In The Face Of Defeat
Chapter 9
The Time Has Come
One month later...
Tommy had just woken up. Life in the Operations center was a breeze compared to life in the caves beneath the command center. They had all the comforts of home, including running water, and air conditioning. They had been lucky, when the original structure for the Operations Center, or Ops as it was now being called was built; Zordon had though to install a ventilation system that vented air from a cavern deep underground that had a freshwater river running through it. This river, the rangers later discovered, was fed by a spring that was tied to an extremely large aquifer deep below the surface. As a result things had very quickly gotten back to normal after the hectic evacuation day they had survived not that long ago. People, it seems, find it much easier to adjust to change when they are comfortable. While it was clear that this place was designed to last through the long haul, Tommy still missed his home in Reefside and planned to rebuild it as soon as it was safe to head back into the world.
The rangers no longer had to make dangerous supply runs into the ruined cities since they had found a storehouse with seeds in it that they were able to use to start a hydroponic garden, so as a result they were able to feed everyone without having to worry about rationing what little they had left in the way of supplies. They even had an abundant supply of fish, as it seems that Zordon had also placed a fish hatchery under stasis sometime prior to his apparent destruction. They were all amazed at the level of planning that had gone into the new facility. It seemed like someone had anticipated the near destruction of the world, and had provided them with a safe haven.
Tommy walked into Ops, having slept peacefully, and said "Good morning everyone, how is everything going today?"
Billy looked up from the science station and said "We are not sure; we registered a massive energy surge near Corinth, and have been unable to make contact with them since. It appears that Venjix himself attacked the city from the readings. It also seems that the control tower in Corinth has taken a heavy hit and is no longer operational. It also appears that Dr. K had other motives for giving us a copy of their database and allowing us to use their technology as critical systems control immediately transferred here when the command center in Corinth was destroyed. But that's not what I find most interesting. There is a prerecorded message that appears to be from Zordon. I'm not sure why we didn't see it sooner, it's possible that it had been programmed to unlock under only certain circumstances."
Before Billy could continue, Tommy interrupted him and said "Thank you Billy, can you please call the others before you play the message I'm sure that they would want to be here for this."
About ten minutes later Kim, Jason, Zack, Justin and Kat stepped into the main operations.
"Alright man, we're here. Now what did you want us to see?" Zack asked.
"Billy found something in the computer system, and it appears to be from Zordon", Tommy said, "I figured that you would want to be here for it. Go ahead Billy."
Billy just nodded as he put the message on the holographic display that replaced the ancient viewing globe. As the message started, to play Zordon's head appeared.
"Rangers, if you are seeing this, then my worst fears have come to pass, and I am no longer with you. You must have survived a great ordeal and the old command center has been destroyed. Fear not, however as I have high expectations that you will come through this. Over the years that I have been with you, I have come to think of you all as my children and I could not be more proud of all of you. Tommy with your utter selflessness, you put others before yourself even if it means sacrificing your desires. Kimberly, you have been told many times that you were the heart of the team, and this is because of your capacity to love even when it is hard to do so. Jason with strong mind and body will fight with everything you have to protect those you care about and those you do not know. Trini, many who know you rely on your nurturing spirit and strong words and actions. Billy with your scientific mind, you question everything in order to find the truth, but never need to question what is right in your heart. Zack, your fun loving spirit helps keep people motivated even the direst of circumstances. Rocky, you have never let your teammates down when they have needed you, and I'm sure that you never will. Adam, you take the world as it comes and never let it keep you down for too long. Aisha, you also have a wonderful spirit, always caring, but defensive when need be. Tanya, you have a heart of gold and everyone knows that they can come to you with a problem, no matter what it is. Katherine, as much as you have the capacity for love, you also keep a clear head in a tough situation. Justin, You have so much growing to do, but I already see great things in your future. My ranger, my children, I regret no longer being with you, but remember that you are all special. As a mentor I taught you how to be good heroes, but I feel as a father figure that I have taught you so much more than that. I have taught you how to be good people. You and anyone who can call themselves a ranger are family. I would love nothing more than to watch you grow and mature into your lives, but as you go through this without me remember that I love you all."
Kat and Kim both put their heads on their husbands shoulders as they started to cry. Everyone else couldn't help but letting a few tears escape either as the image of their beloved mentor faded from the monitor.
"Billy", Tommy said, "I want you to save this, and as soon as possible get it to the others."
"You got it", Billy said as Hayley gave him a hug.
"It feels like he died all over again", Kim said through the tears, "I never thought that I would hear his voice again."
Everyone else nodded solemnly in agreement.
The console started beeping and Billy walked over to see what it was, "Tommy, we are receiving a signal from Corinth on the ranger frequency that we have designated for them."
"Activate the comm." Tommy said.
The image of Dr. K was staring back at them, and she said "Doctor Oliver, I am glad to see that the Operations Center appears to be everything we both hoped it would be, and more. I wanted to apologize for not telling you of the backup link that I built into the systems I helped you design. If they have caused you any issues, I am sorry. I..."
Tommy interrupted Dr. K and said "Doctor K. It is good to hear from you. No harm was caused by the activation of your backup systems; however, I wish you had given us some choice in the matter. Now, what can you tell me about the current state of your conflict with Venjix?"
Dr. K looked surprised, but hesitated only a moment before saying "Venjix has been destroyed."
Tommy smiled slightly and replied "Shortly after the destruction of the control tower in Corinth, we detected a large energy surge in your general vicinity. While we were analyzing the readings we detected a Venjix energy signature, but it was many times stronger than normal. We weren't sure whether or not to assume the worst."
"Fascinating", Doctor K Replied, "I would most definitely appreciate any additional information that you can provide me since most of our main systems are down, but that is not the reason for my call; the leaders here in Corinth have heard of all you have done, not only for the rangers, but for humanity in general, and have requested that you and your teams join us for the dedication of a memorial to the fallen in this war."
"We would be honored to attend. When is this memorial being dedicated?" Tommy replied.
"The dedication will be in one month's time. Until then, we would appreciate anyone you can spare to help with the cleanup. The most recent Venjix attack caused far more damage than we are used to, as you can imagine. Also, if it isn't too much trouble, would you mind if we left the city's defenses in your control? I am afraid that there may still be a few rogue attack bots on the loose and we don't want to take any chances." Doctor K replied.
"Not a problem, Doctor K. We will be glad to send help for you in addition, we are more than glad to help run the defenses in Corinth until you are able to take control again, it's the least we can do after all the help you gave us with the defenses here. We can have some workers there first thing in the morning, if you wouldn't mind sending us the exact coordinates to a safe spot in the city where we can transport them." Tommy replied.
"Very well Doctor Oliver, and thank you. I have sent you the coordinates, but I'm curious... You are on the other side of the country, how do you expect to get help here within a day?" Doctor K replied.
Tommy just smiled and said "Be at the coordinates you provided us at 9am your time tomorrow and I will tell you in person."
Doctor K. looked somewhat surprised, but nodded and said "Very well, Doctor Oliver. I look forward to your explanation and finally meeting you in person."
"I will see you then. Oh, and please call me Tommy. Doctor Oliver is far too formal. Now if you will excuse me, I have a cleanup crew to organize." Tommy said, as the communication was ended. Tommy turned to Billy and said "Can you please get those coordinates to Anton so that he can add them to the invisiportal network. I would hate to get all the way to Corinth with no way home."
The next day, Tommy, Jason, Anton, Conner, Trent, Dustin, Blake, Hunter, Justin, Zack, Wes, and Eric all stepped through the invisiportal to Corinth where they were greeted by a now speechless Doctor K.
"How did you achieve nearly instantaneous molecular transport that is not possible?" She asked.
Tommy simply replied, "It's called an invisiportal. We used to use a different method of transportation, but this has proved far more efficient. My friend Anton will be happy to explain the details of both systems to you, if you'd like." Tommy then proceeded to introduce everyone present, and they set off to help restore Corinth to its once former glory.
(Venjix War Memorial Dedication)
Tommy sat in his chair on the stage looking down at his children. Anton, Elsa, and Hayley had their hands full with watching so many but others in the crowd were willing to help look after the children of the Power Rangers.
Colonel Truman took his position at the podium as the ceremony began.
"People of Corinth and survivors around the world, I stand before you today as we celebrate the defeat of Venjix and its forces. However, many were lost over the last several years and we must never forget them. That is why we have erected this memorial in Honor of those fallen, and we must never forget the sacrifices of the Power Rangers. Not just the team that was here in Corinth, but all who gave up everything to help save us. As you may or may not know, several thousand people were saved by these people, and they all deserve our everlasting gratitude for what they have done. I now turn the dedication over to Dr. Thomas Oliver, the unanimously appointed leader of the Rangers."
Tommy stood up and shook the Colonel's hand before approaching the podium, "Well let me just start off with the introductions. I am Dr. Oliver and this is my wife Kimberly, Jason Scott and his wife Katherine, William Crantson, Zachary Taylor, Justin Stewart, Wes Collins and his wife Jennifer, Eric Meyers and his wife Taylor, Alyssa Evans, Daniel Delgado, Maxwell Cooper, Merrick Baliton, Cameron Watanabe, Justin Brooks, Hunter and Blake Bradley, as well as Blake's wife Tori, Conner Mcknight and his wife Kira, Ethan James, Trent Mercer, Jeremy Hanson, Nick and Madison Russell, Charlie and Vida Thorn, Xander Bly, Leanbow, Udonna, and Daggeron. I introduce them as Rangers, but we are no longer different teams, we are Rangers together, of course we cannot forget those that gave their lives in this war; Cole Evans, and Shane Clarke. The Lightspeed Rangers gave their lives bravely, as did several members of the Overdrive and Jungle teams. The Power Rangers stand for good, decency, and above all to protect those that need it. One thing I heard a lot over the last two years was that many rangers felt that they had failed when Venjix attacked, but I say different. If we had then those several thousand people the endured so much would not be alive today, and neither would we. While it is true that the world has fallen on hard time we can fix the damage and rebuild our lives, and with the dedication of this memorial I say to you something my old mentor quite often said to us." Tommy looked at the massive crowd, his friends, and children, "Let the power protect you, always."
Almost as soon as he finished the curtain fell from behind him revealing a beautiful marble fountain. In the middle of it was a lightning bold and a flame burning brightly on top of it.
Colonel Truman stood back up, "In remembrance of those made the ultimate sacrifice during this war, we honor them with this everlasting flame. As long as there are people on this earth, this flame will never burn out and we will never forget."
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as the rangers walked down from the stage and each placed a red rose on the base of the fountain. After a moment of silence they rejoined their families and prepared for the festivities that would ensue that evening.
"That was really good Dad", Crystal said.
"Thanks sweetheart", Tommy replied.
Tommy looked up to see the RPM Rangers heading towards them.
"Dr. Oliver", Scott said as he extended a hand, "I just want to tell you how much of an honor it is to call myself a ranger and follow in your footsteps."
Tommy took Scotts hand and gave it a firm shake, "Thanks, that means a lot."
"We still have a lot of world to rebuild", Summer added.
"We'll rebuild tomorrow", Tommy said, "Tonight we celebrate."
"Now if I could just get someone out on the dance for", Summer said looking at her boyfriend Dillon.
"Don't worry", Tenaya added, "You'll work your charms", she then grabbed Scott and pulled him away, "We have to go get ready.
As they left Tommy wrapped his arms around his wife who was carrying their one year old son, "I think I'm going to miss the secret identities", he said to her.
"And why is that handsome?"
"I'm no longer Dr. Tommy Oliver, who just happens to be a Power Panger when needed. Now I'm Dr. Oliver who the whole world will look at as a Power Ranger."
"Well I'm in the same boat as you are, so we'll deal with it together", Kim said, "For now let's go have a good time; we're way over due."
(Six months later)
Crystal and David Oliver, along with Jenny Scott were finishing up their first shift in the Operations center when the communication system started beeping.
"It's funny", Crystal said, "We bugged our parent for the last two years to let us help out more, and now that they are; this is the most exciting thing to happen."
"Very funny Cris", Jenny said as she hit the tracking switch, "That's odd. Cris, Dave come check this out."
"That's not Corinth", Dave said as he hit a button on his new communicator, "Dad, you may want to get up here."
"On my way", came their fathers reply from the wrist device.
A few moments later Tommy and Billy stepped into the control room, "What is it?" Tommy asked the thirteen year old children.
"We're getting a strange communication signal Uncle Tommy", Jenny said.
"And it's not from Corinth" David and Crystal said together.
Billy looked at the tracking system and looked at Tommy in surprise, "It's from Inquiris", he said.
"Put it up", Tommy said.
"Dimetria", Tommy muttered as a holographic representation of a woman appeared.
"Greeting rangers, I tried to contact you some time ago but my timing was off. I realized soon after I sent my last message that your world was in grave peril. Congratulations on saving your world once again, but at the moment I'm afraid there is a larger problem than rebuilding your decimated planet. A terrible man with his eyes set on controlling your world is trying to find the location of the Frozen Star. Although he has not yet learned of its location, he is closing in and I am afraid that when he does it will spell disaster. You must hurry; find the Frozen Star before he does if there is to be any chance of saving your world or the universe."
Tommy looked at the image as it faded from the screen, "Contact Dr. K, we need a way to get a message to the Megaship and recall them to earth.
"On it", Billy said.
"Dad", Crystal said, "What is the Frozen Star?"
"I don't know", Tommy replied, "But is someone with intentions like that is looking for it, then it can't be good." He hit a button on a console before picking up a microphone, "Attention all rangers, Report to Operations immediately, we have a problem."
A/N: Here it is. The first Arc of the Frozen Star series is now complete. Keep an eye out for the second arc "Race To Destiny", coming soon. Thank you for reading and as always, reviews are appreciated.