Previously, on Power Rangers Cyber V: President Meredith Winters, from the beginning, manipulated the Ranger Project and the Twins through Alphabet Soup, eventually coming out into the open and becoming a visible enemy to the Rangers in her attempts to eliminate the Twins. War broke out in Horizon, culimating in a three-way alliance against Alphabet Soup between the Rangers, Tornado, and even Kalask. When the dust settled, Takuya/Tornado joined the team, Jake and Wendy got married, and Meredith Winters was seemingly killed. However, she was actually found by Kalask, who forcibly introduced her to Venjix nanites...
BEGIN MISSION LOG
Location: United Nations, New York, New York
It's a typical morning at the U.N., and security actually looks a bit bored watching as diplomats come in and out of the building. That changes quickly as black gloved hands grab them and the diplomats. More security comes immediately, responding to the shocked cries. Several laser blasts strike the security guards, and they slump to the ground, badly hurt or dead. The intruders don't particularly care which. The intruders keep going, room by room, floor by floor, taking over methodically. In under ten minutes, the entire building is under their control.
Satisfied that phase one of the plan is complete, the leader of these invaders casually strolls into the building, her second-in-command by her side. They make their way to a familiar office and open the door. The leader quickly goes to the wall of the office and removes a portrait, revealing a wall safe. She taps in the combination and opens it. Inside is an unassuming briefcase. She pulls it out and grins.
We pull back to see Meredith Winters, completely healed after her last encounter with the Rangers, open the briefcase to reveal the nuclear Football, the portable device used in case of nuclear attack upon the United States.
Winters: Q, make certain the hostages are secured, then get ready. If anyone attempts to enter the building, kill them.
Agent Q: Of course, Ma'am. But what are you going to do with the Football?
Winters: The Rangers nearly killed me, Q. They chose to protect those two freaks instead of protecting humanity. That makes them traitors to the human race. And treason is punishable by death.
She activates the Football and begins entering command codes.
Winters: No more half-measures. If killing the Hybrids didn't keep them down, I'll just vaporize them instead. Them, the Rangers, and the city that dares to harbor them.
Agent Q actually looks shocked that she would go this far, but he says nothing.
Winters: In one hour, they'll need to redraw the map of California, because I'm going to wipe the city of Horizon off the face of the Earth!
Power Rangers Cyber V
Created by Aaron Thall
Chapter 37: Winters' Discontent
Written by: Aaron Thall
Location: Fort Myers
Jeremy and Takuya are walking down a corridor. Jeremy's in the middle of filling their newest member in on what came before he arrived.
Jeremy: So once we figured out that they were using robot duplicates to be in two places at once, it all clicked, and they came out of hiding, all beaten up and bloody.
Takuya: They certainly went all the way to give themselves alibis. What became of the robots?
Jeremy: Oh, Dr. Manx sent them to SPD HQ. She said she had a friend who could use the company.
Takuya: I see... So, what happened next?
Jeremy: Oh, that's another long story in itself. It was a hectic time.
Takuya: I'm not certain I'd call it hectic. Yes, you've had to deal with Kalask and this Winters, but my world? Every other day, some nutcase in a costume would be robbing a bank, or off on some revenge trip. And then there were the armored psychopaths trying to take over the world, alien invasions every couple of months, and the rare genocidal maniac trying to rewrite history.
Jeremy: Like Gatekeeper?
Takuya: ...Good point... Still, by what I'm used to, your reality's actually rather quiet by comparison.
Right on cue, the alarm blares. Jeremy gives Takuya a look.
Jeremy: You just HAD to say it, didn't you?
Takuya: No point whining about it now.
They make their way to the War Room, and see the others have already gathered.
Takuya: So, Kalask's started his game again?
Cruger: Unfortunately, no. I'm afraid the situation may be worse.
Jake: Worse? How could anything be worse than Kalask looming over us every day?
Cruger: It seems that, in spite of your recent efforts, Alphabet Soup is still active.
Walter: Pfft. Without Winters, we can handle those jerks easy.
Cruger: That's just it... Meredith Winters is ALIVE.
Wendy: WHAT? How the hell did she survive the Victory Ultrazord?
Matt: I'll admit, that's impressive. The blast she took should have finished her off.
Anya: It would seem miraculous survivals were the theme of the day.
She glances at the Twins, looking remarkably fresh given their recent time spent with the Grim Reaper.
Cindy: How she survived isn't important... What does is stopping her. What's she done NOW?
Cruger: Approximately an hour ago, she, Agent Q, and a horde of Commandroids took over the United Nations and retrived the nuclear Football.
Dr. Manx: She's attempting to break the new security codes now. And she's doing it at an alarming rate. We believe she's planning a nuclear strike on Horizon.
General Sauder: We only found out thanks to a few security cameras Dr. Manx had reprogrammed when she had RIC infiltrate the building a few months back. Not too happy to find out about it, for the record...
The Rangers stare at them, horrified.
Matt: She's completely insane, isn't she?
Cindy: She'd kill everyone in the city?
Wendy: Just to get us?
Jeremy: This lively enough for you, Takuya?
Takuya: Getting there. So we go there and stop her, right?
Cruger: Officially, this is considered an S.P.D. matter. Unofficially...
Anya: She's our enemy, and our responsibility to stop.
Cruger: Indeed. I've mobilized B-Squad, but they're off planet and won't arrive for several hours. In the meantime, I'm authorizing half of you to go to New York with me to stop her... And that's only because I doubt I could stop you.
Walter: Only half?
Sauder: We need Rangers here... In case she manages to launch a missile or if Kalask attacks.
Anya: I don't like splitting our forces, but it seems we have no choice.
Cruger: The only question is who goes where?
The Twins immediately step forward, as do Jake and Anya.
Wendy: The bitch wants us, she's gonna get us. Up close and extra painful.
Matt: It's long past time we ended this feud.
Anya: And where my siblings go, so do I.
Jake: Like I'm letting my wife face that psycho without me?
Jeremy: And the rest of us'll be on standby.
Cindy: Guys... Please be careful?
Wendy: Oh please. She's already killed me once. What MORE can she do to me?
Cruger: Prep the Flyer. We leave immediately!
Location: United Nations
In her former office, Winters smiles softly as she breaks through the latest series of encryptions.
Winters: It won't be much longer, Q.
Agent Q: Good, but we've discovered a breach in the building's security system. Someone hacked the security cameras. I've tracked the feed... It's SPD.
Winters: So the Rangers already know then. Make sure we've got a welcoming party for them.
Agent Q: Yes, Ma'am.
He turns and leaves. Winters returns to breaking the codes when she suddenly feels tremendous pain, her left hand shaking violently. She grinds her teeth as she fights against the strange attack.
Winters: Not now! Not yet!
Through sheer force of will, she forces the pain back, and her hand stops shaking.
Winters: I just need a little more time... That's all... Just a little!
Across the street from the U.N., Cruger's team watches the building carefully.
Anya: I'm surprised the Flyer could go so fast. You two must be eager to end this.
Matt: She's controlled our lives for longer than I care to think about. Even though we're out from under her thumb, we'll never truly be free as long as she's out there.
Wendy: Plus, it's gonna be seriously satisfying to punch her in the face a few dozen times. And that's just for our parents.
Cruger: Hold on, you two. This is an SPD mission. We take Winters alive for trial, understood?
Wendy: Maiming's okay though, right?
Jake: I'll second the motion. I still get the chills thinking about how she was gonna give you to that mercenary to be his bride.
Anya: On that note, I third the maiming option.
Cruger: I understand your feelings on this, Rangers, but remember, we're looking for justice, not vengeance. Look what happened because Takuya sought revenge.
Matt: Yes. We got killed. And the joyful experience of literally being in Kalask's palm. I'm not the hateful type, generally, but this woman is pure evil. She's a kidnapper, a murderer, and probably worse. I'm sorry, Sir, but she deserves whatever she gets. I won't stand in the way of my family, and I refuse to let anyone harm them either. Today, I'm the Stoic Avenger in deed as well as name.
Cruger sighs.
Cruger: I was afraid you four would feel this way.
Anya: It's not just us. We discussed it with the others before the Horizon War. Jeremy, Cindy, and Walter? They feel the same as we do. Takuya as well, although with him it was more out of guilt.
Wendy: And someone has to be pretty bad if Cindy's willing to take them out. Collectively... I think we all kinda hate her more than Kalask.
Jake: And as fun as it is to discuss the ethics of trying to off a murderous psychopath, has anybody else noticed that the building's swarming with Commandroids? I thought we got rid of them all!
Matt: Clearly, we were mistaken.
Wendy: Well, at least they're out of Generators. One less thing to worry about. Last thing I wanna do is hurt any of you again.
She looks at the Commandroids and scowls.
Wendy: So, how do we play this?
Matt: My guess? She already knows we're coming. I'm voting for the direct approach.
Anya: Agreed. She's shown no appreciation of subtilty thus far. I don't see her starting now. It's obviously a trap.
Cruger: All right then. Let's go spring her trap.
They move from their position and approach the building. As soon as they're across the street, laser blasts strike the pavement in front of them.
Agent Q: RANGERS! How good of you to come!
Wendy: Oh look. A bad guy.
Indeed, Agent Q steps forward, wearing black battle armor that's an exact match to the one previously worn by Winters. He cocks his EMP rifle.
Agent Q: You seem rather cocky, considering this gun took you out the last time I aimed it at you.
Wendy: Really?
She suddenly puts on a burst of speed and snatches the rifle. She stops behind Agent Q and twirls the rifle in her hand.
Wendy: Well as I recall, the last time Matt and I were readjusting after shaking the mind control, AND you shot us with no warning.
She mock-grins and snaps the gun over her knee. She makes a show of dropping the two halves before spinning and kicking the creep as he turns to face her. He staggers backwards.
Agent Q: But... How... That speed?
Wendy: Yeah, Matt and I generally only superspeed when we're morphed. Doesn't mean we can't in civilian form. Just never needed to before. A bit more tiring, though, I'll admit.
Matt grabs Agent Q and lifts him up over his head.
Matt: I generally prefer to not show off our abilities like this, but as my sister would point out, we owe you a little payback, too.
Matt flings Agent Q aside, and the killer rolls to a stop on the pavement. He staggers to his feet.
Cruger: The four of you go on ahead. I'll deal with Q and catch up.
Anya: Of course, Sir.
Jake: Make it hurt, Big Dog. For every bit of hell he made us suffer through that day.
Cruger nods, and the Rangers rush inside. Recovered, Agent Q glares at Cruger.
Agent Q: Sending them away was a mistake, Commander. Together, you could have brobably beaten me easily. Alone, you have no chance!
Cruger: We'll see about that. I recognize you, Q. You're a mercenary, wanted on ten planets in the Gamma sector alone for more crimes than I can count. I'm bringing you in. Make it easy on yourself and surrender peacefully.
Agent Q: No chance.
Cruger: GOOD! I'd hate to let Jake down.
Cruger whips out his Patrol Morpher.
Cruger: SPD... EMERGENCY!
The Morpher flips open and Cruger throws his robe aside as he leaps through a cyberized corridor. As he lands, armor forms around him and his entire head transforms, becoming an entirely different countenance.
Agent Q: Bring it on!
Cruger: With pleasure! SHADOW SABER!
He unsheathes his sword and snaps open the hilt. The blade flashes as it transforms from black marble to unbreakable steel.
Agent Q immediately fires a blast from his gauntlet. Cruger slashes downwards, splitting the plasma burst. The two halves explode behind him, leaving him unscathed.
Cruger: Is that the best you've got?
He charges and slashes at Agent Q's armor. Meanwhile, the others rush down the main corridor.
Jake: Anybody else think this is too easy?
All: Yes.
Right on cue, Commandroids burst from several offices and fire laser blasts at the Rangers. The teens scatter in all directions. Anya comes up, spins, and kicks the nearest Commandroid, doubling it over. Seeing it's weakness, she spins again and kicks it in the head. As it falls, she turns and grabs a second trying to lunge at her from behind. She spins it around, grabs it in a painful reverse chokehold, and pulls, breakign it's mechanical neck. She lets go and the broken robot collapses to the ground.
Wendy: Y'know, this is actually, kinda refreshing! We should do unmorphed fights more often!
She punches two COmmandroids on either side of her. They go flying, but two more grab her arms as several others swarm her. She jumps, using the grip of the two Commandroids to flip. She kicks the one in front of her and keeps going, flipping a full 180 to kick the one behind her. Landing on her feet, she pulls hard and slams the two holding her together.
Jake: Speak for yourself! Not all of us have super strength, Beautiful!
He ducks under a punch and elbows the Commandroid attacking him. In one swift move, he snatches the robot's rifle, spins it around, and cracks the machine in the head.
Jake: That's for the time you creeps nailed me in the skull!
He spins, and the butt of the rifle flies out, smacking into the face of another Commandroid.
Jake: That's for wrecking half the city!
He flips the gun again and fires, shooting three more.
Jake: And that's just 'cause I don't like ya!
Matt grabs the neck of the nearest Commandroid and lifts it into the air.
Matt: You're in our way. Bad call.
He throws the Commandroid into a group of robots, toppling them all. Cracking his knuckles, he charges the downed robots and punches the concrete wall behind them. Using his strength, he rips out a large chunk and casually drops it on the machines, crushing them.
Jake: You're unusually violent today, "Bro". I like it!
Matt: I save my aggression for special occasions. This qualifies. And don't call me that.
Anya: Come on!
They run faster, wary of more ambushes. It takes little time for them to reach the central chamber. Everywhere, diplomats sit, watching the Commandroids guarding the room. Dead center stage is Meredith Winters herself. She smiles as she sees the four Rangers burst in.
Winters: Welcome, Rangers! I assume you're here to save your precious Horizon?
She presses a large red button.
Winters: Too late.
Location: War Room, Fort Myers
Alarms blare, startling the rest of the team. Lt. Conner's eyes go wide as he sees the incoming data. He turns to the Rangers and General Sauder, clearly worried.
Lt. Conner: Incoming missile strike!
Jeremy: Looks like the others didn't get to Winters in time... Let's get to work!
Cindy: But how do we stop a nuclear missile? This isn't like Neutraon, who basically stood still...
Jeremy: We improvise! Ready?
Takuya flicks his wrist, summoning the Kaze Morpher. Dr. Manx pulls out her Kat Morpher.
All: READY!
Dr. Manx: SPD... EMERGENCY!
Kat's Morpher flips open and unleashes her armor. She somersaults backwards and lands in a feline crouch, claws out, as the suit transforms into energy particles and flows over her. As she stands up, a helmet materialzes over her head, completing the transformation.
They all lift their left arms to chest level while they raise and pull back their right arms, palms facing out. As one, they shove their right arms forward, pushing the "disks" into the Cyber Ops.
Jeremy, Cindy, Walter: CYBER OP ENERGIZE!
Jeremy finds himself amidst more cascading binary that flows around him. It quickly forms a red battle suit around his body, a 16-bit style triangle forming at his shoulders and meeting at his chest's center. White gloves and boots, trimmed with binary at the cuffs, appear on him, before a belt with two holsters appear. A Data Ray and a Data Blade materialize in these. Finally, the helmet forms around his head, created by data swarming around his head. Its visor is not unlike a VR goggle set. His transformation completed, he was now Cyber Red!
Walter finds himself amidst more cascading binary that flows around him. It quickly forms a green battle suit around his body, a 16-bit style triangle forming at his shoulders and meeting at his chest's center. White gloves and boots, trimmed with binary at the cuffs, appear on him, before a belt with two holsters appear. A Data Ray and a Data Blade materialize in these. Finally, the helmet forms around his head, created by data swarming around his head. Its visor is not unlike a VR goggle set. His transformation completed, he was now Cyber Green!
Cindy finds herself amidst more cascading binary that flows around her. It quickly forms a pink battle suit around her body, a 16-bit style triangle forming at her shoulders and meeting at her chest's center. A short miniskirt appears as well. White gloves and boots, trimmed with binary at the cuffs, appear on her, before a belt with two holsters appear. A Data Ray and a Data Blade materialize in these. Finally, the helmet forms around her head, created by data swarming around her head. Its visor is not unlike a VR goggle set. Her transformation completed, she was now Cyber Pink!
Takuya grasps the ripcord handle of the Kaze Morpher.
Takuya: IT'S SPIN DRIVE TIME!
He pulls on the handle, and the dial spins wildly. He's suddenly surrounded by a vortex of mystical elemental energies. He gives himself over to it, and it spirals around his body, forming aqua and silver armor, first on his legs, then his arms and torso. Finally, a spirit fox howls and surrounds his head, forming a helmet. The transformation complete, he swings his Battle Board, ready for the coming struggle.
They teleport outside, and to their shock, they can already see the contrail of the inbound missile.
Jeremy: Cindy, take CV Transport! Dr. Manx, you're with me! COMBAT ZORDS... MOBILIZE!
In the Holding Bay, large metal rods extend from the ceiling and attach to the Combat Zords, locking on magnetically and lifting the battle machines off the ground. As this happens, the back wall of the Bay opens to reveal CV Transport. The Combat Zords are quickly lowered into position by the rods, MortarTread being placed into the alcove, BlastTruck in front of it, LightTank to it's left, and WeatherTrain to it's right. The platform for Razor Bat lowers slowly and latches onto the engines of CV Transport. The roof to the Bay slides down, forming a ramp. CV Transport revs up and rolls up the ramp, quickly reaching the surface.
Jeremy: LET'S GO!
The four Rangers leap up, Dr. Manx joining Jeremy in the Razor Bat cockpit. Cindy leaps into the cockpit of CV Transport.
Jeremy: LOG ON!
Walter: Weathertrain's ready to storm!
Cindy: CV Transport ready!
Jeremy: Launch WeatherTrain and Razor Bat... NOW!
Both Zords seperate from CV Transport. Razor Bat immediately heads towards the missile.
Takuya: You don't waste any time, do you? GOOD! KYUBIZORD... HOWL!
He flings the Kyubi Crystal into the air, where it expands, filling the sky. Kyubizord leaps from it and roars. Takuya leaps up, phasing into the Zord, where he finds himself in a malestrom of mystical energies.
Takuya: KYUBIZORD... TRANSFORM!
Kyubizord howls again. It's middle tail seperates from it's body as it's sides fold out, seperating the remaining tails equally. It's back legs fold in as the front legs move backwards. The Zord stands up on it's former front legs as the halves with the tails move into position, forming arms. The tails fold backwards as hands extend from the arms. A new head, resembling Tornado's helmet, rises up from the body. Finally, the last tail folds in half and forms a crest on the helmet.
Takuya: Kyubi Battlezord... ROLL OUT!
Jeremy: Okay, first step, we need to buy time! Walter, Takuya, Kyubi! We need to divert the missile away from the city!
Walter: Okay, buddy! Hey, Takuya! You up for some cyclone action?
Takuya: It's my specialty!
Weathertrain sends energy into the air, quickly forming it into a vortex. Kyubi Battlezord, channeling Takuya's aerokinesis, increases the velocity, creating a massive tornado they then aim at the missile.
Dr. Manx: Careful, guys! One wrong move, and it could detonate!
Takuya: No worries, Doctor! I'm a pro when it comes to manipulating the air.
Walter: Yeah, and I can burp the alphabet after a shaken soda. Just focus, will ya?
Takuya chooses to let the jibe slide and focuses on the task at hand. Using all his strength, he directs the funnel towards the missile, carefully making sure to just brush against it.
Cindy: Easy... Easy...
Takuya: NOW!
He gives it one last push, and the missile veers off course, towards the ocean. He breathes a sign of relief.
Takuya: It's up to you two now.
Razor Bat changes course to match the missile. Flying parallel above it, Jeremy moves to get in closer.
Dr. Manx: Jeremy, as soon as I'm out, I want you to pull away. If I fail to disarm the warhead-
Jeremy: Then it won't matter WHERE I am, Kat. I'm not going anywhere without you! Now get going!
She nods, smiling under her helmet. She quickly makes her way to the emergency hatch of Razor Bat and opens it. Looking at the deadly missile beneath her, she drops down, landing in a crouch on it's back. The G-forces immediately threaten to blow her off the projectile, but she digs her fingers in and pulls herself forward, inch by agonizingly slow inch.
Cindy: We're running out of time! It's starting to readjust it's heading! We've got three minutes before it turns around and goes for the city again!
Dr. Manx: Understood!
With a final Herculean effort, Dr. Manx pulls herself to the nose of the warhead and pulls out a small tool kit. She immediately begins opening the necessary panel. Sweating under her helmet, she feels the seconds ticking away. Finally, the panel comes loose, and she gets to the hard part. Quickly severing a handful of wires, she cautiously begins removing the fissionable material.
Dr. Manx: Times like this, I'm glad our suits protect us from radiation!
Cindy: Gee, that's in no way gratuitous exposition...
Walter: Girl, you're pulling a Wendy again.
Cindy: Well, SOMEONE had to say it!
Dr. Manx ignores the banter and continues to focus. She disconnects one last component... And then breathes a sign of relief as she pulls the nuclear material free.
Dr. Manx: Missile disarmed! Ready for pickup!
She leaps off of the missile, going into freefall. Razor Bat blazes past her and levels off beneath her. A panel opens in the head, and she drops down through it, landing gracefully in her seat. She immediately places the radioative isotope in a lead container and seals it.
Jeremy: And we thank you for flying Razor Bat Airlines. Please remain seated and return your trays to the upright positon.
Razor Bat veers away from the missile. From the cockpit of CV Transport, Cindy gets a lock on the missile.
Cindy: And now I'll finish it!
She takes remote control of Lighttank and aims it's central laser cannon at the missile, which is again streaking for Horizon.
Cindy: FIRE!
Anya's Combat Zord lets loose with a concentrated blast of energy that strikes the missile dead on, detonating it harmlessly before it can reach land again.
Cindy: YES! Perfect shot!
WeatherTrain and Razor Bat move into position to reattach to CV Transport.
Jeremy: Now let's go help our friends!
Takuya: Leave that to Kyubi! You ready, old friend?
Kyubi yips.
Location: United Nations, New York, New York
Winters luxuriates in the launch of the missile and gives the Rangers a sideways glance.
Winters: Such a pity that an entire city had to pay the price for your defiance. All those people wouldn't have to die if you'd only done as you were told from the very beginning.
Matt: Don't even THINK about laying the blame on us, Winters.
Anya: Indeed. If you truly wanted to just end the so-called "hybrid threat", you wouldn't have fired the missile when they're both standing right here. This is about control and your petty bigotries. Nothing more.
Jake: And nuking Horizon just to get even with us? You're either crazy, stupid, or just plain evil.
Wendy: She's both. Fighting us when we've got an entire Multiverse to protect? And why? Because she can't stand the thought that Matt and I, the planet's only active Hybrids, would DARE try to have some kind of lives outside of her control.
Winters: You play at being human, Venturas, but you'll never be one. No matter what you say, in the end, you're still just a machine hiding inside a shell of flesh and blood. You're a mistake. You two have no right to live!
Matt: You're wrong! We may be Hybrids, but we're as human as it gets! We never asked to be born with these abilities, but we're doing everything we can with them to save lives and help people! We have every right to be who we want to be! And every right to have normal lives if we so choose!
Wendy and Jake step forward.
Wendy: And on that note, I'd actually like to THANK you for something. Y'see, that whole mind control garbage you put me through? It opened my eyes to something that was right in front of me the entire time. It woke me up to something I'd been denying existed in my heart, and it made it come out into the open. So thanks, Winters... for helping me find my ability to accept and return love. In sickness and in health.
Jake: For richer or poorer.
Both: Until death do us part.
They hold up their fists, showing their wedding rings. Winters' eyes go wide.
Winters: no... No, that's impossible!
Jake: Clearly, she hasn't been following the news.
Wendy: Ya think?
Winters: You... You DARE make a mockery of a sacred human rite?
Wendy: A simple machine could never truly love a person, Winters. Jake and I are very much in love, and we'll fight to the bitter end to protect it from psychopaths like you!
Anya: Let the hostages go, Winters. It's us you want.
Jake: And hurry it up. We're missing Cruger's beatdown of your flunky outside.
Winters: An active Hybrid... actually with a human? No... No, it's wrong...
Anya's Cyber Op beeps. She taps the comm.
Jeremy (over comm): The missile's been destroyed safely! We'll be there soon!
Anya: Understood.
Wendy: It's over, Winters. You've lost! The entire world knows by now what a monster you really are! And it doesn't matter what you to to my brother and I... Enslave our minds, bury us a mile deep, flat out kill us... We just keep coming back! And we won't stop until you're locked up like a common criminal!
As she says that, Jake and Anya pull out Data Rays, and Matt pulls out his Techno Grapple. They quickly fire all around the chamber, nailing the Commandroid sentries.
Anya: RUN! GET OUT OF HERE! LEAVE HER TO US!
Winters doesn't even notice as the hostages begin rushing out of the room. She turns away from the Football, horrified by the notion of a Hybrid actually being married.
Winters: Why didn't Q tell me? How... How could this happen? How... AAH!
She clutches her stomach in sudden agony and collapses, writhing in pain.
Wendy: Gee, I haven't even started pounding her into paste yet. Kinda disappointing.
Anya: Stay on your guard! Something's happening!
Winters: No! NONONO! I'M LOSING CONTROL! IT'S... TAKING OVER! NOOOOOOO!
As she cries out, her voice begins to change, becoming less human and more... electronic. The Rangers quickly rush into see to her, but there's a sudden burst of energy from Winters' body, throwing all of them back. The Rangers recover quickly and turn to look at Winters... But she's not Winters any longer. Slowly, the thing that had once been Meredith Winters rises to it's feet. Black with gold trim, the thing glares at the Rangers with blood red eyes. Even the President's red hair has transformed, becoming as metallic as the rest of her.
Matt: My god... She's some kind of... super-hybrid! Somehow, she's become... Like us.
Wendy: Not in any way I can see. She almost looks like a female Venjix! But when the heck did THAT happen? Last I checked, she was still baseline human!
Winters: Don't say that! I am human! I am! I'll get it under control again!
She strains... But nothing happens. Horrified, Winters looks at her metallic hands and screams.
Winters: THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT, RANGERS! I'VE BECOME THIS BECAUSE OF YOU!
Jake: For god's sake, take some damn responsibility, you bitch.
Anya: Words are pointless. Let's take her! Ready?
All: READY!
Anya and Jake lift their left arms to chest level while they raise and pull back their right arms, palms facing out. As one, they shove their right arms forward, pushing the "disks" into the Cyber Ops.
Anya, Jake: CYBER OP ENERGIZE!
Jake finds himself amidst more cascading binary that flows around him. It quickly forms a blue battle suit around his body, a 16-bit style triangle forming at his shoulders and meeting at his chest's center. White gloves and boots, trimmed with binary at the cuffs, appear on him, before a belt with two holsters appear. A Data Ray and a Data Blade materialize in these. Finally, the helmet forms around his head, created by data swarming around his head. Its visor is not unlike a VR goggle set. His transformation completed, he was now Cyber Blue!
Anya finds herself amidst more cascading binary that flows around her. It quickly forms a yellow battle suit around her body, a 16-bit style triangle forming at her shoulders and meeting at her chest's center. A short miniskirt appears as well. White gloves and boots, trimmed with binary at the cuffs, appear on her, before a belt with two holsters appear. A Data Ray and a Data Blade materialize in these. Finally, the helmet forms around her head, created by data swarming around her head. Its visor is not unlike a VR goggle set. Her transformation completed, she was now Cyber Yellow!
Matt slaps the backs of his hands together, then brings both hands up and does so again. As they seperate, he brings each around and punches his fists together. Bringing his left arm back, he thrusts his right hand out, forming a V for victory sign. He pulls this arm back as the other thusts forward, then turns, until his fist points upwards. His other arm shoots out to the side as his victory sign fingers come together. He brings his arm back and those fingers strike a button on his Techno Op.
Wendy slaps the backs of her hands together, then brings both hands up and does so again. As they seperate, she brings each around and punches her fists together. Bringing her right arm back, she thrusts her right hand out, forming a V for victory sign. She pulls this arm back as the other thusts forward, then turns, until her fist points upwards. Her other arm shoots out to the side as her victory sign fingers come together. She brings her arm back and those fingers strike a button on her Techno Op.
Twins: TECHNO OP ACTIVATION!
Matt finds himself amidst more cascading binary that flows around him. It quickly forms a Purple and white battle suit around his body. White gloves and boots, trimmed with binary at the cuffs, appear on him, before a belt and holster appears. The Techno Grapple appears in it. Finally, the helmet forms around his head, created by data swarming around his head. Its visor is not unlike a VR goggle set. His transformation completed, he was now Techno Purple!
Wendy finds herself amidst more cascading binary that flows around her. It quickly forms a grey and white battle suit around her body. A short miniskirt appears as well. White gloves and boots, trimmed with binary at the cuffs, appear on her, before a belt and holster appears. Her Techno Lasher appears in it. Finally, the helmet forms around her head, created by data swarming around her head. Its visor is not unlike a VR goggle set. Her transformation completed, she was now Techno Grey!
The four Rangers rush the transformed Winters, who immediately unleashes another pulse of energy. It slams into the four of them, and their suits spark violently as they're thrown back and right through the wall of the chamber. Just outside the hall, they pull themselves up from the rubble, shaken and lucky to be alive after the massive hit.
Wendy: Man, I don't even think Kalask ever hit us that hard!
Anya: And she's just getting started!
They look and see Winters, slowly, methodically, in a completely blind rage, stalking towards them.
Winters: YOU'RE DEAD! YOU HEAR ME? YOU'RE ALL DEAD!
Even as the last of the hostages finally clear the area, Cruger dodges another blast from Agent Q's gauntlet and leaps into the air. As he comes down, he swings the Shadow Saber. Agent Q instinctively blocks it with his arm... exactly what Cruger wanted. As he comes down, Cruger flips the blade grip backwards in his hand and stabs the point of the Saber directly into the plasma projector of the gauntlet. It explodes, and Agent Q falls backwards, holding his agonized hand.
Agent Q: GODDAMNIT! YOU NEARLY BLEW MY HAND OFF!
Cruger: That was the general idea, Q. Your reign of terror ends here!
Blue flames rise up around Cruger as he gets into position.
Cruger: CONTAINMENT STRIKE!
Agent Q: NO!
To Agent Q's horror, Cruger blazes towards him, Shadow Saber ready at his side. As Cruger goes past Q, he slashes hard, going right through the mercenary. Cruger stops behind Agent Q, who falls, his armor exploding. Cruger holds up his left hand, and a containment card flies into it. Inside the card, Agent Q pounds on the miniature prison uselessly.
Cruger: Good riddance to bad rubbish! And now for your boss!
Even as he says, this, the front entrance of the U.N explodes, and the other Rangers are throw from the explosion, landing painfully in the street. They struggle to pull themselves up as the newly emchanical Winters steps out of the destruction without a scratch.
Cruger: RANGERS! What in the world?
Winters turns her head and glances at Cruger.
Winters: So, you've bested Q, then? Good. He made a grave mistake not telling me about this little tart's latest indisgression.
Wendy: Well excuse me for living!
She unsheathes her Techno Lasher and lets loose, slamming the energy whip into Winters, raising sparks, but doing only a negligible amount of damage.
Cruger: I've got your back!
Cruger charges at Winters, who casually aims her hand at him and unleashes a powerful burst of energy that slams into him and sends him careening through a parked truck.
Wendy: COMMANDER! Oh, that's it... T SLASH OMEGA!
She switches her Lasher to Melee Mode and uses her energy daggers to make a T-shaped energy attack that she launches at Winters. It slams into her... and Winters ignores the attack completely.
Wendy: Oh come ON!
She charges Winters and begins superspeed slashing at her, even as the other Rangers, now recovered, move to join her. Matt changes his Techno Grapple to Melee Mode and leaps into the air, slamming his baton into Winter's head to utterly no effect. Anya charges up the Input Staves in her hands and punches Winters, again, to no avail. Winters swats them both aside and then swings her arm out, striking the still superspeeding Wendy and throwing her aside.
Jake: I've just about had it with you!
He fires a concentrated EMP burst from his Output Cannon, striking Winters. That does the trick, and she staggers back. Pressing the attack, the others move in to capitalize on it... But Winters recovers too fast and unleashes tendrils of wire that wrap around Wendy's arms, pinning them to her side and pulling her towards Winters. Unable to get any leverage, there's nothing Wendy can do as the psychopath grabs her by the neck with her right hand.
Winters: YOU! I hate you most of all! Always prattling on endlessly about your insignifigant dream to be a Ranger! You should have learned your place, Venturas!
Jake and Anya: LET HER GO!
They rush to free Wendy, but Winters blasts them away with her free hand. Cruger tries from the other side, but Winters fires blasts from her eyes, stopping his charge and forcing him to pull back.
Cruger: Put her down, Winters!
Winters: Oh, I will... But only after I'm done wringing her neck!
Wendy: I'm starting to... get the feeling... That you don't like me very much! I don't get it... I'm the funny one!
Winters: Don't you EVER SHUT UP?
Wendy: Not my style. I bring the jibber and the jabber.
Matt glares at Winters. Furious, he holsters his Techno Grapple.
Matt: WINTERS! THIS ENDS NOW!
He thrusts his right fist forward. There's a flash of red light, and the Pegasus Summoner materializes upon it.
Matt: PEGASUS SUMMONER! ACTIVATE!
The Pegasus Summoner's eyes flash as the device unleashes a winged horse made entirely of energy. It gallops into the air and comes back down, slamming into Matt and breaking down into waves of cascading binary energy. His boots and gloves transform to a black color, and red and gold armor materializes upon his torso and shoulders. Magnificent metallic wings spread out from his back, and the crest of the Pegasus Summoner spirals around before attaching to his helmet.
Matt: PURPLE PEGASUS RANGER!
Jake: About damn time, Brainiac!
The wings detatch from Matt's back and fold into the Pegasus Smasher. It attaches to the Pegasus Summoner.
Matt: LET MY SISTER GO!
Matt charges forward at superspeed and slashes the cables binding Wendy's arms. As the cables fall away, Wendy grabs Winters' arm and twists, forcing her to let go of her throat. With Winters off balance, Matt charges up the Pegasus Smasher.
Matt: GALLOPING SLASH!
He swings as hard as he can, nailing Winters and sending her flying backwards. Even as she crashes into the side of the U.N., he turns to check on his sister, who's massaging her throat.
Matt: SIS! Are you okay?
Wendy: I've got you. Of course I am!
He unholsters his Techno Grapple and hands it to her.
Matt: Then let's end this!
The Rangers gather together. Wendy combines the Techno Weapons into the Techno Thrust, even as Matt shifts the Pegasus Smasher into the Pegasus Blaster. Jake readies his Output Cannon as well. Before their eyes, a weakened Winters pulls free of the wall.
Winters: I'll... get... all of you!
Matt, Jake, Wendy: FIRE!
They let loose with a massive barrage, multiple energy blasts striking Winters. She staggers, but still refuses to fall as energy surges through her again.
Winters: THE PAIN! GODS, THE PAIN!
She screams as another attack hits her. Before the eyes of the Rangers, she begins to grow, quickly towering over the buildings. The Rangers take several steps back to avoid getitng crushed by her expansion.
Anya: We need the Zords!
Matt: The hyperdrive in CV Transport might do the job, but I don't think we're gonna get the time to wait!
Winters looked down upon them. Roaring in agony, she bends down and swipes at them, forcing the team to scatter again to avoid her massive hand. Matt fires the Pegasus Blaster at her, but at her new size, she barely feels it. Seeing no point in keeping it, he sends the armor away.
Wendy: We could use some help here!
Cruger: I think you're getting your wish!
Next to Winters, a familiar tear forms in the air. She turns, confused, and a massive aqua blue and silver fist slams into her face. Winters staggers back as the Kyubi Battlezord comes through, peppering her with foxfire to get her away from the gap.
Wendy: Hey! Perfect timing, Windybutt!
Takuya: Don't make me regret coming here to pull your fat out of the fire!
Kyubi Battlezord steps away from the gap, and CV Transport roars through.
Jeremy: Quick! Call the other Zords! We'll hold her off!
Twins: RIGHT!
Anya and Jake leap up into their Zords.
Jake: Glad you guys could make it!
Anya: We appreciate the assistance!
Matt: PEGASUSZORD... MOBILIZE!
Wendy: ROVERZORD... MOBILIZE!
A section of ash cliff slides away to reveal a futuristic hangar. Inside, Techno Roverzord waits diligently for activation. As the call is given, consoles within light up, revealing two seats, even as it comes fully to life and begins to roll forward. At the same time, a massive tower rises up. Once at it's full height, it rotates, becoming a massive cannon. It fires, unleashing the Pegasuszord. It streaks through the air, joinign the Roverzord as both blaze through the gap and emerge on the other side. The Twins immediately leap up into the cockpits of the two Zords. Matt inserts the Pegasus Summoner, even as Wendy attaches her Techno Lasher to the Roverzord controls.
Wendy: TRANSFORM!
She pulls the trigger on her weapon/joystick. Immediately, the back half of Techno Roverzord extends out further back, forming legs, even as the sides extend outwards and the blasters on the sides fold upwards, forming arms and shoulders. The top of Techno Roverzord rotates 180 degrees as it suddenly turns around and drives in reverse. The speed is great enough to lift the mecha upwards onto it's feet as the front end launches it's primary blaster into the sky and fold the rest of its front end onto its back, revealing the robot's massive head, which loosely resembles the helmets of the Cyber Rangers. Finally, the primary blaster lands, pointing upwards, into Techno Artillery Megazord's right hand. Immediately, it emits a shimmering blue energy blade that solidifies into an odd crystal.
Wendy: TECHNO ARTILLERY MEGAZORD... ROLL OUT!
Matt: BEGIN TRANSFORMATION!
Pegasuszord's torso rotates upwards 90 degrees, before both sets of feet rotate out, allowing humanoid feet and legs to come out of the main body. Once deployed, the original feet return to their previous positions. The neck slides into the body as well, as the shoulders rotates 180 degrees, revealing more paneling and forming the robot's chest. Finally, the horse's nose folds into the upper chest, revealing a robotic face. The transformation complete, the new Megazord poses triumphantly.
Matt: EQUIS-WING MEGAZORD... ROLL OUT!
Wendy: Guys, meet the new and definitely not improved Winters!
Walter: No way! What happened?
Matt: We think she got infected with nanites somehow, and it transformed her into that thing.
Jeremy: Wait, you guys are contagious?
Wendy: Don't be ridiculous. We lack the proper data to know what happened, but regardless, she blames us. Naturally.
Matt: She's too powerful for anything but our strongest attacks!
Jeremy: Then let's hit her with the strongest that we've got! FORM VICTORY MEGAZORD!
The Combat Zords launch from CV Transport. Lighttank, Weathertrain, Mortartread, and Blasttruck all form into their Cyber Combat Megazord modes. Techno Artillery Megazord's legs fold backwards as its arms return to the sides. The back section flips around. Mortartread locks into place around the chest and back; Blasttruck's halves attach to the sides; the remains of Techno Artillery Megazord's legs connect to Lighttank and Weathertrain. Finally, Razor Bat attaches to the back, its head sliding into the flipped section of Techno Artillery Megazord, before two projection blasters rise up from just behind the fists. CV Transport seperates into several pieces. The feet become armor and attaches to it's fellow Megazord's feet. It's head splits down the middle and attaches to the hips. The middle section folds out, becoming a stylized V that attaches to it's chest. The arms attach together. Razor Bat's blades combine into the Aero Blaze with the Techno Saber, before the Aero Blaze is inserted into the back of the combined cannon-arms. A massive energy blade extends from the combined weapon. The new Megazord grabs the hilt of the Techno Saber.
Rangers: VICTORY MEGAZORD, ROLL OUT!
Winters, still in pain, doubles over, crying out due to the agony. Suddenly, her body begins to pulse... and with each pulse, nanites fall away from her body... and form into giant Commandroids! The robots immediately take aim and blast at the Megazords, forcing them to back away.
Jake: Well, THAT explains where she got her new army...
Takuya: LET'S JUST HIT 'EM ALREADY! INARI FIRESTORM!
The tails on Kyubi Battlezord's arms swing down, forming eight blades. They ignite with fox fire. Kyubi Battlezord slashes diagonally with both arms, crisscrossing eight blade strikes. The attacks nail multiple Commandroids. The Commandroids explode instantly.
Matt: OUR TURN! EQUIS CRUSHER!
The wings detatch, forming another massive sword. Hefting it up, the Megazord spins it over it's head, creating a vortex of golden energy. The vortex ready, the Megazord thrusts the end of the sword into the end of the malestrom and swings down. The Megazord charges, holding the sword like a spear. It slams the blade into Winters.
Jeremy: Let's do it!
Victory Megazord flies into the air and aims the Victory Crusher like a bazooka.
All: VICTORY SHOT!
It fires, and a massive energy V blazes forward, slamming into the wounded Winters. Victory Megazord lands next to the other Zords as smoke fills the battlefield. Then, they hear an electronic roar as energy blasts strike all three Megazords. Winters staggers forward, still very much in agony, and far from dead.
Matt: Unbelievable...
Wendy: Fine, we'll just have to hit her harder!
Jeremy: We've only got one option left. I don't like doing this in the middle of New York, but we've got no choice... Initiate Victory Ultrazord!
Kyubi Battlezord and Equis-Wing Megazord shift back to their animal forms. Pegasuszord lowers it's neck and raises it's head, forming a battering ram in front. Kyubizord leaps into the air and comes down atop Pegasuszord. Victory Megazord leaps into the air and releases it's weapon, which streaks downwards and comes to rest on Kyubizord's back, the middle tail lowering to accomidate it. Victory Megazord lands behind Kyubizord. Matt vanishes from the Pegasuszord's cockpit and rematerializes in his seat inside the Victory Megazord.
All: VICTORY ULTRAZORD... ROLL OUT!
Winters: Kill... Kill you all... DIE!
She unleashes another blast, rocking the Victory Ultrazord. The consoles spark violently inside the cockpit, but the Rangers hold their ground.
Jeremy: Sorry, Winters, but we're going nowhere, and you've overstayed your welcome!
All: VICTORY BARRAGE!
Energy flows from Kyubizord into the Victory Crusher as every weapon the Zords possess charge up. Every weapon in their Zord arsenal lets loose at once, the largest blast coming from the Victory Crusher. The supreme attack nails Winters dead on, creating a gigantic explosion. Winters lands on her back, twitching. Before the astonished eyes of the Rangers, she begins to shrink.
Cindy: How the heck did she survive that? How strong IS she?
Anya: Too strong! Come on!
The Rangers leap from the cockpit to the ground below, where they find Winters staggering to her feet, still a mechanical monstrosity, her newly mechanical form badly damaged from their assault. Cruger and Dr. Manx run up to join them.
Winters: No... Won't stop... Must... Kill... the Hybrids!
Cruger: That's enough!
He holds up his Patrol Morpher.
Cruger: Meredith Winters, you are charged with multiple crimes, including kidnapping, conspiracy, terrorism, murder and attempted murder, and you will be judged!
He flicks the switch on his Morpher, and it begins flashing between a red x and a blue o. It does this for several seconds as Winters struggles to pull herself together. Finally, the red X flashes strong.
All: GUILTY!
Wendy: Seriously? No shit, guys.
Jeremy: You're done, Winters! VALIANT LEADER: CYBER RED!
Jake: ROMANTIC LANCER: CYBER BLUE!
Anya: DRIVEN SURVIVOR: CYBER YELLOW!
Walter: LOYAL FRIEND: CYBER GREEN!
Cindy: GENTLE SPIRIT: CYBER PINK!
Matt: STOIC AVENGER: TECHNO PURPLE!
Wendy: BRILLIANT SPITFIRE: TECHNO GREY!
Takuya: WARRIOR OF THE WIND: TORNADO!
Cruger: I fight to right all wrongs! I am SHADOW RANGER!
Dr. Manx: Clawing at evil! SPD KAT RANGER!
All: DEFENDING THE MULTIVERSE FROM THE FORCES OF DARKNESS! POWER RANGERS CYBER V... FOR VICTORY!
All of them flash a V for victory sign, then flip it into a thumbs down.
All: AND YOU'RE GOING DOWN!
Cruger prepares to activate the containment mode on the Patrol Morpher. He aims it at Winters, but right as he moves to press the button, a sudden blast of energy knocks all the Rangers back. They roll to a stop and get up. They're immediately shocked by what they see. Winters collapses to the ground as a new participant in the drama reveals himself... Kalask himself!
Kalask: My apologies, Rangers. It seems Miss Winters here is having trouble adjusting to her new abilities.
Wendy: YOU! You did that to her!
Kalask: Indeed I did. A fitting punishment for interfering in our conflict, wouldn't you agree? The staunch persecutor of Hybrids herself transformed into the next generation? Although it would seem my experiments on your nanites actually turned her into more of an attack bot than a Hybrid...
Jake: Man, I knew you were sick, but even SHE didn't deserve that!
Kalask: Now now... Much as I would enjoy going another round with you, it wouldn't be sporting with you already exhausted from playing with my newest recruit. We'll war with each other soon enough, Rangers.
He gestures, and a warp-portal materializes beneath him. He and the prone Winters begin to sink down into it.
Kalask: Oh, and my sincerest congratulations to the newlyweds. I wish you all the best... for whatever time you have left!
His laughter echos through the streets as the portal closes.
Wendy: No... Damnit, we were so close! GODDAMNIT!
Anya: It would seem that Kalask has just become more dangerous than ever before... And that we have not seen the last of Meredith Winters, either.
Cruger sighs.
Cruger: Come on, Rangers... Let's go home.
Location: Rec Room, Fort Myers
The Rangers plop down on the seats, worn out completely.
Walter: Man, between that missile and RoboBitch, I'm wiped out!
Matt: And you got to spend most of it sitting in a cockpit. We were the ones trying to wrangle her.
Cindy: Well, at least we've seen the last of Agent Q, right? That's something.
Takuya: Small potatoes. He wasn't nearly the threat this Winters woman has become.
Jake: All I know is that the next time I see her, I'm shoving my Cannon right up her nose and pulling the trigger until I run outta juice.
Jeremy: Good plan. But for now, we should rest. If Kalask wasn't bluffing, we've got some seriously nasty battles ahead of us. What we've seen so far's gonna look like a picnic by comparison.
Wendy stands off to the side, lost in her own thoughts. She stares out into space until Anya places a hand on her shoulder.
Anya: Wendy? Are you all right?
Wendy: I really thought Matt and I would get our freedom today. I mean, even after all you guys and Cruger did to pull us loose from Alphabet Soup, we've still felt trapped... Under her thumb. Anya... Is this what you feel like every day?
Anya nods.
Anya: It is. As long as the specter of Kalask hangs over me, I can never truly be free... And never truly know happiness.
She looks Wendy in the eyes.
Anya: But I also know that together, we can free ourselves from our respective demons... And we will.
Anya hugs her adopted sister, and Wendy hugs her back. The two of them take comfort from their familial bond, knowing all the while that this is but the calm before the beginning of the true storm.
Location: Shadow Claw, Dimensional Limbo
Time: Inapplicable.
Tem-Tar makes several adjustments to Winters' mechanical form. She twitches and comes back online.
Winters: Where...?
Her eyes fall upon Kalask. She leaps to her feet and lunges at the warlord.
Winters: YOU BASTARD! WHAT DID YOU DO? YOU MADE ME A MONSTER!
She punches Kalask repeatedly. For his part, he doesn't even seem to notice. After a few seconds, he swats her with his hand, knocking her to the ground.
Kalask: Don't try to delude yourself, Winters. You were never human. Your behavior alone is testament to that. You were always a monster. All I did was strip away your pretense of humanity. And you should be THANKING me. You would certainly have died if I hadn't transformed you.
He takes several steps towards her and places his hand on her head.
Kalask: KNEEL.
She tries to fight it, but to her dismay, she finds herself on one knee, bowing before him.
Kalask: From this moment on, you will serve my will and mine alone. Meredith Winters is dead and buried. You are now VENJA, the final member of my inner circle!
He removes his hand, and she looks up at him, her eyes conveying a mixture of hatred and obediance.
Venja: Yes... Master.
His subsequent laughter rings in her ears and fills every corner of Limbo...
END MISSION LOG
Next time: Midnai puts Venja to the test as they resurrect a threat from the history of the Rangers and launch a two-pronged attack on the team! To save the day, Anya and Takuya will have to find common ground, while Wendy will be forced to put her No Fear mantra to the ultimate test!