Chatper 201 - Saga I - Raising the Sail
Episode 1 - A Chilly Reception
by Brian Friedlander (jadeitesan@crystal-tokyo.com)
Disclaimer: Saban owns the Power Rangers and all related items. Toei Animation, Noako Takeuchi, and Kodansha the Sailor
Senshi.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(A long) Past events:
- Princess Serenity was beaten by Sailor Nemesis' princess form, Princess Charity.
- Justin learns he may have to leave Angel Grove soon. Dimitria, Blue Senturion, and the Inner and Outer Senshi left Earth to head toward Eltar to aid Zordon. The Power Rangers Turbo fought against Goldgoyle, only to lose both Megazords and the Turbo R.A.M. Divatox learns of the Power Chamber's location. (Chase into Space, Part 1)
- Divatox stages an attack, leading to the loss of the Turbo powers, the destruction of the Power Chamber, and the capturing of Lightning Cruiser and Storm Blaster. Divatox is summoned to the Cimmerian Planet to attend Dark Specter's Evil Conference. The Power Rangers, the guardian Moon Cats, and Alpha 6, with the important black box, looking for a way to head to Eltar to help, commandeer a space shuttle from NASADA. Justin stays behind to be with his father. Unbeknowst to the Rangers or the Cats, the dark blue cat sneaks aboard. (Chase Into Space, Part 2)
- At the evil conference, Divatox gloats about destroying the Power Rangers. Astronema, the soon to be Queen of Evil, is introduced. Dark Specter announces his plans to drain Zordon and his punishment for the Sailor Soldiers. A Red Power Ranger, spying on Dark Specter to find out about Zordon, is soon found out and makes a hasty escape. Dark Specter charges Astronema with the task of taking care of the Red Ranger. Alpha's speech boards start to malfunction. The shuttle finds a space ship, which pulls it inside. They find that the ship's name is the Astro Megaship. No signs of life are found immediately, until a bowl of warm food is sighted. The Red Ranger comes aboard and a chase scene ensues as the ex-Turbo Teens try to find about Reddie. Velocifighters attack the ship and damage it. After repairing the engines and landing safely, the Red Ranger is willing to listen to the teens, but first they finish off the Quantrons. (From Out of Nowhere, Part 1)
- The teens find out that the mysterious new Red Ranger is a human named Andros from the abandoned planet KO-35. They inquire for his help to find Zordon, but he refuses, saying he works alone. After repairing Alpha and the shuttle, Andros leaves them on the planet, and the Quantrons, with Astronema, return. Alpha and Luna, who have stolen away on the Megaship, convinces Andros of their common goal. Andros returns to the teens and empowers them as Space Power Rangers. Together, they finish off the Quantrons and form the Astro Megazord, thanks to the black box. They destroy Astronema's first Dark Fortress. (From Out Of Nowhere, Part 2)
- The Rangers return to Earth to repair the Megaship. Astronema follows them. Sailor Nemesis and Elgar joins Astronema at Dark Specter's urging. Bulk and Skull join up with Professor Phenomenus in his search for Space Aliens. The Space teens gather the necessary supplies, but are attacked by Quantrons. After finishing them off, Andros realizes it was just a diversion so the shuttle would be unguarded. They morph and rush over to NASADA, where they find Ecliptor, their new adversary, waiting. The four Earth Rangers run off while Andros gets his butt kicked by Ecliptor. The other Rangers return and Astronema uses the Satellasers to make Ecliptor grow. The Astro Megazord is formed and Ecliptor is vanquished for now. (Save Our Ship)
- Andros returns to his abandoned home, KO-35, to search for his lost sister, Karone. But, he doesn't want the other Rangers to know about it, so he goes down to the planet alone. On the Dark Fortress, we learn from Ecliptor that he and unknown others were responsible for destroying KO-35. On the planet, Andros searches around. Unfortunately, all that is there is a trap set by Ecliptor. A devastating attack meant for Andros is intercepted by Carlos, who is then badly wounded. After bringing him back to the Megaship, Andros heads back down to take on Ecliptor by himself. He gets his ass whooped and the other three Rangers fly down to his aid. They're under heavy fire from a giant Ecliptor when a wounded Carlos. As a team, they fire their Astro Blasters at Ecliptor with no effect, so Carlos calls on the Megaship's Megalaser to cause Ecliptor to flee. On the Megaship, Carlos promises to help Andros find his sister. (Never Stop Searching)
- The Space Rangers begin to worry about their Sailor Soldier friends and decide to do something to find them.
Now on with the story. . .
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5-4-3-2-1
Rangers in Space
And the Senshi, too!
Set controls to outer space now;
Flying higher than ever before;
Hyperushing past the moon;
Find the missing planets!
Rangers, in space!
Go Power Rangers, go Power Rangers, go Power Rangers, go, go, go, FLY!
Go Power Team, go Power Team, go Power Team, gooooooo, in SPACE!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Astro Megaship, Evening, Mess Hall. . .
The Rangers have gathered in the mess hall for dinner. They were dressed in casual. TJ was over at the Synthetron, getting a plate of fish and chips and a glass of iced tea. Carlos was already sitting down to eat his spaghetti and meatballs and a glass of Pepsi. Cassie had artifical tuna fish (Earth environment friendly :) ) and lettuce and celery in pita bread and a cup of milk. Ashley had a bowl of chicken noodle soup and a Caesar salad with Catalina salad dressing and a mug of coffee. Andros was eating an unfamiliar concoction, presumably from KO-35, and had a strawberry milkshake.
"So, what's the order of business for tomorrow?" asks TJ as he sits down. He grabs a bottle of ketchup and prepares to drain it on his dinner.
Cassie and Ashley giggle.
"TJ, that isn't eggs you're eating," says Cassie.
"If you keep that up, you're going to wipe out Earth's tomatoe crops," jokes Ashley.
"Haha," retorts TJ casually.
Suddenly, Ashley gets a sullen look on her face. "Guys, do you realize that something is missing?"
"What, Ashley?" asks Andros as he takes a sip of his shake.
"Usagi and the others. In the aftermath of Divatox's victory, we forgot about our friends. We need to find out what happened to them." She notices a look on Andros' face. "We're going to need all the help we can get against Astronema, Ecliptor and Sailor Nemesis."
Suddenly, DECA pipes in. "Andros, we're picking up something."
"What is it, DECA? Zordon?"
"I am unsure."
Everybody jumps up and heads out of the room, leaving their food on the table to get cold.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Astro Megaship, Bridge, Evening. . .
Everybody piles out of the Megalift. Alpha is standing at the main console, still trying to decipher the readings.
"What is it, Alpha?" asks TJ.
"Well, it isn't Zordon. Wait, hold on. . .it's Ami! She's sent us an encoded message. Ready to play it."
"Please play it, Alpha," says Ashley.
"Playing now. Just a warning, it's a bit garbled."
The main veiwscreen lights up. "Hel. . .Ami. . .captured. . .Dark Spec. . .planet Hoth. . . wer Rang. . .elp. . ." *blink*
"That's it, Rangers," sighs Alpha. "Interference has jammed the signal."
"Hoth is an icy planet," says Andros. "Mostly glaciers and blowing cold wind. There isn't much shelter on the planet."
"Then we have to go help her," says TJ.
"Hoth is far away," says Andros.
"Meaning we'll be leaving the Earth defenseless for a while," replies Ashley.
"We have to risk it," says Cassie. "We could use any help we can get. And the Sailor Soldiers would do the same for us."
"Alright," says Andros, "It's decided. We leave for Hoth right away. DECA, set the course."
"Course set, Andros."
"Hyperrush, velcoity nine." He pushes the control levers. The Megaship leaves Earth's orbit and blazes out of the
solar system.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dark Fortress. . .
"Astronema, Astronema, come quick," yelps Elgar.
"What is it, Elgar?" Astronema comes onto the bridge, sporting a red hair-do.
"The Rangers have left Earth and are heading to Hoth," says Ecliptor. "They got a communications from there."
"Hoth? That's where Beryl is stationed, with. . ."
"With that whelp, the ex-Sailor Mercury, now that we've destroyed their powers," gloats Sailor Nemesis.
"That's why they're heading there. Ecliptor, Nemesis, bring the Quantrons. We're paying a visit to Beryl," says Astronema. "I always knew Beryl was an incompetent fool."
"Astronema," says Sailor Nemesis. "We're getting a message from Dark Specter. We're to head to Hoth, as you planned, and replace Beryl there so we'll be there when the Rangers arrive and Beryl can depart with Zordon. Additional orders permit you to use Mercury however you wish."
"Good."
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Astro Megaship, hours later, orbiting Hoth. . .
The Rangers enter the mess hall, where the jump tubes to the Galaxy Gliders are located. Everybody goes to their lockers and take out their scanning devices. They approach their jump tubes, do their arm movements, and jump into the jumptubes and morph onto their Galaxy Gliders. Five bright lights shoot down toward the planet.
Down on the planet, the Rangers are demorphed and dressed in heavy winter clothes and are busy scanning.
"Brrrr, it's cold," shudders Ashley.
"Getting anything?" asks TJ.
"Nothing yet," replies Cassie.
"Do you think it's possible Karone might be here?" asks Ashley.
"It would be nice, Ashley," says Andros, "But as you Earthlings say, 'I'm not holding my breath.'"
Carlos speaks into his communicator. "Alpha, are you picking up anything?"
"Ayi yi yi, no, Rangers. The only things I'm seeing on the scanner are you guys. They're either shield by natural or artifical means, or they packed up and left."
"I don't think they'd've leave just for Ami. Maybe Zordon, but not for Ami," says Ashley. "She's here. I can feel it."
"DECA, increase power to the scanners," commands Andros over his Astro Morpher.
"Scanners already working at 110%."
"Well, I guess we had better keep searching," says Cassie.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A Nearby Cavern. . .
Queen Beryl of the late Dark Kingdom sits on a make-shift throne with Jadeite standing by her side. Shadow Goons patrol the room. Zordon, in a powered down tube, sits in a darkened corner.
Jadeite wanders over to the tube to check on it. Zordon notices Jadeite approaching and decides to try something.
"Jadeite, servant of Prince Endymion. It is good to see you."
"Shut up, prisoner. I am loyal only to the great Queen Beryl." Despite those brave words, a look of confusion appears in Jadeite's eyes.
"You are wrong, Jadeite. I can feel the goodness in you, if only you would listen to what your heart is really saying."
Jadeite kicks the tube. "I said SHUT UP!"
"Jadeite! Is there a problem with our prisoner?" Beryl glowers.
"N-n-no, Queen Beryl." Jadeite gets as far away as possible from Zordon's tube, resolving to never go near it again if he can help it. But perhaps the old coot had spoken some truth...
"I can't believe it, Jadeite. For years, I served Metallia, hoping to conquer the universe, then I was dead for several years, then revived and became the head honcho, and now I'm back where I started, having to serve Dark Specter."
A Goon hands Jadeite a computer pad. "Good news, my queen. Sailor Mercury's punishment for her 'unauthorized' communications is finished."
"Excellent, Jadeite. Why did I ever put you to sleep?"
"For failing to defeat the first three Sailor Soldiers. But had I had the chance to tell you their identities, you would never have had to rely on that traitorous Nephrite and those lovesick fools, Zoisite and Kunzite, and be left on your own."
Before Beryl can reply, a noise is heard. Beryl looks up to see Astronema, the future Queen of Evil, Ecliptor, Astronema's guardian, Sailor Nemesis, her traitorous Senshi who had denounced Beryl for Astronema, and a squad of Quantrons. Beryl attempts to hold her tongue.
"What do you want, Astronema?" asks Beryl.
"I have talked with Dark Specter. As of now, I am taking over here."
This cut it for Beryl. "How dare you!? This is my operation!" She surges forward with anger. Ecliptor moves like wind and is immediately in front of Astronema, his sword mere inches from Beryl's face.
"Shut up, hag. No one talks like that to the Princess of Evil," says Ecliptor.
"I am the *QUEEN* of the Dark Kingdom!"
"Bah, Beryl. Your title of Queen of the Dark Kingdom, as are Zedd's title of Lord and Mondo and Machina's of King and Queen, and Divatox's of Space Pirate Queen have no real meaning. The Dark Kingdom is just a mere shadow to the United Alliance of Evil. You are to take Zordon and meet up with Mondo at the rendezvous point to transfer him. The Rangers are getting too close. I will take charge of Sailor Mercury."
"Bah. Jadeite, pack up. We're leaving with the inflated head," says Beryl.
Jadeite tells the Shadow Goons to take 'good' care of Zordon.
"Ecliptor, bring me Sailor Mercury." Astronema absent-mindedly fingers her necklace. "Quantrons, go attack the Rangers. But save the Red Ranger for me."
"Why make them work?" asks a voice.
"And I'm glad to see I have a fanclub, no matter who's a member," says another voice.
Astronema turns around to see Andros and the other Rangers behind him, all already morphed.
"For love and justice, we are the spandex-suited superheroes, the Power Rangers in Space! On behalf of Zordon, we'll punish you!" The Rangers had been practicing that little catchphrase for a while.
"Beryl, get going! Quantrons, attack!" yells Astronema as she brandishes her boomerang.
Cassie gives a Quantron a swift kick in the crotch. Ashley somersaults over two Quantrons and knocks them off their feet. Carlos puts his hands together and knocks a Quantron on the head. TJ ducks an advancing Quantron's punch and grabs and throws it into another Quantron. Andros struggles with Sailor Nemesis.
Ecliptor returns with a bleeding, bruised, blue-haired girl.
"Ami!" yells Ashley.
Astronema activates a communicator. "Elgar, fire the special satellasers!"
Green lasers hit Ami and she starts to transform into a blue-haired beast with a long snout and sharp incisors, a red belly, and a long tail.
"Rangers, this is Chiller," says Astronema. "Prepare to be put on ice!"
"Guys, we can't hurt Chiller. She's still Ami underneath," says Ashley.
"But that doesn't mean this creep would do the same for us," says Carlos.
"We'll be gentle," assures Andros.
"Chiller, bring me the Red Ranger and destroy the other four," commands Astronema.
Chiller grunts and charges them.
"Look out!" yells Cassie. "Here she comes!"
"Cassie, use your stunner!" yells Carlos.
"Right. Satellite Stunner!" The pink weapon appears in Cassie's gloved hands. "Hold it right there, Ami. We really don't want to hurt you."
Chiller ignores her and knocks the black, blue, and yellow rangers away as they try to restrain her.
"You leave me no choice then," says Cassie. "Satellite Sniper!" Her weapon reconfigures its handle and she attaches it to her Astro Blaster. "Please forgive me if I hurt you," Cassie whispers silently as she fires her weapon.
Chiller is knocked to the floor. She doesn't appear to be breathing or moving. Andros walks over to her carefully, being sure not to set himself up for an ambush. He checks her pulse and finds none. While he does this, no one notices the tail sneaking up to his leg.
"I'm sorry, guys," says Andros sorrowly. "It looks like she's gone."
"Andros, watch out!" yells Ashley as the tail gets a full hold on Andros' right leg and begins flinging him on the floor.
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!" Andros yelps each time his helmeted head hits the floor.
The four Rangers take a breather and give a brief commentary.
"You know," says Carlos, "It seems like every battle, Andros gets beat up worst and worst."
"Yeah, that's right," says TJ.
"Um, guys, I could use some help over here," moans Andros.
"Oh, right," says Cassie as the Rangers race over to where Chiller is bashing Andros.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dark Fortress. . .
Astronema, Ecliptor, and Nemesis walk onto the bridge, where Elgar is now snoozing.
"WAKE UP!" yells Astronema.
"Uh, wha? Oh, it's you, Auntie Divatox."
"Shut up, you idiot! Nemesis, fire the satellasers!"
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Planetside. . .
Chiller grows to humongous proportions as the Rangers scramble to get out of the way.
"I call upon the power of the Triceratops!" yells TJ.
"What!?!" The other Rangers sweatdrop.
TJ, if you could see under his helmet, facefaults. "Er, well, I guess I've been reading too much of those data disks that Zordon gave us when we became Rangers."
"Well, we need Astro Megazord power NOW!" yells Andros.
The Rangers teleport to the Astro Megashuttle and slide into the cockpit in their seats. The docking latches disengage, the front of the Astro Megaship opens, and the shuttle flies out. The shuttle does a loop and approaches the Megaship, which is now in a vertical position. The legs come down and the red wings fold to the side. The arms move into position on the side of the main torso. The Megashuttle head lowers down onto the top of the main body. Its eyes light up and the Megazord poses.
Andros activates the Megazord's shield and flies the zord down toward the planet and lands. The Megazord poses, legs spread slightly, one arm out in front, the hand open to look like it's about to chop something.
Chiller produces a bo staff and charges at the Astro Megazord. The Megazord narrowly dodges the staff.
"We need a way to return her to normal," says Ashley.
"Alpha, do you have anything?" asks Andros.
"I believe I may," says Alpha. "In the black box is a program for something called 'Megazord Healing Escalation'. From what I can gather, it's meant to heal people who were turned into monsters and restore them. It works on the same principle as Sailor Moon's Healing Escalation. The attack is emitted from the 'M' on the Megazord's chest and it is necessary for the pilot of the Megazord to yell 'Megazord Healing Escalation'."
"If I must," sighs Andros.
"I'll be waiting to teleport her in. But you have to wear her down first," says Alpha.
"I'll see what I can do."
"Be careful, Andros," says Ashley.
"How many times do you have to tell me that?" asks Andros.
"Just making sure."
"Astro Megazord Saber!" commands Andros. The sword appears in the Megazord's right arm. The saber clashes against Chiller's staff. Andros pulls back on his joysticks, and the saber slices the staff in half.
Chiller attempts to punch the Megazord, but Andros manages to block her with the Astro Megashield.
Chiller turns on the cold weather and freezes the Megazord.
"Andros, we can't move!" says TJ.
"Try the left tread!" suggests Carlos.
"Left tread?" asks Andros.
"Sorry. I've been reading too much of the Power Rangers History data disk. The first modern Rangers went up against a monster known as Goatan, who covered their Megazord with snow, rendering it inoperable. They freed themselves by using the left tread to spin themselves around and get free."
"Maybe that will work," says Andros, "But, instead of a tread, we'll use the rocket boosters. Engage rocket boosters." Andros manipulates his joystick controls.
The Megashuttle engines on the back of the Megazord roar as they come to life. Andros pushes left on the joysticks, making the Megazord spin to the left, getting faster and faster. Finally, the Astro Megazord stops and it is completely unfrozen.
"Let's finish this now!" says Andros. "Astro Megazord Blaster, stun mode!"
The blaster appears in the right hand. The Megazord turns to its side, with the right arm out in front of it, and its head turned to face Chiller. "Fire!"
A beam of energy shoots out, hitting Chiller squarely in the face, knocking her out.
"Now to complete the job. Megazord Healing Escalation!" A golden light is emitted from the M on the Megazord's chest. It shines on Chiller, shrinking and returning her to her human state as Ami. As this occurs, a quiet 'Lovely' could be heard coming from Ami.
"Alpha, teleport!" commands TJ.
"Teleporting now!" Ami disappears from sight.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dark Fortress. . .
"Ooooo, those Rangers got the better of us," says Sailor Nemesis.
"Not necessarily," replies Astronema.
"What do you mean, my mistress?" asks Ecliptor.
"Well, if Beryl did her job right with Sailor Mercury, we'll have a little suprise for the Rangers later on."
"What?" asks Nemesis.
"You shall see. . ."
Sailor Nemesis feels vibe vibrating negatively. *Why do I feel worried about that?* she thinks to herself.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Astro Megaship, evening, medical bay. . .
Ami lies on a biobed, in the same condition she was in before she was transformed into Chiller. Bruises and blood clots cover her body.
"How is she, Alpha?" asks Ashley.
"She'll be okay, but she won't remember anything of what just happened."
"That's good," says Ashley. "We don't need her to feel guilty."
"Sssssh," shushes Alpha. "She's starting to come around."
"Ugh, where am I? What happened? I feel like I've been run over by a heard of elephants." She sees Andros. "Who are you? And what are those strange suits you wear, Rangers?"
"Ami-chan, you're okay!" exclaims Luna.
"Luna! Artemis! Diana!" exclaims Ami as she hugs the guardian cats tightly.
"I am Andros, the Red Power Ranger. You are onboard my vessel, the Astro Megaship."
"And I am DECA, the fully sentient Artifical Intelligence of this ship."
"Wow, a fully sentient computer."
"Ami, what happened to Zordon?" asks TJ.
"And Dimitria and Blue Senturion?" asks Cassie.
"Zordon was beaten down by Dark Specter and taken away to who knows where. As for Dimitria and Blue Senturion, I didn't even know they had come."
"They followed after our last battle as Turbo Rangers," says Carlos.
"Divatox sent Goldgoyle to fight us, and we beat him, but in the effort, lost both the Turbo and Rescue Megazords and the Turbo R.A.M.," says Cassie.
"When we returned to the Power Chamber, Dimitria and Blue Senturion announced they were also leaving to help Zordon and Eltar," says Ashley.
"Then Divatox attack, destroyed the Power Chamber and our powers, captured Lightning Cruiser and Storm Blaster, and left for the Cimmerian planet," says TJ.
"Which is where I came in," says Andros. "I was there, trying to rescue Zordon, when I was found out. After a harrowing escape, I made it back to the Megaship, where I found TJ and his friends. After some initial mistrust and a little space battle, I learned to trust them and helped them repair their shuttle and Alpha 6. After leaving them on the planet where we landed, Alpha 6 snuck back on board and convince me to give the Rangers a chance, that we had the same mission, and here we are today."
"That was a nice explanation, um, Andros, wasn't it?"
"Thanks, and yes."
"Ami, what happened to the other Senshi?" asks Ashley.
Ami's eyes start to tear up and she sniffles.
"It's okay, Ami. You're among friends," says Cassie. "We can always wait til you're ready to tell us in your own time."
"No, you need to know what transpired on Eltar. But, first, could I get something to eat? Beryl didn't exactly take verygood care of me."
"Sure. Let's let Cassie and Ashley help you get cleaned up and get you some new clothing, then you can come to the Dining
Hall and get something to eat," says Andros.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Astro Megaship, Mess Hall, half an hour later. . .
Ami, walks in, completely refreshed and dressed in an identical copy of her high school fuku uniform. She wears a grey jacket similar to ones worn by the Rangers. Ashley and Cassie walk in behind her.
"Ami, this is the Synthetron," says Ashley. "It'll prepare whatever you'd like to eat."
"Thanks. For now, I'd just like a bowl of warm vegetable soup and a glass of water."
"Alright, it'll be ready in a moment," says Cassie. "As soon as the boys get here, we'll be ready to listen to your story."
"Okay," says Ami as the boys enter the room. Ami sets her bowl of vegetable soup down on the table.
"How are you doing, Ami?" asks TJ.
"Better now, thank you."
"So, Ami," says Andros, "What happened on Eltar?"
Ashley smacks Andros on the shoulder. "That's not polite. Let her have a chance to eat first."
"That's okay, Ashley. Well, let's see, we teleported to Eltar to find ourselves. . ."
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
*Begin flashback*
A battle-ridden, abandoned city on Eltar, night-time. . .
Nine brightly colored lights fly through the night sky and land in the middle of a desolate battlefield. On the ground lie several dead bodies. Most are burned beyond any hope of recognition.
"It looks like we're too late," says Sailor Mars.
"Not necessarily," says Sailor Pluto. "Over there, in the distance, it looks like the battle still rages on."
"Then we need to get there fast," says Sailor Neptune.
"But we're too weak to attempt another teleport," says Sailor Mercury.
"I feel a bit naseous myself," says Sailor Saturn.
Sailor Mercury takes out her mini-computer and activates her VR visor. "I think I know why. There's a huge amount of radiation around her. I think we're at ground zero of a nuclear attack."
"Who'd do such a thing?" asks Sailor Venus.
"I don't know," replies Sailor Mercury.
"Will we be protected? asks Sailor Jupiter.
"Being Sailor Soldiers helps," says Sailor Mercury, "But if we don't leave soon, eventually we'll succumb to the radiation."
"Hey, over here!" yells Sailor Uranus. "I think I've found our way to the main battle." She is sitting in the pilot's seat of a somewhat warped piece of transportation. "Come on, get in. What are you waiting?"
The other Senshi shake their head, pile in and head off.
* * * * * *
Eltar, Capital City. . .
Zordon was at the front lines, making up a brand new attack plan. Somehow, Dark Specter was ready for all the preplannedattacks, as if there had been a spy among his ranks. But that was impossible. He trusted any of his charges with his life.
The Capital City was the last front, the last place of goodness left on Eltar. If it were to fall, the war would be over. Zordon disliked fighting when possible, but there was not much choice this time.
Delphine, the White Aquitian Ranger, walks up to Zordon.
"Any sign of them?" asks Zordon.
"No, Zordon. We've sent the Robot Rangers out in their Speeder Machines to search for them. Unfortunately, they can't go very far, or risk a fight with Dark Specter's forces."
A VROOM! can be heard as the Rangers come up to Zordon and Delphine.
"Nothing?" asks Zordon.
"Nothing," says Red Ranger, "Except for Dark Specter's forces advancing."
"They'll be here any moment," says Blue Ranger.
"Correct, we are here," says an evil voice.
They turn around to see thousands of Putties, Cogs, Tengas, Phiranatrons, Quantrons and other ruffians surrounding them, being lead by a crystalline villian.
"I am Ecliptor, task master of this fight, and you'll all fall now!"
"Never!" says Zordon.
"Alien Rangers of Aquitar, full power!"
"Robot Rangers, ready!"
"Gold Ranger Power!"
"EctoPhase Activate! Masked Rider!"
"Oh, so impressive," says Ecliptor sarcastically. "Attack!"
The United Alliance of Heroes rush forward in the squad of henchmen and scandrals. Five minutes into the battle, the Gold Ranger is incapitated by a Barox hunter and returns to Pyramidus to rest.
The Robot Rangers call their Giga Booster cannon and arm it. They knock away a good portion of the opposing forces, but are soon overwhelmed and turned into a pile of scrap.
The Alien Rangers attempt to group together to execute their Aquitar Waterfall attack, but the Cogs separate them, and as they try to fight to get together, they quickly lose hydration and succumb to the Cogs.
Masked Rider powers up his Electro Sabe and takes on Ecliptor. They slash swords for a few moments, as it appears that Masked Rider will be the victor. Then, by suprise, Ecliptor uses his cyber head attack to blast Masked Rider to a smoldering pulp, too weak to power up to Super Gold or Super Blue.
At that moment, the Sailor Scouts arrive, fully rested from their Sailor Teleport. Zordon is attempting to tackle Dark Specter with his Light of Goodness against Dark Specter's Lava of Darkness.
"Look, it's Zordon!" yells Sailor Chibi-Moon. "And he needs help!"
"Sailors Mercury, Saturn, Pluto, and Neptune," says Venus, "Go aid Zordon!"
"Right!" they agree.
"Sailors Moon, Uranus, and Jupiter, come with me, and we'll take care of Mr. Tron over there," she points to Ecliptor.
"Now look here," says Sailor Uranus. "I don't have to take orders from you."
"Fine then. Get killed for all I care," says Sailor Venus.
"I didn't say I wouldn't help. I just said I don't take orders from you. Now, let's go!"
* * * * * *
Zordon is trying to block the Dark Specter's lava, but in a few more seconds, if something doesn't happen, Dark Specter will have this victory. Zordon loses control and it looks like he'll be captured after all.
"My guardian diety is the planet of silence. Invited by a new era, here I am, the soldier of death and rebirth, the mysterious Sailor Saturn!" She jumps in front of Zordon. "Silent Wall!" A wall of energy appears in front of Sailor Saturn and Zordon and blocks the lava.
"From the Gate of Time I arrive, with the planet of time and space as my guardian diety, here I am, the soldier of revolution, Sailor Pluto!" says Pluto with a voice of determination. "Dead Scream," she whispers, sending the energy packet at Dark Specter, knocking him back.
"Just like my Grecian namesake, I'll make your punishment speedy. On behalf of our missing moon princess and the planet of Eltar, I'll punish you, for I am Sailor Mercury! Mercury Aqua Rhapsody!"
"Invited by a new age, here I am, guarded by the planet of the deep sand seas, the soldier of embrace, the elegant Sailor Neptune! Submarine Reflection!" She aims her mirror at Dark Specter.
The double water attack douses the flames of evil.
"Mercury. . ." moans Zordon. "Remember. . ." A beam of light shots out of his head in the shape of an Z and hits Mercury on her forehead.
"You think you can beat me? Bwahahahahaha! You fool yourselves," says Dark Specter.
Ecliptor, hazing and slightly smoking, rushes over to Dark Specter, Sailors Jupiter and Uranus continuing to throw Sparkling Wide Pressures and Space Sword Blaster attacks at him. A Cresent Beam Smash attack is sticking in his back.
"My guardian diety is the planet of the wind. Enchanted by this new age, the graceful soldier of the sky, Sailor Uranus is here!"
"For love and passion, we are the pretty sailor-suited soldiers, Sailor Jupiter and Venus! On behalf of Eltar, we'll punish you!"
"I think it's time for the suprise we had prepared especially for the Power Rangers, but I have a feeling it will work just as well on the Sailor Soldiers."
"Yes, Ecliptor. Show them your suprise." Dark Specter smashes his foot down, making the ground shake and the Senshi fall to the ground.
Ecliptor pulled a hand gun out from behind his back. He pushed some buttons on its side, realigning its settings, giving the beam a wide setting.
"Let's see," says Ecliptor, "Who should be the first?" He glances at the Sailors with an evil glint in his eye. He fires eyebeams at the Sailor Soldiers. Sailors Jupiter and Uranus manage to jump out of the way. The others can't get up fast enough to get out of the way and are hit. The beam hits them and they change back to normal girls and lay in a heaping pile, bordering on the edge of unconsciousness. Dark Specter encases them in lava prisons.
"Now, only the inferior Sailors Jupiter and Uranus remain. Now fall!" yells Dark Specter.
"How dare you!" yells Sailor Uranus. "Space Sword Blaster!" Sailor Uranus runs, jumps, and slashes at Dark Specter, who just knocks her back.
"We have to leave and find help," says Sailor Jupiter, trying to calm Sailor Uranus down.
"No, I won't leave without my Michiru," complains Sailor Uranus.
"Don't worry about me," moans Michiru.
"If we don't, there won't be anyone who can help," says Sailor Jupiter.
"Fine. But, Dark Specter, you hear me, I'll be back."
"Sooner than you think," gloats Dark Specter.
"Let's pull our power together," says Sailor Jupiter. "Sailor teleport!" They start to dematerialize, but then stop.
"What happened?" asked Sailor Uranus.
"I have erected a shield around Eltar to prevent further teleporting," says Dark Specter. "Now, perish, Sailors!"
Ecliptor fires his gun at the two Senshi and they dehenshin and fall to the ground. Dark Specter encases them in lava prisons. He snaps his fingers and all the Sailors fall unconscious. Dark Specter laughs as he holds nine crystals in his humongous hands.
*End flashback*
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Astro Megaship, Mess Hall, Evening. . .
Ami had finished her story and her dinner.
"So, that's all you can tell us?" asks Andros.
Ashley jabs her elbow into Andros, whispering to him, "You are so impolite."
Andros rubs his sore spot.
"I'm so glad you're back, Mercury-sama," says Diana.
"I wonder if we'll ever see those two people," says Luna. "Any help we can get in stopping this Dark Specter fellow would really be appreciated."
"So what's our next step?" asks Carlos.
"I would like to return to Earth," says Ami.
"What?" asks Cassie.
"Look, there's nothing I can do to help. Dark Specter told us before he split us up that that beam permanently negated our powers, meaning we won't be able to transform again. Besides, I'm getting way behind in my school work."
"Come on, Aims," says Ashley. She pulls out her data padd and inserts her data disk. "Read this entry about Billy during the Zeo Ranger year."
Ami scans it over. "So you would like me to stay on board and offer 'behind the scenes' help?"
"Basically, yes," says Ashley.
"It also says here that there were times when Billy went stir crazy from being in the Power Chamber almost 24 hours a day,7 days a week."
"Well, it's different here on the Megaship. We all live here basically. At least when we're not on Earth. And Andros will always be around, so you won't be lacking in human contact. So it wouldn't be like in the Power Chamber. And there's also the Simudeck when you need to relax."
"Alright, I'll do it," says Ami. "But I'd like you to do something for me."
"What is it?" asks Andros.
"I need a pet project to work on in my spare time. I'd like to at least return to the ruins of the Rescue Megazord and get what's left of it. Maybe I could rebuild them here on the Megaship."
"You do realize how big they are in comparison to the Megaship, right?" asks TJ.
"Yes. I'll just employ the properties of pocket space to store them and work on them in sections. And maybe while I'm at it, I'll work on the Turbozords. But I will need some of the Megaship's energy to run the pocketspace."
"Then its yours, Ami," says Andros.
"Thank you."
"Now, who's up for a game of B-ball?" asks TJ.
The other Rangers raise their hands and laugh.
"If it's all the same to you guys, I'll just watch," says Ami.
"And we'll cozy up with you, Ami-chan," says Artemis.
"Fine with us," says Carlos.
As they walk out, a dark blue cat glares out at them from behind an air vent grating as they leave. *If only they knew what was in store for them. I sense an evil aura from the blue-haired one...* ponders the dark blue cat.
To Be Continued. . .
Next time: The Rangers search for Sailor Venus in the most unlikely of places. Meanwhile, a new lifeform is discovered. Is it friend or foe? Find out next time!
Sailor Says:
Ami: I'm so glad to be back with my friends who care about me.
Cassie: Friends are really important.
TJ: They're there for you when you need someone to confide in. . .
Ashley: Or just spend some company with.
Andros: So value your friends!
Luna: You're one to speak, Andros.
Andros:::sweatdrops::
Carlos: Black Ranger says see ya!"
Usagi (off stage): Hey, stop stealing my schtick!
Bloopers: The lid falls off the ketchup bottle as TJ pours the red stuff on his dinner -- a label on it reads
"Angel Grove Novelty Shop". As the Megaship blares off toward Hoth, a thin, metal wire can be seen holding the Megaship up.
The Rangers goof up their Pre-morph arm movements.