I was just sitting here writing this chapter and got to thinking of an idea for my next story. It's unusual, to say the least. I thought about maybe writing about Ransik's life. I mean, every villain has a story as to why they are so evil, why they hate humans. So, I figured maybe I could write it. I wouldn't go as far back as with Alex though, that's a little too much for a villain. That'll be a while off, but I just wanted to know if anyone would be interested in that kind of a story or not. Let me know. Also, thanks for the reviews. Any suggestions?

Disclaimer: I do not own Alex, Jen, Lucas, or Ransik. They are property of Saban/Disney. I do own Christy and Chris Collins, Dr. Stein, Commander Steinback, both of Alex's grandmothers, Alex's grandpa, Jesse, Jerry, and Jessica.

Into Action

* * *

A month later, Alex's injuries were completely healed, just in time for school. Julia had been very helpful. Jen had even come over on occasion to help and visit with him. Jesse took time off to help him occasionally. He had to admit that even with the pain, he had a pretty good time.

School went well that first day, mainly an overview of what each class would go over, and some requirements. After school, he went on a walk with Julia.

"Nice to see you out and about again." she said, smiling happily.

"Thanks. It feels nice to be out; that dorm was getting annoying."

"Good. So, after this year, one more year to go, eh?"

"Yeah."

"Lucky you."

"I guess. I hope I get assigned to look for Ransik."

"Why? I know he's our top fugitive, most dangerous and everything, but why?"

"Because –" he started, but decided not to tell her why. "No reason."

"I find that hard to believe, but I'll let you keep your little secret a bit longer. When's your birthday?

"June 18th."

"You'll be fourteen, then?"

"Yes." Alex said flatly. Frankly, he was getting bored speaking to her. Suddenly, he remembered his conversation with Doctor Ferriks that summer. "Um… I need to go. See you later."

"Yeah, later." The two parted ways – Julia back to the dorm, Alex to the address on the paper. He was shocked when he looked up and saw the Time Force Headquarters in front of him. He checked the address again. Sure enough, it was the right address.

Slowly, Alex walked inside. He asked the secretary where Doctor Ferriks' office was, and she told him. Doctor Ferriks looked up when Alex entered. "Ah, Alex, come in; come in." Alex found his way through the maze of laboratory supplies that were on the floor. "Sorry about that. Just got a new shipment today."

"Oh. What are you working on?" Ferriks shut the door.

"A serum to heal those stung by Venomark, the new mutant the news has been covering."

"Yes, I've heard of him." Alex said, his interest rising. In the background, he suddenly became aware of the sound of people moaning. The sound was eerie; Alex shuddered. "What's that sound?"

"Venomark's victims. Come, come." Ferriks led Alex into the next room. "All these have been … stung by Venomark." The sight and smell were sickening. At least fifty people were in there, each with an abnormal scar covering their bodies. They were in great pain; Alex could tell that much.

"Is this why you wanted me to come a month ago? Have–have these people been suffering that long, sir?"

"No, Alex. There's a program I'd like you to be in. It's top secret. You're the first outside of headquarters to hear of it."

"What kind of program, sir? If you don't mind my asking?"

"The ranger program. You've heard about the power rangers back in 1996 to about 2003, right?"

"Yes, sir, I have. We're in need of rangers again, sir?"

"Well, we figure we'll need one for Ransik. You see, I saw how you fought Ransik, and I figured with a bit of added strength, you'd be able to beat him and bring him in with little to no trouble."

"Doctor Ferriks, are things really getting that bad?"

"Yes." he answered shortly.

"I noticed a strange scar on Ransik similar to the ones on these people when I last fought him, only his didn't seem to bother him. Could he somehow have gotten hold of this serum you are working on?"

Ferriks shifted nervously. "No." he replied, not daring to look Alex in the eye for a long while. "Well, let's get your morpher, shall we?" he said finally.

"Okay." Alex agreed. Ferriks led him out of the room to a laboratory where several workers were dressed in white were working on various experiments. Ferriks approached a worker, exchanged a few words, and a few minutes later, the worker arrived with a large, yellow box. "What's with the box, sir?" Alex asked. "I mean, it's large for only one morpher."

"Alex, just wait. Clark, open the box." Ferriks ordered.

"Yes, sir." Clark replied. He opened the box.

"I only see one morpher, but there are spaces for four more." Alex observed.

Ferriks replied, "Yes. We are planning on making more if yours works."

"I see. What color am I?"

"Red. Now, Alex, when you first morph, it should lock onto your DNA so that no one else can use it. Just a safety precaution, you know?"

"I understand. Wouldn't want Ransik to be able to use it or something."

"Right on. Hold out your hands." Alex did so, and Ferriks placed the morpher in his hands. Alex snapped it on his wrist. "You just need to say 'Time for Time Force.'"

Alex morphed, a red light surrounding him. He felt a surge of energy go through him. Gradually, he began to feel stronger. Finally, he was completely covered in a red and white spandex suit. "Amazing." he said as he looked down at his gloved fists and spandex-clad figure.

"How do you feel?" Ferriks asked.

"Ready for action, sir."

"Think you're up for some tests?"

"That depends on what kinds, sir."

"How about battling a holographic Ransik on the holodeck for starters."

"Yes, sir." Alex answered excitedly.

"Come, come, follow me." Ferriks led Alex to the holodeck and set up for a battle with Ransik. Alex got in ready stance. As usual, he waited for Ransik to strike first. "Alright, he's set up for his normal strength."

"Okay." Finally, Ransik moved. He was taunting Alex to follow him to a dark alley. Alex followed, knowing it was not real. The fight began; Ransik punched Alex in the stomach. Alex was surprised that he felt real pain, as he had never used a holodeck before. That hesitation was all Ransik needed to sweep Alex off his feet, pull a sword out of its shaft, and hold it above him, ready to strike. Ferriks turned off the program.

"Concentrate, Alex, concentrate. What happened? That was horrible!"

"There…was…pain." he replied, gasping for breath.

"Yes. Haven't you fought on something like this yet? Or is this only your first, second, or third year at the Academy?"

"My third, sir. I mean, there wasn't as much pain with this, but it was shocking."

"I want you to fight him without the suit. See if it hurts more or the same amount, okay. Let him punch you, and I'll turn it off, okay?"

"No disrespect, but are you crazy, sir? Let him punch me?"

Ferriks chuckled briefly. "No, I'm not crazy. Now, power down."

"Yes, sir." Alex said hesitantly. "Power down." In an instant, he was back in his white uniform. He stood in place and waited for Ransik's image to appear. He soon did, and instantaneously, he punched Alex in the stomach, knocking him to the ground. Ferriks hovered over him. "Wow…" said a winded Alex. "That…suit...really…does…help – unless... you 'upped'…the power…level."

"I didn't, I didn't." Seeing Alex eye him suspiciously, he added, "Scout's honor. Here, let me help you up." He offered his arm for support to Alex. Gratefully, Alex grabbed it and was on his feet a few seconds later.

"Thank you, sir."

"You're welcome." The two stood there in awkward silence. "Well, um, that's it for today. I'll call you tomorrow on your communicator –" Looking at Alex's confused face, he added, "You're morpher doubles as a communicator – when I need you. All your teachers know you have a job, although what it is they don't know, so you are able to just get up and leave. That's it."

"Goodbye, sir." Alex saluted and walked out.

* * *

Now in the courtyard in front of the Academy, Alex slowed his pace. He was alert, as usual, but perhaps even more so now that he knew that Ransik could be lurking around every corner. He turned his head mechanically. On the edge of the water fountain, he saw Jen with her head on it, sobbing. She was holding a piece of paper that resembled a report card. He ran to her. Kneeling down next to her, he asked, "Jennifer, what's wrong?"

Jen looked up at him through teary eyes. In response, she simply handed him the paper, not trusting her own voice. He looked it over carefully. He sat there dumbfounded for a few minutes before speaking. Quietly, he asked, "How long have you been struggling with school, Jen?" He was not sure if he wanted to hear the answer because it would mean he had not been there for her when she was his girlfriend. He ran his hand through his hair.

"Since second semester last year." she managed to say through tears.

"Why didn't you tell me? You know I would have helped you. In fact, I am going to help you until you have it down."

"Alex, you don't have to…" her voice trailed off.

"I know I don't have to. I want to, Jen. You're the best friend I've ever had, and I hate seeing you suffer if there's something I can do for you."

"Thanks, Alex; you're the best."

Alex sat silently, cradling her in his arms for a while before remembering Julia and how this could look. He sat her up. "What do you need help in?"

"You saw the grades – everything except PE and Spanish II."

"A whole two subjects – target class and history of the Force. I think I can handle that."

"I just can't seem to hit the center of the target in one, and in the other I have problems with all the dates and places. I'm just so confused."

"I un–" Ferriks chose that moment to call. "Excuse me for a few minutes, please."

"Sure, Alex." Jen said, smiling gratefully.

Alex walked away reluctantly. "Yes, sir?"

"We have a trap set up for Ransik. I offered him some of the serum if he'd meet me at the abandoned warehouse downtown that I use as my personal lab in twenty minutes. You show up at the scene, fight him, win, and bring him in."

"But, sir, how do we know the suit will withhold his attacks?"

"I'll have two strong officers there for back up, Alex."

"I'll try my best to be there. I'm kind of in the middle of a conversation. Bye." Alex put his hand over Ferriks image, forcing the link to close. Smoothly, he walked over to Jen. "Back."

"Already?" Jen giggled. "Just kidding. Who was that?"

"My boss." Jen pushed him playfully.

"You're kidding, right?"

"No, I'm serious."

"I suppose you have to leave, then."

"Sadly, I do. See you tomorrow after school to help you?"

"Sure. Where at?"

"Cafeteria."

"Okay. Bye."

"Bye." Alex replied, slowly leaving. As he neared the alleyway, Julia jumped out.

"Who was that girl you were with?" Jealousy filled her voice.

"My former girlfriend. We're just friends; you have nothing, I repeat, nothing to be jealous about."

"You two looked awful close."

"She was crying; I was just comforting her, you know, being a good friend."

"Crying? What about?"

* * *

Meanwhile, at Ferriks' lab, Ransik was approaching cautiously, waiting for some officer to try to stop him. As he neared the door, he noticed two figures move in the distance. He knocked; Ferriks answered. Where's Alex? I'm not going to give a lot of serum to this guy like I promised, just one vile "Ransik, come in, come in." he said cheerfully. "It's nice to see you alive and well."

"Where's the serum?" Ransik asked gruffly.

"Would you like something to eat or … drink?"

"The only thing I want to consume at this moment is the serum. Then, perhaps we can talk about some other thing to eat or drink."

"Yes, Ransik. But, um, we seem to have a slight problem. You see, we seem to have been treating so many patients that I only have on vile of serum left."

"Well, where is it?" Ransik tapped his foot impatiently, causing Ferriks to scurry around, frantically looking for the vile. He produced it soon after. Ransik observed it carefully. A blue, pulsing spot appeared on Ransik's face, and he screamed in great agony. Quickly, he drank the serum. The spot faded slowly, leaving Ransik panting. "Where's the rest?" Ransik demanded. "Huh?! I know you would have so little." He began to kick boxes lightly. "Here? Here?!" He found a box of serum. "Thought you'd get away with lying to me, eh?" He picked up the box and the others like it and walked out with them, setting fire to a box marked "Flammable." He laughed wickedly as he teleported away, and the building burst into flames.

* * *

Alex walked around the corner, morphed and ready for action. When he saw Ransik walking out, he raced toward him, stopping as the building exploded and Ransik disappeared. Alex radioed for help, and the fire fighters and Time Force officers arrived as he was frantically searching for any sign of Ferriks. He demorphed when he started sweating and walked away sadly. Why'd you have to talk to me, Julia? I could have saved him if you hadn't stopped me! Worst of all, Ransik got away with yet another murder! When's this all going to stop?! Alex clenched his fists and walked away form the scene, holding back tears, remembering the events of his first year at the Academy.