Chapter 13 The Summit
Despite wanting to apologize and make amends with Trini, and maybe even try to fix things with Billy, Skull couldn't seem to bring himself to do it. When he made eye contact with Trini around school, she would quickly look away and never look back. She was always with her friends and never alone to talk, or the six of them were straight up nowhere to be found. He was ready to just give up and move on. He had ruined what he had with Trini, just as he had with Billy all those years ago.
In the next month or so, more and more monsters attacked Angel Grove, and Angel Grove High had three new students, Rocky, Adam, and Aisha transfer in from the rival high school. The three quickly joined the usual group of friends and coincidentally, the three new students were well trained in martial arts and happened to be in the park when a band of putties showed up. They easily held their own and they were eventually granted with the knowledge of the secret identities of the Power Rangers.
It was November, the weekend after Thanksgiving. The air was growing colder with each passing day and word was going around the school of a brand new opportunity open to the Angel Grove High School student body. That early morning before the first bell, Billy was busy putting up flyers throughout the school.
"Hey, Billy!" Trini said, putting a hand on his shoulder. "The flyers look fantastic!" she complimented.
"Why thank you, Trini." He thanked, pushing his glasses up higher on the bridge of his nose. "I can't wait to talk to everyone about the Teen Youth Committee and the Global Peace Summit." He said, adjusting the load of posters in his arms. "This committee's mission is quite an amazing one."
"Well, I think it's just wonderful you're putting the assembly together for the committee this afternoon." Trini said graciously.
"Well, I'm hoping while they're here in Angel Grove they're able to find a student ambassador to represent the US." Billy explained, beginning to move on to the next location to post his flyer. Trini cocked her head, as she walked the hall with him.
"They're looking for an American ambassador?" she asked. Billy looked at her, taken aback.
"Had I not mentioned that to you before?" he questioned.
"No, I don't think so." She replied.
"Oh, well, the committee is going to be interviewing interested applicants to join them for the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland and smaller summits throughout the Netherlands for the next year starting next summer." Billy explained. "It would be a truly amazing opportunity for any one of the students." He added, pulling a piece of tape and hanging the next poster on the wall beside the staircase.
Trini paused and allowed herself to get lost in thought, 'It would be a great opportunity, help solve global issues and establish compromises for peace, across Europe…just get away from everything for a year.'
"In fact, I believe Jason and Zack turned in their own applications to join the Committee." The blonde revealed. This made Trini's head perk up.
"Really? Jason and Zack applied for the ambassadorship?" Trini asked. She wasn't too surprised about Jason signing up, as he's been talking about travelling and seeing the world for as long as she's known him. Zack applying though, maybe he just wanted to get out of Angel Grove. He seemed depressed about his crush, Angela. Time and time again he struck out with her, and she recently hooked up with one of the varsity football players. Trini understood if that was part of his reason for applying. She relatively hoped she could be awarded the ambassadorship to help the world, but also get away from her own relationship drama.
"Affirmative. Say, perhaps you could apply. Who knows? Maybe the committee would award all three of you with the ambassadorship." Billy said with an optimistic shrug.
"Maybe." She considered further. "What about you?" she asked.
"I would prefer not. I have too many things to be concerned about here." He answered. "But if you want to apply, the applications are in the office. The committee will be conducting their interviews tomorrow morning before school." Billy directed. "Oh, that reminds me, I had better pick up the symbol of peace statue from the art room…" he said giving Trini a quick wave. "I'll see you later, Trini!"
"Thanks, Billy. Think I'll go fill out an application before the first bell." She thanked, heading toward the office. As she walked, her mind turned over the pros and cons of being awarded the ambassadorship. She walked into the bustling office and spotted the application pages and a pen. She looked over the list of questions before setting it on the counter to fill out the page.
When Trini had finished, she looked the page over, double checking she hadn't missed anything. Feeling satisfied, she went to place the paper into a collection bin, but hesitated, Skull instantly coming to mind. 'I've been so cold to him. Am I signing up for this ambassadorship just to run away from him and my problems?' she asked herself. She shook the thought away as the first bell rang, letting the paper go from her grasp.
Trini headed to her locker, to pick up her textbook. She wondered if she should finally reach out to Skull and try to patch things up, but what if she was met with the same hostility the last time they "talked?" 'It was my fault he was put in that situation to begin with. I forced him and Billy to talk.' She thought.
"Hey, Trini!" Kimberly greeted. Trini smiled.
"Hey, Kimberly." She greeted back.
"Billy told me you, Jason, and Zack applied for that Peace Conference thing." Kimberly said, "I hope you guys get it. I mean, we'll all miss you, but still! How incredible would that be!" Kimberly beamed excitedly.
"Thanks, I sure hope so. The Summit could really help save the world in a different way, and it would be a wonderful opportunity to be a part of that." Trini reasoned.
"Yeah, I doubt the committee has to deal with explosions and getting slimed on and eaten by monsters." Kimberly joked. The girls shared a laugh as they walked into Mrs. Appleby's class and took their seats side by side.
"Hey!" Aisha greeted, sitting just in front of the two other girls, "Billy told me you were going for the Teen Youth Committee! Good luck!" she said giving Trini a thumbs up.
"Thanks." Trini smiled back as the tardy bell rang.
"You're a shoe-in for that ambassadorship, Trini." Rocky leaned over in a whisper before Mrs. Appleby could begin class.
~~~
The rest of the day flew by, and just as Trini was gathering her things and heading for the cafeteria for the Teen Youth Summit, Jason stopped her, Zack along with him.
"Hey, Trini, you ready to head to the Youth Center?" Jason asked. "You promised you would help me teach my karate class with me, since I have a larger group today." He reminded when it seemed clear she was confused.
"Oh no!" she said abruptly. "I forgot. I was planning on going to the assembly…I need to tell Billy."
"Hey, hey, relax, Trini, I already told Billy, you, Jason, and I had classes today." Zack assured, calming her down. Trini looked disappointed, but gave a small smile.
"Thanks, guys. I just feel bad. It seems like lately the three of us having been doing our own thing separate from the rest of our friends." Trini made notice. Jason gave a shrug.
"We'll make up for it. Maybe after the Summit, they'll come find us at the Youth Center." Jason suggested.
"Yeah, so long as the city isn't under attack by then." Zack complained. "Don't get me wrong, I love what we do, but man," he sighed, "an ambassadorship away from all the monsters and giant robots wouldn't be so bad, either." Zack explained. Jason chuckled, nudging him with his elbow.
"You said it." Jason agreed. Trini nodded.
"Definitely. And a chance to break away from OTHER drama." She mistakenly added. The boys looked puzzled at her.
"What other drama?" Zack asked. Trini's eyes widened and she stammered trying to figure out what to say as they made their way out the school doors.
"You know…" she said searching, "Homework, and, well…" As if on que, Bulk and Skull ran right in between them, knocking into the three teens haphazardly.
"Watch it, dweebs!" Bulk yelled.
"Yeah, dweebs!" Skull shouted instinctively, and then realized just who he was yelling at. His cheeks turned red and Trini scowled crossing her arms. "I mean, uh, sorry, we've got a lead on finding out the identities of the Power Rangers!" he revealed. Bulk grabbed his friend roughly by Skull's leather jacket collar.
"You dolt! First, we don't apologize. They were in OUR way. Second! Don't tell them about the Teen Peace dweebs bein' Power Rangers!" he hissed, suddenly realized he had just revealed their secret. The three teens chuckled at this.
"You think the Teen Youth Committee are the Power Rangers?" Jason asked, holding back a laugh. Bulk let go of Skull and approached the trio.
"Think about it! There's six of them, they're all about peace and fighting against compression-"
"I think you mean, 'oppression'." Trini corrected. Zack shook his head at Bulk's confusion of the two words.
"The point is, it HAS to be them! That's why Skull and I signed up for the ambassadorship." Bulk announced. The trio laughed as Bulk continued, "When we go to Switzerland, we can get closer to them and reveal the TRUTH!" as Bulk proclaimed their mission proudly, Trini noticed Skull had pulled out a gum wrapper and was scrawling something on it in pen. "Just because you three NERDS signed up, doesn't mean you'll beat us!" he challenged.
Skull slinked over to Trini, dragging his hand across her shoulder, the other hand had the wadded wrapper.
"Yeah. Bulky and I signed up to reveal their identities and you're not gonna ruin it!" Skull said harshly, carefully shoving the wrapper into Trini's jeans pocket. She gasped angrily by his touch, but didn't want to go after him as he hustled back to Bulk's side.
"See ya, dorks! We're going to learn all we can about Switzerland, so we'll be ready to ACE those interviews tomorrow!" Bulk explained, leaving. Skull laughed and simply pointed at them, leaving right behind his larger buddy. The other two boys shook their heads.
"Those two are unbelievable." Zack observed.
"They never give up do they." Jason added, aggravated that the bullies had put the three behind schedule.
"You can say that again." Trini said, fishing the note out of her pocket as they walked. She unfolded it and couldn't quite believe what it said.
"I did it 4 u." it read in messy black ink. Trini sighed. 'Oh, Skull.'
The trio had arrived at the Youth Center, changed into their workout clothes and taught their respective groups. After they had finished the classes, they showered up, changed, and were just about to enjoy a few smoothies when,
BEEP BEEP BEE DEE BEEP BEEP
The three looked at each other. Zack gave them a look that said, 'I told you so,' before Jason answered his communicator watch.
"We read you, Zordon."
"Jason, a serious situation has arisen!" Zordon bellowed. "Five of the world's teen ambassadors have been captured and imprisoned by Lord Zedd." He informed the trio as the three Rangers looked amongst themselves in worry, "Tommy has a plan. He will need you, Trini, and Zack to morph into action in order for it to succeed." He explained. Jason gave a nod.
"Ready guys?" Jason asked the other two. Trini and Zack nodded in earnest, they ran around the corner into a deserted hallway. "IT'S MORPHIN' TIME!" Jason shouted.
In short, the Rangers did what they did best, they faced Lord Zedd, and his monster of the day. The hoard of putties had stolen the peace statue from the school, and Zedd brought it to life, and influenced the statue to attack the Power Rangers. However, with help from their zords, and a bit of a hand from their non-powered friends, Rocky, Adam, and Aisha, they destroyed the oversized statue and not only saved the teen ambassadors, but the city of Angel Grove once again.
As Bulk and Skull had stalked the ambassadors, when they saw the rangers talking and shaking hands with the ambassadors, the two punks dismissed their previous theory of the ambassadors being the Power Rangers after all. This news however, did not deter them from wanting the ambassadorship. Bulk wanted to take in the food, chocolate, and culture, mostly the food and chocolate. Skull was all for sampling Swiss chocolate, but ever since he saw Trini's application in the office, his heart tightened.
She may very well be leaving, with no idea if she would ever return. He figured, if he applied, maybe they BOTH could be selected, they would be able to patch things up inspired by their beautiful surroundings, travel the Netherlands together, and enjoying each other's' company in worry-free (although chilly) paradise. How could his plan possibly fail? If they took Trini, they HAD to take him, too, right?
The next afternoon, the applying teens were lined up in the hallway, prepared to be interviewed by the teen ambassadors, one at a time. Jason was first, followed by Zack, Trini, twenty or so more students, with Bulk and Skull capping off the end of the line.
Jason seemed to be in and out of the classroom quickly and Zack gave him a high five.
"My, man, how'd it go?" Zack asked. Jason gave a shrug.
"It seemed to go well." Jason said, "They seemed impressed with my amount of volunteering and my karate lessons I teach the kids after school." He explained a big smile on his face. It wasn't often he was asked to list all of his accomplishments in one sitting, and having just listed all of them in the room, it reassured Jason of how incredibly accomplished he was at such a young age. Outside of the Power Rangers and fighting, he had always been self-conscious of his achievements, and was afraid he would be well into his adult years and not be satisfied with the amount of work he'd done as a teen. Boy was he given a positive dose of reality in the classroom and felt he may actually have a strong chance of getting selected.
"I'm sure you did great, Jason." Trini reassured.
"Thanks, Trini." Jason replied. "I'll wait out here until you guys are both done." He informed just as Zack was welcomed for his turn.
"Well, wish me luck, guys!" he said with a nervous smile.
"Good luck!" Jason and Trini wished simultaneously. With that, Zack disappeared behind the frosted glass window of the door. His silhouette faded as he entered further into the room.
"So, what kind of questions did they ask?" Trini asked, now growing more nervous for her turn.
"They just go over our applications and ask to elaborate on how we help our community." Jason replied. "You could easily tell them how you organized the Clean-Up Crew, held that petition to save the goddess statue in the park and gained it a national landmark title…" he listed. Trini chuckled, tucking a lock of hair behind her hair. "You've done so much to help the community Trini, plus with your outstanding grades and your amazing people skills, I'd be really surprised if they don't choose you for the ambassadorship." Jason complimented.
"Thanks, Jason." Trini replied, a blush crossing her cheeks, "That really means a lot. I'm just so nervous."
"Don't be." He smiled, taking her hand comfortingly. "You got this." He encouraged. A moment or two later, Zack reemerged. He exhaled a large breath and grinned widely at his friends.
"It felt like I had held my breath that entire time." He laughed, Jason giving his friend a high five.
"So?" Jason asked.
"Felt good." Zack nodded, "Yeah, I told them about my dance stuff for the kids, uh, kinda opened the door for you, Trini. I mentioned being a part of your Clean-Up Club that you set up earlier this year." He revealed.
"Aw, thank you. That may actually make this easier." Trini said, taking the doorknob. She gave a nervous smile as he two guy friends gave her an assuring thumbs up. She pushed the door open and walked in. The ambassadors all sat casually behind a table at the front of the room and watched Trini walk in and sit down at the single chair on the other side of the table.
The committee members smiled at her as she took her seat. Each of them greeted her. Trini greeted back, getting comfortable in front of them. The Israeli ambassador and committee chairperson, a stunning golden blonde girl, Tamara, scanned over Trini's application before looking back up at the eager applicant.
"So, Trini, you're application and credentials are very impressive." She complimented. "We have already been told spectacular things about your involvement in the community here in Angel Grove, like the uh," she looked down at her own scrawled notepad, "the Clean-Up Crew." She beamed. The other members of the committee nodded, wanting to hear more about the famed project as well.
"Well," Trini started explaining how it started as a project for school when she did research on the current state of Earth's environment. Upon researching, Trini saw just how polluted and dirty the city and Angel Grove Park was, so she organized an after school student volunteer group to clean up the park and areas around the city.
They had gathered such a large amount of trash and recyclables, which the volunteers cashed in the recyclable papers, bottles, and cans, and gave that money back to Angel Grove High. Said money was later invested in saving the struggling music program. Saving the music program was coincidence that Trini took great pride in, incidentally supporting Skull's secret passion. Oh, Skull, couldn't go one minute without him busting his way into her mind.
The committee members asked a bit more about her other volunteer work and asked what Trini could bring to the International Teen Youth Committee.
"Well, as I'm sure you've now seen first-hand, not only do we face monsters threatening our cities, but in each of your own countries and communities, there are other monsters that we can face without the need of superpowers." Trini explained, "Monsters like those who force oppression, bigotry, and believe that money or violence is the answer." A few of the committee members nodded as she spoke, "And it's not just corruption in politics and government, it's also about how we treat our environment. It starts with us as humans on this Earth treating our planet with the care and respect we should give to one another, no matter what they look like, where they're from, their beliefs, or who we choose to love." The committee members smiled amongst each other, clearly impressed by her impromptu speech supporting everything the committee stands for.
"Yes, absolutely." Tamara agreed. "We do need to stand united to protect our Earth and love one another as we love ourselves."
"Very well said, Trini." Charlie, the Australian ambassador said with a sure smile.
"Yes, em…There is a great deal of discrimination in our world, and it is up to the committee to present this is a problem for the International Peace Summit." Boris of Russia added.
"Thank you, Trini." Tamara thanked, Trini took this as her cue to exit the room.
"Thank you." Trini replied with a grateful smile. She got up and left the room, Jason and Zack standing there, anticipating her return.
"Well? How'd it go?" Zack asked enthusiastically.
"I think it went really great." Trini replied, excitedly.
"I'm sure it did." Jason said wrapping her in a hug. Zack gave Trini her own high five.
"I'm sure we all did awesome." Zack added looking between his two friends.
"Let's just remember one thing," Jason said in a serious tone, "No matter what happens, no matter if one of us goes, two of us, all three of us or," he chuckled, "or none of us…" he paused, "We'll always be friends, and the power will always protect us." He concluded. Zack and Trini nodded.
"Always, man." Zack agreed. Trini nodded. "So, now that we're all done here, we down to meet up with the others at the Youth Center? It's Tommy's turn to buy a round of smoothies!" Zack exclaimed. Trini laughed as they began walking out.
"That is if he actually 'remembered' this time." Jason jabbed. The other two couldn't help but laugh at the now white ranger's expense, as they headed out the doors.
Just as they passed the end of the line, Trini felt a hand reach out and gently brush her own. She looked, catching Skull glancing at her. Their eye contact made both teens feel as if time had briefly slowed down. The punk gave her a pained, half smile that read, 'I know you did great.' Trini gave the same weak smile back, before time sped back up again. They broke eye contact, but Skull didn't look away as he watched her walk out the doors of Angel Grove High with her friends. He knew he couldn't wait on her any longer. Somehow he had to talk to her,
'TONIGHT'.