Power Rangers Triad
Chapter 8
In the weeks following the groups adventure on the holodeck Danni made small concessions to the concerns voiced by the guys. She stopped monitoring each individual training session, and left the advancement of their progress up to each individual person. She also turned over the monitoring and running of the medical facilities to both Adam and Trini since they were both certified in the medical field. Tommy started helping out with the compounds maintenance, while Zack helped with the communications systems.
The one thing she would not concede any help on was the building of the Zords, but she did agree to let Bill look at the schematic, and he ended up offering some very valuable solutions to some of the problems Danni had been having with the Zords. It was while she was implementing some of Bill's suggestions that the group found her in the docking bay working on the Zords as usual. She was hanging almost upside down, working on the underside of the neck area of Trini's Zord as they approached . They stopped almost completely under her and Tommy was about the call out to her when Bill stopped him.
"Hang on Tommy, let her finish before you interrupted her."
"How did you know….." started Tommy but then stopped when he heard Danni's voice in his mind
"The link."
"Damn, that must but murder to be linked to one or more persons all the time. The few times Kat and I were linked it almost drove us crazy."
"It has its moments, but for the most part it is very useful. You both need to work on blocking out all the external stuff." replied Danni as she finished her repair and lowered herself to the ground.
When she reached the docking bay floor she unbuckled her safety harness and came over to the group.
"Well, what's the plan?"
"How about we discuss it over dinner, I know for a fact that you skipped lunch today." said Trini
"I did not!" replied Danni indignantly "I ate while I was working".
"A coke and a chocolate bar do not constitute lunch Danni" said Bill.
"Traitor, you are supposed to be on my side." pouted Danni.
"I am beautiful. I'm saving you from yourself. You don't take care of yourself properly."
"Alright, alright. I know that look. I'm not going to get anything done until I take a break and eat right?"
"You got it in one, beautiful" said Jason.
"Then lead on handsome, I've got work to finish." said Danni as she motioned towards the Docking Bay doors.
Danni had learned very early on to pick and choose her battles with Jason and Bill, some just weren't worth arguing or fighting over, so on those she conceded to the guys. Twenty minutes later the whole group was sitting in the commissary almost watching Danni as she ate her dinner. They had made sure she got a well-balanced meal, with only one concession of a coke to drink.
"You guys realize I've been eating by myself for a long time now don't you" said Danni as she heard Bill and Jason's mental chuckle. She had said the same thing to them just after they had first moved into the compound.
"Of course we do. But we've also know that you start thing's but get easily distracted" replied Aisha
"Guilty as charged. Are you sure you guys haven't been sneaking them into our link without me noticing?" asked Danni jokingly
"We can do that? But you're a master Time Lord and we thought…." started Jason but stopped as soon as he saw Danni's smile.
"Well technically, it is possible to bring someone into a link and then block them but your right. I would notice unless I was extremely distracted or tired."
"Well you don't even have to consider Jason or Bill. We have learned our lessons from your Solorian Masters well and have been observing you very closely." said Trini
"Well I'm glad you're taking you lessons to heart, I think. Anyway what's the plan for the trip?"
"Well we were thinking that we could spend this weekend up in the mountains. We've remembered a great little place that has a nice shady grassy area close to a secluded little lake. That way if we need to use the teleport no one will see." said Tommy
"Sounds like a plan to me. Since we are all going and that means equipment, tents and personal items for at least eleven people might I suggest that we go ahead and teleport everything to the camping area and if you want to just hike in ourselves."
"Great idea Danni!" said Adam excitedly.
"I do have them occasionally Adam" laughed Danni "Now what do you want to do about the equipment and food?"
"Well we have some equipment from when we were younger but we probably need to update some of it and then get equipment for you. Unless you have some yourself?" asked Jason with a smile on his face.
"Really cute handsome. Like I said before my outdoor adventures have been limited to the holodeck"
"Then I guess we go shopping, how about tomorrow?" asked Jason.
"Whenever is fine by me just let me know. I've finished my dinner, may I go back to work now. please?"
"Yes beautiful, but don't work too late" said Bill as he took her plate.
"Thank you handsome, I promise I'll try not to." said Danni as she got up and kissed Jason on the head, then Bill as she passed him on the way out.
"Danni!" exclaimed Bill mentally.
"What? It's nothing they don't expect guys, ask them yourselves if you like. We'll talk later if you need to." answered Danni as the commissary door closed behind her.
"Uh guys…." started Jason but stopped at the grinning faces of his friends.
"Don't worry bro. Were all fine with the idea of you three forming the triad. I'm just surprised that it's Danni that had to make the first move herself" said Tommy as he put his arm around Jason's shoulder.
"Thomas Oliver!" said Kat.
"No offense Kat, but you saw her the night they went out. I know you guys are a couple and everything but damn! She's nothing to blow off either, even if she is middle aged for a Time-Lord"
"Well, I have to admit that one time Danni did make me feel sort of plane." answered Katherine.
"And even when she's not dressed up she has a sort of natural beauty about her" said Kimberly.
"See guys, even the ladies have noticed her beauty. Our ladies aren't anything to smirk at either."
"All right, we see your point. But since were still working on forming the Triad let us move at our own pace please" asked Bill.
"No problem little bro. We're just saying that it's OK to occasionally show Danni how you feel about her. I mean if you're comfortable with your feeling for her."
"I can assure you that it's not our feelings for Danni are not in question. Just our ability to act on them."
"Well then all you need to do is loosen up a little and relax. Don't worry about what we think, just know that all we want is for you to be happy. She does make you both happy, right?" asked Zack
From the smile that crossed both Jason and Bill's face they really didn't need to answer that question but they both emphatically said "YES!"
"Then make sure she knows that." said Kimberly "I get the feeling that sometimes the weight of everything were doing weighs heavily on her and there're are times when all she needs is a hug or kiss just to let her know she's not alone"
With that the others left the commissary, leaving Jason and Bill to contemplate what they had just discovered.
A few days later Danni, Jason and Bill went shopping and bought everything they would need for the camping trip. Instead of buying two one room tents they ended up purchasing a two room tent for the three of them to share. Danni had agreed to leave the purchasing of the food to the girls so when they met on Friday in the foyer, Danni was glad that she had suggested they teleport their equipment ahead to the camp site.
There was a boat load of stuff, with five tents, sleeping bags, and personal bags for each of the team members not to mention the cooking supplies, table, and coolers for the food. They never would've been able to carry all this stuff to the camp site. So with only a few minutes at the main console Danni sent all their camping stuff to the predetermined camp site.
A few minutes later they teleported to the garage, then drove to the mountains and hiked to their campsite arriving a little before noon. Danni and the guys set up the campsite, while the girls set up the kitchen tent and fixed lunch. After they ate and cleaned up everyone changed and went for a swim in the lake. After dinner the guys gathered wood for a campfire, which they lit at sunset and everyone sat around in pair's reminiscing about their younger days. Danni was the only one sitting alone, when Tommy nudged Jason and nodded towards her. The night had turned a little chilly so she had put on some sweats and was wrapped up in a blanket. Jason detangled himself from Bill and went over to kneel in front of Danni. She had brought her mp3 player & Kindle and was listening to her music while the others talked.
Jason touched her arm and she looked up to see him watching her. "Come sit with Bill and I, Danni" said Jason softly as he took her hand.
"Jas, I….."
"It's alright Danni. Bill and I talked last night and decided that the guys were right. We may not be ready for the hot and heavy stuff yet, but we've progressed to at least the hand holding and cuddling stage. So please?"
"Are you both sure?" asked Danni verbally to Jason and mentally to Bill.
"Yes. We both want this Danni," answered Bill mentally.
With a smile Danni turned off her mp3 player and shut down her Kindle, and rejoined Jason and Bill sitting with the rest of the group. They talked for a few more hours until each pair retreated to their respective tents. Danni, Jason & Bill's was the only two room tent so it was set off a little way from the others. After Danni had changed into her night clothes and was laying on her sleeping bag reading she heard a soft knock on the pole that separated the rooms.
"Come in Jas," answered Danni as she laid her Kindle down.
Jason was wearing sweat pants and a tank top, and looked like he had been asleep or almost asleep when he remembered something.
"Danni, Bill and I…"
"This request I'm afraid I'm going to have to decline Jason. I appreciated the cuddling tonight and I hope it wasn't a onetime gesture but I don't think either of you are quite ready for the next step. At least not yet."
"But we…"
"Jason…" started Danni as she got up stood in front of Jason. She took his face in her hands and gave him a full force passionate kiss while grinding her hips into his groin. After a few minutes it was Jason that pulled away from her breathing heavily. He looked at Danni and then slowly walked back to his and Bill's room. Danni smiled then picked up her Kindle and continued to read. Bill watched Jason walk back to their sleeping bags and then sit down beside him.
"Well, what did she say" asked Bill.
"I...Uhh... I don't think it's the right time for us just yet." said Jason as he shared what happened between Danni and himself.
"Ohhhh…wow, I think you might be right" whispered Bill as he lay down beside Jason.
The rest of the weekend was spent hiking, swimming and generally have fun while each member of the team got to know Danni. On the last night while everyone was sitting around the fire Aisha mentioned "I wish we could keep something like this going every week or so."
"I don't see why we can't, at least while the weather holds out. Although I think once a month might be better. But how about a movie night or something like that once a week?" said Danni.
"Movie night sounds great! But when and where?" asked Kat.
"Well it will have to be my quarters, they're the only one that is big enough for all of us to meet. Unless you want to use the holodeck?" replied Danni
"And we could have something delivered, so we can eat while were watching the movie" said Rocky.
"Delivery might be a problem but we could always get take-out and then teleport back to the compound."
"Are you sure Danni? We wouldn't want to impose on you." said Trini.
"It's no imposition Trini. I really enjoy spending time with all of you. But understand that if any of you have something else planned or just don't want to come don't feel obligated to on my account."
"We won't Danni, don't worry. But what about the movie?" said Kimberly
"No problem. I've access to all the movies that have been released. So pick a night and who's going to bring the food and were all set."
"Sounds great! We'll let you know, Ok?" said Aisha.
"Sure, no problem." answered Danni.
The rest of the night was spend talking, around eleven o' clock everyone started yawning and it was decided that it was time to go to bed. The next morning they rose early, ate and the packed up the campsite. They left everything were they had teleported it in on Friday so when they returned to the compound Danni could teleport their stuff back to the compound. They made the short hike in less than two hours and were back at the compound by midmorning. Danni returned their stuff and everyone spent the morning unpacking and cleaning up from their weekend camping trip.
Movie night starting about a week after they returned from their camping trip. Everyone arrived at Danni's quarters between five thirty and six with Rocky bringing several boxes of pizza and sodas.
Danni had rearranged her living room, adding more sofas so everyone was sitting in a horseshoe setting with a good view of the big screen TV on the wall. There was a low table in the middle with cups and plates waiting.
"What's the movie for tonight?" asked Danni as rose from the couch. She had stopped working a little early and been able to shower and changed before everyone arrived. She was wearing another capri set, this one dark purple with a lilac tank top and pink & purple striped over shirt.
"How about the girls pick since a man brought the food." suggested Aisha.
"Hey know fair!" exclaimed Rocky. If left up to Aisha he knew what they would be watching a chick flick for sure.
"Don't worry Rocky. We have already agreed on what movie to watch" said Trini.
"Danni, can you load the first Star Wars Movie "The Phantom Menace" asked Kat.
"You girls just want to watch that because it has Liam Neeson & Ewan McGregor" said Adam.
"So what if we do, it also has some really cool fighting scenes in it too." said Kat.
Danni went over to the computer console in her quarters and pushed a few buttons then said. "Computer load "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" circa 1999"
A few minutes later the female voice of the computer replies "Movie loaded, start when ready."
"Alright guys, this is your last chance for a bathroom or snack run."
"Were all good Danni, start the movie" said Rocky as he settled in with another plate of pizza and a large drink.
"Computer begin movie" said Danni as she settled on the couch between Bill and Jason.
She had left work earlier than she usual, but that was only after she had already put in almost 18 hours of work. The Zords were coming along nicely but now most of the work was mentally configuring the piloting system to merge with each of the team members. She knew she needed to relax, but she just hoped that she could stay awake for the whole movie. About halfway through the movie Danni was leaning against Bill's shoulder and by the end her head was solidly on Bill's shoulder with her eyes closed. After the credits rolled the computer announced "Movie completed."
Jason looked over at and noticed that she was sleep on Bill's shoulder.
"Looks like she couldn't make it through the movie. She must have been working really hard," said Tommy.
"She has. The computer logged her working 18 hrs. in the docking bay today. Danni, come on sweet. Time to wake up, movies over" said Bill as he gently rubbed her cheek with his thumb.
Danni stretched a little and opened her eyes to see the smiling faces of Jason and Bill. "What?" she asked as she sat up.
"You fell asleep, and didn't finish the movie" said Jason.
"I did not! Besides I'm not the only one" answered Danni as she nodded towards the other pairs.
Kim & Trini were both asleep on their respective partner's shoulders, with Kat and Aisha leaning heavily against Tommy and Rocky's chest.
"Then how did the movie end?" asked Bill.
"Don't get cute handsome. Come and help me cleanup," said Danni as she got up pulling Bill up with her.
"Oh don't worry Danni. We'll all help. Right Adam," said Kimberly as she elbowed Adam in the ribs.
"Uhh…Oh yeah" answered Adam as he stood rubbing his ribs.
"No, you guys go to bed. You all have early trainings tomorrow" said Danni as she pushed everyone out of the door.
"Well, if you are sure. Goodnight Danni, Jason, Bill" said Rocky as he lead Aisha out the door, with the rest of the team following quickly behind them.
"Hey! What about us?" asked Jason with his hands full of paper plates and cups.
"Don't worry boys. I'll make it worth your while" smiled Danni seductively, blowing them a little kiss as she passed them.
"Uhh… Danni?" asked Bill questionably.
"Don't worry handsome. I'll behave, but that doesn't mean I can't wish" said Danni as she sent a very lurid image to both Jason and Bill
"Oh Danni!…Come on Bill. I think we had better leave. Now!" said Jason breathlessly as he took the plates from Bill and pulled him out the door.
Danni stood smiling at the retreating backs of the guys when she heard a giggling voice in her mind.
"That wasn't very nice, Danni" said Antonia with a smile in her voice
"I know, but it sure was fun" answered Danni as she finished cleaning up and then went to bed.
The groups get together's turned into a weekly event sometimes culminating in movie night, or a family barbeque in the park, or maybe even a weekend camping trip in the mountains when the weather allowed. Danni went to all of the groups get together with the exception of one family barbeque in the park. She'd been working for over a week on the piloting system of Zack's Zord and begged off because she was exhausted. She had planned to have Zack take his Zord out tomorrow to synch him with the piloting system. She had already linked Aisha, Rocky, Tommy, Kat & Jason to their Zords and had been working at least 18 hrs. a day for the past week to get Zack's ready.
Jason & Bill arrived at the park late because both of them spend time checking on Danni, the next day everyone meet in the observation room to watch Zack's maiden voyage of his Zord.
"Are you sure you're alright Danni? We can postpone this if you're still tired." asked Jason as he put his hands on her shoulders and began to rub.
"Mmmmm, that feels good Jason, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to stop. I need to be totally focused to help Zack link with his Zord."
"I could always help…."started Jason but stopped when he saw Danni's smile.
"I wish you could Jason. I think it's better if I did this myself." said Danni as she closed her eyes and the ceiling turned clear so they could see the docking bays. "Zack are you ready?"
"Ready when you are Danni" replied Zack excitedly. He had watched everyone else link to their Zords and was really looking forward to his turn.
"Take the Zord to the pre programmed coordinates and we will begin when you arrive."
"Roger that Danni."
The team watched as Zack's Golden Lion Zord left the docking bay and flew high in the air, at the pre program coordinates Zack called once again
"I'm here Danni, now what?" asked Zack.
"It's very simple. Relax and I will guide you through the link with your Zord" At that Danni entered Zack's mind, at first the link went very well but as Danni started to pull out and Zack was left with just the machine he begin to panic.
"No, Danni! Don't leave me alone…" yelled Zack as he lost control of the Zord and it began to plummet towards earth.
"Relax Zack. Your spirit guide is with you. Listen to him."
"Trust me cub, you know I would never let anything happen to you" said a deep voice in Zack's mind.
"No, no. I can't, too much….I can't do this…too much." cried Zack from the Zord's cockpit
"Danni, do something! He's going to crash!" yelled Trini from somewhere behind her.
Danni had known that the rest of the team was in the room with her but forgotten that they could both hear and see everything that was going on.
"Keshena, calm him down, I'll take control of the Zord" said Danni as she took another deep breath then steeled herself for a fight. Once the Zords were linked they would only accept their pilots mind into the works of the computer. That way no one could try and take over the Zords if the pilot became incapacitated or hurt. Danni had designed the computer system so she knew of a few backdoors that she could possible get in but it wasn't going to be easy. After about twenty minutes of mentally reprogramming and bypassing her way through the Zords computer system Danni finally got control of the Lion Zord and pulled it out of its erratic flight plan and began the decent back to the Compounds docking bays.
"Keshena, how is Zachary?" asked Danni.
"I am fine, Danni. I'm sorry but I just panicked when I felt the computer touch my mind" answered Zack shyly.
"He will need some medical attention, Danielle" said Keshena.
"Understood, Adam would you call Dr. Campbell and help in the medical facilities" asked Danni.
Adam nodded and with one last look at Danni and the others he headed towards the medical facilities.
"I want to help Danni" said Trini as she came closer to the women who right now held her husband life in her hand.
"I think it would be wise to leave any medical treatment to Adam or Dr. Campbell Trini. We don't know what kind of shape he's in and you're hardly an unbiased person in this situation." answered Danni firmly.
"Golden Lion Zord has returned to docking bay three." came the computers female voice.
"Affirmative shut down all systems and transfer pilot to medical facilities" replied Danni and with one last deep breath opened her eyes, shutting down the mental projection of what had just happened.
"It's not your fault, Danni. Anyone could have made that mistake. After all were only human." said Tommy as he came towards her, the look on her face as she turned towards him he instantly made him regret saying it.
"Really! Tommy. You're going to say that to me!" said Danni her voice dripping with sarcasm. "The problem is I may look human but I'm not! I'm a Time Lord, for god's sake! I should've taken into account that something like this could've happened. I just hope Zack and Trini can forgive me, and want to continue in the team." then she turned, and started towards the door.
"I'm sure they don't blame you Danni" said Bill as he started to reach for her but stopped just short of her shoulder.
"No, they don't." answered Danni. "But I blame myself." She had added that last statement as an afterthought and said it so quietly that she was sure that only Jason and Bill, who were standing closest to her, had heard.
Zack had gotten only minor injuries so he only had to stay overnight and then was released. Danni however was another story. She hadn't gotten physically hurt but her confidence had taken a major blow and it took a while before she was able to even go into the docking bay again. But finally after a lot of encouragement and cuddling from Jason & Bill, and a long talk with Zack and Trini Danni finally began working on the Zords again and slowly intergraded herself back into the group's fun days.