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 this is for amusement only.
Warning: Rated NC-17 for content and language.
Note: The former rangers have moved on in their lives but are pulled back into the game by a little gift left behind from an old "friend." While they fight for their lives yet again, they learn more about each other.
Age check: Billy, Tommy, Jason, Zack-27. Adam, Aisha, Rocky, Trini, Kimberly-26. Katherine, Tonya-25.
Acknowledgements: This one is for Shawn (Ozmandayus), for all the encouragements he has given me and for inspiring me to do this story with all this great writing. Thanks! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter Three – Together Again
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April 20, 2002 – 11:56 p.m. London Time
ISS London Headquarters – Director's Office
London, England
"Dr. Kwan, good to see you again. Wish it could be under better circumstances." Director Jonathon Emmerman was a good man. He liked his job and did it well. He also liked the young woman before him who appeared ready for a twenty-four hour nap.
"Thank you, Director Emmerman. Were you able to get the equipment I requested for?" Trini took a seat and let her aching bones rest of the moment. She did try to sleep, just as she had told Jason. But the pictures haunted her. She could not imagine what must have gone through those soldiers' minds as they were attacked.
"We got most of what you requested but not all of it. Some will have to be brought in from our Brazil office. It could be here as soon as tomorrow morning or as late as the afternoon."
"That's fine." She looked at the file he handed her. Compound analysis was incomplete. She'll have to redo them when she gets to it. Typical! "I don't understand why I was called in. You have plenty of scientists that…"
"With all due respect to our science team," the director said as he handed the woman a small bowl of raspberries. She looked ready to faint she was so pale. "But none of them are Nobel Prize winners like yourself."
She nodded her thanks for the berries. Food held little interest for her in the past three days but she knew she had to eat. "I just got lucky, that's all. Someone else could have easily come along and found the cure."
"From what I've read, you went into battle against the entire United Nation's judicial committee to petition for the chance to research. The money was nothing compared to the risk you were taking. You could have easily lost your life. I think it took more than luck. It took guts and plenty of determination as well as brilliance."
She smiled. "No, I was young and stupid, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat."
"And the world thanks you for it." His brows came together in a frown. "When was the last time you slept, Dr. Kwan?"
"I don't remember anymore." She shook her head and almost laughed. "It's been a really hectic three days."
"I can imagine. The jet is being loaded and refueled now. It'll be another hour or two before you need to take off again. Would you like to lay down for a little while?" She was so pale under the light that he was truly afraid she would take ill.
"No, thank you. If I lay down now, I'll just have nightmares." And that was to be avoided at all cost.
He nodded with understanding. "You saw the pictures too?"
"Yeah, they debriefed me in New York before sending me to Pentagon for the strategy session."
"I see, I'm sorry you had to look at them."
"Not half as sorry as I am." She shook her head and picked up the raspberries. "I'll be in the lab if you need me. And thanks for the raspberries. Tell me when the plane is ready."
"Take care of yourself, Doctor. I hate to lose one of my best agents."
Trini smiled gratefully. "Thanks."
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April 21, 2002 – 12: 34 a.m. Sydney Time
ISS Private Jet
Somewhere over the Pacific
Kimberly sat with her back to the rest of the team and her eyes staring out into the nothingness. She lost her tears; her sorrow was buried deep in her heart where she would look at it at a later time. Now there were no more questions from the others. She had explained her life, her past, Trini's involvement, and her role in all this. Her soul was heavy and she needed something she couldn't name.
Tommy watched her from his seat. She had answered all their questions in a monotone that spoke of her pain. Watching her now, he didn't know if he should approach her, offer the comfort she needed. Jason had explained who Charlie was, but it didn't help the stab of jealousy he felt. Not that it was important. What was important was Kimberly state of being, she was hurting and he wanted to help. If not as the man that loved her, then at least as her friend.
"Agent Hart!" The man came out of the cockpit. "The director on the line for you."
Nodding her thanks, she picked up the phone next to her. "Kimberly Hart."
"Agent Hart." Director Emmerman's voice sounded just a little too cheery for her. "I wanted to inform you that Dr. Kwan arrived in London about an hour ago."
"How is she?"
"She looks exhausted but is unable to get any rest."
Kimberly sighed; it was as she expected. "Could you make sure she sleeps? I know she's been having nightmares since New York but she needs to rest."
"I know, I tired but she's back in the laboratories again. She'll be on her way to Warsaw in another hour. The plane is loaded, all the jet needs now is fuel."
"We're probably somewhere over Australia now. Should be there in another six hours."
"Keep me posted."
"I will sir."
"And you should get some rest as well, Agent Hart. You sound tired."
"I guess I am."
There was a brief pause. "I'm sorry about Charlie."
"Me too." She felt her throat contract.
"He was a good agent."
"Yes he was."
"Anyways…get some rest."
"Thank you sir."
Billy looked up from his book when as she hung up the phone. "Everything all right, Kimberly?"
"Trini arrived in London an hour ago, safe and sound."
Jason frowned. "Is she sleeping?"
"No," Kim shook her head. "Trini doesn't sleep on planes. And ever since the debriefing in New York, she's been having nightmares. The director said that she went straight back into the labs the minute she hit London."
"She needs to rest." Jason said as he stood up. "Isn't there anything they can give her?"
"She can't take anything right now." Kimberly explained. "Trini is physically exhausted but her mind won't let her rest. And when she sleeps, she is awakened by nightmares."
Katherine shook her head. "Poor Trini. She needs to rest but can't."
Tanya shook her head. "I don't know what I'd do if I were her. What does your bosses say about her state of mind right now."
"Not much. Just that she's tired but doesn't sleep." Kim took out a file from her briefcase. "Trini's work is important, especially given the way Charlie died. The science people are going to be all over her soon and then she won't have time to sleep at all."
"What about you Kim?" Adam asked with concern. He could tell by the way her eyes shifted every once in a while that her body was becoming run down as well. Tommy may be too nervous around her to say anything but he didn't have that problem. "You haven't slept in a while either. Shouldn't you be taking this opportunity to get some rest yourself?"
Aisha sat down slowly next to Kim. "You need to get your shut-eye while you can. From everything you've said, your unit is intense. Can't have you falling asleep on the job now, can we?"
"I'd sleep if I could." Kimberly said with a sigh. "But Trini isn't the only one having nightmares these days."
"Oh man," Aisha looked sympathetic and offered a shoulder to lean on. "Come on, we're all here for you. Don't you worry, nothing is going to get to you while we're around."
"Hey, Kimberly?" Rocky asked suddenly as he chewed on an apple. The only one with any appetite at all, Rocky had pretty much cleaned out the mini-frig on the plane. "Mind if I ask you something?'
"Shoot."
"How did you explain to your superiors about us?"
Kimberly was silent for a moment. "I didn't tell them about our prior activities if that's what you're asking. Actually, Trini convince to go along with it without having to give anything away."
While the other's appeared surprised, Jason merely nodded his head. They could not imagine sweet, mild-mannered Trini arguing with anyone, much less the people of Pentagon.
"What did she do?"
Kim grinned suddenly with amusement. "She threatened to walk." Eight blank faces and one amused one stared back at her.
Jason helped her along. "I believe it has something to do with the Nobel Prize hinging somewhere on her wall."
The others laughed as it clicked in their minds. Many had somehow forgotten that Trini was a Nobel Prize winner. To them, she will forever be Trini Kwan, the shy girl in high school that the boys loved to watch but not get too close. The one that had so many friends and everyone loved.
Billy sat with his back to the window and studied his friends. He was the only one of the group that knew of Kim and Trini's recent activities. It was obvious by the looks he had received from Tommy and Jason that they felt he should have told them. But he gave his word; Trini had trusted him enough to ask for his help during one of her more dangerous missions. Hand to hand, there was no one better than Trini and her years of studying martial arts. But when it came to high tech crimes, she needed a little extra help from the outside. Billy had been flattered that she had asked. And he understood secrecy. He had nothing to feel guilt about. Nothing at all.
Jason watched Billy out of the corner of his eyes. He knew that Billy did it to keep his word to Trini, his Trini. But it still hurt that his friend did not tell him everything. Billy and Tommy knew how he felt about Trini. They were the only ones he's ever talk to about his affections. They had understood. Yet Billy still kept the secret even knowing how he would have wanted to know that Trini was putting herself in danger again and again. Just like….. Jason sighed. Just like the containment incident. There was nothing more to be said. Billy did the right thing.
Tommy sat there watching Kimberly again as she talked softly with Aisha, Kat, and Tanya, catching up after years away. She was so very beautiful. So vulnerably beautiful. He had a hard time picturing her as a harden espionage agent. But then again, if he couldn't, no one else could, which would inevitably make her the perfect agent. So that's why she's been away for so long. She's been working on saving the world. So like the rest of this motley gang. Once a Power Ranger, always a Power Ranger.
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April 21, 2002 – 5:19 p.m. Berlin Time
Warsaw International Airport
Warsaw Poland
Another quake rocked the city and the gang tried to keep their footing as they made their way off the jet. Heavy wind turbulence had sent them off course an hour. Arriving two hours late, they were eager to get off the plane and onto solid ground. Too bad the ground wasn't too solid.
"Wow," Rocky grabbed Aisha then the railing as the tremors continued for a little longer.
"Thanks." Aisha said as she grabbed the railing as well. If Rocky hadn't caught her in time, she would have tumbled off the walkway. "That was bad."
"Not as bad as it is South of here." Billy explained. "It gets up to 7.3 in the center."
"What would you say this is?" Kat asked, quietly admiring Billy for his calmness.
"4.5 maybe."
"Man," Adam looked at the cracked walls of the airport. "If this is what 4.5 can do to the place, I hate to see what the center areas look like."
"Most of these buildings aren't made to withstand earthquakes." Billy said as they grabbed their bags. "Remember, there are no fault lines here. No one expected anything to move."
The ride into town and to the ISS headquarters was a quiet one as everyone stared out the window at the devastated country. If something doesn't happen fast, Poland won't be left on the map.
"Kimmy," a tall man with a full beard met them at the gates with a genuine smile. "Welcome, wish this was under better circumstances."
"Me too, Eddie." Kimberly grabbed his hand and gave a good squeeze to her old partner before Glen and Trini. "These are my friends. Tommy, Jason, Kat, Tanya, Zack, Adam, Aisha, Rocky and Billy is our computer expert."
"Nice to meet you all. The Doc arrived several hours ago." The look in Edward Van Burean's eyes didn't bode well.
Kim sighed, closed her eyes and prayed for some miracle even knowing that it wasn't going to happen. "Tell me she's sleeping."
He shook his head quickly. "You wish. She had the portable containment unit set up and ready in two hours. She's in there now."
"You've got to be kidding?"
"Nope, she asked to be informed the minute you get here."
The others exchanged looks of exasperation. They had all heard how Trini had sounded. For her to be still standing was a miracle much less working already. "Let's go, Eddie. She's going to work herself into an early grave."
Edward smiled easily. "I could try to tie her down if I didn't think she'd kick my ass."
Kimberly smiled. "It's still worth a try."
"You first."
"Coward!"
"You better believe it. Especially where Trini's concerned." Eddie helped Kimberly with her bags when he noticed how exhausted she looked. "Speaking of which, when did you last sleep?"
"Don't ask."
"Kimmy! What would Charlie say if he was still around?"
"Don't go there." She glared at him.
"You've got take care of yourself." He ignored the look he was getting from the man with the ponytail, Tommy he believed was the guy's name.
"Tell you what," Kimberly said with a smile. "I'll sleep when Trini sleeps."
Edward groaned. "I might as well buy you another cup of coffee now." He shook his head and resigned to the fact that two of the most talented agents in the field are going to drop dead in the next day or two from exhaustion. He better prepared the others now. "I have your quarters set up as usual."
"Thanks. Everything else ready?"
"Yeah, your friends are all in the same area. We just need….."
"Shit! Look out!" The screaming and yelling from the back area had them running.
People were yelling and dodging falling crates and breaking glasses as the group arrived and came to a screeching halt at the perimeters. They could not get in there without causing more problems for those that are trying to restore order as quickly as possible. Yet, amidst the chaos, the transparent portable containment unit laboratory stood like an island of sanity among the mess, with Trini calmly measuring another tube of something blue and bright into a beaker. She appeared to be completely oblivious of the happenings around her. All that matters were the chemicals in front of her and the specimens in beakers and culture plates beside her.
Edward waited until everything calm again before approaching the containment unit. "Hey Doc!" he called through the thick plastic shielding. "Kimmy and company are here."
Trini looked through the containment suit's facemask, through the thick plastic covers of the containment unit and beyond Edward's shoulders. Her friends stood here waiting for her. She nodded her head and placed the beakers down slowly, not wanting to jar anything. She stepped into the clean up area between the main shielding and second shielding and carefully rinsed the containment suit off before stepping through to the main entrance area. Three scientists rushed up to help her out of the ugly yellow suit that incased her from head to toe. "Thanks guys. Make sure that who ever goes in next is covered up and logs everything."
"Yes Doctor."
Taking a deep breath, she walked slowly toward the others with a genuine smile on her face. She was so glad they were here now, she needed them more than she could ever express in words. Moving into Kimberly's hug gratefully, she sighed her relief. "You guys took your sweet time getting here."
"Yeah right! We moved like the wind trying to beat you here." Tommy laughed as he hugged her as well.
"Trini," Billy held her a moment longer than necessary. "You look like hell."
"Thanks Billy," she made a face. "You certainly haven't lost any of your charms."
Rocky and Adam gave her a quick hug and a worried look over the dark circles under her eyes and how pale she looked to them. Kat and Tanya smiled and shook hands with her. They haven't known her as long or as well as the others but they mean to change that in the near future, especially if it looks as if they were going to save the world together. Aisha cried over how wonderful it was to see her and hugged her tight enough to choked the breath out of Trini.
Zack won't let her go as he held her for one very frightened moment, then yelled at her. "Don't you ever keep secrets from us again!"
She smiled in reaction. Good old Zack got right to the heart of it.
Jason hesitated but held out his arms and Trini fell into them gratefully. He buried his face into her hair. She smelled so good, like violets and…… plastic? He glanced over at the containment suit she wore only minutes before and smiled in reaction. "How are you doing?"
"I'm so scared." She whispered back. "I don't know what I'm dealing with right now."
"We'll get through it. Like we always do. Together." Jason said before giving her one last squeeze and reluctantly let go.
"How was the flight, guys?" Trini asked casually, not quite sure what to do now that they really were here.
"Horrible," Tommy said and turned to Billy. "Hey Billy, why don't you show Trini some of that seismographic stuff you were showing us."
Billy nodded and pointed to a nearby worktable. "Trini, shall we?"
She nodded her head. "Why don't you guys get settled in while Billy show me the stuff? Call us for dinner, okay?"
The others nodded and took off with Kimberly while Billy and Trini moved to get working. "How are you really?" Billy asked when they moved away from the others.
"I could use about sixty hours of sleep right about now." Trini answered as they set up Billy laptop. "How did the others handle the truth?"
"Not too bad. Jason and Tommy looked like they wanted to kill me for a while but Jason calmed down. Tommy on the others, still looks like he wants to do me bodily harm. It's going to take him a while to get over this thing."
"But he will get over it. Things are rough right now. Everything is being done blind."
"You are doing great, Trini. No one can do more than you."
She snorted in reaction. "Billy, I'm running around talking to people about solutions that are only theories, getting equipment I'm not even sure will do any good, and I'm keeping secrets from my superiors. You tell me how good I'm doing?"
"Trini," he looked at the tired woman he knew to be a wonderfully caring person. "You do what you have to and hope that it works. And if it doesn't, it's not your fault. No one can do more."
She nodded and sighed with bone-weariness. "Thanks. It's good that we're all together again. Now show me what you've got."
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April 21, 2002 – 8:45 p.m. London Time
ISS Headquarters – Director's Office
London, England
Emmerman looked at the photos again. They were good agents and didn't deserve to die in that fashion. It was horrible. He didn't even know what it was that killed them but he had a hunch. Agent Hart and Dr. Kwan said they didn't know what it was, but they knew more than they were letting on. These new people that they insisted on bring in, their friends, he knew nothing about them. As much as he trusted their judgments, it was time to get some answers.
Picking up the phone, "Get me the New York office." He wondered how much was being told and how much was not.
Kimberly Ann Hart has been with the origination for five years now. She had given up what could have been a very lucrative career as a spokes person from the Olympic team to work with them. Certainly she had been high profile but she knew how to hide like a pro, as if she's done it her whole life. Background check revealed nothing, but now he wondered.
Dr. Trini Kwan was another mystery, Nobel Prize winner at the age of 24 and official Ph.D. carrier. Brilliant by any standards, she could have any position in any level within the scientific community at anytime she wanted. Yet she had chosen to give it all up. She went into hiding following the height of her work. Then resurfaced with more than her share of adventures. Recruited in reluctantly, she's done great work for the organization. Her life was read like an open book, everyone knew everything about her through newspapers, magazines, and books. Yet now he wondered if anyone really knew her at all.
"Rickard? It's Jonathon at the London office."
"Emmerman? What can I do for you?"
"Get me everything you can about these people Hart and Kwan just brought in."
"They're on the way but I have to tell, I didn't exactly get much time to put them together. We're still going into them right now. But so far, they've all lived like boy scouts and girl scouts. No red flags."
"Anything off the record you can tell me?"
"Nothing, I didn't even get to meet with these people. You know Billy Cranston, brilliant, works for NASA. Jason Scott, up and coming architect in Chicago that just relocated to his hometown. He went to the Switzerland Peace Conference with Dr. Kwan when they were teens. Thomas Oliver, two-time race car champion and national karate champion, owns a dojo. Rocky Desantos and Adam Park, both of them police officers on the Angel Grove Police Force, active in the community, never been in trouble. They were part of the Clean Community Project back in the Academy. Zachary Taylor, dancer with The Alvin Harley Dance Company and former Peace Conference participant. Katherine Hillard, elementary school teacher. Tanya Sloan works with Peace Corp and Habitat for Humanity. Aisha Campbell is a legal aid out of Boston for abuse children. Like I said, these people live like scouts. The only real thing they have in common is the fact that they lived in Angel Grove and went to Angel Grove High as one point or another."
"Okay, thanks."
"Like I said, as far as these people are concerned, clean as whistles. Why, you pick anything up?"
"Nothing, that's the problem. Everyone has something to hide."
"Well, according to these files, they've got nothing to hide." There was a brief pause on the other line.
"What is it, Rich?"
"I'm not sure how much of this to tell you."
"Spill it, no time for games right now."
"Yeah, I kind of figured." There was a small pause. "My guys at the Pentagon came though with a rumor from high up." Something shifted on the other line. "Looks like China and Russia are thinking about nukes."
"What?"
"You heard me."
"Damn communist countries!" Emmerman shifted the phone to the other ear. "Can you get a confirmation?"
"Nothing so far."
"Damn it, we need to get this settled. Thes last thing we need is a real-live version of Dr. Strangelove."
There was a wary sigh. "Don't I know it."