Shadows in the Glass

by flipgurlpink11

An incident causes Tommy to retire from the Ranger life following the end of his latest tenure. Years later, an unexpected battle between two warring factions will throw him and the original Rangers into the mix fighting not only for the fate of their city, but for the heart of the team.

11. Tidal Waves on the Horizon

(Author's Notes: Hey guys, here is chapter 11 of the story. Thinking their mission is finished, the Rangers attempt to move forward. However, one final bombshell will set up a final showdown with serious repercussions.)

Chapter 11: Tidal Waves on the Horizon

April 29, 2004

Oliver Residence

Reefside, CA

"Dr. O he needs medical treatment. Look he doesn't know what he's saying." Trent replied, as he and Conner helped carried an injured Anton Mercer into the pile of rubbish that was now Tommy's lab.

Kim was thankful that Hayley managed to keep Amelia well protected in the secret panic room that they installed in the lab. Watching the surveillance video, they saw Zeltrax kidnapped the now human Elsa who was seeking sanctuary. The lab was trashed, but at least they kept their promise to their White Ranger to save his father.

"Here she is, safe and sound as promised to mommy and daddy." Hayley said walking out of the panic room with Amelia unharmed. Kim breathed a sigh of relief as the redhead passed the toddler to her mother.

"Mama, Dada!" Amelia said stroking her mom's face. "Noisy!"

"Don't worry baby girl, no more boom and noisy sounds I promise you." Kim reassured her as Tommy stroked his daughter's back. "Mommy and daddy are glad you're safe."

"This is all my fault. I should have stopped him and it nearly endangered your little girl's life." Anton Mercer said, his voice deep with regret as Ethan and Kira worked on tending to the older man's wounds with the medical supplies they had left. He sense something that the Rangers didn't and Trent knew what to expect.

"Hey dad, don't blame yourself for what you did when you were him." Trent answered.

"Trent is right," Tommy said. "This is about Smitty and me. It had nothing to do with you." They knew if they survive this next battle, they were going to have a nice long talk with Anton once this was all over.

"But I crossed lines I wouldn't dare cross both as an individual and a business man." Anton responded. "I gotten myself involved with some highly questionable figures under Mesogog's influence. I remember it all, and the fear it brought upon those who became liabilities to their diabolical plans. These people are unlike anyone I encountered..."

"But we can't go back and change things. Mesogog is no longer a threat." Tommy interjected. "We should be thankful."

"And I owe all of you for keeping Trent safe when I couldn't." Anton replied. "He's lucky to have friends who look out for him."

"Mr. Mercer you don't owe us anything." Connor said. "Trent is our friend and he means a lot to us. Despite everything, we do anything for him and we kept a promise to him to save the only family he has left."

"So...Dr. O, Mrs. Oliver what does this mean? We're not hanging our morphers up just yet?" Kira asked.

"Not just yet because this is only the prelude to something bigger." Tommy warned.

"Tommy, there's something you should know; something all of you should know." Anton explained. "It's about when I was Mesogog. There was something I stumbled upon that was never disclosed during the expedition on the island. I discovered that Smitty knew about the island and what was buried on it besides the Dino Gems. Smitty never told us he was researching lore and legends about a secret organization who practiced mystical and ancient arts, but with dark intentions. He found something: Shisha."

Every one of the team members gasped, but Tommy and Kim most of all. How did Smitty know about the faction wars Quinn dedicated his life to? "Shisha, it's a Japanese word, it means The Emissary." Kimberly said surprisingly.

"I swear to you on my parents' graves I never knew what was actually on the island, let alone the incident with the explosion." Anton said. "I suspected we weren't alone on the island and we trespassed on whatever this secret group was doing. Smitty's curiosity got the best of him when he took an excavation team to the site I specifically said we weren't going to venture. These representatives from Rideau Circle...took a highly invested interest in our research on the island."

"I thought most of our work was destroyed on the island, with the exception of the Tyrannodrones and the Dino Gems." Tommy said softly.

"If you know Terrance he is one for keeping backups." Anton said. "He had notes stored at his old workstation at the office. Smitty was looking into really deep stuff."

"The myth of The Emissary." Tommy responded cryptically. "He may have known things long before we ever set foot on the island."

Anton formed a confused look, but looking back some things started making sense before the island expedition. The Rangers suspected that Anton's deal with the mysterious Rideau Circle was more than just a business deal involving financial transactions and ventures. Something was amiss and the answers laid within the works of Terrance Smith.

Reefside Hospital

6:30 p.m

"Well that was sure one heck of an adventure, now we're back to being regular joes." Connor quipped. It had been one hell of a day, and after months of constant battles and threats over the city, the Rangers were relieved Mesogog have finally been dealt with.

"Trust us guys, things may go back to normal but life as you know it won't be the same again." Tommy said. It was a statement that was a constant that even though life after the Power Rangers may be over, life wouldn't be the same afterwards.

"Still, Tommy, Kimberly and kids. For everything that has happened, again I apologize," Anton said after they finally brought him to the hospital for an examination. Despite his injuries, he was informed that there were no signs of internal damage, but wanted to keep him overnight for observation.

"Again, Mr. Mercer you have nothing to be sorry for and you're Trent's dad." Ethan reassured him while visiting his hospital room. "You were a victim as well in all of this."

"The kids are right Anton." Kim replied. "Don't be too hard for your actions while under Mesogog's influence."

"Yeah we wouldn't anticipate him getting himself involved with some mysterious forces at work and also rope others into their following." Tommy said. "What matters now is that you're back with your son and being a father to him now."

"So, Dr. O, Mrs. Oliver, now that Mesogog is destroyed, do you think this Emissary threat is gone too?" Trent asked.

"And what do you think will happen with this company, Rideau Circle?" Kira asked. "Do...you think what your counsellor said is true about them?"

With the threat of Mesogog finally dealt with, Tommy felt that they'll get their well deserve reward for semi-retirement from duty. However, he and Kimberly knew too well the impact of Quinn's presence in their lives and their students were willing to step into the frontlines with them to endure the battle with them.

"We're not sure but we learned over the years...expect the unexpected." Tommy said. "Mesogog maybe gone, but there are still questions left unanswered."

"And as for Quinn, we'll have to prepare ourselves and we can't wait around or else it will be too late." Kim added.

"Perhaps you could consider this a debt I owe for what you all did for Trent." Anton replied. "Besides now tasked with trying to repair Mercer Industries' PR image for the next few years, maybe I can get the inside scoop on my mysterious business venture. There are other ways to fight a battle than on the field."

"Mr. Mercer we can't ask that of you." Connor argued worriedly. "Look sir, you been through a lot and we wouldn't want to risk your life for our mission."

"Dad, trust us we can handle ourselves." Trent replied.

"I know the risk son, but this is my decision and I promise to pay a debt for all the trouble that I have inadvertently brought upon all of you." Anton said. "Besides, being the CEO of your own company...does have its advantages. Terrance wasn't the only one who always had a backup plan. Give me a month at most to gather what I can." He then turned to Tommy and Kim. "In the meantime, keep an eye out for some deliveries to your place in the next few days. It's the least I can do for compensation."

"Are you serious? You think you can retrieve everything without raising any suspicion?" Kim asked as he nodded his head. "We don't know what to say Anton."

"Just get the answers to the questions you want to know to ease your minds." Anton answered.

"We're going to do that," Tommy said. "Hopefully this will end the threat of the looming shadow hanging over our heads."

May 1st, 2004

Oliver Residence

Reefside, CA

Though the lab was ransacked almost a week earlier by Zeltrax, the consolation in all of this is that the threat of Mesogog no longer weighed on Tommy, Kim, and the Dino Rangers. At least it allowed them to get a good night's sleep and focus on raising Amelia and helping the teens get through the final weeks of high school. There was a feeling of nostalgia that graduation was around the corner and Amelia's 2nd birthday was coming up.

The threat over Reefside maybe gone for now, but Tommy felt that Mesogog's subtle defeat left a lot of unanswered questions, one being the lore of The Emissary and the mystery behind the Dino Gems. It was the reason why he and Kim were determined to put the lab back together and thankfully they had friends who will help them.

Billy and Hayley had promise to help Tommy get the lab rebuilt and Anton had uphold his promise to the couple to start gathering information from Mercer Industries' files and Smitty's private files he had stored at the company. Apparently, there was a lot that Mesogog was attempting to collect on the Emissary's behalf and Anton had plenty of information for them to start with.

"Hey guys," Tommy said as Billy helped Anton bring in another box. "Wow, looks like you got a library there."

"Well this is what happens when one of your interns charges hundreds of dollars on miscellaneous expenses to the company." Anton laughed joking.

"So who did this stuff belong to?" Kimberly asked curiously.

"Smitty and he apparently charged all this stuff on my corporate card three months prior before our expedition to the island." Anton explained. "According to the accounting department, it was all under my name, Smitty signed off on it and kept it under storage in an disclosed storage unit."

"Did Smitty double major in something else?" Hayley asked.

"Ancient history: more particularly studies on lore and mythologies of eastern archaeology. He was into researching secret organizations, legends and myths of civilizations that existed long ago." Anton said. "He apparently was writing an thesis paper for a post-graduate study of a secret society that existed in ancient Eastern Asia."

"And you believe that this secret organization Smitty was researching had to be the Emissary?" Tommy asked. "As a researcher, do you believe in the idea of...resurrection?"

"There have been rumors of it, and concepts and beliefs that can date back to the foundations of early Christianity." Anton explained. "Ancient Egyptians and Greek mythology also made references to possible accounts of resurrection, the idea to bring the dead back to life. The whole concept has been myth and legends for ages."

"It is possible according to intergalactic species of the idea to bring the dead back to life." Billy pointed out. "I did scan quickly through Terrance Smith's contents and whatever he stumbled upon, this so called Emissary breathed this idea. Literally, the way he describes them they follow this fanatical idea..."

"...That every member lives and dies for The Emissary." Kimberly finished her friend's thought. "...I think I heard that one a couple times before from an old acquaintance."

"What about the stone sarcophagus? Any word on it?" Tommy asked. "What about leads on the Dino Gems?"

"Apparently according to the security footage it was already cleared out from the loading bay area after Mesogog's defeat. I'm sorry I couldn't gather anymore information about it, but perhaps this might help." Anton gave a security footage tape to the couple that was on a DVD. "They thought they deleted the security footage, all except for one on a hidden security camera I had in my office. There was information discussed on the footage about the Dino Gems, something these people had knowledge about. This is all I can provide for now...hopefully it's a start."

"Thank you for everything Anton," Tommy said. "At least we know where to start digging."

"I should warn you that I have this feeling whoever these people Mesogog aligned with will come back to tie up some loose ends." Anton warned. "I couldn't take any precautions with the safety of my company and even your lab. The security footage is encrypted with a code for protection and I created a shield that should protect the lab to prevent another invasion. It's a prototype...but knowing you two I ensure you'll pull through."

"We owe you for your generosity and your help." Kimberly said. "We're going to get lab repaired in no time and promise to keep you safe from these people."

3:00 p.m

Angel Grove, CA

"I appreciate you inviting me to come with you guys Jason," Justin replied as he exited the community center with Jason, Kat and their son Henry. "It was quite a story."

As the three made their way to the parking lot, Justin felt a newfound appreciation for people that are defined as heroes in their community. Some could say Justin was a hero in his right mind years ago at the age of 12, being the youngest person ever to become a Power Ranger. Many would view him as a kid back then who was extremely intelligent and finished high school within 2 years when kids his age were graduating middle school.

Now at nearly 18 years old, it seemed like Justin was at a crossroads wondering what to do with his life. He finished his final and last year at Stanford and ironically, being nearly the same age as Tommy's Dino Rangers, it was as if his life fast tracked.

"Hey it's no problem, besides makes you get a better understand of what it's like for people in the armed forces," Jason said. He found it humbling that the former Blue Turbo Ranger would reach out to him, asking him about the possibility of pursuing a career in the army. After all, it was what Jason did after graduating high school when he enlisted and spent four years serving in the military.

"It was a touching story hearing about your former unit commander, Sargent Matthew Ryback." Justin said. "You rose to the ranks of Sargent Major? So why didn't you reenlist again after your service was up?"

"You obviously know that answer pal," Jason smiled taking a hold of Kat's hand. "Life takes you in another direction. Our unit was disbanded after Ryback's death."

"Plus, that was when I came back from London and we made plans to get married once we were done," Kat added. "And then Henry came along and then Jason made his decision not to reenlist because he wanted to be there for our son."

"People paint this picture of being in the military or on the front lines as a badge of honor and prestige. However, there is more to it than just a medal or badge. You must have seen things on the front lines over there, witness live combat first hand. Was it any different from being a Power Ranger and then suddenly being an army officer and carrying an actual live weapon in your hand?" Justin asked.

"It's been a little over two years since I been discharged from the army." Jason said. "Was serving in the military any different than being a Power Ranger? Both were the same: the idea of being on duty and serving to uphold the protection of planet and country. Did both experiences change me as a person? Definitely it did but in different ways. You see things you wouldn't imagine, things you never expected to do and you figure out how to deal with it in the aftermath. Being on the front lines and up close to the action becomes the real testament to one's character and the reason why you're there and for what purpose."

"That's a lot to consider. The idea of being on the front lines and leaving your loved ones to wonder whether you'll make it home or not." Justin said.

"Well it comes with the territory of being in a relationship with someone who once served in the armed forces," Kat said. "Whatever you decide, whatever path you choose to embark on next, know that you'll always have the support of those who love and care about you."

"Still, there is no need to rush things Justin. You're 18 years old and you already had your education fast-tracked since you were 12." Jason said smiling. "At least every once in awhile let your knowledgeable brain unwind and relax. Heck, you just finished four years at Stanford at least let your old friends take you out to dinner to celebrate."

The three former Rangers were preoccupied with discussing about their dinner plans to notice that they were being followed. The individual dressed in stealthy, dark clothing attire studied the trio along with the toddler with intrigue and curiosity. The figure stuck to the shadows not drawing attention or suspicion to mask his presence in the area.

May 31st, 2004

Reefside, CA

"We need a casualty report right now!" Aria ordered surveying the damage done inside the Garrison's cargo ship knowing who was responsible. "What's the damage?"

"Madam we got reports of six fighters injured and three confirmed dead." one of the Garrison members reported. "Roxas is accounted for and same with Felix. Quinn...there is no sign of him, but it looked like he put up a fight."

"Dammit we have a problem. The Emissary figured out the Scarlet Sovereign that Quinn put down weeks ago was not the real one. Get everyone scowling the streets of the city right now. We need to find him before they attempt to beat the information out of him." Aria posed as tension hung in the air as the other members of the Garrison heard the news of Quinn's disappearance. They thought they assumed victory after neutralizing the threat of the Scarlet Sovereign, however they only postpone it.

"You're worried aren't you Aria? He took a big gamble years ago encountering those two." Roxas warned warily. "We can't deny the truth no longer and The Emissary will see to it the truth emerges. You know what we're talking about and who we are referring to."

"I know but you know the falcon's strife and will...he won't yield that easily especially when it comes to protecting his crane." Aria sighed.

June 3rd, 2004

Oliver Residence

Reefside, CA

Coming upstairs from the newly rebuilt lab, Tommy made his way to the backyard seeing everything set up for Amelia's birthday. Being preoccupied with trying to get his lab repaired since Zeltrax's attack a few weeks ago, it slipped out of his mind that he neglected setting up the birthday present he bought his daughter. Luckily, he was thankful for the Dino Rangers who spent entire day putting together the mini jungle gym set for the now two year old girl.

It was a small birthday party that consisted of close friends and family at the house and this year Tommy didn't have to worry about missing out. Kimberly came outside with Hayley and was carrying Amelia when he saw the excitement on their little girl's face seeing the jungle gym. Amelia was squirming in her mom's arms demanding to go down as Kira brought the birthday girl to her new jungle gym while in the process booted the three teenagers off who were supposedly testing it for it.

"Con, off!" Amelia scolded playfully the Red Dino Ranger from her swing as the three laughed at Connor being told from a two year old. "Me, swing."

"Hey Amy, when did you learn how to say off and swing?" Kira asked the little girl.

"Sunday!" Amelia replied as Trent put the two year old on the swing.

"When did you learn how to say Sunday?" Ethan asked.

"Monday!" Amelia giggled while the four teens were amazed at the toddlers' improved vocabulary during the past year. The couple laughed watching their daughter play with the rest of the Rangers on the jungle gym while continuing to dazzle them with her talking. Their friends were in the backyard enjoying themselves and greeting Amelia happy birthday as they arrived.

"Can you believe our baby is two years old today, Handsome?" Kim smiled but tearing up a bit. "She was actually an unexpected pregnancy two years ago because Tommy and I were doing our post-graduate studies. He was at MIT in Boston and I was working on my teacher's license in Bridgewater. We were ambitious and literally the six months before she was due we literally went gung ho."

"Yeah like when you called us all up during Spring Week two years ago and told us hey guys, we're getting married today since we have a week off school." Jason laughed joking. "You probably only married my lil sis because you knocked her up."

"One, that wasn't true and I didn't marry Kim because she was pregnant." Tommy admitted. "Second, we talked about it and we weren't too keen on doing the big wedding thing yet. We wanted to get married and literally I been together with Kim for almost a decade." He then chuckled for a moment. "However, we're not counting the whole eight month fiasco with the letter."

"Are you guys seriously going to hold it against us, especially on my little girl's birthday?" Kim asked her friends. "Literally you guys know our story and have chronicled every chapter of our relationship. Okay, so Tommy and I had a city hall wedding in Boston big deal? Besides, did you think I wanted to walk down the aisle in an expensive wedding dress back then while I had my belly sticking out? It didn't matter to us how our ceremony turned out as long as I had my white knight and my little girl."

"You two have been inseparable since the day Kim came back eight months after the letter." Adam replied. "But we've all known you two were destined to be together."

"Trust us our story wasn't all sunshine and rainbows Adam you know that." Kim admitted. "You all know about the incident in Florida and what happened afterwards with my family and the Pan Global games. Sometimes you have to go through a dark time in your life before you can find the light in your life again. We took that risk together because we couldn't imagine a life without one another."

"Well if there are two people who deserve a happy ending it is our falcon and crane," Rocky said.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Rocky." Tommy replied.

"If I can speak on behalf of all of us," Trini said. "Amelia is lucky to have two parents who will go above and beyond for her. That little girl, along with those Dino Rangers and Jason and Katherine's son are going to become part of a legacy we started years ago back in Angel Grove. Everything you both endured this past year was for your daughter and her future and that of your family. We love you guys and we're blessed to be here celebrating Amelia's birthday with the heart and soul of our team."

"Thanks you guys and I know how much you all are dying to spend time with the birthday girl." Kim said. "We're just going to set up a table to put her gifts down."

As the others helped themselves to some food and took turns spending time with Amelia, Tommy and Kimberly finished setting up the table for Amelia's presents. Just seeing their daughter smiling, enjoying herself on her birthday with her family and friends and hearing the younger Rangers tell the veterans of their plans after graduation was a feeling of relief and nostalgia. Tommy wrapped his arms around Kim as she leaned back into his embrace, hoping he never let go.

"A summer camp in Arizona, a camp counsellor trying to recruit kids for a war, various bouts with evil, the infamous letter that separated us for a time being, risking everything just for a future, going to ASU, the sacrifice of someone we cherished, Forever Red, marriage, the birth of our daughter, a blown up island, fighting for my life against three of my former Ranger selves, and a destroyed lab." Tommy said. "Why does our story have to be one rollercoaster ride?"

"Because it is what defines us: two soulmates who are unbent, unsent and unbound and yield to no one but our eternal love for each other." Kim whispered. "A long time ago we became the falcon and crane and with that unity we gave birth to our new legacy: our little defender Amelia. Our story...is far from over and it's not the end for us."

"I hope so because we got a long many more chapters to write," Tommy replied. "And I am looking forward to writing more stories with you, Beautiful."

"Me too, my white knight. All I want is continue our story with you, me and our daughter." Kim said. "But somehow I feel the fight between good and evil will never end. There will always be a balance that needs to be maintained in the universe. There will always be a war between the dark and the light and an untamed fire burning within."

"Then we'll do what we always do, we survive and we endure." Tommy assured her. "We faced every trial that comes our way and the strength and will that keep me going is you, just like I am yours. Moments like this, every memory of us and Amelia are what we fight for, to live in the now and look forward to the future."

"Do you think the battle is over?" Kimberly asked. "Is it our destiny to always be soldiers in the war between good and evil?"

"That all depends when the time comes whether we're relieved of our fealty or not," Tommy said. "I wouldn't be fighting if I didn't have a reason for it."

"I know that feeling and I hope the day doesn't come where our fates will be decided." Kim said deep in thought, but the couple was interrupted when Amelia trotted over carrying a cookie in her hand. The two smiled as she held the cookie out for her parents.

"Cookie yummy." Amelia smiled while Tommy picked up their daughter and held her. Talks of uncertainty loomed over them but they hoped that somehow they're granted more time with Amelia and every minute was worth it for Tommy and Kimberly.

June 20th, 2004

10:30 p.m

"You're one sneaky bastard aren't you? I know who you really are Quinn, or should I address you as Prince Trey of Treyforia?" the male voice of Balor said, as he and members of the Emissary interrogated him. "I guess the Garrison has pulled a page out of our book and figured out how to prolong their lifespans. Your identity doesn't matter to us. What we want is something you stole from us and kept hidden from us."

Balor then turned to the other members of the Emissary as they opened the sarcophagus to reveal a newly revived Mesogog. However, this time he no longer had Anton Mercer with him and had one objective to complete: finding the Scarlet Sovereign.

"It seems that our consortium has lived up to his end of the bargain." Balor explained. "We needed to test the device to make sure it works. And guess what it does."

"Now, it's time to bring the power source that will bring us the one who The Emissary serves." Mesogog smirked wickedly. "All this time it was among them, in plain sight but yet you have misdirected us at every turn. Who would have thought the power source will find its way to its chosen one."

"And then this war will turn in our favor. However, first we want to see the looks on their faces when their heart and soul will be ripped away from them." Balor said smirking.

"Oh Balor, or is it Goldar? You know better than to underestimate them, especially those two. Besides, they're the two most powerful individuals the Ninjetti chose and to be bestowed with the Great Power." Quinn mocked smirking. "They are shadow and light, good and evil, but the overall balance of everything. No matter what you throw in their way...the falcon and crane will fly as one: unbowed, unbent and unbroken and shall not yield to no one but their soulmates."

"Such folly to believe in a fool's tale. Tell me Quinn, how long can you keep them in the dark before she realizes the truth of who she really is?" Balor questioned. "Your Garrison can't tame that unhinged fire anymore. It will burn and silence everything around them."

June 21st, 2004

Hayley's Cyberspace

Reefside, CA

At long last, a long, heart-arching, action packed school year was over. It was the beginning of the first summer Tommy and Kimberly would have off since coming to Reefside High School. The couple attended the graduation ceremonies the past weekend and had seen their four students and Rangers receive their high school diplomas.

For the first time in awhile, they had a full Monday to themselves as a family with Amelia and do whatever they felt like doing. Tommy enjoyed his first family outing in a long while with his wife and daughter to buy some new vinyl records to add to his jukebox. They originally planned to have a nice family dinner that night but they opted it wasn't a family dinner without their four students.

The four teens joined their two teachers and Amelia for a special dinner at Hayley's Cyberspace as a private celebration of their graduation. Hayley closed the shop early for the gang for their private dinner knowing that the teens were leaving in a few days for their graduation vacation to Punta Cana. Unfortunately, a quiet private dinner on the first day of summer 2004 would soon have other plans in store for the group.

"Thanks for agreeing to have dinner with us," Tommy said as the teens followed him to the table where Kimberly and Amelia were sitting. Hayley made sure to turn off the open sign and lock the front door so they wouldn't be disturbed. "With graduation this past weekend we knew you guys wanted to celebrate with your families."

"Plus, Tommy and I wanted to do something special with you guys before you all head off on your grad trip in a few days." Kimberly replied. "And also you four have been a big part of our lives for the past year. We been through a lot together and we wanted to show our appreciation for everything you've done for us."

"Besides fighting alongside the greatest Power Ranger couple in history and being part-time babysitters to Amelia you don't have to thank us for anything." Connor said.

"And for the past year we've grown accustomed to you guys, Amelia included." Kira replied. "With the exception of Connor, the three of us grew up without any siblings and Amelia is sort of like our baby sister. We love and care for that little girl and you two are more than just our teachers. You're our friends and our mentors."

"Yeah, and I owe you two for everything you did for me this past year for me and my father." Trent added. "When things were rough at home, you guys opened your home to me and the rest of the guys."

"Hey you four are more than just our students and Rangers." Tommy said. "You guys are also family and have become part of a long, extended Ranger family. We look out for one another and we're proud of the people you have become today."

"Okay, Dr. O is suddenly making me go misty eyed here," Ethan smiled as he was suddenly tearing up. The other three teens chuckled. "This is getting all emotional."

"Oh look Tommy, we made our tech wiz Blue Ranger all misty eyed." Kimberly smiled teasing. "Alright Ethan just let it all out."

"Alright guys since the shop is closed early for the night, I believe dinner is starting to get cold." Hayley replied and the group turned their attention to Amelia who was getting restless. The two year old was attempting to snack on a plate of appetizers Hayley put out. "So why don't we all get a bite to eat before the little half pint over there finishes our plate of appetizers."

"Mama, dada!" Amelia smiled in her high chair. "Me hungry! Con! Kira! Eth! Tret! Eat time!"

"Well the little princess is asking for the banquet to begin," Kimberly replied smiling as everyone sat down to eat. "We can't keep our little madam waiting."

For the next hour, Tommy, Kimberly and Hayley were listening to the Dino Thunder Rangers telling the three adults in the room their plans for the summer. They also explained about their plans for the fall to attend school nearby to each since during the year the four teens have become a tight group of friends. Ironically, all of them were accepted to USC but the only difference were the campuses. Trent and Kira got accepted to UCLA while Ethan and Connor were attending UCSB.

It was a one to two hour driving distance between the campuses but Reefside was the midway point between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. However, they were thankful that their two mentors pointed it out for them. They talked about other offers to attend schools either in the Midwest or on the other side of the country, but they ultimately decided to stay close to home. Their tenure as Rangers was what factored their decision of where to attend college once they graduated high school.

"Are you sure you four are okay with sticking to staying in California?" Hayley questioned. "I mean Columbia, MIT, Dartmouth, ASU, Yale, NYU. You guys applied to some of the top schools in the country and you all chose USC in LA and Santa Barbara?"

"Don't get us wrong we were tempted at the offer to attend schools either out east in the Midwest." Connor replied. "But we're California born kids and we love it too much just to leave it all behind. Maybe if we survive college, then probably we'll do our postgrads out of state."

"But for now we just want to be somewhat close to home." Kira said taking a hold of Trent's hand. "Besides, Trent and I already got our living situation planned out and Mr. Mercer is more than willing to help us get settled in Los Angeles."

"Dr. O, are you sure you guys will be okay to hold down the fort once college starts?" Ethan questioned.

"We spent a long year battling Mesogog and his forces," Tommy replied. "You guys deserve to begin the next chapter of your lives and we're always prepared for what's next."

"Does that include tying up the loose ends Mesogog left in his wake?" Trent asked as he reached into his backpack to pull a DVD and place it on the table. "My dad came through just like he promised."

"The contents of the DVD...does it involve Rideau Circle?" Kimberly asked as the young teen nodded his head. "What else is on it?"

"Everything they been trying to gather for the past year on us." Trent warned. "We know they are far from a normal business company. They're...something else."

"And we're going to get to the bottom of this once and for all. As long as Mesogog's loose ends haven't been tied up, we still got a threat in our city..." Tommy's speech was interrupted when they heard a car honking outside of Hayley's Cyberspace and tires screeching. There was a sound of scraping metal and a car hitting a light post as the Rangers rushed outside of the store.

"Hayley, get Amelia out of here right away!" Kimberly ordered turning to the redhead.

"Don't worry Kim I'll keep Amelia safe!" Hayley replied carrying the toddler and heading out the backdoor of the place.

Tommy, Kimberly and the Dino Thunder Rangers made sure Hayley made a quick exit with Amelia and they knew their friend will keep their baby safe. The group stumbled upon a car crash in which three individuals they didn't know were severely hurt. All of them were bleeding profusely and sustained internal injuries. However, the driver of the car looked at the group, in particular Tommy.

"Oh, you need help. Hey, hey! We need some help here!" Tommy yelled out in the street and turned to the others. "Someone call 911!" The driver was gasping for breath and it looked like he sustained a stab wound on the side of his stomach.

"They found out...they...found out." the driver gasp and gurgles for breath. "...He's back...to finish...the job...for them..."

"What? Who's back?" Kimberly asked as the others were startled and attempted to help the other occupants in the car but to no avail. "Who are you?"

"They...took Quinn because he knows something..." the driver replied breathing heavily. "The Emissary...they took Quinn. We tried to get him back...but he stood in our way...wanted a message sent out..."

"Quinn is missing?! Who would take him?!" Tommy asked bewildered. "You're one of them aren't you?! Are you part of The Garrison?! Do you work for Quinn?"

"Get...get...her out of the city...the answer...is within...her..." To the group's surprise, the injured driver pointed at Kimberly, startling Tommy and the Rangers. It didn't make sense what did his wife have to do with all of this. "...Mesogog...he needs to finish...the job for the Emissary..."

"Mesogog is back?! What does he want with Kim? What does my wife have to do with all of this?!" Tommy asked bewildered. "Where is Quinn?! Why did they take him?!"

"Dr. O we need to do something these people are badly hurt." Connor pointed out.

"...We tried to keep it hidden, but we failed and now they're coming for it...as we speak." Kimberly didn't know what was going on or what the injured driver was babbling about but it was something she didn't like. Quinn was missing and he was taken because of information involving her. "...They know...what you are...pink crane..."

"What...what I am?! What the hell are you talking about?" Kimberly asked panicking. "What does Quinn know? Where is he?!"

"...You...are the key...the one who will bring the Emissary...their...Scarlet Sovereign. It...is among you the whole time. Do not...do not...let them activate...it..." The driver answered as he let out a gasp and closed his eyes, succumbing to his injuries. It wasn't possible was it? Tommy was in disbelief in what he heard and it was a lot for Kimberly to process. None of it didn't make sense but was it possible?

"No, no, no! Hey buddy wake up!" Tommy demanded trying to rouse the injured driver awake. He then looked at Kimberly who was both stunned and mortified by the turn of events. There was no way he was going to believe that Kimberly was the key to all of this. He didn't want to believe that she could be the one...to bring the fabled Scarlet Sovereign and he was going to be damned if they tried to take her away.