Power Rangers Lost in Space #15: The court martial
A court martial session is about to begin. The judge sits down.
"Would you please send in the defendant?" The judge asks.
The bailiff brings in man with long hair and is hanging his head in shame.
"Please state the name of the defendant." The judge says.
"Yes sir. His name is Matt Smith." The bailiff says.
"And why is he being court martialed?" The judge asks.
"He is being court martialed for impersonating a rank that he has not achieved. A commanding rank. The
prosecution believes that his impersonation and reckless commandeering caused the death of one of his
crewmates." The prosecuting attorney responds.
"And who was that crew mate?" The judge asks.
"Jake Johnson." The prosecutor responds.
And now for episode 15…
The ranger ship is entering a new system. The system seems like all the others but on the ship it's causing
a great stir.
"The computer may have come up with something to help us." Janus says excitedly.
"Freeze playback." The prosecutor says.
He turns to Janus who is now at the witness stand.
"For the record, can you tell me who is on the screen at this moment other than yourself?" The prosecutor
asks.
"Yes sir. That is Joshua, the one in a cybernetic suit. The guy hitting on the other woman on board is Jake.
The other male is Matt." Janus says.
"So what was happening at the time this was occurring?" The prosecutor asks.
"We had entered a new system and the computer had come to life with some new data but we may had
been able to use to get coordinates." Janus responds.
"Ah ha. Computer skip ahead to time index fifteen minutes later." The prosecutor says.
"I want to be in control of this ship again. I feel I am a better leader than you are." Matt says to Janus on
the replay.
"We aren't rangers anymore. This is military again and I am the highest-ranking officer. I'm sorry." Janus
says.
"Freeze playback. Now Matt is in that video asking for a leadership again. The thing is why did he ever be
a leader. Why did you let him do that?" The prosecutor asks.
"When we became rangers, the Phalanx chose him to lead us to help them." Janus says.
"Phalanx. Ah yes. Since when did they have authority to make someone a leader of a military group?"
The prosecutor asks.
"They felt he was the best one." Janus responds.
"Okay. So let's assume that he was meant to be the leader of the rangers. What about after you gave up
your powers. Was he not the leader for awhile still? In fact didn't you not relieve him until he became
unruly and dangerous?" The prosecutor asks.
"Yes." Janus says..
"I'm sorry. I couldn't hear what you said." The prosecutor says.
"Yes I didn't do it until that point." Janus responds loudly.
"I see. The prosecution rests." The prosecutor says then steps down.
"The defense calls Cynthia to the stand." The defense attorney says.
Five minutes later…
The playback shows some scenes of various times when Matt's leadership helped save the rangers from the
phalanx and other dangers.
"Did you think that he was a danger to all of you as a leader?" The defense asks Cynthia.
"No of course not." Cynthia responds.
"In fact Matt didn't really snap until it seemed like it all was hopeless for him and his crew. A situation
that can break even the better ones." The defense says.
"Yes." Cynthia says.
"I have no more questions." The defense says then steps down.
The prosecutor steps up with a happy look on his face.
"So his leadership in the past helped you guys. What about his attempted leadership in the incident that
lead to Jake's death?" The prosecutor asks.
"Well I don't know." Cynthia responds fumbling.
"What happened shortly after you entered the system?" The prosecutor asks.
"We get a communication from another vessel. They claimed that they could help us." Cynthia says.
The replay comes to life.
"This is the ship of the explorers. We have not seen you in this sector before." A guy on the screen says.
"Yes we are new here. We are lost and come from a different galaxy. We have lost our way and need
help." Janus says.
"We can probably help you. We have extensive star maps of this area and surrounding areas from our
exploring." The guy on the screen says.
"Can you send the data over the communication?" Janus asks.
"No. We have only paper maps. Sometimes the old kind is the best kind." The guy responds.
Matt cuts the sound.
"Janus. Can we really trust these guys?" Matt asks.
"This may be our only hope right now. The computer got something but its not quite enough right now."
Janus says.
"Okay if you say so." Matt says.
"Objection your honor. What does this have anything to do with Matt impersonating a leader? As we can
see he was not doing that at this time." The defense attorney asks.
"Your honor. This is all just part of the big story." The prosecutor responds.
"Overruled. I'd like to see the whole story." The judge says.
"Computer fast forward time index fifteen minutes." The prosecutor says.
The crew of the other ship is now on the vessel looking around. Meanwhile the captain is on the bridge
with Janus and Matt.
"Here are copies of our star charts. I think you will find them extensive." The captain says.
"Yeah. Is there anything we can do for you in return?" Janus asks.
"No mam. We are glad to help. We will be off." The captain says.
The captain leaves the bridge. Shortly after Janus starts to look at the maps. Suddenly the map crumbles
from under her fingers.
"This is Janus. Beware the explorers are not what they seem." Janus yells into her communicator.
Suddenly a guy appears behind her and strangles her until she is knocked out. Meanwhile all over the ship
the other members of the other ship are taking out the crew one by one.
"What are you doing?" Jake asks one of them after they tie him up.
"Well you see we lied. We aren't explorers. More like space pirates. We could use a great ship like yours.
Could get a pretty penny from this." A pirate mate says.
"What are you gonna do with us? Kill us?" Jake asks nervously.
"Oh no. That's not very fun. We have a better fate for you." The pirate responds.
They all get hustled into one room and locked in.
"What's going on here?" Cynthia asks.
"What do you think? We are being hijacked." Matt responds.
"What happened to Janus?" Joshua asks worriedly.
"Dunno. She hasn't woken up since they threw her in here." Matt responds.
Matt and Jake work together to untie themselves.
"Now let's stand next to the door and jump them when they come for us." Jake says.
Matt nods and stands to one side. The door opens and they jump the person coming through.
Unfortunately there are more people behind them and they easily subdue them.
"Don't harm him too badly. Where we are gonna leave them, they are gonna be plenty harmed." One of
the crew says laughing.
The rangers look at each other and Janus worriedly. Suddenly the ship vibrates from going through the
atmosphere of a planet. After about ten seconds it lands. They are forced into the hatch and thrown down
the landing.
"Good luck. You'll need it." A pirate says as the ramp pulls back and the door closes.
The ship lifts off leaving any hope of escaping this planet with it.
"Since Janus is incapacitated then I will be the leader for now." Matt says.
"Freeze playback. There like I said. He's impersonating a leader again. And I contend that his decision
will ultimately cause the death of Jake." The prosecutor says.
Janus starts sniffling and looking down back in the defense box.
"Now can you tell me the part where Jake gets in the line of harm?" The prosecutor asks.
"I don't know. Please don't make me relive that. I have had nightmares about it. They have slowed down
a bit finally." Cynthia says at the point of crying.
"No matter. The replay will tell us. Computer fast forward to time index an hour later." The prosecutor
says.
"We need to find water soon. But I am not sure where we can find it in this area." Matt says.
Suddenly a huge geyser shoots from the sand. Then followed by another and another seemingly at random
places.
"Well there's our water but I suspect that it's too hot to drink." Jake says in jest.
"This isn't time to joke." Matt says.
He takes out his scanner and scans the area.
"I am picking up ground water to the north. And it's not from a geyser." Matt says.
"Please I can't do this anymore." Cynthia cries out after not being able to stand seeing the playback
anymore.
"Objection your honor. I don't see any reason why she has to be on the stand for this part." The defense
says.
"I withdraw the witness. And call to the stand Matt Smith." The prosecutor says.
Cynthia gladly stands down and Matt replaces her.
"Now I think we can continue the playback." The prosecutor says.
He waits before Cynthia has left the room before starting it again.
"Okay let me go get it." Jake says.
Before anyone can stop him he is rushing through the geyser field.
"No Jake. Don't." Matt yells.
Jake makes it across and finds the water spring. He takes out an object and sticks it in the ground. Pretty
soon it fills with water.
"I got it. I'll be there real quick." Jake says.
"No Jake. Go around the field." Matt yells.
But it's too late. Jake is running across the field. He almost makes it but is caught full blast by a geyser.
The geyser shoots him straight up in the air and drops him back down in the front area away from the
geyser. Luckily the water container made it. Jake is badly burned and blistering.
"I made it." Jake says weakly.
"No Jake." Cynthia says crying while cuddling him in her arms.
"I finally got you to come close to me." Jake says laughing which makes him cough.
"You aren't such a bad guy when you aren't so arrogant." Cynthia says laughing between sobs.
"Can you give me one last wish?" Jake asks.
"Don't talk like that. You're gonna make it. Just last a little longer and we'll get off this terrible planet."
Cynthia says crying.
"I don't know about that. I feel like its time for me to go on. Please give me one last kiss." Jake says.
Cynthia kisses him on the lips and it turns into a passionate kiss. It ends when Jake's body goes limp.
"No Jake. JAKE!!!" Cynthia screams.
The playback ends and Matt is almost in tears himself.
"Is that the way it happened?" The prosecutor asks.
"Yes." Matt responds.
"You were the leader even though you weren't ranked to be. Even if Janus was not fit for the leader
position, everybody else has the same ranking. There was no reason why you should have been the leader.
You didn't even try to save Jake." The prosecutor says.
A new fire appears in my Matt's eyes.
"Do you think that I didn't try. Do you think that I haven't spent day and night since that tragic time
figuring out how I could have saved him." Matt says crying.
"Maybe. But you shouldn't have had to. You shouldn't have been the leader." The prosecutor says.
"Objection your honor. I don't think this is about his being a leader when he shouldn't of as much as the
fact that he didn't try to save his fellow crewmate." The defense says.
"Sustained." The judge says.
The prosecutor looks mad but steps down.
"The defense rests its side." The defense says.
"I have no one else to investigate either. I think I have made my point enough." The prosecutor says.
Matt exits the witness area and returns to the defense box.
"I call recess while I decide what the verdict is." The judge says.
About fifteen minutes later the judge reenters the chambers and sits down.
"I recognize that fact that he took the lead by the authority of a non military force. And that he did take
leader again in that tragic mission." The judge starts to say.
The prosecutor seems smug and that he is gonna win.
"However, I believe that Matt's leadership did the others some good. Janus wasn't really meant for
leadership. This was supposed to be a mission that was quick and easy. Under the circumstances I believe
that Janus didn't think she had it in her. She didn't step down until she had to. Cause before that I have the
feeling that she thought he was a good leader until he snapped." The judge says.
The prosecutor's smug look disappears. The defense looks better.
"As for whether he neglected to do anything to save someone under his command, I believe that he tried his
best. Jake's recklessness is what caused him to jump the gun and rush through a danger zone. So to
complete on my ruling, I find Matt Smith not guilty." The judge says.
Even though he won, Matt still looks solemn.
"Hey we won. Shouldn't you be happier?" The defense attorney asks Matt.
"Yeah I guess. I did really lose someone under my command. Even if there was nothing I could do to stop
it." Matt says solemnly.
The defense attorney just shrugs and leaves the courtroom. After awhile Matt and three others are the only
ones left in the courtroom.
"He's right you know. I think you did make an excellent commanding officer. I don't think I could have
done any better in the situation of Jake's death." Janus says.
Matt doesn't say anything and just keeps on looking down.
"Come on. I want to go visit Jake's grave. I know his body isn't there but I want to say goodbye. Didn't
really do it on the desert planet." Cynthia says.
The others agree. Even Matt stands up finally and goes with them. They find his huge tombstone with his
picture and rank on it.
"He'll never be more than a cadet." Janus says sadly.
"I'm sorry I never got more of a chance to be with you. You were the only man I ever really felt for in a
long time." Cynthia says crying.
"You were my best friend even though I was a smart school type and you were a wild live life to the fullest
type." Joshua says.
"That's why he gave up. Couldn't even think of the life of a battered body. Wouldn't of let him do all the
stuff he wanted to do." Janus says.
Matt finally says something for the first time since his testimony ended.
"Goodbye. My friend." Matt says.
They all touch the tombstone picture with a kiss and walk away.
To be continued…
Well that's it for this year. Don't miss the first episode of the new year on February 3rd 2001.
Here's some highlights of it.
Who was the masked ranger? How will the rangers escape from the planet? What will happen to Andros?
A court martial session is about to begin. The judge sits down.
"Would you please send in the defendant?" The judge asks.
The bailiff brings in man with long hair and is hanging his head in shame.
"Please state the name of the defendant." The judge says.
"Yes sir. His name is Matt Smith." The bailiff says.
"And why is he being court martialed?" The judge asks.
"He is being court martialed for impersonating a rank that he has not achieved. A commanding rank. The
prosecution believes that his impersonation and reckless commandeering caused the death of one of his
crewmates." The prosecuting attorney responds.
"And who was that crew mate?" The judge asks.
"Jake Johnson." The prosecutor responds.
And now for episode 15…
The ranger ship is entering a new system. The system seems like all the others but on the ship it's causing
a great stir.
"The computer may have come up with something to help us." Janus says excitedly.
"Freeze playback." The prosecutor says.
He turns to Janus who is now at the witness stand.
"For the record, can you tell me who is on the screen at this moment other than yourself?" The prosecutor
asks.
"Yes sir. That is Joshua, the one in a cybernetic suit. The guy hitting on the other woman on board is Jake.
The other male is Matt." Janus says.
"So what was happening at the time this was occurring?" The prosecutor asks.
"We had entered a new system and the computer had come to life with some new data but we may had
been able to use to get coordinates." Janus responds.
"Ah ha. Computer skip ahead to time index fifteen minutes later." The prosecutor says.
"I want to be in control of this ship again. I feel I am a better leader than you are." Matt says to Janus on
the replay.
"We aren't rangers anymore. This is military again and I am the highest-ranking officer. I'm sorry." Janus
says.
"Freeze playback. Now Matt is in that video asking for a leadership again. The thing is why did he ever be
a leader. Why did you let him do that?" The prosecutor asks.
"When we became rangers, the Phalanx chose him to lead us to help them." Janus says.
"Phalanx. Ah yes. Since when did they have authority to make someone a leader of a military group?"
The prosecutor asks.
"They felt he was the best one." Janus responds.
"Okay. So let's assume that he was meant to be the leader of the rangers. What about after you gave up
your powers. Was he not the leader for awhile still? In fact didn't you not relieve him until he became
unruly and dangerous?" The prosecutor asks.
"Yes." Janus says..
"I'm sorry. I couldn't hear what you said." The prosecutor says.
"Yes I didn't do it until that point." Janus responds loudly.
"I see. The prosecution rests." The prosecutor says then steps down.
"The defense calls Cynthia to the stand." The defense attorney says.
Five minutes later…
The playback shows some scenes of various times when Matt's leadership helped save the rangers from the
phalanx and other dangers.
"Did you think that he was a danger to all of you as a leader?" The defense asks Cynthia.
"No of course not." Cynthia responds.
"In fact Matt didn't really snap until it seemed like it all was hopeless for him and his crew. A situation
that can break even the better ones." The defense says.
"Yes." Cynthia says.
"I have no more questions." The defense says then steps down.
The prosecutor steps up with a happy look on his face.
"So his leadership in the past helped you guys. What about his attempted leadership in the incident that
lead to Jake's death?" The prosecutor asks.
"Well I don't know." Cynthia responds fumbling.
"What happened shortly after you entered the system?" The prosecutor asks.
"We get a communication from another vessel. They claimed that they could help us." Cynthia says.
The replay comes to life.
"This is the ship of the explorers. We have not seen you in this sector before." A guy on the screen says.
"Yes we are new here. We are lost and come from a different galaxy. We have lost our way and need
help." Janus says.
"We can probably help you. We have extensive star maps of this area and surrounding areas from our
exploring." The guy on the screen says.
"Can you send the data over the communication?" Janus asks.
"No. We have only paper maps. Sometimes the old kind is the best kind." The guy responds.
Matt cuts the sound.
"Janus. Can we really trust these guys?" Matt asks.
"This may be our only hope right now. The computer got something but its not quite enough right now."
Janus says.
"Okay if you say so." Matt says.
"Objection your honor. What does this have anything to do with Matt impersonating a leader? As we can
see he was not doing that at this time." The defense attorney asks.
"Your honor. This is all just part of the big story." The prosecutor responds.
"Overruled. I'd like to see the whole story." The judge says.
"Computer fast forward time index fifteen minutes." The prosecutor says.
The crew of the other ship is now on the vessel looking around. Meanwhile the captain is on the bridge
with Janus and Matt.
"Here are copies of our star charts. I think you will find them extensive." The captain says.
"Yeah. Is there anything we can do for you in return?" Janus asks.
"No mam. We are glad to help. We will be off." The captain says.
The captain leaves the bridge. Shortly after Janus starts to look at the maps. Suddenly the map crumbles
from under her fingers.
"This is Janus. Beware the explorers are not what they seem." Janus yells into her communicator.
Suddenly a guy appears behind her and strangles her until she is knocked out. Meanwhile all over the ship
the other members of the other ship are taking out the crew one by one.
"What are you doing?" Jake asks one of them after they tie him up.
"Well you see we lied. We aren't explorers. More like space pirates. We could use a great ship like yours.
Could get a pretty penny from this." A pirate mate says.
"What are you gonna do with us? Kill us?" Jake asks nervously.
"Oh no. That's not very fun. We have a better fate for you." The pirate responds.
They all get hustled into one room and locked in.
"What's going on here?" Cynthia asks.
"What do you think? We are being hijacked." Matt responds.
"What happened to Janus?" Joshua asks worriedly.
"Dunno. She hasn't woken up since they threw her in here." Matt responds.
Matt and Jake work together to untie themselves.
"Now let's stand next to the door and jump them when they come for us." Jake says.
Matt nods and stands to one side. The door opens and they jump the person coming through.
Unfortunately there are more people behind them and they easily subdue them.
"Don't harm him too badly. Where we are gonna leave them, they are gonna be plenty harmed." One of
the crew says laughing.
The rangers look at each other and Janus worriedly. Suddenly the ship vibrates from going through the
atmosphere of a planet. After about ten seconds it lands. They are forced into the hatch and thrown down
the landing.
"Good luck. You'll need it." A pirate says as the ramp pulls back and the door closes.
The ship lifts off leaving any hope of escaping this planet with it.
"Since Janus is incapacitated then I will be the leader for now." Matt says.
"Freeze playback. There like I said. He's impersonating a leader again. And I contend that his decision
will ultimately cause the death of Jake." The prosecutor says.
Janus starts sniffling and looking down back in the defense box.
"Now can you tell me the part where Jake gets in the line of harm?" The prosecutor asks.
"I don't know. Please don't make me relive that. I have had nightmares about it. They have slowed down
a bit finally." Cynthia says at the point of crying.
"No matter. The replay will tell us. Computer fast forward to time index an hour later." The prosecutor
says.
"We need to find water soon. But I am not sure where we can find it in this area." Matt says.
Suddenly a huge geyser shoots from the sand. Then followed by another and another seemingly at random
places.
"Well there's our water but I suspect that it's too hot to drink." Jake says in jest.
"This isn't time to joke." Matt says.
He takes out his scanner and scans the area.
"I am picking up ground water to the north. And it's not from a geyser." Matt says.
"Please I can't do this anymore." Cynthia cries out after not being able to stand seeing the playback
anymore.
"Objection your honor. I don't see any reason why she has to be on the stand for this part." The defense
says.
"I withdraw the witness. And call to the stand Matt Smith." The prosecutor says.
Cynthia gladly stands down and Matt replaces her.
"Now I think we can continue the playback." The prosecutor says.
He waits before Cynthia has left the room before starting it again.
"Okay let me go get it." Jake says.
Before anyone can stop him he is rushing through the geyser field.
"No Jake. Don't." Matt yells.
Jake makes it across and finds the water spring. He takes out an object and sticks it in the ground. Pretty
soon it fills with water.
"I got it. I'll be there real quick." Jake says.
"No Jake. Go around the field." Matt yells.
But it's too late. Jake is running across the field. He almost makes it but is caught full blast by a geyser.
The geyser shoots him straight up in the air and drops him back down in the front area away from the
geyser. Luckily the water container made it. Jake is badly burned and blistering.
"I made it." Jake says weakly.
"No Jake." Cynthia says crying while cuddling him in her arms.
"I finally got you to come close to me." Jake says laughing which makes him cough.
"You aren't such a bad guy when you aren't so arrogant." Cynthia says laughing between sobs.
"Can you give me one last wish?" Jake asks.
"Don't talk like that. You're gonna make it. Just last a little longer and we'll get off this terrible planet."
Cynthia says crying.
"I don't know about that. I feel like its time for me to go on. Please give me one last kiss." Jake says.
Cynthia kisses him on the lips and it turns into a passionate kiss. It ends when Jake's body goes limp.
"No Jake. JAKE!!!" Cynthia screams.
The playback ends and Matt is almost in tears himself.
"Is that the way it happened?" The prosecutor asks.
"Yes." Matt responds.
"You were the leader even though you weren't ranked to be. Even if Janus was not fit for the leader
position, everybody else has the same ranking. There was no reason why you should have been the leader.
You didn't even try to save Jake." The prosecutor says.
A new fire appears in my Matt's eyes.
"Do you think that I didn't try. Do you think that I haven't spent day and night since that tragic time
figuring out how I could have saved him." Matt says crying.
"Maybe. But you shouldn't have had to. You shouldn't have been the leader." The prosecutor says.
"Objection your honor. I don't think this is about his being a leader when he shouldn't of as much as the
fact that he didn't try to save his fellow crewmate." The defense says.
"Sustained." The judge says.
The prosecutor looks mad but steps down.
"The defense rests its side." The defense says.
"I have no one else to investigate either. I think I have made my point enough." The prosecutor says.
Matt exits the witness area and returns to the defense box.
"I call recess while I decide what the verdict is." The judge says.
About fifteen minutes later the judge reenters the chambers and sits down.
"I recognize that fact that he took the lead by the authority of a non military force. And that he did take
leader again in that tragic mission." The judge starts to say.
The prosecutor seems smug and that he is gonna win.
"However, I believe that Matt's leadership did the others some good. Janus wasn't really meant for
leadership. This was supposed to be a mission that was quick and easy. Under the circumstances I believe
that Janus didn't think she had it in her. She didn't step down until she had to. Cause before that I have the
feeling that she thought he was a good leader until he snapped." The judge says.
The prosecutor's smug look disappears. The defense looks better.
"As for whether he neglected to do anything to save someone under his command, I believe that he tried his
best. Jake's recklessness is what caused him to jump the gun and rush through a danger zone. So to
complete on my ruling, I find Matt Smith not guilty." The judge says.
Even though he won, Matt still looks solemn.
"Hey we won. Shouldn't you be happier?" The defense attorney asks Matt.
"Yeah I guess. I did really lose someone under my command. Even if there was nothing I could do to stop
it." Matt says solemnly.
The defense attorney just shrugs and leaves the courtroom. After awhile Matt and three others are the only
ones left in the courtroom.
"He's right you know. I think you did make an excellent commanding officer. I don't think I could have
done any better in the situation of Jake's death." Janus says.
Matt doesn't say anything and just keeps on looking down.
"Come on. I want to go visit Jake's grave. I know his body isn't there but I want to say goodbye. Didn't
really do it on the desert planet." Cynthia says.
The others agree. Even Matt stands up finally and goes with them. They find his huge tombstone with his
picture and rank on it.
"He'll never be more than a cadet." Janus says sadly.
"I'm sorry I never got more of a chance to be with you. You were the only man I ever really felt for in a
long time." Cynthia says crying.
"You were my best friend even though I was a smart school type and you were a wild live life to the fullest
type." Joshua says.
"That's why he gave up. Couldn't even think of the life of a battered body. Wouldn't of let him do all the
stuff he wanted to do." Janus says.
Matt finally says something for the first time since his testimony ended.
"Goodbye. My friend." Matt says.
They all touch the tombstone picture with a kiss and walk away.
To be continued…
Well that's it for this year. Don't miss the first episode of the new year on February 3rd 2001.
Here's some highlights of it.
Who was the masked ranger? How will the rangers escape from the planet? What will happen to Andros?