(Author's Notes: Hey guys, here is chapter 17 of the story & things start to pick up with an appearance of the Ninja Storm team. News of an attack in Blue Bay Harbor prompts Jason to take on an intriguing case that puts Tommy's former Rangers in a conflicting situation with the original Rangers.)
Chapter 17: Who's Gonna Take the Weight?
August 3rd, 2008
10:00 p.m
Wind Ninja Academy
Blue Bay Harbor, CA
It was the first time the Wind Ninja Academy was force to impose a curfew for their students with the string of unsuspected confrontations occurring in recent weeks. They were able to withstand the first two invasions from these unknown assailants due to the experienced tutelage from the former Ninja Storm Rangers. It has been more than five years since the defeat of Luthor that the six former Rangers have become teachers to train the next generation of warriors.
Life as semi-retired Rangers was a thing of adjustment at first for Shane Clarke, Dustin Brooks, Tori Hanson, Hunter Bradley, Blake Bradley and Cam Watanabe. The defeat of Luthor came at the expense of sacrificing their powers in order to banish their foe once and for all. The six remained close friends and took it upon themselves to keep the Wind Ninja Academy open to train the next generation of fighters.
Over the years they discovered that some of their graduating students were being recruited to join an elite organization of fighters who called themselves The Garrison. Sensei Kanoi Watanabe, Cam's father was very discreet about who The Garrison was but assured his former Rangers that they fight for the side of good. However, the mystery surrounding this reclusive organization only made the former Ninja Storm Rangers intrigued.
The last two recent attacks on the academy resulted in an increase presence of Garrison agents. According to their sensei, it was to ensure the safety and protection of the students and the other teachers at the school. However, the Rangers and Cam himself felt that Sensei Watanabe was hiding something confidential and they suspected that the Garrison swore their sensei to secrecy.
After spending the last hour at Storm Chargers the six former Ninja Storm Rangers headed back to Ninja Ops to plan out their next move. However, as they approached the entrance of the academy, the sounds of students scream late in the night and explosions in the distance told them otherwise. Knowing the woods and every secret access point inside, Cam led his friends through the tunnels.
The former Wind and Thunder Ninja Storm Rangers knew all too well who was invading their school. Once again, the Wind Ninja Academy found themselves being host to an unnecessary battleground between the Garrison and whoever this opposition was. The Garrison was doing their part to protect the students from their attackers but to their horror, there was one particular area of the school their attackers were heading towards, Sensei Watanabe's quarters.
It was too much for them to handle as Shane and Dustin reacted on instincts when their attackers notice their presence and advanced towards the group. Watching the students engage in hand to hand combat for a fight for survival instead of competition or simple self-defense was an understatement. As they battled their way towards Sensei Watanabe's quarters, it became obvious that this third invasion of the Wind Ninja Academy was a fight for survival. These adversaries made their intentions clear they were looking to make sure no one wouldn't make out alive.
"Get inside all of you right now!" they heard Sensei Watanabe yelling after he took out the pursuing adversaries. He activated the security system outside the perimeter of his quarters, but Sensei Watanabe knew it would only be temporary. They couldn't drown out the sounds of screams, cries and chaos never imagining that their school was at the epitome of a tsunami. "The integrity of this school is one of the few things we got left in this war."
"No kidding sensei, we just got hit with a third invasion with the intent of total destruction!" Shane replied panting.
"We can't leave the students out there with whoever the hell those people are to slaughter them!" Tori argued.
"I'm afraid that is no longer an option for these adversaries made it clear of their intentions," Sensei Watanabe explained as he rushed to a hidden safe behind a cabinet to retrieve a few objects. The six former Rangers were confused about what was happening as their sensei began to quickly explain things. "We only have a few minutes before they breach this area and we'll be all doomed. However, the survival of these objects are the main priority and there are some secrets about this school neither of you were never informed about."
"So we're basically collateral damage and these people are enemies of the Garrison?" Blake questioned.
"Who the hell are these bastards attacking our school?" Dustin asked.
"The Wind Ninja Academy trains more than future potential defenders of the Earth. For the last six centuries, this school has been a recruitment front to supply warriors to join the ranks of an organization known as "Shubi-tai," the Garrison." Sensei Watanabe continued. "Most of the students who graduated the academy are selected to train and fight alongside the Garrison to defend against an organization with dark and evil intentions: they call themselves "Shisha," The Emissary."
"Are you saying that the school has been used as a recruitment center for this Garrison for six centuries?" Cam questioned bewildered. "So basically our students are being subscripted to join this Garrison to fight this war against this enemy who calls themselves the Emissary? How can the former masters and those before you condone this?!"
There was a loud bang being heard from the door as Blake, Shane and Dustin barricaded the door with more furniture. Sensei Watanabe panicked realizing that he only had a few minutes left, but he couldn't risk his son or his former Rangers being caught.
"Those who joined the Garrison fought for the same cause: to protect the lifelong legacy of an ancient order and power, one to believe have been the ultimate force that presided throughout the universe. However, I'm afraid this war is turning in favor of the Emissary for the enemy has activated the mystical weapon they have long worshipped. The plight of the Garrison is fumbling and I fear that the last sanctuary will be silence which is why Rangers you must leave. You must deliver a message to the heir apparent of the ancient order: only they can destroy the pillars of the Emissary, take the pillars out and then the foundation of the Emissary crumbles."
"Leave?! Sensei if those bastards breach the door you don't stand a chance!" Hunter argued.
"I know but time is of the essence." Sensei Watanabe activated a secret switch as the door to his quarters was about to give out. Without letting his Rangers asking for an explanation, he thrust the objects in Cam's hands. "Guard this with your lives for the integrity and survival of the "last kingdom" all depends on it. Protect the bloodline of fate for they can release the beating heart trapped in the shadow void. In their hands lays the "keys of the kingdom" for everything rests on their shoulders. Rangers, you must take flight and survive...to deliver the word to them. They will know what to do from there."
The secret switch revealed a hidden passage as Sensei Watanabe sent the six former Rangers through the passageway sealing the door behind them. The Rangers attempted to stop their sensei, but it was too late. The hidden passage in the Sensei's quarters was sealed once again to prevent entry and buy the Rangers time to escape. "Go now Rangers! Find the heir apparent destined to protect the bloodline of the last kingdom and be the new face of the Garrison!"
The door to Sensei Watanabe's quarter gave out as he found himself being confronted by members of the Emissary knowing the fate that awaited him. If it was any consolation in his sacrifice, he ensured his son's survival, the Rangers and the hope that once more the ancient order the Garrison have long served will rise up again.
August 5th, 2008
1:00 p.m
J.S Investigations
Angel Grove, CA
"I understand Mrs. Hightower you are concern." Jason said talking on the phone with another referral case Billy sent him. "I got a contact at the Angel Grove Police Department following up on the case. I'm also getting tips from some of my personal contacts on any reports. Don't worry, we'll find out whose responsible you have my word, Mrs. Hightower."
Jason hung up the phone and let out a sigh of disappointment. He heard a knock on the office door as Justin Stewart, the former Blue Turbo Ranger walked in. The two exchanged greetings as Jason took notice of the young genius' army uniform. Taking the advice of Jason's former military career, Justin enlisted four years ago in the army for duty of country. For Justin, spending the last four years in the army gave him a different perspective on life after everything that happened back home.
It was a long day for the former Blue Turbo Ranger after he was called to the base by his commanding officer. In a surprising turn of events, Justin was presented with his honorable discharge after completing his four years of military service. The adjustment back to civilian life was going to take time and visiting Jason on advice of readjusting to civilian life since he was the only other person who understood first hand how to adapt to life after completing service and duty.
"So they gave you an honorable discharged as of today?" Jason asked the young man.
"Yeah, apparently I fulfilled my four years of enlistment with the US Army and was granted by discharged papers as of today," Justin explained. "I phoned my dad to inform him and he was excited I'll be back home in Angel Grove full-time. According to my CO, they gave me an excellent rating in terms of my service in the army."
"Hey don't worry about it man." Jason replied. "I got my honorable discharge six years ago right before the Red Ranger mission to the moon. At the time, I felt I didn't do enough after five years of military service, but then that's when I found out Kat was pregnant with Henry. It does take awhile to readjust back to civilian after time overseas and witnessing first hand life on the frontlines. While you guys were going to college and fulfilling your life long dreams, I decided upon graduation to enlist in the army."
"I remember and I do admire you for taking that step in order to serve our country and do your duty. Hey Jason, I just wanted to say thank you for inspiring me in enlisting in the army and I appreciated everything in coping with life as a soldier serving our country. I owe you...for helping me gain a new perspective of things."
"Come on Justin you don't owe me anything. You did this all on your own bro and I'm honored to call you a friend after all these years. Besides, at least now I got someone I can swap army stories with every once in awhile." Jason stopped for a moment and then continued. "You know it doesn't have to end, life serving the needs of the public. If you need anything...I give you my word that I'll help you out readjust to civilian life. Besides, one valuable lesson they teach you in the army is a code of valor: being there for your fellow brothers in arms. Say I give you a starting pointing beginning here at J.S Investigations?"
"Are you asking me, or are you offering me a job at your P.I agency?" Justin asked intrigued. "Or it is because my name also has the initials JS in them too?"
"I'm gonna be honest money will a somewhat flex thing in this line of work. I can't guarantee whether you'll be paid on time or not, but I do make enough to get by in order to pay for the essential upkeep to maintain the office." Jason explained truthfully. "I spent the last four years trying to uphold a promise to keep J.S Investigations in business after Jerome Stone sold the business to me of all people. Being a P.I is more than just about gathering intel: it's also about providing public service to help those in need. It might be pure luck your name also has JS for initials but kid I know you as being someone who wants to do good for the community. It's nice to have a partner at the helm."
"I don't know anything about being a P.I...but I can see how much maintaining the integrity of this agency means to you." Justin said, nodding his head. "You tell me that I don't owe you but part of me still feels I need to repay you for your guidance over the years. The whole partner thing seems interesting and at least this can constitute as part of my first employment since my discharge. Alright Jason...you got yourself a partner providing you have a well around client list to work with."
The moment was interrupted when they heard another knock on the door. To Jason and Justin's surprise they were greeted by Blake and Tori who looked like they been on the run for days. Seeing the state they were in, the two friends ushered the couple inside the office providing them some drinks. However, when Tori mentioned Adam's name Jason and Justin were intrigued as to how they knew their longtime friend.
"You said that you knew someone named Adam Park who lived in Angel Grove. He mentioned that he had a friend that owned a P.I agency this must be it." Blake said.
"Wait a minute, you know Adam?" Justin asked curiously. "How do you know Adam? Who are you guys?"
"My name is Tori Hanson and this is my boyfriend, Blake Bradley and we were once the Ninja Storm Power Rangers of the Wind Ninja Academy in Blue Bay Harbor." Tori explained eyeing the two guys. "I'm assuming you must be Jason Scott and Justin Stewart, the original Power Rangers of Angel Grove? Long story short I met Adam a year ago in San Angeles when we helped the Operation Overdrive Power Rangers avert a crisis against Thrax. Adam once mentioned he had a friend who ran a private investigation agency who can help deal with special matters. Didn't realize that it was your agency he mentioned."
"Right, Adam mentioned something about Rita and Zedd's demon spawn terrorizing San Angeles last year and I heard about your team." Jason replied. "I heard it from both Adam and Tommy years ago. What happened to you two? It looked like you guys went through a grinder or something."
"Because three days ago the Wind Ninja Academy was attacked by an organization of ancient evil ninjas who tore through our school like a hurricane." Blake explained. "We escaped because Cam's father, Sensei Watanabe sacrificed himself to give us time to flee while those bastards slaughtered our sensei and the students. We all split in hoping to get some help. Hunter and Shane are going to Boston in order to round up some supplies and Shane's brother is working at a law firm in Boston. Cam and Dustin are going to Reefside in order to seek out Hayley's help."
"We basically ran for our lives with the slightest explanation from our sensei of things we was quickly sharing with us." Tori continued before pulling out one of the objects Sensei Watanabe passed on to them. Jason and Justin eyed it curiously. "Whoever these people were that attacked our school wanted to make sure they wiped out everyone to prevent us from retaliating. We don't know what this is but apparently it is of great importance to protect. Look, we're just messengers and the last 72 hours have been hell for us. We been fighting to stay alive in order to keep our promise to our sensei and possibly figure out some questions he left unanswered."
The objects caught Jason and Justin's interest as they figured out one of the objects Tori and Blake brought looked like an ancient scroll. The couple explained there were two other objects Sensei Watanabe passed off to the former Ninja Storm team. It was in an ancient language as they examined it until a familiar symbol drew Jason's attention.
"No way, this symbol stands out all too well." Justin pointed out looking at Tori and Blake. "You said your sensei told you to keep these objects safe? What was your initial plan after you all fled from Blue Bay Harbor?"
"We had to improvise everything after our school and home was burnt to a crisp and escaped a bloodbath." Blake said sighing.
"The initial plan was to track down Andrew Hartford in San Angeles. He is an archeologist and the former mentor of the Operation Overdrive team. Maybe he can help us try to translate whatever the contents of this scroll contains." Tori explained. "Unless...you two may know of something?"
"Justin, do you want your first assignment from J.S Investigations?" Jason asked his friend as he nodded in approval. "Okay let's get to work. My contact list in the drawer and get a hold of the wolf, ape, frog and bear. We need them at the helm of this while I round up the rest of the band and get a hold of the contingency in Reefside. Oh you may also need this and try to get a hold of the airline right away." Jason pulled out a credit card from his wallet passing it to Justin who immediately began making calls.
He then turned to Blake and Tori who were bewildered by what was happening, however Jason remained focus on the task at hand. "Look, I don't know what the contents of that object you brought contains, but the symbols give me an idea of the involving parties. Six of my friends a long time ago became part of an ancient order known as the Ninjetti, bestowed to them from the Great Power. Four years ago, we lost the heart and soul of our team, our beloved crane. As a result, the crane's mate, the falcon retreated in self exile to god knows where over the tragic loss of his pink princess.
"We since...been trying to find the falcon hoping to bring him home to heal properly. I'm not much of an expert of the Ninjetti but they were a great significance in our tenure as Power Rangers." Jason continued, taking a breath. "However, if what you brought here was something your mentor sacrificed his life for in order to safeguard and it somehow involves my friends, it means the fight is not over. Whatever attacked your school is about to put my friends on a collision course and the only one who can help us fight this war is the falcon who vowed to leave this life behind, my best friend and brother. So...you two need to tell us what happened if you want to survive another day and maybe our common plights can help us accomplish something we wanted for four years. We're hoping to find our falcon and bring him home."
1:30 p.m
Los Angeles, CA
"Ford, the boss man needs you to pull out the list of vinyl records back from the storage room." One of the interns informed dropping off some paperwork at Kira's desk along with an security clearance card. "Usually Roman handles the inventory in the storage room with the record category. He'll give you clearance to enter the archives but if he's not, use the security card. The bosses signed off on authorization to access the storage."
Taking the checklist and her access card, Kira made her way to the storage room to retrieve the requested records her bosses needed. Even though her internship gave her access to explore the behind the scenes of the record label industry, like most paid interns they needed to make a paycheque as well. She had to do the required administrative work in terms of paperwork, scheduling, inventory orders for supplies and equipment and everything else along the lines of the day to day operations.
"I wonder what time Trent wants to meet up for dinner later?" Kira said pulling out her phone to check her messages as she was walking out of the storage room. To her surprise, she apparently had a couple of missed calls from Hayley, Trent, Connor and Ethan. The message from Hayley caught her attention when they requested if they can get Adam's contact number.
"Hey Kira, is everything okay?" Tanya called out while Kira was heading back to her desk. Immediately hearing Tanya's voice, Kira looked up focusing on the messages left on her phone by her former tech aid and teammates.
"Tanya, do you happen to have Adam's number by any chance?" Kira asked. "Cam Watanabe and Dustin Brooks from the Ninja Storm team showed up at Hayley's store asking for her help. Ethan and Connor are back in Reefside and Trent is on the way there too."
"Why would Hayley need Adam's number for?" Tanya replied as she gave Kira her husband's number.
"I'm not sure but I saw my phone was bombarded with messages from the guys saying there was an attack at the Wind Ninja Academy in Blue Bay Harbor. I don't know what is going on but apparently no one at the ninja school survived with the exception of the Ninja Storm team." Kira explained. "Blake and Tori showed up in Angel Grove at Jason's office with a scroll and it contained something called the Ninjetti symbol on it. Within the last half an hour it's message relay one after another."
"Tanya, Kira did you hear the news in Blue Bay Harbor?" Zack said meeting the two women in the hallway. He showed the message he got on his phone with the word Ninjetti realizing that it was an emergency. Kira heard about the Ninjetti powers and how her former mentors alongside four of the original group of Power Rangers possessed the ninja powers. She also learned about the significance of the falcon and crane being the two most powerful spirits of the Ninjetti. "I got in touch base with Adam so he needed me to make sure I bring you along to meet up with the others in Angel Grove. Jason and Justin filled me in on what happened with Tori and Blake."
"I need to touch base with Hayley and the guys in Reefside." Kira informed rereading her messages. Upon learning who was responsible for the attack at the Wind Ninja Academy, Kira looked up at the two veteran Rangers. "Oh hell no, not this again..."
"Kira what is it?" Zack asked. "What's going on?"
"The guys mentioned who was behind the attack at the Wind Ninja Academy," Kira said sighing. "We dealt with them four years ago in Reefside, the ones we called the guys pulling the strings behind Mesogog. We fought these guys and these people aren't your typical cult group of ninjas, they're something else. The guys can't do this alone if the Ninja Storm team are the targets here. I...I...I need to get back to Reefside right away."
"Wait, wait Kira what's happening?" Tanya and Zack asked following the young woman out of the lobby. Kira never imagined that she be dealing with this again not after what they experienced four years ago. They made a promise not to fully disclose to the original veterans the true faces of the enemy they fought in Reefside. Though she had respect for the original veteran Rangers, there were some things that must be kept from them unless otherwise. "Kira, do you and your team know something we don't?"
"I do but...we made a promise years ago to two former mentors not to discuss it until the time is right. I have the upmost respect for you guys because of you're Dr. O and Mrs. Oliver's best friends. Please, you need to trust us and we promise you we will tell you everything when the moment is right." Kira said getting into her car. "Believe me when I say...it's better some things are kept in the dark a bit longer. Finding out sooner than later could possibly get you killed faster, especially with these guys. Please do one thing and make sure Jason and the others keep Blake and Tori and we'll do our part to keep the rest of the Ninja Storm team alive."
"You have to understand that Jason won't let this drop because like Tommy, he's someone that doesn't quit a mission until it's done." Zack responded. "If whatever occurred in Blue Bay Harbor is somehow connected, then we fear Tommy won't realize he's in danger. Despite not being able to find him for the last four years, we know he'll fend off whatever comes his way but it's both him and Amelia we need to consider."
"We all want the same thing for the last four years and that is to find Tommy." Tanya replied. "This attack at the Wind Ninja Academy maybe the beginning of something sinister emerging and we need to stay vigilant and alert. We know you guys cared for Tommy and Kimberly after everything you all went through together in Reefside. We don't know what we're up against and maybe you guys can shine a light on what to expect."
"I really wish Dr. O was here to explain things to his best friends. He and Kim felt that this was part of the consequences they paid for running away from something they felt we didn't fully understand." Kira said reluctantly as she nodded to tell Zack and Tanya to follow her back to Reefside. "We don't know the full story and the only person who can tell us has been M.I.A. However, all I can say is these people were the reason they drove Dr. O away...to renounce the life he once knew. It's not my place to tell you guys what happened in Reefside during that final confrontation four years ago, only Dr. O can give the full story if we can only find out where he is."
4:00 p.m
Reefside, CA
It was a blessing that weekday traffic exiting the city of Los Angeles made the drive back to Reefside go smoothly. By the time they arrived at the Oliver Residence the trio already saw Hayley's car along with the rest of the former Dino Thunder Rangers' cars parked on the deserted driveway. Kira was already familiar where to go as she led Zack and Tanya down into the lab to already find Hayley work at the computer.
The old lab was already occupied by the former Dino Thunder team along with Cam and Dustin who already filled the others in on their account of the events back in Blue Bay Harbor. Cam was assisting Hayley at the consoles when they others noticed documentations of bank account records where the payments were coming out from. According to Cam, it prompted Hayley to use the banking information as a clue to possibly find out where the transactions were originating from, and possibly a clue of Tommy's location.
This was an idea that Hayley should have originally thought about from the beginning. However, from her explanation to the group, Hayley needed to make sure the bank account she was attempting to track had recurring transactions used before putting her plan into motion to track the origin of the account. It was a sign for them knowing Tommy was out there, but the circumstances of their investigation left everyone wondering what will happen next.
"Give me a little while Hayley to monitor the activity on the bank account in question." Cam informed her. "We need to make sure once we get a proximate location, we can run a security check to see who the account holder is and the most recent transactions that occurred and where."
"I really hate doing this invading someone else's personal information, but Jason believes this is the only clue we got to track down our missing falcon." Hayley said, sighing.
"So you waited at least six months by monitoring the back account where the mortgage and property tax payments on Tommy's house was coming from?" Connor asked.
"I needed to make sure this is possibly Tommy's account because the last thing I don't want to do is hack some poor civilian's personal banking info." Hayley stated. "Jason and Justin are flying out to Boston to try to intercept Shane and Hunter before something bad happens." Tanya and Zack took notice of Hayley's choice of wording figuring out something was amiss. The two wanted some answers if it would help figure out the connection between the recent events happening. "They're flying out with Billy, Aisha, Rocky and Adam. I got a hold of Trini and Kat they're going to keep an eye on Blake and Tori."
"Judging by the sound of concern of tracking down Tommy, do you think this group who attacked our school may come after him?" Dustin asked. "We barely escaped with our lives, but it cost Cam his father's life. There were some things sensei didn't tell us about our school, and yet in his final moments wanted to make sure we fulfilled a sacred mission that our school has been apart of for over six centuries."
"Basically we found out our school was used as a front for over six hundred years to supply this ancient group called the Garrison with fighters to join their cause." Cam said, sighing. "The Wind Ninja Academy being one of its recruitment centers to fight against this enemy of theirs..."
"...They call themselves The Emissary, the enemy of the Garrison?!" Ethan replied finishing. Hayley and the four former Dino Thunder Rangers looked at themselves in disbelief thinking that Mesogog's final defeat four years ago put an end to the Emissary. Till this day, neither of them barely discuss the events of their battles with Mesogog and the Emissary knowing the cost of that victory. Also, the traumatic implications it left on Tommy knowing far too well what it did to the young husband and father.
"This is a sick joke right?! Are you saying the Emissary are behind what happened at the Wind Ninja Academy?" Trent questioned.
"Okay hold up for a second," Zack replied. "That name is familiar...oh dammit! Those ninja totting bastards, they were behind our abduction along with Trini's youth group four years ago weren't they? This is the same group we're all discussing here?"
"This is what you guys didn't tell us about? This Emissary...being the brass backup Mesogog and his minions had four years ago in Reefside?" Tanya asked as they reluctantly nodded their heads. "But these people, they're just normal human beings aren't they?"
"There's more to this group than you can imagine and we learned first hand about them." Hayley sighed. "But no more than...Tommy and Kimberly. Ever since they were kids at that summer camp, somehow they were subconsciously being trained to prepare to fight the war against the Emissary by their former camp counsellor, Quinn. The Wind Ninja Academy wasn't the only front the Garrison had to get others to join their cause. Look, it's not our place to tell the full story about Tommy and Kim's past because it's out of respect for them we couldn't share it with you guys unless they told us otherwise."
"You maybe disappointed in us for not sharing this with you because it wasn't our place." Kira added. "However, you can only imagine the toll and what we endured after everything we been through with Mesogog. However, nothing can replace what the Emissary did to Dr. O. Being told to believe in a farfetched tale about an ancient war can do some damage to a person. Imagine how that impacted the future for Dr. O and Amelia?"
"The Emissary lives by this fanatical idea that every member lives and dies for the Emissary." Trent stated. "It's what makes this lethal and dangerous. My father learned first hand the resources and power this group holds and they are one that we can't underestimate."
"My dad, he knew what he had to do in order to buy us some time to escape at the cost of his life." Cam sighed. "In a matter of moments, everything we thought we knew or was made to believe changed in an instant. Right now my friends and I are solely focused on surviving another day, making sure we fight to see tomorrow."
"Was this why Tommy suddenly up and left four years ago? I mean, we knew the just how severely devastated he was when Kim died." Zack said. "We endured what this life has done to us over the years, the sacrifices made for the greater good. To Tommy, this life was something else but then when it came to Kimberly...well she was his entire world, the his reason for living. Those two would go through hellfire and brimstone for one another that literally they became one through body, mind, heart and soul."
"...Until the life he lived literally broke him by costing him the woman he loved more than his own life." Tanya continued. "Whoever the Emissary are, I feel like they're about to pull something different back into the fold if they find Tommy. He spent four years away from the frontlines and making sure Amelia was raised away from a warzone. It was the life he and Kim desire: a life out of living this life we knew since we were teenagers."
"But the question comes if you do succeed in finding him." Dustin inquired while the computer alert system rang. Hayley and Cam analyze the information and to Hayley's surprise, it revealed some interesting data part of her was contemplating to believe was accurate or not. Everything went in the room as Hayley looked up. "Hayley, what's going on?"
"You...need to contact Jason and tell him to call me right this instant." Hayley said in awe to Zack and Tanya. "I need his P.I skills for this one because...I think I may have got a hit on where Tommy is located. The only question is whether or not to drag him back to the frontlines or let the fight come his way. It's not coincidence when the past comes back to haunt you..."
Something snapped in the former Dino Thunder team at the thought of their former mentor. It was a feeling of sympathy and empathy they felt towards a man who dedicated his life over the years and sacrificed everything he held dear for the greater good. The prospect of possibly pulling him back into the life that cost him the love of his life due to a looming threat hanging over was too much.
"So are you willing to drag Dr. O back to the frontlines after everything he's been through?" Connor suddenly asked the two veterans. "You weren't the only ones who were startled four years ago when Dr. Oliver suddenly packed up and left with Amelia without saying anything. It impacted all of us but part of me sympathizes the toll the life of being a Power Ranger took on him. No matter how many attempts we made to try to locate him, he made it he didn't want to be found."
"We know how much you guys care about Dr. Oliver, so do we." Kira added. "Do you want to know what we remembered four years ago the night we fought Mesogog one last time? I remember being a on rooftop with my friends and Jason sniper shooting away at a bunch of ninjas after witnessing our teacher holding his wife in his arms as she died. Something broke in Dr. Oliver the moment he threw Mesogog off that rooftop they were battling on, it was rage and anger over the loss of someone he loved."
"Look, we were aware all of you made numerous efforts in the last four years to find Dr. Oliver." Ethan said. "Can you imagine the aftermath of walking back to the lab and seeing Dr. O broken and distraught as he laid Kimberly's lifeless body on the table? It's not that he's purposely doing this because he doesn't care. Part of him still does because he values your friendship. It's this life and the memories and legacy it brings is what he fled from."
"I know because both of them always talked about wanting an out for Amelia's sake," Zack replied. "But look what happened."
"If you understand then ask yourselves what are you expecting to find if Dr. Oliver is truly in Boston?" Trent asked. "Do you think he'll be the same he was when he left Reefside four years ago and what happens when you ask him to be dragged back onto the frontlines?"
10:30 p.m
Angel Grove Airport
Angel Grove, CA
It was the best Justin can do in order to get six tickets for a last minute flight to Boston, but Jason pointed out it was better than nothing. Explaining to Aisha, Billy, Rocky and Adam the reason he and Justin needed them to come along on an unplanned trip across the country was simple. The news of the attack on the Wind Ninja Academy and the contents that the former Ninja Storm took them while fleeing caught their attention for sure.
That was only half the reason why four of the original Ninjetti holders agreed to come with Justin and Jason on more than just a rescue mission to save two fellow Ranger comrades. It was the sudden revelation from Hayley and the former Dino Rangers in Reefside that Jason revealed to his longtime friends as they awaited their boarding call for their flight.
"So there is a possibility that Tommy maybe living in Boston with his daughter?" Aisha asked deep in thought.
"Of all the cities he chose to finally settle down in, he picked Boston?" Rocky added. "How are we sure he might be there? How was Hayley able to pinpoint it?"
"We don't but it's worth following a hunch." Jason simply said. "The bank account where the mortgage payments, utilities and property tax for Tommy's house was being withdrawn from, Hayley tracked the transactions made on the account for six months. However, she wanted to make sure of the account in question if in case she ran into some legal complications."
"Yeah but we tried tracking it for the last four years but apparently the funds were being transferred from various offshore accounts overseas in Europe." Billy replied. "How was she able to conclude the primary account holder was Tommy?"
"Two years ago, there was a Wells Fargo account that was activated at a bank branch in Boston with the same account number. Hayley needed to make sure it was the right account after Cam helped her monitor the recent transactions and obtain the banking information." Jason explained. "The account holder turned out to be Tommy. Basically two years prior before settling in Boston he was moving around like a nomad, but had a few offshore bank accounts so he make it impossible for us to find him until two years ago..."
"He settled down once Amelia was old enough for daycare and school." Adam sighed. "She must be six years old now. Of all places, why Boston?"
"It was where Amelia was born, and the city where Tommy and Kim were married. He probably wanted to settle in a place that held some sentimental value to him and his most cherished memories of his wife." Jason continued. "This was where they survived the first year of their family despite the 25 mile distance between Boston and Bridgewater during graduate school. According to Kim living in Boston was the only time where Tommy was actually on time for something."
"So what is the game plan here Jason? Are we simply going to track down Tommy and Amelia and tell him he needs to come home because the same people who killed his wife four years ago are not dead?" Justin asked. "We saw the toll Kimberly's death took on him, what it did to him mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Amelia is the only constant he has left that wills him to keep going everyday living for Kim's sake. Tommy's team of Rangers thought for four years it was best they didn't attempt to track him knowing how badly he was grieving the loss of Kimberly. But we got to think long and clear what exactly will happen once we reach Boston."
"We're simply pondering the same thing as they were and understanding their logic of keeping it from us." Billy said hearing the boarding call for their flight to Boston.
"Tommy wanted a way out all this time and he was willing to walk away from this life once and for all four years ago." Jason said looking at his ticket and boarding pass. The others felt a feeling deep down that there was a chance they'll see their long absent friend. Jason knew the cost his best friend paid for his long desired from the life that ruled over him since he was a teenager. "The sinking feeling that the people responsible for Kim's death are planning to finish what they started four years ago."
"Jason...it's your call, what do you want to do?" Adam asked looking for confirmation. When they heard the final boarding call, Jason took a deep breath and sighed making his way towards the gate for their flight to Boston.
"We do our mission...find Shane and Hunter and make sure they don't end up as a casualty in this mayhem." Jason said looking at his friends. "We're in a situation that once we land in Boston we're going to face a lot of choices. The one being whether or not we prove Hayley's confirmation of Tommy's location. The last thing we can't ask him of him is to put the weight of the world on his shoulders again, not after everything. So the question comes down to who's willing to take the weight of what's next to come?"