Power Rangers GPX, episode 21: The Boys of Summer
New York City; The Big Apple; the City that Never Sleeps; you get the idea. Sean hates this city (Chicago-New York rivalry, baby). But why are we starting here and not in Orlando? Well, here's why: Aside from the fact the company he owns (taken over) is based here, there's a media personality he wants to meet. And the conflict with the Rangers would change as soon as he gets done with him.
"This is it, Rockefeller Center," the cab driver said. "That'll be 14 bucks."
"Here you go," Kalderon said as he handed the money to the cap driver and stepped out on the curb. The cab driver drove away while Kalderon waited on the curb. Kalderon, disguised as Marcus Schneider, had a few things he wanted to do here. First, he needed to go to the Fox News headquarters.
The receptionist there was busy talking on the phone to her boyfriend. She was ignoring most of the people in the lobby. Except when Kalderon showed up, that is. "Excuse me," she said. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, my apologies," Kalderon replied. "I wanted to meet one of the personalities here. Is there anyway I can get in?"
"Do you have an appointment?"
"No, but—"
"Listen, I can't let people in all willy-nilly. I need to know why you're here."
"If you had let me finish, I would have told you," he said. "My name is Marcus Schneider and I want to meet with Mr. Armour."
"Marcus Schneider?" She asked. Kalderon nodded. "Hold on, I'll call him." She picked up the phone and dialed the network's president. "Hello? Yes, I have someone named Marcus Schneider here… okay, sir, I'll send him up. Mr. Armour says he can see you."
"Danke," Kalderon replied as he walked past the receptionist.
After a short elevator ride, he was shown to the office of network president Ronald Armour. Mr. Armour was an older man. His girth was not something to be envious of. Of course, Zordon had a few people like him. "Mr. Schneider," Armour said as he shook Kalderon's hand. "It's a pleasure to see you."
"It's a pleasure," said Kalderon.
"So what can I do for you?" Armour asked as the two sat down.
"I come here with an offer," said Kalderon. "I was just watching a fellow named Ben Dreck."
"Ah, him," said Armour. "He's one of our most popular personalities, although he has been under fire for his message and for calling the President a racist."
"I see," said Kalderon. "Well, I saw his program and I decided my company could be a sponsor for his show."
"We would appreciate that," said Armour. "He's had several hundred advertisers boycott him lately."
"I would like to purchase a series of 30-second spots," said Kalderon. "Although you know I am German, our message would be to promote our American ties. Americans make up most of our employees after Germans, after all."
"We would appreciate that," said Armour. "By the way, would you like to meet him?"
"I would be glad to," said Kalderon.
Kalderon was led to the studios and eventually to Dreck's dressing room. Kalderon waited as the woman knocked on his door. "Mr. Dreck!" She called. "Someone's here to see you."
"Who is it?"
"It's Marcus Schneider."
"Let him in." The woman let Kalderon into Dreck's dressing room. Dreck was a little pudgy, unlike Armour. He also had thinning hair. When he looked at Kalderon, he had sort of a crazy look to him. "Hello," he said.
"Guten tag," replied Kalderon. "I watched your show recently, and I was very intrigued."
"Really?" he asked. "That's great; at least someone wants to hear my message." Interesting fellow, he is.
"That's nice," said Kalderon. "I too fear socialists; that is why I'm going to be sponsoring your show."
"Even better," said Dreck.
"However, there is a group that concerns me more than the President," said Kalderon.
"Really, who?" Dreck looked very interested. Kalderon's plans were about to begin.
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When you go to Florida, there's really only one reason you go there. Yeah, Disney World is a good guess, but it's not the reason. You go there for the sun. It is summer 2010 in Orlando. And while an intergalactic conflict rages, the people of Orlando went about with their daily lives. That included the people involved in said conflict; the Power Rangers. The citizens of Orlando have no idea that the Power Rangers are really 5 college-aged youngsters. And yes, they have lives, too.
"But I can see you—
Your brown skin shinin' in the sun
You got your hair combed back and your sunglasses on, baby
And I can tell you my love for you will still be strong
After the boys of summer have gone"
Maria lowered her sunglasses and looked at the radio. For some reason, the song lyrics accurately described her appearance. She shrugged and pulled the hair band tying her hair in a ponytail off. She shook her hair out and let it splay out on the deck chair she was laying on. She took a deep breath and relaxed.
SPLASH! And then she got splashed.
"Sorry!" Mandla called out. It's a massive cannonball, folks. And he's not the only one in the pool.
"Marco!" said Sean.
"Polo!" said Kevin. With his eyes closed, Sean could not see Kevin right behind him. He did hear him though and tried to find him. But, Kevin's a sneaky son of a gun, staying behind Sean. Really, this is just some college-age kids trying to enjoy whatever time off they can get. They know that at any moment the Zordonians could attack and end their fun time.
Mandla swam by and pushed Sean into the water. Maria could not help but chuckle as Sean came up for air. His hair covered up his eyes. He looked kind of stupid. "Time for a haircut!" said Mandla. Sean just glared at him.
"You need one, too," said Kevin.
"Why?" Mandla asked. "They'll just cut off my dreads."
"Why, do you want to look like Bob Marley?" Kevin asked.
"No," said Mandla.
"Hey, where's Hitomi?" Sean asked.
"I think she's still mad about letting Poley go," said Kevin.
"Well, we couldn't keep him," said Sean. "He would have been one hell of a burden on us."
"Hey, Hitomi!" Mandla called out. "Get out here, you're missing out!"
"Could you keep it down?" Maria growled.
"Well, sorr-y!" said Sean. "Why don't you just come in? Although looking at that itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny yellow polka dot bikini isn't too bad." Sean dodged a bon-bon Maria had thrown. "Why don't you call Hitomi out?"
"Hitomi!" Maria called. "Come on chica, everyone wants to see you!"
Hitomi eventually came out wearing a two-piece. She looked embarrassed to be in it. Probably because she couldn't pull it off like Maria could; or because she's too modest to wear something like that. "Hey, you don't look too bad!" said Mandla. Hitomi blushed a little more, but she also looked annoyed.
"Chica, you're not going to gain any self-confidence if you keep telling yourself you look bad," said Maria.
"Easy for you to say!" said Hitomi.
"Hey come on, you look good!" said Sean. Hitomi blushed again, but this time she didn't look annoyed. Sean didn't notice this and went back to swimming.
"Aren't you going to go in?" Hitomi asked when she came up to Maria.
"No," said Maria. "I don't want to. I'd rather work on my tan."
"Okay," Hitomi said as she jumped in the pool. This splash was smaller and didn't piss Maria off. So she lay back and relaxed.
That is, until Sean got out of the pool and started messing with the iPod. Suddenly, Maria was jolted out of her relaxed state by an energized drum beat and Sean going, "Doo do doot, doo do doot, doo do doo doo do doot, doo do doo doo doo!"
"Sean, what the hell is that?" she said as she bolted up.
"It's 'Chelsea Dagger'!" He replied. "It's the Hawks' goal song!" Maria sighed in annoyance and lay back down on the beach chair. She tensed up when Sean splashed back into the pool. He could have splashed her!
"Watch it!" She shouted.
"When did you become so grouchy?" Hitomi asked.
"I don't want to get wet," said Maria.
"That's not an excuse!" said Mandla.
"If it is, it's a lousy one," said Sean. "Come on Mari, just jump in, ya 'fraid of getting wet?"
"Don't call me Mari!" she shouted. But Sean could not tell she was blushing. Maria went back to reclining, but the others would have none of it.
"Come on, Maria!" said Kevin. "Get in the pool, already! We can't have all the water to ourselves, you know."
"I need to work on my tan," said Maria.
"To be honest—and no offense intended here—but you're already pretty tanned," said Sean. This earned a glare from her. "Sorry. Anyway, do you want to get skin cancer or something? My aunt had it; she's rid of it now, but that's not the point. The point is, get in the bloody pool!"
"I'm not sure what you were trying to say in the first place," said Maria.
"Can you even swim?" Kevin asked.
"Of course I can swim," Maria countered. "I just don't want to get wet!"
"Maria, you already got wet, now get in here," said Sean. "Or else Hitomi will have to use her 'moe'-ness to convince you."
"I'm not sure if that will actually convince me," she said.
"Hitomi." Hitomi got out of the pool and walked over to Maria. "Unleash the moe!" She took a deep breath and gave the Venezuelan a "moe" look. It's a powerful weapon that only a few girls have ever perfected. It was already working on Maria.
"Please?" Hitomi asked, trying to be as cute as possible. Maria looked away, quickly. But Hitomi only upped the cuteness ante. Puppy dog eyes as big as dinner plates!
Must… resist… cuteness! But no matter how much Maria tried, resistance was futile! For you see, Maria likes cute things, as well. Eventually, her resistance ended. "Tu es muy bonita!" She said, grabbing Hitomi and hugging her to her chest. While Hitomi blushed in embarrassment, the guys were laughing their asses off.
"Can you get her in the pool?" Sean asked.
"No," said Maria. The guys groaned. Hitomi frowned, not happy the moe face didn't work.
"Okay, Operation Moe didn't work," said Sean. "Forget it, just drag her in here."
"Okay!" Hitomi said, grabbing Maria's arm. For a little girl, she has some decent strength and actually got Maria out of her chair and dragged her over to the pool steps.
"Sorry Maria, but you have to play with everyone," said Sean. Hitomi's efforts paid off and Maria was in the water. "Ooh, can you call Tokyo with those?" Goodnight, everybody!
"¿Por qué no te callas?" she replied, covering her top.
"Too late," he replied. An angry Maria got out of the pool and wrapped her towel around her waist. That is, until she saw a small blur coming right at her. She side-stepped and avoided a collision with Allie. This time, Maria didn't stand a chance, as she got splashed by the three-year old.
"Unca Sean!" she said enthusiastically, her water wings keeping her afloat. "Lookit me!"
"Wow, you're doing great!" he said, leading her over to him.
"What happen'ta Auntie Maria?" She asked. Maria turned around and glared at her. Sean looked as innocent as possible. "Hi, Auntie Hitomi!" she said. Maria sighed. Apparently, that's what she called everyone. "Hi, Unca Manny," she said.
"Hey, that's a good nickname for him," said Sean. "Maybe we can start calling him that."
"It's better than 'noobie'," said Mandla.
"Allie, where's your mommy?" Sean asked.
"She's in there," Allie pointed to the house. Right on cue, Bridget (holding Cassie), Rob and Tommy came out.
"I think you may need to change Maria," said Sean.
"Why?" Maria asked.
"Cause of him," he said, pointing to Tommy. "He's an innocent little kid, ya know?"
"Why don't you grow up?" Maria asked, walking back into the house. "I hate filler episodes," she muttered.
Once inside, she did change, but it was her normal tank top and Capri get-up. While tying her hair back, she noticed Bridget at the sink. "What are you doing?" she asked.
"Oh, hello Maria," said Bridget. "I'm just washing these apples off for everyone.
"That's nice," said Maria. She grabbed an apple for herself. "So why aren't you swimming?"
"I could ask you the same question," said Bridget. Maria sighed while Bridget chuckled. "I'm going to go swimming; I just need to get the apples. Allie really wanted them."
"Alright," said Maria. "By the way, tell your brother sexual harassment's wrong." She left before Bridget could say anything else.
Outside, Rob had the grill open and putting some meat, veggies and fruit (yes, you can do that) on. Tommy, Sean, Kevin, Mandla and Hitomi were playing with a beach ball in the pool. Allie was out of the pool and Cassie was inside. Maria sat down at the patio table, sitting in the shade. The summer heat was getting to her. Of all the places for her knife to land, it had to land in Central Florida; should have aimed for Hawaii.
But, she has lived in Brazil. If she could handle that, she could handle Florida.
"Maria, could you help me with something?" Rob asked,
"Sure," she replied. She went over to see the items on the grill. They smelled good, but they didn't look very appealing.
"We have burgers, hot dogs, chicken, fish," nothing that she was crazy about. "We also have veggie burgers, veggie dogs and corn." Okay, that's not too bad. "I need you to put these apples on the grill while I check the propane. Can you do that?"
"Sure," she replied as she took the apple slices. Placing them on, she watched as Rob checked the propane levels. He twisted the knobs around. The flames flared up to her surprise.
"Sorry," he chuckled. "Just a little more… good."
"How did you learn how to do this?" she asked.
"It's an art form," said Rob. "My grandpa taught it to my dad and he taught it to me. Do you want to learn?"
"It sounds nice," said Maria. "But I think Sean would rather learn."
"I'm reading about it," Sean said. She jumped only slightly. "Sorry."
"I wish I could stop getting surprised," she muttered. "But since you're so hockey-obsessed, I'd think you wouldn't have any room inside that brain of yours to learn how to grill."
"Ha, ha, very funny," he replied. He was still shirtless, but it didn't really do much for her; she'd already seen him shirtless in Japan.
"Sean, could you get Bridget for me?" Rob asked.
"Sure," he replied as he jogged inside.
"Maria, I don't really need much help anymore," said Rob. "You can go now."
"Whatever," she said as she strolled away from the grill. I still hate filler episodes.
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In Armour's office, Kalderon finished writing a contract. The purpose of the paper was to advertise on the Ben Dreck show. Kalderon finished writing the contract and handed it to Armour. "I appreciate it," said Armour, shaking his hand. "I just hope this is enough to keep him on air. There are a lot of people who want us off the air." Kalderon raised his eyebrow. He's a peculiar individual.
"Bitte," Kalderon replied. Armour wasn't quite sure what Kalderon just said. "I said you are welcome."
"Oh, okay," said Armour. "I don't know German."
Maybe you should learn, Kalderon thought. Armour handed the paper to a secretary. "It is a pleasure doing business with you," said Kalderon. "Oh, and what do you think of the Power Rangers?"
"I am not sure," said Armour. "They seem suspicious."
"I cannot decide," said Kalderon. "But I doubt they're anything serious." This should trick him.
"Maybe," said Armour. "It was a pleasure." He shook Kalderon's hand and Kalderon left the office.
Once back outside, he hailed a cab. The nearest cab stopped and he stepped in the cab. "Plaza Hotel," said Kalderon. The cabbie nodded and drove off. Twenty minutes later (New York traffic) Kalderon arrived at the Plaza Hotel (the same hotel in Home Alone 2). He walked inside, back to the lobby and back to the hotel room he was staying in.
He took off his suit jacket and placed it on the chair he had. He walked over to the window and stared out at Manhattan. It was an impressive city (for some humans). The fact they'd actually built this city was a testament to their abilities. Now, if only they can get rid of the smell, then he'd be even more impressed.
But New York was not his main target. He had other plans. He took out his communicator and contacted the ship. He waited for a moment before a voice replied, "What do you need?"
"I need to speak with the Emperor," said Kalderon. There was silence at the other end. It was a few moments before he heard Rashon's voice at the other end.
"What is it, Kalderon?" he asked. "And make it fast; I was asleep."
"My apologies, My Emperor," said Kalderon. "I intend to give you a report on my mission."
"What progress have you made?" Rashon asked. "Have you defeated the Rangers yet?"
"Long-term success should be a priority too," said Kalderon.
"I see your point," said Rashon.
"I have made a deal with the Fox News Network to advertise on their programming," said Kalderon. "My alias' company will be the advertiser."
"That is pleasant," said Rashon. "But it's not the progress report I wanted."
"There is more," said Kalderon. "If things go well, the Rangers will face their deadliest enemy yet."
"I like this already," said Rashon. "You have my approval. Proceed as planned. In the meantime, keep up your attacks on the Rangers. I do not care if you defeat them in the short or long term."
"Thank you, My Emperor," Kalderon replied. The transmission was ended. Kalderon smiled to himself. His plan was in place. All he had to do was fight the Rangers.
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"Alright, the food's ready!" Rob exclaimed. There was a mad dash out of the pool and the house. Sean, who had gotten dressed, rushed out of the house. Maria followed, holding Allie in her arms; Bridget asked her to hold the toddler. They gathered at the patio table where Rob and Tommy were setting the table. "Is everyone here?" Rob asked.
"Wet's eat awweady!" Allie shouted.
"My, you're eager," said Bridget. "Okay, everyone! Dig in!"
Dinner was pleasant. Mandla and Tommy talked a lot. Hitomi really enjoyed talking with Allie. Kevin and Rob talked while Sean and Maria stayed silent. There wasn't much else to discuss. Maria ate her veggie burger slowly while Sean ate his burger rather quickly. The two hated being ignored by their own friends (and family). The only person they could talk to? Each other. GASP!
"So," said Sean. "What's up?"
"Not much," she replied. "You?"
"Eating."
"Same here."
"Wow, you two make—" The two shot a look at Kevin, shutting him up.
"Maria," said Bridget, trying to ease the tension. "What's wrong with your veggie burger? You've hardly touched it."
"It's good," said Maria. "I'm just in a bad mood."
"Same here," said Sean. Bridget sighed and shook her head.
"Sean and Mawia are—" Sean silenced Allie before she could say anything else. The toddler wasn't too happy about it.
"Sean," said Rob. "What do you think of the Power Rangers?" Sean raised his eyebrow as if to wonder what Rob was thinking.
"They're vigilantes," said Mandla. "I don't know what they're doing, but it's stupid. I mean, who dresses up in multi-colored costumes and use violence to solve their problems?"
"Superman does," said Sean.
"Forgot about that," said Mandla. "They're still ridiculous."
"I think that's what most people think," said Rob. "Ben Dreck doesn—"
"Rob, why do you watch him?" Sean interrupted.
"I don't," said Rob. "I was at a friend's house and he was on."
"Whatever," said Sean. "I still don't like him."
"Why is that?" Maria asked.
"Well for one thing, he hates hockey," said Sean. Maria should've expected that. Sean said a few other reasons he hated the pundit, but she ignored them. It was just political drivel, nothing of her concern. Luckily for her, he's not a Soapbox Sadie, so he kept it quick.
"I don't watch him anyway," said Rob. "So I don't care about him."
"I think he's a meanie!" said Allie.
"That's not very nice," said Bridget. Kevin just laughed.
"Next time we do this, let's not have a political discussion," he said. Of course, since Bridget and Rob checked up on them almost daily, the next time would most likely be tomorrow.
"He's right," said Rob. "We're here to have a friendly conversation on a nice, summer day. You might as well enjoy these days. I just wish I enjoyed them when I was a kid."
"That's good thinking Rob," said Sean. "Tommy, don't you agree?"
"Yeah, sure," he said, getting his first lines of the chapter, "As long as we don't go to Disney World."
"Wet's go ta Disney Wowrd!" Allie declared. Tommy slammed his head on the table.
"Me and my big mouth," he muttered.
"Sorry Tomas," said Sean.
"Shut up," he said.
"Tommy, that's not nice," said Bridget.
"It seems snarkiness runs in the family," Mandla said as he took a bite of his salad. "This is entertaining."
"I'd love to go to Disney World!" said Hitomi. "I've been to Tokyo Disney, but I've never been to one here in America."
"You're excited," said Rob.
"The Japanese love Disney," said Sean. "I saw Disney stuff all over the place in Tokyo."
"He's right," said Hitomi.
"Well, I think it's a great idea," said Bridget. "I think we should go to Disney World sometime." Sean and Tommy groaned.
"I didn't come down here to go to Disney World Bridge," he said. "Let's go to Gatorland, instead."
"We will," said Bridget. "But Allie's never been to Disney World. I think we should." Sean and Tommy groaned again.
"Hey! I've never been to Disney World," said Maria. "Don't you think maybe I would like to go?"
"You can go," said Sean. "I don't!"
"Okay!" Maria chirped. Sean slammed his head on the table. Mandla patted him on the back, almost sarcastically. Sean raised an eyebrow and glared at him. Like it really mattered, anyway.
The little meal continued pleasantly. Rob and Bridget were growing on the other Rangers and just like Godai-san and Hikari, were becoming like family (for Sean, they were family, though). They still had some ways to go, though. But for now, they were becoming good friends with them. When it ended, they moved inside. The sun was going down and it was time to finish up.
"Let's watch a movie!" said Bridget.
"No Disney," said Sean.
"We're not watching any of your movies," said Bridget. Really, would any kid want to watch Slap Shot? "Let's watch Aladdin," she said. Sean slumped in the couch while Allie cheered like the little girl she is. "Sean, where's Maria?"
"I don't know," he said.
"I saw her outside," said Mandla. "I think she was reflecting."
"I'll bring her in," Sean said as he got up. The rest of the group just settled in as he walked outside. "Hey Maria!" he said. "Everyone's wai—" He stopped. His eyes widened as he saw Maria.
Bathed in the dying sunlight, she looked like nothing he'd seen before. She was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. His eyes widened as she turned around, her brown skin shining in the sun, hair combed back and the radio on. A strange feeling rose in his chest. He could not quite explain it. But he felt like she was important to him; like she… well, he couldn't quite figure it out.
"Yes?" She asked as she looked at him. He stammered and tried to correct himself.
"Everyone's waiting for you," he said. "I think you should come in."
"That's nice," she said. "I guess I'll come in. Thanks for warning me."
"You're welcome," he said. She smiled at him; a sweet smile, not a sarcastic one. It had a strange effect on him and he started to blush. But she didn't notice it. He was happy she was smiling. Is that normal?
"Come on, let's go inside," she said. Sean nodded and watched her walk inside before him. The smell of her hair was incredible. It made him feel at ease and he watched her go inside. "Hey, are you coming?" She asked as she grabbed his hand. He felt strange as she pulled him inside.
"Hey, hey," he said as he took his hand away. "Take it easy, will you?"
"Sorry," she replied. "Come on, let's go!" she went inside and he gladly followed her. At the time, he still couldn't quite tell why he felt that way at that exact moment. It's possible that in a few years he'd be able to tell.
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End chapter
Hey guys, sorry I took so long to update, and I'm sorry this is a filler episode… or is it? Anyway, I've been kind of busy and I had other projects I've been working on. But I think I needed to write this to give the GPX Rangers some time to relax.