A/N: Hello everyone, I am back with the next update and it didn't take nearly as long as I originally thought it was going to. Thanks to everyone who left any reviews or feedback on the last chapter. I know it was short, but I felt that explaining the Comdrites true purpose in life and in this story was an important element that deserved its own screen time. To those of you who are continuing to be fascinated by my original villains, I am glad that you are receiving them well. Now enough chit-chat, on with the story.
Reminder:
-KARONE WILL BE REFERRED TO AS ASTRONEMA FROM THIS MOMENT FORWARD. This is due to the fact that she is now posing as a villain. So rather than write her name as Karone in third-person perspective, I will be addressing her by her evil persona's name.
- This story is an AU. It follows the events of the series; but for the sake of my O.C. Molly, the time frame in which each season of Power Rangers has lengthened. So yes, this story does take place during the season of Dino Thunder, but everyone's ages have been altered to better fit this original idea of mine. If you can't accept that, you might as well click away now.
- I have switched Tommy's profession to history at this point because I am HORRIBLE at science & chemistry and felt that writing about history would be a lot easier. Plus, I think that studying dinosaurs and fossils leans more towards the history side of the educational world.
- Tommy x Kimberly are the main pairing of this story, but there are SEVERAL other pairings that will be used during the course of this story as well. For starters, Hayley and Tommy are a couple when this story begins. As with most romances, theirs is going to take a while to blossom. So don't expect things to be all "sunshine and rainbows" in the beginning.
- Although I edit this story frequently, I do tend to make a few mistakes. So if you spot them, KINDLY let me know and I will take care of the issue immediately. Insulting my intelligence or skills as a writer for such minor mistakes is not only rude, but I will not tolerate it.
- Most importantly, I have made this story a personal challenge for myself and have written it ENTIRELY in the present tense so it seems like the story is happening right before your very eyes. It has proven to be a difficult challenge, but fun nonetheless. So I hope you guys like it too.
Disclaimer: I do not own the popular television series Power Rangers, which is based off of the Super Sentai series that air in Japan. I do not own the rights to any of the show's characters that are used in this story. Both aspects are being used for entertainment purposes only. I am the creator of Molly Hart, Samara and Austin Scott, and all other original characters featured in this story. The plot of this story was also developed by me. DO NOT REPRODUCE ANY ASPECT OF THIS STORY. Thank you.
"Filling Spaces"
Kimberly watches as her last high impact class of the day finishes off their last lap around the track. The brunette looks up at the sky and stares at the few clouds floating through the endless sea of turquoise blue before turning her attention to the class as they walk towards her. She smiles at the winded looks on their sweat covered faces before tucking her clipboard underneath her arm.
"Well guys, you managed to start out the week well. Let's just hope you can keep up with the rest of the fitness exercises for the rest of the week. You've earned your A's for the day. Hit the showers."
The boys makes sounds of approval and relief as they head back to the school to shower. Kimberly can hear the sounds of the school bell ringing off in the distance and turns to follow after the trail of boys leading into the gym's back doors. Her nose is greeted by the smell of sweat and sneakers when she gets inside, and she takes a deep breath when she realizes how it it's gotten since she went outside. Ignoring her discomfort, she heads for her office. The Pink Ranger quickly sheds her sweat jacket so she's standing in nothing but her sports bra before untying her hair and letting it fall down her shoulders.
"Wow - even though your tired and covered in sweat, you still look absolutely stunning." An alto male voice comes from behind her. Kimberly looks over her shoulder and finds Tommy standing in the doorway, casually leaning against its frame as he shoves his hands in his pockets. "How was your school day?"
Kimberly looks away from him as she moves to put her things inside her purse. "I was only here for half a day, so it wasn't too exciting. I spent most of seventh hour writing a schedule for the substitute coach I'll be needing, since I'm being shipped off to Angel Grove and all."
Tommy audibly sighs and Kimberly rolls her eyes before resuming her task. She hears his footsteps approach her, but she doesn't bother to look up until he rests his hand on her naked shoulder. She huffs before turning around to face him, tucking her hair behind her ears. Tommy cradles the back of her head with his hand before bringing her forehead to his lips and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"Look, I know you're still mad at me Kim, but you have to understand that I'm only doing this to keep you and Molly safe." he says, his voice heavy with sincerity that the small gymnast doesn't fail to miss. "Believe me, I want to be with you, but if being apart means you'll be safe from harm's way, I have to do it."
Kimberly looks up at her lover and frowns. "I am strong enough to take care of myself Tommy. I have long passed the point of being a damsel in distress all the damn time. Let me stay here with you and your rangers so that we can fight together. Splitting us up won't make either of us feeling better."
"Kim, I understand where you're coming from, but you aren't going to change my mind. I'm sending you and Molly to Angel Grove with Jason and that's final."
"Hey now, don't I get a say in this?" Molly's voice comes from the doorway. Kimberly looks over Tommy's shoulder as he spins around, both of them surprised by their daughter's reappearance. Molly is sitting in her wheelchair, her backpack slung around its handle bars and her hands on its wheels, as she stares at both of her parents in disbelief.
"You heard your father honey." Kimberly says as she folds her arms across her chest. "We're being sent to Angel Grove so we'll be safe."
"Dad, I'm still a Dino Ranger." the teen argues as she does her best not to go off completely. "I know you and mom don't think it's safe for me to morph using my powers, but that doesn't mean I'm any less a member of this team. Reefside is my city to protect too. You shouldn't send me away."
"I'm sorry kiddo, but this is the way things have to be for now." Tommy says as he walks over and crouches down in front of her. He takes the teen's smaller hands into his, mentally noting of how soft they are in his roughened hands, before giving them a gentle squeeze. He looks up into her eyes and sees the tears forming, but Molly takes a deep breath to keep them from falling. She is strong, just like her mother; and no matter how much he will hate being separated from them both, Tommy knows this is how things have to be.
"Come on Molly." Kimberly says as she slings her purse over her shoulder. "We'd better get home and pack."
Katherine stretches her arms above her head with a yawn before leaning upright in her seat. She spares a glance at Billy who is hovering over a table beside her, working on a small circuit board using a tiny torch that Alpha had given him a few hours ago. The glasses-wearing genius has barely said two words since he started his project and Katherine feels the urge to change that.
"So, what is it exactly that you're working on?" she asks before standing up and moving to stand beside him. "It must be pretty important. It's held your attention for nearly two hours now."
Billy chuckles before scooting aside so Katherine can see his latest project. The object looks like a bar code scanner you would typically find in a grocery store, but it is made out of a metallic casing that is see through. There is a dull green light glowing inside it and Katherine can see various wires and microchips placed in their own individual spots.
"This is my Sever Scanner." Billy says with a proud nod. "It is specifically designed to help connect and disconnect our ties with the Morphing Grid."
"Is that even possible?" Katherine asks with wide eyes.
"Well, it's still a work in progress at the moment, but I have no doubts that it will work. With everything that happened with Molly becoming possessed by that evil Dino Gem, I thought it would be best if we had a back up plan in tact, just in case things go awry again. If my theory proves to be successful, one zap from this device would strip Molly of her powers, should she become possessed by her Dino Gem again."
"Billy, this is amazing." Katherine exclaims before wrapping her arms around his neck from behind to give him a hug. "I'm glad your logical prowess hasn't dimmed with age."
Billy ignores Katherine's aging comment and grins before turning to the sliding doors as Jason walks in. "Alpha, Tommy is ready for us to beam Kimberly and Molly over to the Command Center." he says as he approaches his robotic friend.
Alpha nods before running, on his short legs, to the control panel. Katherine and Billy move to join Jason, both of them eager to have Kimberly and Molly where it's safe. Alpha's fingers move hurriedly as he inputs a few commands into the control center. He then steps back as two bright lights, one pink and one green, begin to flash throughout the room. The two lights finally calm as Kimberly and a wheel chair bound Molly materialize in the chamber. The two girls look around at their new surroundings before sighing and walking over to their friends. Jason bends down to give Molly a hug first, before standing back upright to pull his sister into his embrace.
"I'm glad you made it here safely." he says earnestly before taking a step back and looking at her. Kimberly looks defeated, and Jason can't help but to reach out and hug her again. Being away from Tommy is the exact opposite thing the Pink Ranger wanted, but Jason knows that she will come to accept the decision with time.
"How are you feeling Molly?" Katherine asks as she tries to lighten the mood. "I heard the doctors released you from the hospital this morning."
"I feel fine." she says with a shrug, not bothering to look in Katherine's direction. "The pain is dull, and my pain medication keeps it that way, so I shouldn't complain. I nailed my audition this morning and scored the part of Cinderella. Too bad I won't be able to make rehearsals now, thanks to our current living situation."
Katherine winces at the coldness in the teen's tone, but says nothing as she and Billy move to grab the girls' bags. As they head out the door, Samara walks in with Austin toddling behind her. The raven-haired teen grins widely, her teeth showing, as she walks over to give her best friend a hug. Molly sighs, but returns the hug before leaning back in her chair.
"Welcome to the Command Center?" Samara says as a question, not sure of how to gauge Molly's reaction.
"So, this was the original Power Rangers' base?" Molly asks as she takes the time to look around at the metal walls and flashing lights.
"Not the original, but a nearly exact replica." Jason says as he folds his arms across his chest. "The original Command Center was destroyed, and this backup base was constructed underneath the ruins. Still, you can consider this as our original Command Center, yes."
"So how does this whole living situation work? I mean, do we stay here during the day and head back into Angel Grove at night?"
"That won't be necessary young one." Dimitria's angelic voice comes from behind the teen. Molly and Kimberly turn around just as Dimitria materializes within her time warp tube. She nods her head in greeting before smoothing out her robes and folding her hands. "The Command Center can be used for emergency shelter, so we have several rooms to accommodate you and the others during your stay here."
"Each room has two queen-sized beds, a dresser for storage, and an adjoining bathroom." Alpha continues as Molly turns to him, a fascinated look on her face when she realizes he is a robot. "There are, of course, other recreational rooms to keep you entertained during your stay. There's a fully equipped kitchen, a workout room, a living room area with video games and a large TV, and of course a rec room."
"He's a robot...?" Molly says as her frown slowly melts into a smile.
"That's right honey." Kimberly says as she walks over to give Alpha a hug. "He's the technical adviser around here and he is very friendly. He was created on the planet Edenoi and he has sentimental emotions and memory banks that sort of give him human-like qualities. You guys are going to get along just great."
"Ai, yi, yi, yi, yi - it's a pleasure to meet you Molly." Alpha says before walking over to Molly and shaking her hand. The teen notes how his hand is metallic, but it holds a bit of warmth to it. "If you're anything like your mother or your father, I'm sure we'll get along great."
Molly nods before wheeling over to the door. "So Alpha, would you mind showing me where the bathroom is around here? I haven't gone since I left the hospital."
Kimberly and Jason laugh as the two of them disappear through the sliding doors.
The Dino Rangers are sitting down in Tommy's lab while Tommy types away at his computer. Trent is busy finishing up a sketch of a tiger he had started during his math class that morning. Ethan is busy playing Pokémon on his Nintendo D.S. while Conner helps Kira wrap new bandages around her neck and arms. The teens all look up when Tommy stops typing and turns around to face them.
"So, are you ready to start this meeting, or are you going to wait for Molly and Ms. Hart to get here?" Conner asks as he finishes tying off Kira's last bandage and leans back against the armrest. Kira scoots to sit in between his legs before she leans back against his chest and he wraps his arms around her torso.
"Kimberly and Molly aren't coming." he says with a sigh before looking up to meet the confused gazes of his students. "I had them teleported to the Command Center in Angel Grove about twenty minutes before you all got here."
"You did what?" Trent asks as he sets his sketchbook down and stands to his feet. "You sent them away. Why didn't you run this past us first?"
"Yeah Doctor O." Ethan agrees, his game completely forgotten. "Molly is a member of our team, even without her Dino Gem. She should have been able to stay here with us."
"Listen, I know you guys are upset with me, but sending Kimberly and Molly to the Command Center is what's best for now. Molly isn't healed yet, and she would have pushed her limits or tried to morph again if she stayed here. Kimberly is going to look after her and make sure that she recovers properly without the healing abilities of her morphing powers. Forget about them for now. We have bigger worries."
"What's going on?" Kira asks when she notices how tightly his jaw is clenched together. "Andros and I have been exchanging research data since we first agreed to work as a group to stop the Master. The two of us believe that the Master has three main targets for his assault - Reefside, Angel Grove, and the Megaship. All of his attacks thus far have been based here in Reefside, starting with the planting of the evil Green Dino Gem. Since then, we have been visited by four of the six Comdrites, and we have also had to deal with Putty and Piranhatron attacks, Scorpina, Goldar, Elgar and Rygog; but as of this morning, Andros's scanner on the Megaship has detected and evil presence within Angel Grove too. It's only a matter of time before attacks begin there as well."
"It's a good thing you moved Jason and the others there." Ethan interrupts. "The city's going to need their help."
"The Megaship also has a target on it because it is in outer space and is a potential threat to the Master's ship." Tommy continues. "Knowing this, splitting all of us rangers up and assigning us to different posts will help to ensure that the earth stays safe."
"Are any of the other rangers' domains in any danger?" Kira asks as her mind turns towards the Ninja Rangers she and the others had befriended last month during their team-up battle.
"Aside from the Animarium lowering itself from the sky so the Wild Force Rangers could access it again, no. So once the other rangers have recharged their powers or found alternative power sources, I will be assigning them to a place as well."
Tommy walks away from the teens and over to his briefcase that is sitting by the staircase. He crouches down to grab something before standing and walking back over to the teens. He then opens his hand, revealing the Pink Dino Gem to them all.
"Oh my God." Kira gasps. "Doctor O, that's the Dino Gem Zordon had Molly give to Ms. Hart. What are you doing with it?"
"The gem is safest with me Kira. I swiped it off Kimberly while she and Molly were packing up their things earlier. I suspect she doesn't know I have it yet, and I plan to keep it that way. We have to get the Bambiraptor Ranger's morpher off the Mothership so we can insert this Dino Gem and gain access to its powers. Once we do that, we can retrieve the hidden power weapon for the suit and add a Pink Ranger to our team."
"That sounds good in theory Doctor O, but we have no way of getting on board the Mothership." Ethan points out. "The only person capable of helping us is that Karone chick, but she's deep undercover, and we can't jeopardize her mission. Our best bet would be to wait for the Master to get to earth and sneak onto his ship to take the gem for ourselves."
"We might not get that chance Ethan."
"So what do you suggest we do then?" Conner asks, speaking up for the first time in what seems like forever.
Before Tommy can speak, the emergency alarms begin blaring loudly throughout the cave. The teens cover their ears before following Tommy back over to the computer monitors. The Black Ranger quickly takes his seat, shoving the Dino Gem into his pocket, before he pulls up an image of an attack happening downtown. The teens watch as a scene of Tyrannodrones causing a wave of chaos and destruction in the eastern quadrant of Reefside can be seen. Panicked citizens are running through the streets as they do their best to escape with their lives. The image quickly shifts as an invisi-portal materializes and Elsa steps through with Zeltrax right beside her.
"It looks like Mesogog is finally making a move." Tommy says as he looks to Conner. The Red Ranger has an arm around Kira's shoulder, a hard look on his face as his jaw tightens. He nods once before turning around and heading for the mouth of the cave.
"What are we waiting for then?" he asks as he flips open a hidden control panel to open the door that hides away the Raptor Cycles. "Let's give him a welcome so great, he'll wish he would have stayed away."
Trini walks into the Power Chamber and smiles at her daughter who is sitting on top of Billy's drafting table, watching as the genius explains how to put his scanner together. The Yellow Ranger makes her way over to the mainframe and pulls up the software for the barrier system she and Billy had installed yesterday morning. Her eyes scan over its readings and she smiles at the results before shrinking the screen. Just as she prepares to head out of the room, a loud beeping sound begins echoing throughout the chamber.
"What is that sound?" she asks as she looks around, concerned that maybe she had hit a wrong button during her scan.
"We have an incoming transmission." Billy says as he stands up and walks over to answer the call. Alpha still hasn't returned from taking Molly to the restroom, so the Blue Ranger takes it upon himself to operation the controls. The mainframe's screen quickly fades away and is replaced by an image of an unfamiliar Caucasian man with shoulder length, striped brown and blonde hair. Trini and Billy exchange a glance before looking back at the screen.
"Who are you? State your purpose." Billy says as his right index finger hovers above the escape key, just in case he needs to end the conversation quickly.
"My name is Andros." the man replies, earning looks of relief from both the Yellow and Blue Ranger. "I'm sorry for worrying you. I'm used to Alpha or Jason answering my calls to the Command Center. Speaking of Jason, is he around by any chance. I have a special request to make, but I'll need his permission."
"I'll go and grab him." Samara says as she slides off the table and heads through the sliding doors. Trini and Billy keep their eyes on the transmission screen as a beautiful woman with light brown hair, that is braided into two over the shoulder pigtails, steps into view and takes a seat beside Andros. When she gives him a small peck on the lips, Billy and Trini immediately rule her as being Ashley, Andros's known wife. The Yellow Astro Ranger offers the two of them a wave before settling in the seat beside her husband. Clearly, this conversation somehow concerns her as well.
The Power Chamber doors slide open as Samara returns with her father. Alpha 5 also reenters the room, pushing Molly's wheel chair. When Jason sees Andros on the screen, he smiles in greeting.
"Hey there Andros. I have to say, I'm a little surprised you're contacting me. Tommy's not here."
"Tommy let me know that you were going to be leading the rangers in Angel Grove, while he continues to monitor things in Reefside." Andros says as he grabs Ashley's hand and laces their fingers together. "He and I had a long talk last night about positioning rangers for the Master's attack. We believe he will be striking three core points - Reefside, Angel Grove, and my base of operations here on the Megaship. With this knowledge in hand, we're going to need all the help we can get so we aren't overthrown by the Master's forces."
"I couldn't agree with you more." Jason says as he nods his head.
"This leads us to our reason for calling." Ashley says with a nervous smile. "I'm sure you have already heard by now, but I recently found out that I'm pregnant, and that leaves the rangers up here in space down one, which isn't good. Our combined Power Weapon, the Quadro Blaster, requires my Star Slinger in order to operate; and unless my suit is in action, the weapon can't be summoned. We brought this to Tommy's attention and he made a suggestion as to how we can fix this problem."
"The most logical fix would be to temporarily allow someone access to Ashley's powers." Andros concludes. "Being that Molly is still recovering, we can't take the risk of giving her this chance. So, we're left with only one other option." The Red Astro Ranger's smile quickly falls when he sees Jason's nostrils flaring.
"Wait a minute, are you suggesting that you give Ashley's powers to my daughter?" Jason asks while Trini grabs onto her husband's hand to give it a gentle squeeze. "I don't want Samara to be a Power Ranger. It's way too dangerous. I already hate that she and Austin are being overexposed to the ranger life as is; but actually being a ranger, that's taking it way past my comfort level."
"I understand your reasoning Jason, but this is about more than your daughter staying safe as an innocent civilian." Ashley says as she tries to reason with the older man. "Samara will be helping not only me and my team, but the entire world. She'll learn the ropes around the Megaship and we will make sure she is more than ready to go into combat. We have an excellent training program here. She will be well taken care of Jason, you have my word."
"Ashley and Andros, I'm sorry, but this isn't up for debate. My daughter is not getting involved, and that is final."
"Jason, why don't we let Samara decide?" Trini speaks up, causing him to tense. Jason turns to his wife who is staring at him with a small smile on her lips, her cheeks round and her eyes filled with understanding. "I know that you're worried about something happening to her. Believe me, I am too, but we have trained Samara in marital arts and she is a skilled gymnast thanks to Kimberly. All that aside, she is also our daughter. That reason alone should give you more than enough reason to trust her to the ranger life."
Jason mulls over Trini's words for a minute while everyone watches him in silence. Finally, he turns to his daughter who is standing beside Billy, her eyes wide like those of a deer standing in the pathway of an oncoming car. Clearly, she is scared of what his reaction might be, but when he gives her a nod, she takes a deep breath.
"I want this dad." she says. "If you allow me to go with them, I won't let you down. I'll train hard, I won't complain, I'll stay strong - just like you and mom have always taught me to do. You won't regret this decision."
Jason feels his chest swell with pride before he moves to take his daughter into his arms. Standing at only five foot one, Samara seems so small in his arms, and the Gold Zeo Ranger can't help but to think of the many times he had held his little girl over the years. Every time had been precious and momentous, but none of those hugs meant more than the one she is returning to him now. Doing his best not to tear up, Jason releases his daughter and turns back to the screen.
"Andros, Ashley, please take care of my daughter." he says as Trini moves to give Samara a hug.
"I promise you Jason, she is in good hands." Ashley says as Trini finishes her hug. "So Samara, are you ready to be teleported?"
Samara nods before giving Molly a thumbs up, to which Molly responds with a teary-eyed laugh. "I'm ready Ashley."
The communication screen goes black as Andros ends the call. Samara then looks over the faces of her family and smiles. As her body is enveloped by a bright yellow light, she blows her father a kiss before weightlessness overcomes her.
Author's Note: And so ends another chapter. I hope you guys are pleased with this chapter. Anyways, leave me a review and wait patiently for the next update. Trust me, it isn't too far in the future. Till next time guys!
Thanks for Reviewing:
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