POWER RANGERS: SPACE PATROL DELTA
YEAR TWO
"INTERROGATION"
Hey Mom,
I know it's been a while. Sorry. Things have gotten so busy around here, even more than before. I know I promised to write more in my last letter. Big changes around here. I haven't even had much time to check in with Casey, Meg and Duc. I think I feel more upset about that than I do about not writing to you. I promised them that we were still a team. I kinda feel like I'm doing what I accused Darren of doing when he got the promotion. Speaking of Darren, it's getting harder to think about him. I don't know if that's good or bad. Kinda wish you were here to talk to about it.
Speaking of you, I'm surprised you haven't written a lot back to me either. I figured my last message about what was happening with Omallix might have caused the old cadet mom to come out. I know you're worried. I am too. Honestly, it's getting kinda scary around here. With Commander Cruger's promotion, everything's changed. It's not as comfortable as it was. Just when I felt I wasn't the weak link anymore, things just got all tense again. Our new commander, Silverback, is kinda rough around the edges. Bridge told me about the training they did under him. Sounded brutal.
Kat's taking the transition a bit hard too. I think she could use a good friend, now that Cruger's gone. Too bad you're in Tokyo. I've tried to reach out, but it seems like she just wants to focus on work. Maybe that's not a bad thing. I know the other Rangers have been trying to do the same, except for Bridge. He's still able to bring a smile to our faces, even when he doesn't mean to. He's been a good roommate. It really helped after Darren died.
So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I could use a little motherly advice on dealing with things around here. It was never this tense with C-Squad. So, let me know what you think. I know it would help.
Oh, and I was wondering about something. Sky, our Red Ranger, is trying to find some information on his dad, Nathan Tate. Apparently he captured Omallix all those years ago. There's some data missing from the files and no one seems to know what happened to them. Kat told me that you knew Officer Tate, so I figured it couldn't hurt to ask you. If you know anything about the old investigation that might help, let me know. Sky would be relieved. He's been really troubled about it. But, from what Bridge has told me, he's intense about a lot of things. Anyway, if you remember anything, let me know.
Talk to you soon,
Quinn
A tear fell from Ellie Gray's eye, as she finished reading the electronic mail from her son. She didn't know why she chose to read it at that moment. She had downloaded it from her work terminal, but had decided not to read it until she got home this evening. She had stopped for groceries on the way and when her car came to a stop outside of her home, she had the sudden urge to read Quinn's letter. She had turned off the engine and sat there, reading her son's words.
Ellie wiped her eye and gathered her things. She grabbed the bag of groceries from the back seat and headed inside. Her modest apartment wasn't very large. She preferred things small. After all, she had been alone for years and even before Quinn left to enroll in the S.P.D. Academy, it was just the two of them, after her divorce 15 years ago. With one hand grasping the electronic pad, she put down her bag of groceries and noticed the red blinking light on her home phone.
"Play messages," she called out.
A slight clicking sound was heard.
"First message left at 8 p.m."
Ellie looked confused. How did she miss that message from the night before? Ellie figured she must have just zoned out and fell asleep and never heard it. She had been tense herself the last few weeks. The letter from Quinn wasn't making her emotional state any better.
"Ellie, this is Zachal."
Ellie dropped the electronic pad in her hand upon hearing those words. She scooped it up and noticed that it hadn't been broken. She walked closer to the phone to hear what her old teammate was calling about.
"I know it's been a while. I found myself thinking about the old team today," Zachal spoke. "I received an unexpected visit from Nathan Tate's son. It was remarkable. He's all grown up and looking more like Nathan than I expected."
Ellie closed her eyes gently, as she listened, trying to hold in any emotion to prevent its escape.
"Anyway, he was asking questions about Nathan, about his last years. I told him all I knew before I retired. I'm not sure it helped. I think this threat going on over there is getting really bad, especially if they think Nathan's old records might be able to help. Apparently, some are missing," Zachal explained. "Anyway, I thought about you after my visit and wanted to give you a call. Call me when you get a chance. I truly hope you're doing well, Ellie."
"End of messages," the robotic feminine voice spoke out.
Ellie's grip tightened on the electronic device in her hand, as she walked slowly into her bedroom, replaying Zachal's message in her mind. When she entered her room, the first thing to greet her was her own image in the tall antique mirror opposite her doorway. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and she didn't like what she saw. That message had succeeded in stopping her from doing the one thing she had managed to accomplish after all these years – forget.
Mirror images can be deceiving, Ellie thought to herself. She walked closer to the wall-mounted mirror and stared into her own eyes for a few seconds. She slid the electronic pad with Quinn's letter into her pocket. Then, she reached up with both hands and unhooked the mirror from the wall where it hung. These days, most people had mirrors attached to their walls that could fold out of the way with the touch of a button, but not Ellie.
If she had a contemporary mirror, she never would have been able to hide away her secrets. Behind that mirror was a small safe, embedded in the wall. Ellie slowly entered the numerical combination and the door was open. Inside there were many things: an old broach she inherited from her grandmother, along with the mirror. Also inside were a few business documents, a copy of her will and a box. Ellie grabbed the container, which was roughly the size of a shoebox.
She walked over to her bed and sat down, placing the box on her lap. She gently wiped away a small coating of dust and lifted the lid. Inside that box was a host of memories, things she had tried to forget. But, she knew that the time was coming to unseal the past. She was given 18 years. Her time wasn't up just yet, but current events were unfolding like no one had ever expected. All those years ago, she had never been sure she would be able to keep her 18-year promise. It was time for her to make that decision.
Ellie gently touched each of the items in the box. Memories flooded back to her as if it were yesterday. S.P.D. was a world away now, despite her family's connection. They were in a fight for their lives, she knew. But, part of her knew that if she kept her promise, she might ruin a life or two all on her own.
The rain was pouring in New Tech City the following day. Thunder and lightning had replaced the sunshine and brisk wind. It was a dreary day and most found themselves indoors. Commander Silverback was one of them. He wasn't a fan of the cool conditions inside the Delta Command Base and he had informed his newly arrived staff about temperature control.
Silverback turned the corner, as his trusty pet Murphy trotted alongside him. He arrived at his office and the doors slid open promptly for him. Inside, he felt cozy. It was easily 20 degrees warmer in Silverback's new office than it was in the rest of the Delta Command Base. Silverback nodded, as he felt the difference. He liked his new office.
He could tell his companion did too. Murphy walked over to the far corner of the room that had been decorated just for him. Even though his robotic frame didn't require it, Murphy felt more real lying on the bright red pillow set up in the corner for him. An electronic heart blinked on his faceplate, as he took a seat on the pillow.
Silverback looked around the office, which was pretty bare. All of the chairs had been removed, along with Cruger's desk. The place on the wall where his Shadow Saber had hung was now the home for Silverback's favorite weapon. It was a classic blaster rifle. S.P.D. had stopped producing them almost ten years before, in favor of the white laser pistols currently in use by most cadets. Silverback preferred the range of the rifle and was proud to keep his on display. The opposite wall was now outfitted with a large flatscreen monitor.
In the farthest corner, a few feet from Murphy's, Silverback's own desk stood. It wasn't a traditional desk by any means. It was eight feet off the ground and shaped like a large cylinder. A tall stool was positioned behind it, out of sight. The sides of the desk merged with the walls on both sides of it. The only way to get up there was to climb. Silverback smiled, as he looked at the two large ropes hanging from the ceiling on the sides of the desk. He grabbed the one on the left and quickly climbed his way up the desk and behind it, just as he heard a communications alert.
"Commander Silverback, you have an incoming transmission from Galaxy Command," the female voice spoke.
Silverback recognized the voice of his handpicked communications specialist, who was calling him from the Command Center.
"Thanks, Niyako," Silverback called out. "I'll talk in here."
Silverback grabbed a small controller device and pressed a button, which caused the flatscreen on the wall to turn on. He was instantly greeted by the face of Supreme Commander Doggie Cruger.
"Supreme Commander, what can I do for you on this lovely day?" Silverback said, sarcastically.
Cruger was used to his tone.
"I'll cut to the chase," Cruger said. "I heard about Bridge's injury. How's he doing?"
"He'll live. He's tougher than he looks," Silverback said quickly.
"They all are," Cruger said, sternly.
His voice betrayed him. In that one small sentence, he conveyed to Silverback that he wasn't happy about the Blue Ranger's injury and that he wasn't pleased with things happening on Earth. Silverback knew this was Cruger's territory, but Cruger's tone made sure to never let him forget it.
"Dr. Sevarus is taking care of the injured. That's his job. He's told me that Carson will be up and around in a few days," Silverback explained.
"The latest monster attack was a little more brutal than the last," Cruger said. "Do we have any idea where Omallix got Oartha?"
"Not at this point," Silverback spoke. "Oartha didn't have a previous criminal record. Hortucians are not known for their destructive capabilities. Dr. Manx seems baffled that one could be that strong. She's studying the creature, while it's in containment."
"I guess you're lucky that the S.W.A.T. Flyer Cannon was enough to destroy it," Cruger said.
"If it hadn't have been, we would have figured something else out. That is the nature of the battle at hand," Silverback said.
"Is there something you'd like to say to me?" Cruger asked, sensing Silverback was holding back.
"Nah, not really. I just wonder why S.P.D.'s Supreme Commander feels the need to contact me so soon after his departure. I've got things under control, Doggie," Silverback said, annoyed.
"It doesn't seem like you have things under control," Cruger said, angrily. "Bridge is sitting in the Infirmary without an arm and the monsters are getting stronger. I want to know what you intend to do about that."
"I intend to run S.P.D. the way I feel is best," Silverback shot back. "Frankly, your Rangers are soft. They need to harden and the only way that's gonna happen is through more training and by playing through the pains of battle. You and I know that's the way to win."
"Omallix isn't your average enemy," Cruger responded. "It's going to take more than physicality to get this job done."
"Still, we won't win many battles when our Red Ranger is busy with other things," Silverback said, slyly. "You sanctioned his investigation into his father's past?"
"I did. Sky felt that Nathan's records on Omallix's original arrest could help us formulate a plan of attack against him. I agreed," Cruger said. "The fact that they're missing raises some red flags."
"So Tate deleted them," Silverback corrected. "We should move on. If Sky had been any more late to the battle, Carson might be dead, or worse. They all might be."
"Sky knows what needs to be done," Cruger said. "They just need someone to guide them."
"Well, I hate to break it to ya, Doggie," Silverback said. "But, I don't guide. I fight and I order other people to fight. Teamwork is key and I need all the cadets onboard with it. I can't have them running off fighting their own personal battles. And, if you don't like my style, you may want to start looking for a replacement here."
"Your track record speaks for itself," Cruger said, sighing. "I can't pull you out of there. If I do that in the middle of this conflict with Omallix, it will only make things worse. That's why I'm keeping an eye on things there. I want to help smooth things over."
"That's the difference between you and me," Silverback said. "You smooth over the cracks. I break through them."
"This is all my fault."
"Sky, stop saying that," Syd said, as the two walked down a corridor in S.P.D. Headquarters.
Sky had been in a bad mood all morning, Syd noticed. She was prepared to blame it on the weather, but she knew Sky too well. She wished she wasn't carrying the small tray in her hands, so she could give him a comforting hug, even though she was sure he wouldn't allow it.
"Bridge lost his arm," Sky said, somberly.
"That wasn't your fault. Oartha was a lot more powerful than we thought. Bridge took a major risk out there," Syd said.
"A risk he might not have taken if I was there from the start," Sky said.
The two came to a stop at a pair of doors. Sky looked curious when Syd stepped in front of him, blocking him from entering.
"Look, I know you're upset and feeling guilty, but don't take it inside. Bridge needs our full support. This is no time for the blame game," Syd said, looking Sky in the eyes.
Sky nodded. Syd turned her back on him and stepped forward. The doors to the Infirmary opened and Syd strolled inside, with Sky right behind her. They walked past Piggy's bed on one side of the room. Sky couldn't help but glance over at the comatose figure. He sighed. On the opposite side of the room, Bridge was asleep in his bed. At least, they though he was asleep. As Syd got closer to the bed, she saw Bridge's head move and his eyes open.
"Hey," Syd said softly.
Bridge forced a smile and nod. He looked over at Sky, who stood at the foot of the bed.
"How you feeling, buddy?" he asked.
"Okay, I guess," Bridge said.
His tone was weak and scared. It wasn't filled with life, as Syd was used to. She couldn't help but frown.
Bridge was covered with a white sheet. Underneath, he wore a standard patient's gown. His left arm rested on top of the covers. He gently touched the gown he was wearing, as he looked at Syd.
"Not the height of S.P.D. fashion," he said with a slight grin.
"You still pull it off well," Syd said, giving him a warm smile.
"Thanks," Bridge said, as his grin faded. "I guess they wanted to clean my uniform, with the blood stains and all."
Sensing the need to quickly change the subject, Syd walked closer to Bridge, on the side of his bed and showed him the small tray she was carrying.
"Thought you might be hungry, so I brought you some breakfast."
"Thanks," Bridge said, as Syd laid the tray down on his lap.
She lifted the cover off of the plate and she saw an old Bridge smile.
"Toast," Bridge smiled. "Thanks, Syd."
"It's all buttered up, just the way you like it."
Bridge used his teeth to remove his left glove. He reached onto the plate and grabbed the top piece of toasted bread. As he got a gentle grip on it and began moving it towards his mouth, his friends noticed how much his left hand was shaking. As he tried to steady his hand, the piece of toast fell to the floor. Sky winced slightly.
"Kinda hard," Bridge said, smiling for only a second. "I'm right-handed."
Bridge started to cry. Syd & Sky were both a bit surprised by his breakdown. Syd slid onto the bed next to him and put her arm around Bridge, letting him cry on her shoulder. She looked over at Sky, giving him a worried glance.
"Oh, Bridgey. It's gonna be okay," Syd said, as she held him close.
"I just want my arm back," Bridge mustered through the tears.
"Bridge, I..."
Sky didn't know what he could say that would make Bridge feel better. He turned away from the bed and looked down at the floor. Both of Sky's hands instinctively formed fists. The doors to the Infirmary opened and Kat walked in, along with Dr. Sevarus, carrying an electronic chart. Syd grabbed a napkin from the tray and gave it to Bridge to wipe his tears.
"We're sorry to interrupt," Kat said, as she noticed Bridge's face.
"We wanted to check in on the patient," Dr. Sevarus revealed.
"Oh, we can go," Syd said.
As she was about to get up, Bridge grabbed her arm with his left hand.
"No. I want them to stay," Bridge said. "They're my family."
Hearing that, Sky turned back to face his friend, his comrade, his brother.
"Well, I have good news," Sevarus said, sounding upbeat. "Dr. Manx and I believe we have come up with a prosthetic that will allow you to regain most of your mobility."
Sevarus handed the electronic chart to Bridge. Syd took it and held it in front of him, as Bridge used his left hand to operate it. He was instantly greeted with the sight of a robotic arm.
"It's metal?"
Kat walked over to the other side of the bed. She reached out her hand, pointing out some things on the chart.
"It's cybernetic," she explained. "We've come up with a unique design that we think will compliment your physical strengths and should be quite easy to get used to."
"It looks weird," Bridge said, flatly.
"Well, it's state of the art. Once it's implanted, you will have full range of motion and be able to use your hand pretty much the same way you did before," Kat explained.
"Will I be able to read auras?" Bridge said, as he looked up into her eyes.
Bridge's tone was a bit dark and Kat knew why. She had tried to make her presentation completely positive, but she knew Bridge could never be the same again. Kat let out a low sigh. As she began to formulate a response, Dr. Sevarus spoke up.
"Bridge, your genetic power is unusable at this point. However, your psychic powers are intact. It appears they weren't completely dependent on one another. I'm sorry. The damage to your arm was too severe. You still have the ability to read auras, but without your right hand, there's no way for it to manifest itself," Sevarus explained.
Bridge could feel another tear coming, but he used every once of strength to suppress it. He nodded.
"This new cybernetic arm is going to allow you to get back on your feet and get back to your duties," Kat said. "We can't force you to take it, of course. But, without your arm, you wouldn't be able to continue on as an active Ranger."
"I know," Bridge said somberly. "I don't have much choice."
"You promised me that the monsters would be stronger!"
"She was, my master. You saw the results of the procedure on Oartha," Jintari tried to explain. "She was much more powerful than before we augmented her."
"She still failed!" Omallix yelled. "If using the same fluid that runs through my systems makes them stronger, I want them to be able to defeat the Rangers!"
"Yes sir," Jintari said with a sigh. "We'll just have to increase their fluid intake. I don't want our supplies to run low, though. We were unable to acquire more on Earth before our departure. That fluid was originally reserved for you."
"I thought that my body produced the fluid on its own?"
"It does, but if you were to be damaged in battle, we might need the reserves," Jintari said.
"Use them!" Omallix shouted. "If adding more to the monsters will make them unstoppable, we will do it."
"Yes sir," Jintari said. "I just don't want to run into a roadblock that might weaken you, master. You are still the biggest threat the Rangers could imagine."
"If we have to get more, we will," Omallix spoke, in his dark tone.
"We can't risk the Rangers catching on," Jintari said. "If they learn about that fluid, it would put you at a disadvantage."
"Only one human ever discovered my weakness. That man is dead," Omallix said, flatly.
"Nathan Tate may be dead, but that doesn't mean that he didn't tell someone your secret," Jintari said. "Of course, if he had, the Rangers would have used it against us by now."
"Well, Jintari," Omallix stated. "It appears that our secret died with Nathan Tate, then doesn't it?"
Several feet away, just outside the throne room doorway, Charlie lurked. She had heard everything that was just said. She looked confused, yet curious.
"Nathan Tate," she muttered to herself.
Z Delgado nodded to a D-Squad cadet who passed her on the escalator. She was going down and he was going up. When she reached the lowest level of S.P.D. Headquarters, she strolled towards her destination, at a brisk pace. She entered the makeshift S.P.D. shelter, which had been created months ago for the displaced residents of Newtech City. She was looking for one displaced resident in particular. When she saw him, she smiled. Jack was throwing a football to a group of kids. He seemed to be having a good time.
"Good catch," Jack yelled to one boy, as he caught a glimpse of Z watching. "Okay guys, let's take a break."
A few groans were heard from the boys, as they took the ball and headed off together. Jack smiled, as Z walked over.
"You didn't have to stop on my account. They looked disappointed."
"Well, in a few years, I'm sure they'll understand that ladies come before football."
Z smirked at him.
"Glad to see you're in good spirits," she said.
"Not being stuck in the Infirmary helps," Jack said.
"I hope the same holds true for Bridge," Z said, sighing. "He's taking things hard."
"I bet," Jack said, as his smile faded away.
He felt bad for Bridge. Everything that had happened in the last week had Jack thinking about a lot of things. His nightmares were at the top of that list.
"I'm going to see Ally's parents."
"You are?" Z said, curiously. "What brought that on?"
"I kinda owe it to them. I was with her when she died. I need to talk to them, to see how they're doing," Jack said. "They probably hate me."
"They can't hate you," Z said. "It's not your fault that Ally died."
"If I hadn't taken her to Luna Province, she wouldn't have died," Jack said, looking Z in the eye.
Z sighed.
"Look, Bridge's surgery is gonna be starting soon. Syd thought it would be good if we all got together beforehand. Then, after, I'll go with you to see Ally's parents," Z said.
"I don't need a babysitter," Jack said.
"What about your best friend? Could you use her?" Z said, giving him a sarcastic look, as she nudged him on the shoulder. "I'm offering my support. Nothing more. Nothing less."
"All right," Jack said, letting out a loud sigh. "Let's go."
On the second floor of Omallix's floating base in space, Charlie walked with a purpose. In one hand she had her blaster. She had become rather fond of the weapon. She wasn't a fan of Jintari, but his craftsmanship on the weapon was impressive. It proved its worth several times in battle against B-Squad, she thought. In the other hand, she had a large knife. She had spent a while shining the weapon and tested out her grip on it. Charlie could see her reflection in the large blade. She made a few stabbing motions with it, as she walked. She nodded affirmatively.
She wasn't sure how Felix wanted to meet death, but she was prepared for the two obvious choices. Of course, she was open to some of the other classics, like overdose or strangulation. She got to the door and holstered her blaster. She keyed in her access code to Felix's laboratory and the doors slid open.
Charlie was instantly taken aback by what she saw. Felix was standing in the middle of the room, holding an electronic pad and scanner. He was wearing his white lab coat and he looked healthier than she had seen him in a long time. She looked around the room and noticed that all of his food trays had been cleaned. He had eaten every ounce of food on them. Charlie was shocked for the second time today.
"What's going on?" she asked.
Felix smiled as he looked into her eyes.
"I'm ready for my next gruesome assignment," he said proudly. "Bring on the monsters."
Bridge Carson was surrounded by five of his closest friends, as he laid in wait for the surgery ahead. When he woke up in this room yesterday, he knew his life was never going to be the same. It was about to take another drastic turn. Bridge looked up at the faces gathered around him.
"Thanks for coming guys. This means a lot," Bridge said, as he looked at the gifts around him. "But, aren't the gifts supposed to come after surgery?"
The others chuckled.
"Well, there's nothing traditional about you, so we decided to break with tradition on this too," Syd said, with a smile.
"Boom said he's gonna check on you later. He had a training mission with E-Squad," Quinn told him. Bridge nodded.
"I'm sure Commander Cruger wishes he could be here too," Z said.
"I think we all wish that," Syd chimed in.
"Agreed," Bridge said somberly.
"You're gonna pull through this, Bridge," Sky said. "I know it."
"Better in no time, right?" Bridge said, as he forced a smile.
"Right," Sky agreed.
There were a few seconds of silence in the room. For a moment, the only thing they could hear was the beep of Piggy's heart monitor on the other side of the room. For them all, that was an eerie sign of just how bad things had gotten. Jack let out a deep sigh. The doors to the Infirmary opened and Dr. Sevarus walked in, accompanied by Kat. Both were prepped for surgery.
"It's time," Sevarus said. "I'll let you say your goodbyes while I summon the orderlies to wheel you into the surgical unit."
Sevarus left, as Kat walked a bit further in. She took a deep breath.
"Everything's going to be fine, guys. I promise. We'll take good care of Bridge in there," Kat said to them.
After a few hugs and pats on the back, Kat and the rest of B-Squad were gone. Bridge watched them leave. There was, however, still one visitor remaining. Jack stood at the foot of Bridge's bed. Bridge looked into his eyes for just a second, before lowering his head.
"Jack, I'm scared," Bridge said.
"I know. But, you're gonna pull through this."
"It's a big change," Bridge said, as he slowly nodded his head.
"Yeah, it is. But, you do what you gotta do to survive," Jack said. "We all do."
"I guess I couldn't really expect to get through this war without a bruise, huh?"
"We all got bruises, Bridge. Some just show a little more than others," Jack said, as he lifted his left arm and looked at the Omega morpher attached to him.
"Jack, if something happens to me in there—"
"Nothing's gonna happen to you. You're gonna be fine."
"But, if something does happen, you have to promise you'll be there for them," Bridge said, as he yawned.
"I'm not going anywhere."
"You have to be there for the team," Bridge said, as his eyes began to flutter a bit. The anesthesia was taking its effect. "Please."
Bridge had completely fallen asleep, before Jack's answer. It was a good thing, Jack thought, since he didn't really have one.
The other four members of B-Squad had all gone their separate ways after leaving the Infirmary. Z went to change for her trip with Jack. Syd mentioned calling Bridge's parents. Quinn didn't know where Sky was headed and he hesitated to ask. Sky was more stiff than usual these days. Quinn headed to his destination. When he got to his room, he hesitated to go inside. It felt a bit strange to be in there alone, with Bridge in the Infirmary. Quinn took a deep breath and walked inside, only to get the biggest surprise he could think of.
"Mom!"
Even with her back turned, he knew his mother. Ellie turned hearing him call out to her. She smiled, as she opened her arms for her son, who quickly accepted a hug.
"Hi, sweetheart," Ellie said, as she took a deep breath, with her son in her arms.
It had been a long time. After a few seconds, Quinn pulled away from her, smiling brightly.
"Mom, what are you doing here?"
"I'm here to see my son," Ellie said. "How are you?"
"I'm okay," Quinn said, trying not to hide the truth from his mother. "It's been tough."
"I know. I got your last letter," Ellie said, as she walked over to his side of the room and picked up a green t-shirt off the floor. "Green...who'd have thought?"
"I don't know how I'm supposed to take that," Quinn said, giving her a confused look.
Ellie chuckled.
"Sorry, sweetie. I just meant that I pictured you in red," Ellie said, with a laugh. Quinn rolled his eyes. "I think every parent does."
"Don't let Sky hear you say that."
After hearing that, Ellie's smile faded, but for only a minute.
"So, are you really okay, Quinn?"
"I'm not doing great. I mean, things have mellowed a bit where the team is concerned. They've accepted me. But, we're all still scared about this Omallix thing. Plus, Bridge got really hurt yesterday," Quinn explained.
"What happened?"
"It was a S.W.A.T. Flyer accident. He crashed. His arm had to be amputated," Quinn said.
"That's horrible. I'm so sorry to hear that."
"He just went in for surgery. They're giving him a cybernetic replacement."
"Oh boy," Ellie said, sadly, as she sat on Quinn's bed. "I remember when Silas Jacobs died. He was a very close friend of mine when I was enlisted here. He was our Blue Ranger."
"Uh, mom. Could you not mention Blue Rangers dying?" Quinn said, looking worried.
Ellie patted the bed next to her and Quinn took a seat there. She put an arm around his shoulder.
"I'm sorry. What I'm getting at is that sometimes things don't go the way we plan. Silas was a great Ranger and I'm sure Bridge is too, from what you've told me. I have to admit, I was looking forward to meeting him after all of the...strange habits you mentioned in your letters," Ellie said with a smile.
"Well, if you stick around, you can meet him," Quinn said. "How long were you planning on staying?"
"Not long. I have to get back home. I've got work tomorrow. I really just wanted to check in with you and Kat, if I can find her."
"Well, it's perfect then," Quinn said as he stood up. "Kat's helping with Bridge's surgery. Once they're done, you guys can hook up and talk and you can meet Bridge too."
Ellie nodded affirmatively. Quinn smiled, giving her another hug.
"I'm really glad you're here, mom," Quinn said.
Ellie, however, wasn't so sure. The longer she stayed the harder it would all be, she thought to herself.
Charlie strolled into the throne room. This had been a day of interesting events for her. She wasn't sure what to expect next. Omallix and Jintari were still in the throne room. Omallix had summoned her.
"You called for me, my lord?" Charlie asked.
"Yes, Charlie," Omallix responded. "Our efforts to augment Oartha were not as successful as we had hoped. Therefore, Jintari has come up with a plan to increase the power that we give to our remaining two monsters."
"I see," Charlie said.
"We will need Dr. Felix's help in preparing them, just like last time," Jintari said. "I hope you can get him to cooperate once again."
"Actually," Charlie said, looking surprised. "Felix doesn't seem to be a problem anymore."
"What do you mean?" Omallix asked.
"Felix has apparently chosen to do as he's told," Charlie said. "I was quite surprised when I went into his lab earlier. He's eating and prepared to do your bidding."
"This is curious," Jintari said.
"Any idea why he's chosen to give in?" Omallix asked.
"No, but I'm working on that. It could be a ruse, of course, but we'll have to wait and see," Charlie told them.
"Yes," Omallix said. "The doctor is proving to be quite resilient."
Charlie saw an interesting opening in the conversation and decided to test some of her knowledge and some of the things she had heard earlier.
"Much like the Rangers, especially the red on," Charlie said, looking smug.
"Yes," Jintari agreed. "If the Red Ranger hadn't arrived to help the others, Oartha might have taken them down."
"That Sky Tate is a thorn in all our sides," Charlie said, with her eyes stuck on Omallix to see his reaction.
The evil leader immediately stood from his throne, staring at Charlie.
"What did you say?"
"Sky Tate. He's a thorn in all our sides," Charlie repeated.
"Tate? The Red Ranger is a Tate?"
"Yes, sir," Charlie said, faking a look of confusion. "Is that significant?"
Omallix stormed past her and walked over to the glassed wall, staring out at Earth. Jintari walked closer to Charlie.
"Nathan Tate was the Red Ranger who brought us in 15 years ago," Jintari said.
"Nathan Tate is Sky's father," Charlie said, pretending she was just putting the pieces together herself.
"Why was I not informed of this?" Omallix yelled.
"I'm sorry, lord Omallix. I had no idea that Nathan Tate was the man who arrested you. If I had known, I would have told you the full identity of the Red Ranger immediately," Charlie said, as she secretly applauded her own ability to act surprised.
"Now I know I must crush this S.P.D. team! It will give me the greatest revenge possible," Omallix said, as he turned back to them, clinching his fist.
Jintari nodded in agreement. At his side, Charlie smiled, slyly, also agreeing.
In the Rec Room inside the S.P.D. Academy, Sydney Drew entered. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the cadet at the opposite end of the room. She saw Sky standing there, staring out the window at the rain falling. She walked over, gently putting an arm on his shoulder. Sky gently pushed it off his shoulder, just as a bolt of thunder clapped loudly.
"What?" she looked confused.
"We're in a public place," Sky said.
"There's no one in here," Syd said, as she looked around.
"Still, someone could walk in at any moment," Sky said.
"So, let's go talk in your room," Syd said.
"I'm fine here," he said, flatly.
Syd sighed deeply, a bit upset at Sky's behavior.
"So, what's wrong?"
"Things aren't adding up with my dad and his records," Sky said. "Zachal wasn't the first person to tell me that it was strange of my dad to delete his personal logs. It wasn't like him."
"Well, didn't Zachal and Cruger also tell you that your dad was acting weird around the time Omallix was captured?"
"Yeah."
"Maybe his behavior had something to do with the reason he deleted those logs. Maybe he didn't want anyone to read about how he was really feeling at the time," Syd surmised.
"Maybe," Sky said, looking curious. "I wonder what Ellie Gray thinks."
"I can't really answer that one," Syd said. "I think there's only one person who knows that. Too bad she lives in Tokyo. Silverback's tightened the leash, after your last field trip."
Sky looked at her and nodded in agreement. There was very little hope that Silverback would let him go to Tokyo with the war at hand and Omallix ready to strike at any moment. Plus, with Bridge injured, they needed every Ranger at the ready to pick up the slack. The doors to the Rec Room opened and two figures entered.
"Hey guys"
Sky and Syd turned to see it was Quinn arriving with someone. Sky instantly recognized her from the photograph Zachal had shown him.
"Hi Quinn. Who's this?" Syd asked.
"Ellie Gray," Sky said.
The other three people in the room all gave Sky curious looks.
"You two have met?" Quinn wondered.
"No," Sky said. "I've seen a picture. You haven't changed a bit."
"Well, thank you," Ellie said, as she extended a hand. Even without the red uniform, she would have placed him in seconds. He looked just like his father. "You must be Sky Tate."
Sky shook her hand.
"Yes."
"It's nice to meet you," Ellie said.
Quinn motioned to Syd.
"Mom, this is Sydney Drew," Quinn introduced her.
Ellie shook Syd's hand.
"Call me Syd," she said, with a smile. "It's a real honor to meet a former officer."
"Thank you. It's nice to finally meet Quinn's team. I've heard a lot about you all," Ellie said.
"Hopefully, you can meet Z too. She should be back later," Syd revealed.
Sky watched Ellie closely and she noticed, because she was watching him too. Ellie tried hard to push the memories of Nathan out of her mind, but their resemblance was uncanny.
"Tell me again why I thought this was a good idea," Jack said, quietly as he and Z sat in the S.P.D. patrol cruiser outside the Samuels home.
"It's gonna be okay," Z responded, patting his hand with hers. "Maybe it'll give you some closure and you never know. It may give them closure too."
Jack nodded as he got out on the passenger side. Z jumped out of the driver's seat. Neither of them brought an umbrella, even though the rain was falling steadily. Jack pulled his jacket up over his head, as Z pulled up the hood on her jacket. She had changed out of her cadet's uniform into regular clothes, which felt good. It was rare that she got to dress casually. She tried not to make too much out of the fact that Jack was wearing all black. They walked up to the large house. Definitely a mansion, Z thought to herself, as Jack rang the doorbell. Both of them smiled warmly as the door opened to reveal an elderly woman. She was wearing an apron.
"Hello. May I help you?"
"Uh, I hope so," Jack said, looking curious. "Is this the Samuels residence?"
"Yes, it is," the woman responded.
There were a few moments of uncomfortable silence, but then the woman seemed to realize something.
"Oh, you must be friends of Ally's."
"Yeah," Jack responded. "I'm looking for her parents."
"Come on in out of the rain," the woman responded.
Jack and Z entered the large house. The first thing Z noticed was how drafty the place was. It was cold, almost unwelcoming. The woman offered to take their wet coats. Then, Z noticed a man descended the large staircase in the middle of the front area of the house. Z nudged Jack's arm and nodded to the man. Jack saw him and seemed to instantly know who he was.
"Mr. Samuels?"
"Yes. I'm John Samuels," the man said, as he reached the bottom of the stairs. He looked a bit confused and weak. Z noticed how pale he looked, almost as white as a ghost.
The squeak of Jack's shoes on the marble floor seemed to catch him off guard as Jack walked closer, extending his hand to shake.
"I'm Jack. Jack Landors."
"Is it raining, Betty?" the man asked the woman who had answered the door.
"Yes, Mr. Samuels. It's been raining for quite some time. I'll leave you all to talk," Betty said, as she walked off towards a large kitchen off to the side.
Jack noticed how distant John Samuels seemed. The loud clap of thunder didn't seem to phase the older man. Z, however, seemed to jump slightly in her place.
"Uh, sir," Jack said, a little louder, trying to get the man's attention. "Do you know who I am?"
"Jack Landors," the man said, as he released Jack's hand and walked into a large adjoining room. Jack followed.
Z was close behind. She glanced around the large room. There were two couches, sitting opposite one another, with a coffee table in the middle, a large fireplace sat in the middle of two very large picture windows. The curtains were drawn, as she noticed the lightning flash from outside. It would have been completely dark in the room, if it weren't for the giant lighting chandelier hanging above them. Jack followed as Mr. Samuels walked over to the fireplace, where he stopped to stare at framed photos on the mantle above it.
"You're Ally's Jack," the man said.
Jack took a deep breath.
"Yes sir."
"She was so beautiful," the man said, as he reached out, touching a posed photograph of her.
"I know, sir," Jack said. "That's what I came to talk to you about. I was with Ally the day she died."
The man turned back, looking more confused, as he stared Jack in the eye, seemingly having an epiphany.
"You died," Mr. Samuels said. "You died with Ally."
Sky walked towards the Command Center with a purpose. He needed to speak to his commanding officer. The only problem was that his commanding officer wasn't who he wanted him to be. The doors to the Command Center slid apart as Sky got closer. He walked in and was a bit taken aback. Silverback's crew had clearly arrived. Sky didn't recognize some of the faces there.
There was a tall green alien man, with short brown hair working at the tracking station. He wore a gray S.P.D. tech uniform, much like the one Sky used to see Boom wearing. At another station was an even more unique creature. It appeared to be hovering in the air, as its extremely long arms worked the communications station. Its skin tone was tan and it had a nose that resembled an anteater. It's too large antenna extended upward from above the creature's two large brown eyes. That creature was also wearing an S.P.D. regulation uniform. It was black, accented with a silver belt. The creature's arms were slender like hoses, but its hands were almost human-sized. The same was true of the creature's legs and feet, which hovered in the air. Silverback stood at the main control console in the middle of the room, with his hands locked behind his back, watching everything, including Sky's arrival.
"Commander, may I speak with you?" Sky asked.
"Of course Tate," Silverback said, before turning to the two new crewmembers. "Ghiren, let me know if any disturbances pop up."
"Of course sir," the green alien man said, as he turned and nodded to Silverback.
"Niyako," Silverback called out, prompting the floating creature to turn to him. "I'm not going far."
"I will contact you if there are any incoming transmissions, Commander," the hovering alien had a distinctly female voice. It was soft and warm, like any good communicator.
Silverback headed for the exit, followed closely by Murphy, nipping at his heels. Sky followed him into the corridor, where they walked together. He had to avoid tripping over the robotic dog.
"What is it you wanted to discuss, Cadet?"
"Sir, as you know I've been looking into my father's missing personal logs. The dates seem to suggest they were created just before Omallix was captured," Sky explained, as Silverback nodded along.
"You've found them?"
"No sir. However, I know someone who may be able to help me figure out what happened to them," Sky said.
"Well, spill it, Tate!" Silverback said, appearing annoyed.
"Sir, Ellie Gray is a former S.P.D. Officer. She knew my father extremely well. Every clue that I find seems to point to her. I'd like your permission to question her on this," Sky said.
"Gray, as in Cadet Gray?"
"Yes sir. Ellie is Quinn's mother."
"Another field trip, eh? Where is she?"
"Actually, Commander, she's here. She arrived to visit with Quinn earlier."
"Why wasn't I informed?" Silverback said, as he stomped his foot. "How am I supposed to keep this place safe and running when any Tom, Dick and Ellie Gray can just come waltzing in here whenever they feel like?"
"Sir, I don't know the answer to that," Sky said, looking a bit confused.
"I wasn't expecting you to, Tate. Look, if this Ellie Gray knows something, you're free to question her all you want while she's here. She's a former officer, so she should be cooperative. But, I'm gonna warn you. My patience is wearing thin over this thing with your daddy," Silverback revealed. "We've got a threat here in the present we need to deal with. So, you solve your history issues and I mean quick, or we're gonna have a major problem."
"I understand sir," Sky said quickly. Inside, he was fuming.
"Good. Now go get that information. I suggest you pull out all the stops, because this is the last chance you're gonna get!" Silverback said sternly, as he turned on his heels and headed back to the Command Center.
"Yes sir," Sky said under his breath.
Lightning crashed once again outside the house of the Samuels family. Z noticed the flash of light reflecting on Mr. Samuels' face, as he stared at Jack.
"It's a complicated story, sir, but I thought you'd want to hear it," Jack said.
"My wife," John Samuels muttered.
"Excuse me?" Jack asked, not hearing him.
"My wife," he said a bit louder. "She always wondered what you looked like. Karan!"
His yell caught them both off guard.
"Karan!"
A few minutes later, a woman came walking down the stairs. She noticed Jack and Z before she got to the bottom. She smiled politely.
"I thought I heard the bell," she said.
The first thing Z noticed was how much livelier she seemed. She was very well dressed. Her blond hair was done neatly. It was hard to believe this could be John Samuels' wife.
"Karan, this is Jack Landors," John said, still looking weak and confused.
"Jack? Ally's Jack?" Karan looked surprised, as she walked over to him.
"Yes ma'am," Jack said, as she quickly took his hand, shaking it.
"It's so wonderful to see you," she said.
"Thank you," Jack said. He was surprised at her reaction. "Uh, this is my friend, Z Delgado. She's with S.P.D.."
"Yes, welcome," Karan said to her.
Z nodded.
"This is Jack Landors. He's dead, isn't he?" John asked his wife.
Karan sighed, as she guided John over to one of the couches and helped him sit down. She gestured for Jack and Z to take seats on the couch opposite them.
"I'm sorry about my husband. He just hasn't been the same since Ally's death," Karan explained. "She was the apple of his eye. They were extremely close."
"I know," Jack said. "She carried a picture of the both of you wherever she went. She showed it to me many times. She loved talking about her family."
"I thought you were caught in the fire, like she was?" Karan asked.
"He died," John said to her. Karan simply nodded to her husband.
"It's a long story. The criminal who caused the firewall massacre abducted me. I only recently escaped, thanks to my friends at S.P.D.," Jack explained.
"Cartiron!" John yelled, in anger.
"John read a lot of the news surrounding the massacre. What about Ally?" Karan asked.
"I'm sorry. She didn't make it," Jack said. "If I had known what was gonna happen, I would have saved her. It just all happened so fast."
"Honestly, I don't blame you, Jack. After all of the questions about her remains that S.P.D. called about a few weeks ago, I knew something was going on, but I had no idea you were alive," Karan said.
"Cartiron killed them!" John yelled.
Z could sense Jack tensing up at seeing Ally's father falling to pieces. She patted Jack on the knee to reassure him.
"I know honey," Karan said, as she rubbed John's back, trying to calm him.
"John fell apart after Ally died. We had to sell the clothing business. I couldn't run it. He always hoped Ally would take over when he retired. Of course, we never thought retirement would come this early. He just hasn't been able to function since the funeral," Karan said.
"Funeral?" Jack wondered.
"Yes. It was a beautiful ceremony," Karan said. "I have an obituary around here somewhere. Betty may have put them away. I'll find it for you."
Karan left the sitting room. Jack and Z both seemed to take deep breaths at the same time, as they saw John rocking back and forth in front of them.
"Cartiron," John said quietly, but his voice seemed to get louder with each and every word. "Cartiron killed her, my poor Ally. Cartiron killed my Ally. She never liked fire. He killed her!"
Jack could feel the anger swelling inside of him, as he witnessed the man's unending grief. He knew he had to do something. Omallix and Cartiron had destroyed more lives than those in the massacre. They deserved better than this. Ally deserved better than this. The loud roar of the thunder outside matched his mood perfectly.
Inside Felix's laboratory, Charlie watched as he examined one of the two remaining monsters. Unlike most times they spent in the lab together, the doors were wide open. Charlie had been escorting Felix between this lab and the one next door, where the other monster was lying in wait on another examination bed. Felix seemed to be doing his job with a burst of energy that scared her a little.
"What's going on with you?"
"What do you mean, Charlie?"
"Don't play with me, Felix. You're acting different than before."
"Is there a problem with that?"
"Only if you make it one," Charlie said, smirking at him. "You're not planning something, are you? Yesterday you seemed very prepared to die for the cause. Now, you're back to cooperating."
"Disappointed that you won't get to kill me?"
"A little. What's the deal?"
"Uh, Excuse me?" the alien on the bed spoke.
Both of them looked at the creature on the examination bed.
"What is it?" Charlie asked the creature.
"How long is this going to take and what is that big needle up there?" the alien creature asked, as he pointed up towards the augmentation device. Felix noticed that as the alien pointed, the device began to shake a bit.
"What's causing that?" he wondered aloud.
"Oh, sorry," the alien spoke. "I have some magnetic abilities."
"Hmm, that might come in handy," Felix said, keying in the date on his electronic chart.
"See!" Charlie said, aloud. "That's what I don't understand. You're just going to go along with Omallix's plans now?"
"I'm doing what I have to do to survive," Felix said, blankly, as he headed for the doors, passing her.
Charlie was right with him, as they strolled into the other laboratory, where another creature was lying, watching them curiously. This one looked almost as scared as the other did.
"Can someone turn on a few more lights, please?" the male alien asked.
"No!" Charlie yelled, as she had her eyes still on Felix. "Talk to me, Felix. What happened to you giving up?"
Felix continued with his scans on the alien. "Charlie, did you ever think that maybe you're little pep talk worked too well."
"What does that mean?" she asked.
"Yeah, what does that mean?" the curious alien chimed in.
"Shut up!" Felix and Charlie both shouted at the same time to him.
"It means that I'm not giving up. I've been given new life," Felix explained, as he scanned the alien.
"New life?" Charlie looked disgusted.
"What does that mean?" the alien creature asked.
"Shut up!" Both shouted again.
Felix strolled out of the lab and back to his normal room. Charlie followed.
"You're planning something aren't you?" She asked as they walked back into Felix's laboratory, where the first alien was still lying. Felix noticed him pointing at the needle above the bed again and Felix swatted the creature's hand down.
"The one in the other room isn't as strong as this one. I suggest using that one first," Felix said.
"Don't change the subject," Charlie said. "Are you planning something?"
"Why? Do you want to join me?" Felix asked with a smile.
"Never. But, I'm warning you, Felix. If you try anything, I'll be right there to catch you. I've got my eye on you."
"It's starting to feel like old times," Felix said, with a sly grin. Felix did indeed have a plan. But, he needed these monsters to get it done. The less Charlie knew, the better. Their game of cat and mouse wasn't done yet.
Sky walked into one of S.P.D.'s interrogation rooms. Ellie Gray followed. He seemed to be showing her around.
"Now this looks just like I remember it," Ellie said, with a smile. "I spent quite a few hours behind that window watching your father at work in here."
"He was good," Sky said.
"Yes, he was. He was good at just about everything, a real leader," Ellie said, as she glanced at Sky. "I'm sorry. I keep staring. You just look so much like Nathan."
"I've heard that before from your friend, Zachal," Sky said, as he pulled out a chair, gesturing for her to sit.
Once she did, Sky grabbed a chair sitting opposite her. Ellie nodded in agreement.
"It's true."
"Is it true that you and my dad kept in touch after you retired?" Sky asked.
Ellie seemed to stiffen a little bit.
"Does this have something to do with Nathan's missing logs, because I honestly don't know anything about them?"
"You're quick. I didn't even get that far yet," Sky said.
"I'm no fool, Sky. I've been through the same training you have and then some," Ellie said.
"Then, why don't you help me out. Do you know why my father deleted those logs?" Sky asked.
He instantly noticed her shifty eyes at hearing the question. She did know something, Sky thought to himself. Why wasn't she talking?
"Your father deleted them. That's what I know. After Silas died, we all went a little crazy. I know it didn't seem like Nathan," Ellie said.
"Years later. You're saying that almost two years after Silas Jacobs died, my father was still grieving so much that he felt the need to delete some of his personal logs. Why? Was he so choked up about his dead friend that he just spilled his guts about it and felt no one should see it? That doesn't make much sense to me," Sky said.
"Hey!" Ellie raised her voice to show her anger. "Don't talk that way about Silas or your father. It's disrespectful."
"It's more disrespectful for you to sit here and hold back information that could help us defeat the monster that is threatening us on a daily basis! We're in a war here, one that includes your son!"
"I love my son!"
"Then, why don't you start telling the truth, because I get the feeling I haven't heard the whole story yet," Sky said, getting angrier by the moment. His interrogation instincts were kicking in big time.
Karan Samuels escorted Jack and Z to the front door of the Samuels house. Jack was holding the obituary she had given him. She opened the front door and the rain was still pouring. They saw a flash of lightning in the distance.
"Can I get you two an umbrella?" Karan asked. "I'm sure we've got an extra one around here."
"It's okay," Z said. "We're parked close." She pointed to the two-door patrol cruiser on the street.
"Thank you so much for coming by," Karan said. "I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to meet when Ally was still with us."
"Thank you for everything, Mrs. Samuels," Jack said.
Then, they heard Mr. Samuels' voice yelling again.
"Cartiron! He killed her!"
"I'm sorry," Karan said. "I should go."
"Thanks again," Jack said, as the door closed.
The two ran to the cruiser and jumped in. As Z lowered her hood and prepared to start the car's engine, she looked over, seeing Jack staring at Ally's picture on the cover of the obituary.
"Did it help?"
"What?" Jack asked.
"Did seeing Ally's parents help?"
"I don't know yet," Jack said.
Z nodded, as she started the cruiser and drove away from the Samuels mansion. As they got further away, Jack felt like he could still hear John Samuels cursing Cartiron for killing his daughter with every clap of thunder.
Quinn walked down a corridor inside S.P.D. Headquarters, looking a bit confused. He turned a corner and almost bumped into a teammate.
"Syd."
"Hey, Quinn."
"You wouldn't happen to have seen my mother, have you? I thought she might have gone to see Kat, but I went to the Infirmary and she's still in surgery with Bridge."
"Oh, I saw your mom with Sky a little while ago."
"Sky? I wonder what that's about."
"I think he wanted to ask her some questions about his dad," Syd revealed.
"Do you know where they went?"
"I think I saw them heading towards Criminal Control."
"Criminal Control? There's nothing over there but holding cells and interrogation rooms."
"Well, I know that area is considered to be kinda classic. Hasn't been updated much since the old days. Maybe he took Ellie to have a look."
"Maybe," Quinn said, as he headed off in that direction, looking concerned. Syd was right behind him.
Inside the interrogation room, Ellie Gray was not happy and neither was Sky Tate. She had never imagined a day would come that she would be faced with Nathan Tate's son, looking for information about his father. It was something she wasn't prepared to deal with, promise or no promise.
"Sky, you don't understand what's going on," Ellie said, sternly.
"Then, enlighten me!"
"Your father was a complicated man."
"That's the most generic line I think I've ever heard about my father. What are you hiding?"
"There are things your father may not have wanted anyone to know!"
"Like what? He's dead now, so tell me."
Given the layout of the interrogation rooms, neither of them noticed Quinn and Syd enter the area, watching from the other side of the observation window.
"I can't do that!" Ellie yelled to Sky.
"You have to. If you know what happened to my father's personal logs, you have to tell me! Quinn's life could depend on it."
Ellie closed her eyes for a moment, trying to hold back the flood of emotions that was struggling to break through, with each sound of the roaring thunder outside of S.P.D. Headquarters.
"He deleted them, Sky! That's what happened to them!" Ellie yelled.
On the other side of the observation window, Quinn looked shocked at what he was seeing.
"What is Sky doing?" he said aloud.
"I have no idea," Syd said, as they watched.
On the other side of the window, Sky pressed her even further, feeling she might be reaching her breaking point.
"Time is running out! Don't you get that? Your son's roommate and teammate is lying in surgery getting a new arm. Do you want the same thing to happen to Quinn?"
"Of course not!"
"Then, tell me what happened to those logs. Why did my dad delete them?"
"Did you ever think that maybe there was something else in those logs besides notes on his investigation? They're personal. Nathan did have a life!"
"I'm his son and I have a right to know what's going on. Why are they missing?"
The door to the interrogation room swung open and Quinn walked in, looking furious.
"Hey! What are you doing?" he yelled at Sky.
"Stay out of this, Gray!"
"No. You can't treat my mother like this!"
"She's a witness!"
"To what? Your father's been dead for 14 years!"
"Shut your mouth!" Sky said as he stormed over to Quinn, grabbing him by the collar.
"You're out of control," Quinn yelled.
"Sky, let him go!" Syd yelled, as she walked in.
"Stop it! Both of you!" Ellie yelled, as she stood up from her seat.
Sky pushed Quinn up against the wall.
"Gray, your mother is lying to everyone. Don't protect her!"
"You leave my mother alone," Quinn yelled back.
Sky manhandled him more, as Ellie had enough.
"I said stop it! You're going to kill each other," she screamed.
Syd tried to get between the two, but Sky had a good grip. He turned his head back towards Ellie.
"Why don't you tell me the truth? What was in those logs?"
Quinn broke free of Sky's grip and swung at him, but Sky ducked.
"Quinn!" Syd yelled, as Sky grabbed Quinn by the arms, restraining him.
"Stop fighting! He's your brother!" Ellie yelled.
The commotion in the room turned to instant silence. Both Sky and Quinn looked at Ellie, who planted her head in her hands, crying.
"What did you say?" Sky asked.
"Quinn is your half-brother," Ellie revealed. "That's why Nathan deleted those personal logs. They had messages he wanted to give to his youngest son."
"What are you talking about?" Quinn asked. "That's impossible. I never saw any messages. Nathan Tate isn't my father. He can't be."
"He is. He made me promise that I would tell you everything on your 18th birthday. I never looked at the logs. I didn't know there was anything in them about Omallix until you all brought it up."
"You're lying," Sky said, as he could feel his own emotions welling up inside of him. He was starting to have trouble breathing. "My father would never do this to his family!"
"Sky, it wasn't supposed to come out like—"
"Shut up! It's not true!" Sky yelled. Syd put an arm on his shoulder, but he jerked away from her and stormed out.
Ellie walked over to Quinn, crying. She tried to hug him from behind, but he walked out of the room, causing her to cry more, as she slumped down on the floor. Syd stood in stunned silence, not really realizing exactly what had just happened in that room. In that moment, not even the sound of the pounding thunderstorm could match the cries of Ellie Gray.
Inside the S.P.D. Infirmary, Bridge began to wake up. His eyes managed to open and he looked up to see Dr. Sevarus and Kat standing over him. He let out a smile. Dr. Sevarus activated the bed controls, allowing him to sit up a bit. Then, he looked down at the foot of his bed and saw Z, Jack and Syd standing there. All three of them looked troubled. Bridge didn't need his psychic powers to know that.
"What did I miss?"
Sighs were heard from all around.
"It's a long story, Bridgey," Syd said. "We're more concerned about you right now."
"Yeah," Kat said. "How does the arm feel?"
Bridge pulled up his left arm and began wiggling his fingers.
"Feels normal."
"The cybernetic arm," Kat corrected, as she gave him a smirk.
"Oh," Bridge said, as he lowered the sheet that had been covering his other arm.
The sleeveless medical gown he wore meant that the metallic appendage was now in clear view of everyone in the room. It just laid there. Bridge stared at it.
"It's kinda creepy," Bridge said.
"Is it not working?" Kat asked.
"I don't know," Bridge said. "Is it?"
"Bridge, try moving your right arm," Sevarus took control of the situation.
All six pairs of eyes were staring at the cybernetic attachment. It was constructed of smooth steel. It was jointed at the elbow and wrist. The hand looked almost human, except that it was silver. Bridge focused, as the arm began to move a bit.
"It hurts a little," Bridge said.
"That's natural. There will be some aches and pains for the first few days," Sevarus explained.
Bridge nodded, as he focused back on the arm and everyone saw it slowly begin to bend at the elbow. Bridge began to smile a little, as the arm bent more and more towards him. The hand got closer and closer and Bridge's smile got wider.
"I think I got the hang of this," he said, just as his new cybernetic hand came flying right up at his face, smacking him. "Ouch!"
Everyone moved a little closer, worried about Bridge, but he put up his left arm.
"That was my fault," Bridge said. "I got a little too excited. That's all."
"It's going to take some practice," Kat said.
"You'll be a master in no time, Bridge," Z said, as she rubbed his leg.
"Thanks."
"Okay, let's all let Bridge get some rest," Sevarus ordered.
Everyone cleared out, after saying their goodbyes. Jack, however, stayed behind. Bridge continued to try different movements with his new arm, but found himself dodging a few more slaps along the way. Jack walked over to Dr. Sevarus.
"Hey, Doc. Remember our conversation about getting rid of this morpher?"
"Of course I do."
"I've had time to think about it," Jack said, as he glanced over at Bridge in the bed. "I think I'm gonna keep it."
Sevarus patted Jack on the back. "I'm glad to hear it."
Sevarus walked across the room to check on Piggy's vitals, as Jack folded his arms, watching Bridge maneuver his cybernetic arm. Jack noticed it wave at him. Bridge let out a big smile, after accomplishing the task. Jack smiled back.
Inside his quarters, Quinn laid back on his bed. He was trying to calm his mind, but all of his thoughts were racing, more than they ever had before. The doors opened and Ellie Gray walked in. Quinn gave her a look that almost broke her heart.
"I'm so sorry, sweetheart," Ellie said, sadly.
Quinn could tell she had been crying a lot.
"You lied to me. My entire life has been a huge lie," Quinn said, still angered.
"No. I wrestled with this for years, trying to figure out when the right time was."
"The right time came a long time ago, mom! The right time would have been when I entered this Academy. The right time would have been when I became Green Ranger. I've dealt with Sky on a daily basis for months, and you didn't say anything!"
"I know that. You don't know how hard this has been. I never ever wanted to hurt Nathan's family. That's why I moved us to Tokyo after you were born."
"What about dad? I mean Mr. Gray, since he's not really my dad! Is that why he left us when I was two years old?"
Ellie nodded her head, confirming it was true.
"I can't believe you did all of this. I don't even know you. I don't even know me!"
"I'm sorry," Ellie said, as she tried to touch his arm, but he pulled away.
"Just leave me alone," Quinn said, as he started to cry and stormed out of the room.
Sky stood at attention inside Commander Silverback's office. He glanced over to see Murphy lying on his pillow. Silverback was high on his perch, behind his new desk.
"It sounds like you had quite a day," Silverback said.
"Yes sir," Sky said, darkly.
"And your father's personal logs still haven't turned up?"
"No, sir. But, I'm sure Ellie Gray has them. She practically admitted it."
"Well, from the sounds of it, you should probably move on," Silverback said.
"Trust me, sir. I want nothing to do with her. I still believe she's lying. My father would never cheat on my mother. She has those logs because they probably tell the truth about her lying ways," Sky said, sternly.
Silverback sighed.
"Well, if that's the way you feel, maybe it's best you leave it alone," Silverback said.
"Yes sir. However, sir, I'm not sure I can be on a team with Quinn Gray."
"From what you told me, he was just as shocked as you were at Officer Gray's revelations."
"Still, sir. You can imagine how awkward things would be if they continued like this. He tried to assault me."
"I imagine that it might be tough, but I also know the kinda upheaval that comes with demoting team members and I'm not gonna open S.P.D. up to more scrutiny. That will make us look weak and give Omallix just the opportunity he needs to strike a deathblow. That's not gonna happen on my watch," Silverback explained. "So you two are just gonna have to find a way to get along."
"Maybe we should discuss this with Commander Cruger, sir."
"Maybe you should follow my orders and drop it, Tate."
Sky's face was burning with anger, but he controlled it as best he could.
"Yes sir."
At that moment, Silverback's door chime sounded.
"Come in!"
The doors slid open and Jack walked in. He took a position next to Sky and stood at attention.
"Can I help you, Landors?"
"Sir, we need to talk," Jack said.
"About what?"
"About the war with Omallix, sir. I want in."
Jack gave Silverback a deadly serious look. The silence that followed was only broken by the sound of thunder raging outside Headquarters. In that clap of thunder, Jack still heard John Samuels' voice screaming Cartiron's name. Jack knew what he had to do and Cartiron was going to pay for what he had done to Jack's life.
Ellie Gray sat outside of S.P.D. Headquarters, waiting for her cab to arrive. Her eyes were closed, as she tried to stop crying. Not that anyone would even noticed, given the rain falling on her face.
"Ellie!"
Ellie looked up to see Kat walking towards her, under an umbrella.
"Kat," Ellie mustered, as Kat sat down next to her, giving her a hug.
Kat pressed a button on her modified umbrella that caused a retractable stand to pop out of the bottom. She set it up to shield them both from the rain.
"Syd told me you were here. What are you doing out in the rain?"
"Did she tell you everything?"
Kat nodded, looking somber.
"I'm sorry, Kat. I lied to you all these years. When you contacted me about Quinn's genetic ability, I lied to you again. I never entered the lab that day after the accident. Quinn has that power because Nathan was infected, not me," Ellie explained.
Kat put an arm around Ellie.
"You did what you felt was best for Quinn. I can't fault you for that. Why are you apologizing to me? You should be inside talking to your son."
"I tried that. He told me to leave him alone."
"Oh, Ellie. He didn't mean it."
"I have to let him cool off, Kat. I just hope someday he can forgive me. That's more than I can ever hope to come from Sky."
"Are you gonna be all right?" Kat inquired.
"I don't know. Ask me again sometime and maybe I will," Ellie said, somberly. "You know the worst part about it all is that Quinn's 18th birthday is less than a month away. Nathan made me promise to tell him everything then. But, it's too late now."
"It's never too late," Kat said. "You just have to be open when Quinn's ready to talk, whenever that is."
Ellie nodded, as Kat gave her old friend another hug.
"I missed you so much," Ellie said.
"I missed you too," Kat said, with a smile. "You better keep in touch this time."
"I have no choice. You may be the only one who can let me know what's going on with my son now."
"He'll be okay."
As the thunderstorm continued outside, Quinn Gray entered his quarters. He was once again alone. The doors slid closed behind him when he noticed a small box sitting on his bed. He walked over and looked at the hand-written note stuck to it, addressed to him. Quinn opened the note and read the single phrase written on it by his mother.
"From your father."
Quinn lifted the lid of the box. As he saw what was inside, a wave of emotions seemed to rush over him. Inside the box, there was a picture of Nathan Tate, in civilian clothes, holding a baby. Quinn knew he was that kid. He closed his eyes, as a tear fell. Also inside, were Nathan's S.P.D. badge and a photo of his parents laughing with the other three members of their team.
As Quinn looked at more of the items inside, two discs caught his attention in the bottom of the box. He pulled them out and noticed the S.P.D. logo imprinted on them. They looked identical to the discs that Quinn used for his personal logs and computer records. His eyes grew wide, as he realized that he was staring at Nathan Tate's missing personal logs.