Episode 13: Lancelot

Three weeks. That is how long it has been since the B-Squad had left Earth. Three weeks of patrolling the space sector searching for any clues or hints that would lead the B-Squad to the location of Master Vile's space fleet. The six Rangers about the Omega-Striker Megaship have worked tirelessly around the clock aiding each other in their respected duties and whatnot. Every day the six train in the Simulation-Deck to keep their fighting skills and their strength up to par. That is where we find Jack Landors and Bridge Carson, training, but not of the body, but rather of the mind.

"Relax your mind," Bridge walks around Jack in a continuous circle. He is wearing a green training shirt and loose baggy gi pants and he is barefooted. His hands rest in his pockets, his psychic powers expanded out to help Jack. "Clear your mind of all thoughts."

Jack is seated upon the mat with his legs crossed. His eyes are closed and his hands rest in his lap. He is decked out in a white training gi. Ever since the B-Squad Rangers lifted off into space three weeks earlier, everyday Bridge and himself have done the same meditation exercises, trying to help him better understand his new powers and gain control over them. He has learnt that his new powers come with a price; he tires quickly when using them, such as expelling such large amount of energy such as creating energy projectiles.

Meditation came hard for Jack at first, with all the new changes in his life. His recent return to Space Patrol Delta as the Magma Ranger only to turn around as lose the power when he self destructed the Morpher to stop Vile's army, the weird dreams he had been having for months, the loss of several members of his adopted family at the hands of Havok, new information concerning his heritage… his bloodline tying back to the Medieval times to the Knight Lancelot, and his new relationship with Z… enough problems and concerns to cloud his mind. Unlike as easy as Bridge made it seem to be, clearing ones mind is not as simple as he was once lead to believe.

But over the past week, he has found it a little bit easier to clear his mind and focus on the more important things. Nancy, Kandy and the other kids that he had took in and the several employees that worked for Omega Missions are gone, dead. There is nothing he can do to change that. He has accepted that. And with Sky being the normal leader of the B-Squad, Jack doesn't have to worry about leading a team on his own, now that he has been reinstated back into a Red Ranger position himself. Two Red Rangers for one Squad, a Sergeant (Jack) and a Captain (Sky). There are other problems to worry about, but none of them are real important, that is until he returns back to Earth to handle them. All he has to be concerned about right now is the success of the mission, Z, and doing these mind exercises that Bridge suggested in helping him learn more about the prophecy that he is tied to.

Frustrated, Jack sighs and slams his fists onto the mat. He opens his eyes and sits back. "I can't do this Bridge. I don't see how making my mind clear will give me a better perspective over my ancestry. I'm not psychic like you."

"Its complicated, but I can help Jack," Bridge sits down on the mat across from Jack. "With your mind clear of all doubt and worry I can focus in on your aura and possibly open your mind to past events. This prophecy has been passed down through your bloodline for generations. It is possible that you can see events that your ancestors may have experienced."

"Not to sure if I like the sound of that," Jack muses. "But it does sound kinda cool. But it's not easy. Its making me tired and my head hurts a little..."

"That is a good sign," Bridge remarks. "When you are meditating and you grow fatigue while doing so, that lets your body know that it has attempted to do what you wanted it to do, which is try to connect with your ancestors spirits. I tell ya, it's quite remarkable. You know that I have a conversation once with my great-great-great grandpa? Or was it my great-great-great-great…"

"I got'ca Bridge," Jack cuts Bridge off before he can continue. He already has a headache forming from pushing his mind to the limits, trying to do the impossible. Listening to Bridge ramble won't help the throbbing leave. "How about we take a break for a while? I don't think I can fare to well with my head aching as it is."

"Sounds cool," Bridge stands. "Besides, I wanted to get some sparring practicing in with the combat-Krybot program."

"Sure, sure," Jack stands to his feet and waves. "Catch you later."

As Jack exits the Simulation-Deck he hears the sound of the program being summoned up. As the doors close behind him he can hear a loud crazy sounding battle cry come from Bridge. Chuckling Jack walks down the hall to the elevator. He rides the lift up to the floors where the sleeping quarters are located so he can change his clothing and pop an aspirin or two.

When the doors open, he is greeted by Isaiah who was waiting for the elevator. Underneath his arm, Isaiah is carrying what appears to be laptop computer. "Jack, what's up? Any luck?"

"Not today," Jack steps out of the lift as Isaiah enters. "I don't ever think I'm going to get the hang of that mess. I'm going to leave the psychic mumbo-jumbo to Bridge. What about you? You and Sophie tracked any weird energy signatures yet?"

Isaiah places his hand on the door of the elevator to keep it open while he talks. "So far nothing, just like yesterday. I had an idea through to pitch to Sophie when I get back up to the bridge. If it works, then perhaps using A.D.A.M.'s interface, we will be able to find objects in space, preferably spaceships, without having to trace an energy signal given off by a ships engine. But we'll have to filter out all the other space objects during its programming such as comets, meteors, planets and any other natural object out in space that may…"

"Dude, having you explain that to me is like me listening to Z when she speaks Spanish; I haven't gotten the slightest idea what you are talking about," Jack shakes his head in amusement. "Well, with your combined genius along with Sophie and Bridge to help out, I'm sure you guys will think of something."

"That we will," Isaiah laughs as he removes his hand from the doors sensors, allowing the doors to close. "Later Jack."

Jack chuckles as he turns and heads toward his room. Little does he know that the throbbing in his head is not from an incoming headache, but rather from a connection that he was able to access through the meditation exercises that he learned from Bridge.

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Back on Earth…

Using the stone, The Evil, as a tracking tool in locating the resting place of The Other was a stroke of genius. Baskin had suggested that since the two forces draw heavily on the powers of darkness, the two might be connected. Once Kat had tuned in on the frequency of that of the evil stone provided by Baskin, it was merely child's play in trying to locate the exact same frequency that matched it. Hopefully Baskin's theory of the two being connected will hold some merit. If they can get their hands on the Other before it can be released, then they would have thwarted one of Master Vile's plans before it could have come to fruition.

Supreme Commander Cruger stands on top of a hill in the Egyptian desert before one of the great pyramids. Behind him sits one of the many SPD vessels that are used in such ventures. There were several instances where Kat and Boom had located several similar frequency wavelengths of that of the evil. Not knowing which one could lead them to the Other, it was decided that the best option was to trace all of the frequencies and investigate them all. After receiving permission from the Egyptian government, Cruger and the C-Squad immediately left to investigate their reading emitting from the pyramid. Lucky for them, there was no sandstorms in the area to worry about.

Eventually the C-Squad emerges from the pyramid. In the arms of the Green Ranger rests a small crate. Anubis smiles, glad to know that their trip was not in vain. Even if whatever is within the small box that Nestro is carrying has nothing to do with the Other, at least it is now out of evil hands.

"Sir," Red Ranger salutes Anubis once the five reach the large alien dog. " Mission successful."

"That I can see Cadet Rawlings," Anubis nods as he takes the small chest from the Green Ranger. As he does, the five Cadets un-morph back into their normal SPD attire. Like the A-Squad, the C-Squad Ranger suits are modeled after previous Ranger's of the past. Their helmets resemble the Lightspeed Rescue Rangers helmets only now engraved with the SPD badge upon it. The bodies of the suits are exact duplicates of the B-Squad bodies, ranking each Ranger one through five.

Anubis inspects the small chest looking for an opening. When he finds none, he speaks. "It's best that we get this back to Headquarters to see if Kat can figure this out."

"Good, that place gave me the creeps," Ace shudders as he runs a hand down his long maim of hair.

"You're just afraid that the ceiling was going to tumble down on us after Caleb and Nestro blew that wall apart to get to that chest," Angelica, the Pink C-Squad Ranger smirks.

"Blew apart a wall," Anubis asks, one of his eyebrows raised.

"Well, ugh," Jessie begins to speak, however Anubis raises a paw to silence her.

"Wait, I don't think I really want to know," Anubis shakes his head. "Cadet Caleb, have your Squad prepped to leave. Since we are on this side of the planet we may as well head to the United Kingdom before we return to the Base and investigate our other lead."

"Yes sir," the African American male salutes Cruger. The C-Squad enter the vessel, to prepare for the ships launch as Anubis takes one more look at the giant pyramids; a small smile on his muzzle. For many years, some scientists have believed that the giant pyramids where helped built by aliens who came to Earth many eons ago. If only they knew how close to the truth they were; the United Nations knows of all alien activity that has happened upon the Earth yet has refrained from informing the rest of the planet's citizens.

Shaking his head at the silliness of it all, Anubis enters the ship. Within moments, the S.W.A.T. vessel lifts off into the sky, headed for its next destination; Stonehenge.

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Sydney enters the bridge, following behind Prince Gasket and Archerina, the last two known representatives of the Machine Empire. The two are playfully bickering back and forth over something, which Sydney is not really paying attention too, but it reminds her of a time where she once done the same with her former fiancé Sky.

Those were some fun times, Sydney muses. The Sword of Darkness is no where near her, so its influence, although still strong in her mind, is not smothering her sense of reason. But alas, even those happy memories are spoiled by the dark influence.

Getting away from Sky was the best thing I could have ever done, Sydney frowns as she continues following behind Gasket and Archerina. If she were paying attention, she would have realized that Mirloc had stood and walked in front of her. Sky is to old fashion. How many times has he bugged me to quit SPD when we were to finally get married? Even now after all this time, he still thinks of me as a weak girl. If only he knew what has transpired the past month that would greatly change his opinion…

"AHEM," Mirloc coughs loudly, finally able to draw Sydney's attention to him. The blond smiles sheepishly, her checks burning with embarrassment. "Now, do I have your attention?"

"Yes Master," Sydney bows to Mirloc. "Please forgive me. My mind was on other matters."

"As long as it were on destroying the Rangers then there is nothing to apologize for," Mirloc remarks. "Master Vile has left the ship to observe the handlings on his other vessels. It has come to my attention though, that since you were of SPD, you know where all the remains of the giant robots and Krybots that were destroyed are stored."

"That I do," Sydney replies. "They are held on the Planet RI-64, the waste deposal planet in the Beta Quadrant. In fact, the remains of Omni were shipped there as well for meltdown after its destruction."

"I am not familiar with that planet's location," Mirloc remarks.

"It is under the property of Space Patrol Delta," Sydney explains. "The exact location of the planet is top secret, only high ranking officers are allowed to that information. Luckily for you, I was one of those that had access to the files of the planet's location. I can take you there."

"Excellent," Gasket rubs his mechanical hands together. "With those parts I can develop even stronger Krybots! The original Krybot designs after all were bought from me by Broodwing years ago."

"Not to mention we can rebuild several of the giant robots that were destroyed by SPD and other Ranger organizations in the past," Archerina. "When we take over Earth, we are going to need methods of controlling the remaining populace that doesn't die from the gas we will release into the atmosphere."

"I want you to take Havok's ship," Mirloc turns to Sydney. He places a round device in her hands with a red globe on top of it. "His ship had a protective coating cast around it that makes it undetectable. Take Gasket and Archerina to this planet. Once you have gathered all the scraps needed activate this device. It will transport all that you need into my pocket dimension for easy transport."

"If that is the case we may as well clean up the whole planet," Gasket laughs. "The technological genius of the Machine Empire royal family runs through my circuits! We shall create the most deadly titans ever!"

"And what will you do my lord," Sydney asks Mirloc.

"I am taking a fleet of my own to the planet Onyx to see if I can gather more soldiers to fight for Master Vile. And then I we will be headed toward Earth. Master Vile has ordered me to locate the lair of the Other," Mirloc suppresses a shudder. "It gives me chills just thinking about the awesome power that the Other is known to have."

"I think it is foolish," Archerina crosses her arms. "Master Vile is plenty deadly with the dark arts on his side. And with his legions of Putties, Tengu Warriors, the many criminals in his pay as well as the many Cogs that we have donated to his cause he has more than enough enforcers to overtake Earth with. Releasing the Other would surly place his Empire in jeopardy if this Other decides to betray us!"

"The Master has prepared for such an emergency if that were to happen," Mirloc begins to explain. "He has always had a plan to resurrect the Other if necessary. He mentioned it to me earlier that there was a moment when he had entertained the idea when battling against Zordon and his team of Rangers twenty years earlier when they were given a power upgrade by the ninja master Ninjor."

"Who are we to judge the Master's plans," Sydney flicks a strand of hair which had slipped between her eyes out of her face. "The Master has lived for eons. He knows what he is doing. It is our job to do his bidding, even if we do not agree with some of his plans."

"Heh, you know, for someone who is not truly evil, you sure do not waste time getting into character," Archerina chuckles. "You know what flesh-bag; I could actually start to like you."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Sydney smirks. From the files she has read about the Machine Empire, the machines had held a deep hatred and prejudice against any living and breathing creature, humanoid or not. She was shocked at first to see that the prince of the Machine Empire would willingly serve Master Vile, a creature of the flesh.

Perhaps there is more to the two than meets the eyes. She will keep her eyes on the two, in case they have plans to betray Master Vile themselves. Her eyes flash pink, as the dark influence within her mind strengthens. "We leave as soon as possible."

"One more thing my dear," Mirloc reaches into his cloak and removes a Morpher. "You may wish to use this. I have collaborated the Psycho Pink armor into this useless Red Ranger Morpher that I had taken from Sky. With it, you can morph into Psycho Pink."

Sydney takes the Morpher and smirks, glee clearly expressed in her eyes. "Heh, pink is back in."

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Several hours later, back aboard the Omega-Striker Megaship…

"Hot dang, I think we got it," Sophie cheers as she slides her chair across from Isaiah's control panel back over to her own. She opens a compartment on the side of her arm and plugs a USB port directly into her systems. "Now all I have to do is upload the programming from my server into A.D.A.M.'s and we should be in business!"

"Beginning download procedures now," A.D.A.M. speaks over the intercom. The artificial intelligence begins copying the files and programming into its own system. After a few minutes it speaks again. "Download complete. Now analyzing compatibility."

"I'm not sure that I even want to know what you guys are doing," Sky starts as he enters the bridge. "Your not going to blow this ship up, are you?"

Sophie giggles as she removes the adapter from her arm. "Not likely. Bridge and I were doing some thinking. Isn't it kind of weird that the Delta Base was attacked without any warning? The same goes for Jack's family. SPD's satellites should have picked up any foreign space vessel entering Earth, yet both times we didn't know until it was too late. We believe that perhaps Master Vile has some type of clocking device."

"But even cloaked ships can be detected if not seen," Sky argues.

"True," Isaiah speaks up. "However, what if somehow Vile's scientists were able to find away around that and mask their ships completely. Earth would be surrounded by ships and we would never know it."

"Point taken," Sky nods, a smile forming on his lips. "Let me know how it turns out."

"Consider it done," Isaiah gives Sky thumbs up as the Red Ranger retreats to the opposite side of the bridge. He types up several commands up on the console and on the monitor screen, his personal files come up. He clicks on one of the icons that show which criminals he has arrested since his time in SPD began and he clicks on Mirloc's file.

He takes a seat ad begins to read through Mirloc's file. He places his hands on the mouse and strolls down the list, reading over the villains list of crimes and offensives, trying to figure out his most hated enemy's next move.

I know you had something to do with Syd's sudden change of attitude toward me… toward the Squad and SPD. I don't know what, but I will find out exactly. Sky's eyes narrow as he silently threatens Mirloc, even though the alien is no where around. You will pay for everything you have done to me and mine you monster…

"Programming installed successfully," A.D.A.M. reports. "Shall I begin the test scan?"

"Go right ahead A.D.A.M.," Isaiah leans back into his chair. "Wow, inheriting my father's brains did come in handy. This calls for a celebration."

"Enemy vessel located," A.D.A.M. reports suddenly, earning jerks from the three Rangers. The three look at each other before immediately jumping to their feet and head toward the main console to observe A.D.A.M.'s findings.

"Wow that was fast!" Sophie remarks, clearly surprised at the quick find. She types away on the keyboard and an outline of the vessel is drawn out on the screen. "Yep, that's one of Vile's cruisers. Matches the files that we have in our databanks."

"Where is it headed," Sky asks.

"The Beta Quadrant," Sophie frowns as she realizes just what space the vessel is headed in. "Why would they fly directly into SPD space? They must be looking for a reason to get arrested?"

"That or their ship has the same cloaking devices which allowed them to get past our defenses," Sky smacks his right fist into his left palm. "A.D.A.M. follow that vessel. If it is indeed one of Master Vile's ships, then perhaps it will lead us back to where Master Vile and the rest of his fleet is located!"

"Affirmative," A.D.A.M. confirms Sky's request. "Initiating thrusters to Mach 2. Estimated time in interception of enemy vessel is forty-five minutes."

The determination and fuel that he had been missing the past month since his breakup with Sydney is temporary forgotten as the importance of the mission before them now arises. "This is the closest to a lead we have had in weeks! Don't lose them!"

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There is a reason that Gruumm is feared by many. Even though every action he has taken over two decades was for the benefit for his master, his Magnificence, Omni, unlike many of Omni's servants, everything Gruumm did was by his own free will. Every planet taken over, every criminal hired into his army was for a reason. And although near the end, he got sloppy. With Omni's body perfected and his lord had breached the Earth, victory had seemed within his grasp. Then the unexpected happened.

Omni was defeated, blown apart by the B-Squad's S.W.A.T. Megazord by a weak point that was found within Omni's new body. The Troobian Empire had fallen. Omni was destroyed, hundred upon hundreds of Krybots laid waste, blown apart by SPD rifles and blasters, and the troops that betrayed him and joined Broodwing were either arrested or killed during the final battle. There was no way to win.

Gruumm's loss to Doggie Cruger was staged. An act. Gruumm had known that there was no escape. Surely he could have escaped the planet during the celebration of Omni's defeat, but that is not how Gruumm acts. Mind Games have always been his forte. What better way to lure his enemies into a false sense of security than allowing himself to be arrested?

Deep in space, aboard the KO-35 satellite prison, Gruumm sits within his force field covered cell, upon his bunk. Five years were a long time to wait, but everything is slowly coming into plan. Leave the heavy hitting to Master Vile, but the true victory will belong to him.

"So… Master Vile seeks to unlock the Other…" Gruumm chuckles as he stands to his feet. He walks as close to the restraining force field as he can without being shocked so that he can look into the eyes of his inside man, Cadet Andrew Popery. Troobian spies are everyone, even within the tightly sealed ranks of Space Patrol Delta. Gruumm had easily convinced SPD's famed A-Squad Rangers into betraying their superiors, so getting into the mind of many lesser Cadets were much easier, especially when promised power and prestige.

"Yes my lord," Cadet Andrew Popery bows. "That is recent information that I was given to relay to Galaxy Command from the Delta Base. Sir, if I may ask, what… who is this… Other?"

"The Other is supreme power," Gruumm makes a fist. "Supreme power given a physical form! However the Other was contained many eons ago and sealed away. Legend has it that since the Other's physical body has rotted over time that the spirit and power of this being will recreate the body of whoever awakens it from its slumber! The two will be integrated as one, making one Supreme Being with unlimited power! However, with the Grail of Life, the one who the Other intergrades with will retain all memories and personality of themselves without losing themselves in the merger! That is what my Master, Omni, had planned when we attempted our takeover of Earth…"

Gruumm chuckles lightly as he begins to walk circles inside the restraining field surrounding him. "This is the perfect opportunity for me to escape the confines of this prison and rebuild my Empire. While the Rangers are busy in space searching for Master Vile, I will long be gone from this prison before they have a chance to return!"

"Yes sire," Andrew stands up from his knees. As always before reporting in to Gruumm he deactivates the security cameras. "When do you wish to attempt a coup?"

"I attempt nothing," Gruumm barks. "I only accomplish! And to answer your question, I order you to alert me once a suitable ship arrives here at the prison that I may escape in."

"As you wish sire," Andrew smirks. "I know just the perfect vessel. It is on route here later today."

"Excellent," Gruumm's eyes begin to glow an eerie and misty red. "The Troobian Empire will once again live… and my vengeance will be absolute!"

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Z enters her bedroom; designated for the Yellow Ranger. As with all other rooms, the walls are colored according to that particular Rangers color. She peels her jacket off and lays it across the back of the chair next to a desk. She had brought several photos along with her on the journey; photo's of her father and mother that were given to her by Max Cooper, her father, Danny Delgado's best friend. Max's family had become much her own; she plans to take Jack to meet them once all this mess is over and they return to Earth.

She glances over at her bed. Sprawled across the bed lays Jack, fast asleep. Thankfully the designers of the bedrooms of the Megaship thought ahead and installed each quarter with a king sized bed; large enough for two. Z smirks as she slowly creeps toward the bed. She sits down on the edge and leans down toward Jack where she gently kisses his forehead. She brushes several long dreads out of his face.

"It's good to see you actually sleeping well now," she tells him, knowing that he cannot hear her in his slumber. "You had so much trouble falling asleep after your battle with Havok. I'm starting to wonder if those new powers of yours are more of a curse than a blessing."

Z lies down alongside him. She is not tired herself; she is content merely watching Jack sleep. Ever day he struggles to learn how to better control his abilities without placing a strain on his body. He has accomplished the ability to summon molecules before him and create energy that can be used as a projectile; fireballs in a matter of sense. Using the simulation deck, he has also learned that he can control fire to his will; bend it, make it into a shape, or merely extinguish it if he wills it to. Not to mention an incredible strength increase. He was already incredibly strong without the aid of a Ranger Morpher. Now with his energy increase, as well as the added on power of morphing into his Red Fire Squad Ranger attire, Z shudders at the power he welds.

"It's a good thing that you are a good man," Z closes her eyes momentary. "Most men would become corrupt with so much power at their disposal. But then again… all you ever wanted to do was help people. Maybe, just maybe this was a blessing. You can do so much more than you ever could now."

Jack shifts slightly and turns toward the heat of Z's body. Z slides closer, knowing that he seeks her warmth. It was something that the two had grown accustomed to while living on the streets. Z watches the slow rise of his chest as he breaths in and out.

"I wonder what it is you are dreaming about…" Z ponders. "Whatever it is, I hope that it's a good dream."

However, a dream it is not. For the past three weeks, with the help of Bridge, everyday Jack has pushed his body and mind to the limit. With the aid of Bridge, he has been searching for that door within his mind to unlock to learn the full potential of his power; to learn more about the prophecy and his role in the universe. And little did Bridge or Jack for that matter realize, that the door had been opened, due to the headaches that Jack has been frequently having within the past few days.

All Jack had to do was walk through.

And subconsciously, as he slept… he did.

Jack stands in the middle of a meadow, surrounded by high grass and flowers and trees. The sky is a bright blue and is cloudless. In the distance he can hear the chirping of birds, running water and other assorted noises that one would expect in such a setting. He found it rather relaxing as he walked as what felt like hours through the never ending meadow.

"This place… is beautiful." Jack comes to a stop to look into a stream that he had come across. He squats down and dips his hand in the cool water. "Amazing. I have never seen such a place before on Earth."

"That is because it no longer exists," a voice behind him speaks. "That is, not in your time."

Jack stands to his feet and turns to face the newcomer. He comes face to face with a face that looks all too familiar to his own. The man is taller and his own dreadlocks reach farther down his own backside. His complexion, a shade darker than Jack's, but the smile gracing his lips is an exact replicate of Jack's own.

"You," Jack begins, but cannot find the words to continue. He points a finger at the other man and opens his mouth as he finally is able to force the name out of his mouth. "I know you… you were the man covered in flames in my dreams; weren't you"

"Aye, I am he," the taller Black man nods. "Champion of the blade, first Knight of Camelot. I am Lancelot."

"So, you're supposed to be my great-great-great-so on and so on, grandfather," Jack remarks with humor. "You look just like me."

"Or maybe it's the other way around; that you… look like me." Lancelot chuckles as he stabs the end of his sword into the soil next to his feet. "After all, I was born over a millennia ago."

"I can accept that," Jack shrugs. "This is not a dream is it? I'd feel real stupid if it is."

"No," Lancelot places a hand on his descendants shoulder. "Your friend, Bridge, was successful in helping you with your meditations. I waited until you were asleep to summon you here."

"Okay, but where are we now?" Jack waves his arms out at the scenery surrounding them.

"This is a representation of the lands of Africa during my livelihood," Lancelot explains. "After... after Guinevere and my betrayal to Arthur… we escaped into these lands to live. I felt that this was the best representation to accommodate you."

"You're… betrayal," Jack repeats with a raised eyebrow. "What did you two do?"

"I betrayed my king," Lancelot lowers his eyes. "Guinevere and I fell in love. I brought shame onto my post as the Red Knight. I was exiled from the kingdom as well as my love Guinevere."

"Oh," Jack grows quiet, not knowing what to say. "Well, um… can I ask a question? How did you end up in Europe during that era? Being… you know… Black?"

Lancelot throws his head back in laughter at the nature of the question. "I was… an adventurer. I left Africa to explore what the world had to offer. I stayed many years in the French area learning its history and working alongside its people. I picked up many skills during my journey's, the English and French language being the easier of the two. Something I believe which has to do with our bloodline."

"Yeah, about that," Jack scratches his chin. "Just exactly what is the deal with that? What is so special about my… our bloodline."

"We come from a long line of warriors," Lancelot explains. "We were charged with the guardianship over The Other."

"Yeah, that was another one," Jack sighs. "Just who is this Other? What connection do I have to this… thing?"

"The Other is pure evil. Our bloodline was forged from the fires of heaven to be the guardians of the Other; to make sure that it is never freed from its imprisonment." Lancelot places a hand on the hilt of his sword.

"The Other is located at the center of the Earth. But the actual pathway that leads to the core of the planet is hidden within the Congo, long lost," Lancelot looks over to his twin. "However, the signs are pointing toward the Other's eventually resurrection. There is no stopping it this time…"

"What, are you saying that I am not up to the job," Jack asks defensively. "I can hold my own rather well!"

"That is not it," Lancelot remarks. "When Africa was rapped by the slave trade hundred of years later turmoil was spread throughout the land. A father was killed before he could pass the knowledge down to his child about our legacy and soon the guardianship over our post was forgotten in the dust of time. All of the historical facts and knowledge about the Other that was protected by our bloodline were lost, even to prophets. Without the proper observance or guardianship over his lair, there is no telling how strong the Other may has become in his imprisonment."

"Wow," Jack simply says as he backs up against a tree. "Just… yeah… wow."

"It's a lot to take in, I know." Lancelot chuckles. "Imagine how I felt when Merlin first explained the importance of what I had done after we chased Vile off of Earth."

"How did we get these powers," Jack asks. "I mean, I received my phasing powers from the process that created the Morphing technology for SPD. Where did this ability to control fire come from?"

"The Other has been around since the creation of time," Lancelot takes a seat on a rather large stone. He removes a water pouch from his belt and takes a swallow. "When God created the heavens, the bright light cast a shadow upon the rest of the universe. Within that shadows, the Other was created."

"Whoa, that is some heavy mess there buddy," Jack runs a hand through his dreads, pushing them back out of his face. "Are you telling me that the Other is the devil?"

"No. He is merely a servant of evil as of all those that came before and after him molded into a corrupt being of evil."

Lancelot looks into the distance of the meadows. In the distance a woman with long curly brown hair in a bright green dress can be seen picking flowers; a small basket filled to the brim with many already. A smile graces Lancelot's lips. "Just as the first guardian of the Other was molded from fire by the hand of God."

"So, basically what you are telling me," Jack pushes himself off the tree and walks toward Lancelot. "That our entire bloodline was created specifically to be one big ass-kicker to the Other? To keep him inn line?"

"Simply put, but yes. Listen Jack; there will always be a balance between good and evil. This time, that balance has been disrupted. There will always be evil in the universe, but it is our bloodline's duty to make sure that the Other cannot come into power. Because of disruption to the Space-Time continuum over and over again we are not sure what may happen or even if the Other will be released."

"So what should I do," Jack asks after a few minutes of silence.

"Fulfill your destiny," Lancelot stands up from the stone. He walks over to his sword and removes it from the ground. "Prevent the Other from being awakened. And if he is… destroy him. Its as simple as that."

"My destiny," Jack begins. "What about the prophecy, the one that ties me to Master Vile?"

"Master Vile's Empire will fall; there is no stopping that. And if the Other is released, It will be then up to you to bring an end to this menace once and for all. Free our bloodline from this task for good."

"Wait, how do you know this? That Vile will fall?" Jack throws his hands up in the air. "And how am I supposed to stop this… Other?"

"Trust me," Lancelot winks as the ground, sky, grass, and the trees begin slowly fading out of existence. Guinevere has made her way up to Lancelot, as she is fading as well, much like Lancelot. "And trust in yourself. Vile is nothing more than a pawn piece in a long game of chess, much like you. We'll be rooting for you Jack."

"Who is 'we'?"

"All of your ancestors, all of the guardians before you. Even your parents."

"My… my parents?" Jacks asks, his eyes wide.

"They are proud of you Jack," Guinevere speaks for the first time.

"They… they are," tears begin to leak out of his eyes. It had been many years since he had last thought of his parents. "Can… can you tell them… that I miss them? And that I love them?"

Lancelot nods. "Make us proud Jack. End this, so one day your children and your children's children won't have to continue our family's crusade."

Jack wipes his eyes. "I will. Thank you."

Everything before Jack now has vanished, replaced with the vast emptiness of nothingness. Jack slowly closes his eyes. When he reopens them…

He is looking at the ceiling of the bedroom he shares with Z. He jerks up, completely awake. The first thing he notices is that his headache is gone. His quick movements had jarred Z awake, who had drifted off to sleep while lying next to her boyfriend.

"Whoa! Where's the fire?"

"Heh, you have no idea," Jack smiles lightly as his mission finally comes into focus. "Z… thank you."

"For what," Z asks as she wipes the sleep out of her eyes.

"For believing in me," Jack simply states. He gently takes her free hand into his, where he begins to massage the back of her hand with his thumb. "When I started to lose faith in myself."

"Oh Jack," Z smiles. The two lover's lean forward, anticipating the expected kiss…

"Jack! Z!" Sky's voice breaks through over the intercom. "We have a situation! We need you both here in the bridge, stat!"

The two laugh at Sky's timing. They hop of the bed and gather their things, primary, their Morphers, and immediately rush to the bridge of the Megaship.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Gruumm's spy was true to his word. The ship was an SPD cargo vessel large enough for Gruumm to bring along many of his fellow prisoners along with him. Andrew deactivated the force field around Gruumm, and had given him his old staff out of the evidence room. While Andrew went to get the vessel ready, Gruumm's attack throughout the base rocked the entire prison to its core. Cells were opened and containment cards were cracked, freeing the prisoners, allowing prisoners to riot.

Seeing the former Emperor of the Troobian Empire walk through the halls of the prison blasting SPD Cadets with his staff, gave all the prisoners the willpower they needed to rise up against the trained personal.

"This is freaking great baby! The Troobian's are back!" a humanoid looking alien yells in joy. He has black spots covering the back of his neck. "Yeah, we be breaking out of here!"

"Long live Gruumm," another yells as Gruumm blasts his cell door open.

"Kill the guards," Gruumm orders as he takes his staff and swings it toward another cell, breaking the lock across the door. "Do anything to that would put SPD days behind in trying to locate us!"

"Consider it done boss," another yells as he rips a bar off a staircase and chases after an injured SPD Cadet. Laser beams cut through the air randomly, coming from both sides. Cadets and space aliens and other criminals begin falling. As Gruumm walks through the laser fight, he repels the blasts with his staff.

A Cadet, this one of n alien heritage itself, makes his way to the main communications room and notices that it is empty. "Wha… where is Cadet Popery?"

"Right behind you," Andrew remarks, his blaster pointed right at the Cadet's backside. Before the Cadet can answer, Andrew pulls the trigger and fires on the Cadet, ending his life quickly.

Andrew smirks as he reaches over to the communication device and inputs a command. All the communication devices shut completely down all over the prison, preventing any and all outgoing transmissions. He replaces his blaster on his side holster. "Can't have any transmissions sent to Galaxy Command. Heh, Lord Gruumm will reward me handsomely once the Troobian Empire rises from the ashes!"

As Andrew exits out of the Communications room, Andrew watches many of his fellow SPD Comrades fall as they are overran by the many freed prisoners. Andrew has been a loyal follower of the Troobian Empire and Omni for many years, even before his acceptance into Space Patrol Delta. He was able to successfully infiltrate SPD without worries, something that should have been impossible to do to begin with. A-Squad was not the only soldiers of SPD to succumb to the dark side.

Gruumm bursts through another holding block, searching for Mora. He swipes his staff around in a quick turn, smacking a Cadet clear out of his path. The Cadet struggles to stand, but before he can, Gruumm walks up behind the Cadet and imbeds the staff into the Cadet's backside. He turns to his new lackeys who are quickly pouring into the new area to free their comrades.

"Find my daughter. Find Mora," Gruumm bellows.

"You won't find her here," Andrew remarks as he walks up to his master. "A month ago she was transferred to the Delta Base on Earth."

"And you are now telling me this," Gruumm growls, his eyes glowing as his anger grows.

"That information was classified my lord," Andrew quickly bows down on his knees. "I had no access to it until…"

"Never mind," Gruumm turns and heads out the room. "Once we have gathered enough supplies and troops, we will head to Earth. Set a detonation device to blow this prison colony to oblivion!"

"As you wish my lord," Andrew stands to his feet. "It shall be done."

"So… Mora is on Earth," Gruumm comes to a stop to ponder the situation. "And once this base is destroyed, I will believed to have been vaporized along with the rest of this colony's inhabitants. There will be no evidence to show any survivors. And if Master Vile is successful in acquiring the Grail of Life, I will be there to claim that magnificent power as my own!"

Standing in the shadows, the Alpha-10 unit scurries away to the escape pods to get to safety.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sydney and her two companions pull the ship to a stop, right above the Planet RI-64, the planet where all waste, destroyed Zords, giant robots, useless ships and robots such as Troobian Krybots were laid to rest after the dismantle of the Troobian Empire.

"There it is," Sydney releases the ships controls and crosses her arms. "The largest dumping grounds in the whole known universe!"

"A dumping ground for humans, but for us," Gasket spreads his arms before the screen. "This is a goldmine!"

"Many of our brethren lay waste in those fields," Archerina remarks. "We shall use their remains to create the most deadly and dastardly robots ever to be seen in creation!"

"Good look with that," Sydney chuckles. "If you can create something more terrible than those Orangehead Krybots, I'd believe you."

"The Orangehead design was a contract design for Broodwing years ago," Gaskin states as he leans forward and rests his hands on the control panel. "The Machine Empire's greatest grunt soldier design over the regular Bluehead Krybot of Gruumm's. Broodwing paid quite well."

"I have a design in mind for a more powerful version of the Orangehead," Archerina pops her robotic knuckles. "A Redhead Krybot!"

"Oh, Redhead! I was thinking of dying my hair to red," Sydney twirls a stand of her blond hair around a finger. "What do you think?"

"…" Gasket and Archerina simply glance at each other. "Whatever," Gasket mutters. "We'll leave the ship in orbit. Archerina and I will teleport down to the planet and retrieve the parts we desire. You stand guard here aboard the ship!"

The two evil robots stand back from the control panel, to prevent the teleportation device within their own bodies from interfering with whatever computer circuits inside the ships steering mechanism. With a bright flash, the two androids disappear off of the ship and head down toward the planet, leaving Sydney alone aboard the ship.

"Gladly," Sydney mutters as she kicks her feet on top of the console. "Nothing down on that planet except junk, dirt, smut and grease. Why would I want to grace my perfection with such tarnish?"

Sydney removes a small bottle of pink nail polish and begins to paint her nails. She is so preoccupied with her current task, that she does not notice the Omega-Sticker Megaship appear out of its hyper-drive.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Is that the ship," Z asks as the vessel appears on the large screen. "It resembles that report we got on Earth about seeing an unidentifiable ship leaving Earth… the day that Havok attacked."

Jack eyes narrow as he recalls that report. "Yeah, you are right. This confirms it then, that vessel belongs to Master Vile. Let's get ready for action Rangers."

"Not so fast," Sky stops Jack; he places a hand on the other Red Ranger's shoulder. "Let me handle it. I've been itching to get my hands dirty."

"I think we all have been antsy for some action Sky," Jack remarks. "Though I think it would be better if we all checked it out."

"Please, I insist Jack. I feel that I have been… slacking some since my abduction by Mirloc a while back. This will give me the chance to prove to myself that I still have it in me to be Red Ranger." Sky insists. "Besides, we can't leave the Megaship man-less."

"Okay Sky," Jack finally caves. "But, and I mean but, if anything goes down that you cannot handle, alert us ASAP!"

"You got it," Sky grins as he turns and heads toward the exit. "Thanks Jack."

Once Sky leaves the bridge, Jack turns back to the control panel. Isaiah can be seen typing away on his keyboard. "Well, this is good news. The ship's sensors are only picking up one life reading aboard the ship. Sky can handle one person."

"True, but he will have a time on his hands if there are any evil robots aboard that vessel," Sophie remarks. "We androids don't have natural auras to detect."

"Well Sky is just going to have to be careful then," Z leans against Jack. "We'll be ready to jump to his aid if he needs it."

"Defiantly," Jack remarks as he thinks back on the words that Lancelot left with him. "These are dire times, with Vile on the loose and with the Other on the verge of being freed…"

"Wait, how do you know that," Bridge turns around in his seat to look at Jack. "Did you receive some private message from the Commander in your quarters or something? Because I never received a transmission from the Delta Base here…"

"No," Jack shakes his head. "But I was given a… a warning. Isaiah, get this ship as close as possible to that vessel without alerting their own security. I am going to assist Sky."

"But I thought that Sky said…" Isaiah begins to speak, but it cut off by Jack.

"I know what I told Sky, however I have been appointed as the overseeing leader of this operation." Jack grabs his Morpher from behind him and heads toward the elevator. "Inform me on my Morpher once Sky has successfully reached the other ship on his Galaxy Glider."

"Sure thing… boss," Isaiah glances at Z, who merely shrugs. Once the doors close behind Jack, Isaiah turns back to his monitor. "Jack… he has… changed since that day."

"We all change," Z remarks as she walks around the computer consoles and stands before the large monitor; looking out into space. "Some for the better… others for the worst. When you have lived your whole life only expecting the worst case scenario, it makes things easier to cope with."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The Galaxy Glider. Originally built by the scientists on KO-35 to assist the Rangers that would be chosen to become the Astro-Ranger to travel in space without the need of a ship, was adapted into SPD's Ranger program several years earlier as an addition to the S.W.A.T. technology. Even though Space Patrol Delta is its own organization, it has adapted and integrated technology from all different sources into its own arsenal.

Sky quietly pilots his glider away from the Megaship and over to the small vessel. He lands the glider directly on top of the ship and activates its artificial gravity suction, keeping the glider from floating away. He also activates the same device on his S.W.A.T. gear, allowing him to move freely on top of the ship without having to worry about the lack of gravity in space keeping him secured.

"Okay, now to find the emergency hatch," the Red Ranger mutters as he begins to walk alongside of the vessel in search for an entrance. Upon finding it, Sky straps his Enforcer to his backside as he begins to turn the latch for the airlock. He opens the latch and creeps inside. Upon closing the latch behind him, the airlock seals once again and new oxygen is filtered in the room. A green light next to a door flashes, indicating that he can now enter the opposite side.

Quietly Sky enters into the next room. His Enforce is drawn, prepared to fire if attacked. He slides up against a wall and walks down the yellow fog lit hallway. He observes that aside from the obvious noise from the ships engines, the ship is quiet. "Where is everyone?"

After a few minutes of searching the ship for any potential threats, Sky makes his way toward the direction of the Bridge. He knows for a fact that the ship could not pilot itself out to the planet, so obviously the occupants of the ship must have retreated down to the planet below. However, if there is any person remaining aboard the ship, they will be in the Bridge.

Sky rushes into the bridge with his weapon drawn. Sure enough, the only remaining occupant of the ship turns in surprise and gasps upon the arrival of the Red Ranger. Sky lowers his rifle as he is struck stiff seeing his former fiancé sit in the pilot's seat.

" Sydney?"

Sydney's eyes flash pink as she snarls. She leaps out of her seat and kicks the Delta Enforcer out of Sky's hands. Once she lands she cartwheels by the Red Ranger and kicks him in the backside, sending him flying into the cockpit. She removes the Morpher that Mirloc had reconstructed for her and activates the morphing sequence.

"Psycho Ranger! Pink Power!" Sydney yells as the dark energy of the Psycho Ranger envelopes her, arming her in the Pink Psycho Armor. The Sword of Darkness materializes in her right hand and she drops down into an offensive stance. "Hey lover!"

Literally knocked back into his senses, Sky quickly jumps to his feet. " Sydney? Wha… what have you done? Why are you here!"

"I thought that it would be rather obvious," Sydney crackles as she places the tips of her fingers on the edge of the blade before her. "Mirloc helped changed me for the better!"

"Mirloc," Sky sneers. "What? What did he do to you?" Sky then notices the weapon that Sydney is wielding and his eyes widen behind his visor. "The sword of Darkness? Syd, no!"

"Oh yes," Sydney licks her lips. "Mirloc has opened my eyes Sky. I am no longer hindered by any humane morals or codes! I am free!"

"No, no your not," Sky argues. "Know your Ranger history Syd! The Sword of Darkness does not free anyone! It enslaves your mind to the dark side! Fight it!"

"The only thing I am about to fight," Sydney draws the dark blade backwards and squats a little bit to gain some momentum, as she prepares to launch her attack. If Sky could see her eyes behind that ebony visor covering her eyes, he would be terrified from the crazy look he would find. With the dark power influencing her every thought and move, Sydney surprised Sky with her quickness as she charges toward him, with the sword poised to attack. "IS YOU!"