Power Rangers GPX, episode 30: Tuxedos and Beer
:-:-:-:We're the best chance, for humanity, Power Rangers G-P-X, let's go!:-:-:-:
"… Despite the damage caused to the SR 408 overpass yesterday, there are still two lanes available for traffic, and city, county and state officials are confident they can keep the overpass open while repairs are being made. And the city has also told us that they have enough money to pay for the bridge that won't come out of taxpayers' pockets, although they're not saying where the funds are from, and they hope to have the overpass repaired soon. However, despite that, there will be headaches for commuters for a while, and the Power Rangers are on the top of the list for the blame. For WESH 2 news, I—"
"Hey, I was watching that!" Tommy yelled after Sean changed the channel.
"Stop watching that crap, it's bad for you," said Sean.
"Sean's right," Rob said, ruffling Tommy's hair. "That stuff can make you crazy. Come on, let's watch 'iCarly'."
"NO!" Tommy screamed. "Anything but that!"
"I don't blame him," Sean muttered. "Nick is not what it used to be."
Rob rolled his eyes and changed the channel to ESPN, anyway. The Rangers were gathered in the Ranger house, recovering from yesterday. The Rangers' already bad reputation was getting even worse now. And then Tommy switched to the wrong station…
"The extreme left is poised to take over our country," said the pudgy Ben Dreck. "And their plan includes faking an alien invasion, gaining our trust and then siccing their 'Power Ranger' servants on us. We have reason to believe that the Power Rangers are not the bright, colorful superheroes we see, but agents of a shadowy group. We're not sure who this group is, but let me tell you, they're bad. Part of this group includes… the United Nations."
"Sean, what's he talking about?"
"Now, I know some of us as kids really liked superheroes, but here's the thing; these superheroes are not on our side. As we have seen, they have caused more property damage than the monsters they're fighting. I believe that they could turn on us at any time and subjugate our republic and impose a far-left—"
"FUCK YOU!" There followed the most awkward silence imaginable as soon as those words left Sean's mouth. Everyone was looking at him with their eyes wide and mouths open (even though it wasn't the first time Sean had ever cussed out-loud). "Sorry."
"Jeez Sean, what was that all about?" asked Rob.
"That Dreck guy," said Sean. "He really gets on my nerves. "Besides, he was talking in circles."
"You didn't have to use that word," said Maria, "Especially around Tommy."
"It's okay," said Tommy. "I've heard that word before."
"I don't even want to know where," said Rob. "Is there something you should be doing right now?"
"No," said Tommy, "Probably because you never signed me up for camp!"
"Rob…" Kevin groaned. Rob laughed sheepishly. He was about to say something else when they heard the door open. They looked to see Daisuke, wearing his suit, but carrying his jacket over his shoulder. He walked into the kitchen, looking very determined and discomforted, hanging the suit jacket onto a chair. Just one look in his eyes told Hitomi something was wrong.
"If it isn't Rich Boy," said Sean. "What are you doing here?"
"I need to speak to you," said Daisuke. "And I think he should leave," he pointed to Tommy.
"What?" asked Tommy. Rob walked up to him and handed him a ten dollar bill.
"Here's ten dollars," he said. "Go and get yourself something from the quick-ee mart." Tommy shrugged, taking the money and running out the door.
"He's only ten," said Daisuke. "Will he be alright?"
"He can handle himself," said Sean.
"And what about your brother-in-law?"
"Rob's one of us now, so he can stay," Sean replied. "So what is it that you wanted to talk about?"
"I wanted to discuss Marcus Schneider," said Daisuke.
"You mentioned that yesterday," said Sean. "This is a heck of charge, do you have any proof?"
"Other than the fact that the two look very similar, not quite," said Daisuke. "However, I have thought about some possibilities."
"Really?" said Maria. "What are these possibilities?"
"You know how my sister is obsessed with Sailor Moon?" he asked.
"Unfortunately," Sean said, giving Hitomi a dirty look. She tried to play innocent.
"Kalderon resembles the character of Nephrite," said Daisuke, grabbing an orange juice from the fridge, "Among other possible similarities. In order to gain access to and get closer to his intended victims, Nephrite disguised himself as a human; a businessman named Masato Sanjouin." Sean's eyebrow tweaked.
"So you think that because of Kalderon's similarities to this guy from Sailor Moon, he's Marcus Schneider?" said Kevin. "That doesn't—"
"No, it makes perfect sense!" said Sean. "I don't understand why I didn't consider it before! I mean, I know Schneider was around before the Zordonians showed up, but his appearance here in Orlando means something's up."
"His behavior yesterday was also strange," said Daisuke. "And he's been sponsoring Ben Dreck's show, although I take—"
"I don't watch his show," said Sean. "So—wait, if Kalderon is Schneider, then—oh, no!"
"He's been behind our unpopularity?" said Aaron, "Can't say I'm too surprised."
"So what do you suggest we do?" said Sean.
"Before our meeting ended yesterday, Schneider invited me to a party he's hosting at a hotel," said Daisuke. "I'm afraid I can't make it on the account that I'm 'busy'."
"So then who's going?" said Sean.
"Do you still have that tuxedo from your Independence Day party?" asked Daisuke.
"At the US Embassy in Tokyo?" asked Sean, "Yeah, why? Oh, you gotta be kidding me."
"Sean in a tux?" said Rob. "I thought I'd never see the day."
"And I had an extra invitation," said Daisuke. "Ms. Aparicio, do you still have your dress?"
"Que!?"
"This is getting interesting," said Rob.
"At least I don't have to suffer alone," said Sean.
"Shut up," Maria shot back.
"Enough with this domestic squabble," said Daisuke.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'DOMESTIC'!?" Sean and Maria shouted.
"Look, I need you two to spy on Schneider," said Daisuke. "And if you two are arguing like an old married couple—"
"What did you just say!?" Maria growled.
"I said if you two could quit arguing, we could discuss our plans!" Daisuke growled. "I need you two to get into his party, ask a few questions and that's it!"
"Could you two lo—sorry, could you just suck it in?" said Aaron. "And where's Hitomi?"
"I think she walked out," said Daisuke. "We should talk to the UN and SWORD about this plan. They'll know what we can use."
:-:-:-:PRGPX:-:-:-:
"So now," Maelstrom said the next day as he visited the house. "You want to do some spying? I hope you know it's not just tuxedos and martinis."
"In this case it is," said Daisuke.
"Well then," said Maelstrom. "In any case, we have some gadgets for you to use." He took out some tools. "These look like ordinary earrings, but they're not. They're small wireless microphones. They transmit into this small radio here. It's small enough to fit in someone's ear and can be taken out easily."
"Is this stuff even possible?" Kevin asked, taking a look at the gear.
"O'Donnell, James Bond was more accurate than you think," said Maelstrom, "Especially when you look at my agency."
"So what else?" said Sean.
"We already know who's going to wear the earrings," said Maelstrom. "We'll have two undercover agents for support; one inside the part, one positioned as a bouncer, so if things go wrong, we can get you out. I don't expect things to go wrong, but I've done work in Serbia, so I expect anything."
"And what if a monster attacks?" asked Sean.
"You Rangers can hold it off, right?" asked Maelstrom.
"Of course," said Kevin. "We're not sure about our numbers below 5, though."
"The Silver Ranger suit is strong, even with an unskilled fighter," he looked at Rob, who whistled nonchalantly. "Miyazawa will put your names on the guest list, so you won't have to say anything to the bouncer, understood?"
"Got it," said Sean.
"And take your morphers with you, just in case," said Maelstrom, "Although that's an obvious one, given your line of work."
"Bingo," said Sean.
"And remember, you two are supposed to be on a date," said Maelstrom. "And I don't want to hear any dumb-ass excuses from either of you, got it?" Spoken like a true Samuel L. Jackson character!
"Yes, sir," they said weakly.
"Good," said Maelstrom. "You're dismissed; Happy hunting." He walked out, and the Rangers were left to examine their new gear.
:-:-:-:Power Rangers GPX:-:-:-:
"You know, you actually look good," said Rob while he helped Sean with the tuxedo. Sean's scowl was enough to slaughter a battalion. "Come on, you've worn this before, it's not that bad."
"That was different," said Sean.
"Look, quit whining," said Rob, "If you want, you don't have to think of it as a date, it's a mission to save the world."
"Fine," said Sean. He fumbled with his bowtie until Rob fixed it for him. Everything else was easy. "Spying in a tux isn't the part, I hate though. In fact, I relish the chance to be James Bond! It's just… Could you not tease me about Maria?"
"What, you like her, don't you?"
"Not in that way," said Sean.
Riiight, Rob thought.
"Alright, do I look like James Bond?" Sean asked.
"Well, not quite," said Rob. "But you've got the right get-up.
"Fine," said Sean.
"Did you shower?"
"Yes."
"Did you shave?"
"Yes."
"Did you put on—"
"What are you, my mother?"
"Sorry, just checking," said Rob. "Alright, give 'em hell!"
"Thanks," Sean said as he attached a red carnation to his jacket while Rob whistled "Sharp Dressed Man".
Rob escorted Sean downstairs where they would wait for Maria, who was still getting ready. "Why does it always take so long for women to get ready?" Sean muttered.
"Don't say that out loud," said Rob.
"Okay!" Maria's voice called. "I'm ready!"
They turned to see Maria and—holy schnikies. She came down, dressed in a yellow sleeveless qi pao with a dragon print on it, her hair tied up in a bun holy crap, she's gorgeous! Yeah, those were Sean's thoughts, alright. Maria flashed a little smirk as if she knew she knocked 'em dead.
"Ready?" she asked, snapping Sean out of his little shock.
"Um, yeah," he said as he held out his elbow for her to take. "You guys are gonna be support, right?"
"Well, I have to stay at my house for now," said Rob. "But Bridge is running out of tampons, so I have an exc—I mean, reason to leave if there are any emergencies."
"I hope so," said Sean. "Alright, are you ready?"
"Of course I am," she replied. "Vamos!"
"Alright!" Sean said as they left.
"Good night!" Kevin called out. "Don't forget to forget to bring her back before 9 o'clock!"
"And don't be too shy, now!" Aaron called back. The two replied with a middle finger from each as they headed to the waiting limo.
:-:-:-:PRGPX:-:-:-:
"Hometown, this is wayward son," said one of the SWORD agents. "Package is on its route; Waiting for mailman."
They were waiting outside the Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown, one of the ritziest hotels in the city. Oh yeah, Schneider's paying the big bucks. Orlando's high society was here tonight; A few actors, maybe a golf legend (not Tiger Woods) or two. Anyways, it was a high-to-do high-class event. There's a reason Daisuke got an invite to this little event.
The limo Sean and Maria were coming in drove up to the curb. The valet man opened the door and Maria stepped out, followed by Sean. "Wow," said Sean, "Rich Boy wasn't kidding."
"Ay dios mio," she said, taking his arm.
"Package has been delivered," the SWORD agent said from the support truck.
Sean and Maria walked past the press on the red carpet, up to the front door. The door man pulled the door open and the two entered. They were on their own now. The lobby was filled with people, and they were lead along to the elevator to take them to the second floor.
They came out and followed the line where the bouncer, presumably the SWORD agent, was waiting for them. "Names?"
"Sean O'Callahan and Maria Aparicio," said Sean. The bouncer nodded and let them in.
"The package has been received," he said.
The place was filled with so many people in formal attire. These were captains of industry, what would a year later be known as the "1%". And they were flaunting their wealth so much it was making the 99-percenters Sean and Maria a little nauseous. A band was playing a light jazzy number in the corner.
"Come, please," said the attendant. "Please sit here." He led them to a table where Maria sat first and Sean second. Their dinner company was pretty interesting. They were obviously older than them and…
"Mayor Dyer?" asked Sean.
"Yes?" said the Mayor.
"Um, I was just wondering why someone like you, a Democrat, would be here," he replied.
"Well, I was invited," said Mayor Dyer. "I wasn't too sure, but I decided that since Mr. Schneider's here to help the economy… and why are you here? You don't look like you're on the guest list."
"We're here on behalf of Daisuke Miayazawa," said Sean. "We're Miyazawa interns."
"Oh, I see," said Mayor Dyer.
"One minute here and we're already fucking up!" Maria whispered panicked.
"Just stay calm!" said Sean.
"So, what are your names?" asked one of the 1-percent women there.
"Sean O'Callahan."
"Maria Juanita Aparicio Rodriguez, or just Maria Aparicio."
"I'm from Chicago."
"And I'm from Caracas... Venezuela. But I go to college in Brazil."
"Oh, I see," said the 1-percent woman. "And what else do you do?"
"We're college students," said Sean. "I go to Northern Illinois University."
"And I go to the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro."
"And what do your parents do?" asked the woman.
"My dad is a Chicago cop, but was born in Ireland," said Sean, "And my mom works in downtown Chicago, although she'll never make nearly as much money as you do."
"My mother lives in Brazil, as a Spanish teacher," said Maria, "My father was the station manager for a station critical of Chavez… until the government refused to renew their broadcasting license."
"Oh, that's too bad," said the woman. "I have business partners who worked in Venezuela."
"I don't want your damn pity," Maria growled.
"Maria, calm down," said Sean. Mr. Hot Blooded himself is asking someone to calm down? Wow!
"Sorry," said Maria. "I'm an exile, not some political prisoner."
"Bad comparison," said Sean.
"It just popped into my head," said Maria.
"So, what is this about Hugo Chavez?" A very familiar German accent sounded. The two were startled and looked up to see Schneider himself standing over them. "Mayor Dyer, I'm glad you could make it."
"So am I," said Dyer.
"And what are you two doing here?" asked Schneider.
"We're here on behalf of Daisuke Miyazawa," said Sean.
"Oh, well, in that case, make yourselves comfortable," said Schneider. "I'll be holding a toast later, so the champagne is on me."
"Apparently he can afford to do that," said Sean.
"Remember, this is a party I want everyone to have a good time," said Schneider, "Especially you two." The two felt their stomachs tighten; fearing that if this was indeed Kalderon, that might have been a threat.
"Sure," said Sean.
"Relax, Mr. O'Callahan," said the rich woman.
"Easy for you to say," said Maria.
"I understand their nervousness," said Mayor Dyer. "Just think of this like your prom, Mr. O'Callahan."
"I didn't go to prom," said Sean, "Couldn't get a date."
"Because you were, and still are, obsessed with hockey," said Maria.
"Hey, shaddap!" Sean snapped.
"Anyway, it is nice to see you, Mayor Dyer," said the rich woman. "I assume governing must be difficult, what with all the fighting going on." This got Sean and Maria's attention.
"Ah, yes, the bridge explosion," said Mayor Dyer. "I was thankful we got the money to pay for it, but these Power Ranger battles are so stressful. If only they'd be more careful."
The two Power Rangers at the table gulped. "What do you two think about the Power Rangers?" asked the rich woman.
"Well, I'm not sure," said Sean. "I liked the TV show when I was a kid, but I don't know enough about the Power Rangers here to have an opinion."
"Same," said Maria. "We just got here."
"I see," said Mayor Dyer. "You two are the only neutral people I've met. I've noticed there does not seem to be a middle ground in their opinions. They either love them or hate them." Sean and Maria would have reacted if they weren't acting so well.
"Mayor Dyer, I think I can say something," said Sean. "These people hate the Power Rangers for causing so much damage. Yet in comic books, superhero battles always cause property damage. It's sort of an accepted hazard."
"I see," said Mayor Dyer. Their conversation was ended when Schneider tapped on his glass and gave a little speech thanking the guests for coming.
After that, dinner was served and the conversation got a little more casual. Sean got into his typical hockey spiel and caused an awkward moment when he told of, in twisted nd vivid detail, what it's like to punch another player into submission before Maria had to stop him.
Maria got up and walked over to Schneider. Now, before they got there, they'd planned out what they were going to do while they were in the limo, so Sean knew that Maria was get up and ask Schneider to dance. It's a little straightforward.
"Why yes, I would like to dance," he heard in his ear radio.
"You're awful straightforward, aren't you?" asked Schneider.
"It's a good skill," said Maria.
"Very well then," Schneider said as he took her hand. Sean watched with skepticism.
"Do you want something to drink, sir?"
"Martini, shaken, not stirred," he said. The waiter nodded his head and walked off, coming back with his martini. Sean took a sip and…
Spat it out. "Guess I don't like martinis," he said. "Just get me a beer. PBR, Bud, I don't care!" The waiter walked away and came back with a bottle of PBR while Sean watched Maria and Schneider dancing.
"I'm sorry you had to be exiled," said Schneider. "That Chavez is such a detriment to my business."
"I don't care about that," said Maria. "He's ruining my country and he ruined my father."
"That's too bad," Schneider said while dipping her.
"So what do you think about the Power Rangers?" Maria asked, subtly going in for the kill.
"Well, I understand they cause so much damage," said Schneider. "They just seem so… dangerous."
"I disagree," said Maria. "All superheroes cause damage. It's usually not their fault, though."
"You think so?" asked Schneider.
"I've read enough comic books," said Maria.
"I see," said Schneider. "I think that they need to be more careful."
Sean flexed his fingers. If he is Kalderon, he's a good actor. She'd better start pressing him more, otherwise they're not going to get anything.
"Wait, what was that? A monster attacking near the Citrus Bowl? Get on it, we'll alert the Mayor!" Oh, crap! Sure enough, he heard the mayor's phone ring.
"Yes, what is it?... Near the Citrus Bowl? The situation is under control… alright, I hope you've got things… oh, I see. Very well."
"Who was that, Mr. Mayor?" asked the rich woman.
"The police," said Mayor Dyer. "They don't want us to panic, so they'll contain the threat there."
"I hope they know what they're doing," said the rich woman.
Never count out the Power Rangers, Sean thought. Keep it away from the hotel guys, we need this information.
:-:-:-:Power Rangers GPX:-:-:-:
"GPX, START IT UP!" The Rangers morphed and attacked the monster, named Wendigo. It looked like the cannibalistic creature of legend, with a deer skull helmet, glowing red eyes and blood covering its claws. A wounded police officer was lying at its feet.
The Rangers attacked. Kevin went first, throwing a wicked right hook at the Wendigo. The creature howled and let the officer go. They beat it back more to let the first responders get the wounded officer out of the way. Hitomi summoned her bow and let off a couple of shots. The Wendigo howled in pain… and pulled the arrow out of its body.
"This is bad," said Rob.
"Just keep that thing away from downtown!" said one police officer.
"Easier said than done!" Kevin said as he pulled out his rifle.
:-:-:-:PRGPX:-:-:-:
"Rangers have engaged the enemy," Sean heard in his earpiece.
"They've got the situation under control," said the Mayor. Sean let out a sigh of relief. It looked like things weren't going to hell after all. "Mr. O'Callahan, what's wrong?"
"Oh, um, it's nothing," Sean lied.
"I think he was looking at that young woman," said the rich woman. "Is she your—"
"SHE IS NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!" He shouted before slamming his hand over his mouth. Some of the other party-goers were looking at him, but they went back to their dinner. "Sorry." The rich woman didn't bother saying anything else.
"What was that?" asked Schneider.
"Oh, nothing," said Maria. "So you're sponsoring Ben Dreck? You do know he's insane, don't you?"
"He's interesting to say the least," said Schneider. "But I just want to get my message across."
"And what is that?"
"My, you're persistent," said Schneider. "Just like those Power Rangers." Sean raised his eyebrows.
"Persistence is a virtue," said Maria.
"I see," said Schneider. Sean sighed. Good recovery. Now, go for the kill!
"Your advertising and Dreck's smears against the Power Rangers lead me to believe you're behind them," said Maria.
"Of course not," replied Schneider. "I don't control what Dreck says. I may have said I was concerned about them, but nothing's wrong with being concerned, is there?"
YES! Sean thought. It's about as close to a confession as they'll get.
"No," said Maria. "I was just asking. Have you seen the leader of the aliens who are attacking?"
"Yes, I have," said Schneider. "He looks like me, does he not?"
"I wonder why," Maria said stone-faced. "My friend really likes Sailor Moon. In that, an enemy disguises himself as a businessman to get closer to his intended victims. This alien looks like that character."
"I don't watch Japanese cartoons," said Schneider, "So I am unaware of what you are talking about."
"That's fine," said Maria. "One other thing; the character uses a name with the initials M.S."
Don't fuck it up, don't fuck it up, don't fuck it up!
"A coincidence," said Schneider. Sean sighed. "Your boyfriend looks irritated. I wonder why?"
"He's not my boyfriend," she said.
"Well then," he said, "Would you like to see what it is like to date a rich man?"
"SEAN! Come and dance with me!" she called.
He jumped up without hesitation and was on the dance floor in a flash. He bowed, held his hand out to Maria and she unquestioningly took it. Then they started to dance as she put both her arms around his neck. They both turned several different shades of red, awkwardly looked away from each other and nervously started dancing while Schneider watched. Sean could read it in her expression.
"Kiss me," she whispered.
"Again!?"
"Just do it!"
"No!"
"Forget it," she said to herself before planting her lips on his. He didn't have a choice, although he squeaked, his eyes widened and he froze before kissing her back. They were forced to stop when Schneider grabbed her arm.
"I'm sorry, but I must leave. My bodyguards want me to leave."
"Fine," she said as he let go of her. He kissed her hand.
"Danke," he said. Sean snarled for some reason. But now that Schneider was leaving, it gave them a chance to get back to their teammates. They walked back to their table to gather their things.
"I'm tired," she said. "Let's leave."
"Sure," Sean said. "Mr. Mayor, Mrs. Vanderbilt, it was a pleasure."
"It was a pleasure," said the rich woman. "You are a very interesting young man."
"It's great to see young people with such passion," Mayor Dyer said as they left.
"The others are fighting a monster near the Citrus Bowl," said Sean, "We need to get there ASAP." It wasn't just to Maria; it was to the other agents.
"The limo will get you there," said the agent on the other end of the line.
:-:-:-:Power Rangers GPX:-:-:-:
The Wendigo had Kevin literally by the throat and threw him against a squad car. He tried to get the claws off his neck, but it was no use. The Wendigo growled in his face. Then, it howled in pain. Rob had slashed it with his Silver Sword. The Wendigo swatted at Rob. He ducked and shot the Wendigo. Kevin got out of the way and Aaron threw a mighty punch at the Wendigo.
Then Hitomi got in on the act, shooting the Wendigo with another arrow. The Wendigo charged her, but not before getting punched in the gut by Rob. Kevin grabbed the monster and threw it to the ground. It got back up and opened its jaws wide as if ready to bite. Rob shot the Wendigo in the mouth. It stumbled backwards, clearly in pain and getting even angrier.
It growled. This was a mindless beast… kinda. There seemed to be some kind of intelligence in that beast. It was not the Wendigo from legend; in legend, Wendigos are created when someone tastes human flesh. This one was created by the Zordonians. The Wendigo charged, lowered its head and bowled Kevin, Rob and Aaron over. It just missed Hitomi. It tried to stomp on Rob. He grabbed the monster's foot.
Kevin and Aaron got up and charged the monster, but it swatted them away. It was getting the upper hand now. Hitomi fired another arrow. The creature shrugged it off. Now things were looking—
"GPX, START IT UP!" Two figures kicked the Wendigo in the head.
"It's about time!" said Kevin.
"We were having fun," said Sean. "What's the situation?"
"We had him, but he's got us now," said Rob.
"It's time to finish this," said Sean. "Get your keys out, we need to supercharge!" They got their AcceleKeys and Octane Blasters out. However, the Wendigo got smart and attacked them while they were vulnerable. "Damn! For beast, he sure is smart!" He let off a couple of shots. Maria took the opportunity to summon her daggers and throw them at the Wendigo. She gave the Wendigo a nasty kick to the jaw that left it dazed. "Great, now!" They jammed their keys into the blasters and weapons and took aim. "FIRE!" They let off their attacks.
The Wendigo howled and fell to the ground in a massive explosion. It looked done, but it's never as clear-cut as things look in Power Rangers.
Right on cue, the Wendigo began to grow into a giant, towering over the city. The Rangers were unfazed. "We need the Grand Prix Zords, now!"
The Zords appeared, and so did a silver jet-like craft. It must be Rob's zord. The cars fired their wires and kept the Wendigo in place.
Just moments later, the Rangers jumped on top of their Grand Prix Zords. Sean drove the GT Racer, Kevin in the Touring Racer, Aaron in the Mountain Hauler, Maria in the Haz Runner and Hitomi in the Am Chaser. They jammed their AcceleKeys in the dashboards and activated the Grand Prix Megazord docking sequence. They did keep the Wendigo in place, though.
At the same time, Rob jumped into his jet zord, appropriately called "Silver Bullet". "Silver Bullet transformation sequence, begin!" He inserted his morpher into the controls and pulled a lever. The zord began to change and turned into a giant robot, much like the Veritechs from "Robotech".
The Touring Racer split in two and hooked up with the Mountain Hauler, becoming the arms and body, respectively. The Haz Runner and Am Chaser joined with the Mountain Hauler, becoming the legs. The GT Racer rolled up into the Hauler's trick bed and docked. The lights at the top of the cab retracted, folded back and the megazord fired several jets and up righted itself. The head was exposed and the megazord was upright, online and ready to go.
The Grand Prix Megazord and Silver Bullet reached the lot that surrounded Route 423. The Wendigo's eyes lit up the night sky as it charged the Grand Prix Megazord. The megazord threw a wicked punch. The Wendigo stumbled backwards. The Silver Bullet pulled out its blaster… and couldn't aim right. "How do you pilot this thing!?" Rob shouted.
"Isn't there a manual?" Sean replied from his IndyCar pod.
"Um, no," said Rob, "Just two joysticks."
"Can someone teach my brother-in-law how to fly that thing?" Sean shouted as the megazord threw a left hook at the Wendigo.
"I'll do it!" said one SWORD agent. The Rangers could hear his chatter with Rob over the radio as he instructed Rob how to use the controls.
In the meantime, the Grand Prix Megazord and the Wendigo were locked in combat. It gave the Wendigo an upper-cut in the chin. The Wendigo slashed its claws at the megazord. Not a scratch. It punched the megazord. That worked. The megazord retaliated, kicking it in the shin. The Wendigo reacted, but did not fall down.
Then the Silver Bullet took aim again. Rob checked the targeting computer. Locked on. He pulled the trigger.
The rifle let off a burst of fire. The Wendigo bellowed as it fell backwards from the megazord. "YES!" Rob shouted.
"Let's finish this! Grand Prix Megazord Saber!" The sword materialized in the megazord's hand. "Fire the rockets!" Rockets fired under the megazord's feet.
"Grand Prix Megazord Strike! Go!" The megazord launched forward and slashed at the Wendigo. It bellowed as the megazord stopped and posed in victory. The Wendigo bellowed and fell to the ground, exploding.
:-:-:-:PRGPX:-:-:-:
"Kalderon, the Rangers appear to be catching on to your act," said Eltar. "Do you have any back-up plans?"
"Yes, I do," said Kalderon.
"How do I know you're lying?" said Eltar. "Emperor Rashon is very displeased right now."
"My apologies," said Kalderon. "I will—"
"Will, what? You keep saying that, soon apologies will not mean a thing! You need to get your act together soon!"
:-:-:-:Power Rangers GPX:-:-:-:
"So did you two have a good time?" Rob teased.
"Shut it," said Sean. He had just gotten out of his tuxedo and was taking off the shirt, exposing his white undershirt. "We did get a little bit of information, though."
"Yeah?" said Rob.
"It looks like Schneider is behind Dreck's anti-Ranger rhetoric," said Sean. "We can't conclude that Schneider is Kalderon, but we're close to finding out."
"Looks like things are going to get interesting," said Rob, "A lot more interesting."
:-:-:-:PRGPX:-:-:-:
End chapter
Hey guys, it's Big D. Sorry this took so long, but I've been kind of busy lately and my internship at WGN ended, so I've resumed the job search. SO this is something of an homage to James Bond (right down to the martinis!) and I'd been planning this one in advance (it was originally supposed to take place at an exclusive club, but someone like Schneider would have thrown a party at a hotel ballroom, so I changed it.
Also, I have an AU version in the works, set at my alma mater Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and I hope to have it up sometime this week, so stay tuned!