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.

29. Beneath the Surface

(Author's Notes: Hey guys, here is chapter 29 of the story. The Rangers dive more into the secret of what lies underneath Angel Grove. The battle against the Emissary starts to pick up & the Rangers also must wrestle with a few unresolved issues.)

Chapter 29: Beneath the Surface

February 23, 2009

J.S Investigations

1:30 pm

Angel Grove, CA

It took the Rangers an entire week to process everything that has happened since that fateful Valentine's Day. Between their first encounter with the Emissary and the sudden revelation that their enemies mystically brought their long lost crane back was a lot to handle. The sight of watching Tommy dig up his wife's grave only to find an empty casket was the icing on the cake for them.

Most of them spent the weeks trying to find the words to comfort one another, telling each other everything will be alright. More than ever, there was no words the others could say to comfort their emotionally conflicted leader to make things better. They wondered if encountering Tommy six months ago was worth it? Tommy spent the last five years running from "the life" because of everything that has happened to him. Did they blame themselves for dragging him back and forcing him to relive the pain?

Deep down despite Tommy's reluctance to walkaway from "the life," there was always a pull to fulfill a fealty and oath to be warriors of the light and defenders of good. That was dwelled on Jason's mind as he sat in his office staring at the picture of his family. If he was in the same position as his best friend and brother, somewhere in the back of his mind he would have taken his wife and kids and walkaway. However, the people that matter to them were also the reason why they answer the call of duty.

"Hey don't worry about slapping a tracker on me, I'm not going to go rogue again." Justin replied walking into the office. "I promise you boss man and I give you my word."

"Well we want to make sure because you have this tendency to fall off the wagon." Jason said. "Are you sure you're alright kid?"

"Don't worry...I'm all good," Justin answered but Jason picked up in the hesitation in the Green Ranger's voice. He knew all too well that feeling of readjusting to life after being discharged from military service. He watched Justin organizing some paperwork in the cabinets and putting some files on his desk.

"You know you can talk to me anytime you want pal." Jason spoked up. "I know...I know what it's like feeling assuming you can pick up from where you left off. What it's been six months since you been discharged and suddenly you feel when one service term ends, you get thrown back onto the frontlines to fulfill another duty. It's what we call the "soldier sense" that drives you inside. Is that why you suddenly act on impulse at times and go on mock like covert missions without us knowing? You're wrestling with some stuff Justin and from one former military officer to another...it's not easy to figure out life when you got baggage on you."

"It's hard and I don't usually talk about my four year military career with such optimism without thinking about some of the crap that came with the job." Justin said sighing in thought. "I know something is wrong with me and I been talking with support groups of former military personnel once a week. I...I been also seeing a therapist, the same one that used to help cope with my mom's death back in the day. I know it's unhealthy to be jumping into one warzone after I spent four years serving in another. However, it's the lore of answering the call of duty I can't resist, no matter the risk."

"Well it's good you are seeking help and talking to others about your experience. It's hard for most vets to open up about that stuff." Jason commented. "Billy said awhile back your reasons why you wanted to help Nico's brother Arturo out. It's because he's your best friend and both of you served together in the same frontline infiltratory unit during your service. He told me about the promise you two made to one another about taking care of each other's families and stuff."

"I owe him for saving my life at the cost of shortening our military careers. Both of us wanted to reenlist once our term was up." Justin replied. "That mission in Kandahar changed everything for us. My best friend lost his leg overseas after a routine road patrol went wrong and I ended up in a two week coma. I don't remember much about it but I do have dreams about it, possibly displaying symptoms of PTSD. Right now I'm dealing with it and talking to you right now...it feels like a slight weight has been lifted."

"I hope you're not offended if I told you that I may have suspected some minor symptoms of PTSD you're displaying. However, the fact that you know what you need to do to talk about it and open up about it makes me respect you, kid." Jason reassured. "Look, you have a choice whether or not you can handle the pressure of being thrown..."

"...I know this might be a lapse of judgement but I'm not relinquishing my morpher or my spot on this team. I need to be out there front and centre to protect the home I been waiting to come back to after I been discharged from service. I already completed my service to my country, now I'm fulfilling my service to both my city and our planet because it's who I am." Justin said. "I know what I signed up for the first time I enlisted in the army and it's the same thing when I accepted the Green Ranger Ninjetti powers. There is a risk to it but I assure you I can handle myself."

"Okay then, I'll give you my word that I believe that your judgement is pure and good." Jason slightly smiled. "You remind me of myself back in the day, always putting the mission before the needs of your own. No matter how much crap I have to deal with personally, I always found the mission being the outlet I needed to workout whatever was going on. I learned that from someone that mattered to me, my best friend and brother. If we're going to survive whatever awaits us down the road all we can do is all be on the same page and at the same time keep our personal baggage in check."

3:30 pm

Rideau Circle Financial

It was another day of never ending board meetings and appointments with Rideau Circle's clients. However, they needed to keep the façade of a legitimate business company up to the eyes of the citizens of Angel Grove and the funds they accumulated had to provide compensation for the underlings working for them. Unfortunately, they were facing a shortage in their resources and it wasn't resources from capital expenditures, it was the resource from the substance that gave the Emissary their power.

"You're due to fly out next week to New York for your follow up," Thea addressed Dalia as she walked into her office. "Shall...I confirm your flight?"

"Can you please do that for me Thea and please ask Salazar for an update on our operations in Nassau." Dalia dictated as she walked to her desk and pulled out a bottle of pills. Very discreetly, she took the medication as her sister knew what they were for. "The results of your tests will also be revealed so I suggest little sister that you accompany me next week to New York."

"That look on your face tells me you're anticipating the results of your test," Thea said discreetly. "What...how much time are we looking at?"

"I'm afraid that the window of opportunity is slowly closing in on us dear sister. We're running on borrowed time if we do not accelerate the timeframe of our mission and one by one each of us will face the price of our immortality. Balor is loyal and he will keep everything under wraps further notice."

"But the others will get suspicious and do you think it's wise leaving the Scarlet Sovereign in Pan's care?" Thea questioned. "Pan, he's always been a wild card for such a long time and his invested interest in the White Falcon may throw a wrench in our mission. Are you sure Balor can handle the affairs of the Emissary in our absence?"

"Balor will make sure that the others are kept in line and as for the Scarlet Sovereign," Dalia stated. "Our greatest weapon is safeguarded and protected. As pillars of the Emissary it is our mission to uphold the foundation of our organization. We have worked too long and too hard for things to crumble around us. Unfortunately, there has been a shift in the balance of power and unless we find the equilibrium to both the light and shadow...it is anyone's game."

"But you felt the pulse didn't you? The rising of the Great Power's greatest order, the Ninjetti? The others are on edge especially if the fabled tale of the Bloodline of Light comes full circle. History is reincarnating itself and the descendants of that bloodline will reclaim their birthright. The Garrison spent four thousand years defending it from us in their pursuit to silence us. They'll take flight once more: the one true Winged Lord and Lady of the Skies."

"That is a conundrum we are facing and the Garrison's little parlor tricks hinder us at each turn. Those sanctums...they mask our equilibrium and not one of our mystics or our resources can decode what lies beneath this city!" Dalia explained. "Our dominion cannot penetrate Reefside for that has now been claimed sanctuary for the Ninjetti, but what of...her? In her previous life, she was once one of them before she was reborn as our sovereign..."

"You want to risk it? That silent beating heartbeat in the void to beat once more?" Thea said looking out the window. "Sister, she has been in our care for these last five years what if we have another mishap? You know he will pursue her again."

"I know which is why we're going to test out to see who holds true dominion in this balance for power: the light or the shadow." Dalia stated smirking wickedly.

February 28th, 2009

11:00 am

Reefside, CA

The image of the empty casket burned in Tommy's mind over and over again. Part of himself told him that the gravesite he desecrated and dug up represented the reality he lived for five years. He spent those years mourning the loss of the other half of his heart only to find out what he dug up from that gravesite shattered his world and turned it upside down.

Then there was the part of him that wanted to know why he couldn't feel it, sense it or known that the pain and aguish he felt these last five years was built on a deception to blind him from the truth? Tommy learned a very long time ago that no matter how far you try running from fate and destiny...it will eventually catch up to you regardless of the lengths one goes to alter it.

He couldn't explain why he was in the forest by himself, maybe it was the idea to hide himself among the trees and nature. Or maybe it was Tommy's means of struggling to accept that his heart's desire to once more see his beloved wife became a dark and twisted fantasy come to life. If it wasn't the empty casket that he imagined in his mind, it was coming face to face with the ghost of Kimberly and suddenly seeing no light or recollection of the woman who he gave his heart to many years ago.

"Daddy? What are you doing?" He turned around and to his surprise he saw Amelia standing alongside him at the waterfall. "Can...can you sense them too?"

"Amelia?! Sweetie how did you find me here? I thought I told you to stay with Hayley at the house," Tommy sighed placing his hand on his daughter's shoulders. "Why did you follow me out here kiddo? You know I get worried when you wonder by yourself alone and what if something happens to you. Amelia you have to promise me that you don't come here alone because if something happens..."

"But I wasn't alone daddy," Amelia replied smiling. "The pink bird led me here along with the white bird. They said something about being a "human mate" to them and that they know mommy. It was pretty they were glowing pink and white and said I have something called a "unique aura." I don't know what they mean by that."

"A pink and white bird?" Tommy said shockingly looking at his daughter. He looked at the bracelet on his daughter's wrist remembering how Zordon and Dulcea gifted it for the little girl cryptically telling Tommy it is to protect young Amelia. However, his daughter wasn't the only one gifted with a piece of jewelry from his old mentor as he fiddled with the arrowhead necklace he was familiar with since he was teenager. He only found out recently that his necklace has been enchanted alongside Amelia's bracelet. He was trying to understand the whole concept of the Bloodline of Power and what intel does it have to do with him and Amelia and especially Kimberly. "Amy, what's wrong?"

"They said to find you because you need my help. They said I'm special like you and mommy and we needed to defend their kingdom, like the one I draw in my pictures. I feel funny, but not a sick and ill funny but a very calming and fluffy funny." Amelia said looking at the waterfall. "I drew this before in my pictures and that there is a hidden kingdom with castle ruins and ancient old buildings. I think...I think I came here before. Daddy, who are the pink and white birds? They remind me of the birds in my drawings and the stories you tell me about the falcon and crane."

"That bracelet...now I get why she needs to wear it and now I know what you did to my necklace." Tommy said deep in thought. Taking a few steps back away from what would lead to the hidden entrance, Tommy gently pulled Amelia away from the ledge and both of them found a nearby stump to sit on. The funny feeling that Amelia was describing was in fact the emergence of an unknown power rising inside of both him and his daughter. It was evident that Amelia wasn't a normal little girl, she was special and extraordinary in Tommy's eyes. Though others around her wouldn't understand, the life of Amelia Oliver was something beyond normal.

"Amelia, I think it's time we have one of our special talks." Tommy replied putting an arm around his daughter. "Sweetie, do you know that you're a very special little girl and that you're not like most normal kids your age?"

"What is normal daddy? How am I special from the other kids my age?" Amelia asked. "Am I different and special because you and mommy used to be superheroes?"

"Well...it's not like that, but part of the reason. What normal means is that most kids your age don't have mommies and daddies who have secret identities as superheroes who battle monsters." Tommy explained in a way his daughter would understand. "However, just because I was a Power Ranger once it doesn't mean you're not like other kids your age. Although you have to keep secrets from other kids at school about daddy's life as a Power Ranger, it doesn't stop you from doing normal things kids your age should do like go to school, karate, gymnastics, music or spending time with family and friends."

"I know that I don't live in a normal house like other kids at school because my house has a lot of fancy computer stuff in the basement." Amelia replied. "I know that you and mommy were once Power Rangers and used to battle monsters with your friends and you're now Power Rangers again. I know I can't tell kids at school that my daddy is a Power Ranger because it's a very special secret. I know I get funny feelings inside sometimes because I draw stuff that come true at times. I see a pink and white bird that tells me that I'm like you, someone very special and important."

"Wow...since when did my little girl suddenly become so wise and intelligent at her age?" Tommy smiled in awe, surprised by what Amelia said.

"I'm six years old, not stupid." She bluntly replied, much to the shock of her father due to her choice of language. "Oops, sorry for saying a bad word."

"I know you are and just because we're not like normal families in our town it doesn't make us less human." Tommy reassured. "Do...do you understand what is happening kiddo?" Amelia nodded her head as she let her dad continue. "Amy, do you remember all those times you draw pictures of things and you say it's because of the funny feeling you have inside? Remember all those bedtime stories I told you about the falcon and crane, magical faraway lands, castles and magic? Sweetie, what if I told you the pictures that you've been drawing are actually a real life story coming to life?"

"Then I was right and my funny feelings are true!" Amelia said in awe and excitement. "But wait a minute, does that mean you and me have magical powers? Daddy, can we do magic and stuff? The funny tingling feeling inside...is that us?"

"I'm not sure sweetie but being in this forest, it's like we're protected from the bad guys I can tell you that. Amelia, everything that is happening is part of a very big adventure that is about to take place. I need you to understand that things will pick up and that there are mysterious forces that are coming for us. I'm going to make a promise to you that nothing is going to hurt you and we will get through this together. Daddy is going to make sure he and his friends will do everything in their power to protect you and everybody else because that is one vow I am not going to break. Amelia, do...you trust me sweetheart and will you always stand by daddy's side no matter what happens?"

"Is something going to happen?" Amelia asked curiously. "Is it because of the tingling funny feeling you and me have inside?"

"You could say that but I promise you we'll get through this together." He replied giving her a hug. "Besides, you and me kiddo, we been a tag team for far too long. There isn't anyone else in this world I would want to have adventures with. You mean the world to me Amelia and you're the greatest treasure your mommy and I ever had and I vow I will keep you safe from whatever comes our way. You're all I got left that matters the most to me and I'm going...I'm going to make sure you have a future and all the happiness you desire for a little girl. You know I love you very much right?"

"I know and I love you too daddy," Amelia replied. "And I believe you and trust you because you're my superhero and will keep me safe."

After Tommy and Amelia finished their conversation, he contacted Hayley back at the house to let her know that Amelia is safe. However, he needed to talk to Amelia about taking off without supervision later on. Once he brought Amelia back to the house and left her with Hayley, Tommy headed back to into the woods, but once he returned back to the waterfall he found himself being confronted by Quinn.

"Nearly two decades and your little Houdini appearing and disappearing act never gets old." Tommy said sarcastically. "Let me guess, you're here to give me another cryptic, metaphorical warning of some impending doom. Lay it on me Quinn, Trey or whatever name you go by these days."

"Still hot tempered, level headed and yet that fighting spirit inside of you still burns bright." Quinn said. "No wonder why fate and destiny has deemed you the one true Winged Lord of the Skies, the heir apparent of the Bloodline of Power...same with the kid and...her as well."

"The "her" you are referring to has a name and you talk as if she isn't human." Tommy objected angrily. "Am I still reeling over the shock that the woman I held dying my arms on that rooftop five years was gone? Do you think me walking away from "this life" was a mistake five years ago because my world shattered the day I lost my beautiful crane? Ask me how I'm feeling after I desecrated the gravesite of my wife only to find that what I yearned for every night turned out to be nothing but a deception? Was this what fate and destiny had in store for their heir apparent or royal family of whatever the fuck you want to call us? Frankly, the hand of fate and destiny tends to crap on us and the universe loves to cast us as the eternal forever doomed star-crossed lovers. So tell me...what does the future have in store for me and Kimberly?"

"I wish I had the answers for you kid, and no matter how many times I say this I'm sorry I disappointed you...and Kimberly." Quinn said. "I went above and beyond to make sure your fates and destinies steered away towards the direction of the Emissary. I have lived and serve my fealty as a loyal member of the Garrison for eons and this variation of the Garrison has been at this for over four thousand years on Earth. They knew...about you two since you were kids and I took it upon myself to prepare you for the long road ahead. No matter what, somehow the universe and nature itself always found a way to draw you both together."

"So it could have gone either way with one or both of us?" Tommy replied. "What made us special to the Ninjetti? To the Great Power? What was it we had the others didn't have? Everything that happened up to now, was it meant to happen?"

"There is still a lot you got to learn before you finally embrace your true calling." Quinn replied. "And it's evident that your calling is starting to emerge. That's what made you two such enigmas to the Ninjetti Order and the Great Power. It's because your auras were unique, a balance of both the light and shadow within two eternal soulmates. It's a rarity especially if that rarity to balance and harness both the light and shadow brings upon the unexpected and unpredictable."

"What about Kimberly? You said she's not exactly human after the Emissary brought her back to life and is now the Scarlet Sovereign. I can't tell my daughter that her mother is alive and that she has no clue of who she is and is a hallow empty shell with a lack of humanity or a soul for that matter. If you said that she is also part of this as well then there is a way to bring her back."

"You're basically setting yourself up to embark on an impossible task because the Kimberly Hart-Oliver you love, the woman who is the centre of your world is locked away deep beyond a void you cannot reach." Quinn argued. "But yet...somehow that same calling that yearns for you, beckons her from beyond the void. There is a shift in power rising and I'm not going to lie to you kid, the road ahead will only get tougher and challenging. The Emissary...they'll do the unspeakable in the Scarlet Sovereign's name and the world will be left in chaos and ruin to achieve what they want. Somewhere down the road you're going to have to face her head on if you're going to do the impossible to restore your one true Winged Lady of the Skies. So are you willing to risk it all Tommy?"

"That's not your place to ask me what I'm willing to do for my family and friends, but you know me. You know what I will say: consequences be damned. If I have to knock down the very pillars and foundation of the Emissary to get my Winged Lady of the Skies back so be it. So don't tell me what I can and can't do because for my daughter's sake, I pray that the impossible can become possible once again. The Kimberly I know, the woman I love more than life itself is still in there Quinn. Beneath the surface, still lies the heart and soul of our team, the Pink Crane and my soulmate. She is still inside in what exists right now as the Scarlet Sovereign and I will do whatever it takes to get her back." Tommy said with determination. "That my promise, my vow and my mission...even if I have to go through hell and back again to complete it."

"So you're still holding onto that belief that your pink princess is still beating beyond in the void?" Quinn asked curiously.

"Damn straight and if I have to put up a fight to the death to get her back I will bring her back where she belongs." Tommy said. "I'm will not give up on her. What, no snide remark or criticism from you after you spent over four thousand years preventing the Scarlet Sovereign from being activated?"

"You still have that undying fighting spirit burning through you kid. That's what I like...reminds me of the little ass kickers who first founded the Garrison. No matter the odds, no matter how much shit fate and destiny threw at them and obstacles they endured, somehow they prevailed. I guess it's a legacy thing running through you Tommy although things will only get complicated before they can be fixed." Quinn warned. "Besides, our wayward lost soul isn't the only concern of yours."

"I know and I feel it because that power that rising in me...and in Amelia." Tommy replied looking at the waterfall. "It's starting isn't it? What's happening to us?"

"You'll figure it out and know why you two were not only deemed powerful and soulmates, but enigmas to the Ninjetti." Quinn added. "You and your friends haven't fathom to realize the true potential and power of the Ninjetti. You'll need to tap into it because the Emissary will soon break the chains the Garrison have placed many years ago to prevent the untamed fire from burning this land. Soon, the balance of light and shadow will waver and only chaos and unpredictability will reign."

March 2nd, 2009

12:30 pm

Angel Grove, CA

Tanya met up with Billy and Kat somewhere midtown in Angel Grove during her lunch break. Zack returned to Los Angeles to handle business at the record company while she stayed in town to prepare for her upcoming show. The trio currently found themselves standing in front a vacant building currently up for lease.

Billy examined a sheet of paper he pulled from his portfolio and explained, "So, according to the law offices of Reid, Harris, Gideon and Associates, this building has been on lease for the last six months. The tenants here decided not to renew the lease and relocated their business outside the state."

"You still have connections to your old law firm after Sasha's death?" Kat asked suspiciously.

"The remaining senior partners are indebt to me after I manage to assist them in some legal matters." Billy replied cryptically. "Let's just say Sasha Gideon's severance package was worth the payout after I voluntarily resigned from my position. Plus, she had some leverage that was beneficial to get the other partners to fall in line."

"Great nothing like unsolicited extortion and blackmailing in the world of law," Tanya replied sarcastically. "At least Sasha had her affairs in order before Kimber...or the Scarlet Sovereign got to her." The three friends' thoughts were on their supposed dead friend they all mourned five years ago. It was still hard for them to deal with the fact that their enemies somehow mystically resurrected Kimberly back to life, but she wasn't the same person who was the heart and soul of their team.

"Jason spoke to Tommy awhile back and he's still trying to deal with it." Kat spoke up. "I couldn't imagine what our friend is going through after finding out...well...I mean..."

"...The fact that they used some mystical magic on her and literally brought back our best friend from the dead." Billy said sighing. "Seeing that casket empty turned everything upside down." Billy's eyes diverted to the tall, skyscraper building that was Rideau Circle. "Somewhere in that fortress of a building our friend is tucked away like some guild caged bird without any recollection of who she is or was before they took her."

"Which is why we're here." Tanya said getting back on topic and reverting her attention to the vacant commercial building on lease. "This building is on the list of commercial construction investments under Weyland Corp? Which is why it's the perfect cover we need to be at least close to Rideau Circle? Zack is currently handling the transfer of the building lease of our record company in LA so are you sure Harris will fall in line with this?"

"I'll handle Harris don't worry about it Tanya." Billy reassured. "I trust that Zack is handling all the final business transactions I made sure the name of the lease is under Harris' name since he is responsible for handling the construction investments of Weyland Corp."

"Is that why we're here?" Kat asked surprisingly. "This building is literally two blocks away from Rideau Circle. Are you sure it is pretty wise to set up shop in close proximity to the people we first encountered over two weeks ago? They know who we are so what will stop them from coming after us?"

"Yeah it was a gamble which is why Zack and I talked it over awhile back." Tanya explained. "Adam had the same concerns with the two of us relocating our recording company from LA back to our hometown under the guise of setting a base of operation. However, there is a reason why this location is the perfect place to set shop."

"I'm assuming it's not only for the reason of just being close to home." Kat replied. "Literally it's impossible to get a sneak peek into that building with all the state of the art technology and security they installed in that building, especially anything above the 30th level. The transceivers Justin install isn't enough to penetrate the CCTV system without them knowing it's being hacked."

"Unless...you can strengthen the signal of the transceivers within a two block radius," Billy replied. "No wonder why this area is prime business for commercial and real estate development. Tommy knows what we're up to and Hayley is working on enhancing the signal and reception of Justin's transceivers."

"They know who we are that's for sure. However, they haven't got a clue that we're keeping tabs on them. Let's just say that this particular property has a few little secrets of its own we could use to our advantage." Tanya looked at the vacant building that will become the new location of Dune Lion Records. Granted, the decision to move back to Angel Grove was out of necessity to be closer to home and save on travel time.

On the other hand, the three veterans weighed on the decision to literally set up shop right in the epitome of all the activity occurring. The Troika district looked like it was a completely different neighborhood of Angel Grove that underwent an economic boom the last couple of years. Under the glints and modernized upgrades the neighborhood underwent, the citizens of the city were not aware of what laid beneath the city and that this neighborhood is facing more than just an economic expansion.

2:30 pm

Reefside High School

Reefside, CA

It was fortunate that Tommy didn't pack away his laptop computer despite having no classes to teach for the last period of school. He was about to leave to make his way to pick up Amelia from school when he received an email from Trini and Jason containing blueprints of city records pertaining to the boundary lines of each of the districts in Angel Grove. Looking at the attachment files, he saw that many of the blueprints focused mainly on the Troika neighborhood and municipal offices.

"Looking at these blueprints all the neighborhoods near the Troika district have been rezoned twice in the last two decades. Then also based on a geological analysis of the district that was conducted back in the mid 90's, it says that there was suspicious seismic activity beneath the ground." Tommy replied.

"Trini's uncle who was a former city councillor for the Troika ward of Angel Grove said there was a geological assessment done back in the day when the city proposed a subway project for travel around the city." Jason explained on the other line. "Part of the subway lines that was included in the proposal by city council was a subway station in the Troika district."

"And based on these blueprints and reports of the tentative plans there were at least a dozen fault lines in the foundation beneath the area." Tommy added. "Literally if they attempted to try to put a subway line back in the day they'll probably end up creating a sink hole in the middle of the city due to the faulty foundation."

"Hence it was the reason why the city council immediately scrapped the project due to highly potential damage to the foundation of the city." Jason said. "The geologists who conducted a site analysis of the area for city council back in the day said literally the entire foundation beneath the Troika district of Angel Grove sits on over half a dozen fault lines that can trigger minor earthquakes and sink holes. However, they detected some abnormal structural fragments that was holding the foundation in place."

"What do you mean by abnormal structural fragments?" Tommy questioned. "What did your PI work discover bro about the foundation?"

"According to Trini's uncle the geologists couldn't explain the substance or material or rock formations that they detected. The report didn't matter because by the time it was completed, city council already voted on terminating the subway project back in the day." Jason continued. "And if you look at the recent city records of the blueprints today of the Troika district do you notice anything eerily similar?"

"The zone lines in each part of the district were redrawn to mirror the boundary lines back nearly two decades ago." Tommy said in awe. "Right where Rideau Circle is located, that was the proposed subway station for the Troika neighborhood right? If I'm looking at this carefully..."

"...Basically the entire foundation of the city Angel Grove intercepts right smack in the middle of the infamous Troika district. Whatever those geologists discovered about the abnormal seismic activity they detected back in the day has to do with what why the city hasn't been leveled out. Unfortunately, we can't break ground since there is a forty-two level skyscraper building sitting right on top of it."

"Which is why Rideau Circle wanted to build their head offices and restructure and rezone the entire Troika district of Angel Grove. There is that high possible chance the "Modus Operandi" the Emissary are planning to ignite is whatever they're planning to extract from underneath the city. Zordon, Dulcea and the rest of the Garrison warned us about what happens every time a Modus Operandi is instigated by the Emissary. If what they say is true that whatever lays beneath the city maybe some sort of ancient bones of the Sacred Ancient Animals of the Ninjetti then we got a serious problem. However, knowing the Garrison they've gave those guys their work to cut for."

"Whatever the case is bro things are starting to pick up steam." Jason replied. "We got things in order here on the home front and you're definitely coming up for the weekend to watch Tanya's show? Don't worry we promise it will be a regular normal weekend unless otherwise and besides you owe us for not coming to the last show."

"Okay don't worry I'll be there along with my little defender." Tommy said looking at his watch. "Shoot, I got a head out, parenting duty calls and today I'm running Amelia's carpool. I'll look more into the files you guys emailed and we'll discuss it some more when I come down for the weekend."

"Go ahead bro, don't sweat it. We'll talk soon." Jason said as the phone clicked dead.

March 7th, 2009

9:00 p.m

Angel Grove, CA

Everyone sat in the audience listening in awe and pleasure during Tanya's live unplugged show at the Angel Grove Music Conservatory. Those who have known Tanya Sloan for years were seeing first hand her amazing music talents on display in front of a live audience. Tommy and the group glanced over to see Tanya's family watching with pride their daughter receive a standing applause for her show.

The show itself was also another public event as it hit the local news stations and the music conservatory was surrounded by local media interviewing everyone involved with Dune Lion Records. It was night full of news press, interviews and questions as Tommy could see how much work Zack and Tanya put into making their business venture a success. Although he wasn't there at the beginning to see the start of Dune Lion Records, it brought satisfaction to Tommy to know his friends' dreams were coming true.

Once Tanya's performance was finished, the group watched the media frenzy unfold and see their friends being interviewed about their record label and the news that their moving their company back to Angel Grove. The show also attracted many of the local businesses in the town to offer endorsements and potential future ventures.

It was something that worked into the Bronze and Silver Rangers' plan to scope out the Emissary's network of subordinates and middle grounds. They had business reps from Weyland Co. talk to them along with reps from Billy's old law firm, along with anyone who was listed on Rideau Circle's client list. In the midst of the post-show cocktails and refreshments for the audience to enjoy, Tommy had a careful eye on Amelia looking around the main foyer of the conservatory.

As the group ate their post-show appetizers and drinks, Tommy and the others looked at their friends intently.

"Nothing like good PR and promotion to net in the biggest business names in this town. That also includes the great white whales too." Trini said.

"Zack has always been good with public relations and marketing. Heck, he helped when Rocky and I first opened the dojo." Adam replied. "No one can't turn down PR."

"Not even our lurking adversaries in the shadows." Tommy replied as he carefully listened. "There are Emissary agents here present tonight, but not one sign of any of the pillars here. Also, their lackeys and middle grounds are in attendance. They played right into our hand of what we want."

"To figure out the Emissary's network of connections running through Angel Grove." Jason said. "Although we're setting a second base of operations right in the epitome of ground zero."

"The higher the risk, the better the chance we take them out one by one." Tommy added and then looked at Billy. "I got everything you need to set up shop and Hayley is on standby so just give us the word."

"This has something to do with Dune Lion Record's new head office space doesn't it?" Aisha asked curiously. "Okay Billy spill the beans. What is it?"

"There was a reason why Zack and Tanya bought that particular building for their new office space." Billy said. "According to the historical society, back in the Prohibition Era, the town had a few speakeasies that were set up to run the underground bootlegging operations. A couple of them were raided by the local police and some of the operations went belly flop. A lot these speakeasy clubs went out of business eventually and some were destroyed in fires, except for one somewhere in Troika."

"Wait a minute, the speakeasy in Troika it's not...well I'll be." Justin said with a slight smile.

"Those two wouldn't have bought the property without knowing about the little added feature to it." Tommy explained. "Based on the blueprints there were a series of tunnels that were used back in the day to transport illegal liquor throughout the city. Some of those tunnels run right underneath Rideau Circle without them knowing it. However, we got to be on the lookout knowing that the pillars of the Emissary are on to us. Also...we got to keep an eye out for Kimberly...or the Scarlet Sovereign."

"It still sucks to know she's actually alive...but it's like she's here, but yet she's someone...something else." Rocky said sighing knowing how hard it is for their leader. "Oh man, Tommy I know...look we..."

"We're come down that road...when the time comes." Tommy said taking a deep breath. "The only thing that comforts me to know is she is near, but yet it's like our pink crane is still out of our reach. However, we're going to succeed and we'll win I guarantee that or we die trying. We're going to finish what was started nearly five years ago in Reefside with the Emissary. The Garrison are right...a war is brewing and Angel Grove is in the epitome of it."

While the others decided to wait for Tanya and Zack to finish up their post-show media rounds, Tommy helped Kat escort the kids to the washrooms. He gave Kat a few minutes to call the babysitter to check up on the twins and Hazel while Tommy was on standby waiting for the other kids in the washrooms. Unbeknownst to Tommy and the other veteran Rangers they didn't notice there was another guest in attendance at the show tonight.

In the midst of the media frenzy surrounding the Angel Grove Music Conservatory, a lone female figure with caramel brown hair watched the show. She was wearing a scarlet red cocktail spaghetti strap dressed and under the watchful eye of a heavy security detail. Something compelled her to venture out to this venue tonight after she provokingly threatened her so called handlers violently for a night out.

The Rangers did not know that the lone female was observing them the entire night, surrounded by family and friends. However, the Scarlet Sovereign found herself drawn to the man dressed in the white long sleeved shirt and khaki dressed pants with brown eyes and spiky brown hair. She vaguely recalled encountering him at Rideau Circle, the one who matched her skill for skill and with equal fighting precision.

For some reason, the mere presence of the mysterious man puzzled her as if she felt a magnetic pull towards him. The Scarlet Sovereign stared at Tommy chatting with Katherine and Jason who joined his wife and best friend. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain go through her head as if she heard a foreign sound of a bird cawing as she winced and rubbed her forehead. She snapped back to reality and looked up only to find a pair of brown eyes gazing at her from across the foyer.

"What...was that?" The moment the Scarlet Sovereign spoke, Tommy's head suddenly shot up and he stared straight ahead at the woman across the room. Jason and Kat looked at their friend seeing Tommy's expression drastically change. Three random words caught Tommy's attention knowing the voice etched deep in the depths of heart, body and soul. Soon, a bewildered Scarlet Sovereign fled the scene with an unknown pursuer on her trail who uttered a name foreign to her.

"...Kimberly..." Tommy saw her among the crowd. Ignoring the pleas of his friends he ventured out onto the streets of Angel Grove in search of his lost pink princess.