SOMEWHERE ELSE IN THE GALAXY

RITA

What did Scorpina mean? How can Tommy possibly still hold powers? In my head I check off the list of powers he's been through and can't come up with a single one he still might have access to. I shake my head. If he truly does have powers - dormant or not - my magic could help him. Finally, I decide to call the one person who mentored the young man through most of his Rangering career.

A moment later, I have him on the line. "Hello, Zordon."

"Rita. This is a surprise. You don't usually call me."

"This is awkward for me, but I had no choice. What can you tell me about Tommy Oliver and the powers that he's held?"

Long pause. "Perhaps you could tell me why you want to know?"

I sigh. "Would you stop that? You know I'm not evil anymore."

"Sorry. Old habits die hard."

"Look, the short version is that Tommy was hurt pretty severely on Earth some time ago. So severely that the Black Dino Ranger powers left him. Zedd has gotten it into his head that he and I should help Tommy since we were the worst to him. According to my sources, he should have no powers at all. However, Scorpina informed me less than an hour ago that he still is a power holder. She believes that the power has gone dormant. I've gone through all the powers I can think of that he's held and I can't figure out what power she thinks he has."

"The only possibility that I can come up with - maybe - is the Ninja Ranger powers. I'd have to confer with the Keeper to be sure."

"Zordon, if he does still hold those powers, my magic should be able to help him."

"If he does and you can heal him enough for travel, we could take him to see the Keeper and she can either remove the power from him or awaken it."

"If you would contact the Keeper, I'll start clearing my schedule. Perhaps it's time for both of us to go see Tommy."

"Agreed."

BACK ON EARTH

JASON

Feeling satisfied, I hang up my phone. Well, partly satisfied is probably more accurate. I know I won't be completely satisfied until I can see Tommy and know that he's all right. Slowly, I pull my old communicator out of my pocket. I know that I shouldn't use it, but do I really have a choice? I take a deep breath and press the button.

"Priority Red channel - Mighty Morphin' Red Ranger to Astro Red Ranger."

It takes a minute before I get an answer. "Andros here, Jason. What's wrong?"

"Maybe nothing. Are you in the area?"

Humor colors his answer. "Actually, I'm orbiting the planet right now."

I exhale in relief. This might be easier than I thought. "Would it be possible to hitch a ride somewhere?"

Long pause. "Where do you need to go?"

"Where ever Zedd is holed up these days."

"I can find out. What's going on?"

I fill him in on everything I know. "I have to know that he's all right."

"I'll see what I can do. I'll get back to you. Andros out."

I can't help but hope that it won't be too long before I know what's going on. I step out of Hayley's office to find her standing with a group of four teenagers. I walk over, stopping far enough away that nobody would think I'm eavesdropping, but close enough that she'll see me. When she waves me over, I close the distance.

She addresses the small group. "This is Jason Scott."

I see recognition in all their eyes and realize that they must know who I am. These must be the Dino Thunder Rangers. I nod in greeting before I speak to Hayley. "I may have found transportation to go see him, but we have to find out where he is first."

There is a muffled gasp from the other four before the girl speaks. "Mr. Scott, I realize that we can't go with you, but will you take messages with you for him?"

I nod. "Of course I will, but keep it simple, okay?"

They all nod. The young man in white asks, "How long do you think we have to get our things together?"

I shrug. "I don't know. It could be an hour or a few days."

Before I can continue, the boy in blue speaks to the others. "Then we better get moving." The others nod and disappear out the front door. I fix Hayley with a look.

"I have a few questions for you." She nods and informs someone behind the counter that she'd be in her office and heads that way with me right behind her.

Once the door is shut, I ask the question that has been on my mind for some time now. "You said that the power left him. So what have you done with it?"

I don't like the way she hesitates before she answers me. "Originally, I took his morpher from him when he was in the hospital. I kept it with me to keep it safe - especially once I realized that the power had left him."

"And now?"

She sighs. "Now I am the holder of the Black Dino Thunder powers."

ELSEWHERE IN THE GALAXY - TWO DAYS LATER

RITA

I cannot help but sigh heavily as I place the last items in my travel bag. Zordon will arrive soon and then we'll head to see Tommy together. Unfortunately, we are not the only travelers headed that way. I rub my fingers against my temple as I contemplate how to inform Zordon that Andros and Jason are also going to be there.

"This'll be fun" I muttered to myself. I almost jumped out of my skin when someone spoke.

"Sorry, Rita? Were you speaking to me?" Finster asked.

I sighed again. "No, Finster. I'm just contemplating how I get myself into these things."

He smiled. "Unfortunately, as a goddess of light, it is your duty."

"I know. Sometimes I'm just at a loss on how to deal with some of this."

Finster was silent for a long minute. "If I may make a suggestion?"

I nodded. "Certainly, Finster. I would not have made you my right hand if I didn't trust you."

He hesitated for another minute. "Give Zedd and the others a chance. For whatever reason, it seems like he's trying to do the right thing. He was caught in the purge just as we were. He might still be a little shady, but he isn't evil."

"There is no might to it, Finster, but I will consider it. I also have to consider the possibility that Tommy might be better off in my or Zordon's care, rather than Zedd's."

Finster shrugged. "Possibly. I'm just suggesting that you don't go into this with any preconceived ideas."

Suddenly uncomfortable, I change the subject. "Has Zordon arrived yet?"

"Actually that's what I came to tell you - his ship will be arriving shortly."

I nod and the diminutive man leaves my chambers. I find it nearly impossible to believe that Tommy would be better left in Zedd's care. I feel certain that Zordon and I will have to make sure that Tommy leaves with us.

Yeah, this will be fun…