Disclaimer: Power Rangers and their characters do not belong to me, instead I am just borrowing them for a short time. The plot and content however, do belong to me, just the characters don't and neither does the whole Power Rangers time line. So please don't sue me I am just writing cause I am rather stressed out that is all. *winks*
Authors Note: I am rather a sadistic author that is just the truth; anyways this story is going to be comprised of a different plot then that of power rangers. Why you ask? Simple I got no life and I found that the original PR continuum line is already screwed up so why not create an AU.
Thanks: I would like to thank my best friend in the world for helping me out with timeline; it is so hard to keep track of everything going on in a complex fan fiction.
Quintessa La HartAuthor: Fuji S. Yuki
Chapter 2The next day Tommy awoke to banging on his door, groaning he glance at the clock noting it read 6 am. Standing up he walked to his door and unlock it peering through the crevice that was allow from the chain door. "Yeah?"
"Tommy we have a problem." A thick Russian accented came through the door.
With a sigh, Tommy shut the door unchaining the security chain and jerk open the door to peer into frighten ocean color eyes, and dark black hair. "What is wrong James?" scrubbing the sleep out of his eyes.
"Helen went over to the office this morning and discovered a dead body in Strider." James walk in the apartment worry was etched into his face.
At the mention of the Strider, their nickname for the racing car that Tommy would be using to race in the next race meet in Angel Grove 200 woke him up. "What? You aren't fucking joking with me now are you James?"
"I am afraid not, Helen was scared out of her mind, she immediately call the cops to find out what was going on. Turns out they can't find any breaking or entering into the vicinity." Rubbing his hair James, walk over to the kitchen to grab a beer, "It's been all over the media, Helen was trying to keep it down, but there was a leak. Investigation is going on, so our practice for today is cancelled, until they declare the area clear for us to move back in."
"Sal isn't going to like this one bit is he?" Tommy voice in grimness for he was pretty sure that Sal Worthman would be flipping out by now when he discover that his investment would be place under halt, he was one of the most agitated promoters in the Dream Team USA.
Popping the tab on the can of beer, James gulps down some of the beer, groaning when it hit his empty stomach. "Lets say we aren't going to hear the end of this for a while."
A soft knock was on the door, Tommy jerk his head up to see a sleepy Kimberly at his door dress in a pink robe and fluffy pink bunny slippers. It utterly was adorable by appearance; her hair was mussed from her sleep. She was giving him odd glare that spoke volumes that she was irate. "Do you think you guys can keep it down, it is freaking six o clock, some of us need our sleep so we can be alert in our jobs."
"Aw man, I am sorry." Tommy apologized, though he notices the admiring glances that James was giving to the former pink ranger. "Um James, this is Kimberly Ann Hart, one of my old friends, and my neighbor from across the hall." This earned him odd glances from his friend as he rouse closer and smiled. "Kim this is James Petrov the pit boss for the Dream Team USA."
"Ah a pleasure to meet you," Kim nodded her head and yawn, "Now why is there like a big racket when people are trying to sleep?"
Tommy
gave a thin lip smile, "Lets say that it should be all over the news right on
what happen."
"Eh?" earning a confused look.
"There has been a murder in our garage." Tommy notices that startle look and what-the-hell looks coming from James. "It's alright, I've been friend for with her for a while she can be trusted."
"Oh God!" Kim pale, "Is it someone you knew?" Immediately she started to calculate some possibilities, it was obvious that things were going down already on Oliver, before she even gotten settled, somewhat glad that she came out to figure out what all the racket was about.
James denied it immediately, "No, it was no one we knew, the cops manage to trace him to some club. They said that he was a local man who drank there."
"What would a local drunk be doing in a garage?" Kim ponders underneath her breath. This deserves some investigation. She thought rather annoyed at the fact, she didn't get that much sleep, "Er I think I'll just go back and get ready for work, I hope things work out for you Tommy." Nodding her head in acknowledgement of James, she turns around.
"I'll see you at the Mayors office right?" Hastily Tommy asked once he remembers, his appointment.
Turning around, Kim raised her eyebrows slightly. "Um yes, unless you want me to inform the Mayor that there has been recent developments so you can't make it?"
"No, I think I'll see him first today, then head over to take a look at what is going on in Angel Grove Race Tracks." Tommy responded smiling, after all even though things were grim Kimberly always brought a smile out of him. "I'll see you later."
"Alright then, Good Morning then." Kim reaches her door and closes it behind her. Eyes hardening at the thought that her target was already stirring up trouble, opening the panel on the floor, she quickly grabs her laptop, and plugs it in. While logging into her e-mail account on the intranet:
Lazarus,
Request for information on murders in Dream Team USA vicinities, also video audio report from the club that victim was taken from. Suspicion that this was not a fluke, either a threat or some twisted joke to target. Please advise on further orders.
Quintessa
Pressing the enter button she launch the e-mail over the circuit, leaning back she glance out at her view of the city. "Well this is going to be a total flopping." Walking over to her closet, she selected a suit, and began to get ready. Peeling off her clothing, she slips into the shower cubicle and turn on the water, jerking a bit when cold water slowly turns into warmth.
Why would someone kill a local drunk and place them in a garage? It made no sense. Kim thought as she started to scrub herself, her mind going over records, of whom could be possible in it, only conclusion she drew is that she had to wait for the enemies next move.
Finally, finish, she shut off the water, walking into the room and got dress quietly, She hated waiting, especially, with the prey in her sight, but immediately quenches that drive into a bottle. After all she had to fight with a clear head, not become a gung-ho like she was in the past during her ranger days. How she misses the god ole days where she only had to worry about is school, her friends, and the next attacks by Rita Repulsa.
Meanwhile over in 3B Tommy was getting a third degree by James, about a certain black hair dole eyes girl. "Oh come on now Tommy-boy don't tell me that there is nothing between you and the gal over in 3C."
"For the last time James, there was nothing now, but in the past there was something, so lay off will ya." Frustrating, the pit manager was always constantly prying into his personal life. They had closed the door after Kim had left to the safety of her apartment.
That was when James started to prod and poke the hell out of the poor lovesick fool. "Your in love with her still you do realize that." the thick Russian accent spill over into Tommy's thoughts.
"Even if I was, it is over now-" Tommy coldly responded, "It ended with a Dear John letter, there is nothing else for me or for her."
"Bullocks! Your just too damn stubborn to realize it is there, just hidden behind all the layers of crap you pull out of your ass with." The Russian ragged against his friend. "If you love her why not make it works instead of doing nothing."
Silence
was held between the two men, while they glare at one another in a stand still.
"It has to be up to her."
"It takes two to tango, if you don't put your foot out sometimes you both
will be waiting til the ice age because of your foolish stubbornness." James
quipped dryly. "Like I said your not getting anymore Younger Oliver, love
comes only once in every life time. You have to grab it and hold onto it. Only a
fool would over look a second chance."
"It doesn't matter all that matters right now is the race." Tommy waivers off his friends concerns, "besides even if I am getting old, at least it is my freewill that will dictates what happens in my life."
"You're a fool." James shook his head, "I can't believe my number one racer is a dick-head." With that he made his way to the door, "By the way, when your finish moping around after I leave, don't forget to check up with Helen, and tell her things will be fine. That Gal would feel better if it came from you and not from me."
"Will do boss." Tommy salutes, earning a middle finger at him from his friend, and a slamming of the door.
Geneva AirportMeanwhile in the Geneva Airport a small compact figure of a woman boarded her flight 182 concords from Geneva to Angel Grove, California, her eyes skim over her bags that she was checking in with the attendant. Walking in the cabin, she glanced around, and directly headed for a seat in the middle of the airplanes next to the window. It was rather spacious compared to the regular Boeing airplanes that she had taken on her way to Geneva.
After securing her carry on item above her head, she snapped her seat belt into place; her eyes slowly glance out the window noting that it would be two months before she will be back to Geneva. After all, she had received an interesting letter from Jason Scott requesting her to come to Angel Grove to attend his wedding. It was amazing that already the former original red ranger would be getting married; it was even funnier that it would be to Katherine Hillard the former pink turbo ranger.
"Ah! Miss would you like something to drink before we take off?" The middle age woman; dressed in a flight attendance suit smiled at her graciously.
"No that is fine. However, after we take off, I'll have a diet coke." Trini smiled sweetly, watching the lady walk away, she went back to staring out the window. Turning back to her thoughts, for two months she would be in Angel Grove as part of her vacation from the Geneva Peace Talks, her job wasn't easy. Those around her felt that she deserve a break, after all being a head didn't have it's merits when it came to fixing every little problem that seem to blotch up in the peace talks. Misunderstands were immense problem, due to language, customs, or even traditions that contradicted each other.
The pilot of the concord announced over the speakers that they would be off in a few minutes and to make sure things were secure, and fastened. She barely acknowledge those words, her brain was more worried about other pressing matters, besides the wedding for Jason and Katherine, but her old High school Reunion for Angel Grove high. Even though she left the school before graduation, she did acquire her degree from the school, through the distance study abroad program, since being selected as part of the Geneva Peace talks. Amazing, when your celebrities you were allowed the best, they meaning Jason, her, and Zack were place through accelerated classes, this made sure they graduated in 1996 so that way they weren't held back from the peace talks.
It was rather amazing that she received a letter from Angel Grove for their ten-year reunion. When she thought she Jason, and Zack would be ignore since the whole transfer from one place to another, she ended up wrong, after all they were loved in Angel Grove for achieving out of thousands of applicants to go to the peace talks. It was the first in the history of their high school that this honor was ever received so in a way the school, out of selfishness or pride wouldn't let their champions go without a fight. Fingering the window, she felt the airplane take off at high speeds, the scenery stated to pass before her eyes, almost like those cheap special effects that was used from the Wizard of Oz's tornado. The motion and movements past quickly before her eyes, until all that was left was clouds and skies, a sense of freedom of nothingness envelop her in their warm folds.
Drinks were offered around the cabin, after they were stable in the air, and the signs signaling that the stewardess could walk around freely. Glancing slowly away from the window, she pick up the headphones, and stick it into the terminal, so that she could listen to a few songs. Might as well enjoy the flight, after all, it was a long way from Geneva to Angel Grove.
The stewardess walked bye and place her tray down, while setting down the diet coke, not even realizing the woman or acknowledging her since she was deep in her thoughts. The song Haunted by Evanescence came on softly, giving the cabin a chilled feeling; the song filled her with a sense of unknown, and sadness, while making her feel a drifted.
Long Lost Words Whisper Slowly To Me
Still Can't Find What Keeps Me Here
When All This Time I've Been so Hollow Inside
I Know You're Still There
Fingering a silver pendant, she tugged it up and looked at it, the shape of the pendant was that of a traditional fan, it was crafted so that it was lighter then a feather. Fingering the small design, she pressed the tassel that hung from it, softly; a holographic image appeared in front of her.
Watching Me Wanting Me
I Can Feel You Pull Me Down
Fearing You Loving You
I Won't Let You Pull Me Down
A well-placed image appeared in segments until it reformatted onto the table tray that held the diet coke. Immediately the image started to spin, where two individuals stood together dancing slowly, and happily. "Billy." Whispering softly, her eyes misted at the sight of her most precious gift. It was a secret that she held, Billy had created the pendant, and the holograph, while giving her a disk that show her how to convert images from videos into holographic image, while storing it inside the pendant. Billy, or rather William Cranston, was a secret crush. Yet, inwardly, Trini and Billy, never did get together, since they both had that bond, that made them others see them as brother and sister.
Hunting You I Can Smell You - Alive
Your Heart Pounding In My Head
All possible romance, wasn't good enough for them, they also never found the time, what with comradeship in being power rangers, to her being able to understand Williams technological mind. It was a pity, since the two match each other quite well, they were consider Ying and Yang, light to darkness, chaos and calm. When Trini walked onto the plane heading toward Geneva, she felt it exciting, however, a sense of dying, the bond she shared with the Blue Ranger was severed. There would no longer be Trini and Billy the technological genius, the translator and the foreign language. It was a end to that brother and sister outlook, sure they constantly wrote to each other, however it grew fewer and fewer until at last they stopped, with one last letter from Billy stating that he would be going to Aquitar to live with the Rangers, so that way he wouldn't die from aging.
Watching Me Wanting Me
I Can Feel You Pull Me Down
Saving Me Raping Me
Watching MeThis was a shock, unexpected, and plain confusing; after all, even though Billy had gotten over his fear of fish, he was now going to live on a world full of water. Hearing from Jason, Trini later on learned that Billy had fell in love with Cestria one of the natives of the planet of Aquitar. It broke the former Yellow Morphin Ranger's heart, for she hoped that Billy and her would have gotten together in the end. All her dreams, all her love, was shattered into nothingness, instead of crying tears over it, she hid inside herself, meditating, working until she almost dropped. It was not until Zack came to visit that he saw the mess she was making herself. In the end, Trini talked to Zack about all her problems, letting them out, he ended up letting her cry out all her sorrows. That was a couple of years ago, now she was fine, she had her career, many people saw her as a figure head someone to be admired for her endless work to make the world better.
Pressing the tassel again, the image disappeared, picking up the drink, she pop up the cap, and took a swallow of it. Letting the fizzy pop burn her throat, making her shiver, when the music blared louder. It was pathetic, her eyes slowly tearing up from the burning, that she would be thinking of the former Blue Morphin Ranger. Settling back, she closes her eyes, indeed it had been a while since she had thought of him, however inside she wondered if he would even show up to the reunion. After all, it would be impossible for the school to get him the reunion invitation. Besides, he had his own life to live in, why would he want to come back to see the rest of them.
If Billy was to appear, she wondered what he would think, if he knew she was married. Her eyes trail to the wedding band of her ring, in a way, things were best working out, and she had already gotten married in a quiet ceremony. Rubbing the band reassuring, she smiles softly, it had been already three years, and she had been married to Lindon Harton. Instead of using her husbands last name, Trini during agreement with him, that she would retain her last name. Trini honestly admitted to Lindon, her beloved husband that she didn't really want to take on the husbands last name, and since it was the twenty first century. Lindon had admitted that he found it amusing that his wife was rather stubborn regarding how marriage would take place. In a way, he supposes that was why he loves her very much; because of her strict strong will to be individual.
It was at a special concert that Trini had met Lindon, he was being displayed as the soloist violinist for a music performances, it was wonderful, and when his eyes met her from the stage things seem to have frozen. This was the mark moment that she let anything penetrate her heart - the scars that were caused by Billy, eased over from pain, it was amusing, when the next day she went into her meeting and discover Lindon sitting there in one chair. Arnold Benton her assistant director introduce her claiming that Mr. Harton would be helping their cause with charity performances to raise funds and to promote peace. It was surprising to say the least and unexpected, it was later on that Lindon admitted that he manage to swipe her name from the reservation box office to find out who she was. They dated during those months, seeing each other, or talking to each other, when their busy schedules would let them.
It was later on after dating for two years, and getting to know each other's family, that they both decided to get engaged, later on following six months they married, when Lindon had permanently made it public that he would be doing fewer performances on tour, and settle down in one region. He even expressed his wants in opening up a music hall of some sort to teach students how to play music. It would be a private school, to help those with the gift of music to advance onward, it didn't matter regarding race, color, creed, or even money. As long as the scholarships were set up, by fundraisers they did, they could support the school. This reassured Trini that she made the right choice in falling in love with such a gentle soul, it was mesmerizing, the memory of Billy faded, even though she always wore the fan to remind her that she was stronger now.
It was amusing if Billy would appear, wondering how much her old best friend changed, she drifted slowly into sleep. The exhaustion of the day finally taking their toll with the combination of worrying.
Angel Grove City HallIt around mid-afternoon, when Tommy strode quickly into the office of the Mayor, noticing that Kimberly was at her station jotting down some notes from a phone call. Hanging up, she lifted her head to look at him with a smile plaster on her face. "Ah you're here that is good, he is in a bit iffy mood today just to warn you. I'll let him know you're here."
"Ah thank you." Tommy nodded his head, wondering what was with the professional air that Kimberly was projecting; it felt rather odd, and cold.
Pressing a button on a speaker, Kim spoke softly, "Mayor Williams, Mr. Oliver is here to see you."
"Yes let him in Miss Hart, thank you." Came a gruff voice over the speaker phone, standing up, she walk around her desk to the oak door, and open it with fluency.
Tommy walked into the room noting that it pretty much was still the same every since he last came in to see the Mayor. "Hi Harold." He spoke with a smile on his face, when he identifies the Mayor standing next to a bookshelf. "Still reading those mysterious that you always flavor I see."
An old distinguished gentleman lifted his head out of a book he was reading, his beard curled up with a smile, and twinkling blue eyes crinkled at the sides from the faint laughter marks. "Tommy my lad!" Mayor Williams announced with a smile. "It has been a long time indeed." Close to six years ago Mayor Williams had dealt with the case of the Native Americans against the toxic waste corporations, he was at the time younger, and an immense superior lawyer. With his help, they manage to shut down the criminal corporation, and retain grants to help purify the grounds for environmental preservation. Setting his book down, he walked toward Tommy, and shook his hand. "What have you been doing lately my young friend?"
"Well pretty much what I've been doing the last couple of years since I last saw you." Smiling, he walks with the older gent to the soft cushion and settee. "From what I heard from Kim, you seem to be in a very unsettled mood."
"Ah! I was before, it had to do with one of this other projects that's been giving me a bit of problems." Tugging on his beard Mayor Harold William set himself into a comfortable chair. "However, after seeing you, it seems I've forgotten about it all." Grinning like a Cheshire cat, "Ah you know Miss Hart?"
"Um yes we went to school of course together." Tommy replied smoothly, while waving away the glass of wine that the Mayor presented him with," this isn't why I am here however."
"Ah yes the propositions for Native Americans right? Prop. 519 taxes would be procured for betterment of schooling." Mayor William stated, taking a sip of the wine he held in his hand, "What did you want to talk about?"
"It just that it seems rather a good idea, however the increase of taxes would cause problems toward those in the Indian community, after all they are barely able to produce enough items, let alone work to support them and their family." Tommy stated, "Not to mention the taxes are mostly gather from the property they live on. Those lands however are granted to them by the government ever since the whole shipping and taking away of their land."
"I can see why your concerned Tommy, however, only way to refute that bill is either to have voters or even the legislative branch vote it down. You really have to honestly gather supporters to write a letter to Congress letting them know that Prop. 519 is unconstitutional." Watching with uncanny sharpness at the changes of emotional that flipped through his friend, inwardly Harold smile at the passion that he displayed regarding issues, and wants to help the people around him. Sure, he knew that the boy wasn't that naive he knew that helping itself would also have a cost or a price. One day, he felt that his unknowing friend would make it big in the world, perhaps even help relationships, and create harmony without wars.
"Well that is part of the reason why I am here Harold." Tommy nodded his head indicating he knew all that the other said was true. "I require your assistances in creating a new project to help out in gathering a campaign to drop down prop. 519." Tommy was actually seething from the thought of all the red tape he had to get through in order to make sure that things would work out for those that were of a minority.
[Note: All of this isn't really true the prop. Let alone other issues, I am just making it up with my creativity, so you have been informed.]
The Mayor stood up slightly working out his stiff joints from sitting in one place a bit too long. "I think it is a good idea Tommy, but you do realize that we will be stepping on a few capitalistic people in power, if we don't trend lightly." He warned his friend, "I don't want to end up on the grind and chop if things sour, let alone if there is a radical reform, that isn't agreeable, after all we have to log roll things into perspectives. The world is made up of propaganda."
"I'd understand that Harold." Tommy stood, "I know that it would be risky, however I think it would be rather good idea, to try to at least help out. However, if it is that risky then perhaps I should go to another to help out so that way you won't get into any trouble-"
"Now. Now, young Oliver I did not exactly say no." Harold wave him off with his hand, "I am just saying we have to be careful…"
"So you'll say you do it?" Tommy looked at his friend with a hopefully smile.
Clearing his throat, the older gent slaps the younger man on the back. "I said I'll take a look at what you got for me instead, and I'll help guide you at what might be good or what forth, but you have to know one thing, we need funds for this. I sincerely doubt the government will scarf up funds for this type of thing."
"Ah I understand, don't worry, I have a few people I can call him for a good cause, besides they sort of like helping too." Tommy begin to remember a couple of contacts he could fine, after all there was Trini Kwan, she was now the head of the Geneva Peace Talks, Rocky DeSantos his friend, was now a professional business tycoon manufacturing things in sports gear and profession.
Harold smiles with amusement, "Ah well that is good then just bring along the documents and give it to Miss Hart, she'll be able to give it to me so I can look over it."
"I really appreciate this Harold." Tommy grins cockily.
"Well we do owe each other many times over after all, if it wasn't for that case back then I wouldn't have made it up to Mayor." Harold laughs heartily. "But I am bit concern about you lately Tommy me lad."
"Eh?" Tommy glances at the mayor unsure. "What do you mean?"
"I saw the newspaper today, it is about the Dream Team USA headquarters." Harold walked over to his desk and held up the offending article. "Some say it was a sabotage of your team's names, other things it was a way to warn you guys off the tracks. It goes on the gossips in questions." He wasn't happy that something like this happen to such a good man as Tommy.
"Well they are still trying to figure out what is going on." Tommy felt his body stiffen under the concern looks of his friend. "I know it might cause a bit of trouble in policies and campaigns but it can't be helped the show must go on after all."
Harold shakes his head, "Just be careful, you're earning yourself very powerful enemies, if you keep this up Tommy. Remember I might not be there to help you out if the knife comes down."
"I understand, reassure I'll be careful." Tommy rubs his chin slightly from his thoughts. "Well if you don't mind I best be going to assess what sort of thing is going on in the Dream Team's office."
The Mayor smiled, "It's good to see you, come again, and don't be a stranger alright?" Shaking Tommy's hand, he led him to the door. "God's speed, young Oliver."
With that Tommy walked out of the office, winking at Kim, he proceeded toward the door; his destination is Angel Grove Race Track.
Kimberly look worriedly at Tommy's backside as he exited, with a glance from Mayor Williams, she stood up and walk into his office. "What did you find Janus?" Her voice was cool and calm referring to one of the former operatives of her syndicate.
Many years ago, Harold William belongs to the syndicate for the government, he was recruited at a very young age, but he wasn't place as an assassin. Instead, he expertise was confined to his profession as a lawyer, where he would get closer to clients on cases and information on corporations. It was only an added bonus that he became Mayor of Angel Grovel and one of the political guru's of the California political system. Janus his former code name that he went by was well known in the syndicate.
The syndicate also called Illuma the short version of the full word Illuminate which was the social political elite of the country, formed a segregated version of the Illuma a syndicate used to enforce handle, and procure information in top secret. It was just by a syndicate that it expanded in several areas, recruiting the best of each generation, and putting them to work for the syndicate. Since Mayor Harold Williams was one of the workers position in a localize position, he was able to provide with provisions the job that was require for Quintessa.
"It work out just fine, I warned him about trending carefully, he is now cautious then ever." Mayor Harold Williams stated calmly, "I am not sure what your going to do Quintessa, but you better be careful, that lad is a sharp one. I've known him for quite a while had my eye on him, even wanted to bring him into the syndicate, but I found a code orange in the way." Staring at the spy in point blank, knowing inwardly that she was the reason, that the code orange, which was use to label those that would not be recruited in the syndicate due to contract with another operative.
"Just as well, that he isn't, his life is already complex, if he were to join up, he would lose that glow that makes him the man you know." Kim retorted curtly, with icy exterior. "However, it is good he is warned, after all we both know how pig headed and oblivious he is to things out to get him."
"I wouldn't underestimate him Quintessa, he is no longer the same person you knew back in the old days." Janus announced with a smirk on his face, "but you are welcome to try to get to know him better, after all that is part of your job description."
"Maybe." Kim look at the newspaper, "Did you get any information from the others about the murder?" Her hands drew out a cigarette, lighting it she puff out some white smoke, while relaxing under the influence of the nicotine.
"Not yet head quarters right now are having a field day with the Japan case, since the mafia in the districted started to acquire extra weapons." Janus poured himself another drink, "You might also want to check up on the other stuff that Oliver is getting himself into."
"That bad?" noting the taunt lines around the older man's lips, while watching him gulp down a whole brandy, without choking on the bitterness, or even getting loopy from the alcohol.
Janus gave a harsh laugh, "Lets say he will be pissing off a few individuals in the higher upper of the political system if he doesn't walk carefully."
"Ouch." Kim sighs, "Well that is where you come in to make sure his paper work isn't all fancy and smashing into other people's toes." Shaking her head slightly, "I am not all wordy intelligent like you guys, that is your department."
"Even though I work as the Mayor of this city, and was partly assign to help you in anyway you need, it doesn't mean that I can keep him from throwing himself into a rock and hard place." Harold growled.
Kim acknowledged that half-heartedly, "Well at least it was reassuring to me before you ended my dream-land scenario."
"Just shut it, Quintessa." Harold wasn't please about the mockery he received from the slip of a small girl. "Anyways, Lazarus sent me a e-mail to tell you that the University has clear your files, and that everything is set up for you to work with. I just hope you're really good at all that United States information."
"Don't worry, I am a champ at history. After, all I have been in this syndicate and let's say my trainer thrives on history a little bit too much."
Smirking, "Even so, I wish you good luck." Walking around his desk, he sat behind it in the chair. "Your going to need it, I got a bad gut feeling about this case."
Kim slowly turns around and made her way to the door, "You and me both Janus, you and me both." With that she walked through the door to continue her work and monitoring of Oliver through a small hand pocket palm pilot that she program to keep a surveillance on Tommy. The wonders of small hidden cameras and spy satellite connection in the sky, it was rather amazing the amount of technology that one can use.
Angel Grove Ballet Company
In Angel Grove Ballet company, Katherine Hillard the former pink Turbo Ranger was standing in her black leotard, her eyes watchfully monitoring the other individual girls around her as they did their routines. Ever since moving back to Angel Grove and taking the position as head of the Ballet Company after Madame DuBois had retired, it was a dream come true for Katherine. She always wanted to be able to teach children, they were wonderful, their laughter, the vitality, and dedication made things she went through to be just worth it.
Glancing at the clock Katherine clapped her hands calling attention of the girls. "Very good, girls. You guys did marvelous, however it is time to end this for today, since time is running out. Now I want you girls to go home, and practice the routine, don't over do it of course, but be ready, for we are going to have a test in the moves tomorrow." This earns groans from the class, while making Kat grin madly.
A pair of arms clamp onto her waist lifting her up, Katherine squealed in startled, wiggling a bit until, until, she spotted her fiancé. "Jason you brat!" She scolds playfully, then laugh as she wrap her arms around his neck. "What are you doing here?" Delighted at the prospect of seeing Jason, even though he was suppose to be at the Opera House working on another project production that he had in the making.
"I ran away." Jason winked his brown eyes twinkled with mischief, and love, which made him more lovable in Katherine's opinion.
"You what?" Astonished that the former original red ranger would be lingering away from his duties, "How could you? Jamie must be in sheer panic." Musing at the thought of the editor and choreographer for the opera called 'Misera Perfection.' It seems for a while that Jason and Jamie Francos worked constantly together to bring together plays and productions from Jason's stories that he wrote, the only problems that seem to come up is the fact that Jason developed a sadistic personality that always like to torment poor Jamie.
"Since when has Jamie never been in panic love?" Jason smirks, happily, it was boyish of him, yet immature, however Katherine knew that inwardly that Jamie was sort of having fun with Jason playing cat and mouse. It was a way for them to relieve the stress going on, however they never ever fail regarding deadlines, and were rather good about them.
Katherine just smiles slightly, "You do realize that she probably guessed that you ran here right?" It was funny, that they both found each other later on in Angel Grove, sure they written constantly after giving up powers and retiring from the ranger business. It was when Jason appeared in Angel Grove Ballet Company requesting Katherine's help in choreographing the new Ballet Production. Jason was at the time a rather well known writer, dabbling in scripts, to story lines, that he later on created into productions in Opera Houses. It was later on that he decided he wanted something new, after seeing a ballet of Swan Lake, he felt the urge to create something with the graceful ballerinas. However, when researching about the whole system of writing Ballets he noticed that the papers were written in choreographing of weird symbols that didn't make any sense to him.
It was later on that he remembered Katherine, and thinking that it would be nice to see her, and find out if she would help him out, he went to visit her. Jason gave indication of what he wanted, and sketched out the story to Katherine exciting her, they quickly formed a partnership in the project and created 'Over the Sky.' Jason, then quickly informed his investors about the new project, and they funded for the Angel Grove Ballet Company to place the production on stage. When it opened, it rated high in reviews, and made a grand scale of popularity, earning recognition to the names of Jason Scott and Katherine Hillard.
Afterwards, the partnership between Katherine and Jason blossomed into more; they fell in love, growing closer until they finally were engaged. "Are you alright Kit Kat?" Jason shook Katherine, jerking her out of her musing, her lips tilted upward in embarrassment and pleasure at the nickname that Jason always called her now.
"Yeah sorry. I was just thinking about the past." Snuggling closer into Jason, she felt rather embarrassed when a group of her students called out to her that they were leaving. "You really are distracting Mr. Scott."
"Well I hope so." Jason lifted the other's face and kissed her lightly, "Now how about dinner?" Watching her slid out of his arms while picking up her gym bag.
"Well I was hoping we can go to our flat, since I really do need a shower." The former Pink Zeo Ranger, strode gracefully, to snag her water bottle and towel.
Nodding his head in agreement Jason opened the door, "Not a bad idea, besides I wanted to double check our mail to confirm that the others are coming to our wedding."
"Do you know if Kimberley is coming or even Billy?" Kat knew that Jason love the former original pink and blue ranger, however due to the fact Billy was on Aquitar and Kim was hard to find, hurt the her significant other very deeply.
Jason slid open the passenger door of the black Ford Explorer for Katherine. "You won't believe this," pausing as Katherine slid into the car, leaning over he grab the seat belt and clipped it on for her. It was utterly romantic and off putting at the beginning to Kat, however she gotten used to it. "It seems Billy is no longer on Aquitar."
"What?" Katherine looked surprised, "What you mean he isn't on Aquitar?" Slightly peeved, when he shut the door and walked around to the drivers seat opening the door and sliding in. "Well?" Feeling a bit impatient at the suspense, from not knowing, what was going on.
"I got in contact with the former Red Astro Ranger named Andros, Adam helped me out introducing me to him. Anyways, Andros was working for NASA, with the other former Astro Rangers, he contacted Aquitar for me, turns out the rangers on Aquitar sent back a message saying that Billy was no longer with them." Jason plugs his keys into the ignition and turned it on, after placing his seat belt on, and glancing in the window, he backed out and started to drive toward their flat. "It seems his wife Cestria died in 1998 years ago, stricken with grief, he left Aquitar."
"But—I thought Billy had that aging problem, that he needed that weird water to keep young." Katherine was in shock, Cestria was dead, it was so sudden, poor Billy, he must been suffering, she thought.
Almost sensing her underlined question, "Billy recovered from the aging problem on the same day of Cestria's death. It seems the Aquitar Rangers were not on their planet since they were fighting off Piranhatrons in a jungle on the planet Gratha when evil invaded the universe. Cestria died during an attack on Aquitar, since the Aquitar Rangers weren't on their own planet, Divatox launched several torpedoes onto Aquitar, the shields that were installed held off several of the torpedoes, but a few got through. One of the torpedoes that got through cause an explosion in the sector that Cestria was located in. Billy manage to get to her, but it was too late she died in his arms, that's when Billy had a major breakdown. He started refusing to take the water of life to stop the aging process."
"That is so awful." Katherine mumbles.
Jason agreed with Katherine silently he then continued on with the story, "Billy thought if he stop taking the water, he could die with Cestria by growing old, however it seems he was cured. He no longer aged, perhaps it was the will of the Gods or sheer dumb luck, that he wasn't allowed to die." Grateful that his friend, didn't end up dying, Jason decided to keep the fact that Billy tried to kill himself from Katherine, she didn't need to know the extent of pain that their friend had to go through. "Billy stayed on Aquitar for another year, but the memories were painful, by what Andros tells me. He returned back to Earth, hoping to forget, he didn't tell anyone that he was coming back. Except, when entering the Earth, DECA the ship computer of the AstroMegaship recorded his entry, onto Earth." Jason finally pulled up to their the parking lot of their complex, "Andros manage to locate where Billy is it seems his been working in one of the aerospace labs in some top secret facilities."
"Wow." Katherine mumbles, understanding how devastating it must be for the former original blue ranger to lose someone so dear to him. "Why didn't he contact us when he came back?"
"I am not certain Kat, perhaps he is still in mourning, Andros tells me he will try to get in contact with Billy and see if he can get him to come to the wedding. If he doesn't he could always get Adam to guilt trip him into it." Noticing the disbelief in Katherine face, "Trust me Adam is good at guilt tripping, don't let his shy façade take you in." Jason joked slightly.
"Mmm you're really not reassuring me about this Jason." Katherine gave him the evil eye for acting wickedly. Sliding off her seatbelt, she jerk open her door, while Jason did the same, together they walked to the elevator,
"Though that makes me wonder, would Billy be allowed to the ten year reunion? Even though he graduated one year earlier then me or the others in 1996."
Jason tilted his head in consideration, "I am sure we can somehow request for him to come along, if he isn't allowed." Tapping his finger on his lips "Let me ask the organizers for the event and see what they say about it."
"It would be good to have most of our friends back, besides I want Billy to see that he really isn't alone if we all gather together. After all he really actually belongs in the 1997 calendar, even though he graduated one year earlier." Kat commented softly. "How about Kimberley?"
"I've gotten interesting information about Kim, Zack called me he was in contact with Tommy, and all asking him if he was going to our wedding." Jason observed the widening of Katherine's eyes.
"Did they get back together?" Katherine said hopefully, she always did have a soft spot for the Tommy and Kimberley together factor. It was part of the reason why, she broke up with Tommy, and went to London Royal Academy for schooling after graduating from Angel Grove High in 1997.
Scratching his cheeks, Jason stepped onto the elevator, when the doors opened, "That's the weird part, it seems that Tommy bumped into Kim recently in Angel Grove city hall. They aren't together, but Zack told me that was what Tommy told him."
"I wonder if she gotten an invitation to the ten year reunion for Angel Grove High?" Katherine felt rather curious by the aspect.
Jason laugh, when the elevator stopped on their floor, getting off he place his hand on Katherine's back guiding her to their flat 4G, "Well, we could always have Tommy take her as his date if she wasn't invited, don't worry love, I am sure everything will work out. Besides, I told Zack to tell Tommy about the Wedding and to invite Kim, while he was at it for us."
"Saves trouble on invitations I bet." Katherine grins, walking in right when Jason opens the door, flickering on the light switch, she tossed her bag onto the couch. "Oh! Which reminds me, I've gotten a call from Trini, she is arriving form Geneva in a couple of hours, she needs a lift, do you suppose you can go get her?"
"No problem, besides I think Tanya is arriving at the airport at the same time, she just finish done of her record dealings in Toronto Canada." Shutting the door closed with a click, "She also commented that it is about time we get hitched last I've heard from her, and something about a party, I just hope that things don't go crazy when she gets here."
"Your such a worry wart." Kat walked over and ruffled Jason's hair affectionately, "Go check the mail, I'll be in the shower." With a kiss, she sauntered over into the master bedroom to take her long awaited shower.
Grinning like a certain Cheshire cat Jason saluted, "Yes ma'am!"
Angel Grove Race Tracks
Arriving on the scene, Tommy noticed the massive amount of reporters hovering around the arena, trying to catch a peak of what was going on, a few crowded around his car, taking pictures while trying to get some information out of him, when he parked his vehicle.
"Mr. Oliver is it true that there has been a murder in your race car the Strider?" A lady reporter tried to shove a mic in his face, but was pushed back with the rest of reporters by the police this earned a resounded shrieks from the woman.
Shouts could be heard all over the area, until Tommy reached the hanger and walked through the door, it immediately closed after him, glancing around he notice personnel from his team, standing surveying the damage of the area, while the police investigator walked around with them checking if anything was missing, or even moved around.
Coming upon the scene, many of his hands looked at him for reassurance, nodding to them, he felt them breath a sigh in relief, Tommy walked over to Helen, seeing her all pale, really made him worry. Glancing to the scene, he noticed the body still in the Strider, it was covered up with a white sheet, the investigators have not yet removed it from the scene, they were still busy trying to take pictures and finger prints. Walking over to Helen he kneeled down in front of her. "Are you okay Helen?" Placing his hands on her shoulders from his position, feeling the tension leave the older woman's body, he quirk a smile, when she nodded her head slightly. "Don't worry, everything will be fine."
"Tommy!" James called out in greeting to Tommy, satisfied that his friend helped reassured Helen, when the pallor faded from her face.
"James." Tommy acknowledge as he stood up, glancing down at Helen, "If you already given your statement go on back to the Angel Westmont and get some rest Helen. Your in no condition to focus on anything, I'll have one of the hands give you a lift back."
"Thank you." Helen croaked, flinching at the sound of her voice.
Tommy patted Helen on the shoulder. "No problem after all your family." Jerking his head over to one of the hands, he watched the man help Helen out of the complex. His face then turned into a grimace, "James give me a report! What do we have?"
James drew Tommy into the office and closed the door glancing at Tommy he pulled out the report that was copied for them. "This is what we have for now," watching Tommy take the clip board he went on, "There are no signs of breaking and entering, there are signs of a struggle, not to mention the dragging of the body into place and rearrangement." The door was opened right at the instances, a breathless Chris came in, her hair was stuck in a messy bun, and she was still dressed in something akin to a pajama, by the look of it.
"I came here as fast as I heard. Is Helen alright?" Chris stuttered out breathlessly.
"Yes Helen is fine, she is just shaken up Chris." Tommy smiled at the messed up look, "I think it is best if you go help her out, we had someone drive her back home."
The door opened, making Tommy wonder if there was something against knocking in this world. "We just received something, sorry if we opened it, but it had a weird ticking we thought it could have been a bomb." Replied the police officer.
This made Chris pale, watching her out of the corner of his eyes, as she found a chair and sat down. "It's not a bomb right?"
"No it isn't a bomb ma'am." The Officer reassured them, sliding open the box they glanced at it seeing a clock with a picture of Tommy in his car smiling, it was obvious printed out by a laser printer, and clipped clumsily and pasted inside the clock, where it didn't interfere with the hands. "We've already dusted for prints, so it is safe for you to touch it."
Feeling a bit unnerved, Tommy picked up the piece of paper that was inside the box, and flipping it open he stared at it, and then handed it over to James to take a glance at it. Clearing his throat, James started to read aloud:
Darkness beyond twilight, where my hands seek for your comfort.
Yet, it is denied those comforting hands, since you cast me aside in the night.
O' woe my heart that seeks the shining smile and the ever glinting car you steer.
Let me be yours, and together we shall seek the destruction and death.
For you are mine, and I am yours let it be known my Olive Branch.
~All my Love~
Your Number One Fan
Tossing the note back into the box, James looked disgusted, "It sounds sort of obsessive Tommy, do you think it is a stalker or something?"
"I am not really sure." Tommy admitted, his eyes stared at the photo in puzzlement, "That sort of reminds me of something."
Chris moved out of her hair and creeping near the items, looking at it like it was a revolting bug, "It looks like a clip from a music video we shot for promotion three years ago." Racketing her brain the promotional assistant snapped her fingers, "I know it was the contract we had with Tanya Sloan for one of her music video, it was a big hit, if I remember correctly, we sold tons of merchandize of the races, because of it."
"Ah I remember that." James nodded his head, "Good think you remember, that stuff Chris." Noticing the faint blush of praise from the pit boss, the Police Officer was taking down notes on what was going on.
"Just in case we will take that and have it examined, it seems to coincidental for you to receive one of these, and have a murder on the other hand. The body by the way has already been transferred, and will be autopsy tonight, the result will come in and we will inform you of the detail, we'll keep in touch, but for now we suggest you folks get some rest." With that the man was out with the box underneath his arm, they watched as yellow tape was placed over here and there sealing up places that aren't accessible anymore.
Tommy cracked his neck, "I am going to go now, I'll see you guys later okay?" Receiving chorus of yes, from the two, he walked out, and glanced over the area, rather pissed off that, his practice session was interfered with. Glancing at his watched, it noticed that it was past dinner by a couple of hours, it was amazing how much time flies, since he left the Mayors William's office, while running some of his errands, then coming to the track. The words time does not wait for anyone it seems rather fitting to him, and in a way it made him feel rather old as each second passes by.
Feeling determined, Tommy decided he might as well go hunting a bit for Kim, after all he did owe her apology for the disturbance he created in her life. It was funny, that just today on his cell phone he talked to Zack letting him know about Kim, wondering if he should stop at the local coffee shop to grab perhaps two canisters of coffee as a peace offering. Thinking it wouldn't be such a bad thing, besides he might as well see, which room Professor Hart, was lecturing in. With that he jump into his car glad that the reporters this time were staying out of his way, heading to the localize coffee shop, he was rather thankful that it was near by, so that he didn't have to go out of his way to get there. Besides, it was a good thing that the Angel Grove University was only a couple of minutes away from the track field, so he wouldn't be wasting all his time, trying to drive there.
Angel Grove University History Building Room 101
Kim stood in front of her class, she was dressed in the same outfit she worn in the Mayors Office, after all it was professional, beside it got her students to pay attention thinking she was a very strict matron. It made her laugh in all sense, at the beginning of class, she remember walking in dressed like a regular college student sitting with the rest of the students, hearing what they were talking about. One of her loud mouth soon to be students named Alex Crusher was all asking questions about the professor whether or not she as a old crone. It was amusing for her, when she stood up and walked to the front of the class, pulling out her notes and started to check roll. In the end, the boy never said anything bad, but he was actually a smart kid, for an 18 year old.
Now things were different, they were all working so hard, whether or not it is the studious behavior or her teaching methods she wasn't sure. "California has a great variety of geographical regions, landforms, and climates compare to those in all of the United States. Since it's climate is so vast, it is able to support many times of agriculture, once upon a time, it was consider the greatest giant in production of produce. Sunkist was created, for there were rumors that the citrus fruit called oranges were kissed by the sun. California has extraordinary diversity in culture among the Indian people of California."
Walking back and forth, Kim lectured, clicking on the button, the slides flipped forward to emphasize her points that she was making. "Whether it was by styles of housing, dress, transportation, that varied from one region to other. They had Kingship systems and forms of political organizations that differed throughout the state, as did their religious beliefs and practices. When the Spanish or the Europeans arrived, they had met one specific tribe by the name of the Chumash, these tribes were considered the most well-developed and advance. The Chumash had set up systems of trade; they were able to manufacture tools, fish for wildlife, even spear for seal. They had form of transportation through rivers, they traded with other tribes like the digger Indians so on so forth." Glancing at the clock she frowned at the time, "It is almost nearing the end of class, I'll let you guys go home now, however, I want you guys to read chapters 2 and 4 of your books, and come back into class, we are going to have group discussions about the Indians and their cultural diversity in California." With that, she watched as the students started to pack up their backpacks, walking over, to the projector, she turned it off and took out her slides form the slot, slipping it into her backpack.
The last student slipped out saying good night to her, she replied with a smile, finally finishing up her packing, Kim, pull on her bags.
"You have a way with students Professor Hart." Tommy's voice called out from the chairs, freezing she slowly turned to look at the desks that her students once occupied.
Way in the back sat Tommy Oliver, she felt it rather odd that she didn't detect him coming in from the back door, while she lecture, but then she been so immerse in the lecture that she didn't really noticed at the time. "Um thank you." Remembering to reply, she quirk her head side ways in curiosity, "Not that I am not glad to see you but, what are you doing here?"
"I thought I come to see you, after my horrid day at the track." Tommy admitted, "Do you need help with that?" Motioning a finger with her bags, in his hands however he carried two bags.
"I think it is more like, do you need help." Kim taunted softly, "Come along however, I have to go store some of my stuff inside my office," walking past him, she lead him up the stairs to the back door. When they were outside, she locked the door making sure it was secure, then headed down the hallway making a right into another hallway; they were standing in front of her door. "What is in the bags?" When she heard rustling of the paper, unlocking her office door she pushed it open and walked inside, Tommy followed closing the door, while he watched her unpack her bags and set things here and there.
Observing the room, noticing some photographs here and there with piles of books stacked on shelves, "Coffee and muffins." Taking them out of the bag, he offered them to her.
"Oh! Give!" Snagging it out of his hands, she unscrews the thermos, pouring the rich coffee into it and smelling it in relief. "I was so dying for caffeine that it was driving me insane." Kim admitted happily.
Amused at her antics, Tommy replied dryly, "Greedy little thing aren't you." Eyeing her, while she took a bite out of the muffin, making him swallow the lump that formed in his throat from watching her savor the sugary concoction, it was utterly arousing to say the least. "I thought that I could offer these humble things as an apology for the racket this morning."
Kim blinked in surprised, "You didn't really have too, I sort of forgotten about it actually." Her face turned serious, "You okay?"
Tommy unscrewed his thermos and pour out his coffee, blowing on it, he nodded his head, "It was bad Kim very bad."
"How bad?" Kim gave him a strange look.
"Very bad, I saw the body, it wasn't a good sight, I saw Helen Bradson my promotion manager, she was so pale. Then this weird package arrived to me, it had a clock with this picture of me during a music video that I did with Tanya Sloan, a former ranger." He added for Kim's benefit, "I don't even know why I am telling you this." He admitted after a while, "I didn't really come here to burden you with this."
"It's alright." Kim shushed him seriously, then her eyes soften, "Don't worry about it, that is what friends are for…" Pausing a bit in thought then mischievous glint formed in her eyes, "Besides I'll listen to anything as long as you give me free coffee, and muffins."
Tommy laughed, "Thanks I needed that you greedy little thing." Sipping his coffee he sat down in a chair, while Kim slid into a seat, they remain quiet for a bit enjoying the tranquil silence around them.
It was broken, when the sound of a clock started to beep on Kimberley's watch, turning it off, she notice the time is ten pm. "It's ten we should head back soon, but I think I like to talk a bit here, since you need it."
"If it is no trouble…" Tommy trailed off, but stopped when Kim waved him off.
"No it is fine, besides I was going to transfer the roll count onto my big attendance book, you can talk and I'll listen, while I do that, it doesn't really take that much concentration." Kim smiled, as she started to pull out the necessary items.
"Well, alright then." Feeling relieved that Kim was easy going as if she never left. "That wasn't the only thing that was in the box that was delivered, there was a note, that had this poem that seem rather obsessive and creepy." Tommy shook his head, "The Officer thinks there might be a link between the box and the murder."
"Do you think it could be a stalker, that wants you or something? After all, it seems like this person should have a motive, what did the picture look like exactly?" Kim asked curiously, while she checked marked the roll sheet onto the attendance book.
Tommy shook his head, "I was sitting in the Strider looking out."
"Do you know what the guy looks like?"
"Not really, there was a white sheet over the guy, they already move him out for a autopsy." Tommy shivers.
Finishing what she needed to do, she closed up the notebook and places it away, "Well until the facts are reveal, then perhaps we can speculate right."
"Your right." Taking another sip of the coffee, "By the way, on my way to the coffee shop, I've got a call from Zack." Wondering if Kim knew what was going on in some of her old friend's lives.
"Zack? Hnn I haven't talked to him in a while, so what is up with Zack?" Kim took another bite of her muffin. "Is he like alright?"
"Yes, he is fine," Tommy smirks, "Lets say he is doing real fine, you remember Aisha right?" Seeing the of course I do I am not brain death sort of glare from Kim, he chuckles, "Well," He hastily continued before she kills him. "Zack and Aisha are both living in Africa, Zack is an ambassador for Africa's Kenya to the United States. He and Aisha met up by chance, since she was one of the wild life doctors, that helped preserve some of the wild life creatures from poachers."
"Wow." Kim smiles, "They'll make a cute couple." Slightly envious of the happiness that Aisha and Zack had acquired together.
"Well that wasn't why Zack called."
"Eh?" Kim blinked in surprised.
"I told him about bumping into you." Tommy smirks, "He seem very surprised, and happy, he also told me some really nifty news. Jason and Kat are getting married…"
"WHAT?!!" Kim was very shocked indeed, her mouth dropped open, "Wait a minute did I just hear you say Kat and Jason? Jason and Kat? My Jason???" Her eyes widen into big wide saucers.
"Yes, our Jason, not just your Jason." Tommy teased, "And yes it is the Kat your thinking about, they got together."
Kim shakes her head slightly, "I would have never thought that they would end up together." Eyes softening slightly, "I use to think that you and here would be a item for a while, it surprises me that you didn't stay with her," flushing slightly, "I read about the article on you being single, which sort of made me wonder, what ever happen to the two of you." Feeling slightly guilty for bringing up his lack of relations, "Sorry about that I am sure you don't enjoy listening of relationships and all." Kim laughs softly, while adding, "Well at least Jason and Kat are happy together, and besides they do make a good couple."
Tommy tried not to flinch slightly at the mentioning of his and Katherine's relationship, inwardly it was a mutual breakup, before they left from graduation, Katherine wanted to go to London, while he wanted to continue his racing around the world. They ended it, with consent, regarding long distance relationship wouldn't have worked, and the fact that Katherine thought he was still hung over on Kim. In a way, that wasn't necessary wrong, he would never get over Kimberly Hart, and just being here right now was proof of it. "They sure do." He echoed slightly.
Noticing the change in his tone, yet deciding it wouldn't be wise to broach into the subject, Kim, tried to turn the subject onto more grounds that are comfortable. "How on Earth did Kat and Jason meet up again? I know they knew each other from the zeo years, but later on I mean."
"I am not really sure, but we could always find out if you go to the Wedding or the reunion at Angel Grove." Tommy smiles, "It would be fun, I think many of our old friends are going."
"I didn't get the invitation." Kim looks sheepishly.
"Well that isn't so odd, since Jason said that you were the most hardest person to get a hold of, the same could apply to the Reunion. We could possible call up the committee and let them know." Tommy reassures the former original Pink Ranger. "Oh by the way Jason told Zack who told me to tell you that you are invited to the Wedding, even though you are the hardest gal to get a hold of on the face of the Earth."
"Very funny, not my fault that I moved a lot in Florida, since we were switching facilities, and doing competitions in Florida, it is almost like living in the army." Kim smile, it wasn't necessary a lie, for it was partly true, she did move around. Whether by fake name, code name, or on secret missions, but they didn't need to know that. Already she knew that Tommy probably had a stalker on his hands, while doing her duties, she access files, that already told her about some of the details in the facilities of the Dream Team USA. All she had to do was get some of the syndicates people into the operations to find out information in more detail, she was certain that Tommy wasn't leaving anything out on her, he was never one to try to keep things from her unless it would harm her. "At least I keep up with some of the news."
Tommy just shook his head, "Well you sure did move a lot, but how did you know for certain that Jason was the Gold Ranger? After all you didn't really know about Trey's the original owner of the powers. Yet you still know that Jason was part of the Zeo Rangers back then."
Kim nodded her head, "I was certain, it was him, after all, he did leave Geneva and all by what I heard from the newspapers, and it made sense, since some of the shouting you guys did, were recorded on the television. I could recognize Jason's voice anywhere, since when we were little he always yelled at us not to fall down or something." Feeling amused at the memory, of all the times, Jason tried to prevent them from getting hurt or even taking on bullies like Bulk and Skull, when they were little kids.
"Well I am sure he is calming down, since he is going to be hitched with Kat." Tommy snickers.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that Tommy-boy. Cats have nice sharp claws, and they are rather playful too well some of them." Kim amended, glancing at the clock noting the time was 11 pm she started to lock up her files, and picked up her purse. "I think it is best Mr. Oliver that we head back home now."
"Alright Miss Hart." Tommy mimics a little grade school boy, "Should I help you out Miss Hart?"
Giggling, "Oh stop it you freak." Kim shook her finger at him, "You are a twenty nine year old now, no longer a little five year old." Picking up the canisters, she handed them to Tommy, while pushing him out and locking her office door.
"So pushy now aren't you?" Tommy teased.
"Only when it comes to you Oliver." Kim smirks, "Only when it comes to you."
Outskirts of Angel Grove
Meanwhile in the outskirts of Angel Grove, a young man around the age of twenty-two stood beside the road, he was caked with dirt, here and there. His brownish hair fell over his dark eyes; his clothes were worn in and out for many days, while he carried a blue backpack on his shoulders. He felt his fingers trembled, while he stared at a piece of paper, that had a address and phone number on it, the name seem to burn a hole through his skin. "Tommy Oliver." He croaked weakly, "Finally I found you."
Back Tracking Notes
In Chapter 1 Kim is part of a government Syndicate; you could call it one of those secret organizations to ensure that terrorists/ internal threats/ conspiracies don't jeopardize the government that has been established for a while. There are several branches of this Syndicate yet they all are called Illuma, which was derived out of the full word Illuminate, which was the social political elite of the country.
The Orange Code is something that was created by Kim and Illuma Syndicate, when they recruited her; it was under contract for her to join that they would leave her friends alone. The Power Rangers were noticed and identified for a while by the Syndicate. They've been keeping an eye on them making sure that the teenagers don't use the powers for more devious reasons. It was part of the reason why they were watched, and since they notice that, some of the individuals were changed over the time. The Syndicated also noticed the potentials in these teenagers that were the Power Rangers, many of the operatives and officials wanted them in their group.
However, the first recruit was Kimberley Ann Hart, the organization wanted her badly, due to her outstanding ability to hold groups of people together, blend in, and even the acting skills she even had, making her the top candidate for performance. Not to mention the timing was the best, since the Pan Global were coming up, they sent in their operative to see if he could drive her to the cause. In the end however, they realize their mistake that this former ranger wasn't naive like most of their operatives, rather she was sharper, and they underestimated her. In the end, they made a threat, knowing it would work, she in turn demanded for a contract to be drafted that states they would leave Billy, Trini, Jason, Tommy, Kat, Adam, Rocky, Zack, Aisha alone to not let them get involve with the syndicate. This was readily agreed since; they knew that any move made against Ms. Hart would result in their secret being exposed. While making them a villain to the other rangers, however other options like killing her came into mind, however they didn't want to lose her because of her value.
Yet, they understood that their might be other advantages, since the rangers do change ranks, so they set their eyes on the future rangers, but this was all spoiled, when the PRIS rangers revealed their identity, making them to too famous to establish contact with.
Now some of you are probably wondering what Quintessa means, it is derived from the word Quintessence. This word is from the dictionary it means purest and perfect, or most typical, form, manifestation, or embodiment of some quality or class. Another is epitome, embodiment, incarnation, personification, model, prototype, exemplar, ideal, beau ideal. Yet to give it a title I created Quintessa almost like a comparative of Countess, yet the word really means what the definition words means.
It will be the next couple of chapters before we have the explanation of the name, and what it all means to Kim. However, you can take it this way, Quintessa could mean that she is the most purest, or the embodiment of some quality or class, however I tend to lean to the word incarnation or personification more then usual for Kim. ^_^
Tommy majored in Political Science, he is still racing cars currently he belongs to the Dream Team-USA group. Due to his brother David Trueheart, who was adopted by Sam Trueheart, Tommy had gotten interested in the political affairs of the Native Indians. So on a off side sort of deal, Tommy tries to help out, by making sure propositions let alone injustice things don't happen to the Native Americans.
Tommy is a Native American activists, there was a innocent that happen a couple of years back, in Angel Grove Reservations, where a corporation was dumping task and toxic chemicals into the land, that contaminated the water supply killing Native Americans. To help prove the fact that the land was being poisoned Tommy enlists the help of Justin Stewart the former Blue Turbo Ranger. However, in the end Justin ended up hurt in a riot that was between the corporation and the Native Americans. When Justin was in the hospital, he was attacked by fake Native Americans. Justin never contacted Tommy from the incident and Tommy really wasn't clear what else happened to Justin, besides him being hurt. In the end an anonymous person gave information to help shut down the corporation.
Added on Characters
Mayor Williams of Angel Grove.
Chris Chiram, Dream-Team USA Promotion Manager's Assistant.
Helen Bradson, Dream-Team USA Promotion Manager.
James, Dream-Team USA Pit Boss
Lazarus, Kim's Superior's Code-name in the Oliver Case for the Syndicate.
Miki, obsessive killer it seems.