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!
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Chapter Thirteen – Supplies & A Green Eye Monster
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April 25, 2002 – 3:32 a.m. Berlin Time
ISS Warsaw Headquarters – Conference Room
Warsaw Poland
"You want a what?" Edward's eyes were big now where as it was sleepy before. Trini had dragged him out of bed after the former Rangers had perfected the plan a little more.
"A warhead with a time delay detonator. Or a remote detonator if possible." Trini explained as the others began to work on the designs.
Jason was at the table with his head buried under hundreds of drawing paper as Billy helped him get a good idea what the warhead would look like. From the photos of the creatures, they were making plans how and where would be the most effective place to launch a smart bomb. Kat and Aisha were now making detail drawings of the cavern so that Jason and Billy would have a better idea of what they are looking at after they finish designing the bomb. The problem with all this was that they needed a warhead that can be fitted to a container that Trini can fill with Base-Toxikon.
"Trini, do you have any idea how impossible it is for me to get a warhead?" Edward asked with some doubt to Trini's sanity. "We're talking about a device only military and terrorist have."
"Can't we ask for one? I'm sure the Russians or the British has one laying about somewhere that they don't need." Trini asked rather impatiently as she wanted to get working on a formula, though she serious doubt Jason was going to let her get back to work before he makes her take a nap. She was awfully tired though.
"Trini, I…." Edward rolled his eyes and threw up his hand. "We'll have to ask Kimberly to take this to the bosses. I'm not about to offer them an idea from you. Kimberly is the only one that can convince them that we are not completely out of our minds." He got up to leave. "I'll talk to her in the morning. In the mean time, I suggest you all get some sleep. It's going to be a long day tomorrow."
The others grunted their agreements then went right on doing what they were doing before. Trini called out before Edward left, "Make sure to ask them for a non-nuclear warhead. I don't want radiation to be a factor here."
He nodded and waved his hands.
"Trini, come look at this." Billy called as he pointed to the drawing that Jason was doing. "Would that be enough space for you to create a formula heavy enough to do the job?"
"What's the capacity?"
"Around five hundred liters, maybe."
Trini scratched behind her ear. "I'd have to make the concentration a lot higher but it might work. See if you guys can give me a little more room to work with."
Jason nodded absentmindedly and began to make changes that Billy obviously was liking since he kept nodding to himself.
Tommy, Adam, and Rocky were all sitting there staring blankly at the screen. "You guys okay?" Trini asked with some understanding that they were feeling rather useless at the moment. "Want some coffee?"
The boys shook their head. Tommy turned to look at Trini. "Kimberly isn't up to going thirty rounds with her bosses tomorrow."
"Sure she is," Trini said with a reassuring smile. "Kimberly is always up for a good argument when it comes to fighting the good fights. Besides, I don't think they'll say no. They will rant and rave about the costs and problems but they'll get it for us cause they don't have any choice."
Tommy nodded.
Adam looked up. "Do you have any idea how impossible it's going to be to get into the cavern undetected?"
"Who said anything about undetected?" Trini asked with a wrinkle on her forehead.
The others looked up now. "You have something up your sleeves?"
"Don't I always?"
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April 25, 2002 – 5:35 p.m. Berlin Time
ISS Warsaw Headquarters – Jason Scott's Quarters
Warsaw Poland
Jason was proud of Trini for giving up an hour ago and headed to bed. It was nice to see her take care of herself more like that. She had been so tired through out the meeting. He didn't want to disturb her knowing that she's going to be locked away tomorrow in the laboratory somewhere. So, for the first time since he arrived in Poland, he's going to sleep in the room assigned to him.
Taking off his shirt in the dark, he tossed it on to the chair silhouetted in the moonlight and climbed into bed gratefully. He should have taken his own advise and gone to bed when Trini did, but the plans were coming along so nicely that he didn't want to stop and lose that edge he felt when everything was just fitting together beautifully. He sighed and realized that he had the same problem Trini did, a passion for their work. He turned on to his side and tried to get comfortable and found that he missed having Trini to sleep next to. Four days and he's already gotten use to sleeping with her in his arms.
It was strange that their lives have all taken such dramatic turns but now, look at them. They're all together again and saving the world. Some things just never change.
He gasped when a warm pair of hands wrapped itself around his chest from the back and moved an equally warm body against him. "I figure that you'd be nice and thoughtful and not come to my room for the night. So I helped myself into your room." Trini purred in the dark.
Jason reached back and pulled her up against him. It felt wonderful to be in her arms. "Go to sleep."
She smiled in the dark and pressed a kiss to his back. "You too."
"Trini?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you."
"Me too, Jason. Me too."
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April 25, 2002 – 9:13 a.m. Berlin Time
ISS Warsaw Headquarters – Conference Room
Warsaw Poland
Kimberly's arm had been set in a sling. Her face was half covered with bruises and cuts. The night had been terrible since every movement she made resulted in pain beyond belief. It was almost as bad as the bullet incident two years before. Her head was pounding when the pounding on the door had gotten her out of bed. Edward needed to talk to her about Trini's request. Tommy had been there to explain everything that had gone on the night before while she was resting up. It was going to be an unbearably bad day.
But first she had to deal with her superiors. Lucky, she had ammunition this time around in the form of Billy's satellite hookup that allow for an interesting video streamline feed to the main offices in London and New York. If her wounds didn't convince them, she didn't think anything would.
"Oh my god," Emmerman seemed to have moved closer to the scene. "Agent Hart, are you all right?"
"Yeah."
Ballard cringed as Kimberly spoke; her voice was laced with pain though she was trying to hide it. "You look like you got hit by a semi."
"Thanks," she smiled for his benefit. "Sir, have you had a chance to look at the request form that Agent Van Bureau has submitted on behalf of Dr. Kwan and I since we were both rather indisposed last evening?"
Emmerman nodded his head gravely.
Ballard looked rather resigned. "Yes, I've seen it. How is Trini doing?"
"She exhausted sir." Kimberly was too tired and in too much pain to mince with words now. "Most of the unit stayed up to work on a course of action, they hit rock bottom this morning around five. Best plan we have at the moment and looks completely solid. We're asking for cooperation sir."
Both men looked resigned to the fact that they will have to convince the nine countries involved to turn over a non-nuclear warhead to them. The fact that it was non-nuclear should make it easier but still a problem never the less. "You sure about this?"
"No other plan seems to have a higher percentage of predicted success rate."
"And Trini has a way to get our people in there for this?"
"Yes sir, she says that she's got a plan."
"All right then."
"When do you think we should expect the warhead?" Kimberly was eager to get started. If nothing else, she just wanted to go home and return to her normal life again. It was time to think about retirement from ISS seriously.
"As soon as we talk one of the head of states to hand one over to us without it falling into terrorist hands." Ballard replied. "In the mean time, go to bed young lady. You look absolutely terrible."
"Thanks you sir."
Kimberly hung up and phone with a click and reached over to turn the computer feed off. She was tired, too tired to even stand for every long. It was going to actually take energy she didn't have to make it back to her quarters to lay down. Right now, she'd rather just stay there.
"Hey Kim," Edward poked his head in. "Everything good?"
"Everything's good to go. We should be hearing back from them soon." Edward's eyes were glittering with excitement. "What's up?"
"Trini's shipment just arrived."
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April 25, 2002 – 5:00 a.m. EST
ISS New York Headquarters
New York City New York
"How soon can we expect that warhead?" Ballard asked as he jotted down notes.
General Hammond was busy typing in the order. To call someone in there, dictate the order then have them leave it was just ridiculous. "As soon as you stop yapping and let me sent the order out. It'll be in the air one hour tops."
Ballard nodded to himself. "Thank you, General."
"Don't thank me, just get this thing. Hammond out."
Ballard toss the sheet to his assistant. He glanced at the piece of paper to his left and picked up the paper again. "Get met General Fitz Kotz of Germany."
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April 24, 2002 – 10:07 a.m. London Time
ISS London Headquarters – Director's Office
London England
"Can I have you word on this promise?" Emmerman asked thought the phone. "I cannot leave my people in a bind."
"You shall have it within 24 hours." Minister Henri De Cranous murmured into the phone. "France does not want this thing around any more than you do."
"One warhead, non-nuclear. Thank you sir." Emmerman hung up the phone and crossed France off the list on his disk.
They were not going to take any risk and under stock on this. That took care of France, Britain, the Hungarians and the Austrians. Ballard would hit the US, Germans, the Czechs and Slovakians. That gave them around eight warheads to play with. Russians have already been on the move with their artillery when he called. It didn't even take any convincing.
He sighed and picked up the phone. "Get me New York office."
The phone was answered unceremoniously. "Don't rush me Jonathan!"
"Is it done?"
"They're all onboard with this."
"Was it hard?" Emmerman asked.
"They didn't even argue." Ballard sighed and leaned back in his chair. "We're looking at a very dangerous international incident. They're all too eager to help."
Emmerman sighed. "Okay then, it's up to the kids now."
"Hey, did you ever find anything about the new kids?"
"No, you were right. Even their CIA and FBI files are clean. Who knew there were people on this planet without a thing to hide?"
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April 25, 2002 – 11:19 a.m. Berlin Time
ISS Warsaw Headquarters – New Science Unit
Warsaw Poland
Trini was back in the containment suit again. Her eyes were glued to the temperature meter in the beaker. She wanted a concentration of 70%, no more than that. She wasn't ready to risking their own people by being overly cautious about this plan. Her heart was pounding with anticipation.
Outside the isolation unit where Trini was working, men were striping parts off an old satellite that the Russian had sent along with the rest of her material. All the computer stuff had been removed, just the shell was left, and it's exactly what she needed.
More people were around now than before. She needed everyone working on the protection suits. They going into the chamber were dangerous enough, but to be coming in with a huge bomb takes some work. Wet suits coated with enteric was going to be needed. Military gear were bring refashioned and used to other things.
All the focus was here; they just needed time.
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April 25, 2002 – 11:23 a.m. Berlin Time
Underground Cavern
Cracow Poland
He needed time to recover. Damn Rangers and their weapons, they hurt him very badly. He needed time to recover. Food, he needed food to recover. The Runner had brought back four more, they will have to do for now. The screaming was beginning to annoy him though. Perhaps they should be bring back dead ones instead. The dead makes no sound.
Time was the key to this. He has waited so long; he can wait some more. He needed to recover first. He needed time to recover. He hurt.
The Rangers will pay for this. He shall see that the Rangers pay for this. Food, he needed more food.
Runners were coming back again, more food. He cannot make anymore runners for now. Too weak from the attack. What did they do to him?
He was weak. He needed food. Yes, the runners were coming back with more food. More energy, more strength. Damn Rangers.
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April 25, 2002 – 11:44 a.m. Berlin Time
ISS Warsaw Headquarters – Tanya Sloan's Quarter
Warsaw Poland
"Hey, how are you doing?" Adam asked as he set the tray on the bed. "Brought you some food."
"Thanks, having a bum leg really sucks." Tanya said and patted the seat beside her. The blood loss had left her weak and dizzy for hours.
"What did the doctors say?"
"I'll recover, but there's going to be scarring. No bone damage though." She smiled reassuringly at him. "Unlike Zack."
Adam sighed and shook his head. "Poor guy. I just went to see him. He's doing great though. Be dancing in no time, it was a clean break."
"I'm glad. Not about the broken leg but that it was clean." She sighed. "But I'm so tired of this."
"Me too." He shook his head. "You were good though. If you hadn't been there to do the…."
"We all do our part." Tanya said with a smile. "By the way…."
"What?" Adam frowned at her. "What?"
"Close the door."
He looked amused. "Aren't you afraid to be all alone with me in a room when you're so helpless?"
She rolled her eyes. "Nay, especially since everyone knows that I'm after Rocky's ass."
"Excuse me?"
Her eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. "Or that's what Aisha thinks."
His mouth dropped to the ground. "You didn't?"
"Told you I would."
Adam laughed gave her a high five. "All right."
"Now it's your turn."
He tilted his head and smiled deviously at him. "I got a great idea." His eyes were gleaming as he got up. "I'll be back."
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April 25, 2002 – 12:56 p.m. Berlin Time
ISS Warsaw Headquarters – Rocky Desantos's Quarters
Warsaw Poland
Rocky played with the photon cannon that Billy had given him. He was supposed to be fixing it while they work on constructing the bomb cylinders before the warheads get here. Unfortunately, he has no idea what to do with the damn thing.
"Yo Rocko!" Adam called as he knocked on his open door. "You okay, man?"
"What exactly does Billy expect me to do with this?" Rocky asked as he pointed at it .
"Fix it!" Adam answered as he looked at it dubiously. "Huh….. do you know how it works?"
"Kind of, but I don't know how to fix it." Rocky said as he scratched his head. "Damn."
"Yeah," Adam said taking a seat. "Hey listen, I wanted your advise on something."
"What's up?"
"Aisha."
The cool ice shield came over Rocky's features. "What about her?"
"I thought maybe…..you know."
"No, I don't."
"Think she's scared?" Adam asked casually as he leaned back. "I mean, this situation, it's pretty serious huh?"
"Yeah, I guess she'd be afraid."
"And she'd probably need someone to lean on? Someone to comfort her maybe?" Adam asked with anticipation.
Rocky's eyes narrowed. "Maybe. Why are you asking all this?"
Adam shrugged. "Just wanted to know the territories a little better." He grinned rather wolfishly at his friend. "After all, a man can't go without for too long." With a wave, he was out the door. "See ya, thanks for the advice."
Rocky stood there completely stunned.
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April 25, 2002 – 12:28 p.m. Berlin Time
ISS Warsaw Headquarters – Agent Kimberly Hart's Quarters
Warsaw Poland
Director Emmerman's voice came through the speakers phone fine. "They're sending them all now. You should have eight within the next twenty-four hours. And the Russians can have theirs there in six hours."
"Nine sir?" Kimberly was rather stunned. Tommy held her hand. "We only requested two."
"I know, but we felt that it was simply safer if we over stock then under stock." Emmerman yawned. "Anyways, I wanted to make sure you knew that the stuff was on its way. Did everything Trini wanted get there okay?"
"I don't know sir." Kimberly answered honestly. "I've been kind of in and out of the loop all day."
"Understandable. Get some rest, Agent Hart. You did good." The click indicated the end of the conversation.
"Well, that was……interesting." Tommy said as he got up from the bed.
"To say the least. Nine warheads." Kimberly shook her head. "Man! The boys are going to have a field day with this one."
"You bet." Tommy said as he got undressed. "Now, get back in bed."
"Is that an order?" She asked teasingly.
"Yes, as the leader of the Power Rangers, I'm ordering you to bed." Tommy got in and pulled her down. "You need rest."
"I do not."
"Yes, you do." He gave her a grin that was telling. "Or at least, you're going to."
"Hey, hey, watch the arm!"
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April 25, 2002 – 12:32 p.m. Berlin Time
ISS Warsaw Headquarters – New Science Unit
Warsaw Poland
"Trini!" Edward called.
"Hold on." Trini lifted her head from the examination of the suit that one of the scientists had made. "Go show this to Tanya Sloan. She'll tell you where are the most dangerous areas, the weak spots. We need to reinforce those areas."
The man nodded and headed toward the building. "You got the boys jumping at your command."
"What do you need, Eddie?"
"Other than your hand in marriage?" He smiled.
She rolled her eyes. "Come on, I'm busy."
"Two things I'm suppose to tell you."
"What?"
"One, you're late for lunch as usual. And two, your next shipment just arrived."
Trini sighed. "When it rains, it hails." She looked around. "Okay, chemicals over there. Suits and coating goes on that side. The boys will know what to do when you leave them there."
"Okay got it, now go get some food. You look like you're going to waste away any minute." Edward gave her a quick push. "Go on, we've got things covered here."
"God, everyone seems to want to make me eat all the time." Trini said with a laugh but headed toward the conference room anyways. Besides, she was hungry.
"About time!" Billy called out as Trini walked in.
"Billy, I will only say this once." Trini answered in all seriousness. "BITE ME!"
"Hey, that's my job." Jason said as he leaned over and planted a light kiss on her lips. "Eat!"
Trini rolled her eyes and sat down with a plate. She stuck her tongue out at Billy with a grin while he rolled his eyes at her. The room was crowded with people as they ate, talked, planned and just enjoyed a few moments of relaxation. Everyone's spirit was lighter now that they have supplies and a plan at work.
Everyone was happier, with the exception of Aisha. Adam watched her a moment before glancing at Rocky. Waiting until Rocky happened to look up, Adam moved slowly toward Aisha. Dropping down next to her, he put one arm around her and nudged her with his shoulder. "Why so glum?"
"Oh just thinking of some things." She turned and smiled at him.
"Want to talk about it?" Adam asked and watched Rocky out of the corner of his eyes. The boy was standing up now, looking at them with a keen eye.
"Not really, just thoughts." She shrugged and looked up just in time to catch Rocky's eyes. She blushed and averted her eyes. "How are the others doing?"
"Tanya is complaining about being laid up." Adam grinned.
"Oh, I guess she wants to…… help out more." Aisha played with the food on in her lap.
"Yeah, I'm sure she wants to help." He almost laughed out loud then. The poor girl looked positively miserable. This was probably not the time for this. He'll let it go for now. "Listen, I have to go talk to Rocky, be right back."
She nodded without looking up.
Adam felt like his plan was working beautifully right up to the moment he walked into Rocky's fist. The entire room stood still in a stunned silence. No one moved a muscle. No one dared.
The look in Rocky's eyes could have killed the Monster had it been aimed at it. Unfortunately, right now it was aimed at his best friend and it was not pretty at all. Adam stayed on the floor with a look of disbelief as he rubbed his jaw. They've never fought before; never in the course of the 12-year friendship. For Rocky to have physically attacked him showed Adam just how disturbed his suggestions must have been to his old pal. It would cheer him considerably more if he thought that Rocky wouldn't hit him again if he tried to get up. Plus his jaw was still throbbing like crazy; smiling would have just made it worse.
Jason, always being the compromiser and leader, stepped in between them. His voice was low and full of warning. "I don't know what's going on and I don't care. You two settle this, and settle it fast. We don't need this now." He looked at the two to make sure they understood. They nodded in agreement and backed off slowly. "Take it outside. There will be no fighting in here."
Rocky moved first, striding angrily to the door.
Adam waited until Rocky disappeared before getting to his feet.
Trini moved to stop him before he could leave. "You okay?"
Incredibly, Adam smiled happily at her. "Perfect!" At her stunned look he laughed. "Don't worry, it's cool."
"Sure," she nodded and sighed with exasperation. "You get knocked over by your best friend everyday. Sheesh, you men are dumb."
Adam waved it off. "Nay, just the ones that are too blind to see what's right in front of him until you give him a good shove." His eyes wondered over to a stunned Aisha.
Trini followed his eyes to her fellow former yellow ranger and at the empty doorway Rocky just passed through then sighed. "Cupids are supposed to shoot people with arrows, not get themselves socked in the jaw."
"All in the name of love." Adam grinned and kissed Trini on the cheek then moved off after Rocky.
Trini shook her head and sighed. Looking over at Jason, she leaned in and kissed him on the lips. "Anyone ever tell you that you're sexy when you take charge?"
Jason smiled at her before kissing her again. "Anyone ever tell you that you're sexy when you breathe?"
She grinned at him with her eyes all a twinkle. "Aw… Aren't you just the sweetest thing?" She gave him a quick hug and ignored the people still gathered in the room. "Want to have sex now?"
"No thank you." Jason said casually. "I have to fix the barrels."
She shrugged. "Okay, I better get back to the chemicals then. See you later, darling." With a quick kiss and wave of her hand, she was off again.
Billy sat there in complete astonishment. "Jason, you just turned down going to bed with one of the most beautiful and intelligent women on earth? What were you thinking?"
Jason gave him an 'are-you-mad?' look. "I'm thinking that we have a creature that wants to kill everyone for food. I'm thinking that this country has very few buildings still left standing at the moment. Geeze Billy, I thought I would be the last one to tell you this, but we've got work to be done. Now is not the time to be thinking about your hormones."
Billy threw up his head in exasperation and simply gave up trying to figure out his friends.