Chapter 204 - Saga I - Raising the Sail
Episode 4 - Mega Voyage to the Moon
by Brian Friedlander (jadeitesan@crystal-tokyo.com)
Adapted from Power Ranger in Space
Disclaimer: Saban owns the Power Rangers and all related characters, zords, villains, and so such. Toei Animation, Noako
Takeuchi, Kodansha, and others own the Sailor Senshi. So, please, either of you, don't sue me. You probably wouldn't get
much anyway. :)
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Last time...
- Once again, the Rangers are searching for Zordon, but this time Ecliptor has laid a trap for our heroes. Unfortunately, his equation doesn't include the arrival of his long-time nemesis (no pun intended :-) Darkonda. Darkonda unleashes the Barillian bug who stings Carlos, who begins to mutate into a Barillian. Cassie is then infected, and the remaining rangers make a race to KO-35, where there is supposedly an antidote. (The Barillian Sting)
- The Rangers set up a scanner to search for Zordon. Darkonda gets wind of this plan and lures Ecliptor into his dastardly deed. Three of the Rangers are captured and TJ loses his memory. Darkonda merges with Ecliptor to form Darkliptor. TJ regains his memory in time to aid Andros in battle. (TJ's Identity Crisis)
- The Beetleborgs Metallix are still away searching for the Astral Borgs. Meanwhile, Andros has another of a recurring
dream of the time when his sister was kidnapped. He realizes that Darkonda was the one behind it. He travels to Oyxl to
garner information about the fate of his sister and gets drawn into a card game in which he earns a set of five keycards that
came from Eltar. But he is discovered and makes a strategic retreat back to the Megaship. Darkonda has procured a special
power potion and uses it to enhance himself. But the potion has been tampered with by Ecliptor, who has a fierce hatred of
Darkonda. Darkonda mutates into an even uglier version of himself. The Rangers summon the Astro Delta Megazord, but
Darkonda reflect every attack. In a last ditch effort, the Rangers execute the Cyclone attack, which drains them of their
remaining energy. Darkonda splits, producing a second creature, named MetalMouth. The Astro Delta Megazord is sent sliding
down the main street of Angel Grove. (Flashes of Darkonda)
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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!
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Downtown Angel Grove, Main Street. . .
The Astro Delta Megazord continues it slide down the main street of Angel Grove. Its occupants are getting slightly queasy. One particular one is getting the dizzy treatment.
"Why did I have choose a horizontal access pipe as my hiding spot/living quarters?" wonders Midnight as he spins around in there, trying to get out.
Up on the Megaship bridge, Ami, Minako, and Alpha struggle to stay buckled into their seats. Minako keeps a tight grip on Artemis. Luna attempts to keep a hold on Ami while Diana decides to just stay cuddle up against the front wall. Midnight squanches in, body low, claws extended, clinging to the carpet. He makes his way over to Alpha, who lets him onto his lap.
In the Megazord cockpit, the Rangers attempt to do everything they can to find some scrap of available power. Unfortunately, nothing is working.
"Hey, guys!" calls Ami over the intercom. "We're getting a communications inquery."
"Um, we're kinda busy at the moment." Andros struggles to regain control of the Megazord.
"Well, I think you might want to hear this one out. It's important, and you might just be interested in who's sending. I'm patching through now."
The port side communications screen lights up. "Hey, guys! Looks like you've gotten yourself into a pickle."
"Justin!" exclaims TJ.
"That's my name, don't wear it out, and no, I'm not chopped liver."
Even though it can't be seen, the four Rangers who used to be known as the Power Rangers Turbo have smiles on their faces, even in this moment of danger.
"Justin, where are you?" asks Carlos.
"Better yet, do you have a *GOOD* reason for this not-quite-social call?" questions TJ.
"Yeah. I've been monitoring your battle. You appear to have used up your power. And I've noticed that the Sailor Senshi don't appear to be trying to attack."
"A lot has happened, Justin. Do you have an answer or not?" Cassie taps her console idlely.
"There is one last reserve of energy built into the Megazords. Don't ask how I know, it'll take to long to explain right now. With your battlizer in its slot, press in the following order, 01-02-01-03, to activate the emergency reserve. Unfortunately, it won't be enough to fight, but it should get the Delta Megazord to the Moon. You NEED to come, right now. I'll explain when you get here."
"Guys!" yells Sailor V. "Get going. I'll take over the Astro Megazord and hold them off til you get back."
"But we just can't leave you," says Ashley.
"Go, or I'll knock you out with my crescent beams and stick you in the Delta Megazord," jokes Sailor V.
"We wouldn't want you to do that." TJ returns the joke.
Andros enters the code. The battlizer announces each number. "01-02-01-03. Delta Megazord last emergency energy supply ready. Prepare for blastoff." The Rangers scramble into the Delta Megazord's control room as the doors seal shut.
"Please insert security CD," commands the computer.
"Security CD?" Andros sweatdrops. "Now where did I put that darn thing?"
"Andros!" yell the other rangers.
"Oh, it's right here." He pulls the CD out from behind his belt buckle. The CD drive opens and Andros inserts the disc into it.
"Delta Megazord ready for Battlizer commands," announces the computer.
As Andros pushes the command sequence, he says, "Sometimes, this computer makes me wish for DECA."
"Speaking of DECA, she's been quiet lately," says Carlos.
"We'll deal with it later," replies Andros.
"This is Sailor V. I've got the Astro Megazord locked down. You can go anytime."
The Delta Megaship disassembles from the Astro Megazord and flies off into the sky. Unbeknownst to them, Darkonda's spawn
follows after them while Darkonda continues his destructive rampage.
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Beyond Earth's atmosphere. . .
The spawn latches onto the Delta Megaship.
"Andros!" yells Ashley. "That thing has latched onto us."
"Fire booster rockets, full power!"
"But if we do that," warns Cassie, "We risk running out of power before getting to the Moon."
"It's a risk we'll just have to take."
"That sounds familiar for some reason," states Carlos.
"That's what Tommy said right before the Thunderzords were destroyed by Rito Revolto, according to our data disks," replies TJ.
"Well, it's true," says Andros. "Now fire the boosters!"
"Firing booster rockets!" Huge blasts of fire are emitted from the boosters of the Megaship. The spawn is knocked off by one of them and spins throught space.
"We're almost there," says TJ.
"Delta Megaship, this is INET Moon Base control. We will now be taking control of your landing."
"This is Red Ranger. Acknowledged, control. Our fate is in your hands."
A section of the lunar surface raises up to an angle and bay doors split open. The Megaship slows down gently glides in and lands. As soon as the bay is pressurized, the rangers disembark. Justin runs out to meet them and hugs everybody but Andros.
"Justin, just what are you doing up here?" asks Cassie.
"Maybe I should field that question." Everybody looks toward the far end of the landing bay to see Mr. Doug Stewart walking towards them. "Hello, Cassie, Ashley, Carlos, TJ. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."
"Isn't this great?" says Justin. "This was the job that my father was taking that would take us away from Angel Grove."
"If I had know about all this Ranger business beforehand, I would never have let Justin participate. But I can only blame myself for putting him in an orphange where two former rangers did volunteer work and brought my son to a karate match where he saw his idol hurt and then visited his hospital room, hid, and found out that the idol and his friends are the Power Rangers." Doug grins. "But I'm glad he was part of it all. It made the transition here easier, and I could count on him to aid with the manufacturing going on here."
"Manufacturing?" asks Andros.
"You would have to ask the Phantom Ranger about that," says Doug. "He's the one who hired me. Though now I suspect it had something to do with my son's occupation. But at least my son and I can be together now."
"What!?!" exclaims Cassie. "The Phantom Ranger!?! Here? Who is he?"
Justin smiles. "You'll have to wait til he *OR* she decides the time is right to tell you. Anyways, we'd like to show you what has been released. If you'd walk this way..."
A floor-to-ceiling door opens and everybody walks through to find themselves in an office with a magnificent view overlooking another docking bay containing an array of vehicles.
"Wow... What are those?" asks TJ.
"Hey, Ishida-san?"
"Yeah, Doug-san?"
"Show the Rangers their new toys."
"Okay. You know, I have two sons who are about Justin's age, but they don't know that I have this side job. I suspect once again, the job is due to my kids like Doug. You see, they're the World's Chosen Children, sworn to protect it in it's darkest hours with their partnered Digital Monsters, not that you guys couldn't do the job either. Anyways, these are the suprise we have for you. They're the Voyager Machines. The shorthand name for them are the Mega-Vs," explains Ishida. "There's the Mega-V1, a robot for Andros. Carlos gets Mega-V2, which resembles a different model of space shuttle than what forms your Astro Megazord head. TJ, you'll pilot the Mega-V3, a giant rocket. The Mega-V4, a flying saucer-like vehicle, is for Ashley. And Cassie will drive the Mega-V5, a tank designed for space and planet battles."
"Do you have the key cards?" ask Justin.
"What?" The Rangers look at each other.
"Funny," comments Justin. "Phantom said that Zordon was going to find a way to smuggle them to you. Something about a spy among Dark Specter's forces."
Andros reaches behind his belt. "Could these be what you're talking about?" He holds five filmsy card spread out in his right hand.
"I do believe so!" exclaims Justin. "Now let's get you to those Voyager Machines before it's too late for the Astro Megazord.
Technicians are gathered around the Mega-Vs, making last minute preparations. Everybody looks up and gasps as for the first time, they get to see the true identities of the Power Rangers.
"Harrison," says Doug, "Are the Voyagers ready?"
"Yes, but I still say we need to run tests on them before the Rangers take them into battle."
"Well, unfortunately, we don't have that chance. The Rangers need them now!"
"They'll go, but I won't give a guarantee on them."
"It'll be alright," says Cassie. "We know what we're doing.
"I hope so, lass. I hope so."
"I just hope we're in time to rescue the Astro Megazord and its occupants," worries Ashley.
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Aboard the Astro Megazord. . .
The cockpit is smoking. Consoles have exploded off their frames. Sailor V is bruised and a gash on her cheek.
Down on the bridge, things aren't in better shape. Smoke was everywhere. Ami is covered in soot from inside the console when the paneling exploded off. Alpha's glossy finish wasn't as bright and shiney as it once had been. Some of the fur on the cats was singed. DECA was barely able to talk. Her speechboard had been damaged in one of the explosions.
The Megazord itself was worse for wear. Explosion marks covered its body. It was limping as it tried to fight Darkonda. The right arm hung wildly off of the side. Darkonda took a swipe at it and more sparks flew from the Megazord's chest.
Sailor V was scrambling with the main console when suddenly it exploded in her face, knocking her unconscious. The Megazord starts to droop over.
"Minako-chan! Are you okay up there!?! Minako-chan!?! *cough*cough*"
"Ami, I'm not picking up life signs up there," reports Alpha.
"But the Megazord's also received a lot of damage. We don't know how extensive the damage was to the sensors.
"Oh, the sensors are working alright. I'm picking up one human, four cats, and one fully-functional automaton in here."
"Well, maybe the bridge sensors aren't working."
"Ayi yi yi, I hope the Rangers get back soon."
"So do I, Alpha," replies Luna sourly, her throat parched from the smoke.
"Time for skewered megazord," gloats Darkonda as he pulls a steel rod off of a building and stabs it through the waist of
the Megazord. More explosions ripple across its body as lights and computers start shutting down inside.
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INET Lunar Base, Dark Side of the Moon. . .
"Power Rangers, prepare for launch!" The Rangers shimmy down poles into their individual cockpits. Justin commands them to insert their key cards. Docking lights brighten on each Mega-V.
"Ready to launch," announces Doug Stewart's voice over the PA system. "Go!"
Engines ignite and the Mega-Vs 2-5 blast off. The Mega-V1 is catapulted out of the bay.
"Woah!" exclaims Andros as he scrambles to gain control of his Mega-V. His Voyager hops from Mega-V to Mega-V until he takes a controlled stance on the Mega-V3, startling TJ a bit.
"Be careful, Andros," warns TJ.
"I will."
"We've broken lunar orbit," announces Carlos.
"Guys, I think we have a little problem," alerts Ashley.
"That spawn is back, hmm?" ponders Andros. "Then let's show him what Voyager power is all about! Shoulder cannons, fire!" Mega-V1 turns around and releases a barrage of missles from the shoulder packs.
The other Mega-Vs, except for Mega-V3, manuever to fire their lasers at the spawn. The spawn blows up.
"Guys, engage your thrusters now!" commands Justin. Everybody adjusts their throttle and they sped forward.
"Merge Mega Voyager!" commands Andros.
Mega-V1 jumps off of Mega-V3 as V3's third stage disconnects from the rest and splits in half. Mega-V5 splits as its cannons flip over and the skis fold up.
The Mega Voyager head ejects from the rear of Mega-V2. The front of Mega-V4 folds down and the wrists and hands slide forward as the upper arms fold out. Mega-V3 flies through the opening created in Mega-V4. The V3 third stage attaches to the top of V5.
The arms on V4 fold down as the first stage portion of V3 disconnects from the second stage. The head attaches to the top of the V3 second stage.
The legs, upper torso, and cannon line up. Mega-V5 floats into place and folds up. All the other pieces connect to it and its silhouette poses in the moonlight. They fly down to Earth where they find the Astro Megazord badly beaten and falling to the ground.
Mega Voyager flies throught the air and kicks Darkonda in the chest before landing. Darkonda fires a blast at Mega Voyager. Andros blocks with the Voyager shield.
"Ami," says Alpha, "We're saved. It's the new Megazord!"
"Justin," calls Andros, "How do we finish this guy off?"
"Yell 'Voyager Spartan' and fire the shell from Mega-V3."
"Everybody, let's do it!"
"Voyager Spartan!" The forward section of the cannon shoots forth, hits Darkonda, and destroys him, leaving behind nothing but smoke and fire. Mega Voyager walks over to the fallen Megazord and helps it get to its weak feet.
"I wonder if Ami, Minako and Alpha, and the cats survived," says Cassie.
"They just have to," pleads Ashley.
"Gu..." Static starts playing over the comm system. "Can... hear...?
"Ami, is that you?" asks TJ.
"Ye..." comes the reply. "Mina... hurt... don't... badly... Megazord... down...-thing alrig-..."
"Let's get that beauty up to the Moon Base," says TJ. Everybody agrees.
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Astro Megaship, Andros's Quarters. . .
Andros enters his spartan quarters to find them not to worst for wear despite their recent battle. He heads towards his computer terminal, and activates it to find it still working.
"DECA?" he calls.
"Yeees, Aaaandrooos?"
"Great, the voice modulator is out of tune." He gives the terminal a couple of whacks. "Anyway, DECA, I want you to begin hardburning all computer activity to my terminal, starting now."
"Of course. May I ask why?"
"No, you may not," says Andros. "But I have my suspicions that today's battle was sabotaged."
"By who?"
"That's what I want to find out.
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Surf Spot. . .
"So, are you going to be okay, Minako?" asks Ashley.
"Sure. The INET doc checked me out and put my right arm into a sling. He also healed my check, though I think that was more due to my inherent senshi powers."
"Ami, Justin, what's the analysis of the Astro Megazord?" asks Andros.
"Well, it's going to be two weeks before it's back in action," says Ami.
"It's a good thing we got the Mega Voyager when we did, and still have the Delta Megazord," says TJ.
"Justin, what excuse are you using to be back in Angel Grove?" asks Carlos.
"None. I never actualy per se left Angel Grove. When my dad and I found out about each other's secret, we figured it was better to stay in Angel Grove. I've also spent some time over at the Power Chamber, trying to see if I could get something..." Justin stops talking and gazes at something behind Cassie, Carlos, and TJ.
"Justin, what's wrong?" queries Ami. Everybody turns around to see what he was looking at.
"I could have sworn I saw Adam."
"Boo!"
Justin jumps outta his seat.
"Woah, Justin! Calm down."
"Adam, it is you!" exclaims Justin.
"Yep, I'm back in town. I had a little traveling business to deal with, but I'm back to stay. What about you, Just? I thought I heard that you were leaving."
"Well, something came up and changed our plans."
"Yeah, I know how that is. Hi, Ami, Minako. Minako, what happened to you?"
"A little on-the-job bruising," jokes Minako.
"Adam, could I talk to you for a moment?" asks Justin. "In private."
"Sure, let's go."
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Outside the Surf Spot. . .
"Adam, why can't I tell them about your secret?"
"Because, Justin, they'd worry about me like the old Rangers would have worried about the Green Ranger Tommy. Don't worry, I'll tell them soon enough."
*HONK!* *HONK!*
"Huh? What was that?" wonders Justin. He and Adam turn around to see Storm Blaster sitting there. Justin runs up to it.
"Storm Blaster!? Is that really you?"
"Justin, what's wrong?"
"This is Storm Blaster from the late Power Ranger Turbo days.
Suddenly, Storm Blaster speed off.
"Hey, wait! Don't go!"
"Come on, Justin. We need to tell the real superheroes."
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Inside the Surf Spot. . .
"Guys!" Justin rushes in. "You won't believe what I saw!
"Calm down, Justin, and slowly tell us," says TJ.
"I saw Storm Blaster!"
"What!?!" The Rangers and Senshi are in shock.
The End ::For now...::
Next time:The search for the senshi continues as our favorite hot-tempered senshi and a fabulous flying sports car make their reappearance while Astronema takes a lesson from the past and invests in...DETONATORS!
Sailor Says:
Minako: Okay, does anyone think this is going overboard? I mean, Mega Voyager, Justin, Adam, and Storm Blaster in
one episode.
TJ: There's nothing wrong with that. It gives the viewer some wonderful eye candy.
Justin: Well, I hope I eventually get back my powers. That would be wicked cool.
Carlos: Speaking of which, what's you story, Adam? What's this traveling business you work for?
Adam: Uh, I can't say at the moment.
Minako: Come on, come on, come on...
Adam: Er, I'll be going now, we're really starting to get crowded in this fanfic.