Legacy of Power

Mesogog was using his psionic powers on an energy crystal and was struggling to get it open. He growled, "I will have it!" The item inside the crystal was powerful, and Mesogog wanted it badly.

Zeltrax and his Tyrannodrones returned and dragged Tommy into the room. "My lord, the prisoner."

Mesogog was pleased… he was looking forward to getting his revenge on Tommy, "Finally… tie him to the life force extractor."

Tommy continued to fight as he was drug along, "What do you want with me?"

Mesogog slowly turned to face Tommy, "How rude of me not to explain." The villain continued as his minions strapped Tommy down, "My senses tell me this stone encases a power source that will be most useful to me."

Tommy continued to struggle against his restraints, while Mesogog paced in front of his captive, "Alas, all my efforts to retrieve this power source have been less than successful. That's where you come in."

Tommy rolled his eyes and quipped, "Sorry… can't help you there. I'm just a high school science teacher." There was no way in hell he would help Mesogog.

Mesogog got right into Tommy's face at that comment, "Really? A high school science teacher… who just happens to have taught three brats to become Power Rangers."

The villain continued his pacing, "I know you know what's inside this stone. You're going to help me get it out, or you will not like the consequences." He pressed the probe of the Life Force Extractor closer to Tommy.

Tommy managed to get a good look at the crystal… indeed he had an idea of what was inside. He just needed to come up with a plan to get out of this situation.

The rangers were now concerned about their mentor and headed to the Dino Lab to check on him. The teens searched the lab, but their mentor was nowhere to be found. The rangers also had no idea that a certain redhead genius and former pink ranger were on their way to the base.

Kira replied, "This is bad." Ethan agreed, "Way bad. Worse than crashing after getting to level 9 in S.N.S.W."

Conner did not understand Ethan's reference, "Huh?" Ethan quickly explained, "Super Ninja Space Wars."

Conner rolled his eyes, and tried to reason with his teammates, "Okay… look, don't you think we're getting a little too freaked out about this?"

Kira just knew something was wrong, "Dr. O doesn't show up for my gig, then misses a full day of school without calling. I'd say we've achieved exactly the right level of freaking out."

Ethan agreed, "Not to mention he stood up Coach H… I've never seen a woman look so upset as Coach H was when she realized Dr. O didn't come to Kira's show. I've seen the way Dr. O looks at Coach H… it's obvious he cares about her."

Conner and Kira agreed with Ethan's observations… their mentor wasn't the type of person to blow off his responsibilities or break his promises.

Ethan realized the first place to look for clues was to check out Tommy's lab computers, "I guess there's only one way to find out what the good doctor's been up too."

Conner asked, "How's that?" as Ethan took a seat and began to work on getting into Tommy's computer system. Ethan smiled as a video began to appear on the screen, "I'm in."

Kira gave Ethan a look as Tommy's image began to appear on the video, "Yeah… but where?"

Tommy began the video, "I'm Tommy Oliver. If you're not me, then something is seriously wrong."

The rangers quirked an eyebrow at that as Tommy on the video continued, "This video is a confidential record only to be viewed in case of an emergency. What you're about to see is a history of my life."

Conner rolled his eyes and quipped, "More dinosaur bone stories… yawn."

Then the video dropped a bombshell, "My history… as a Power Ranger." Conner's jaw dropped at the reveal, "Okay. Un-yawn."

"My story begins in Angel Grove when 5 teenagers with attitude were recruited to fight the evil space sorceress Rita Repulsa." Images of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers now appeared in the video.

"They harnessed the power of the Dinosaurs to become Earth's first Power Rangers. Under the guidance of intergalactic being Zordon, Trini, Zack, Kimberly, Billy, and Jason bravely defended Earth which forced Rita to create her own ranger."

Kira was fascinated and asked, "Okay, so where's Dr. O?" as the video now went to Tommy's first day of school, and his first meeting with Kimberly.

Then the video showed Tommy's abduction and his transformation into the Green Ranger. "Her evil magic was too strong. I couldn't fight it. She commanded me to destroy the Power Rangers, and I almost succeeded. But my friends never gave up… they helped me destroy the Sword of Darkness, and I was freed. And that's when I joined the team."

"But not for long… I soon discovered the Green Ranger powers were only temporary." The video showed Tommy's struggles with his Green Ranger powers and his presentation as the White Ranger.

Ethan paused the video at that point… Kira asked, "Why did you do that for?" Ethan honestly answered, "Because I'm so buggin I can't even deal. And did you recognize the Pink Ranger… that's Coach H!"

Conner was in disbelief as well, "Our teachers are the oldest living Power Rangers."

Suddenly, the kids were surprised and turned around when they heard Hayley reply, "Not the oldest… just the best."

Kimberly walked up behind Hayley, "And I resent being called old… I'm only 24, thank you very much."

Hayley quipped as she eyed the original pink ranger, "Hello, Kimberly… it's nice to finally meet you. Tommy has told me all about you."

Kimberly quirked an eyebrow at the redhead who obviously had a bone to pick with her, "Oh, really. You must know Tommy well if he mentioned me. You obviously know a bit about our history."

Hayley simply nodded at the original pink ranger… there were a lot of things Hayley wanted to say to Kimberly but held her tongue. She would confront Kimberly later… now she needed to explain things to the very shocked rangers.

Ethan was shocked, "Hayley?! Coach H?!" The rangers began to walk towards the women. Conner asked, "How did you two get in here?"

Kira turned towards her history teacher and the genius café owner, "More to the point, what do you two know about any of this?"

Hayley answered the kids, "I know Tommy is in trouble… and you three are the only ones who can help him."

Kimberly replied, "As you now know, I was the original Pink Ranger. I was Tommy's partner on the team. When the Power Rangers reappeared in Reefside, I knew Tommy had to be involved. The day he disappeared we were going to talk… I just knew something was seriously wrong when he didn't show up."

Hayley rolled her eyes and couldn't help herself, "Not to mention you're Tommy's ex-girlfriend. You know you really did a number on him. The poor guy tries to deny it, but I know he's never quite gotten over you."

Kimberly bowed her head in shame… breaking up with Tommy was one of her biggest regrets, and she hated that she had hurt him so badly, "Hayley, there's a lot that you don't know about me. I have a lot of regrets on how I ended things with Tommy, but I'm here because I want to help. I'm still his friend, and I hate that he's in trouble. Please let me help you and the rangers find him."

Kira quipped to the two women, "Okay… time out. We all need to work together… all this drama isn't going to help find Dr. O. Now we get that Coach Hart was a Power Ranger, but how do you know so much about this Hayley?"

Hayley sighed to herself, knowing that Kira was right, "I've been helping Tommy prepare the ranger energy ever since he was working for Anton Mercer. We've known each other since grad school… who do you think built the morphers? I mean Tommy's good with dinosaurs and fossils, but a rocket scientist he ain't."

Conner quirked an eyebrow at Hayley, "And let me guess- you are." Hayley nodded at the red ranger, "Among other things."

Kira replied, "Okay, so you know who we are… you know what we are. Do either of you know where Dr. Oliver is?"

Kimberly sighed, "I wish I knew. I haven't seen Tommy in years… not until our first day of work at Reefside. We haven't had much time to talk due to work, and with him helping and training you kids."

Hayley pulled out a disc from her bag, "I think I have a pretty good idea." Hayley quickly went to the computers and accessed the video on her disc, "This is a surveillance tape from the day of your gig, Kira."

Sure enough, the security tape captured the footage of Tommy being abducted by the Tyrannodrones.

Conner gasped, "Why didn't he just morph? I mean he's a Power Ranger." Hayley turned towards the shocked red ranger, "Not anymore, or didn't you get that far?"

Kimberly answered, "Tommy and I are both former rangers. We no longer have ranger powers… we retired when we passed on our powers to our successors."

Hayley un-paused the video diary, and the video began with the arrival of Zord Zedd. Kimberly cringed seeing Lord Zedd on the screen, "Ugh… Zord Zedd. I had almost forgotten how ugly he was. He and Rita definitely gave me and Tommy a lot of trouble during our ranger days."

"A new villain Lord Zedd was destroying Earth, and with three rangers leaving, a new power source had to be found." The video showed Zordon explaining how the Sword of Light would be used to transfer the red, yellow, and black ranger powers and the arrival of Rocky, Adam, and Aisha to become the newest rangers.

"Trini, Zack, and Jason passed on their powers and the three new rangers stepped forward." The video changed to the team-up and marriage of Lord Zedd and Rita. "And just in time, because Rita and Zedd teamed up to form our most powerful enemy yet, bringing with them a new terror- Rito."

The scene showed Rito defeating the Power Rangers, and the destruction of the zords. "The new team fought bravely, but it wasn't enough. Rito destroyed our zords."

Kimberly grimaced at that scene, "That was a horrible day… I literally felt our zords crying out to us as they were destroyed." She remembered the heartbreak as a younger Tommy on the video realized they not only lost the zords, but also lost their ranger powers.

"A ranger never gives up. Zordon sent us on a quest to find Ninjor, a warrior from the past who showed us the secrets of the ancient Ninja." The video showed Ninjor's Ninja ceremony and the rangers receiving their new Ninja Powers. "We gained new weapons, new zords, and new enemies."

The next scene showed the rangers fighting the Tenga Warriors. "But along with new enemies came new friends."

Kat's first meeting with Tommy came up next… Kim glared at the scene as she remembered at that time Kat was under Rita's spell, and wanted to get her out of the way. She softened as the next scene showed her giving Katherine her power coin… Kat had proven herself to be a good person by rescuing the Pink Ranger coin and helping to save her life.

"When Kimberly chose to leave, Katherine was the only choice." Hayley turned towards Kimberly, "I never knew you chose to leave the team." Kimberly nodded, "It wasn't an easy decision to leave the rangers. Katherine had been under Rita's spell, and had targeted me. But she helped Tommy and the others rescue me and my power coin… she saved my life. Katherine's a good person, and eventually became a great Pink Ranger. I'll admit I did choose a wonderful replacement."

"Katherine assumed the Pink Ranger power and just in time." Kimberly explained, "Shortly after Kat joined the team, the Command Center was attacked."

Sure enough, the next scene was the destruction of the Command Center. "We were under attack. We got out just as Rita and Zedd succeeded in destroying the Command Center."

The video showed the rangers in the midst of the rubble, and Tommy finding the Zeo Crystal intact. "Beneath the ruins, we found the Zeo Crystal, a mystical Power that guided us into the next chapter of our lives as rangers."

The next scene showed the rangers inside the new Power Chamber receiving their new Zeonizers and new Zeo Ranger suits.

"The Zeo Powers were awesome, but when we needed reinforcements we turned to an old friend."

Kimberly smiled as her oldest friend appeared on the screen again. "Jason returned, and assumed the power of the Gold Ranger."

The video showed Jason in his Gold Ranger suit, and then the video switched to graduation day. Kimberly knew very well what was about to happen next.

"After high school graduation, we were ready to face the world. But not before going on one last adventure as rangers. It was time to shift into a higher gear."

It showed the rangers getting into their Turbo vehicles. "The old rangers were gone forever, but the Turbo Rangers were born."

Kimberly glared as Divatox appeared on the screen… she still hated that space pirate for what she did to her and Jason. She smiled as she saw the rangers receiving their Turbo powers. "A space pirate named Divatox launched an attack on Earth. We were given the powers of Turbo and took her head-on, with a little help."

Everyone was shocked as little Justin Stewart appeared on screen revealing he was the new Blue Turbo ranger.

Everyone winced as Divatox's attack on Tommy and Kat came on the screen and showed how the next rangers would come to help. "T.J., Cassie, Ashley, and Carlos proved that they had what it takes."

The next scene was the old rangers passing on their powers to the new Turbo rangers. Hayley paused the video and explained, "After that, Tommy went to college where he met yours truly. But when he found the Dino Gems, he knew he could never escape the power for long."

Kimberly rolled her eyes, "Tommy has always been a magnet for ranger trouble. But he always finds a way to get himself out of trouble… that's what makes him a great ranger."

Kira asked, "What happened to you after your ranger days, Coach H?" Kimberly answered, "I competed in the Pan Global Games after I left the team. I medaled in the games and got a scholarship for college. I moved back to California and got my masters in History, minoring in Kinesiology. I also got my teaching credentials and have been working as a teacher and coach for the past few years. Reefside is my second teaching job, and it was a huge coincidence that Tommy and I started working for the same high school."

Ethan was fascinated, but wanted to get back to business, "Seeing as how I don't want this to be the end of the line, can we get back on the subject of finding Dr. O?"

A thought came to Kira, "Hey, I just thought of something. What about invisi-portals? They're all over the city. If we could find one, we could get into Mesogog's lab."

Kimberly smiled, "That's a great idea, Kira. Hayley, is there a way you can find those things?"

Hayley nodded, "I've been working on that very thing. Unfortunately, I need just a little more time."

Conner asked, "Okay, so what are we supposed to do while you're doing that?" He wished that they could already find Dr. O.

Hayley went back to the video diary, "Here… watch more of your heritage. You might learn something."

Kimberly nodded, "It's not easy being a Power Ranger, but I think you guys are doing a wonderful job. I'm kind of curious to see the other rangers that came after my team. Consider this an extra credit assignment for my class… you kids are part of a great legacy, and I know you can learn from the past Power Rangers."

The next scene was Divatox's attack on the Turbo Power Chamber. "Divatox was tough, and the Pirahnatrons were relentless. Divatox wasn't ready to give up and staged a fearsome attack, taking out the Turbo Rangers' Command Center and their powers with it. She headed for space and Earth's ultimate destruction."

The video showed the Turbo Rangers making up their mind to follow Divatox and preparing to head into space. "The rangers knew they had to follow Divatox into space and embarked on the most dangerous mission, leaving behind the world they knew… forever."

It showed the scene of Justin choosing to stay behind, and watching his fellow rangers leave. The next scene showed the rangers' shuttle being intercepted by the Astro Megaship. "The journey into space was treacherous and the line between friend and foe was a thin one."

The video showed the introduction of Andros. "Andros proved he was more than a friend. He was just the kind of leader they would need to fight a new enemy. An enemy called Astronema."

Astronema appeared on screen, and the video showed just how out of their element the Turbo Rangers were being out in space. "They thought they had no hope, but Andros brought them the Astro Morphers, bringing forth a new team."

The next scene showed Andros bringing the rangers their new morphers and showed the rangers in their new Astro/Space ranger suits.

It then showed the Space Rangers finding a Silver Ranger encased in a cryogenic tube, and Andros' reveal that the Silver Ranger was his friend Zhane. "The Space Rangers freed Zhane from his deep freeze, and the Silver Ranger was a noble addition to the team. Together, they defeated Astronema and the Earth was safe."

Kimberly replied, "I remember the Space Rangers… they are the only rangers that have revealed their identities to the public. If I remember correctly, Astronema was revealed to be Andros' sister Karone and would later find redemption by becoming a ranger herself."

Conner quirked an eyebrow at that, "An actual ranger villain became a Power Ranger? What are the odds of that?" Kira smacked Conner's shoulder, "Uh, remember Dr. O started out as an evil ranger, and he's the one training us."

The video turned to a space wormhole and showed the Quasar Sabers. "But deep in space, another battle raged. On the distant planet of Mirinoi, five new heroes- Leo, Damon, Kendrix, Maya, and Kai- retrieved the Quasar Sabers and were chosen to be the Power Rangers of the Lost Galaxy."

It showed the Galaxy Rangers retrieving their sabers and receiving their powers. "They would have to combine their powers if they were to defeat their mortal enemy, Trakeena."

Trakeena appeared on the screen, and it showed her attack on Terra Venture. "Trakeena threatened to destroy the space colony Terra Venture and took on a horrifying new form."

The kids grimaced at Trakeena's horrible new form. "Red Ranger and his battlizer were the colony's only hope." The next scene was Leo's final battle with Trakeena, and him using his battlizer to defeat the evil villainess forever. "With Trakeena destroyed, the people of Terra Venture were forever grateful to the rangers of the Lost Galaxy."

Kimberly quipped, "I wished Tommy would have mentioned that Kendrix had been killed in battle trying to save Cassie. Kendrix's death sent huge shockwaves in the ranger community… she was the first ranger to be killed in the line of duty. Karone ended up rescuing Kendrix's saber and would be the one chosen to take her place on the Galaxy team. Thankfully Kendrix was able to be revived after the Galaxy Rangers' final battle, and I heard that Karone and Kendrix now share the Pink Quasar Saber."

Hayley managed a small smile, "You know your ranger history… maybe even better than Tommy."

Kimberly returned the smile, "I may not be an active ranger anymore, but I still keep in touch with my friends. I stay in the loop of what happens in the ranger world… it's the once a ranger, always a ranger mentality. Being a Power Ranger stays with you… it never goes away when you retire from service."

The next scene was Lightspeed Rescue's base coming up from the ocean. "Meanwhile, on Earth, an elite team was being put together to fight a new battle against an invasion of demons."

It showed the Lightspeed Rescue Rangers being presented with their morphers, and the team agreeing to become Power Rangers. "The Lightspeed Rangers needed one more to complete their mission."

Ryan Mitchell appeared on screen to become the Lightspeed Titanium Ranger. "That's when Ryan joined the team." The next scene was Ryan and the rest of the Lightspeed Rangers teaming up together.

Hayley paused the video at that moment. Ethan quipped at the redhead, "Hey, I was watching that!"

Hayley retorted as the screens began to get a lock, "Sorry, but I've got something." Conner gave a hopeful look, "What, you found him?"

Hayley kept typing, "Almost. I've got a lock on the back door to Mesogog's firewall. In theory, it should lead us straight to an invisi-portal. "

Kira asked, "Then what?" She knew they needed to come up with a plan to rescue their captured mentor.

Hayley simply answered, "I'll let you know when I get there." Kimberly put a gentle hand on Hayley's shoulder, "I wish I had your skills, Hayley. But I have faith you will figure it out… you'll find this portal, and we'll be closer to figuring out a way to rescue Tommy."

Meanwhile in Mesogog's lair, Mesogog declared to Tommy, "Once I access the power in this rock, my dream of returning the planet to its prehistoric roots will be a mere formality."

Tommy rolled his eyes despite being restrained, "Why can't you just want to rule the Earth like all the other sickos?"

Mesogog growled at Tommy, "Are you going to tell me how to open that stone… or not?"

Tommy remained defiant as ever as he quipped, "Take a wild guess."

Mesogog hissed and began to turn on his machine, "Have it your way." The machine turned on and Tommy realized he was definitely in trouble. "Why are they always so stubborn?"

In the Dino Lab, the computers began to show a "Search Failed" reading. Conner asked, "So, what's happened?"

Hayley answered, "Either I'm losing my touch, or Mesogog is really smart… for a mutant freak."

The screens went dark and the video diary resumed with the arrival of the Time Force Rangers. Kira asked, "What's it doing now?" Hayley replied, "It's retrieving more ranger history."

Ethan liked the Time Force Rangers' ship, "Nice spaceship." The next scene showed Jen Scotts explaining that her and team were from the future.

Ethan paused the video at that, "Whoa… hold up. Power Rangers who came from the future?"

Kira replied, "They're down with time travel and everything, right? Couldn't they take us back to the moment when Tommy was kidnapped?"

Conner retorted, "What, so we can watch it happen all over again?" Kira gave Conner a look and then Conner realized, "Oh… so we can stop them. Got it."

Kira answered, "It's worth a shot. Let's see if this tells us how to reach them." Kimberly remained rational, "I don't think it's going to be so simple… the Time Force Team may have returned back to their time."

Kira went ahead and continued the video diary. Jen Scotts continued her explanation to Wes Collins that he was the only person who could help them unlock their morphers and presented him with his Chrono-morpher. Sure enough, when Wes put on his morpher, he was able to become the Time Force Red Ranger. He and the other Time Force rangers received full access to their powers. "Rangers from the future chased a mutant criminal through time. But it took a modern-day hero to help finish the job."

The next scene showed Eric Myers morphing into the Quantum Ranger. "It took a while for Eric to learn that the greatest virtue of being a ranger is not the power… but the reward of helping mankind."

Ethan liked the segment on Time Force, "That was sick, but not helpful." Conner asked, "Okay, so, what about all the other rangers? I mean, there must be hundreds of them all over the place. Couldn't we team up and scout all over the city?"

Hayley shook her head, "It's not that easy." Kimberly agreed, "Most rangers don't have their powers anymore."

Hayley nodded with Kimberly's answer, "Some never wanted them at all." Conner could relate since he had nearly given up his own powers.

The video diary continued with Wild Force and showed the Wild Force team debating that they needed a fifth ranger. "Cole joined, and the Wild Force rangers used spirits of the ancient animals to fight the evil orgs- creatures determined to conquer Earth through pollution and destruction."

It showed the Wild Force team in battle, and the next scene was Merrick Baliton morphing into the Lunar Wolf Ranger. "The final member to join the team was Merrick, the Lunar Wolf." The final scene was the complete Wild Force team teaming up together.

Ethan quipped, "And meanwhile, back in reality, we still have no way to find Dr. O." Hayley tried to put her thoughts together, "I know there's at least one more group of rangers out there. They had a guy named Cam… he was even more of a genius at this stuff than I am."

Conner thought of his twin brother Eric and quickly replied, "Try typing in Ninja Storm."

Everyone gave Conner a look. Conner quipped as he explained, "What? My twin brother went to this super-secret ninja school. Everyone there knew a few of the students got chosen to be rangers."

Ethan questioned Conner, "Your brother was a Power Ranger?" Conner got a bit smug at that, "Nah, he couldn't even finish ninja school. He's like a total airhead. We're so different… right guys?" Conner was proud that he had become a Power Ranger over Eric.

Kira and Ethan just gave a knowing look at Conner… it didn't surprise them that Conner had a twin that was dumber than he was. At least Conner had leadership abilities and made the effort to do his best.

Hayley had typed in the Ninja Storm name into the video diary, "Look, I found them." It showed Cam presenting the Wind mophers to the Ninja Storm team. "Three unlikely ninja students commanded the power of Earth, Air, and Water."

The Wind Ninja Storm Rangers were shown in battle, and the next scene was the arrival of the Thunder Rangers. "It was the power of Thunder that gave them their biggest challenge." It showed the Thunder Rangers challenging the Wind Rangers and revealing themselves. "But their greatest enemies proved to be their greatest allies." The next scene was Hunter and Blake finally joining the Ninja Storm team.

Following that showed Cam putting his Samurai amulet around his neck and his battle with a younger Lothor. "With Earth on the brink of destruction, another friend- Cam- went back in time to retrieve the one power that could save them all- the power of the Green Samurai Ranger. In their final battle against Lothor, the rangers made the ultimate sacrifice." It showed the Ninja Storm Rangers in their final battle using their ninja powers to defeat Lothor, throwing the villain into the Abyss of Evil.

Ethan was stoked, "Whoa! Ninjas are real… I knew it!" Conner tapped Ethan's shoulders, "Hey, my brother taught me some of his moves. Check it out."

Conner showed off, but when he spun, he landed a kick onto the computer system. Sparks flew, and the computer screens went dark. Kira groaned, "Oh, please tell me that did not just happen." Kimberly quipped as she smacked Conner's shoulder, "Conner, this is why we don't show off!"

Hayley lamented, "I think we just lost our last hope of finding Tommy." Conner felt so guilty… he had royally screwed up.

Hayley quickly went to work trying to fix the computers. Conner ran his fingers through his hair and asked, "Anything?"

Suddenly the computers began to work again, and the Dino Thunder logo appeared on the screen. Hayley was relieved, "Got it!" Ethan was relieved as well, "We are so lucky you're a genius."

Conner just sighed… he was relieved that his screwup had been fixed. Hayley smiled, "Even geniuses need help sometimes. That little jolt must have done something to the wiring cause I'm getting something."

Tommy reappeared on the video diary, "With the return of Mesogog, it became necessary to invoke the power of the Dino Gems. Should anything happen to me, these three are charged with protecting the planet." Images of Conner, Ethan, and Kira appeared onscreen in their ranger and civilian forms.

Kira smiled, "It's us." The video diary ended with Tommy saying, "You're in good hands."

The rangers were touched at Tommy's words. Conner replied, "He really trusts us."

Hayley nodded, "He does." Kimberly agreed as well, "Tommy picked a wonderful team… you guys deserve to be Power Rangers. I have faith in you as well."

Ethan turned towards his teammates, "We have to save him… we owe it to him." Kira commented, "The whole world owes him."

The computers began to beep. Hayley gave a wide smile at that, "It worked! I've got a lock on an invisi-portal."

Conner smiled at his friends, "Time to go save a teacher." Kimberly smiled as well, "This is when I wish that I still had my powers. I wish I could suit up and join you."

It was perfect timing that the Power Rangers now had a lock on the portal… Tommy was still in grave danger. Mesogog hissed at Tommy, and his machine began to draw its probe closer to Tommy's chest.