DISCLAIMER

Belongs to Haim Saban, Fox Kids, and Disney. I only own the plot.

As the Dark Fortress headed for Horath; Astronema's eyes darkened. She would find this ex-Ranger and make him her slave. And not even Dark Specter would stop her. After that, she would destroy the current Rangers. The Rangers. Why was she fighting them anyway? A memory started to come up and her implant crackled, causing her to cry out in pain.

"My Princess," Ecliptor said in concern, hurrying towards her.

"I'm fine," she snapped. What was that? she wondered. She knew why she was fighting the Power Rangers. They were her enemies. They wanted to destroy Dark Specter. Maybe she should just let them destroy each other, and then take over when the battle was finished. Then, everyone would know that it was she who was supreme. These thoughts faded as the ship reached the planet.

"Ecliptor, go find this ex-Ranger and bring him to me," Astronema instructed.

"Yes, Princess. As you wish," Ecliptor promised. With that, he walked out of the ship. Back in his cage, Jason was slowly coming to. Man, what the heck? he thought. Something bit into his wrists and he realized he had been shackled to the wall. Feeling something sticky on his chest, he looked down to see his shirt in tatters covered by what appeared to be red liquid. Oh, great. Travox decided to whip me. Lovely, he thought to himself. But why he had waited for him to pass out, he had no clue. Wouldn't he have wanted to see if he could make him break? Oh, well. I'm alive. That's all that matters, he thought to himself. Just then, he heard approaching footprints. No. I can't take another fight this soon, he thought to himself. To his horror, Magnus approached him.

"I have someone who wants to fight you," he announced.

"I can't. It's too soon," Jason responded.

"You don't have a choice, human," Magnus growled, grabbing him and forcefully removing him from the chains. Jason tried to bite back the cry of pain as the metal tore into his wrists, but was unsuccessful as he fell to the ground.

"Get up!" Before the ex-Ranger could do so, he was hauled to his feet. Then, he was dragged out and taken to the arena. Jason took note of his opponent---a lizard-like creature---and got into a fighting stance. The fight had just barely started when a voice rang out.

"Stop everything!" Surprised, the two did so and turned to the person who had interrupted. Jason was further surprised to see that it wasn't a person at all, but a creature that was black and green.

"What is this?" Magnus demanded.

"I am Ecliptor and I have a message from Astronema and Dark Specter," the creature responded. Dark Specter? As in the thing that took Zordon? Jason wondered. What would that freak want with him?

"And what is that?" Magnus questioned angrily, but trying to hold his tongue. It wouldn't do to anger a messenger of Dark Specter's.

"He wishes to buy the ex-Ranger you have in your possession," Ecliptor responded.

"Well, I'd hate to lose him. He's been quite the crowd pleaser," Magnus hesitated.

"I assure you, you will be fairly compensated for your loss," Ecliptor promised.

"Never mind payment. As I said, I'd hate to lose the human. But since it's Dark Specter who's doing the asking…he's all yours," Magnus told him. Jason tensed as the creature approached him.

"Come here," he growled, grabbing him. Jason stared at the chip on the side of his head. What the heck? Is he a cyborg? he wondered. They started off, Jason half-walking, half being dragged, when a blast came from out of nowhere.

"What?" Jason and Ecliptor gasped together.

"NO! HE'S MINE!" a voice roared.

"Travox, stop this at once. Dark Specter himself has requested possession of the human," Magnus stated.

"Dark Specter?" Travox asked in surprise. Then, with a growl, "Fine. Let them take him. I'll get him back." With that, Jason was yanked away. They continued until they reached a ship.

"Get in," Ecliptor demanded. Jason did as he was told. Then, he heard a groan of pain. The ex-Ranger turned to see Ecliptor on a knee, holding his head. Huh? he wondered. Then, he saw the chip crackling. He must've been brainwashed or something. Is he a human? he wondered to himself. Then, "Hey! Look out!" Ecliptor turned around just in time to block an attack from Travox. The two creatures started fighting, leaving the ex-Ranger staring. Uh…who do I help? he wondered. On the one hand, he had basically been kidnapped by both of these things, and on the other hand, if he went with Dark Specter's chosen it would hopefully bring him closer to Zordon. Ecliptor's chip crackled again, causing the creature drop to his knees. Travox raised his sword, intending to destroy him. Making a quick decision, Jason jumped through the air and kicked Travox back.

"Hey, come on. Let's get out of here," he said, helping Ecliptor to his feet. Sheesh, I feel like I'm the Twilight Zone or something, he thought.

"You're mine, human," Travox snarled, starting for him. Ecliptor's implant crackled again and he gritted his teeth.

"This human is too fine a warrior to be bullied by the likes of you," he snarled. The crackling came again and to their surprise, the chip disintegrated. Ecliptor groaned and Jason quickly led them in, just barely missing being crushed by the door.

"Hey, I can't believe I'm actually asking you this, but are you all right?" Jason questioned.

"I'm better than all right, Ranger. I'm myself again," came the answer. Jason stared in surprise, unsure of how to respond to that.