command Center.
Three hours later the Blue Ranger returned to the Command Center to discuss the results of the diagnostics with Zordon. All the Zords were functioning perfectly, but Billy had an idea to possibly increase the MegaZord's effectiveness. Each individual Zord possessed some special weaponry, which was not available while in Megazord form. He was considering some modifications that would make at least a few of those features available to the MegaZord.
"Your ideas merit additional investigation," Zordon said at last. "But for now I think it's time for you to spend some time with your friends. The modifications can wait." The voice was gentle, but still brooked no quarrel.
Billy sighed. He knew Zordon was right, he always felt better after spending time with his friends. He just hated not being able to follow up on his ideas immediately.
"Well, I guess I can start drafting some plans tomorrow," Billy conceded finally, preparing to teleport. He knew that if Zordon used that particular tone of voice, arguing would only be a waste of breath.
When the blue light had faded Zordon turned to his trusty 'droid. "Alpha, go to the Zord holding bay and plug into the onboard computer for each Zord. Check for any modifications that were made today. Feed the results to me as soon as you are finished.
"Right away, Zordon." The little robot hustled off, muttering to himself in a distracted way.
"Ay-yi-yi, I just hope Billy hasn't done something to damage them."
PRPRPR
"Come on, you guys, we're going to be late!" Kimberly called out impatiently to her friends as she hurried up to the Angel Grove Twin Theater. The movie that was playing on Side B was setting attendance records all over the country, and Kimberly was anxious to see it. Her teammates followed her at a slightly more leisurely pace.
"Kim, they aren't going to start letting anyone in before 6:45 anyway, so why hurry?" Zack teased her.
"I know. But I want to get in first so we can get the best seats," the bubbly Pink Ranger explained.
The others all smiled, quite accustomed to Kimberly's energetic ways. The film was something they all wanted to see, so they didn't mind her overeagerness.
Jason laughed along with the others, but kept a close eye on Billy, as he had all day. The Blue Ranger's behavior was absolutely...normal. There was not a hint of unusual attitude, no glowing red eyes, no sudden mood swings. He hadn't even so much as sneezed.
And yet Jason was still convinced something was wrong.
Five hours later he was again at the Command Center. The dream had returned, with the same intensity as the night before. In addition, he'd felt a sense of dread, of some unnamed menace connected with his nightmare that left him cold and shaking. He paced between the consoles, frustrated and nearly convinced he'd lost his mind.
"Are you sure there's nothing?" he asked again.
"Jason, I even had Alpha go check over the Zords after Billy left earlier. There was no damage done, no sabotage. He's not evil."
"Maybe turning Billy evil isn't the purpose of this thing." He paused, deep in thought. No spells, no visible injuries, nothing. But there had to be ... something! Only they hadn't seen it, because they'd been busy fighting. Now if someone had only watched the fight ... his eyes fell on their mentor's plasma tube. Bingo! "Do you record our battles?"
"Yes. Alpha, bring up the recording of the battle against Putrid Piper and relay it to the viewing globe," Zordon requested, guessing Jason's intent.
Within minutes they were watching the fight, all of them concentrating on the Blue Ranger's actions. Jason couldn't help but wince as he watched his friend collapse from the Piper's attack, but he continued to watch Billy, ignoring the other action.
"Stop! There! Can you replay that bit?" he asked urgently. He was almost certain he'd seen ... what?
"Certainly. Just a minute, Jason. There," Alpha replied, backing up the tape.
"Stop it right there! Can you zoom in any? Just on Billy?"
"I'll try. He's not in the center of the picture, so I don't know how close I can get."
It took Alpha almost fifteen minutes, but he was eventually successful in getting a closer shot of Billy, who was lying motionless behind the Piper. The picture was grainy and not very clear, but that had been unavoidable.
"Can you guys see that?" Jason asked anxiously, indicating a barely discernable smudge of gray above the fallen Ranger.
"Jason, it could just be an optical illusion. Zooming in so close may have caused a distortion," Zordon cautioned.
"Or not. Zordon, let's just for a minute forget the fact that you haven't found any evidence. Is there something, anything, you know of that would fit the description we have so far?" The Red Ranger could barely suppress his excitement. He was certain they were on the verge of discovering the reason for his uneasiness.
"A gray mist, no change in the victim... I will have to check my sources, Jason. This could take a while."
"I need to know, Zordon. I won't be able to rest until I'm sure."
"I understand. I will see what I can find."
The plasma tube became opaque as Zordon went wherever it was that he checked his unknown sources, and Jason was left only with Alpha, restraining himself with a mighty effort from wearing a hole into the Command Center's flooring with his impatient pacing.
It took much less time than Zordon had expected. He reappeared in his tube, his visage grim.
"You found something?" Jason asked, torn between hope and fear when he saw his mentor's expression.
"Possibly. What we have observed could be caused by an amoebrasite. They are a form of sentient parasite, of unknown origin. It is illegal in all known galaxies to transport or possess one."
"Why? What is it?"
"An amoebrasite is absorbed into a host body, where it grows and begins to replicate itself, like an amoeba undergoing mitosis. The new amoebrasite is then expelled and will find a host body of its own. Both will then repeat the process, and this keeps continuing, infecting host bodies at an exponential rate. Since they are undetectable, they can infect a planet's entire population. Once that has happened, the amoebrasites form a group consciousness, which was programmed into the first one before it entered the host body. If Rita possessed one, it is possible she programmed it to destroy all humans. But, Jason, this is a long shot. There is still no concrete proof."
"I know, Zordon. Can they be scanned for?" It wasn't what the teen had wanted to hear, but at least now he had an enemy he could fight, not just unsubstantiated fears.
"No. We do not know of a scan that would detect one."
"Well, another mystery possibly solved. How can they be removed from the host body? And how long before it is ready to release its offspring? And you said it's sentient. So we can't let Billy know what's going on, right?"
"That is correct. If we attempt to inform Billy of the circumstances, the self-preservation programming of the amoebrasite would engage, possibly causing problems we are not ready or able to deal with. The period between splits is approximately two and a half Earth days," Zordon said slowly. Inwardly, he wondered about his team's leader. Jason was primarily a man of action, a fighter with excellent inborn instincts for tactics and strategy, but this crisis showed that he was also capable of following his intuition and reasoning his way through a problem. The ancient sage knew he had indeed chosen well when he selected Earth's first team.
"And to remove it from the host?" Jason prompted.
"The only way to get one to leave a host is for the host body to die."
Jason didn't look surprised at that announcement. Unhappy, but not surprised.
"I was afraid of that."
PRPRPR
Marjorie Scott set the plate of bacon and eggs in front of her son, a little worried at his quiet, almost brooding mood.
"Jason, are you feeling okay?" she asked, laying a motherly hand over his cool brow.
"Sure, Mom. Just didn't sleep real well for some reason. Can I ask you something?" Jason tried hard to sound casual, not as sick at heart as he truly was over the thing he was afraid he'd have to do.
"Of course," she said, taking a seat across the table from Jason.
"I'm working on a report for school. And I was wondering...um...is there a way someone could be killed where they could be resuscitated and not have brain damage or other problems?" He needed that information if the plan that was beginning to form in his mind should have any chance to succeed at all, but the Rangers' prime researcher was out of the picture, so asking his mother who, as a trained nurse was likely to know about these things, seemed the next best choice without involving any of the others.
Marjorie raised her eyebrows in surprise. "That's some subject for a report. What class is this for?"
"Health. I just thought I'd try for an unusual subject. So, is there? So I know where to start my research, you know.." It had sounded so natural when he'd rehearsed his little spiel; now Jason feared his intentions were written in inch-high flaring letters on his forehead, there for all to see.
"Not really, Jason. There is no guarantee about the aftereffects when one is brought back from death. For every time it works perfectly, there are other times when a living corpse is all that is retrieved."
"I see." Jason sighed deeply. This was what he'd been afraid to hear.
"However, if you are determined to do the report on that subject, you should research drowning. There have been cases where a drowning victim has been successfully resuscitated after quite a long period of time with no permanent ill effects. Especially if the water was really cold," she told him. "The chill slows the body's processes, preventing or lessening the damage."
"Thanks, Mom," the teen said with a slight smile. He started eating his breakfast, his mind whirling with what he might have to do.
"But, really, Jason, you might consider a less morbid subject."
PRPRPR
"Hey, Tommy. Where are the others?" Jason asked, entering the Youth Center and sitting down at the table where the Green Ranger was doing his math homework.
"Zack, Billy, and Trini are at the library doing research for their History Day projects. Kimberly is off with the Angelettes troupe she leads. Anything up, Bro?"
Jason sighed deeply. "Actually, yeah, there is. But we can't talk here. Let's go take a walk and I'll fill you in."
"Don't you want the rest of the team?" Tommy asked curiously.
"No. Just you for the time being. I don't think you're going to like what I tell you, either. But I need help, and you're elected. Come on," Jason rose and indicated the entrance. Tommy took in his friend's tense expression and wordlessly tucked his book and notes into his backpack.
The two of them had circled the park twice by the time Jason had told Tommy everything that he suspected, Zordon's information, and the options available to correct the problem.
"How about drugs to simulate death? Would those work?" Tommy inquired, trying hard to be as dispassionate about this as possible.
"Not good enough. The amoebrasite would be able to tell the host isn't really dead. It has to be real, Tommy. God help us, he really has to die." Jason's voice broke over the last statement. He swallowed hard to bring it back under control.
"Jason, can you do this? Are you sure you can do this? Absolutely sure it's even necessary?" The Green Ranger had paled at the thought of actually killing someone. Someone they knew, at that. Sure, they'd destroyed their share of monsters, had done it well and efficiently, but somehow this was ... different.
"Tommy, do you honestly think I'd even be considering it unless I was positive? I know the actual evidence is shaky at best, but dammit, I know that's what's wrong. And Zordon himself said there was not other recourse available if an amoebrasite is involved." Anguish made Jason's voice seem even deeper.
"And Billy can't be told?" Tommy was grasping at straws, and knew it.
"No. If the amoebrasite realizes we are aware of it, it could change hosts, or use its current host to remove the threat. Apparently it has a real powerful self-preservation program. That's also why I don't want the other Rangers to know. If it goes bad, the fewer involved the better. I wouldn't have involved you if I didn't need your help so badly." The dark eyes pleaded for understanding, and ... absolution? There was only one possible answer.
Tommy rested a comforting hand on the Red Ranger's shoulder. "I'd be mad if you didn't tell me, Jase. Is Zordon getting things ready?"
"Yeah. He'll call us to the Command Center when everything's done. He'll use the word 'imperative' in the message to alert us that it's not a usual attack situation. Then we'll put the plan into action. The others will be able to see what happens, but not interfere. Frankly, we're going to need them to resuscitate Billy after we're finished. I doubt I'll be much use." Jason's expression was a combination of determination and stark fear.
"It's going to be okay, Jason. It has to be," Tommy soothed. Privately, the tall boy had his doubts, but this was neither the place nor the time to voice them.
"And you know the risk? You accept what may happen if we fail?" Jason asked, fixing Tommy with an intent stare. While he was ready to commit himself, knowing what he was about to do, he couldn't – wouldn't – drag anyone else into this who wasn't aware of all possible repercussions.
"Yeah. I'm willing to take that risk, Jason. To save Billy, and to save the planet. Both are important enough to risk a lot for."
"You're risking your life, Tommy." He needed to make sure Tommy understood exactly what he was letting himself in for. The Green Ranger did not disappoint him, however.
"He'd do the same for me, wouldn't he?"
"Yeah, he would." Before Jason could say more, his communicator chimed.
"Rangers, please report to the Command Center. While there is no attack presently, it is imperative that you get here as quickly as possible."
Jason's midnight dark eyes met Tommy's lighter ones grimly.
"Showtime."
PRPRPR
"Rangers, I have discerned increased activity around the Lunar Palace. If we can predict Rita's next move, we can counter it more successfully. I have set up some additional tracking apparatus in Lab 8 and would appreciate it if you'd go take a look at Alpha's work, Billy. Jason, you and Tommy should also know how to work this equipment, so you will go with the Blue Ranger. The rest of you will be working here in the main chamber."
The teens didn't question their mentor, but went about their assigned tasks quietly. Billy, more familiar with the layout of the Command Center complex than any of the other Rangers, led the way to Lab 8.
"I wonder why he would set it up in this lab? It's about the most isolated one we have," Billy muttered quietly as they approached the door. He didn't see Jason and Tommy exchange grim expressions.
"What the heck did Alpha think he was doing?" Billy gasped, stepping back from almost falling into the pool that dominated the room. "Zordon must have sent us to the wrong room."
"We're here, Zordon. Initiate," Jason said softly into his communicator. Billy turned to him with an openly puzzled expression that turned to outright shock when his friend grabbed him and jumped with him into the frigid pool. His struggle against the Red Ranger's far superior strength was fierce, but ultimately unsuccessful...
PRPRPR
"How long has it been?" Jason asked tersely. He'd forced his attention away from this childhood friend's eyes by force of will. He could not waver now. This was too important, for all of them.
"About ten minutes, Jase. Did Zordon have any idea how long it could take?"
"He wasn't sure. It could be ten or fifteen minutes, or an hour. It's all speculation. The only ones who have witnessed the amoebrasite leaving have been hosts, and of course, they were dead at the time. If it goes too long it's a moot point, anyway." Jason was trying hard to maintain his almost clinical detachment. It was the only way his mind could cope with the enormity of what he was doing.
"That suit doing its job?"
"Yeah. I'm okay," he said dismissively. Underneath Jason's clothing he was wearing a thermal waterproof suit Zordon had provided to protect him from the cold water.
"Hang in there, Jason. It'll be okay." Tommy realized the words sounded trite and feeble, but he couldn't think of anything else to say.
"Just be ready. We will only have one chance at this."
The two fell silent, both lost in their own thoughts as the precious moments ticked by. Throughout it all, Jason's steely hold on Billy never once wavered.
PRPRPR
"Zordon! You have to stop this!" Kimberly cried out angrily. "What the hell is Jason doing?" She and Trini and Zack were watching Jason struggle with Billy in the icy water as Tommy looked on from the edge. Surprise and shock had very quickly given way to anger and outrage, and the three remaining Rangers were hard put not to run after their friends, to try and stop what was happening before their very eyes.
"Rangers, compose yourselves and I will explain."
"Explain what? Why Jason is committing murder and you are just letting it happen?" Kimberly's voice was strident with her pain and fury.
"No!" Trini's soft gasp brought Kimberly's attention back to the Viewing Globe.
They could see that Billy had finally ceased to struggle, but despite that, Jason still held the other teen below the water's surface while Tommy continued to watch with seeming impassivity.
Tears shimmered in Kimberly's large eyes as she turned again to their mentor.
"You can explain this?" she asked with a sob. "What's wrong with Jason and Tommy? Why are they doing this to Billy? What has he done that they are killing him?" Another thought wouldn't stay silent. "They're going to hate themselves for doing this."
"There is nothing wrong with the Red or Green Rangers. Please, I must insist you compose yourselves and I will explain what has transpired," Zordon patiently repeated. It wasn't easy for the ancient sage to watch his charges, either, although he knew better than all of them why it was necessary to be this ruthless. Silently, his estimation of Jason and Tommy rose another notch. Both were excellent leaders, capable of doing what needed to be done without flinching. No matter the cost to themselves, they could and would put the Greater Good over personal considerations. While they were doing their duty to the Earth, however, their comrades in arms needed his immediate attention.
The teens managed to calm themselves, though none of them could take their eyes off the scene in the Viewing Globe where Jason continued to hold Billy's body under water while Tommy watched. It held an almost morbid fascination for them, as if they were watching TV. And yet they knew it was all horribly real.
In a tone of voice intended to soothe, Zordon explained about Jason's dreams, the possible interpretation of them, the potential danger to Earth, and the only recourse they had found.
"What if he's wrong, Zordon? What then? How will we know if it was really there and simply waited out Billy's death, or if it was never there at all?" Trini wanted to know. She'd always felt nearly as protective of Billy as Jason did, ever since the slight boy had helped her cross Harper's Gorge all those years ago, talking her across the chasm. It was because of that memory, mostly, that she'd been able to conquer her fear of heights soon after they'd become Rangers.
"Lab 8 is currently sealed, using a method that has been proven capable of containing an amoebrasite. If it has not left Billy's body after 35 minutes, Jason and Tommy will attempt resuscitation, but none of them will be allowed to leave the room. They will be constantly monitored for at least a week. At the end of that time, if no sign of an amoebrasite is seen, they will be released. Remember, Rangers, it reproduces every two to three days. If after seven days we have not seen a new amoebrasite seek out either Jason or Tommy, I believe it is safe to assume there never was one."
"They'll attempt resuscitation? After thirty-five minutes? Zordon, even if they revive him, he'll be a vegetable," Zack pointed out. The girls flinched at the Black Ranger's blunt but accurate assessment.
"The water is very cold, just above freezing. It should prevent serious brain damage for a considerable period of time. It is possible that they could go longer, but the chance of permanent damage is much higher."
Kimberly scoffed. "Like it isn't high now? This is crazy. You don't even know if the darn thing is in him. And what if it is? What if it doesn't leave Billy, and they revive him, then the darn baby thingie emerges to infect Tommy or Jason? What's the grand plan then?" Her voice rose with every question, until the petite girl was close to screaming hysterically.
"If that happens we will flood the lab with poison gas." Zordon's voice was starkly matter of fact and quelled all other protest the three bystanders could have made.
"Under no circumstances will we allow the amoebrasite to escape."
PRPRPR
"How long now?" Jason gritted out, fighting to get the words past his chattering teeth. He was cold from the inside out, not only from the water's biting temperature.
"Twenty eight minutes." Tommy's voice was soft, but the despair was still evident.
Jason's gaze settled on the equipment sitting in the corner of the room. He knew how to use it, what needed to be done to bring Billy back, if indeed it could be done. They had all trained on that apparatus intensely after becoming Rangers. Though Kimberly was the most trained in the medical aspect of their Rangerhood, all had been trained on some things. That equipment was one of them. And they were going to need it right away if his desperate plan should have any chance at all at succeeding. If Billy was to make it, they'd need to get him on life support, clearing his lungs, warm him up gradually ... oxygen ... massages to get his circulation going again ...
Lost in his thoughts, he almost didn't notice the sudden movement under his hands.
"Tommy!" he hissed. "Something's happening. Get ready!"
The Green Ranger raised his weapon to a ready position. The gun-like device would shoot an energy beam that Alpha had programmed into it. According to Zordon's information it was the only thing that could destroy an amoebrasite. Even though his heart was beating a mile a minute, Tommy's hands were steady.
It happened very quickly. The water around Jason suddenly churned and bubbled, then a diaphanous gray mist floated quickly toward the ceiling, looking for an escape. Tommy aimed and fired, the beam hitting it nearly dead center. It writhed wildly for a moment, then seemed to dissipate, losing all cohesion.
The two teens shared a brief glance of pure amazement, then Jason grabbed Billy's unresponsive body, and heaved him out of the frigid pool with almost superhuman strength.
"Get started, Tommy! Zordon! We need help here!" he shouted as he hoisted himself out of the water. Red and Green Rangers strapped their friend to the med couch, placing electrodes to vital points, wheeling, dragging and pushing equipment into place.
Moments later the other Rangers burst in the room, brushing past Jason and taking over for Tommy, who went to Jason's side and draped a blanket over the broad shoulders. Both teens stepped out of the way of the rest of the team, neither of whom spared them a single glance. The boys shared an anguished look, but kept silent. Kimberly took on the attitude of the world's smallest general, snapping directions to Trini and Zack. Billy was lying motionless on the heating blanket, his light eyes open and sightless, his skin a pallid, faintly bluish color, his lips and fingers almost purple.
With a steely determination her 'civilian' friends would not have suspected she possessed, Kimberly inserted needles in Billy's right arm and left thigh, turning on the machine behind her to start warming his blood. The heart monitor showed a motionless, flat line, and the temperature gauge was outrageously low. Kimberly set up an IV drip, efficiently injecting adrenalin, as well as vitamins C and E, into it in preparation for Billy's resuscitation. Then she sat back to watch her patient.
"Come on, Billy, fight back. Come on," Kimberly called urgently, her warm hands briefly cradling his icy face around the oxygen mask. "We need you, Billy. Fight this, come back to those who love you." Her voice nearly choked with tears, but she determinedly fought them back. This was not the time to lose control, not while Billy still needed her.
"Nothing's happening, Kimberly," Zack pointed out anxiously after a few minutes.
"It takes time, Zack. We can't rush this. Once his body temperature rises enough the adrenalin should kick in, and hopefully stimulate his heart. But if we try to rush things it will be a disaster." The Pink Ranger tried to inject more confidence than she felt into her words.
"Look. Something's happening," Trini said a few minutes later with quiet urgency. The temperature gauge was at eighty-one degrees when a first sign of motion showed on the heart monitor.
Across the room Jason sat with Tommy crouched at his side. The Ranger leader was intently focused on his motionless friend, shutting out all else, even the supporting hand on his arm.
"Please, oh please, come back. Come back," he kept whispering like a mantra.
"Come on Billy, that's it! Come on," Kimberly repeated more urgently. The line flattened again, then more spikes appeared, higher than before.
Suddenly Billy's chest heaved convulsively, a groaning intake of air that was expelled in an explosive coughing fit. Kimberly quickly removed the mask and, with Trini's help, rolled the Blue Ranger on his side so he wouldn't choke. After a brief struggle he took a second heaving breath and coughed out more water with a painful, choking sound. But within a couple of minutes he quit coughing and his breathing settled down into a rough rhythm. It was unconsciously echoed by Jason, who felt a tiny fraction of his anxiety lift. At least he hadn't killed his friend!
"It's working, Kim," Zack said with suppressed excitement. "You did it!"
"We aren't home free yet, Zack. We need to keep warming his blood, but we should get him to the Med Room. Let's get him on the gurney; you guys can wheel the equipment out. It's just not warm enough in here for my peace of mind." Her words were cautious, but the teens could all hear the hope trying to get through.
Working under Kimberly's supervision they efficiently wheeled Billy and the machinery to the Med Room, where Kim continued the treatment with Alpha's capable help.
Before they were ushered out of the Med Room Jason stepped closer, looking intently at Billy. The Blue Ranger's eyes were glazed, and the pupils were still dilated.
"Is he going to be okay?" Jason asked anxiously, his gaze never leaving his friend. He was feeling curiously detached, as if he were standing beside himself. He knew his reaction would come soon, and be a strong one, but all that mattered right now was Billy.
Likewise, Kimberly remained focused on the task at hand, speaking curtly. "It will be a while before we know for sure."
Jason flinched a bit at her tone, his heart sinking. Having realized what he had to do, he'd gone through with his duty for the benefit of Humanity, nothing more or less. He fully expected he was going to have problems with Billy, but he had hoped his other teammates would understand.
It was beginning to look like he was wrong.
To be continued...