Episode 9: Enemies Among Us pt.2

The hidden facility of Area 55… Venjix's current headquarters… several days later…

"Is the new Attack-bot ready," Venjix's voice bellows throughout Area-55. His large cylinder form rotates around, facing Professor Cog and Gehenna, who are standing around a large metal desk. They are hovering over what was originally built to be a backup body for Venjix, now modified to become a new Attack-bot. Professor Cog closes the last latch onto the chest compartment of the Attack-bot, while Gehenna attaches several cords to the robots head.

"Yes my Master. All that is required is for you to activate his AI unit so he can become self-aware such as myself."

"Beginning the upload," the circular light upon Venjix's dome begins to glow. The cords attacked to the Attack-bot surge with life as Venjix begins the upload into the machine's processor. Its own eyes begin to flicker to life. Its mechanical hands flex to life as its once blank hard drive is formatted for its new purpose.

"Terrorbyte. Arise," Venjix commands.

The mechanical monstrosity slowly sits upright. It is rather bulky, but its size only shows just how dangerous the robot is. It slides off the large metal table and stands upright. Running alongside the length of its arms, short yet dangerously sharp spikes glisten in the dim lighting of the room. On its chest sits a series of small gears, which are connected to an oval red globe sitting where a human heart would be… if it were human. As it clenches its fists together, sharp spikes catapult out of its knuckles. Its head is in the shape of a shark.

"A masterpiece," Gehenna is in awe as she removes the cords, attached to its body.

"Lord Venjix," the robot named Terrorbyte turns toward Venjix's cylinder housing and bows. "I am yours to command."

"I have given you self-awareness for one purpose and one purpose only," Venjix's voice booms throughout the room. "You will provide the necessary distraction needed for Gehenna to locate the facility within Corinth which houses the Genesis Project. Destroy as much as needed. If you fail her, you fail me."

"I will not fail you Master," Terrorbyte lowers his head.

"Gehenna," Venjix turns its attention toward the being who use to be Summer Landsdown. "Prepare transportation and take as many Grinders as you need."

"As you wish Master," Gehenna turns and leaves the room. Terrorbyte stands and follows her out of the area, leaving Professor Cog and Venjix.

"Master, shall we continue work on D-44," Professor Cog questions.

"Yes, we shall continue the upgrades," Venjix remarks. "I want that body perfect for cross dimensional travel. Our time within this dying planet is near its end," the large red orb upon Venjix's cylinder begins to glow brightly.

"Speaking of the trans-dimensional device, I will need to contact my informant within Corinth regarding the device. The Genesis-Ring, I believed the human scientists were calling it."

xxxxxxxxxx

Scott bursts out of another lawyers office. So far, out of ten prestigious law firms, no one wants to handle the defense case for Doctor K. Not even as a favor to him, the supposed hero of the city. With the knowledge of Venjix once more free among the populace, his company has come into question. Standing outside, beside his Nissan, Gem frowns seeing Scott's matching expression. "No luck boss?"

"None," Scott runs a hand across his forehead. "No one is willing to defend Karen. They all want her to see justice..."

"What are we going to do," Gem asks.

Scott is quiet for several minutes as he leans against his car beside Gem. Scott pushes himself off, his decision made. "We'll check in with your sister. See what she found on that hard drive. There has got to be something that will... I dunno..."

"There is nothing to clear her name," Gem tells him. "She did indeed create Venjix."

"Yeah, but not to destroy the world. Just to escape her imprisonment at Alphabet Soup," Scott scratches his chin. "That can be our leading argument."

"Our," Gem raises an elbow.

"Yeah," Scott turns to his friend. "I'll be her defense. Someone has to tell her story."

"Is that allowed," Gem scratches the side of his head.

"I'll make it so," Scott frowns.

"Tread carefully Scott," Gem warns. "You won't be making any friends going around and forcing your will on people."

"I know that Gem," Scott snaps at him. "But this is straight up bull," Scott wants to punch something. "There are more important things to worry about rather than who created Venjix! We need to focus on stopping Venjix once more!"

"I agree," a voice interrupts Scott. Scott and Gem turn around and spot Mason Truman, Scott's father.

"Dad," Scott notices the civilian clothing on his father. Jeans, a Hawaiian t-shirt and a pair of shades. He is also wearing a baseball cap. "What is with the get up?"

"Blending in with the populace," his dad lowers his shades. "I have spent enough time contemplating what we talked about several days ago. There are just too many factors."

"So, what are we going to do," Scott asks.

"Flynn and his father's company are responsible for the protection of Corinth's network, to keep any and all potential viral threats from taking over the city defenses," Mason continues. "With that kind of power, Flynn should be able to spy on anyone and all that is connected to the network."

"I see," Gem smiles widely. "You want to spy on Chaz!"

"Not just Chaz, but any and all that is connected to him politically. That includes Commander Murdock."

Scott smiles. "Well, okay then. I'll give you a ride back to the Garage. We were on our way there anyways to see if Gemma had discovered any more information to help out Karen's defense. We'll discuss it more there."

The three load up into Scott's cruiser, with the former Colonel taking seat in the back. Scott peels out of the parking lot, which causes several onlookers to quickly get out of the street. The drive back to the Garage is rather silent, more than anything the sound of Scott's engine would drown out any conversation. As soon as they enter the Garage, Gem hops out first to close the Garage door. Gemma and Flynn exit out of Doctor K's old lab.

"Whoa, laddie, where's da fire," Flynn asks as he walks up to the car.

"Flynn," Scott cuts to the chase. "My dad needs to speak with you," Scott quick spats out as his dad pushes forward the seat to get out of the car. Mason quickly removes his hat and shades.

"Um, okay. How about I fix us up a smoothie sir, and we can chat about whatever yer have on yer mind," Flynn offers.

"That will be fine Flynn," Mason follows Flynn over to the kitchen area, leaving Gem and Gemma alone with Scott.

"So, any news," Scott asks Gemma.

"Actually, tons," Gemma smiles. "From the computer components that Hicks and Vasquez left at the Hanger, that wasn't confiscated by the authorities, I can safely put together enough evidence to prove that Alphabet Soup not only kidnapped Gem, Karen and myself, but over sixty other child prodigies from across the United States, Mexico, Japan, China, India and Canada! Also, I can prove that there were several other attempts by other Doctors in the program to develop AI along the lines of Venjix!"

"Really," Gem asks. "Which ones?"

"Well, for starters there were a Doctor's C, M and Y. They all yielded similar results in creating AI similar to Venjix, but they were not self-learning so those AI were destroyed. One in particular was called the Messiah Project, but it never got past the development stage. However, I found a file that is locked. It belongs to Doctor Q… and you'll never believe who he is!"

"Well, don't leave me in suspense Gemma," Scott interrupts. "Who is he?"

"Quincy Beck! That scientist that Chaz had inventory all of Karen's equipment," Gemma remarks.

"Hmm," Scott runs a hand over his hair. "Doctor Q, huh? And Chaz… seems like Dad's hunch was right."

"Huh? What hunch," Gemma asks.

"Scott's dad thinks that Chaz is manipulating events to benefit him," Gem remarks. "And that Commander Murdock is in his pocket as well. And now, adding to what you just said…"

"If he and this Doctor Q are in bed with each other, we have to find a way to connect Chaz to Alphabet Soup," Scott remarks. "We still need to find a way to make Doctor K… Karen not to appear as the villain that Chaz and the media have made her out to be."

"They have really cut into her character," Gemma frowns. "And she can't do anything to defend herself! They are calling her the new Hitler!"

"That is stupid," Scott growls. "Hitler targeted several groups of people because of their ethnicity and didn't have plans to destroy the Earth in it's entirely. Karen never had any intention for Venjix to wipe out over eighty percent of the population of Earth, she just wanted freedom for her and you guys."

"You'll have to convince the jury…" Gem sighs. "And that is going to be hard enough…"

"It'll have to work," Scott crosses his arms. "And if it doesn't… well. I have another plan…"

"What is it," Gemma asks.

"I'll let you both in on if, if they convict Karen," Scott tells her. "Right now, I am going to the Court House to register myself as her defendant in this case. They'll have to accept my registration because without a defendant, she won't get a fair trial. And since this city is still part of the former United States, they follow constitutional law."

"Okay," Gemma nods. "I'm going to go down to the prison and ask Karen about this file that I can't open. Maybe she'll have an idea that I haven't thought of…"

"Be careful," Scott tells her. "I am the only one that they have allowed to go back and see her," Scott turns to Gem. "Stay with my father in case he needs help."

"Got'ca," Gem salutes Scott as the Red Ranger heads back to his car.

xxxxxxxxxx

Across the city, in the lab of Doctor Quincy Beck, aka, Doctor Q…

Doctor Q rolls his chair over to his computer station, and after hitting a few keys, he pushes himself over to another console as he multitasks. The doors to his lab open and an African American female walks in. Her jet black hair is short and her bangs fall over her eyebrows. She is wearing a lab coat much like Doctor Q.

"Doctor Q," she speaks. "The results have come in from the new simulation using the new data you provided. I believe we have found the correct frequency to that other Earth."

Doctor Q stops in mid stride, and turns to his assistant. "That is good news Jewel. Place the results on my desk. I have something wonderful to show you."

Jewel does just that, placing the chart board onto Q's desk. She then walks over to his side. "What is this?"

"This is the Biofield," Q thrusts his arms out before him. "Using Doctor K's files, I have constructed what I believe is a map of the Biofield across the planet."

Jewel looks onto the holographic map and nods. "Yes. I can see it. What purpose does this allow for?"

"Imagine the possibilities if we could harness the power of this energy grid," Q pushes. "If we were closer to one of these interconnected points, the power generated would be doubled! We could use this natural energy source to not only power the Rangers, but Corinth as well!"

"Why would Doctor K sit on this important data," Jewel asks, frowning.

"Who cares? It is ours now to do what we please with," Doctor Q states.

"It makes no sense though," Jewel continues. "As dedicated as she was during the Venjix War to fighting off the menace, I would imagine that she would have…"

"Blah! Matters not anymore," Q stands upright. "I need you to monitor the continued growing rate for these signatures. I have to run a few more diagnostic tests on the Paleo-Operators sync levels to their assigned Morphers. We are going to unveil them to the public tomorrow."

"Why wait," Jewel asks. "The public would not be in such an uproar if they knew that they are more Ranger Operators other than Commander Truman who has Morphing abilities out there protecting the city."

Q smirks. While Jewel has been his assistant for many years, Q has kept her in the dark regarding his arrangement with Chaz. "Chaz's orders. After all, the way things are looking, he is going to be our new Governor soon. Might as well stay on his good side, right?"

"I suppose so Doctor Q," Jewel nods. "Also, I wanted to report to you regarding the Genesis-Ring. We have completed the structure via your instructions. It is ready to begin our initial testing."

"Thank you dear," Doctor Q smiles. "We'll begin the search for other dimensions once Doctor K's trial is over. Would you look over these data for me, see if you may spot something that I may have missed during my first look through? I need to go check on our subjects."

"Of course, Doctor Q," Jewel takes a seat at the desk and begins to flip through the vanilla folder. Doctor Q turns and leaves his study. He crosses the floor in the next room and comes before the three figures floating within their individual resting chambers. Smirking, Q types in several commands on the keyboard attached to the tube holding the Crimson-Operator. The figures eyes bat open as the command is send to his implant within his brain. "Excellent. You are awake. I have a job for you."

xxxxxxxxxx

Ziggy sighs as he takes a seat onto the top step leading into his now empty school. Beside him, Tenaya is seated beside him. She places a hand on his knee, offering him comfort.

"I'm sorry Ziggy," Tenaya remarks.

"For what," Ziggy turns to her. "It's not like it's your fault or anything."

"Still, I feel sad for you. I know that this school was important to you. That it was your dream," Tenaya continues.

"Yeah, well, sometimes that all things are… dreams," Ziggy sighs. "There has been a lot of stuff that I had wanted to go… I don't know… right for me I guess. This school… Doctor K… heck. Maybe even make peace with Fresno Bob and the Cartels… and know I heard that Bob got himself ghosted… I may become a target again for whoever takes over the Cartels. But then again, that point is mute now that Venjix is back and threatening us…"

"Well take on one problem at a time," Tenaya tells him as she gently squeezes his knee, closest to her. "If you feel that you will be threatened by the Cartels… then I will stay by your side and protect you."

"My side," Ziggy looks at her, slightly bewildered. "Why would you do that?"

"During our travels, my brother spoke very highly of you," Tenaya tells him. "He considers you his best friend. That in turn, makes you important to me. Also, I have my own…," Tenaya's sharp hearing causes her to turn her head. She stands to her feet and looks toward the entrance to the parking lot.

"What is it," Ziggy asks.

"Someone is coming," she states.

Ziggy's eyes widen with relief as he recognizes the incoming car. "Oh, you can relax. It is my friend Benny. He's cool."

As the car pulls up to one of the parking spaces close to the building, Benny exits out of his car. With a smile, Benny quickly heads toward the steps toward his much younger friend.

"Hey Benny," Ziggy waves down his longtime friend from the Cartels. "Good to see ya bud! Hey, is the news true? Did Bob get ghosted?"

"Yeah, it's true Zig," Benny remarks. "In fact, that is one reason why I was coming to see you."

"On no, I'm not on the list am I," Ziggy gulps, glancing toward Tenaya. "The 'if Bob ever gets ghosted, these people are targeted for termination' list?"

"No. No. Listen, Zig, how much of the Scorpion Cartel history do you know," Benny asks, noticing how Tenaya inches closer to Ziggy.

"Nothing really," Ziggy scratches his chin. "Why?"

"Fresno Bob didn't start the Cartels. He inherited the gang after he ghosted the last head of command."

"So... who's in charge now," Tenaya asks, speaking for the first time.

"Bob was killed from someone outside the family," Benny continues on in a low voice. "The rite of succession goes to the son or daughter of the original Don," Benny continues. He knows that what he is about to reveal will forever change the life of his friend. "His name… was Zigfried Grover."

"Zig... Zigfried... Grover," Ziggy's eyes are wide.

"That's right Zig. Your father," Benny tells him. "You are next in line of succession."

"Whoa! Whoa," Ziggy takes a step back, away from Benny. He almost falls backwards, but Tenaya quickly catches him. "My… my dad?"

"Yeah. Your father was the original leader of the Scorpion Cartels," Benny continues. "I've known for a very long time kid. That is one reason why I fought so hard to keep you out of Bob's eyes. I had to keep him convinced that you would never learn the truth or become a threat to him."

"But… but," Ziggy lowers himself down to the steps, to sit down. He feels as if he would lose the strength in him legs if he remained standing. "Why would you tell me this… I thought… I thought Bob was your friend?"

"Bob's dead now. And even though he is… was my friend, he was wrong in everything he had ever done to you," Benny tells him.

Tenaya places a comforting hand on Ziggy's shoulder. "Why would you reveal this to Ziggy now?"

"The Cartel's need a leader," Benny remarks. "I cannot lead them. Many of them, especially the older members would welcome Zigfried's son as the successor. With their blessing, they will get all the younger members to fall in line. But we need to act fast kiddo. The guys who killed Bob… the Cartel's answer to these guys. They run the city. Some kind of cult… member's only thing. They need someone to run the Cartels… to keep the gangs in line. From what I can tell, your dad was a member. And when he was killed by Bob, Bob inherited that position as well."

"That is deep Benny... I... I can't run the Cartels! I'm not a gangster! Even when I was a gangster, I sucked at it!"

"Ziggy," Tenaya speaks, turning Ziggy toward her. "What you have here is an opportunity. Of epic proportions. You can turn the Cartels into something good."

"You already are respected now in the public community. A Power Ranger. You helped save the planet. With Bob gone, there is a void that needs to be filled. If you step up and take your rightful place as the new Don, just imagine the good you can accomplish," Benny states with excitement.

"I... I could do a lot of good..."

"That you could," Benny grasps his shoulders. "And I'll be right there beside you Ziggy. Helping you the entire way!"

"Yeah, yeah..." Ziggy shakes his head, trying to absorb the information. "Benny... I... I don't know what to say," Ziggy begins.

"Say that you'll take your rightful place atop of the Cartels. There are people who would love to fill the void that Bob left... and I don't think that they are good people kid. With you... with you in charge... kid. You Ziggy. You can make a difference."

Ziggy is silent for several minutes. He turns away and looks back at the school that he had invested the past two years in. It is closed now, probably never to be open again. Two years gone, as quick as that. He turns and looks at Tenaya, as if asking her what she thinks.

"You are not a Power Ranger anymore," she tells him. "But that doesn't mean you have to stop helping. And I will be there beside you, helping you along the way."

"We both will kiddo," Benny tells him.

Ziggy gives the school one more look before turning back to his older friend, a man who he looked up to as an older brother. "Okay Benny. I'm in."

xxxxxxxxxx

Doctor K sits on the edge of her bed. Her mind is running a million miles per second over the recent turn of events. The return of Vengix has been weighing heavy on her heart. Her part in destroying the world was one of the many reasons why she left the school; seeing the faces and hearing the stories from the orphaned who lost their parents. Her own parents, the faces long since removed from memory, only served as a reminder of what she had done.

"I deserve this," she sobs to herself. "Whatever they throw my way... I deserve it, tenfold..."

Gemma, who had snuck into the prison to visit her friend, had stayed silent, watching her from the shadows. The only one who had access to see her was Scott, as he had announced that he would be the one running her defense case as no other lawyer within Corinth wanted to take her defense. She walks up to the bars, looking at her friends' backside. She overheard everything that Doctor K had muttered.

"Doctor K," Gemma speaks, announcing her presence. "Please don't talk like that. We are working on getting you out of here. Scott and I are going over the data you all found at that facility. We'll find something that'll..."

"That will do what," Karen turns and looks at her friend sadly. "All that you will find is proof of my crimes. I did create Venjix... there is no debating or denying that fact. The destruction of the human race is on me."

"Why do you keep punishing yourself? It was something that was beyond your control."

"No. No it wasn't… I willingly created Venjix for Alphabet Soup. And then after I learned what the Soup had done to us… I willingly freed Venjix to take over the security feed so we could escape. I was captured before I could contain Venjix behind a firewall…"

"Then tell the jury that," Gemma leans against the bars.

"It… it won't matter. All the lives lost… it's my fault," Karen slowly turns away, looking back at the empty wall now facing her. "What are you doing here Gemma? How did you get in? You'll get in trouble… and I don't want you getting in trouble on my behalf…"

"Doctor K… Karen," Gemma begins. "I found a file. It is locked and no matter what I attempt, I cannot get access to it. Have you ever heard of the EDEN Protocol?"

Karen grows still as she contemplates over the name of the file. "I… I have heard of it… but I know not what it is for," Karen turns to her. "Another scientist within my level of Clearance was working on it. I never got a chance to look over that programming…"

"This file is locked with a pretty big encryption," Gemma remarks. "But between Flynn and myself, we can break it. I just need time. We'll get you out of here. We're working on it! Don't give up hope!"

"Gemma… hope is an abstract emotion…"

"Do it for Scott then," Gemma remarks. "He… he really cares for you! He's doing everything beyond the call of duty to set you free! He's even going to be your defense lawyer!"

"My… defense…" Karen turns back around. "But he's not certified…"

"Actually, yeah," Gemma nods her head excitably. "He's a Commander, remember? And he is also your boss now since he hired you onto the Eagle Squad! He is quite familiar with military law and procedures!"

Doctor Karen Kay stands to her feet and walks over to the bars where her friend stands. "Go to the DOS application. Type in Command, prompt, Alpha, seven, seven, nine, zero, zero. Clearance code K," Doctor K informs her. "That should give you my clearance to open that file. Hopefully there are no other barriers that would prevent you from accessing that file."

"Thank you K," Gemma smiles. "I guess… I will see you tomorrow in court."

"Yes," Karen grasps Gemma's hands. "Yes, I suppose so."

Gemma doesn't move for several moments, but eventually she pulls away from the bars. As she walks away, K calls out to her once more. "Gemma?"

"Yeah," Gemma stops, looking back at her friend.

"Thank you. Tell Scott that as well," Karen's voice is low.

Gemma nods, a smile beaming across her features. "Stay frosty."

xxxxxxxxxx

In Chaz's personal study, at the Winchester Mansion…

"Everything is going to plan," Chaz speaks into his webcam. "Doctor K has been arrested. I have several key figures that I trust in positions of power. My numbers have risen in the polls and Doctor Q is working on restoring Doctor K's notes regarding Project Genesis. Everything on my end is a go. How about you?"

Professor Cog's face is projected before Chaz off his laptop. "Everything is going according to plan. The Attack-bot will reach the city noon tomorrow. It should prove to be quite the show to persuade the public to rally to you as your Ranger Operators defend the populace. I have given the Attack-bot permission to do as much damage as necessary."

"And while he is doing that, your other Attack-bot will be sneaking into the labs where Project Genesis is housed," Chaz remarks. "All the data you will need to leave this Earth and go to the other Earth will be there for you. Now to other matters… how is Summer?"

"She is resting comfortably in her cell," Cog lies. "She has not been harmed either and she knows nothing of your involvement in taking over Corinth or our deal."

"Good. She is to become my bride once all this is over," Chaz leans back into his seat. "Tomorrow, Doctor K is going to trial. Your Attack-bot distraction will be all the more needed to help solidify her execution."

"We know of her arrest."

"How," Chaz is taken aback for a second. "We have not spoken in over a week…"

"We have our ways," Professor Cog remarks. Chaz has no need to know that they are spying on the former Ranger team through Tenaya's eye implants.

"I am sure," Chaz remarks. "Doctor Q was able to get his hands on all of Doctor K's notes. We will be applying them to our own research."

"I must say," Cog chuckles. "I am quite impressed with your schemes. All this to become governor?"

"I am planning far more than being simply the governor," Chaz chuckles. "I plan to rule over all humanity. And with your support, humanity will never be any wiser. Not my father. Not the Covenant. No one."

"You humans can be so deliciously evil all on your own," Cog chuckles.

"I am not evil. I am merely putting this world to order," Chaz states.

"Once we have all the data regarding Project Genesis, we will leave this world to you and yours," Professor Cog states. "There is a whole other Earth out there, ripe for the taking. The Master has plans to take over that world instead of destroying it. After we learned that other forms of power… demons, samurai, ninjas and space aliens exist in that dimension… the possibilities are endless."

"As long as this world is left to me, I could care less what you do to that other Earth," Chaz states. "All the other scientists who worked alongside Doctor Q believe that we intend to make contact with that Earth to swap technology and supplies will have to be taken care of as well. Little do they know that we were simply constructing it for you for you to leave this dimension. However, I am upset that you did not inform me of Venjix's continued existence."

"Believe me, I was shocked myself until just recently," Cog lies. He had intentionally left the knowledge of Venjix's imprisonment a secret, not wanting the humans to have that knowledge. "But it matters not. Once we acquire the Genesis-Ring, we shall leave behind this dimension so you all may continue to kill yourselves. It has been a pleasure working with you Chaz Winchester."

"That is has," Chaz smirks. Once Professor Cog disappears off the screen, Chaz closes his laptop. He had made contact with Cog months ago through an outside frequency. Since then the two had been conspiring together to both achieve their goals. Professor Cog wanting to leave this dying planet, using the tech he developed to travel to that alternate dimension, in which he had labeled Earth-1. Because of the energy frequency on his charts involving the other dimension and this one, he labeled this one, Earth-2. Chazs' goals were much simpler; wanting nothing more than power and prestige over the last of humanity, not wanting to share that power with the Covenant.

"Chaz," Doctor Q enters Chaz's office. "It has been done. Operator Series 10, the Crimson Operator has been programmed for his first solo mission."

"Excellent," Chaz stands upward and straightens his tie. "The former Colonel Truman will be dead before dawn. This moment in time is ours old friend."

"Of course," Q grins. "Let's go take over a city."

"No. Not a city," Chaz smirks. "A world."

POWER RANGERS
RPM