Previously, on Power Rangers Cyber V: Kalask infiltrated the base using a nanite spy, which he has used to gain data on the Rangers. Lt. Conner, an SPD mole, located the Twins' secret lab. President Winters displayed a paranoid hatred of Hybrids, especially the Twins, following an incident in New York. Winters and General Sauder are active members of Alpahbet Soup, the organization that created Venjix and nearly destroyed the world.
In recent weeks, the Rangers have received assistence from newcomers called the Techno Rangers, who possess an unexplained connection to Matt and Wendy. A false claim of identity by the Techno Rangers sent Kalask on a wild goose chase and left Thrak free to try and take over the Prime Reality himself.
Kat Manx sent a message to Wendy, drawing her to Sauder's office. There, she located sensitive Alphabet Soup files. Shortly afterwards, Anya found her way into the lab and confronted the Twins, revealing in the process the true story behind the death of their parents, and the apparent culpability of General Sauder and Kalask. Following a battle, Wendy left and made her way back to Sauder's office, where she proceeded to confront the General with a Data Ray in his face.
Mission Log Continued...
Location: General Sauder's office
Time: 3:27 PM Pacific Time.
A nasty bruise forming on his jaw, General Sauder lies on the floor behind his desk, stunned both by the blow and the accusations directed at him. Standing just off to the side, still holding the Data Ray by the barrel, is a very cheesed off Wendy.
Wendy: The truth. I want it now... Sir.
Sauder: rubbing his jaw Damnit, Venturas, what the hell has gotten into you?
Wendy: Answers.
Sauder: Do you know I could have you court-martialed for striking a superior officer?
Wendy: You have NO idea how little I care... I know all of it now, and you're gonna pay for what you've done.
She charges the Data Ray and aims it squarely at Sauder's head.
Wendy: Like the saying goes, "Payback's a bitch."
And as she says this, the tip of the Ray begins to glow...
Power Rangers Cyber V
Created by Aaron Thall
Truth and Consequences, Part 3
Written by: Aaron Thall
The Rangers, still morphed, run with Matt as they try to catch up to Wendy.
Jake: So what's all this about, anyway?
Matt: There's no time to-
He stops short. Confused, the Rangers pause.
Anya: Matt?
Walter: This is no time to take a rest, man.
Matt: Jeremy, I need your Data Ray.
The Rangers exchange glances. Hesitantly, Jeremy draws his Ray and hands it to Matt.
Jeremy: You're not going to do anything rash, are you?
Matt: No.
He spins around and fires at the air vent. There's a miniscule explosion as something tiny bursts into flames and falls to the ground.
Matt: Why do you ask?
Jeremy swipes his Data Ray back.
Jeremy: I thought it was WENDY with the impulse control issues!
Matt: That was a nanite-sized spy sent by Kalask. Wendy and I have known about it for weeks now. One of the big reasons we couldn't speak openly was because that thing was transmitting data to our enemy.
Cindy: But how'd you know?
Matt: Hybrid, remember? We sensed it, but we couldn't get close enough to do anything until now.
Jake: Well, that's fascinating, but we've still gotta stop your sister from doing something violent.
Matt: Right!
Wendy seems ready to pull the trigger. Sauder practically stares down the barrel for a moment as she decides whether or not to go through with it.
Wendy: No... You're not worth it.
Wendy lowers the Data Ray, just as Matt and then others arrive.
Matt: Wendy! ...GENERAL! What happened?
Sauder: She burst into my office and assaulted me, that's what!
Sauder pulls himself up.
Jeremy: Wendy... You didn't...
Wendy: He had it coming.
This brings confused looks to the faces of the team, save Matt and Anya.
Cindy: What... what do you mean?
Wendy reaches into her lab coat's pocket and pulls out the black box she'd stolen from Sauder's hidden room. Without a word, she tosses it to Anya.
Wendy: He's been lying to all of us from the beginning. He's been playing a sick game with out lives, and I'm through being his pawn.
Walter: What the heck are you talking about, Girl?
Wendy: Don't you see? It all makes sense now. Matt and I weren't taken out of action by coincidence... HE ARRANGED IT.
Jake: ...WHAT?
Matt: Perhaps I should explain.
Matt takes a deep breath, as if still trying to process it all.
Matt: ... The black box is from a Dread Scout that infiltrated the base years ago...
Jake: Yeah... and you guys caught it, right?
Another pause. Then, with the cold detachment he pronounces an experiment a success or failure...
Matt: Anya first spotted it. Shortly afterwards, several soldiers found and terminated it... Some didn't survive. The General, or someone else close to him, figured out the Scout's original frequency. He sent Kalask a message.
Walter: ... You can't be saying what I think you are, man.
Matt: He told Kalask what we were doing, where to find us, and when it would be best to strike.
Sauder: It's not true. I had nothing to do with the attack on the base.
Wendy: Like we'd believe you. You're with Alphabet Soup!
Anya: The same organization that created Venjix, correct?
The Twins nod.
Wendy: The same. I found out from some files I... borrowed from your office.
Cindy looks up at the general, sad and confused.
Cindy: You... set us up?
Matt nods.
Walter: Dude, that's cold...
Matt: He only let us THINK we'd be Blue and Pink. He arranged the entire thing.
He turns to the General, his scientific control fading and his face hurt.
Matt: Why?
Sauder: I... I can explain...
Wendy: Oh, really?
Sauder: (moves to touch her) Wendy-
Wendy stares at him, eyes cold fire, voice deadly.
Wendy: What about our PARENTS?
Sauder turns several shades paler.
Anya (can't stand to look Sauder any more): I... respected you.
Walter: confused But I thought they died in a car crash...
Anya: They did, but it was no accident. If he could tell Kalask where our base was...
Sauder: concerned Do you really think I would do something like that?
Wendy: At this point, I'd believe it if someone told me that you WORKED for Kalask.
Sauder: This is insane! It was the Tigress who-
Wendy: interrupting Came to our home only after YOU took Anya there? Brilliant strategy.
Jeremy holds up a hand.
Jeremy: Let him answer.
His look says he's not taking Sauder's side at all. Sauder is silent. Jeremy presses it.
Jeremy: Sir. Is this true?
Sauder looks like he needs to explain some things.
Sauder: Venturas...
He hesitates, then hardens his resolve.
Sauder: You're confined to quarters.
Jeremy (Looks away, eyes closed, face tight.): Shut the hell up.
Wendy turns on her heel and storms out. Matt's after her instantly.
Matt: Wendy...
The others watch them go. Jeremy turns to Sauder, his gaze cold as Cindy collapses against him, crying. Jake is looking away from Sauder, fists clenched. Walter looks shell shocked, but he's got his hand on Anya's shoulder. Anya's face is no longer a serene warrior's. It is tight with suppressed emotion.
Jeremy: You'll talk on the way to medical. Or Anya will. Either way, sir... we get the truth.
Jeremy turns toward the door. His head inclines slightly towards Jake. As he speaks, Anya has compose herself and starts moving, with Walter almost instinctively waiting so he can cover the team's back.
Jeremy: Escort the general.
Jake nods. The others file out, leaving him and Walter. Jake suddenly rears back and slugs the General in the stomach. Sauder sways, doubles over, but does not lose his footing.
Jake: Right this way, SIR. And if you DID do all that to Wendy, I swear, it won't be HER that you have to worry about.
He leads the general out. Walter takes up the rear.
Location: Shadow Claw, Dimensional Limbo
Time: Inapplicable
Thrak stands before Kalask's throne, facing Tem-Tar and Emeralde.
Thrak: What do you MEAN that Duplicator failed?
Emeralde: Isn't it obvious? You're playing out of your league, and the master will be most displeased when he finds out you've been launching attacks while he is away.
Thrak glowers at her, obviously unhappy with her remarks.
Tem-Tar: Eheh... I'm sure what Emeralde means to say is that... Actually, I'm not sure I can FIND a positive spin to put on that...
Thrak: Bah! Enough mindless prattle! The time has come to finish them. Send the Dreads! All of them! And do it-
Kalask: Belay that command.
Kalask steps into the throne room, Midnai at his side. Thrak immediately deflates and steps away from the throne.
Thrak: Master!
Tem-Tar: Welcome back, my Liege. I trust your excursion proved educational?
Kalask: Indeed it has, but that can wait. I see you have been at play without me to guide the game.
Emeralde: Thrak cost us Duplicator and Stakefist.
Tem-Tar: Not to mention the fact that the Combat Vehicles are back online and have formed new Megazord combinations.
Kalask: I am aware of what has transpired, and I applaud your efforts in my absence. Truly, I have rarely seen such an amusing spectacle. You have done well to bring these new Megazords into the open, my minions...
Thrak: Uhhh... Thank you, Master...
Kalask: But for disobeying my order to leave them alone...
Kalask taps a button on his left gauntlet, and Thrak screams in agony as his cybernetic parts begin to spark. He lets it happen for five seconds, just enough time to force Thrak to his knees in agony. As he depresses the button, Thrak's pain immediately subsides and the cyborg staggers to his feet.
Kalask: I trust this will not happen again? Good. Now, as for the fruits of our labors; Midnai, have the preparations been completed?
Midnai: As you requested, Master. He has been treated with the Venjix nanites to boost his powers.
Kalask: Then by all means, summon him.
Midnai: Of course.
Midnai gestured and a warpportal appears. Slowly, a strange being emerges from it. The being seems to be an African witchdoctor, but with many cybernetic parts, including a metallic mask with a hinged jaw. The being is called Kurse.
Kurse: I am ready to serve you, Lord Kalask.
Kurse bows respectfully.
Kalask: Excellent. I have a mission for you. Somewhere in the Prime Reality are a pair of pretenders who are subverting my precious game. Lure them out and remove them from the board.
Kurse: At once!
Kurse vanishes. Kalask chuckles to himself.
Kalask: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, get annihilated.
Tem-Tar watches as Thrak rubs his mechanical arm.
Tem-Tar: Yes, I do believe that may prove useful...
Location: Fort Myers
Wendy storms down the hall. Matt finally catches up with her.
Matt: Wendy! Wait up!
Wendy stops and turns to face her brother.
Wendy: WHAT?
Matt: You assaulted the General.
Wendy: He deserves worse.
Matt: Maybe. But Wendy- we have to keep our heads. We're treading on thin ice between all that and Operation T. When this gets back to the President- You KNOW how she feels about Hybrids...
Wendy holds her position a second, then backs into the hall's wall, sighing heavily as she slides down to sit.
Wendy: I know... It's... I just couldn't take it... It was easy to pretend that I didn't know about the Techno Rangers... But... this isn't...
Matt Putting an arm around her: I know.
Wendy: And then, I got face to face with that SOB, and I just-
Matt: Snapped? Definitely. You had every reason to. I just hope it doesn't cost us anything else.
Wendy: I'd like to see him try.
Matt: He can.
Wendy: He would.
Matt: He will. We need to approach this in a more diplomatic manner if we're going to salvage anything from this.
Pause
Wendy: Matt, if they knew the truth...
Matt: They will soon enough. The others have been to our secret lab. They know where it is, so now they can go there whenever they want. And we at the very least owe it to Anya to come clean about what's going on. Face it, sis... It's over. One way or another, this game we've been playing is about to blow up in our faces.
Wendy: It's... over?
Matt: It's over. We've gotta come clean and deal with the fallout.
A small device in Matt's pocket beeps softly. He reaches into the pocket and pulls it out. He frowns at it, but when Wendy looks over, she lights up.
Wendy: Looks like we have work to do. Come on!
Location: The Park
In a heavily forested area, the Techno Rangers run through the foliage towards their goal. It is obvious that they are in a rush.
Techno Purple: We are nearly there.
Techno Grey: Excellent. Let us proceed.
They run a few moments more until they see Kurse laughing to himself and swinging a large spear about.
Techno Purple: We should wait and determine the cyborg's abilities.
Techno Grey: We cannot afford to! Come on!
Techno Grey leaps forward.
Techno Purple: WAIT!
Techno Grey lands before Kurse, her Techno Lasher in hand, already in Melee Mode.
Techno Grey: Yield, villain. Leave or suffer the consequences.
Kurse: Ah, you're finally here! Perfect!
Techno Purple runs up to join Grey.
Techno Purple: That was foolish.
Techno Grey: We do not need strategy to deal with this being.
Kurse: Aw, I'm crushed... But I'm SO happy to see the both of you, because now I can DESTROY YOU!
Kurse begins waving his spear and performing some bizarre kind of voodoo dance. The tip of the spear glows green as he does. The Techno Rangers watch, confused. After a moment, Kurse stops.
Techno Grey: Entertaining but irrelevant. Prepare to fall.
Kurse: Chanting I bring my curse from me to you; woe be ye, for now you're through; feel the power of voodoo; as I make clones of the Techno Two!
He waves his spear again, and in it's wake it leaves translucent copies of the Techno Rangers. The real Techno Rangers tense, not liking this. The doubles, simply holograms, stand rigid, utterly devoid of life.
Techno Grey: We are not impressed!
Techno Grey runs towards Kurse, Techno Lasher fully charged. Kurse, utterly amused, stabs her hologram through the chest with his spear. Shockingly, Techno Grey's suit suddenly sparks in her chest area, staggering her and knocking her onto her back.
Techno Purple: TECHNO GREY!
He runs to her side and quickly inspects the damage.
Techno Grey: He has... tapped into our vital systems... We must stop him now!
Techno Grey staggers to her feet with Techno Purple's help. As they turn to face him, Kurse chuckles.
Kurse: I don't think so!
Kurse swings his spear through both holograms this time, and small explosions rock both Techno Rangers, knocking them back again.
Techno Purple: He's bypassed our defenses!
Kurse: And it's fun, too!
Kurse spins his spear like a baton, sending it through the holograms repeatedly. Every time they pass through, explosions rock the Techno Rangers. The first series of eruptions knock their weapons away and throw them off balance. The second knocks them to the ground. Then comes the third... And the fourth... And the fifth...
Location: Medical Bay, Fort Myers
The General sits on the edge of a bed as a nurse hands him an icepack. The others, still in their suits, stand around him.
Anya: And then you appeared... and Matt shared our suspicions, and you saw what happened after that.
Silence. Cindy looks up. She's sitting on a gurney across from him.
Cindy: ...Is it true?
General Sauder looks up at her and glares. Cindy looks down again- she's all cried out, and too hurt to speak. Jake stands up.
Jake: Look, much as I'm THRILLED to be the primary instead of the replacement, asshole- All this time, you lied to them. Fuck, you lied to us! Cindy and me... You made us feel GRATEFUL to be the replacement, when you had us pegged from the minute we walked in as pawns in your sick little chess game. WELL, JAKE TAYLOR IS NOBODY'S-
Jeremy: JAKE!
Jake and Jeremy looks gazes. Slowly, Jake calms and looks away.
Jake: Sorry...
Jeremy: Walter, did you send that message to the address the Twins left on their computer?
Walter nods. He glares at Sauder.
Walter: What you did was cold. Your were like a dad to them, man. How could you DO that to them! Maybe if you explain, I'll understand.
Sauder looks down, avoiding direct eye contact.
Sauder: I... did what I had to do...
Jake: Oh, that explains everything!
Suader: They kept... emphasizing how much they wanted to be out in the field playing superhero... Blast it, they never saw the bigger picture!
Jeremy: Which was?
Sauder looks up at Jeremy.
Sauder: We needed them in the labs, making weapons and mecha! Not out in a war zone risking their lives! If something had happened to them-
Jeremy: So you arranged for Kalask to find out about the plans for the defense, and made sure Emeralde would go after the weapons...
Sauder: NO! That's not true! I had nothing to do with that attack!
Jake stands in front of Sauder, so mad, he shakes.)
Jake: And why the hell should we believe you?
Jeremy: Jake...
Jake: NO, Jeremy! I want answers!
He turns back to Sauder.
Jake: Give me one good reason why we shouldn't use some of their weapons on YOU.
Pause
Sauder: Yes, it's true that I'm with Alphabet Soup. My job was to monitor the Twins, in case they ever showed signs of turning bad. As far as involving their parents, that wasn't my call. Someone higher up the food chain did that... I think it was to intentionally get the parents killed.
Cindy: Were they hybrids, too?
Sauder: Yes, but inactive. They weren't any threat. Whomever ordered us to go to the Venturas home wanted Alphabet Soup to be the only ones who could access the Twins. Why, I don't know. Maybe their intellects, maybe their hybrid powers. Maybe both. I never knew. I'd always just assumed that the timing of the Kalask attack then and the one when you first became Rangers were coincidences... But now... I... I just don't know.
Jake: Oh, that makes it all okay!
Sauder: I'm not saying I'm a saint. I lied to them for years about their Ranger status. I hid the truth about their parents, and I ordered Anya to do so as well. But I never did anything to harm them... I've done all I can to shield them. If it wasn't for me, Alphabet Soup would have locked them away or killed them ages ago.
Jeremy: So, who's pulling your strings?
Sauder looks away.
Sauder: I... can't say. If I told you, they'd come after all of you, too.
Walter: I've heard enough.
Cindy: holding herself It's... it's cold in here.
Jeremy: So, what now?
Anya: Obviously we need to find Matt and Wendy before-
The Cyber Ops beep from under their gloves.
Techno Grey: over Op Power Rangers... We... need your... help... The park... Hurry...
Jake: DAMNIT!
He hits the hospital bed.
Jake: Why NOW?
Jeremy: (looking at the general) He doesn't matter. This (pointing to his Cyber Ops) does.
Each Ranger nods.
Jeremy: Ready?
Team forms up behind him.
All: READY!
Jeremy: All right. BACK TO ACTION!
Location: The Park
The Techno Rangers are barely able to stand, their costumes sparking and visors cracked. Kurse merely twirls his spear tauntingly.
Kurse: One more time ought to finish you two off once and for all, so HERE WE GO!
Kurse begins to swing the Spear at the holograms, the Techno Rangers too weakened to try and stop him.
Jeremy: SCANNER BLADE! KEEEEE-YAH!
Jeremy almost literally flies in, blocking the spear with his Cyber Weapon and using his momentum to shove Kurse back. With the cyborg off balance, he slashes his Scanner Blade again, severing the spear and dissipating the holograms. Unfortunately, cutting off the connection so violently has an unfortunate side effect. A final series of small explosions hit the Techno Rangers. As the others arrive, their mysterious allies slowly collapse to the ground like marionettes with their strings cut. Jake grabs their weapons while Cindy and Walter rush to their side. Anya joins Jeremy to confront Kurse.
Anya: You'll pay for that!
Jeremy: Jake, Walter, help us take this freak down! Cindy, get the Techno Rangers someplace safe!
Cindy: RIGHT!
Jake and Walter help the incapacitated Techno Rangers to their feet. Helping them to keep moving, Cindy hurriedly guides them away from the battle.
Jeremy: wielding his Scanner Blade Plan Fifty-Two Alpha!
Jake and Walter: RIGHT!
Both of them summon their Cyber Weapons. Walter fires first, releasing computer virus disks that attach to Kurse. With the threat of ending up like the Techno Rangers gone for the moment, Jake fires an EMP wave at the cyborg, instantly shorting out his cybernetics.
Walter: Nail him!
Anya: With pleasure!
Anya charges up her Input Staves in her fists and leaps forward, punching Kurse with energized blows.
Jeremy: I never did like the Scooby Doo movie... SCANNER SLASH!
Kurse: NO!
Jeremy slashes quickly, slicing Kurse in two. The cyborg falls backwards and erupts into a fireball. Jeremy nods with satisfaction.
Jeremy: Mission accomplished.
He begins inspecting his Scanner Blade for possible damage, but stops as he sees the readout from the weapon's internal computer.
Jeremy: ...no...
Nearby, Cindy continues to guide the Techno Rangers away from the fight.
Cindy: Hang on, I've got you...
Cindy looks around and sees she's far enough away. She sets the Techno Rangers down by a large tree and powers down. Kneeling to face them at eye level, she breathes a sigh of relief that they're safe.
Cindy: This may sting, but I'm just checking you out.
Gently, she inspects the damage on Techno Purple with her hands, finding several badly charred spots. After a few seconds, Techno Purple thrusts his hand up and grabs Cindy's.
Techno Purple: You must not... do that...
Cindy: But you're... damaged, hurt, injured! Whatever! You need-
A weak chuckle makes her turn to Grey.
Techno Grey: We... thank you... for your kindness... But we must leave.
Cindy: No, don't-!
Techno Purple: Teleporting now.
Before she can move to stop them, the Techno Rangers vanish in a flash of binary and light. She slowly stands up as the others, still transformed, rush to join her.
Jake: CINDY! Where'd they go?
Cindy: They teleported away...
Walter: Girl, if you thought the GENERAL was full of surprises today, wait until you find out what we earned about them...
Cindy: They're human.
Walter: confused How... How did you know that?
She holds up her hand to show the blood smeared on her fingers.
Cindy: They're hurt.
Jeremy: Not good. Cindy, they're not human... They're HYBRIDS.
Location: Shadow Claw, Dimensional Limbo
Time: Inapplicable
Kalask watches playback of the battle and nods in approval.
Kalask: An excellent start, to say the least.
Emeralde: But a start is all it was. The Cyber Rangers killed Kurse before he could finish them off. They will recover in time.
Kalask: Perhaps, my dear. However, the time has come to return our focus to our primary adversaries. It has been far too long since they were forced to fight alone. I would see if they are still truly worthy opponents. Tem-Tar?
Tem-Tar: stepping forward Yes, Master?
Kalask: Go and revive Kurse, and then we shall see what power and range our friends still have...
Location: The Twin's Secret Lab
The Rangers, now all powered down, teleport into the lab. Matt and Wendy are working on the device Anya saw before. It is still obscured partially by a sheet.
Anya: This is the place.
Jeremy: And there they are.
He points to the twins. Cindy frowns.
Cindy: They seem a little too...
Jake: Kosher...?
Cindy: Yeah... too calm...
Wendy: (looks up from her work, scowling) What are you doing here? There's a reason we kept this area secret.
Cindy: We came to check on you, after what Sauder-
Matt: We're fine. Now if you don't mind, we have important work to do.
Walter: ... Wendy? Calmed down? Already?
He turns to Jeremy.
Walter: I don't buy it.
Jeremy: Neither do I.
Wendy: Excuse me, we have important work to do, and we need some solitude-
Jeremy: (ignores her) We've had it back to front.
Anya: ... of course. It's only sensible.
Jake: What is? Look...
He steps toward Wendy.
Wendy: looking up What are you still doing here?
Jake: We're here for answers, Brain Babe, and we're not leaving without them.
He steps forward and grabs Wendy by the shoulder. She turns, looks at him, and swings her arm impossibly fast, knocking him back twenty feet. He lands on his butt.
Walter: WOAH!
Jake: Ow... why do I always have to experience pain to get it when you guys do?
Cindy and Walter rush to help him up.
Walter: I'd like it if someone enlightened me- Since when can she do that? I mean, I know she's strong, but that's crazy!
Anya: It's not Wendy.
Walter: Huh?
Cindy: (gently) It's a robot, Walter.
Walter blinks.
Walter: That makes sense... except WHY THE HELL WOULD THEY MAKE ROBOTIC DUPLICATES-
Jake: Ow, ow. Headache...
Walter: (it dawns on him.) Oh. Oh, you're kidding me.
Cindy: helping Jack up Why would they make robots of themselves?
Jeremy: Because they've been busy elsewhere.
Jake: Peachy. Now we know how they were in two places at once.
"Wendy": I have NO idea what you're talking about.
"Matt": Now, really, we have a lot to do.
Jake: ignoring them They're the Techno Rangers. Could've been even before the first time they helped us. With these things, who KNOWS how long they could have been playing hero?
"Matt": Don't be ridiculous, Jake.
Jeremy: And the duplicates are made to direct us away from the obvious...
Anya: (frowning) They should know ME well enough to know that would not work...
"Matt": You do realize that this conjecture is sheer folly, do you not?
Jake: Yo, RoboBoy, I'm not talking to you. Now where are the REAL brains?
Wendy: Right here...
Matt and Wendy, the real ones, step out of the hidden room. They look like they've been through a war. Matt's head is partially bandaged, and Wendy's midsection is taped. The tape has a small red spot, obviously the wound Cindy accidentally discovered. Cindy runs up.
Jake: ...Damn... You look like hell.
Cindy: Damnit, Hybrids or not, you know chest tramua is serious.
Wendy: Why, no, I did not. I rather thought I could just walk away all shiny new-
Matt: Wendy...
"Wendy": Oh, hello. Anything else we can do for you?
Matt: Program stop.
The robot doubles cease functioning instantly, freezing in place over the device. The Twins turn towards the team, who are obviously quite upset.
Jeremy: This has to stop. The lies. The deceit.
He looks at the twins firmly, in command mode now.
Jeremy: You play STRAIGHT with us, damn it! You almost got killed, and we didn't even know you were entering combat!
Matt (detached mode): That was rather the point...
Walter: But WHY? Why DO THAT to your selves? You know we'd do anything to help you...
Matt: As I pointed out before, we're not friends. We're co-workers, nothing more.
Jake: Yeah, keep saying that enough, might become true.
Matt (shocked out of it): Ex... excuse me?
Jake: That's bullshit. How can ANYONE be your friend with you playing the "high and mighty" routine? Did you even TRY to open up? EVER?
Cindy checks Wendy's wound as this scene progresses.
Anya: Isn't it obvious? The President ordered them to not go into the field. This was their way around it.
Walter: Let us in, and they figured we'd squeal, and they're off the field again.
Anya: Even me?
Wendy and Matt can not meet her eyes.
Anya: I see.
Matt: It was more about plausible deniability. As long as you didn't know, you couldn't be held accountable for anything we did. And you wouldn't need to lie on our behalf.
Cindy: What now?
Everyone stops, except Cindy. She's rebinding Wendy's wound.
Cindy: I want you to get a fresh bandage on this, ASAP.
Wendy: (half hearted) I'll do that, Nurse.
Cindy: What happens now that we know? Do we tell the General? Do we start keeping secrets like he did? I think I've had enough of secrets...
Jeremy: That can wait. Priorities. Keep checking these two over.
Cindy nods. As she starts to examine Matt's head wound, Jeremy meets the Twins' eyes.
Jeremy: So... what now?
Wendy: I... we...
Matt: Don't know...
Location: SPD Delta Base, NewTech City
Cruger is in his office, watching a news report covering the recent battles between the Rangers and Kalask's forces. Kat Manx stands by his side.
Cruger: So. All the preparations made and variables accounted for?
Kat: As well as can be expected. I assume you have heard the latest?
Cruger: I have. We're running out of time. Alphabet Soup is probably already planning it's next move.
Kat: (smiling) Of course it is. I'm running a few last second scenarios as we speak.
Cruger: Don't worry about today too much, Kat. They're a resilient lot and I'm ready to make my move, just in case. It actually has a few upshots.
Kat: And Sauder?
Kristling: He isn't an issue.
Kat raises an eyebrow.
Cruger: Sauder, irritating as he might be, is merely a pawn in a much larger game. However, he's also a critical piece of the puzzle.
Kat: But I thought that he-
Cruger: I know, Kat, but if I'm right, he won't be an obstacle for much longer... But in any case, there's somewhere I need to be.
He gets up and heads for the door.
Cruger: If you need me, I'll be having a chat with some old friends.
Location: the Park.
A warpportal appears, and Tem-Tar steps through.
Tem-Tar: Have your fun while you can, Kalask. Soon... Oh yes, very soon, I will have the leverage I need to change the rules of this game... But for now, Kurse, it's time you spread your spell again!
Tem-Tar extends the nanite tube from his cloak and fires it.
Location: The Twins' lab
Jake: Whadda mean you don't know? You're beaten within an inch of your lives! You get to the infirmary-
Matt: This goes beyond the physical, Jake.
Wendy: We screwed up out there and nearly got ourselves killed!
Walter: sarcastically And since when has this job EVER been safe?
Wendy: You... Don't understand...
Jeremy: So explain.
The offer is friendly. Wendy opens her mouth to say more, but the alarm blares, startling everyone, save the deactivated robots.
Matt: Our priority alarm. It goes off whenever a warpportal is opened.
Matt rises, winces, sits.
Cindy: Where?
Matt: The panel on the wall below the teleport coordination system.
Walter is closest. He turns, trots over, checks the readout.
Walter: The park again... It's Tem-Tar.
Matt: He'll revive and enlarge Kurse.
Jeremy: We have to stop him!
Cindy: You'll stay here and let us handle this... right? You're in no condition to-
Wendy: ...We'll see...
Anya: We're wasting time.
Jeremy: She's right.
He turns to the Twins.
Jeremy: Stay here. We'll be okay.
He turns to the others.
Jeremy: Let's move.
He lifts his left arm to chest level while he raises and pulls back his right arms, palms facing out towards the main monitor.
Jeremy: CYBER OP-
The others join him. As one, they shove their right arms forward, pushing the "disks" into the Cyber Ops.
All: -ENERGIZE!
Jeremy finds himself amidst more cascading binary that flows around him. It quickly forms a red battle suit around his body, a 16-bit style triangle forming at his shoulders and meeting at his chest's center. White gloves and boots, trimmed with binary at the cuffs, appear on him, before a belt with two holsters appear. A Data Ray and a Data Blade materialize in these. Finally, the helmet forms around his head, created by data swarming around his head. Its visor is not unlike a VR goggle set. His transformation completed, he was now Cyber Red!
Walter finds himself amidst more cascading binary that flows around him. It quickly forms a green battle suit around his body, a 16-bit style triangle forming at his shoulders and meeting at his chest's center. White gloves and boots, trimmed with binary at the cuffs, appear on him, before a belt with two holsters appear. A Data Ray and a Data Blade materialize in these. Finally, the helmet forms around his head, created by data swarming around his head. Its visor is not unlike a VR goggle set. His transformation completed, he was now Cyber Green!
Jake finds himself amidst more cascading binary that flows around him. It quickly forms a blue battle suit around his body, a 16-bit style triangle forming at his shoulders and meeting at his chest's center. White gloves and boots, trimmed with binary at the cuffs, appear on him, before a belt with two holsters appear. A Data Ray and a Data Blade materialize in these. Finally, the helmet forms around his head, created by data swarming around his head. Its visor is not unlike a VR goggle set. His transformation completed, he was now Cyber Blue!
Anya finds herself amidst more cascading binary that flows around her. It quickly forms a yellow battle suit around her body, a 16-bit style triangle forming at her shoulders and meeting at her chest's center. A short miniskirt appears as well. White gloves and boots, trimmed with binary at the cuffs, appear on her, before a belt with two holsters appear. A Data Ray and a Data Blade materialize in these. Finally, the helmet forms around her head, created by data swarming around her head. Its visor is not unlike a VR goggle set. Her transformation completed, she was now Cyber Yellow!
Cindy finds herself amidst more cascading binary that flows around her. It quickly forms a pink battle suit around her body, a 16-bit style triangle forming at her shoulders and meeting at her chest's center. A short miniskirt appears as well. White gloves and boots, trimmed with binary at the cuffs, appear on her, before a belt with two holsters appears. A Data Ray and a Data Blade materialize in these. Finally, the helmet forms around her head, created by data swarming around her head. Its visor is not unlike a VR goggle set. Her transformation completed, she was now Cyber Pink!
They vanish from the lab, leaving the Twins alone. They exchange glances.
Matt: So... do we go out there?
Wendy rubs the tape around her midsection and winces.
Wendy: I...
Cruger: A dilemma, isn't it?
He steps from the shadows. They tense visibly.
Wendy: You-!
Cruger: I have to tell you, it's been fun watching you get everyone confused like that.
Matt: How long have you known?
Cruger: (smiles) Before you did. Or at least the next best thing.
Wendy: Why didn't you tell the President?
Cruger: I saw no reason to. I'd suspected Alphabet Soup was involved with the Ranger project for a while, but I only recently got the evidence I needed. Telling anyone what I knew about you two would only have complicated matters.
Wendy: Don't I know it...
Cruger: In any case, we need to talk. I've got a question that only the two of you can answer.
Matt: What question?
Cruger: In a moment. First, do you concede to your teammate's wishes? Are the Techno Rangers going to show up to save the day, despite the team leader's order NOT to? You have that Roverzord all ready to roll out. It'd be a shame not to use it. At the same time...
They look down at their injuries.
Wendy: He beat us once... He'd just do it again...
Cruger: Such talk is unbecoming of a self-admitted spitfire like yourself. Attitude like that brings up my key question- motivation.
Matt: S- sir?
Cruger leans in close and looks at them with hard, probing eyes.
Cruger: Why DID you want to become Rangers?
Location: The park.
The Cyber Rangers teleport in and see Tem-Tar.
Walter: Dude, if you think we're gonna let you bring that freak back, you got another thing coming!
Tem-Tar: Oh, I'm sure... But, if I may...
Tem-Tar points up. The team reluctantly looks that way and sees Kurse rising into the air, a giant and getting bigger.
Tem-Tar: Maybe next time. Ta.
Tem-Tar bows and warpportals out. The others turn their full attention towards Kurse.
Kurse: Time for round two, heroes! You won't beat my magic this time!
Jake: Man, I am so sick of talk! I'd say we show him that actions speak louder than words!
Jeremy: I couldn't agree more. COMBAT ZORDS MOBILIZE!
In the Holding Bay, large metal rods extend from the ceiling and attach to the Combat Zords, locking on magnetically and lifting the battle machines off the ground. As this happens, the back wall of the Bay opens to reveal CV Transport. The Combat Zords are quickly lowered into position by the rods, MortarTread being placed into the alcove, BlastTruck in front of it, LightTank to it's left, and WeatherTrain to it's right. The platform for Razor Bat lowers slowly and latches onto the engines of CV Transport. The roof to the Bay slides down, forming a ramp. CV Transport revs up and rolls up the ramp, quickly reaching the surface. CV Transport begins rolling down the runway, picking up speed rapidly. The fence slides into the ground to avoid being crushed as the six Combat Zords, combined, race towards the park. As they come into range, the Cyber Rangers leap up into their respective cockpits.
Jeremy: LOG ON!
Walter: You know, he reminds me of a man...
Jake: DON'T. START.
Anya: Focus on the situation at hand. Bicker later.
Cindy: Yeah, guys. I mean, it's time to get serious!
Jeremy: Launching Combat Zords!
Razor Bat detaches from the engines and flies off, while a ramp extends from the front of CV Transport. As it finishes extending, the Combat Zords roll down it and charge forward.
Jeremy: You saw what it did before... Form Cyber Combat Megazord!
Jeremy pulls the lever down. The effect is immediate. The transformation begins by extending the engine thrusters out, revealing them to be the feet. They continue extending into legs. Next, the tips of the wings separate, revealing themselves to be hand weapons, which are easily caught by twin arms that come out of the sides of Razor Bat's main body and extend. The wings fold backwards from their midway point, while the Bat head cycles forward, becoming a chestplate. A new head rises from the main body, a odd mix of humanoid robot and bat. The transformation complete, Razor Bat lands on it's legs and stands ready for battle, weapons raised.
Walter: You got it!
The Cyber Rangers all nod and unsheathe their Data Blades as slots open for the weapons. They slide the weapons in, and their helmets all flash with the phrase "Megazord Initialized". Razor Bat flies into the air as it's legs fold in on themselves at the knees. The blade weapons return to the wings as the arms return to the main body of the mecha. The laser weaponry on LightTank retracts into various ports, while WeatherTrain closes it's weapons array as well. Blast Truck splits right down it's middle, forced apart by retrorockets. The two halves continue to race forward. They are joined by LightTank and WeatherTrain, which brace as Razor Bat flies down, back facing the ground, it's legs locking into the backs of the two mecha before they speed up, allowing BlastTruck to meet them at Razor Bat's shoulders. BlastTruck's halves moves in closer, revealing connector ports that lock onto Razor Bat and snap into place. MortarTread splits into two as well, the top half rocketing off and flying in behind Razor Bat as the treads and main body ride up the impromptu ramp created by WeatherTrain and LightTank. As it reaches the top of the ramp, it slams down onto the chest of Razor Bat, locking into place and revealing a stylized Cyber Rangers logo. The other half of MortarTread begins a transformation as well, as the turret extends away from the remainder of the main body and turns around, revealing a helmet. The barrel rotates down the back of the barrel before the helmet snaps into place over Razor Bat's head. Finally, the combined machine takes to the air. The front ends of LightTank and WeatherTrain rotate forward, creating feet. The cab sections of BlastTruck move upwards as well, revealing two large metallic black hands. The missile launchers and missiles rotate and shift as well, forming massive shoulders. The remainder of MortarTread snaps into place on the back. The transformation complete, the new gestalt lands on it's feet and poses dramatically, raising and lowering it's fists as it's eyes light up green.
Cyber Rangers: CYBER COMBAT MEGAZORD... ROLL OUT!
The Cyber Rangers appear in a combined cockpit made of their five Vehicles' individual ones. Jeremy is in front, Walter to his left, and Jake on his right. Behind them are Anya, behind Walter, and Cindy, behind Jake.
Anya: We cannot allow him a chance to cast his voodoo spell, or the Megazord may be severely damaged.
Jeremy: Right! Cyber Combat Megazord Rider Mode! ROLL OUT!
Cyber Combat Megazord leaps up and lands atop CV Transport. Together, they race towards Kurse.
Kurse: Hey! Waitaminute!
Jake: LASER FIST!
The fists energized, Cyber Combat Megazord slams into Kurse, raising sparks as it races by. With the witch doctor off balance, the mecha comes around again and hits the villain in the back, staggering him a second time.
Kurse: NO FAIR!
Jake: Screw fair, we're taking you down hard for what you did to our friends!
Cindy: (thinking) Jake's sure taking this personally... Maybe he DOES care about Wendy...
Kurse: Fine, you wanna play rough? WE'LL PLAY ROUGH!
Kurse thrusts his spear forward and fires a beam of green energy that slams into Cyber Combat Megazord, knocking it off of CV Transport. As it falls to the ground, the team can see Kurse laughing to himself.
Kurse: And now once more I cast my spell, to damn you all right back to hell-
Jeremy: NO!
Kurse: Now see two you finally will, and prepare for your final spill!
Cyber Combat Megazord gets back onto its feet, but too late to stop Kurse as a holographic representation of the mecha appears before Kurse.
Walter: Okay, THIS ain't good...
Location: The Twins' secret lab.
The Twins sit where they were. Cruger stands, studying the deactivated robots while he waits.
Cruger: Well? I'm waiting...
Wendy: Why did we want to become Rangers? What kind of question is that?
Matt: A valid one.
Cruger: (smiles) I only ask valid ones.
Matt: (thoughtful) I suppose I wanted to live out a romantic fantasy, moreso after what happened to Mai. You know, the old conquering hero saves the day, gets the glory...
Wendy: (gets into it) The excitement, the thrills, the appreciation...
Cruger: (joins in) ...the attention...
The twins look at him quizzically.
Cruger: I mean, back when you were kids, you made outlandish inventions to get noticed. I read all about them. I mean, that laser at the science fair? That was no childhood accident, that was- pardon me- an attention getting device. When you joined the project, you made sure that you would be two of the five Rangers to come out of it, maintaining a spotlight around yourselves even after your scientific role in it was done. And when you got replaced on the roster, first you go out of your way to make Cindy and Jake uncomfortable, and then you come up with the Techno Rangers to confuse everyone and take back the attention your teammates were getting. Look at all that, and can you honestly tell me that the attention didn't play ANY role in this?
Matt: ...Maybe a little.
Wendy: Never really thought about it...
Cruger: Maybe you should. There's not much more dangerous than someone who becomes a hero for the wrong reasons. And you know why? Because heroes for wrong reasons always fall hard in the end. Food for thought.
Cruger steps back into the shadows and vanishes. The Twins exchange concerned glances.
Location: the Park.
Kurse: Oh, what a shame your friends aren't here to see this!
Kurse swings his spear through the hologram, and Cyber Combat Megazord erupts in a series of explosions that nearly topple the massive machine. Steadying itself, it prepares to attack.
Cindy: Stabilizers are down!
Walter: We're losing power!
Anya: Shields are dropping like a rock!
Another series of explosions rock Cyber Combat Megazord, knocking it to the ground.
Jake: We need to stop this freak now!
Kurse: Do you TASTE IT, Rangers? It is the bitter tang of defeat! Get used to the flavor, because it is the last thing you'll ever know!
Jake: God, too many clichés...
Jeremy: We've got... one chance! HYPER RUSH MEGAZORD... ROLL OUT!
CV Transport turns around and runs backwards, blazing forward as jets from underneath raise it up. The rocket engines detach and reattach to the front wheels as it props itself up on it's former back. A panel on the new front rotates down, revealing a robotic face with yellow eyes.
Kurse: And now to... Huh?
Hyper Rush Megazord moves between Kurse and Cyber Combat Megazord and raises its arms.
Kurse: Oh, another toy! What fun! A final time I weave my YEOW!
Kurse's attempt to place a spell on Hyper Rush Megazord is shattered as it fires its barrage at the villain. As Kurse attempts to shield himself, the blasts shatter his spear, destroying the image of Cyber Combat Megazord and breaking the spell.
Walter: ALL RIGHT!
Jeremy: It's bought us a chance! Now let's get back on our feet and finish this fight!
Cyber Combat Megazord pulls itself up and joins Hyper Rush Megazord.
Kurse: I'll... I'll beat you even without my spear!
Jake: I don't think so. Mind if I do the honors, guys?
Anya: Only if I assist.
Jake: You got it!
Both: CYBER RUSH MEGAZORD... ROLL OUT!
Cyber Combat Megazord leaps into the air. Hyper Rush Megazord transforms back to CV Transport and rockets forward. As it does, it splits into several sections. The frontmost splits down the middle, forming shoulder armor. The back section and wheels open wide, forming new foot armor as Cyber Combat Megazord lands in them. The engines attach to Cyber Combat Megazord's arms. The remainder folds out, forming a stylized V pattern that attaches to the Megazord's chest.
Jake and Anya: BIG BANG PUNCH!
Kurse: ...oh crappity...
The Megazord's fists and cannons begin to glow. It swings with it's left, then it's right, and two gigantic energy fists launch forward, slamming into Kurse, vaporizing him instantly. As the smoke clears, the Cyber Rush Megazord poses triumphantly.
Location: Shadow Claw, Dimensional Limbo
Time: Inapplicable
Kalask watches with keen interest as Cyber Rush Megazord annihilates Kurse.
Kalask: Alas, another one bites the dust. But no matter. He still put the Techno Rangers out of commission, at least for now. And with those... poor sports out of the way, I'm free to return to the game proper. Yes, all in all, a very good day indeed...
Location: Medical Bay, Fort Myers
Sauder watches the end of the battle on a monitor with grave interest.
Sauder: thinking Now that they know the truth, they'll be difficult to rein in. DAMNIT! I did what I had to!
Sauder turns and sees himself in a mirror.
Sauder: softly I did what I had to...
His reflection doesn't believe him, either...
Location: The Twins' Secret Lab
Wendy: No more lies.
She hits a switch, and the lights in the secret room go out.
Matt: No more deceptions.
He hits a second switch, and the lights over their unfinished projects go out.
Wendy: No more games.
She taps another switch, and the lights in the Roverzord Holding Bay go dark.
Matt: No more living in the past.
He hits the final switch, and the main room goes dark. Slowly, the exit opens, revealing a lit corridor. Silhouetted by the darkness, the Twins stand in the door. Matt walks away first, but Wendy lingers looking into the darkened room. Finally, regretfully, she turns away and follows her brother. The door slides shut, leaving the room in total darkness.
Wendy: ...It's over...
Location: President Winters' office, New York
Winters watches security footage of the Rangers confronting Sauder, as well as the altercation with Wendy just prior.
Winters: Unacceptable. They know too much.
She taps a button on her desk, and a holographic image of a heavily armored commando appears.
Winters: The hybrids have crossed me for the last time. You know what to do. Find them... And destroy them.
She ends the transmission and glares at the screen, her hatred growing stronger with every second...
Winters: Playtime's over, children. Permanently.
Mission Log Incomplete...
Next Time: The Twins try to turn away from their dream, even as Alphabet Soup targets them for death! Meanwhile, Kalask arrives in the Prime Reality to challenge the Rangers himself! Can the team win without the Techno Rangers, or is it game over for everyone?