Goodbye Kat
"You're leaving?" although he tried to hide it, there was no mistaking the apprehension in his tone.
"But you can't leave. We just got started."
Tommy shook his head, the wind tossing his long brown hair behind him. When Kat had invited him to the park to talk after school he hadn't bargained on hearing bad news.
"I wish I didn't have to," she admitted, "but my grandfather needs me. He's had a partial stroke and can no longer run his wildlife park. If we don't help him, it could close down for good. I have to be there to help care for him. And to run the park while he's ill."
She reached across the bench to touch his hand.
"If things work out I can come back. It's just going to take a while. From what my mum said, he'll have to endure intense physical therapy. For a few months at the least."
She blinked back the tears in her eyes.
"The doctors say that they're confident he'll recover."
Tommy took her hand into his and squeezed. He couldn't be selfish right now. Sure he would miss Kat but she must be pretty shaken up about her grandfather's health scare. He had to remember that.
"Then it's only right for you to be there for him," he conceded. "After all he is your family."
The team would understand. He understood. No matter how much it hurt. There was no mistaking the grateful tears in Kat's eyes as she threw her arms around him.
"I'm going to miss you so much! But I'll keep in touch. I promise. I'll call if I can and I'll write—"
Involuntarily Tommy winced. The last girl he'd dated that had moved away had written him too. Kimberly, only the last letter she'd written had been to tell him that she'd found someone else. Kat pulled back, catching it.
"Oh Tommy, I'll never forget you. I'll never forget us. You know that."
He tried to push back the lingering fear in the back of his heart. That she would do the same as Kimberly. The two did have a lot in common. Both were athletic, Kimberly had been a gymnast and taught a dance aerobics class, Kat a swimmer and taught a ballet class. Both had competed in the Pan Global Olympics. And each just so happened to be the pink ranger when he'd fallen for her.
"Don't you?"
Tommy shook off the quick reverie. The past was the past.
"Look," he began, "I'd be lying if I said that a part of me isn't just a little nervous about you leaving. But I trust you and I trust how we feel about each other. No amount of distance can change that."
Kat seemed pleased with his response.
"No amount of distance can change that," she agreed.
They shared their last kiss that afternoon beneath the April sun. Tommy savored her lips, the softness of her hand in his. The gentle scent of conditioner still lingering in her hair. He'd been through this before. He could make it through again. Kat was not Kimberly. He would have to keep reminding himself of that once she was gone.
Chapter One
"Zeo Ranger Two, Yellow!"
The machine empire had wasted no time. After Kat's departure the team had a vacancy. They'd hoped to fill her slot pretty quickly however the task had proven to be a challenge. The truth was, between the remaining five, they knew plenty of girls in Angel Grove. But Zeo Ranger One could not be just any girl. She had to possess the dedication and determination that each power ranger possessed. She had to be strong yet humble, tough and brave. And she had to have the time to assume her ranger duties.
"Zeo Ranger Three, Blue!"
Now here the rangers were, in the midst of a battle with Mondo's latest monstrosity—the Dirty Hare. It looked as if Roger Rabbit and a robotic troll had mated and had a child. Just hideous.
"Zeo Ranger Four, Green!"
They would have to take the Dirty Hare down before it grew big. Before they needed to call forth the zeozords.
"Zeo Ranger Five, Red!"
Tommy leaped at the creature, weapon in hand. He was ready to take it down. They didn't have time to fool around. This was the third attack in the two days that Kat had been gone. With a ranger down the team was especially vulnerable. Thankfully they'd had help.
"Gold Ranger Power!"
Without the use of the zeo megazord Jason's pyrimidas had been a godsend. They wouldn't have been able to defeat the last two monsters without it. Today, Tommy hoped not to need it.
"Come on guys, let's finish this bunny!"
Teamwork was key. Without a pink ranger there were still five rangers. Utilizing each of their skills the Dirty Hare would go down with no problem. After an intense battle, the rangers achieved victory. As was usual, the team followed up the victory by regrouping back at the command center.
"You've done very well Rangers," Zordon greeted them upon their return.
"Jason, may I commend you on your quick mastery of the gold ranger powers. It has been good to see the team working so well together."
Adam slapped Jason's shoulder in camaraderie.
"It's good to be back with the team," Jason responded.
Everyone concurred.
"Now rangers, it is a must that we choose a new pink ranger. Mondo's efforts are growing bolder by the day. He wishes to tax your resources. He knows that you're a ranger down and plans to use that to his advantage. You've managed to tackle two monsters with Pyrimidas but Pyrimidas alone may not be enough for the next attack."
The team nodded grimly. Even their separate zeo zords weren't as powerful as when they brought them together.
"I fear that Mondo is already planning his next attack," Zordon went on, "Which is why it is imperative that a new pink ranger is chosen. You have until the end of the week to find the right candidate for Zeo ranger one."
Tommy blinked.
"But Zordon, that's only three days away."
Rocky nodded.
"We can't possibly find somebody we can trust with the pink zeo crystal that fast."
Tanya and Adam exchanged expressions of doubt. They couldn't see it being done. Not that fast.
"When Aisha found the Zeo crystal she was able to entrust it to Tanya," Alpha reminded the team.
"It was her good heart and courage that showed Aisha that she was the right choice for the team."
Zordon agreed.
"Yes Alpha. And Jason, when you left for the peace conference you knew that you could turn your power over to Rocky. Trust in your own judgment rangers. You will find the right person, but you must hurry. Time is of the essence."
Jason folded his arms under his chest, thinking. Tommy recognized the expression on his friend.
"Any ideas?"
Jason nodded.
"Maybe. I'm still working on it. I'll let you know tomorrow."
Tommy turned back to Zordon, clueless as to where to start.
"You really think we can find a new pink ranger in three days, Zordon?" he asked uncertainly.
Zordon's response was as concise as ever.
"Yes Tommy. I do. I have faith in you. In all of you."
That lessened the unease if only slightly. But not completely. Suddenly Rocky had a thought.
"But Zordon, what if we find more than one candidate and we can't agree?"
"Then we vote," Tanya suggested.
"I mean there are five of us. Majority would rule, right?"
Rocky liked the idea but his questions didn't stop there.
"What if we all find candidates? What if there are 5 different girls. Nobody's going to vote against their own pick."
The team had to acknowledge the possibility. Anything could happen.
"I guess Zordon would be the tie-breaker?" Adam proposed.
It sounded logical. Zordon was after all the one who'd brought the rangers together. If anyone had the wisdom to choose a new ranger it was him.
"I'm afraid you're wrong Adam. I will not be deciding in this matter."
Before he could elaborate, surprise painted all five rangers' faces.
"Wait, huh?"
"You mean it's entirely up to us?'
"I don't believe it."
"Believe it rangers," Zordon remarked, "The time is coming soon for you all to enter into a new world where you will be making decisions about your lives and your futures. You have done a fine job following commands but this time you must exercise your own judgment. You can decide amongst yourselves how you will proceed in that matter but know that it must be done by the end of the week. That is your mission."
Regina Banks unfastened her seatbelt and stared out the window at her new school. Angel Grove High. An appropriate name for a small suburban town's only high school. It was big enough she supposed. Still, not as big as her last school.
"Reggie?
She glanced at her father who was watching her with empathetic understanding.
"Yea dad?"
He offered a reassuring smile.
"You're going to be fine. Angel Grove is a little more welcoming than Detroit. They'll love you."
When she didn't respond he reached over to touch her hand.
"Hey, I've been living here for a long time. I know these people. I treat these people and their families. Trust me, they won't bite."
When Reggie sighed in resignation he nodded toward the building.
"Go on in before the bell rings."
She reached behind her and grabbed her back pack before leaving the vehicle.
"I'll see you tonight," he called, preparing to take off.
"Okay. I just hope I don't get jumped by a bunch of kids you used to give shots to," she joked.
The two broke the same dimpled smile. Then he waved before pulling off toward his office. She was left alone to enter her new school. Brushing her neat twists out of her face, Reggie took in a stabilizing breath. She could do this. Forcing that old Banks confidence into her step she made her way inside.
She already had her schedule. She and her father had met with the guidance counselor and discussed it. All she had to do was find the locations of her classes.
"Heads up!"
From behind her came the warning. Reggie turned in time to collide with a mop of blond hair on wheels. Her bag went flying, her feet skidding. Her behind went slamming to the floor. A multi-colored skateboard rolled into the locker behind her.
"Whoa, my bad."
She glanced up to see a skinny kid catching his skateboard. He barely acknowledged her as he took off down the hall.
More welcoming than Detroit indeed.
"Hey, are you okay?"
Reggie left the retreating skateboarder's back to find a hand outstretched to her. Attached to it was a guy.
"I'm—"
A rather cute guy. Caring brown eyes, masculine shoulders, long brown hair. She took his hand and he assisted her to her feet.
"Thanks," she murmured, trying not to look like a total loser.
She was already the new kid, and the spill she'd taken hadn't been the most graceful impression.
"Don't mention it."
He glanced around her.
"That yours?"
Before she could answer he walked over and grabbed her back pack. When he handed it to her, she shrugged abashedly.
"Um, thanks again."
If she were any lighter she'd be beet red. Luckily her complexion hid it.
"Yea don't worry about it. Just watch out for the skater kids in the halls."
He offered a quick smile before starting toward the skater's direction.
"See you around."
Reggie opened her mouth but didn't say anything, instead watching him leave. Well he seemed pretty nice. She slipped her back pack onto one shoulder and sighed.
Welcome to Angel Grove.
"So what do you think of Jennifer?"
Both Adam and Tanya sent Rocky a dubious look.
"Jennifer?" Tanya repeated.
"As in the girl you asked out a few months ago?"
She wagged her finger, mocking a scolding.
"Are you sure you're thinking of what she can offer the team or what she can offer you?"
When Rocky clasped his hand over his chest in feigned offense, Adam chimed in.
"She's right man. You can't just pick a girl because you're dating her."
"Technically we've never been on a date," Rocky corrected him.
"See when I asked her to that dance she was busy and offered me a rain check. I have yet to cash it in."
Adam rolled his eyes.
"We're supposed to be picking girls with character," he reminded his friend.
"And who has better character than Jennifer?"
"Dude, didn't you say she was a snob a while back."
Rocky shook his head.
"I was wrong. She's just really passionate about her grades. She has a lot riding on getting this scholarship. We talked it over and cleared up that total misunderstanding."
Adam smirked, aware that there was more than a platonic motive in Rocky's nomination. Ever since they'd worked together on a science project a while back, Rocky had been smitten. Though she'd agreed to go out with him they had yet to find a date that didn't interfere with her homework. Despite the hurdle they'd had lunch a few times.
"Well Jennifer is pretty smart," Tanya admitted.
"And with Billy gone we need that kind of intelligence on the team."
Rocky was thrilled with her assessment.
"Yea, see? This is more than just trying to hook up."
Adam chuckled at his friend's comment.
"Okay sorry we doubted you."
He was motioning for the waitress to come over when Rocky remarked; "besides, I wouldn't be the first ranger to hook up with a teammate."
Tanya glanced at Adam, who also happened to be her boyfriend. He raised an eyebrow at his friend.
"What? I was talking about Tommy."
"Yea, sure."
"Come on, he's dated every pink ranger we've ever had. If anybody's hooking up—"
"Who's hooking up?" Jason cut in as he pulled a chair up beside Rocky.
Turning it backward he sat down and rested his arms on the back.
"Anybody I know?"
He flashed a conspirator's smile, as if he'd walked into a secret meeting.
"Nobody," Tanya replied, making a shooing motion toward Rocky.
"Adam chuckled before answering.
"Tommy. Apparently he's got a thing for ladies in pink."
Jason scooted up closer to the table, amused.
"Is that so?"
Rocky turned toward him.
"You were here in the beginning. How did Tommy and Kimberly first hook up. Was it before or after he was a ranger?"
Jason shrugged.
"They became a couple after but there was chemistry long before that. The day Tommy got here Kimberly was all over that. Of course he was a little resistant on account of Rita's spell. But once it was broken you could see."
Rocky nodded, vindicated. Jason continued.
"But don't get it twisted. Tommy was not the most aggressive guy when it came to getting the girl. You saw how long it took for him to make a move on Kat. He may like the pink rangers but he won't go after them without encouragement.
The team all reflected on his remark as their waitress, Emily came up.
"Hi you guys ready to order?"
Her eyes drifted toward Jason who smiled.
"A milkshake for me," Rocky ordered.
A couple of "me too"s from Adam and Tanya. Jason ordered the same. When Emily left to fill their order Jason's eyes followed her.
"I'd say Emily's a pretty responsible person, wouldn't you guys agree?"
Rocky, Adam and Tanya exchanged knowing looks.
"And let me guess, she'd be a perfect candidate for the pink ranger position," Adam announced.
"Here we have nomination number two."
Jason cocked an eyebrow.
"Two?"
"Rocky suggested Jennifer."
Jason snickered.
"Smooth move Casanova."
"Hey," Rocky defended himself, "Rangers in glass houses shouldn't throw gold stones."
Jason waved him off.
"What are you talking about?"
"Jennifer's a good pick. Besides, she can bring more to the team than a couple of trays and milkshakes. That's all I'm saying."
Jason shot him a level look.
"Oh really? You mean when she takes her head out of her books she has something to offer besides that neurotic bad attitude?"
"Hey!"
"Whoa guys," Tanya intervened, "calm down. We're still a team in case you forgot. We're on the same side."
Jason glanced over at Rocky. He ran his fingers through his hair apologetically.
"Sorry guys. I guess this being a ranger down thing has me a little on edge. This is the first time Zordon's actually trusted us with choosing a ranger ourselves. I think we all just want to make the best choice."
Rocky had to agree.
"Yea. Whoever she may be."
He and Jason clapped each other on the shoulder to show no hard feelings. Adam and Tanya nodded approvingly.
"Or he may be," Tanya added to his comment.
Adam scrunched his eyebrows.
"Huh?"
"The new pink ranger. It could be a guy."
Jason, Rocky and Adam couldn't help their laughter. Tanya folded her arms under her chest.
"What? It's the '90s. Some men wear pink."
"You mean besides Elton John?" Jason chuckled.
"Or Sonny Crockett," Adam added.
Rocky paused.
"Who's Sonny Crockett?"
"Dude, when were little. Miami Vice. Everybody wanted to be Sonny."
Rocky gave Jason a look.
"Any idea what he's talking about?"
"No clue."
"Hey Adam, you sure you don't want to switch suits," Rocky joked.
"I think you'd look good in pink."
Jason fluttered his eyelashes in good natured jabbing.
"It brings out your bone structure. Mr. Crockett."
Annoyed, Adam balled a napkin and tossed it at his face. Jason caught and tossed it to Rocky who dodged it.
"You guys are impossible sometimes, you know that?" Tanya told them.
At that Jason and Rocky laughed harder. In response she wrapped her arm around her beau.
"Don't pay them any attention, Sweetie. They're just mad because you're the only ranger with a steady girlfriend."
To drive her point home, she leaned over and frenched her man right there at the table. When she drew back to her seat, Adam was all smiles.
"Try getting that on the regular," he smirked.
Rocky gave a low whistle and Jason nodded his appreciation. They might spend their free time saving the world but they were still guys. And guys did have needs. Emily brought back their shakes a little later and the team continued to discuss their mission. Adam and Tanya had no candidates for the role and they had yet to hear from Tommy since school.
"If he's thought of anybody I'm sure he'll let us know," Adam noted.
Jason glanced down at his watch."
"Hey where is he anyway? He should've been here by now."
"You don't think anything's happened to him do you?" Tanya whispered, as if speaking it would cause it to be.
Jason shrugged his muscular shoulders.
"I don't know, but I don't have a good feeling about this."
Tommy dragged his feet across the pavement, his steps as heavy as his heart inside. Kat was gone. Who knew when she'd be back. He sighed.
That last kiss will always be with me.
But he couldn't dwell on that now. No, he had a mission to complete. To find Kat's replacement. It had been a little easier for Kimberly. Kat had already been there to take the power. All she'd had to do was hand it over. The same with Zack, Trini and Jason the first time around. Worthy replacements were right there. They'd practically fallen into their laps.
"Like it was destiny," he thought aloud.
Tommy glanced up from his feet in time to see a fleet of cogs appear mere inches before him. Instinctively he took a battle stance.
"Destiny you say?"
It was Plank, the Machine Empire's lackey. On his shoulder sat the pint-sized Orbus.
"Well Zeo Ranger5, embrace your destiny TO BE DESTROYED!"
Tommy braced himself as the cogs moved in for the attack. He gauged that there were at least fifteen of them all coming straight for him. Time to swing into action. His first punch landed straight into a cog's chest. He swiftly ducked as the two cog fists went for his head. Without a second's hesitation he was back up and all in its grill.
"It's working!" Orbus chirped.
"He won't have time to call his friends or even to morph. Keep sending more cogs."
Plank was already shipping another squad. The robots obeyed and charged.
"Not even the red Zeo ranger can take on thirty cogs at once," he beamed.
"And with the extra battles we've been sending their way he'll tire out sooner than normal. All we have to do is wear him down and we have him."
"Won't King Mondo be pleased."
Plank nodded excitedly.
"Yes, indeed. And without their leader the remaining rangers will be lost."
Orbus recalled a chip of data he'd overheard from leadership.
"But wasn't the gold ranger the original leader before they found the zeo crystal? When they were using power coins?"
"That was before our time, Orbus. Those has-beens Rita and Zedd destroyed them a long time ago."
"Yes but I still think we need to get rid of the gold ranger. Not only is his powerstaff a threat but he's too much of a risk. His experience alone could rally the rangers."
Plank thought about his partner's words. True, that Jason had lead the group to victory many times before the machines had arrived. If they wanted the rangers lost then they'd need to cut off all confidence and hope. Tommy represented as much. In his absence Jason could mean the same.
"All right Orbus. We shall go after the gold ranger next. We shall destroy him and afterward the remaining three rangers will crumble."
Just as Orbus joined him in laughter, a cog managed to trip Tommy onto the pavement.
"Oh look! I believe we're winning."
Tommy maneuvered out of its reach but several more assailed him. He could take them, he had plenty of times before but there were just too many. They just kept coming. If he was going to beat them he needed to morph and now.
I just need to get to my zeonizer.
But metal hands, feet and legs were all over him. Tommy was vaguely aware of liquid pouring down his forehead as he attempted to fight his way out. He would not surrender to these bolt brains. He would not give up!
Reggie was taking the route her father had shown her toward home when she saw him. The guy who'd helped her up in the hallway. He was moving slowly, his head slightly hanging. She could read the language. He was sad about something. She didn't know why but she felt the sudden urge to catch up to him and—what? Comfort him? Ease his pain perhaps? He'd already helped her. The least she could do was return the favor. Ignoring the rational parts of her mind, Reggie quickened her pace into a jog. She was almost at his back when they suddenly appeared.
"What in the world?"
Robots, that's what they looked like. Weird metal creatures in uniformity. She heard someone to the far left call out about destiny when the robots attacked. Him. They were attacking Brown hair. Either they didn't see her or they didn't care because the multitude of them went after Brown hair. Reggie froze for a moment and watched as he laid a couple of them out. He was fast. Like really fast. That he was a martial arts aficionado was more than apparent. He had to be some kind of black belt.
She'd seen a few karate movies in her time but never up close. Reggie had to admit, it was…majestic. She stood for a moment, staring before he went down. Then the creatures pounced. That snapped her back to reality. This was actually happening. Right in front of her face. And if she did nothing about it then he could be hurt.
What do I do?
While she was no virgin to fighting (she was from Detroit after all) she wasn't anywhere near the kind of stuff that Brown hair was pulling off. She'd have to think of something besides fighting skills to make a difference. Thinking quickly, she glanced around the street. What could she possibly use to stop these things? They didn't even look human. More than likely they wouldn't have human weaknesses.
"How do I stop a robot army?" Reggie wondered desperately.
Then her eyes landed on a red and white solution. That was it! What was the number one enemy of anything electronic such as a robot? Water. Thankful, she rushed to the fire hydrant and attempted to unscrew it with her bare hands.
No such luck.
She should have figured. You had to have some heavy duty equipment to open one of those things. Equipment that was not readily available. But she could improvise. Reggie flipped her backpack over and tore down the zipper. She quickly grasped her water bottle and shook it. Still half full. That meant that she only had one shot. She had to make it count.
"Hey Bucketheads!"
Up close the things were more robot than she'd imagined. Their metal faces, turned up noses and black hollows of eyes. Their mouths were like a hate vent, just a hole separated into sections.
"Why don't you come get me?"
She swung her backpack at the nearest robot, knocking it into another . Several tumbled in domino effect. A few that hadn't turned their attention to her.
"Get the human. She is interfering."
A computerized voice solidified her suspicions. Yes they were definitely robots. Which was perfect for her plan.
"Well come on then!"
Reggie took off toward the street. Just as she'd wanted, the things chased after her. There were quite a few—maybe twenty or thirty. She managed to lure half away. That would have to do. Once she hit the opposite curb she stopped and spun on them. With her bottle aimed at the first creep's face she shoved it backward into the others. And squirted a shot directly into its eye sockets.
Sparks flew as electronics met hydration. She watched as the thing landed against the others, spreading the electro current throughout the bunch. Good. Now for the rest. Reggie flew past the heap back to the action. Though there were less of those things than before, they were still doing a number on Brown hair. He'd managed to get to his feet again, but there was blood on his face. The things were trying to back him into a corner.
"Oh no you don't!"
Coming from behind she had the element of surprise. Seeing as she did not have the fighting skill, this would work for the moment. Reggie used her backpack again to knock the attackers sideways into each other. With another domino effect in play she only had to shoot every few bots to get them down. Again shots of electricity sprang forth, bright blue sparks passing between them.
Well that took care of—
"Human!"
The last of the robots ran toward her, one lone creature with malice on its mind. Reggie was ready to swing on the thing when Brown hair let out a karate cry and took it down. One kick directly to its head sent the head flying past her into the street. The body had just enough time to hit the ground before the entire brigade just vanished into thin air. Reggie glanced at Brown hair. As their eyes connected she felt the strangest sensation inside. As if from this moment on things would be vastly different for her. She took a step closer. So did he. Then he fell to his knees and she rushed forward to break his fall.
His brain was pounding. His body throbbed. Those cogs had certainly done a job on him many as there were. They'd almost had him too. Then she'd come along. He didn't even know her name just that she went to school with him. She was new. And she'd just saved his life. Tommy started toward her.
Then his legs gave out and he was falling forward. He tried to catch himself halfway down but battle fatigue dogged him. He struggled not to hit the ground when he landed against a soft sweetness.
"Hold on, I got you."
He blinked twice to find that he was face to face with the new girl. Apparently the softness he felt was her.
"What are you doing?" he reprimanded.
"It's too dangerous there. They could come back."
He didn't want her getting hurt on account of him. Surely Plank and Orbus would be back. Only this time they'd send a monster to finish the job.
"Yea, I know that. All the more reason to get you out of here before they do," she remarked.
He needed to call the other rangers. But he couldn't in front of her.
"I'll be fine."
Tommy attempted to stand when his head began to swim. His vision clouded and he went back down.
"Yea, I can see that," was her sarcastic reply.
Then she added, "You're hurt. You're bleeding from the head. We need to get you to a hospital."
Tommy quickly shook his head. If anyone was going to treat him it would Alpha and Zordon at the command center. That way he could tell the full story of what happened and his parents wouldn't have to be called. The last thing he needed was for them to be worried about him. They might not let him out of their sight. And with Mondo's latest attacks the rangers couldn't afford to lose another.
"No. No hospitals. I just have to get to the juice bar. My friends…"
Were expecting him. They knew that if he didn't show then something was up. He had to get to them to warn them that Plank and Orbus were out and about.
"Look, I'm not trying to be pushy or anything," the new girl was saying.
"But you are really hurt. I don't think the juice bar is what you need. My dad's a doctor—Dr. Banks. If you don't want a hospital I could take you to him. To his office."
He looked at her then, his mind made up. He hoped that the sternness of his expression would give her the hint. But he was too tired to muster anything. So instead he just stared. For a moment, she stared back.
Like it was destiny.
Tommy opened his mouth to speak. But couldn't remember what it was that he was going to say. So he spoke the first words that came to his dizzy mind.
"You're really pretty."
The new girl blinked. Then looked at him strange.
"I have to go. Because Kat left and I have to warn them."
She didn't say anything but continued watching him. He didn't get the expression on her face.
"What? Don't you understand?" he asked.
She had to. He wasn't speaking a foreign language. He tried again.
"They need to know. Because she's gone so …we have to regroup."
Determination drove him to his feet one last time. The new girl rose with him, keeping her arm under his shoulder. This time when his head lurched, Tommy forced himself to stay standing.
"I'm going to the juice bar," he stated with conviction.
"With or without you."
She released an exasperated sigh but when he moved she did as well. She'd given in to his demand.
"Fine, we go to the juice bar," she relented, "but I'm helping you there."
Tommy took another step.
"Here, lean into me," she instructed.
"But I'm bigger than you."
"And I'm stronger than I look."
He wasn't sure why but he believed her.
"Just make me a promise, okay?"
He wasn't sure what she would want him to promise her but if it got him to the juice bar he was game.
"Sure, what?"
"Promise me that if I get you to the juice bar you'll get help."
Alpha and Zordon were just the help he needed.
"Absolutely."
"I mean it," she insisted. "I'm not going to leave you alone until I'm convinced. With your friends around or not. I don't care if I have to drag you to my dad's office myself."
She was pretty convincing. Despite his fog Tommy was sure he'd never want to end up on the wrong side of her wrath.
"Okay. Deal."
The walk to the juice bar was thankfully uneventful. No cogs, no Plank and Orbus. The new girl kept asking him questions like the day's date, who was president and his name. Aside from the name inquiry he didn't get her angle. When they arrived at the juice bar she helped him inside but didn't let go.
"Where are your friends?" she wanted to know, "point them out for me."
Before Tommy could take a look around to spot them, Tanya's voice rang out.
"Tommy!"
He blinked in the direction it had come from and saw all eyes on him. As a crowd began toward him, the new girl barked a warning.
"Step back, he needs air!"
Though she came in a small package, there was no questioning the authority in her tone. He almost stepped back himself. Jason was the first to reach him, with the others right behind him.
"It's okay, we're his friends," he assured the new girl when her eyes narrowed.
"We got him from here."
Jason took his free arm and leveled his weight under it. Adam scooted to the side that the new girl held and offered his support. She relinquished him to his good buddy.
"He needs a doctor," she told them.
"His bones seem to be intact but I think he's got a mild concussion. He's been babbling the entire time."
Jason nodded and he and Adam started to carry Tommy away.
"Thanks. We know just the place to go."
Tommy opened his mouth, prepared to vocalize his thanks.
"I'm coming too," the new girl declared.
He looked over at Jason, his best friend for so long.
"She can't, I have to tell Zor—"
"Thanks, what's your name?"
"Regina but everybody calls me Reggie."
"Reggie," Jason continued, "thanks but we don't have much room in my car. We'll get him to the doctor okay?"
When she hesitated, Tanya took over.
"Hey Reggie?"
She turned to her.
"Jason's known Tommy longer than any of us. They're practically brothers. He's in good hands."
For reassurance she pat her arm. The gesture seemed to disarm her.
"Just… let me know he's okay," she requested.
The rangers all nodded their confirmation. Then they hurried Tommy off. He glanced back one last time to see Reggie staring after them, worry written all over her cocoa face.