Chapter 203 - Saga I - Raising the Sail
Episode 3 - Enter: the Metal Heroes!
by Brian Friedlander (jadeitesan@crystal-tokyo.com)
Disclaimer: Saban owns the Power Rangers and all related characters, zords, villains, and so such. Toei Animation, Noako
Takeuchi, and Kodansha own the Sailor Senshi. So, please, either of you, don't sue me. You probably wouldn't get much
anyway. :)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Last time...
- On a mission to search for Zordon, the teens run across their old friend, the elusive Phantom Ranger. Phantom was badly wounded in precurring battle, but before the teens can help, Astronema unleashes a crocodile monster on Angel Grove and the Delta Megazord is presented to deal with the threat. (The Delta Discovery)
- Astronema uses one of Phenomenus' inventions to turn the Delta Megazord against the Power Team. Using the Battlizer to break the connection, the Astro Delta Megazord is formed. (The Great Evilyzer)
- Ashley's grandma, Mrs. Hammond, pays an unexpected visit and tries to match Ashley up with someone. Unfortunately, that fate befalls Carlos. When Astronema sends a termite monster to Earth, Mrs. Hammond gets in the way and forces Ashley to realize her grandma isn't all that bad. (Grandma Matchmaker)
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!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hillhurst Mansion yard...
After their seeming defeat with the loss of the giant robot, Boron, and their monster, Repungilla, the Crustaceans had been very quiet for several weeks. Then, suddenly, the Dregs, the Crustacean foot soldiers, had appeared with a warning message from Nukus. It had read, "Beware your fall, Beetleborgs!" Then, just as suddenly, Crustacean Jet Fighters and Worm Tanks had begun their assault.
"Flabber, we're going out there now," says Drew, Chromium Gold Beetleborg and leader of the Beetleborgs Metallix.
"Yeah," says Roland, also known as the Titanium Silver Beetleborg.
"Good luck, guys," says the mystical Phasm know as Flabber. "Give them a kick in the hinie for me."
"You can count on it, Flabber," replies Jo, Drew's sister and the Platinum Purple Beetleborg. Her true facial features had been distorted by a spell Wolfgang, the resident werewolf, had accidentally put on her, and only Flabber's magic kept anybody outside of the residents of Hillhurst from knowing what happened to her.
"Alright, guys," says Drew. "Let's do it!"
The adolescents stretch out their left arms and yell, "Databonders!" Their transformation devices appear in each owner's personal color.
Black cards appear in their right hand. "Input Cards!" The cards are inserted into the rears of the Databonders and bug antennae pop out of the front of the bonds in the shape of each owner's personal bug: Drew, the kabutomushi beetle; Roland, the stag beetle; and Jo, the ladybug.
They raise their bonders in the air and yell, "Beetle Blast!" They spin out onto a comicbook background, where their armor snaps onto them. They spin back out to the real world and rush out the front door.
"Alright," says Chromium Gold, "How do we want to handle this?"
"How about you handle us, Beetlebrats?" asks a sinister voice.
"Nukus..." drones out the Chromium Gold Beetleborg.
"That's MeeeegaaaaNukus, you brat," replies an evil yet feminine voice.
"And Horribelle," announces Platinum Purple.
"We've come for what is rightfully ours," says Nukus.
"Don't count on it," replies Chromium Gold, knowing full well what Nukus was after.
Silver Titanium and Platnium Purple knew as well.
"You won't get the Astral Sword, Nukus!" yells Platinum Purple.
"Or the Astral Axe!" replies Titanium Silver.
"Sheesh, what am I? An open book?" asks Nukus sarcastically.
"As my friends said," says Chromium Gold. "You're not getting them."
"We'll see about that," snarls Nukus. "Prepare for your doom then."
Horribelle, Nukus, and Vilor, who had been standing quietly on the sidelines, gear up for battle.
"Let's prepare to MegaBorg," commands Chromium Gold.
"But what about the tanks and jets?" asks Platinum Purple. "And how did they get them, since Les Fortunes returned to jail?"
"We can call on Roboborg and Boron," suggests Titanium Silver. "And he must have left some spare copies behind."
"But that's probably what Nukus wants us to do," remarks Platinum Purple. "And that's probably true about him leaving them behind."
Suddenly, gray humanoids teleport in, holding what appear to be weapons resembling those that Klingons on Star Trek: The Next Generation. A pink-haired vixen teleports in beside them.
"Who are you and what do you want?" questions Nukus.
"I am Astronema and I am your worst nightmare, Nukus."
"We really need a plan," says Chromium Gold.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Astro Megaship, Earth orbit, geosynchronous with Angel Grove, CA ...
"So who do you thinks going to win?" asks Cassie.
The Earth Rangers and Minako had been watching Ami and Andros going furiously at a Karovian game that tested one's mental capacities. So far, it looked like Andros was in the lead, probably do to the fact that he had played the game more often and was thus more experienced. Ami, though, wasn't doing too bad for her first time playing the game, and was even seeming to catch up to Andros.
"My money's on Ami," replies Minako.
"Same for me," says Ashley.
"I'm betting on Andros," replies Carlos.
"Well, I guess you'll be losing, then," says TJ. "Look."
The game was coming to an end as Ami sprung ahead of Andros and reached the top score.
"Good game, Ami," says Andros. "Not bad for your first game."
"Thanks, Andros," replies Ami. "As Minako can contest to, I'm a very fast learner."
Minako sighs. "That's true, for sure. There were times when the other Inner Senshi and I wished we could be like that, learning things fast."
"Don't worry, Minako," says Cassie. "We're just like that. The reading I've done shows that while we, the current Power Rangers, are not great at school, all the previous Rangers were. Yet you don't see us worrying that we're not like the old Rangers. We do what we can."
"I know, Cassie," remarks Minako. Then she brightens up. "Anybody up for a game of B-Ball?"
Suddenly, the alarm goes off.
"What is it, DECA?" asks Andros.
"Report to the bridge, and I'll show you," announces Alpha.
The Rangers and Senshi rush up to the bridge and stand beside Alpha.
"So, what's the problem?" questions TJ.
"It's Astronema. She's on Earth," reports Alpha.
"Then let's get to Angel Grove and stop her," says Cassie.
"Aye yi yi, that's the thing," complains Alpha. "She isn't in Angel Grove."
"Then where?" asks Minako.
"A place called Charterville in California."
"Hey, isn't that where those Beetle-whatsamajigs fight?" asks Carlos.
"Yes, they're the Beetleborg Metallix," says DECA. "They defend against creatures known as the Crustaceans, lead b Nukus. Unfortunately, the data banks have no information on the Beetleborgs or Nukus, so we know that neither is a respective member of the appropriate United Alliance. All we know is garnered from Charterville newscasts."
"Well," says Ami, "We should go down there anyway and see what Astronema is up to."
"You're right, Ami," remarks Andros. "Ami, you, Alpha, and DECA will stay up here and keep an eye on the situation. Everybody elses, including Minako..."
Minako beams at this.
"...Will go down to Earth to handle the situation."
"You can ride with me, Minako," says Ashley.
"Thanks."
"Alright, people, let's get moving!" commands Andros.
Everybody rushes into the jump tube room. They get in front of their jump tubes, do their arm movements, yell "Let's Rocket!", and jump into their jump tubes. Minako raises her hand into the air and yells "Moon Power!", then follows Ashley into her jump tube.
Five streakes of light shoot forth from the port forward side toward the Earth.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hillhurst Mansion, Charterville. . .
Astronema walks toward Nukus.
"You are a curious creature, Nukus," purrs Astronema as Horribelle watches on in astonishment.
*No one talks like that to /MY/ Nukus.* Horribelle shudders.
Astronema ignores or doesn't notice Horribelle's reaction to her purring at Nukus.
"I make a proposition to you, Nukus. Join the United Alliance of Evil, or be destroyed."
"Nukus listens to NO ONE!" roars Nukus.
"That's right, you bad excuse for fashion," retorts Horribelle.
"What if I told you I could give you a way to defeat your worse enemies?"
"Hmmm," ponders Nukus. "A way to deal with those Beetlebrats..."
"Noooo!" screams Platinum Purple as she races towards Astronema, Metallix Baton in her hand.
"Quantrons, deal with those metallic doofuses," commands Astronema.
"I don't think so, Astronema!" yells a voice.
"No! Not now!" squeals Astronema.
"In the name of Venus, I cannot allow you to go any further. You will decease now and go away! I am Sailor V!"
"Oh, gee, it's just a powerless girl dress in a. . ., what is it Earthlings call it, oh, a Halloween costume. Hahahaha!!" mocks Astronema.
"I'm not as powerless as you think. And I have some powerful friends backing me up."
"Yeah, I was wondering where those Power Twerps were."
"Well, wonder no more!" yells the Red Ranger as the Power Rangers run up and join Sailor V.
"Some entrance," remarks Horribelle.
"Nemesis," Astronema calls into her communicator, "Fire the Satellasers on Nukus. And send down some more Quantrons."
"Right away, my highness."
"Nukus," whispers Horribelle, "I really think you should reconsider this course of action."
"Nonsense. This will surely give me the chance to destroy both Roboborg and Boron and those Beetlebrats."
More Quantrons appear as two green beams streak down from the sky and hit Nukus squarely on the chest.
"Aaaaarrrrgggghhhh!" roars Nukus as he reaches tremendous heights and mutates into a more hideous creature.
"Aaaahhh, I feel energized," gloats Nukus. "I feel like an Ultra Nukus."
"Go Nukus!" Vilor cheers on.
"Victory and safety to you," says Horribelle, and to herself, "My love."
"I think it's time to finally get rid of that retched house and the annoying Flabber," growls Nukus.
"We need to get to the Astro Megazord," says Cassie.
"I'm afraid not," reports Ami over Andros' communicator. "I've done some readings and Nukus is more powerful than anything we've dealt with. The Astro Delta Megazord might not even be able to deal with this thing."
"Hey!" yells Chromium Gold as he and the other Beetleborgs rush over to the Power Rangers. "You guys are the Power Rangers!"
"That's right," says Ashley. "And I'm guessing you're the Beetleborgs."
"Also correct," says Platinum Purple, "Though the full title is Beetleborgs Metallix."
"And I believe we have the solution to the Ultra Nukus problem," says Titanium Silver.
"What?" asks the Black Ranger.
"These," says Chromium Gold, and then he raises his right hand into the air and yells, "Astral Sword!"
Titanium Silver does the same and calls for the Astral Axe.
"How will those weapons help?" questions the Blue Ranger.
"Watch," replies Platinum Purple.
"Roboborg!" calls Chromium Gold.
"Boron!" yells Titanium Silver.
A ball of colored light flies from the two weapons, the one from the sword colored gold and the one from the axe colored green. The balls tranmutate into giant beetle-shaped mechanical creatures.
"Cool!" comments Sailor V.
"That's not the best part," says Chromium Gold coolly. "Roboborg, Boron, tranform!"
Each beetle goes into a vertical position. The beetle legs fold onto the back. The lower section of each beetle splits so legs can come out and then close back up. The top portions split open and come down to form shoulders, arms, and legs and reveal each robot's head.
"Hello, Beetleborgs, Power Rangers, and Sailor Venus. Do you require assistance."
"Whoa!" remarks Cassie. "He knows about us?"
"I know all about the Sailor Senshi and the Ranger Powers. I and my friend, Boron, and our calling weapons are artifacts of the Silver Millenium, produced by the Zeo Imperium Crystal and hidden away in the deepest reaches of the two dimensional realm."
"But how?" asks Platinum Purple, cocking her head.
"Yeah, I thought Art and Lester Fortunes created you," follows up Titanium Silver.
"We can finish this discussion later," says Andros. "There's still some unfinished business to take care of."
"Right," agrees Chromium Gold. "Roboborg, Boron, that's where you come in. We need to take care of the over-sized Nukus."
"We'll get right on it," says Boron.
The Rangers and Borgs turn toward the last two Crustaceans and Astronema.
"Code Name:Sailor V! The soldier of justice, the sailor-suited pretty soldier! I am Sailor Venus! And in the name of the Moon, past, present, and future, I'll punish you!"
"Red Ranger! Spiral Saber! Lightstar Personal Computer! In the name of KO-35, I'll defeat you!" exclaims Andros.
"Black Ranger! Lunar Lance! Lightstar Satellite Dish! In the name of Jupiter and Saturn..." exclaims Carlos.
"Blue Ranger! Astro Axe! Ligthstar High-Definition Television! In the name of Mercury and Neptune..." exclaims TJ.
"Yellow Ranger! Star Slinger! Ligthstar Digital Camera! In the name of Uranus and Pluto..." exclaims Ashley
"Pink Ranger! Satellite Stunner! Lightstar Cellular Phone! In the name of Mars..." exclaims Cassie.
"In the name of the Earth, you will not be victorious!"
"Sigh," goes Astronema. "The Sailor Senshi are starting to rub off on the Power Rangers with their flashy speeches. QUANTRONS, ATTACK!!!"
"Let's get to it, guys!" yells Andros.
"To arms, Beetleborgs!" exclaims Chromium Gold. "Beetle Battlers!"
"Metallix Lancer!" calls Chromium Gold.
"Metallix Grappler!" calls Titanium Silver.
"Metallix Baton!" calls Platinum Purple.
"Power Weapons!" call the Power Rangers
"Spiral Saber!"
"Lunar Lance!"
"Astro Axe!"
"Star Slinger!"
"Satellite Stunner!"
"Dregs, attack!" commands Horribelle.
"Quantrons, get to it!" yells Astronema, and into her communicator, "Ecliptor, Nemesis, get your ugly rears down here! Oh,
I made a rhyme, hehe."
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Monster Battle. . .
"So it comes down to this, Nukus," says Boron.
"Yes, it does, you traitorous robot."
"I am not traitorous. I serve the holder of the Astral Axe."
"And together, we'll beat you, Nukus," says Roboborg.
"We'll see about that," gloats Nukus as he pulls a Huge-Ass Sword out of nowhere.
"Robo Sword!" Each robot calls on his personal weapon.
Roboborg moves forward and makes a swipe at Nukus, who parries and shots a breathe of fire at Boron, causing sparks to fly off his chest. Boron attempts to punch Nukus and barely scratches Nukus' left arm.
"He is tougher than Repgillian," comments Boron.
"Too true, my green friend," replies Roboborg. "Double team."
Roboborg and Boron stand side by side and hold their swords crossed and charge them with energy. They fling the energy forth from their swords at Nukus, who blocks the attacks with his sword and throws them back at the robots, causing more sparks to fly and the robots to crash to the ground.
"Uuuurrrr...." moans Roboborg, clutching his chest.
"Argh..." groans Boron, lying motionless.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In front of Hillhurst Mansion. . .
"We'll get the Beetle BVs and take care of the worm tanks and jet fighters," says Chromium Gold.
"And we'll deal with the grunt soldiers," replies Ashley.
"Databonder!" calls Chromium Gold. He holds it out in front of him. "Beetle Battle Station!"
The fields nearby split open and up comes the Battle Station. As its top splits open and the front folds down, the three Beetleborgs rush up into it.
Platinum Purple appears in her cockpit. "Platinum Purple BV, ready!"
Titanium Silver enters the silver vehicle. "Titanium Silver BV, online!"
Chromium Gold drops into the driver's seat. "Chromium Gold BV, raring to go! Activate BeetleForce!"
The Battle Station raises the Gold and Silver BVs up, upon which the Purple BV latches onto them. The Purple BV's propellors lift all three medium-sized vehicles into the sky.
"Now let's get this party rolling!" yells Sailor V as she launches herself toward a Quantron using her 'Sailor V Kick'.
"Follow her lead," commands Andros as he starts swapping blows with Ecliptor.
"Hey, what about pitiful, poor me?" Sailor Nemesis asks mockingly.
"You're mine, sister," replies the rushing Pink Ranger.
TJ, Carlos, and Ashley look at each other.
"I guess that leaves the Quantrons to us," says TJ.
"Not neccessarily," remarks Carlos. "There are still those two to deal with." He points toward Horribelle and Vilor.
"Think again, Power Brats," growls Vilor. His sword appears out of nowhere.
Horribelle's face masks materializes and she summons her talon swords.
"Then come on, flyboy," taunts the Ashley.
"And I'll take you, sister." The Black Ranger hefts his Lunar Lance.
As the twosomes go off to fight, TJ turns toward the confused Quantrons. "I guess that leaves you to me." The Quantrons rush towards him.
* * * * * *
"What do you really think you'll accomplish by fighting me, Red Ranger?" Ecliptor swings his sword at Andros.
"Nothing, but distracting you." The Red Ranger rolls on the ground, then uprights himself and jabs at Ecliptor.
"Well, then, you've succeeded in signing your own funeral papers, Reddie." Ecliptor's Cyber Skull fires it's eye blasts at Andros, causing his suit to spark.
"We'll see about tha-!" Andros gets flung back onto the ground by the eye beams.
"Hahahaha," gloats Ecliptor.
* * * * * *
Sailor Nemesis throws her chain at the Pink Ranger. "You'll never escape my wraith, Pinkie."
"That remains to be seen. Satellite Stunner, fire!"
Sailor Nemesis leaps out of the way. "Now feel the power of the planet of Darkness! Nemesis Black Light!" Nemesis puts her hands together out in front of herself, palms facing Cassie. Dark light eminates fromt the center of hands.
Cassie lays on the ground, unable to get up due to the power of the dark light.
* * * * * *
Carlos battles with Horribelle. He brings his Lunar Lance in front of him to ward off her weapons.
"You can't keep this up, Black Ranger."
Carlos spins around and jabs his Lunar Lance at Horribelle's stomach, knocking her on the ground.
I guess you were wrong," says Carlos. "See you next 'fall'."
* * * * * *
Ashley keeps Vilor at bay with her Star Slinger. "What? You afraid to get near me, fish guy?"
"The name's Vilor, you weak, honorless female who uses a weapon to keep herself from actually having to fight."
"And someone like yourself would know about honor? And your taunting doesn't effect me! Evil beings don't know the meaning of honor." Ashley prided herself on having read the summary of the Yellow Saber-Toothed Ranger vs. Preying Mantis incident on her data disk.
"I'll show you," growls Vilor as he charges at her. Ashley leaps up out of the way and comes down, activating her "Blade Arm" special attack. She hits him in his guts, slicing him straight through, making him stagger backwards. "How you like the taste of that blade, hmm?" Ashley finishes up by poses
Vilor disappears back to the 2-D dimension permanently.
* * * * * *
Ecliptor has his foot down on Andros' back. "You really are pitiful, Red Ranger, you know that?"
"Ugh..." moans Andros. *There must be a way out of this...* With what little strength he still has, Andros ponders a way out, then flicks his right wrist to summon the Battlizer. "Battlizer command, 01!"
Andros' right fist glows red as it powers up. He bangs his hand into the ground, releasing the energy, and cauing Ecliptor to lose his balance and fall down. Andros scrambles to get up and points his Spiral Saber at Ecliptor's chest.
"Go now, Ecliptor," warns Andros, "Before I decide to ram this sword into you chest."
"I see you are becoming a better strategist and warrior, Red Ranger. Fine. But I'll be back." He disappears in a swirl of green gas.
"Was he actually admitting defeat?" ponders the Red Ranger.
* * * * * *
Cassie lays on the ground, unable to get up due to the power of Sailor Nemesis's dark light.
As Sailor Nemesis powered up for another round, she suddenly felt a burning sensation on her back.
"Argh... What's happening to me?" She struggles down to one knee.
As suddenly as it started, the pain ceased to exist. Nemesis could have sworn that during the pain she had heard a voice in her head.
*Please, Charity, do not do this. You are NOT evil, I know it.*
Cassie, lying on the ground, sees a dark blue cat sitting behind Sailor Nemesis, but it wasn't Luna, Artemis, or Diana. *Strange, where did that cat come from...?*
"Sailor Nemesis... my protege..." the cat speaks.
"Wha... Who said that?" asks Nemesis.
"I know who you are, Nemesis," says the cat.
Nemesis turns around. "Wha... Why you little feline..."
"Nemesis, you *MUST* remember!" The cat attempts to inch forward to get in front of Sailor Nemesis as to activate his Lunar Mind Meld.
"Remember what? That I was once a pitiful red-head who was always getting her energy zapped by people like the ones that I now serve? Now I have the chance to be on the receiving end rather than the giving end."
The cat gets in front of Sailor Nemesis. *I must use the Lunar Mind Meld on her...* A beam of light shoots out of the cat's head and shines forth onto Nemesis' head.
Nemesis moans and freezes in her place. The black and white device appears in her right hand and a beam of light shoots out of it, hitting her on the spot where the cat's mind meld was. Pictures start to play out in her mind. First, scenes of Dark Kingdom generals coming after her for her energy. Then scenes of a past millenium...
::begin flashback::
"Bwahahahaha, the day has finally come when I shall take over this dimension. The Powers That Be thought they could lock me away in that other world, but now I shall prove to them that the Power of Darkness will conquer all! First the planet Charon, then the rest of Silver Millenium" gloats a big, shadowy form.
"Halt!" screams a commanding voice. As the Sailor Soldier of the Darkness, I shall now allow you to give it a bad name by your deeds, I am the Pretty Sailor Soldier, Sailor Nemesis, loyal to the throne of Silver Millenium, no matter what it may seem like. On behalf of the peace of Silver Millenium, I shall punish all evil!" Beams of power shoot towards Sailor Nemesis from the Moon Kingdom and the four other outer planets. A ball of light begins to glow inbetween her hands and the small black and white device begins to glow. The black moon crystal in her brooch activates. "Now disappear, evil being!"
::end flashback::
Finally scenes from the time of her enchantment by Queen Beryl on Halloween to the current day.
"No, those are all lies. I serve the great Dark Specter. I am evil, you hear!?!" Nemesis drops to her knees in pain.
"No, Nemesis. They are the truth. I should know. I am your guardian."
"I DON'T NEED A GUARDIAN!!" Nemesis struggles to her feet and kicks at the cat.
The cat jumps and flips producing a compact. "Please remember your true destiny. Look into this and see what is true and what is not."
"I DON'T NEED ANY OF YOUR GIFTS!!" Nemesis blasts at the cat, blowing her to the ground and drawing blood from a newly formed wound. She picks up the compact and opens it to look at a mirror. In it, she sees the face of Naru-chan pre-transformation.
"Oh no, what have I done? Usagi-chan!" she whines as the full realization of what she's done strikes home with her.
Astronema glances over from where she is watching the Blue Ranger and Sailor V try to battle the outnumbering Quantrons. "Ecliptor, bring Nemesis back aboard. And be careful with her. Beryl's spell is coming undone and I *DO NOT* want her hurt. Understand? And while you're at it, destroy that ugly bug woman. Dark Specter wants no more threats. I'm sure the Power Rangers will take care of that loser Nukus.
"Yes, my princess," replies Ecliptor over the communicator. Nemesis disappears in a fog of grey smoke as Horribelle is destroyed by one of the Satellasers.
Andros runs over to help Cassie get up off the ground.
"Andros, we have to do something for this cat. It seems to be just like Luna, Artemis, and Diana. It even talked and seem to know Sailor Nemesis, but I don't think it is evil."
"Ami, beam up the cat at our coordinates now," Andros speaks into his communicator. The cat disappears in a flash of bright light. The other Rangers, finished fighting, run over to Andros and Cassie.
"What was that about?" asks Carlos.
"I don't know. We'll have to find out later. Right now, I think those Borgs could use help," says Ashley.
"I'll head back to the MegaShip," says Minako.
Andros nods his head in agreement. "I think you're both right." He raises his left wrist to the mouthplate of his helmet. "MegaTank, power up!" He throws his arm out in front of him.
"Hold on," says TJ, grabbing ahold of Andros' arm. "What about that Ultra Nukus creep? I think I saw those beetlebots crash into the ground."
"That's true." Andros strokes his helmet's chin in his ponderance. "Carlos, you, TJ, and Cassie take the MegaTank and help the Beetleborgs. Ashley will come with me and we'll take care of Nukus."
"Good plan," agree Carlos. "MegaTank, online!
Up on the Megaship, a door opens and out flies a small, blue box. Jets on its underside ignite and help it float safely to the ground. On the ground, a door on the side of the Megatank slides to the side.
The three Rangers gather inside, Carlos taking control of the Megatank's maneuvering controls, Cassie operating the MegaPulsarCannon, and TJ using the MegaClaw.
Meanwhile, Andros and Ashley teleport into the cockpit and activate the Astro Megazord. Sailor V joins them up there.
"Figured you could use a hand," V says.
"Thanks, V-chan," remarks Ashley.
The Megazord lands on the ground in front of Nukus, both of the Beetleborg robots laying on the ground.
* * * * * *
Chromium Gold activates his BV's attack mode, opening the rear of his vehicle so his jet boosters can propell him into the air. A moment later, he lands and inserts the beetle horn of his vehicle into the ground to snare Crustacean Worm Tank burrowing underground.
Platinum Purple BV flies through the air, twisting and turning around the Crustacean Jet Fighters. It fires its small forward lasers, knocking two of the jets out of the sky.
Titanium Silver BV rises up, its wheels forming a triangular shape. It surges forward and grabs a Worm Tank in its forward claw.
More Tanks and Jets roam forth, outnumbering the Beetleborgs.
"I know I'm getting repetitive, but this doesn't look good," says Chromium Gold.
Lasers blare from an unknown location, blasting away several of the Jets. A blue tank rumbles over the rough terrain and extends a yellow claw, which crashes through the ground and lifts a Worm Tank out. The claw throws the Tank at another Tank, causing a great explosion. More laser blasts are emitted from oval-shaped device on top of the tank.
"Thought you guys could use some help," calls Carlos.
"Much obliged," replies Titanium Silver.
"Keep a look out, people," announces Ashley. "My Lightstar Helmet mode is alerting me to more of these icky worm vehicles."
"Working together, we can take care of them," says Platinum Purple.
More Worm Tanks and Jet Fighters pulsate their way. TJ yanks his control stick forward and grabs hold of a Tank. Unfortunately for the MegaTank, a Worm Tank had managed to sneak around to the side of the MegaTank and was now attempting to push it over.
Carlos attempts to move the MegaTank, but the Worm Tank already has the left treads off the ground. The wheels turn rapidly, but can't catch on the ground and give the MegaTank friction to move.
Carlos!" yells Ashley. "Jet Fighters heading our way."
Suddenly the MegaTank shakes as the Jet Fighters blast away at it and the Worm Tank almost finishes its task of pushing the MegaTank over.
"Come on, guys! Abandon MegaTank!" yells TJ.
They jump out of the MegaTank and roll on the ground, getting their spandex suits dirty.
"Everybody, Astro Blasters!" Carlos pulls his gun from the holster, holds it with two hands, and takes aim at a Worm Tank. Three blasts of colored light emit from their guns and strike the sensory apparatuses of the Tank, causing it to stop.
"Assemble snipers!" calls TJ. Their power weapons materialize in their hands. They pull the top part of their blasters off and insert their weapons, reattaching the top piece. "Astro Sniper, fire!"
"Lunar Sniper, fire!"
"Satellite Sniper, fire!"
The three triangulate their fire and dispatch the central processor of the Worm Tank. The Tank goes awry and self-destructs.
With a few more blasts of the lasers and BV weapons, the Worm Tanks are disbanded and sent back to the 2-D realm.
"Awesome special effects!" remarks Carlos as he watches the Tanks shrink and fly away.
"Except that this wasn't a movie," replies Cassie.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Battlefield. . .
Astro Delta Megazord faces off against Ultra Nukus.
"Oh, so the Beatlebores sent another humongous robot to attack me. Haven't they learned by now? No one can defeat Ultra Nukus!"
In the Megazord cockpit, Andros holds up his right hand, fingers spread wide. "Watch out, Evil One, for you're going down! Gyro Blasters, fire!"
The blasters on the Megazord's shoulders start spinning and firing off bullets left and right. Sparks explode off of Nukus' chest.
Nukus takes a swipe at the Megazord, slicing a horizontal wound on the chest.
"He's too powerful for us alone," complains Cassie.
"Let me try something," says Sailor V.
"Go ahead," replies Andros.
"CRESCENT BEAM!" yells Sailor V. A bright, yellow curved beam of light flies forth from the chest of the Megazord and strikes Nukus.
"Haha, that tickles," mocks Nukus.
"Then try this." Roboborg staggers to get up. "Together, Sailor V. Robo Cyclone." Balls of orange fire are emitted from his sword.
"Crescent Beam!"
The two attacks hit Nukus and cause him to fall back a bit. "Lucky shot."
"Everybody, together NOW!" yells Boron. "Kuwager Blast!"
"Robo Cyclone!"
"Crescent Beam!"
"Super Flying Power Punch!"
The attacks hit Nukus and overload him with energy. Explosions ripple across his body as he shrinks back to normal size and explodes into nothingness.
"Evil beware," warns Andros.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hillhurst Mansion...
The Power Rangers and Beetleborgs walk up the steps leading to the front door of the Mansion.
"You guys were flabberific!" exclaims Flabber as they enter.
"Thanks, Flabber," replies Titanium Silver.
The House Monsters enter the main room from upstairs.
"Oh great," moans Mums, the resident mummy, as he throws up his hands. "More costumed good-doers in da house. And they're wearing spandex to boot."
"But that just means more for dinner tonight," says Fangula, the vampire of the house, sizing up the rangers. He approaches Sailor V and glances her over. "And this one will make an excellent dessert."
Sailor V grabs Fangula's hand and throws him over her shoulder. "Ecchi!!"
"Sailor V!?! *THE* Sailor V?" exclaims Flabber. "Oh, it's really you! I'm one of your biggest fans!" Flabber turns into a humongous fan. "Your manga adventures just BLOW me away." He goes flying around the room. "I have all three of your manga. Would you autograph them? Would you? Would you?"
"Er, sure," replies Minako, with a shocked expression and sweatdropping a lot.
"I happen to have a pen right here." Flabbers transforms into a giant pen.
"Is he always like this?" asks TJ. "You know, we didn't quite catch your names or introduce ourselves."
"What do you say, gang?" Chromium Gold asks Titanium Silver and Platinum Purple.
"They're fellow superheroes," replies Platinum Purple. "They have secret IDs to hide. I say we can trust them."
"The same goes for me," remarks Titanium Silver.
"Alright," says Chromium Gold. "Back Blast!" Their armors flies off, shrinks, and flows smoothlessly into their clothes. The Rangers demorph and Minako returns to her school Sailor uniform.
"Children!" remarks Andros. "We were fighting with children!?!"
"Hey now, Andros," says Cassie. "One of our own was about the same age as them."
"And it was one of the best things to happen to the power team," announces Carlos.
"Well, I'm Drew, leader of the Beetleborgs Metallix and Chromium Gold. This is my sister, Jo, the Platinum Purple Beetleborg."
"Pleased to meet you," says Jo.
"Watch out for her civilian power," warns Roland. "She crackles her knuckles and gets superhuman strength."
"And who are you?" asks TJ.
"I'm Roland, Titanium Silver. My grandma and mother run the local comic book shop, Zoom Comics. Unfortunately to say, that was the start of our problems."
"Ahem," says a voice over Minako's communicator.
"Who is that?" asks Drew.
"Oh, that's our friend aboard the Megaship," replies Ashley, "Ami."
"When you get the chance, I'd like to archive your stories," mentions Ami.
"And who are you guys?" asks Roland.
"I'm Andros, from the planet KO-35."
"Whoa," remarks Jo. "An extraterrestial."
"As I told Ashley the Yellow Ranger when I met her and the other Rangers, Earth isn't the only place where humans can be found."
"As Andros mentioned, I'm Ashley. I have a variety of hobbies: cheerleading, auto repair, dancing, and so on."
"I'm Cassie, the Pink Ranger. I'm going to have a career in singing."
"Just don't ask her to sing "Confusion"," says TJ jokingly.
Cassie punches TJ in the upper arm. "Hush you."
"I'm TJ, the Blue Ranger. I love playing baseball."
"I'm Carlos, the Black Ranger and team leader for the Angel Grove High Soccer team."
"And I'm Minako, the lovely and talented pretty sailor-suited soldier for love and justice, Sailor V or Venus."
"Glad to make your acquaintance," says Flabber. "I'm a phasm who was stuck in a pipe organ until these three set me free. Since then, our lives have been hectic with fights against first the Magnavors and later, the Crustaceans."
"If I know Dark Specter," says Andros, "It might be safer for us to align forces and work together. This place won't be safe if Dark Specter decides to send an all-out assault."
"But this is our home," complains Mums.
"No leave home," drones Frankenbeans.
"Ugha Umba Mrrga Hmmbbaeh," growls Wolfgang.
"What did he say?" ask Flabber and the teens unisonly.
"He said this place has stood up to Crustacean Jet Fighter attacks before and there's no reason to leave. And I concur," translates Fangula. "Fine, if you want," replies Andros. "Don't say I didn't offer to help. Beetleborgs, you're welcome on the Astro Megaship anytime."
"Guys," says Alpha over the communicator, "Ask the Beetleborgs if they know anything about Data Input Cards."
"Did he mention Data Input Cards?" queries Jo.
"You know them?" asks TJ.
"They're what we use to activate our Metallix gear. Why do you want to know?"
"Bring them aboard, and I'll reveal all."
"Up to some teleportation, you all?"
"We are, but Flabber can't leave the house," says Drew.
"Why not?" asks Minako.
"It's really complicated to tell," replies Flabber. "But there is something I need to say. Now that the Crustaceans have been defeated, there is no need for the Beetleborgs Metallix." He looks at the sad faces on the kids. "Now don't look at poor Flabber like that. I explained it before. I let you keep your Beetleborg powers because I had goofed and released the Magnavors. When you defeated them, I told you, 'No Magnavors, no need for Beetleborgs.' The same applies for the Crustaceans."
"We understand, Flabber," says Drew. "But can we at least hold onto our powers until we see what's the deal aboard their Megaship?"
"Of course," says Flabber, smiling. "Just remember to return here afterwards.
"Okay, Flabber," replies Drew.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Later on the Megaship. . .
"...And this is the main console, where most of the ship's main functions can be regulated. And here is what I wanted to show you all."
Alpha presses a button on the main console and a black box with a slit on the front raises out of the console. "Read the label."
"Insert...Input Cards...here" reads Drew.
"Think we should try it?" ponders Cassie.
"Only one way to find out," remarks TJ.
"Databonders!" call the Beetleborgs. "Input Cards!"
"There's room for three of those cards in it," says Alpha.
"Insert Cards!" They place the cards into the slot. There's a slight rumble, then nothing as the drive disappears.
"That was it?" asks Andros.
"What happened, Alpha?" asks Ami.
"Ayi yi yi, nothing." Alpha's head droops in defeat.
"Maybe not," announces Ami.
"What is it, Ami?" asks TJ.
"The Astro and Delta Megaship has been coated in a type of spectral armor. And those powers seem to have also transferred to the Astro Morphers due to their connection to the ship."
"This must be part of Zordon's master plan," mumbles Alpha to himself.
"So the power of the Mega Spectra armor is in this ship?" asks Jo. "Cool!"
"Now if only we could find Zordon," says Andros.
"Good luck!" calls the Beetleborgs as they leave.
"Now, how about we go check on our little feline friend?" asks TJ.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Medical Bay, Astro Megaship. . .
The seven teens and three cats enter the medical bay.
"So how's the patient, 'Doctor' Mizuno?"
Ami blushes at the reference to her dream. "He or she should be fine. It's amazing what technology this medical bay holds."
"It's time to find out what this feline flunky is up to." Luna jumps up on the biobed and slowly walks towards the mysterious dark blue cat. "Who are you!?!"
"Uuuhhhh..." The cat moans and attempts to stretch its body.
"Hold it right there!" demands Luna in a harsh voice. Then in a calmer voice, "You're among friends."
"I know." The cat struggles a bit. "Please release me."
"Should I, Luna?" asks Cassie.
"Not yet. First I want some answers. Such as what she did to Sailor Nemesis and how the dark sailor and this cat fit in to the current events." Luna turns back toward the cat. "Alright, let's start with your name?"
"What?" gasps the cat. "You seriously don't remember me, Luna? Artemis?"
"I believe I know who you are," says a younger voice. Diana steps out from behind the door to the medical bay.
"You do!?!" The three older cats sweatdrop.
"How, Diana?" asks Artemis. "What do you mean? We're older than you and we don't even remember?"
"But I am from the future."
"Isn't time travel forbidden by the guardian of time, carrier of the protection of the planet of Hades, Sailor Pluto?" interjects the unknown cat.
"Normally, yes," replies Diana as she releases the blue cat, "But in the case of myself and the Princess of the Future Moon, Tsukino "Small Lady" Usagi, also known as Sailor Moon, an exception was made."
"So, future cat, who am I?"
"From what myth and legend says, you are Midnight, guardian cat of the sailor soldier carrying the protection of the planet of darkness, the mythical Sailor Nemesis."
"Well, as you can see, neither of us is myth."
"Diana," says Luna, "Just how much do you know about all this?"
"Not much. As I said, it's all basically myths and legends, like the legend of the girl in the moon." Diana winks at Midnight and her parents.
"Well, I guess it's time for me to go back to my little home away from home." The cat jumps off the bed and makes a rush for an open air vent. "Oh, and don't worry. I haven't destroyed anything. And don't bother to try and find me. I've been on this ship for months and you didn't even know I was on board." He winks back at Diana and goes off into the darkness of the air shaft.
"Diana, do you know something?" queries Luna.
Diana attempts to stifle a giggle, bu fails. "Yeah, but don't worry, the time will come when I can tell. And no, it won't endanger the ship."
Andros sighs. "Cats. I'll never understand why humans want to keep them around, especially the talking variety."
Luna, Artemis, and Diana harumph. The teens break out into laughter.
The End ::for now...::
Next time: This author's interpretation of the Megaranger episode that will give birth to the season premiere of PRiS. Darkonda absconds a power potion, but little does he know that Ecliptor had it poisoned. The potion wears away at Darkonda's body, but not without giving him the power to defeat the Power Rangers. Can they survive? Find out next time!
Sailor, er, Borg Says:
Drew: Well, what do we want to say?
Jo: How about reading is cool?
Roland: Did that already in an infomercial.
Jo: Oh, yeah, right...
Minako: How about Sailor V is the coolest and most awesome Sailor Soldier?
Ami: No!
Luna: Can the kitty act, please.
Artemis: You're insulting cats everywhere.
Cassie: How about "School is cool and don't let the Internet interfere with your learning"?
All: Works for us!
Jo: Then what about my...
All: Hush.