As the proceedings began, the crowd was unusually excited on account of the strange halt to the trial earlier. The Rangers took their customary spots at the defense table with Reginald. They were all exhausted. Chip was behaving strangely as he hadn't made eye contact with any of the others the entire morning; he just stared out into space at nothing in particular.

The judge looked directly at Chip. "I understand the defense has accepted a plea bargain."

"What?" Reginald looked at his other clients and they looked as shocked as he did. He leaned over to whisper in his friend's ear. "What are you doing?" he asked, dumbfounded.

"It's the only option left, Reg." Chip turned his head to look at his friends. "Trust me."

He stood up to address the judge. "Yes, your Honor," he said. "I wish to change my plea to guilty. I have submitted a signed statement indicating that my fellow defendants had no knowledge of my involvement in the theft of the supplies." This caused a shockwave of conversation in the courtroom. The other Rangers were staring at Chip, bewildered.

The judge slammed down his gavel to quiet the crowd. "Very well, Mr. Maplewood," the judge said. He looked at the other Rangers. "Dale Maplewood, Gadget Hackwrench, Monterrey Jack, and Zipper McFly, you have been offered a reduced sentence of time served and two years of parole. As part of your agreement, you are not to associate with each other. Effective immediately, the criminal organization known as the Rescue Rangers is hereby dissolved. Do you agree to these terms?"

The four Rangers stood to address the judge. "Yes, your Honor," they replied in unison. They still weren't sure what was going on, but they trusted Chip with their lives so they obeyed his wishes.

The judge then looked back at Chip. "As for you, Mr. Maplewood," he said, "this court has no choice but to sentence you to death by gas chamber. I must say that I am deeply saddened to see such an outstanding member of the community sink to such a despicable low. May God have mercy on your soul." The bang of the gavel echoed throughout the silenced courtroom. "Court dismissed."

Chip turned to face Monty and Zipper, who were trying their best not to cry.

"That's a very brave thing you did, mate," Monty said. "Don't you worry, though," he added, "We'll sort this whole thing out and you'll be back with us in no time." He hugged his friend, knowing his promise was most likely futile.

Chip looked at Gadget. For so long he wasn't confident enough to express his true feelings towards her. Now that he was never going to see her again, he summoned up what little courage he had left.

"Gadget," he began, taking her hands in his, "I- I've been wanting to tell you this for a long time."

"I know," she replied, squeezing his hands tightly, "I love you too." She gave Chip a long, passionate kiss.

Chip then looked at Dale, who was crying uncontrollably at the thought of losing his brother. "Don't do this, Chip! I can't lose you!"

Chip placed his hands on Dale's shoulders. "It's your turn to lead the Rescue Rangers."

"What?" Dale replied, red-faced and sniffing back tears. "I- I can't…"

With astonishing affection, Chip kissed his brother on the forehead and embraced him.

"Oh, Dale..." Chip smiled as he looked intently into his brother's eyes. He began to cry. "For as long as I've known you, you've never believed in yourself. You always put yourself down. You have no idea just how special you are. I love you, brother."

The bailiff placed his hand on Chip's shoulder; it was time to go. As the two started to walk away, Dale tried to go after them but Monty and Gadget held him back.

"Chip! Chip!" Dale cried out to his brother.

He stared at the courtroom doors.

"He's gone," he said at last.