JUDGEMENT OF THE WHITE
-A story of loyalty centering on the White Dragon Ranger Trent Fernandez and his
judgement by Conner, Kira and Ethan. What will happen?
As so often happens the greatest of events can start with the simplest of causes…
"And remember to read Chapters 8 and 9 and answer the study questions on page 322. Also study because I may be in the mood to give a test on Friday. Enjoy the day." Professor Oliver was a popular teacher but the groans following that announcement would have inferred a different story.
"Professor, can I talk to you a minute?" Trent was a good-looking kid and had recently been through a bad experience: he had been bonded to the White Dino Gem and become the Drago Ranger, undergone a split personality, then found out his dad was Mesogog, the Rangers enemy. Tommy could sympathize; after all, he had started his Ranger career under Rita's control, and done a lot of evil until being freed by the others. Now having bonded to the Black Dino Gem he was in his fourth team and also fourth color; and Trent thought he had been weird? "Sure, Trent. Meet me in my office in a few minutes; I need to clean up here." Fortunately it was the last period so there would be no civilian disturbances.
"What seems to be the problem? Your grades are good; I can tell you that much without breaking any rules about teachers."
"Thanks, but, that has nothing to do with my current crisis."
"Crisis?" "Professor…." There was a pause as Trent sorted through his mile-a-minute thoughts, then looking around to ensure there were no unwanted eyes or ears, "Did you ever have problems with the teams as a Ranger?
So that was the problem.. "Trent, my problems were unusual: in terms of the original Rangers I was the only one who changed colors by necessity from green to white but I never really fit in; it wasn't until the zeo and turbo colors that I felt comfortable in red. Any other colors changes on the team were the result of changes in the Power. Interestingly, only the guys ever seemed to change colors: when there was a change the girls who were pink or yellow stayed pink and yellow. I wonder what Billy would make of that?
"But you were asking about loyalty problems. Does this have to do with your dad?" "Do you really need to ask Professor? I was never good with people and now, with the White Ranger having done all those terrible things.." So that was it. The Dino Thunder team knew about the Green Ranger and the trouble he had caused. Apparently Trent felt some kinship because of similar experiences.
"Except for Conner they seem willing to forgive and forget."
Trent knew only facts, recently the team learned Trent's secret—Mesogog was his dad!
That evening the team met to debate whether Trent should stay a Ranger. Hailey was not a Ranger and wouldn't vote; despite wearing black Dr. O. said this involved the others and if they didn't accept Trent he would have no choice but to ask him to surrender his morpher. Trent arrived to face the others; Kira voted yes and so did Ethan. As Conner stood in silence Tommy said, "It must be unanimous."
Conner asked, "Are you really a Ranger?"
Trent answered "Yes."
"Then why protect an enemy who threatens not just us but civilians?"
"You already know he is my dad."
"That does not relieve you of your duties as a Ranger. Are you willing to kill if necessary?"
He was shocked at the question. He could only stand and stare at Conner. Conner stared back; he still wasn't entirely certain what to make of Trent.
After what seemed forever Trent spoke, "I don't entirely trust you, but for now, I will withhold my vote and give the chance to prove me wrong. For now you may function as a Dino Thunder Ranger and we'll see how you do."