Chapter 25

Mrs. Stanton smiled at Tommy as he entered her store. She started to suggest a few books to him but he shook his head no. "Ranger business today."

There were no customers in the shop at the moment so Mrs. Stanton locked up before leading Tommy back to her office. Tommy explained the Ranger's plans over tea. Mrs. Stanton frowned worriedly while he spoke. When finished, she said, "The magical communities will not go for this, Tommy. You know we can't expose ourselves like that."

Tommy smiled. "That's the thing. We won't be exposed, not to Earth at least. Zedd already knows about us anyway. The world is used to seeing magic from aliens now. They're even used to aliens that look like us wielding powers. All we have to do is tell them our people are from another world - which in a certain point of view is the truth. We just happen to be from a world within this world. The magical communities will simply be alien allies of the Power Rangers, who most assume to be aliens as well. The statute of secrecy remains unbroken."

She thought about that then slowly nodded. "That just might work. In fact, this could be a great help in protecting the statute of secrecy. Since the war in England keeps trying to leak over into the muggle world …"

When she drifted off, Tommy said, "We just need to word it right. Would you help me with that?"

"I'll need to look up a couple things …" She scanned her bookshelves, quickly finding the ones she wanted. "It's been awhile since I sat in the magical senate. We'll need to decide who is best for you to approach as well. Perhaps start with a few of my old friends that still sit in the senate, over an informal lunch at my house? I can invite the Heads of the more powerful families as well."

"We need to make sure of our backing before anything comes to the attention of any government. I'll trust you to know which of your government contacts will be safe."

They sat in silence while Mrs. Stanton reacquainted herself with the laws most likely to effect this. Finally, she closed the books and sat them aside, pulled out a notebook and ink pen (she never cared for quills), and turned her attention back to Tommy. "Tell me about these alien invaders."

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Goldar and Scorpina appeared in the throne room with the struggling Pink Ranger.

"Welcome, Pink Ranger," Zedd greeted.

Kim stopped struggling to glare at him. "What do you want with me?" she demanded.

"Really, Pink Ranger, this cannot be so surprising. You are one of the children currently fighting my forces, are you not," Zedd returned with a dark laugh. "Even you would have to agree that makes you an 'honorable' target."

"Whatever it is, I won't-" She cut herself off as it occurred to her exactly what Zedd had said. "Honorable target? Tommy's words. Why do you care what Tommy thinks about you?"

"That is hardly your concern, child." He turned to Goldar. "Take her to the dungeons and begin. Make sure at least two warriors are in the cell with her at all times. The boy is quite cunning, I will not have him walking in while our backs are turned."

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Continued - Review, let me know what you think!