Chapter 11

Uncertainty

Newtech City, 2030

Space Patrol Delta Earth Commander Sky Tate couldn't shake the feeling that something big was about to happen. He'd had this feeling for a few weeks now, but he couldn't figure out why. Bridge Carson, current B-Squad Red Ranger, and Sky's best friend, kept telling him that he was just stressed out over things; Z Delgado and Syd Drew, Yellow and Pink Rangers, respectively, told Sky that he was just not quite used to being in the old dog's shoes yet. Even the newest faces on the squad, Ben Harper and Ken Wong, were behind their leader, saying that maybe he just needed a vacation.

But Sky just couldn't quite get it out of his head. Maybe he would ask Commander Cruger for some leave time; a week, two at most. Sky was still a hard worker and being Commander of S.P.D. on Earth had major responsibilities that he couldn't shirk. He had a duty to perform, and he couldn't expect anyone to perform that duty but him. It was what Commander Cruger expected of him, what his father would expect of him, and what he expected of himself.

"Sky, come in," Boom Howard's voice came through the monitor. Boom was still most well-known around S.P.D. Headquarters as test pilot for Dr. Kathryn Manx's gadgets, but lately he'd been branching out into other matters, such as keeping watch and monitoring communications.

"What is it, Boom?" Sky asked.

"There's a top priority message for you. It's Commander Cruger."

"Put it through, Boom."

"You got it."

As the call was connected, Sky wondered why Commander Cruger would call at this time. And if it was urgent, what was the matter? Could this be the something big that Sky was thinking was going to happen. Perhaps there was only one way to know…

The S.P.D. insignia flashed as the connection was completed.

"Commander Cruger, good to hear from you," Sky answered as he saluted.

"Commander Tate, you're looking a little off. Is something wrong?"

"Permission to speak frankly, sir?"

"Of course."

"I'm worried. I can't shake the feeling something bad is going to happen. It's been tugging at me for a couple weeks now and I just can't put it to rest."

"I see. Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but something has happened. I'm on my way to Earth now. Have your squad ready by 0900 hours for a top secret mission briefing."

"Understood, sir."

"And, Sky?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Tell no one else except Dr. Manx and Boom. This is for B-Squad only."

"Understood, sir."

The next day at 9:00 A.M., B-Squad was assembled on the main bridge. Lieutenants Carson, Delgado and Drew and Cadets Harper and Wong stood lined up with Commander Tate in front of them. Dr. Manx and Boom stood to the side.

"Why do you think Commander Cruger needed to see us?" Syd asked.

"Don't know; but if he does, you can bet it's a big reason," Z said.

"I'm guessing some major criminal escaped and they need us to track them down," Ken surmised.

"But that's what we always do," said Ben. "What should make this top secret thing necessary?"

"Maybe the big dog just wanted to see us on the down low and needed us to be here to keep us on our toes. But it's got to be important, definitely," said Bridge.

"I can assure you that this is serious. Doggie wouldn't call a top secret meeting for no reason." Kat assured.

"But why would I be invited?" Boom wondered.

"WE DON'T KNOW!" said everyone else.

"Commander on the bridge!" Sky announced as Commander Anubis Cruger stepped into the room. B-Squad saluted as he stepped towards them. Cruger saluted in return. "It's good to see you again, Mr. Tate," he said to Sky. He turned his attention to the at-attention B-Squad. "At ease." B-Squad relaxed. "Good to see you again Mr. Carson. Miss Delgado. Miss Drew. Mr. Harper and Mr. Wong, I've heard good things about you two, also. It's good to finally meet you in person."

"Thank you, sir."

"But sadly this is not the time for compliments. I have come for a very important reason. Prepare yourselves: Emperor Gruumm has escaped."

This sent shock throughout the room.

"We don't know how it happened, but Gruumm's containment card and a few others came up missing last search. The security cameras picked up an unknown energy source entering the containment area at the time of the escape. We couldn't get an ID on the culprit or how they managed to breach the base let alone the confinement area, and what they plan to do with Gruumm is anyone's guess, but we believe the culprit's motives are clear. We picked up the audio of the incident. I'll play it back now:"

Cruger loaded the file into the computer and played it: "The lord will be so proud. This one will be in, so will this one, this one no, this one yes. It will be glorious. The lord will release them from their containment and they go where they do not have to worry about those pesky Power Rangers. Those who follow the way of Zordon will finally fall! Chaos be praised!"

"So the audio came from this dark flash, sir?" asked Ben.

"That's the only assumption we can make from this, yes," said Cruger.

"And whoever this is mentioned some lord and Chaos as a proper noun, like a sort of cult," Ken summarized.

"So we have to track this dark flash down and possibly fight Gruumm again? Not fun," said Bridge.

"Tell me about it," said Z with a shudder.

"Don't worry, Rangers, we've beaten Gruumm once before, we'll beat him again," said Cruger with authority. "Granted, some of the faces may have changed; but we are still SPD, and we will work as a unit…" Suddenly Cruger stopped his pep talk and sniffed the air. "There's an intruder… the scent's familiar…"

"Bridge," Syd whispered, "sweep the room."

"Right." Bridge pulled off a glove and used his aura reading ability to scan the room for intruders. "Hmm…got something…but I think this intrusion will be a welcome one."

"There's only one person I know who would pull a stunt like this," Z growled. "Jack, get out here and give me a hug, brother."

"Dang. I guess I'm busted, huh?" Jack Landors stepped through the wall and into the room. "Oh well, I guess I was bound to get caught eventually."

"It's been a while since you last visited," Z said as they embraced. "How'd you know about the top secret meeting?"

"Piggy. He has a few friends of his sweeping the place. That's how he found out."

"Figures. Once a snitch, always a snitch."

"How's Ally?" Sky asked.

"She's good. We're doing well."

"Mr. Landors, this is a surprise. Normally I frown on civilians sneaking in on secret meetings, but as it's you I suppose I can let it slide this one time."

"Thank you, sir. So how've you been, Commander?"

"Rather well considering the circumstances, Jack."

"I heard. You know I've got your back."

"Actually, I have an idea. Now that you're here, Jack, we need everyone we can get, so will you consider returning to active duty?"

"I don't think so, sir. I'd have to talk to Ally about it even if I considered it."

"We need you, Jack," Z said. "You've got experience not all of us have. You could be a big help if Gruumm really is back."

"I know, Z, but I left S.P.D. 5 years ago. I'm not sure there's a place for me here anymore."

"C'mon Jack, there's always a place for you here," Syd said.

"You're a part of the family, Jack. You know it. As long as you want it, you can come here," said Bridge.

"But you guys have all been promoted," said Jack. "There's no Ranger power for me now."

"Maybe," said Kat. "But I've been developing new technology that could come in handy for this mission and I can't think of anyone better than you to use it."

"Ooh, new gadgets," said Boom. "Do I get to test them out?"

"Of course."

"Sweet!"

"One day, Jack," said Cruger. "Think about it for one day. If you still say no, we won't ask again."

"All right. I'll think about it, sir."

"Thank you. The rest of you: mention the details of this mission to no one. We leave in 24 hours. Time is of the essence. We need to gather information about this new enemy as quickly as possible. Tomorrow we travel to the past."

That night, when closing time came around, Jack was still deep in thought about his offer from Commander Cruger. Ally Samuels could tell that Jack had had an off day- that his mind hadn't been completely on work. Ever since she, Jack, and Piggy had started Samuels' Department Store's clothing drives, Jack had been vital in convincing Ally's family to fund the project. In about 5 years' time, they had given clothing to thousands of NewTech's neediest citizens, who were always grateful for the effort. Jack, having lived his life on the streets, knew what these people went through. So he had been honored to give back to the community.

But on this day, Jack had been walking around listlessly, going through the motions of his tasks as if in a trance. Ally could tell when Jack wasn't himself, and this was one of those times. She had to see what was wrong.

"Hey, Jack, what's up?" she asked.

"Oh, hey, Ally. Not much, I guess," he responded.

"You okay? You seem a little distracted."

"Yeah, I'm fine, I've just… I've just got some things on my mind."

"What do you mean by that?"

"He means his old friends, that's what he means," said Piggy, butting in as if he were already in the conversation, which he was now. "Speaking of which, Jack, what was the reason the Big Dog showed up today? I heard something bad happened, but my sources couldn't get any details."

"It was bad, alright. But I can't tell you guys. Sworn to secrecy."

"We're your friends, Jack. We can keep a secret," said Ally.

"I may not have a perfect track record when it comes to S.P.D.," said Piggy, "but when comes to keeping secrets, I score 100%."

"Yeah, right; as in 100% of NewTech City will know by tomorrow morning," scoffed Jack.

"I'm serious on this," Piggy said with a pleading look. "Please tell us."

"Yeah, Jack," said Ally. "If this is a big S.P.D. confidential deal, we won't tell."

"Definitely. I don't want to have to go in one of those containment thingies," said Piggy. "Just the thought of it makes me shake."

Jack shook his head, his dreadlocks bouncing. "All right, all right. I know I'm going to regret this, but here goes: Gruumm's back."

"Brrr…and I thought confinement was bad. This puts the creep-o-meter into hyper mode," Piggy said, shivering.

"So that's why you've been off today. You've had that to worry about," said Ally. "I'd be worried, too, knowing that."

"That's not all," Jack continued. "Commander Cruger has asked me to come back to active duty. He says he needs all the help he can get."

"Oh…I see."

"I told them I wasn't sure I could and…"

"Jack, if they need you, then go."

"I don't know, Ally. I just don't feel like they do need me. The squad's filled out and they seem to have been getting along just fine without me. Besides, my place is here, with you guys."

Piggy stepped forward. "If you ask me, Jacko; from what I heard S.P.D. would be glad to have you back. But if you think they don't need you, then who am I to judge?"

"Just do what your heart tells you to do," Ally told him. "We'll support whatever decision you make."

"But if you do decide to go, try to come back in one piece. We do need you here, after all."

"All right. I need some time to think, okay guys?"

"No problem."

With that, Ally and Piggy turned and left Jack alone to contemplate his big decision. It seemed like S.P.D. needed him, but was Jack ready to drop his life and respond to the call? With Gruumm back, Commander Cruger was right in the fact that S.P.D. would need all the help they could get, but did they really need Jack? Jack's S.P.D. days were some of the best of his life, but that was the past; he had moved on to the private sector. He and Ally had long been considered an item, but both dismissed the idea, each saying that they were nothing more than friends. Jack had secretly wondered if there could be more in store, but he dared not cross that line, fearing he would lose her friendship if he did. Jack wasn't sure of which way to turn and he had a feeling that this decision could affect his standing both ways. In the end Jack followed Ally's advice and decided to go with what felt right in his heart. Now all he had to do was tell them his decision and hope that their reaction wouldn't bite him. He walked over to them. "I've decided," he said.