Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers, Saban does. I own all characters, events, and places not found in Dino Thunder.

Chapter 3: Legacy of Power

Mesogog's Fortress

Mesogog was seen hunching over a table sending mental waves to a large opaque substance similar to amber, trying to extract an item he covets.

"I will have it," the prehensile creature hissed as he continued to use his mental wave. The doors to the main room opened as Zeltrax and some Tyrannodrones were seen dragging Tommy in.

"My lord! The prisoner," the cyborg exclaimed as he motioned to Tommy.

"Finally! Tie him to the Life Force Extractor!" The Tyrannodrones dragged a struggling Tommy over to a chair and strapped him down as Tommy tried to get some answers from Mesogog.

"What do you want of me?"

"How rude of me not to explain," Mesogog said. "My sensors tell me this stone encases a power source that will be most useful to me. Alas, all my efforts to retrieve this power source have been less than successful. That's where you come in," he finished as he turned his head slightly to Tommy.

"Sorry, can't help you there. I'm just a high school science teacher," Tommy said, applying the Tommy wit that his friends have come to love and hate at times. Mesogog leaned into Tommy's face as he said his next bit.

"Really? A high school science teacher, that just has happened to have taught three brats to become Power Rangers. I know you know what's inside this stone," the dinosaur said as the stone glowed as Tommy was gazing at it. "You're going to help me get it out, or you will not like the consequencesss," he finished as he adjusted a large pointed device hanging from above at Tommy's chest. The device started powering up as Tommy struggled and Zeltrax watched from behind the chair. As the stone continued to glow, Tommy had to sigh. Mesogog was right: Tommy did know what was in the stone, and more importantly, he knew what it represented.

"When can I get away from this shit," he thought miserably. "Why can't I ever get away from this damn job!"

Getting the stone away from Mesogog was important, and by now, Hayley and the Rangers were searching for him, he knew.

"How do I always manage to get into these situations?"

Tommy's house-Dino Rangers Command Center

"This is bad," Kira said from inside the Command Center of the Dino Rangers.

"Way bad! Worse than crashing to level 9 on SNSW," Ethan agreed.

Eric looked to Ethan. "What?"

"Super Ninja Space Wars," the Blue Ranger said.

Eric sighed; leave it to Ethan to make a computer game reference at a time like this. But, the White Ranger figured, that's the way Ethan is, so he'll go with it.

"Dr. O doesn't show up for my gig, then misses an entire day of school without calling. Why aren't you freaking out," Kira asked as she turned to Eric.

"My Uncle has a knack for getting out of very sticky situations. He's been doing it for more than 15 years. I am worried, but with our help, I've no doubt he can get out of this one, too."

"I guess there's only one to find out what the good Doctor has been up to," Ethan said as he turned to Tommy's computer. He was about to try to pull up anything that could help when Eric stopped him.

"No! I will not let you get into my Uncle's system! It should be a family member that does this," he said. Ethan raised an eyebrow.

"You still haven't told us what your role in all this is," Ethan grumbled as he looked at the White Ranger, who was already pulling up a video file. Eric put a hand to his head; he knew the Blue Ranger understandably had questions, but he was starting to give Eric a big headache.

"I guess this is how Rita felt all those years that my Uncle and his friends thwarted her plots," he thought to himself.

"Just sit down, shut up, and watch. You're about to learn."

Ethan shrugged his shoulders as he grabbed a chair and Kira grabbed the one by the computer while Eric sat in the chair at the computer. The video file began with Tommy starting the recording.

"I'm Tommy Oliver. If you're not me, then something is seriously wrong. This video diary is a confidential record only to be viewed in case of an emergency." Kira and Ethan got curious at this. "What you're about to see is a history of my life."

"What history," Ethan asked as he turned to Eric.

"Just keep watching. All will become clear."

"My history as a Power Ranger."

Then hit pause on the video as he and Kira looked at Tommy's nephew.

"You knew! You knew all along," Ethan accused the White Ranger, who merely nodded.

"Yes, I did. That's why I know what I'm talking about. When I was old enough to at least understand the basics, my Uncles and Aunts told me about their past as Rangers. As you're about to see, my Uncle Tommy has had an illustrious Ranger career." Ethan was even more curious as Eric continued the video.

"My story begins in Angel Grove, when five teenagers with attitude were recruited to fight the evil space sorceress, Rita Repulsa." The video showed Jason, Trini, Billy, Zack, and Kimberly being recruited. "They harnessed the power of the dinosaurs to become Earth's first Power Rangers. Under the guidance of intergalactic being Zordon, Trini, Zack, Kimberly, Billy, and Jason bravely defended Earth, which forced Rita to create her own Ranger."

"OK, so where's Dr. O," Kira asked. The video continued as a younger version of Tommy met Kimberly at Angel Grove High, being kidnapped by Rita, and becoming the Evil Green Ranger. "Her evil magic was too strong; I couldn't fight it. She commanded me to destroy the Power Rangers. And I almost succeeded." The video showed Kimberly confronting Tommy at the Youth Center, saying she knew he was the Green Ranger. Tommy's eyes glowed Green, and he threatened her. "But my friends never gave up. They helped me destroy the Sword of Darkness, and I was freed." Tommy was shown joining as the Green Ranger. "And that's where I joined the team. But not for long. I soon discovered the Green Ranger Powers were only temporary."

"That's not exactly accurate. They were ripped from him, as Rita punished him for joining my Aunts and Uncles," Eric thought

The video continued, as it showed Tommy returning as the first White Ranger. Ethan paused the video.

"What did you do that for," Kira asked.

"Because I'm so bugging I can't even deal! I mean, our teacher is the oldest living Power Ranger!" Eric scoffed, as if age had anything to do with it.

"He's not the oldest," Eric started.

"Just the best," Hayley finished as she stood at the bottom near the secret entrance.

"Hayley," Ethan asked as he and Kira looked shocked.

"How did you get in here," the Blue Ranger asked.

"More to the point, what do you know about all this," Kira added.

"I know that Tommy is in trouble, and you three are the only ones who can help him."

Ethan turned to Eric, who looked nonplussed. "You're not surprised about this, either," he said, a statement more than a question. Eric nodded.

"I've been helping Tommy prepare the Ranger energies since Grad School. Who do you think built the morphers? I mean, Tommy's good with dinosaurs and fossils, but a rocket scientist, he ain't. It's one of the few things he's not," she finished grumbling.

"And you are," Ethan asked and Hayley nodded.

"Among other things." Hayley turned to Eric. "I've seen your design for the project. It's quite brilliant. Just a few bugs have to be taken care of, but it should work."

"I know. I should have the updated specs in your email by the end of tomorrow. The one you have was just a rough draft."

Ethan's head whipped to Eric. "You're not surprised about Hayley's appearance. And what project?"

"No, I'm not surprised with her appearance. I helped her and my Uncle set all this up. And as for the project, well you'll see in time."

"What else do you know? How many more secrets are you hiding from us," Ethan asked with narrowed eyes. Eric rolled his eyes.

"Relax already. You've already learned much of what I knew from the video. Just continue watching to find out more."

Kira intentionally brought the conversation back to Tommy. "OK, so you know who we are. You know what we are. Do you know where Dr. Oliver is?"

"I have a pretty good idea." She pulled out a disc and inserted it into the disc drive. "This is a surveillance tape from the day of your gig, Kira." The video showed Tommy being kidnapped by Zeltrax and the Tyrannodrones.

"Why didn't he just morph? He's a Ranger, for Christ's sake," Ethan said. Eric rolled his eyes.

"Not anymore. Or didn't you get that far?" Hayley continued the video, which showed Serpentera using its ultimate weapon on a deserted planet the Rangers were on, while they were procuring the Sword of Light.

"A new villain, Lord Zedd, was destroying Earth. And with 3 Rangers leaving, a new power source had to be found. Trini, Zack, and Jason passed on their powers, and 3 new Rangers stepped forward. And just in time, because Rita and Zedd teamed up to form a most powerful enemy yet, bringing with them a new terror, Rito." The video showed the Thunder Zords being destroyed by Rito Revolto, Rita's brother. "The new team fought bravely, but it wasn't enough. Rito destroyed our Zords. A Ranger never gives up! Zordon sent us on a quest to find Dulcea, a warrior from the past who showed us the secrets of the ancient Ninjetti. Our quest complete, we gained new weapons, new Zords, and new enemies. But along with new enemies came new friends. When Kimberly chose to leave, Katherine was the only choice."

Eric sighed. Hayley paused the video. She knew why Eric was sad, as he was always close to his Uncle, and knew of Tommy's past with Kim and Kat.

"They hurt him," Eric whispered. "They both hurt him deeply."

Hayley sighed; this was why she didn't want Rocky and Aisha to find out about Dino Thunder. It's bad enough the others will undoubtedly be asking questions that he can't answer or doesn't know the answers to himself, but also because the Pinks would show up, and it'll open festering wounds. Hayley hated how Kat left Tommy after she knew the effects of Kim leaving him in a similar manner. And Eric shared his Uncle's discomfort, even though he genuinely likes both Pinks.

Ethan watched the scene with trepidation; he sensed there was much more to this story than was being told. This happened as soon as this Katherine woman was mentioned.

"Now that I think about it, I did see him flinch when that Kimberly person was mentioned, too. What happened with those two women?"

Kira was watching with here eyes narrowed. She got the feeling Eric was close with his Uncle, but she didn't understand why Eric was reacting like this when these 'Kimberly' and 'Katherine' women were mentioned. The Yellow Ranger started to feel like her teacher was closer to the women than just friends.

"Dr. O never mentioned a Kimberly or Katherine. He also hasn't talked about his Ranger past. Why? What happened with those two Pinks? And what does Eric know about it?"

Before she could stop herself, Kira heard herself say, "What happened with Dr. O and Kimberly and Katherine?" She winced as she saw Eric's shocked look turn into unease.

"It's not my place to say. And I wouldn't recommend asking my Uncle about it, either."

Kira turned to Hayley, who shook her head; she wasn't about to talk about it. She still fumed whenever she thought about how the two Pinks treated Tommy. Rather than prolong the pregnant pause, Hayley silently continued the video, bringing Eric's thoughts and attention back to the video.

"Katherine assumed the Pink Ranger power, and just in time. We were under attack. We got out just as Rita and Zedd succeeded in destroying the Command Center. Beneath the ruins, we found the Zeo Crystal, a mystical power that guided us into the next chapter of our lives as Rangers. The Zeo powers were awesome, but when we needed reinforcements, we turned to an old friend. Jason returned, and assumed the power of the Gold Ranger. With high school graduation, we were ready to face the world. But not before going on one last adventure as Rangers. It was time to sift into a higher gear. The old Rangers were gone forever, and the Turbo Rangers were born. A space pirate named Divatox launched an attack on Earth, and we were given the powers of Turbo and took her head-on. TJ, Cassie, Ashley, Chris, and Carlos proved they had what it takes."

Hayley paused the video. "After that, Tommy went to college, where he met yours truly. But when he found the Dino Gems, he knew he couldn't escape the Power for long."

"Even if he wanted to leave this life behind," both Hayley and Eric thought.

"Saying as how I don't want this to be the end of the line, can we get back to the subject of finding Dr. O," Ethan asked.

"I just thought of something. What about Invisiportals? They're all over the city. If we can find one, we can get into Mesogog's lab," Kira pointed out.

"I've been working on that very thing. Unfortunately, I just need a little more time." Hayley turned to Eric. "Could you look over these equations while I'm working on finding an Invisiportal?" The White Ranger nodded and sat next to Hayley, getting to work on the equations she started.

"OK, what are we supposed to do while you're doing that?"

"Learn more about our heritage. You might be surprised what you'll find," Eric said, not looking up from the equations.

"What about you? Aren't you going to watch this," Kira asked.

Hayley responded for Eric. "He already knows all this. He helped Tommy compile the footage and put together the video."

"OK, what hasn't he had his hands in," Ethan asked with a bit of an edge to his voice. Eric's patience was wearing thin with each swipe.

"Look, I don't know what I did to make you so upset with me, but could you please knock it off?"

"I don't know. How do we know we can trust you? You haven't been straightforward with us from the moment all this started!"

"Hey, don't drag me into this! He hasn't done anything to raise my suspicions," Kira said.

"Ethan, the reason he couldn't say anything was because he was sworn to secrecy by the preceding Ranger teams. He was just keeping his word. And yes, he has helped with much of the work Tommy and I have done, because he likes to, and he has the intellect. The first Blue Ranger, Dr. Cranston, has taken Eric under his wing, and it has helped tremendously. With the help of Dr. Cranston, Tommy, myself, and Eric have put together everything you see in this basement. Everything," Hayley finished with emphasis on everything. Ethan's sails deflated at that, and Hayley silently wondered why the Blue Ranger was acting so hostile towards his teammate. She shook her head free of those thoughts and continued the video as Eric was already back to working on the equations.

"Divatox was tough, and the Piranhatrons were relentless. Divatox wasn't ready to give up, and staged a fearsome attack, taking out the Turbo Rangers' Command Center, and their powers with it. She headed to space, and Earth's ultimate destruction. The Rangers knew they had to follow Divatox into space, and embarked on the most dangerous mission, leaving behind the world they knew forever.

The journey into space was treacherous, and the line between friend and foe is a thin one. Andros proved he was more than a friend. He was just the kind of leader they would need to fight a new enemy. An enemy called Astronema. They thought they had no hope, but Andros brought them the Astro Morphers, bringing forth a new team. The Space Rangers freed Zhane from deep freeze, and the Silver Ranger was a noble addition to the team. Together, they defeated Astronema, and Earth was safe.

But deep in space, another battle raged. On the distant planet of Mirinoi, five new heroes Leo, Damon, Kendrix, Maya, and Kai retrieved the Quasar Sabers, and were chosen to become the Power Rangers of the Lost Galaxy. They would have to combine their powers if they were to defeat their mortal enemy, Trakeena. Trakeena threatened to destroy the space colony Terra Venture, and took on a horrifying new form. Red Ranger and his Battlizer were the colony's only hope. With Trakeena destroyed, the people of Terra Venture were forever grateful to the Rangers of the Lost Galaxy.

Meanwhile on Earth, an elite team was being put together to fight a new battle against an invasion of demons. The Lightspeed Rangers would need one more to complete their mission. That's when Ryan joined the team. " The video briefly paused as the computer beeped an alert.

"Hey! I was watching that," Ethan exclaimed.

"Sorry, but I've got something."

"You found my Uncle," Eric asked as he looked up from his work.

"Almost. I've got a lock into the back door into Mesogog's firewall. In theory, it should lead straight to an Invisiportal."

"Then what," Kira asked.

"I'll let you know when I get there," Hayley said.

Mesogog's fortress

"Once I access the power in this rock, my dream of returning the planet to its prehistoric roots will be a mere formalityyy." Tommy rolled his eyes.

"Why can't you just want to rule the Earth like all the other sickos" he cracked.

" Are you going to tell me how to open that stone, or not?" Mesogog leaned into Tommy's face again as he spoke.

"Take a wild guess," Tommy scoffed.

Mesogog hissed and pressed a button. The Life Force Extractor started to glow pink.

"All bad things come in Pink, it seems," Tommy thought bitterly.

"Have it your way. Why are they always so stubbornnn?"

Dino Rangers Command Center

"So, what's happening," Eric asked, now enthralled with Hayley's work.

"Either I'm losing my touch, or Mesogog is really smart, for a mutant freak!"

The computer switched back to the Ranger footage.

"What's it doing now," Kira asked.

"It's retrieving more Ranger history," Hayley said. Eric bit back a laugh at the irony of that statement, and Hayley cracked a smile.

"Walked right into that one, I guess," she said to Eric.

Ethan paused the video as he heard the Pink Ranger, Jen, say she and her friends were from the year 3000.

"Whoa, hold up! Power Rangers who came from the future," Ethan said.

"They're down with time travel and everything, right? Couldn't they take us back to the moment when Tommy was kidnapped?"

"It doesn't work that way," Eric said. The others looked at him.

"Could you explain, please," Kira asked.

"Jen once told me that it doesn't go back to specific moments, only periods. They could come back to our time, but there would be no way for them to arrive just before my Uncle was taken. They're still refining the process, so they may have the ability soon. It just won't help us now," Eric said. The others sighed. It was worth a shot. The video continued.

"Rangers from the future chased a criminal through time. But it took a modern day hero to finish the job. It took a while for Eric to learn that the greatest virtue of being a Ranger wasn't the power, but the reward of helping mankind."

"That was sick, but still not helpful," Ethan said.

"What about all the other Rangers? There must be hundreds of them all over the place. Can't we team up and scout all over the city," Kira asked. Ethan and Hayley looked at Kira. It wasn't a bad idea. Unfortunately, there was a snafu.

"It's not that easy. Most of the Rangers don't have their powers anymore. Some never wanted them at all," Hayley said as the footage of the Wild Force team started to play.

"Cole joined, and the Wild Force Rangers used spirits of the ancient animals to fight the evil Orgs, creatures determined to conquer the Earth through pollution and destruction. The final member to join the team was Merrick, the Lunar Wolf."

Hayley had a bright smile as the Wild Force footage played; she always loved hearing about their team. "Meanwhile, back in reality, we still have no way to find Dr. O," Ethan said.

"I know there's at least one more group of Rangers. They had this guy named Cam who was even more of a genius at this stuff than I am," Hayley said. As if answering a prayer, the video continued.

"Three unlikely Ninja students commanded the power of Earth, Air, and Water. It was the power of Thunder that gave them their biggest challenge. But their greatest enemies proved to be their greatest allies. With Earth at the brink of destruction, another friend, Cam, went back in time to retrieve the one power that could save them all: The power of the Black Darkness Ranger. In their battle against Lothor, the Rangers made the ultimate sacrifice."

"Ninjas are real," Ethan gushed. Eric shrugged.

"Historically, yes. They are real. You just have to separate the fact from bullshit," the White Ranger said. Hayley whipped her head to Eric.

"Eric, language!"

Eric winced. "Sorry, Aunt Hayley."

"Wait, Aunt," Ethan asked.

"We have no genetic relation, but we were both civilians when we found out about the Ranger family, and were pretty much adopted into it. Anyone who is only slighter older or younger are considered brothers and sisters, while those at least 10 years older are considered Aunts and Uncles," Hayley explained. "The family grows with each new team of Rangers, so now you guys are in the family, too."

"Cool," Ethan exclaimed. "Not everyone could say their Uncle was the original Blue Ranger."

The computer beeped again, altering the team to a new development. "I got something," Hayley said in excitement.

"With the return of Mesogog, it is necessary to invoke the power of the Dino Gems. Should anything happen to me, these three are charged with protecting the planet."

"That's us," Kira said as the Rangers saw themselves accepting the bracelets containing the Morphers and Communicators.

"You're in good hands," narrator Tommy finished, signing off.

"He really trusts us," Ethan said.

"He does," Hayley nodded in agreement.

"We have to save him. We owe it to him," Ethan said.

"The whole world owes him," Kira amended.

The computer beeped one more time, alerting the team to a new development. "It worked! I got a lock on an Invisiportal," Hayley exclaimed as an area in the rock quarry was shown.

"Time to go save a teacher," Ethan said.

Mesogog's fortress

Tommy was seen still struggling as Mesogog was standing near him and hissing as the Life Force Extractor was preparing to strike…

AN: You may have noticed a few key differences, all of which were by design. 1) Yes, I use Dulcea as opposed to Ninjor. And Ninjetti as opposed to Ninja, as Dulcea and Ninjor granted the power of Ninjetti, an important distinction. 2) Chris is an OC, and Billy's younger brother, who took Rocky's place as the Blue Ranger when it was time for Rocky to hand the power over. Chris and Billy will both play important roles in the story. 3) Cam was the Black Darkness Ranger as opposed to Green Samurai to make things more grounded in reality; it's highly unlikely a Samurai would be training alongside Ninja. A Power Rangers fic doesn't have to completely abandon reality.