Power Ranger's Triad

Chapter 7

Over the next few weeks Danielle tried to spend as much time as she could with Jason and Bill. Sometimes just watching them, and sometimes working side by side. Jason spent most of his time either studying or working out and while she could spar she didn't really like to and after her first two episodes with Jason and Tommy she was reluctant to spar unless absolutely necessary.

One thing they all share in common was a love of nature so Danielle reintroduced Bill, and introduced Jason and the rest of the team to the programs that she had in the computer. Over the recent months she had added more hiking and parks programs, and she had even begun to expand to writing beach and oceanfront programs. So by the time she introduced the whole team to the holodeck program there were a wide variety for them to choose from.

Not surprisingly the men went for the oceanfront programs were they could either surf, or scuba dive, or the forest and mountain programs where they could camp, hike or mountain climb. The one time that Danni and Jason were alone together, she found Jason in one of her oceanfront programs on one of his rare days off. Jason was out in the water paddling out to catch a wave when Danni came onto the beach. She dropped her towel and opened up a light mental link between herself and the guys. Jason was concentrating on the wave that he hadn't noticed Danni forming the link until she made a lurid comment that had Jason losing his concentration enough that he fell off the board. Jason resurfaced to hear Danni & Bill laughing mentally.

"That wasn't very nice Danielle" said Bill with a smile in his voice.

"Hey, at least I linked you both, and it's not like you to haven't done the same thing to me."

"The difference being you weren't in the middle of the ocean on a surf board." replied Jason as he came ashore and came towards Danni shaking his head getting her wet.

"Hey! That's cold!" yelled Danni as she got up and took off running.

"You think that's cold, I'll show you cold." said Jason as he took off after her but soon caught her. Jason tackled Danni around the waist sending both of them into the cold shallow water. As soon as her back hit the water Danni flipped them over so that Jason was in the water and she was lying on top of him. They laid there for a few minutes staring into each other's face and just as Jason's head started moving towards her she abruptly rolled off and stood there looking at Jason lying in the sand.

"I'm sorry Jason, Bill. I didn't mean…." stammered Danni and then almost ran towards the door.

"Danielle wait…" yelled Jason as got up and started after her catching her just before she reached the holodeck doors. "You're right it's your fault…"

"Jas! You're not helping, she feels bad enough as it is" exclaimed Bill.

"Would you both just listen and let me finish. You're right it's your fault, but I'm just as must to blame as you are. I knew the minute I tackled you that I had crossed the line and for that I am sorry to both of you too."

"It's alright, let's just use this as a learning situation and forget it. Oh and, FYI Jason. If you had continued I wouldn't have stopped you," stated Danni with a smile.

"Danni!" exclaimed Bill.

"Oh come on Bill! If you'd been in my place would you have wanted him to stop?" asked Danni.

With Bill's mental exclamatory remark Danni smiled and threw her arm around Jason's waist. "Come on handsome, I think we both have some making up to do." remarked Danni as they left the holodeck.

Bill spent most of his free time in the computer lab. Which actually worked out well for Danielle because she could get some work done, and still watch Bill under the pretense of working. The one time that Danni and Bill were alone the most she could do was send lurid images or comments over their mental link because she and Jason were still trying to make amends for their earlier incident.

Of the two Bill was stronger at blocking Danni so she had to make a concerted effort but finally she broke through and Bill knocked over a beaker of liquid, which when came in contact with a computer console sent sparks and smoke filling the computer lab. When the smoke reached the censors all hell broke loose in the compound sending everyone to the corridor outside the computer lab. When the alarms went off the doors automatically locked and until Danni released them no one could get inside.

"Danni, Bill! Are you alright?" called Jason over the comm system. When he didn't get an answer he tried again. " Danielle! Bill! Answer me!" repeated Jason over the comm system.

"Hold on Jas, were both alright" replied Danni a few minutes later her voice slightly husky from the smoke.

It took another ten minutes for Danni to shut down the alarm and finally unlock the door. The team heard the exhaust system start up and knew that the room was free of any smoke or gas, but when the doors swished open, and Danni and Bill emerged they were both totally soak and coughing. Bill had some soot on his face and hands, along with his shirt sleeves being slightly singed.

"What the hell happened?" asked Jason as he came towards Danni and Bill. Danni stepped back and let Bill explain through their mental link what had happened. After Bill had showed him what had happened, Jason pulled Bill into his arms .

"Now you know how I felt when she did it to me while I was surfing" said Jason with a smile, looking over Bill's shoulder at Danni.

"What! I didn't do anything?" replied Danni innocently.

"Oh Danni!" smiled Jason.

The women consensually agreed on the beach programs were they could lie in the sun or swim in the shallower ocean waters. Except for one time when Danni had made the mistake of going out with the whole group of women and letting them pick what they did. They went shopping.

Kimberly, Aisha, Kat, and Trini had been dying to "make over" Danielle ever since they had met her again. In school they remembered her as a quiet, shy little kid who always wore slightly baggy clothes and sat around with her head buried in a book.

Now that she was going to be in a relationship with Jason and Bill they wanted her to look nice. After the night that Jason and Bill had asked Danielle out to dinner, they knew she cleaned up very nicely. But that was the one and only time any of them had seen her wear anything but a coverall or jeans and a shirt. Now they had the opportunity and they had plans for Danielle Marks.

Danielle had mentioned that she wanted to start spending time with each of the other team members. So the women got together, and planned a "girl's day out". They tried to plan it for a time when they were not training but ended up asked Danielle for a day off from their training, which surprisingly she granted. So the women woke early, ate and then met at Danni's quarter just to be sure she didn't try and weasel out of their "girls day" When they ran the buzzer, Danni's voice was immediately heard over the comm system.

"Come on in ladies, I'll be out in a minute" replied Danni as the door slid open.

This would be the first time that any of them, with maybe the exception of Jason and Bill, had seen the inside of Danni's quarters. No one knew what to expect, but the simple living room set with a television screen on the wall and floor to ceiling book shelves was not it. Somehow they had expected very weird and exotic things all over her quarter but this looked like a page from "Better Homes & Gardens", they were even surprised when a beautiful orange tabby cat wondered into the room from what looked like her kitchen area.

At least that's what it was supposed to be but they all knew that Danni didn't cook. She preferred to use the replicator for all her meals or eat fresh fruits and vegetables raw. The one thing that she had fully embraced while living on earth was drinking sodas. Coca cola mostly, but she had once said that she would drink almost anything but root beer or Dr. Pepper.

So now while they waited for Danielle to come out of her bedroom the ladies looked around in wonder at the mystery that was Danielle Marks.

"Not exactly what I thought it would be," said Kat but just then they heard the swish of the door and Danielle emerged from her bedroom. They all wondered what that looked like but were certain that they would never see the inside of it.

"What's not exactly what you thought Kat?" asked Danni as she walked over to the kitchen and grabbed a cola from the refrigerator.

Danni was wearing a pair of dark blue capri pants with a light blue tank top and a blue stripped long sleeve shirt rolled up to her elbows. She had matching blue canvas tennis shoes, with her hair pulled up in a high ponytail with a matching blue bow. She actually looked cute, and everyone was very surprised.

"Uhhhhhh….your quarters. They aren't what we expected?" answered Aisha quickly

"And just what did you expect? Dead animals and all sorts of weird and mysterious things lying around?"

"Well, sort of…."said Kim tensely.

With a little laugh and a smile, Danni came and stood in front of the women. "Well, sorry to disappoint you ladies, but as you know I have lived on earth for the past 33 years. And with the exception of being a Master Time Lord, the people of Angel Grove believe that Danielle Marks is from earth. So there for I live, and act, for the most part just as you do."

"Yes but, your mannerisms, and ways of dressing have changed from when you were younger." said Trini.

"I've done some re-growing up, so to speak. In the beginning I was here strictly to observe you all and learn how to live among you. As I matured, I had clear cut goals I needed to achieve which have shaped the person you see before you now. I've never lied to you, just told you what you needed to know when you needed to know it. Mostly for your protection, but mainly to help you each grow into the individuals willing and best able to meet the upcoming challenge."

"You really think we can do this Danni?" asked Aisha.

"I have no doubt in my mind that you are the right people. At the right time for this particular challenge. Have faith in yourself and anything is possible."

"All right, enough of this heavy stuff. Let's go shopping!" exclaimed Kimberly as she took Danielle by the arm and led her out the door.

The group teleported out of the compound and then drove to the Angel Grove Mall in Kimberly's car. The morning was spent going from store to store trying on clothes and occasionally someone buying an outfit. At noon the women stopped for lunch and made tentative plans for a group camping trip. After lunch they surprised Danni with a trip to the spa, she was reluctant at first but with four very persuasive ladies Danni finally gave in. She really didn't have much of a choice, so with a lot of trepidation Danni and the rest of the women went to the spa for an afternoon of pampering. It was during her massage that Danni began to relax and she let her defenses slip. Ever since Jason & Bill heard about Danni's "Girls Day Out" they had been concerned. Danni had been working so hard, taking very little if any time off for herself.

They knew that the woman meant well, but also knew from experience that all of them at once could be overwhelming. So Jason & Bill had been trying, discretely, all day to sneak into Danni's mind and check on her. Most of the day Danni had her mind blocked but now she was thinking of a beautiful, peaceful beach with white sand, and a couple of tall palm trees just the right distance apart for a hammock. It was large enough for at least two people maybe even three if they squashed together.

"That looks nice Danni. Is it somewhere real or a holo programs you've written?" asked Bill as he entered the peaceful scene.

"Huh?...Oh its patterned after the islands in the south pacific. You remember we had to watch the musical "South Pacific" when we were in high school. What are you two doing?"

"Taking a break from our training session," answered Jason "How has your "Girls day out" been?"

"It's been quite enjoyable actually. You were concerned? "asked Danni with a questioning tone of voice.

"Not really concern, but we know how overwhelming our ladies can sometimes be" said Jason with a smile.

If the that statement ever got to any of the female members of the Universal Power Rangers there would be hell to pay for himself, Bill and all of the male members. So for once they were glad that only Jason, Bill and Danni had the permanent link

"Well go back to your training and don't worry. We will be home between five thirty and six, and by the way I promise not to tell the ladies what you said." said Danni as she closed their connection.

"Danni…wait! Damn it, I think were screwed" said Jason

"What do you mean we, white man." smiled Bill "You're the one that said it"

"Well let's just hope that Danni keeps her promise, but she's going to have a hell of a secret to hang over us."

As promised the ladies got home, laden with packages, around five forty-five and Jason and Bill were noticeable absent from dinner that night.

The next "day out" was planned by the men, they knew that Danni didn't like to spar, and wasn't that into surfing or scuba diving so they asked about her mountain programs and then planned the outing for a rare day off the Danielle had given them.

The guys had made arrangements to meet Danielle at the holodeck and weren't surprised to find her waiting for them at the appointed time. She was wearing blue jeans, a white tank top with a blue plaid long sleeve shirt over it tied at the waist. Her hair was pulled back in its usual high pony tail, but this time she was wearing a pink visor. She was also carrying a small canvas backpack which at first glance the guys thought was strange.

"What's with the backpack Danni?" asked Tommy.

They all knew that Danni relied on the computers and replicators for just about everything so it seemed strange that she would actually be brings something with her instead of just going to the replicator when she needed something.

"Well considering I don't know which program you have chosen or how long you plan for this little adventure to last I thought I'd come prepared. Besides the replicators are by the doors and depending on the program that could be a considerable distance to walk."

"Ahhhhhh, good point. Well are we all ready to go? said Jason.

"You're not going to tell me where were going are you?"

"Nope, we want you to be surprised." said Zack.

"You do remember that I wrote all these programs don't you?" asked Danni with a slight hint of sarcasm in her voice.

"Of course we do, but you can't remember all of them can you?" asked Adam.

"Oh you'd be surprised at all the things I remember, my dear Adam" answered Danni as she entered the holodeck.

With a look of trepidation on each of the male team members faces they entered the holodeck. The guys had chosen one of Danni's mountain range programs so she was pleasantly surprised when they walked into the Mount Carter Range in Idaho. Danni had started the program at the Iron Creek trailhead parking area. Everyone checked all their gear then headed off on the .75 mile hike to junction with Alpine Way trail. For the most part Danni, Jason, Tommy & Adam where in the front of the group with Zack, Rocky & Bill a little further behind.

About one-third of the way through the .75 mile trail Rocky could be heard mumbling "Couldn't she have made the it a little shorter and less difficult."

"Then it wouldn't have been like the real Mount Carter Range. And you do realize I can hear you don't you?" asked Danni from behind them all.

She had fallen behind the guys and was admiring the view of each of the male members of her team. She knew that she had been lucky in her choice of Jason and Bill, but now in watching and getting to know the other male members she realized that even if another two had been chosen she would have had two very nice looking men when the triad was formed.

"Gods! Danni. I wish you wouldn't do that!" exclaimed Rocky as he jumped and turned around to face her.

"What? I've been back here for about twenty minutes or so admiring the views" answered Danni with a sly smile on her face.

"You do remember that all of us are married don't you?" replied Tommy.

"Of course I do! But that doesn't mean I can't still look. Besides the girls don't mind, ask them yourselves if you like."

"Can you do that?" asked Zack.

"Sure, a light mental link, even with several people isn't that draining."

"But the last time you formed a link with all of us you ended up almost collapsing" reminded Bill.

"That time the link wasn't a light surface link, and I will admit all of you at once were a little much."

"So don't chance it here either Danni. We can all form our own links with our wives if we need to. I don't know about the rest of the guys but I'd just as soon not have to explain how or why you got hurt again, especially here," said Adam.

"I appreciate your concern, but the safeties are on." said Danni, but at the look on Bill and Jason's face she added "I will close the link" with a slight incline of her head to Jas & Bill. Danni took a deep breath the closed her eyes, swaying slightly as each could feel the light connections end.

"Danni?" asked Tommy as he came over beside her and took her arm.

"I'm alright, just a little dizzy. I think it's the altitude"

"Then let's stop and rest. I think there is a nice shady spot not far from here. Can you make it Danni?" asked Adam as he came up beside Tommy.

"Yes I'm fine, check for yourselves if you don't believe me" snapped Danni slightly annoyed.

She knew the guys were only concerned about her but she had been alone for so long that it was becoming annoying having people always asking if she was alright. She opened a quick mental link and let everyone know exactly what she was thinking and feeling at that moment, then shut the link down and walked over to a rock underneath a tree and began meditating.

"Wow! Is her mind always that busy?" asked Rocky as he looked over at Danni sitting under the tree.

She looked at peace, but if the glimpse into her mind was any indication she was far from at peace. She was concerned about each of their trainings, an interface problem with several of the Zords, the daily workings of the Compound, the triad, and last but not least the danger that they were going to be facing soon.

"Yes, but actually you've caught her on a "relaxed" day. Normally she's a lot busier than that" said Bill as he went over and sat down beside Danni in the shade.

The rest of the group joined her in the shade and after a few minutes Tommy pulled a bottle of water and a granola bar out of his backpack and knelt in front of Danni. He didn't say anything he didn't have too. Danni could feel his presence along with the others waiting patiently just outside her conscious. After a few more minutes Danni opened her eyes to see Tommy kneeling in front of her holding a bottle of water and granola bar for her. With a sigh Danni took the bottle of water and took a long sip before speaking.

"Look guys, I'm sorry for about that. It's just I've been alone for a very long time and I'm not used to having people worry about me." said Danni.

"What about Antonia, hasn't she's been with you ever since you moved to Angel Grove?" asked Zack

"One thing you have to understand. Antonia may LOOK older than I am, but in fact she is much YOUNGER than myself. She is only her to help me, and was here for only appearances sake when I was younger. If you recall I didn't have very many, if any friends while I was in school. That was done by my choice and design; young kids tend to get noisy and at the time it was very important that I be who I appeared to be. A young girl living with her older sister. Now that things have been set in motion, Antonia is here strictly on a helping bases."

"But it's not going to do us any good if you work yourself to death on everything alone." said Tommy.

"Our training session are progressing very nicely, you have said so yourself. Right?" asked Zack.

"Correct." answered Danni flatly.

"Then why not let us help, with at least some things?" asked Adam.

"That way you can concentrate on the important stuff and not always be so stressed out and tired" said Rocky.

"You two knew about their concerns didn't you?" asked Danni as she looked at Jason and Bill, during all the arguments they both had been strangely silent.

"We know that everyone thinks you're working too hard. Yes" answered Bill.

"All right. I'll take your arguments into consideration. Now, are we going to finish this program or not?" asked Danni as she stood up.

"How do you feel?" asked Adam questionably.

"I'm fine guys really."

"Then let's get this show on the road. I hear the view from the crest is magnificent." said Bill.

"Then lead the way McDuff," said Danni as she took his arm and they both headed up the path. The others scrambled to clean up their rest area and then followed Danni and Bill up the trail.

When they reached Goat Lake they rested again and ate lunch. After lunch Rocky commented on how beautiful and cool the lake looked, so Danni pushed him in saying "Here see for yourself." That led to Tommy pushing Danni into the lake, which led to eventually everyone being pushed or jumping into the lake. After about an hour of good natured splashing and horsing around everyone ended up on the bank of Goat Lake completely soaked, exhausted but very relaxed.

"That was fun, reminds me of when we used to go camping at the lake" said Zack.

"Yeah, during one of the rare "free moments" of our youth. It's a shame we can't go back there to camp as a group?" said Tommy.

"Why not? You guys are free to go anywhere you like, whenever you like, you know that." said Danni.

"But we can't leave you alone at the compound" answered Jason.

"And why not! Encase you've forgotten Jason Scott. I'm a big girl now."

"Oh no, we haven't forgotten Danni." answered Bill.

"Well I guess we could always go camping in one of Danni's hologram programs" said Adam.

"It's not the same as the "real" world" said Tommy.

"Excuse me? You don't think this is real. Do I need to push you back into the water Thomas Oliver to remind you how real this is?" asked Danni.

"No, no, no, no, no….. I know it's real Danni. I just meant that here the safeties are always on and you have cut out the poisonous plants and biting bugs."

"Only as a small concession to my distaste for the insect life of your planet. And I accept your challenge Tommy, you plan a whole group camping trip whenever and wherever you like."

"Are you sure Danni? "asked Zack.

"Guys, there is one thing you have to remember. I may be middle aged by Time-Lord standards but I'm not ancient."

"We know that, but you have lived in the compound for the past 11 years" reminded Adam.

"Yes, but the first 18 years of my time here on earth was spent in your "real" world. Granted I didn't do much camping or outdoor activities but I do know how to take care of myself. Remember I've had far more experiences than you know about."

"Alright, we'll plan the trip and then let you know about the details is that ok?" asked Tommy.

"Fine with me. Is everyone ready to climb to the peak?" asked Danni.

"Yeah, yes or yep" replied everyone as they gathered their backpacks and stuff and head up the last part of the trail to the peak of Mount Carter.

When they reached the summit of the Mount Carter Peak everyone stood around admiring the beautiful view. About an hour later Zack mentioned that they should probably start heading back while there was still light enough to see the trail, so with one last look at the breathtaking view the group headed back down the trail. Four hours later the group entered the deserted parking area of the Iron Creek trailhead, a few minutes later they left the holodeck for their separate quarters.