Author's Notes: I was on a roll and didn't get any sleep this morning! Woo! I just uploaded chapter one about six hours before finishing this chapter, and haven't gotten but 9 total views to this story and no reviews since it posted. By this time tomorrow, I'll likely have much more, but for now, it's slow going. I had a ton of fun with this chapter, starting with the big reveal of both Tommy's history and on into Conner's secret. While Tommy acknowledged that it would be difficult for them to become instant friends, he hadn't counted on them already sharing a bond of destiny, which helped them to have already connected. This is why the scene towards the end of the chapter is able to make so much sense. All three of them have already started to adapt to one another, and it can basically only get stronger from here on out. I hope everyone enjoys my latest idea! Feel free to leave comments and criticisms in the review box!
Disclaimer: Power Rangers is currently owned by Saban. Power Rangers Dino Thunder was owned by Disney at the time. I only own the words and the story. Oh, and Caroline and Jessica are totally mine.
The next morning, all three of the newly minted Dino Thunder Rangers arrived in class early. They greeted each other; still a little wary of one another, somewhat wondering if the events of the previous day even actually took place. One look at their wrists, however, proved that it was no dream. Doctor Oliver also arrived early, which is unusual to anyone that actually knew him. The three jumped up to talk with him, but he held his hands up and motioned for them to be seated. He said, "I'll talk after school, guys. This way there's less chance of any other students walking in on the conversation." They sat back down and opened their textbooks in order to look busy. Students slowly filed into the classroom as the time for the first bell came closer. The day wore on without incident, and the three wandered back into the science classroom after the final bell rang.
He got up from his desk to address them. "Let's meet back at the Command Center and I'll explain a few more things. I'll leave it up to you guys on how you want to get there."
He left the classroom and went out to his own vehicle. The other two turned to Conner, who was not only the only one of them who had a car, but was the only one of them who knew the way to Dr. Oliver's house. He took the signal and let them pick between each other who took the passenger seat and who was relegated to the back on their way to his car.
The drive was uneventful again. The girl, who Conner now knew was Kira Ford, marveled at the house. Ethan was more or less unimpressed, caring more about what's hidden beneath the house than the house itself. He led them inside and showed them the method for opening the hidden door to the Command Center. They walked down the staircase and into the dimly lit base of operations. Dr. Oliver was seated at the computer console, apparently waiting for them to arrive.
He spun in his seat to face them. Standing up, he said, "So you want a little more explanation for why you're here. Or perhaps why I'm here? First off let me start by saying that I'm not exactly a neophyte when it comes to Rangering." He flicked both of his wrists and shouted, "It's Morphin' Time!" He brought his right arm up vertical and crossed his left wrist in front of his right one. He cried out, "Zeo Ranger Five, Red!" He then crossed his wrists in front of his face and dropped his arms to either side of himself. A bright light was emitted from him as his Ranger suit formed around him. The light died and in place of their science teacher was the towering presence of the Red Zeo Ranger. His students gaped at him. After all, teachers weren't supposed to be cool and former Power Rangers, right?
"I see I've stunned you speechless. I am a veteran of many Ranger teams, and have led a fair share of them. I wanted you to know this now, as even being on the sidelines as your mentor, I may seem to being trying to undermine Conner's authority by giving you orders. I want you to know that I won't be doing it intentionally. Anything that sounds like an order, I want you to simply regard as a suggestion from someone with more experience… Power Down!" His Ranger suit melted off of him, leaving Doctor Oliver in its place.
Conner was the first of them to find his voice. "Um… well… this was unexpected. Thank you for being up front, though."
Kira was next. "I guess this explains the whole 'ruins of an ancient civilization' thing you've got going on in here."
Finally, Ethan spoke up. "Yeah, Doctor O., you're already a legend in among Rangers. I remember hearing about your battle against the head of the Machine Empire when you guys went giant sized!"
Dr. Oliver smiled at the memory, remembering how he enjoyed that battle. "Yeah, that was fun. Now I know you three all come from completely different worlds, but you've all been called together as a team under my guidance and Conner's leadership to defend Reefside and all of planet Earth. While I don't expect you all to become best friends by tomorrow, I do expect you all to get to know each other and at least be able to work together when the time comes to fight. Can you all do that?" All three nodded at this prompting and Tommy, satisfied with the response, grinned back to them. "Alright, if there are no more questions, you're all dismissed. I'll beep you on your morphers if anything pops up."
The three left and piled into Conner's car. He turned to them and asked, "So, where can I take you guys?"
Kira regarded him from her place in the back seat and answered, "Ethan wanted to invite us to this hangout he frequents, you wanna come along?"
"Ah… I would, but I've got to get home… Family obligations, you know?" He started the car and begun driving back towards town. "I'll drop you off there, though. What's the place called?"
Ethan piped up, "It's called Hayley's Cyberspace café. It's just beyond the school right on the edge of the industrial district."
The ride to Hayley's was pleasant and silent. Conner dropped them off on the corner closest to the café, waving to them as they walked off. He drove home and entered the house feeling a little bad for abandoning his new friends and teammates. His mother saw him walk in and noticed the look on his face. She walked up to him and asked, "What's wrong, honey?"
Conner took a deep breath and came to a decision. "I think it's time, mom. I've got to stop hiding. I made some new friends in the last couple of days, and I don't want to lie to them as to why I can't just hang out with them. I think it's time I told them. I'm not ashamed… I don't want to feel like I'm ashamed…" His mother pulled him into a hug and softly affirmed her agreement to him.
The next morning brought the Rangers back into Dr. Oliver's science room. Kira seemed a little excited. She shook Conner's shoulder when as she sat down. "Guess what? Hayley is giving me a gig this Friday! Finally I get to perform someplace. This is so exciting!"
"That's cool. I don't think I've had the pleasure to hear you sing, yet. I can't wait for the concert…" Conner trailed off as if he wasn't sure of what he wanted to say next. Finally screwing up his courage, he said, "Hey, guys… After school today, were you guys planning to meet at that café again?" He waited to see them both nod. "Okay, I have to go home to get something, but I'll be joining you today. That alright?"
"Sure Conner." Ethan said. "Why wouldn't it be alright?"
"We're a team now, and you're our leader. There's no reason why we wouldn't want you to join us." Kira said, trainer her gaze on him a little longer and harder than he'd ever been used to.
"That's great." Conner said. The first difficulty now hurdled, Conner rode through the rest of the day, paying more attention than he's known for and seeming to try to put more effort in. At the end of the day, he rushed off to get home, doing what he had to do, and making his way to the parking area for the cybercafé.
Getting out of his car, he took his charge by the hand and walked into the café, seeing his friends sitting at a more central table in the room. They hadn't noticed his arrival, so when he took a seat with them and saw a little girl sitting on his lap, neither one of them were quite sure what was going on. Kira decided to venture a guess first. "What's this Conner, babysitting?"
Conner shook his head and said, "No. Kira, Ethan? I'd like you to meet Caroline… my daughter."
The Blue and Yellow Rangers' eyes widened at Conner's declaration. Conner the Father? Who would have seen that one coming. Conner could see the questions swimming in their eyes and said, "I'll give you the details later. In fact, let me know when you want to go to the Doc's house. I'll fill you guys in there." He turned to Caroline and said, "You thirsty?" She nodded vigorously. He smiled and said, "Let's see if Hayley has any juice." He picked her up and walked over to the counter to address Hayley.
Once they had walked away, Ethan turned to Kira and asked, "What's this about? Conner having a kid should've been all over the school's gossip front. I mean, all the students that saw him come in are staring at him like they don't know what's going on…"
"I have no idea. This is the first I've heard of it. I wonder who her mother is…" Ethan thought he heard something in her voice that he couldn't identify, but decided to ignore it as Conner was returning to the table. He set her back down in his lap and she was happily sipping away at the juice Conner had just gotten for her. Kira spoke down to the little girl, asking, "So, Caroline… how old are you?"
Caroline looked away shyly and didn't say anything. Conner looked at her and said, "Go ahead, honey, Kira's a friend. You can tell her."
This time Caroline looked up at Kira and smiled sweetly at her, saying, "I'm three years old."
Conner's heart still melts whenever he sees that smile, and if the looks on his teammates' faces told him anything, it did the same for them. Caroline finished her juice and set her cup down on the table. Conner asked her, "Do you want to go meet another friend of mine?"
Caroline's eyes got wide and she exclaimed excitedly, "Oh can we daddy? Please?"
Conner laughed and said, "Sure, princess. We'll leave as soon as these two are ready to go."
They both stood up, signifying that they were ready to go whenever. Conner stood up as well and took Caroline by the hand, walking her out of the café to the car, with Kira and Ethan following closely behind. They had already more or less shed their original view of the so-called 'King of Reefside' by watching his actions over the last couple of days, but now they were privy to a completely new facet of their Red Ranger.
The ride to Dr. Oliver's home was anything but quiet. When they got into the car, Kira unconsciously got in the back seat with Caroline and found the little girl to be quite talkative. Ethan remained quiet, apparently content to keep to his own thoughts, while Conner appeared to be deep in thought, despite the fact that he was driving. They arrived in a short time, and once the front seats were cleared, Caroline practically bounced out of the car and into Conner's arms. They walked up to the door as a group and walked in. Conner called out, "Hey Doc, you here?"
"In the kitchen!" Dr. Oliver called out. They walked into the kitchen and found him sitting at the island, looking over some lesson plans. He looked up and was surprised for a moment to see the bundle Conner was carrying. Once realization set in, he said, "Ah, this must be Caroline. I'm your father's science teacher, Doctor Oliver, but if you want, you can call me Uncle Tommy."
Kira stifled a laugh at this, having never heard such a thing from her instructor before. Conner just smiled and shook his head, saying, "Think I can set her down to watch some cartoons or something for awhile? I have something to tell my teammates…"
Dr. Oliver simply nodded and got up to take Caroline from Conner's arms. He walked towards his study and could be heard saying, "Do you like dinosaurs?"
Conner gestured to the island and took a seat. After they sat down, he let out a breath and said, "So I guess you want to hear the whole story, eh?" They nodded expectantly. "Okay, I'll start at the beginning…
"Four years ago, I was in love with this girl, Jessica. You could say that we were in love with each other. We were both young and not entirely too smart, but we didn't care either. One day she came to me and told me she was pregnant. We were both only fourteen and a little scared, but at the same time, I couldn't help but be excited. I promised her that I wouldn't leave her side, and for nine long months I stayed true to that promise. There were… complications with the birth. Nothing was wrong with the baby, but something happened to Jessica. A few hours after giving birth to our baby girl, she died." Tears were welling in Conner's eyes at this point, and he couldn't help the tremble in his voice. "At first I thought I would die too, just to stay with her, but then I saw her… the life I had helped create. She was already motherless, it wouldn't be right to leave her fatherless, too. I vowed to take care of her, which was fortunate, as Jessica's parents wanted nothing to do with her. I took her in, gave her a name. My parents were disappointed in the whole situation, but were supportive once I had made my decision. They've been helping me for the last three years… I've never let on to anybody at school about Caroline, and outside of my parents and a few trusted babysitters, no one knew she was mine. I didn't feel bad at first, because I told myself I could never open my heart to anyone ever again. I mean, look what happened to the one I did? She's not here anymore. That's why I've been the way I have for the past three years. Sure, I've dated girls here and there, but none of them ever lasted more than a few days… I didn't want them to last, because if they did, tragedy would just follow behind. I didn't want to feel that kind of pain again…"
Conner was looking down at the table, sobbing gently at having to relive the memory again so soon after informing his teacher and mentor. Neither of his fellow Rangers could say anything, but they didn't look at him in pity, but in sympathy. They had never before felt the hurt he must have. After a moment he calmed down and started speaking again. "It was so easy being detached from everyone and everything. But now that I'm part of this team, I can't just keep hiding everything from everyone. But there was no way I could simply share this with you guys and no one else. I felt so bad all of a sudden. I wasn't ashamed of her, but I still managed to feel that way. I didn't want to feel that way anymore… So I'm going to stop hiding and stop pretending… But I'm going to need your help. I can't do this alone…"
His voice had trailed off so softly now that they had strained to hear what he was saying. Kira and Ethan looked to each other and then looked back to Conner, each taking one of his hands. Ethan spoke first. "Anything you need, bro. We're a team, and we have to stick together."
"Whatever problems each of us has, we can work it out. Anytime you need help, you simply have to call." Kira finished.
Conner looked back up to them with fresh tears. He grinned that famous McKnight grin at them and said, "Thanks guys. You don't know how much this means."
Any further bonding that could have taken place was cut short, as their bracelets chimed, signifying an alarm in the Command Center. Dr. Oliver emerged from his study, Caroline clinging to him. Ethan had already opened the door to their base and all five headed down. Tommy set the little girl down on a chair nearby the computer while he went to work pinpointing the location of the attack.
"What's going on, Doctor O.?" Kira questioned.
"There's a squad of Tyrannodrones wrecking havoc downtown. Morph and teleport there before too much damage can be done."
"Could you keep watch on Caroline, Doc?" Conner asked.
"Sure thing, Conner. Be careful out there guys, and good luck."
Conner looked back at his teammates and said, "Ready?"
"Ready." They chorused.
"Dino Thunder, Power Up, Hah!"
They arrived a short distance away from where the 'drones were gathered. Conner turned to address the Yellow and Blue Rangers, saying, "This is your first battle as Rangers. If you've had any self-defense classes before or have ever been taught to fight, start with that. Anything else you'll need will be taught to you by the powers."
"Got it." Kira said, while Ethan shouted, "Let's do this!"
They rushed forward and met the 'drones head on. Conner once again drew on a mix of the training he got from his youth and what the powers had taught him, while Kira and Ethan were relying on basic punches and kicks. Ethan took a nasty looking hit and rolled away, drawing his Thundermax Laser and fired at several of the opposition, cutting them down and thinning the numbers. Soon, an Invisiportal opened and another figure was added to the crowd. It appeared to be a large person dressed in jet black armor, holding a shield and wielding a nasty looking axe.
Conner drew his Thundermax Saber and cut down the Tyrannodrones he was fighting. He dashed towards the newcomer and stood in his path, asking, "Who invited you, tall, dark, and ugly?"
"So Doctor Oliver used the Gems to make Power Rangers. This is a most unsettling development. I must report this to my master." Without even a single swing, the creature left via swirling green Invisiportal, taking the remaining 'drones with it. The Rangers looked at each other, puzzling over this for a moment before teleporting back to the Command Center.
When the Rangers transformed and left, Caroline's eyes get really wide. She looked at where her father once was and said, "My daddy's a superhero!"
Dr. Oliver chuckled and said, "Yes he is, but he's still pretty new. Luckily I'm a superhero too, and I'm gonna teach him everything I know."
She looked up at him and smiled as big as she could before asking, "Can you teach me too, Uncle Tommy?"
He patted her head and told her, "One day, when you're older." She giggled in response and turned to watch her father and his friends fight to protect their town and loved ones. They watched as the strange figure entered and subsequently exited the battle. The Rangers returned to the base soon thereafter.
Once they had returned and demorphed, Caroline jumped out of her chair and rushed Conner, causing him to stumble backwards and land on his behind. The other couldn't help but laugh at this, though he knew they weren't necessarily laughing at him, since even he found this pretty funny, as well. Caroline asked him, "Why didn't you tell me you were a hero!"
"I couldn't tell you, honey. I was sworn to secrecy." She pouted at him for a moment, causing him to laugh softly. Finally, he told her, "Now you have to keep this a secret to. All of this. You can't tell anybody that we are Power Rangers, not even Grandma and Grandpa. Can you do that for me?"
She grinned at him and said, "I promise. Can I be a Power Ranger too?"
"Maybe when you're older, kid. We'll talk then."
Time was dragging on and Conner noticed it was about time to get home for dinner. Before heading out the door, Conner left Caroline with Kira and Ethan for a moment in order to ask one last question of his mentor. "Hey Doc? Considering Caroline now knows the secret, I'm not sure I'm going to be able to keep it from my parents anymore. I know there's a good reason why we shouldn't tell anybody, but I think this is something of a special circumstance…"
Tommy nodded in understanding before answering, "You're right, this is. No other Ranger has ever been in the position you're in, having to juggle not just school and Rangering, but being a parent as well. I think we can make an exception here. Are you sure your parents are going to be receptive of this, though?"
Conner thought on this for a moment. He said, "I think I can talk them around, if they don't instantly understand. Plus it'll help that I don't have to lie to my parents in front of my own impressionable daughter."
Dr. Oliver smirked at this response and shook his head. Conner rounded up the troops and marched them to his car, deciding that he would reveal this to his parents tomorrow.
Tommy sat before his personal computer in the study of his home. Since he started this Ranger team, he hadn't gotten around to telling any of his old comrades of his accomplishments, or who the new team was. He decided that it was time and begun composing an email...
[From: Oliver, Thomas
To: Campbell, Aisha; Cranston, William; DeSantos, Rockford; Hart, Kimberly; Hillard, Katherine; Kwan, Trinity; Park, Adam; Scott, Jason; Sloan, Tanya; Stewart, Justin; Taylor, Zachary
Subject: I've finally done it
Body: Hey guys,
Like the subject says, I've finally done it. There is a new Ranger team this day, and I helped create them. Remember those Gems that I rescued from the island when it exploded? Yeah, I know you all don't like to be reminded of that, and I'm still sorry it took so long to contact all of you after that. But anyways, the Gems have chosen their owners. I attempted to bond to the Red Gem about a month before school started, but failed. I started having near constant visions of who the Gem belonged to. I found him on the first day of class. He, along with the other two, had that same emptiness we all felt before accepting the power for the first time. I could feel it in their eyes. I approached him after school, and he seemed to understand that I held his destiny in my hand. He had some reservations, not because he didn't accept the danger or importance of the matter though... I'll get to that in a minute. He took on the power and rescued the other two chosen ones, bringing them back to the Command Center under my house. He explained what was going on better than I could, and convinced them to help him by taking their respective Gems. Now they are Power Rangers.
The Blue Ranger is Ethan James. Smart kid, but tends to get distracted easily. He likes to play games, which wouldn't be a problem if it didn't interfere with his school work. We've had two assignments so far and from the looks of things, he's only putting in half the effort that he could. But he was chosen to be a Ranger, so I'm sure he'll learn priorities eventually.
The Yellow Ranger is Kira Ford. She's a musician, and is rarely seen without her guitar and notebook. She reminds me of you, Kim, which is surprising considering her power comes from the Pterodactyl. Believe me, I didn't plan this. Hayley is giving her a spot on Fridays to perform with her band. The next time you guys come for a visit, you should plan to at least be here for one of her concerts. You won't regret it.
The Red Ranger is Conner McKnight. He's a soccer player, though he hasn't been going to practices recently. Before you go blaming it on his becoming a Ranger, there's something you should know about him... he has a three year old daughter named Caroline. All of these kids are just Seniors in high school, so when I learned this fact about him, I was surprised. After hearing the whole story, though, I have to admit that I'm not surprised that the Gem chose him. He has immense inner strength, and had to grow up awful fast. As it is, I couldn't ask for a better leader for this team.
They've all come from completely different backgrounds and completely different worlds. None of them even seemed to know each other outside of reputation before this school year started. Yet, even now, they've bonded together, their destinies intertwined, and you'd think that they'd been lifelong friends, what with the way they're acting with each other. They've agreed to help each other with any problems that they might have, including helping Conner with Caroline. Oh, speaking of her, she's adorable, but wound up learning the secret today. Conner introduced her to the team today, and brought her to the house so that he could more or less hand her off to me so he could tell his story to the team. The alarm sounded while she was there, and I had to watch her from in the Command Center. Let me tell you, she was so excited to see her daddy was a superhero. Conner made her promise to keep it a secret, even from his parents, but he was concerned that it wouldn't quite hold like that, so I gave him special permission to let them in. I know it's unorthodox, but sometimes you have to let the circumstances speak for themselves. I'm sure you all would support this decision, and I'm sure Zordon would understand.
Drop me a line the next time any of you are visiting our fair city of Reefside. That goes double for you, Rocky, so that I can increase my grocery allowance to prepare!
Take care, all of you, and may the power protect you.
Your Fearless Leader, Doctor Tommy Oliver]
Tommy clicked 'send' and put his computer to sleep. Satisfied that he'd done the right thing, he went upstairs to his bedroom and prepared to go to bed. This had been a full day, but he was sure that for himself and his new crew, it was only the tip of the iceberg.