Thanks for all the reviews :).
4:30 PM
With all the repair-work done on the zords, Alpha and I turned our attention to Europe. A volcano sitting on a tiny island off the coast of Italy was dangerously close to erupting, threatening the island's coastal villages. Volcanic eruptions were frighteningly powerful. Through the years, Alpha and I had seen several that had exploded so violently they'd affected the entire planet. But younger generations tend to forget that the mountain they're building their home on is actually a ticking clock. Evacuations were currently underway, but the nearby residents weren't moving fast enough. If the volcano erupted now, the loss of life would be catastrophic.
But in a moment that reminded me why I chose them, I'd just decided to call the Rangers when teleport streaks shot down through the ceiling, and the team materialised in the central chamber.
"Rangers," I smiled. "It's good to see you all," and I gazed around the room. "But where are Peter and Teresa?"
"They're still searching for David Corbett, the missing student," Jason replied. "They've got half the town looking. The rest of us thought we could shift our attention elsewhere."
"The volcano in Italy," Trini nodded. "We all decided that we had to do something. We want to help."
I smiled to myself. I didn't doubt that Trini had organised the group. Trini's capacity for compassion and empathy are an example not just to the Rangers, but to myself and Alpha as well. Supporting any number of charities and causes, Trini has a passionate need to help everyone around her, from her closest friends to the world at large. Even without her powers, I have no doubt Trini would be a powerful force for making the world a better place.
"Alpha and I were just monitoring the situation," I said. "And I agree. What do you think would be the best course of action?"
"That's simple enough," Sarah replied. "Half of us help with the evacuation."
"While the rest of us can use our zords to dig trenches to the sea," Trini finished, "diverting the molten lava into the water."
Billy raised his hand. "But if the eruption is as catastrophic as a number of prominent geologists are suggesting," he began, "then we'll need to prevent a tsunami from striking nearby coastlines along the mainland."
"Another trench along the beach should take care of that," Scott suggested.
"Great idea," Ian nodded.
As the Rangers organised themselves, I couldn't help but wonder where should we draw the line? Our opponent wasn't a monster from space or a demon from the underworld. Our enemies here are time and simple geological forces. By our very nature, the Rangers and I live in the murky world between intervention and domination. When is it too much? When do people cease being protected, and start being kept as pets? This is why I limit the Rangers as much as I can to threats nobody else on Earth has the authority or weaponry to deal with. Too much interference leads to control, and the abuse of power. I've seen it happen, and it is a dark road to travel down.
Still, if the Rangers ask for permission to investigate something, I'll rarely turn them down. I trust these twelve brave men and women, and trust their judgement almost as much as my own. As Teresa always says, we're here to help.
Before me, the Rangers had assembled themselves ready for the trip to Europe.
"We'll keep an eye on you in the viewing screen," Alpha said.
"Indeed," I added, and the Rangers looked up to me as they reached for their communicators. "Good luck Rangers. Go save some lives," and the ten heroes vanished from the Command Centre.
To be continued.