By Didi
Disclaimers: Characters are owned not be writer of this particular fan fiction. Please do not sue me for I'm definitely not making any money off of this story and is for amusement only.
Warning: Rated R for violence and strong language.
Note: This is my sequel to "What Lurks Beneath," where we learn much about the lives of our former Power Rangers as they rush to save the world from a creature out of their past. Set eight months later, we face a new terror, of man-made this time. The title should give it away some.
Age check: Billy, Tommy, Jason- 28. Adam, Rocky, Trini, Zack-27. Aisha, Katherine, Tonya, Kimberly-26. Justin – 20.
Author's Note: This is my way of distracting myself when schoolwork becomes too much of a pain after a while. The universe created here is not the same of the one in Saban so anything you think is strange just blame it on my imagination. It would also help for you to read "What Lurks Beneath" where I first created this universe. Sometimes I forget and add things from there, so it makes more since when you have the context from the other story to go on. J
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Chapter Ten – Fears and Missions
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December 2, 2002 – 9:22 a.m. PST
Mountains of California
Somewhere, California
Kimberly breathed deeply and wished to hell she had something hard to chew on right now.
"Just breath through the pain. Women have been doing this for centuries now, you can do this." Aisha said encouragingly even though she felt like fainting for the sheer terror she was feeling over this. This was terrible, how could the baby be coming already. It still has plenty of time to go.
"I know." Kimberly was trying to stay calm, she really was. But the pain wasn't helping that aspect of things even one little bit. "Any more news?"
"Nothing." Aisha said in a near whisper. "But I'm sure they are working on it right now. We can't risk the battery for a call or e-mail right now."
"I understand." Kimberly sighed as the pain subsided for the time being.
"Ladies," Carmen Vergariz had three children and was an old pro at this. "I'm afraid I have bad news."
"What is it?" Aisha didn't think anything else could go wrong.
"Three others have gone into labor due to stress." The older woman's frown conveyed her concern. "Most of them had been hiding it for sometime now. Lilly's contractions are coming more frequent and her water has broken."
"Oh no." Kimberly wished to hell this was not happening. "Do what you can for the others. I have a feeling that I've got some time to go."
Carmen nodded her headed and headed off again.
Aisha watched the others for a moment. "The others better get here soon. This is not looking good."
"You don't have to tell me."
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December 2, 2002 – 10:36 a.m. PST
Farmlands of California
Somewhere, California
"PUSH! PUSH!"
"I'M PUSHING!"
The contractions were one on top of another. Kat braced herself behind the young woman. "Come Jenny, you can do this. Bear down on it!"
"I want my Peter!" Jenny cried yet again.
"Come on, girl. You can do this." The others were all watching in fear and fascination.
"Come on!"
"Next contraction girl," Sonia Deverue was a practicing nurse, for that they were all thankful for. "You've got to push."
Kat's eyes scan the others noting the ones that looked pained. An hour ago, two others announced that they too were in labor. The stress of the situation was simply too much for most of them. The situation was getting worse by the minute. Kat knew that if they don't get out here soon, something bad was most likely to happen.
"PUSH!"
"AHHH………." Jenny bore down hard and screamed as she pushed her baby out.
"Wahhh….." the tiny wailing was accompanied by a sob of relief by the new mother and a sigh of relief from those around her.
"You've got yourself a beautiful little girl." Sonia wrapped the little one in a clean blanket, wiping away blood and tissue as she does so.
"Do you have a name?" Someone asked.
"Peter wanted Caroline for a girl." Jenny said weakly. "I think I like that now."
"Caroline it is." Sonia handed the newborn to the mother with care. "Welcome to the world, Caroline."
Kat sighed with relief as she watched mother and daughter meet for the first time. She looked at the others that were now in labor as well. Most held the looks of hope mixed generously with fear, Kat can only pray that the others get here soon.
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December 2, 2002 – 10:48 a.m. PST
Highway 15
Somewhere, California
Trini's hand were tapping away on the lap top as the minivan moved steadily across the highway. "ETA?"
"Three hours." The driver was a man trained in military combat, convert operations like this was not his forte.
"What are you doing?" Rocky asked as he glanced at the complicated lettering across Trini's screen. They had waited a good three hours before starting out, giving the others a chance to go first as they have longer ways to travel then this particular group.
"A system that Billy designed for relocation. He thought it would be a good idea for us to keep tracking even while we are moving toward target. I'm reconfiguring to track for Kat's signal only." Trini's mind was having a rather difficult time putting all the pieces together. She was tired.
"You okay?" Tanya asked with concern.
"I'm fine," she sighed.
"Here," Tanya took the lap top from her and glanced at the algorithms. "I've been known to be pretty good at this. Why don't you get some sleep while I take are of this for you?"
"I can't sleep in cars without Jason." Trini whispered softly.
"Something happened?" Rocky asked as he observed the tired look in Trini's eyes.
Trini didn't know what it is that she should say. "I tried to talk to Jason about my living will last night but he… he didn't want to even think about it. The look in his eyes…." She sighed. "I love him."
"And he knows that." Rocky said as he patted Trini's hand. "You are everything to him. To be confronted with the possibility of losing must have been just simply too much for him to handle. He adores you."
Trini felt her eyes water. "I know that. That's why I felt like I needed to be completely honest with him. I want him to be prepared if anything should go wrong. This isn't like before, we can very well not come back from this. Jason needs to be ready for that."
The other two nodded their understanding. "Give him time. He knows that risk and understands it better than any of us, especially after Trey." Tanya's eyes reflected her understanding of what happened after Jason lost his powers as the Gold Ranger.
"I know." Trini said with a sigh. "I know."
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December 2, 2002 – 10:55 a.m. PST
United Airways – Flight 45
Somewhere, California
Jason stared out the window of the small plane ISS somehow got their hands on to transport the twenty-two agents to Yosemite. The day was clear for a California winter. It was beautifully clear and bright, perfect day to enjoy with those that you love the most.
Instead, a hundred and eighty odd families are sitting at home worrying over the possibilities of never seeing theirs mothers, daughters, lovers, wives, and the child that each of those women were carrying. It was a sad day for everyone involved and those that sympathized with their pains.
"Jason?" Billy sat down next to his old friend handed him a cup of tea. "Why don't you sleep for a bit? I'll wake you when we get there."
"I can say the same thing to you, Billy. Did you get any sleep last night?" Jason asked as the former blue ranger rubbed his eyes again.
"Yeah, a couple of hours. But I'm too worried to sleep."
"Don't worry, everything is going to be fine. And we're all going to spend this Christmas together, probably at Tommy's place." Jason said with a weak smile. "Cause you know he's not going to let Kim out of bed until this baby is delivered."
Billy grinned in reaction. "Yeah, Kim is really going to like that one."
Jason laughed softly. "It's going to be okay."
Watching the former team leader for a moment, Billy frowned. "What's wrong, Jase?"
"What?"
"What's wrong?"
With a sigh, Jason closed his eyes and tried to relax. "Nothing."
"Don't give me that. Did you and Trini have a fight?"
"No."
"Then why…"
Jason's eyes suddenly turned to Billy. "Did you know that Trini has a living will?"
The light finally came on with comprehension. "Yes. I signed as witness the first couple of times." Jason's eyes narrowed. "Is that what this is about? Cause Trini has a will?"
"No."
"Cause Trini had me sign it?"
"No."
"Cause it introduces the possibility that she may not…"
"Don't go there."
Billy sighed. "Jason."
"I know it's irrational and completely… I just can't lose her." Jason stared out the window again. "I won't know how to go on if I ever…"
Billy said nothing and sat there with understanding. There really nothing one can say.
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December 2, 2002 – 11:29 a.m. PST
The Mariner
Off the shores of California, Pacific Ocean
Justin stood at the starboard of the ship and felt the fresh sea air against his face. It was a beautiful day to be sailing, and if not for the morbid situation at hand, he would have enjoyed being out at sea a whole lot more. But as it was, he was glad that Trini chose to include him in this; he would very much like to teach Mr. Trodue a little lesson on the value of human life.
"Feels great, huh?" Adam said as he took a sat on deck and felt the wind rush through his short crop hair.
"Yeah." Justin smiled back and looked out over the vast ocean. "It's beautiful."
Adam sat back and enjoyed the little bit of peace he's had in days. He's not going to think of what's happening in the other groups right now. He had every confidence that the others will be okay. Jason and Billy have been at this longer than himself. They will get Kimberly and Aisha back. And Trini is an old pro at this stuff now. She knew exactly what she was doing.
"Where's Tommy?" Justin asked as he took a sat next to his old Turbo ranger companion.
"Down below tracking. He's not going to rest or relax until this is all over."
"Yeah, I kind of figure that."
"How's school?"
"Okay, I guess. Science classes are boring me though."
"Well that's what happens when you're a genius." Adam said with a grin.
"Very funny. Hey, I graduate this year, you guys coming to my commencement?"
Adam looked only mildly surprised at the news. "Won't miss it for the world."
Justin watched the man beside him for a moment. "Adam?"
"Yeah?"
"Is everything going to be okay?"
The former green turbo ranger looked surprised. "Of course everything is going to be okay. We're going to rescue everyone, put the bad guys in jail, and celebrate Christmas in style." His eyes softened. "You scared?"
"Would you think any less of me if I said yes?" Justin asked as he looked down on the deck.
"No, of course not." Adam patted the boy on the back. "Justin, it's normal and all right to feel scared."
"Adam," Justin looked around with concern. "Can I tell you a secret?"
"Justin?" Adam felt slightly disturbed by the look in Justin's eyes. "What is it?"
Reaching behind him, Justin pulled something out from his back pocket. Opening his hands, Adam gasped and put his own hands over Justin's smaller ones, looking around to make sure no one else saw.
"Are you crazy?"
"I…" Justin's eyes reflect his conflict. "I thought that…"
"No, Justin." Adam shook his head, emphasizing his point. "Absolutely not."
"But if it'll help the others…"
"Justin, listen to me." Adam said pulled the young man further away from any possible listening ears. "You can't. We, everyone involved here, have moved on. We have lives that we want to get back to sooner or later. People aren't stupid; they'll make the connections. You can't do this."
Justin nodded his head with a sigh. "But just in case…"
"Okay," Adam conceded. "But only if…"
"I know." Justin said with a nod.
"Promise?"
"Yeah."
Adam eyed the young man with relief. "Okay, I'm going to go check on Tommy. Put that thing away."
"Okay." Justin watched Adam walk below deck before opening his hand to look at his old morpher. If it came down it, the Blue Turbo Ranger will live again.
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December 2, 2002 – 3:34 p.m. EST
ISS New York Headquarters – Director's Office
New York City, New York
Ballard's eyes flew across the page with interest. Everything was coming together nicely.
The phone's shrilling ring was not a welcome to the nice peaceful atmosphere he's finally established in his office. With a sigh, he picked up the phone reluctantly. "Hello?"
"Director Ballard, Director Emmerman of the London office for you."
"Patch him through."
"Richard."
"Jonathan, what do you want?" Ballard sat back with a sigh.
"Heard anything yet?"
"No, they're still moving into position."
"I want to know that minute…"
"I know, I know." Richard Ballard sighed and looked at his computer again. "I just got your e-mail, everything looks good."
"I thought so. There wasn't a lot that hadn't been done already. We simply moved up the dates and put a rush on everything. It should all work out good."
"Assuming that this mission goes off without a hitch."
"Yeah, here is that."
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December 2, 2002 – 5:22 p.m. PST
Yosemite National Park – South Entrance
Yosemite, California
"Agent Scott?"
Jason paused for moment, never having carried that particular title before. "Jason will do."
The tall man nodded. "I'm Chris Rushton. I've got your gears ready."
"Trini talked to you about what we need."
"Yes, sir." Rushton led them into a small cabin. "I've ten snow vehicles ready to transport your men up. The minute you call, we'll have eight snow vans up there for transport. There are two snow mobiles ready for you and Agent Cranston."
Billy shook his head with some amusement. "Just call me Billy."
Rushton nodded. "Everything's ready to go whenever you are."
"You got a map of the park for us?" Jason asked as he pulled on the big parka and boots.
"All marked and ready for you." Rushton moved across the room. "Agent Kwan requested for special bullet proof vests for you and Billy."
Jason and Billy nodded to one another. It was so like Trini to remember such little details like that. "Weapons?"
"We've been tracking them since your call. "They've got six men up there with hand guns. Nothing big, nothing fancy. We've got three 9 mm for you and two revolvers."
Jason hesitated for a moment but knew that danger of this. "How did you know that I have a license?"
"Agent Kwan told us. That and that Billy doesn't have a permit."
Billy sighed. "I don't like…"
"We understand." Rushton pulled out another slightly different gun, bigger and strangely designed. "This is a tranquilizer gun that Agent Kwan use to carry. It's got six rounds to it, enough to bring down an elephant."
Billy almost laughed. "Good old Trini."
Jason grinned and strapped on his gun as well as the radio transponder. "Okay, then let's head out."
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December 2, 2002 – 6:34 p.m. PST
Mike's Dairy Farm
Monterey, California
Trini taped the vest on with sure confident hands. The specially made thin vest was going to make hand-to-hand a whole lot easier to handle than the usual big bulky ones. She was hoping that it won't come down to that but one never knows. The shoulder hostler held two 33 colts and she had a small derringer if she needed it strapped to her boot. She was in complete black, a color she didn't particular care for.
Rocky was helping Tanya into her gear. The other former yellow ranger didn't look like she cared for the basic black any more than her fellow yellow ranger did. She was the only one between the three of them that was not going to be carrying a weapon, not even the tranquilizer that Trini had ordered for her.
"I'm a terrible aim." Tanya explained. "If I hit one of you, we're all in trouble."
Rocky laughed and said that it would be better if Tanya didn't carry a gun then.
Trini shook her head and took a deep breath. She's been through this one too many times now. She hated every moment of it but have long since gotten use to the sensation of being loaded down with weapons.
"You okay, Trini?" Rocky asked with concern.
"Yeah."
"We move out at dark?" Tanya asked with concern as she gaze at the rapidly descending sun.
"Yeah, it's another three miles from here to the Trodue farmhouse." Rocky said with a reassuring smile. "I can't believe we didn't pick up on that."
Trini grinned. "Tell me about it. I'm completely embarrassed over the fact that we missed it."
Tanya shrugged. "You win some, you lose some." She sighed and wiped her sweaty palms against the side of her pants as she watched Rocky put himself in his gear quickly and efficiently.
"Tanya?" Trini's eyes were fill with concern. "You don't have to do this. Rocky and I have been trained and there are only ten of them. We can handle it if you don't feel right about this."
"No," Tanya shook her head and sighed. "I want to do this for the women."
"Tanya," Rocky touched the young woman's hand. "It's okay to be afraid to do this. We would totally understand."
"I am afraid." Tanya said honestly. "But I'm not backing out. I want to do this."
Trini nodded understanding Tanya better that the other woman could have hoped. Gazing at the most darkened skylight, "Okay, then we should get going then." She turned to the waiting troopers. "Wait for our signal before moving. We are going to need to move those women out fast. Some of them are in labor now." The commander nodded his head. "Okay, time to go."
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December 2, 2002 – 11:29 a.m. PST
The Mariner
Off the shores Catalina Island, Pacific Ocean
Justin looked at them in disbelief. "We have to wear the vest under the wet suit?"
"Yes." Agent Kellerman looked rather apologetic. "Agent Kwan specifically said that…"
"Trini ordered it?" Adam asked with a mild tone. "Okay then."
"But…" Justin eyed the vest as if it was the serpent from the Garden of Eden.
"Justin," Tommy pulled the vest on easily. "If Trini says that you've got to wear it, it's probably because she thinks you'll need it. Don't question it."
"Okay." He replied rather reluctantly.
Testing the oxygen masks, Tommy pulled the rest of his gear on. "How far?"
"Two miles, northwest from this point."
"Okay then." Tommy said before slipping the mask over his face and leaned back into the water.
"Wait for our signal." Adam added before joining his friend in the cold ocean.
"Don't wait up." Justin said before leaping backwards.
"Good luck."
