POWER
RANGERS: SPACE PATROL DELTA
YEAR TWO
"LOST"
The bright light of the sun above Newtech City reflected off of almost every surface around him. The distant sound of activated machinery had become a grim reminder of the reconstruction taking place all around the Space Patrol Delta Academy. For the past week, the sounds had become the thing he noticed most: the sounds of ash blowing in the wind, the sounds of sadness from the mourning families, the sounds of disappointment and distress floating in the air around SPD Headquarters.
Through it all, he ran.
Sky Tate ran every day at this same time. It was a B-Squad ritual. More than that, it was Sky's ritual. He led them. He jogged ahead of the others and most thought it was a sign of his leadership, but deep down Sky ran faster because he was struggling to escape so much. At the top of that list was his own fears over the past week and his fears for the future of his team. Sky turned back to see Bridge Carson and Sydney Drew running about 5 feet behind him. About 10 feet behind them, Z Delgado was lightly trotting. Even further behind her, Quinn Gray seemed to be fighting to keep up.
The grounds outside of the Academy were not very populated. Admittedly, not many wanted to venture out given the conditions and the utter destruction that stretched southward past SPD Headquarters all the way to the coast of California. However, there were a few cadets exercising around the area.
Sky looked back again, as he reached a pair of benches on the grounds. He saw B-Squad. They weren't together. He stopped and turned completely to face them, with his hands on his hips. He was breathing heavy, but he was used to the ritual and it only took a few moments for him to catch his breath. A few seconds later, Syd & Bridge caught up to him and also stopped. Sky looked past them and even past the approaching Z. His eyes rested squarely on Quinn Gray, who at this point was merely walking at a brisk pace.
"Cadet Gray, what's wrong with you?" Sky asked aloud.
"Leave him alone, Sky. He's only been working out with us for a week," Z said as she continued her jog past Sky and headed over to the benches.
"I'm...sorry," Quinn said, out of breath as he joined Syd & Bridge. Sky turned away from him to stare at Z, sitting down.
"Okay, he's new. What's your excuse?" Sky said, as he was genuinely curious. Z had always been running right there next to him, usually ahead of the pack, even when Jack was around. It was a competitive thing between them. But lately, Z was falling behind.
Z glared at Sky, looking angry. "Maybe I don't feel that running 5 miles is the answer to my problems, Sky. Maybe, there's a heck of a lot more going on here than some stupid B-Squad ritual."
Sky took a deep breath, wanting to lash out, but he didn't. He turned back to Cadet Gray.
"Quinn, you've gotten slower every day since you started on B-Squad," Sky said.
"I'm sorry. It's just, my feet don't seem to want to move," Quinn said, exasperated.
"Maybe you should try harder. If you can't keep up with us here, how do you expect to keep up with us out there?" Sky said, as he pointed out towards the city.
"I told you. My feet—"
"I don't care about your feet, Quinn. I care about having B-Squad at their best. It's not all about riding bikes and firing guns. Sometimes you have to do the leg work too," Sky said, sarcastically.
Quinn caught every bit of the contempt in Sky's voice.
Sky started to walk towards the Academy entrance, after shooting Z a long disapproving look over her performance as well. Bridge & Syd, who had both been silently observing the situation both trotted off after Sky, as Quinn took a seat on the bench next to Z.
"Sky, wait," Bridge called after him.
Sky stopped for a minute and turned to his two approaching teammates.
"It's gonna take time," Bridge said. "We're not gonna gel right away."
"If at all..." Sky said, somberly.
"Sky, it's gonna get better," Syd said, rubbing his arm.
"It doesn't matter. I have to go anyway. The press conference is starting in an hour. I have to be there to answer for B-Squad. There's gonna be a lot of questions about what we did and what we didn't do out there," Sky said.
"Maybe we should come with you," Syd offered.
"No. I'm the Red Ranger. I've got to face the music," Sky said, as he turned and walked into Headquarters.
Syd & Bridge shared a troubled glance. Syd watched Sky enter the building. She sighed. Then, Bridge looked at her.
"So, you wanna get some breakfast? The toast is on me," Bridge said, with a smile.
Syd couldn't help but smile back.
Several feet away, Z still sat, staring into the sky. Next to her, Quinn was prying the boot off his right foot. Z turned to him.
"Are you really having problems with your feet?"
"I don't know what it is. Ever since last week there's just been this heaviness. Like I've got weights strapped to them every time I try to lift my feet to run," Quinn explained.
"That's not good. Maybe you should talk to someone about it. You don't want it to get worse," Z said.
"I know," Quinn said, as he put his boot back on. "What about you? You think maybe you should talk to someone about what's going on with you?"
"There's nothing to talk about," Z said, "Jack's dead and Omallix and Cartiron are still out there, no doubt dreaming up ways to inflict pain on us all again. Yet, here we run and jump and practice like nothing's wrong. People died out there, Quinn. Everyone seems ready to just forget."
Quinn stood up and began to walk away, but stopped. "Well, I can't forget. I won't ever forget. Look, I know this is all my fault and you probably hate me as much as Sky does for what happened, but if you want to talk, I'll listen. Even, if you just want to use me for a punching bag."
"I'll keep that in mind," Z said, somberly, returning her gaze to the sky above.
High above, past Z's gaze and past the atmosphere of Earth, Omallix's base loomed in orbit of Earth. In the main lobby of the onetime research center, things had drastically changed. It was now a dark throne room for a prince of evil. Omallix sat on a large metal chair that had been raised a few feet above the floor. Cartiron stood before him.
"So, my general, are there more creatures among us with the power to challenge the Rangers and cause as much destruction as you have?" Omallix wondered.
"I can assure you that none are as powerful as I, Omallix. Then again, they are not as strong as you are either," Cartiron said, proudly. "However, they may be of use to you against the humans."
"Good," Omallix stated, "I may not need the entire lot. I have many plans in the works and some things that I know will catch SPD off-guard. I want them to suffer, Cartiron, and believe me, my next plan will see them attacked once again from within."
"From within sir?" Cartiron was curious.
"Yes. It is a plan that cannot fail and we will not have to lift a finger to accomplish our goal, if all goes according to plan," Omallix cackled.
A few feet away, a human listened in. Charlie was not happy to be left out of this meeting. She turned and stormed towards a stairwell in the rear of the first floor. She ascended the staircase and marched towards the large laboratory. She keyed in the access code and walked in to find Dr. Felix eagerly tapping away at a computer terminal.
As the doors open, she noticed him quickly turn away from the interface, pretending that nothing had been going on. Charlie smirked.
"Oh, doctor. Try all you want to contact Earth. It won't work. None of the terminals in this laboratory are designed for outside communication," Charlie said, as she paced around the room, slowly. She stopped at the picture window that gave a view into an adjoining room. It was so dark that no one could see inside. She had spent a lot of time in that room in the last few days. Felix joined her there.
"I've heard some commotion behind that glass. Care to tell me what's going on in there?" Felix asked.
"No," Charlie said, "I don't care."
"It's always a pleasure speaking to you, Charlie," Felix said. "Is your new boss not keeping you busy enough?"
"Omallix will use me at his will," Charlie said, "just like you."
"That's the same story you spewed to me when you brought me here, but I feel rather useless. This Omallix doesn't seem to know what he wants," Felix said.
"Omallix knows more than you, Doctor," Charlie said, as she walked over and tapped in several commands into the computer interface, which pulled up a replay of Omallix and Cartiron's destructive paths on Earth. Felix watched in stunned silence.
"Oh no," was all he could say.
"You see, Doctor. No one here is playing around. Omallix wants the utter destruction of SPD and he will have it," Charlie said, as she stared at Felix.
"What about you?" Felix asked, "What do you want, Charlie?"
"I want...to win," Charlie said, finally.
"The last side you chose didn't prove to be very successful," Felix said, sarcastically.
"Did you miss the footage that I just showed you, you simpleton? Omallix is much stronger than Gruumm ever was," Charlie sneered.
"I saw Omallix attack inside Headquarters. I also saw that red fellow destroy part of Newtech City. It was all quite disturbing. However, I didn't see you do anything," Felix said. "Charlie, you still have a chance to redeem yourself here. You haven't gone too far...yet."
"Redemption is overrated," Charlie said, "I'm not going back to SPD as a cadet or as a prisoner, ever again. You want to see action, just wait and see. SPD will not soon forget my name."
Quinn found himself once again putting his boots back on, as he leaned against a wall in Kat's laboratory. Kat herself was sitting at her computer terminal, looking troubled. She looked at a few more readings and then walked back over to Quinn.
"Well, there's good news and bad news," Kat said to him.
"What's the good news?" Quinn asked.
"It doesn't look like this problem you're having with your feet is related to your morphing powers," Kat explained. "There have been cases were a person's physiology rejects the morphing energy. It usually happens when someone uses a morpher that isn't designed to interact with his or her body chemistry. It doesn't usually manifest itself if a person has only used a morpher once or twice. Long-term use can be a problem."
"But, I've only morphed once, with Darren's morpher," Quinn said. "How do we know this isn't the beginning of a bigger problem?"
"Because I've already altered the Green Ranger morpher to work with your body chemistry. The morpher's not the problem," Kat said, confidently.
"So, what is?"
"That's where the bad news comes in. I don't know," Kat said.
"That's not something we're used to hearing from you around here," Quinn said.
"Believe me, I'm as shocked as you are," Kat said, with a smirk. "If Doctor Felix were here, I'd tell you to go see him. This could be a medical issue that's totally unrelated to you morphing, especially since you haven't experienced any physical problems when morphed."
Quinn sighed. He didn't need anymore problems piled onto the ones he had already.
The front entrance to SPD Headquarters was once again bustling with activity. Unlike the week before, it wasn't mass chaos and panic, though. Now, it was a calm gathering of individuals who were looking for answers. Commander Anubis "Doggie" Cruger stood at a podium, where three microphones were set up. The one closest to him was on the far right. The one in the middle belonged to Supreme Commander Fowler Birdy, who stood to Cruger's left. On the other side of Birdy, stood Cadet Tate. Cruger took a deep breath, as Birdy was finishing his statement. The time for questions had come.
"Commander, do you have a current estimation on the number of casualties?" a blond-haired human reporter spoke out first.
"It looks to be 6497," Birdy said somberly. "I know it is a grim number, but we were lucky. The southern part of the state took heavy casualties. We are just glad that Newtech City did not have many more."
"Commander Cruger, how do you respond to allegations that Omallix's escape was the fault of an unnamed cadet who wandered into your containment room and are you prepared to release the name of that cadet?" asked an alien reporter. His dark green face was staring at Cruger.
"Omallix's escape was an unfortunate occurrence," Cruger responded. "We are not here to place blame. We are here to bring him back into containment. That is the focus now."
"And the cadet's identity?" the reporter did not relent.
"The cadet's identity is irrelevant," Cruger stated sternly.
Standing nearby, Sky thought about Cruger's words. He wasn't so sure that Cruger was correct. They were up against the firing squad here. Maybe Quinn should have been there with them.
"My question is for Cadet Tate," another alien reporter asked. Oddly enough, the creature reminded Sky of A-Squad's Blue Ranger. They were clearly of the same species. "Cadet Tate, as the Red Ranger and B-Squad's leader, how is the team coping with their first major loss since the departure of Jack Landors?"
Sky took a deep breath. "We're dealing with the obstacles that have been laid before us. The Power Rangers are dedicated to protecting this city and the galaxy."
"And you feel you're equipped to do that?"
"I feel that SPD is the only thing standing between Omallix and the destruction of this entire planet," Sky said, angrily. "We're united in the goal of bringing Omallix to justice. Maybe if you people weren't so eager to ask questions, we could do our job."
Birdy jumped onto the microphone at that moment.
"What Cadet Tate is trying to say is that the onslaught of Omallix has been a very trying thing for all of us to deal with. Space Patrol Delta is regrouping and we will be ready for Omallix's next attack," Birdy said calmly, before glaring at Cruger, giving him a troubled look. "I'm afraid that Commander Cruger and Cadet Tate have business to attend to, but I will be glad to answer any more questions you may have."
More questions seemed to fill the air, as Cruger and Sky marched back inside the quiet halls of SPD. Sky stared at the floor, feeling the impending disappointment that was about to come from his commanding officer.
"Sky, I know that was extremely difficult for you," Cruger stated. "However, you have to be more tactful in these situations."
"Omallix wasn't tactful when he attacked us and he wasn't tactful when he sent Cartiron to destroy the city," Sky said, angrily.
"I know that, but we're not them," Cruger stated.
"It's just...did you hear those questions? 'Am I equipped to handle it?' What is that about?"
"Don't take it personally, Sky," Cruger said, "That's what reporters do."
"Do you think they're right?" Sky asked, surprising Cruger.
"What?"
"Do you honestly think I have what it takes to lead this fight against Omallix?" Sky said.
Cadet Quinn Gray took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the afternoon air. It was breezy and warm, as always. His feet were feeling better, as his soles hit the lush greenery of the local park. Quinn looked around at the deserted place. He guessed that no one wanted to enjoy the scenery. He couldn't blame them. Not even a mile away, was death and destruction. This part of the city, the northern side, was unscathed. It was in stark contrast to the dark, ashy terrain that now inhabited the south side.
Quinn couldn't help it, as his thoughts veered back to Darren Miller. He thought of his best friend just about every day and it was still hard to believe he was gone and that he was the one who made the fatal mistake that led to his death. Quinn leaned against a tree and was startled by the voice that came seconds later.
"Well hello there."
Quinn turned and took a defensive stance as he saw the figure come from behind the tree.
"Cadet Ayala," Quinn said, in shock.
Charlie stood before him and let out a chuckle.
"Let's dispense with the pleasantries. Call me Charlie. After all, I'm not a cadet anymore."
"Yeah. You graduated to full-blown deviant," Quinn said, angrily.
"Now now. You don't even know me and already you're making judgments. That's not very nice, cadet. I mean, how can I make a snappy comeback when I don't even know who you are?" Charlie said, "You're wearing a B-Squad green uniform, but the face just doesn't match."
"We've met...a few times, actually. I guess I wasn't worth your time when you were in SPD. The name's Quinn Gray."
"Quinn Gray...C-Squad, right?"
"So you do remember," Quinn responded.
"It's not often I remember the little people, but after my last encounter with your comrade, I've been thinking about C-Squad," Charlie said, then laughed. "They aren't what they used to be."
Quinn was fuming. As Charlie began to slowly pace around him, Quinn moved with her, keeping some distance between them. He didn't know what Charlie's intent was, but he knew it couldn't be good.
"It'll still be enough to bring you in," Quinn said, sternly. Charlie smiled again.
"Well, you've certainly inherited B-Squad's fondness for big talk, but can you back it up, newbie?" Charlie said, as she started to walk towards Quinn slowly.
Quinn reached for his morpher.
"I can," Quinn said, as he stuck his morpher out. "SPD Emerg—"
At that moment, a swift kick from Charlie sent his morpher flying out of his hand and landing several feet away on the grass. Quinn grabbed his wrist. The kick hurt.
"Oops," Charlie said, as she got in Quinn's face. "What's your next move, Cadet?"
Quinn went for a punch, with his left arm, but Charlie grabbed it in midair. He swung with the other, but she grabbed that one two, twisting his arms in her grip. Quinn used his strength to grab hold of her arms too flipping her over his head and to the ground. Charlie got to her feet quickly and Quinn planted a kick to her midsection, sending her flying backwards, only a few paces, before she landed on her feet and sprinted back towards him.
The two went for punches back and forth, blocking each other's blows before they could connect. Remembering his Academy training, Quinn changed things up and nailed a kick to Charlie's stomach, sending her flying backward, off her feet and colliding with the tree he had been leaning on earlier. He eyed his morpher and began walking towards it, as Charlie was getting to her feet.
"Field Tactic 303...good move," Charlie grunted.
When Quinn turned to pick up his morpher, Charlie got to her feet and performed six consecutive backflips, landing right behind Quinn. He picked up his morpher and turned back around, only to be met with a punch to the face from Charlie. Quinn crashed to the ground and his morpher once again fell from his hand. Charlie stood on top of him.
"I invented Field Tactic 303," Charlie said, smugly. "You can't beat me. You can't beat anyone and look, there's no one running to your rescue, is there?"
She lifted her fist for another punch, but Quinn caught it in his palm. He channeled his anger into his muscles to stop the blow from hitting him. He turned his head and saw his morpher, lying in the grass. With his free hand, he tried to reach for it, but Charlie knelt down, driving her knee into his arm and stopping him.
Quinn mustered the strength to knock her over and roll on top of Charlie, holding her arms at bay with his hands. Both had their eyes glued to that morpher, which was now closer than ever. Charlie used her momentum to flip him back to the ground, rolling her on top of him. She grabbed the morpher quickly. But, in that moment, Quinn flipped her over his head, grabbing the morpher, as Charlie went flying.
Quinn jumped to his feet, as Charlie was down. "SPD Emergency!"
In seconds the Green SPD Ranger was standing there, but a second was all Charlie needed to disappear. The Green Ranger scanned every inch of the park, but she was gone. Quinn began breathing deeply again, holding his wrist. He began walking back to Headquarters when he noticed the heavy pain in his feet coming back. Quinn sighed.
Back at Headquarters, Bridge leaned over the table. His elbow resting on the slab of wood and his head rested in the palm of his hand. He couldn't help but stare at the mass of metal, cables and technology.
"Poor R.I.C.," Bridge said, with a sigh.
Kat Manx walked over to the table in her lab and patted Bridge on the back.
"I wish I had better news, but R.I.C.'s mainframe was totally fried by Omallix. I'm sorry," Kat said, somberly.
"Still, there's no way to fix him? I mean with the battilizer, maybe we'd have a better chance in the fight against Omallix," Bridge said.
"It would take time. Time that I don't have. I'm still trying to work on new Delta Runners, which is ten times harder without my research, which Omallix wiped from the computer systems before he left," Kat said.
"He really did a number on things," Bridge stated the obvious.
"Yes. I'm just glad Charlie didn't have access to the morphing grid systems. If she did, your morphers might be useless right now too," Kat said.
"But R.I.C., he's a part of our team," Bridge said, somberly.
"I know and if I could, I'd fix him. But, R.I.C. 2.0 is no more. He would have to be rebuilt from scratch and that's not a project that any of us have time to undertake," Kat explained.
"Yeah, Boom's busy with E-Squad training. You have your work and I don't think Commander Cruger & Sky would be too happy if I wanted to take a leave of absence to build a new R.I.C., not that I even could without some help," Bridge said. "I guess it's hopeless."
"Unfortunately, there are some battles that just can't be won, Bridge," Kat said.
"I just hope we don't have any more that we can't win," Bridge said.
Then, Commander Cruger's voice came over the communications grid.
"Dr. Manx and B-Squad, report to the Command Center," Cruger's rumbling voice spoke.
Bridge & Kat shared a troubled glance.
"I wonder what's up" Bridge spoke.
"Let's find out," Kat said. Bridge headed for the door swiftly with Kat right behind him.
In the Command Center, they joined Sky, Z, Syd, Cruger and Birdy, who was talking with Cruger and another alien man that Kat didn't recognize.
Birdy turned to acknowledge Kat & Bridge's arrival. "Well, I can't wait much longer. Where's Cadet Gray?"
"Sir, Cadet Gray left the grounds a while ago. I don't think he's back yet," Kat answered.
Nearby, Sky shook his head, disappointingly. Birdy took a deep breath and decided against waiting.
"Well, I will be leaving shortly to return to Galaxy Command. But, before my departure I have someone that I want to introduce you all to," Birdy said, as he gestured towards the fellow wearing the long white coat. "This is Doctor Shivan Sevarus. He's one of SPD's top physicians and was the head of SPD's Medical Division at Galaxy Command. He will be stationed here on Earth in the wake of the massacre to fill in for the missing Dr. Felix."
"There's still been no sign of Felix. We fear the worst," Cruger said.
"I'm sure you all will welcome Dr. Sevarus with open arms. He's one of the best and therefore will be in good company," Birdy said, as he headed for the Command Center exit doors. Before leaving he turned back to them all.
"Good luck, Rangers. All of SPD is behind you," Birdy said. Then, he turned and exited.
"Well, Cadets it is good to meet you," Dr. Sevarus spoke to B-Squad, before turning to Doggie. "And, Commander Cruger it is a pleasure to serve with you once again."
"Thank you, Doctor. We could definitely use you around here," Doggie responded.
"Surely. I am going to get down to the Infirmary right now. I know there are a lot of wounded still there," Sevarus said as he headed for the exit.
Z stopped him. "Doctor Sevarus? Don't forget about Piggy. He doesn't have any family down there. But he's our friend. He was hurt pretty badly."
"I will tend to all of the victims, Cadet. I promise," Sevarus assured her, before leaving.
"That's some good news," Syd remarked. "I mean we definitely need a doctor on the premises."
"Yeah," Bridge said. "Who knows when one of us will need him?" Then, he felt all eyes were on him. "I swear I didn't mean that to sound like a bad omen. Although, does me saying it sounds like a bad omen, make it a bad omen?"
While Bridge's confusion reigned in the Command Center, the doors opened and Quinn came running in.
"Cadet Gray?" Cruger noticed he was out of breath. "What's wrong?"
"I ran into Charlie," Quinn said.
"Charlie?" Sky repeated, loudly. "Where?"
"I was at the park. She just showed up."
"What did she want?" Cruger asked.
"I don't know. I mean, she was there kinda taunting me over Darren's death and when I went for my morpher, she attacked me."
"This doesn't sound good," Kat said. "It could be a sign that Omallix is gearing up for another attack."
"We will all have to stay on heightened alert. If anyone comes in contact with Charlie, or any of Omallix's goons, you are to call in for backup immediately," Cruger ordered them. The Rangers all nodded in agreement.
High above, in Omallix's base, a glass shattered against a wall. Charlie knew no one would miss one glass container. There were plenty of supplies onboard the floating science center. She was almost defeated by that green power punk and she was not happy about it.
"I noticed your little visit to Earth," Omallix's voice came from behind her, but there was no one there. It seemed to come from above, where she noticed a speaker panel in a corner of the ceiling. "Join me in my throne room, Charlie."
It was a long walk for Charlie. When she reached her destination, she found Omallix and Cartiron still together there.
"You wanted to see me, lord Omallix?"
"Yes, Charlie. You're little jaunt to Earth was not authorized. I thought we all understood the chain of command around here," Omallix said calmly.
"I do. I just wanted—"
"You wanted what?" Omallix said, sternly. His tone was getting darker.
"I wanted to get you...information. That is why you freed me isn't it?" Charlie was a quick thinker.
"What information were you able to gleam from your encounter?"
"I now know the identity of the new SPD Green Ranger, Omallix. He's the one who interfered with your plans. I thought you'd want to know," Charlie explained.
"Who is he?" Omallix asked.
"Cadet Quinn Gray. A former C-Squad cadet and a close friend to the one you destroyed during our exit from the SPD Academy," Charlie revealed.
"Yes, that is interesting news."
"Sir, if he hadn't have gotten his hands on his morpher, I surely would have been able to defeat him. I'm certain of it," Charlie said.
With those words, Omallix sprang up from his seat and stormed over to Charlie, backing her into a wall. He got so close that she could feel the heat radiating from beneath his cold metallic exterior. His eyes locked on hers.
"Are you saying that you could do more than I could against the Rangers?"
"No. Of course not, Omallix. If he had morphed, he would have become much stronger as he was when you first encountered him, sir. I would never dream of underestimating your power," Charlie assured him.
"That is a very good decision, Charlie," Omallix stated, "One that the Power Rangers would be wise to remember."
The next day, Sky sulked over his breakfast in the Rec Room. He had barely touched the bowl of oatmeal in front of him. Next to him, Bridge downed his third piece of toast and Sky couldn't help but wonder how Bridge could stand to eat that much bread. Syd entered and ordered a fresh glass of milk and a blueberry muffin, before joining them. Bridge looked around.
"Morning, Syd. Where's Z?" Bridge asked.
"The usual place. She's still in bed. I asked her if she was coming to breakfast. She wasn't interested. Guys, I'm really worried. I mean Z's just gotten worse over the last week. She's not eating; she's barely sleeping. I swear I heard her pacing the room all night and when she wasn't pacing, she was sobbing. It's getting really bad," Syd explained.
"Her training's definitely gone downhill," Sky said.
"Well, she lost the person closest to her in the world," Bridge said. "I think we're just gonna have to wait it out."
"Omallix won't wait," Sky said. "I'm just afraid that once Z gets back to normal, it'll be too late...maybe for all of us."
A few meters away, the trio had no idea that the tall form of Doggie Cruger had overheard everything that they had just said. Cruger left the Rec Room and let out a low growl. He had to do something.
"You want me to do what?"
Isinia Cruger stood in almost disbelief at her husband's request.
"You know better than just about anyone in this building what Z's going through," Doggie explained. "You know what it's like to feel alone. You had to endure that feeling for years in Gruumm's hands."
"That's true, but that's nothing compared to what that child must be going through. She lost her best friend in the most horrific massacre that this state has ever seen. I'm not a psychologist, Doggie," Isinia said.
"I know that, dear, but you are an amazing judge of character. You have this ability to relate to people. You can always tell what I'm thinking and you help me when I'm struggling with things. I just thought you could help her," Doggie said.
"Why don't you order her to talk to a grief counselor?"
"Because, part of me knows she'll reject the idea and the other part feels that having one of my Rangers seek professional help could make SPD look...weak," Doggie admitted. "We have to let the outside world know that we are still strong and we are still up to the challenge ahead. We can't have them thinking that the Rangers are falling apart emotionally."
"Doggie, I'll talk to Z. But, I can't promise anything will come of it."
"I understand," Doggie said.
"And, I'm doing it on one condition," Isinia said.
"What's that?"
"After I talk to her, I'm going to come back here to you and if I recommend she see a professional, you have to promise me that you'll order her to do so," Isinia stated, "Will you agree to that?"
Doggie sighed, once again knowing he was at the mercy of his love.
"Yes. I will follow your recommendation, whatever it is," Doggie said.
"Good," Isinia said, as she walked towards the door to his office. "And by the way, maybe you shouldn't be so preoccupied with how the world sees the Power Rangers. Maybe it's all right if they show some emotion out there, show that they're human. Maybe then everyone would relate more to the struggles that you all are dealing with around here."
Doggie nodded, as Isinia left him alone there. He sighed.
About an hour later, Sky marched into the Command Center and found Kat, staring at a reading on a monitor. Sky walked over to her.
"Kat? What's wrong?" Sky asked.
Kat sighed, as she made the graphic on the monitor bigger. There were four numbers there.
"6499? What's that mean?" Sky wondered.
"It's the death toll from what the press is now calling the Omallix Massacre. As the clean-up continues, they're identifying more victims every day," Kat explained.
Sky sighed. Neither had heard the doors to the Command Center open.
"You can add one more to the count," Dr. Sevarus' voice was heard behind them.
Kat and Sky both turned to see the Divalian doctor's pink skull and narrow eyes cast upon them. They exchanged a troubled look.
"Piggy?" Sky wondered.
"No. Piggy's condition has not improved though. I had to connect him to a ventilator. He's fallen into a coma."
"That's terrible," Kat said. "I'll inform Commander Cruger."
"Who died?" Sky asked.
"The Brooks girl. She was brought in by her mother the day of the firewall massacre. The mother and younger brother both suffered serious burns, but they're going to be fine," Sevarus explained.
Kat updated the computer readout, which now read "6500." Sky closed his eyes and shook his head, before walking out of the Command Center, at a fast pace. His quick departure caught Kat & Sevarus off-guard.
Minutes later, Sky waltzed into Commander Cruger's office. After the doors closed, he paced back and forth in front of Cruger's desk. Doggie glanced up at him.
"Sky? Is there something I can do for you?"
Sky's voice cracked as he spoke, "You can tell me that I can do this. Did you know the casualty list is up to 6500?"
"No, I hadn't checked it recently. Sky, you can't let all of this get to you. If you do, you'll drown in the sorrow that this city is steeped in right now."
"How can I not see what's right in front of me, Commander? I can't stick my head in the sand and pretend like everything's fine, while we wait for another attack that could potentially destroy us all," Sky said, angrily.
"Sky, I understand your frustration," Cruger said.
"Earlier, you didn't answer me when I asked if you thought I had what it takes to lead us against Omallix. Why didn't you answer?"
"I thought my answer was obvious. Of course, I think you can lead this team. I would not have appointed you as Red Ranger if I didn't believe it," Cruger explained.
"I have been replaying this same conversation in my head all week. I just can't shake it," Sky said, as he put his hands on his head.
"What conversation?"
"Last year, right after we got our powers for the first time, we were training and Jack was riding us, while he sat back and did nothing...
Sky: "He's got no business being Red Ranger."
Jack: "I heard that. You think you can do a better job?"
Sky: "Yeah, but Cruger picked you. You may be wearing red, but you're not a leader."
Sky shook the thought from his memory, once again. "The only problem now, sir, is that when I think about that memory, I feel like I'm talking to myself. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe I can't do a better job."
"Cadet Tate, that was over a year ago. At that point in time, you were wrong. You couldn't do a better job as leader than Jack could. That's why he was Red Ranger. But, over the course of that year, I saw you grow, not only as a Ranger, but also as a person. You learned to respect your teammates and you learned what it took to step up and lead your team," Cruger stated.
Sky sat down in the chair in front of Cruger's desk.
"You know, Sky, there's something that I want to tell you," Cruger said, as he stood up from his chair. "This may come as a surprise, but the SPD officer who brought in Omallix fifteen years ago was your father."
"What?"
"It's true. Nathan Tate brought Omallix in. He spent a very long time learning everything he could about Omallix. He learned his tactics; he learned his strengths. I don't know how he learned Omallix's weakness, but he found a way to bring him in," Cruger explained. "You remind me of your father more and more everyday, Sky."
"That doesn't mean I can do this, just because he did," Sky said.
"That's true, but you have inherited his determination and his passion. With those tools at your disposal and a strong team behind you, you can do whatever you set your mind to," Cruger said.
"I hope you're right, sir. I hope you're right."
Dr. Shivan Sevarus finished his scan on the feet of Quinn Gray and walked over to a nearby computer terminal, where he hooked the scanner up, downloaded his findings and began studying them. As the cadet put his boots back on, he looked around the Infirmary. Almost every bed was empty, except for the one at the far end of the room. Quinn saw Piggy lying there, breathing with the help of a machine. Quinn remembered the last person he saw there was Darren. Dr. Sevarus returned to the exam bed.
"Where are all the other patients?" Quinn asked.
"Oh, we have a triage center set up down the hall. The Infirmary was too small for all the wounded," Sevarus explained.
Quinn nodded his head. "So, what's the diagnosis?"
"The diagnosis, Cadet Gray, is that you are perfectly healthy."
"What?" Quinn said, "That makes no sense. My feet are killing me. It's like an elephant is using them for a stepstool."
"I understand your symptoms, Cadet, but there's nothing medically wrong."
"Well, if there's nothing medically wrong and there's nothing physically wrong having to do with my powers, what is it?" Quinn was at a loss.
"I don't know," Dr. Sevarus replied. "Have you considered the possibility that it could be psychological?"
"You're saying it's all in my head?"
"You've been under a great deal of stress lately. It's possible that this is your brain's way of manifesting it," Sevarus said.
"I dunno. Whatever. Look, thanks for the help, doc. I gotta go," Quinn said, as he left the Infirmary, certain that the pain in his feet was not his imagination. He headed for the closest exit. It was time to get some more fresh air.
On the roof of SPD Headquarters, Z Delgado stared off into the sky. In her hand, she held the small vial that housed the last remains of Jack Landors. She took another deep breath and felt remnants of ash from the destruction enter her nose, along with the air. She never even heard the approaching footsteps behind her.
"Hello, Cadet Delgado."
Z turned to see the wife of her commander standing there.
"Mrs. Cruger, what are you doing up here?" Z asked.
"I was looking for you. Please, call me Isinia," she replied.
"Only if you call me Z."
"Fair enough," Isinia replied. "What is that you're holding?"
Z held her hand out, revealing the vial of ashes. "It's Jack."
"Is it, really?" Isinia asked.
"It's what's left of him," Z said, sadly. "I've been carrying it around with me everywhere I go. I can't seem to let go."
"You can't let go of the vial, or you can't let go of Jack?"
"Both, or either or is it neither?" Z said, then she smiled. "God, I'm starting to sound like Bridge."
"Jack's not in that vial, Z. The only place that Jack resides now, is in here," Isinia said, as she pressed a finger to Z's heart.
"I know that, but how am I supposed to just go on. I can't forget about what happened," Z said.
"No one's asking you to forget. I just think that everyone's concerned that you're grief is sending you down the wrong path," Isinia said.
"Oh really?" Z said, a little angered. "Is that what Commander Cruger thinks? Is that why he sent you to talk to me?"
"Doggie sent me to talk to you, because he thought I might be able to help. I admit that I don't know you very well, Z. And, I never got the chance to know Jack," Isinia explained. "But, I've dealt with loss. Many many years ago, I was haunted, tortured by memories of what I had lost. I was taunted by Gruumm with images and stories of my husband and how he had never had the courage to get over me and how that would lead to his destruction. I begged and prayed that Doggie would get over me, so that he could have a clear head and accomplish his mission."
"Why would you ever want your husband to forget about you?"
"I didn't want him to forget. I wanted him to move beyond it and continue to live, because I knew that once he did, he would find the answers he wanted so desperately. I like to think that somehow my prayers were answered," Isinia said.
"If I do that with Jack...if I find a way to move on...he still won't come back," Z said, somberly, as a tear fell from her eye.
"But, would Jack want you to remain like this or would he want you to carry on and fight on to bring down the terror that is plaguing this city?"
Z looked up at Isinia, as she remembered her fallen friend and realized just what Jack would want her to do.
Aboard Omallix's base, Charlie walked beside Omallix and Cartiron, as they stormed into a large, two-story laboratory near the throne room. Inside, the sound of machinery was heard moving rapidly. The green alien form of Jintari walked over to them.
"My master, the templates for your army of foot soldiers has been completed and production has been underway for almost three days. I am happy to report that the first wave of Fericks are completed," Jintari explained.
"Show them to me, Jintari," Omallix replied.
Jintari activated a command console and five marching robots entered from the second floor. As they descended the staircase, Omallix admired the design. They resembled his own look, without his signature silver horns. The machines shined in their metallic silver bodies. They marched right up to Omallix, Cartiron, Charlie & Jintari. It was at that moment that Omallix noticed the matching dark steel weapons in their hands. The sleek blasters were attached to each robot's right arm.
"They look perfect, Jintari," Omallix said.
"What about their fire power?" Cartiron inquired.
"They are equipped with fire blasters. The blasters have two modes. The first sends a stream of fire towards their target. The second mode causes fireball projectiles to be shot at their opponent. They are quite intense, I must say," Jintari claimed.
"Fire...how perfect," Omallix said. "I can't wait to test them out against the SPD Rangers."
"Omallix," Charlie spoke up. "Let me. I have some unfinished business with the Rangers, especially the green one."
"I don't know if that is a good idea, master. Charlie proved unsuccessful earlier. If we use this new firepower properly, we could have the Rangers completely destroyed in no time," Cartiron said.
"You forget, Cartiron, that this battle against SPD is supposed to make them suffer," Omallix said, "Sending a small contingent of Fericks to face them would give us important knowledge on the robots' value in battle."
Omallix then turned to Charlie. He raised his hand and grabbed her by the chin. "As for you, Charlie, you will have another opportunity to face the Power Rangers. Make it count!"
"Yes, master Omallix," Charlie said.
"I think I have something that might help you do that, Charlie," Jintari said, as he walked over to his table and picked up a blaster that resembled the ones carried by the Fericks.
It was sleek metal, but it had red accents. He handed it to Charlie. She held it in her hands. It was a perfect fit, as she felt the cold steel against her fingers. "Red...my favorite color," Charlie said, slyly.
"It will work much like the Fericks' weapons," Jintari spoke, "except that there is a third laser mode added to its design. I felt it would match up well against the SPD Rangers' weaponry. The Fericks would be immune to the lasers of the petty weapons the Rangers have used against us in previous battles."
"Charlie, it appears that you are ready for a return visit home," Omallix said.
Charlie looked at Omallix and stared. "This is my home, sir. Earth is simply another obstacle standing in the way of ultimate victory," she sneered.
Quinn found himself once again walking in the park. It was once again deserted. Although this time, he felt a lot lonelier. He felt helpless. He wouldn't have been surprised if everyone at SPD branded him insane and sent him to the nearest asylum. Why were his feet doing this to him? Was Dr. Sevarus right? Was it all in his head? Quinn looked down at his feet.
"What is wrong with you? You need to get it together," he spoke down at his boots, not expecting them to answer.
"Talking to yourself, Gray."
Quinn turned quickly, hearing a familiar voice. He immediately went on guard as he saw Charlie standing before him. She was different this time, though. She wasn't wearing the red A-Squad cadet's uniform. She was dressed in a tight black one-piece jumpsuit, with a large red stripe down the front and she had a blaster.
"Naughty boy," Charlie said, slyly. "You're SPD friends might start thinking you're crazy."
"You have no idea," Quinn said, as he pulled out his morpher. Then he looked back at Charlie, puzzled. "Not gonna try and stop me this time?"
"Oh, I'm going to stop you. I just want to get my hands on the real deal, first," Charlie said, with a smile.
"You want it, you got it," Quinn shouted, "SPD Emergency!"
In seconds, the Green Ranger was standing before Charlie. "Now what do you think?" Quinn spoke.
"I think it's time you met my friends," Charlie said. With the snap of her fingers, four Fericks appeared behind her. Quinn looked surprised. "Green Ranger, meet the Fericks," she said, before turning to the robots. "Fericks, meet your target."
Upon hearing those words, the four Fericks all trained their weapons on the Green Ranger. Charlie laughed loudly. The four robots stood side by side. The two on the ends, fired streams of fire at the Green Ranger. They looked like blowtorches, bearing down on him.
The Green Ranger jumped into the air, pulling his Deltamax Striker out and firing, but the lasers did little damage to the creatures, only pushing them back slightly. He landed on the ground, in front of his favorite tree. But, it was only for a second, as the two Fericks in the middle, fired fireballs from their weapons. The Green Ranger rolled out of the way, as the balls hit the tree, leaving burning holes in the trunk.
"Looks like I'm gonna need some help," Quinn said, aloud.
Inside SPD Headquarters, Sky's walk had gone longer than he thought. It seemed as if he had paced every square inch of SPD Headquarters and he was no closer to the answers he sought. He walked into the Rec Room and saw something that genuinely surprised him. Syd was fixing her hair, using a small compact mirror in her hand. She wasn't wearing her regular uniform. She was in a short white dress, with a pink floral design.
"That's not regulation, Cadet Drew," Sky said, with a smile. Syd turned to him and smiled.
"I was beginning to think my cadet's uniform was glued to my body," Syd said. "What do you think?"
"You look beautiful, as always," Sky said. "You going somewhere?"
"Nope. I just felt like getting pretty. It makes me feel better," Syd said, as she returned to looking in her compact mirror. Then, she moved it slightly, noticing Sky's sad demeanor.
"Tell me, Mr. Sadness, what's gonna make you feel better?"
"I don't know. You know Cruger told me earlier that my father was the one who captured Omallix all those years ago," Sky said.
Syd turned back to him, looking surprised. "Freaky."
"Yeah. As if this whole situation couldn't get anymore surreal."
"Maybe it's a sign," Syd said.
"Of what?"
"A sign that we can bring Omallix in again...the next generation, you know?"
Sky thought about what she said. He sighed.
"If Cruger would have appointed you Red Ranger, would you have taken it?" Sky asked.
Syd looked very surprised at the question and she even let out a chuckle. "What a question. I don't know. I guess if Doggie had the faith & confidence in me to be the leader, I would have to consider it. But, I have to admit I wouldn't trade places with you for a minute."
Sky nodded.
"You know, if I remember correctly, Cruger asked you if you would follow me into battle, if I were Red Ranger..." Syd said.
Sky nodded, and even managed to smile. "I told him I'd follow whoever he chose to lead. That includes you."
"Well," Syd said, "Cruger never asked us if we'd follow you as Red Ranger."
"What are you trying to say?"
"I'm saying that he may not have asked the question, but maybe you need to hear the answer. Sky, we are a team. We follow you. You're our leader and if you're questioning whether or not you can lead, that doesn't inspire confidence in us. Our faith is in you," Syd said. "You just need to have faith in yourself."
"What if I can't handle the pressure?"
"Being Red Ranger is hard and it is tough, but you've got what it takes. You, above all people, have never had a problem telling us that. Don't lose your drive and your confidence now," Syd said, as she walked towards the Rec Room doors.
"I know my opinion doesn't count for much in the grand scheme of things around here, but I think you're a heck of a leader and to answer your question, if Cruger asked me to become Red Ranger, I would turn him down because there's a better candidate and I'm looking at him," she said.
Sky smiled. Then, the doors opened in front of Syd and Bridge ran in. "Quinn's in trouble. Charlie's back and she brought some friends," he said, seriously.
Sky headed for the doors, without hesitation. "Let's go to work."
Syd winked at him, as he passed her. She & Bridge went running right behind him.
On the roof of the Delta Command Base, Z looked out over the edge again. A few seconds later, she heard the sirens. The red SPD Patrol Cycle came speeding out of the lot, followed by the Patrol Jeep, which carried the Pink & Blue Rangers, morphed for action. Z watched them speed off. A few feet behind her, Isinia Cruger stood.
"It's time for you to make your decision, Z," she said. "Are you going to let your grief consume you or are you going to fight?"
Z stood up, turned to Isinia, smiled and ran for the hatch leading back to the building. Before entering, she looked at Isinia. "Thanks," she said.
"Anytime you want to talk, I'm here," Isinia said and Z was gone in an instant.
In the park, Quinn was in a hand-to-hand battle with Charlie, who had temporarily holstered her weapon, as she tried to keep the Green Ranger still enough for the Fericks to get a clear shot. She kicked the Green Ranger in the midsection, sending him flying to the ground. He staggered to his feet.
"Fire now!" Charlie yelled to the robots.
The Fericks took aim on the Green Ranger, just as three more bodies came flying into the area, with weapons drawn. The Red, Blue & Pink Rangers all fired at once, sending three of the Fericks staggering backwards, but not down. The fourth managed to fire at the Green Ranger, but he dodged the attack easily.
"We thought you could use a little assistance," Sky said from beneath his helmet.
"Thanks," Quinn said.
The Red Ranger engaged two of the Fericks, as Blue & Pink took care of the other two. Just as Quinn was headed to help out Sky, someone grabbed him by the shoulder. It was Charlie. She whipped him around and punched his helmet, with her spiked-gloved hand. The blow sent him crashing to the ground.
"I'm not done with you yet, Green Ranger," Charlie sneered, as she stood over top of him.
Z raced into her room and spotted a picture of her & Jack on her dresser. They were both smiling. She walked over and picked up the box that sat next to it. She opened it and saw the ring that Jack had bought to propose to Ally on the day they died. She unchained the necklace she wore around her neck and removed the "Z" charm that hung there. She replaced it with Jack's ring and put the chain back around her neck. She placed the "Z" charm by Jack's picture, along with the vial of ashes. She shook her head.
"I'll never forget, bro. This one's for you," she said, before grabbing her morpher. "SPD Emergency!"
Back in the park, which had now become a battlefield, the Blue Ranger struggled against the Ferick he was battling. He managed to get close enough to keep it from firing on him, but the machine's intense strength was too much. With one hand, the Ferick picked Bridge up off the ground and tossed him to the grass. He was joined by the Pink & Red Rangers.
"They are really strong," Syd said.
"What do we do?" Bridge asked, looking directly at the Red Ranger.
With a glance to Syd, the Red Ranger spoke, "We fight!"
He pulled Bridge to his feet and they went towards the four robots again. The Fericks had their blasters drawn again. This time however, they were blasted from behind and fell to their metallic knees. Behind them, the Rangers looked and saw coming through the smoke, the Yellow Ranger, decked out in SWAT mode.
"I think I found the answer," Z said, as she joined her friends.
With a nod, the other three activated SWAT mode and headed back into battle against the four Fericks. Z stayed behind for a second, scanning the area for the missing Ranger. That was when she saw Charlie standing over Quinn, going for her blaster. The Yellow Ranger sprinted in that direction, just as Charlie was aiming for the Green Ranger's head. Z dived into the air, grabbing Charlie by the shoulders and flipping her off of Quinn and onto the grass.
"Thanks," Quinn yelled.
"Help the others," Z replied. "I got this."
"Right," Quinn said, before calling on SWAT mode and heading back in the direction of the other Rangers.
"You're going down, Charlie," the Yellow Ranger yelled, as Charlie struggled to her feet, still holding her blaster.
"That's what you think," Charlie yelled, as she fired on the Yellow Ranger. Z jumped above the projectile fireballs and opened fire with her Delta Enforcer. Her laser blasts landed near Charlie's feet, sending her flying to the ground, in a cloud of smoke.
Charlie got to her feet quickly, as the Yellow Ranger landed in front of her. Charlie nailed a swift kick, sending Z's Delta Enforcer flying. She followed up with a punch to the Yellow Ranger's helmet that sent Z staggering. Charlie scored a kick to her midsection, sending Z flying straight for that tree. But, she caught herself in time. Z planted her feet on the tree, using it to boost herself into the air.
Charlie aimed her blaster, shooting a stream of fire in the air, but Z was too fast. She landed on the ground where her Delta Enforcer had landed and she grabbed it quick. Charlie was right on top of her, planning a finishing shot, but Z used her weapon to smack Charlie's blaster out of the way. The Yellow Ranger spun around, nailing Charlie with a backslap across the face that sent her twirling to the ground.
Z she stood over Charlie, with her Delta Enforcer drawn. "Doesn't feel so good when the roles are reversed, does it?"
Several feet away, the other four Rangers were trading shots with the Fericks. Lasers bounced off fireballs, as they came flying towards the Rangers. Sky kicked one Ferick away and turned his Delta Enforcer on one that was bearing down on the Blue Ranger. Their combined blasts caused the robot to crumble and explode. The Red Ranger gave him the thumbs up.
"Behind you!" Bridge yelled.
Sky turned, just as a Ferick was opening fire. He flipped away, avoiding a stream of flames from the robot's blaster. It advanced upon him, just as two laser attacks hit it, destroying it. Sky got to his feet, seeing the shooters were Syd & Quinn. Another Ferick approached the duo from behind. The Red Ranger pointed and the two turned quickly, wiping out the third Ferick with their combined blasts.
Soon, the fourth Ferick found himself surrounded by the Rangers. As the machine kept trying to focus on one opponent, the Rangers found their opening and opened fire, together. The Ferick exploded into a hundred pieces.
"You'd never have the guts," Charlie said, as Z stood over her, with the Delta Enforcer trained on her face.
"Don't underestimate me, Charlie. Omallix & Cartiron are gonna pay for what they did to this city and to us and so will you," Z vowed.
"But, not today," Charlie said, before pressing a button on a device on her wrist. She disappeared, teleported away. Z retracted her weapon, grunting, as the other Rangers came running over.
"She got away," Z said.
"It's all right," Sky said, beneath his helmet. "I think we showed them that SPD is not backing down and we've still got a helluva lot of fight left in us."
Aboard Omallix's base, in the throne room, Charlie was face to face with Omallix. Cartiron and Jintari were standing nearby.
"You failed me, Charlie. Twice in one day," Omallix yelled to her.
"My lord, trust me. The Rangers were quite prepared this time," Charlie said.
"Yes," Omallix spoke, "What was this new technology they employed?"
"It's SPD SWAT mode, sir. They are all much stronger when using it," Charlie explained.
"They destroyed Jintari's creations quite easily," Cartiron said.
"I can manufacture more Fericks, my lord," Jintari spoke up. "We can make them stronger."
"Yes. Do that," Omallix said, as he looked back at Charlie. "In the meantime, I want to know everything you can tell me about SWAT mode and most importantly, does Commander Cruger possess it?"
"Shadow Ranger is not equipped with SWAT mode, sir," Charlie revealed.
"Then my plans can go forward unhampered. We must prepare for the next phase of my plan," Omallix ordered. His three followers all bowed their heads in loyalty.
On the grounds of SPD, Sky Tate was once again running. This time, however, he ran with confidence. He looked behind him and noticed that all four of his fellow cadets were running with more energy. They weren't all running at the same pace, but they were closer, tighter than the day before. He took a deep breath and continued to lead them on their way. He only led for a second though, because he noticed Z Delgado gaining on him. It was good to see her competitive spirit back again.
Still pulling up the rear was Quinn Gray. He could feel the pain in his feet returning, but he pushed past it, running faster, almost catching up to Bridge & Syd a few meters ahead of him.
At the top of the stairs leading into the SPD Academy stood Commander Cruger and his wife, Isinia, watching the cadets exercise.
"They're looking much better out there," Doggie admitted, as he turned to lock eyes with his wife. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For talking to Z, for being there for me, for being who you are," Doggie responded.
"You make it easy, my love," Isinia said. "Besides, helping them only helps us."
"You didn't tell me your final recommendation for Z," Doggie said.
"I think that Z is going to be just fine. She's ready to deal with her grief and move on from it. She's dealing and she's said goodbye to Jack in her own way."
"I think you're right. I truly believe that we are all ready for what is to come," Doggie said.
"As long as we all stick together," Isinia said, "there's nothing that can tear us apart."
She embraced her husband, as far above them a menace was on his self-appointed throne, howling with laughter at the heartache that he intended to inflict upon them all.