Chapter Twenty-Three: A Star is Born

Episode Three - Choices
1993 AD - Universe M54331Z-B2

Now that the Green Ranger is gone, I may as well get back to work... I suppose... Finster-2 stated, alone in the Command Center.

He had done much contemplating over the subject, and had come to the conclusion that the only reason that he had seen two Goldars and two Ranger Hunters was one thing: different dimensions. It was the only thing that made sense to him. But the implications behind that were... troubling.

Am I a clone, or is the other me a clone of me? He found himself thinking as he robotically went about the tasks he had been ordered to do. It makes so much sense if I am the time clone. That's the only reason I can think of about my sudden feelings of inadequacy! Why I feel conflicted about what I am doing and my reasoning... but if I am following that train of thought, why am I not an exact replica of my counterpart? If I have the same genetics and the exact same background, why would I not continue behaving the same way? Psychologically... biologically... it makes no sense. I should be the same!

Does this mean that the hypothesis of an afterlife is correct? That we each are given different Spirits? But at the same time, that means very little. Who is to say my Spirit is just recycled and this version of the matter of the universe is for this brief moment in the timeline of existence the way it is, only to be broken apart and put back together in some other form, ripping my consciousness from me as a result? I mean, the Monsters I have brought back from Death's grip... Sphynx, Eye Guy, Nasty Knight... did I actually bring them back? Did I really infuse them with their own Spirit? I may explain it that way to ease confusions for those benefiting from my work, but I always thought they were automatons going through the motions their brain had programmed for them. Perhaps I really gave them all life! Perhaps... another chance at redemption?

And if that is the case... why the need for redemption? Why do I constantly feel the nagging pinpricks of guilt in my life? Is it some supernatural force coercing me to balance out the debt I have to the universe for the evil I have committed? Is life more than just gaining power and knowledge? Am I... Am I actually going to be held accountable for my transgressions!?

But at the same time... are they my transgressions? I am but a carbon copy of another, inheriting his life. I am actually almost a newborn, opening up my eyes to reality for the first time! My life... it is not yet set in stone. I... I can choose not to be who I once was!

And that's when it happened. By mistake or, what Finster-2 was fearing was the case, by Fate... Finster-2 had stumbled upon an abnormal reading. He followed it to find the Holy Grail for the United Alliance of Evil: the whereabouts for Zordon of Eltar.

Oh my you are cocky! Finster-2 proclaimed cheerfully. You were literally under our noses the entire time! A complete base directly beneath the Command Center! Oh my! All of these files! I see... Very intelligent for Zordon to have made this "Power Chamber" in case of emergencies. Well, checkmate Mr. Zoltar. You are now-

Wait. What am I doing? I don't have to do this. I... I am my own man! This is why Fate has brought me to this point... to test me! I... I don't have to do this! I can... I can find redemption! I can actually help the Power Rangers!

A feeling of joy, something brighter than he could describe, filled him. He felt good as he began to divert energy from the Command Center to the Power Chamber so Zordon-2 and his team could re-access their full connection to the Morphing Grid. Their teleportation had been severely crippled with the loss of the Command Center, and Finster-2 was fixing it.

But then, something else happened. His mind felt as if it was itching. Flashes of thoughts passed through his mind. Images of Dark Specter-2 rewarding him for his efforts, giving him full reign of the UAE's science centers to fulfill his research. The knowledge that could be gained from the UAE's resources began to call out to him. As that happened, Finster-2 found his hands shaking as he backed away from the console.

It would be easier... all that knowledge... Yes Zordon most definitely would be the best choice for the people of the universe, and also helping my research, but... it would be harder. Dark Specter is already at the precipice of galactic conquest while Zordon is still fighting an uphill battle. The chances of success are much higher for the Alliance than the Resistance...

No! What am I saying!? This self-serving attitude is what led me down this path to begin with! What about redemption!?

Yet, what about me? I... I need that knowledge! It's the only true bit of reality one can attain... and Dark Specter... maybe I could help lead him in the right direction? Slowly do good things behind the scenes and edge him in the right direction?

But what about the innocents who will suffer while I get done what I selfishly want?

On the other hand... wouldn't they just as soon deliver me to my enemies instead of help me? What do I owe them?

But what do I owe the universe?

What does it owe me, though!?

His mind was on fire. He didn't know what he was going to do. His old habits were like a drug to him, screaming and almost imploring for him to get as much knowledge as possible. Those old memory traces wanted desperately to do what his brain had learned was the proper course of action for his own survival. The other part of him, the new part of him who'd merely inherited Finster's evil ways, wanted to test his theory of "being good". The feelings he'd had when it came to his good actions were amazing, and he wanted to see if he could truly harbor that sense of goodness long term. But... the logical part of him questioned it. Was it a guarantee? Was it worth it?

Finster-2 walked up to the console. Two buttons were before him. The yellow one would finish transferring the energy to the Power Chamber and give the rangers back their full Morphing Grid tap. The green button would not only reverse it, but completely cut off the Power Chamber from the Morphing Grid. It would help Finster-2 become the lead scientist for the UAE for sure, while the other would lead him down a path of righteousness.

Closing his eyes, the Canine made his choice and pushed the button he'd decided upon. He let out a long breath and took a step back. He was ready to see the repercussions of his actions...