Mrs Griffin hung up Kendall's jacket near the fire to dry it out as Matt returned to the room, carrying a couple of bottles of Bud. He offered them to their guests. Mrs Griffin headed back into the kitchen to check on the stew.

"We weren't expecting guests, so it's just my stash I'm afraid." He said as he offered a bottle to Kendall. Anton saw her looking a little uncomfortable, and took the bottle.

"That's very generous, thank you." He stated with a smile, opening the bottle. It wasn't exactly his usual tipple, but he was more than happy with the gesture. He took a long sip. "It's an impressive piece of land you have here."

"We get by." Matt answered, looking to Riley. "It's kept us fed and clothed all our lives. We're the fifth generation of Griffins to own it."

"It's really nice out here." Kendall managed to say, taking a bottle now that Anton had indicated it was alright.

"I think so." Matt stated, opening his own bottle. Mrs Griffin came in, gesturing them all to the other room.

"Dinner's ready." She told them. They all filed in, taking seats at the table. Anton smiled, seeing the food arranged before them.

"I have to admit, all of this smells wonderful." He said as he looked to a loaf. "I can smell this...you made this fresh?"

"Mom makes the most amazing bread." Riley told him as she started to ladle out portions onto plates for them. She had been pretty quiet so far, she obviously wasn't expecting company. Anton took a huge chunk of bread, dipping it into his stew and took a large bite. His smile spread across his face.

"I must say Mrs Griffin, it's been a long time since I've had a meal like this." He admitted. "I have my own culinary staff on the island, but it's always nice to have a home cooked meal."

"Thank you Dr Mercer." She replied.

"Please, call me Anton." He said in response.

"Anton, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?" She asked. Kendall kept quiet, just carrying on with her meal. She knew that they had to somehow convince Riley's mom to let him move into the city. It wasn't like the farm was far out of the city, but it would certainly complicate things if they needed to wait for one of their Rangers to make an hour's round trip. Of course, she really had no idea how Anton planned to try and talk Mrs Griffin into letting her 16 year old son move into the city without explaining what he was going to be doing. "You said it is about Riley."

"Well, yes it is. Your son is an exceptional young man. His athletic and academic accomplishments are incredibly impressive."

"Yeah, he's something special alright." Matt agreed, ruffling his brother's hair playfully. Riley just swatted him away. Mrs Griffin didn't seem as happy though. She just sighed.

"So, what exactly is it you want from us?" She asked him. Anton leaned forward a little.

"I have a number of programs, scholarships, all designed to help nurture the talents of young people with exceptional potential." He told her, putting a hand on Kendall's shoulder. She gulped down a mouthful of stew as the attention on the room suddenly focused on her. "Ms Morgan was the recipient of one of those grants."

Kendall just nodded wordlessly, not knowing where he was going with this. It was true, Anton had found her in college, and saw her work was leaps and bounds beyond most of her colleagues. He had taken her under his wing, and he had helped fund her education. She had now worked with him for almost six years.

"What does this have to do with Riley?" Mrs Griffin asked him. Anton just smiled.

"So far, my programmes have concentrated on colleges and universities, but I'm a huge believer in the fact that the earlier talent is encouraged the better. I'm looking to extend my programmes to high school students." He explained. "I was hoping you would allow Riley to be the first."

"You want to take my son to your island?" She asked. He just held up his hands.

"No, no nothing like that. I would never ask to take him so far." He assured her. "I was planning on setting up a programme for him in conjunction with Ms Morgan here. He would be given private tuition by the finest tutors at my disposal."

"So...you're going to send these tutors here?" She asked. He shook his head.

"I'm afraid not." He told her. "It will require him moving, not too far, only into the city. I was thinking he could work with Ms Morgan at the museum. He will get the best education I can offer, some practical experience...and a few dollars in his pocket into the bargain."

"I'm...I'm not sure." She responded. "It's so far away."

"You will be able to visit him whenever you wished. It's only a half hour drive." Anton reminded her. "And I promise you, he'll be well taken care of."

"I can vouch for that." Kendall told her, finally able to find her voice. "I've been working for Anton for six years now. I've seen and done things I'd never have had the opportunity to do because of him."

"I believe in good investments." Anton told her. "Riley tells me he currently averages a 3.5 GPA. I am confident we could have it up to 3.8 before the end of the current term."

Mrs Griffin looked more than a little conflicted by this. Anton could tell that she knew that what he was offering was a huge opportunity for Riley, but at the same time, it would mean he would have to move away. She was used to seeing him every day. It was obviously troubling her trying to imagine letting him leave.

"Mom, this is an amazing opportunity." Riley told her, looking to her warmly. "I know I'll miss you all like crazy, but...just imagine what this could do for me."

"Riley, you're 16 years old!" She put down flatly.

"Exactly mom, it's not like he's going to stay here forever." Matt told her. "In a couple of years, he'd probably have been going off to college or something. If he does this...he could probably get into any college he wants."

"He's 16!" She reiterated.

"Mom, we all knew this wasn't where he was going to end up. He's never been comfortable on the farm...when he first tried to shear the sheep they sent him running away in tears for God's sake!"

Anton and Kendall both looked to Riley.

"I was 9!" He protested. "Sheep are scary when they're worked up!"

"This is an amazing opportunity for him. Just...look at Ms Morgan." Matt continued. Kendall looked up, wondering what exactly he was going to have to say. He didn't actually know her, he'd only met her a short time before. "She took one of the scholarships and she still works for him now! She's running a whole museum and...she's about my age! His programs are obviously good!"

Mrs Griffin sat back, thinking things over.

"Well...it's not a good time for him to leave." She stated. "Harvest season will be coming up soon, and we'll need..."

"If you need help here, I think I could help out." Anton stated. Matt looked to him, his face indicating that he wasn't happy about something.

"We don't take hand-outs!" He stated flatly. He was a proud man, and as much as he knew they could do with the help, he was determined that they would make it on their own. His family had always made their own way.

"I wasn't suggesting that, not at all." Anton assured him. "You are aware that I do a lot of work with agriculture. Fast growing crops, climate resistant produce and the like."

"We have heard." Matt answered.

"Well...there's only so much we can do in a lab, and the organic produce movement has made it difficult to get hold of top quality land. We're looking for places to try some of our experimental crops in a real-world environment." Anton told them. "I'd be willing to lease a portion of your land. A couple of acres or so, nothing you'd really miss I assure you. I'd send in a team to cordon it off and keep it separated from your own produce to avoid any contamination; I'd even have some of my employees work the land...and help out on your own land too. I'd pay for everything of course."

"Why...why would you do that?" Matt asked him.

"It's like I said, I need somewhere I can try my produce in a real-world environment." He reiterated. "I've had a few people turn me down, and I thought...perhaps you'd like to consider it."

Matt and his mom looked at each other. He was talking about laying down a considerable amount of money, an investment that would greatly benefit them and help them cover for Riley's absence. Matt also knew that the money would go a long way to keeping the wolves from the door.

"I understand asking to allow your son to move away is a lot to ask." He continued. "This arrangement...I believe it will benefit both of us."

"Mom, please, I really think this could be good for me." Riley told her. "I love you, but...I really want to do this."

"I can see you have some things to discuss. We'll leave you to it." Anton said as he finished his meal, pushing his plate away from him. "That was truly amazing Mrs Griffin. Thank you for your hospitality."

Kendall got up, and started to go with him. She got outside, starting to put on her boots, retrieving them from where she had left them thanks to the dung incident. She felt something wrap around her, and turned to look, seeing Matt putting her jacket on.

"You almost forgot this." He stated. Kendall just smiled, saying nothing. Matt then looked up, seeing Anton's driver by the tractor, working on the engine. "HEY! What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Just as he said this, the driver started up the engine, which roared into life. Matt just stared at it in amazement.

"How...how did you do that?" Matt asked him. "I've been working on that for hours!"

"It's a patch-job, but it should hold out a few months or so." The driver told him. "But it's pretty clear this thing's on its last legs."

"My man here is a pretty decent mechanic." Anton stated as he handed the driver a tissue to clean up his hands as much as possible. "Consider this a thank you for dinner."

With that, they got in, pulling away to leave the Griffin family to their discussions. Kendall just looked to Anton as he settled into his seat.

"Anton, we need..."

"They need time to discuss matters. It is no small request to ask a mother to part from her 16 year old son." He told her. "When Trent was that age, I didn't even like it when he was in the hotel while I was at a dig."

"But we left him there!" Kendall stated. "He's bonded to the Green Energem, we need him! What if his mom..."

"I am confident Mrs Griffin will see I have provided an excellent opportunity for her son." Anton told her.

"But Anton, he's...he's still there!" Kendall reiterated. "He's not coming with us!"

"I am sure that he will rejoin us soon enough." Anton answered. "And who knows, when he does join us, it might mean that his brother will come by every now and then."

"Why would that...?" Her words tailed off as she saw Anton's wicked grin. "You can't be..."

"You turned the same shade of pink as your aunt Kendrix's suit when you saw him." Anton teased her. "I can't say I blame you, he is a good looking man...and around your age if I remember rightly."

"You can't be serious!" Kendall rushed out. "I've...I've got my work and..."

Anton didn't even attempt to make his case, instead taking a bottle of mineral water out of the mini fridge in the back. Kendall just crossed her arms and shook her head defiantly as he gave her a knowing smirk. She hated when he did that.

Back at the museum, Chase twisted some toilet roll, pushing it up his nostril. Tyler stood in the doorway smiling.

"I guess you'll think twice about teasing Shelby in future." Tyler greeted him. Chase just nodded.

"I should probably have waited until she figured out her new strength." Chase grumbled. "She might be small, but that girl hits pretty hard."

"I guess it's just as well you heal fast then isn't it?" Tyler answered. "For what it's worth, she did say sorry about breaking your nose before she got her cab home."

"So she's heading home?" Chase asked. Tyler approached him.

"Yeah, she said something about not wanting to take a lift from you." Tyler replied. "She actually said something to the effect of...she actually wants to survive the journey home."

"Well, I guess that just leaves us to head back to the apartment block." Chase told him. He held up a key. "You and I are rooming. Hope you don't mind."

"Hey, I've lived out of my jeep for months, an apartment sounds great!" Tyler said as they headed out of the museum. He saw Koda putting chairs up on the tables. "Shouldn't we wait on Koda?"

"Trust me; it's not a problem mate." Chase answered, leading Tyler out of the museum. Tyler just shrugged, assuming that Koda lived somewhere nearby. He followed Chase out into the parking lot, and saw the lights flashing on a jeep...a frighteningly familiar jeep! His heart sank as he saw a distinctive key score down the side of the jeep.

"Yeah, I'm going to have to get this thing re-sprayed." Chase told him. "Some arsehole keyed the bloody jeep. I only wish I knew who it was so I could tear him a new arse."

"Yeah...I can imagine." Tyler replied a little uncomfortably. "I'll follow you."

With that, he hit the key fob to his own jeep, and the headlights flashed. Seeing this, Chase recognised it.

"Wait...the red jeep...I almost hit you a few days ago!" Chase stated. Tyler felt his chest tighten, seeing the way Chase was looking at him. The Black Ranger approached him, before letting out a sigh. "I'm totally sorry man, I wasn't paying attention. I hope everything was alright."

"Uh...I kinda ended up in the brush." Tyler admitted, breathing something of a sigh of relief. "It needed a good wash, but it is built for off-road. It was alright."

"Well, I still feel bad, here." Chase answered, pulling out ten bucks. "It's for the car wash."

"That's alright I..."

"Please, I wouldn't feel right if I didn't make amends." Tyler took the money, forcing a smile as he put it away. It seemed that Chase hadn't figured out he was the one that keyed his car. Knowing that they now had to work together on a team, he figured it was best he keep this secret to himself.

"So, lead the way roomie." Tyler said as he swung himself into his jeep, starting up the engine.

Meanwhile, Anton's limo arrived at the apartment block, pulling into the parking lot. Anton got out of the car with Kendall, who just looked to him.

"I am confident your team will be whole soon enough." He told her. "Just like I am certain that you underestimate your own team. You can't take on the responsibility of the world by yourself."

"It just...it just feels like I should, like it's what's expected of me." Kendall told him. Anton came around the car, standing by her, cradling her cheek with his hand.

"I know all about your aunt, and the legacy she left behind." He told her. "I have mentored many great names, including Dr Tommy Oliver...and you are without a doubt, the most promising, brilliant person I have ever had the pleasure of coming across."

"The Energem didn't think so." She grumbled. Anton just smiled.

"I find that those that seek power are rarely the ones who should have it." Anton assured her. "I have no doubts about you. If I did, I would never have entrusted you with this mission. If you are destined to gain such power, it will come to you. Do not seek it. In my experience, it never ends well."

"Anton!" She called out as he headed for the limo. He just looked back to her. "Why did you choose me?"

"I already told..."

"You're infinitely more qualified than I am!" She interrupted him. "I've screwed up so many times...others have been hurt because of me...why did you choose me?"

He came across, once again cradling her cheek, and kissed her forehead softly.

"I trust you implicitly." He reiterated. "It was myself I didn't trust."

"I...I don't..."

"You know what happened to me before. I have never lied to you about that." Anton told her. "Like I said, those that seek power are rarely the ones that should have it. The fact you punish yourself so harshly for your mistakes is one of the reasons I know you will handle this power responsibly."

He started to head back to the car when he held up a hand.

"Oh, and you might want to reconsider your opinion of Shelby." He told her.

"Shelby?" Kendall asked. "But she...she's..."

"She is a bright and enthusiastic person with almost limitless potential if she is properly treated." Anton told her. "Ambition is one thing, but ambition without opportunity is as useful as an ashtray on a motorcycle. The best of us, even those like me who consider themselves self-made have a moment where someone gave us the chance to show what we can do. I personally owe my career to a man I once knew by the name of Neil Nevarro."

"Neil..Neil Nevarro?" She asked. He just smiled.

"Oh, but for the record...I have a feeling that Shelby might be the kind of person who's at her best when people DON'T believe in her. I have a feeling she's the kind of person that likes to shove her accomplishments in the face of those that tell her she can't do something." Anton told her. "Don't make it too easy for her."

With that, he got in the car, and it pulled away, heading for the airport to take him back to the island. Chase and Tyler arrived at that point, parking up, seeing Kendall in the parking lot. Chase came to her side.

"So...Anton's not hanging around?" He asked.

"It doesn't appear so." Kendall answered.

"Well, I for one am bushed, this has been one hell of a day." Tyler replied. "As much as I'd love to catch up on this...I just want a shower and a nice comfy bed."

With that, they all headed inside to put an end to what they could all admit had been a very trying day.