Chad Lee dashed through a corridor in the Aquabase. Like the ocean winds of his hometown, the air blew past him. If it was not running, it was either surfing or the martial arts that kept the reserved Blue Ranger physically-fit. It had actually been all three activities that kept him healthy to do whale shows at the city aquarium with much ease; which now helped him carry out his duty as a superhero. Chad made a left when he came to a turn in the hallway. He almost knocked down an officer. Quickly, he apologized, "Sorry, O'Mara."
"That's okay," replied Lieutenant O'Mara as he bent down to pick up his clipboard.
Chad kept on running and running. He came to a stop when he reached his destination. At the moment, it appeared that the mess hall was slightly crowded with personnel eating breakfast. If he was not mistaken the morning shift was not to begin for another thirty minutes. As Chad walked into the room, he saw that nearly every chair was filled for expect one. The stool next to Kelsey Winslow was clear purposely for one person.
"Hi, Kelsey," said Chad as he sat on the stool.
Kelsey Winslow, the Yellow Ranger, sat on the stool to Chad's left. Like any other day, the free spirited young woman wore a sleeveless yellow shirt and gray shorts. To complete her outfit was her wireless yellow radio headphones, which she carried, everywhere with her, and her yellow, but dirt stained sneakers. In front of her was Chef's breakfast specialty, hash brown with eggs. With the food in her mouth, she said, "Chad, you better get some before they run out."
"I will," said Chad. "I will."
The reserved Chad and impulsive and the rough round the edges Kelsey were totally opposites. However, the friends and teammates learned to embraces their differences. Kelsey would sometimes practice martial arts with Chad, while Chad would practice roller-skating; which was an interesting trade off.
Kelsey wiped her mouth clean with a napkin. She then said, "So Chad, want to hang ten later on?"
"Surfing would be nice, but we did that yesterday, how bout tai chi?" asked Chad.
Before Kelsey could voice an answer, Joel Rawlings entered the mess hall. As usually the Green Ranger was in his trademark civilian guise, an aviation cowboy. Joel had a red heart shaped box under his arm. As he entered two female technicians were strolling past him.
Chad could only stare at the sky cowboy.
Kelsey verbalized the Blue Ranger's thought, "We know how this will end."
"Good morning, ladies," began Joel.
Before he could get any further, the technician in a blue jumpsuit said, "Joel, my friend and I just had breakfast, and we can't make another trip to the bathroom, so shoo." With those words, the technicians strolled out of the mess hall with their self-respect intact.
Chad could only smile at Joel's fruitless encounter with a member of the opposite gender.
Kelsey was about to die laughing, but instead, said, "He never fails to amaze me."
"Wait into the show with Miss Fairweather, that's the comedy," Chad finally said.
Before becoming a superhero, Joel was an ace stunt pilot. He was known in the aviation community as the Sky Cowboy (which explained the brown cowboy hat and leather boots he wore). His stunts amazed those of his fans. Being in the limelight had given the young dark-skinned man an infamously cocky reputation.
"I can see your guys are laughing," said Joel as he approached the two. He took a seat that a female ensign hastily vacated. "I don't know where I go wrong. Is that I come off too strong what?"
Chad decided to take time to examine Joel's dilemma.
In her infinite wisdom, Kelsey took the direct approach, "My God, Joel! You repeal every woman around here except Dana and me. You go around having this self-centered demeanor; the world does not revolve around you." Her words were sharper than any sword or dagger.
Joel was caught totally off guard.
Chad's face was masked with surprise. He knew that Kelsey said whatever what was on her mind. However, he had to admit she was telling the truth.
"Self-centered..." mumbled Joel.
Kelsey nodded. She then said, "You may be..."
Before she could finish, the cowboy abruptly walked out of the mess hall. In his wake, he nearly knocked down two people.
"He's taking it well...." Kelsey slowly said.
Chad could only shake his head.