Episode 4 – Put Out Into The Cold
The Rangers all sit alone in dark rooms, separated since their arrest. They've spent the last 24 hours getting questioned about their involvement with Operation Overdrive.
They are all removed from their confinement, minus Rose, all being escorted to a larger room. They are glad to see one another. The soldiers close the door, leaving them alone.
"What is all this about?" Will asks the rest of the team.
"I don't know," Mack replies. "They just kept asking questions about my Dad and how much I knew about Operation Overdrive."
"I was the same," Ronny adds. "I think they thought we knew more than we did."
"At least now we know we don't really know anything," Dax declares.
General Montgomery walks into the room, two soldiers covering the door as it closes behind him.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience," Montgomery begins. "The questioning was necessary. We had to establish how much exposure we had. I'm satisfied that none of you are any risk to us."
"Where is Rose?" Will asks.
"And my Dad?" Mack quickly adds.
"They'll have to remain here for the time being," the General answers. "There are still some questions we need to answer. As for the four of you, you're free to go." He turns to leave the room, turning back before he leaves. "Before I forget, someone will be in shortly with a non-disclosure agreement for you to sign. As far as your concerned, Operation Overdrive no longer exists." He walks out of the room, leaving the team shocked.
In an underground cave, Moltor and Glacia discuss their next move in their icy lair.
"We have to find the Crown and the final jewel," Moltor declares. "But we have no idea where to start looking."
"What about the other items?" Glacia adds, her cold voice almost penetrating the fiery monster. "They could lead us to the Crown."
"It's likely the Rangers will be going after them too," Moltor states. "Perhaps we should start gathering them for ourselves."
"What about Kamdor?" We may have to keep an eye on him as well. And that lackey of his."
"Kamdor will be up to his old tricks, he'll remain in the shadows as long as he can."
"We haven't got to Tyzonn yet."
"Tyzonn is a fool," Moltor screams. "I won't let anyone get in our way… we'll deal with those two when the time is right."
The four Rangers leave The Vault following their final debriefing.
"So what are we going to do now?" Ronny asks the team.
"I guess we go back to our normal lives," Dax suggests, although he does sound downtrodden about the whole situation.
"I don't even know where to go," Mack declares. "I can't even go home. The house is all locked up until they clear out all of the Ranger tech, I'm literally homeless."
"You can come stay with me if you like?" Dax offers. "Not sure you'd fit in my clothes though. We might have to get you some new ones in the meantime."
"I can get you in to get your stuff, if you want?" Will declares. The team look at Will oddly. "You don't become a security expert without knowing how to pick a few locks."
"Well, this should be interesting," Ronny laughs at the team expressions.
Rose remains sat in the holding room, soon joined by General Montgomery.
"Sorry to keep you waiting Miss Ortiz," the General begins as he sits down across from the Pink Ranger. "How are you Rose? Can I call you Rose?"
"Rose is fine," she replies. "I am fine. Still not sure why I am here." She rolls her eyes as she speaks.
"Well, before we get into that; I just wanted to let you know the other Rangers have been processed and are free to go. All that remains of the team is you and Hartford."
"Well, that's very short sighted of you."
"Oh? And why that?"
"I'm sure you've already listened to my interviews." The Pink Ranger sits back in her chair. "So, you know that there is active threat. Moltor and Glacia are somehow related to the Crown. They may also have something to do with the original team. You're literally putting Earth in danger."
"Then why not come to us?" Rose tuts in the chair. "I'm a patient man. But, the attitude will only get you so far." She glares at the General.
"That almost sounded like a threat General." Rose decides to engage. "I don't know why Mr Hartford didn't contact General McKnight. I had asked him if he had gotten tough in touch. He said he wanted me on board first."
"Why you? Why not the rest of the team?" Montgomery stands up in frustration. "Operation Overdrive was much more than six people."
"These are questions for you to ask him."
"You agreed to join him though?" The General's tone softens as he retakes his seat.
"I agreed to take my place. With four new Rangers. I wanted to help them. Spare then what I went through."
"And what is your assessment of the other four? Did they stand up against the original team?" Rose pauses before giving her answer.
"They try their best. That's all I can say."
"Were they the best pick to be Rangers."
"I didn't see the shortlist, so that's hard to answer." Rose stops again. "They're new. They need a chance to grow. Good people, I think they can become good Rangers."
"That's all for today," Montgomery declares as he stands up once again. "We'll need to keep you here for now. Why don't you go to the galley for now? Get some food. Or the bunks are available." Rose gets up in response.
"Will I be escorted?"
"You're free to wander around. I'm sure you remember what areas are restricted." Rose nods.
Will works on a digital lock on the Hartford Mansion front door.
"I thought you said you knew how to pick locks?" Ronny snarls at the Black Ranger.
"It is a Data Lock T700-A," Will responds whilst he works. "This is top of the line. I wish the people who usually fire me had the budget to buy these."
"I have so many questions," Dax states. A red light on the lock turns green.
"And we're in," the Black Ranger declares.
"Thank God," Mack opens the front door and enters the mansion. "This place has been totally ransacked." He looks round, seeing items laid out all over the place.
"They could have at least cleaned up after themselves," the Yellow Ranger adds. As the Rangers examine the chaos that has been brought upon the mansion, the alarms begin to sound. They look at each other.
"What do we do here?" Will asks.
"There is no harm in at least seeing what it is?" Mack suggests to the team.
They agree and they head down to the lab. Dax accesses the computer usually utilised by Hartford.
"Lava Lizards," the Blue Ranger declares. "At the edge of the city."
"You think Montgomery has this?" Will asks the rest of the team.
"He has too," Ronny answers. "Although, I wouldn't put money on that. He didn't seem keen on Operation Overdrive. Has your Dad ever mentioned him before?" Mack shakes his head.
"Never," the Red Ranger replies. "Although, I did overhear him and Rose talking about a General McKnight once." He stops for a second. "What do you want to do guys?"
"I didn't want to give up in the first place if I'm honest," the Yellow Ranger asserts. "Those NDA's could get us in trouble though. Do we risk it?" The team look at each other for approval.
"Let's do it," Mack declares. The team runs out of the lab.
General Montgomery enters another holding room, meeting with Mr Hartford.
"I had hoped to get to you sooner," the General declares as he sits across from Hartford. "But you know how these thing goes. I have many questions to get through. We'll try and do this as quickly and painlessly as possible..."
"Where is my son?" Hartford quickly replies.
"He's already gone. We'll come back to him though. Your new recruits have been processed. For them, Operation Overdrive is over. Rose is still here though. I'll continue. I need you to be as open and honest with me as possible."
"Where is General McKnight?"
"McKnight?" Montgomery considers his response. "General McKnight was chosen to head up this project following his success with Operation Lightspeed. After the incident five years, he completed his debriefing and put in for retirement. Overdrive ended his career. You, ended his career." Hartford is stunned by the answer. "I assume from your reaction that you were unaware of this?"
"Honestly, I had no idea," Hartford responds. "I haven't talked to him since then."
"So, he didn't help you restart Operation Overdrive?"
"No, I did so on my own when I detected the jewel signals."
"Alright, let's just start at the beginning." Hartford sighs and prepares himself for the long interview.
The four Rangers arrive at the edge of the city to meet Moltor and his forces.
"Moltor," Mack calls out. The monster and his Lava Lizards turn to face the team.
"Ah, the pesky Power Rangers," Moltor states, whilst holding onto a big device. "Lava Lizards, get them." The red foot soldiers charge at the powerless Rangers, their swords in hand. The team prepare themselves, meeting the foot soldiers head on.
Dax flips back onto hands to avoid a sword strike. He quickly flips up, kicking the foot soldiers back.
Ronny takes hold of the monster's shoulder, kneeing it in the chest and bringing her hands down on the Lava Lizard. She quickly moves to another opponent.
Will moves low, swinging his leg into the knees of the Lava Lizards, bringing them down.
Mack charges forward at Moltor. The powerful monster anticipates the attack, pulling of his sabres and firing an energy blast. The Red Ranger is thrown back. The other Rangers regroup, helping Mack to his feet.
"Sure wish we could morph right now," Dax declares.
"We'll have to do what we can," Mack responds. "Come on guys."
"So, let's move onto Mack," General Montgomery continues. Hartford looks exasperated by the never-ending questions. Before anymore can be asked though, an alarm sounds across The Vault. "We'll have to continue this later." The General quickly gets up and leaves the holding room. He races to The Vault's lab.
Rose gets up from the table in the galley, making her way to the lab as well.
"What's going on?" the Pink Ranger asks the team in the lab.
"You shouldn't be in here Ms Ortiz," Montgomery quickly snaps. Rose see's her team on the monitor, fighting against Moltor.
"Those idiots," she utters. "I shave known they wouldn't have given up so easily."
"You expected this?" The General quickly adds in response.
"I just wouldn't put it past them," Rose answers. "I told you they were good people. They're obviously trying to do the right thing." Montgomery pauses while he sonders the Pink Ranger's words.
"You think they're really ready for this?"
"No," Rose answers sharply. "But, they deserve a chance. I'm asking you to give us that chance." The General does not share what he recognises as new found confidence. He quickly darts across the lab, pulling the briefcase containing the morphers. He walks back over towards Rose, opening the case to reveal its contents.
"I hope you know what you're doing," the General despairs.
"So do I," the Pink Ranger replies as she takes the case. She walks out of the lab, uttering as she leaves; "So do I."
The team continues to struggle against the fiery monster. They take another energy blast and fall to the ground.
"Anyone got any ideas?" Ronny asks the downed team. Mack gets himself to his feet.
"He has to wear down eventually," the Red Ranger declares. Mack charges once again, but Moltor reacts quickly and kicks him back to the ground.
"You're even weaker than I thought Ranger," Moltor taunts Mack. The monster lifts its sword to complete its attack.
"Mack," Rose calls out as she reaches the scene. The Red Ranger looks over, seeing the Pink Ranger running towards them. She throws his Overdrive Tracker towards him. The Red Ranger takes hold of his morpher, quickly flipping it open.
"Overdrive Accelerate," Mack calls, sliding the morpher down Moltor's sabre to morph up. Moltor is knocked back, dropping the device he is holding. Moltor shouts in frustration, the other Rangers regrouping. Rose hands over the other morphers.
"Did you steal these?" Ronny quickly asks.
"No," Rose replies. "The General gave me them."
"Does this mean we're back in business?" Will follows up.
"Unclear," the Pink Ranger responds. "But we have a job to do right now." The team line up, flipping their morphers open.
"Overdrive Accelerate," the team roll their morphers down their arms.
"Power Rangers Operation Overdrive," the team calls. Moltor summons more of his Lava Lizards.
"Your fancy suits won't do anything when I'm done wit this planet," the monster declares, the foot soldiers pocking up the device. "I'm going to heat up the planet. And when you disappear in the flames, I'll get the Crown and all of its power."
"We won't let you do that," Rose steps forward.
"And who is going to stop me?" the monster replies. He turns to face the Lava Lizards. "Activate the device now."
"We'll stop you," Mack declares, the whole team stepping forward with their Drive Sabre's in hand. Moltor charges to meet the Rangers, still only utilising one of his swords. Mack is quickly knocked aside, the other Rangers following on. The team can't land a blow as the monster slashes through Ronny and Dax. The Red Ranger comes back in form behind, Moltor acting quickly to block the attack. He strikes through Rose quickly, bringing his attention back to the Red Ranger. Behind them, the Lava Lizards try to activate Moltor's device.
"What's taking so long?" Moltor calls out to the foot soldiers as he holds Mack away. He smacks away the Ranger, turning to see the Lava Lizards struggling to activate the device. One holds it, while the other holds the controls. As they struggle, the device begins to spark.
"This doesn't look good," the Red Ranger declares. The top of the device begins to spin, detaching itself from the base. It spins fast, the weather suddenly changes. Snow covers the battle area.
"What?" Moltor calls out. "It was supposed to heat the world up."
"You didn't even know what your machine does?" the Red Ranger blurts out. Moltor tries to run after the device as it continues to spin out of control. The team begins to follow on, Mack stopping them. "We'll need to get the zords." The Red Ranger pulls his morpher. "General, we need the Zords."
"They're on their way Mr Hartford," Montgomery answers from The Vault. "You must stop that device at any cost. It can't be allowed to spread across the planet."
The zords begin to make their way out of the launch bay. The Control Drivers fly through the sky, the team taking hold.
"Got it sir," the Red Ranger replies. The team jump into their zords, placing their Control Drivers.
"Pinpointing location," the Red Ranger declares. On his screen, the zord tries to lock onto the weather control device. "Dax, can you get to it?"
"I'm trying," the Blue Ranger responds. The Gyro Driver struggles in the snowy conditions. "I'm losing control." Dax's zord becomes overwhelmed by the storm.
"What's going on?" Mack asks. As the zords move into the mountain range, the snow shakes down them.
"Oh no," Rose calls out.
"Brace for impact," Will adds, snow hurtling towards the teams zords.
"It's an avalanche," Ronny declares. The zords become enveloped in the avalanche. The Gyro Driver, Speed Driver and Sub Driver can no longer combat the weather.
"We have to abandon the zords," Mack declares, grabbing his Overdrive Tracker. As he hits the ground, the Dump Driver and Dozer Driver become trapped as well. The five zords fall into a crevice and become trapped in the ice below. "Rose, Dax." The Red Ranger tries desperately to get through to his team. "Will. Ronny. Anyone."
"Mack, this is General Montgomery," the General's voice is heard through the morpher. "Come back to The Vault at once."
"But the others…" Mack tries to argue.
"You can't help them right now," Montgomery cuts off the beleaguered Red Ranger. "Return to the base at once." Mack relents, getting himself off of the ground.
Before he can make way to The Vault though, Moltor jumps in. The Red Ranger jumps back quickly to avoid the strike from Moltor's two swords.
"I don't have time for this," Mack calls out in desperation.
"Make the time," Moltor responds as he prepares to charge.
"Drive Lance," the Red Ranger summons his power weapon and readies himself. The two charge at each other, weapons at the ready. They clash, striking at each other. Moltor knocks the Red Ranger off balance, striking through him and knocking Mack back and to the ground.
"You're powerless without your friends," the monster declares.
"Maybe so," the Red Ranger states. "But, I'll get them out of there." Mack gets himself back up. "I won't let you destroy us." The two charge once more, Mack easily outclassed by the fiery beast. Moltor lands a sword onto the Red Ranger's shoulder, kicking the Drive Lance away. The monster brings his sword up, crossing his swords against Mack and sending him flying back. As he travels through the air, he quickly pulls h is Drive Blaster, firing out. Moltor is thrown back, enveloped in flames.
"I have to get out of here," the Red Ranger declares.
Back at The Vault, the General watches Mack leave the area following the battle.
"Let me know when he gets back," Montgomery orders his aide. "I need to have another chat with Mr Hartford." The aide nods as the General walks off.
He enters the holding room, Hartford jumping out of his seat.
"What's going on?" Mr Hartford asks the General.
"The team insisted on going out to fight Moltor," Montgomery explains. "I have Rose their morphers and allowed them to engage. Moltor activated some kind of extreme weather device, turning the battlefield into a snowy and icy tundra. The zords are trapped in the ice, along with four of the Rangers." Hartford looks stunned.
"Who got out?" he asks quickly, his heart beating out of his chest.
"Is that important?" Montgomery stares down Hartford. "The simple, and unfortunate, reality is that that's two missions where five Rangers go out, and only one returns. Would you say those were acceptable risks?" Silence fills the room, the tension between the two at a fever pitch.
"Operation Overdrive is dangerous," Hartford finally breaks the tension. "Everyone who signs up is aware of that. Hell, Rose even signed up twice. They are given a choice." He pauses for a second. "You have a choice to make as well General."
"Oh, and what is that?"
"You gave the Rangers the morphers. You sent them the zords. The understand the Ranger technology better than you ever will. Will you choose to allow me to help?" The General sighs.
"What do you have in mind?"
In the icy tundra, the zords remain trapped and huddled together. Rose begins to come to herself in the cockpit.
"Is everyone okay?" the Pink Rangers tries to contact her teammates.
"I think so," Dax is the first to reply.
"I'm good," Ronny replies next.
"We have to get out of here," Will declares. He pushes down on his controls. The wheels on his zord spin out, but it does not move. Ronny tries the same from her zord.
"It's no use," she laments. The gyros on Dax's zord spins, but like other, nothing happens. Will becomes frustrated.
"At least Mack was able to get out." Rose declares. "He'll get help and get us out of here."
The Red Ranger arrives at The Vault, being escorted up to the lab. There, he meets Montgomery and Mr Hartford.
"Dad," the Red Ranger calls out. Hartford moves in and gives him a hug, relieved to see him.
"I'm glad you made it out," Hartford states.
"What about the others? I have to get them out."
"We've been working on that," Montgomery answers. Before Operation Overdrive was cancelled, a second fleet of zords were in development. They never made it out of the initial testing phases. We don't how they will fair in the field. It's risky."
"I don't have a choice," the Red Ranger doesn't even contemplate the warning.
"Mack, are you sure?" Hartford asks. "We can look at alternative options."
"Any alternative will take time," the Red Ranger asserts. "Time is the one thing we don't have." Hartford smiles.
"I'm proud of you son," Mr Hartford states. "Okay, get your Control Driver and head down to the zord bay. Zord six, the Drill Driver."
"Right," Mack moves quickly, being escorted to the bay.
The Red Ranger, now morphed, enters the cockpit of the Drill Driver. He places his Control Driver into the zord.
"Let's see what this zord can do," Mack declares. He places his Overdrive Tracker into the Control Driver. "Drill Driver, online." He inputs the code into the morpher and spins the base. The Drill begins to spin and Mack presses down onto his controls. He feels the power of the zord as it begins to make its way out of the bay.
The Drill Driver speeds towards the battle area. As he pushes down on his controls, electricity sparks in the cockpit. The zord comes to a stop, Mack collapsing onto his controls.
"Mack," Hartford tries to contact the Red Ranger. "You need to calm down, focus on the task ahead. Don't think about the team." Montgomery eyes dart at the statement.
"Right," Mack responds. "First, power up. Then dig down and into the ice."
"That's it Mack," Hartford declares. "One step at the time."
"Got it," the Red Ranger pushes down on the Control Driver. The drill begins to spin and moves down into the ground. The zord tears through the Earth. Mack continues to struggle as it descends. The Drill Driver makes its way through, stopping short of the icy cavern holding the zords. "There they are. Full power." He powers up the zord and it speeds through the ice, breaking it apart. "Come in Rangers, are you okay?"
"No, Die Hard is not a Christmas film," Ronny argues. "It just happens at Christmas." The four Rangers appear on Macks' display from their cockpits.
"What about Home Alone then?" Dax fights back, Will laughing. "It's about a kid being abandoned by his family. What makes that a Christmas film?" Ronny scoffs. But before she can argue her case, she notices Mack has arrived.
"Mack," the team calls.
"What are you guys doing?" the Red Ranger asks, puzzled at the team's calm demeanour.
"Rose told us not to worry," Ronny answers.
"She knew you'd get help," Dax adds. "And she was right."
"Shall we get out of here?" Will asks.
"Let's power up," Rose answer. "The weather control device is still out there."
"Right," the Rangers agree. The team press down onto their Control Drivers. With the ice broken, power returns and the zords begin to power back up. Mack clears a path for the Rangers and team free the zords and speed after the device.
"It's still cold," Ronny states. "But I'm glad we're free."
"What is that?" Will looks out from his cockpit.
"The Rangers look on in horror as the device begins to transform. It stops spinning, legs descending from the bottom of the device, taking place on the ground. The arms and head soon become visible, its arms a spiral drill and a jagged shield.
"We need to form the Megazord," Mack declares. "I've set the Dump Driver to auto pilot. I'll stay in the Drill Driver for now."
"Right," the team responds.
The zords line up. The Dozer Driver puts its shovel into the ground as the zord opens up and straightens out. The back of the Sub Driver moves up, revealing a fist. They move in and attack to the Dump Driver. The top of the Dump Driver moves up. They flip over, coming down to the ground, forming the Megazord's legs. The Speed Drives races towards the Megazord, driving up it as it ascends from the ground. It tops at the top of the Megazord, forming the Megazord's chest plate. It opens up and connects to the top of the Megazord, the head popping up. The Gyro Driver flies in, the helmet piece separating from the back. The wings fold up and the front of the zord connects to the back of the Megazord. The helmet attaches to the head. The four Rangers come into the team's cockpit.
The DriveMax Megazord charges at the monster, shovel and pick-axe in hand. It slams the weapons into the monster. But they make no impact. The monster strikes back, the Megazord stumbling backwards. The Drill Driver comes in to offer support, ramming into the monster's legs. It is able to damage to monster. It releases a stream of cold air, the Drill Driver retreating. The Megazord tries to attack again, slamming it's shovel into the monster's chest. It still doesn't have any effect, the monster releasing another burst of cold air.
"What is this thing?" Will calls out.
"Rangers, you need to combine the Drill Driver with the DriveMax Megazord," Hartford orders the team over their communicators.
"Right," Mack responds. "You heard the old man. Let's bring them together."
"The Drill Driver lines up in front of the DriveMax Megazord. The Dozer Driver detaches from the left arm slot of the Megazord, the new zord taking its place. Mack ascends into the Megazord's cockpit to join the rest of his team.
"DriveMax Megazord, Drill Formation," the team calls as the new Megazord combination stands ready.
Electricity sparks from Will's Control Driver. "Is this the power of the zord?"
"Won't this overwhelm the Megazord?" Rose sounds concerned.
"Don't worry about it," Mack responds to the two. "I can handle the power. I've already proved that. Just focus on the task in front of you."
"Drill Formation, Drill Spin Attack," the team calls. The Drill arm spins, powering up. The Megazord charges forward, plunging the Drill into the monster's chest. The monster breaks apart around the drill, bringing it to an end.
"You tricked me," Moltor calls out to Glacia as he returns from the battle. "You told me the weather control device would heat up the planet. What were you thinking?"
"Heat destroys," she replies softly. "Cold preserves. We couldn't risk destroying the Crown as we don't know where it is. I didn't think you'd understand. Besides, you failed anyway. Those Rangers may prove tougher opponents than we had initially thought."
The team reassemble at The Vault, meeting Hartford and Montgomery.
"You did well Rangers," the General declares. "I am happy to report that snow and ice have subsided. With the device destroyed, the region returns to normal." The team smiles in response.
"So, what does this mean for us?" Ronny asks in earnest. The General sighs.
"I'm still not convinced this a good idea," the General begins, the team instantly looking disappointed. "But, you handled yourselves admirably today. Hartford and I have agreed you can continue for the moment." The disappointed reaction quickly turns to one of glee. "You have to submit reports. And we'll have overall control. But you may continue to work out of the Hartford Mansion for now."
"Thank you sir," Rose speaks for the team. "We won't let you down."
"Hartford, we'll debrief before you head out," Montgomery states, the two walking away from the team. The other Rangers wander off, leaving only Rose and Mack. The Red Ranger turns to the Pink Ranger.
"Can I ask you something?" Mack asks, Rose nodding. "You knew about the other zords didn't you?" And that's why you stayed so calm?" She pauses, looking away.
"I did Mack," she responds. "I overheard the development team talking about them a few years ago."
"So… you didn't really have faith in me?"
"That's where you are wrong. The initial tests for the Drill Driver proved dangerous for the test pilots. It never made it into field training. I didn't know if you could handle it if I'm honest. But, you did. I had faith you'd get them help we needed." Mack smiles. "You came through, that's what counts. That is what Red Ranger's are supposed to do." The two smile and laugh as they go to join the rest of the team.
Hartford and Montgomery watch as the team walks away.
"She doesn't know either, does she?" the General states.
"None of them do," Hartford sighs. "And that's the way I'd like to keep it."
To Be Continued