A few days after the trip, Tommy, Billy, and Alpha were in the lab when the computer monitor shut off and on a few times. When the monitor came back on, the screen was black with a giant blueish gray O in the middle. There was a gold border along the sides.
"Ayj-yi-yi!" Alpha cried.
"What the heck?" Tommy asked.
"This happened one other time. The first time there was a z and not an o," Billy said.
"When did this happen?" Tommy asked.
"The day you were pretending to be Conner at the high school," Billy said.
"I try to forget that time," Tommy said.
"I bet," Alpha said.
Before they said another word, the cave entrance opened up. Conner walked right in.
"Hey I have seen the same thing before, but last time there was a z and not an o," he said.
"We know that and now so does Tommy," Billy said.
"What do you want Conner?" Tommy asked.
"Do you remember the research paper you assigned us on Monday?" Conner asked.
"Yes I do and I am afraid to ask anymore," Tommy said.
"Speaking on Tommy's behalf, you are not getting an extension," Billy said.
"What makes you think I came here to ask for one?" Conner asked.
"I may not be as intelligent as Billy, but I had a feeling that is what you wanted. Billy is right you are not getting an extension," Tommy said.
"Come on Dr. O," Conner said.
"Conner, the paper isn't due until Monday. You have the rest of the week to do it," Tommy said.
"Do we need to ask if you have started yet?" Billy asked.
"Don't answer that. Do you know when we were Rangers, we did not need any extra time to do our homework. On top of going to school and saving the world, some of us taught martial arts classes and did various charitable works not to mention we lived normal teenage lives when we could," Tommy said.
"You don't see any of the other Rangers here do you?" Billy asked.
"Well no, but Ethan is working on his paper. Katie is at dance class right now..." Conner said before he got interrupted.
"You should be doing what Ethan is doing," Tommy said.
Conner left disappointed about not getting an extension.
"You know, I don't know how we had time to do everything that we did and still have somewhat of a normal life," Billy said.
"Zordon picked the right people," Alpha said.
"How long will the screen look like this?" Tommy asked.
The alarm sounded and the monitor switch to a picture of the clones.
"Never mind I got my answer. I'll contact the kids," Tommy said.
Tommy contacted the rest of the team. Katie told him she would be there as soon as her dance class was over, which wasn't to much longer. Tommy said that was ok. The Rangers started off slow against the clones. They had worn out Conner, Ethan, Kira, and Tommy before Trent decided to take on his one on one. During the match, Katie showed up all ready to fight.
"Sorry I am late," she said.
"That's ok I forgive you," Tommy said.
"How come she can show up late but I had to leave during tryouts that one time?" Conner asked.
"She told me her class was almost done and I figured we could handle them until she got here. Also, there were only three of you at the time. You were need more then than she was needed today," Tommy said.
Katie started fighting her clone. The battle did not last long when the clone sent her flying backwards. Conner used his super speed to catch her before she could hit the pavement.
"My hero," she said in a sarcastic tone.
"Your welcome babe," Conner said.
When Conner put her down, she acted like she was going to shake his hand when she used her super strength. She threw him into the clone, knocking it down.
"Man talk about girl power," Trent said.
He so deserved that.Ethan thought.
"Don't ever call me babe," Katie said.
The girls hi five each other.
What was that all about?Tommy thought.
"This ain't over yet. We will be back and We WILL be after you White and Pink Rangers. For there will only be one White and Pink Ranger," the clones said before they left.
"Man those clone seems to get stronger every time," Ethan said holding his shoulder.
"I think we all just learned something," Tommy said.
"Yeah don't call either one of your female teammates babe," Conner said.
"Only you learned that one Conner. I think you are the only male ranger to call a female ranger babe while in battle," Tommy said.
"I got to get back to my research paper," Ethan said.
"Good idea. I suggest all of you do the same. None of you have any excuses for not having it done on time," Tommy said looking at Conner.
"Before we leave, I have a question. Why do you live out in the middle of nowhere?" Katie asked.
"Simple, when I was in grad school, I had an apartment near campus. For a month, kids would ring my doorbell and run away before I can answer it. So when I moved to Reefside, I did not want anyone to bother me. That last only a few months," Tommy said looking at Conner, Kira, and Ethan.
"What happened?" Trent asked.
"I guess you should not built your lab in your house," Katie said.
The three told Katie and Trent how they found the gems. The next afternoon, Tommy, Alpha, and Billy were in the lab while the teens were doing their own things.
"Remind me the next time I take the team on a trip to rent a van," Tommy said.
"I heard about the trip. It was good to see Kim again," Billy said.
"I agree," Alpha said.
"Did you hear that Ernie still owns the youth center. Well he sold it after you left, then he bought it back two years ago," Tommy said.
"I did not know that. I think a lot happened while I was in space," Billy said.
"Apparently a lot did happen. I mean I became a Dr., Jason and Kat got married, Trini became a nurse, Zack having success in L.A., and Adam opened up his own Dojo," Tommy said.
"Speaking of Trini, are you going to tell her about Richie?" Billy asked.
"I don't know. I am not sure if they are married or are seeing anyone," Tommy said.
Before they knew it, Kira contacted them.
"Dr. O, Billy, either one of you two there?" She asked.
"We are here," Tommy said.
"We have a situation. Trent and I were at the lake talking when a group of Tyrandrones showed up. We tried to fight them off. Before either one of us could call for backup, Elsa showed up and ordered the drones to kidnap Trent," Kira said.
"Come to the lab, I'll contact the others," Tommy said.
"Sounds like old times," Billy said.
"Ayi-yi-yi not Trent," Alpha cried.
"Nothing changes to much with evil," Tommy said.