Power Rangers Triad

Chapter 29

"Jas!" screamed Danni, lunging toward them but Stuart held her firmly in his arms.

"Medical emergency transport to Angel Grove General Hospital now!" called Trini and a second later the white light of the transporter beam engulfed them and they all disappeared.

"NO!" screamed Danni again as finally broke loose from Stuarts arms and fell to the ground crying.

Carmella came to her and pulled her into her arms rocking her gently. "It's alright baby girl, it's alright. They've taken him to the hospital where Dr. Patterson and the others will take care of him." soothed Carmella.

The rest of the Universal Power Rangers stood in pairs watching as one of their leaders fell apart. She may be a Master Time-Lord but she was in a human body and she was definitely in love with her husbands.

Just then Major Reed approached Danni once again. "Excuse me Mrs. Cranston-Scott. General Addison would like to speak to you."

"Young man, can't you see that she is exhausted. You tell your General…." started Carmella but was stopped when Rocky came over to her and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Mom, you can't….."

"It's alright guys, I'm fine now" said Danni as she sat up but stayed in Carmella's arms. "I'm sorry about that but when his heart stopped and I couldn't feel him anymore…." She shuttered at the memory of not being able to feel him anymore. "Give me a minute Major Reed and I'll be right there." asked Danni as she looked up at the man stand above her.

"Yes ma'am" said the man and then retreated back to the Command Center tent. He hadn't seen all of what just happened but he could tell that whatever it was had been traumatic for Danni and the whole team.

Danni sat for a few more minutes and then took a deep breath and raised her hands towards Stuart. Stuart and Carmella had been by her side ever since she left the Command Center tent. She'd felt them following her when she came out to see Bill and the minute she'd collapsed they were by her side. She didn't know what she would have done if it hadn't been for the Universal Power Rangers and their support team and she hoped that she never had to find out.

Stuart looked at her with concern in his eyes. "Are you sure sweetheart, I can forestall the General until later if you want to go to Angel Grove?" She looked exhausted herself and he knew she wanted to check on Jas and Bill.

"No, something's not finished I can feel it. I'll go back to Angel Grove when whatever needs to be done here is finished." replied Danni as Stuart pulled her to her feet.

"Well he's going to have to wait a little while, because you aren't going anywhere chica until you've had something to eat. And if he doesn't like it he can deal with me!" exclaimed Carmella.

"Way to go Mom" said Rocky as he came over and helped Carmella guide Danni into the Dinning tent.

Once there everyone got a hot meal and sat around talking about the day's events. Danni eventually fell asleep against Stuarts shoulder. He looked down at the young woman and smiled.

"Do you think we should take her to the rest tent and let her sleep for a while?" asked Adam.

"I somehow don't think that would work Adam" answered Aisha as she looked at Danni. "You try and move her and I'll bet she jumps awake"

"Why don't you guys go back to Angel Grove and check on the status of Jason and Bill and get check out while you're at it." said Stuart as he looked at his daughter and her friends.

They were all just as exhausted as Danni was. Probably not as mentally exhausted as Danni but physically as much if not more. They'd been digging around in the rubble of what was left of that building for almost three days now with only a short eight hour break.

"Dad, where fine" said Aisha as he hid a yawn behind her hand.

"No you're not young lady, look at yourselves. You've been doing heavy manual labor for almost three days straight with very little rest. I want you all to go back to Angel Grove and get check out by Harland or one of the other Dr.'s" at her protest he added. "I can make it a medical order young lady"

"Come one guys we might as well head back. When he gets that tone there is no changing his mind."

"You are staying to watch after Danni?" asked Rocky

"Yes mi a more, we'll both stay until whatever she needs to do is done" answered Carmella.

"Thanks Mom, we'll keep you posted on how Jas and Bill are doing?" said Rocky as he came over and kissed his mother on the check then he and Aisha left the tent.

"Thanks for staying and taking care of her Stuart" said Trini as she leaned over and kissed the older man's cheek. "You too Carmella" then kissed the older woman's cheek to then left the tent with Zack.

"Well if you will excuse me, I think I'll try and catch up with my husband." said Kat "Thanks again for everything you two." then left the tent herself.

The only ones left at the table were Kimberly and Adam Parks who hadn't let go of each other's hands since they entered the tent.

"What's wrong you two, you look so solemn. We rescued everyone alive and as far as we know they're just in critical condition in the hospital." said Stuart.

"I guess it's just the enormity of it all is just hitting us. I mean how someone could hate so much that they would do that to another person, let alone children?" asked Kim as she lay her head on Adam's chest.

"I don't know Kim, but if I know General Addison he is going to find out. A lot of his people were hurt here today, and it made him look bad because he was the one in the military that was in charge of the conference. I somehow think that's what he wants to talk to Danni about" said Stuart.

"It is, he's found out who's responsible for this and he wants my help tracking them down." said Danni quietly.

"How do you know Danni?" asked Kim.

"Oh he's hopping mad, and anyone even with the slightest training would be able to pick him up. I'd better go before he gives into his whim and storms the dining tent" said Danni as she sat up

"Oh he wouldn't dare!" started Carmella but stopped and smiled at Danni's expression.

"Yes he would Carmella. He's a very prideful man and it's been damaged here today."

"Well we'll just go with you to make sure he doesn't try and bully you." Carmella replied. She was feeling very protective of her little chica right now and no one, not even a General was going to take advantage of her.

At Danni's small laugh and smile she softened a little. "Oh don't worry Carmella. If there's one thing that General Addison has learned it's that Danielle Guadalupe Francesca Cranston-Scott WILL NOT be bullied. If there's any bullying to be done, it's usually done by me. So why don't you two transport back to Angel Grove, I'll be at the hospital as soon as I can." said Danni as she got up from the bench and headed towards the door.

"But we said we would..." started Stuart then stopped at the look Danni was giving him. She really could intimidate all most anyone with that stare. But a second later she softened and came back over to the two people who had helped her get through this ordeal. If it hadn't been for the two of them being there when they brought Jason out she didn't know what she would've done.

"I'm sorry but I can't. What I'm probably going to be asked to do is highly classified military intelligence. The only reason he's even asking me is because he wants this taken care of immediately, instead of the two or three months it would take for Military Intelligence to handle it."

"But Danni if it's dangerous..." said Stuart then stopped again at her smile.

"Don't worry; all I'm going to be involved in is the reconnaissance and surveillance. Nothing more, this is his hurt pride, not mine." said Danni as she kissed each of them on the cheek. "Go and take care of my husbands and my team. I'll be there as soon as this is finished, I promise" then Danni squeezed each of their hands and left the tent.

Stuart looked at flap where Danni just exited and smile. "Well, I guess we've been told."

"Well after all she is a Master Time-Lord, Stuart" replied Carmella smiling.

"Kevin, can you transport Carmella and I to Angel Grove General Hospital please" asked Stuart as he touched his comm badge.

"Sure thing Stuart how's Danni and the boys?" asked Kevin over the comm system.

"Danni is on her way to have what I'm sure will end up in a "difference of opinions" with General Addison and we're just on our way to check on Bill and Jas. Everyone else is at the hospital already I assume."

"Affirmative, transporting now and keep me posted." answered Kevin as the white light that was the Compound's transporter beam engulfed them and they disappeared.

Danni entered the Command Center tent to find a very nervous Major Reed pacing around and a hot and bothered General Addison on the computer screen.

"About damn time, If I were..." started General Addison then stopped as Danni stopped in front of the computer screen.

"Stow it General, I'm here now." replied Danni as she turned to see Major Reed behind her. He was just about to bust a gut trying not to laugh. "What's the location of the group you want me to find." she asked as she turned to once again face General Addison.

"We'll were not exactly sure, but we've analyzed some of the parts from the bomb that were recovered and discovered that they came from the Franklin or Essex area of New York." said Major Reed from behind Danni.

"Oh so you've narrowed it down to only about what two thousand acres of area in New York state" replied Danni coldly.

"Well if you can't..." started General Addison.

"Don't get smart, General" replied Danni quietly but very firmly. "I found all your people alive within the rubble of a ten story building. I can find the compound and the people you are asking for. I'll how ever need to teleport back to the Compound's Command Center to get a precise location and layout of the compound if that is what you are asking for." answered Danni coldly. She was all business now and even General Addison seemed reluctant to cross her.

"Yes, if you can..."

"Then that is what you will get" said Danni and then turned to face the man behind her. "Major Reed, I need a team of select men that are trained in surveillance and reconnaissance. Have them ready to teleport to the Universal Power Rangers Compound within the hour."

Major Reed looked toward General Addison and at his nod he instantly came to attention and saluted Danni. "Yes Ma'am" then he did a perfect military turn and exited the tent to choose his team.

"Just so we understand each other General. This is your fight! I'll supply the reconnaissance and surveillance but I WILL NOT engage in the actual mission."

"You just get us the information that we asked for and we'll take care of the rest Mrs. Cranston-Scott" replied General Addison. In that simple statement he got the feeling that Danielle Cranston-Scott had seen more than her fair share of combat and while she had the physical and mental toughness to handle it she didn't particularly like too.

"Then we understand each other." replied Danni. Then she visibly sagged and said softly. "Have Major Reed report to me in the sleeping tent when he's ready to transport." and she turned and left.

It almost an hour later when Major Reed stood outside of the sleeping tent. General Addison had told him to take his team and meet Danni at the sleeping tent. Now he was having second thoughts about involving Danni in this mission. But he was a marine through and through and you did't question orders, at least out loud.

So he knocked on the middle pole and called. "Mrs. Cranston-Scott, we are ready if you are ma'am"

"I'm here Major Reed" answered Danni quietly from behind him.

Major Reed spun around to see the smiling face of the small woman that he just had doubts about. If she was that quick and sneaky, she could handle herself.

"Gentlemen my name is Danielle Cranston-Scott. You'll need to each have a comm badge in order to teleport to the compound. Please take one and place it somewhere on your uniform." said Danni as she walked in front of each member of the team holding a box of small silver pins. When the last man had taken his comm badge Danni closed the box and faced the men. "It serves as a conductor for our transporter and communication systems. You'll need to keep this on your uniform at all times so if there is an emergency we can pull you out. Now if you're ready gentlemen I'll have our "second in command" so to speak Kevin Cranston teleport us to the Universal Power Rangers Compound. When we arrive if you would wait out in the corridor while I explain to my command center staff what's going on. Danielle Cranston-Scott to Command Center" called Danni as she touched her comm badge.

"Go ahead Danni" said Kevin's voice over the comm system.

"Kevin I need you to transport myself and the nine other comm badge signals nearest me to the Compound."

"Danni?" asked Kevin with worry in his voice.

"Please Kevin, I'll explain when I arrive." said Danni firmly leaving no room for questions.

"Affirmative, commencing teleportation now." said Kevin as he started the teleporter. Danni had some explaining to do when she arrived. Daughter-in-law or not.

Danni felt the familiar tingle of the compounds teleportation beam and smiled as she heard the slight gasps from the men behind her. A few seconds later all ten people arrived in the corridor of the Universal Power Rangers underground compound. Danni took a deep breath and then turned to face Major Reed and his men.

"If you would wait here please, I'll return shortly" said Danni and then turned and walked towards the doors that housed the Command Center.

As the doors opened Kevin ran up to greet her but stopped just short of her when he saw the determination on her face.

"I promise I'll explain later Kevin" then she turned to face the rest of the command center staff.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I want to congratulate and thank you for all your hard work during the rescue of the people trapped in the Washington Doubleday Office building. But now I must ask all none military personal to leave the command center at this 're about to commence reconnaissance and surveillance for a highly sensitive military mission. It's for your protection that I'm asking you to leave, not because I feel you can't to what I'm asking. If it were up to me," said Danni as she looked towards the door "I would have you all stay. you're the best at what you do and it 's only because of the classification of this mission that I 'm forced to ask you to leave."

"We understand Dr. Cranston-Scott" said a Harry as he stood "Thank you for letting us be a part of the rescue." then he approached Danni and extended his hand.

"I wouldn't want any other group of people to work with in a crisis" said Danni as she shook his hand and then took the next hand offered to her. One by one all the nonmilitary personal came forward, shook Danni's hand and then left the Command Center. In the end only a dozen people were left sitting at their stations when Danni turned to face Kevin.

"Kevin would you please tell Major Reed that the Command Center is now secure. He and his men can enter."

"Danni I don't..." started Kevin but stopped when he saw the pleading in her eyes.

"Kevin please, I'll explain later but right now time is of the essence if this mission is to succeed."

"You and I, WILL talk later young lady!" answered Kevin empathetically.

"Yes sir." said Danni quietly as she closed her eyes and dropped her head.

Kevin quickly came over to her and cupped her face in his hands kissing her gently on her forehead. "Remember that no matter what Danni. Jason, Bill, Jack, Linda and I love you unconditionally" whispered Kevin with his lips still against her forehead.

"Ohhhhhh, thank you Kevin" said Danni softly.

Kevin kissed her once more then walked slowly towards the Command Center doors. Outside stood nine marines in full gear and armor. He guessed that the marine closest to the door was Major Reed and turned to face him. "Major Reed, Danielle said to tell you that the Command Center is now secure." said Kevin as he stood and sized up the man standing before him.

"Thank you Mr. Cranston, you're Bill's father aren't you?" asked Major Reed as he looked back at the man before him. He could see the resemblance but it'd been a long time since he'd last seen Bill and he wasn't certain.

"Yes, I am" answered Kevin.

"He's a good marine"

"Yes he is, and an even better man and husband, Major Reed"

"That I would believe sir. Proceed gentleman" said Major Reed as he stepped aside to allow his men to enter the Command Center.

Just before he entered Kevin stopped him again. "Major, do me a favor, I know Danni can take care of herself but would you watch her for us please?"

"She not actually going with us on the mission Mr. Cranston" said Major Reed.

"That doesn't matter, what you're asking her to do will be hard on her both physically and mentally especially after she's been scanning the bomb site for three days."

"You have my word Mr. Cranston." said Major Reed as he extended his hand to Kevin.

"Thank you Major and good luck" answered Kevin as he shook his hand and then left the Command Center corridor.

As Major Reed entered the Command Center he was amazed at the complexity of the set up. As he walked up beside the young woman he once again wondered about the complex personality of Danielle Cranston-Scott. "This is quite a set up you have here Mrs. Cranston-Scott"

"Thank you Major Reed," said Danni with a smile "Don't you think it's time you called me Danielle" asked Danni

"Then it's Jefferson, or Jeff for short" answered Major Reed.

Danni nodded her acknowledgement and then turned to the task at hand. "Alright ladies and gentlemen, our objective is to locate a compound within the Franklin or Essex counties of New York state. I've sent the information that's known to each of your stations. Input the known information and send me the possible locations to scan." as Danni finished she finished speaking everyone launched into the task at hand.

Danni sat down on the stool that was in front of the main console, closed her eyes and waited.

"How long do you expect this to take Mrs... Danielle?"

"That depends on the accuracy of your information Jefferson." answered Danni with a smile. And then once again closed her eyes.

Major Reed looked at the woman for a minute and then started walking around the command center looking over her staff's shoulders

"It won't make them work any faster if you watch them Major Reed. If you want results then I suggest you leave my people alone and let them work." said Danni with her eyes still closed.

Major Reed heard the snickers of a few of his men as he made his way back to the main console.

Ten minutes later they heard a beep at one of the stations. "I've got something Dr. Cranston-Scott" said the young woman at the console.

"Send it to me Annette" said Danni as she opened her eyes and laid her hand on the main console.

A few minutes later another beep was heard. "I've got another one ma'am" said another man.

"Send it to me. The first one was not the compound" replied Danni.

This went on for about twenty minutes, computer stations beeping and different stations sending information to Danielle were she would mentally scan them. Until finally Greg's station beeped again and he called. "I've got something Dr. Cranston-Scott"

Danni scanned the information and then a wide smile broke out on her face. "I think this is it Major, take a look" then the front view screen came on and an almost crystal clear image of the compound came into view. It was like looking from a satellite orbiting space but the picture was much more precise and clear.

"I believe you're right Danielle. General Addison, we've found the compound." called Major Reed over his comm badge.

"Good work Major, do you have the layout of the land so we can plan our infiltration?" asked General Addison.

"Greg pull up the layout of the compound and a floor plan of each building and what it is used for." asked Danni.

"Yes ma'am, coming up now." called Greg as he feverishly worked at his station.

"General can you see it on your end?" asked Danni

"Affirmative Mrs. Cranston-Scott"

For the next forty five minutes Major Reed, General Addison and other high ranking military personal talked strategies and drew up a plan to infiltrate the compound and capture its members. When everything was finalized General Addison said. "Thank you Mrs. Cranston-Scott for all your help without you we would not have been able to draw this situation to such a speedy conclusion."

"It's not over yet general" replied Danni quickly.

"Yes but your part..." started General Addison.

"General take a good look at that compound and tell me that you're one hundred percent secure in sending your men in there without any casualties," said Danni hotly.

"Casualties are a fact of war Mrs. Cranston-Scott" replied the General.

"Yes, but we aren't at war General! I've told you that I'd do reconnaissance and surveillance. I've done the reconnaissance, you now know the layout of the compound and floor plans of each of its buildings. Now I'll take care of the surveillance"

"Now wait just one minute Mrs. Cranston-Scott! We can't have a civilian..."

"Damn it General! It's actually Dr. Cranston-Scott. I've got more degrees than you've probably ever heard of. And if you would let me finish I'll explain. I can set up surveillance through Major Reed if he's willing" said Danni as she looked over at the man. At his nod she continued. "And monitor the team's progress through the compound from here. That way there's a better chance that every man going in will come out"

"And you won't have any other part than surveillance?" asked General Addison.

"No General, this mission, fail or succeed with be all yours. But for my part I'll do everything in my power to make sure that everyone going in will come out alive" said Danni as she looked at the eight men standing behind her.

In the short time they'd been in the Command Center Danni had inadvertently picked up little snip it's of their lives. Three were married, two were engaged and the last three had girlfriends they were beginning to get serious about. Of the three that were married one was expecting their first child and the other two had two kids each. Without meaning to she'd become attached to these men and she would be damned it she was going to let a pig headed man, even a General, put their lives in danger.

"Then if Major Reed is willing.." started General Addison as he looked toward the Major.

"I am sir!" said Jefferson Reed empathetically.

"Then you have my permission to proceed whenever you are ready Major. And good luck" said General Addison as he closed the communication.

"Well are you ready to get down to the nitty gritty gentlemen?" asked Danni as she turned to face the men that were about to put their lives on the line.

"Yes ma'am!" chorused the men all together.

"Then if you'll proceed to the corridor I'll finalize things with Major Reed and we can begin" said Danni as she smiled at each man.

"Hu Rah!" said the men together then filled out into the corridor to await the transport.

Danni smiled and gave a small chuckled "Hu Rah! Now if you're ready Jeff, I intend to perform a light link with you so I can communicate with you but no one can hear us."

"Like you did with the Universal Power Rangers when they were at the bombing site?" asked Jeff.

"Exactly, but with you the link is temporary. Are you ready?" asked Danni as she stepped towards the man in front of her. He was a little nervous, probably apprehensive about the link but he was a marine and marines did what they were ordered to do and if this helped protect his men then he would do it.

Danni took the last step until she was finally standing right in front of the man. He was tall so she had to reach up to put both her hands on his temples. "Relax, Jeff. I won't bite, although I wouldn't ask Bill about that?" said Danielle with a slight smile on her face.

At her comments Jeff relaxed and Danni initiated the link. It was a light surface link for the sole purpose of communication. "Can you hear me?" asked Danni through the link.

Jeff's eyes popped opened and he looked at the woman in front of him.

"I..." he started but was stopped when Danni placed a finger over his lips.

"Mentally think what you want to say, I'll hear you" she said through the link once again.

After a few awkward minutes Jeff answered her. "Yes, I can"

"Now remember I can see and hear everything that you and your men are doing. Their comm badges act as a conductor for our communication system which I'll broadcast directly to their ears only if I see they are in danger. Otherwise all communications will go through you."

"Affirmative and thank you for everything Danielle" said Jeff.

"You're welcome, just bring them all back alive." answered Danni as she reached up and gave Jeff a quick kiss on the cheek and then turned back to the main console.

Major Jefferson Reed took one last look at Danielle and thought that William and Jason Cranston-Scott were two damn lucky men. He then turned and left to join his men.

As the door closed behind him a lone figure stepped out of the shadows. "I hope you know what you're doing Danielle?" asked Kevin Cranston quietly.

At the sound of his voice Danni turned and ran into his arms. "Oh gods I hope so to Kevin! It turns out that we were the reason the conference was bombed. This group feared that Jason, Bill and I were trying to take over the government and somehow turn the earth alien" cried Danni into Kevin's chest.

"Even though the guys are from earth themselves?" asked Kevin as he rubbed her back trying to sooth her. He knew that this was one of Danielle's biggest fears that people would think that she'd somehow corrupted Jason and Bill when she formed the Triad.

"They thought I'd somehow changed them when we got married. You know really old fashion, old testament types. They don't believe in two men marrying one woman and figure it was my fault. God only knows what they would have thought, or done if they found out that Jas and Bill were a couple before I entered in."

"It's not your fault Danni! You can't be responsible for every crack pot group that is around. But what you can do is help stop them before they hurt someone else." then Kevin pulled her from his chest and raised her head so she could see him and smiled. "So buck up as you say and go save the world again. Just be careful, then come to the hospital and take care of your husbands. They both need you right now" said Kevin.

"How are they?" asked Danni anxiously.

"Nope, not yet. Save the world first then worry about your husbands, they wouldn't want you distracted and do something dumb."

"You're right, thanks Kevin." said Danni with a sigh "Will you wait here?"

"No I think my place right now is at the hospital with Bill and Jas, at least while you're out saving the world. After that we'll see..." said Kevin and then kissed her on the forehead. "Take care our angel, and remember that we all love you very much" then Kevin teleported out of the Command Center to the hospital to wait with his son and his partner for their wife.