Author Note: Hey guys I am so sorry for the wait, i haven't had time to put the chapters up or write them, I was in the hospital for 2 weeks, and I had finals at school. Please forgive me and review a lot! I would also like to thank Kat Ranger for writing this, she's a great writer, thank her for writing this amazing chapter. Please Review a lot, the reviews feed me!

"I can't believe that after all that, Cruger wants us to bring in some lousy thieves!", Bridge sighed.

"Being a Ranger isn't just about fighting aliens Bridge", Sky reminded sternly.

"You know Sky, I…"

"Stop!", Bridge was cut short with the shout from a nearby market stall, closely followed by two people, their hands full of goods.

"Well, I reckon we found our thieves…", Sky looked ready for some action.

"I hear that", Bridge agreed as the pair came closer.

The two thieves charged through the market, jumping over their obstacles or simply knocking them out of the way. They halted in their tracks though when they came face to face with the two members of B-Squad who quickly got into a fighting stance.

"Move!", the guy shouted; "We don't wanna hurt you!". Sky looked to his companion who evidently shared the same views.

"Hurt? Us?", Sky smirked; "I've not heard that one before!"

"SPD…"; Bridge whipped out his badge with the same grin on his face; "…I think we'll take it from here".

"You're coming with us…", Sky resumed his fighting stance to prove his point; "…Whether you like it or not"., Bridge stepped up beside Sky.

To the surprise of the cadets, both the thieves instantly dropped their things and matched their pose, willing to fight for their freedom.

"Are you forgetting someone?", came a smug voice from behind them. Bridge turned to face a person that looked exactly like the girl they were trying to arrest, he looked quickly between the two of them before aiming a kick at the figure.

He was relieved when his foot passed straight through it's stomach and turned to Sky with an air of triumph; "It's just a hologram - not real…Oomph!", Bridge never finished his sentence as he was harshly kicked to the floor by the seemingly harmless clone; "Okay, that seemed real!"

Sky quickly bent down to help his friend up, meaning that the thieves wasted no time in making their getaway, still grinning; "Oh no you don't!". As soon as Bridge was back on his feet, the two ran off in hot pursuit of their targets.

The two assailants were evidently enjoying themselves as they high-fived each other and went their separate ways, clearly confident. The B-Squad instantly split too, Bridge taking the girl and Sky on the guy.

Sky eagerly threw himself after his mark, expecting an easy ride as he aimed a powerful kick towards the guy's legs. However, he sensed it coming and quickly jumped out of the way; spinning around to get a quick counter in, which forced Sky to defend himself. The guy grinned at his opponent before flipping over a nearby stall and roughly kicking it back towards the cadet.

Sky saw the danger too late and had the wind knocked out of him as he hit the floor. This guy clearly knew what he was doing, but Sky always rebelled in a challenge and he wasn't going to back down easily. He stood up sharply, dodging a sweeping kick from the thief and sending a barrage of punches his way in retaliation.

Meanwhile, Bridge had managed to catch up with the girl on the street above and grabbed hold of her jacket as soon as he was close enough. The girl turned rapidly and grabbed the arm that Bridge had used to attempt to stop her and pushed it harshly away before leaping upwards and kicking him to the floor.

The cadet raised his eyebrows at her skill, but went on the attack again as he tried to sweep her legs out from under her. The attack was easily dodged, as was the next one as she quickly put up a wrist to stop Bridge's blow. They took hold of each other, neither willing to let go, so he took the initiative and yanked on her arm, attempting to send her to the ground. However, she simply spun herself in mid-air to land easily back on her feet and repeat the attack on the cadet. Bridge was caught unaware and was only just able to copy her defensive move in time before she attacked again.

Sky was flung roughly into a pile of stacked boxes, as yet again; he fell victim to the thief's ability. He grimaced before jumping up once more and sliding his feet towards him; the attack was easily blocked and his rival leapt over Sky's head and kicked him backwards as he stood again.

Sky rapidly reversed and grabbed hold of the guy's shoulder, shoving him into the wall beside them. But that didn't stop him attacking as the cadet was forced to dodge yet another punch and a well-aimed kick to the knee, which unfortunately connected and sent Sky down on to one leg.

Bridge was forced to stagger backwards as his opponent took hold of his arm, before spinning so that she was facing away from him and kicking him squarely in the back. He noted her much more aggressive fighting style attempted to repay her by getting in a double stomach kick, but she parried it twice over and stood before him, beckoning him to attack again.

The psychic cadet tried a series of spin kicks on his target, but each was blocked by her fast hands. He did manage to surprise her though by delivering a sneaky punch straight after which connected with her stomach. The thief staggered back slightly and eyed up Bridge.

"You know…we could just work something out…", Bridge said hopefully, not wanting to get his ass kicked again. The girl smirked and resumed her fighting stance. "Fine, we'll do it your way…", he launched the offensive again, trying to get a hit in, but it was the same story and he was kicked backwards. The cadet stumbled before being caught by someone behind; "Oh, thanks…", he turned around to come face to face with…"Woah!", another clone like the one earlier was stood there and it roughly shoved him to the ground.

The 'real' thief was stood next to her double with a smirk on her face and Bridge was getting frustrated. He threw himself towards the two and unleashed as many punches, jabs and kicks as he could muster; a few landed but not enough to phase her. Bridge was now unsure which was the 'real' criminal, but it didn't matter as both of them spin-kicked him to the ground.

Sky looked on with an air of triumph as he realised that he had his target cornered – he was backed up against a wall with nowhere to go, and it showed on his face. The officer clenched his fists; "What did I tell you?". However, to Sky's surprise, the smirk was back on his face as he said it and the look in his eyes was almost beckoning the cadet to arrest him.

Sky didn't waste any time and leapt powerfully towards his target. The thief grinned again, even giving a little wave as he walked calmly backwards…straight through the wall. Sky's eyes widened and he slammed into the stone with a sickening crunch, falling to the ground as a result.

As Bridge looked to get up again, he realised that the clone had now disappeared and the real thief was behind him. He spun around as she grabbed his jacket and swatted away her hand trying to get a hold on her…but she found it first. Bridge found himself being flung over the edge of the wall, and with nothing to stop him but the street 20 metres below, the only way was down…

The thief rematerialised again out of the wall as if it was a normal thing to do and stood victoriously, brushing his hands down the sides of his pants. He looked up expectantly and wasn't surprised when Bridge came hurtling down out of nowhere and crashed to the ground with an unpleasant thud. The girl followed immediately after, landing calmly beside her comrade.

"Thanks for the entertainment!", she bowed mockingly. Her friend laughed at her actions and they walked away victoriously, leaving the B-Squad to their defeat.

&

"You were defeated", Cruger stated simply; "You under-estimated your opponents…", he waited for the response from B-Squad.

"We're not ready to be Rangers Sir", Bridge admitted.

Sky coughed meaningfully; "I am Sir", he contradicted.

"So you didn't play a part in letting those two get away then?", Bridge said sarcastically, earning him a glare from Sky.

"Listen to yourselves…", Cruger gestured towards them; "…I see no team here", he stated his point more clearly; "You are not worthy to be Power Rangers unless this problem is overcome…"

Bridge spoke up; "I get it…so all we have to do is stop bullying, criticizing and judging each other…and failing to bring in suspects", he added; "So that means we're on schedule to be Rangers…ooh", he feigned being deep in thought; "…never".

Cruger let the comment pass and turned to the current issue; "You will meet those two again".

"Sir", Sky stepped forward; "Those criminals…they were different…they had powers…like us".

"I know…", Cruger sighed; "Cadet Tate…follow me", he motioned for Sky to join him, leaving Bridge stood in the Command Centre.

&

The criminals who had walked away from a fight with SPD victorious were now packing away their empty boxes. The girl was watching her friend and had something on her mind; "Jack?" He turned to face her and sat down on an upside down crate.

"We've been on the streets a long time together…you're my best friend; you're like my brother…", he smiled at the sentiment, reflecting the feeling back at her through his eyes. "And brother, after five years of doing this…I say we change careers…I'm tired of playing Robin Hood…", she was interrupted when an apparently homeless alien slowly walked up to them, looking for clothes.

Jack looked regretfully at her; "I'm sorry, we don't have anything else to give away…", the creature looked down sadly and began walking away. Jack stood up; "Hang on…", he removed his own jacket and handed it to her; …here". As the creature left, he caught his friend's disapproving eye; "What? She needed it…maybe her husband did…", he tried to reason, but her eyes never left him; "Okay! Okay! You're right…we gotta do something else…after one last job".

"Jack! Do you really think that some more food and some more clothes are gonna make a difference? If we wanna make a real difference, then we're gonna have to be a part of something bigger".

"Well, when you find something bigger…let me know…"

&

"Why Red Ranger cadet?", Cruger asked curiously.

"Lots of reasons Sir…I'm top of B-Squad on test-scores, weaponry and fighting…as you know Sir, my father was Red Ranger and ever since I was a kid, I've dreamed of the day I become like my father".

"One more thing cadet…", Sky turned; "If I was to appoint Bridge as Red Ranger, would you follow him into battle?"

"I like Bridge, but in all honesty Sir, he's not a leader".

Cruger thought about his answer; "Thank you for your honesty Cadet, dismissed".

Sky nodded and saluted before walking away.

&

Far away from SPD, The Emperor Grumm of the Troobian Empire spoke to his servant.

"I need a proton accelerator to pass through the wormhole…I have a contact on Earth who can get me one…", he stared in the face of the girl before him; "Get me what I ask, and let no-one stop you!"

"Yes Master", she bowed and left the ship.

&

Back on earth, the two thieves loaded more clothes into a large van. Jack heaved his rail into the back and then moved to let his friend through with her contribution; "Good work Z". He then sighed as he saw five other 'Z's' following right behind; "Good work Z… Good work Z… Good work Z… Good work Z…", he got to the last one who shut the van door behind her and was presumed to be the 'real' Z.

"You know Z…", he said as they walked around the front; "If we put all of your clones together, we could get unlimited amounts of food, clothes, and…"

"Don't go there Jack, this is the last job for me and my other selves, so…"

"Help me!", a creature ran up to them, obviously frightened and shoved a large object into Jack's hands; "Take this! And don't let them have it…the planet depends on it!", the alien ran away as fast as he could, spooked by some unknown danger.

Z laughed; "Why do the nuts of the world always seem to find you?" They climbed into the van, not noticing the shadow that leapt past them…

&

"Yes!", Bridge threw his hands in the air triumphantly as he emerged victorious from his rock, paper, scissors battle with Boom as Sky paced the room. "35 times in a row!"

"Okay, I am officially bored to tears!", Bridge groaned frustratedly; "We get called to report an hour ago…report to whom?"

Sky looked up, unimpressed; "If you have a problem with it Bridge…make me stop", he continued walking.

"That's it…", Bridge launched himself towards Sky, just as the Commander entered the room.

"I trust you are using this time to bond as a team?", Cruger's glare met theirs as they scrabbled to stand to attention.

"Yes Sir!", they answered in unison.

"Good…come this way", Cruger gestured for the Rangers to follow him down the corridor.

Dr. Manx got up from her computer station as she heard the Rangers enter and went to stand by Doggie's side.

"Without going into details, Earth's ultimate survival dictates that I elevate your team to active status, any questions?"

Bridge raised his hand slightly and stepped forward; "Uh, yeah, just one…uhm did you say 'ultimate survival' as in Earth may be destroyed?"

"I did", Cruger affirmed. The look on Bridge's face fell.

"Cadets…", Kat resumed Cruger's position; "You have spent the last two years in simulated training…but this time…the game is real…", on cue, her eager assistant Boom stepped up to her with four identical devices.

Kat took one of the devices and Boom handed out the others to the Cadets; "SPD Morphers", she explained; "They are, without a doubt, your best friend…they are also judgement scanners", she added as the Rangers surveyed them; "They will assess the guilt or innocence of those you take into custody…", she looked up from the morpher in her hand; "Boom?", the assistant looked up hopefully.

Kat held out the morpher towards him with a smile on her face; "Guilty or innocent of eating the last slice of chocolate cake today?"

"Me?!", Kat pressed one of the buttons on top of the morpher, activating the scanner as she stared at Boom. "I…I ah…uh…no…no I didn't".

"The scanner reads body temperature, pulse and electrical impulses and renders a verdict…", Kat explained as the Rangers watched on in interest as the scanner flicked between a cross and a circle.

"Guilty!", the scanner had landed on the red cross as Boom spluttered his excuses. "And it does not make mistakes…"

"Okay! I'm guilty…", Boom surrendered; "But it was just a piece of cake!".

Kat flipped the morpher over and pressed another button, which omitted a bright light towards Boom, before he disappeared completely, only leaving a small card on the floor.

The Rangers' mouths were open as Kat calmly picked the card off the floor and then presented it to the Rangers; "This makes transportation of the detainee a non-issue". She ignored the protests coming from Boom.

Doggie spoke; "You are now trained and equipped, you are the new B-Squad Power Rangers, congratulations".

"Yes!" Bridge seemed highly excited and jumped around on the spot.

"Celebrations can come later…I need your immediate assistance on an urgent matter"

"Yes Sir!"

The Rangers jumped into their vehicles down in the Transport Bay; Bridge in the jeep and Sky on the motorbike.

Cruger's voice came over the intercom; "The co-ordinates of the street-thieves are locked into your vehicles…"

&

Jack and Z happily handed out all the clothes that they had acquired earlier; "Well, this is all that's left", Jack held up the object given to him by the alien. "If you can't eat it or wear it, then it has no value", he launched it straight into the nearest trashcan, while Z shook her head at him.

She walked around to the front of the van in time to face the most unwelcome sight of the day as a jeep and motorcycle rolled up. "Didn't I tell you that we should've quit while we ahead Jack!"

"Nice to see you", Sky commented mockingly.

"Don't worry…", he replied confidently; "We'll take care of this, then we'll be on our way…", he ran straight at Sky only to bounce roughly to the ground.

"Jack!", Z ran to pick her friend up as she glared at the Rangers.

"Guess what?", Sky smirked down at them; "You're not the only one's who can play tricks".

"Fine", Jack got up; "What do you say we finish this here and now or these clowns will be bugging us forever".

"Sounds like a plan", Z adopted a fighting stance beside her 'brother' and the two charged at the Cadets, Jack opting for Sky, leaving Z with Bridge.

Bridge ran after Z, who suddenly turned and attempted to kick him in the head; "Woah!", Bridge quickly ducked and noticed that she was waiting for him to make the first move; "Listen, I think that we should go about this in the most respectful way possible; each valuing each other's humanity and dignity and…". The thief had had enough and cut Bridge off by forcing him to dodge another blow; "…or not". At this point, Bridge decided to run, whilst thinking up a plan and Z rapidly gave chase.

Jack and Sky were already furiously battling it out and they each parried the other's attacks with a move of their own. Jack scrambled up the side of the truck and then leapt down to land on top of a car. Sky growled and ran towards him, earning him a rough kick in the stomach to keep him away.

Meanwhile, Bridge had conceded that he was getting nowhere and had stopped to fight Z. However, she didn't seem phased by him and quickly went into a rapid series of spin kicks in an attempt to floor him. Bridge quickly blocked the attacks and went at her with every combination he could think of, but she flipped out of the way of most of them to shakily land in an attacking stance.

Jack and Sky exchanged blow for blow as their arms flew at each other more times than you could count, but Jack came out worst as he staggered backwards into a wooden crate, soon to be joined by Z.

"We're not doing as well as we thought Bro!", her mind searched for alternatives; "Any suggestions?"

Jack took one look at her; "Run?", she glanced back and silently agreed, both of them pelting off down he street, hotly pursued by SPD.

The thieves reached a dead end and Sky took out his morpher as they realised they were cornered. "You are both accused of stealing and distributing stolen goods…"

"Can you prove it?", Jack challenged.

"Actually…we can", Bridge answered as the scanner flipped open and began its decision; "Guilty!"

"Any chance of going two out of three?", Z asked, knowing the answer as the Cadets stood there defiantly; "Didn't think so".

Sky prepared to press the magic button, but was stopped by a shout; "Wait! What are you gonna do with us?", Z asked, fearing the worst.

Bridge stepped in before Sky could answer; "It's actually quite fascinating…we're gonna blast you with antimatter fusion and reduce you to about this tall and about this thin", he demonstrated with his fingers; "And then you're inserted into a containment card where you're shipped off for filing until…", he noticed the stern expression on Sky's face; "…Until your time is served", he promptly stopped rambling.

Jack turned to his comrade; "You had to ask Z".

"Enough of this…", Sky stretched out the morpher and his finger was almost touching the button when a figure just dropped straight out of the sky into the middle of the group, leaving all four of them staring in amazement. The figure's face was covered by a black cloak, the only thing visible was her body and her hands.

Before they could argue, they noticed a small sphere in her hand, which was promptly thrown into the air, exploding to release no less than 30 robotic monsters.

An eerie voice came from the girl; "Hello Rangers…"