Chapter 4: Hack Job
Angel Grove High School
Cassie and TJ sat in study hall. A week had pass since the battle with Killer Needle. Days after the rangers found it surprising Divatox had not order an attack on the city. For the first time in months the rangers experience normalcy. TJ placed his pencil down on his paper. "Done, How Ms. Applebee expects ten pages on a six line poem...anyway boom it's done." TJ said loudly.
"Sssh!" a student said leaning behind in their chair.
"Sorry" he whispers, holding up his hands.
"Ten pages I barely manage a paragraph. How did you talk me into Honors English?" Cassie asked smacking her forehead. She drops the pencil on the book. "I would give anything not to be doing this right now." She said, her communicator chimed. The people turn around from their desk again. Cassie and TJ stand up from their table walking to the outside. "This is Cassie and TJ," she said into her communicator.
"Trouble in city." Alpha said. Cassie face lit up quickly fading once she saw TJ's stern look. "Tell the others to meet us there." Cassie said. They run down the hallway exiting the school.
Downtown Angel Grove
The Yellow, Blue, and Green Turbo rangers land on the ground as a bomb explodes in the air in front of them. Elgar laughs as he steps up to the fallen rangers. The air fills with smoke. The rangers choke on the smoke. The yellow ranger wave her hands to blow the smoke away from the group.
"Bomber man I think the rangers won't another taste of your powers." Elgar said. A jaguar humanoid figure stepped forward. A silver orb forms in between the creature's hands. The rangers regain their footing only to be knocked to ground with another bomb.
The Blue ranger pushed his body up, Justin notice his teammates struggled to lift their bodies as well. "Keep it together guys." He said.
"Good now finish them." Elgar commands. Bomber man bows before Elgar summoning the same bomb again in his hand. "It's been a blast rangers." Bomber man joked hurling the bomb at the ranger. A red blast fires on the bomb exploding it in front of the bomber man. The force from the explosion pushes the monster on to Elgar. "Get off of me." Elgar yells shoving the monster forward.
"Elgar did you forget to invite us?" Red Ranger said pointing at the monster.
"I'm hurt," Pink Ranger said flipping out of the air. She brings her turbo sword down her enemy's chest, sparks gush from the wound. The Pink ranger steps backward she looks at the fallen rangers. TJ side slashes Bomber man the monster wounded pushes the red ranger away from him. By this time the other four rangers join their leader's side.
"I'm missing lunch. Time to end this. Turbine Laser now!" Carlos said summoning the mega weapon for the rangers. The ball of energy rockets from the the cannon slams into Bomber Man destroying the creature instantly.
Elgar rolls on his side, he avoids the back draft from explosion. He stands, brushes the dirt off his coat. "Next time rangers."
"You need a new tune; beginning to sound like a broken record." Pink ranger yells.
"Bet you weren't saying tired expression last week were you." Elgar said shutting up the Pink ranger. He points his card saber at the Red ranger. "How is your friend, shame what happen to her." he laughs.
TJ charges at Elgar; Divatox's nephew vanishes before the ranger can land a hit. Ashley wraps her arm around TJ's neck. "Don't let Elgar get to you. She's fine thanks to you." Ashley said.
TJ nods his head, "I know...doesn't change what happen or my feelings."
Ashley touched her helmet next to his, "Stop beating yourself up. How about this time I take you to a movie?" She offered.
"Thanks for the offer."
"And I will be around seven to pick you up." She insisted.
"And I will be ready around seven for you to pick me up." He laughed.
"Glad it's settle...school." she said. The turbo teens exited the area.
Divatox's Space Craft
Elgar limps on to the craft. "Sorry Auntie D, I thought I had the rangers this time." He apologizes.
Divatox flashes a dirty look. "I told you not to attack until you were sure you had the perfect plan. After our last plan we just can't send monsters hoping to get lucky. Think smarter, not work harder." Divatox said. Elgar lowered his head, his aunt continued to admonished him.
"Next time you have what you considered to be an idea run it by me first. I'll let you know if you are on to something or continued dead weight" Divatox said popping his face. "Ok" he said nodding his head. He was surprise that she didn't feed him to the fishes or do something much worst.
"Cheer up Elgar. I'm actually becoming proud of you. You're not the same bumbling nephew that first came to visit me. Keep this up and I'm sure you will come up with something to make me proud." Divatox said sauntering away.
The door to Killer Needle's old computer lab opened. Elgar walked into the room to investigate. Divatox had ordered the destruction of lab once Needle was arrested by the Blue Senturion. Elgar noticed one computer screen remained intact, the others around it smashed. A white grid figure swirled out of the computer screen. A robotic humanoid figure materialized in front of Elgar. "Cousin Hacker" Elgar smiled.
Divatox entered the lab. "Hacker how is my favorite nephew?" Divatox said she pushed Elgar to the side and wrapped her arms around the tall figure.
"I'm doing fine Auntie D. Uncle Hovac suggested I lend a hand against the rangers." Hacker said in a mechanized voice.
"My brother is over protective. I couldn't ask you to put yourself out there against the rangers." Divatox said pulling away from him.
"You send me out there all the time." Elgar said. Divatox pushed Elgar back on the floor with her foot.
"Well I just wouldn't be going out there. I have devise a plan call Project Recall" Hacker said.
"What is that?" Elgar asks.
"All in due time my dear cousin all in due time." Hacker answer.
"I'm all tingly with anticipation. Go head with your plan whenever you want to proceed." Divatox said.
Elgar frowns. "I thought all plans had to be run by you first." Elgar mentions.
"This is a special case." Divatox said walking off the main bridge.
Elgar walks up to his cousin. "Are you trying to make me look bad?" he asks.
Hacker humps his shoulders. "Sorry cousin I will need your help though." Hacker said.
A smile creeps across Elgar's face, "Go on"
"Time for a little trip." Hacker said holds up a map.
Angel Grove Cinema
TJ and Ashley exit a movie theater. Above them the sign reads "Blind Terror". The two of them walk close together almost holding hands. "I never thought it would turn out to be him." Ashley said shaking her head.
TJ laughs to himself. "What?" she asks.
"Ashley how could you not see that coming. That plot was so predictable. Well what did I expect a three dollar movie." TJ said.
"So you didn't have a good time?" she asks worried that he was getting bored with her already.
"No. No I had a good time but it wasn't because of the movie." He said bashfully.
"Really." She said her eyebrows lifting up. "So what was it?" she asks.
"The beautiful" he said her face lights up. "Actress on the screen." He jokes. She playfully hits him on the shoulder. "What was you expecting me to say someone else?" TJ ask a smile on his face, he rubs his shoulder acting like it actually hurts.
"I don't know maybe Amber. She's been on your mind lately." Ashley said looking up in the nighttime sky.
"You know why she's on my mind. Nothing romantic. I check on her just to make sure she's doing alright." TJ respond.
"Don't forget she was dance partner...all night." Ashley said, slight jealously in her voice.
TJ stops, she stops as well. "What's this about Ashley?" He asks.
Ashley sighs, "Nothing. Thought maybe you were into her. Seem strange, not who I pictured as your type."
TJ leans closer to her, "Who do you picture?" He asked. TJ's eyebrows raised, his interest piqued by her statement.
Ashley gulps, before she speaks the girl notices over TJ's shoulder, school of piranatrons gathers around a figure. TJ turns to face the situation Ashely's attention was focus on. He spots the piranatrons ganging on someone. "Not like them to attack someone who is not a ranger." TJ said.
"Well we can't morph so let's get to it." Ashley said running over to the gang of piranatrons.
TJ grabs on to the shoulders of one of the piranatrons. He pulls him back turns the piranatron facing the African-American teen. TJ punches the enemy into the gut. The piranatron bends over. TJ follows his punch with an elbow drop on the piranatrons back.
Ashley performs a leg sweep to piranatron, while TJ delivers two swift punches to another one. The two teens prepare to fight another set when the piranatrons fly off the figure. A half-visible figure emerges from the pile. A distorted image rushes past them, as it heads towards the piranatrons.
The piranatrons go down after the half-visible image seems to flow past them and approach several more. The piranatrons begin flailing their arms around but the image, which is slowing becoming more clearly defined as a humanoid being, always evades their random attacks. A piranatron's fist is stopped in mid-punch by a transparent hand, which hurls him through the air, landing just at TJ's feet. Once the image seems to deactivate its cloaking device he is reveal to be the phantom ranger.
"Phantom ranger." both teens said. He salutes the rangers as the last of the henchmen retreat to Divatox's base.
"Rangers I can't stay on Earth long there is a big threat out there and I must prepare for it. I've come to warn you, Divatox is making big waves in the universe. Recreating the drug has spark fear on particular planets and given rise to new threats. " Phantom Ranger said.
"New threats, what sort of new threats?" TJ asked.
"Enemies unlike any you've face before. Divatox is calling in individuals who will push beyond your limits. Please do not give into despair. The planet needs for it's first line of defense to stay strong." Phantom Ranger answered.
"We will, but can you tell us anything else about the enemy uprising?" Ashely asked.
Phantom ranger's communicator chimed, he lifted the device to his face. "Sorry Yellow ranger I must go. The uprising is being taken care. Divatox is becoming more formidable by the day, prepare for the worst." he said turning invisible.
"Pushing drugs and murder weren't enough." Ashley said.
"Better inform Dimitria and the others." TJ said. Ashely nod her head. The two teens touch their communicators; their bodies become a red and yellow streak of energy respectively. The energy streaks zips off into the skyline.
Undisclosed Desert location
Elgar and Hacker walk to the edge of a cliff. The wind swirls desert sand around their feet. Elgar hears the echoes of pick axes chipping way at the ground. Elgar looks down the cliff surprise to see pirahntrons excavating an area. Elgar rubs his head confused at his aunt's henchmen actions. "What's going on?" He asks.
Hacker hands his cousin the map. Elgar grabs the map unable to read the map, he turns it upside down still unable to read the map. Frustrated Hacker turns the map back to it's first position. "Oooh" Elgar mutters. "How did you find them? The legend states they were lost in time." Elgar adds.
"Most lost items do not stray far from their home." Hacker said.
Power Chamber
Carlos was the last ranger to arrive in the chamber. He rubs his eyes and yawns, "We got to stop having night meetings."
"Sorry Carlos you'll get beauty sleep soon." Cassie joked. Carlos made a face at her, she returns another one.
"We spoke to the Phantom Ranger..." Ashely started to say.
Cassie perks up she steps forward, "Is he ok? Does he need our help?"
TJ holds his hand up, "He's fine. " the leader motions Ashley to continue.
"Phantom states there are enemy uprisings occurring on different planets. Divatox is in cahoots with a few."
"Word of the drug manufacturing rings she setup on Earth, no doubt has increase her rank among the villain world." Alpha said.
TJ nods his head, "Divatox has sent an invitation for villains to join her in conquering Earth."
"Divatox is a handful as is. New villains have the potential to overwhelm us." Justin said.
"Rangers while this information is troubling. It does not come as a surprise." Dimitria said. The five teens exchange a few glances before looking up to their mentor. "Zordon has monitored the increase in villainy across the galaxy. He has established many allies during his tenure on Earth and continues to do so on Eltar. Divatox may enlist their help, but do not worry yourselves over this matter. Divatox is the priority, continue your valiant efforts in stopping her schemes. The day will come when the Earth is rid of her presence." Dimitria said.
The rangers comforted by her words return to their homes for the night.
Batting Cages
A day after the nighttime meeting, Carlos and TJ arrival at the batting cages. Each teen dress in light blue jeans, white t-shirt and their specific ranger color jersey. TJ grabbed a red helmet from the fence, he entered into the cage. TJ touch his metal against his left heel. "Medium speed" he said. Carlos turn the dial on the pitch box. The machine on the other side of the court fire a baseball. TJ plants his feet moving his torso forward connecting with the ball. The object soars across the court and slams against the metal fence. TJ repeats this action seven more times before his session ends.
TJ lays his bat against the fence; he opens the gate to switch places with Carlos. "I don't know about this. I hate to make a fool of myself in front of a baseball star." Carlos said he grabs TJ's bat.
TJ walks over to the switch, "You'll do fine." He presses the button. The machine hums then spits out the first ball at the boy. Carlos grunts hitting the first ball. "Good hit, choke up on the bat." TJ suggests.
Carlos complies and hits the ball further than earlier. "Alright." he cheers. Carlos hits the ball a few more times, TJ gives approving words with each successful hit. The teens do two more rounds at the cages before taking a break at a nearby bench. "Carlos you did really well, think you'll convert to our side?" TJ joked.
"Ha. Yeah going to be the next Canseco. Speaking of changing sides what's the going on between Ashely and you?" he asked.
TJ had a puzzle look on his face. "Segue needs work. Anyway, to answer your question. Just friends." he answered.
Carlos face did not accept TJ's answer. "Been spending a great amount of time together." Carlos said leaning closer.
"Hadn't notice." TJ said backing away.
"Don't be cagey." Carlos joked.
TJ sighed, "Yes, we've hung out a couple of times."
Carlos cleared his throat, "Every night this week."
"Ashley is friend; she has help combat the irrational doubts I've had lately." TJ said somberly.
"Bro, you know I'm here for you." Carlos said.
TJ nods his head, "Cassie said the same thing. I appreciate all of you. Things have improved, no need to worry."
"Good, so are you going to ask her out?" Carlos ask beaming a smile.
"No, just friends." TJ replied.
"I've known Ashley for a while. She likes you. Her body language screams it every time you are around." Carlos said.
TJ pauses for a second before he responds, "Too much going on. Baseball, school, Divatox..."
"Excuses." Carols interrupts. "Question if you could would you go out with her?"
TJ winces and shakes his head. "Doesn't work..."
"Make it work." Carlos interjects.
"Carlos, I don't think you understand what I am trying to say it won't..."
"Bro, another excuse." Carlos said.
Before TJ can respond a group of kids run pass the teens. Carlos looks at TJ, both males run in the opposition direction of the kids. Several motor bike pirahatrons circle the parking lot firing on unmanned cars. The cars erupt streaming fire in various directions. TJ and Carlos quickly transform into their ranger suits. The red ranger leaps in the air and summons Lightning Cruiser. He lands in the driver seat, the vehicle fires on the motorbike henchmen. The pirahatrons fall off their bikes.
Hacker materializes before the vehicle, he waves his hands. Lightning Cruiser spins a round several times in a blue haze. The Red ranger falls out of the car and lays on the asphalt. "Car sick Red Ranger." Hacker laughs.
"I'm not." Green ranger yells, jumping in the air. Hacker waves his hands again, the ranger stops mid air. Carlos flips around several times before he lands on the roof of a car. Sharp pains race across his back.
"Pathetic." Hacker said.
The other three Turbo rangers runs into the park lot. "Stop right there. Who are you?" the Blue ranger demands. Hacker responds by levitating cars and dives them at the rangers. The trio back flips out of the way and avoids the car explosions. The Red ranger stands and fires his auto blaster at Hacker. The monster deflects the blast. He shoots the ranger in the chest, TJ slams into his vehicle.
TJ summons his turbo sword, Hacker fires a series of lasers. TJ swats the blast back at Hacker, the creature stumbles backwards. TJ dives his charge sword into Hacker's torso. Hacker kicks the ranger back. Yellow, Blue and Pink rangers circle around Hacker firing their blasters.
Behind a bush Elgar appears with a former monster, Shrinkasect. "Remember the plan." Elgar said. The creature nods his head.
Hacker returns to his feet, his body smoking for the rangers' last attack. The cyborg creature touches a button on his left arm and enlarges in the parking.
Carlos slides off the roof of the car and limps to his teammates. Cassie slides her arm underneath his body and holds him up. "Thanks" he mutters. She smiles.
"Turbo Zords online!" TJ yells. Five colossal vehicles rocket into the city. The rangers board their vehicles quickly forming the megazord. The fight is short as the megazord executes its spin out finisher move, destroying the cyborg.
Elgar nods at Shrinkasect, "Now". The monster shrinks down and enters into a compartment of the megazord.
Divatox's Space Craft
Elgar returns to the space craft. Divatox impatiently pacing on the bridge. "Well?" she asked holding up her hand.
Hacker steps out from behind his cousin smiling. "Phase two complete. Gather some popcorn the show is about to begin." Hacker laughs.
Angel Grove
Early Sunday morning, a giant vessel emerges from the clouds. An incredibly huge rectangle-shaped structure heads down the middle of the city. It's silver exterior shimmers in the early morning light and green energy streaks around it every few moments. The ship casts it horrible shadow, cloaking the city in darkness a circular hole opens up and a silver missile fires from it. The missile shoots down into the streets, bursting into a great explosion, which tosses an empty dump truck like a toy through the air, slamming into the side of a building.