"Hey. This is Rob-Robbie. I'm just uh... checking in."
(We begin today at a phone booth, just outside the Youth Center.)
"Look, I... I know we didn't exactly leave things off on the best terms."
(Cut to an image of Katherine, being taken away by force by an army of Cogs in the middle of a vacant field. Then of Rocky surrendering alone outside a dark college campus.)
"I just... um. I don't know. I feel like I didn't handle my exit very well. And I'd just like a chance to talk about it. If you don't want to, just know it's not a reflection of what you all meant to me. It's not."
(Cut to a bloodied Adam being held as ransom before a horrified Tanya, who agrees to be taken without a fight.)
"Sorry if it seemed like I just ditched you. If you guys are icing me out, just know you're doing a very good job. I'm sorry. (Exhales) I miss you guys. Call me."
(Robbie slowly hangs up the phone, unsure if he would hear back from his intended target. He makes his way through the front entrance and enters the main lobby of the Youth Center. He's greeted by a banner being put up over the bar.)
Robbie: "Parent's day." Is it that time of the year already?
(Sammy passes by, slapping a sign to the wall.)
Sammy: Yep. And its also the last time this year.
(Robbie reads the "For Sale" sign Sammy leaves behind.)
Robbie: So, he's really giving the place up...
Sammy: Ernie found true love. That, or he's skipping town after years of giving away free product caught up to his investors.
Robbie: How do you feel about losing your job?
Sammy: (Shrugs) It was fun. But nothing lasts forever.
Robbie: I guess...
Sammy: I think if anything will bother me most it'll be losing a place where I've made so many memories. And so many friends.
(He nods in agreement, then looks around the lobby as his mind begins to wander.)
Robbie: It was three years ago. I was a typical lost cause story. Scribbling letters to whoever would listen. Jason was over there teaching a class. Kim was on the balance beam, wearing something too tight for daytime television.
(He points to the corner with of the room near the yoga mats.)
Robbie: And she was standing right there. Practicing Tai Chi.
(Exactly where his finger lands is exactly where Trini is right now, practicing Tai Chi.)
Robbie: I had no clue what she'd mean to me. When I stood up to defend her from Bulk and Skull.
(Just then, Bulk and Skull enter...)
Sammy: How so much has changed...
(However this time, they storm past Trini and walk right up to the juice bar; slamming resumes onto the counter.)
Bulk: We'd like to work here please.
Skull: Yeah. Preferably in upper management.
Ernie: What? Don't you two clowns have jobs?
Bulk: Not anymore. Stone called. He's closing up the detective business.
Ernie: Really?! That's a shame. I like the guy. I should give him a call.
Bulk: Forget that has-been he's old news.
Skull: Yeah. You're looking at the future of the fitness market/the teen rec center market/events and hospitality market.
Ernie: Sorry guys, we're not hiring.
(He points to the sign in the back.)
Ernie: We're closing up shop here too. I'm moving to the country with my new lady at the end of the month.
Robbie: (To Sammy) Has he ever met this lady from Nigeria? For all we know he's getting scammed. How is he so willing to throw everything away for a girl?
Sammy: Well, when you find something that's worth everything, you find you're willing to sacrifice anything. Don't you think?
(He doesn't reply to her clearly pointed comment, but seems to silently concede to her point. After a while, Sammy switches subjects.)
Sammy: You coming later to parent's day?
Robbie: No.
Sammy: Oh, right. You don't have parents. I'm sorry!
Robbie: No it's not that. I'm supposed to meet with Zack's family tonight. It was something me and the guys planned months ago. I just hope I see the guys there. They've been pretty scarce lately.
Sammy: Yeah. I mean I think Jason should be teaching a class by now, come to think about it...
(She looks around and sees a scattered sea of kids in white Gi's, looking like they're waiting for something to begin.)
Sammy: Hey big guy, you seen Jason around?
(Turning toward the front, Ernie simply shakes his head.)
Sammy: That's weird. He hasn't called. Where could he be?
(Right on cue, Jason enters. He takes a few staggered steps before collapsing over a table and tumbling to the ground with an echoing thud.)
Sammy: (Gasps) Jason!
(Robbie, Sammy and Trini immediately rush to his aide. Meanwhile, on the moon...)
Rita: We did it, we did it! We knocked off the empire!
(Following a surprise attack, Rita and co. ride off into the distance in their RV The Empire's palace up in flames behind them.)
Lord Zedd: The throne is ours again! Oh, what a delight!
Goldar: The whole family must be scrap metal by now.
Finster: (Bows) Yes. We must've finished them all off in one blast.
Lord Zedd: And now we can focus once again, on what's really important.
Rita: Yes. Fixing Machina's interior decoration. I mean, talk about tacky.
Lord Zedd: No.
(He slams the breaks on the RV, which comes to a screeching halt and kicks up dust everywhere.)
Lord Zedd: Now is not the time for stupidity. We have everything laid out for us just the way we want it. The world is ours for the taking.
Goldar: (Nods) ...
Lord Zedd: We just have one last obstacle before we launch one last major assault. Tonight, we shall throw everything we have to eliminate the green ranger!
Rita: The what?
Lord Zedd: Sorry, gold ranger. Force of habit.
(Meanwhile, at the power chamber...)
Zordon: You two did the right thing by bringing Jason here. He appears to be in very critical condition. Thank you Robbie and Trini.
Trini: We got here as soon as we could, Zordon.
Robbie: Yeah. It's a lot tougher when you suddenly can't teleport here.
Zordon: Understood.
Trini: What's going on? Is he going to be alright?
Zordon: His vitals appear to have stabilized for the time being. But it is not what I'm most concerned with.
Alpha: His power levels are acting extremely erratic. They're either tanking to zero or surging to levels I've never seen before. Like he's multiple rangers in one.
Trini: What could that mean?
(Zordon pauses, as if he is not sure himself.)
Zordon: My best guess is that this is a symptom of his body rejecting the alien powers. It could be reaching a dangerous state. Meaning we have to retract the powers from him at once and return them to their rightful owner.
Trini: Who?
(Robbie turns to her and looks to start answering when the main doors swing open.)
Tommy: I got here as soon as you called Zordon. Is he okay?
(Tommy storms passed Robbie up to the bed Jason lies in.)
Robbie: He collapsed in the Youth Center. We think his alien powers are starting to reach a critical state.
Tommy: Uh. Can somebody tell Robbie that I am not speaking to him, nor will I acknowledge anything he says?
Robbie: ...?
Trini: Jason uh... collapsed back at the Youth Center. Zordon thinks his power failure is at critical state.
Tommy: Man...
Trini: You know, now's not really the time to hold petty grudges. I know he hurt you and left the team, but he's here right now.
(Tommy suddenly turns his nose up and away from Trini.)
Trini: What?
Tommy: Can somebody tell Trini I'm not speaking to her either? Sorry, I forgot before.
Trini: (Rolls eyes) ...
Alpha: It looks like we need to return to powers to Trey of Triforia, ASAP.
Tommy: Can we get a hold of him?
Zordon: We can try.
(Alpha walks over to the control panel.)
Alpha: Our systems have gone un-calibrated since Billy left. Everything's gone a bit unreliable. Our tracking, sensors, everything.
Trini: Can't you do it Alpha?
Alpha: If this were the old command center, yes. But this place is three times the size. Some of the stuff requires being in two places at once. It's a two person job.
Trini: ...
(Alpha tinkers with the machine for a while.)
Alpha: I think I've got something. It's hazy, but it's coming from the planet Aquitar.
Trini: Aquitar?
(A scrambled image appears.)
"Zordon? Zordon? Is (inaudible) you?"
Zordon: Delphine? It is Zordon. Can you read me?
Delphine: Yes, but (inaudible). Is something wrong?
Zordon: I'm afraid so. Is Trey of Triforia with you? We need him to return to earth right away.
(While they speak, Trini and Alpha carry on a conversation.)
Trini: So... Alpha. This calibration. (Exhales) If needed, I can help you out. At least until the others return.
Tommy: I thought you wanted nothing to do with us.
Trini: I thought you weren't speaking to me.
(Turns to Robbie.)
Tommy: I thought she w- (Pauses) No wait. Shoot.
Alpha: That would be great, Trini! It'll be like old times!
(As Alpha jumps up and down giddily, Robbie looks on silently. Confounded by her volunteering for something she's claimed to want to distance herself from. But instead of siding with a childish Tommy, he offers his service as well.)
Robbie: You need anything from me right now?
Trini: That depends. Do you know your way around an interdimensional communication and navigation system? Or can you perhaps defragment the vortex that allows us teleportation between dimensions?
Robbie: You know, I think I skipped those classes in computer lab.
Trini: (Shrugs) Hm...
Robbie: I guess call me when you're done?
Trini: Sure thing. Bye Robbie.
(Then just like that, she turns away and gets to work on the computer, not so much as a hug as Robbie. Feeling unfulfilled by that exchange, Robbie slowly steps back, then leaves. Meanwhile back on the moon, Zedd and crew return to Mondo's palace once the smoke clears. First order of business is to sort through the scattered metal parts and tally up the body count.)
Lord Zedd: Is this all of them?
Goldar: It must be. Look at how much wreckage this blast caused.
Rita: What a waste. You know how many cans you could have made with this junk that was used to make this family? Dogs could feasted like kings.
(She kicks a stray severed arm in front of her aside. As if to pour salt in the wounds.)
Rita: Rito. Grab a broom and clean this mess up.
Rito: Just a minute. They converted my room into the boys' room. Look at all these boogers left on the wall. Some of these aren't even mine.
(Elsewhere, inside a familiar room.)
Finster: Looks like my workshop was left mostly intact. Though Sprocket looks to have turned it into his clay room. He's not very creative though. Mostly snakes. Or are these wieners?
(Rita enters.)
Rita: So what's the plan, Zeddy?
Finster: Shall I make a monster?
(Zedd enters behind them.)
Lord Zedd: Yes.
Finster: Oh goodie. Which one?
Lord Zedd: All of them.
Finster: I... beg your pardon?
Lord Zedd: The rangers are weakened and short staffed. So I say, now is the time to strike. So dust off your book of monsters, grab some old TV guides...
Rita: And save me one of those wieners.
Lord Zedd: ...and we're gonna hit the remaining rangers with an attack so hard the names Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa will cease to be the intergalactic jokes they've become over the years. They will all be forced, at last, to bow to the one and only rulers of evil!
Finster: My goodness. I'm gonna need more clay.
Goldar: My Lord, I have some bad news.
(Goldar enters the crowded workshop.)
Goldar: I spotted a ship heading toward earth. I believe the Alien Rangers are inside.
Lord Zedd: The Alien Rangers?
Rita: Looks like they're calling for back up. Now what do we do?
(Zedd leaves the workshop and head toward the balcony to get a better look. There, he finds the legion of machinery; cogs, quadrofighters and ground walkers. Now, all at his disposal.)
Lord Zedd: That's a good question, my dear. A good question indeed.
(The next day on earth, we find Robbie in class. His mind elsewhere however, he can't get the thought of Trini staying behind in the power chamber out of his head. So lost in thought, that he's in mid-argument with himself; getting angrier by the minute.)
Robbie: ...
(I mean the nerve of her. He left the team for her! To assuage her! Then out of nowhere, she springs forward to look like the hero. What does that make him? The team is only short because he left. FOR HER. Evil Knievel couldn't make the leap Trini ma-)
Robbie: (Startled) Huh?
(Breaking his train of thought it the sound of the final bell.)
Ms. Appleby: Okay class, please read up on the last few chapters over the weekend. We'll do a practice quiz next week in preparation for the finals at the end of the month. Enjoy your weekend.
(Collecting himself, Robbie slowly gets up and heads for the door. Amazed that at no point was he ever called on, or called out.)
Ms. Appleby: Roberto, can I speak to you for a second?
Robbie: (Sighs) ...yeah?
Ms. Appleby: I wanted to ask you about Adam.
Robbie: Adam?
Ms. Appleby: He's one of your friends, right?
Robbie: Um. Adam you say?
Ms. Appleby: He's missed the entire week of classes and he's missing out on some big assignments. Do you know if he's sick?
Robbie: (Shrugs) I don't know. I haven't spoken to him since he left for freshman weekend.
Ms. Appleby: Well, if you see him. Pass along the work I've assigned. I'd hate for him to suddenly fall behind at the end of the year.
Robbie: Yes ma'am.
(He leaves. Shortly after he heads for his locker. Sorting through books, he feels somebody elses presence behind him.)
Robbie: (Sighs) Yeah?
Hillary: Hey... sorry. Um. I don't mean to bother you. Do you have a second?
Robbie: I guess.
(He replies without facing her, though trying not to sound too annoyed.)
Hillary: Sorry. But um. Have... you heard from Rocky recently?
Robbie: Rocky?
(He finally turns around.)
Hillary: Yeah. He... left last weekend to tour and stay over at Angel Grove University. He was supposed to call me when he got there. We were gonna talk throughout about our experiences, but he never called me once.
Robbie: Hmm.
Hillary: (Bites lip) I don't know. I'm pretty worried. This isn't like him at all. Have you spoken to him at all?
Robbie: No. But if I see him I'll tell him to call you right away.
Hillary: Will you?
Robbie: (Nods) You got it.
(Robbie slams his locker door shut and walks off hurriedly. Meanwhile, back at power chamber.)
Trini: ...
(Taking a short break from rewiring the communication systems, something shiny catches Trini's eye near the back, left of the 'Mighty Morphin' display.)
Trini: What are these, Alpha? Plaques?
(Alpha walks over.)
Alpha: They're the new memorial wall I've been working on. It's to honor those we've lost along the way.
(Currently, only three names are displayed with their own plate...)
ZACK TAYLOR
DULCEA OF ELTAR
NINJOR OF ELTAR
Trini: ...
Alpha: I've got the names of every current former ranger as well as me and Zordon ready in a drawer.
Trini: That's... nice?
Alpha: (Sighs) I know. I guess being alone in here has driven my circuits to wander. That's why I'm glad you're here, Trini.
Trini: (Turns to him) If you want, I can give your circuits and old tune up.
Alpha: Thank you, Trini. That'd be nice. (Reminiscent sigh) I really miss having you around. You were always one of my favorites.
Trini: Thank you Alpha. I miss you too.
(Trini reaches over for a toolbox that she's been working out of. Alpha stands up straight with his back facing her as she gets to work.)
Alpha: You know, us robots willingly putting ourselves in a vulnerable position like this goes against every instinct for self-preservation. It's a major sign of trust.
(She doesn't look up at him, as his back is turned.)
Trini: Well, I hope not to betray that then.
Alpha: Tell me, how's Robbie been?
Trini: He's... been okay I guess.
Alpha: Good. He really left in a hurry, Trini. Nobody expected it. What he left for must've really been worth it to him.
Trini: Uh, I wouldn't know.
Alpha: (Coyly) Oh, I bet you do- AHHHH!
(Suddenly, sparks fire out of his back. Trini flinches.)
Trini: Sorry! I'm a little rusty.
Alpha: (Pants) Oh, its fine. No worries.
(After recollecting himself, Alpha returns to position.)
Alpha: You know, if you tinker long enough you can make me sounds like a tough talking New Yorker.
Trini: Um. No thank you.
(She resumes her work.)
Alpha: Well, all I'm saying is, we all have something to drive us. I'm sad to see Robbie go. We all are. Some took it harder than others, but I've been around the game long enough to know that no matter how far you stray, there are some rangers you will always be able to count on when it matters most.
(Alpha then manages to turn his head completely around to give Trini a pointed look.)
Alpha: Right?
Trini: Uh. Right.
(She briefly looks up and manages to crack a brief grin, but this time lpha can see that she looks visibly uncomfortable. Before he can ask why however, Zordon speaks up.)
Zordon: Alpha, we have confirmation that the Aquitian Space ship is entering the earth's atmosphere.
(An image appears on the viewing globe. It's that of Tommy wandering the rocky beach. A spaceship fast approaching in the distance. Once he spots it, he runs toward its trajectory as it begins to land out of view. Eventually, Tommy reaches the edge of a cliff to find the ship grounded. Its doors slowly open up, pouring smoke as a figure emerges.)
Tommy: (Waves) Delphine!
(Indeed, Delphine slowly exits the ship. Followed by Aurico, Corcus, Tideus, Cestro and their trademark head bobbing. Then, Tommy's eyes open wide with eager anticipation as Trey emerges behind them. But is brought back to earth when Trey follows him. As does another Trey.)
Tommy: (Sighs) ...
(A few moments later, Tommy joins with the others.)
Tommy: Hey everybody. Glad you made it safely.
Trey of Wisdom: Hello Tommy.
Trey of Courage: It is nice to see you again.
Tommy: Same here. I just wish there were fewer of you. Jason really needs your help. But he can't release his powers until you're whole again.
Trey of Heart: We have traveled to Aquitar to seek treatment for our affliction.
Trey of Wisdom: Delphine was able to find a possible cure, but requires dry land for the incantation to take hold.
(Tommy throws up his hands in frustration. Then has a revelation.)
Tommy: (Gasps) Wait, our land is dry!
Trey of Wisdom: (Nods) Indeed.
Trey of Courage: We will need some time to prepare the ceremony. But we think your friend may be saved within the day.
Tommy: That's awesome. I have his Zeonizer in my pockets. C'mon, let's get you someplace secure.
(Tommy tries to lead the group away, but within seconds a deafening roar rips the earth underneath him as he's flung violently through the air.)
Delphine: TOMMY!
(Tommy slams into the ground hard, some several yards away. The rangers rush to his side, but find that they themselves are no longer safe either as a threat looms from the skies.)
Tideus: Fleet, incoming!
Aurico: The Empire! They've followed us!
(To make matters worse, an army of Tengas suddenly appear on the ground. Wasting no time attacking the unsuspecting alien rangers. Barely conscious, Tommy looks around him, unable to compute what is happening.)
Tommy: What?! Tengas?! What's going on?!
(From the power chamber, Alpha flies into a full panic as the alarms blare in the background.)
Alpha: Aye, ya, ya, ya, yai! We're in trouble now, Zordon! Zedd and Mondo They're working together! Aye, ya, ya, ya, yai!
Zordon: That is doubtful. It appears more than likely that one faction has taken over the other. One faction may have just doubled I'm size and power.
Trini: ...
Alpha: And Tommy's by himself.
Zordon: We have to try and contact the others.
Trini: It won't work.
(They both turn to her.)
Trini: I-I mean, they're not reachable. Remember?
Zordon: Now that the systems are up and running we should be able to track down their locations. Alpha, lock onto their coordinates right away.
Alpha: Yes Zordon.
(Alpha scurries over to the control panel, as Trini looks on, somewhat hesitantly.)
Alpha: Oh, I just hope Tommy can hang on.
Tommy: Ahhhhhh!
(Meanwhile, Tommy can barely hang on as the fight spills into the nearby forest. Despite being morphed, the numbers game is too much for him to keep up with alone.)
Delphine: Protect Trey at all costs!
(Nearby, Aquitar Rangers encircle themselves around the three Treys as a horde of enemies surrounding them try to peck their way in.)
Delphine: If one goes down, the re-unification cannot take place. He must remain guarded.
(They just manage to keep them at bay, but unable to shake them. Tommy defensively pulls out his laser pistol and starts blasting away a path in front of him. Eventually taking out some of the Tengas surrounding the Alien Rangers before waving them off.)
Tommy: Get out! Get somewhere safe. Perform the ceremony!
Trey of Heart: We can't leave you!
Tommy: Go! You're no good to me like this. Get out of here! Now!
(After brief hesitation, the group heads off in the clear. Tommy however gets blindsided by a blast from behind. He stumbles forward and to the ground, then looks up and can't believe his eyes... so to speak.)
Tommy: Wha-
Eye Guy: I spy, with my little eyes something red and hanging on for dear life. Can you spot him? Aha.
Tommy: Eye Guy? What's going on?
Eye Guy: I spy with my little eyes, something behind you!
Tommy: Huh?
(Just back on his feet, he turns around time to be greeted by a large boulder that slams into his ribs and carries him into a tree; crushing the wind out of his lungs.)
Tommy: (Wheezes) Ugh...
Lizzonator: I told you I'd be back.
Tommy: You too... (Gasps) how can this get any worse?
(Just then...)
Pudgy Pig: Haha!
Tommy: Aw man...
(The large pig slowly approaches while rubbing its belly.)
Pudgy Pig: What yummy dish do we have here? Italian?! Chinese?!
Tommy: I'm Indian...
Pudgy Pig: I love Indian! As long as it's not spicy!
Tommy: ...
(Overwhelmed, Tommy doesn't know where to start. Wishing only that he had someone to help him.)
Robbie: ...
(Meanwhile back home, Robbie is seen leaning on the door of Katherine and Tanya's bedroom. A room that's been left unoccupied for nearly ten days. But in his preoccupation with his own problems, he's dismissed their extended absence as some sort of protest to his leaving the team. Such an assumption gave Robbie an easy excuse, who either didn't have the time, nor the energy, nor the heart to truly be able to confront the truth. Still, there is one sticking out however that he is unable to escape from.)
Robbie: (Breathing heavily) ...
(Nothing in the room has been taken. The room is as it's always been. The same bags the girls have been packing for weeks have not left the same wall. A deep, now unavoidable pit deepens in his stomach. Trying to get away from his own thoughts, he walks away and into his own bedroom.)
Robbie: ...
(There, he finds pamphlets on the Armed Forces staring back at him from his bed. He grabs them and sits down to flip through them to try and occupy his mind. He stumbles onto a page captioned "The Soldier's Creed." Robbie reads it out loud.)
Robbie: I am an American Soldier. I am a warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit.
(He stops, before coming up on the next line.)
Robbie: I will never leave a fallen comrade.
(His lips begin to quiver as he continues.)
Robbie: (Exhales) I will never place personal interests above the wellbeing of my fellow brothers and sisters. Above the wellbeing of those I am sworn to protect.
(He puts the pamphlet down. Clearly shaken, it's suddenly dawned on him just how silent his home has become. Unable to sit there any longer, he gets up and leaves.)
"We have breaking news. We have multiple reports of monster attacks all over Angel Grove. Not just the same monsters either, as many as dozens have suddenly sprung up in uptown, downtown and in the industrial district leading to widespread panic."
(From the power chamber, the news coverage is shown and depicted as the next catastrophe. An anxious looking Trini twiddles her thumbs, unable to take her eyes away.)
Trini: ...
"The mayor wasted no time in calling a state of emergency and called on residences to remain indoors until further notice."
Trini: This isn't good.
Zordon: No, Trini. It isn't.
Trini: I can't just stand here and watch.
(She runs toward the control panels and starts sifting through the drawers underneath.)
Alpha: What are you doing?
Trini: Where's my morpher? I have to go down there and help.
Alpha: Trini, no!
Zordon: Trini, you only put your own life in danger if you go down there.
Alpha: What good is just adding another ranger risking themselves? You'd be a drop in the bucket compared to that.
Trini: Well I can't just stand by and watch more of my friends get killed. Not again. I won't do nothing as another name gets put up on that wall.
(She points behind her to the mural of rangers past. Alpha doesn't have a response to that point. Though Zordon does.)
Zordon: Trini, I'm afraid I must insist that you stand down. You will not survive if you attempt to morph again.
Trini: Then I'll go without it.
(And just like that, she storms out.)
Alpha: Trini, wait!
(Alpha cells out to her, but to no avail. A few short moments after however, a notification lights up on the control panel that captures his attention.)
Alpha: Huh. Interesting.
Zordon: What is it, Alpha?
(He looks deeper, to confirm the findings.)
Alpha: I've located the others.
Zordon: You have?
Alpha: At least... their power signatures. Hmm. That's strange.
Zordon: What is?
Alpha: (Hesitantly) ...they're all located in this room.
Zordon: ...
(Meanwhile back in the forest, Tommy ditches the idea of trying to fend off the growing list of old monsters that now includes Pirantishead, Knasty Knight and Rhinoblaster, and tries to make a run for it. Ducking in and out the tall trees, he seems to make some headway in losing the much slower foes. That is until...)
Trumpet Top: The fat lady ain't singing yet!
Tommy: AHHH!
(Yet another monster appears out of nowhere, greeting him with an unexpected uppercut that Tommy runs into and sends him spinning backwards and onto the ground. The other monsters catch up and now have him cornered.)
Tommy: Ugh...
Trumpet Top: Looks like you'll be singing the blues, tonight red ranger.
Tommy: (Gasps) It's too much to handle. There's just too many of them.
(He barely gets to his knees; smoke pouring from his costume. The enemies approach slowly, like a cat toying with a wounded mouse.)
Piranhtishead: Hahaha.
Eye Guy: I'm seeing just a hint of desperation in your eyes.
Pudgy Pig: Oh boy. I love seeing my meals beg for mercy.
Lizzonator: Ya. Prepare to be terminated.
Tommy: ...
(Tommy curls up and braces for the worst. He can feel their breath on him as he shuts his eyes. Suddenly however, a loud blast is heard. He flinches, but finds himself unharmed. Tommy opens his eyes and finds everyone on the ground. He looks behind him, and finds that help has arrived.)
"Rangers of Aquitar power up!"
(Morphed, the Alien Rangers strike a pose: a multicolored explosion going off behind them. And that's not all, as a sixth figure leaps over the flames.)
Trey: Gold ranger power!
Tommy: Alright, Trey! You did it!
(Jubilant as Tommy may be, they don't have long to celebrate as the monsters quickly regroup.)
Knasty Knight: You think your extra rejects are gonna make any difference up against the power of Zedd and the Machine Empire?!
Tommy: Maybe. At least now we've got a fair fight.
Knasty Knight: Ha. Hardly. Get them. Get them all and harness their powers.
Trey: Are you able to fight?
Tommy: (Nods) I am with your help. Thank you. And I'm sure Jason thanks you.
Trey: Well maybe he can thank me personally after we're done here.
Tommy: You got it. Let's do this!
"Right!"
(The rangers charge in unison and meet the monsters at the center. And unlike before when it was just Tommy, they hold their ground. This makes some looking on from the moon very nervous...)
Rita: Zeddy, they're mounting a comeback. You said this would work. Why would you use any of Finster's monsters anyway?!
Lord Zedd: Relax, they're merely pushing back against the tip of the iceberg. There are well over a hundred more where they came from, just waiting for these rangers to limp toward them. Don't be fooled. There is nothing that can stand in our way from world domination.
Finster: Uh, my lord?
Lord Zedd: What is it?
(He turns around.)
Finster: We have company.
Archerina: ...
(Back on earth, the Aquitians, Tommy and the Gold Ranger continue to fight off the army of Rita and Zedd's monsters. Even beginning to gain an advantage. When suddenly, they begin to disappear. It starts with Tommy throwing a wild swing that meets air.)
Tommy: (Confounded) Huh?
(Corcus, the black ranger, lunges through the air with a spinning heel kick meant for Pudgy Pig's oversized snout, but instead hits the ground.)
Corcus: Wha- What's going on?
(Aurico takes his wildest swing with his staff, the momentum forcing him to stumble to the ground when his target is no longer there.)
Aurico: Huh? They're just... leaving?
(Before long, all the enemies, as well as any remaining Tengas flee.)
Cestro: Did... did we just win?
Trey: I don't know... What could have happened?
Archerina: ...
(What happened was Archerina entering her home base to find it occupants reduced to pieces. Walking through the wreckage of her former in-laws. She slowly and stoically walked over their broken parts as she approached Zedd face to face, a cold stare that met his eye.)
Archerina: ...
Lord Zedd: ...
(Both unflinching, she slowly raised her hand, as if ready to strike the Lord of Darkness across his face. Then, in a surprising turn, extended that very same hand.)
Archerina: It is done.
(Lord Zedd's body language loosened up, before accepting her handshake. From the sidelines, Rita is seen grinning from ear to ear.)
Rita: That's fantastic!
Lord Zedd: Indeed. Now we are truly primed for victory. Nothing will stop this attack from succeeding.
Archerina: Except me. Pull them back.
Rita: What?! But, they're winning. The rangers don't stand a chance. We're on the verge of taking over Angel Grove.
Archerina: This isn't about taking over anything. At least not yet. Pull them back. Now.
(Her voice boomed throughout the main hall. And Lord Zedd, who is the last person to like being shown up, especially in front of his minions, responded with a long, silent glare.)
Lord Zedd: ...
Archerina: ...
(After a few short, but tense moments, Zedd finally responded...)
Lord Zedd: ...yes ma'am.
(He finally turned away, and gave the signal, and thus the attack was called off. Back on earth...)
Trey: I hope your friend feels better. And I apologize if my powers caused him any I'll effects.
(The entire ranger squad stands before the Alien Ranger's space ship as they and Trey prepare to leave.)
Tommy: It's okay. Nobody knew this would happen. Thanks again for coming back. All of you.
Aurico: It is our pleasure.
Delphine: Are you sure you don't want us to stay? At least for a little longer?
Tommy: (Nods) I'm sure, thank you. Now that the urgent stuff is taken care of, I can focus on getting the team back together. By the time they come back, we'll be ready.
Delphine: I wish you the best of luck.
Tommy: Thanks. It's been a while since I last saw most of them. I've sure taken them for granted. I've got a lot I need to say to them. To some at least.
Cestro: (Grins) I can imagine you do.
(The Aquitians snicker amongst one another.)
Tommy: What's so funny?
Aurico: Tommy, we Aquitians have the ability to sense pheromones in other species. We can tell you and the tall blonde had something more than meets the eye. We can also tell there was a great deal of resistance against actually addressing such tension by your body language. It was always quite obvious to us.
Tommy: ...
Delphine: She's has a good heart, that one Tommy. And loyal. You'd be wise to keep her close.
Tideus: Wait. The blonde you said? I always thought he and the Asian had something going on.
Tommy: Huh? There was no Asian last time. Wait, Adam?
Delphine: Anyway, we should get going. Good luck with your team, Tommy.
Trey: And may the power protect you, always.
Tommy: Thank you. Same to you.
(Tommy nods respectfully as they make their way into the spaceship. Before long the door rises shut and begins take off. Moments after, Tommy remains on the beach. This time along the shore, taking in what they said.)
Tommy: ...
(Lost in the waves, Tommy forgets momentarily of his debrief with the power chamber.)
Tommy: Zordon, come in. Do you have a status update on Jason?
"..."
Tommy: Zordon? Zordon come in. Tommy here.
(While Tommy awaits a response, Archerina explains her methods to Rita and Zedd on the moon.)
"Mondo played the heavy hand. He'd beat his opponents into submission. That is not the game we're playing."
(As Tommy becomes frantic, he's met with only a hissing noise.)
Tommy: (Tapping communicator) Zordon? Alpha? Alpha?!
Zordon: Alpha!
(Meanwhile, the power chamber is up in flames. The control panels are short circuiting and firing sparks everywhere. Alpha spasms uncontrollably as black fumes pour out of his back.)
Zordon: Alpha! Alpha you must (inaudible). Contact (inaudible).
(Zordon's audio cuts off, followed by his image entirely. Alpha drops to a knee and shakes violently from the torso. Facing the front entrance, where Trini stands behind the open doors. He reaches out his arms desperately.)
Alpha: Trini! Trini help me. Heeeeeeeeeeelp meeeeeeeeee!
(But help is not received as Alpha's words turn incoherent. Trini has barely a chance to re-enter the room, when his chest suddenly and spontaneously combusts. He drops to the floor, lifeless. Trini, who hasn't moved. Leaves.)
"I want my opponents to suffer. I want to slowly take everything they've ever loved away from them. I want them to see their world crumble before their eyes."
Tommy: ...huh?
(From the beach, Tommy finds something in the distance, approaching from the opposite direction.)
Tommy: Kat?
Katherine: ...Tommy?
Tommy: Kat!
Katherine: Tommy!
(They run toward one another and meet in the middle for a tight embrace. Without hesitation, Tommy meets her eye to eye, and lands a kiss. Unexpecting, Kat's face grows bright red.)
Katherine: Tommy! What was that?
Tommy: It's been too long, Kat.
Katherine: I know... it has been.
Tommy: Kat, I've been soul searching. And I've got so much to tell you.
Katherine: You do?
Tommy: Yeah.
Katherine: That's good. I've... got so much I want to tell you.
(She reaches her arms around his shoulders, then leans in.)
Katherine: (Whispers) Run.
Tommy: Huh?
(Katherine suddenly pulls back and shakes her head, as if she didn't mean to say that. Before Tommy has the chance to process what she did mean, a loud crash is heard behind him. He turns around.)
Tommy: No! Trey! Delphine!
(The Aquitian spaceship is seen up in flames behind him; Quadrofighters speeding off in the distance.)
Tommy: We need to get ove-
(He turns around and finds Katherine no longer there. Instead, he is surrounded by an army of Cogs. Archerina is in the middle. Her late husband's blade to his throat.)
Archerina: Come with me. Make any other move and you will never see the girl again.
Tommy: ...
"I want to take what they love the most. And I want to use it against them. I want them to fear the lost that I felt. I want them to feel my suffering."
(Tommy raises both his hands, surrendering. Cogs waste no time in grabbing him before disappearing.)
"I want the inevitable, yet sweet release of death to be my merciful gift to them after they have lost the will to live. Then, and only then, can you have what remains of this wretched planet. I have no interest in the rest of it."
(Later in the night at the Taylor's home. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor are presented with a bottle of wine by Robbie, in an otherwise large empty dining room, filled with cold plates of food. Robbie consolingly puts his hand on a desolate Mr. Taylor's shoulder, then give Mrs. Taylor a long, tight embrace before heading out. From the moon, Zedd speaks up.)
"Then I shall await in eager anticipation for that moment. Till then, we sit back and enjoy the show. Resting assured as there is no one that will stand in our way now. Ahahaha."
Bulk: (Slurping) ...
Skull: (Slurping) ...
(At the Youth Center late in the evening, Bulk and Skull are seen slumming over the barstools nursing two shakes. Until they feel a simultaneous pat on the on the back.)
Lt. Stone: Excuse me boys?
Bulk: Lt. Stone? What are you doing here?
Lt. Stone: I think the question is, what are you boys doing here? You've got work today.
Skull: But, the agency's closed.
Lt. Stone: (Shakes head) I don't think so. We have a case. And this one could put us back on the map.
Bulk: We have a case?
Lt. Stone: (Nods) A missing person's case. And I think you might know whose missing.
(He turns away, revealing Robbie standing behind him.)
Skull: What?
Bulk: Robbie? What's going on?
Robbie: ...
To be continued.