Monday and Tuesday passed quickly, with the young Ranger team having training sessions each morning and afternoon. In addition to karate they all did some weight and flexibility training, and Jason tutored them in working with swords, staffs, and any other weapon he could find. In-between the fight training were lessons on the more basic functions of the consoles in the Command Center. Trini was learning the more detailed functions, but Jason felt they all should be able to identify, and work, the most critical consoles, such as the teleportation unit.

The younger Jason had told the others that his parents were taking in Billy, whose uncle was being charged with a variety of offenses that would hopefully ensure his nephew would never again fall under his control. The future team leader told them Billy was still extremely quiet, and very weak. He hadn't spoken to the injured teen about the Power Rangers yet, fearing it would only upset him. He guessed it would be another day or two before they would have a real chance to let the future Blue Ranger in on his destiny.

Late Tuesday afternoon the group ended their day at about five in the evening, allowing plenty of time for them all to get their evening meals and a good night's sleep. Jason watched his younger charges prepare to go home, and realized that he needed to do something to bolster the flagging spirits of the future Rangers.

"Guys, before you head home, I'd like to invite you all to join me for a movie this evening. I noticed what was playing at the theater, and I think we'd all enjoy it. And heaven knows we could all use a break. What do you say?"

At first no one spoke, then Tommy broke the odd silence. "Sounds good to me. I wanted to see that movie anyway. We meet there about seven?"

"A quarter to seven would be good. Anyone else?"

Trini and Kim spoke up at the same moment, then paused in tandem before bursting into giggles.

"I think we are both trying to say we will be there," Kimberly said at last, flashing her sparkling smile at the still chuckling Trini.

"Count me in, too," Jason's alternate added. They all turned to Zack.

"Sorry, man, but I have plans. Next time, though," he said at last.

"Okay, we'll hold you to that," the younger Jason said with a smile.

The Gold Ranger was pleased that four of them had accepted his offer. Though he genuinely wanted them to take a break, it was also a chance for some off duty bonding, something they had not done yet. Despite the fact they were working together better and better, they did not do anything together outside the time they spent training. Jason wanted to encourage their off duty friendship as well.

"Okay, we meet at the park at six forty five," Jason said at last, indicating the younger teens should head home.

PR PR PR

That evening the five of them enjoyed a mediocre movie, followed by some excellent ice cream from a small ice cream parlor near the theater. They were sitting around a table outside the shop when they noticed a group of teenagers approaching. The other teens were loud and obnoxious, and quite obviously drunk and/or high. As they neared Jason and his group, the Gold Ranger heard a gasp of recognition from Trini.

"Zack is with them," she said quietly, drawing her companions' attention back to the loud group of teenagers.

"Damn," Jason swore quietly. He had hoped Zack would be able to resist temptation, that the intensive training and responsibility would be enough to fortify him against the lure of alcohol. Looked like he was wrong on that count.

"What should we do?" Tommy asked softly, looking like he wanted nothing more than to drag Zack away from the group and smack some sense into him.

"What we do is nothing right now. He's drunk. He won't be interested in hearing reason tonight. But tomorrow we'll have to confront him. His life, and all yours, may very well hinge someday on whether or not he's been drinking. If Rita were here already, and you guys had your powers, and the call to action came, you would be in big trouble with Zack in that condition. That's something all of you need to consider. You are on call twenty four-seven. There are no days off. And lives, a lot of them, can depend on you. This isn't a joke, isn't a game."

He looked up to see four very solemn expressions looking back at him. He sighed a little, realizing he sounded like the voice of doom.

"Sorry, guys, but that's the truth. But it's also the truth that you'll lead fairly normal lives away from your Ranger duties. You'll have friends, participate in sports and other activities, date, make future plans. You'll eventually retire from Rangerhood and pass the powers on to someone else. And you'll always know you helped make a difference. So, see, there is a lot of good that goes with a lot of responsibility. I wouldn't trade the time I've spent as a Power Ranger for anything." He smiled reassuringly at the others, and was relieved to see them relax again.

But he spent much of that night awake, worrying about Zack and wondering if they would be able to help him.

PR PR PR

When Zack arrived at the Command Center the next morning, he knew he was in trouble. The other four members of the team stood solemnly, waiting for him. He vaguely remembered seeing them the night before, and suspected they knew he had been drinking. But, dammit, a guy was entitled to some recreation after working so hard, wasn't he?

Apparently not.

"Zack, I'm not going to beat around the bush with you. We all saw you last night, and we all know you were drunk. That is something we cannot put up with. It could end up getting one of us hurt, even killed. You have to make a choice, right here and now. The team or the booze. It's that simple, really. We can't let you be a Power Ranger if you keep drinking the way you've been in the past. If you want it, we'll do everything we can to help you. Anything. But, you have to be honest with us. If you can't, or don't, want to stop drinking, then you have to tell us now. Right now. And we'll find someone to take your place. The choice is yours," the future Red Ranger said, taking his place as the team leader without hesitation. They had discussed the situation before Zack arrived, and Jason had acknowledged that this was something the younger teens would have to deal with themselves. He would support them however they decided to handle it.

Zack had listened to Jason's little speech with mixed feelings. He had half expected something like this, and all morning his anger, which in reality was fueled by his shame, had grown. He opened his mouth fully intending to tell this righteous group of pompous wannabe super heroes just where they could stuff it. Instead, in an unsteady voice he all but whispered, "Please, help me."

"We will," Jason said simply.

Zack felt a weight lift from his heart, a weight he had not even realized was there. Somewhere under the defensive feelings he had harbored, he had known intuitively that he needed help, that the life he was trying to lead with his party buddies was not what he truly wanted from life. He wanted, needed, what this odd mixture of teenagers could give him: support, acceptance, friendship without qualification.

"What do I need to do?" Zack asked quietly.

"Well, a group like Alateen would be a good place to start. And we'll help any way we can. If you just need someone to talk to, you can call one of us. Old friends trying to pressure you into something you don't want, you can turn to us. We'll find plenty to keep you busy and your mind off of the booze and drugs, of that you can be sure," Jason replied.

Zack found himself smiling. "Oh, believe me, I'm sure."

"Good. And, Zack, if this happens again, we won't have any choice but to drop you from the team. It's simply too dangerous to have a teammate we can't depend on."

"I understand," Zack replied softly, feeling a tinge of fear. Until this moment he had not realized just how much he wanted to be a Power Ranger. How much he needed to be one. Silently the four future Rangers surrounded Zack, each reaching out to touch him reassuringly. Zack found he had tears in his eyes as he felt their silent support. They remained surrounding Zack for a long moment, then wordlessly separated again.

"Okay, I think Jason here wants us to start our first lesson for the day, right?" the younger Jason said, turning command back to the elder teen for the time being.

"Right. Let's head to the practice room."

PR PR PR

After their afternoon practice, Jason approached his younger alternate.

"How's Billy doing?" he asked quietly.

"Better. Much better, in fact. Mom's pretty surprised at how fast he's recovering. Is it time to bring him in?"

"If he can handle it, yes. Tomorrow, during the midday break, I think I may try to talk to him. We may not have much more time before you guys will have to go into action, and he'll need some time to get used to everything. I hate to do this to him, after everything he's been through recently, but I have no choice. We do need him."

"I think it will be okay. I talked to him a little while last night. Kind of hinted a bit about what was going on, just to see if he'd freak or something, but he didn't. I think he may be a little stronger than we realize," the future Red Ranger said.

"I'm sure of that. You two getting along okay, then?"

"Yeah, we are. At least I don't think he's afraid of me any more. And Tommy is going to stop by tonight to see him, we thought it may be a good idea for him to get used to us before we bring him here. This place might freak him a bit. God knows it did me."

"Really? I hadn't realized. I thought you had handled it really well."

"Thanks. Well, I should head on home. See you tomorrow, Jason," with that the younger teenager teleported.

Jason looked around, finding only Trini still in the Command Center. He realized with a start that he had spoken to the young woman only in the course of her training, and virtually not at all otherwise. He watched her study the console in front of her with an intense concentration.

"You look like your are memorizing something," Jason said at last.

"I am. Alpha told me what all these buttons and switches do, and I am trying to remember them all. Later I will go over them with Alpha again. If I don't get it right I will repeat the whole process until I have it perfect. It would be a heck of a mess if I needed to teleport someone in a hurry and activated the tractor beam instead," she pointed out.

"I guess it would at that."

"Do you know the functions of all these consoles?"

"Actually, no, I don't. I don't think any of us knew, except Billy. Well, Trini might have known, and maybe Adam," he added thoughtfully.

"Well, our Billy isn't even here yet, so I figured I should learn everything I can, just in case."

"Good idea." He smiled suddenly at the young woman. "You know, we haven't had a chance to talk at all. I guess you know I had some information on all of you before I ever met any of you. Your school records indicate you tended to get in a lot of fights, but I haven't seen any indication of that since we met. Change of heart?"

"Maybe. Or maybe I finally won the fight."

Jason looked at her with a puzzled expression.

"Won the fight? Who were you fighting?"

"Those who mocked me for my racial background. Those who put me down because I'm not just like them. I never fought the weak, like Tommy used to. He didn't even really 'fight'. He just beat kids up. Kids like Billy. I didn't do that. I fought kids like Kimberly used to be. Stuck up, snobby kids who put me down without even knowing me. Not that Kimberly ever did, but she hung out with those types," Trini commented.

"And you finally won that fight?"

"Maybe. Or maybe they simply got more careful about what they say around me. Which is just fine with me. For a while I started to hang out with a tough group, who never questioned my background. But, they were bullies, and I couldn't go along with that. So I went alone."

"Until now," Jason added quietly.

Trini graced him with one of her rare smiles. "Yes. Until now."

"Why did you agree so readily when I told you about the Power Rangers?" It was a question that had bothered Jason for quite a while.

"It sounded like a chance to fight for something good. Make a difference. I don't like the world the way it is. No one seems to care. Maybe the Power Rangers can give folks something to believe in again," she shrugged, embarrassed.

"I hope so. And you will do some good, a lot of good. As a Power Ranger, and later," Jason said with quiet emphasis.

"That's what I'm hoping."

PR PR PR

The next morning Jason arose with mixed feelings of anticipation and apprehension, knowing he planned, at long last, to try to get the sixth Ranger on board. Perhaps more than any of the others, Billy had reasons to not care, to not want to put himself on the line. Jason held on desperately to the hope that this world's Billy had deep inside him the same morals that his world's did. Because Jason believed, more than ever, that they needed to have all six Rangers to stand a chance against Rita and the rest.

He didn't hurry, taking his time to have a good breakfast. They had fallen into a routine where they all arrived at the Command Center by 8:30 or so at the latest, so Jason was surprised to arrive at a quarter of nine and find Tommy and Jason had not yet gotten there. Ten minutes later three beams of pure white appeared in the middle of the Command Center. Billy stood, obviously stunned, between the future Red and Green Rangers.

"Oh, my God, you weren't kidding," the lighter haired teen muttered, looking around with wide eyes.

"Told you it was amazing," the younger Jason laughed.

Just then Alpha waddled up in his oddly awkward manner, greeting the future Blue Ranger effusively. Billy, if anything, looked even more amazed.

"A robot! I can't believe this," he exclaimed.

"You haven't really seen anything yet. Hi, I'm Kimberly," Kim greeted him, walking up and offering her hand to shake. Billy took it shyly, lowering his gaze and only peeking up at her face in quick, timid glances.

"I've seen you at school," he admitted.

"And you've seen me, too," Trini added, walking up to greet him quietly. She didn't shake his hand, but laid her hand on his shoulder in a comforting, familiar way.

"And I'm Zack."

Jason stood to the side, not approaching, watching with a grateful heart as the team reached out to this young man who had suffered so much. Tommy and the younger Jason both sported expressions that clearly showed they would do everything in their power to protect the smaller teen. Kimberly, Trini, and Zack all spoke gently to the shy youth, encouraging him to explore the Command Center, joking quietly. The sense of drawing together Jason had felt before became stronger, and his spirits lifted accordingly. He looked up at Bordon, seeing the mentor's grateful expression, and spoke softly.

"They did it, Bordon. Somehow, they became a team. I just hope that plus the training will be enough."

"I hope so. It is more than they had before," Bordon replied, quietly enough so only Jason would hear.

Jason's younger alternate brought Billy over to greet the older teen.

"Welcome to the Command Center, Billy," the Gold Ranger said solemnly. Jason looked deeply into the blue eyes in front of him, and felt his spirits rise even higher.

Since he first began working with these younger teens, he had found himself searching for a glimpse of the friends he had known for years. And, eventually, he had begun to find them. Despite the horrible first impression she had made, Kimberly showed signs of his Kim's warmth and spirit, Trini was finally letting her calm, compassionate serenity show through, Tommy here had the same determination as the Tommy he knew at home, and Zack's humor and unassuming courage were quickly coming to the surface. Now in Billy's light eyes he saw the first flashes of the curiosity that were, in Jason's opinion, one of the defining qualities of the genius he knew. He had long since seen signs of himself in the sometimes too serious future Red Ranger. He knew in time the team's leader would settle down and be comfortable with his role, but for now he was still struggling with the responsibility.

Billy smiled in reply to Jason's greeting, still looking around amazed. Jason reached out to get the smaller teen's attention once again.

"Do you want to do this?" he asked simply.

"Yes. I believe so. We're going to do some good, right? And there is so much I can learn here. I have dreamed of such an opportunity since I was just a little kid. This will be prodigious."

The other teens looked a little confused by that comment, but Jason had to bite his lip to keep from bursting into laughter. Yes, it was confirmed. Billy was indeed there.

"Come on guys, let's get to work," he chuckled, herding his charges toward the practice room.

PR PR PR

That evening Jason stayed alone in the Command Center after the younger teens all headed toward their respective homes. He was tired, but feeling better than he had in almost two weeks.

"What do you think, Bordon? Think they have a chance?"

"Yes. A much better one than they had before."

"When is Rita due to arrive?"

"Day after tomorrow. She will probably launch a putty attack. Then send Goldar down. Then regular monster attacks."

"Then tomorrow we give them their powers? Let them morph and see the Zords?"

"Yes, that would be best. Though the Blue Ranger has had no training yet."

"Well, Bordon, I'm hoping this Billy ends up doing like our Billy did. He didn't know how to fight either, but he learned. Got really good at it, in fact. Plus, fighting ability comes with the morph, right?"

"Yes. When morphed they will all be able to fight effectively."

"Good. In the meantime, I suspect the weaker fighters, Kim and Billy in particular, will be protected by the others. Speaking of which, I found a karate trainer for them for after I leave. So they will be able to continue their training. You know, for the first time, I really feel hopeful about this group. But you have some things to watch out for. Keep an close eye on Zack, alcoholics have a terrible tendency to relapse," Jason sighed deeply. Zack was the one who worried him the most.

"I will not be the only one watching him," Bordon pointed out.

"True. Well, I should get back to my room and rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day."

PR PR PR

The next day, after the morning workout, Bordon called the six teens to stand before him.

"It is time. Each of you has agreed to become a Power Ranger, to defend Earth against those who would attack and destroy it. You have worked hard to learn skills to assist you in this effort. Now it is time to receive the morphin' powers. Based on your ancient creatures, called dinosaurs, and accessed by the use of a power coin, you will each be given powers to call upon in times of battle. Kimberly, agile and swift, you will be the Pink Ranger and command the Pterodactyl Zord. Zack, graceful and strong, will be the Black Ranger and have the mighty Mastodon Zord. Trini, calm and wise, the Saber Tooth Tiger Zord will be at your discretion as the Yellow Ranger. Billy, patient and enduring, you will wear the uniform of the Blue Ranger and command the Triceratops Zord. Tommy, determined and powerful, you will use the versatile Dragon Zord as the Green Ranger. Jason, strong and fearless, you will lead the team as the Red Ranger and pilot the commanding Tyrannosaurus Zord. The five Dinozords can fight alone, or join together to form the mighty Megazord, which will fight side by side with the Dragon Zord." The teens had been watching a demonstration of the Zords in the Viewing Globe.

Their mingled exclamations of excitement and surprise washed over Jason, making him smile. They had removed their helmets and he could see the awed expressions on their faces. They were getting their first taste of the power surging through them, a sensation that would soon become as familiar to them as the feeling of their skin. Only to be thought about again when the powers were taken away, ripping out a piece of them…..

He shook himself out of those thoughts with an effort of will, and instead concentrated on the joy his young friends were experiencing. Even Billy's pale, thin face was flushed and his smile was one of unalloyed pleasure. Bordon's lecture on the rules governing being a Power Ranger passed over Jason unnoticed as he continued to watch the others, feeling an almost paternal pride in their progress. These feelings however, were tinged with worry about the upcoming battles. He knew there were times he and his friends were very lucky to have survived, and he wondered if this team would have the same luck.

Feeling his thoughts turn toward dark ideas again, he was glad when the team surrounded him, thanking him for all he had done.

"Oh, man, you told us about this, but no way could you really tell us," Zack exclaimed, laughing.

"It's a little hard to put into words," Jason agreed with a grin.

"I feel so…so…so good! I feel like I could take on anything," the Red Ranger exalted.

Looking around at the excited teens Jason felt another grin split his face. "You know, I don't think we are going to get anything else done today. What do you say we all go out for lunch, maybe a picnic in the park, and just relax? Play some volleyball or something?"

The others eagerly agreed and soon the teens scattered to get the needed provisions.

PR PR PR

In later years, when Jason would think back to his time in the alternate dimension, that afternoon in the park was the memory that would warm him the most. For it was then he saw the bonds between the young team strengthen and tighten into something that would make them a formidable team, and lend each individual additional strength as well. It was also arguably the most normal time he spent with them. And, for what he suspected was the first time in some cases, he saw the teenagers acting like the kids they in reality were. Not the unhappy, troubled youths he had found when he first arrived.

They enjoyed a typical picnic lunch, then launched a lively game of volleyball. In high spirits, the teens were responding to each other openly and easily, as if they had all been friends for years, instead of just a few days. Jason had excused himself from the game and had taken refuge under a nearby tree to watch, when the game was rudely interrupted by the arrival of Bulk and Skull.

As Jason had discovered shortly after his arrival in this dimension, Bulk and Skull were not bumbling bully wannabes in this dimension. They were vicious, violent and quite capable of hurting their victims. He noticed that Billy paled considerably when he saw the two, though to give the shy teen credit, he did not back up or leave. Despite his desire to step in and help the younger teens, Jason forced himself to not interfere.

"Ah, lookit the cute widdle kids playing wollyball," Bulk taunted them as the six teens moved in closer together, forming a rough line.

"Get out of here, Bulk. Go find something better to do with your limited intelligence," the younger Jason sneered.

"Looking for a fight, Muscle Brain?" Bulk growled. "How about you, Chief?" he continued, looking contemptuously at Tommy. He continued down the line. "Hey, cuties, what are you two doing with this bunch of losers? Like Dopehead here. Got something to wet my whistle, boy? Oh, and Geekboy! How'ya doin Four Eyes? It's been…what?…almost a month since we last beat you up. I think you are overdue," with that Bulk struck out at the Blue Ranger.

Reacting without any thought, Billy raised his right arm, deflecting Bulk's blow as the other teens immediately went after Bulk to protect their friend. A quick but furious battle ensued, leaving Bulk and Skull surprised and a bit battered.

"Hey, what ever happened to fighting fair? This is six against two," Bulk complained as he and Skull stumbled away from their intended victims.

"Yeah, no fair!" Skull chimed in.

"Like you two know anything about fighting fair," Kimberly scoffed.

"Bitch!" Bulk muttered, then howled when Tommy grabbed his hair, forcing his head backwards.

"Apologize to the lady," Tommy hissed, turning Bulk's gaze toward the petite Pink Ranger.

"Sorry," the large teen mumbled, the fight out of him for the moment.

"Now get out of here. And if we catch you beating up others we won't hesitate to kick your butts from one end of town to the other. So just keep that in mind," Jason declared.

Muttering and mumbling the two bullies stalked off.

"Thank you, Tommy," Kimberly said with a smile for the longhaired teen.

"No problem," Tommy mumbled, blushing slightly.

"You did okay, Billy," Jason said to his soon to be foster brother. "Great, actually, for a guy who's had only three lessons."

Billy's shy smile was nonetheless very bright. "Thanks. I think I surprised him. I've never tried to defend myself before."

"He needs more surprises like that," Trini said with a determined look. "I can't believe how much those two get away with."

"I can't believe how much I got away with," Tommy added, looking ashamed of his past behavior.

"But that's the past now," Jason said firmly. "Now maybe we can make a difference in the future."

"Wouldn't that be something?" Zack grinned. "But for right now, how about we finish trouncing you guys at volleyball?"

"Trouncing? Excuse me, but you guys were the ones getting trounced," Kimberly grinned as the six teens went back to their game.

Still seated under the tree, Jason knew his job here was very nearly done.

PR PR PR

The next day, Rita Repulsa was released from her intergalactic dumpster and began plotting her revenge against the residents of Earth.

PR PR PR

It was Saturday again. Only a couple more full days, then the teens would be back in school, able to train in the evenings only. Jason had taken them to meet the karate instructor he had located, and they seemed to hit it off well. All six signed up for lessons, which were offered in the evenings and on weekends.

The team had held their usual practice that morning, then disbursed for a while to take care of personal matters or indulge in other pursuits as they might so desire. Jason wanted to ease up some on the training now, let them get used to the idea that they would be carrying on their normal lives in between monster fights.

So, while Kimberly and Trini went shopping together, and Zack spent some time with his family, Jason and Tommy sparred in the practice room. The Gold Ranger had noticed how quickly the Red and Green Rangers had formed a special bond, and the two of them now spent most of their free time together.

Leaving the two to their practice, Jason wandered into the main chamber to find Billy there with Alpha. The little 'droid was explaining the functions of one of the consoles while Billy listened with intense concentration. One of the first things the Scotts had done for the boy, who they were planning to take on as a foster child, was get him new glasses. That went a long way toward making him look less battered and neglected. The bruises from the beating in the alley had faded, leaving the narrow face unmarked. He was wearing clothing that actually fit him, they had even had him get a haircut. In just a few days' time he had lost that haunted, beaten expression, and Jason could see this true nature starting to surface.

"If we were to somehow wire this into the power from the Morphin' Grid, wouldn't that increase its range and dependability?" Billy asked the small robot.

"It would, but we have been unable to find a way to do so without shorting out the whole console," Alpha explained.

"If we created a buffer between the two, it should take care of the problem," Billy started, then stopped seeing Jason there.

"Sounds like you are getting all kinds of ideas," the Gold Ranger said with a grin.

"It's fascinating. This whole setup. They can do so much, but there is still more they could do," Billy's distracted expression was one Jason was very familiar with. He had seen it often enough over the years.

"Something tells me you'll find ways to tap into that potential."

The blue eyes looked at Jason with an expression he wasn't sure how to interpret. "I wouldn't have this chance, if not for you. Thank you, Jason, for more than you can ever know. Thank you."

"It wasn't me, Billy. This is your destiny. Or so Bordon says. The team needs you."

Billy gave him a look that conveyed his doubts about that. "If you say so. I just know that for the first time in years I'm not afraid to go home. You don't know how good that feels."

Jason laid a gentle hand on the thin shoulder. "You deserve nothing less, Billy. I'm sorry things were like that for you in the past, but I suspect the future will be much brighter."

"I think so, too. The Scotts are good people, aren't they? They are your parents, right?"

"Yes, to both questions."

"The other Jason told me about you, where you come from, why you came here. Can I ask you what your Billy is like?"

"He's smart, beyond smart, he's a genius. When we first became Power Rangers, Billy couldn't even fight. Not at all. But he learned to, worked darn hard at it. But even when he couldn't fight, he never ran from a fight. Sure, he called for help, but he didn't run. I don't think he even realized how brave that was. He helped Zordon and Alpha make a bunch of changes in the Command Center and, later, the Power Chamber, and saved the team countless times by inventing some device or other to defeat a monster. And in a lot of ways is like a brother to me. He used to stay with my family when his dad would go out of town to work."

"His dad is alive?"

"Yeah. His mom was the only one who died in the car crash."

"Same here. My dad committed suicide a few weeks later. I still remember finding him in the bathroom," Billy's expression darkened as he recalled that terrible afternoon.

"Oh, man," Jason all but groaned. "Then your uncle got custody of you?"

"Yeah. Started beating me right from the start. I was never good enough for him. Always got in trouble. It seems like the last few years all I did was try to recover from beatings. I don't even remember what we did in school. You want to know the really weird part? It got to the point where that didn't seem so strange. What seemed strange was being at the Scotts and finding out not everyone got hit all the time. Seeing what other families lived like. And it wouldn't have happened if you hadn't come here."

"It might have. You can't know for sure."

"But I do. If you hadn't come here, I think I would have been dead in just a few more weeks."

Jason looked at the earnest face in front of him, and felt a chill. Remembering what Bordon had told him shortly after his arrival. Billy had died in just a couple of weeks, and most likely at his uncle's hand.

PR PR PR

Tommy and the younger Jason had just finished their sparring match when they heard a sound they would come to know all too well in future months. The alarms that signified an attack on Earth. They rushed into the main chamber, finding Billy and Jason there with Alpha.

"What is going on, Bordon?" The Red Ranger asked.

"Rita Repulsa has released a putty patrol in Angel Grove Park. You need to go there right away."

"Alpha, notify the rest of the Rangers to meet us there. Come on, guys. Time to find out what we are up against."

With that the three Rangers teleported out in steams of red, blue and green. The Gold Ranger had not spoken, letting the Red Ranger assume command. He smiled up at Bordon after the three left.

"I think they are ready for this, Bordon."

"I hope so Jason, because if they are not, then it is too late."

PR PR PR

Jason, Tommy, and Billy arrived at the park just moments before Zack, Trini, and Kimberly. Quickly assembling the team Jason took a moment to survey the marauding group of Putties.

"Tommy-you, Zack and Kim take the group by the swings. Trini and Billy with me-we'll take the ones by the trees. Be careful guys. Let's do it."

Tommy's group waded into the group of Putties kicking and punching for all they were worth. Though Kimberly had not seemed to progress very far in her lessons, she held her own against the clay menaces, kicking and elbowing almost instinctively. Zack and Tommy used all the karate moves they had so recently learned to keep the Putties at bay.

Trini did very well, using a mixture of karate and Kung Fu to fight the gray minions of Rita Repulsa, while Jason kicked and punched powerfully. Billy was the only one who didn't do much damage, though he tried valiantly. Jason kept a close eye on him, coming to his aid when it seemed necessary.

It ended as suddenly as it began. One moment the Putties were there, the next they weren't. Surprised, the teens regrouped.

"Did we beat them?" Zack asked, looking around in confusion.

"Somehow, I just don't think so. Let's go back to the Command Center," Jason said.

Teleporting in, Jason turned immediately to Bordon.

"What happened there, Bordon? We were doing okay, but not that good."

"I believe Rita was simply testing your strength. You did very well, Rangers. However, I would expect Rita to send a monster down very soon."

As if in response the alarms once more sounded.

"What is it, Bordon?" Kimberly asked.

"Observe the Viewing Globe, Rangers. Rita has sent down Goldar, one of her evil assistants. You should morph before teleporting there."

"Very well, Bordon. It's morphing time!" Jason declared.

Within moments the brightly uniformed team teleported out to face Goldar for the first of what would be many conflicts.

PR PR PR

A half-hour later the excited team was back in the Command Center.

"Wow, what a rush!" Zack declared with a grin.

"We did okay, didn't we?" Trini added with a smile of her own, her dark eyes shining.

"I can't believe we did that," Billy added, his face flushed with excitement.

"You guys should see what it looks like when your zords come together. It's awesome!" Tommy told them.

"You guys, you wouldn't believe what it is like flying that zord of mine! It is so cool," Kimberly added.

"We didn't destroy him, though. Did we?" Jason asked Bordon, a worried expression on his face.

Bordon looked down at his young Rangers with a warm expression. "You did very well. Goldar is not like most of the monsters you will fight. For the most part the monsters you will face will be the kind Rita doesn't care if you destroy, which makes them more difficult because there is no holding back. But Goldar is one of her court, so she will take him back to her palace before he is destroyed. Therefore, since you forced her to withdraw him, you did extremely well. Congratulations."

The Red Ranger's expression relaxed at those words, and he joined in the impromptu celebration.

Off to the side, the Gold Ranger watched silently. In his heart happiness warred with worry. Part of him, the greater part, was thrilled at the success the young team had experienced. He had monitored the fight from the Command Center, and had been very impressed. On the other hand, he found himself worrying about them. He supposed it was natural enough, but it wasn't pleasant. He didn't think he could stand it if one of these kids was hurt, or, God forbid, killed, during a fight. He gave himself a mental shake, and went forward to offer his congratulations as well.

They really had done very well.

To be continued...