" My, aren't we grumpy today," Cat muttered as Ian pulled the sheet
back over his head.
" It was all a dream. It was all a dream," Ian murmured.
" Hate to burst your bubble, but you are a Power Ranger-,"
" It's not being a Power Ranger. Being a hero I can handle," Ian murmured. Cat didn't overhear.
" -and it is also time for school!" Cat cried as she yanked the sheet off of her son. " Now, wash up. You are going to school, and you're going to show Roder the ropes."
" Roder?" Ian cried, waking up. " That maniac? He's insane! He's worse than the twin terrors!"
" Your cousins are not that horrible. Now get up. I won't tell you again," Cat said. She turned around, grabbed Ian's clothes and hurled them at him.
" So, how'd it go?" Thomas asked, glancing over his newspaper.
" Better than I thought. He woke up when I mentioned Roder," Cat said.
" I thought he would."
" You sure Roder is school material? I mean, he is the kid who was raised on the streets. And the name thing. 'Roder?' Where'd he get that?"
" An airplane, perhaps?" Thomas said. Ian raced down the stairs.
" I am begging you. Don't make me responsible for Roder," Ian begged.
" No can do. Cat and I are going to have our hands full with our new teen club," Thomas said.
" Sarah is helping us come up with a name. We've narrowed it down to 'Wazzup' and 'What's Up?'" Cat said.
" You really put a lot of thought into that, didn't you," Ian remarked.
" Go to school!" Thomas and Cat cried together.
" You don't have to push me out," Ian said.
" I can't believe I let your parents, that robot, and Melissa talk me into this," Roder muttered.
" Me either," Ian shot back.
" Boys," Sarah warned.
" You know, every time I see that kid, I keep expecting him to start saying he's the real Slim Shady," Ian whispered to Sarah.
" Hey guys!" called someone.
" Oh, hey Mary!" Sarah called. " See ya third hour," she said, falling back to talk with her friend.
" Girls," Ian muttered.
" Hey, we agree on something," Roder muttered.
" What's with you, Ian and the hunk?" Mary asked.
" Oh, Roder? We, uh, work together. At Ian's dad's place," Sarah said.
" Yeah? Well, when's the opening?"
" Supposedly next Wednesday, but I have my doubts. They're still searching for the right name," Sarah explained.
" I tell ya, from what I've been reading about the place in the article Ian's mom did, if it's not a good name, then it won't do as much damage as somethings. You've been spending so much time on that, have you even thought about the dance tournament?" Mary asked.
" Oh, no! I completely forgot about it! What with the whole monster downtown and the Ranger thing and morphing..." Sarah said.
" What?" Mary asked.
" Huh? Oh, nothing," Sarah smiled. " Gotta stop muttering when non- Rangers are around."
" Good day, class," Miss Levis said as she entered. " Ah, I see we have a new student today. Uh, Mr.... It appears that your name isn't on my sheet properly. I'll have to talk with Bonnie down in the front office about that. Anyway, perhaps you'd like to share a bit about yourself?"
" Not really," Roder said.
" Well, all right. Now then."
" That's a teacher here? She looks more like one of those background dancers you never learn the name of," Roder muttered. Ian responded with an elbow.
By the end of the day, the entire faculty was regretting letting Roder within one hundred miles of the school.
" I tell ya, he's a menace. First period, he insulted the teacher, second period, he hit on her, fifth period, he actually walked out because, and I quote, 'This is a waste of time.' At least, I think that was it. Mr. Frederickson was busy exploding over the fact that Roder actually pulled off his toupee," Ian sighed as he and Sarah walked to the gym.
" Ouch. Anyway, I- Hey, what's going on over there?" she asked. She pointed to a crowd. Roder's voice floated over the chatter.
" Shit," Ian sighed. The two ran over and joined Ben, Sierra, and Melissa.
" What's going on?" Sarah asked.
" Roder and the principal are having a 'War with words,'" Ben explained.
" I know Roder. It'll go further than that any second now," Melissa sighed. Sure enough, she turned out to be right. As the other five made their way to the front, a resounding smack was heard.
" You'll be expelled for this!" the principal cried.
" I fail to see your threat," Roder smirked.
" Should have seen that comment coming," Ian said, rolling his eyes.
" Come on, let's get him out of here and to the-" Ben shot Sarah a warning look. " -To, uh, your house, Ian," Sarah said, correcting her near mistake. The five ran to Roder.
" Sorry about this, Mr. Garrick. He's, uh," Ian searched for the words.
" A little crazy," Melissa said, emphasizing the crazy as she glared at Roder.
" I'm going to have a little. chat with his parents," Mr. Garrick said. Ian gulped while Roder simply smiled evilly at the principal.
" Roder, what the hell where you thinking, punching the principal?" Ian exploded as the others continued dragging him out.
" I felt like it," Roder shrugged.
" You. Let's get him back to you-know-where. Ben, you see anyone around?" Ian asked.
" Nope. It looks like most people are still stunned from the fight," Ben said after glancing around. Ian nodded and the other teleported, Melissa and Sarah holding Roder.
" Well. It appears that the Rangers are already having difficulties," Psycho snickered, looking down from the observation post.
" Well, father?" Liko asked, " What is your plan?"
" Get X. I want to send a Dark Warrior to split the Rangers up even further than they are now," Psycho snickered.
" As you command, father," Liko said.
" Now that was interesting," the disembodied voice of Psycha chuckled.
" Yes, mother. So tell me. Do you plan on having the Dark Warrior X sends to destroy Psycho?" Liko asked.
" No. Go with it, though. Collect energy for my portal. Magoto has prepared it. I want the humans' energy for my return," Psycha cackled.
" As you command, mother," Liko nodded.
Magoto stormed into the Dark Warrior Bay.
" X. I believe that Psycho has plans to send a Warrior down," Magoto said.
" Hurghhhh. We haven't the energy to continue Psycho's idiotic plot for revenge on the humans. Doesn't he realize that?" X muttered.
" Of course not," Liko's voice carried from the entrance.
" Little Lady. What may I do to be of service to you and Psycho?" X asked with more sincerity than even he thought he was capable of, considering how fed up he was with Psycho's command.
" My father wanted a Warrior sent to Earth. I believe the one we were discussing this morning would be appropriate," Liko said.
" Very well. It will take a few moments to send it through the Monster Draken. Do you wish to wait?" X asked.
" No. Simply have him report to the teleportation module once you are finished," Liko said and left.
" Do you think she suspects that we plan to eliminate her father?" Magoto asked.
" She likely has her own plan. Remember how she dealt with the uprising on Tarbac Three?" X snickered.
" True. We'll play along with Psycho for now. But the first chance I get, I will destroy Psycho, the sentimental fool," Magoto growled. He turned and left X to send the Warrior through.
" It looks as if everyone on this ship has a hidden agenda to Psycho," he muttered to himself. " Even myself," he said, stroking a snake in a box.
" He did what?" Alex asked with a moan.
" You heard me. He punched the principal," Ian sighed.
" I'll kill him," Alex sighed.
" You'll have to wait in line. Melissa is first, followed by me," Ian sighed.
" Your parents where crazy to even send him to school," Alex said.
" My first response was, and I do not paraphrase, 'That maniac? He's insane! He's worse than the twin terrors!'" Ian sighed.
" Your cousins. this kid. Tough call," Alex sighed.
" Alex. Ian. What the hell happened?" Thomas asked as he entered.
" Roder wasn't school material. He punched Mr. Garrick," Ian said, summing up the school day.
" The principal? The stupid, stupid kid!" Thomas said. " I thought it was simply a student. Alex?"
" Yeah?"
" You still can't kill him."
" Dang."
" Melissa, what is the deal with Roder?" Cat asked as Thomas and Alex were in Thomas's private office.
" It's his background in the slums," Melissa sighed. " He was abandoned when he was three. My father found him stealing from a food cart. He took him in. He might have been okay, if it weren't for my brother, Nate. Nate was in one of the gangs in the slums. Roder idolized him. One night, Nate snuck out. He woke Roder up, so the seven-year old curiosity kicked in. Nate and his gang ended up in a fight with a rival gang. One of the rivals brought a gun. Nate was shot."
" Oh my God. That... Did Roder see it?" Penny asked.
" Yes. Nate died before the police ever got there. But Roder did see the face of the killer. Unfortunately, the police weren't about to go arrest him because of a seven-year old's 'belief.'"
" Why?" Ian asked.
" Because the killer happened to be a relative of one of the richest families in town, and he had the police on his payroll."
" That's insane. That's wrong. That's-" Ben started.
" That's life," Sierra growled.
" She's right. Not to mention the guy, Sacrio, or at least that was his gang-name, since he didn't want to let on how he came from the Henderson family, happened to have a family alibi. Do you know what it felt like seeing your adopted brother come home and having to be explained right along with him why his brother wouldn't be coming back? Do you know how difficult it was for Roder, who watched Nate die?" Melissa said. She turned, hiding a tear.
" It's okay, Melissa. I'll tell Thomas. He'll... Well, I hope he'll go easier on Roder," Cat said. Melissa nodded. Alpha led her back to her room while Cat walked into Thomas's office.
" Man. Can you believe that happened to Roder?" Ben asked.
" I know. I've got a whole new perspective to him. I just thought he was a jackass," Ian said.
" Yeah. But instead, he grew up so quick and wouldn't let anyone in. Ian, you-"
" I know, Sarah. When Dad finds out, I bet he'll fight not just to get Roder back in the school, but also adopt the guy," Ian sighed.
" Alex, watch over him. Don't kill him," Thomas said.
" I'll try," Alex said, with a smile to let Thomas know he was joking. Once Roder and Alex had left, Cat explained Roder's story to Thomas.
" Damn. I didn't think his background was that bad," Thomas sighed. Alpha entered.
" Thomas. I realize that I just recently took the job as you assistant, but I believe that Roder could become an acceptable member of the Power Ranger team- If he spends enough time with other regular human teens," Alpha said.
" Exactly. Let him get to know Ian, Sarah, Sierra, and Ben. I think it'll do him some good. Who knows? Roder might become a regular teen sooner than you think if he gets a chance at a normal life," Cat smiled.
" I think so too. Except he won't have a normal life unless he goes to school, and Mr. Garrick isn't likely to let him back any time soon," Thomas sighed.
" Then he hasn't tangoed with me yet," Cat smirked. Alpha turned and walked out, and Cat and Thomas followed a few seconds later.
" Well? What's the verdict?" Ian asked as Cat and Thomas entered the control room?
" We're going to talk with Mr. Garrick. Hopefully once we explain Roder's background, he'll be more willing to change Roder's punishment from expulsion to suspension or even probation," Thomas said. Alex returned to the control room without Roder.
" Mr. Pain-In-The... er... Rear is in with Melissa," Alex said. A control panel began to beep incessantly.
" Ai-yi-yi-yi-yi! Thomas! There is an emergency downtown! It is one of Psycho's monsters!" Alpha cried.
" Shit. Alex, lock on to all the morphers. Ian, take your team out."
" Right." Ian ran off, Sarah, Ben, and Sierra following. They grabbed Melissa and Roder.
" What's happening?" Melissa asked.
" Psycho sent a monster downtown," Ian said.
" Okay. Let's go," Melissa said.
" Whatever," Roder muttered.
" Alright, guys," Ian said, nodding to each side.
" Star Power!" all of the teens except for Roder cried and hit the buttons to morph.
" Yeah, yeah," he muttered and hit the buttons.
" Such a fine day to gather energy for my mother. Star Smasher, destroy a couple buildings. That'll get the Rangers to come running. Then I'll gather their energies in my urn," Liko said.
" You got it, boss!" Star Smasher fired a beam from his eyes, destroying some abandoned warehouses.
" Hold it there, monster!" Ian cried, morphed.
" Ah. Power Twerps. How nice of you to get here so fast," Liko asked.
" Who are you?" Sarah asked.
" I am Liko, daughter of Psycho and Psycha. And I'm your worst nightmare," she snickered, grabbing her whip.
" Ian, I'll handle Joke-o there. You guys take the monster," Sarah offered.
" All right. You heard that guys?" Ian asked.
" Yeah, and I'm going after the lady," Roder rumbled.
" If you do, Roder, I will make your life a living hell," Melissa growled.
" What do you care?"
" Because, you idiot, I- LOOK OUT!" Melissa cried, knocking Roder down as Star Smasher threw an energy bolt at them.
" You know, even for newbies you Rangers talk too much," the monster snickered.
" Let's go!" Ian cried. Sarah was left with Liko.
" So, they think very little of you, apparently," Liko snickered. " After all, why else would they send you to do battle with me."
" Maybe because I can beat you and you can't win? Just a thought," Sarah smiled.
" Oh, give it up, Orangie. You don't stand a chance against me," Liko smiled.
" Don't bet on it," Sarah said, putting her hands together.
" Hah! Orangie is so afraid she'll lose to me, she's praying!" Liko cackled.
" Not exactly," Sarah smirked. " Energy Ball!" she cried, pulling apart her hands. An orange ball of crackling energy hovered in the air. Sarah spiked it into Liko's midsection, throwing her into a wall, leaving an imprint. Liko slid down, but pulled herself up with an effort. She touched a trickle of blood coming out of her mouth and smiled.
" Hurrr," she growled. She looked over at a small pale blue ball floating over a fallen person. " You're energy will serve my cause," she smiled. She motioned the ball over to her and Sarah. Sarah looked at the ball. It focused in on her.
" Thomas, that ball drains the energy of living people. Sarah doesn't stand a chance against it if that general plans to drain her energy," Cat said.
" I know. That's why we're giving her a boost," Thomas said. He nodded to Alpha, who pressed a series of buttons.
" Sarah, we're sending you a new weapon that ought to help against that thing. But be careful. If you don't watch your back, that ball will drain your energy- a part of your life force," Thomas said via the commlink in Sarah's helmet.
" Right," Sarah nodded. She held out her right hand and a blaster appeared in it.
" This is a battle-ready Star Blaster. The ones Alpha had you training with the other day were prototypes. Aim it at the ball, and it should help you," Thomas said. Sarah gripped the Star Blaster tight.
" All right. Let's see whatcha got, little Star Blaster," she said, aiming it at the energy ball. She fired a burst, which made the ball sputter in the air. Liko's eyes grew wide.
" No!" she cried. She called the ball over to her. Grabbing it out of the air, she glared at Sarah. " I will see that you pay for this insolence, girl," she growled. The eyes on her dragon head helmet glew and a blood red beam enveloped Liko, making her disappear. Sarah sighed in relief, then ran over to the other Rangers.
" Well, Rangers, let's see what you have to offer," Star Smasher snickered.
" Guys!" Sarah cried, running over.
" Thomas-"
" I'm on it, Cat," Thomas said. He and Alpha pressed another series of buttons, causing the other Rangers to get their Star Blasters.
" Hmm, more weaponry," Roder smiled.
" Roder..." Melissa warned.
" Hey, take it easy, 'Lis. Just joking around," Roder smiled. Melissa turned, but kept an eye on Roder.
" You Rangers may have fancier weapons, but I still have the upper hand!" Star Smasher growled.
" I doubt it. Rangers, fire!" Ian cried. The Rangers aimed the Star Blasters at Star Smasher and fired. Star Smasher flew back and hit a wall.
" I hope the city doesn't make us pay for damage costs," Ben joked. Star Smasher pulled himself up.
" You'll need more than that to stop me, Rangers!" Star Smasher snickered, and fired an energy beam from his eyes at the Rangers. Sparks flew, throwing the Rangers to the street.
" This guy is really starting to piss me off," Ian muttered.
" Ditto. I say it's time we pull out the heavy artillery," Sarah suggested.
" Agreed," Sierra said. The Rangers pulled out their Star Weapons.
" Star Axe!" Ben called as he slashed Star Smasher.
" Herthener Arrows!" Sierra cried, firing a group of arrows at Star Smasher. The arrows exploded on impact and threw him back.
" Feral Sword!" Roder cried, and slashed Star Smasher back. The monster groaned, but got up.
" Finally. My turn to shine," Melissa smiled. She gripped her whip. " Electric Whip!" she cried. The blue ribbon energized and flew to Star Smasher and wrapped around him.
" Huh?" Star Smasher grunted. The whip sparked, and electrified the monster, then released him to the ground.
" I'm up," Sarah smiled, putting her hands together. She pulled her hands apart, revealing another orange ball of energy. " Energy Ball!" she cried. Star Smasher was thrown back into the wall.
" You know, if that's the way our attacks will normally end up, the repair men in town will never run out of business," Ian muttered. Then his frisbee began to spin on one of his fingers. " Ranger Frisbee!" he cried, throwing it straight into the monster's midsection. It flew out of the other side of Star Smasher and returned to Ian's hand. Star Smasher moaned and screamed, then fell forward and exploded.
" All right! We did it!" Sarah cried.
" That's a relief," Sierra sighed.
" Those Rangers!" Psycho cried.
" Do not worry, father. We will defeat them. It will simply... take time," Liko said, placing a hand on her father's shoulder.
" Leave me. I do not wish to injure you in my anger," Psycho said.
" Yes, father," Liko said. As she left her father's chamber, she snickered. She walked from the chamber to a door. She knocked on it. " Magoto, it's me," she whispered. A scan started, obviously Magoto's attempt to confirm her identity. Once it finished, the door opened.
" Liko. You certainly appear to be more blood-thirsty than your father," Magoto said.
" I had two good teachers: You- and my mother," Liko smiled.
" Did you bring the energy we need for the weapon?" the general asked. Liko held out her hand and the energy ball formed. Magoto reached for it.
" You promise this energy is only for my mother's portal, and not some weapon to destroy my father?" Liko asked with a glare that could melt steel.
" Liko. Don't you trust me?" Magoto smiled.
" Of course I don't. What do you take me for, an idiot?" Liko growled. Magoto saw the trap she was laying for him.
" No. Of course not, my lady. Well, if you do not trust me, perhaps you should place the energy into the portal charger yourself," Magoto said.
" Yes, I do believe that to be wise," Liko said, brushing past Magoto. Liko saw the place where the energy was to be place. Opening the container door, she gripped the small metal ball in the center of the energy. Almost instantly, the energy fell off of the ball and down to the bottom of the long, steel cylinder.
" It will take some time for enough energy to collect in there before we can activate the machine," Magoto said.
" I have waited years. I can wait a few weeks more," Liko said.
The next day, Thomas and Cat arrived at Starry Grove High.
" All right. So, let's rehearse this again," Ian said to his parents.
" We go straight in to see Mr. Garrick. We do not talk to any students. After the meeting we go straight to our car and will not reenter the school. We will wait for you, Sarah, Ben, Sierra, and Melissa," Thomas and Cat said in a monotone.
" Good. We're on the same page. I'm okay with Roder, but I've got a reputation to worry about here," Ian said.
" Mr. and Mrs. Scott. What are you doing here? I thought we're supposed talk about your son's grades next week," Mr. Garrick said, taking a sip of his coffee.
" Actually, we're here about our adopted son, Roder," Thomas said. Mr. Garrick spat out his coffee.
" You adopted that nut- Never mind. It is not my place to judge your actions... No matter how much I want to," Garrick sighed.
After school, Ian, Sarah, Melissa, Sierra, and Ben ran to Thomas's red van and hopped in.
" So?" they asked as one.
" Well, we explained the situation to Mr. Garrick..." Cat started.
" And we explained that we were going to start a severe discipline program with him..." Thomas continued.
" And..." the teens said in unison.
" And... Roder's punishment has been reduced to a three week suspension- in-school suspension. For some reason, Mr. Garrick thought that Roder didn't see being out of school as a punishment," Thomas said. Melissa sighed with relief against the chair. Someone rapped on the window.
" Greg! Hey, man," Ian said, opening the door.
" Hey, Ian," Greg Lucas said. " Say I was wondering- Oh, you've got a full van here," he sighed.
" I think we can make room for you, man," Ian smiled.
" Thanks!"
" What are best friends for?" Ian joked.
" Okay, Greg. We'll drop you off at your house, then Cat and I were planning on having them check out our teen club," Thomas said.
" I thought it wasn't open until Wednesday," Greg said.
" Not to the public. But the construction is finished and everything is set up inside," Cat said.
" Oh, can I come? Please?" Greg begged. Thomas leaned over to Cat.
" With Ian's Ranger duties, he is going to be spending less time with his best friend," he said, " Let's go ahead and let him come along."
" Oh, I suppose," Cat smiled.
" As long as once you get there, you call your mother. I remember how stressed she was that time we went to the amusement park," Thomas said.
" I have never known a woman of that stature to yell so loudly. Or that forcefully," Cat said.
" And she doesn't call herself overprotective," Greg said.
" Okay, well, what are we waiting for? A written invite?" Ian asked. Thomas started the van and they pulled out.
" Hey, cool watch, Ian. Where'd you get it?" Greg asked.
" Internet," Ian said quickly.
" Cool. Can I press one of the buttons? You know, just to see what it does?" Greg asked.
" NO!" everyone else cried.
After about a fifteen minute drive, Thomas finally parked at the teen club.
" By the way, what did you pick for the name?" Sarah asked.
" Well, no offense, Sarah, but we chose one that wasn't on your list of acceptable names," Thomas said.
" And you are expecting customers next week?" Sarah cried. They walked over to a building.
" So, where's the name?" Ian asked.
" Actually, the construction guys are putting it on now," Thomas said, pointing up. A sign was being placed on the building. It read 'The Tiki Room.'
" 'The Tiki Room'?" Ian asked.
" Well, we kinda wanted some kind of theme song," Cat said.
" Yeah. And the last time your uncle, aunt, and cousins-" Ian shuddered at the mention of the 'twin terrors'- " were over, Jake was playing that Disney CD he'd gotten for his birthday. You know, the one where popular singers sing Disney songs?" Thomas asked.
" How could I forget? It seemed like they played the A*Teens singing 'Under The Sea' the whole time," Ian muttered. Ben started whistling something similar to 'Under The Sea.' " Don't start or I will hurt you," Ian growled. Ben stopped.
" Well, if they did, they listened to the others once or twice. Because we heard Hilary Duff's rendition of 'The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room.' And when we remembered it, we thought it was a nice name for a club," Cat said. Thomas opened the door and motioned for the kids to enter.
" Nice place, Dad," Ian said as Greg pulled his eyes away long enough to go call his mother. There was a drink corner (all non-alcoholic, of course), complete with tables for kids to socialize, a corner for doing homework, with inflatable and bean bag chairs, some spots where there were games for relaxation, and one empty corner.
" What's supposed to be over there?" Sarah asked, pointing to the empty one.
" Oh, that. Well, we're getting something for cooling off over there. Also, there's something we've got downstairs," Cat said. Greg came over, and they headed downstairs.
" Bowling lanes?" Ian asked.
" Hey, it's the best we could get. What, did you expect a pool? A basketball court? A baseball diamond?" Thomas asked.
" I guess not," Ian said.
" Cool. Hey, can I go back up and get something to drink?" Greg asked.
" Did someone say drinks?" Alex's voice came over from a bar over to the side.
" Alex and Penny are taking care of the drinks and food," Thomas smiled. Greg hurried over to the stand.
" Behind the stand down here is an elevator that can take you to a tunnel that will lead to the StarBase," Thomas said quietly to the Ranger teens.
" That way if you need to get to the StarBase, you don't need to go back to our house," Cat said.
" Cool," Ben smiled.
" Hey, how's about a bowling competition? Girls against guys?" Sarah asked.
" Why not? I'll get Greg," Ian smiled.
" Well, what do you think?" Cat asked Thomas.
" Welcome to the Tiki Room."
" It was all a dream. It was all a dream," Ian murmured.
" Hate to burst your bubble, but you are a Power Ranger-,"
" It's not being a Power Ranger. Being a hero I can handle," Ian murmured. Cat didn't overhear.
" -and it is also time for school!" Cat cried as she yanked the sheet off of her son. " Now, wash up. You are going to school, and you're going to show Roder the ropes."
" Roder?" Ian cried, waking up. " That maniac? He's insane! He's worse than the twin terrors!"
" Your cousins are not that horrible. Now get up. I won't tell you again," Cat said. She turned around, grabbed Ian's clothes and hurled them at him.
" So, how'd it go?" Thomas asked, glancing over his newspaper.
" Better than I thought. He woke up when I mentioned Roder," Cat said.
" I thought he would."
" You sure Roder is school material? I mean, he is the kid who was raised on the streets. And the name thing. 'Roder?' Where'd he get that?"
" An airplane, perhaps?" Thomas said. Ian raced down the stairs.
" I am begging you. Don't make me responsible for Roder," Ian begged.
" No can do. Cat and I are going to have our hands full with our new teen club," Thomas said.
" Sarah is helping us come up with a name. We've narrowed it down to 'Wazzup' and 'What's Up?'" Cat said.
" You really put a lot of thought into that, didn't you," Ian remarked.
" Go to school!" Thomas and Cat cried together.
" You don't have to push me out," Ian said.
" I can't believe I let your parents, that robot, and Melissa talk me into this," Roder muttered.
" Me either," Ian shot back.
" Boys," Sarah warned.
" You know, every time I see that kid, I keep expecting him to start saying he's the real Slim Shady," Ian whispered to Sarah.
" Hey guys!" called someone.
" Oh, hey Mary!" Sarah called. " See ya third hour," she said, falling back to talk with her friend.
" Girls," Ian muttered.
" Hey, we agree on something," Roder muttered.
" What's with you, Ian and the hunk?" Mary asked.
" Oh, Roder? We, uh, work together. At Ian's dad's place," Sarah said.
" Yeah? Well, when's the opening?"
" Supposedly next Wednesday, but I have my doubts. They're still searching for the right name," Sarah explained.
" I tell ya, from what I've been reading about the place in the article Ian's mom did, if it's not a good name, then it won't do as much damage as somethings. You've been spending so much time on that, have you even thought about the dance tournament?" Mary asked.
" Oh, no! I completely forgot about it! What with the whole monster downtown and the Ranger thing and morphing..." Sarah said.
" What?" Mary asked.
" Huh? Oh, nothing," Sarah smiled. " Gotta stop muttering when non- Rangers are around."
" Good day, class," Miss Levis said as she entered. " Ah, I see we have a new student today. Uh, Mr.... It appears that your name isn't on my sheet properly. I'll have to talk with Bonnie down in the front office about that. Anyway, perhaps you'd like to share a bit about yourself?"
" Not really," Roder said.
" Well, all right. Now then."
" That's a teacher here? She looks more like one of those background dancers you never learn the name of," Roder muttered. Ian responded with an elbow.
By the end of the day, the entire faculty was regretting letting Roder within one hundred miles of the school.
" I tell ya, he's a menace. First period, he insulted the teacher, second period, he hit on her, fifth period, he actually walked out because, and I quote, 'This is a waste of time.' At least, I think that was it. Mr. Frederickson was busy exploding over the fact that Roder actually pulled off his toupee," Ian sighed as he and Sarah walked to the gym.
" Ouch. Anyway, I- Hey, what's going on over there?" she asked. She pointed to a crowd. Roder's voice floated over the chatter.
" Shit," Ian sighed. The two ran over and joined Ben, Sierra, and Melissa.
" What's going on?" Sarah asked.
" Roder and the principal are having a 'War with words,'" Ben explained.
" I know Roder. It'll go further than that any second now," Melissa sighed. Sure enough, she turned out to be right. As the other five made their way to the front, a resounding smack was heard.
" You'll be expelled for this!" the principal cried.
" I fail to see your threat," Roder smirked.
" Should have seen that comment coming," Ian said, rolling his eyes.
" Come on, let's get him out of here and to the-" Ben shot Sarah a warning look. " -To, uh, your house, Ian," Sarah said, correcting her near mistake. The five ran to Roder.
" Sorry about this, Mr. Garrick. He's, uh," Ian searched for the words.
" A little crazy," Melissa said, emphasizing the crazy as she glared at Roder.
" I'm going to have a little. chat with his parents," Mr. Garrick said. Ian gulped while Roder simply smiled evilly at the principal.
" Roder, what the hell where you thinking, punching the principal?" Ian exploded as the others continued dragging him out.
" I felt like it," Roder shrugged.
" You. Let's get him back to you-know-where. Ben, you see anyone around?" Ian asked.
" Nope. It looks like most people are still stunned from the fight," Ben said after glancing around. Ian nodded and the other teleported, Melissa and Sarah holding Roder.
" Well. It appears that the Rangers are already having difficulties," Psycho snickered, looking down from the observation post.
" Well, father?" Liko asked, " What is your plan?"
" Get X. I want to send a Dark Warrior to split the Rangers up even further than they are now," Psycho snickered.
" As you command, father," Liko said.
" Now that was interesting," the disembodied voice of Psycha chuckled.
" Yes, mother. So tell me. Do you plan on having the Dark Warrior X sends to destroy Psycho?" Liko asked.
" No. Go with it, though. Collect energy for my portal. Magoto has prepared it. I want the humans' energy for my return," Psycha cackled.
" As you command, mother," Liko nodded.
Magoto stormed into the Dark Warrior Bay.
" X. I believe that Psycho has plans to send a Warrior down," Magoto said.
" Hurghhhh. We haven't the energy to continue Psycho's idiotic plot for revenge on the humans. Doesn't he realize that?" X muttered.
" Of course not," Liko's voice carried from the entrance.
" Little Lady. What may I do to be of service to you and Psycho?" X asked with more sincerity than even he thought he was capable of, considering how fed up he was with Psycho's command.
" My father wanted a Warrior sent to Earth. I believe the one we were discussing this morning would be appropriate," Liko said.
" Very well. It will take a few moments to send it through the Monster Draken. Do you wish to wait?" X asked.
" No. Simply have him report to the teleportation module once you are finished," Liko said and left.
" Do you think she suspects that we plan to eliminate her father?" Magoto asked.
" She likely has her own plan. Remember how she dealt with the uprising on Tarbac Three?" X snickered.
" True. We'll play along with Psycho for now. But the first chance I get, I will destroy Psycho, the sentimental fool," Magoto growled. He turned and left X to send the Warrior through.
" It looks as if everyone on this ship has a hidden agenda to Psycho," he muttered to himself. " Even myself," he said, stroking a snake in a box.
" He did what?" Alex asked with a moan.
" You heard me. He punched the principal," Ian sighed.
" I'll kill him," Alex sighed.
" You'll have to wait in line. Melissa is first, followed by me," Ian sighed.
" Your parents where crazy to even send him to school," Alex said.
" My first response was, and I do not paraphrase, 'That maniac? He's insane! He's worse than the twin terrors!'" Ian sighed.
" Your cousins. this kid. Tough call," Alex sighed.
" Alex. Ian. What the hell happened?" Thomas asked as he entered.
" Roder wasn't school material. He punched Mr. Garrick," Ian said, summing up the school day.
" The principal? The stupid, stupid kid!" Thomas said. " I thought it was simply a student. Alex?"
" Yeah?"
" You still can't kill him."
" Dang."
" Melissa, what is the deal with Roder?" Cat asked as Thomas and Alex were in Thomas's private office.
" It's his background in the slums," Melissa sighed. " He was abandoned when he was three. My father found him stealing from a food cart. He took him in. He might have been okay, if it weren't for my brother, Nate. Nate was in one of the gangs in the slums. Roder idolized him. One night, Nate snuck out. He woke Roder up, so the seven-year old curiosity kicked in. Nate and his gang ended up in a fight with a rival gang. One of the rivals brought a gun. Nate was shot."
" Oh my God. That... Did Roder see it?" Penny asked.
" Yes. Nate died before the police ever got there. But Roder did see the face of the killer. Unfortunately, the police weren't about to go arrest him because of a seven-year old's 'belief.'"
" Why?" Ian asked.
" Because the killer happened to be a relative of one of the richest families in town, and he had the police on his payroll."
" That's insane. That's wrong. That's-" Ben started.
" That's life," Sierra growled.
" She's right. Not to mention the guy, Sacrio, or at least that was his gang-name, since he didn't want to let on how he came from the Henderson family, happened to have a family alibi. Do you know what it felt like seeing your adopted brother come home and having to be explained right along with him why his brother wouldn't be coming back? Do you know how difficult it was for Roder, who watched Nate die?" Melissa said. She turned, hiding a tear.
" It's okay, Melissa. I'll tell Thomas. He'll... Well, I hope he'll go easier on Roder," Cat said. Melissa nodded. Alpha led her back to her room while Cat walked into Thomas's office.
" Man. Can you believe that happened to Roder?" Ben asked.
" I know. I've got a whole new perspective to him. I just thought he was a jackass," Ian said.
" Yeah. But instead, he grew up so quick and wouldn't let anyone in. Ian, you-"
" I know, Sarah. When Dad finds out, I bet he'll fight not just to get Roder back in the school, but also adopt the guy," Ian sighed.
" Alex, watch over him. Don't kill him," Thomas said.
" I'll try," Alex said, with a smile to let Thomas know he was joking. Once Roder and Alex had left, Cat explained Roder's story to Thomas.
" Damn. I didn't think his background was that bad," Thomas sighed. Alpha entered.
" Thomas. I realize that I just recently took the job as you assistant, but I believe that Roder could become an acceptable member of the Power Ranger team- If he spends enough time with other regular human teens," Alpha said.
" Exactly. Let him get to know Ian, Sarah, Sierra, and Ben. I think it'll do him some good. Who knows? Roder might become a regular teen sooner than you think if he gets a chance at a normal life," Cat smiled.
" I think so too. Except he won't have a normal life unless he goes to school, and Mr. Garrick isn't likely to let him back any time soon," Thomas sighed.
" Then he hasn't tangoed with me yet," Cat smirked. Alpha turned and walked out, and Cat and Thomas followed a few seconds later.
" Well? What's the verdict?" Ian asked as Cat and Thomas entered the control room?
" We're going to talk with Mr. Garrick. Hopefully once we explain Roder's background, he'll be more willing to change Roder's punishment from expulsion to suspension or even probation," Thomas said. Alex returned to the control room without Roder.
" Mr. Pain-In-The... er... Rear is in with Melissa," Alex said. A control panel began to beep incessantly.
" Ai-yi-yi-yi-yi! Thomas! There is an emergency downtown! It is one of Psycho's monsters!" Alpha cried.
" Shit. Alex, lock on to all the morphers. Ian, take your team out."
" Right." Ian ran off, Sarah, Ben, and Sierra following. They grabbed Melissa and Roder.
" What's happening?" Melissa asked.
" Psycho sent a monster downtown," Ian said.
" Okay. Let's go," Melissa said.
" Whatever," Roder muttered.
" Alright, guys," Ian said, nodding to each side.
" Star Power!" all of the teens except for Roder cried and hit the buttons to morph.
" Yeah, yeah," he muttered and hit the buttons.
" Such a fine day to gather energy for my mother. Star Smasher, destroy a couple buildings. That'll get the Rangers to come running. Then I'll gather their energies in my urn," Liko said.
" You got it, boss!" Star Smasher fired a beam from his eyes, destroying some abandoned warehouses.
" Hold it there, monster!" Ian cried, morphed.
" Ah. Power Twerps. How nice of you to get here so fast," Liko asked.
" Who are you?" Sarah asked.
" I am Liko, daughter of Psycho and Psycha. And I'm your worst nightmare," she snickered, grabbing her whip.
" Ian, I'll handle Joke-o there. You guys take the monster," Sarah offered.
" All right. You heard that guys?" Ian asked.
" Yeah, and I'm going after the lady," Roder rumbled.
" If you do, Roder, I will make your life a living hell," Melissa growled.
" What do you care?"
" Because, you idiot, I- LOOK OUT!" Melissa cried, knocking Roder down as Star Smasher threw an energy bolt at them.
" You know, even for newbies you Rangers talk too much," the monster snickered.
" Let's go!" Ian cried. Sarah was left with Liko.
" So, they think very little of you, apparently," Liko snickered. " After all, why else would they send you to do battle with me."
" Maybe because I can beat you and you can't win? Just a thought," Sarah smiled.
" Oh, give it up, Orangie. You don't stand a chance against me," Liko smiled.
" Don't bet on it," Sarah said, putting her hands together.
" Hah! Orangie is so afraid she'll lose to me, she's praying!" Liko cackled.
" Not exactly," Sarah smirked. " Energy Ball!" she cried, pulling apart her hands. An orange ball of crackling energy hovered in the air. Sarah spiked it into Liko's midsection, throwing her into a wall, leaving an imprint. Liko slid down, but pulled herself up with an effort. She touched a trickle of blood coming out of her mouth and smiled.
" Hurrr," she growled. She looked over at a small pale blue ball floating over a fallen person. " You're energy will serve my cause," she smiled. She motioned the ball over to her and Sarah. Sarah looked at the ball. It focused in on her.
" Thomas, that ball drains the energy of living people. Sarah doesn't stand a chance against it if that general plans to drain her energy," Cat said.
" I know. That's why we're giving her a boost," Thomas said. He nodded to Alpha, who pressed a series of buttons.
" Sarah, we're sending you a new weapon that ought to help against that thing. But be careful. If you don't watch your back, that ball will drain your energy- a part of your life force," Thomas said via the commlink in Sarah's helmet.
" Right," Sarah nodded. She held out her right hand and a blaster appeared in it.
" This is a battle-ready Star Blaster. The ones Alpha had you training with the other day were prototypes. Aim it at the ball, and it should help you," Thomas said. Sarah gripped the Star Blaster tight.
" All right. Let's see whatcha got, little Star Blaster," she said, aiming it at the energy ball. She fired a burst, which made the ball sputter in the air. Liko's eyes grew wide.
" No!" she cried. She called the ball over to her. Grabbing it out of the air, she glared at Sarah. " I will see that you pay for this insolence, girl," she growled. The eyes on her dragon head helmet glew and a blood red beam enveloped Liko, making her disappear. Sarah sighed in relief, then ran over to the other Rangers.
" Well, Rangers, let's see what you have to offer," Star Smasher snickered.
" Guys!" Sarah cried, running over.
" Thomas-"
" I'm on it, Cat," Thomas said. He and Alpha pressed another series of buttons, causing the other Rangers to get their Star Blasters.
" Hmm, more weaponry," Roder smiled.
" Roder..." Melissa warned.
" Hey, take it easy, 'Lis. Just joking around," Roder smiled. Melissa turned, but kept an eye on Roder.
" You Rangers may have fancier weapons, but I still have the upper hand!" Star Smasher growled.
" I doubt it. Rangers, fire!" Ian cried. The Rangers aimed the Star Blasters at Star Smasher and fired. Star Smasher flew back and hit a wall.
" I hope the city doesn't make us pay for damage costs," Ben joked. Star Smasher pulled himself up.
" You'll need more than that to stop me, Rangers!" Star Smasher snickered, and fired an energy beam from his eyes at the Rangers. Sparks flew, throwing the Rangers to the street.
" This guy is really starting to piss me off," Ian muttered.
" Ditto. I say it's time we pull out the heavy artillery," Sarah suggested.
" Agreed," Sierra said. The Rangers pulled out their Star Weapons.
" Star Axe!" Ben called as he slashed Star Smasher.
" Herthener Arrows!" Sierra cried, firing a group of arrows at Star Smasher. The arrows exploded on impact and threw him back.
" Feral Sword!" Roder cried, and slashed Star Smasher back. The monster groaned, but got up.
" Finally. My turn to shine," Melissa smiled. She gripped her whip. " Electric Whip!" she cried. The blue ribbon energized and flew to Star Smasher and wrapped around him.
" Huh?" Star Smasher grunted. The whip sparked, and electrified the monster, then released him to the ground.
" I'm up," Sarah smiled, putting her hands together. She pulled her hands apart, revealing another orange ball of energy. " Energy Ball!" she cried. Star Smasher was thrown back into the wall.
" You know, if that's the way our attacks will normally end up, the repair men in town will never run out of business," Ian muttered. Then his frisbee began to spin on one of his fingers. " Ranger Frisbee!" he cried, throwing it straight into the monster's midsection. It flew out of the other side of Star Smasher and returned to Ian's hand. Star Smasher moaned and screamed, then fell forward and exploded.
" All right! We did it!" Sarah cried.
" That's a relief," Sierra sighed.
" Those Rangers!" Psycho cried.
" Do not worry, father. We will defeat them. It will simply... take time," Liko said, placing a hand on her father's shoulder.
" Leave me. I do not wish to injure you in my anger," Psycho said.
" Yes, father," Liko said. As she left her father's chamber, she snickered. She walked from the chamber to a door. She knocked on it. " Magoto, it's me," she whispered. A scan started, obviously Magoto's attempt to confirm her identity. Once it finished, the door opened.
" Liko. You certainly appear to be more blood-thirsty than your father," Magoto said.
" I had two good teachers: You- and my mother," Liko smiled.
" Did you bring the energy we need for the weapon?" the general asked. Liko held out her hand and the energy ball formed. Magoto reached for it.
" You promise this energy is only for my mother's portal, and not some weapon to destroy my father?" Liko asked with a glare that could melt steel.
" Liko. Don't you trust me?" Magoto smiled.
" Of course I don't. What do you take me for, an idiot?" Liko growled. Magoto saw the trap she was laying for him.
" No. Of course not, my lady. Well, if you do not trust me, perhaps you should place the energy into the portal charger yourself," Magoto said.
" Yes, I do believe that to be wise," Liko said, brushing past Magoto. Liko saw the place where the energy was to be place. Opening the container door, she gripped the small metal ball in the center of the energy. Almost instantly, the energy fell off of the ball and down to the bottom of the long, steel cylinder.
" It will take some time for enough energy to collect in there before we can activate the machine," Magoto said.
" I have waited years. I can wait a few weeks more," Liko said.
The next day, Thomas and Cat arrived at Starry Grove High.
" All right. So, let's rehearse this again," Ian said to his parents.
" We go straight in to see Mr. Garrick. We do not talk to any students. After the meeting we go straight to our car and will not reenter the school. We will wait for you, Sarah, Ben, Sierra, and Melissa," Thomas and Cat said in a monotone.
" Good. We're on the same page. I'm okay with Roder, but I've got a reputation to worry about here," Ian said.
" Mr. and Mrs. Scott. What are you doing here? I thought we're supposed talk about your son's grades next week," Mr. Garrick said, taking a sip of his coffee.
" Actually, we're here about our adopted son, Roder," Thomas said. Mr. Garrick spat out his coffee.
" You adopted that nut- Never mind. It is not my place to judge your actions... No matter how much I want to," Garrick sighed.
After school, Ian, Sarah, Melissa, Sierra, and Ben ran to Thomas's red van and hopped in.
" So?" they asked as one.
" Well, we explained the situation to Mr. Garrick..." Cat started.
" And we explained that we were going to start a severe discipline program with him..." Thomas continued.
" And..." the teens said in unison.
" And... Roder's punishment has been reduced to a three week suspension- in-school suspension. For some reason, Mr. Garrick thought that Roder didn't see being out of school as a punishment," Thomas said. Melissa sighed with relief against the chair. Someone rapped on the window.
" Greg! Hey, man," Ian said, opening the door.
" Hey, Ian," Greg Lucas said. " Say I was wondering- Oh, you've got a full van here," he sighed.
" I think we can make room for you, man," Ian smiled.
" Thanks!"
" What are best friends for?" Ian joked.
" Okay, Greg. We'll drop you off at your house, then Cat and I were planning on having them check out our teen club," Thomas said.
" I thought it wasn't open until Wednesday," Greg said.
" Not to the public. But the construction is finished and everything is set up inside," Cat said.
" Oh, can I come? Please?" Greg begged. Thomas leaned over to Cat.
" With Ian's Ranger duties, he is going to be spending less time with his best friend," he said, " Let's go ahead and let him come along."
" Oh, I suppose," Cat smiled.
" As long as once you get there, you call your mother. I remember how stressed she was that time we went to the amusement park," Thomas said.
" I have never known a woman of that stature to yell so loudly. Or that forcefully," Cat said.
" And she doesn't call herself overprotective," Greg said.
" Okay, well, what are we waiting for? A written invite?" Ian asked. Thomas started the van and they pulled out.
" Hey, cool watch, Ian. Where'd you get it?" Greg asked.
" Internet," Ian said quickly.
" Cool. Can I press one of the buttons? You know, just to see what it does?" Greg asked.
" NO!" everyone else cried.
After about a fifteen minute drive, Thomas finally parked at the teen club.
" By the way, what did you pick for the name?" Sarah asked.
" Well, no offense, Sarah, but we chose one that wasn't on your list of acceptable names," Thomas said.
" And you are expecting customers next week?" Sarah cried. They walked over to a building.
" So, where's the name?" Ian asked.
" Actually, the construction guys are putting it on now," Thomas said, pointing up. A sign was being placed on the building. It read 'The Tiki Room.'
" 'The Tiki Room'?" Ian asked.
" Well, we kinda wanted some kind of theme song," Cat said.
" Yeah. And the last time your uncle, aunt, and cousins-" Ian shuddered at the mention of the 'twin terrors'- " were over, Jake was playing that Disney CD he'd gotten for his birthday. You know, the one where popular singers sing Disney songs?" Thomas asked.
" How could I forget? It seemed like they played the A*Teens singing 'Under The Sea' the whole time," Ian muttered. Ben started whistling something similar to 'Under The Sea.' " Don't start or I will hurt you," Ian growled. Ben stopped.
" Well, if they did, they listened to the others once or twice. Because we heard Hilary Duff's rendition of 'The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room.' And when we remembered it, we thought it was a nice name for a club," Cat said. Thomas opened the door and motioned for the kids to enter.
" Nice place, Dad," Ian said as Greg pulled his eyes away long enough to go call his mother. There was a drink corner (all non-alcoholic, of course), complete with tables for kids to socialize, a corner for doing homework, with inflatable and bean bag chairs, some spots where there were games for relaxation, and one empty corner.
" What's supposed to be over there?" Sarah asked, pointing to the empty one.
" Oh, that. Well, we're getting something for cooling off over there. Also, there's something we've got downstairs," Cat said. Greg came over, and they headed downstairs.
" Bowling lanes?" Ian asked.
" Hey, it's the best we could get. What, did you expect a pool? A basketball court? A baseball diamond?" Thomas asked.
" I guess not," Ian said.
" Cool. Hey, can I go back up and get something to drink?" Greg asked.
" Did someone say drinks?" Alex's voice came over from a bar over to the side.
" Alex and Penny are taking care of the drinks and food," Thomas smiled. Greg hurried over to the stand.
" Behind the stand down here is an elevator that can take you to a tunnel that will lead to the StarBase," Thomas said quietly to the Ranger teens.
" That way if you need to get to the StarBase, you don't need to go back to our house," Cat said.
" Cool," Ben smiled.
" Hey, how's about a bowling competition? Girls against guys?" Sarah asked.
" Why not? I'll get Greg," Ian smiled.
" Well, what do you think?" Cat asked Thomas.
" Welcome to the Tiki Room."