Busy times. Started a new position at work and can no longer steal time to write like I used to, but here it is. As always, leave your feedback.
SPD: Return of the Machines
Chapter 4
The morning was still young for the scientists and doctors who walked their way to Delta Launch outside Galaxy Command. Heading across the outdoor catwalk connecting the towering glass building to the fleet of waiting S.P.D. crafts, Dr. Katherine Manx appeared to be in good spirits. She walked with a bag over one shoulder and a large suitcase clutched with both paws. The length of Kat's stay required more than what she was used to carrying, the simple black skirt and the baby blue blouse she was wearing being the last articles of clean clothing with her. She also dearly missed her S.P.D. family on Earth.
Kat's eyes took in the cloudy blue skies pass the edge of Delta Launch, a reminder that Galaxy Command was indeed a sky base. The entire perimeter was gated by giant stretching clouds, hidden miles away from onlookers passing by.
"Kat!"
The feline turned at the sound of her name being called. Running down the catwalk was Dr. Jameson in civilian attire – gray slacks and a navy sweater. A smile pursed Kat's lips, but quickly retracted when she saw the look of urgency on his face. She set her suitcase down.
"Kat, I'm glad I caught you," Jameson said catching his breath.
"Just in time," Dr. Manx said attempting to smile again, but failed. "Is something the matter?"
Ignoring the question, Jameson dug into his pocket and produced a black case, rectangular in shape. He held it out in both of his hands. Kat's perplexed scowl baited Dr. Knalk to explain.
"I really can't say much about this," Jameson said looking intently into her eyes. "But when they come, you'll know."
"I'm sorry, Jameson. Can you explain?"
"I cannot. I'm sorry, Kat," Dr. Knalk said looking to his left, then his right. He leaned near her left ear, and lowered his voice. "They might be watching. I want you to know … I've never met someone like you. I sincerely enjoyed our time together."
"I –- me too … Jameson. But what do you mean they—"
Not letting her finish, Jameson pressed his lips to Kat's. Clearly caught off-guard and unsure how to react, Kat remained still. The kiss lasted all but two seconds before he pulled away.
"I may never see you again, but if by chance I do, I'll be able to explain. Be safe, Katherine."
He placed the black box into her paws and sprinted away.
"Jameson!" Kat called out.
The doctor didn't look back. He ran until he made it into the building and disappeared from sight. Overwhelmed by the collision of emotions, Kat unzipped her shoulder bag and slipped the case inside. She picked up her suitcase and hurried away to the Earth-bound S.P.D. craft.
The sun ascended over New Tech City as the morning ushered in the chorus of traffic noise, pedestrians, and all other life. On the giant landscape of S.P.D. headquarters, it wasn't unusual to find training classes at the break of sunlight. Some cadets jogged in small packs, some took part in instructor-led sparing, and many were going through the elaborate, and much hated, obstacle course that only one unique mind could devise. Bridge Carson, sporting his Blue officer uniform, wrote notes on his LED pad as E-Squad newcomers struggled their way though the muddy gauntlet of old tires, monkey bars and roped walls. The officer smirked as a male cadet lost his footing over his first wall and came crashing into the mud below.
"Ooh, just plain nasty," Bridge said making note of the setback. "Proving again walls are not your friend."
Across the lawn was a circle of female and male cadets suited in white fencing outfits. Standing center was Pink officer Sydney Drew with her sword at the throat of a fallen cadet and her foot on his chest.
"Defeated," Syd said removing the sword. "And pitiful. Get up, cadet."
The cadet stood and took his place back in the circle. Syd removed her mask and looked intently at the surrounding mix of E and D-Squaders.
"Under ten seconds, I soundly unarmed my opponent and had him under my feet. Can anyone tell me how this happened?"
No one dared to answer. The Pink Ranger shook her head and masked herself again.
"Next victim, please."
Relatively close by, a kata was being fluidly executed by fifteen cadets in a perfect three by five formation. Front and center was Red officer Sky Tate deep in observation. Standing with arms crossed, his shaded eyes scanned the students thoroughly for a deviant. Not one was found, disappointing Sky. How he would love to take pleasure in singling out a cadet and instructing him loudly in front of his peers. Right then his previous conversation with Alisha came into memory. Anger. The weapon and combat specialist quickly tucked away his thirst to embarrass an unlucky student and continued his silent observation.
The routine A.M. training would last for hours without interruption, today however being the exception. The sound of engines broke the humid Californian air as a great shadow cast itself over the academy. All heads looked up as S.P.D. Hive made itself visible through the clouds. Minutes later the craft touched down on the empty grass lot behind the base. Four figures made their way outside the academy to meet the ship's occupants – Anubis and Isinia Cruger, Boom, and Yellow officer Elizabeth Delgado.
The staircase descended from the opening hatch, where three C-Squad cadets came walking out to greet their commanding officers. The trio saluted Commander Cruger.
"Welcome back, C-Squad. I trust your travel was without incident?" Commander queried.
"Yes, sir," spoke the black man of his Caucasian and Asian American company.
"Cadet Williams, is Cadet Worthen inside completing docking sequence?" Z asked looking up from her LED pad.
"Yes, ma'am," the same man answered. "Shall I retrieve him for you?"
"Yes, when he is finished. I'd like to speak with him in my office immediately when he is free."
Cadet Williams saluted the officer and ascended up the stairs as a line of Fernovian cadets appeared with luggage in hand. Z took notice of their quiet demeanor as they descended. Inside she frowned when she saw smaller ones huddling close to who were presumably their parents. It was clear these were just not cadets of S.P.D. There were families without a home. Z put on a welcoming smile hoping to communicate her optimistic outlook toward her peers.
The Fernovian cadets and staff lined up before Commander Cruger as the last five occupants made their appearance on the staircase – the A-Squad. The five officers bore their respective uniforms denoting their color and rank. Red stepped down first, followed by Blue, then Green, Yellow, and Pink. Their kind was nearly indistinguishable with only minor variances making each one identifiable. The plant-based life forms stood ahead of their company of fifty and saluted Commander Cruger.
"Welcome, A-Squad, and all cadets of Fernovia," Anubis said taking a step forward. "Allow me to be the first to welcome you to S.P.D. Earth station. Though the reason you are here is under unfortunate circumstances, know you are welcomed. Be assured your transition will be as smooth as we can possibly make it."
"Thank you, Commander Cruger," Mika, the Red officer, spoke on behalf of his camp. "There are no words to express our gratitude, sir."
"No words are necessary, Officer," Anubis said extending his paw. "S.P.D. takes care of its own."
Mika reached out and shook the paw, having attempted a smile to express his gratitude. Cruger continued.
"If everyone would follow Boom here inside into the academy, he will direct you to your living quarters. Officer Delgado will provide you with access cards immediately after."
Boom nodded and waved the Fernovians along. Isinia coupled her paw with Doggie's and pecked his cheek.
"Have I ever told you how cute you look when you're being diplomatic?" she asked her husband.
"No, but we can discuss it in private … now if you want," Doggie said, his growl low.
"Now?" Isinia snickered, her tail wagging beneath her garb.
Z, knowing the two were oblivious to her presence, smiled at the exchange as the Syrians hurried away. The smile dissolved quickly as the officer remembered how much she hated love. The object of her rancor came into sight as Sky came walking up. Z pretended not to notice, having buried her eyes in the contents on the LED screen.
"Cute, Z," Sky said standing in front of her. "I'm not here to be ignored however. I came to see A-Squad."
"They already went inside," Z said with her eyes still on the screen. "Don't you have a class you're supposed to be teaching?"
"I gave them five," Sky answered. "But thanks for checking up on me, captain."
"Anytime, loser," Z said turning to go inside.
Sky, with a broken resolve, watched his Yellow officer depart.
"Z!"
"What?" she asked, annoyed.
"I... I've been…"
"I've been what? Don't waste my time, Sky."
"No, wait. I've been seeing someone, a doctor I mean."
"Whatever. I don't care," Z said turning around again.
"Z, wait."
Yellow Ranger stopped, but did not turn around this time. Sky continued.
"I'm trying, Z. I honestly am trying. … I guess what I'm saying is—"
"You're trying. I get it!"
"Let me finish! I'm trying to tell you something here."
Z turned around with her pad snuggled to her chest. "Well?"
"My doctor says we need to talk about us. I have … some issues," Sky admitted, hesitantly.
"Yeah, ya think?"
"Can we get together some time and talk? There are some things I need to ask you."
"I don't know," Z said looking back at the line of Fernovians entering the base. "With the Green Ranger decision this week and our simulation training beginning soon … I don't know."
"Can you let me know, like soon?"
"Okay. That's fine I guess," Z shrugged. "Is that all?"
"I guess so."
Without another word, Z left and followed the last Fernovians inside. Sky watched the glass door shut until she was fully out of sight. The steps of feet clanging against metal redirected the officer's attention. Cadet Ben Worthen and Cadet Bo Williams descended the stair ramp.
"I'll catch up with you later, bro," Ben said stalking toward Sky. "Officer Tate, may I have a moment of your time?"
"You have forty-five seconds before I return to my class, cadet" Sky said looking at his watch. "Go."
"Without sugar-coating it, just tell me. Am I still a candidate for B-Squad Green?"
Sky stifled his laugh. "When have I ever sugar-coated anything? Ben, you're as immature as any hormone-driven, undisciplined, self-righteous claude here at the academy. The only thing that sets you apart is you're a great shot and you somehow managed to remain head of both my weapons and combat classes this semester. How, I can't figure. You're either really that good or just damn lucky 'cause Cadet Williams over there is a distant second and personally I like him a whole lot better than I like you."
"I'll take that as a compliment, sir."
"I'd call it a miracle I'm not the only one voting in the next Green. You have favor with others here, but to me you're a thorn in my backside. And that's your forty-five, cadet. Better pray the majority rules in your favor."
Sky hurried back around the base leaving Ben standing alone. The effort it took the cadet to keep his cool amidst Sky's berating ended as he extended both middle fingers high into the air.
"I got your Green Ranger right here, bitch."
Complete darkness, and silence – that's all there was. He was oblivious to his surroundings. Possessing only semi-conscious now, his mind raced through the fuzzy haze to make sense of anything as the darkness turned to blinding light. The lid came off the long metal box which he lay immobile. Then came these sounds –mechanical, systematically-made sounds. How desperate he wanted to see where he was. Cold steel hands took ahold of his lifeless arms and brought him up. His feet dragged across the squeaky floor before his body was strapped onto a steel-table top.
"Leave now," a voice called out.
The artificial servants obeyed and filed out the chilling laboratory. Foot steps came into the room; soft first, then louder. A hot, dark presence burned inches from his body, instantly dissolving the cool air that chilled his bruised, battered limbs.
Heavy, unnatural fingers traced the burnt lining of the white spandex suit, causing an iota-sized power burst to tickle the fingertip. The tracer appeared amused with his finding – his prisoner was in fact powerless. He then stared into the broken visor of the imprisoned one, making out two shut and bruised eyes. His own narrowed with evil glee.
"What a remarkable job my Cogs have done. You put up a good fight, Ranger, but your unwillingness to call for backup has cost you dearly."
The captor's eyes fell on the left gloved wrist of the Power Ranger. Where there was a morpher was nothing but the indent of the strap in which it kept fastened.
"Only if you could hear these words, then how sick to your core you would become!" the caped villain said spinning around where the presence of another was felt. "Wife, come see! This fool is just days away from being the greatest weapon ever against Power! Once the Cogs finish reprogramming his morphing device, he will be the grandest general this universe has ever seen!"
"Oh yes, husband. What a glorious day it shall be for our kingdom. Together with your other surprise, the Ranger will lead the largest assault ever seen by mankind. S.P.D. will never see it coming!" the wife giggled ecstatically.
"Yes," the husband said turning back to the prisoner. "And no longer shall I be a prince. I shall claim the victory that will elevate me to the throne where my father once sat. Then the universe will bow to me … King Gasket!"
A Series One Processor Hyper Intelligent Encryptor – the title preceded the humble systems analyst. Sophie worked quietly in a smaller lab down the hall from the Command Center. Work entailed a wire connection from her arm to the computer in which her life-filled eyes concentrated. Her hands were idle at her side. The lab doors managed to steel a portion of her concentration as they slid open.
"How's it coming?" Boom asked with a half eaten sandwich in one hand, a soda can in the other.
"I don't like what I'm finding," Sophie answered returning her focus to the monitor. "Archives have found strong similarities between the energy signature of the portal that let the cargo craft escape from Sky and another energy signature recorded four years ago."
"Whoa, really?" Boom asked propping himself on the stool beside her. "Any signature in specific?"
"There were several that year, time-related for all of them."
Boom's face grew sober at the realization. "Time? Oh my gosh. … you don't mean time line, do you? This could be … this could be—"
"Huge! I know," Sophie said sharing the same look of worry. "There are a million things that could be wrong here and only one of them is accurate."
"But – what?"
Sophie's shoulders sunk at the question. "Not even my most complex algorithms can query for an accurate inference."
Boom bit softly on his bottom lip thinking over her confession. He then came to a realization.
"No offense, Sophie, but maybe this isn't something you can figure out this time."
"None taken. I presume you share the same sentiments as I. Call B-Squad while I get back out the system."
"Already on it," Boom said hopping off the stool to find his friends.
Half way out the door, the gadget tester turned back around and snatched the remainder of his sandwich from the table. Sophie managed a half-grin to alleviate her mounting human-like anxiety.
"If I can't project what's happening, there's going to be a long battle ahead. That's for sure."
The shift from morning to afternoon was grueling. The unrelenting mid-day heat picked up around New Tech City and its centerpiece Space Patrol Delta. Around the academy the fields were now vacant of the cadets that trained hours earlier. Hive was now docked underground, leaving behind its imprint on the back lawn.
As usual on a weekday, the halls of S.P.D. were buzzing. Younger cadets posed as civilians, some with backpacks and some with books in hand as they hurried to their next class period. In the glassy mall-like structure of the commons, other personnel went about their daily business. In the midst of them a girl of fifteen years stood center of the commons. Her inquisitive brown eyes took in the busy scenery. Her mild Hispanic features read apprehension as she looked down at the paper in her left hand, the top of that paper reading Class Schedule.
"Wonderful," the girl said proceeding in an unknown direction. "My first day here and I manage to get lost in less than five minutes."
Looking up from her schedule, the girl's eyes grew with fear, having no time to react. The books tucked in her other arm spilled onto the floor as the boy in black fell off his skateboard.
"Watch where you're going!" the girl said, angry.
She got up from the floor and began to gather her things. Her hand went to grab for her science book when a black boot landed atop the cover.
"Maybe you should watch where you're going," the boy said looking down with equal scorn.
"Yeah," said another with the same voice from behind.
The girl looked around her to find three young men with crossed arms, all identical to each other. She knew immediately what kind of person she was dealing with as she got up from the floor.
"How ashamed your people would be to know one of their own became divided for an unjust cause," she said closing the gap between her and the one standing closest.
"Ty, cool it!" a familiar voice to the boy called out.
Sam came beside his friend and placed a hand between the two.
"I have to apologize for my friend here. He some time forgets schism will land him in hot water," the red head said projecting the reminder at Ty rather than the girl.
Ty ended the staring match as his eyes hummed with a soft golden light. Obeying, his two copies wisped away into nothing. The Triforian picked up his board and left the commons.
"Welcome to Space Patrol High," the redhead aid extending his hand. "The name's Sam."
The girl tucked the loose strand of black hair behind her ear and took the hand.
"Novella – but everyone calls me Nova."
Sam creased his forehead and grinned at the same time. "Interesting name." His eyes fell on the paper in her hand. "I see you're new."
"And majorly tardy. Can you help me?" Nova asked handing him the schedule.
Sam scanned over the docket and pointed at the center item.
"You have Mr. Sandernelli's physics class with me and Ty next."
"Ty? That goober who smacked into me?"
"That'd be right," Sam said looking behind Nova. "Oh, you missed a book."
"Don't worry. I got it."
Nova turned around and extended forth her hand. The book reading Physics II began to levitate off the tile and came to rest back into her arm. Sam stood flabbergasted.
"Just the book I'll need," she smiled. "Lead the way, Sam."
The two began walking across the commons. Sam remained perturbed from Nova's demonstration.
"How –- you have powers?"
"Don't be silly. It's nothing new for a Kerovian. – Did I forget to mention that?" Nova asked.
"Yeah," Sam said breathing easier. "So, uh, what brings you to S.P.D. Earth?"
"My parents," Nova said in a less enthused tone. "They feel attending the universally renowned S.P.D. Earth Station would look good on my resume."
"Sounds like your parents really care about your future."
"I guess."
Now inside a hall of the school wing, the two made their way upstream to their next class. Up a level in the administration wing of the academy were Officer Carson and Cadet Worthen also headed to their own destination. Rounding the corner, Bridge's psychic powers went off. He placed his hand out in front of Ben.
"What is it, boy? Timmy stuck down the well?" Ben asked knowing his superior was receiving a premonition.
"No, not danger – a familiar energy of some sort," Bridge answered resting two fingers on his temple.
The reason for his offset rounded the corner – five reasons. Bridge fell into a defensive stance, alarming both Ben and the five Fernovian officers.
"Relax, man. It's just the A-Squad," Ben said taking a grip on the officer's shoulder.
Nodding, Bridge relaxed his posture.
"It's understandable," Mika, the Red officer, said stepping forward. "Officer Carson had the unpleasurable task of bringing in one of our own awhile back."
"Hydrax," Bridge said remembering the incident clearly. "She was bad news – we were set to wrongly imprison the bounty hunter T-Top for crimes he never committed."
"This is true," the Blue officer, Zinnias, affirmed. "Be it that it may, this is our natural form and we are not bank robbers."
"My apologies, A-Squad," Bridge offered.
"None needed," the Pink officer, Lotus, said also stepping forward. "But if it makes you more comfortable, we can adapt to human form until we return home."
"No, no. You shouldn't have to hide your true form on my account."
"No, really. It's alright. Human is a fine species to imitate. You know what they say – when on Earth, Rome!"
"Or something like that…"
Lotus turned to her squad. "What do you say, guys?"
Smiling, Lotus closed her eyes and concentrated. A pale pink burst of energy appeared at her booted feet and danced upward to the top of her head. Her consumed being shed the light-made coat and peeled away like the leaves of a blossoming pink water lily. Lotus turned back around and revealed herself to the humans.
Ben looked stunned, and pleased, at the sight of the girl that stood before himself and Bridge. Her silky, brown hair rested behind her slender shoulders. The full lips on her flawless Caucasian-colored face smiled at Ben's equally entinced smile. Lotus could tell right then she was going to enjoy being human during her stay.
Mika became enveloped in energy next, followed by the Blue and Yellow officers. The energy peel revealed one more female and two males, each of whom appeared flawless in looks and brawn.
"The name's Ben," the cadet said extending his hand to the Pink officer. "And I'll be your personal tour guide of Earth."
"Charming," A-Squad Green, the only officer not to transform, said proceeding without his squad. "I see the four of you waste no time adapting."
"What's his deal?" Ben asked watching the officer disappear around the corner.
"Baccara? Don't pay him any mind," Lotus said.
"We better catch up though. We have a meeting with Commander Cruger and Commander Sage to get to," Mika said waving his squad along. "Nice to see you again."
"Likewise," Bridge said returning the gesture.
Ben watched the rest of the A-Squad leave from their sight. He pumped his fist into the air and spun around.
"What?" Bridge laughed.
"Did you see her?"
"Who?"
"The Pink one," Ben answered. "I'd like to make some beautiful carbon dioxide for her to breathe in, you know what I'm saying?"
"Yes, actually," Bridge said as the two continued on to their destination. "That's a clever innuendo based on her plant-based organ system requiring carbon dioxide to survive, or to endure consummation, as your proposed case may be."
Ben shook his head. "And there goes another clever joke picked to pieces by Bridge Carson."
"Just doing my thing."
B-Squad Officers, report to room C12. All B-Squad Officers report to room C12 the intercom announced.
"That'd be me," Bridge said taking off in the opposite direction. "Fill me in later, Ben. Bye!"
Ben found himself alone and reminded again of the squad level he felt he was to be denied. A determined look took shape on his face as he hurried off to his training class.
The castle balcony overlooking space was the place Prince Gasket spent the most time contemplating his well-calculated plans to conquer the planet his father failed to apprehend. The palace he established on the vacant rock was just large enough to be a planet and was hidden from S.P.D. and others. It was so well hidden, it was in another dimension – thanks to one piece of technology his Cogs acquired on the planet Onyx.
Walking down the steps of the balcony, Gasket whisked by a single stand with glass casing. Inside, a closed laptop remained dormant and rested peacefully until its next big job. Across the throne room two monstrous-sized Cogs guarded the doors, each equipped with the standard pointed staff most of the robotic soldiers carry.
Ascending the steps of the throne, Gasket seated himself beside his love, Archerina.
"You were up there for hours, husband. I take it the time is near?"
"Indeed," Gasket answered, his voice cold from the inactivity. "The laptop's CPU is still recovering. We nearly lost it transporting our armada over the timeline."
"Yes, but it was worth it. We got the Ranger we were looking for and soon we will be able to bring in more help with technology that present day S.P.D. cannot match. Their destruction is imminent!"