Deka-Who?

A/N: The events are canon post-series, but before the events of 10 Years After

Chapter 1

Doggie Kruger looked down at the stack of paperwork on his desk and growled softly. It seemed like all he'd been doing lately was either stamping papers or occasionally joining the Dekarangers to fight an obstinate Alienizer, usually in the Patstriker. Ever since Ban had been reassigned to the SPD Fire Squad, Kruger had been needed to pilot the Red Mecha.

Looking up for a moment, he watched briefly the remaining five Dekarangers who were doing much the same thing. Judging from their expressions, they were getting as much enjoyment out of it as he was.

Kruger growled again and returned to the pile. What he wouldn't give for something to break this monotony. He would've even settled for an Alienizer right then. His prayers were about to be answered, but in an unexpected way.

"Kruger!"

It was Numa-O. Everyone stood to attention for the Commander.

"Chief. What can I do for you?"

"This just came across my desk." The Chief waved a piece of paper in the air. "It appears that you are looking to add a new member to your branch of SPD."

Kruger nodded. Behind him, the Dekarangers looked surprised.

"Boss?" Hoji asked

"Shh…" Umeko elbowed him in the stomach.

"Yes." Kruger "May we discuss this somewhere in private?"

"No need." Numa-O answered "Your request has been approved. I am transmitting the information to you. He has been working for another branch of the SPD in the North American sector. I feel he will be perfect for your squad."

"Thank-you, Chief." Kruger bowed.

"You can expect him some time tomorrow." Numa-O ended the connection without another word.

Kruger turned around and his team was in front of his desk.

"Boss?" Hoji repeated

"I know what you are going to say." There was a reason Doggie wanted to talk to his Chief in private. He hadn't told the Dekarangers that he was even looking to replace Ban.

"Boss?" Umeko repeated

"I know we were all hoping that Ban would annoy Gyoku Rou enough to get sent back here, but it looks like that is not going to happen."

"Boss… we don't need…"

Kruger quieted DekaBlue with a single look.

"I expect all of you to treat him as you would any other officer." He said in a low, fierce tone. "Am I clear?"

"Hai." They all replied, one of them with much less enthusiasm.

"Hm." Kruger grunted, going back to his work indicating that the discussion was closed.

The Dekarangers returned to their work stations, other than Hoji who stayed at attention just long enough to register his feelings. When he went back, he merely grabbed his own files and walked out of the room.

"Hoji!" Umeko shouted after him.

"Boss?" Jasmine asked

Kruger sighed. "I was hoping this wouldn't happen. I am aware that Ban leaving did affect Hoji more than some of you. That's why I had wanted to talk to Chief in private before anything was told to you. I hope you understand."

Everyone nodded in turn.

The rest of the day went by with no more drama, or Alienizers either. Once the Dekarangers had all left for the day, Kruger finally had time to think. Sliding open a drawer, he looked at the SPD License inside and sighed.

Instead of returning to his private quarters, Tetsu went to the shooting range. If anyone was going to get through to Hoji, it would probably be him, and the best place to find Hoji would be here.

He was not wrong. Watching from a distance as Hoji took out target after target perfectly; he wondered why a marksman like him even needed to practice.

When the drill was finished, he saw Hoji look at his score and a look of half-disgust, half-anger crossed his face. Tetsu looked at it as well. 199.

Before DekaBlue could set up another round, and looking at the beads of sweat that both covered his face and stained his t-shirt he'd been going at it for a while, Tetsu interrupted.

"Want some competition, senpai?"

Hoji did not speak.

"I'm fine. You don't need to worry."

"Nonsense." Tetsu replied "If I didn't need to worry, I wouldn't have come here."

Hoji's stone cold killer expression didn't waver one bit. Still, Tetsu knew.

"I read the report about Vino." He said "I know that…"

Hoji dropped his gun and grabbed Tetsu by the jacket.

"You don't know anything." He swore "Not a damn thing!"

Like Hoji usually was, Tetsu remained completely calm. "Nonsense." He said a second time. "You're afraid that if you allow someone to take Ban's place professionally, that you'll lose him personally."

"You're wrong!" Hoji threw Tetsu across the room. He landed on his feet.

"Am I?" Tetsu answered, brushing some dust from the right sleeve. "Maybe you're right about not needing competition." He walked away before Hoji could answer.

Everyone, even Hoji, was in the Deka-room the next day when Kruger received word that their new member had just arrived at the Dekabase.

"Send him up." Kruger stood, and straightened the front of his uniform.

Less than a minute later, the doors to the room slid open and a man walked in, a small bag over his shoulder. He was a Caucasian in his mid-to-late 20's, tall, with dark hair. The only thing physically out of the ordinary was he was missing the middle finger on his right hand. His uniform was similar to that of Tetsu, only silver with a black SPD badge indicating he was an undercover officer.

"Officer Brendan Miyake reporting as requested." He bowed

What surprised everyone on first impressions was that he addressed them in perfect Japanese, but with a definite North American accent.

Kruger nodded while the others bowed as well.

"I look forward to working with all of you as well as getting to know you." He said, nodding in deference to each of them as he spoke. "Your reputations precede you."

They all nodded back.

"Although, I am confused as to why I was chosen for this job. I'm sure you've read my file."

Kruger had only just finished reading Miyake's personnel file. One of the best in North America, but there had been issues with some of his co-workers. His section chief had thought that what was needed might be a change of scenery or assignment or both.

"We will discuss that later. From your words, I assume that you know what is expected of you."

"Yes, sir." Miyake replied "I was also told that there was some special equipment that I would be getting trained on."

Kruger nodded.

"Then you will need this." He handed Kruger his license. "I know about the Dekarangers, but I feel that it would not be appropriate for me to just step in as the new DekaRed. Your technicians can take care of this?"

Doggie knew exactly what he meant and he breathed a sigh of relief. After the months of friction before Hoji and Ban finally became almost civil with each other, a repeat was not looked forward to.

"Maybe when I've earned everyone's trust and shown that I can do the job as well as my predecessor, but for now I will defer to those with more experience." He looked directly at Hoji and Sen-chan when he said this. One of them nodded; the other… cold steel as always.

"Excellent." Kruger nodded "Will one of you show our new member to his quarters and then report back here? I have an assignment for you."

"Right away, boss." Tetsu volunteered

Brendan nodded.

"You travel light, Bren-san?" Tetsu asked

"Everything else is being shipped over." He replied "This will last me until it gets here." He tapped the bag.

Tetsu nodded.

On the way, he pointed out where the dining areas for staff were located, as well as the communal bathtubs. This was followed by an explanation of Umeko's tendency to take the first bath in the morning as well as after shift. Miyake chuckled when he heard about the trio of rubber ducks.

"So what you're saying is three in the morning is the only time I can get a soak."

"Nonsense." Tetsu answered with a smile. "Four a.m. is also available."

Brendan laughed out loud. "I think I'm going to enjoy working here."

"I'm going to enjoy working with you." Tetsu replied "Here's your new quarters. Do you think you can find your way back to the Deka-room once you are settled?"

"It shouldn't be too difficult. Thanks for the tour."

Tetsu bowed and left. All Brendan did after figuring out how to work the automatic lock on his door was throw his bag onto the bed. He did notice the sparseness of his new living area, but once the rest of his personal belongings arrived he would make the place home.

From the expressions of the other Dekarangers, his appearance was expected, but not necessarily appreciated.

"I'm a member of this team, so I should attend the briefings." He said, as explanation.

Kruger nodded. "Very well. I have received several reports of missing equipment and materials in sector 314."

"Trying to stop the rebuilding?" Sen asked

"That's what we think. The police have patrolled the area, but haven't found any evidence to link to any suspect." Kruger replied "I am instituting 24 hour surveillance."

"Roger." The team chorused

"Sen and Umeko. You will take the day patrol. Tetsu and Jasmine, afternoon patrol. Bren-san and Hoji will patrol overnight."

"Boss?" Hoji asked

"Is there a problem, Hoji?" Kruger asked

"May I speak to you alone about this?" He asked

Kruger nodded. "The rest of you are dismissed."

Brendan took one last look over his shoulder, and then followed the others out. Tetsu and Jasmine immediately left for their patrol.

"What's Blue's problem?" He asked Sen, who shrugged.

"I'm not sure."

"Does he usually act like this?"

Umeko nodded. "It took him forever to become friends with Ban."

"I guess I'll just have to ask him myself." Brendan answered

"He'll probably not answer you or just dismiss you as not being a professional." Sen replied

"Then it's going to be a quiet night."

Quiet was right. It was just past three in the morning; four hours into their patrol and less than two dozen words had been spoken between Brendan and Hoji. The only interaction had involved an offer from Brendan to go for a snack run. Hoji had 'politely' refused.

Four more hours of this…

Hoji was focused on the entrance to a large construction site. Most of the suspicious activity had been in or around this area. His mind kept replaying the earlier conversation with Kruger.

"What is wrong, Hoji?" Kruger asked

"Boss, are you sure that this is good for us? Bringing in a rookie now?"

Kruger nodded. "Now tell me what's really bothering you?"

"Boss…?"

"I know you Hoji. You've never questioned my decisions before, at least not to my knowledge. Now what is the problem?"

Hoji stared at the floor.

"Does this have to do with Ban being transferred or is there something else?" If a dog could look sympathetic, then Kruger was definitely trying.

"Boss, I…" Hoji could not explain what was going through his own mind to himself.

"Hoji, if you promise that you won't compromise this investigation, I will put you on afternoon patrol with Jasmine tomorrow. For the sake of working together, I hope you can come to your senses."

"Boss, that's… perfect." Hoji smiled

Three and a half hours to go.

No Igaroids, Alienizers, or any other signs of activity were seen that night. The ride back to the Dekabase was as silent as the rest of the evening.

"I'll do the paperwork." Hoji said abruptly while parking.

"Okay." Brendan was starting to dread his new job. He went directly to his quarters, lay down on his bed, and wondered just how bad he'd pissed his previous boss off to be shipped off here. Thoughts of quitting even went through his mind.

"Can't get any worse, can it?" He said just before sleeping. As it turns out, he was wrong.

When Brendan awoke less than three hours later, he wanted two things: a cup of coffee, and another assignment. That was certain and he was still planning to ask for the latter when he showed up for the daily briefing.

"Good morning, Officer Miyake." Kruger was uncomfortably formal.

"Chief." Brendan replied, taking the empty seat. He noticed that Sen and Umeko were not present. Still casing out the construction site, he assumed.

"I will keep this short. You will partner with Tetsu during nightly stakeouts." He said

Tetsu did not appear surprised. Neither was Brendan, once he thought about it.

"Swan-san has finished with your license." Kruger added

"That was fast."

"She is the best." Jasmine replied

"Nothing else to report." Kruger stated "No other signs of Alienizer activity, but still keep your eyes open."

"Yes, Boss." They chorused

"Office Miyake, I would like a word with you after the briefing. Otherwise, dismissed."

Hoji, Jasmine, and Tetsu bowed and left immediately.

"Chief?" Miyake stood tentatively in front of Kruger's desk.

"Officer Miyake. The only way for a team to function is for all its members to be able to work together."

"Sir?" he was confused

"I have reviewed your personnel file. Is there anything you want to tell me?"

"About what?" Miyake was becoming more confused with each question.

"Why you were disciplined just prior to being transferred here?" Kruger frowned

"Does it matter, Boss?"

"Anything that might affect the Dekarangers' performance matters."

"Short story… I fell in love. When we broke up, he took it out on me professionally."

Kruger's ears twitched when he heard 'he'.

"I do not pry into my detectives' personal life, but…" Kruger lowered his head to look eye-to-eye with Miyake.

"It will not affect my work here." Miyake replied

"It better not." Kruger said, handing Miyake his newly-modified license. "I do not tolerate dis-harmony."

Brendan nodded.

"I address everyone on my team by a nickname. It makes things easier for me." Kruger quickly changed topics. "I will call you Bren, if that is alright."

"That works for me. Is there anything else, Chief?"

"Unless you have any concerns, then you are dismissed."

Bren bowed. "Thank-you."

"You may remain on base until your patrol if you wish. The others can handle routine work. If needed, you will be contacted."

"Roger." Bren saluted, leaving immediately.

Once he was gone, Kruger leaned back in his chair. He felt uneasy, but didn't know why.

Tetsu was waiting outside Bren's door.

"Is there something I can help you with?" he asked

"Do you have some time?" Tetsu asked

"I have all the time in the world… at least until we're on stakeout tonight." Bren entered his quarters and almost tripped over the boxes in the middle of the floor.

"That was fast." Tetsu heard him mutter while kicking one of them.

"Is it safe?"

"Of course." Bren replied "Grab some space."

There was a chair in the corner.

Bren took off his uniform jacket and threw it at the boxes before crashing and burning onto his mattress. Tetsu noticed that, unlike their uniforms, his t-shirt did not have the SPD logo.

"The North American branch is a little more relaxed when it comes to uniform protocols." Bren said, seemingly reading Tetsu. "So, since we have time to kill before our first night together, I'm figuring you want to become my aibo."

Tetsu nodded. "Everyone needs one."

"I guess. When you work undercover, it's not really a thing. You never know who you can trust, so getting close to those around you is rare."

"Even other officers?" Tetsu asked; surprised at Bren's response.

"Especially other officers." Bren stated "Less chance of compromise. One day I'm sneaking around a tech lab, the next I'm standing on a street corner, hoping to get picked up by someone who may or may not be working with a weapons supplier."

"I see." Tetsu answered "Sounds fascinating."

"Meh, it's work. I'm more interested in how a top Tokkyou cop got transferred down here with us mere mortals." Bren answered

"You know about that?"

"Tetsu, we work for the same organization. Just because we're on different career paths within that…" Bren shrugged "To be honest, it's been a dream to become a Tokkyou."

"Nonsense." Tetsu answered

"No nonsense. If it wasn't for my inability to control my emotions, I would've been transferred off-world instead of here." Bren said

"What happened?" Tetsu asked

Bren quickly repeated what he had told Kruger to Tetsu. He could see a slight change in DekaBreak's body language, much like Kruger's, when he indicated the 'he'. He really didn't care anymore. He was here to do a job, and then move on. The North American branch had made a mistake in shipping him halfway across the planet and the faster he proved it, the better.

They talked for hours. Bren tried not to give away a lot of personal information, but as the day wore on without any work-related interruptions he loosened up a lot more than he would have normally.

Tetsu was going on about Tekkyou training, at Bren's request, when their license's beeped. It was Jasmine.

"Nothing to report." She said in a stage-whisper. "The only people coming or going looked like normal construction workers."

"Okay. Bren-san and I are on our way to relieve you." Tetsu replied

Bren looked over at the clock and was shocked at how late it had become.

"Let's go." Tetstu stood. Bren rolled off his bed, grabbing his jacket and following him to the garage.

"Unmarked, I assume."

"Hai." Tetsu agreed

Bren nodded. They quickly arrived and grabbed the nearest car.

"Tell them we're going to park a couple blocks away and we'll meet up in about twenty minutes."

Tetsu drove while Brendan relayed the info.

The arrival and swap went as planned. Jasmine did all the talking; Hoji was happy to nod when appropriate.

Tetsu and Bren piled in and their watch began.

"Since we are alone, can I ask you something?" Brendan stared out. The street was deserted, except for a cat rooting through a trash can.

"What's on your mind, aibo?"

"Everyone seems to get along great, but…"

"You want to know why Hoji is treating you like the last piece of yakiniku that nobody wants."

"I guess." Bren had no idea what yakiniku was.

"It's complicated." Tetsu replied

"He just hates me, right." Bren said "I can live with that."

"Nonsense." Tetsu said "Like I said, it's complicated."

"Complicated, how?"

Tetsu hesitated.

"If it's none of my business, fine. Kruger gave me some speech about team unity, so I thought it might have something to do with that."

"How much do you know about the officer you replaced?" Tetsu asked

"Ban? Not a lot." Brendan answered "All I got was that an officer had been transferred to another unit and I was being brought in to fill in the gap."

"Well, how do I put this?" Tetsu drummed his fingers on his leg. "They tried to hide it, but they took aibo to another level, especially Hoji. He was so afraid that it would hurt his career if anyone found out."

"How do you know?"

"Ban. He told all of us just before he transferred to the Fire Squad. I think he was preparing us just in case."

"That still doesn't explain why I got the abuse. It wasn't my decision to come here. If anything, Hoji should be yelling at Kruger."

"Maybe he did." Tetsu shrugged

"Who knows?" Bren sighed "Anyway… hey, what's going on over there?"

A large truck had pulled up to the gates. If it wasn't almost midnight, it could've been completely innocent. Until the truck gunned its engine and plowed right though.

"Let's go." Tetsu prepared to start the car.

"Wait a minute. We don't want to blow our cover just yet."

The moment the truck passed from sight, Bren was out of the car. "C'mon."

"Wait, shouldn't we call the others?"

"Go for it. I'll meet you at the gate."

Brendan crept up to the gate, pulling out his license and pressing the 'record' button. The licenses for undercover SPD officers had one addition button that would take 3D images of suspects and locations as well as full sound. It was a handy little bugger for sure.

He focused on getting as much information as he could. Aliens were common in North America, but the level of evil alien attacks his branch handled was less than half of what the Dekarangers faced. Even less when considering that Brendan worked undercover.

All was well until he accidentally kicked a small metal can while trying to get a better view. Immediately, all the 'workers' turned around… and transformed into Igaroids.

"Damn!" He shouted, waving for Tetsu.

Tetsu ran to him. "The other Dekarangers are on the way."

Brendan nodded. "Let's do a little damage while we wait."

"Hai!" Tetsu nodded.

"Emergency, DekaBreak!" Tetsu transformed

"Emergency, Dekaranger!" Brendan shouted, but nothing happened. "Emergency, Dekaranger!" Still no change.

The Igaroids attacked.

"Oh crap!" He mouthed, before being enveloped by the mass of Alien beings.

TBC

"Deka, Deka, Deka, Deka, Dekaranger…"

*shot of Brendan standing in front of Kruger's desk; the other Dekarangers nearby.*

Brendan: The nice thing about being undercover is my SP License has extra features. I can take photos of a suspect, or record audio or video from almost anywhere…

Umeko: Anywhere? Let me see… *grabs the license*

Brendan: Hey… that's confidential.

*Umeko pushes the record/replay button and a series of pictures appear. One of Sen doing a handstand, another of Hoji on the practice range, a third of Kruger face-deep in a pile of food.*

Umeko: This is cool. *pushes it again and a video of her singing in the bathtub plays*

*The male Dekarangers' eyes get wide.*

Umeko: Hey… *tries to erase it, while the others try to grab the license*

Brendan: Give that back.

Umeko: No way, bakka! *Kicks him in the stomach*

Kruger: *Growls, shaking his head.*

A/N: I just finished watching Dekaranger and decided to give this a try. I hope that no one will try to delete me for straying too far from established characters. Any constructive criticism will be noted. (As well as suggestions for the post-credit scenes... I get a laugh out of them!)