Deputy Remy LaMontaine took a deep breath as the teleportation stream released him. He glanced down to make sure his Ranger Program ID was clearly visible, and then he checked the building ID to make sure he'd ended up in the right place. Harwood County Offices Building 10.

Satisfied, Remy stepped out of the teleportation room and looked around the room. It was more like any number of government buildings that Remy had seen since becoming a part of the Ranger Program. As he approached the desk with the neatly printed sign reading 'receptionist', Remy wondered if there was a template somewhere that dictated how each of the government buildings would be laid out and designed, the idea amused him enough that Remy was able to give the young man behind the desk a quick smile

"Can I help you?" The young man asked with a quick smile of his own.

Remy tapped his ID nervously, "I'm looking for Lady Emily White. I understand she is an employee here?"

The young man tilted his head and Remy noticed that his name badge read Kyle Masters. "Emily's downstairs in the Clerks' Records Department." He pointed behind Remy, "If you take the lift down a floor and turn left, the door with the balloons all over it is your target."

"Balloons?" Remy asked, then winced.

"Emily's co-worker Samantha has a birthday today," Masters said, "they threw her a party during lunch. The balloons were to mark the proper office."

"I see," Remy said, "thank you for your help, Mister Masters."

"Not a problem," Masters said. "Are- is she leaving?"

Remy hesitated, "I'm sorry," he said softly. "You must understand, I can't say anything except to Lady White."

Masters nodded, "I understand entirely. Thank you."

Remy headed to the lift and took it down to the basement. The door covered in balloons was as easily identified as Masters had indicated and he hurried to knock on the door. Moments later a young woman with curly blond hair and a sweet smile pulled the door open, "Can I help, oh."

"I'm looking for Lady Emily White," Remy said softly.

"I am she," the young woman said, "one moment." She turned, "Sammy, I'll be back in a moment." Then she stepped outside, "Is everything all right?"

Remy swallowed, "There has been an incursion from the Sanzu River, Lady White. Ranger Shiba orders you to come to Shiba House as swiftly as possible. You will join Ranger Shiba and Lord Wagner in taking up your Ranger duties. Lord Ramos and Lady Watanabe will be placed on standby until the conclusion of their respective academic years before becoming active. Ranger Shiba said to take your time, but to be at the House by the end of the week. The House Steward, Ji, will assist you as needed."

Lady White bowed her head for a moment, "I will give notice and prepare to move immediately. Thank you for informing me of these events."

"It is my duty, Lady White. May the Power protect you."

"May the Power protect you," Lady White said softly before vanishing back into the room. Remy sighed before heading back up to the teleportation pad and his next destination.

/././.\.\.\

The Piney Woods County High School was a square, two story building with a glass entrance and a large security desk baring the way. Remy took a steading breath before he approached the security guard.

"May I help you?" The guard asked pointedly.

"My name is Remy LaMontaine, I am a deputy with the Ranger Program," Remy said, handing over his wallet. "I need to have speech with Lord Michael Ramos. Please inform Principal Dorne that I need a private conference room. Do not interrupt Lord Ramos's studies, especially if he is in the midst of a test. I am willing to wait until Lord Ramos is available."

The guard checked his ID against the databanks and nodded, "I will inform Principal Dorne and Lord Ramos immediately. There is seating just inside where you can wait."

"Thank you," Remy said.

The guard buzzed him in and Remy headed into the aforementioned seating area. He settled onto one of the arm chairs as he took in the area. Where Harwood's county building had looked identical to every other such building Remy had seen, Piney Wood's high school had made up for its blocky exterior with fantastically carved wood panels inside the school, highly polished wood floors, and elegantly comfortable seating. Remy tapped his fingers on the arm of his chair and decided that the wood used must be the local pine, making art out of readily available and affordable materials.

One of the panels on the wall across from him was a bas-relief carving of the Samurai Rangers and next to it was a similar design of the forested mountains behind the high school. Remy stood and approached the carving of the Samurai Rangers, tucking his hands behind his back as he studied the detail of the piece. A plaque beside it read:

Samurai Forever
By Lord Michael Ramos
Dedicated to the fallen warriors
Never Forgotten

"It's a beautiful piece."

Remy turned to find an older man watching him, "Very beautiful," he said. "The detail is astounding."

"Mike, excuse me, Lord Ramos, surprised all of us when he made that." The man said, he offered his hand, "I'm Jude Dorne, the Principal here at Piney Woods, Deputy."

"Remy LaMontaine," Remy said, shaking the man's hand. "Will Lord Ramos be joining us soon?"

"He's on his way from class," Principal Dorne said. "I told his teacher as soon as Lord Ramos finished his final, but apparently Mike was already done. Excuse me, I mean Lord Ramos."

"It's all right," Remy said. "You're close with Lord Ramos?"

Dorne tilted his head a little, looking uncomfortable, "That's one way of putting it."

"Principal Dorne, I wasn't aware that this was a law enforcement matter," a young voice rang out, full of amusement and arrogance.

"Lord Ramos," Principal Dorne said, "This is Deputy Remy LaMontaine with the Ranger Program. If you'll follow me there's an open conference room this way."

Remy studied Lord Michael as they followed the Principal. Lord Michael Ramos looked like what he was, a high school senior in top physical form and a friendly disposition. Lord Michael was studying Remy with equal intensity, and Remy wondered what the teen took away from the conversation. Remy knew he wasn't much to look at, being shorter than Lord Michael by an easy six inches, with his wild hair and mismatched eyes.

"Deputy," Lord Michael said, "aren't you a little young for the job?"

Remy smiled, "I was promoted six months ago. I'm older than a look."

"I will leave you to your discussion," Principal Dorne said and walked away.

Remy gestured to the open door, "After you, Lord Ramos."

"Call me Mike," Michael said.

"If I weren't on duty, I would be honored," Remy said, "however, duty and protocol dictate otherwise. Have a seat."

Lord Michael sat down across from him at the table, "So what's going on?"

"There was an incursion from the Sanzu River," Remy said. "It was repelled, but Ranger Shiba has issued orders. You are summoned to Shiba House upon the completion of your academic term. Ranger Shiba understands and values your education, he wants you to finish high school before reporting. He said to express his regret that you will be unable to pursue your advanced education at this time, but is hopeful that you'll be able to resume your education soon."

Lord Michael's easy smile faded, and he stared at Remy for a long moment, "Is that all?"

"That's all," Remy said.

Lord Michael stood, "Inform Lord Shiba that it will be an honor for me to join him at the completion of the term. Thank you for informing me. Have a good day." He stalked out the door, slamming it behind him. Remy winced at the sound and sighed. That could have gone a lot worse, and he was well aware of that. He fixed his tie and jacket, then headed for the building that house the teleportation pad.

/././.\.\.\

Lady Mia Watanabe wasn't in class when Remy finally tracked her down. Apparently her professor didn't believe in final exams or some such thing and had given his students the day off. Instead, Lady Mia was sitting with a small group of others, laughing as a skinny teen with an upturned nose and wide eyes read from Romeo and Juliet in a flat monotone that reminded Remy of the last finance meeting he'd attended.

"Excuse me," Remy said when the young man finished his monologue, "Lady Watanabe?"

"Yes," Lady Mia said.

Remy tapped his ID, "I'm Deputy Remy LaMontaine from the Ranger Program. May I have a word with you in private?"

"Certainly," Lady Mia said as she stood up. "I'll be back soon," she told her friends.

Remy led Lady Mia across the lawn to a more private area. "I apologize for interrupting your day," Remy said.

Lady Mia smiled at him, "It's all right, we were just hanging out. Is everything okay Deputy?"

Remy took a deep breath, "There has been an incursion from the Sanzu River. Ranger Shiba bids you come to Shiba House upon the completion of the academic term. While he regrets the necessary interruption to your studies, it is his hope that you may resume them soon."

Lady Mia nodded, "I'm to finish the year first? That's nice of him."

Remy ducked his head, "I'm sure I couldn't say, my Lady. Lord Ramos will also be completing his academics, although for him it is his final year of high school. Lady White and Lord Wagner will be joining Ranger Shiba immediately, and Ranger Shiba reserves the right to summon you early if necessary."

"It will be my honor and pleasure to join the Rangers," Lady Mia said. "May the Power protect you."

"May the Power protect you," Remy said.

As he headed for the teleportation pad, he reflected that at least Lady Mia and Lady Emily had been easy to deal, and hopefully Lord Wagner would be as well.

/././.\.\.\

Lord Kevin Wagner lived on his own in the athlete housing complex according to his file, and Remy headed there before the aquatic center. He felt that he stood out in his suit even more than he had at the other stops, especially given the exceptionally casual dress code the athletes flaunted. He knocked nervously on Lord Wagner's door, hoping that he would be invited inside before another scantily clad person could walk by and stare at him.

Lord Kevin opened the door quickly, dressed in pressed pants and a neat polo, "May I help you?"

Remy nodded, "I am Deputy Remy LaMontaine with the Ranger Program."

"Come in," Lord Kevin said, "I presume this is about yesterday's incident?"

"Yes sir," Remy said as he entered Lord Kevin's quarters. "Ranger Shiba sent me to summon you to Shiba House as soon as possible. Along with Lady White, you are to be activated immediately."

"Not all four?" Lord Kevin asked.

"Lord Ramos and Lady Watanabe are at the completion of their academic terms. Ranger Shiba has ordered them to complete the term." Remy said.

Lord Kevin nodded then stepped over to his couch where a backpack and a suitcase were waiting. "Thank you for delivering the summons Deputy LaMontaine. Are you reporting to Shiba House?"

"Yes my Lord," Remy said.

"Do you mind if I accompany you?" Lord Kevin asked.

"Of course not," Remy said.

/././.\.\.\

Jayden listened to the Councilors speak from outside the door.

"Of all the nerve," Annalisa was saying, "this has gone too far."

Jayden looked at the helmet in his hands, then at Ji and General Dosian. He nodded to them as he tucked his helmet under his arm. General Dosian stepped into the room, "Councilors, Ranger-King Jayden Shiba."

Jayden strode into the room, sensing Ji falling into step behind him and to his right. He looked at each of the councilors as he approached the table, watching as his uniform registered on the room at large. "Councilors," Jayden said, placing his helmet on the table and resting his hands on its crown. "We are at war. Yesterday an incursion occurred at the Panorama City Aquatic Center. Lord Wagner was present and repelled the incursion immediately. As we speak, a Ranger Program Deputy is delivering summons to my team. The Sanzu River is rising and Master Xandred's Shadow falls upon our island yet again." He looked at the Council, meeting each individual's eyes for a brief moment. "This meeting is not to inform you of these events, but to determine how many of you will have your lives at the end of it."

"Your Majesty?"

Jayden glanced at Annalisa and then cleared his throat. "The purpose of this Council is to provide leadership for the Island until I come into my power. As you can all see, that day has come. I have sat on this Council for nearly two years, and all I have seen from you is petty bickering, betrayal, and corruption. You have regarded me with contempt, when you regarded me, and with little regard for the day when I would hold your lives in my hand. Your actions towards me, from the exile of my tutors to your recent attempt to force me into a handfasting has been a clear path of attempted control and extortion. That alone speaks of where your loyalties lie." He took a deep breath, "However with this incursion, the Peace is no longer our present, but our past, and our people need solid government in a time of war. Therefore, on this day, I choose to stay my hand. As long as you continue to act in a manner befitting your positions, you will keep your council seats." He lifted his helmet and stepped back, looking straight at Annalisa, "And your heads."

He turned and walked away, tucking his helmet under his arm as he went.