Disclaimer: I don't own the BLoSC series or the movie. Enjoy!

Chapter 18

Galatea Expo

It was another day of work at Gamma Laboratory, and Theodur, the tiger alien, was brimming with excitement.

During his lunch break with his friends and colleagues, the air was filled with animated chatter. News had spread that the renowned scientist and professor, Spyro Lepton, visited the laboratory. Everyone eagerly awaited glimpses of him whenever he appeared.

Theodur was fortunate enough to shake the scientist's hand while working on the outer layer before Professor Lepton hurried off to the inner sanctum of Spectra.

What's more exciting was the anticipation of the upcoming event, the Galatea Expo. Held once a year, this grand event brought together individuals from various scientific fields to mingle and share their achievements and progress. The expo also served as a celebration of innovation and provided a platform for like-minded individuals to connect and foster new inventions.

It was a prestigious gathering, inviting only those who had made significant contributions to the latest state-of-the-art technologies.

Most supervisors from three major laboratories will be coming to the Galatea Expo, along with their top ten junior scientists. Theodur was also invited, representing the Gammas. This made him sigh when he read the invitation. He longed to be a part of the Beta lab, where he could commence his ambitious eco projects. Unfortunately, the transfer process would take several months to complete.

For now, he will make the most of it and maybe make new friends with those people from Beta lab in the expo. The anticipation of this opportunity filled him with excitement, and he found himself wondering about the reactions of the other invitees, particularly Penelope (a.k.a. Zyra).

After the dinner party some time ago, Penelope began to slowly engage in social interactions with him starting with simple greetings and brief casual conversations. Theodur found her company truly delightful, enjoying their exchanges and appreciating her warm presence.

Theodur couldn't help but feel that something was off about Zyra these days. Not only was she very secretive, but she also seemed incredibly busy. He chalked it up as her way of preparing herself for the expo.

As the sound of his watch chimed, indicating the end of the lunch break, Theodur made a firm decision. He plans to surprise Penelope with a cup of coffee once she gets better. He couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness when he received the news that Penelope had called in sick today.

He hoped she gets better to attend the big event.

After all, he was constantly fascinated by how diligently she worked, surpassing even her own group, there's no surprise that she will love all the new stuff the expo has to offer.

He can't wait for the event day to come.

Zyra can't wait for the day of the expo.

She called in sick today, strategically planning to use the time at home to work on the Mega Pack device. At first glance, it resembles like any other jetpack, adorned with a combination of purple, black, and yellow colors. However, concealed within its sleek exterior lies an entire computer system, functioning as a compact yet powerful computing device.

She glanced to the side, her eyes landing on the sturdy invitation card resting on the table. The day when the Galatea Expo opens at night will be the perfect opportunity to set her plan into motion.

Luckily enough, the expo being held is conveniently located near the site of the Mainframe building.

The plan goes like this: Desmond will infiltrate the highly secure Mainframe building, equipped with the Mega Pack to swiftly locate the target file, retrieve it and exit undetected. Meanwhile, Zyra assumes her position on standby at the expo, ready to provide her expertise and support should Desmond need help.

They relied on the idea that most of the Space Rangers would be busy guarding the expo due to the presence of important attendees like senators and other world famous scientists, so Desmond planned to take down any guards assigned near or in the Mainframe building.

If something happens…they will deal with it when the time comes.

For now, Zyra works on the Mega Pack as it is on its final stages, only a few remaining adjustments to make it fully functional once activated. As for her loyal companion, Desmond is doing his final rounds, diligently watches over the Mainframe building area, constantly surveying for any changes to the routine before they can proceed with the plan on the opening night of the expo.

"This part should connect here," Zyra said, as she handled the wire with care. Frustration crept in as one of the wires stubbornly resisted connection. "Ugh... Craters...," she muttered under her breath. "It's just like learning programming all over again, back with my home tutor," Zyra sighed.

DING DONG

In a sudden moment of alarm, she paused her work and stood up.

Moving swiftly, she tucked away the Mega Pack device beneath her couch, which opened up like a storage compartment, ensuring its secrecy. With a sense of urgency, she made her way to the home console, eagerly seeking access to the camera feed displaying her doorstep.

What she saw in the cams was something unexpected. Buzz Lightyear himself stood at her entrance gate door while holding a tablet and a pen, his vibrant armor and confident stance catching her off guard.

What in the name of Venus is he doing here? She thought.

More importantly, had she been found out? Did she accidentally reveal something during her work in Gamma that now brought Buzz Lightyear to her doorstep?

The beats of her heart raced wildly, she hurriedly put on her wig as she exit her home through the front yard and to the gate door with a shout of nervous "I'm coming," grabbing her laser gun from the side and gripped it tightly.

She alerted Desmond through her wrist communicator, urgently informing him of the unexpected arrival of Buzz Lightyear and the need for his timely assistance. With the weight of the situation pressing upon her, she began formulating a battle plan in her mind, unsure if she could hold off THE Buzz Lightyear until Desmond arrived.

She peeked through the intercom on the side and, mustering up her composure.

"Yes? What can I do for you, ranger?"

Buzz responded to Zyra's question.

"Greetings, citizen! I apologize for the intrusion, but I am on a mission to ensure the safety and well-being of all inhabitants in this sector. I wish to inquire if there have been any disturbances in the neighbourhood over the past two nights."

Zyra stared at Buzz suspiciously, her eyes narrowing as she contemplated the unexpected presence of the iconic space ranger. Putting away her laser gun behind the potted plant as she pressed the console to the gate door, revealing Buzz standing before her, his heroic stature towering over her.

The sight of him up close only added to the awe and intrigue that surrounded him. Ah, how she used to admire him as a kid, but now, circumstances have changed that, casting a shadow of uncertainty over her feelings towards Buzz Lightyear.

Zyra put on a feigned look of shock as she asked, "Oh? Did something happen?"

She knows for sure he is talking about what had happened at the storage facility where Desmond stole the program data, but of course, she won't let him know that as she patiently waits for his inquiry.

The strange thing was that Buzz looked at her stunned, alarming her with his surprising reaction. Her curiosity and anxiety grew as she wondered why he had paused before continuing with what he had to say.

The heroic ranger coughed, coming out of his stupor.

"It...It seems that there was an accident that happened nearby," Buzz stammered, "We were just wondering if you have any insight into what might have occurred."

"We?"

Buzz pointed his thumb over his shoulder, "My partner is also conducting the investigation as we speak."

Zyra looked over Buzz and, to her shock, she recognized that periwinkle skinned ranger anywhere. On the other side of the street, Warp Darkmatter appeared bored as he stood listening to the old man, unaware of Zyra's stare.

This just made her nervous all over again but at the same time Zyra wondered. Did they finally partner up? Let's just say they did and she quickly refocused her attention on Buzz's question, turning back to him with a smile.

"I'm sorry, but I don't know what truly happened," she confessed, "I was occupied with my assigned projects and didn't have the chance to see anything going on around here."

Buzz hummed at her answer while he wrote it down, lost in thought. Suddenly, he snapped his fingers, causing Zyra to startle, and pointed his pen at her. "Ah! I know you from somewhere," he exclaimed, a spark of recognition in his eyes.

Her hand twitched involuntarily at his words, a primal instinct urging her to reach for her laser gun.

"You're Penelope Thibault!" he exclaimed with a smile, "the famous rookie junior scientist in Gamma."

Zyra laughed nervously, her mind racing through worst-case scenarios as she carefully formulated her reply. "That I am. I didn't expect to be known as that, especially by a space ranger like yourself," she admitted.

"In a matter of short time, everyone is already talking about your hard working efforts," he remarked, "And I happened to be on the paperwork duty when I stumbled upon your assessments," Buzz groaned.

"You're not the type to handle paperwork?" Zyra giggled, amused by Buzz's evident dislike for such tasks, making her relaxed…quite a bit.

"I must admit, I find the paperwork job quite satisfying," Buzz remarked, "But I can't help but feel a restless energy within me, longing for some action and adventure," he confessed.

Zyra chuckled and replied, "It's fascinating how you can find satisfaction in paperwork, but I can understand that restless feeling. Sometimes, the thrill of being out in the field is hard to resist. We all have that adventurous spirit within us."

She raised her hand to him, removing any nervousness out and asked, "Since you already know my name, may I know yours, Ranger…?"

Buzz bowed politely and shook her hand as he said, "My apologies for the late introduction. Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear at your service."

"It is nice to meet you, Ranger Lightyear," Zyra replied with a friendly smile, "As much as I love to continue to talk but I have to take a rest, I just called in sick today from work. I hope whatever it is you're looking for is found soon. I will be sure to keep an eye out for anything strange around here."

"Thank you, Miss Thibault," Buzz said while smiling, "your vigilance is crucial in our fight against evil. Remember, if you witness anything out of the ordinary, contact immediately to the nearest Space Ranger post. Wishing you a speedy recovery! "

Zyra gracefully wave her hand, bidding farewell to Buzz as he strolled away from her.

"Why is it you always have the good looking ones while I have to deal with old far-" Warp grumbled.

"Don't you dare speak about the elderly like that, Warp," Buzz snapped back, his tone stern, "They're just as important as anyone else, and we have a duty to protect and serve them."

Warp Darkmatter sighed, realizing his comment had struck a nerve with his partner. He glanced around and noticed Buzz standing halfway on the sidewalk few meters away from the house he went to, holding out his tablet. Curiosity piqued, Warp approached him.

Buzz scrolled through his tablet, a deep frown forming on his face. "No leads. The neighbourhood before Henosis did heard a loud noise but they thought it was some car accident. Which is good to keep the real accident hidden and bad at the same time, giving us no clues to how it happened."

Warp also checked his own device. "Mine too," he confirmed, his voice tinged with disappointment. "Not even the high-security cameras caught any suspicious activity near here."

It was well known among high-ranking officers that the incident in question was no ordinary occurrence. It had taken place within the confines of a highly classified area with restricted access. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on their Commander's mind and made it a top priority to Buzz and Warp to seek insights and perspectives from the outside world.

From what they gathered from the incident at PAX Storage facility, the infected machines that caused the chaos seemed to return to normalcy after a certain period of time, as if the rampage had never occurred. Luckily, no one was hurt badly, besides them bumping to walls or other bulky storage boxes out of panic.

They meticulously scrutinized other rooms in the building, searching for any signs of missing items or malicious activity, only to find that everything appeared to be in order and nothing out of the ordinary was detected. Deep in their search, however, the Rangers and police investigators ask the inventory control group to count everything and confirmed back to them that none of the projects or files had been stolen.

Adding more strangeness to the situation, they analysed the machines for any signs of viruses or malware, only to find a perplexing revelation—there were no traces of malicious code within the system. It like it vanished into thin air.

One other puzzling discovery was the presence of burnt capsules scattered among the debris and wreckage. Unfortunately, these capsules offered no digital imprints or discernible origin to trace their source, adding yet another layer of mystery to an already enigmatic situation.

They had hit a roadblock. The lack of any trace or clues proved to be a major headache for anyone involved.

Buzz gripped his tablet lightly, his brows furrowing as he looked up at the sky. "I have a bad feeling about this and there's only one person who could have thought of a plan like this."

Warp rolled his eyes, "Do I even have to guess who you're talking about?"

Buzz shook his head, his gaze focused and determined. "It's not a guess, Warp. It's a fact. Zurg, our nemesis, could very well be behind this. His thirst for chaos and disruption knows no bounds"

Warp glanced to the side, his annoyance evident, as Buzz animatedly monologues about their so-called enemy, Zurg.

Although Warp finds Zurg's incessant nagging and anger outbursts to be annoying during the time he done small favors for the Evil Emperor, he couldn't deny the allure of the hefty price the main bad guy could offer. If someone like Zurg can pay him higher than what he earned from Star Command just to transport stolen goods, Warp will seize the opportunity to make extra bucks.

Having heard enough about Zurg's villainous exploits from Buzz over sometime, Warp felt the need to change the subject, craving a break from the intense focus on their nemesis or in his case, secret part-time boss.

Warp glanced back at the guarded house where Buzz was talking to a pretty lady, a mischievous idea forming in his mind.

"Say, partner," Warp asked, unable to resist the opportunity to tease Buzz, "I noticed you chatting with that lady for quite a long time. You know her?"

Buzz turned his attention to Warp with a glare, not liking that his conversation was interrupted. Nevertheless, he responded nervously, "Yeah. She's that rookie I mentioned to you last time. One of the famed Gamma junior scientists who perform spectacularly and managed to take the spot for the upcoming promotion."

Warp couldn't help but smirk.

"Ah, I see. So, any sparks flying between you two?"

Buzz rolled his eyes, not falling for Warp's playful banter, "Warp, focus on the mission. We have important work to do, and personal matters are not a priority."

Warp nudged Buzz playfully, "Oh come on, Buzz, did you even see her? She's a beauty. I bet you that she's into you too."

"Warp, please. Thi-this isn't the time or place for such discussions. Miss Thibault is a well-respected member of the Gamma science division and I'm sure she is more into her work field than looking for a relationship."

Warp chuckled, enjoying his partner's embarrassment. "I'm just saying, Buzz. You're a charming guy, and it wouldn't be surprising if she's interested. Maybe you should consider taking a break from saving the galaxy and focus on your own love life for once."

Buzz looked at Warp, a hint of curiosity in his eyes, and couldn't help but ask, "If you're so relax talking about her, why not pursue her yourself?"

Warp grinned mischievously, leaning in closer to his partner. "Oh, Buzz, I'm simply a free spirit who enjoys playing the field. Besides, I'm not one to be tied down. It's much more fun to see you squirm with the possibilities of romance."

Buzz chuckled, shaking his head at Warp's light-hearted response.

"Well, lucky for both of us, I happen to be more focused on the job than my love life. Let's leave this talk behind us and return to our survey."

Warp clicked his tongue in disapproval.

"Buzz, you might be missing the chance of a lifetime here. I mean, really, a beautiful woman like her living alone in this big house?" Warp gestured with his hand toward the house. "I mean... she would need a strong man like you to help protect her from—"

The screeching of metal interrupted their conversation, causing both rangers to instinctively turn their heads.

Their attention was drawn to a hover taxi parked in front of the house, the very house belonging to the lady they had been discussing. They watched as the taxi door swung open, revealing a tall, muscular brown-haired man in blue long, sleeve fitting shirt and black jeans stepping out, his arms filled with what appeared to be grocery bags.

Buzz raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Well, it seems your assumptions were off, Warp. Looks like she's not alone after all."

The mystery stoic man turned to them and nodded, Buzz return the gesture as well while Warp just simply huffed. As the gated door opened, the man stepped inside and the gated door closed behind him, leaving the periwinkle ranger outside with more questions than answers.

"And…the plot thickens," Warp said, "you know, that guy is kind of, how you say it, stiff? You think she made a wrong choice in choosing him?"

Buzz lightly hit Warp in the shoulder, shaking his head. "Give it up already, Warp. We can't judge their relationship based on a brief encounter. Let's focus on the task at hand and get back to work."

Both Desmond and Zyra were standing around the home console computer, observing the Space Ranger duo leaving the premise and went to another house.

"Sorry about this, Des. I thought for sure they were on to us. Do you need to head back and continue with the stakeout?"

Desmond lightly shook his head while putting down the grocery bags he carries on the table. Besides the apples and a milk carton, he also removes a bunch of data storage kit and some spy bugs.

"I have already completed the survey," Desmond said, "There are no changes in their guard duty routine. Few Star Command Robot officers occupied the building and two Space Rangers. We can proceed as planned."

"Do we have their identities?"

Desmond pulls out two data pads, revealing two unfamiliar names belonging to the two space rangers assigned on night guard duty during the expo.

Zyra let out a sigh and reached for one of the apples. "That's a relief. I was worried we might have to rethink our approach if one of them was Buzz Lightyear. We can't afford any slip-ups this time."

Desmond nodded in agreement, he had briefly scanned Buzz Lightyear before entering the house, and he was impressed with the man's physique. Surely, he could overpower the ranger with his battle prowess, but there were other calculations that said otherwise. This needed further analysis than what he did to the Commander of Star Command.

His visor focused on the table as he arranged the spy bugs neatly. "I understand, master. We've come too far to let anything get in the way."

Zyra took a bite of the apple, contemplating their next move while taking out the Mega Pack.

"Alright then, let's go over the plan one more time. We need to ensure we're in sync and execute it flawlessly."

It was a night where innovation and creativity flourished, where the convergence of influential figures sparked new possibilities, and where the spirit of celebration and discovery intertwined to create an unforgettable experience.

The long-awaited Galatea Expo event unfolded, revealing a mesmerizing array of colourful inventions. The halls teemed with important individuals, elegantly adorned in attire befitting the occasion, gracefully strolling along while marvelling at the extraordinary works on display.

Engaging in lively conversations that filled the air with a contagious blend of excitement and laughter, they formed connections and shared their enthusiasm for the showcased creations. The vibrant atmosphere was further accentuated by the presence of flashy lights, casting a dynamic glow that animated the entire venue.

Standing tall on the sides, the Space Rangers maintained a vigilant watch, their eyes scanning the crowd to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees.

In one of the busy crowds, a group of young scientists gathered near the food stalls, wearing their signature white lab coats with Gamma logo arm bands. They were engrossed in an exciting conversation and in the middle of the group, Zyra had a bright smile on her face as she listened intently. Suddenly, her watch alarm went off, capturing her attention.

Excusing herself to her colleagues, Zyra made her way through the crowd and found a nearby hallway leading to the second floor. With the whole floor clear of people, Zyra made her way to one of the big vases and fished out her laptop from it. She leaned on a stone pillar connecting to a balcony railing, away from surveillance cameras view, as she looked down at the event with a serious expression.

Zyra activated her hidden wrist guard, taking out a small earpiece and connecting it. There was a faint click, confirming the link.

"Are you in position, Des?" she whispered eagerly.

A few blocks away from the event, Desmond leaned against a nearby building, his gaze fixed on the Mainframe building, his intended target.

"Yes," Desmond responded calmly.

Meanwhile, Zyra swiftly opened her laptop, her fingers typing on the keys. She'll be working on the side to decipher the mysterious runes once Desmond logs in to the Mainframe.

With a hushed command of "Go" silently mouthed, Desmond vanished into the surroundings, enveloped by a cloak of digital curtain, blending seamlessly into the shadows as he sprinted towards his destination.

He dashed through the mini plaza, silent in each step. With a keen sense of timing, he slipped unnoticed between the motionless sentinels just as the doors smoothly glided open. The robot officers snapped to attention at the sudden movement, their mechanical eyes scanning the area for any sign of intrusion.

Having spent countless days observing the building's security measures, he exploited the blind spots of the robot officers stationed at the main entrance and had managed to decipher the complex digital codes that governed its entrance by sending several spy bugs latching on it.

With his camouflage technology perfectly synchronized to the system, he felt almost like a ghost, slipping through their surveillance undetected.

The bewildered robot officers stared at the doors, perplexed by the mysterious motion, but their programming urged them to ignore anything beyond the immediate threat. Oblivious to the true nature of the disturbance, they resumed their stoic vigilance, completely unaware of the daring intrusion that had just occurred right before their mechanical eyes.

As Desmond arrived in the hallway leading to the Mainframe computer doors, he released a few spy guys, programmed to locate any surveillance cameras, giving his master a view in the Mainframe building. Then he stay neared a column and peer over to the other hallway. He spotted a lone female ranger from afar, the dim light of a flashlight sticking out from his armor.

His visor turned bright red in anger, and his mind raced, wondering where the other ranger might be. This unexpected obstacle had the potential to disrupt the meticulously crafted plan, but Desmond weighed his options and resolved to press forward.

While his master works her way into the security feeds, he cautiously walk passed the ranger and headed to the doors, which is guarded by a Star Command Robot Officer.

Having learned his unrefined ways when he infiltrated Star Command, Desmond chose a different approach this time.

Instead of immediately neutralizing the robot officer, he opted for a stealthier method. Sneaking up quietly, he skilfully inserted his cable cord into the side of the robot's head. The robot officer fizzled for a moment, and its digital eyes dimmed, rendering it temporarily inactive. Desmond wasted no time and began searching for the access code hidden within its systems, while putting a small virus that would make it stay in position for a long time.

Though puzzled as to why Star Command would entrust such critical information to its robot officers, he had been assured by his master that this was standard protocol.

He quickly located the access code and with the information in hand, he disconnected the cable and continued his covert mission towards the doors console. Desmond knew he only has ten seconds before the robot officer comes online as he enters the code and swiftly jumps in the moment it opens.

Desmond rolled forward and swiftly concealing himself to the side as he patiently waited for the doors to close securely behind him. The robot officer, back online after the brief disruption, seemed momentarily perplexed by the sudden change, but quickly regained its composure and resumed its vigilant post guarding the entrance to the Mainframe room.

With the doors now sealed, Desmond focused his attention on the imposing tall computer console at the far end of the room. Flanked by heavy monitoring equipment on both sides, the Mainframe computer hummed with activity, its array of lights flickering on and off, a testament to the vast network of information it controlled.

Carefully releasing a few more spy bugs to ensure he wasn't being monitored, Desmond releases his camouflage and stealthily approached the massive console. His hand retrieved the Mega Pack from his compartment and gets to work.

Inserting the Mega Pack into the designated slot of the Mainframe computer, a few clicks were heard before it caused a static to ripple across the device before it gradually returned to its normal state. Satisfied with the successful connection, he swiftly released a concealed cable from his palms and connects to the cable portal.

With a confident touch, he securely attached the cable, initiating a direct link between himself and the vast network of information housed within the computer's core.

In a split second, Desmond was engulfed by a surge of data, the sheer magnitude of information shaking him to his core.

The relentless influx of data loaded into his motherboard, overwhelming him with a chaotic fusion of overlapping streams of digital codes after another. It felt as though his very essence was being torn apart between deciphering the barrage of data flooding his circuits and stopping the whole process.

Struggling to maintain control, he hunched over the console, his hands gripping the edge with intensity as if trying to anchor himself amidst the torrent.

Desmond battled the overwhelming flood of data with force, though the effort was akin to silent screaming within his circuits. Working tirelessly to reign in the unruly chaos, he focused on gaining control.

He could hear his master's voice calling his name inside his comm link, attempting to guide and support him, while also utilizing the Mega Pack to alleviate his suffering. The blinking lights of the Mega Pack signalled its assistance as it facilitated access to the link, granting him a momentary pause from the data onslaught.

With the Mega Pack's support, Desmond managed to extract himself from the overwhelming bulk of information and zero in on the elusive query system log through his visor.

…GALACTIC MAINFRAME SERIAL SYSTEM 4377-635B is online…

…Accessing system: Query?...

Getting rid of any leftover static in his system, Desmond types in the necessary information for the Mainframe to look for. The Megapack signaled its link connection successfully, and Desmond was shocked to see so many related files coming up. It was as if an entire hidden network had been unveiled before his eyes.

He browsed each one, and to his amazement, most of the files were about a cavern in Sector 8 that covered the same rune symbols they had seen in the crystal. At least they had found the source of those markings and where those scientists found the crystal. They will need a plan to make a trip there.

An urgent message rang through his comm link. He read through the message, notifying him that his master had successfully downloaded the files and ordered him to leave before anything unforeseen occurred.

Seeing that the task is good as done, Desmond was about to disconnect himself from the Mainframe when he noticed something peculiar – the massive tech didn't stop searching.

Unable to resist his curiosity, he continued to watch as the search yielded more results. Desmond saw a set of old, dated files appearing alongside the cavern drawings. These newly uncovered documents suggested that the enigmatic runes were not just symbols but were also intricately linked to a group or species.

"Master, there seems to be another data file related to the runes. Should I proceed to download?"

Zyra leaned back into the pillar, anxiously considering the implications of accessing the new file. The size of the data was quite large, and she knew it would take some time to copy and store it securely in her laptop.

As she glanced at her laptop screen, she noticed four mini screens displaying live surveillance feeds from various areas. The robot officers and the ranger were still stationed in their respective posts, despite one ranger is missing but is nowhere to be seen in the cameras.

Taking a deep breath, Zyra weighed the risks and the urgency of the situation. Since there wouldn't be a ranger or robot officer available to check inside the mainframe anytime soon, she gave Desmond the okay signal to proceed with the download.

The stakes were high, but they were on the brink of uncovering crucial information that could help in her quest to gain power. She will do whatever it takes to give Desmond enough time to download while she stalls anyone from entering the premise.

Desmond obliged and proceeded to type in the query code to download the file. As the download processed, he couldn't help but take a quick glance at some of the texts that appeared on the screen. Within just a minute or two, he found himself completely still, fixated on the following paragraphs and images the file provided.

It can't be, he thought, his mind struggling to comprehend the implications of what he was witnessing. The moment the file is done downloading and he makes his getaway, Desmond knows he needs to discuss this information further with his master. The revelations within the file are too significant to keep for himself.

He was about to make a call to his master while typing away for more information when suddenly a static ping rang through his comm link. His master urgently called his name just as another shout was heard…right behind him.

"You! Hold it right there!"

Desmond's claws paused their rapid dance across the console's keys, as an unexpected presence interrupted his concentration. With a slight twist of his body, he redirected his gaze to the side, seeking the source of the disturbance that had caught him in the act.

The blue bipedal noticed the uninvited guest before him.

He could see the usual standard Star Command uniform, the unmistakable laser gauntlet pointed at his way, and the piercing gaze from reptilian eyes all triggered a sense of déjà vu.

Desmond feels like he recognize him from somewhere but more importantly…startled for the fact on…

How on earth did the ranger bypass their surveillance?

Five minutes ago…

Soft tapping sounds of claws on the table echoed in the room as Tobias Repio, a reptilian ranger, sighed quietly and looked bored, slightly slumping on his chair in the break room he was in. Suddenly, the silence was broken by the sound of the door opening. He turned around to find a red haired ranger, Lisa, walking towards him.

"Hey, Tobias! I heard you took Alex's shift tonight," Lisa said with a warm smile.

The reptilian ranger nodded, returning the smile. "Yeah, his mother isn't doing well, so I offered to cover for him on short notice. Family comes first, you know?"

"Absolutely," Lisa agreed. "That's really kind of you. I hope his mother gets better soon. Anyway, I brought you some snacks to help pass the time. Guard duty can be pretty dull."

"Thanks, Lisa, you're a lifesaver," Tobias replied, gratefully accepting the snacks she offered.

As she stands up and checking over her gear before speaking, "I will take the first round walk around the hallway then the next patrol will be yours."

Tobias gave her a thumbs up, "Cool! Call me ahead of time!"

After Lisa left the break room, Tobias sat there for a moment, contemplating how to amuse himself during this tedious night shift.

As the time passed after Team 42 split up, Tobias found himself lost in memories of the camaraderie they once shared.

He couldn't forget the bittersweet sight of his fearless captain, Stellaris Luna, bidding farewell and soaring back to her home planet. Meanwhile, his ever-loyal best friend, Bronx, embarked on a daring raiding job in Tradeworld, chasing thrill and excitement in the distant stars.

While the team disbanded, Tobias decided to remain on Capital Planet, steadfastly serving as one of patrol duty rangers around the city. Though he missed his former team dearly, Tobias embraced the solo journey, knowing that one day the paths of the space ranger, the captain, and his friend might cross again in the boundless expanse of the universe. Until then, he would continue to add a touch of excitement to his otherwise quiet nights, ensuring that his spirit burned as brightly as the stars above.

Now, fate had led him to his current post as the temporary night guard at the Mainframe building. The job might be slow-paced, but Tobias refused to let monotony define his days.

With a mischievous grin, he closed his eyes and activated his unique camouflaging ability, rendering his body invisible to the naked eye.

This was a skill only a few of his species possessed, and he enjoyed using it for harmless pranks rather use it for defence against enemies. He marvels how Star Command made his ranger outfit, a custom one at that, to sync with his power. He plans to perform a scare prank on his fellow ranger to better keep on their toes at all times.

Chuckling silently to himself, Tobias sneaked out of the break room and ventured into the dimly lit hallway. He knew Lisa was still on her patrol round, so this was the perfect opportunity to give her a little scare.

While walking through the hallway that led to the imposing metal doors of the Mainframe, Tobias was on a quest to find Lisa. As he moved along the corridor, his attention was suddenly drawn to peculiar flashes of light seeping from underneath the tightly shut doors.

"What the..." he muttered, confuse by the sight. Tobias quickened his pace towards the metal doors.

As he neared the source of light, he realized that the Robot officer stationed nearby seemed completely unfazed by it. The officer continued its duties, seemingly not taking notice of the strange occurrence behind the door.

Something is strange going on.

Tobias, now even more curious than before, decided to investigate further, frantically typing the access code and slither in once it opens.

Once inside, he saw the Mainframe computer lit up unusually and shone the light on a figure.

Wait a second. That dark blue coloration of a Hornet…Tobias suddenly recognized that mysterious figure with a wide-eyed expression.

As the pieces fell into place, he realized that the fiend before him perfectly matched the description provided by the Commander and his captain, and in that moment, his realization turned to rage. For a long time, before he was part of Team 42, they made so much effort to find the one who was responsible for attacking the Commander back then, and yet, eludes them all.

And after all these years, the fiend is back, attempting to mess with the Mainframe computer. The memories of that dark incident flooded his mind, that day they almost lost their Commander, fuelling his resolve to bring justice to the malevolent entity before him.

Activating his laser, Tobias aimed it at the robot fiend. He couldn't let this opportunity slip away. With a steady hand, he took a deep breath and prepared to confront the dark force that had haunted their past.

Back to the present time…

In the huge room, two people stood on opposite sides, measuring each other with intense gazes. Desmond's annoyance was noticeable, he just wanted the Mega Pack to finish downloading and be done with it. Every second felt like an eternity as he grew increasingly frustrated.

The success of everything he and his master had planned relied on the completion of this crucial task, and the presence of this pesky ranger threatened to ruin it all.

"You are not getting away this time, robo fiend!" Tobias shouted, his voice filled with determination and anger. "It's time to pay for your crimes against Star Command and attacking the Commander all those years ago!"

Desmond stilled at that. He knew?

Desmond couldn't believe it. This ranger might be one of the few who tried to hunt him in the past while he was stuck on Planet Z. For a long time, he had thought their futile trails had ended, allowing him to move more freely without the constant threat of capture.

But now, since this ranger knew his presence here, the ranger was in for a world of trouble. This ranger is not getting out of this in one piece. He signaled his master through the comm link, who wanted to head over to the Mainframe building to help him, to stay where she is and give more focus on the Mega Pack's data download.

That was far more important than the present situation. He must defeat the ranger and complete the task.

Letting the Mega Pack do its work, a surge of fury mixed with caution swelled within Desmond as he prepare to return the gesture in a form of powering up his own laser.

"I said stop-!", the reptilian ranger yelled but quickly jumped to the side to avoid being stabbed through by Desmond's blade and jumped further away from the blast heading his way.

Desmond didn't stop his barrage of lasers, aiming accurately at the reptilian ranger. However, the ranger proved to be far too nimble, deftly dodging the incoming shots and retaliating with his own relentless fire. The battle raged on, each second feeling like an eternity as they exchanged blasts.

Throughout the scuffle, Desmond observed that the ranger was consistently aiming at the same spot, deliberately avoiding hitting the sides of the Mainframe computer. It didn't take long for him to realize the ranger's cunning strategy, the ranger avoided blasting at the Mainframe but instead, relentlessly targeted the Mega Pack.

The revelation hit him like a bolt of lightning, and he understood that the ranger's primary objective was to disrupt the crucial data download. Desmond shifted his focus and intensified his defense of the Mega Pack, by striking the lasers with his sword, out of the way to the Mega Pack.

As the blast came hurtling towards him, Desmond swiftly tried to deflect it and aim it back at the ranger. Yet, his adversary proved to be equally agile, evading the redirected blast with remarkable speed and skill.

Desmond couldn't help but commend the ranger's tenacity, far more superior than that of the Commander's, however, for how long will it last he wonders as he switches his blade and fires.

Tobias couldn't keep up much longer.

Dodge, fire, dodge, and duck, that's all he was doing, trying his best to disrupt the small machine that had latched itself onto the Mainframe computer. He knew he had to minimize the damage to the critical modules on the sides, but the relentless onslaught made it increasingly difficult.

He couldn't help but wonder where the guards were and where Lisa was. The noise of the firefight was deafening, and he could feel his legs trembling from exhaustion. There had to be a way to end this.

Suddenly, a spark of an idea illuminated his mind. Amidst the barrage of lasers, he dove towards one of the modules, desperately opening his wrist guard communication to send an S.O.S. message. He knew there was one person who could arrive in time to assist. With hope in his heart, he prayed that the message would break through, knowing that the kid's job was focusing on guarding a senator.

Unbeknownst to him, chaos was erupting in the middle of the city, right at the expo where it was being held.

Author's Note: Finally! I got this chapter out! Hope you all like it and sorry for the late updates. School is coming around the corner and hopefully I can make another chapter for August before I go hiatus (Hopefully not for too long) Anyways, thanks for reading and see you in the next chapter!