Chapter 12 – Everything In Its Right Place
Previously - "What are the extent of our master's injuries Finster", Goldar asked as he entered the chamber.
"Firstly he's not my master Goldar, my loyalty is to Empress Rita only". Before Goldar could protest this statement Finster continued, "I will need to graft further plates to Lord Zedd to fully repair the damage caused. This will be similar to the one's currently on his face and head. Unfortunately even with the strongest magic available he will be not be able to move for several months".
Goldar growled with rage, how dare the rangers do this to the emperor of evil "Those rangers will pay dearly for what they have done to Lord Zedd", Goldar said as he turned and headed out the door.
"What do you plan to do Goldar?" Finster asked.
"Serpenterra is fully charged, I shall take it to Earth and eliminate the rangers for good. You mark my words the Earth shall be obliterated for this".
The Command Center
Tommy, Billy and Kim teleported back into the Command Center with the Sword of Light and carefully placed it on one of the consoles. The three also removed their helmets and placed them next to the sword. Tommy ran his hands through his hair with his back to the other two rangers. After a few moments he faced Billy and Kim, "Can you believe the nerve of that woman? I bet this secret organisation of theirs is behind everything that's happened to us in the last few months. I bet they're responsible of what happened to the others".
Kim walked across to Tommy and placed both her hands on his arms, "Tommy we don't know that for sure".
"I agree with Kim", Billy added, "I think she was being honest with us. One thing I am uncomfortable with is that there's a big warehouse full of harmful artefacts waiting to be used".
Tommy walked away from the others towards Zordon's energy tube and began to pace. "What do you think Zordon?"
Zordon didn't respond straight away as he contemplated his response. Finally he addressed the three rangers, "This is a troubling development Rangers, you must be extra vigilant to protect your identities. Whilst this agency may only want to help, you are only force that can repel Lord Zedd. However we have more important matters to attend to. Now that you have retrieved the sword we are ready to begin the power transfer ceremony. I have selected three replacements for Jason, Trini and Zack".
"Who Zordon?" Kim asked.
"Hey guys", a voice called out from entrance to the medical bay.
The three rangers turned around and a look of surprise appeared on their faces. "Aisha, Rocky, Adam", Kim called out and ran over to their friends, "Zordon's chosen you guys to replace the others".
Aisha beamed, "I know is this cool or what".
"I just wish it was under better circumstances", Adam added.
A solemn look came over the teenagers as they thought about their friends in the medical bay. "This is a sombre occasion rangers", Zordon began, "however the appointing of new Rangers should also be cause for celebration" Zordon then turned to the three replacements and spoke to them all in turn, "Rocky you shall be the new red ranger and command the Red Dragon Thunderzord. Aisha you shall be the new yellow ranger and pilot the Griffin Thunderzord. Adam you shall be the new black ranger and be in control of the Lion Thunderzord".
The three teen nodded in acknowledgement to Zordon, he then addressed Tommy, "Tommy as I previously mentioned you shall take over Jason's role as the leader of the Power Rangers. I trust you will lead the team with wisdom and integrity".
"I will Zordon", Tommy said with conviction in his voice.
"All of you take the sword into the medical bay, Alpha will instruct you further".
The six teens turned and headed to the medical bay where they met Alpha. The robot was taken the vitals of Jason, Trini and Zack, "Rangers it's good to see that you have retrieved the Sword of Light".
"Thanks Alpha, how are the guys?" Tommy asked.
"No change I'm afraid Tommy", Alpha responded, "We must begin the transfer as soon as possible. Tommy, Billy and Kimberly each of you take the hilt of the sword and then raise it above your heads".
The three did as they were instructed and raised the sword above their heads. The sword glowed a golden colour and red, yellow and black light streamed from Jason, Trini and Zack. After a few moments the Mastodon, Sabre-Toothed Tiger and Tyrannosaurus symbols on the blade of the sword lit up".
Alpha looked up the sword and inspected it, "Good the powers have been removed from the others. Rocky, Adam and Aisha if you now take hold of the sword the powers will be transferred over to you".
The three new rangers slowly walked across to the others and grabbed the hilt of the sword. The blade glowed once more and their bodies were surrounded by their respective colours. After a few moments energy crackled around them and they were fully morphed in their suits. They took a moment to inspect their suits before removing their helmets.
"The transfer is complete, welcome to the team" Alpha said.
The new rangers shook hands and hugged their new team mates, however, they weren't able to celebrate as the Command Center alarms started. The six rangers and Alpha rushed out to the main room, "Zordon what's going on?" Billy asked.
"Rangers Lord Zedd has been able to fully active Serpenterra, behold the viewing globe", Zordon replied.
The rangers walked over to the viewing globe and saw an image of a robotic dragon, easily several hundred feet long.
"Zordon that thing's huge, how can we fight it?" Tommy asked.
"Alpha and I have prepared for just such an event. You will need to use you new zord Tor. All the other zords will be able to fit inside and will be safely protected from Serpenterra" Zordon replied.
Tommy nodded and then faced the three new rangers, "Ok guys this is it your first battle, are you ready?"
Rocky, Adam and Aisha looked at each before Rocky spoke of behalf of all of them, "We are, let's go slay that dragon".
Tommy smiled, "Good answer Rocky", he touched his belt buckle and called out, "Back to action".
The Bunker
Aimi returned from her meeting with the rangers, she was feeling deflated as she stepped out the lift and into the main control room. She saw that Kris and Xander were viewing several images in the big screen.
"Hey Aimi how did it go?" Xander asked.
"Well the good news is that they have the sword", Aimi began.
Kris looked away from the screen, "Well since they're technically not meant to have it, I'm not sure that's really good news".
She ignored her senior officers comment and continued, "Bad news I don't think they took the news very well. I used all of my charm and personality as well".
Kris paused before responding, "Well we knew they wouldn't welcome our presence with open arms so it's not a big loss".
Aimi felt relieved that Kris wasn't angry at her, "So what have you guys been working on?"
Xander spoke without looking away from the screen, "Well we've analysed the battle footage and we've placed some names of the faces of the Power Rangers".
Aimi looked surprised that Xander had been able to work that quickly but before she could question him, a warning alarm went off. The three agents looked at the screen and saw a giant robot dragon attacking the city.
"What the hell is that?" Kris asked.
"No idea but it's power is off the scale, I'll start scanning now", Xander responded, "Why don't you catch Aimi up with what we've found out today".
Kris nodded and watched Xander wheel his chair down to the other end of the console. He led Aimi to the other corner of the room and a small screen with six images of the teenagers. "OK this is what we've got so far, Xander was right all six rangers are teenagers. In fact they're all tenth grade students at Angel Grove High".
Aimi put her hands up, "Wait tenth grade! So they're no older than 16?"
"That's right, scary isn't it. They're nearly half my age which makes me feel quite old. Anyway all of them are amongst the top students at high school, good disciplinary record, no criminal record. Model students and citizens you could say, almost too good to be true".
Kris then picked up a small remote and started clicking through the images, "Firstly we have Jason Lee Scott, top athlete and martial arts instructor. Next is Zackary or Zack Taylor, also a martial artist but also teaches a dance class at the youth center". Aimi looked thoughtful after seeing the first two rangers, Kris paused and looked at her, "Problem?"
"Yes but I'll save questions until the end boss" she responded with a smile.
Kris nodded and continued with the slide show, "Ok here's Kimberly Hart, amateur gymnast and musician. Reports on her show that several high profile gymnastics coaches have her on their radar. The second girl is Trini Kwan, like the other guys you've seen she's also a keen martial artist and an environmental activist. Next on the list is William or Billy Cranston, a certifiable genius, he's on the watch list of several government agencies for his potential, including our own".
Aimi raised an eyebrow at this statement but again didn't say anything, "Lastly is Thomas or Tommy Oliver", Kris continued, "like Jason he is a martial arts instructor at the youth centre". He paused before speaking again, "You had questions?"
"Not questions really", Aimi said, she paused for thought before continuing, "Just that I've met all of the them during my visits to the youth center. As Xander is also a frequent visitor with me I'm sure they'll realise we work with each other. Plus I'm sure they've seen one of us with you as well so they probably know about you as well".
Kris looked thoughtful as this, when he sent Aimi to meet with the rangers he didn't think that any of them would've interacted with them previously. He thoughts were interrupted by Xander, "Guys we have a problem".
"What is it Xander?" Kris asked.
"The energy signals for the red, black and yellow rangers are different, I think they've been replaced".
"Replaced?" Aimi asked, then a look of realisation came over her face, "the sword, they've used it to transfer powers. I can't believe it actually worked".
"Do we know who's missing?" Kris questioned Xander.
"Not for definite, but I watched them fight some putties. Based on fighting styles and the background we have, my guess is that Jason, Trini and Zack are missing".
The three agents were silent as they thought about this new development, eventually Aimi spoke, "So what do we do now and more importantly, what do we tell Washington?"
Kris responded but didn't face her, "We tell them nothing".
Aimi was stunned, "Kris that's against the rules, you of all people should know that. Two breaches in one day, I'm beginning to wonder if you've been replaced".
Kris did face Aimi this time, "Think about it, our current mission is to track down artefact stolen from the warehouse so they're not expecting us to actively find out the rangers identities. Secondly we need to get them onside somehow".
Aimi looked quizzically at Kris, "What are you trying to say?"
"If we go straight to Washington with this then they'll send a full containment team out to capture them. If we can use our knowledge of their civilian identities to get them onside, our bosses will be more inclined to get them to work for us".
Xander shook his head and turned back to the screen, Aimi just rolled her eyes, "Kris it worries me just how much of a devious bastard you can be". She then turned away and heading to one of the smaller rooms to get changed.
The Command Center
The rangers had successfully repelled Serpenterra and had regrouped. Whilst they had been away Alpha had been running a few background checks on Aimi. After being congratulated the robot addressed the rangers, "Rangers I've been able to get some background information on this Agent Miyamoto. Based on what you've told me previously told me, I believe there are two other agents working with her".
"Great Alpha", Rocky said, "Let's see what you have".
Alpha bought some images up on the viewing globe, "This is Agent Aimi Miyamoto, aged 25 and a recent graduate of Pennsylvania State University. Born in Yokohama, Japan she moved to America aged four. No record of her parents and her only known relative is a Cassandra Chan who is a freshman at Angel Grove High".
The rangers took this all in, Tommy then faced Alpha, "What about the others?"
"This is purely speculation Tommy", Alpha replied, "First is Alexander McBride, aged 19, he has an IQ of 196 and just finished a computer engineering degree at Stanford".
"Wow he sounds smarter than you Billy", Aisha teased, Billy just smiled at the new yellow ranger.
"Lastly is Kristopher Hightower, aged 29, graduated Florida State University in 1988, however, he just disappeared off the records after this".
"Must've been when he joined this agency" Tommy added, "I'm guess he's the boss Agent Miyamoto referred to".
"So what do we do now guys?" Kim asked the group.
"Well as Zordon said earlier we just need to watch our back. Plus we have an advantage, we know who they are but they don't know who we are", Billy responded.
The others all nodded in agreement, "What about Jason and the others", Adam asked, "We can't keep them here, their families will wonder where they are".
"Alpha and I will arrange for them to be moved to Angel Grove Hospital" Zordon replied.
"Thanks Zordon", Tommy acknowledged, "We should say they were caught up in a monster attack, that should protected their identities, well former identities". The group when silent at this, "Come on guys, lets help Alpha move them".
The Moon Palace
Goldar observed Lord Zedd who had been moved to a hypersleep containment unit to help him recover. The Rangers had beaten him due to sheer luck as Serpenterra had run out of power.
"I swear you get more useless with time Goldar", a voice called out.
"You", Goldar exclaimed, "What are you doing back you giant insect".
"Now now Goldar, is that anyway to speak to your wife"
"You ceased to be my wife when you supported Rita, what do you want Scorpina", Goldar growled.
"I heard that Lord Zedd was, out of commission", Scorpina responded, "With him out the way I can begin my plan to eliminate those pesky Power Rangers once and for all. If you support me, you can rule Earth with me".
"If Lord Zedd couldn't destroy the Rangers, what hope do you have".
"You'll see my love", Scorpina responded with a smile.
A/N – So ends the power transfer arc, the next chapter will deal with the aftermath before focusing more on Scorpina's plan. I've borrowed the idea of Goldar and Scorpina being married from their counterparts in Zyuranger, it will become important later on. Once again thank you to all of you who reviewed the last chapter
