Power Rangers: Public Enemies

Chapter 0: The start of it all

How it all started is up for debate. Some say it started in 2009, when a villain named Mesogog had reunited the Crystal of Gaia and opened the portal to Hell, releasing all the villains the Power Rangers had defeated until that point. Others say it started as early as 1993, when the very first team of Rangers appeared for the first time. What is known for certain, however, is that by 2010, it was in full swing.

That was the year the Power Rangers had finally managed to defeat the demon king known as Baal. A villain named Maximov had managed to resurrect him, and it took the combined effort of every single Ranger team that existed up until that time to defeat him. The year was 2010. That was the year Baal had managed to destroy Angel Grove.

The damage done to the city was estimated at about 50 billion dollars. Many, many people lost their jobs. Unemployment shot up to a whopping 55% of the population. Tent cities became common sights across America. People starved. People rioted.

The politicians tried all they could to salvage the damage done by Maximov and his demons. However, the Democrats lost favor with the public, as they were the ones in power during this crisis. The Republicans were no better off, either. People saw them as opportunistic leeches who fed on the blame and failure of the Democrats. All hope seemed lost. And then, George Sears came into play.

George Sears was a business man, who's main offices were in Angel Grove. Many who knew him thought he'd lost it all when Angel Grove was destroyed. However, he surprised his friends and family with his gumption, and in 6 months, he restored his wealth. He decided to run for President in the emergency elections of 2010. He at first began with a 2% voter's confidence. Then he made his Briarwood speech, where he laid out in full detail his plan for restoring America. His popularity shot up to 15% thanks to that speech. In Detroit, he gave several speeches, establishing his plan for strengthening America, giving him a 33% voter's confidence. The week before elections, he had a 51% Voter's confidence. His victory was a sure thing.

On November 4th, 2010, George Sears became the first Independent Candidate to be voted into the Presidency. Within a year, thanks to his policies, unemployment dropped back to 19%.

His Presidency would spell disaster for the Power Rangers…

"My fellow Americans,"-George Sears gives his speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial- "You knew them as heroes. You knew them as saviors. You know them as the Power Rangers."

People gather around their televisions. Those that don't listen to the radio. He continues- "Since 1993, the Power Rangers have saved the World from outside forces. However, we no longer have such a great need for them."

People are shocked to hear this. Especially those who live in cities where there have been Ranger teams stationed.

"Some of you may question where I am going with this,"-George Sears clears his throat- "The Power Rangers may save the World. But they cause much damage doing so."

Tommy, who had been watching the broadcast, has a bad feeling about this.

"Take, for the greatest example we are capable of providing, the destruction of Angel Grove,"-George Sears continues- "Yes, the city was evacuated. But, it has been estimated that more than half the damage that was caused in that battle can be directly attributed to the Rangers activities!"

Casey drops his cup of coffee. Tori and Blake hold each other's hands tightly. Nick gasps. Madison covers her mouth in shock.

"Can we tolerate this? Are heroes excused from being reckless?"-George Sears continues- "In this folder, I have the damage estimates caused by Ranger activity, starting in 1993. The total damage is estimated to be at 75 Billion. Please keep in mind, adding to that the damage caused in Angel Grove, that makes for a total of 125 billion dollars. With that money, America could have built schools, hospitals and roads! Instead, we waste that money fixing the damage caused by so called heroes!"

Kira sits on the edge of her seat. Hunter's eyes are glued to the television. RJ is listening intently to the radio with Lilly and Theo. Cameron is coldly staring at his radio. Jason and Zack watch on with worried faces.

"We have proven, in the year 2000, that we could indeed create Power Rangers of our own. And in 2007, Hartford Industries proved that Ranger technology is attainable as well,"-says Sears- "We have no need to depend on external forces to protect us. We can protect ourselves, via our own effort!"

Kimberly hushes her kids as she tries to listen. Rocky puts down his drink, and keeps on watching the television. Tanya feels nervous.

"I am hereby issuing this new bill, the Ranger Act,"-Sears explains- "It demands that all former, and current, Power Rangers turn in their 'Morphers' and register with the government. Any and all who resist shall be arrested and detained, charged with treason. I do this, because America deserves a better brand of hero. One that does not doom his or her beloved country to starvation and misery whilst 'saving the day'! My fellow Americans, God Bless America!"

Mack turns off the TV, and rubs his temple. Carter Grayson paces around in his room, biting his thumb. Taylor nods her head, knowing what she must do.

I personally remember thinking of the Power Rangers as heroes. I looked up to them, admired them. I had always favored the original Mighty Morphing Rangers as the best of the best. I remember where I was in 1998, during the Countdown to Destruction. So, for me to hear that the Rangers were responsible for how miserable my life was in 2010... I find it hard to believe I accepted that idea so readily.

Then again, many people supported George Sears' idea. The Power Rangers dropped in popularity on that day. A poll that was conducted on the following day revealed that 35% of the nation directly blamed the Power Rangers for the crisis. 25% believed that the Rangers were blame free. Everyone else was unsure. A new Anti-Ranger sentiment was born.

I don't know how it began. No one is absolutely sure when it began, or how. All I know is, by 2010, it was in full swing.

The Power Rangers stopped being heroes. They were now enemies of the public…