Wednesday July 4th, 2018
Mariner Bay, CA
"But it's the fourth of July, dad," JJ grumbled. "Why can't we go and then come back? We always spend the day at the beach."
Tommy sighed. JJ had been complaining about the holiday since he'd come up that morning after breakfast.
"There's a pool if you want to go swimming," Tommy reminded him. "Take Marc and Trevor with you. And maybe Charlie."
"It's not the same," JJ groaned, falling back to sprawl on his back on the floor. "There's no sand. I like the sand, even if it ends up in my pants."
Tommy chuckled as Jason snorted. Marc was also snickering.
"Maybe I can fix that," he said, pulling out his phone.
"How?" JJ asked. "Are you gonna see if we can leave?"
"No," Tommy answered as he sent a couple of texts. "I still haven't been released by the doctor. You mother would kill me if I checked myself out."
"But you did that for my birthday," JJ argued, sitting up.
"I didn't leave the base," Tommy reminded him. "I was still nearby in case I needed Dana or Angela. I wouldn't have that if we left."
JJ groaned, falling backward again. Not long after, the door opened and Ethan walked in looking at his phone.
"Ok, so I can order beach sand from a couple of places for delivery," he said, grabbing a chair by Tommy. "Same day. Though we wouldn't have it til this afternoon. Or Ryan says I can get some outside. And he'll sneak me out so no one notices. But I'll have to find a bucket first."
Jason, Marc, and JJ were looking at Ethan in surprise. Tommy just chuckled.
"Just get it from the woods," he said. "And you don't need a bucket. Just take JJ with you."
Ethan looked over at Tommy in confusion.
"Umm… what?" he asked.
"He said he missed getting sand in his pants," Tommy shrugged. "You can just put the sand in his pants."
Ethan, Jason, and Marc all burst out laughing as JJ protested.
"That is not what I meant, dad!"
They were all still laughing at JJ a few minutes later when Hayley came in with a small bucket.
"I have sand as requested," she announced, looking at Tommy. "What did you need it for?"
JJ immediately scrambled to his feet and bolted past Hayley out the door. That just made everyone laugh harder. Marc looked at Jason and then took off after JJ. He didn't trust them enough to not become a target with JJ gone. Tori and Blake, who had been laughing silently in the corner, exchanged a look. Blake was up and chasing after the two boys a moment later.
"JJ missed sand in his pants," Tommy managed to get out.
He was trying not to laugh too hard—it still hurt. Hayley just grinned and spun to chase after JJ. It took a few minutes for the laughter to quiet down. Still chuckling, Ethan shook his head and turned to Tommy.
"So, what started this?" he asked.
"JJ was complaining about missing our annual day at the beach for the fourth," Tommy sighed.
"Oh, that makes sense," Ethan nodded.
He'd joined the Oliver family on more than one occasion.
"At least he wasn't complaining about fireworks," Ethan grinned, leaning back in his chair.
Tommy shook his head.
"He prefers the beach," he said. "And then dinner at home in the backyard. Since that's what we've always done for the fourth since he was born. If we do fireworks, it's watching from a distance."
Ethan frowned.
"I guess that's true," he said. "It's not like I haven't spent the fourth with you before. But why do you do that? I mean, you're already at the beach and that's usually where they fire them off."
Tommy hesitated, rubbing the back of his head. Jason shifted, too, waiting for Tommy's answer.
"I'm not big on explosions," Tommy finally admitted. "Which is essentially what fireworks are. I've lived through enough in my lifetime that I try not to seek them out voluntarily."
Ethan and Jason both stared at Tommy for a moment.
"I never thought about fireworks like that," Ethan said after a moment. "But I think I actually understand that. I always liked fireworks as a kid. But as an adult?"
He shrugged.
"Not a fan anymore," he said. "Never really understood why I stopped liking them."
"It makes sense," Jason admitted. "For me, too…"
Tommy nodded.
"A lot of the rangers are the same," he said. "It's just one of those things…"
"Too bad I can't use 'I was nearly blown up' as an excuse to avoid family fireworks," Ethan muttered.
"When are we going to do this, Christine?" Will asked, leaning against the wall in the kitchen as he watched her.
She was sitting at the table with a glass of water as she glared at the phone in her hands. Shifting, she turned her glare on him.
"Why does it matter?" she asked. "It will happen when the time is right. We can't rush this or we're going to get caught."
Will scowled.
"But we still have to do it, sis," he said irritably. "I can't stay here forever. It's killing my social life. People are going to forget about me. I can't even call any of the girls I've been chatting up because they took my phone instead of giving it back after they fixed it!"
Christine rolled her eyes.
"Like they answer anyways," she scoffed.
"They always answer," he snapped back. "But now I'm stuck here with these… butch women who couldn't recognize a real man to save their lives."
"Quit whining," Christine retorted, standing abruptly. "I'm working on it."
Spinning, she stalked away to her bedroom and slammed the door.
"Alright," Zach said, looking around the cafeteria. "I think that's just about it. Kelsey?"
Kelsey and Zach were in the cafeteria with most of the ranger kids. After several of the kids had realized it was the fourth of July and that they were still stuck on the base, there had been a lot of disappointment from the older ones. So, Zach had come up with an idea to help. Taking the kids for the morning to help him, he had recruited Kelsey and the embassy kitchen staff to put together a celebration for the entire group. While the kitchen staff worked hard on a nice lunch of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers for everyone, Zach and Kelsey helped the kids decorate the cafeteria. Others of the rangers had floated in and out while they were getting ready. Mostly just to see how it was coming or run the kids somewhere when asked. Chad and Joel had even helped keep Christine and Will away by delivering food so they wouldn't interrupt the kids having fun.
"It looks great!" Kelsey said, looking around the room. "You kids did a great job. This will be a lot of fun for everyone."
The nine kids currently in the cafeteria with them all grinned at Kelsey. Marc, Trevor, and JJ had helped for a little while before disappearing with the Dinos. Zach had heard JJ mutter something about sand and avoiding Hayley, but at the mention of Hayley's name he had decided not to ask. Trent had told them they were going to take the older boys to the pool for a while, ignoring Conner grumbling about not being allowed in the water.
"Now the fireworks?" Rae asked, tugging on Zach's shirt.
"Yep, we can do the fireworks now," he said.
He turned to the table where the paper fireworks the kids had made earlier were laid out. The paint had been drying.
"Yay!" Rae exclaimed.
Spinning, she took off toward the door with Devin in tow before Zach realized what was going on.
"Rae—wait!" Kelsey shouted after her. "Zach!"
"Where is she going?" he exclaimed.
"I don't know," Kelsey said in exasperation. "But I guess I'm going after her. Stay here."
She took off after the four and six-year-olds.
"Where is she going?" Zach repeated, shaking his head as he turned back to the fireworks. "Where do you want to hang yours, Karly?"
"Rae is going to get the fireworks," Izzy said helpfully.
Zach stared at Izzy for a moment, letting Karly take her firework and decide where she wanted it hung up.
"But they're right here…" Zach said slowly, gesturing to the table.
"Zach, here," Karly said, pointing.
"See, Izzy?" Zach said, walking over to tape up the firework. "Firework."
Izzy blinked.
"Oh," she said. "You meant paper ones."
"Well, yes," he said. "You guys helped make them. What is your sister—"
"Rae!" Izzy exclaimed, spinning and bolting toward the door. "Zach meant paper ones!"
And then she was gone. Zach groaned, rubbing a hand over his face.
"I hope she goes in the same—" he froze as it sunk in what she had said. "Oh boy."
He scrambled to pull out his phone, handing the tape to Karly.
"Help the little kids," he said, dialing a number. "You better answer, Billy."
He sighed in relief when Billy answered quickly.
"Greetings, Zach," he said.
"Billy, I think your kids have fireworks," Zach said quickly. "Like real fireworks. I don't know how or where, but Izzy ran out yelling at her sister about me meaning paper ones and now I'm concerned. Kelsey chased after Rae and Devin already, but I don't know where they were going and I can't leave the rest of the kids."
Billy sighed.
"They are likely going to my lab as that is where any explosives would be stored," he said.
"And they have access?" Zach exclaimed. "Why?"
"Technically they do not," Billy said. "I store everything well out of their reach or locked up. However, if they are determined both are capable of being rather creative to get what they want…"
Zach groaned.
"Do not worry," Billy quickly assured him. "I will take care of it."
"That doesn't make it better," Zach sighed as Billy hung up.
Turning to the rest of the kids, Zach took a deep breath.
"Alright!" he said. "Who is next?"
It was only a short time later that Billy and Kelsey came back with the three missing girls. Rae was pouting in Billy's arms while Izzy trailed behind him with her head down. Kelsey was carrying Devin. Going to a table, Billy sat his girls down as Kelsey did the same with Devin.
"Did they actually have fireworks?" Zach asked.
Billy sighed and nodded.
"They did," he admitted. "However, they have been taken care of."
"Aww…" Jazz said. "But they were so pretty…"
Billy, Zach, and Kelsey all turned to look at the twins in surprise.
"How do you know that?" Zach asked suspiciously.
"We helped decorate them…" Jazz answered quietly, holding her sister's hand.
Billy and Zach both grimaced. Kelsey sighed, shaking her head.
"Apparently I will need to inform Adam and Tanya as well as Eric and Taylor that their daughters were around explosives this morning," Billy sighed.
Zach was looking around at the kids suspiciously now.
"Alright, kids," he said. "Who else helped with the fireworks?"
"Just Liam," Izzy answered. "We did not trust Damien so Karly watched him."
Billy rubbed a hand across his face.
"So, Rocky and Aisha, as well," he muttered.
"But how did this even happen?" Zach asked, looking at the kids. "You've been supervised all day! How did you find time? Let alone get the explosives?"
"I checked my lab," Billy added. "Everything is completely out of their reach or locked up as I said—and there is no ladder or stool in my lab since I do not require it to reach."
"JJ helped," Rae said.
Billy looked at her in surprise.
"Why would JJ have assisted you?" he asked, frowning. "He knows better."
"He did not know what it was," Izzy admitted. "And all he asked was if it would hurt him if he touched it. We said no. Because it would not hurt him unless he set it on fire…so he climbed on the counter and got it down for us…"
Billy groaned.
"And now Kat and Tommy…" he said.
"But when?" Zach asked again. "Seriously?"
"I think that might be my fault…" Kelsey admitted sheepishly. "Rae and Izzy wanted to get their own markers out of Billy's lab and I took most of the group with me. You know—when I was also taking the boys to meet the Di—Conner's group? You took Karly and Damien with you to help carry paper. Well, I got a phone call while they were inside and I guess it took longer than I thought…"
She sighed.
"I'm sorry, Billy," she said. "They were in there all that time and I honestly didn't think anything of it. Conner and everyone else came by looking for the boys after Zach sent them my way. So, the older boys went with them and I didn't think about the length of time until I hung up."
"It is fine, Kelsey," Billy said. "No harm is done. However, perhaps next time you could inform me the girls are going in there?"
Kelsey nodded sheepishly.
"I can do that," she promised.
"Well, no one died," Zach said. "Or was maimed by fireworks. So—call everyone for lunch?"
"You know what you need to get him to say?" Will asked, looking at Christine expectantly.
She rolled her eyes, shooting a scowl at him. He was lounging in a chair in their room, trying not to move too much. He was feeling the effects of the previous day's encounter with Tommy. And Kat. His nose, while not broken, was swollen, and he had several bruises forming. And, between his ribs and his foot, he'd been limping around all day. Which is why he was now just sitting in a chair. Christine was sporting a split lip from the hit to the face.
"I think I can handle a phone call," Christine snapped at him. "Now be quiet."
Dialing the number, Christine waited impatiently for an answer.
"Commander Grayson," Carter answered after a few rings.
"I need to talk to you," Christine said irritably as she hit the record button on her phone.
"Mrs. Scott?" Carter said, sounding surprised. "How can I help you?"
"I need to talk to you," she repeated. "I have some complaints that need to be addressed."
He sighed.
"What is it now?" he asked.
"Oh, so you can't even be bothered to see me in person?" she scoffed. "You're supposed to be in charge and you're never available to help your guests. All you do is hide in your office—where I'm apparently not allowed—and the people you do have available are completely incompetent."
There was a pause.
"I apologize for any inconvenience," he said. "Let me finish this report and I will stop by your suite—"
"What? No!" Christine snapped. "This room is the only personal space I have in this awful place and I don't want anyone here. It is not for business discussions—it's my quiet place."
"Alright…" he sighed. "Then how about this? I'll come down myself and escort you to my office where we can discuss your problem. Will that work?"
She hesitated.
"Maybe," she said. "You'll come yourself? You won't make me deal with one of those imbeciles running around?"
"Give me thirty minutes," Carter said. "Meet me by the elevators and we can talk—upstairs. Ok?"
"Fine," she agreed. "That is acceptable."
Hanging up, Christine stopped recording and turned to smirk at Will.
"And?" he said.
"And tonight we finish this," she said.
"Dad?"
Joel looked up at the sound of Amelia's voice. Still sitting in the cafeteria after lunch, he hadn't expected to see her come back. She'd left after eating, citing something about research. Joel hadn't argued. He had stayed with Chad, Kelsey, and some of the other rangers just talking and trying to relax before they needed to be back on patrol. Billy was sitting at the next table with his daughters, Kim, and Jake. Shane, Dustin, Hunter, and Cam were at another. Hunter had his head in his arms and looked asleep. Tori and Blake were still on guard duty, though they would be relieved shortly by Shane and Dustin.
"I thought you'd be—is that my hat?" Joel exclaimed.
He had just seen what Amelia was holding in her hands. She was indeed holding one of her father's hats in her hands.
"Awww…" Rae pouted. "That's cheating…"
Joel scowled at the four-year-old as he took the hat his daughter was handing him.
"Where was it?" he asked.
"In the library," Amelia answered, raising an eyebrow. "I was going to ask why, but now I'm guessing Rae was responsible."
"Oh, she is," Joel muttered.
"But why the library?" Zach snickered, sitting next to Kelsey.
Everyone was looking at Rae now.
"Because…" she sighed. "Joel doesn't use the library. He wouldn't find it til he got mad enough to search all of the rooms."
The adults all burst out laughing as Joel continued to scowl.
"That's not wrong," Chad laughed.
"Daddy?" Damien said, crawling up on Rocky's lap.
Rocky glanced down, pausing what he'd been saying to Adam. After eating lunch with the other rangers and their families, Rocky had come back up to the med bay with Adam. They'd brought Liam and Damien with them, leaving the three girls with Tanya and Aisha for a break after the chaos the morning had been. Especially after Billy had told them what had happened with the fireworks.
"Yes, bud?" Rocky said, making sure Damien didn't fall.
"I have a secret," Damien whispered loudly.
Rocky raised an eyebrow, shooting a quick glance toward Adam who was watching in amusement. Liam was still coloring on the floor.
"What is it?" Rocky prompted as Damien continued to stare at him.
Damien didn't answer immediately, just staring at his father. Then he leaned closer.
"I have glitter in my pockets."
Rocky stared at his youngest in confusion for a moment.
"You have glitter in your—oh!"
It clicked what Damien had just told him. Rocky groaned.
"Please tell me it's in a container," he muttered. "Can I see?"
Damien didn't protest, grinning happily as Rocky shifted him so he could take a look. Much to Rocky's dismay, Damien did indeed have glitter in his pants pockets. And it was not in a container. Adam started laughing at the look on Rocky's face.
"What am I supposed to do with this?" Rocky exclaimed. "Damien… why would you put that in your pocket?"
"For later," Damien explained. "If I take it home we can decorate the house."
Rocky shook his head as he stood, Damien in his arms. Adam was just laughing.
"Nope," he said firmly. "That glitter isn't going anywhere near the suite. Let alone our actual house. It'll never go away."
Walking over to the second bed, Rocky stood Damien on it and carefully took off his pants, leaving the three-year-old in the pullups he was wearing.
"Daddy, why are you taking Damien's pants?" Liam asked, tugging on Rocky's shirt.
"Because they're dirty, bud," Rocky answered.
Glitter-filled pants removed, Rocky left Damien sitting on the bed for a moment and grabbed an extra trash bag. Promptly depositing the contaminated pants inside and starting to tie it shut. He paused, looking at his other son.
"You don't have glitter in your pockets, do you, Liam…?" Rocky asked suspiciously.
"No," Liam answered, shaking his head. "I had the glue!"
Rocky groaned at the announcement. Liam, trying to show Rocky, was now frowning as he tried to open his pocket. It was stuck shut.
"Uh oh…" Liam said.
Adam started laughing harder.
Aisha and Tanya glanced up when the door opened. Karly, Jazz, and Lilla were playing in the living room while their mothers were sitting at the kitchen table. Rocky walked in carrying Liam and Damien. The two women stared in surprise for a moment.
"Rocky…?" Aisha asked slowly. "Why aren't the boys wearing pants…?"
"You don't wanna know," Rocky answered. "But you should probably check the girls' pockets while I find them new pants."
As Tanya and Aisha exchanged looks, he just strode toward the bedroom with the two boys in tow.
"Their pockets…?" Tanya repeated.
"Oh, he found Damien's glitter," Lilla said.
Aisha and Tanya both froze, horrified looks on their faces.
"Oh, no…" Aisha groaned.
"You're gonna land on your face again," JJ snickered.
Tommy glanced up from the tablet and smiled as he watched the boys. Everyone had eaten lunch together down in the cafeteria, including Tommy and Jason. Jason had been extremely glad to get out of the room for a while for the first time, but now he was taking a nap in the room. He hadn't wanted to admit it but being up and around more than just a little around the room had worn him out. So, Tommy had argued him into closing his eyes for a bit while Tommy occupied the boys.
Now JJ and Marc were running around in the hall. JJ was teaching Marc some tumbling and kicks since they had the space to themselves. Tommy was keeping an eye on them while Shane and Dustin were floating around. He was pretty sure they were just doing laps around the medical floor to keep moving. But they were staying out of sight, so he wasn't completely sure. Rocky had left not long before with Liam and Damien. Neither boy had been wearing pants, but Tommy hadn't asked.
"How on earth do you do that?" Marc grumbled, watching JJ walking around on his hands again.
"Practice," JJ answered with a grin.
They had moved further down the hall as they tumbled around. Setting his tablet back in his lap, Tommy watched them. He didn't want them actually going out of sight around the corner. Or run into someone coming out of the elevator since they were getting close.
"Yeah, yeah," Marc said, rolling his eyes. "Show me again."
JJ grinned and did just that. He did a couple of cartwheels toward the elevator with Marc watching. Tommy frowned when the door of the elevator opened—and then he realized it was Will. And his phone hadn't gone off. He was on his feet immediately with the tablet forgotten on the bench. But he was down the hall from them still. JJ finished his cartwheels and landed, spinning as he caught his balance. He froze in surprise when he came face to face with Will.
"Oops," JJ said quickly, starting to take a step backward. "Sorry. I didn't see—"
Will didn't wait for him to finish the apology.
"Out of the way, brat!" he snarled, backhanding JJ across the face.
JJ yelped in surprise and stumbled backward, nearly falling over in surprise. Marc was frozen, watching. Tommy was in between Will and JJ in an instant, using abilities he probably shouldn't be using—not that he cared in this moment.
"Don't ever touch my son again," Tommy snarled.
Will scoffed, smirking at Tommy.
"And what are you going to do about it?" he asked, eying Tommy. "You aren't armed this time. And we both know how it ended the last time."
"I thought you'd have learned your lesson yesterday," Tommy snapped back. "And I've told you before—I don't need a weapon."
"Hey!" Tommy heard Shane and Dustin shout.
He saw them coming down the hall out of the corner of his eye. But his focus was almost completely on Will. The other man, thinking Tommy was alone with just the two boys, was already moving to shove Tommy like he had the week before. This time, however, Tommy was prepared and didn't give him the chance. Before Will could touch him, Tommy punched him with as much strength as he could muster. Right in the face.
Will crumpled to the ground unconscious. Shane and Dustin stopped next to Tommy, looking down at Will.
"Well, alright then," Dustin said. "Guess you didn't need any help this time around."
Tommy ignored him. Turning away from Will, he turned JJ around. Keeping his hands on his son's shoulders, he started moving him down the hallway.
"Marc, let's go," Tommy said firmly. "JJ, are you alright?"
"I'm fine…" JJ mumbled, still rubbing his face.
Shane and Dustin exchanged a look. Sighing, they split up. Dustin quickly followed Tommy and the boys while Shane headed toward Dana's office.
"Dana!" he started shouting as he strolled casually down the door. "Cleanup on aisle four! There's been a spill!"
A moment later, Dana stuck her head out of her office to see what he was shouting about.
"Shane, what are you—" she started to ask.
Then she saw Will lying on the ground by the elevator.
"What happened?" she asked, hurrying out and following Shane back down the hall.
"Well, I didn't hear what started it," Shane said. "But he touched JJ. Again. And obviously Dr. O was not ok with that…"
"Oh no," Dana grimaced, crouching next to Will. "Is JJ ok?"
"Dr. O took him to the room," Shane answered. "But JJ said he was fine."
"I'll go check on him in a minute," she said, checking to make sure Will was still breathing.
His nose was bleeding again and he had a split lip to add to his collection of cuts and bruises.
"Tommy just punched him, right?" she asked, looking up at Shane.
"Yep," he confirmed.
"Well, at least he's feeling better," she sighed. "Do me a favor and drag him into the empty room across from my office again. I'll check him after I make sure JJ's alright."
"Will do," Shane said.
As Dana stood and hurried to Jason and Tommy's room, Shane reached down and grabbed one of Will's ankles. Taking his time, he dragged the unconscious man down the hall.
Tommy and Jason both looked up at the knock on the door. They'd been alone in their room for a little while, except for Shane and Dustin silently guarding them. But the Ninjas did their job well and weren't noticed unless needed, leaving Tommy and Jason to talk and do their own thing. JJ and Marc had left not long after Tommy had knocked out Will, just in case Will came for another round when he woke up. Tommy had called for the Dinos to come take the boys to do something fun for the rest of the afternoon. Or at least something to keep them busy and JJ away from the Command suite. Tommy was planning a surprise for him that night.
"Come in," Tommy said when the door didn't open.
One of the embassy staff, the only ones allowed on the ranger levels outside of the rangers, stepped inside and stopped just inside the door.
"Your package has arrived, sir," she said. "It's been delivered to your suite."
"Oh, thank you," Tommy said.
She nodded and excused herself. Tommy stood and stretched.
"I've gotta go, Jase," he said, looking over at Jason in his chair.
Jason frowned.
"Go where?" he asked. "And what package? You aren't going to do something stupid, are you?"
Tommy snorted.
"Not unless having dinner with my family counts," he retorted.
"It's barely four," Jason commented, glancing at his watch.
"And ribs take a long time to cook," Tommy said, heading for the door.
He paused, glancing back at Jason.
"Someone is going to keep you company while I'm gone," he said. "I asked Kat to take care of that. Someone not these two."
He gestured to the Ninjas who had just appeared at his side.
"Ouch, Dr. O," Dustin said. "Does that mean we aren't good company?"
"Take from it what you will," Tommy answered. "Now I'm leaving so…"
He opened the door, pausing as he waited for them to decide who was coming with him and who was staying with Jason. Shrugging, Dustin followed Tommy out the door as Shane went back to watching the room.
"Why did Marc get to go back upstairs and I didn't?" JJ grumbled, walking down the hallway. "And after I spent like the last two hours helping you clean stuff."
"Your mother requested your presence back in your suite," Billy answered. "It is dinnertime, after all."
Billy was walking JJ, Izzy, and Rae down the residential hall toward the Command suite. He'd been watching JJ and Marc for the last couple of hours at Tommy's request since he had needed the Dinos help getting JJ's surprise ready. Now it was time to go back to the suite for JJ's surprise dinner.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," JJ muttered.
Billy just sighed as he placed his hand on the panel to open the door. He ushered the three kids in ahead of him. JJ stopped just inside the door, looking around in surprise. The living room and kitchen had been decorated for the fourth with a beach theme. The Dinos were poking at each other as they were putting out food on a few extra tables that had been dragged out of the meeting room. They were trying to arrange things to look like a picnic set up in the suite. The bucket of sand Hayley had chased him with earlier was sitting on a table. He eyed it nervously, looking around for Hayley.
"Surprise!" Kat beamed as she came to give JJ a hug.
"Oh, thanks, mom," JJ said. "It looks nice."
"And I get nothing? I spent all this time and—"
"Dad?" JJ exclaimed, whipping around.
Tommy was in the kitchen, handing a plate of food off to Ethan.
"What are you doing here?" JJ asked.
"Cooking dinner," Tommy said. "It is the Fourth, isn't it?"
JJ grinned, nodding eagerly as he darted over to see what Tommy was working on.
"All of your favorites," Tommy promised. "So go wash up so we can eat. Billy, you and the girls are welcome to join us."
He glanced over at the other man still standing by the door. Billy smiled and nodded.
"Thank you," he said. "Have you seen Hayley?"
"She's babysitting," Tommy answered. "Kat promised to save her some food."
A little while later they were all sitting down to eat. JJ was practically vibrating in excitement as he bounced in his seat.
"This is awesome, dad!" he said. "And the only one missing—well, Aunt Hayley—is Uncle Anton."
"Oh, right," Tommy said. "Hold on."
He started to get up, but Ethan beat him to it. Ethan hopped out of his chair to grab the computer that was sitting on the kitchen counter.
"I was wondering if you had forgotten me," Anton said, giving Tommy an amused look.
"I would have noticed eventually," Tommy shrugged. "See, JJ? He's here. He just has to figure out his own dinner."
JJ laughed as Anton sighed. Tommy started passing plates around.
"So, remind me again how you fit into all of this?" Jason asked, looking at Hayley. "Because you aren't a ranger. So why have they trusted you with so much responsibility?"
Hayley glanced up from the computer in her lap. She was keeping Jason company while Tommy had dinner with his family. It was also giving her a chance to go over a few details of the ranger contracts with Jason without anyone interrupting. He had lost some time while he was unconscious, and she wanted to help him get caught up. To that end, she had sent Marc with Kim and Jake to eat dinner.
"I know too much," she said with a smirk. "Plus, I helped build a lot of the things Dino Thunder used. And the programs are useful for the rangers in general. They like having people who know how to do things, and keep a secret, around. As to how I fit…"
She paused, thinking over the answer.
"Think of me as cyber security," she answered. "I mean, technically my official title is assistant to Tommy as head of the rangers. However, most of my actual duties entail watching our network systems for breaches and ensuring everything runs the way it is supposed to. So, I monitor incoming and outgoing information as well as supporting all technological aspects of most other ranger bases—all of which connect to the main hub here. There are about thirteen of those if you don't count the Megaship since I don't generally have to do anything with that. I also develop programs meant to streamline information on the rangers and keep secure information from making it to the public. Like identities."
Jason nodded slowly.
"Ok…" he nodded.
Hayley laughed.
"It's a lot," she said. "Just think of it this way… if it's on a computer, it's probably related to my job here. Ethan has taken over parts of the job, however, in the last couple of years. It suits him. And it gives me more time to spend with my family."
Jason nodded again. But before he could ask another question, the door opened and Christine and Will strode in. He barely suppressed a grimace. Christine and Will exchanged a smirk when they saw Tommy wasn't in the room—though they did shoot a glare at Hayley.
"What are you doing here?" Christine demanded. "And where is that pest who won't leave my husband alone?"
Hayley raised an eyebrow, slowly closing her computer.
"Tommy is having some tests run," she lied calmly and without hesitation. "And I'm waiting for him to get back. We have some things to go over."
"Well, you can wait outside then," Christine ordered. "We would like some privacy."
Hayley didn't budge.
"Actually, Tommy asked me to wait here," Hayley said, tucking her computer back in her bag and getting comfortable. "And he won't be long. So, I think I'll wait right here. Don't worry, I'll stay out of your conversations. Just pretend I'm not here."
"This isn't your room," Will snapped. "So just leave. You don't need to be here."
"I'm not bothering anyone," Hayley retorted. "And I'm on Tommy's half of the room—where I am a welcome guest. So, no thank you."
Will scowled at her.
"I can just throw you out of here," he said, taking a few steps in her direction.
Hayley rolled her eyes.
"Please," she said, eying him. "Haven't you taken enough of a beating in the last couple of days? Do you like being in pain?"
"Shut up!" Will snarled, stalking toward her.
"Will, stop," Jason said, unable to just watch it happen. "Leave her alone."
"Not happening," Will snapped, glancing over his shoulder. "She's being rude and nasty and I'm over these people. She's leaving whether she wants to or not—"
He froze when he turned around and Hayley was now pointing a taser at him. She pressed the button and electricity crackled.
"I'm not Tommy," she said calmly. "I fight with brains, not muscle. The current setting on this will probably make you wet your pants. Would you like to test it?"
Will took a hasty step backward as she stood, ready to carry out her threat if he came any closer. Christine quickly grabbed his arm, towing him backward.
"What are you—" he started to protest.
"Let's go," she hissed. "Will, let's go now!"
Christine dragged him out of the room as she started screaming for security. Hayley turned off the taser and sat back down as Shane leaned on the back of her chair.
"I was really hoping he'd try it," he said wistfully. "Dustin had his phone out and everything."
Dustin had returned to the room earlier after leaving Tommy in the Command suite. Tommy was going to let him know when he was ready to come back. Hayley rolled her eyes, turning to Jason. They could still hear Christine screaming for security even through the door.
"Wonder how long it takes her to realize no one wants to help her," Dustin mused, standing next to Shane now.
"You aren't supposed to be taking sides," Hayley scolded gently, shaking her head at the two men. "I would have been fine. Even without my taser."
"We're allowed to hurt him for touching you, Hayley," Shane countered. "Or trying to."
"Any of the women, really," Dustin added, dropping into a chair and getting comfortable for a moment. "Dr. O made that clear after he heard what Will tried with Kelsey. And what happened with Amelia. Not that Kelsey didn't handle that just fine on her own. Not to mention Tori."
Jason frowned. He hadn't heard anything had happened with Kelsey or Amelia. He knew about Tori. Hayley rolled her eyes.
The door opened again. Dustin and Shane disappeared, melting back into the corners of the room as Christine dragged Eric and Wes in, still screaming demands.
"Would you please just tell us what's going on?" Wes sighed.
"It's her!" Christine fumed. "That madwoman threatened us with a taser! She was going to use it on my brother! She needs to be arrested!"
Eric and Wes exchanged a look and then looked at Hayley. She grinned at them, waving her fingers. They both sighed.
"Alright, Hayley," Eric said. "Hand over the taser."
"But it's mine," she frowned.
"And you threatened someone with it," he said. "So now you lose privileges for a few hours since it wasn't enough of a situation to warrant actually using it. You agreed, remember?"
Hayley scowled but reached down and pulled the taser out. She surrendered it with a huff but no further protests.
"And people wonder where your daughter gets it," Eric muttered, making sure the taser was off.
"Aren't you going to arrest her?" Will demanded.
"What?" Wes said, turning around and frowning. "Oh, no. That's not happening. I think you've misunderstood our roles here. We don't arrest people. That's SPD's job on this base. We're Silver Guardians, not SPD. We've just been helping out as a little extra security with all the crazy that's happening."
"Then kick her out!" Will exclaimed. "She's causing a scene."
Eric snorted, grabbing a chair.
"The only one causing a scene is you," he pointed out. "But don't worry. We'll stay right here to watch and make sure she doesn't try anything else while you're visiting. Just to make sure you feel safe."
"Plus, she's Tommy's guest," Wes added. "And this isn't your room. The only one who could really ask us to remove a non-threat is Jason since he can't leave and—"
"I don't feel threatened," Jason said firmly. "And Hayley is fine where she is."
Christine spun to look at him in surprise. Jason just shrugged. Scowling, Christine grabbed Will's arm again and stormed out. They continued down the hall without stopping. Once they were in the elevator, Will yanked his arm away and turned on her.
"Tonight," he snapped. "It definitely happens tonight. Jason spoke against you. Your time is up."
"We already agreed to that," she hissed. "So, you make sure you are ready to take care of Tommy."
Tommy walked back into his and Jason's room with Dustin trailing behind him. Dustin had come down to escort him up after dinner. Walking in, Tommy was surprised to see Jason scowl at him.
"What did I do now?" Tommy asked.
"You left me here with her," Jason grumbled, gesturing at Hayley.
Tommy raised an eyebrow, taking his usual seat by Jason. Shane and Dustin were snickering.
"Yes. And…?"
"Did you know Hayley carries a weapon?"
"Yep," Tommy nodded.
Then he paused, glancing over at Hayley and back at Jason.
"Wait—which one?"
"Which one?" Jason exclaimed. "Tommy, she pulled out a taser."
"Oh," Tommy shrugged as Hayley snickered. "I don't count that as a weapon. That's just a defensive tool."
Jason frowned.
"Hold on," he sputtered. "Then what is she carrying that you actually do consider a weapon?"
"Not a clue," Tommy said. "I just generally assume she has one of some kind."
"Well, alright…" Jason muttered. "I feel strangely terrified and protected at the same time."
"That's Hayley," Tommy chuckled.
"I've still been stuck here," Jason protested.
"I'm sorry," Tommy sighed. "Would it make you feel better if I told you I brought you some ribs?"
"Yes," Jason said.
Then he frowned. Tommy hadn't been holding anything but his cane when he walked in. Tommy gave him a sheepish look and rubbed the back of his head.
"Good," he said. "Hold on to that feeling. Because JJ ate yours…"
"Tommy!" Jason exclaimed.
"Sorry, Rex…" Tommy sighed. "But I stopped paying attention for a minute and they were gone. I warned Conner not to touch the plate but JJ didn't hear me."
"My plate had better still be there," Hayley said, standing.
"It is," Tommy said as she hurried out of the room.
Jason grumbled, grumpy as he slumped back in his chair.
Later that night, Eric sat talking with Dustin and Shane about how the day had been. He had seen them briefly earlier when Christine and Will called for security to deal with Hayley, but he hadn't stayed around. A knock on the door is caught their attention, interrupting their conversation. Then they heard the request.
"Meet me by the elevators and we can talk," Carter said, his voice muffled through the door.
Tommy, coming out of the bathroom, paused as he stifled a yawn. It was late and he was just about to go to sleep. Jason had already moved rooms for the night and Eric was currently sitting in the bed. He was just waiting on Tommy before he hit the lights and laid down himself. Shane and Dustin were sprawled in two of the chairs yawning. Nearly 10p, Hunter and Cam would be swapping places with them anytime.
"Was that Carter I heard?" Tommy asked.
"Yep," Shane nodded, yawning again.
Tommy eyed the Ninja. He knew they were tired. All six of them were pushing themselves hard. When they weren't taking their turn with Jason and Tommy, they were catching a few hours of sleep and then patrolling the rest of the base where the others were. Keeping an eye on the kids and helping Lightspeed watch Christine and Will. If nothing happened soon, they were going to have to make some changes. Which potentially meant calling in another team. The ones already on base were pretty much running on fumes after days straight on guard.
"Why does he want to meet me by the elevator?" Tommy sighed, walking over to drop his bathroom bag by his bed.
"Not a clue," Dustin shrugged. "But probably something he doesn't want us to hear or he'd have just come in."
"True…" Tommy sighed.
He started for the door, not wanting to get comfortable until he'd heard what Carter needed.
"Go ahead and hit the lights," Tommy told Eric. "I'll be right back."
He paused, glancing at Shane and Dustin. The two Ninjas hesitated.
"We'll hang back," Shane decided. "If Carter wanted to talk in front of us he would have come in here instead of making you walk to the elevator."
"Plus, Hunter and Cam should be coming up any minute now," Dustin added. "They were just finishing eating down in the cafeteria. They might even be there by the time you make it down the hall."
Tommy nodded.
"Alright," he said. "I'll yell if I need anything."
The other three men nodded. Eric got comfortable and Tommy hit the lights as he walked out.
Stepping into the hallway, he glanced around. He didn't immediately see Carter by the elevator, but he could have popped into Dana's office while he was waiting for Tommy. When he reached the elevator, however, Tommy paused and frowned.
"Carter?" he said, looking around.
There was still no sign of Carter in the dim hallway. And in passing Tommy could see the light in Dana's office was off.
"I swear I heard him," he muttered. "No. I know I did. Because they did, too. Where did he go?"
Sighing, Tommy decided Carter must have gone to the elevator on the other side of the floor. Which wasn't necessarily normal, but still completely possible. He turned, intending to head in the other direction, and then froze. Christine was walking down the hall toward him—and he had no idea where she had just come from. Then the door from the stairs opened behind him. Before Tommy could completely turn around, something dropped over his head and around his neck. He quickly reached to grab it, but it tightened, cutting off his air as what he assumed was rope was twisted tighter at the back of his neck.
Dropping his cane, Tommy reached up with both hands to try and free himself. Will—since that had to be who had just attacked him—started dragging him backward. Fighting to get air, it was all Tommy could do to stay on his feet. Will pulled him through the door and into the stairwell as Tommy continued to struggle. Christine followed.
"Just push him over already!" she hissed.
"I'm working on it!" Will snapped, pulling Tommy toward the railing.
Tommy was starting to see spots, his vision going grey. Feeling his side hit the railing, Tommy realized what she meant by over. Making one last desperate attempt, he stopped trying to free himself and reached behind. Latching on to one of Will's arms, Tommy attempted to throw himself backward. He figured if he was going down the stairs, he was taking Will with him—and not over the railing. Tommy managed to throw Will off balance and he stumbled away from the railing. Realizing he was about to fall, Will let go of the rope and yanked his arm away from Tommy. Before Tommy could recover, however, Will gave him a shove and he went tumbling down the stairs.