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Seeing Scarlet

By

JellyBean Productions

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Chapter I - Beginnings Part I

This is the first story of my new series 'Changing Time' and isn't related to my 'Earth's Defenders' series, but contains a main character for it in it (sorta). It is set at the beginning of S.P.D. and continues through it.

This is mildly AU, Jake Holling (Black Megaforce Ranger) will appear as a main character. He will be born in 2003, so is 22 in 2025, when this fic is set. Also Bridge will only be 18, opposed to 22 in the original S.P.D. series, as well as Sam being 16. Another Megaforce Ranger will have a cameo in this story and will feature more heavily in the sequels.

A/N 07/04/13: I have changed Jake's Genetic Powers. (Super Speed/Strength). I will reveal his new power, how he got them and why Jake is in 2025 next chapter.

-S.P.D.-

(Gruumm's Warship, Erlandia Orbit)

An alien ship is orbiting a yellow planet, in it sits a hideous monster, with bones covering his skin. His name is Gruumm, or to his people, he is Emperor Gruumm.

"We have taken all that we can from Erlandia," said Gruumm from his throne, "The life forms have fled and the planet is useless to me. Destroy it!"

A pair of red lasers shot out of the ship and hit the planet, completely destroying it. A frightening pair of fiendish red eyes watched with glee.

"Bwahaha!" laughed Gruumm from his throne.

-S.P.D.-

(Newtech City, California)

In the not too distant future, Earth has become a haven for all alien races, who come from the farthest reaches of the galaxy to live in peace. 99% of the newcomers live in harmony. But for the 1% who can't, there is Space Patrol Delta, the new breed of police, to bring them in.

In a warehouse in the heart of the city a wall explodes from laser fire, and a monster falls through it and runs away. Then, four S.P.D. officers, Sydney Drew, Sky Tate, Bridge Carson and Jake Holling enter through the hole and scan the area intently.

"You can hide, monster… well, actually, you can't really hide," said Bridge.

Bridge removed one of the leather gloves he was wearing, revealing his psychic powers. He scanned the room for the monster.

"Perp at two o'clock!" he informed.

Syd turned to face the wrong direction.

Without looking Bridge said, "That's nine o'clock, Syd."

Syd adjusts herself.

"Got it!" she said as Jake shakes his head, smiling.

Syd reached into her belt to grabbed a piece of iron.

"Fist of Iron!" she called as her fist turns from flesh to iron.

Syd karate-chopped a box nearby, revealing the monster. The monster charged at Sky, who tossed up a blue forcefield, knocking it backwards.

"Go!" he shouted.

Jake ran forward at an top speed and hit the monster with an outstretched fist, sending it back into a pile of crates.

The four then charged through the monster's repeated laser blasts, their own weapons at the ready, and fought until they shot him down.

"Nice work guys!" congratulated Jake.

"It would have been much quicker if you let someone with powers, like me, take him on, instead of hogging him all to yourself," accused Sky.

"You know?" said Bridge, "That alien didn't have to be male, it could have been female."

Sky glared at Bridge, before assuming a neutral expression.

"Sky Tate reporting in. Mission complete. Please advise."

A feline looking alien then walked through the door of the warehouse to speak with the cadets.

"Well done, Cadets," said Kat, "Your training progresses nicely."

Bridge stepped forward, "Ah… Kat. Ah… I, I, I mean… ah… Ma'am. I mean, ah… Miss Manx, we were all wondering… We know there's A-Squad Power Rangers and we're B-Squad cadets— not that there's anything wrong with being a B-Squad cadet, or a C-Squad or a D-Squad-"

"Let me translate," interrupted Syd, "I speak fluent Bridge. He wants to know when we're getting those great designer coloured suits."

Jake sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Kat, I've told them," said Sky, "It's not about the suits or the weapons. It's about helping people and upholding the tradition of being a Power Ranger."

"Hey, count me out of that, I understand what being a Power Ranger is about. Plus you really relax sometimes, you can be a real arse," said Jake angrily.

"You do not get to be a ranger by sitting around and not training," countered Sky cooly.

"That's up to Commander Cruger. Not me," interrupted Kat, in an attempt to break up the argument.

Kat pushed a button on her data pad and the warehouse setting faded away into a all white room, revealing that it was a mere simulation.

"Dismissed!" stated Kat. The four cadets saluted and left in silence.

Suddenly, the monster from before appeared behind Kat. She whirled and pushed a button on a gadget to morph the monster into…

"Ahhhh!" said Boom as he panted. "Best cadets ever, Kat."

"Agreed." said Kat. "And you, Boom, my eager assistant, job well done."

-S.P.D.-

(Command Center)

"Commander Cruger, Sir!" shouted an officer, "We have a problem in the-"

"9th quadrant." interrupted Cruger, "I am aware. Erlandia has been destroyed. There's not a lot of time and much to be done. He is coming."

-S.P.D.-

(Gruumm's Warship)

Gruumm span round on his throne to look into a screen showing Earth.

"Beware, Earth, your end has begun."

-S.P.D.-

(S.P.D. Cadet Rec Room)

Boom entered with his right arm in a cast, holding a tray with multi-coloured Jello on top of it in his left hand.

"Boom! Did we do that?" asked Syd.

"Naw," answered Boom, "You guys just dislocated my shoulder. Popped it right back in and it's as good as gold. See! Aargh!" Boom winced.

"Crazy!" muttered Jake, under his breath.

"Anyway, this is Kat's new arm cast laser." explained Boom, "Cool, huh?"

Bridge stood up to examine it with interest.

"Anyway, I gotta go, so… bye—ah!" said Boom.

Boom pulled his arm, causing him to drop his tray. When Bridge tried to help him pick it up, he unintentionally fired the laser at a wall. He, Bridge, Syd and Jake watched, Syd with her hands over her mouth, as whatever Boom blasted was smoking.

Sky then entered the room, looking sour, "Boom! Clean up your mess!"

Boom jumped, "Yes sir! Sir… which mess?"

"Start with the last one you made and work backwards," ordered Sky, unamused

"Yes sir!" said Boom as he exited, looking afraid.

"Lighten up, Sky," said Syd, "Boom's a great guy. A little weird, but a great guy."

"Yeah, well someday our lives may depend on that great guy," lectured Sky as he leant over and moved a piece on a nearby chess board, "And then what?"

Bridge raised his hand, "I know! I know. Then our lives will depend on him."

"Bridge, Sky didn't mean it like-" started Jake, but stopped as said, "Never mind."

"Commander Cruger wants to see us. Now!" commanded Sky icily.

-S.P.D.-

(S.P.D. Command Center)

In the Command Center. Cruger was addressing six people in Ranger suits, holding big guns. Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink and Purple. It is obvious Red, Pink and Purple are female.

"Listen carefully, A-Squad. Preparation is the key to any tactical defense. Report to Delta Air Base for last minute simulation instruction. Earth depends on you. Dismissed!" ordered Cruger.

As the Rangers began to turn to leave, but Cruger called out to them, stopping them in their tracks.

"A-Squad Purple!" shouted Cruger.

"Yes, sir!" replied Purple.

"Your orders are to remain here, we cannot leave Earth undefended," instructed Cruger, " You will remain here to train the B-Squad Rangers that are soon to be activated."

"Yes, sir!" agreed the Purple Ranger.

"A-Squad 1 to 5! Dismissed!" said Cruger, referring to the rangers by their numeral designation.

A-Squad Red Ranger replied, "Yes Sir!"

"Good Luck, A-Squad," said Cruger softly as the A-Squad minus Purple left through the doors.

A-Squad marched into the hallway where they passed Sky, Bridge, Jake and Syd.

"Attention!" shouted Sky to the other B-Squad Cadets.

They all stand at attention. The Pink A-Squad Ranger heedlessly slammed into Bridge, knocking one of his gloves off part way. She only missed Jake, who was standing next to Bridge, because Jake took a super sped step back. Bridge took his glove all the way off and scans A-Squad with his powers, revealing colors swirling around them, and looked troubled.

"That is who I want to be," said Sky, "I'm gonna be the Red Ranger."

As this Jake said, "Being Red Ranger isn't about being the leader!"

This caused Sky to glare at Jake. "How do you know what being a leader is, you transferred here from S.P.D. Harwood a few weeks ago, you haven't even met Commander Cruger yet! Besides, you don't have genetic powers like us," replied Sky hotly.

As this Jake looked down at the ground with a mix of anger, sadness and remorse on his face. Bridge noticed this and quickly scanned his best friend, he was shocked at his discovery, Jake had the aura of about 15 people.

"Geez. Did you see the size of them? Even the girls are massive," said Syd then paused, "What's wrong, Bridge?"

"I don't know," said Bridge unsure, "Their energy, their colors. Something's off."

-S.P.D.-

(S.P.D. Command Center)

"Being Red Ranger isn't about being the leader!" came the muffled voice of Jake through the wall. This caused Cruger to look down, an idea coming to him.

When he looked up he told A-Squad Purple, who reading over the files of the four B-Squad Cadets, who to Cruger's surprise agreed with his idea. The cadets then entered the Command Center.

"Cadets, I trust you have enjoyed your training here at the S.P.D. Academy." stated Cruger.

Syd piped up, "Well, since you asked, the fluorescent lighting gives me a bit of a headache—"

Cruger growled cutting her off and both Jake and Purple rolled their eyes.

"Cadets, I would like you to meet A-Squad Purple, she has remained here to provide defence for the city and give you additional training now your Cadet training is complete." informed Cruger.

Purple then stepped forward and demorphed, to reveal a young, blonde woman in her late teens. The sight of her caused the breath in Jake's throat catch.

"What's her name?" asked Jake to Syd.

"Gia. Gia Moran." informed Syd, seeing the look on Jake's face she continued, "don't even try it, she turned down every guy at the Academy who has asked her. She says she's waiting for the 'guy'"

"Cadet Drew!" shouted Cruger, seeing her speaking to Jake, "We do not talk to one another whilst a superior is talking! Understood, Cadet Drew!"

Syd replied chastened, "Yes, sir."

"I expected better from you Cadet Holling, being a man of your experience," said Cruger.

"Yes, sir!" said Jake, before stepping forward and performing a salute, "Officer Jake Arthur Holling! Reporting for duty!"

"Officer?" mouthed Syd to Bridge, who just shrugged, but looked like he knew more than he was showing.

Cruger stepped forward and shook Jake's hand, "Commander Anubis 'Doggie' Cruger."

As this Jake began to laugh, holding it in, but failing, bursting in fits of laughter. Gia smiled, she found this oddly endearing.

"Cadet Tate, would you care to tell me why Officer Holling is laughing?" asked Cruger.

"Well, errr," said Sky, for once lost for words, "A certain part of your name, errr-"

Bridge interrupted, "-refers to a certain, erm-"

Syd continued, "-position for-"

Rolling her eyes Gia butted in, "The word Doggie, refers to 'Doggy Style', which is early 21st Century slang for a sexual position." She said this clearly, without breaking eye contact with Cruger, which made Jake laugh even more.

After another minute Jake recovered, "Sorry. Immaturity over!"

"It isn't all that bad, in moderation of course," explained Cruger, "that's why I have decided to promote Officer Holling to temporary leader of B-Squad."

Jake eyebrows sky-rocketed upwards into his hairline, Sky growled in anger, Bridge smiled, Syd opened and closed her mouth like a fish out of water and even Gia looked slightly surprised, some part of her unconscious told her Jake wasn't considered leader material very often.

"Do not think that your training has ended, for will it ever end while you're here," said Cruger, getting back to his original topic, "But as your Commander, I must now call upon B-Squad to step up and take on new responsibility."

"Yes!" cheered Bridge, as he and Syd punched fists excitedly. The four members of B-Squad saluted and left the Command Center.

"He won't last very long as leader," stated Gia.

"I can't risk anymore time with Sky as leader," explained Cruger, "He may be an exceptional cadet, but he's not leader material yet."

"Hmmm, when will Officer Holling cease to be leader?" asked Gia.

"When I find and convince Jack Landors to join S.P.D., he will become leader," answered Cruger.

"Dad, do you think the A-Squad will return?" questioned Gia.

"No, I think they will join Gruumm fully during this mission. That's why you have remained, I couldn't risk anything happening to my adoptive daughter and the only loyal A-Squad." explained Cruger.

"It's coming up to twenty years since my biological parents were killed, and we still don't know who did it!," said Gia, stifling tears.

Cruger stood up, walked over to Gia and pulled her into a comforting hug.

-S.P.D.-

(Parkington Market)

In the vibrant outdoor Parkington Market. Jake, Syd, Sky and Bridge observed the area.

"I thought new responsibilities meant kicking some intergalactic freakazoid butt," whined Syd, "All the data device says is to bring in the Parkington Market Thieves."

"Hmm, patience my young Padwadian," joked Jake in a 'Yoda' voice from Star Wars.

Bridge laughed but Sky and Syd looked at Jake, confused.

Seeing this Jake asked, "Star Wars?" Jake pretended to swing a lightsaber around. Seeing the still blank looks Jake said, "Really? Have you watched Star Wars?"

Sky and Syd shake their heads, but Bridge nodded his vigorously.

Looked back down at the orders Syd said, "It's got to mean something different!"

"It's code, no doubt," theorised Bridge, "What do you think it means?"

"Bring in the Parkington Market Thieves," said Sky sarcastically.

"You know, Sky?" asked Bridge to himself, "You are good!"

"Stop thieves!" shouted a nearby shopkeeper.

The Parkington Market Thieves, whose real names are Elizabeth 'Z' Delgado and Jack Landors, barrelled through the market with stolen goods, chased by the store owner.

"Out of the way! We don't want to hurt you!" shouted Jack, when they came to B-Squad.

"Hurt us? That's a good one," bragged Sky, as Jake rolled his eyes at Sky's arrogance.

Syd stepped forward, holding up a badge, "S.P.D. We'll take it from here!"

"Thank you," said the shopkeeper.

"You may not be coming in peacefully, but you're coming in!" stated Sky.

"What about me?" asked Z.

A clone of Z suddenly appeared behind Syd. Syd kicked at it and her leg went through the clone.

"It's a hologram. It's not real," said Syd.

Z Clone kicked Syd to the floor, and Jack waved as the two thieves ran off.

Before they could get very far Jake pick up the lid of a trash can and flung it at Jack, knocking him to the ground. Jake then ran to the fallen thief.

"Ok, she's real. Let's get 'em!" said Syd, standing up.

Jack and Jake are were now stood facing off to one another whilst Z stood watching.

"Bridge and Syd, take the girl. Sky and I will take the guy! Bridge, use what we've been working on!" ordered Jake to the Cadets.

The six scattered, then Jack and Z split up while the three cadets and the officer do the same to fight them; Jack vs. Jake and Sky, Z vs. Syd and Bridge.

"Got ya!" shouted Syd as she tackled Z.

Z managed to throw Syd off her, and the two fight one another, proving to be equally matched, until Z formed a clone and knocked Syd to the ground. Bridge then arrived and was immediately surrounded by multiple Z Clones.

"This should be interesting," muttered as the first clone started to swing at him. Before you could tell what the clone was going to do, Bridge had already gotten out of the way.

Frustrated, the Z Clones sent a barrage of kicks and punches Bridge's way, but he blocked, dodged and retaliated before any could strike him.

"These psychic powers are awesome!" exclaimed Bridge.

Meanwhile, the real Z, with help of clones, was easily defeating Syd. With a kick Z sent Syd flying back into the side of a dumpster. Standing up, frustrated, Syd paused to catch her breath and scowled.

With Sky and Jake, they were tussling with Jack for a while, and he was able to hold both off, though with some difficulty. Jack continued to evade Jake and Sky's attempts to hold him off, managing to dodge Jake by phasing his body through him.

"There you are!" shouted Sky and he charged and missed Jack, but he and Jake managed to corner him nonetheless and smile victoriously.

"We got him," said Sky smugly, "Say goodnight, friend."

The guys charged, but Jack sank back into the cement wall, leaving Sky and Jake to continued flying into it face first. Before they could hit it, Jake twisted his body so his legs would hit first and pushed off the wall and flipped, landing of his feet. Sky put up a shield, which took the brunt of the impact and allowed Sky to drop to the ground.

Z than tossed Syd into Sky and ran over to Jack to regroup. Bridge also ran over to help Syd to her feet as Jake was doing for Sky. Sky and Syd moaned in pain.

"I'm sorry we can't stay and play, but we gotta run," stated Jack sarcastically.

Z and Jack then ran off. Sky readjusted his uniform. Sky and Syd are not pleased, but Bridge and Jake don't look too bothered.

"That went well," stated Bridge, smiling.

Syd and Sky glared at him, and Bridge's face fell.

-S.P.D.-