PART 2 - Switzerland
Chapter 17: The City
The 14 hour flight into Geneva, Switzerland went by relatively quickly. As the plane began to descend, though it was dark outside, as the plane reached closer to the ground, it was easy to see everything covered in a blanket of snow. The three teen US ambassadors looked out the window in awe as the lights of the buildings made the snow glisten.
"Okay, tomorrow morning, we gotta go shopping for warmer clothes." Zack suggested now concerned about his lack of winter clothes. Trini and Jason laughed and agreed. The embassy wanted to fly them out to Switzerland so quickly that none of them really had time to shop to prepare for their long stay. The sudden monster attack that same week certainly didn't help either.
"So, we're supposed to be meeting the US Ambassador to Switzerland when we get off the plane." Trini informed the boys, reading over a letter that was sent to each of them the day before their flight. The letter informed them what to expect after they touched down.
They would meet with the United States Ambassador to Switzerland, M. Larry Lawrence who would personally welcome them to the country, where he would escort them to their housing. They were arranged to stay in their own apartments funded and paid for in full by Lawrence and the government while they stayed in Switzerland. In the morning, they would be escorted to the US Embassy building in Bern to begin application for their residence permits, "Ausländerausweis." The applications would be rushed through and approved by the end of the week, due to their new diplomat titles. Considering residence permits were usually approved after 8 to 10 weeks, the teens were very grateful at the speedy exception they were granted.
For the next four months, they would be required to learn German, French, and or Italian, and would be privately tutored in general studies to make up for their missed school time. In that same amount of time, they had time to explore the country, experience and learn all about the Swiss culture.
In May, Jason, Zack, and Trini along with the rest of the committee would meet with the UN Ambassadors for the World Peace Summit where they would discuss world issues and work to finding solutions and resolutions.
By the end of summer and into the early fall, the Youths would take a tour to conventions answering questions for press, scientists, politicians, and academians, starting in Switzerland through Belgium, Germany, Amsterdam, and they would end their tour in Italy by mid-December.
The plane skidded down the runway before slowly coming to a stop. The fasten seatbelt sign turned off and the passengers in the cabin began to stand and go for their bags in the overhead bins. The Angel Grove students managed to grab their things and de-board the plane out into the cold. All three crossed their arms, trying to wrap their coats tighter around themselves.
"OH MAN!" Jason shouted, "I DEFINITELY agree with you, Zack. We need warmer clothes."
"I told ya." Zack answered, shivering. They quickly rushed to the large automatic door leading to the main airport building to wait for baggage claim and find the US Ambassador. The first thing the teens wanted to do was to settle into a nice warm bed and get some much-needed sleep. They had a full year ahead of them.
The main building was nice and warm and it was only a few moments before the baggage carousel beeped, signaling that the bags were beginning to circulate through. The teens grabbed their bags and began searching for any sort of sign or person waiting for them.
"Wait, I think…" Jason spotted a petite woman holding a sign reading, "US Teen Youth Ambassadors" "I think that's for us." Jason guessed, leading his two friends over to the woman in the grey wool trenchcoat. She looked to be in her late twenties, early thirties, and wore her hair in a braided bun, and had a friendly, welcoming smile.
"Willkommen." She greeted as the teens approached, "Welcome. I assume you are the US teen ambassadors?" she asked, her German accent very noticeable in her speech.
"Yup, that's us." Zack answered. Jason and Trini nodded.
"Wunderbar. My name is Julia, I am Mr. Lawrence's personal assistant. Ist a pleasure to have you here in Switzerland." Julia said sweetly.
"Hi, I'm Jason Scott." Jason introduced politely shaking her hand.
"Trini Kwan." Trini greeted with a smile, shaking Julia's hand.
"And I'm Zack, Zack Taylor." Zack said taking her hand.
"Gut to meet you all. Mr. Lawrence sends his regards and assures that he will meet you at the US Embassy in Bern to meet you and assist with your residence permits tomorrow." She explained. "Now, come with me, I will escort you to your apartments at the Mission of the United States." She smiled, leading them out the double doors and to the teens surprise, a waiting limo.
The look of the teens' surprise at the sight of a limousine did not go unnoticed from the Ambassador's assistant. She chuckled.
"Mr. Lawrence thought you would appreciate some luxury to welcome you." Julia explained. The teens smiled and rolled their bags to the limo driver to load into the large trunk. Each of them thanked the driver before they climbed into the back of the limo, "Though, do not get too comfortable. The Mission is only a short drive from here." Julia insisted.
"Still, this is very nice of him to send us a limo." Jason said, looking around the limo as neither he nor Trini or Zack had ever had the chance of riding in one before.
"You may thank him at the Bern Embassy tomorrow." Julia said with a nod.
"Oh, trust me, we will." Zack replied, beside himself with glee at the luxury. With a sigh, he kicked back and allowed himself to sink into the black leather seats.
"Julia?" Trini spoke up, "Exactly where and when will we be tutored?" she asked.
"You will be tutored in languages and general studies at the International School of Geneva. It's not far from the Mission, so it will be quite easy to make it to your tutoring sessions, even by foot." Julia answered, "Your schooling won't begin until after the holiday to take some time to yourselves and get acquainted with numerous political figures, and of course, get a chance to tour our lovely country." She added with a proud smile.
"This is so incredible!" Trini beamed, now looking even more forward to the year ahead.
For the next ten minutes in the vehicle, Julia talked a bit about herself and her experience living in Geneva for the past twenty or so years and how it compared to her home province in Lucerne.
"I have found that living in Geneva ist just a little bit more expensive, but I think that might be because of heavy tourism and the number of ambassadors and diplomats that visit the city so often." Julia explained, "But Lucerne ist einfach schön, simply beautiful," the assistant beamed. She went on to suggest things to do and see around Lucerne and how she recommended taking the cogwheel train to Engelberg to really take in the mountain scenery.
The teens shared glances of excitement. They were beginning to feel overwhelmed. It seemed like there would be far too much to see and do throughout Switzerland and not nearly enough time to do it all, especially with how busy they would be while there.
As the limo rounded a corner, Julia pointed out a large series of buildings on their right.
"Over there ist the Palace of Nations and the Library of United Nations. That's where the League of Nations headquarters ist and it's where the World Peace Summit will be held this summer." Julia told them. It was difficult to see at night, but the exterior lights on the building helped them see the building just enough. "And over here, also on the right ist the school," she pointed out a rather small campus comprised of a few red and orange modern-style single-level buildings surrounded by lush trees.
The limo drove along the street surrounded by trees, until it came around a few long white structures. It came to a stop by a large u-shaped building bordering a forest of trees and a clearing separating the apartment buildings from the neighboring private university nestled amongst the trees. The four climbed out of the car, and the kids collected their bags from the trunk.
"Now, that over there ist the main Mission building," Julia informed as she pointed out a plain white seven story building just next door. "This ist your apartment complex." She said leading them over to a covered set of double doors leading into a small lobby with an expanse of mailboxes designated for the apartments on the first floor. "The series of buildings all around this area are for all International students attending the Universities all around this block, as well as the other international student ambassadors." Julia explained as she pressed an up arrow button for the elevator.
The three looked around, taking in their new surroundings before the elevator dinged and opened its doors for them. Julia walked into the clean lift and the students followed suit. The assistant pushed the button for the top floor, floor 6.
"The nicer and larger apartments are on the top floor. You will share on of the two bedroom apartments, ist all furnished, and well stocked on food to keep you satisfied for the next few weeks. After that, you will need to buy your own food with your weekly allowance provided by the Embassy." Julia informed. The teens nodded in understanding, taking a load off their minds as they had wondered how they were going to pay for things. "There ist a market not far from here, and there ist a small shop of specialty goods, and a pharmacy on the campus grounds down the street we drove past." She assured.
The party reached the top floor and they were led down a long hallway to the left until Julia stopped in front of, apartment number 606. She pulled out a small gold key and unlocked the door.
"So here is your apartment." Julia said flipping on the lights. The apartment looked more like a comfortable hotel suite. Immediately to their right was an updated galley kitchen and bar, and beyond that, a pleasant living room with a television set. The large window of the living room looked out over another set of apartments and an expanse of evergreen trees beyond. "Over there there is the larger bedroom and bathroom." Julia directed, pointing to the left of the entryway, "Two the right past the living room is the second bedroom and bathroom."
The teens poked around, checking out their rooms. The bedrooms weren't flashy, but they did provide had everything the student ambassadors would need, queen sized beds, sheets, pillows, a nightstand, a digital alarm clock, and a bedside table lamp. The teens scanned the rooms and nodded approvingly of their humble abode.
"I like it." Zack said. Jason and Trini agreed at the same time.
"And that's it. I will let you get unpacked and settled for the night. Tomorrow morning at 10am, I will meet you outside with a car. We will first get breakfast and board the train to Bern to begin your applications." Julia explained the full itinerary.
"Thank you so much, Julia." Trini thanked.
"Thank you." The boys each thanked in unison to the kind assistant.
"My pleasure. Schlaf gut, sleep well." Julia said handing them the keys and walking down the hallway back to the elevator.
"This is so amazing, you guys!" Trini said stunned.
"It really is!" Zack agreed.
"So," Jason said, locking his fingers, "I call this bed." Jason stated throwing his red duffel onto the bed closest to the window.
"That's cool." Zack said with the wave of his hand, "It goes without saying that Trini gets the other room to herself." He offered.
"Thanks. I can't wait to go grocery shopping here. Maybe I can start cooking us up some Swiss cuisine during our stay." Trini offered optimistically.
"That'd be great." Jason agreed.
"Say, um, would you guys be against all of us sleeping in the living room together?" he wondered, slightly embarrassed to ask, "Just for this first night." He clarified.
"Yeah…" Trini agreed, "I don't really want to be alone either." She confessed.
"Alright." Jason explained. "Tomorrow after we get our stuff done, we can come back and make this apartment feel more like home and tonight we can have a living room campout" He suggested. Zack and Trini nodded, both on board with the plan.
Zack and Jason began to unpack while Trini moved her things into her own room to unpack her suitcase as well. Once the boys were finished, they were trying to decide how they were going to figure out the sleep arrangement.
"Trini," Zack said poking his head into Trini's room, "Jason and I were thinking of pulling a mattress on our room into the living room, but we wanted to know if you wanted it?" he asked.
"Oh, Zack, thank you, but I think I'll be alright on the couch." Trini assured as she rummaged through some of the entryway cabinets until she found a blanket she could use.
"Are you sure?" He offered again.
"Thanks, but I'll be fine." She replied giving him a soft smile and gathering her pillows and comforter from off her bed. Trini followed Zack out to the living room to make the couch comfortable.
"I think that armchair is a single pullout…," Zack mentioned as he went to remove the cushions. Luckily it was. As Zack pulled out the folded bed, Jason dragged his mattress in through the door with ease. Trini laughed and covered her mouth.
"Jay! Do you need help with that, man?" Zack exclaimed in disbelief as his friend effortlessly pulled in the mattress, nudged the coffee table out of the way with his foot, and laid the mattress directly beside the couch with a thunk.
"There we go." Jason said with a grin.
"I'm surprised you managed to pull that out here so easy." Zack commented. Jason gave a nonchalant shrug. Zack made up his bed and flopped down with a heave. "Man, I am exhausted."
"Me too. I'm beat…" Jason said with a yawn, already seemingly drifting off to sleep, "Trini, are you sure you don't want to sleep down here instead? I wouldn't mind sleeping on the couch." Jason offered.
"No, no, I'm okay." Trini replied, "Besides, it's your bed." She pointed out.
"I know, but it may be more comfortable down here." Jason reasoned.
"No thank you, Jason , I'll be fine." She said, snuggling under the blanket and switching off the light. Jason settled onto his mattress, pulling his comforter up just below his chest.
"Alright. Good night, Trini, Zack." He said.
"G'night, guys." Zack mumbled, already drifting off.
"Good night, Jason. Good night, Zack." She replied with a yawn and instantly fell asleep. Any thought or worry about Skull hadn't even crossed her mind. Already her memory of her times with him was falling away as she mentally prepared herself for the days ahead.
The next morning, Trini woke up to the morning light and checked the clock on the end table by her head. It was already 9 in the morning, definitely time to start moving and getting ready before Julie came to pick them up and take them to Bern to meet the Ambassador and file their temporary citizenship paperwork.
Trini woke up the boys and the three of them got up and rummaged through their bags to change their clothes and make themselves presentable. As 10 am rolled around, the teens headed downstairs just as the limo rolled up. Julie climbed out of the back and smiled.
"So, we're on a bit of a tight schedule, so I picked up some breakfast for you for the train ride." She said, holding a few white paper bags out for them. Inside the bags were assorted danish treats and fruit. The teen ambassadors thanked her and climbed into the limo to be taken to the train station.
The hour long train ride was mostly uneventful. The four chit-chatted about this and that, about what their friends must be up to, what trouble the Power Rangers might be facing in Angel Grove without them, and so forth until the train pulled into the Bern station. When they disembarked and exited the station, yet another limo awaited them to carry them off toward the United States Embassy.
The limo pulled up to a tall, black, wrought iron gate. Julie rolled down the window and flashed her ID to the guard, who nodded before opening the gate. The beige 5-story building was pretty underwhelming from the outside, but once inside, the teens were impressed by the intricate wood paneling throughout the main lobby.
"Welcome, student ambassadors." The male receptionist welcomed as he recognized Julie, making the conclusion that the three young people following her must be the American teen ambassadors. "We have been expecting you." He informed, "If you would please sign in," he instructed, handing them a clip board with a visitor sign-in sheet, "Also while in the building, it is required that you wear these badges somewhere visible on your person at all times," the receptionist requested handing the three each their own red 'Visitor – Diplomat' badge.
They each signed in and clipped on the badges before Julie led them further into the building, where they entered some sort of office waiting area. An older gentleman with peppered brown hair and a full beard, sporting a pin stripe suit and bright red tie, was conversing with a small group of middle-aged men in suits. The gentleman turned and smiled at the approaching teen trio.
"Welcome! Newest United States Teen Youth Ambassadors!" the gentleman greeted ecstatically. "Might I say, we are incredibly honored to have you brilliant youngsters here!" he said shaking each of their hands.
"Students, this ist Mr. Lawrence, U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland." Julie introduced on his behalf.
"Uhp," he corrected, "Please, call me Larry." He said to the trio with a warm chuckle.
"Good to meet you, Larry. I'm Jason Scott." Jason said with a firm hand shake.
"Good to meet you, Jason." Larry replied.
"Trini Kwan," Trini said sweetly, as Larry kindly shook her hand with a nod.
"A pleasure, young lady." Larry remarked before letting go and shaking Zack's hand.
"Zack Taylor, sir." Zack said politely.
"Zack," Larry repeated with a smile, "It's wonderful to meet you all." he expressed happily, standing in front of the stern black-suited men behind him, "my apologizes for not being able to meet you at the airport, but I'm afraid I was tied up in a phone call with a few state representatives in Washington,"he explained, "Boring old man stuff." He joked. The teens laughed politely, "Well, let me quickly introduce you to my associates, here," Larry said introducing them to the uncomfortably stern politicians. The men were polite enough, giving them decent smiles, and firm handshakes, however, it was obvious that they had more pressing matters to attend to with the Ambassador rather than make small talk with a couple of bright-faced, wide-eyed teens.
"I suppose, we can appreciate the diversity of our young ambassadors." One of the men commented dryly as he looked over the tree teens.
"Well, the melding of different cultures and backgrounds is an ideal that the U.S. was built upon." Larry stated proudly.
"Mr. Lawrence, we should be making our way to our conference." Another suit spoke up. Lawrence gave a dramatic sigh as to try to humor the teens.
"Very well. Duty calls." Larry smiled, doing his best not to laugh at his own 'humor'. Jason, Zack, and Trini indulged him giving him polite smiles, and allowed him to return to his work, "Once you get your paperwork filed, we will ensure it is approved through Washington and the Swiss government as quickly as possible, so that you can get to work as well." Larry explained, "Again, fantastic meeting you three and welcome to Switzerland."
The teens thanked him and the group of suits walked with Larry back into the office. Julie cleared her throat and gained the trio's attention.
"If you'll follow me, we can get started on your residency applications." She said. The assistant led them down another hallway to counter and took a few sets of matching forms and pens, "It's a great many questions and information…and a great deal of the forms require some of the same information, so take a seat, take your time, and let me know when you're done." She instructed. The three complied and they each shared a nearby bench to fill out the forms.
Nearly twenty minutes later, once all the paperwork was filled out, Julie submitted their papers to a teller, along with the teen's passports and IDs for confirmation, so they could send photocopies to the next department for expedited processing. From there, the teens were toured around the embassy, meeting and shaking hands with numerous suits and political figures until they thought their hands would fall from their wrists.
They had late lunch around 2 o'clock in the cafeteria, but their long day around the embassy was far from over. They met with more diplomats and sat in on a few conferences for their first taste of what was to come after December was over. It was long, cumbersome, and by the time they left for the train to get back to the apartments, Zack, Jason, and Trini were even more exhausted than the day they first arrived.
The three of them crowded back into the apartment and closed and locked the door. All three collapsed on Jason's mattress which had still been left on the floor.
"Well, day one, done." Zack said, his voice muffled from his face buried in the mattress. Jason and Trini groaned tiredly.
"Guys, don't get me wrong, I'm incredibly grateful we get to do this, but all that walking around meeting all these people…it's exhausting." Trini confessed. Jason and Zack agreed.
"This is just the beginning," Jason reminded, "And then we have until after Christmas to worry about the Teen Youth Committee stuff." The three shared a collective sigh. Though the day was long, boring, and hurt their feet, the rest of the month, they could relax and explore the city as they wished, so they did just that.
They spent the next day just laying around the apartment, calling their parents, cooking in the kitchen to avoid going back out for the day, and just took time for themselves. The next two weeks however, they each took turns thumbing through travel guides and brochures and planned their daily outings throughout Switzerland to familiarize themselves more with their surroundings.
One particular day, the teens were making their way back from an excursion through the mountain pass. It had been a long hike, but was well worth it. The trio climbed into a slowly moving cable car that would carry them back down the mountain.
"I still can't get over how incredible that was!" Zack beamed, still gazing around out the window at the breathtaking view of the mountains.
"Yeah, I'm glad that we came all the way out here!" Jason added, "That glacier tunnel was so cool."
Trini nodded weakly, holding her stomach.
"Trini? You okay?" Jason asked. Zack looked over and noticed Trini's face seemed pale. She shook her head.
"I don't know, I just…I just feel nauseous." Trini replied.
"Altitude sickness, maybe." Jason suggested as he moved closer beside her to rub her back. She smiled weakly at him, before returning her glance to the floor, willing herself not to throw up. She managed to hold back just until the cable car rolled up into the station. She felt the pressure building in her stomach and the back of her throat. As the door opened, Trini raced out and vomited into a nearby trash can. The boys rushed to her in concern.
"Here, I'll get you a water." Jason offered, running over to a nearby vending machine.
"Let's just get you back to the apartment and you can rest for awhile." Zack encouraged, holding back her hair while she doubled over the bin.
"Thanks, Zack." She replied weakly before vomiting again. Jason came over with the bottled water and handed it to Trini.
"Thank you." She said, standing up straight and taking small sips of the water. They all headed back and get Trini settled on the couch while Jason made her soup. Zack sat beside Trini and turned on the tv. As they sat and kept her company, Trini began to feel better.
However, she couldn't help but begin to worry. It was just altitude sickness, right? She hadn't felt sick until that day and they'd already been in Switzerland for nearly a month now, but maybe going that high into the mountains set her off. As the boys began talking about what they were getting each other for Christmas trying to help Trini get her mind off of her stomach, Trini decided it was best not to worry about her sickness and focus instead on the holiday.
'It'll pass.' She assured herself.
The following week, they spent most of their time shopping and managed to find each other gifts. Christmas eve and Christmas Day went by wonderfully and Trini felt fine. The kids each called their parents and their Angel Grove friends, and wished them all a Merry Christmas. They told them all how they were doing and all of what they had already seen and experienced. The teens exchanged presents and even went out for dinner with the six Teen Youth Committee members for Christmas dinner.
However, every now and then, ever since that day in the mountains, Trini would get a sudden feeling of nausea. She spent the rest of December spending quite a lot of time in the bathroom or simply resting in bed. As New Year's came and went, as they were part way into January, they finally began their schooling. Trini was still getting sick. The group realized it couldn't be the altitude. Something had to be wrong.
In the middle of one of their tutoring sessions, as Trini had to excuse herself to the restroom, Jason and Zack explained to the tutor what was going on and that they felt the need to see Trini to a doctor.
The three informed Julia of the situation and she rushed them quickly to a facility near the edge of one of the University campuses to look Trini over and find out what was the matter. If it was something serious, Trini would have to be rushed to the hospital. Once they got to the medical office, Trini managed to fill out the paperwork about any of her medical history, past surgeries, if she was currently on any medication, etcetera.
"Feels like my life has been nothing, but paperwork lately." Trini joked, handing the nurse the clipboard. The nurse gave a chuckle.
"I would imagine." She answered politely, going over Trini's papers for any missed questions or anything worth noting, "Very well, I'll hand this over to the doctor, he'll be right with you." She informed, leaving the room.
"Thank you." Trini answered. Jason and Zack sat beside her in the waiting room anxiously.
"I'm sure it's nothing serious." Zack comforted. Trini smiled at him.
"Just to be sure, though, if it is from the altitude, you might not be able to stay for the Summit." Jason remarked sadly. Trini sighed.
"I hope they don't make me leave. I really wanted this ambassadorship more than anything." Trini said, worried at the possibility that she may be sent home before the work even began. The door to the office opened. The doctor poked his head out.
"Trini?" he called. Trini looked between her two friends before standing up and following the doctor back into the examination room. "I'm Dr. Shneider." He greeted with a firm handshake as she took a seat on the cushioned examination table.
"Trini." She said, returning the handshake.
"A pleasure." He replied, opening her file. He glanced through it once again quickly. "So, what seems to be the trouble, Trini?" Dr. Schneider questioned.
"Well, I've been feeling nauseous on and off again since mid-December." She explained, "I've been drinking water more frequently, and taking pills for this kind of sickness, but whenever I feel sick I end up throwing up." She clarified. The doctor checked over the usual, heartbeat, ears, throat, but found everything appeared normal.
"Sometimes, adjusting to the altitude can play a factor and that sickness can last awhile, but the frequent vomiting is more of my concern, especially if the medication is not working." Dr. Schneider expressed. "Well, I'm going to look you over really quick," he informed pulling out an otoscope and checking inside her ears. He then went on to listening to her heart beat and lungs, then using a tongue depressor to examine her throat. All appeared normal. "How long do you feel nauseous when it comes on? Does it come in waves or does it last for awhile at a time?" he questioned.
"It varies." She answered. Dr. Schneider cleared his throat, "I know this may be a very personal question, and I promise anything we discuss in here will remain confidential," he began, "Are you sexually active by chance?" he asked. Trini blushed and remembered the night she shared with Skull. She stammered a minute.
"W-well, not exactly." She answered timidly, "I…had one night, but I wouldn't say I'm active."
"And how long ago was that?" he asked.
"It was near the end of November, so almost two months ago." She replied honestly. The doctor gave a nod, going to pull something from a nearby cabinet.
"And did you use any sort of protection, contraceptive…?" he asked. Trini blushed, feeling somewhat ashamed. She should've at least had the sense to buy something over the counter for the following morning.
"We did not." She confessed. Dr. Shneider handed her a cup with a lid from the cabinet.
"I'm going to have you fill this up, and leave it in the metal box by the bathroom door. When you come back, I'll draw some blood so I can have a lab run. I'll run those tests through, test for anything unusual, then I'll call you back, and we can go over the results, okay?" he said giving her a understanding smile. She nodded and took the plastic container.
"Okay, thank you, doctor." She said shaking his hand.
"Of course, we'll find out what's going on." He assured. Cup in hand, Trini locked herself in the bathroom. She stared at herself in the mirror. She foolishly hadn't considered her sickness would be tied to the night she shared with the boy from Angel Grove. It was only one night and she was sure Skull had be careful enough to…
She started to internally panic, but knew she had to stay calm. Whatever the result may be from the tests, she would face it with her friends by her side. She felt better as she reminded herself that whatever this was that she didn't have to face it alone. Out in the waiting room Jason and Zack waited for Trini to come back.
"Sure is taking awhile." Zack commented. He sighed, "I really hope she's okay."
"Me too." Jason replied. Though as he sat, running through the possibilities as to why Trini was sick; altitude, cancer, allergic reaction, one idea came to his mind he didn't want to humor as a possibility. It sounded too wild, and too out of character for Trini. Could it be she was pregnant and this was morning sickness? He frowned at the idea, not really sure how that would be possible. Trini was a glittering example of the perfect high school student. She was chosen over 10,000 other applicants to be a United States Teen Ambassador, for goodness sake. She was smart, certainly smart enough not to engage in something like that.
Just then, the door opened and Trini sat back down beside them.
"What happened?" Jason asked.
"Yeah, did the doctor figure out what's goin on?" Zack asked. Trini shook her head, forcing herself not to sound scared or panicked for her friends' sakes.
"He's running a few tests." She informed, holding the bandaged cotton ball in the crook of her arm from having her blood drawn.
"Well, does he have any idea what it could be?" Zack insisted.
"He said it could be the altitude, but he wanted to be sure." Trini answered half truthfully. The three sat there and waited for the results and in the meantime, they talked about meeting back up with the rest of the Team Youth Committee members, and all the issues they may discuss at the Palace of the United Nations that summer.
"You know, one issue is the giant monster attacks that frequently happen in America." Zack joked. The friends lightly chuckled at this, "I mean, yeah the Power Rangers take care of it, but we should have a recognized fighting force that assist the Power Rangers when they need backup, aside from the zords," the former black ranger suggested. Jason and Trini nodded at this idea.
"You know, that's actually not a bad idea." Jason complimented, "A sort of police department specially trained to fight with or…maybe even be trained as Power Rangers." He elaborated. They looked at each other in wide-eyed amazement at the idea.
"Yo, we need to pitch this to the committee for the Summit." Zack said in all seriousness. Trini was in agreement, but the pain of waiting for word on the results was consuming her thoughts. Just then Julie came in through the front door and turned to the kids.
"Hey, Trini. Did the doctor have an answer for you?" Julie asked.
"He's running final tests." Jason answered for her. Suddenly, the doctor emerged from behind the door. The four looked up instantly.
"Trini, come on back." Dr. Schneider gestured for her to come through the door after him. Trini followed quickly, shutting the door behind her as the doctor gestured for her to take a seat in a nearby chair. He took a breath.
"So, is everything okay?" Trini asked, growing scared.
"Well, everything is perfectly normal. You are healthy, but," he paused.
"But what?" she questioned nervously. He took another pause, folding his hands.
"Your results show that you're pregnant." The doctor revealed.