POWER RANGERS: SPACE PATROL DELTA
YEAR TWO

"ASHES"

"Wake up, Z."

Z Delgado began to stir. She had clearly been in a deep sleep. Her whole body had that heavy feeling, almost like she had been sleeping for years. It was then that she noticed just how hard her bed had become.

Her nose was the first sense to truly awaken...and she wasn't getting a pleasant odor. Her eyelids squinted, as she began to rub them. Where was she, she wondered. When her stubborn eyes did finally awake, she realized just why her bed was so hard.

It wasn't a real bed at all. She had been sleeping on the ground in a small alleyway. The only thing between her and the cold concrete was a heavy blanket and her black jacket, which she had used as a pillow. Z had a weird feeling. This all seemed familiar to her, but it just didn't feel right.

She glanced around, seeing a barrel, with a blazing fire burning inside it. A few brown boxes were stacked around the alleyway. One was marked 'clothes.' Z began looking around, scanning the area for the body that was attached to the voice that woke her.

Then, she saw his smiling face.

"You gonna nap all day, sleepyhead?" he said.

Z smiled, surprised to see him.

"Jack. Is that you?" Z asked.

"Yeah. Did you invite someone else to our dream house?" Jack said, with a smile, as he gestured to the nasty area around them.

Z let out a laugh. Jack always had a knack for making her feel at ease. That's what best friends do, she thought to herself. Z looked around. They were indeed the only ones there. It was a situation they had been used to for years.

"You must have been having one heck of a dream," Jack said to her, as Z sat up on her blanket.

"Yeah, I guess so," Z said, still feeling a bit disoriented.

"Well, I know what will wake you up," Jack said. "I'm gonna go grab some breakfast...literally."

Jack stood up and headed out of the alley. Z felt strange again, like something wasn't the way it should be.

"Jack, wait!" she called out.

Jack turned and looked back at her. "Yeah?"

"Hurry back," Z said. She wanted to say so much more, but the words just didn't come to her.

"I will. In the meantime, why don't you warm yourself up," Jack said, pointing to the fire he had created inside the metal barrel.

Z nodded, and with that, Jack was gone. She got to her feet and continued to rub her eyes. Z nodded her head from side to side. She walked over to the barrel and rubbed her hands together over the smoking flames. She looked at her hands. They were smudged with dirt and grime. She hadn't had a good shower in almost a week. She squinted again. That wasn't right, she thought. Something was off. What had she been dreaming about?

Z thought long and hard, but it didn't come to her. She peered past her hands down at the flames in the barrel. Fire, she thought. In that instant, it was as if she could hear the deadly screams of many victims, screaming in agony, as fire claimed their lives. Then, she realized this was a dream. She couldn't be here, in the streets, and neither could Jack.

It was in that moment that she began hearing his screams among the many. She closed her eyes, trying to push the horrific yells from her mind. But, she couldn't get rid of Jack's scream. It was louder than the rest, almost as if it was standing a few feet away. Jack was there, yelling her name. Z opened her eyes and saw him standing at the end of the alleyway.

"Z! Z, the fire!" Jack screamed. "You're on fire!"

Z looked at her hands. She had placed them too close to the flames. The sleeves of her shirt had caught fire. It was spreading fast, overtaking her. Z screamed.

In an instant, she jumped up in her bed. Breathing heavy, Z looked around and saw she was in her room deep inside the S.P.D. Academy. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment.

"It was a dream. It was all just a dream," Z said to herself.

She looked to her nightstand and grabbed the small glass container that held all that was left of her best friend. She held it tight in her hand, but not hard enough to break the glass. She placed the vial back on the nightstand, next to the 'Z' charm from her necklace. She sat up on the side of the bed and instinctively grabbed the ring that currently hung around her neck. She thought of Jack and how happy she knew he would have been when he married Ally. They would have been good together, Z thought. That ring was all that was left of their bond. She took another deep breath.

She looked over to the bed of her roommate, Sydney Drew, fearing that her panicked state might have woke Syd from her beauty sleep. Z was surprised to see that Syd wasn't there. Z was troubled. She pinched herself, to make sure she wasn't still dreaming, then looked at the digital clock seeing that it was almost 1:30 a.m. and she remembered both of them going to sleep a few hours before.

"Maybe she went to the bathroom," Z said to herself, as she slid into her slippers and headed for the door.

Z stepped into the hallway, headed for the closest bathroom, which wasn't too far from her living quarters. It was then that she heard a faint giggle. She heard footsteps coming in her direction and she slipped around a corner. It was Syd and Sky.

'What are they doing out this late?' Z asked herself.

The two paused, as Sky glanced down the corridor in both directions. He then leaned over and kissed Syd on the lips. Z was surprised. In one moment, she was blown away. She couldn't believe what she had seen. Thoughts began racing through her head. After the initial surprise wore off, her thoughts drifted to a darker place, a place that didn't make her happy. Z gave a deep sigh, as she thought of her dream.

Nine hours later, all five B-Squad cadets had gathered in the shuttle bay to welcome back their leader. They were standing side by side, along with Kat Manx and Isinia Cruger. Z glanced at Sky and Syd who were standing the furthest from her. They were chuckling at something Bridge had just said.

Right next to her, Quinn noticed her unhappy look.

"Something wrong?" Quinn whispered to Z.

"It's nothing," Z said.

Within moments, the shuttle landed. Commander Anubis "Doggie" Cruger emerged, welcomed by the smiles and greetings from those closest to him on Earth. Isinia embraced her husband.

"Welcome home, Commander," Kat spoke out.

"Thank you. It's good to be back," Doggie said. "I know things got a little out of hand while I was away. It's good to see you all in one piece."

"Thank you, sir," Sky said. "We kept it together, for the most part."

Kat sighed.

"So, Commander, what did the Galactic Council have to say?" Bridge asked.

"Well, I presented the situation to the entire Council. They asked a lot of questions about us and about our effectiveness against Omallix and his forces thus far. I think I made a strong case that we're doing the best we can," Doggie said, with a sigh.

"Why does that not sound like a good thing?" Quinn asked.

"The Council has decided that at this time, they will not be sanctioning outside reinforcements to join us in the fight," Doggie revealed. Groans and shocked murmurs were heard amongst the others.

"What do you mean?" Syd said. "We need some help."

"Yeah, have they not seen the casualty list?" Bridge asked, looking confused.

"What's going on?" Sky asked, loudly.

"Rangers, listen to me. Omallix isn't the only threat that S.P.D. is dealing with these days. Since news of the fall of Gruumm has spread, there have been skirmishes on several different planets. People think S.P.D. isn't watching with Gruumm out of power. The Council represents twelve different worlds. S.P.D. needs its forces at the ready and our other outposts are busy with their own issues," Doggie explained.

"That sounds fishy to me..." Z said, sighing. She looked over at Sky & Syd. "...Amongst other things."

"I'll tell you what I told the Council in response to their ruling. We will continue to fight valiantly against Omallix and his forces," Doggie said. "We won't wait for reinforcements, because we don't have that kind of time. We will be strong and swift in our actions. We aren't going to sit by and let Earth be destroyed by anyone or anything."

The B-Squad cadets nodded in agreement, as did Kat.

"Dismissed," Cruger ordered.

Soon, the Rangers & Kat were out of listening range. Isinia leaned closer to her husband.

"Why do I feel like our morale just took a death blow?" she asked.

Cruger let out a low growl, knowing his wife was right. The Council's decision was definitely not going to help boost spirits on Earth.

For the cadets, the walk back from the shuttle bay was a long, silent one. They all seemed to go their separate ways. Z & Syd entered their quarters. Z sat on the side of her bed, as Syd took a deep breath.

"This sucks," Syd said.

"That's been a recurring theme for a while now," Z said, sternly.

"I know. It's tough, but we'll have to deal with it," Syd said.

"That's easier for some than others," Z said, cryptically, as she stared at Syd.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Syd, I saw you," Z said, sternly.

"You saw me what?"

"I saw you in the hall with Sky in the middle of the night," Z said, giving Syd a very serious look.

Syd winced. She let out a deep breath. "Oh no."

"Oh no?" Z repeated. "What is going on with you two?"

"You sound like you're mad. It just happened. It's not like we planned on getting together and we're not really together," Syd explained.

"I saw you kissing him, Syd. You looked pretty close," Z said. She was angry.

"What does it matter to you anyway? I don't get why you're being like this," Syd said.

"You don't get it? Why am I not surprised? It's against the rules."

"It's an old rule. Besides, no one knows anything about it," Syd said.

"Not for long," Z said, under her breath.

"What does that mean? Are you gonna tell Cruger?" Syd said, looking confused and upset.

"It means that you're still you. The one who can't keep a secret. The one who only cares about herself. I should have expected something like this from you, but Sky...he should know better," Z was fuming.

"Hey!" Syd shot back. "You're out of line."

"I don't care," Z said. "People are dying out there and all you care about is hooking up with Sky, of all people. I'm shocked the whole base doesn't know about it. Good old selfish Syd. How long have you two been going at it?"

"You know, I don't want to talk about this anymore with you. Especially not when you're being such a bi—" Syd stopped before finishing her sentence.

"Being such a what? Finish it," Z said, with her arms folded, glaring at Syd. "I dare you."

"I can't talk to you when you're like this," Syd said.

She started to leave, but Z grabbed her arm, turning her back to face her.

"No. Tell me how long you and Sky have been sneaking around?"

"Let go of me, Z," Syd ordered her.

"Why? So you can go cry to Sky about it?"

Syd wrestled her arm out of Z's grasp, pushing her friend away. Z stumbled backwards, hitting her nightstand. Z turned quickly. It seemed to all happen in slow motion. Z watched as the vial of Jack's ashes fell to the floor, shattering upon impact.

"No!" she screamed.

Z kneeled on the floor, trying to gather the ashes, amongst the broken glass. Syd walked over to her.

"Z, I'm sorry," Syd said. "I didn't mean to push you. Let me help you."

She began to kneel down when Z's hand flew up, blocking her.

"No. Just leave me alone," Z said.

She was on the verge of tears, but deep down, Syd knew she should take Z's advice. She exited. Z rubbed her hand in the ashes on the floor, not caring about the pieces of glass that could easily cut her skin.

"Oh, Jack," she whispered to herself. "I'm sorry."

"We've been over this, Doctor Felix," Charlie shouted. "You have no choice. You either help us or you die!"

"Then, I'll die," Felix said.

The sight of the being in the other laboratory had been stuck in his memory ever since he saw it there, strapped to that examination table. Since then, he had heard Omallix's plans for that creature and there was no way that he was going to help them do this. It would hurt those he cared about too much.

"You know, Felix, under normal circumstances, I wouldn't mind obliging you, but killing you won't be enough," Charlie said. "It will be a slow, painful, agonizing experience for you. Omallix is wonderful at torture."

"I've got the scars to prove it," Felix said, rubbing his head.

"So does S.P.D. So, why fight it? You already know you'll lose," Charlie said, sternly.

"I may lose, but if I don't help you, there's a chance S.P.D. will win. That's a chance I'm willing to bet my life on," Felix responded.

"S.P.D. is running out of chances. This plan is going forward, no matter what. Omallix's secret weapon is going to be unleashed and it will destroy the Rangers," Charlie said, as she stormed off towards the door to the lab. "The only question is, will you be here to see it."

Charlie exited, locking the laboratory behind her. Felix shook his head, dismissing lots of what Charlie said as rhetoric. She threatened his life, but they both knew that if he died, a part of their grotesque experiment would die too. They needed Felix and his background in genetics. But Charlie was right as well. Their secret weapon might not be as strong, but his being alone would be enough to get the Rangers off guard and that might lead to casualties.

Felix walked over to the picture window. It was dark again. They only let him see their test subject briefly. They probably figured that if he got too many looks at it, he would reconsider their requests to further construct their secret weapon, but Felix wasn't ever going to willingly agree to this plan. It was too wrong. The Rangers didn't deserve this. None of them did.

Not ten minutes later, the doors to the lab opened. Felix turned to see that it was Omallix. He winced, knowing this was it. He was going to die here and now.

"Doctor Felix, we meet again," Omallix said, his dark tone spread through the room. "I understand that you're refusing to help us...again."

"You may have 'convinced' me to help you clone Doggie Cruger, but this is going too far. I won't help you. I can't," Felix said, trying to be as stern as possible, while knowing that his voice was quivering with fear.

"You can help and you will," Omallix said, as he got closer to Felix. "The only question is how much of your petty body do you need to complete the task."

Omallix grabbed Felix around the throat, using his robotic strength to lift him several feet off the ground. He held Felix up, pinned against the wall of the lab.

"Now, I will tell you that I need my weapon completed quickly. That means I will have to leave your arms in tact," Omallix said. "Your legs, however, are not required."

Omallix used his free hand to pull a blade from behind him. He pushed the sharp tip into Felix's right leg.

"No!" Felix managed to speak out, even with Omallix's hand at his throat.

"What is your answer now, Doctor?"

Felix gasped for air. "I can't...help...you."

"The pain you are feeling right now is nothing compared to what you will feel, if you continue to refuse me, doctor," Omallix said.

He brought the blade up again, this time sliding it slowly into Felix's left leg. The doctor would scream out in pain, if there weren't a robot arm clenched around his throat.

"The pain will go away if you agree, Felix," Omallix said, this time his tone was louder, more forceful. "My weapon may be alive, but it is just one life. One life, in exchange for your own. Will you do as I say?"

Felix winced, using all of his strength not to cry out tears of pain and weakness.

"Please, stop," he begged.

"Only when you agree," Omallix said, as he twisted the blade slightly.

"Yes, stop! Please!" Felix groaned.

In an instant, Omallix dropped him to the ground. Felix grabbed at both of his legs, as the burning, searing pain traveled through his body. He continued to gasp for air, trying to catch his breath.

"I suggest you fix yourself up," Omallix said, as he turned away from the fallen doctor. "Charlie will retrieve you when we are ready."

Omallix departed, leaving Felix bleeding, bruised and locked away. In that moment, Felix let out the loudest, most piercing feline roar he had ever heard. He wasn't strong enough. He just prayed that the Rangers were.

The S.P.D. Infirmary was quiet. Dr. Sevarus input all the data that he had collected during his visit to the triage center down the hall. There were still many victims of the massacre that he kept a watchful eye over. When he came to S.P.D. Headquarters on Earth, he had decided that the Infirmary would be a bad place to keep so many victims. Not only was there not enough room, but it would not help the spirits of the cadets and officers who came in with minor injuries.

The one patient who still resided within the Infirmary was Piggy. Dr. Sevarus glanced over at the comatose figure, lying in his bed. Piggy couldn't be moved. His condition was touch and go and Sevarus wanted to keep an eye on him more closely. The makeshift triage center didn't have all of his medical technology, like the Infirmary did. Right now, this was the best place for Piggy.

The doors to the Infirmary opened and Z Delgado walked in, looking desperate. She caught sight of Dr. Sevarus.

"Doctor Sevarus, I need you," Z said, as she clung to a small clear bag in her hands.

"What's wrong?"

Z handed Dr. Sevarus the bag.

"I was keeping some of Jack's ashes in this glass vial and it broke. I don't know what to do," Z said, sadly.

"It's all right. We can fix this," Sevarus said, trying to reassure her, as he sensed her discomfort.

"Really? You can?"

"I believe so. I can separate the ashes from the glass and find you something a little more durable to keep your friend's remains in," Sevarus said. "It's actually a simple process."

"That's great. I thought I might not be able to get them back the way they were," Z said.

"Well, is this all of it?"

"Yes. I got all of them off the floor. I double checked," Z said.

"Okay. I'll get to it as soon as I can. I have a few more reports to file on some patients. I'll contact you as soon as he's ready to go," Sevarus said.

"Thank you, so much," Z said, gratefully.

"You're welcome," Sevarus said. "I know how sad it is to lose someone close to you."

"Thanks again," Z said.

Dr. Sevarus carried the sealed bag over to his desk. Z was about to leave when she caught sight of Piggy. She sighed, as she walked over to his bed, taking her hand in his.

"Hey, Piggy," Z said quietly. "I'm having a rough day, but I know yours is worse. I wish you were here. You may have gotten on my nerves a lot of the time, but you also made me laugh.

Z pushed back another tear, as she could hear the ventilator, helping Piggy stay alive.

"I'm sorry," Z said. "People always say things like this get easier to deal with. Then, you wake up and you can't think of anything else."

"I knew this would happen," Sky exclaimed to Syd.

"It's nothing major. It's just Z," Syd said.

"It doesn't sound like nothing major, from the way you described it," Sky said, as he turned away from Syd, sighing. "I knew this was a bad idea."

"No, it wasn't," Syd said.

"She's gonna tell Cruger. We're both in trouble," Sky said, as he shook his head repeatedly.

"Z was upset, but I don't think she's gonna go off telling anyone," Syd said.

"What was she upset about, then?"

"I don't know. I think she's just in one of her moods. It doesn't make any sense," Syd said.

"Maybe it just doesn't make sense to you," Sky said. "I'm gonna talk to her."

"Sky, you shouldn't. She seemed pretty upset when she thought I was gonna run to you about this. Besides, you don't want it to seem like your being all Red on her," Syd said.

"We can't let things fester like this," Sky said. "We have to know what Z's gonna do."

Syd sighed, as she got close to Sky, putting her arms around him. Sky pushed her away.

"What's wrong?" she asked, looking troubled.

"Until we find out what's happening, just don't," Sky said, sternly.

He exited his quarters, leaving Syd behind. She sighed, disappointed and a little angry at how cold Sky was being.

Charlie dragged Felix into the laboratory next door to the one he was held captive in. It had been weeks since he was allowed to leave that lab. Part of him was relieved to see a different setting; the other half dreaded what was coming. He clutched his injured leg with his free hand, as Charlie grasped the other, pulling him along.

"Oh look, Felix, we even got you a seat," she said, sarcastically, as she pushed him over towards a stool that had been set up by the exam bed.

He sat down, as he glanced at the examination bed. There was a white sheet covering the body lying there. Next to him, was a standing tray with several tools and scanners on it. Felix winced in pain, for what he was going to be forced to do. He looked at Charlie, as she had her blaster in her hand.

"You're going to watch?" Felix asked her, angrily.

"I'm here to watch you, Doctor. Now, admittedly, that's not a huge task. It's not like you can run away," Charlie said with a laugh. "But, I've always been a curious girl and this is going to be quite a show."

"You will all pay dearly for this," Felix said.

"Oh, don't be so dramatic, Felix. It's not like you're really doing a whole heck of a lot here. Jintari has done most of the work. We just need you for the second phase," Charlie said, with a smile.

"Where is that green thing?" Felix asked, looking around the lab.

He didn't see Jintari. This lab was more bare than his own. The only other piece of furniture was a large shelf unit on the far wall. It had tools on two of the shelves. Felix noticed the light spatters of blood on them. He sighed. On the top shelf was a small black box. He wondered what was inside there.

Then, the doors to the laboratory opened. Jintari's small green frame waddled in, carrying a silver box.

"Hot off the assembly line," Jintari announced, holding the box high. "Glad to have some company, Doctor Felix."

"It's not by choice, believe me," Felix said.

"Still, I'm intrigued to see your techniques in action. I've read your files that we lifted from S.P.D. during our escape. They were quite interesting. They've since been corrupted. Thankfully, we have the real thing in our midst," Jintari said.

"Yes. Now, you don't have to worry your little green head about trying to break back into S.P.D. again," Charlie said, with a smile. "I wonder how Kat Manx is doing."

"What happened to Kat?" Felix asked, looking concerned.

"That's nothing for you to worry about. She'll live...probably," Charlie said, with a laugh.

"Well, I think it's time we focused on our patient. He's been waiting for quite sometime," Jintari said, as he walked up to the bed, on the opposite side of Felix.

"Why isn't he moving?"

"Well, I gave it a slight sedative. You see, my earlier experiments with this creature were quite invasive. I had to make sure it would be ready for the next step," Jintari explained.

"Which is?" Felix asked.

"The next step is to make him invincible against the Rangers," Jintari said, as he opened up the silver box he had brought in with him.

Charlie walked closer to the table to glance at it, as Jintari showed its contents to Felix.

"This is not right," Felix said. "You're playing with something you know nothing about."

"Oh, but we do, Doctor, or have you forgotten that I was S.P.D.'s top officer, before B-Squad took over," Charlie said.

"That technology was never A-Squad compatible. Now, I know why. You were all unworthy," Felix said, not hiding his disgust for Charlie.

"Well, your new patient isn't unworthy, Doctor. But, you already know that, because you've agreed to help make him unstoppable," Charlie said, with a sneer. "You know, I never understand why you're so loyal to S.P.D. They've already replaced you. They're not even looking for you and yet you try your best to protect them."

"My loyalty comes from my heart, Charlie, and until Omallix cuts it out of my body, I will always be loyal to S.P.D. I never said I wasn't expendable. That's your problem. You think you're so important. There are bigger things at stake out there than you or me," Felix shouted. "I understand why they aren't looking. It's because they have bigger things to worry about, like when you and that monster Omallix are going to strike next."

"We're going to strike as soon as we get our weapon completed," Jintari said, through a forced smile. "Now, if you two will stop bickering, we can get on with it."

"It's not a weapon. You people have no regard for life. It's all just a means to an end for you, isn't it?" Felix said, as he shook his head.

"It is for me," Jintari said, carelessly shrugging his shoulders, as he pulled the sheet off the being lying on the table.

Felix sighed in pain, as he saw the damage that had been inflicted on the being lying there. In that moment, he knew there was at least one other person who was in worse shape than he was. Sadly, he was about to make it all worse.

Z walked into the shelter on the lower level of S.P.D. Headquarters. It was quiet there. She had to get away from the Academy for a while. She couldn't deal with her teammates right now. She couldn't deal with much. Part of her didn't want to see anymore suffering, after her visit with Piggy, but somehow it helped her feel closer to Jack being here. These people faced what he faced. She didn't like visiting the shelter often because it made her feel upset that Jack didn't survive, like they did.

"Z," a voice called from behind her.

Z turned around and smiled, seeing Isinia Cruger walk up to her.

"Hi, Isinia. How are things going?"

"Well. I said goodbye to two families today. They left to live with some loved ones. It was a great moment," Isinia revealed.

"That's good."

"What's bothering you?" Isinia asked.

"Is it that obvious?"

"Do you want to talk about it?" Isinia asked.

"You've helped me enough already," Z said.

"I've got nothing to lose by listening," Isinia said.

"I don't know. The last few days I've just felt so...angry."

"Any specific source?" Isinia asked.

"I had a few nightmares about Jack. Then, I broke the vial with his ashes earlier. It's all these emotions coming out of nowhere. I just have this feeling in the pit of my stomach that something bad's gonna happen. Of course, then I start thinking about all the bad things that have happened," Z said, sighing. "It's a never-ending cycle."

"Sometimes you have to trust your gut," Isinia said.

"What do you mean?" Z looked confused. "Are you saying you think something bad's going to happen?"

"I'm saying that we're living under constant threats and anything's possible," Isinia said, looking powerless.

"How do you live like that?" Z asked, sincerely. "I mean, at least I have my Ranger powers. You, these people, all the other cadets, I don't know how you do it."

"We live because it's what we were meant to do. Deep down, we're all scared. But we know that you and your friends are here to help us, to protect us," Isinia said, looking into Z's eyes. "We trust you and sometimes that helps outweigh the fear."

"That's really hard to hear," Z said. "Sometimes I find it hard to trust myself...and my team."

"Well, that's something only you can fix," Isinia stated. "I'd tell you to think about what Jack would do, but I never got to know Jack, so I don't know if that would help."

Z looked back at Isinia and mustered a smile.

"It helps," she said.

Deep inside the Delta Command Base, Doggie Cruger reached his destination. He stopped a few feet away from the door, as he observed the damage to the corridor outside of Kat's lab. Cruger let out a deep sigh. The repair teams had managed to fix most of the damage, but he could still see the blast scars on the walls of the corridor. He stepped up to the laboratory doors and they slid right open.

Cruger walked inside the lab and saw her sitting at her terminal, with her head in her hand, staring at the screen.

"Are you avoiding me?" Doggie asked.

Kat sighed, before looking into his eyes.

"If I said no, would you believe me?" Kat said, looking unsure of herself.

It wasn't a look that Cruger enjoyed seeing from her. It wasn't like Kat to be out of sorts or to appear defeated, but that's just what he saw in her eyes when she looked at him.

"It's all right," Doggie said. "It's all going to be all right."

"I feel worthless and it's getting worse," Kat said, as she looked down at the floor.

"Don't," Doggie said. "I'm not going to let you get down on yourself."

"I was desperate for some good news. I needed to hear that we were doing something right," Kat said, upset.

"Is this about the Council's decision?" Doggie asked.

"It's about a lot of things. I did my best to secure the S.P.D. computer systems after the first breach. All my work went down the drain. I don't know how Jintari got into the system, but he did. He beat me," Kat said. "I can't seem to do anything right these days."

"You can and you have. Who developed the shield systems that protected all of our lives when Cartiron's wave hit? Who keeps the Rangers' powers and weaponry working? Who saved me when I needed it the most?" Doggie said, loudly.

"I haven't seen that person in a while," Kat said, shrugging.

"Well, I need her. We all need her. You're a true member of this team, but when we were facing Gruumm, you didn't feel our losses, like we did, as Rangers. Now, the enemy is attacking us on all fronts, including the technological one. They're fighting you, just like they're fighting me and B-Squad. So, you can't put your tail between your legs and hide out in your lab," Doggie shouted. "You've got to fight, just like we do."

"Yes, sir," Kat said, as she stood up from her terminal. "Thank you, Doggy. I needed to hear that."

"Good. Now, no more sulking. Omallix has his hands on our technology. We need to be at our best and ready for whatever he has in store," Doggie said.

"Agreed," Kat said, as she sighed. "I don't know what they plan on using that power for, but it can't be good."

"Nothing good has come from Omallix. That's for sure," Doggie said.

"If Jintari manages to harness that power, we could be in major trouble. There's nothing else like it. There couldn't be," Kat said.

"Can you duplicate it, so we can be on equal footing?"

"That's the reason it was in the computer in the first place. I've been working on that project for months. It wasn't ready. I didn't have enough time to study the original, so making the power work was going to take time, not that we needed the extra artillery then," Kat explained.

"We need it now," Doggie said. "And it's in the hands of our biggest enemy."

Kat & Doggie shared a troubling glance.

Aboard Omallix's base, Felix tried to work as delicately as he could. It was hard, as his hands had been shaking the whole time. He was not only nervous about hurting the being lying before him, but he was still reeling from the painful attack that Omallix had perpetrated on him earlier. His nerves were fried.

All his life, Felix had been told that he was meant to be a doctor. He had great hands and a steady spirit. He could be stern when he needed to be and of course, he had a brilliant mind. He was saddened now, because his brilliant mind was unable to figure a way out of his present predicament. He was helping the enemy and it didn't feel good.

His DNA research was invaluable to this destructive project Omallix forced him to work on. The power that Jintari had brought in might indeed be unstoppable, especially since Felix was ordered to make the recipient unable to give up that power. It would be bonded to him, for good. Felix looked into the being's eyes. He saw a fire in them, but he also saw a sea of nothing. The creature had been heavily sedated and Felix was thankful that he couldn't feel the genetic torture that he was being put under. He didn't deserve to be used this way.

Felix glanced across the room at Charlie, who stared back, still holding her blaster close to her breast. It was like she was ready to fire at any moment. Part of Felix wanted to provoke her, but right now, he didn't have the strength for that either.

"Eyes on the patient, Doctor," Charlie ordered him.

"Seeing him like this takes me back," Felix said, seemingly talking to no one, although he knew that both Jintari & Charlie could hear him. "I remember the last time I was in a similar position. My homeworld was under great attack—"

He was cut off.

"Who cares?" Jintari said, coldly. Felix simply rolled his eyes, refusing to stop his story.

"The Troobian Empire didn't like taking prisoners, at least that's what we were all led to believe. Gruumm would destroy planets on a whim. When he got to ours, we were all so scared. I was so young back then. S.P.D. came to our rescue. Doggie Cruger led the forces that fought Gruumm's attack," Felix explained.

Charlie's eyes squinted a little, as she listened closely. Felix saw this and continued.

"There was a monster about to kill me. I looked death in the face that day. His blade was coming for my throat and that's when Doggie Cruger stepped in. He used his Shadow Saber to block that monster's attack. He saved me. He saved a lot of people that day, including Kat. We were amongst the very few survivors and we vowed to help S.P.D. in the fight against the Troobians," Felix said, with a sigh. "You asked why I was loyal to S.P.D. There's your answer."

Charlie thought over his words, giving him a deadly serious look. Jintari nodded his large head.

"How touching," Jintari spoke up, coldly. "Now, get back to the matter at hand. You were working so diligently."

Felix locked eyes with Charlie, as he set his sights back on his patient.

"Don't be afraid to get rough with him, Doctor," Jintari said. "Get in there and do it."

Felix was infuriated by the flighty humor in the green alien's words. This was an inhumane procedure and Felix wasn't going to do more harm than he had to in order to get it done.

Deep in the southern part of Newtech City, there was a lush pasture. This was one of the most beautiful areas in California. It was known for its beauty and nature. It was a place where lovers went to share romantic getaways. Some said that in Luna Province, the grass was greener and the air was like breathing in heaven. Z found herself standing in the middle of that pasture. She took a deep breath, taking in the wonderful smells of fresh air and lovely flowers. There was a sea of white roses.

"Hey hey," a voice called from behind her.

Z turned and she saw Jack, standing in the field.

"We were just going to have a picnic. You wanna join?" Jack asked, as he pointed behind him to a gazebo, where Z saw Ally waving in the distance.

Z got a strange feeling in her stomach.

"What?" Z said, softly. She looked confused and disoriented.

She looked around the area, seeing the lush, natural setting. She turned away from Jack and looked all around. She smiled. Then, she heard a faint rumbling. She looked to the sky, but it wasn't thunder she heard. That bad feeling began to rise in her gut. She turned back to Jack.

"Jack! We have to get out of here," Z yelled.

Jack, however, was now further away, closer to the gazebo, than to her. She yelled his name louder. Jack turned and smiled at her. Just then, Z saw it. The gigantic wall of fire was coming from behind the gazebo, behind Ally and Jack.

"Jack!" Z yelled.

It was too late. The flames overtook them, burning them both. It was coming for Z, moving faster than she ever imagined. Z didn't run. She couldn't. Her feet seemed glued to the spot she was standing in. She collided with the flames.

Z jumped up in her bed, waking from another nightmare. She was breathing heavily and on the verge of tears. This time she had woken her roommate. Syd got out of her bed and walked over.

"Z, are you all right?"

"Yeah," Z responded.

"What happened? Did you have a nightmare?" Syd asked.

"I don't want to talk about it," Z said, as she laid back down, pulling the covers over her head and turning away from Syd.

Syd let out a sigh of disappointment.

A few hours later, the two had joined Bridge & Sky in the Rec Room for breakfast. Bridge was having his usual plate piled with toast. Sky ate an apple and a glass of juice. Syd was having cereal. Z was sitting nearby, alone, drinking a hot cup of tea.

"What's wrong with Z?" Bridge asked.

"I don't know," Syd said, as she shared a brief glance with Sky. "Something's bothering her."

Sky sighed. "Commander Cruger's joining us for training today. I hope she's ready."

"She had a nightmare or something last night. She didn't want to talk about it. I doubt she'll want to talk now," Syd explained.

"Poor Z," Bridge said. "She's probably thinking about Jack."

Then, the doors to the Rec Room opened and Cadet Quinn Gray stormed in, with his eyes on Bridge. He walked over to the breakfast bar, where the three cadets were seated. He seemed to be upset.

"Good morning, Quinn," Syd offered.

"I wish it was," Quinn said, as he walked right up to Bridge and stared him in the eyes.

"Uhh, something wrong?" Bridge said, as he looked confused.

"Oh, I don't know. Does my uniform look different to you?" Quinn asked.

"Looks green," Bridge said.

Quinn pointed to a large stained handprint on his uniform jacket.

"How'd you do that?" Sky asked.

"I didn't!" Quinn said, as he stared back at Bridge.

"Oh, right," Bridge said, as he realized what Quinn was upset about. "Sorry, my bad."

"Your bad? Bridge, this is a butter stain. How did it get on my jacket?"

"Well, it's actually really kinda funny. I had this weird dream that Gruumm was attacking the city and everything was just like it was last year and I was still the Green Ranger. I got knocked from my zord and Gruumm was right on top of me, doing that evil laugh thing that he did a lot and—,"Quinn cut Bridge off.

"What does that have to do with my uniform?"

"Well, when I woke up, I was still kinda out of it and thinking about the dream. I accidentally put on your uniform, by mistake," Bridge said, with a light chuckle. "See, kinda funny."

"Not at all," Quinn said, as he sighed.

"I don't even want to know where those butter stains came from in your room," Syd said.

"Trust me. You don't," Quinn said.

At that moment, Z walked over to the group, looking very curiously at Bridge.

"Bridge, in your dream, was Jack there?" Z asked.

"Yeah. I mean everything was the same as it was last year," Bridge said.

"Did anything happen to Jack in your dream?"

"Well, no. I don't think so. I woke up before anything really bad happened. I like to think we defeated Gruumm, since that's what we did while I was awake. Although, I guess you could say Doggie was really the one that defeated Gruumm, because he captured him..." Bridge went off on a tangent.

Z still looked troubled. Quinn noticed, but was afraid to say anything, especially when it came to Jack.

"Well, we better get ready. Training's gonna start shortly. Quinn, I suggest you change jackets. You don't want to show up like that to Commander Cruger," Sky said.

"Right," Quinn said, with a sigh.

He headed off to change, followed by Bridge, who was still trying to apologize, while carrying his plate of toast. Syd & Sky were left at the breakfast bar and Z stared at them for a moment before walking off. Sky shook his head at Syd.

"All right, Rangers," Cruger said, as they all stood in what appeared to be an abandoned warehouse. "Here we are in 'generic warehouse,' where you've got your criminal trapped. Your job is to bring him in. Now, remember that he's trapped, but that doesn't mean he's cornered. You'll have to use all your skills to capture him."

Cruger glanced at the four cadets in front of him. Bridge was missing.

"You'll work in teams of two on this exercise," Cruger said. "Z, you'll work with Quinn and Sky will partner with Syd."

Syd smiled. Z frowned, as she looked at Sky.

"Good luck, Rangers," Cruger said, as he stepped outside of the warehouse, signaling the beginning of the exercise.

Sky looked to Syd.

"All right, let's Ranger up," Sky said.

"Ready!" Syd responded.

"S.P.D. Emergency!" the two shouted. Their uniforms were replaced with their Ranger suits. They rushed off to the right.

"I guess we should do the same," Quinn said to Z.

"No. Let's go S.W.A.T.," Z said.

"S.W.A.T.? Why?" Quinn asked.

"Because, we want to work stealthily to locate the criminal. We don't want him to know we're coming. We're afforded more protection in our S.W.A.T. armor," Z explained.

"Works for me," Quinn said, as they pulled their morphers.

"S.P.D. S.W.A.T.!" they yelled and were instantly morphed. They headed off in the opposite direction from Sky and Syd.

Back on the other side of the warehouse, the Red and Pink Rangers were moving slowly, weaving through the stacked boxes and barrels inside the warehouse.

"Hey," Sky whispered. "Remember to act normal when we're with everyone."

"What are you talking about?" Syd whispered back.

"When Cruger picked the teams, you seemed a little too eager," Sky whispered.

"You're being ridiculous," she whispered back. "We need to keep our minds on—"

Two laser blasts came in their direction. The two Rangers dove away, dodging the strike. They took refuge behind a steel plank that was leaning against some metal barrels.

"...the task at hand," Syd finished her sentence, as both were catching their breath. They had been caught off-guard by the criminal.

"Right," Sky said. "Did you see where the blast came from?"

On the other side of the warehouse, the Yellow and Green Rangers creeped along, using their S.W.A.T. scanners. Z thought she picked up a signal.

"I'm reading something over there," she whispered to Quinn. She started to walk in that direction.

"Wait," Quinn said, using his free hand to grab her arm. "Do you hear that?"

The two heard the faint sound of whistling in the distance.

"It's whistling," Z said. "Why would he be whistling?"

"Maybe he's waiting to get caught. Come on," Quinn said, underneath his helmet.

The two crept closer to three barrels that were placed in a triangle formation. On top of two of them were boxes. The sound was coming from behind there. Silently, Z gestured for Quinn to go around one side, as she went around the other. They closed in. With their weapons drawn they both whipped around behind the barrels and saw...no one there.

Quinn followed the sound of the whistling, which was coming from inside one of the boxes on top of the barrels. He reached inside and pulled out a tape recorder. He and Z shared a troubled look.

"What's this about?" Quinn asked.

He pressed the stop button and the two heard a snapping sound from above. They looked up, as a net came falling down towards them. Instinctively, Z raised her Delta Enforcer, blasting the net, as it fell. It was blasted to pieces that fell all around them.

"It was a trap," Z said.

Then, several laser blasts pierced the area. The two Rangers both went flying. They tried to take cover, as they were separated.

"Do you see him?" Quinn yelled to her.

"No," Z responded.

Two large black footsteps were seen creeping along wood planks that were placed across the ceiling. The alien creature lowered his weapon and prepared to fire on the Yellow Ranger who was stationed right below him. Then, the wood plank he stood on took heavy fire. The dark colored alien creature fell, crashing into a heap of boxes. He staggered, trying to get to his feet, just as the Red Ranger appeared, with his dual blasters trained on him.

"Freeze!" Sky yelled.

The creature tried to run, but the Pink Ranger was right there, with her Deltamax Striker drawn. She cuffed the alien creature, as Doggie Cruger was seen entering the warehouse.

"Good job, Rangers," Cruger said, proudly.

Z kicked a barrel hard, as she & Quinn regrouped and joined the victorious team, who pushed their cuffed criminal right in front of Commander Cruger, who pulled him off to the side.

"Sky, Syd, you used your senses. You tracked down your criminal and captured him first," Cruger commended them.

The four Rangers powered down.

"Sir, I don't think the choice of teams was fair," Z spoke out.

"Oh? Why not?"

"Sky is an expert at criminal profiling and Syd's the best at surveillance. Their team had more experience than ours," Z said.

"The task wasn't extremely difficult, Cadet Delgado. You've always been wonderful at assessing your surroundings in battle, yet you never looked above for your opponent," Cruger said. "As a matter of fact, your partner is an expert in languages and translation. I thought your team would have figured out the difference between a recorded voice and a real one, before falling into a trap."

Z was silent as she looked at Quinn, who looked extremely sorry. "Yes, sir."

"It was a good trap, by the way," Cruger said to the ugly monster next to him. The monster nodded back gratefully.

"Better luck next time," Cruger said to Z & Quinn. "End simulation."

The warehouse around them disappeared. Cruger raised a small device in his hand and pressed a button, which caused the alien criminal to dissolve, showing the real culprit was Bridge, in disguise. He smiled, seeing his normal body reappear.

"The point of this exercise was to show you all that it's possible to get inside the head of the criminal you're facing. Bridge may not have looked like himself, but he was still Bridge, someone you've fought alongside for a long time. Think about it. We've faced Omallix and his forces several times now," Cruger explained. "They've certainly gotten into our heads. I think it's time we got into theirs. You never know when the enemy you face will be someone more familiar than you think."

Cruger exited the simulator.

"You know, I hope Cruger picks me to be the criminal again. I think I'm gonna try a new voice to match the exterior of the creature," Bridge said with a smile.

No one else seemed to be paying attention, as Z stormed out of the simulator room.

A few minutes later, Sky found her in her quarters.

"Hey, you've got to do something about your attitude," Sky said to her.

"No, I don't," Z said. "You have no idea what I'm going through, not that you'd care if you did."

"What are you talking about? Of course, I care when a fellow Ranger is not at her best," Sky said, trying to sound empathetic.

"Oh really, because it seems to me that all you care about now that you got your big wish, is breaking the rules," Z said, angrily.

"This is about me and Syd, isn't it?"

"This is about you, Sky! You got what you wanted. You're the Red Ranger and everything else just seems to have fallen away. I don't get it," Z said.

"You've totally lost me," Sky said, looking confused.

"Jack's dead! Do you care about that? Do you?" Z yelled in anger.

"Of course I do!" Sky yelled back.

"I'm not so sure. Why now? Huh? Why now do you choose to loose focus?"

"I'm not losing focus," Sky said.

"You used to be this stickler for the rules. Everything had to be done the right way. You called Jack on it every chance you got," Z said, as she could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. "Now Jack is dead and the people who killed him are out there, walking free. What are you doing? You're kissing Syd! Why is it that you find time for some secret love affair when the people who killed Jack are still out there?"

"Z, don't cry," Sky said, as he felt bad. "It's not like that."

"Yes it is," Z said, as the tears wouldn't stop. "Why do you have to change now? Jack's gone and we aren't doing anything."

"We are," Sky said, as he put his arms around Z, trying to comfort her. "The monsters who killed Jack are gonna pay. I promise you that."

"But, you can't promise me that!" Z said, as her anger returned. She pushed Sky away from her. "No one can. But maybe, just maybe, if you weren't being so selfish right now, we could find a way to strike back. Why can't we have the old Sky back? The one who cared about grudges and who wouldn't stop until the bad guys were defeated?"

Z stormed out of the room, before Sky could answer. She didn't stop until she got to a patrol jeep. She hopped inside and started the engine, just as someone else hopped in on the passenger side. She looked over to see who it was.

"Quinn, not now," Z said, as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"Out," Z said. "I have to get out of here."

"Okay," Quinn said, as he strapped on his seat belt.

"I wanna be alone," Z said to him.

"I'm sorry," Quinn said. "I know you're feeling this way is my fault."

Z gave him a confused look, and then she started the engine and sped off. They were both silent, as the jeep got a few blocks away, heading into the southern part of the city.

"What are you talking about?" Z asked him.

"You're feeling down about Jack. Trust me, I can tell," Quinn explained. "I'm so sorry about what happened. I know if I hadn't messed up, things wouldn't be this bad."

"What happened to Jack isn't your fault," Z said.

"People tell me that, but every time I come out here and see all this damage and hear people talk about the casualties, and see you like this, I know it is," Quinn said. "If I hadn't unlocked that containment drawer, Omallix would still be imprisoned."

Z stopped the jeep. The tires screeched to a halt, as the ash of the destroyed streets and buildings got caught in the rubber.

"I'm sorry, Quinn," Z said. "I never meant to make you feel that way."

"You weren't trying to," Quinn said. "I just know when you're down and quiet, it's because you're missing him. I'm sorry that he's gone too. I just want you to know that you're not the only one hurting."

Z started the engine and turned the jeep around.

"What's going on?" Quinn asked. "I thought you needed to get away?"

"I did, but I can't keep running from my problems," Z said.

She set her course back to the Delta Command Base, back home.

Inside Headquarters, Cruger and Sky walked down a long corridor, as they exited Cruger's office. Sky couldn't get the image of Z out of his head. He hated disappointing a friend. He'd never forget that look of loss on her face.

"We need those reinforcements, sir," Sky continued his conversation with Cruger.

"Sky, I told you that the Council doesn't have them to give," Cruger responded, solemnly.

"Supreme Commander Birdy could divert more research to morpher creation. We could commission a couple more Ranger teams from our cadets here," Sky offered.

"No, they're not ready. Do you honestly think that D-Squad or E-Squad are ready for this fight? C-Squad is down to three members already, thanks to Omallix," Cruger said.

"We have to do something, sir," Sky said. "I'm starting to feel helpless."

"I know that. So am I. I think we all are, but we have to remember that S.P.D. is about protection. We're here to protect the planet, this city and its citizens," Cruger said. "S.P.D. wasn't built as a hunting squad."

"Too bad the Council didn't see things our way," Sky said, shaking his head.

"The Council had a lot of questions," Cruger said.

"Questions about me?" Sky asked.

"About you? Why would you ask that?"

"I think I realized today that without knowing it, I may not be as efficient as I can be," Sky said, nervously.

"Supreme Commander Birdy stands by my decisions and I chose you to be Red Ranger," Cruger said. "The Council did not lead me to believe that was a bad choice. You've handled your role as leader well, Sky."

"Still, I feel like I'm not doing enough," Sky said. Then, something occurred to him. "Sir, I'd like permission to go through some of my father's old files. He brought in Omallix the first time. Maybe there's something in them that could help us do it again."

"Sky, I searched through every record on Omallix's initial capture. I even wrote some of those documents myself back then. I didn't find anything that would help," Cruger said. "But, you may have better luck. No one has spent his life learning more about Nathan Tate than you have. I'll make sure you have full access to all of his records."

"Thank you, sir," Sky said. "I'll let you know if I find anything."

Sky began walking off, with a purpose.

"Good luck, Sky," Cruger called after him.

Aboard Omallix's base, Omallix and Cartiron walked purposefully towards the laboratory that held his secret weapon. Omallix unlocked the doors from the outside and stepped in, followed by his monster general. Charlie nodded to them as they entered. The two monsters gathered around the examination bed.

Omallix glanced at Felix, who turned his gaze away from him, in shame. Omallix looked to Jintari.

"He is prepared?" he asked.

"Yes, my lord," Jintari said, proudly.

Omallix and Cartiron looked at the finished product on the examination bed.

"He doesn't look so tough," Cartiron spoke up.

"You have no idea what he's capable of," Charlie said, behind the two monsters.

"I can tell you this," Jintari said. "It's not going to be pretty."

"Good," Omallix responded. "I want S.P.D. to suffer like they have never suffered before. This creature will be just the thing to do it. He lives?"

"He lives," Felix muttered.

"Does he obey?" Omallix looked to Jintari.

"Yes, master. His only will is to carry out your orders," Jintari explained.

"I want you to destroy the Power Rangers," Omallix said, squarely to the creature on the bed.

He couldn't tell if the being even understood what he was saying, since he couldn't see its face, beneath the helmet. The being's head began to move. Felix watched closely, as it shook its head, affirmatively, agreeing to Omallix's words. Felix's face went sad and his blood ran cold, as he slowly closed his eyes, feeling more defeated than ever before.

"And he will be unable to break free of us?" Omallix asked.

"No. It is impossible, thanks to Dr. Felix's genetic procedures," Jintari answered.

"Thank you, Doctor Felix," Omallix said to the alien doctor, who gave him a disgusted look. "Charlie will take you home, now."

Charlie grabbed Felix by the arm, taking him out of the laboratory. Felix sneered at the thought of that laboratory being his home. After their departure, Omallix turned to Cartiron.

"Things are going just as they should. There is only one more component needed to make this plan work," Omallix said to Cartiron. "You will bring that component to me."

Cartiron nodded, as he let out a dark chuckle. "This is going to be fun."

Inside S.P.D. Headquarters, Z Delgado stepped up to the entrance to her quarters. She took a deep breath, knowing who was on the other side. After a long talk with Quinn, she came here. She stepped forward, causing the doors to slide open. Z walked inside and saw Syd, sitting at her dresser, looking in the mirror. Syd didn't even acknowledge Z's entrance.

"I'm sorry," Z said.

The words caught Syd off guard. She looked a little surprised, as she turned to face Z.

"I'm shocked," Syd said. "I have to say I wasn't expecting that."

"I lashed out at you and at Sky for doing what I haven't had the courage to do. I haven't been able to move on. I'm still haunted by Jack's death and it hurts so much," Z said.

Syd reached out and took Z in her arms, hugging her tight. "Oh, Z. I know this has all been so hard for you. But, I haven't moved on either, not really. Omallix is still out there and every day I wake up, scared that someone else is going to die. I think that's what pushed me towards Sky. I just need something to hold onto, something to give me hope that it's going to get better."

"I understand," Z said, as her hand drifted to the ring that hung on the necklace around her neck. "I guess I just can't stop holding on to things that remind me of how bad it's gotten."

"It'll only get better if we make it better," Syd said to her.

"You're right," Z said. "Sometimes I forget we're all in the same boat. Quinn helped me see that."

Syd looked a little troubled. "Quinn?"

"Don't worry. I didn't tell him about you and Sky. I didn't tell anyone. But, I'm surprised you haven't," Z said.

"What do you mean?" Syd asked.

"It's not your style to keep things private," Z said.

"Believe it or not, it was my idea," Syd said, with a smirk. "It's the only way Sky would break the rules."

"And you're okay with that?" Z said. "Keeping things a secret, hiding your feelings from everyone."

"It's not my first choice, but maybe I don't need to be the center of attention," Syd said.

"I just don't want you to change who you are for anyone, Syd. It's not worth it," Z said.

Syd pondered what Z was trying to say. She didn't truly know how to respond to that. But, she didn't have to. An announcement came over the communications systems.

"B-Squad, please report to the Infirmary. B-Squad, report to the Infirmary."

It was Doggie's voice. Syd and Z both looked curious and confused. There hadn't been an emergency alert. Then, the worst thought crept into Z's mind.

"Oh no, you don't think it's Piggy?" Z wondered.

"Let's go," Syd said.

The two rushed down to the Infirmary. As they got closer to their destination, Syd grabbed hold of Z's hand, knowing her friend might need more support. As they reached the doors, they spotted Bridge, Sky & Quinn coming from the opposite direction, also looking puzzled.

"Anybody know what's going on?" Bridge asked.

They nodded, negatively. The five cadets walked into the Infirmary, where Doggie, Kat and Dr. Sevarus were gathered together, talking. The trio noticed the Rangers' entrance. Z immediately looked over at Piggy, but nothing seemed to be wrong. His ventilator was still working.

"What's wrong?" Sky asked first, looking at Cruger.

"Rangers, Dr. Sevarus has found out some startling news. We thought you'd all want to be here to hear it," Cruger said, as he looked to the doctor.

"In my efforts to separate Jack's ashes from the broken vial, I used a bioscanner to make sure that all of the glass was gone. I noticed something a little off in the composition of the ashes, so I ran further tests," Sevarus said, nervously.

The other Rangers all still looked confused.

"Dr. Sevarus, what are you trying to tell us," Z asked aloud. She squeezed Syd's hand a little tighter.

"These ashes are not the remains of Jack Landors."