Author's Notes: What? There's a new chapter out, and it hasn't been several months? What's she thinking? Actually, I got inspired, I'm looking at a few months of crazy ahead of me, so I decided to get this chapter out so as not to leave on a cliffhanger. Cheers!

Reviewer thanks: bookword83197 (I don't get to use a lot of literary stuff, considering that most of the characters are high school students and not particularly into English. As such, I think I'm going to be abusing Adam a bit for those references…), Ghostwriter (Thanks!), bleedredstars (You got your wish! And it was time, I think, for White Ranger. The early part of season 2 in Power Rangers is really awkward, given that three of the actors are gone and they're trying to cover up the fact with stock footage and bad vocal replacements. Thankfully, I can condense.), grannybe and Willz (Thanks! Yes, I've seen the fan-made short film. I thought it was funny… some of the in-jokes and stuff. I thought the parody of the "grittiness for grittiness sake" style movie was good… but I don't see a lot of similarities with my fic. I like to balance darkness with hope. I think, though, James Van Der Beek as sell-out Rocky may go in my head canon.), brankel1 (Thanks!), Guest (Thanks!), and Dayz (Thanks!).


Brighter Paths

Book 1: New Light

Chapter 6: White

The battles raged all over Angel Grove. The term "battle" was a generous term. There was no strategy, no higher plan. Lord Zedd merely wanted to cause violence and chaos. To punish, not to conquer.

That made it more dangerous, Jason reflected.

He had his sword out, hacking away at the Putties but careful not to touch their Z's. Not only did he need to keep up his endurance, he knew that the weapon would cause a power feedback which could hurt someone. And there were far too many people around him for his comfort.

Thankfully, there were a few police officers and emergency workers who were trying to help evacuate everyone. The problem was, no one could reach the roomful of children, and the monster was closest to that.

"Red Ranger!" A police office called from across the room. "All the exits are blocked! If you can clear a path to the back rooms..."

Of course. Right where the monster was. Well, he knew he needed to engage the monster anyway. "Right!" he called out. "Get everyone to the right wall!"

A few minutes, and miraculously the people were all out of the line of fire. Jason judged the trajectory as best he could, spun a Putty around, and cut its Z as he did.

The reaction was instantaneous. The usual burst of power, instead of exploding toward Jason, exploded outward, knocking down a swath of Putties. Their Z's were hit, and many more broke apart and caused their own energy feedback. Soon, about half the Putties were gone, and the other half were lying on the ground.

Jason couldn't believe that had actually worked.

Not sparing the remaining fallen Putties a glance, Jason launched himself at the monster, who had turned toward the room of screaming children.

"Oh, no you don't!" Jason said. He tackled the monster toward the left and placed himself firmly between the monster and the remaining people. "Now!" he shouted over his shoulder.

He could hear the trample of footsteps behind him, but he couldn't look at them. He had to turn all his attention to this monster.

It's not going to be enough, he realized. They needed help. "Rangers!" he yelled into his communicator as he countered the monster's attacks. "I need situation reports!"

"Pretty swamped right now, Red Ranger!" Zack said through his helmet. "I've got Putties at Addams Park! They've got us trapped in what's left of the woods here!"

"Same here at the board walk!" Trini's voice answered. "They've got us against the dock!"

"Trapped in the Youth Center now!" Kimberly said. "Blue Ranger, you got those teleporters ready?"

"Why isn't Alpha taking care of that?!" Jason said furiously.

"He's not there!" Kimberly said.

"What do you mean he's not there?!" Jason said.

"Um... hello? You guys need some help?"

Jason took a blow to the stomach as he lost his rhythm in the shock of hearing an unfamiliar voice. "Who the hell is this?!"

"I took the hostages I saved to the Command Center," Kimberly said impatiently. "Adam, get off the comm."

"Thought you guys would want to know that Billy disappeared," another voice, the one that Jason recognized as Rocky, said. "And it's not like we know how to work the teleporters... or anything up here. We've been trying to get the communicators working for the past ten minutes."

"But we do!" This time, it was Jason's dad's voice on the comm. "We know how to work the teleporters, but we're stuck at the Cranston house, and it's currently shut off from the rest of the world with armor."

"Got it!" came Sylvia's tinny voice in the background.

"Was cut off from the rest of the world, I mean," his dad amended.

"Right," Jason said. He ground his teeth. He didn't want to do this, but he had no choice. "I need a couple of you guys to go up to the Command Center, and take the kids with you, now that the house isn't safe. The rest of you can divide up and teleport to City Hall, Addams Park, the boardwalk, and the Youth Center. We need people there to coordinate the teleportations and make sure there are no stragglers. Get everyone to the edge of town, just like last time."

With that, Jason turned his full attention to the fight with the monster, and hoped they could regroup soon. He didn't know how long he would be able to last.


Kristen and Mr. Taylor appeared in the middle of the Command Center, with Kevin and Zack's brothers in tow.

Kristen immediately moved to the console that controlled teleportation. "Okay, we've got the Lees going to help Jason, the Kwans helping Trini, the Harris's helping Kimberly, and Dr. Taylor and Mrs. Cranston helping Zack." She looked up in desperation. "That's only two at each site. Not much help... and who are you?"

Rocky, Adam, and Aisha were standing near the Viewing Globe, shifting uncomfortably. "Well... Kimberly told us to wait here."

Mr. Taylor grinned. "It's good to see all of you! We could really use the help right now."

Aisha looked uncertain. "And you know us... how?"

Mr. Taylor's grin didn't falter at all. "No reason! Don't know you at all. But we could use all your help on the ground."

"I'll take Addams Park," Adam said. "Seems fitting."

"I'll take the boardwalk," said Aisha.

"Youth Center," Rocky volunteered.

"Leaves me with City Hall," Mr. Taylor said. "Boys, you'll be okay without us?"

Kevin rolled his eyes. "We're not gonna destroy anything... we should be helping anyway."

"Help by watching the Viewing Globe," Kristen said. "Let me know if anything new pops up. In the meantime, I'll be looking for Zordon, Alpha, and Billy until everyone is ready to teleport."

She teleported the four down, wishing that she could join them, but understanding she had actually gotten the more difficult job. If she couldn't find anyone else, she would have to coordinate teleporting the entire city of Angel Grove, pretty much by herself.

Kristen dove into the security records, hoping to find some indication of where Billy had gotten to.

"Uh... Kristen?" Marcus, the eldest of Zack's brothers, said. "You said to tell you if anything was different?"

"Yeah, Marcus?"

Kevin beat him to it, though. "Goldar's at the Youth Center." There was venom in his voice; Goldar had been the one who had kidnapped him weeks ago.

Kristen's face went pale. She didn't have time to look for any help. She had to start teleporting, or people would get hurt.


Kimberly nearly dropped her bow when she saw her mother, Frank, and Rocky all run in the door.

"What are you doing here?!" she yelled, forgetting that she wasn't supposed to know them: she was surrounded by her classmates at the moment, so keeping her secret identity was a bit trickier.

"We're going to help get the civilians out," Frank said. "Red Ranger's orders."

"It's dangerous... oh, never mind," Kimberly snapped as she tried to keep up with the fight. "Bulk and Skull and some others grabbed up the youngest, but you can..."

There was a flame, a flash of gold, and then Kimberly realized Goldar was standing in the middle of the Youth Center.

"Hurry," she said. "I'll hold him off."

Taking out five Putties at once, ignoring the pain from the power feedback, she launched herself at Goldar. She lashed out with her bow, using it as a club since she couldn't shoot any arrows for fear of hurting anyone. He blocked just in time with his sword, and sparks flew.

"Did you enjoy it, Goldar?" Kimberly said as she blocked one of his attacks with her bow. "Playing emperor for a day? Had fun threatening kids?"

"Don't think you can know my motivations, Pink Ranger," Goldar growled. He sliced his sword sideways, catching her on the chest.

She rolled out of the way, with only a small black mark on her uniform to show for it. "Right..." she smirked. "Lord Zedd found out, didn't he? That why he send you down here? As punishment?"

Goldar's attacks grew wilder, and Kimberly figured she had hit a nerve. She dodged around his sword easily and aimed for the few gaps in his armor. Behind her, she could sense people leaving, and some yelps in pain as Rocky obviously tried to take on some Putties.

"It's your fault, anyway," Goldar said, his voice growing rougher and movements slower with every blow she scored. "Lord Zedd hasn't been the same since you. You did something to him."

Kimberly couldn't help but laugh at what she was hearing. "You know, Goldar, you've always had a pretty screwed up point of view. Not only is that some pretty serious victim-blaming, you obviously have no idea what you're talking about."

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Rocky being overtaken by Putties, and more Putties got past him in pursuit of her family and the rest of the civilians. She tried to disengage with Goldar to help Rocky and chase after the Putties, but Goldar grabbed her arm and threw her in the opposite direction.

"I may not want to chase after unarmed children," Goldar said, "but I can keep you from helping them. You're going to keep fighting me, Pink Ranger. I'll make sure of it."

Now blocked from the rest of the civilians, and not seeing Rocky at all anymore, she could only hope that her parents could get everyone to the teleport zone in time.


Trini stood on the lifeguard tower and kept a steady barrage of fire from her blaster, just to keep the Putties at bay.

Behind her, the civilians were grouped on the dock, with nowhere to go. It was dark, and the icy waters of the ocean below was not the best escape. Some had attempted it, but they'd quickly been rescued by other civilians, and Trini had ordered everyone to stay on dry land.

The problem was, she wasn't going to be able to keep the Putties away forever. She couldn't hit them on the Z, as the power feedback would inevitably backfire on her and the rest of the civilians. She had to keep aiming for non-lethal areas.

"Come on..." she said under her breath. "I can't do this by myself."

There was a shout from the civilians, and Trini at first thought the Putties had broken through her barrage... when she heard the motor of a boat.

"Everyone, get in!" a woman yelled. Trini's eyes widened when she realized that was her mother's voice.

She dared not take her attention away from the Putties, as they could just as easily board the boat with the other civilians if she let them, but she did contact the Command Center.

"Hey, Trini, Kristen here," came the answer from the Command Center. "Still trying to work this teleporter, but I have to focus on City Hall and the Youth Center first."

"Is that my mother in a boat?" Trini said.

"Yeah... and your dad... and some girl that I think was one of the freedom fighters from Haven. Oh, wait, the girl is getting off the boat and helping someone who fell in the water."

Trini shook her head. Had her parents stolen a boat? "If they can get the civilians away from here, I can help you with the teleporter."

She heard a sigh. "I just got the first group of kids away from City Hall," Kristen announced. "I think I got the hang of this. If you get that area secure, I think you need to help at the Youth Center or City Hall. Jason's dealing with a monster, and Kim's got her hands full with Goldar, and there's just as many Putties at both places."

"Acknowledged," Trini said. "Wait... Kristen... give me voice control of the security system."

There was a pause, and Kristen said, "I think you have it. Try it out."

"Computer?" Trini said. "Put a shield around the boat directly behind my location... now."

There was a crackle of energy, and Trini knew she didn't have long. A shield of that size and power would quickly drain their power reserves. Before that could happen, Trini deliberately started blasting Putties right on the Z.

She got the last one before the shockwave hit her. The lifeguard tower toppled under her, and she felt herself blown back to the ground. She looked back. The shield had held, though the shockwave was carrying the now full boat out to sea.

"Shield deactivate," Trini gasped. She dragged herself off the ground, but she didn't have much time to recover. Noting that her parents and Aisha had everything well in hand, she teleported to City Hall. She knew Kimberly could handle Goldar better than anyone could handle that monster. At least they knew how to fight Goldar. The monster was too much of a rogue element.


Zack quickly found out that Putties really hated having rocks thrown at them. Thankfully, several of the people around him were really good at throwing rocks.

"Protect the park!" one man yelled.

Zack smiled grimly. When the Putties had attacked, the people could have run... but they didn't. His speech must have put them all in a fighting mood. Or maybe they were just sick of people trying to take away what was theirs.

Suddenly, a whole group of Putties pitched forward, and then began scrambling over to the side. When one ran for the woods, it tumbled as its feet were swept from under it.

The smoke cleared, and Zack could make out Sylvia carrying a giant piece of equipment he'd seen in Billy's garage. On one side of her was Adam, who was starting to fight away the Putties. On the other side was his mother, who was carrying a pipe and looked murderous.

"No, don't throw rocks at them!" he yelled at the people around them. "Get over here!"

The three ran toward Zack, who blasted the Putties around them with his axe cannon, careful not to cause an energy feedback that could harm them. He looked up at his mother and the others as they came in, but they ignored him.

"Listen up!" his mother said in her loudest voice, which was saying something. "We're all getting out of here! The Rangers can't teleport us out of the woods en masse, so we have to move!"

No one looked willing to go, but one look at his mother with the pipe and Sylvia with the scifi weapon convinced even the most hard-core rock-thrower. Dr. Taylor left, and Adam and Sylvia flanked the crowd.

"Zack." Kristen's voice piped through the helmet. "I'm going to go ahead and teleport your group out of there. You're going to need to join Kim at the Youth Center. Kim's there by herself fighting Goldar and a bunch of Putties."

"Will do," Zack said. As soon as he heard the shimmer of teleportation, he looked behind him. They had all made it past the woods, and they were all gone. Hoping the Putties didn't cause too much destruction, he left them. They had no more people to hurt.


Kristen was shaking at the controls, trying not to lose it. First, she knew she was now in control of coordinating the entire battle, and she had no clue if she was doing the right thing. Second, she knew that if she lost it, she would just scare the kids.

The Kwans were still with the people on the boat, but she'd teleported Aisha to the Youth Center to help Rocky, who was being pummeled by Putties. She had Adam join them, figuring it was best to keep that team together. Dr. Taylor and Sylvia, on the other hand, went to City Hall. They needed to get the children out.

Her hands shook. She had as many teleports off the mark than she had on. Right now park benches and telephone poles were miles where they should be, and she'd somehow managed to teleport the entire duck pond in Foley Park into the school gymnasium.

She gripped the console as she messed up one more time. Dammit!

"It's okay, Kristen."

She jumped at the cold touch, and then, grinning, threw her arms around the robot. "Alpha! Where the heck have you...?"

There was a crackle of energy, and Zordon appeared in the tube above them, to a chorus of "Cools!" from the boys.

"Quickly, Alpha," Zordon said. "Continue the teleportation. And Rangers..."

Rangers?

Kristen whirled around to see two Power Rangers: Billy in his blue uniform, and... one that Kristen had never seen before.

"I've got City Hall," Billy said. His voice sounded elated, far from keeping with the dire circumstances. Kristen started to take heart.

"Good luck," the muffled voice of the Ranger in white, gold, and black responded. "We'll end the fight at the Youth Center quick as we can and reconvene at City Hall."

The two teleported out. Kristen stared at the empty space they left behind, lost for words.

"Mr. Zordon!" Byron, the youngest, yelled excitedly. "Was that a new Power Ranger?"

Kristen was surprised to see Zordon actually smile. He'd never done that around them. "Yes... and no, young Byron. You shall see."


Zack ran for the crowd of people flooding out the service door of the Youth Center. He immediately spotted his mother and Kimberly's parents pointing people to the right direction... the teleportation site, Zack guessed.

"How bad is it?" he asked his mom.

"Those three freedom fighters are trying to keep the Putties from us," she said, as she shoved one teenager toward the rest of the group: he'd been trying to make a break for it on his own. "One of them is hurt, though, and I'm not sure how well Kimberly is holding up."

"I'm on it," Zack said. He jumped over the crowd of people and swung over their heads using the metal rafters above. There weren't many people left inside, he noted with relief. He ignored the stragglers and quickly found the line of Putties, with five people holding them off.

Rocky, Adam, and Aisha were trying to fight the Putties off without hitting the Z's. They were flagging, though, and Rocky looked like he was barely able to stand up, as it looked like the Putties had used him as a punching bag for a while.

None of that surprised him, though. What surprised him was Bulk and Skull had joined them. Skull had taken to hitting Putties over the head with what looked like the same metal pipe Zack's mother had been using earlier. Bulk was using his football skills to tackle Putties and hold the line. Both of them, though, looked rather out of their depth.

Zack threw himself into the fray. He hadn't fought many Putties directly, so he still felt fairly fresh. Focusing on ending the fight quickly, no matter what the cost to his own power, he spared no time and hit each Z right away, taking but ignoring each power drain as he did so.

Within a few minutes, they were all gone, and Zack sagged against the wall.

"Good work, guys," he said between gasps of air. "Command Center, I've got five here for teleport. Can you get to them?"

"Hey, wait," Aisha said. "We still want to help!"

"You've done your bit... all of you," Zack said. "We can take care of the rest."

He started to leave, knowing that Kimberly needed help, but he stopped when he felt a hand on his arm. He turned to see Bulk holding onto him.

"No one else is going to say it, and everyone's probably going to decide to forget everything, but... we're sorry," Bulk said. "For how Angel Grove treated you, I'm sorry."

Zack was glad he was morphed, because a pronouncement like that from Bulk probably would have knocked him down otherwise. "S'okay," he said. "If it makes you feel better, it wasn't any of your fault."

The shimmer of teleportation interrupted any retort from the group of fighters, and Zack grinned behind his mask. In a day full of nasty surprised, that was probably the only good surprise he was going to get. He'd take it.

He broke into a run through the warehouse, leapt over the bar and the rail around the upper level, and landed on the mat in the gym area. Neither Kimberly nor Goldar had seen him, so Zack waited for a good opportunity to join. He found it when Goldar threw Kimberly to the side.

"All right, Goldar, you've had enough fun," Zack said, as he flew at Goldar with his ax.

He thought that would be enough to get Goldar's attention, but his attack blind-sided the warrior. Goldar knocked backward into a set of weights.

"You... you think this is fun, Black Ranger?" Goldar said through a broken voice.

Zack paused, stopping his attack. He remembered Jason's theory, that Goldar had been behind the attacks. Lord Zedd's announcement and attack-such a change from before-seemed to support this. And Goldar's presence here...

This was Goldar's punishment.

Kimberly limped over to Zack. "Is everyone out?"

"Yeah," he said.

"Then there's nothing here for us," she said. "Let's reconvene with the others at City Hall. We've got a monster to fight."

"You're here to fight me," Goldar growled.

Kimberly crossed her arms. "Why? You're not threatening anyone."

Zack held his breath. He didn't know what Kimberly thought she was doing, but she certainly had an effect. Goldar, smoldering with rage, threw himself at them in a wild attack.

The two evaded him... but Zack realized they were both tired. Kimberly had been fighting Goldar, and he'd just been fighting Putties. Their reactions were slow, and Goldar was in a berserk rage. Zack tried to defend himself, but Goldar seemed intent on hurting them as much as he could. He left himself wide open to attack and didn't even blink at the Rangers' own attacks. He didn't seem to care what happened to him, either.

Kimberly was down on the floor, not moving, when Zack realized he might need to teleport both of them out of there. He winced at a sword swipe that he was too slow to stop... when he heard a clang, and the blow never came.

He looked up. It was... it was...

"Another Ranger?" he said, his voice cracking in surprise.

Goldar didn't seem to notice the difference in opponents. Zack took the opportunity to run to Kimberly. She had unmorphed and was still unconscious.

"Kim... wake up," Zack said. Despite her condition, Zack couldn't help but smile. Zordon had certainly been busy.

The Ranger was dressed in white, gold, and black, with white the predominant color. The gold on his helmet formed the design of a tiger, and he wielded a curved sword with a tiger head on the hilt.

Zack saw it because he was expecting to, but it took a few minutes for Goldar to realize what was happening... and who this was.

Goldar stopped mid-attack, his sword raised. "Tommy?" His voice was barely a whisper, a mixture of disbelief and hope.

The fighter flourished with his sword. "It's okay, Goldar," he said. "You don't have to keep fighting. Zedd wanted this... wanted you to force our hand. He's failed, though, and that's not your fault."

"It really is you, Tommy," Goldar said flatly.

The fighter laughed a bit, and then shook his head a bit. Slowly, not completely dropping his guard, he removed his helmet.

"I don't know who else it would be," Tommy said. "Goldar, you don't have to prove anything. Zedd wants us... he's not going to waste a fighter like you on a suicide mission." He smirked. "I look forward to a real battle with you."

Zack prepared for another attack, but Goldar merely nodded and teleported out. It may have been a trick of the light, but his face seemed more... hopeful now.

When he disappeared, Tommy ran to Zack and Kimberly. "How is she?"

"Just knocked out... exhausted... and how the hell did you keep this a secret?!" Zack laughed and threw his arms around Tommy.

Tommy laughed. "I... we... didn't think this was going to work. I didn't want to get anyone's hopes up." He pulled something from his belt, and Zack realized it was syringes of Trini's serum. He gave one to Zack, and then injected Kimberly.

Kimberly stirred and blinked, then rubbed her eyes. She stared blankly at Tommy's grinning face. "I... I'm not dreaming, am I?"

"You're not," Tommy said.

"And... you're really a Power Ranger," Kimberly said, her voice still sounding a bit dazed.

"Yup," Tommy said.

Zack turned away quickly as the two kissed enthusiastically. He immediately thought of Trini.

"Guys... don't we have to be something?"

The two broke apart, Tommy steadying Kimberly to her feet. "Back to action, then?" Tommy said.

"For always," Kimberly said.


Night had fallen, and the center of Angel Grove, once milling with rallying people, was deserted. Jason, Trini, and Billy had maneuvered the monster into the small square outside City Hall... not easily. It was strong. Stronger now that Zedd was controlling it.

"Everyone in the families and the three former hostages are in the Command Center. All other civilians are at the edge of Angel Grove, covered in a shield," Kristen's voice came through their helmets. "We can hold that shield for the duration of the fight... but it's probably better if you guys kill the monster quickly."

Jason itched to know why the freedom fighters were now given free run of the Command Center, but he held his tongue. "And where's that backup?" he asked. "Zack and Kim still fighting Goldar?"

"Backup is coming, Jason," Zordon interjected. "More than you expect."

"What's that supposed to..."

"They're here," Billy said, his voice almost laughing. "Sorry I didn't get a chance to inform you sooner."

Jason turned. Behind him, he saw the Pink Ranger, the Black Ranger, and...

"Hey, Red," the figure in white said, his voice laughing.

Jason's brain stalled. Trini gave a yelp or surprise.

"And what is that supposed to be?" the monster said.

The figure in white walked forward, his sword drawn. "I'm the White Ranger. And I think you've caused enough trouble today."

Jason grinned behind his mask. It was Tommy. He'd actually done it.

"You heard the man," Jason said, and the others rallied behind him. "Let's end this."

Before they could attack, something fell from the sky, and the white, multi-faced monster disappeared in a cloud of smoke, only to reappear towering over them.

"You have a Zord, I assume," Jason said. He gripped Tommy's shoulder, wanting further proof that he was there.

"May take me a second to call it," Tommy said, "but yeah. You guys start without me, I'll catch up."

The five called on their Zords, feeling triumphant already. For the first time in a long time, they felt whole again.


Tommy grinned as he watched the Zords come together to form the Megazord. He'd never thought to see that from the battlefield again.

He turned over his sword and held up the hilt. "Let's see how this works... What did Zordon call you? Baba?"

"It's Saba, thank you very much, and you're holding me too tight."

Tommy nearly dropped the sword in surprise. The sword was supposed to work as his control over his Zord, so he would have the option to control it remotely, but he hadn't realized it would be this... interactive.

"Sorry," he said, "but do you think you can call my Zord?"

"It's already on its way," Saba sighed. "I called it when the monster grew large, since you were standing around gaping. Now, do I need to give you a tutorial, or are you just fine on your own."

Tommy gritted his teeth. "Now, listen here. It's not like I haven't controlled a Zord before. Now give me command."

"Right, fine, you're the boss here," Saba said.

Tommy nodded, then tapped into the psychic connection to the Zord. It was a bit trickier. When he'd gotten the Dragonzord (and subsequently used it to attack Angel Grove... not the best memory), he'd known exactly how to use it. There had been ancient instinct and knowledge embedded in the green power coin. This, though... he was the first to use the white power coin, the first to use this Zord, this sword... He was teaching it how to work, so he had to know it.

It was perhaps not surprising, then, when the White Tiger Zord reached the edge of the park and immediately flipped over.

He managed to minimize the damage by using the thrusters to keep most of the Zord off the ground, and started working to right it.

"I've had cooler entrances," Tommy said to himself.

"Might need some help there?" Saba said. "Or is everything going just as you'd like?"

Tommy sighed as he wrestled with the controls. These new powers worked best when he was calm and focused. He was far from that right now. And... he supposed he could use all the help he could get. Saba not only provided the psychic link between him and his Zord, it was also a reflection of Tommy's frame of mind. Apparently even Tommy realized he was being stupid.

"I guess we can work together," Tommy said, and immediately the controls became easier, more intuitive.

"You know, as I am a reflection of your inner self," Saba said as the Zord began to right and form into fighting mode, "you are talking to yourself and are therefore a crazy person."

Tommy laughed. "I can live with that. Come on, we might need to control from the cockpit... at least at first."

Tommy launched himself in the air and ducked into the head of the Zord, which had turned from a tiger to a humanoid fighter. He sheathed the sword into the control panel, giving Saba a more direct link to the Zord.

The Megazord had in the meantime pulled the fight from the center of town to the Rangers' favorite place to fight, a long-abandoned quarry. "All right, Saba, let's catch up."

"I'm so glad that your new powers has not harmed your ability to state the obvious."

Tommy ignored him and piloted toward the fight.

"Glad you could catch up," Jason's voice came through the speaker. "This monster literally has eyes in the back of its head... and the sides. It's tough."

"I'll take the back, then," Tommy said, glorying in the chance to fight with the Rangers once more. "If we can keep the monster going for a few more minutes, I can charge up my attack and we can take it together."

"Sounds like a plan," Jason said.

Tommy launched the White Tiger Zord at the monster, who saw it coming but couldn't do much to prevent the attack. As soon as he hit, he allowed the monster to start fighting him, while the Megazord scored another hit.

"Really? Zedd wants to play through to the end?" Tommy muttered. "Fine... Jas," he said through the communicator, "I'm powered up. You guys ready?"

"As we'll ever be."

The two Zords maneuvered themselves to one side, now shoulder to shoulder. As the Megazord drew its sword and held it aloft, charged with power, the White Tiger Zord's chest cavity glowed, power radiating from the mouth of the tiger ornament.

"Now!" all six shouted at once.

Tommy's attack hit first, and as the monster writhed from the blast, the Megazord's sword came down, obliterating the remainder. Within seconds, all that was left was smoke.


As soon as they teleported in, the room erupted in yells. This was far from the angry rallies of only a few hours before. This was in celebration.

Sylvia ran to Tommy first and practically knocked him down with a hug. He tumbled against a console, laughing.

"I'm sure whatever you did to get these powers was foolhardy and dangerous, but I'm so glad," Sylvia said.

"I think we're all interested in hearing how this happened," Frank said.

While Sylvia had been tackling Tommy, with Billy on the outskirt wondering if he needed to rescue him, the rest of the families had gone to each Ranger. Kimberly was currently being held by her mother, who was practically sobbing at the fact that her daughter was finally smiling. They quieted down, though, to look at Tommy, who was starting to get rather uncomfortable under this new scrutiny.

"I can answer any questions, if everyone will simply let the Rangers breathe. They've been through quite a battle."

All attention turned to Zordon (with very little additional breathing space given to the Rangers). They were first concerned that everyone was about to be kicked out, as Zordon had always been reticent about Rangers in the Command Center, but he was smiling, his voice amused.

"I'm sure you all... at least, most of you... know Tommy's recent history," Zordon began. "How his powers ran out, and how he sacrificed the remaining power he had gained from me to save lives, reset time, and foil Lord Zedd. Since then, and even before then, I had been working on a way to give him power, power that could not be compromised. Power that would allow him to be the hero he always wanted to be. Hence, the White Ranger project

"But it wasn't without risk, as Sylvia remarked. I had never attempted to create a new Power Coin, and I believed none but their original creator Ninjor could do it. With Tommy's help, though, we were able to create a model. Tommy, of course, had been a Power Ranger. He had the potential. He had also shown that he was adept at using different powers.

"Thus, he trained. He learned some of the skills the other Rangers knew intuitively through their powers, so he could teach his Power Coin. That's what he's been doing in his spare time: training, studying, and building up the skill set necessary before he morphed for the first time.

"Tommy is correct in his assessment, though, just as Jason was correct in his assessment that Goldar was the true mastermind behind the most recent attack. Lord Zedd allowed this to happen because somehow he knew what we were doing, and he wanted to force our hand before we were ready... and possibly kill Goldar for him. He has failed in both instances, I'm glad to say. We had to morph Tommy early, but he has successfully taken on the powers."

"Helping my memory problems, too, huh, Zordon," Tommy interjected.

Kimberly whirled around. "I thought you didn't know you had memory problems."

"Memory problems?" Sylvia said.

Tommy shifted uncomfortably. "I didn't... until I started bonding with the powers. They were a nice little side effect of dimension-hopping and trying to wield Eltarian powers."

"You may still have lapses, Tommy," Zordon said. "The power can help heal... slowly... and it will help more with battle situations that real life. However, I think you have admirable support. As for the rest of you..."

Zordon beamed at the rest of the Rangers, surrounded by their families. "You have done admirable work. All of you. I apologize for keeping this all from you, but none of us were sure if it would work, and this attack did catch us off guard. Jason, Trini, and Zack, your non-violent solution to the spell shows true heroism and a potential for greatness in your chosen paths... perhaps brighter paths than the ones you've walked until now. You acted as true peacekeepers and ambassadors. Even Zedd's turn to violence rang hollow after the effect you had on the people of Angel Grove... and Goldar as well."

"As for the rest of you... you all showed determination and self-sacrifice in your focus on saving hostages. Rather than preventing the Rangers from their mission, you've all acted in support and taken your own part in their mission: to protect Angel Grove, and to protect the world.

"Billy and Kimberly particularly risked their freedom to prevent what had been done to them happening to someone else. I refer, of course, to the snake with the corrupting venom, and their rescue of Rocky de Santos, Adam Park, and Aisha Campbell."

Everyone had almost forgotten about the three, who had taken to standing awkwardly near the Viewing Globe at the back of the group. Now, though, they found themselves the center of attention.

Aisha smiled and raised her hand awkwardly at the silence. "Hi?"

"I have not forgotten your contributions to protecting the people of Angel Grove and helping the Power Rangers," Zordon said kindly. "You put your lives on the line in sacrificing yourselves when you volunteered to be taken by Goldar, you threw yourselves into a fight that was not your own, and you helped the Rangers when they were over-whelmed. You've shown yourself to be true heroes... who now must hold additional responsibilities: the secret identities of the Power Rangers."

"Oh, we would never tell anyone," Rocky said. "Who would believe us anyway?"

"I appreciate your good faith," Zordon said, "but that is not what I was going to say."

The room seemed tense. Zordon had always been uncomfortable with the families knowing their children's secret identities. Now, here were three unknown civilians. Yes, they had been freedom fighters in the time that never was, but that had no longer happened. They were now unknown quantities.

"Which is why I must make a few announcements," Zordon said, his eyes twinkling.

The room was now dead silent. Only Tommy was grinning, knowing what was coming.

"As you all know, Jason, Trini, and Zachary have chosen to become ambassadors for peace, a life that must necessitate leaving their powers behind. They have served well, and they have shown themselves equal to the task today... but they leave behind large shoes to fill, particularly as there will now be no leader for the Power Rangers.

"It is my privilege to now appoint Tommy, the White Ranger, as leader of the Power Rangers, in..."

Zordon cut off at the loud cheer, started by Jason himself. Jason pulled away from his parents and grabbed Tommy's hand. Tommy accepted the hand shake, his eyes wide, but Jason pulled him into a one-armed hug, then pulled away, still shaking his hand.

"I was so worried," Jason said, "but I couldn't have picked any better."

"Thanks... Jas... I'm gonna need that hand back," Tommy said, laughing. "And I don't have to take over until..."

"Oh, you're taking over right this second," Jason said. "You're gonna need the practice. Don't worry." His eyes crinkled. "I think we're past jealousy."

It looked like plenty of other people were ready to give Tommy hugs, but he held his hands up, calling for their attention. "In that case, Zordon, can I take over announcements?"

Zordon nodded, as relieved as anyone else over Jason's reaction. "Go ahead, White Ranger."

Tommy turned to face the three bewildered fighters. "Okay, it's not an announcement. It's a request, since it has to be your decision... more decision than I ever had, starting out." Without explaining, he forged on. "Aisha... Rocky... Adam... You have fought our battles and proven yourself true heroes. I ask now if you would continue to fight, by our sides... as Power Rangers. Rocky as the Red Ranger, Adam as the Black Ranger, and Aisha as the Yellow Ranger."

There was an eruption of applause, but Tommy held his hands out, asking for silence. The only ones who did look elated were Rocky, Adam, and Aisha.

"Power Rangers?" Rocky said. "Us? But..."

"You don't know us," Adam finished for him.

"We got ourselves captured," Aisha said. "Almost got Billy and Kimberly killed... or worse. How can we be Power Rangers?"

Tommy smiled. "You've been on the list as potential Power Rangers for a long time... and unlike all of us, you were heroes before you were Power Rangers. I don't think there's anyone else who could succeed Jason, Trini, and Zack." His grin widened. "And they're tough acts to follow."

"I urge you to meditate on it," Zordon said. "Talk with the other Rangers. Gain their advice... but I ask you to swear to reveal nothing about the Rangers in the meantime, neither the identities of the Rangers nor their parents, to anyone. Can you promise me that?"

"I swear," the three said, one after another. They looked rather overwhelmed by everything, so Tommy decided to shift the focus a bit.

"My second act as leader of the Power Rangers... I think it's time for a celebration."

This was left with genuine cheers that weren't silenced. Kristen and her mother immediately started making plans to order pizzas-delivered to their house, but teleported to the Command Center. The Kwans and Sylvia decided to go to the grocery store to get all other provisions, while Mr. Lee and the Taylors immediately grabbed Rocky, Adam, and Aisha and steered them into the next room, the young boys moaning why the three didn't say yes automatically.

Kimberly's family lingered, still so happy to see Kimberly now looking more like herself. "I'll be right behind you," she said, shooing them away, and they left as well, leaving the Command Center to Zordon, Alpha, and the now six Power Rangers.

Finally alone, they realized they couldn't think of anything to say. It had all been said, and they were just... happy. They'd suffered, and they were still facing the eventual leave-taking of three of their number, but at that moment, they were together. They were one.

"So... the three freedom fighters," Zack said. He couldn't stand silence. "Ever going to tell them what they did... or never did?"

"Maybe," Tommy said. "Don't want to freak them out too much."

"It's a little late for that," Trini said, giggling.

"Well, it's not like we can transfer the power now," Jason said. "We still don't have the sword to make the transfer."

"But we know where it is... am I right?" Billy said. "I thought I saw something..."

"It is increasingly difficult to keep anything secret from you, Billy," Zordon said. "Yes, we know the general vicinity. And we can now focus our attention on finding it. It will require an off-planet mission for all of you."

Jason grinned. "I've always wanted to go off-planet... not to the moon, though. I've had enough of that place for a lifetime."

"Ditto," Tommy joked.

"I'll third that motion," Kimberly said. "And I don't think we have to worry too much about those three. They've tried to fight like Power Rangers at every opportunity. They just don't realize that."

Jason folded his arms. "Not sure about someone new as a second in command, though. Rocky is definitely capable, and shows leadership skills, but..."

"Don't worry, he's not second in command," Tommy said. "We need someone seasoned, someone who's already been a Power Ranger and led the team. Kim?"

Kimberly looked at him expectantly, wondering what he was asking her. She didn't know... oh...

"Me?" she asked flatly.

Tommy smiled. "Kim, you're a natural leader. I didn't see much of what happened today, but I saw that much. You're a quick-thinker, and you know how to read people, and there's no one else I would trust with this job." He looked up quickly at Billy. "Billy, you're an amazing fighter..."

"And not a leader, with no wish to be," Billy said quickly.

He looked back down. "Kimberly, please say yes."

Kimberly grinned. "If you put it that way... how can I say no. But if one of the others gets trained up enough, and you want to reappoint, then..."

"Kim, this isn't a provisional thing, and it's not because the others aren't trained. It's because you're the right person for the job," Tommy said.

Kimberly looked over at the others, a bit overwhelmed.

"He's right, you know," Trini said.

Kimberly blew out a breath. "Okay, then. I guess today is full of surprises."


It was Saturday, and life in Angel Grove had gone pretty much back to normal.

The news had run a small piece on the brief town-wide insanity, blaming toxins in the water supply, but there was no mention of surrendering to Lord Zedd, of blaming the Power Rangers for anything, or of attempting to sacrifice the entire child populace of Angel Grove.

People adapted. Some didn't remember. Some chose not to remember. As usual, repression was the preferred town-wide coping mechanism.

The six Rangers and the usual customers of the Youth Center showed up early on Saturday to help Ernie with clean-ups. Officially, the ninja tournament was blamed for getting out of control. As usual, didn't matter. It was still a mess, and it was quickly cleaned up, Ernie serving free drinks to all the helpers out of gratitude.

Trini and Kimberly sat at the bar, watching Jason and Zack teach their class. Billy was still helping Ernie fix his juicer, with Ernie watching nervously on, and Tommy still hadn't gotten back from taking the last of the trash bags out.

"I'm going to miss this place," Trini said.

Kimberly cut a glance at her. "I'm going to miss you."

Trini looked down, her eyebrows gathered.

Kimberly put a hand on her shoulder. "No... I didn't mean..." She took a breath. "I know what you're doing is right, and it wasn't fair of me to lash out before. I just..." she smiled sadly. "I guess I'm going to miss my best friend."

Trini smiled back. "It's been a while since you've called me that."

"It's been a while since I've been myself," Kimberly admitted. "I've been so self-involved, so wrapped up in all the stuff I've gone through... that... It used to be I could guess what you were going to say before you said it."

"And what am I going to say now?" Trini said.

Kimberly blinked rapidly, realizing this conversation was taking a decidedly emotional turn. "That you'll miss me, too?"

Trini was blinking pretty hard herself. "See? Haven't lost the knack."

They hugged, and then quickly tried to turn to brighter things. As they did, Tommy walked up, his hands smelling of bathroom soap.

"See? Didn't forget to come back," he said as he slid onto a stool beside Kimberly.

Kim rolled her eyes. "Your memory was never that bad... most of the time. Quit worrying about it." She grinned. "It's my job to keep you on your toes now, anyway."

They were about to kiss, but then looked at Trini guiltily and pulled away.

"Oh, don't mind me," Trini said. "You've never kept off each other; why start now?"

"But you could triple your speed," Billy's voice came from behind the bar.

"I don't want to triple my speed, I'm fine with the speed I have now," Ernie protested. "You've fixed the thing?"

"It works..." Billy said hesitantly.

"Then thank you, and other side of the bar now," Ernie said, pushing him gently in the right direction.

Billy frowned as he joined the others. "Some people just don't have vision."

"I think Ernie had a vision of a kitchen covered in lemon juice... and he didn't like it," Kimberly teased.

Billy smiled good-naturedly. "That's only if you were making the drinks, Kimberly," he teased back.

Trini laughed along with the others, but smiled a bit wistfully. Kimberly perhaps hadn't realized it, but she'd already gotten a new best friend in Billy. Trini was glad, even as she felt the sharp pang she was getting used to as she realized how much she was leaving behind.

The laughing was interrupted when Ernie, who had ducked into the back, appeared yet again, this time pushing a disgruntled Bulk and Skull in front of him.

"We were just taking inventory!" Bulk protested.

"Yeah, inventory!" Skull repeated.

"I appreciate the help, I really do, but I'm not letting either of you near the food stores," Ernie said exasperatedly. "Now, wait there until I get you the LAST of the free drinks."

Bulk and Skull sat at a table across from the bar, somewhat pacified with the promise of free drinks. After looking around, rolling their eyes at Jason and Zack's class and sneering at everything in general, they finally noticed Trini, Kimberly, Tommy, and Billy sitting at the bar.

"Hey, Bulky," Skull said, motioning with his head to the four, and then to Jason and Zack in the opposite direction. "You still think...?"

"What?" Bulk said. "Oh..." He laughed loudly. "Nah. I was crazy then."

When they started laughing together, Kimberly finally bit. "Okay, guys, what's the joke?"

Bulk pulled out a black handkerchief and wiped his eyes. "Just... when the whole town was all crazy before they decided to forget everything, I had this crazy theory that you guys and those down there," his head jerked in the direction of Jason and Zack, "were Power Rangers, and I was going to turn you all in. Crazy, huh?"

The four laughed.

"That's a pretty active imagination," Trini said.

"Wait... you thought I was a Power Ranger?" Billy said incredulously.

Bulk shrugged. "Like I said, crazy. Come on, Skull... Hey, Ernie, could we get our drinks to go?" He got up and pulled Skull with him. "We still got a mission. We're going to find out who they are, and we're not going to figure it out if we're just sitting around the Youth Center."

"Yeah, sure, Bulky," Skull said as they headed over to Ernie, who was happily putting their drinks into to-go cups, as it meant they were leaving. Skull, though, flashed a few significant looks at the four, enough to belie his disdainful laughter only moments ago.

As the two left, Tommy, Trini, Billy, and Kimberly vacated the bar and took the table furthest away from everyone else.

"Still never figured out why Skull wasn't affected," said Trini.

"Not affected by what?" Tommy said. "Remember, I wasn't there for most of this."

"Skull was not affected by the spell that affected everyone else... even Bulk," Billy said. "Rocky, Adam, and Aisha were out of town and thus out of range for most of the spell, and our families were protected by the security on our homes, as well as the proximity to our power coins. But Skull?"

"I'd been worrying about that, too," Kimberly said. "You remember I said I had a theory? Wait... I said that to Jason and Zack."

"We remember," said Zack. The class had broken up, and Jason and Zack walked up to the railing, toweling off. "Something about why Skull wasn't was affected by the spell, right?"

"Right... so I checked last night," Kimberly went on. "The thing about Skull always hanging by your locker is you end up with his hair somehow getting in your locker, so I collected some and had Alpha run some tests on it... which I cleaned my locker out completely, cuz gross, and the tests proved my theory right."

The five Rangers stared as she paused for effect, so she went on.

"Skull has remnants of Power Ranger power in him. Specifically from the Blue Ranger." She grinned at their dumb-founded faces. "That's why he wasn't affected by the spell. We weren't affected, and neither were our families, for the same reason. That's why I've been seeing signs that he kind of remembers what happened during those two weeks that got erased. See, he paints graffiti in his sleep, and he drew the word Haven on the side of the school the day after it happened."

"Wait... how could he possibly have gotten my power?" Billy interjected.

"You gave it to him," Kimberly pointed out. "After you saved me after..." she threw Tommy a sidelong glance.

"After I hurt you and shot Skull," Tommy supplied. "It's okay, go on."

But Billy had already connected the pieces. "I... I infused him with my power. I had to, for the serum to work." He frowned. "And he still has it?"

"Looks like," Kimberly said. "Not sure there's much we can do about it except keep a close eye on him. Especially during crises like what just happened. He's already shows he's willing and capable of helping people, but we don't want him hurting himself because of that."

"You know, you guys look super suspicious. You know that, right?"

The six looked over, startled, at Rocky, Adam, and Aisha, who were standing over them, smirking. They realized they'd been hunched over, listening to Kimberly's whispered theories... and were probably calling more attention to themselves than necessary. They broke apart, trying to look casual.

"Very smooth," Rocky said. "Very not covert."

"Well, this has to break apart anyway," Trini said, looking down at her watch. "Jason, Zack, and I have to meet with the ambassadors for an orientation thing."

"How are they doing?" Tommy asked.

"They're a bit dazed," Jason said. "Hoping to smooth a few things over today. They apparently got hit with an extra dose of the spell when they came into town."

Trini got up and joined Jason and Zack at the entrance to the railing. It was an awkward moment as they left, the first real time that the group was breaking apart. Tommy, Kimberly, and Billy watched them go wistfully.

"Wanna hang out?" Kimberly found herself saying.

Rocky had already taken Trini's vacated spot and was flagging down a waiter. Adam pushed Rocky's hand down and went to the bar to order for the three of them. Aisha pulled up a chair. "As long as you're not going to talk us into any decisions, we're cool."

"No pressure from us," Tommy said. "Hey, anyone up from a spar?"

Kimberly and Billy rolled their eyes, but Rocky perked up. "Sure!" He grabbed the drink Adam had just brought over, downed it in three gulps, and launched himself over the mat.

"And there go the two adrenaline junkies," Aisha said drily, accepting her own drink.

Kimberly was still laughing at the rail vault, which Tommy had immediately copied. "Oh, Lord, they're going to be a bad influence on each other."

"Rocky's always a bad influence," Adam said. "So... this whole city-wide amnesia thing. Is this... normal?"

"Very normal," Billy said. "It's practically Angel Grove's modus operandi."

"And..." Adam dropped his voice, and the other three unconscious drew in, repeating the suspicious pose from before, "I gathered that gold monkey guy was acting alone. Does that happen often? What's going to happen to him?"

"Not that I'm terribly worried," Aisha said. "I mean, he did almost kill us."

Kimberly chewed her lip. "I dunno. Tommy seems to think that he'll be fine... but Lord Zedd doesn't let go of things so easily."


Goldar couldn't avoid it any longer. He'd stretched the time since the summons to its breaking point. Sighing, he put the rest of his armor on and left his room, wondering if he'd ever return to it.

Outside, Finster, Squatt, and Babboo were gathered, standing near the opening to Finster's lab. Goldar nodded at them, but didn't say anything. He didn't trust himself to say anything. Finster had patched him up the night before, but otherwise they'd talked little.

Goldar had never been able to face last words.

He didn't try to run, though. Resolutely, he walked the long walk to Lord Zedd's throne room, wishing he was walking in the other direction, to the throne room of Empress Rita. The one that had felt like home.

Tommy had said it would be all right... but as many pretensions Tommy put on himself, he was still a mere human. Still only sixteen. He had little idea of the real world. He'd seen death and lived hard, sure... but he was still so young. And Goldar knew better. He had hope for the future, but not hope for himself.

Goldar took a breath, stepped into the throne room, and approached the throne, where Lord Zedd was waiting. He bowed low. "At your service, my lord," he said decorously, wishing he were saying those words to someone else.

Minutes stretched in silence, and Goldar stayed bowed. He was beyond fear by now. His death could come at any moment, and he felt perfectly calm.

"Rise, Goldar," Lord Zedd said lightly, and Goldar did so, his sword still on the ground. He would not pick it up, he would not even attempt to defend himself. There was no defense.

"I have decided to send you on a mission."

This was the one thing Goldar had not expected, and it must have shown on his face, for Lord Zedd laughed.

"You expected death, warrior... but the White Ranger was right. I have no wish to waste resources. Not when they can accomplish so much."

"My... my lord," Goldar said, trying desperately to get in control of his voice. "What mission? There is little I can accomplish on Earth."

"Not on Earth," Zedd said disdainfully. "Your perspective has grown small in the past year, Goldar. No, my mission for you lies in the wider universe, where I'm sure you still have useful connections, even after your long imprisonment and your mission here."

Goldar had kept up with his old contacts. Finster sneered at him only using his computer for long-range communication, but that was how Goldar kept up with what was happening in the more important parts of the galaxy. He had let that part of his life lapse after the added security measures when Lord Zedd had arrived, but that had not been that long ago.

"There is a sword... a Sword of Power... that the Rangers are just now searching for," Lord Zedd continued. "They wish to use it to transfer power from the old Rangers to the new Rangers... but I have much better uses for it." He gripped his staff, the room flashing red. "I want it to help power Serpentera, to help repair the damage that was done to it. It will not be enough, of course, but it will at least get Serpentera in working order. And I want you to find the Sword for me... and not return until you have. The Rangers have three weeks to find it. You will find it before them."

This time, Goldar felt himself start to sweat. "And if I don't?"

Lord Zedd flashed redder, but he seemed to remain calm. "Then you will not wish to come back at all, and I will place a bounty on your head. Perhaps your former lover will take it up, I care not. But I want that sword, and I do not wish to contemplate failure. You will arrange long-distance transport to any planet you wish. Finster will provide you with the transport and any provisions you need." The room grew less red as Zedd's temper lowered. "That is all, Goldar. Dismissed."

Goldar practically ran out of the room. Far from death, this was a true mission. A chance to prove himself.

He would not waste it.


Scorpina looked up from her cards and smirked at the other players. She had nothing, and she knew that one of them at least had two pair. This was the last hand. It was time to end it.

"I'm in," she said, "and let's make it more interesting." She threw in the rest of her clips and eyed the merchant across from her with a challenge.

The warrior next to her threw down his cards. "I'm out... out completely." He gathered up his chips. "I have no wish to see a massacre."

The basement room grew tense and silent. As the door opened, they could hear the yells from the bar above. Scorpina took a sip of her ale, refusing to break eye contact. It was now the merchant and the scavenger. She was glad.

The merchant was getting upset. Most of his money was in the pool in the middle of the table, and that money was guarded by force field that was monitoring the game... and ready to disintegrate the money should either of them try to cheat. He couldn't match her bet, and she knew it. He also couldn't leave without the money, not and live the rest of the day without the debt collectors tracking him down. She knew that, too.

"I..." he licked his lips and eyed the scavenger, who looked more angry than nervous. "I'd like to call a redraw."

Scorpina smirked even harder. "Now, you know that you don't have the kind of capital to back that up. But I'm listening if you have anything else valuable."

"Don't do it, fool," the scavenger hissed (quite literally, given the snake-like features) at the merchant. "What will she say if..."

"It's not like she's even paid us yet, and we need the money now," the merchant snapped. He reached into his bag and pulled out a data chip. He held it up so the camera could see it. "Within this chip is the last known location of the jar containing the imprisoned Empress Rita Repulsa. It's authenticated." Once the force field flashed blue, he threw the chip into the pile.

Scorpina smirked. Just as she'd planned. "Then we'll redraw."

Automatically, the table spat out new cards and took the old ones away. Scorpina looked at her hand. Better, she noted blankly. Not great, but better.

She looked up and smiled at the ashen face of the merchant. Certainly better than his.

"Show your cards," Scorpina challenged. She showed her own, and the merchant let out a whimper.

"I TOLD you," the scavenger shouted and started to get up... but he found that he couldn't move. He was stuck to the chair.

Scorpina grinned sadistically as the computer processed the win and let the forcefield down on her side of the table. Carefully putting the data chip in her pocket, she began gathering the money into a bag.

"What... what is this?" the merchant asked as he and the scavenger struggled.

Scorpina looked up in mock surprise. "Oh, this? Remember that stuff I dropped earlier? Yeah, there was a strangle-vine seed in that. It took root immediately, and it's gone after any flesh on the floor. Thankfully, this establishment follows a 'no shoes' policy to prevent weapons smuggling." She pushed back from the table to show that she'd been sitting on her chair cross-legged the entire time.

"You crazy bitch," the scavenger said. "You're stuck here, too."

"Not necessarily," Scorpina said. She loudly banged on the table-the signal, as communicators were not allowed in the room-and the door swung open.

"Gentlemen," Scorpina said, "meet Rito Revolto... the brother of the woman you collected and sold like a common slave."

The two drew back in horror at the sight of the skeleton. Rito was smiling, as always, but something in his eyes revealed the murderous rage. And, as a skeleton, he easily walked through the strangle-vine.

Scorpina climbed into his back. "You sure this is going to give them a more painful death than I could?" Rito looked at the plant dubiously.

Scorpina smirked at the now panicking men. Even as they struggled, the vine held onto them more... and the vine was starting to grow suckers. Soon it would be teeth. "Believe me... they'll have plenty of time to regret the day they insulted Empress Rita."

Rito and Scorpina left the room and shut the door. The muffled screams were instantly drowned out by the noise of music and the patrons of the bar. Scorpina stayed on Rito's shoulders as he exited the bar, wishing to examine the data chip more easily.

"What's it say, Scorpy?"

"Please don't call me that," Scorpina sighed. "Damn."

"What?"

Scorpina swung down from Rito's shoulders, giving the hand-held computer readout a sour face. "Have you ever worked for Divatox?"

"No one in their right mind works for Divatox... or me, for that matter," said Rito. "She's a pirate, and certifiably insane. Lately she's had these delusions of grandeur that she could be a heavy hitter in the galaxy. Why?"

Scorpina closed her eyes. "Because that's who has Rita." She opened her eyes, finding new determination. "I guess we're going pirate hunting."