The summer was a busy time for Tommy… he managed to get quite a few of his projects at work completed, and he and Hayley were making great progress developing new morphers and ranger tech for the future Dino Thunder team. Hayley already had the plans drawn up for the new base, which was now being called the Dino Lab, and Tommy hoped to have construction started soon and the base completed by the following year.

While Tommy kept busy with the Dino Gems, Anton was busy with his own research. Anton was developing a powerful Dino DNA-infused Super Serum… he had been working on the formula for months, and now had a working sample in development. He planned on a few additions to the serum and hoped to be able to test the product within the next few weeks.

Tommy went to talk to Anton to give him updates on his research and projects. Tommy found his mentor hard at work in his office looking over the formula calculations.

Tommy lightly knocked on the door to get Anton's attention, "Hey Anton, I got the research updates for you. But I see you're hard at work, as usual."

Anton chuckled, "Thanks, Tommy. You can leave the paperwork on the desk. I'll look over it when I get a chance. I'm pleased that you and Smitty were able to get the Bio Zords and Tyrannodrones completed. I already sent Smitty back to Special Projects, but if you need him for more Dino Gem projects, he'll be available."

Tommy nodded, "Of course. Right now, I'm continuing my research with the Dino Gems, but I'm pleased that I'm making great progress. I've got a few new projects underway, but I'm confident that we'll soon know everything we need to effectively use the Dino Gems."

Anton was glad Tommy was doing well, "I'm glad to hear you are doing great with the Dino Gems. I'm making progress on my own research… hopefully I can get this serum improved and ready for testing."

Tommy was curious and asked, "Anton, what kind of serum are you working on? You've been obsessed with developing this serum ever since I started working here, but you never told me what it is."

Anton wasn't surprised that his protégé was curious about his work and revealed, "It's a Super Solider formula, infused with Dino DNA. It will enhance the solider… making him a powerful warrior. Heck, if I can perfect this, maybe Power Rangers won't be needed all the time to save the world."

Tommy darkly thought to himself, Don't get too cocky Anton. If only you knew what the Dino Gems have told me… that a dark villain will soon arise, and only the Power Rangers will be able to stop it. I just hope I can find and get these future Rangers ready in time.

Tommy managed to compose himself to reply, "Like a real-life Captain America? Is that even possible?"

Anton smiled as he answered, "Well, I guess it would be similar. I just want the serum to be an enhancement… it will give soldiers abilities to be more efficient on the battlefield and give them some added protections."

Tommy replied, "Anton, I would be careful. A serum like that could lead to disastrous consequences."

Anton just shook his head, "Tommy… I've thoroughly gone through all the formulas. The serum will be safe and ready for testing within the next few weeks."

Anton was kind of surprised that Tommy was being so cautious and didn't appreciate the doubts. He'd done his homework and had faith the serum would be perfect. But it was a risk… too risky for a normal volunteer to undertake. Anton then made up his mind that he would be the one to test the serum to ensure its safety.

While Tommy felt Anton was rushing things, he saw the look in Anton's eyes… that his mentor felt insulted that his employee was doubting his work. Tommy decided to tread lightly but vowed to himself to keep an eye on his boss. "I don't doubt you've done your research Anton. I'm sure your serum will be a success… just promise me you'll be careful when it comes time to test it."

Anton nodded in agreement as he got up from his desk, "Of course, Tommy. Don't look so worried… I will make sure the necessary precautions are taken. That's why I'm looking over my calculations… believe me, I know the consequences if something goes wrong."

Tommy thought to himself, Do you really know Anton? What if this serum is what leads to the villain that the Dino Gems warned me about? I have a bad feeling something is going to happen when Anton tests the serum… it's going to be a Captain America/Red Skull situation. But I'll be damned if I let something bad happen to Anton and everyone that works here… at least Hayley and I are making progress for the Dino Thunder Rangers. I'm going to have to keep a close eye on things now… I'll have to have a contingency plan to protect the Dino Gems. I just hope I don't have to spring into action anytime soon.

Tommy managed to look reassuring and excused himself from Anton's office. Anton went back to his calculations… he grinned as he ran the numbers. The serum was going to work… all he need was to add a little more Dino DNA to it. He ran the simulation through his computer, and everything appeared to work correctly. Anton was thrilled and headed to his private lab and began to add his improvements to the serum. In the throughs of his work, Anton failed to notice that the serum turned a sinister color once he added the extra Dino DNA… the serum quickly changed back to its normal color, but something was seriously wrong. Once the serum was to Anton's liking, he went ahead and put it into storage… now that he had a working sample, he could now get it ready for testing. Anton made plans to test his serum in private… not knowing the disastrous consequences of this decision. In his hubris, Anton genuinely believed he had made a perfect formula; Anton had no idea of his mistakes… that his formula would eventually change and turn him into a monster.