Chapter 12: Party Crashing the Lion's Den
(The Boarding House)
Five days later, Tommy and Kimberly dropped Amanda off at the airport with their children tagging along. It was nice for Rosaline to spend some quality time with her cousin and hear about life in Beaufort. Also, it gave her some sense of acceptance to finally learn how to come to terms with her past. Whether she decided one day or not to visit her childhood home, she was glad to have seen her cousin after months apart.
Meanwhile, the other Rangers had to contend with holding down the fort being two Rangers and one veteran mentor away tending to the Ranger Compound in Johannesburg. Things were quiet in Angel Grove and sometimes it had the Rangers and the veterans a bit suspicious. In the meantime, they focused their attention on continuing to train the future line of Power Rangers and work out accommodations at NASADA for the survivors of the recent compound attacks.
That afternoon after Tommy and Kimberly arrived home from the airport with Rosaline and their kids, they notice a black luxury town car in the driveway of their house. The couple knew that their friends and the other Rangers were at NASADA for the day and planned to meet up later after dropping Amanda at the airport. However, Rosaline smiled when she noticed the driver of the car open the door of the black car and Satsu came out holding an invitation.
"Hey there, Rosaline," Satsu said, "I wasn't sure if you were home today. I looked up your address in the local directory. How's it going? I'm sorry I haven't been around lately. I've just been busy with the move and settling in and finalizing the family's immigration papers. The new factory and offices for Asukai Foods will be running by next week and starting operations. How are you and your friends doing?"
"It's going good Satsu." Rosaline said. "We just came back from the airport and dropped off my cousin Amanda. She was in town for a few days and came for a visit from Beaufort."
"Hey sweetie who's your rich new friend here?" Tommy slightly teased. "I'm Tommy and this is my wife Kimberly, we're Rosaline's parents."
"A pleasure to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Oliver. My name is Satsu Matsuki, the niece of Tanaka Asukai." Satsu replied greeting them. "I met Rosaline awhile back when we moved into the new house on her boyfriend's Virgil's neighborhood. Your daughter and her friends introduced themselves to me."
"I read about you guys in the newspaper," Kimberly said, "Your family took up residence in the old Barnes mansion. I heard The Angel Grove Historical Society sold it a few weeks ago to a family a few weeks ago. I didn't realize you were part of the Asuaki family who bought the mansion along with the old textile factory and building in the business district. Some of our guests staying at the boarding house mention about your family's company expanding their ventures in the States."
"Yeah it took two years along with negotiations with the mayor of Angel Grove and some of the food subsidiary companies we have partnerships and associations with to finalize the deal. Your friends Chan and Shi-Ann mentioned about placing an order for the new pre made lunch meals and desserts that was in short stock online." She had her driver deliver a package box and handed it to Tommy and Kimberly. "It's courtesy of your hospitality and the company is planning to launch these for retail sale in grocery stores soon. The sales doubled in the last quarter in the Asian market. It's a really popular product."
"Thank you that's very generous of you," Tommy smiled, "Would you like to come inside for a bit?"
"Actually I need to head back home to help finalize the plans for this Friday's party," Satsu said handing the invitation to Rosaline. "My uncle Tanaka loves to throw these over the top elegant parties, or what most people here call them formal balls. It's a promotional event to give the local businesses in the city an idea of what Asuaki Foods is about. I'm inviting Rosaline, her friends and guests this Friday at our mansion to celebrate the event. So Rosaline, do you have any plans for this Friday night? Mr. and Mrs. Oliver you're more than welcome to come. The party is an open invitation party."
"Of course it would be an honor to come on Friday I'll let the others know," she smiled reading the invitation. "So the dress code I'm guessing is black tie and formal?"
"Unfortunately yes well because my uncle and my family love stuff like that and also are fascinated by Western culture," Satsu said heading back in the car, "Alright I'll let the doorman know the RSVP is for more than plus one I assume. I'll see you this Friday then. The party begins for seven o'clock that night so don't be late. It was a pleasure meeting you Mr. and Mrs. Oliver and have a good day Rosaline."
"For a girl who comes from money she is very nice," Kimberly replied watching the town car pull out of the driveway, "Who would have thought someone actually bought the old textile factory and the old Barnes mansion? The historical society initially planned to demolish both buildings because the value drastically depreciated over the years."
"I'm guessing since you're invited to this black tie gala at the old Barnes mansion," Tommy added, "We're dropping the twins and Gabriel off again at my parents' place?"
"Pretty much," Rosaline said looking at her watch, "Oh gosh we're suppose to head to NASADA. I'm suppose to workout with the others today. And also I'm going to let the others know that Satsu's party is a go for this weekend."
(Four days later: Johannesburg, South Africa)
Meanwhile at the Ranger compound in Johannesburg, Aidan and Quincy alongside Aisha have been helping out Tanya with the inventory situation. It's been five days already and they kept contact with the others back at NASADA. Aidan proved his worth being an expert in technology and engineering he maintained contact with Billy on how to work the transporter machine. After learning how to work the machine, they started testing it by teleporting more cargo supplies from NASADA to the compound in mere seconds. The purpose for the transporter was teleport the newly recruited Rangers who don't possess the communicators to travel from one destination to another. Aisha and Quincy debated with Billy and the others about the possibility that the machine may suffer the same glitch in the destination aspect.
While all of that was going on, Tanya and Aidan went into town to pay a visit to their family. Since the compound was located six miles outside the city boundaries and in a disclosed outskirt area, traveling back and forth proved to be sometimes a challenge. Ever since Aidan was given his powers, he had days where he felt homesick after deciding that he needed to remain in Angel Grove with the team and leave his sister to run the compound back home. Tanya assured her brother it was okay for him to come home every so often if he felt homesick.
"So Rosaline contacted Quincy and I saying that the new girl we met awhile ago Satsu is throwing this big party tonight," Aidan said while Tanya was driving, "She and the others are going to this fancy black tie gala event which is hosted by Satsu's family. I'm guessing if it's black tie and formal parties like that are up Penny's alley. They own some food company that is very popular overseas, especially in Asia."
"You wish you and Quincy could go don't you?" Tanya asked.
"Hey I don't get to come home every so often and I take being home over some fancy black tie party. It makes you appreciate what you got and come to understand where you come from doesn't it sis?" he replied staring out the window as they passed a local field and saw a rugby team practicing. "I'm guessing the Springboks are practicing today huh? I can't remember the last time we went to see a rugby game."
"I remembered the 1995 World Rugby Cup. Mom and dad took us to see the championship match at Ellis Field Stadium. You have to understand that some of us were born during the time of apartheid and after it was abolished. Times were different for the family growing up and it made us wonder why we were divided. That year when they hosted the World Rugby Cup basically it was a few years after apartheid was abolished and the Springboks were allowed to compete internationally."
"Dad told me the story and I was probably too young to remember it. People thought the Springboks represented aspects that divided up our country. Ruby and the others used to ask mom and dad why it was important to support a team that represented supremacy? You didn't feel the same way like Rune and the others did you?" Aidan asked.
"Ade and I were about the only ones who were excited watching the Rugby World Cup. I remember one day we were out in the market and we saw members of the Springboks out on the streets. I remember meeting the captain of the Springboks rugby team, Francois Pienaar. I got an autograph from him and so did Ade and in return, I gave him one of my bracelets I made. I remember he introduced himself to Ruby, Kendal, and Walt. I'll always remember that day because it made us understand what they represented and what they wanted to achieve. Afterwards, the entire country supported the rugby team because they were our fellow countrymen. They represented our nation even after years of being separated and divided."
"It makes you appreciate and fight to believe in the ideals that make our country don't it?" Aidan asked.
"Mom and dad said that we should always be proud of where we come from," Tanya said.
As they were approaching close to the Ranger compound, they noticed off in the distance from afar a suspicious small mass descending on route to the Ranger compound. In a swift motion, Tanya steered the jeep off the road and opened the glove compartment to reveal access to a series of underground tunnels that ran underneath below ground leading to the sub-basement of the compound. Once they reached the sub-basement of the Ranger compound, the two of them quickly got out only to hear the alarm in the compound go off.
"Why is the alarm going off? What's going on?" Aisha asked as the resident Rangers started arming themselves up with blasters.
"Commander Sloan, there is a detection of a strange anomaly due 2500 yards southeast of the compound's location," one of the ranger recruits said. "We only have approximately four hours tops till they breach zero barrier at 150 yard perimeter."
"Sons of bitches it's the Acadians," Aisha said working the computer. "Aidan contact NASADA and tell them prep up the transporter."
"Hey we haven't properly tested it yet to accurately determine the teleportation to Angel Grove," Aidan argued. "What if we end up in the middle of nowhere and not in Angel Grove?"
"The lives of twenty-four recruited Power Rangers is in our hands and the last thing we need is to add another casualty count," Tanya said opening a cabinet in the training area. She pulled out a worn out tribal staff and a cylinder container quickly shoving it in Quincy's hands, "I spent over a year and a half training these guys and I care about their safety. Getting them to NASADA is our main priority. Get that transporter to work and contact our friends. Knowing the impending doom another Ranger compound is about to fall, I'm not letting them take it without a fight."
"Given the probability for this machine to power up it has to be in sync with the receiving end...Angel Grove," Quincy replied, "You're guessing they might be coming for this stuff?"
"It's always a hunch and let's hope someone is replying," Tanya said as her and Aisha started handing out blasters and weapons.
(Angel Grove: The Asuaki Mansion)
Back in Angel Grove the day of the ball arrived. The Rangers arrived at the Asuaki mansion wearing their best formal wear. It resembled a typical black tie gala in which the girls sported fancy formal dresses that looked like gowns and the guys work their best tuxedos. Billy remained at NASADA with Rocky and Trini while Jason, Kat, Adam and Zack attended the party at the mansion with the Rangers. It was Bianca, Desmond and Penny's first time meeting Satsu as Christian, Chan and Shi-Ann introduced the trio to their newfound friend. Everyone seemed fine enjoying the party and waited for the arrival of Tommy, Kimberly, Rosaline and Virgil.
Kat was sensing an ominous feeling in the air surrounding the mansion while Bianca felt a bit suspicious that something may transpire. She spotted Rosaline and Virgil introducing themselves to the rest of Satsu's family including Tanaka and his wife, her cousins and Satsu's parents and brother. Bianca spotted Tommy and Kimberly along with the others while she looks at her friends on the main floor.
"You know the more I keep training and developing my powers," Bianca said, "It feels like my senses suddenly heighten up. It's like I could feel impending danger in the air."
"It's a witch's intuition but sometimes it can be thrown off balance," Kat replied. "Have you met the new girl?"
"You mean Satsu Matsuki? The niece of Mr. Asuaki, the founder of Asuaki Foods? I heard about him and his company but a few people back home don't really buy their products much. What? I grew up with at least some Gypsy heritage routes we didn't think much about what was in demand in the consumer market. Apparently, the others have a different opinion in their taste of products they buy."
"Are we sensing a bit of jealously Bianca Dancescu?" The others teased.
"Me jealous of the new girl?" Bianca scoffed their remarks staring at the family. "Not at all, just a bit intrigued by the new residents of Angel Grove." Moments later, they saw the entire Matsuki-Asuaki family standing at the staircase as Satsu addresses the company.
"Uh, if everyone could gather please," Satsu announced. "First of all on behalf of the Matsuki-Asuaki family we like to thank you all for coming this evening to the welcoming party to celebrate the entrance of the Asuaki Food Company into the North American market. I like to introduce to you, the man and visionary behind Asuaki Foods my uncle and founder of the business, Mr. Tanaka Asuaki." Everyone started clapping as Satsu introduced her uncle.
"Welcome everybody, and thank you for joining us," Tanaka addressed the crowd, "You know, the Asuaki Food Company has been in business for over twenty years and generated revenue within markets of Asia, Eastern Europe, and Oceania. About five years ago, I proposed to our board of directors and shareholders that we embark on breaking grounds in the North American market. We envision furthering the development of our company by entering our products and services into the retail market, expanding it from online and catering services. Usually, when we gather together we feel its tradition to our valued stockholders and customers that we thrive on being a family oriented business."
"Anyone of you get the feeling that maybe this little party may end up with gatecrashers?" Tommy whispered to the group.
"We got to keep an eye on the Rangers," Kimberly said discreetly, "Let's just pray that the Asuaki-Matsuki family don't wish relocating here was a regret."
"In conclusion, we like to assure you that the Asuaki Food Company will be welcomed among the local businesses of this city and contribute to making our family business successful and beneficial to the community. Thank you very much," Tanaka concluded his address as the crowd clapped. "In honor to commentate this event, it's a tradition for us to commence the evening's festivities with a dance. Tonight's pick is a century's old-waltz. So if you could all please find yourselves a partner, please join us in the ballroom." The others noticed that Satsu's brother silently retreating upstairs away from the party that looked a bit uneasy. However, they didn't mind it assuming that he was excusing himself.
"Tommy don't!" Kimberly whispered taking a hold of her husband's arm. "I think we're drawing suspicious glances from our proteges. If the hosts suspect something is amiss then the our Rangers are going to notice something is up."
"I know you can't shake that feeling off Beautiful something is bound to happen," Tommy replied. "Look it's not like I'm planning on walking into a lion's den."
"But you have the look that you want to charge in like you always do looking for a fight." she added sternly. "Remember we're a team you and me. We do things together without any questions asked." Tommy paused for a moment before extending his hand to Kimberly. "What...are you doing?"
"Since you want me holding off planning on storming the lion's den," Tommy smiled. "It would be rude not dance, you know Beautiful. So my pink crane, can your white falcon have this dance?"
"It is tradition, my handsome white knight," she replied taking his hand as they walked to ballroom. "Shall we dance then my white falcon?"
"As you wish, my lady," he smiled as everyone got into position and began to dance.
Give me love like her,
'cause lately I've been waking up alone,
Paint splattered teardrops on my shirt,
Told you I'd let them go,
"My parents have that look something bad is about to go down," Rosaline said.
"Well join the club because our veteran mentors are eying us with caution," Virgil replied as the two danced alongside their friends. Penny and Desmond were paired at one end of the dance floor. On the other end they spotted Chan and Shi-Ann dancing nearby Kat and Jason while Bianca and Christian were close by.
"It's always typical for my parents to sense danger everywhere?" she whispered to her boyfriend. "Should we worry about potential hostiles?"
"And who would want to crash a lavish party thrown by the new money bags residences who moved to town?" he replied as they continued to dance. "However onto more mannered subjects, I like to comment how ravishing you look in that dress."
"Well I really didn't have time to shop. It's one of the few things I have left from my life in Beaufort." she smiled. "I'm still surprised I'm still able to fit into this dress since that pageant a few years back in Beaufort. My mom bought me this dress but it was a bit too loose on my frame, but managed to stay on me the entire time."
"I wish I could have seen you back in your pageant days," he slightly joked. "You know you're quite the dancer."
"Well, I've had training. When I was wearing this dress, I happened to be crowned Miss Teen Beaufort that year."
And that I'll fight my corner,
Maybe tonight I'll call ya,
After my blood turns into alcohol,
No, I just wanna hold ya.
Give a little time to me or burn this out,
We'll play hide and seek to turn this around,
All I want is the taste that your lips allow,
My, my, my, my, oh give me love,
My, my, my, my, oh give me love,
Virgil and Rosaline continue to dance until he twirls her and she suddenly finds herself in Christian's arms. Some of them end up switching partners as the guys on the dance floor pair up with new female partners to waltz with. The group find themselves dancing among different pairings such as Penny and Chan, Desmond and Shi-Ann, Bianca dancing with Adam and the rest of the veterans swapping partners. Rosaline glances as she finds Virgil dancing with Satsu on the dance floor.
Give me love like never before,
'cause lately I've been craving more,
And it's been a while but I still feel the same,
Maybe I should let you go,
"Hmm, he dances and I don't need to beg," Satsu said suddenly dancing with Virgil.
"Well this is a waltz and Rosaline asked me to dance," Virgil said. "Couldn't exactly say no to my girlfriend."
"Notice it took you thirty seconds to put your girlfriend in a good mood," she smirks curiously. "Feels like you're looking out for her."
"Well that's what you do for someone you care about deeply." Virgil assured her. "However, I also know she can also look out for herself."
"I'm guessing it runs in her family then. Rosaline seemed to be raised by strong willed and kind hearted parents wouldn't you say? I'm hoping the pair of you are enjoying yourselves tonight along with your friends. I'm hoping nothing spoils the festivities tonight."
"I'm in the same vote with you on that one buddy," he mumbled to himself.
You know I'll fight my corner,
And that tonight I'll call ya,
After my blood is drowning in alcohol,
No I just wanna hold ya.
Give a little time to me or burn this out,
We'll play hide and seek to turn this around,
All I want is the taste that your lips allow,
My, my, my, my, oh give me love,
Give a little time to me, or burn this out,
We'll play hide and seek to turn this around,
All I want is the taste that your lips allow,
My, my, my, my, oh give me love
"Someone seems to be getting a bit close with on of the hostess of the party," Penny said dancing with Chan. "And you can't ignore that Bi is a tad suspicious of our new mate."
"Well Virgil is just being himself," Chan said, "The nice welcoming guy. Rosie knows that Virge wouldn't have eyes for anyone else besides her. That guy spent years pining for her affections."
"It is true but still sometimes a guy's eyes can wander due to the pining affections of other lasses." She said watching Virgil and Satsu dance. "However, I guess you're right about Virgil he'll still desire to hold onto Rosaline by any means necessary. On an off topic, you know the last time I went to one of these fancy shin dig parties, a bunch of Acadian assassins gatecrashed a political formal black tie party. That was the night I fled with Des and Bi back to Angel Grove and left my dad and stepmother."
"Yeah it seems like us and parties, especially fancy formals don't mix well don't they?" Chan slightly joked.
"If we witness party crashers then yeah we don't mix too well with parties. Too bad Quincy and Aidan are missing a real money bag shin dig tonight being back in Johannesburg."
(Johannesburg, South Africa)
Halfway across the world in Tanya and Aidan's hometown, the others were holding off an invading force of Acadian warriors after they breached the zero barrier perimeter of the Ranger Compound house. Aisha and Tanya sealed off the front entrance gate of the house while powering up the transporter. Quincy and Aidan volunteered to hold them off for as long as possible buying the Rangers in training time to escape and make it to the sub-basement. However things got interesting when Thrax appeared.
"Well what do we have here? Two Twilight Rangers vacationing in the hot and scorching African continent?" Thrax taunted as both guys got into a fighting stance.
"ITS' MORPHING TIME! TWILIGHT POWER!" they both yelled. "YELLOW RANGER POWER! BLACK RANGER POWER!"
"You know boys I'm a really busy person tonight," Thrax smirked evilly. "So if you could kindly step aside I like to get something that belongs to me personally."
"Hey you may have already trashed up another compound of ours but whatever my sister has inside," Aidan said in a threatening tone. "You have to go through us to get it?"
"Is that a threat Black Ranger?" Thrax replied throwing a blast at the duo. The two of them managed to dodge Thrax's attack as the two went on the advance striking a combination of punches and kicks at the enemy.
"Come and try us!" Aidan and Quincy replied as they started shooting Thrax with their Power Blasters. They managed to go a few rounds with the spawn of Rita and Zedd to buy everyone time to escape from the compound using the transporter. Eventually, during the attack Aidan's communicator went off hearing Billy's voice on the other end.
"Aidan! Quincy come in!" Billy replied from NASADA. "Be prepared to teleport! Aisha and Tanya made it through the transporter with the squad!"
"Are you sure that transporter work? My sister, Aisha and the others didn't end up in some remote region of the world?" Aidan said suspiciously.
"Little bro will you believe me that I'm watching you and Quincy from a monitor screen in NASADA with Billy, Trini and Rocky watching you two trying to hold down what remains of my compound which I ran for over a year?" Tanya replied on the other end. "If you two boys don't prepare for teleportation in the next five seconds..."
"Alright your brother believes you we're on standby," Quincy said smirking at Thrax, "Sorry little spawn of Satan, we'll continue to waltz another night." With that the two of them teleported away back to Angel Grove.
(Angel Grove: The Asuaki Mansion)
Once Quincy and Aidan teleported back to NASADA and reunited with the others, the alarm went off. Trini contacted their friends at the mansion only to hear screaming in the background. Suddenly, the screen displayed a group of Acadians led by Thrax at the front yard of the Asuaki mansion as Quincy and Aidan still morphed teleported to the mansion. In the midst of the commotion, all the guests started fleeing the party as Quincy and Aidan battled Thrax and the Acadians. Rosaline and the other Rangers tried to ensure the safety of Satsu and her family as Tommy and Kimberly along with the other veterans took the family to safety.
Rosaline and the other Rangers joined the fight and made quick work of the Acadians and Thrax. The ten Rangers quickly drew the fight away from the entrance of the mansion luring the forces away from the residential areas. They notice Thrax was losing his grip and structure a bit as his minions were beginning to retreat forcing him to fall back. Soon Thrax fell back as the Acadians disappeared and the ten Rangers teleported away after Thrax vanished.
Unknown to them, they didn't notice Satsu or Tanaka staring out the window from the mansion as Thrax emerged inside the mansion after the Rangers left. There was a disdained look on the face of the Progeny of the Source. Soon, Rita and Zedd appeared in the room to apprehend Thrax for his actions.
"You know all I requested was no violence," Satsu said displeased. "My uncle is tending to at least fifteen of his finest warriors which you recklessly put in danger tonight? Not only you disgraced the Fraternity, but my family! You know I didn't expect to have you drag home a platoon of severely injured assassins! How am I suppose to play my role when you decide to act out of control and foil our plans?" In one swift motion she held her sword to Thrax's throat pointing it.
"Why you little firecracker you dare to challenge me girlie?" Thrax replied appalled at her actions. "Don't you forget who found you? If it wasn't for my family, the entire Asuaki/Matsuki legacy would still be rotting in a slumdog life in Osaka. We plucked you and re-flourished the dying Fraternity of the Acadian Assassins and don't you forget your place Satsu!"
"Well your incompetence almost blew our cover tonight!" she spat back.
"Silence the both of you!" Lord Zedd yelled viciously. "The two of you are acting like spoiled brats!" He turned to Thrax first. "I must admire Thrax's work tonight for demolishing another pathetic Ranger Compound. However, you decided to target a compound that ended up being traced back here. The Johannesburg Compound has been well guarded by the Yellow Zeo Ranger and you inadvertently alerted the other Power Rangers to your ploy. You remember you mission? It was to ensure our young Progeny would befriend the new chumps of Power Rangers and target them where they are vulnerable."
"I understand father," Thrax gritted holding back with disdain feelings towards Satsu. "I am the Progeny's keeper. I must ensure to prepare her for the ritual now that door to Twilight has been opened to our disposal. I am required to safeguard her secret for the Rangers must not know that young Satsu Matsuki is the Progeny of the Source."
"It better stay that way boy," Rita screeched and then turned to Satsu. "And you missy, remember your place! You maybe the Progeny but remember at the end of the day know who still holds the power here! Thrax here apologizes for ruining your family's precious party but you understand your true role don't you?"
"Of course I do my lords and empress," Satsu smiled wickedly. "Now...what do we do about damage control the next time my keeper decides to launch an attack without a collective consent?"
"My apologies to you and your family tonight my dear," he gritted through his teeth. "It will not happen again. Besides, we're all a team here and you have my word that from here on out we'll collectively work together in our plans on crushing the Power Rangers...as long as you don't test me."
