Author's Note: This chapter took me longer than expected. More than I was expecting needed to be set up, and though a couple of scenes probably could've been cut, I felt they added to the overall story. Hope you enjoy. Please read and review. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Chapter 17
A few days pass, and there is still no attack from Rita. It is now Saturday; the day of the dance. The rangers all meet up in the command center to check on Alpha's progress.
"Any luck finding Zordon yet, Alpha?" Jason asks.
"Not yet rangers." Alpha says. "I'm working as fast as I can."
"Don't worry, Alpha." Zack says. "We know. We're just as worried about Zordon as you are."
"Has my plan of diverting power from the shields helped at all?" Billy asks.
"It has helped," Alpha says. "But, unfortunately, while the computers are scanning much faster, we're simply finding more areas where Zordon isn't rather than finding him."
"I just hope things stay quiet until we get him back." Jason says.
"Yeah, is it too much to ask that Rita just decided she couldn't beat us and left all together?" Trini asks.
"That would be nice." Kim says.
"It doesn't seem too likely, though." Billy says. "More than likely, she's just planning her next move."
"Which is why we have to be ready for any attack." Jason says. "You guys have fun at the dance tonight, but be ready in case I call you. I just have a funny feeling that something bad is going to happen."
"Relax, will you?" Zack says. "I seriously doubt Rita has nothing better to do than wreck our homecoming dance."
"You're probably right." Jason says. "Alpha, keep us posted."
"Will do, Jason." Alpha says. The rangers says goodbye to each other and then teleport away.
Zack pulls up in front of Angela's house, wearing a white tuxedo, with a black shirt and white bow tie. He steps out of his car and makes his way to the front porch. He rings the doorbell, and a man answers. He towers over Zack, and has a body that appears to be mostly muscle.
"Hello, you must be Zackary." The man says, with a very deep voice.
"And you must be Mr. Griggs." Zack says, sticking his hand out to shake his hand.
"That's Dr. Griggs." He says, ignoring Zack's gesture. "You'll have to wait a few moments, Angela isn't quite ready yet."
"That's fine." Zack says. "I'm in no rush. I'm here a little early after all, and our reservations not for another half hour."
"Good, good." Dr. Griggs says. "I like a man who's on time. Please come in and take a seat."
"Thanks." Zack says. He plops down on the couch. Dr. Griggs glares at him.
"Sit up straight, young man." He says. "It makes a better impression."
"Sorry." Zack says straightening up.
"Now, Mr. Taylor, I understand you and my daughter are friends." Dr. Griggs says.
"Yeah, I guess you could say that.
"Keep it that way." Dr. Griggs says. He inches closer to Zack. "If you try to sleep with her, or hurt her in any way, I will find you, and I will kill." He then gets up right next to his ear and whispers "And I know ways to make it look like an accident."
Zack shoots to his feet really fast, and sees Angela walking down the stairs. She's in a Purple floor length dress. "Angela!" He shouts. "Wow… you look beautiful." Her father gives him a look.
"Oh thanks Zack. You really think so?" Angela says.
"Of course." Zack says.
"Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long." She says. "What were you boys talking about down here."
"Football." Dr. Griggs says.
"Actually…" Zack starts to say, and then notices that Dr. Griggs places his hand on his shoulder. "Football… We were talking about football."
"I didn't know you were into football, Zack." Angela says.
"Neither did I." Zack says under his breath.
"What?" Angela asks, not understanding.
"Nothing. You ready to go?" Zack asks. Angela agrees and they start to head for the door.
"Have fun tonight." Dr. Griggs says. He looks towards Zack. "And remember what I was saying about the Running Back trying to score."
"Sure…" Zack says and they walk out the door.
They walk in silence for a few seconds. Angela breaks the silence. "Sorry about my dad. He can be a little… overprotective."
"You know?" Zack says.
"Yeah, this isn't my first date. Plus, it's not like we're strangers. You're not much of a football fan." Angela says.
"Haha, yeah." Zack says. "Your dad is pretty intimidating." He opens the door for her into his car. She sits down and he walks around to the driver's side. They take off for the restaurant.
"You know, I've never been to Shaw's Steakhouse before." Angela says.
"Really? You're going to love it." Zack says. "It's a little expensive, but it's worth it."
"Are you trying to brag about how much you're spending on me?" Angela asks, jokingly.
"You caught that?" Zack says, laughing. "Actually, I was just saying why I don't go there more, but for a special night like this, I figured it was appropriate."
"Zack…"
"Yeah?"
"You know we're just friends, right? I thought you were just asking me to the dance as a friend."
"Look, Angela, you made it very clear that you're not ready to date anyone yet." Zack says. "You and Brad haven't been broken up that long. I get it. That doesn't mean that I'm not going to treat you right tonight."
Angela blushes. "That's so sweet." she says. "Look, and I don't mean to be rude or anything. It's just, I was with Brad a long time and…"
"I get it." Zack says. "Don't worry about it." The car continues to speed off towards the Steakhouse.
Commander Harrison is still in his office, now days after the attack on the D.E.T.A. facility. He heres a knock on his door. He tells whoever it is to come in. Jones walks in.
"Jones, what are you doing back here?" Harrison asks. "This facility has been ruined by those monsters."
"I know, sir." Jones says 'But I've been thinking, we have to find someway to stop the Green Ranger. As long as he is on the enemy's side, we're not safe."
"I don't think I'll ever feel safe again." Harrison says, standing up and walking over the window. He looks out the window and talks to Jones without addressing him "Knowing those creatures can enter our facility undetected at any time, how can I?"
Jones walks over to Commander Harrison's side. "If we can stop Rita, and send her away, then we could all feel safe again."
"And how do you propose we do that." Harrison says, still not looking at Jones.
"I think, with Owens help, we should be able to trace the Green Ranger's DNA through the DNA lock program. While we can't reverse the DNA lock, perhaps we could figure out the user's identity." Jones says
"And what good would that do us?" Harrison says.
"Us, none, but perhaps if we gave the information to the Power Rangers, then maybe they could…" Jones says, but is quickly cut off by Harrison.
"We are not working with those teenagers." Harrison says, calmly.
"Why are you so against working with them?"
"Because they operate outside of the law." Harrison say to him, still calm, but finally turning to him. "They have taken matters into their own hands without so much as even consulting with the government or military, and their destructive capabilities are through the roof. Tell me one reason I should trust them?"
"Sir, you have essentially described D.E.T.A. The only difference that the rest of the world knows about the Power Rangers." Jones says. "We took examining the space craft and fighting the aliens into our own hands. Have you even reported this threat to the President like you were supposed to? Oh, and that Dragonzord? That thing is one of the most destructive weapons ever assembled. As far operating outside of the law, you were willing to lock those kids up forever, without a trial. Tell me again why we shouldn't work with these kids, and think long and hard about your answer."
Harrison falls silent. His face turns pale. He sits back down at his desk. "Do whatever you want. If you want to help those teens, then help them." He says, softly. He picks some papers and straightens them out. Jones simply stares at him in disbelief. Had him words really gotten through to him?
Harrison looks up and sees Jones still standing there. "Well, are you going or do you have more to say?"
"No, sir." Jones says. "I'm going." He says and leaves and heads out of the office.
Kim is in her bedroom in her new homecoming dress. Earlier in the week, Trini and her and had gone shopping for dresses and Kim had found a beautiful pink dress. It was a short strapless dress that Kim was sure Tommy would love. She hears the doorbell ring and quickly heads downstairs to answer the door.
On her front porch is Tommy, in a black suit with white pinstripes. His shirt is green and he also has on a red tie. "Wow, you look great, Kim." Tommy says.
"You really think so?" Kim asks.
"As beautiful as ever." Tommy says. "Well, shall we?" Tommy bows jokingly to her.
"Let's." Kim says. "Dad, I'm leaving for the dance." Kim shouts, there is no response, but Kim was not really expecting one. They head down the steps off her front porch, and Kim notices that a limousine is parked in front of her house. "Oh my God. Tommy, you didn't?" She says, super excited.
"I did, indeed." Tommy says. "Your limo awaits." He walks her down and nods to the limo driver, who is standing there holding the back door open. They both climb in. Once they sit down, Tommy looks at her. "Oh, by the way, there's one more surprise tonight. We're not going to Shaw's Steakhouse."
"We're not?" Kim asks. "But that's where my friends are going. I thought we were meeting up with them."
"We were, but wouldn't you rather go to Fiore Di Mare?" Tommy asks.
"Are you kidding?" Kim shouts. "You got us into Fiore Di Mare. That is the fanciest restaurant in town, and apparently has the best food. How you'd get us a reservation? That place is booked solid months in advance."
"The owner is a friend of my uncle's." Tommy says. "There was a last minute cancellation for tonight, and he knew my uncle had been talking about me going to Homecoming tonight. He called him yesterday to ask if I'd be interested in filling the opening. How could I say no to that?"
"Tommy, this is amazing." Kim says. "I can't believe that you went through all this trouble just for me."
"Well, I had to leave a little trouble for you." Tommy says. "I didn't have any of your friends numbers, and since I wanted this to be a surprise, I could hardly ask you for them. Would you mind letting them know we won't be with them at Shaw's?"
"No problem." Kim says. "I'll text Trini and let her know." She pulls out her phone and sends Trini a text message that reads 'Tommy got reservations at Fiore Di Mare! Sorry, but we won't be at Shaw's.' She turns to Tommy. "You're the best, you know that?"
"Yeah…" Tommy says. He smiles.
Billy and Trini are driving to Shaw's Steakhouse. Billy is in a navy blue suit, while Trini is in a floor length yellow dress. Trini's phone goes off and she reads Kim's text message to her.
"Are you kidding me?" She shouts.
Billy looks over at her. "Something wrong?" He asks.
"Kim and Tommy aren't joining us tonight." She says. "Tommy got them into that fancy Italian place uptown. Fiore Di Mare."
"Wow." Billy says. "That place is really hard to get into. Good for them. I hear that place is to die for."
"Nothing about this whole situation feels right." Trini says. "I get a bad feeling about Tommy."
"I'm sure it's nothing." Billy says. "A lot of times a bad feeling about a person can be traced back to past experiences with similar people. Maybe he reminds you of someone you didn't like from your past."
"I wish it was that simple." Trini says. "I can't put my finger on it, but there's just something off putting about him."
"Well, your best friend is spending an awful lot of time with him." Billy says. "Perhaps that is your problem with him."
"Forget it." Trini says. "I don't want to talk about it anymore." They sit in silence a few seconds. "Billy, I'm sorry. This is supposed to be a fun night, and here I am getting all worked up about nothing. Something about Tommy doesn't feel right to me, but I should be happy for Kim."
"Trini, I'm just glad you agreed to go to the dance with me." Billy says. "I enjoy spending time with you and it doesn't matter what you want to talk about."
"You're so sweet." Trini says. Billy's car pulls into the parking lot of Shaw's Steakhouse. He pulls into a parking spot and they get out of the car. He offers Trini his arm, and she accepts. "Shall we?" Billy asks.
"Of course." Trini says, and they walk arm and arm into the restaurant. Once inside, Billy talks the host.
"We have reservations tonight. I believe it's under the name Taylor." He says.
"Ah, yes 6 for Taylor. Your table is ready." The host says.
"Actually, there will only be 4 of us this evening." Trini says. "One of the couples had a last minute change of plans."
"Not a problem, young lady." The host says. "Right this way." They follow the man to their table.
Shortly thereafter, Zack and Angela walk into the restaurant. They are brought to the table where Billy and Trini are already seated.
"Hey, hey, hey, Billy. What's going on, man?" Zack says walking up to the table. He grabs Billy's hand and gives him a handshake. "You two didn't get too frisky with no supervision on the way here did you?"
"Zack…" Trini says.
"I'm just messing with you guys." Zack says.
"Quite an amusing joke, Zack." Billy says.
"Angela, you remember, Billy." Zack says.
"We've met once or twice." Angela says. "How are you tonight, Billy?"
"I'm doing quite well. Thank you." Billy says.
Zack looks around for a few seconds. "So Kim and Tommy aren't here yet?" He asks.
"She didn't tell you?" Trini says. "Tommy got them into Fiore Di Mare. They won't be joining us."
"Really?" Zack says. "If Tommy's willing to shell out that kind of dough on her, then..."
"Then what, Zack?" Trini says cutting him off. Her eyes shift back and forth between him and Angela.
"Oh nothing." Zack says. "It doesn't really matter that much. So it'll just be the four of us then?"
"Your math skills are very impressive." Billy says, sarcastically. Angela laughs. Zack just shakes his head.
Jason teleports into the Command Center. "What's going on, Alpha?" He asks, nervously. "Is Rita attacking?"
"No, Jason." Alpha says.
"Then why did you contact me?" Jason says. "Have you located Zordon?"
"Unfortunately, no." Alpha says. "The reason I called you is because this message has been broadcasting to the viewing globe for the last 20 minutes." Jason turns to the viewing globe. On it, he sees Agent Jones, from D.E.T.A.
"What does this guy want?" Jason says. "I thought he didn't want anything to do with us after he freed us."
The message starts playing "Power Rangers, if you can here this, please come to the D.E.T.A. headquarters immediately. We have discovered some urgent news that you need to know about." Jason looks back at Alpha.
"Should I go?" He asks. "If they really do have important information, that could help us beat Rita. On the other hand, they haven't wanted to help us before. Why the sudden change of heart? They could just want to capture us again."
"It's a conundrum, that's for sure." Alpha says.
"He was the one that freed us last time, though." Jason says, thinking out loud. "I'm going. I won't be long."
"Remember that I can't contact you while you're in there, Jason." Alpha says. "They are blocking our signal, somehow."
"Don't worry, Alpha." Jason says. "I'll be careful." He pulls his communicator up to his wrist and teleports away.
Kim pulls out her phone while sitting in the back of the limo. "Does it usually take this long to get to Fiore Di Mare?" Kim asks Tommy.
"I'm not sure." Tommy says. "I've never been there before. Why don't you ask the driver how long until we get there?" He suggests. Kim agrees. They lower the partition in the limousine.
"Excuse me, driver, how long until we get to the restaurant?" She asks. The driver turns around and Kim's mouth drops. Sitting in the driver seat staring back at her is a putty.
"What the hell is that thing?" Tommy asks
"A putty!" Kim says. The back of the limo starts to fill up with a strange purple gas. Kim tries to open the door, but is unable to.
"What's going on?" Tommy shouts.
"Just stay calm." Kim this point the entire limo is filled with the gas. The two teens struggle to breath, but are unable to. A few moments later, both pass out.
Billy, Trini, Zack, and Angela sit around the table in Shaw's Steakhouse.
"You actually went skydiving?" Zack asks.
"Yeah, my uncle took my family out over the summer." Angela says. "I'll tell you, there's nothing like the thrill of free falling from 30,000 feet in the air. It's amazing."
"You'd never catch me doing anything like that." Trini says. "I hate heights, and I'm not too fond of falling."
"Yeah, I may be up for a lot of adventures," Zack says, "but you would never catch me jumping out of a plane."
"I don't know." Billy says. "The whole process sounds incredibly invigorating. From what I've heard, it's entirely safe. I feel like that's something I would enjoy doing sometime."
"You can jump out of a plane if you want to." Zack says. "I'll stick to dancing." The other 3 laugh a little at this line. Suddenly, the ranger teens communicators go off.
"What was that?" Angela asks. The 3 rangers shoot each other a nervous look, then Billy offers up an explanation.
"That was my phone. It means I have a voicemail. I must have missed my phone ringing during your skydiving story. Excuse me a moment, I have to check my message." Billy says. He stands up and rushes to a nearby hallway. Zack looks over that way.
"I'll be right back, I'm going to run to the restroom." Zack says. He gets up and heads over to where Billy is at.
"What is it, Alpha?" Billy asks.
"We have an emergency." Alpha states.
"Well can't Jason handle it." Zack asks.
"I've been trying to contact him, but he went to the D.E.T.A. facility in response to a message from them and I've been unable to reach him." Alpha says.
"Alpha, what is the emergency?" Billy asks.
"Goldar has captured Kimberly and Tommy."
"What?" Zack shouts. "How?"
"I'm not sure, but he is broadcasting a message to the command center. You must teleport here immediately."
Meanwhile, back at the table, Angela notices someone being seated at the table next to them. A tall, white male, with neatly trimmed, short, black hair.
"Oh no." Angela says, hiding her face.
"What's wrong?" Trini asks.
"It's Brad." She says. "What's he doing here?"
"Just ignore him, Angela." Trini says. "He probably won't even notice you."
"Angela?" Brad says.
"Of course." Trini says.
"Oh, hi, Brad." Angela says.
"Wow, you look great tonight." He says.
"Brad, I'm on a date." Angela says.
Brad looks at her, then at Trini. "I didn't know you was in to chicks now." He says.
"It's a double date, you idiot." Angela says. "She's here with Billy, and I'm here with Zack."
"Zack?" Brad says.
"Yeah, so I really don't want to talk to you right now."
"Even if I wanted to apologize?" Brad says.
"What?" Angela asks. Trini notices Billy signaling her over.
"I'll let you two talk in private." She says rushing to her feet and running over to Billy and Zack.
"What's going on?" She asks.
"Kim and Tommy have been captured by Goldar." Billy says.
"Who's Angela talking to?" Zack asks looking back at the table.
"It's Brad, and what do you mean captured?" Trini says.
"I don't know." Billy says. "Alpha says that Goldar is issues a message. He must have attacked their limo."
"You left her alone with Brad." Zack asks. "You never leave a girl alone with her ex."
"Will you forget about Angela and Brad." Billy says. "We have to go, now."
"What am I supposed to tell Angela?" Zack asks.
"I thought you said you'd have a plan in case this happened." Trini says.
"Rita hasn't attack all week." Zack says. "I didn't figure it would happen."
"Just say something important happened, and you have to go, and apologize like crazy." Billy says. "Just do it quickly."
"Fine." Zack says. He starts walking towards the table. As he does this, Angela and Brad embrace and kiss each other.
"What the hell is this?" Zack yells.
"So he went with 'make a scene in front of the whole restaurant'. That works too, right?" Trini says.
"Zack, I'm so sorry." Angela says. "We just started talking and the next thing you know…"
"Save it." Zack says. "How could I have been so stupid? You're not over him. I should've known this would happen. I'm out of here." Zack turns around and storms over to the Billy and Trini. "Let's go." He says. They rush out the door and then teleport to the Command Center.
Jason lands outside the D.E.T.A. facility and notices that there are no guards guarding the entrance like before. "What's going on here?" Jason says. He enters the facility slowly, looking around carefully to make sure no one ambushes him. "Hello!" He shouts hoping for a response. There isn't one. "This is too weird." He thinks.
After a few moments, a voice comes from behind Jason. "You came. I wasn't sure if you got my message." Jason hears. He turns to see Jones.
"What happened here?" Jason asks. "This place is abandoned."
"Not quite." Jones says. "One of Rita's monsters, a big gold guy, attacked our facility. He activated the DNA lock on the Green Ranger powers, killing quite a few of our men in the process. I was able to sound the alarm, but a few of us are still here. Where are the other rangers?"
"They're busy." Jason says. "You're lucky I came. What was so important that you sent out that message? I thought you didn't want anything to do with us."
"Commander Harrison wants nothing to do with you, but the fate of the world is in your hands. I'd prefer you to be as informed as possible."
"Informed about what?" Jason asks. Jones walks over to a computer.
"Take a look at this." Jones says. Jason walks to his side. He sees a strand on DNA on the left side of the screen, and what appears to be a random sequence of code on the right."
"I don't understand." Jason says.
"I didn't expect you to, but I wanted to show you what we've been doing." Jones explains. "Ever since the DNA lock was activated, we were able to use our computers to compare the locked DNA to that of everyone around the world. It took me a while, but I finally got a match, a Thomas Oliver. Should be about your age."
"Tommy!?" Jason shouts. "Tommy's the Green Ranger?! Are you absolutely sure?"
"Well, the technology was not designed to trace DNA. I had to work with the program for a while in order to get it to work this way, but, provided the program worked correctly, the DNA appears to be a perfect match. I take it you know him." Jones says.
"Know him?" Jason says. "Kim's on a date with the guy right now. She could be in serious trouble. I've got to go. Thank you, Jones."
"No need to thank me." Jones says. "Now, go save your friend."
Jason pulls his wrist up and teleports away, back to the Command Center.
Zack, Billy, and Trini teleport into the Command Center.
"Thank goodness you're here rangers." Alpha says.
"Are Kim and Tommy OK?" Trini asks.
"For now." Alpha says. "But… I think it's best you see it for yourself. Take a look at the viewing globe."
The three rangers turn to the viewing globe and see Tommy and Kim hanging behind Goldar.
"Rangers!" Goldar shouts. "As you can see, I have your pink ranger and her friend. You have 24 hours to turn over your Power Coins or your friends will be destroyed. If you try to rescue them, I will destroy them anyway. It's your choice, rangers, but act soon. The clock is ticking." Then the message fades out. The rangers look at each other, not sure what they're going to do.
END CHAPTER 17