The strangeness of the current situation wasn't lost on the Jet Force Rangers and their allies. For the last couple of months, Count Trivium had done everything in his power to eliminate them in his mission to take over the Earth. Now the supposed leader of the Vyglass was here offering to help them destroy his Empress, "Why would you help us?" Ricky asked
"Maybe he doesn't like someone else taking his place at the head of the table," Stevie offered in response, never once taking her eyes from the Count.
Trivium's mouth twitched at the blue ranger's comment but didn't address it directly, "Does it matter what my reason is," he replied slowly, "I thought you would be glad of my assistance after seeing the power of the Empress."
"Didn't see you jumping in to help then," Rachel said coolly, "maybe he didn't appreciate being upstaged by a woman."
"There's nothing I love more than a strong woman," he stated with a small leer towards the white ranger, "but if you don't want my help," he added with a shrug and turned to leave.
"Wait," Taylor called out to the surprise of her charges, "let's at least hear what he has to say."
"You can't be considering this Major," Mark frowned at his superior, "you were there on the space station, the day he killed hundreds of people, including one of your best friends," the blonde chewed her lip before Mark added, "and don't forget about Adrienne," Trivium smirked at the mention of Mark's deceased fiancée, something which went unnoticed by everyone in the room.
"With Harley dying in the infirmary along with hundreds of people around the city, I'm willing to take whatever help it'll take to see them cured," Taylor then fixed Trivium with a withering glare, "even if it for their own self-centred purpose."
"You wound me Major," Trivium mocked, "what makes you think I'm not doing this out the goodness of my heart?"
"This isn't my first dance with genocidal egomaniacs," Taylor snorted, "ever heard of the Armada or perhaps Master Org," Trivium twitched slightly but didn't verbally respond, "say what you got to say and get out," she pulled a blaster from her desk drawer and aimed it squarely at Trivium, "you have one minute."
"You wouldn't shoot an unarmed man Major, that's not very heroic," Trivium's confident smile faded when Taylor clicked the safety off her weapon. "well, you're no fun," the Vyglass grumbled. He composed himself before continuing, "Empress Martinet is harvesting human fear which she is storing in the central jewel in her tiara, I believe this could be her weak spot."
"You believe?" Stevie shook her head, "so basically you're guessing."
"Do you have a better idea young one?" Trivium snapped which was met by silence in the room, "as I thought," he continued, "the next time Martinet appears on Earth, I will make my move. I trust that you'll be there to do your part." He carefully picked up his sword, "I am sorry for what is happening to the black ranger, it is truly a painful way to die," he teleported away before the Rangers could respond further.
"Do we believe him?" Ricky asked the group, "he's probably leading us into a trap."
"I hate to say it but Trivium is probably our best hope," Taylor sighed, placing her weapon back in his desk, "whatever his reasons, I believe he genuinely wants the Empress gone and we have to capitalise on that."
"By teaming up with that murderer," Mark fumed, "you know what he took from me."
"Yes I do," Taylor began, "but I have to think about the entire planet Lieutenant." She sighed and chose her next words carefully, "Wars are rarely black and white and sometimes, you have to make questionable decision to win."
There was a tense silence before Mark nodded stiffly, "With respect, I hope you know what you're doing Major," he said briskly before walking out the room.
The remaining Rangers followed their leader until only Jazz was left, "I get what you're saying, he'll come around," the Scot said before leaving Taylor alone in the command room.
On the Vyglass ship, Trivium's arrival was immediately greeted by Prince Reise, "And where have you been? Mother has been asking for you."
"Mind your business," Trivium snapped, "don't you have some toys you could be playing with," he mocked the young Prince.
Reise tried to stand tall but still barely reached Trivium's chest, "Watch your tone, it'll take just one word to Mother to seal your demise."
Trivium laughed coldly, "Did you know she's managed to tame Atropheous?" Reise froze in place, "With that kind of power, do you really think she needs an heir?" A confused Prince frowned, "What was it she said, with Atropheous by my side, I have no need for servants."
"I'm no servant, I am her only son and heir," Reise said defiantly.
Trivium smirked and bent down to Reise's level, "Bet your life on it?" he asked before leaving the Prince to think about his words. When Reise offered no retort, Trivium grinned broadly and walked into his personal quarters.
The following morning, Rachel was standing in the medical observation room. She watched Harley sleeping in his bed, the quiet occasionally punctuated by the random buzz of his monitors. She was watching so diligently that she barely noticed Mark slipping into the room, "Hey," the red ranger greeted softly, "brought you this," he passed her a cup of coffee.
"Thanks," Rachel offered a small smile, "he's been asleep for most of the night," she indicated towards the black ranger, "Doctors aren't sure if that's good or bad."
"He's made of strong stuff, just don't tell him I said that," Mark responded.
"God forbid you let each other know that you're friends," Rachel chuckled before letting out a small sigh, "everyone who was infected at the same time have already died," she added grimly, "it can only be his Avian power that's keeping him going."
"Maybe knowing there's someone watching over him helps," Mark clapped a hand to her shoulder, attempting to comfort the white ranger, "we're keeping a look out any sign of Empress Martinet or Count Trivium. If that little weasel is going to help us, he better do it soon." Rachel nodded vacantly, her attention remaining on Harley. Mark observed for a couple more minutes before leaving the white ranger to her silent vigil.
In another part of the city, Empress Martinet arrived from the orbiting ship with Count Trivium close behind. She surveyed the concrete jungle of downtown with a small sneer, "So ugly, so bland," she commented on the skyscrapers, "this is where we will build our new palace, what better message to send to the humans."
"A brilliant idea once again your highness," Trivium replied dryly with a small roll of his eyes.
"Less of your sarcasm," the Empress scolded, "you would do well to watch your tongue."
Trivium nodded, reluctantly, "My apologies Empress, might I enquire on the status of your plan."
Martinet glared quizzically at the Count before answering, "Atropheous is growing well but too slowly for my liking."
The Count thought over these words whilst picking his own carefully, "Might I suggest sending our forces into the city, harvest more fear energy for you."
The Empress didn't respond immediately, instead she walked into the middle of the empty street, "The process is delicate, taking too much energy at once could be disastrous for both of us."
"Interesting," Trivium replied, mentally formulating a plan.
Martinet in response, merely snorted, "I know what you have been trying to do Trivium," the Empress began, "trying to sow descension between Reise and I."
"Would I do such a thing?" Trivium raised an eyebrow, he knew the Empress was about to force his hand
"Your ambition knows no limits Count," Martinet sneered, "maybe it is time I set some limits."
Count Trivium's lips twitched into a brief smile before he dramatically threw off his overcoat, his sword appearing with a flash, "You can try," he said with a sneer.
"I see," Martinet said flatly, "this is treason Trivium," an ornate staff appeared in Martinet's hands, jewel encrusted with viciously sharp blade at either end, "I will enjoy enforcing your death sentence personally."
Trivium twirled his blade and assumed an attacking stance, "As I said, I will like to see you try."
At the same time, a warning alarm blared throughout the Air Base. Rachel sprinted through the corridors until she reached the command room, "What's going on?" the white ranger asked.
"Looks like Trivium's making his move," Mark pointed at the screen showing the impending battle between Martinet and Trivium.
"Good, let them fight it out," Stevie shrugged, "we'll take out whoever wins."
The red ranger glanced over at Major Earhardt who was also observing the battle, "I can't believe I'm about to say this but Trivium needs our support."
Ricky frowned at the red ranger, "Have you been replaced by an evil clone overnight?"
"The Empress is far too powerful, especially without Harley," Mark's eyes flicked involuntarily at Rachel, "I don't trust Trivium but I believe he wants Martinet dead and unfortunately, that makes him an ally," he paused before adding, "for now."
"What about afterwards, if Trivium wins?" Rachel asked.
"We go back to doing what we've done since the beginning, go back to kicking his ass," Mark replied with a smile, "I don't like this either but this might be our only chance to save Harley." The Rangers slowly and hesitantly nodded in agreement with their leader before charging out the room.
In downtown Aaronsdale, Martinet's staff clashed with Trivium's sword, sending sparks flying. The few people awake at this early hour scrambled to get as far away from the battling Vyglass as possible. The Empress twisted her staff behind her hands, evading Trivium's guard and slashing his clothes, "I see your time on Earth has made you sloppy," Martinet taunted.
"A few years ago that would've been a fatal blow," Trivium countered, "maybe playing host to Atropheous has made you weak."
"I will show you weak," Martinet's fingered crackled with lightning and she shot a blast at Trivium. The Count responded with a lightning attack of his own. The two streaks of energy met in the middle with a loud explosion that shattered the windows of a nearby building.
The Empress spotting the falling glass and telepathically directed it towards Trivium. The Count avoided most of the sharp projectiles but a few slipped through his defences, inflicting several cuts across his skin, "Surrender now and I will make your death quick," Martinet said smugly.
"Not a chance," Trivium spotted a car across the street and used his telepathic powers to pull it towards his opponent. Martinet sensed the incoming vehicle and evaded at the last second. The errand car smashed into another building, coming to rest in the foyer of the skyscraper.
Briefly distracted by the flying car, Trivium barely managed to block a combination attack from the Empress, forcing him into a temporary retreat. He tried to get back on the front foot by charging his sword and swinging a blade of energy towards the woman. To his delight, Martinet was forcing into desperate evasive manoeuvres.
Trivium pressed his advantage, he wouldn't get too many opportunities to go on the offensive against the Empress. He concentrated on quick thrusts with his sword, knowing this would force Martinet to waste energy having to dodge or block. The Empress swatted away the last of Trivium's attacks, pushing him back slightly as the two took a pause in the battle, "Maybe I underestimated you Trivium," Martinet said whilst circling her opponent, "your strength could still be useful in my service."
"I refuse to serve you any longer," the Count replied, "I have waited for this moment for a very long time."
"Then it will be your last moment alive," Martinet sneered and resumed her attack against the Count.
The booming crash of the Vyglass blades greeted the four remaining Rangers when they arrived on the scene. They assisted the fleeing civilians whilst keeping a close eye on the developing battle, "What are the chances they'll destroy each other?" Ricky asked the group.
"We're not that lucky," Stevie snorted before almost cheering as Count Trivium was swatted away into the side of an abandoned bus, "at least he knows what its like to get his ass whipped."
"Should we help him?" Rachel directed her question towards the red ranger.
Mark hesitated for a few moments before stating, "No, we'll only interfere if it looks like he'll lose." He frowned as he watched the Count continue to circle Martinet, "He's up to something," he added, "he's stalling for time."
"Maybe hoping we'll jump in and save him," Stevie said.
The red ranger shook his head, "I doubt we're Trivium's only contingency plan, he wouldn't challenge the Empress unless he knew he was going to win." The other Rangers nodded silently and continued to observe.
Across the street, Martinet continued to assault Trivium viciously but the Count's defence held strong. Parrying a swing from her staff, Trivium kicked the Empress in the stomach roughly where he knew Atropheous rested. He smirked victoriously when she recoiled in pain, "Showing weakness is not a good sign, your Highness," he taunted.
The Empress growled as her skin began to glow, her skin slowly turning into dragon scales in various shades of green and brown. Her eyes became snake like, glowing a putrid shade of yellow, "Atropheous senses your weakness," Trivium smiled, "draining your life force to ensure he survives."
The Empress let out a snarl, dropping her staff and launching herself at Trivium. Her attacks were uncoordinated and animalistic but they were powerful. The Count struggled to repel her blows, eventually a strong clubbing blow caught him across the temple. He checked to make sure he wasn't bleeding before turning his attention to the Rangers, "Now would be a good time to help," he sneered at the team.
"Nah, we're happy watching Godzilla kick lumps out of you," Stevie responded almost too cheerfully.
"Miserable humans," Trivium grumbled, ducking under a swing from Martinet whilst thrusting a hand into her ribs. The Empress yelped in pain, slowly backing away from the Count.
Suddenly a portal opened between the pair as Prince Reise and Kane emerged, "Mother, stop," the young Prince implored.
"I think it's too late," Trivium smirked evilly, "maybe she hasn't tamed Atropheous as much as she claimed. She is being taken over by the demon's spirit."
Reise looked at the Count but this distraction was enough for Martinet to pounce. She lunged towards the Prince who stood rooted to the spot as the twisted body of his Mother attacked. Fortunately, Kane intercepted any planned attack, shoulder barging the Empress to one side. She landed with a crouch and prepared to charge again, "Stop this Mother," Reise implored.
"I don't think she's your Mother anymore," Trivium pleaded to the Prince, "you would do well to retreat your highness." He glanced over to the Rangers, giving them a small nod.
Mark sighed, "This might be our chance," the red ranger said, "Nitro Blaster," he called and the weapon appeared between the Rangers. He stood at the targeting systems taking careful aim at the central jewel in her tiara as Trivium instructed. Once he was locked on target, he called, "Fire," and a ball of energy shot across the street, shattering the Empress's tiara. As Martinet recoiled in pain, the Rangers could almost feel the joy rolling off Count Trivium.
A powerful magically backlash exploded from the Empress's crown, releasing a dark cloud of energy that quickly dissipated across the city, "Is that a good sign?" Ricky asked
"Not sure," Mark commented, "but I think our work is done for now."
Rachel tilted her head toward the red ranger, "We're not going to stay and finish off the Empress?"
The red ranger looked over his shoulder at the gathered Vyglass, "Something tells me Trivium has this in hand, would you rather stay here and fight or check on Harley?" The white ranger didn't need a second invitation, spreading her wings and taking to the sky.
"Short fight's a good fight in my book," Stevie shrugged and followed after the white ranger.
Ricky though lingered for a moment, "Did we just play into Trivium's hands?"
"Probably," Mark sighed, "I guess we'll have to deal with the consequences when they happens." The yellow ranger nodded before the pair followed the ladies and returned to base.
Empress Martinet wasn't quite finished but she was in a sorry state, black blood was leaking from her nose and ears and she was struggling to stand. She was slowly retreating from Trivium, Reise and Kane, "What is she doing?" Reise asked, "why is she trying to run away from us?"
"Atropheous has fully taken control," Trivium said, "its trying to run for its life." As the remains of the Empress skittered to her feet, the Count placed a hand on the young Prince's shoulder, "Your Mother wouldn't want to live like this," he pleaded.
Reise nodded slowly, "Do what you have to do,"
Trivium nodded and once he was facing away from the Prince, he grinned broadly, "As you command, your highness." Sword in hand, he began to stalk Martinet who was retreating as fast as she could through the side streets.
The Empress scuttled into an alley, knocking over some trash cans in the process, her eyes constantly looking over her shoulder. She was so focused on looking backwards that she didn't see a dark shadow with flaming red hair blocking her path. By the time she had noticed the presence of Lena, the Vyglass Princess had driven her blade through her abdomen.
Martinet gurgled in pain, spitting up blood as Lena withdrew her sword. She collapsed to her knees as something detached from her robes, dropping to the pavement with a soft thud. Lena cautiously retrieved the object, a scaly green egg before handing it to Count Trivium, "Well done my dear," the Count caressed Lena's face mask as she took her place at his side.
Martinet's scaly features had disappeared, leaving her a broken heap barely able to stay upright, "Thank you for this generous gift," Trivium grinned, placing it inside his jacket that he retrieved during the chase, "Atropheous will serve the Vyglass, not that you'll be alive to witness our triumph."
In the Count's hand was Martinet staff that he proceeded to snap in half over his knee, "This will go down as my greatest plan," he began, "luring you into a false sense of security, making sure you incapacitated one of the Rangers in the process. I used their pathetic human compassion to ensure they would take any opportunity to save on of their own."
He chuckled softly to himself whilst Lena looked on impassively, "Of course your idiotic son will blame the Rangers for your death, after all it was them who fired the killing shot. It's a formality that he will name me Regent during his minority, allowing me to be the power behind the throne." He smiled wickedly at the Empress, "Maybe he'll suffer an unfortunate accident before he comes of ages, we are at war with the Rangers after all."
He crossed the blades of Martinet's own weapon at her neck. He grinned triumphantly, declaring, "Long live the King," before separating Martinet's head from her shoulders. The two halves of her body flopped to the ground before gradually crumbling away, "Come on my dear," he said to Lena, "I need to break the news to the little moron. Better practice my best sad face," he cackled wildly before strutting away, leaving Martinet as nothing but dust in the breeze.
At the Air Base, the Rangers landed and quickly demorphed in a secure area. Leading the way were the blue and yellow rangers, "Urgh, think I need a shower," Stevie shuddered, "I feel dirty after doing Trivium's work for him."
"I definitely needs a few hours intensive gaming to shift this memory," Ricky turned around where Mark and Rachel were slowly following, "how about you two, any big plans for tonight?" His question immediately earned him an elbow in the ribs from Stevie, "Ow, what was that for?" Ricky complained. The blue ranger nodded towards a nervous looking Rachel, "Oh," Ricky began to apologise, "sorry, I wasn't thinking."
"Do you want us to come check on Harley with you?" Stevie asked.
Rachel shook her head, "No, I think I want to do this myself," she glanced over at Mark, "if that's OK with you?"
"Sure, I think we deserve the rest of the day off," the red ranger replied, "I'll clear it with the Major,"
"Thanks, that means a lot," Rachel smiled at Mark, leaving the others behind and heading to the medical centre.
She moved urgently, nearly bumping into several people on the way. Finally she reached her destination but to her surprise, someone was waiting for her, "Major Earhardt," she greeted the former yellow ranger, "what are you doing here? Is it Harley, its bad news isn't it?" she fired off several rapid fire questions.
"Slow down Rachel, I'm doing what you're doing, checking in on the patient," Taylor replied.
"And?" Rachel asked with nervous optimism.
Taylor gave her a small smile, "See for yourself," she pushed the door open to find Harley sitting up on the edge of the bed.
Rachel couldn't suppress a squeal of joy and skipped across most of the floor, until she realised what she had done and slowed to a calm walk, "Careful," Harley grinned broadly, "people would think that you cared about me."
"I was happy that I don't have to hire your replacement," Rachel said coolly, "I hate reading resumes."
"Yeah, whatever you want to tell yourself," Harley added with a roguish smile, "so, do I have a clean bill of health or not Major?" he said to the older blonde.
"The doctor wants to run a couple more tests, make sure they'll be no lasting effects," Harley groaned loudly at the Major's statement, "forgive us for making sure you're not going to drop dead any time soon," Taylor added sarcastically, "they did say if you come back again, they'll have to charge you rent."
"Ha ha," Harley said dryly, "looks like I'm stuck here for a couple more hours," he directed at Rachel, "fancy keeping me company?"
"Actually," Rachel sighed, "I do have to open up the gym but come find me when you're released," she paused briefly before adding, "there's a couple of things we need to talk about."
"Ominous," Harley leaned back slightly on his bed, "I look forward to our little chat later." Rachel smiled and waved goodbye but as soon as she left, the black ranger felt a pair on eyes fixed on him, "What?" he snorted towards Major Earhardt.
"I will say this only once Harley," Taylor leaned in closely to the black ranger, "hurt her in any way and I'll make these last 24 hours felt like a relaxing massage in comparison." The Major turned away and left the medical room, leaving a smug looking Harley to recline on his bed.
Deep in a remote area of jungle, Count Trivium and Princess Lena arrived through a portal with the Count clutching Atropheous's egg close to his chest, "Yes this feel like the perfect spot," Trivium grinned broadly, "a natural nexus of energy that will be perfect to for Atropheous to grow."
Princess Lena froze on the spot, trying to peer through the canopy of trees, "Feels like someone is watching us," she commented.
"It's the natural positive energy given off by this disgusting planet, its especially strong here," Trivium sneered, "we would do well not to linger." He pointed at a spot on the ground and instructed Lena to dig a small hole with her sword, "There we go," he carefully placed Atropheous into the ground, pushing the dirt around the egg until only the top was visible, "if my calculations are correct, Atropheous will be ready within two weeks."
"Finally, all your planning is bringing results," Lena nodded, "thank you for trusting me with this knowledge."
"Not at all my dear," Trivium smiled, "after our recent sessions, I believe you are the most trustworthy person I know." He shuddered slightly as the egg began to omit a sickly green glow, "Let's go before Reise and Kane notice our absence," with that the pair disappeared through a portal.
Unbeknownst to them Lena had been correct, someone had been watching. Two shadows emerged from the trees and inspected the egg, "I don't like this," the male figure said, "can't you zap it or something?" he added to his companion.
"Don't be stupid, I have no idea what kind of magics are in play, especially in this place," the female responded, "there's only one person we can turn to."
"No," the male groaned, "do we have to?" The female nodded, "Urgh fine, lets get this over with," with no further words said, the pair teleported away leaving the glowing egg behind.
Later that day Rachel was in her office when Harley entered, "Hey, they let you go then," Rachel smiled.
"Sure did," the black ranger grinned, "doctor said I was healthier than when I arrived."
"I don't believe that but good to see you're in one piece," Rachel replied.
Harley closed the door and began walking over slowly to Rachel's desk, "The doctor said you barely left," he began, "they had to kick you out in the end."
"Like I said, concerned employer," Rachel shrugged.
"Don't give me that," Harley smiled as he approached a seated Rachel, "you care about me."
Rachel stood up quickly like she had been scolded, "What's gives you that idea," she tried to sound nonchalant.
"You've been giving some pretty big signs, I'd be stupid not to notice," Harley swaggered, "you nearly kissed me in the elevator yesterday."
"I was an emotional mess, wasn't thinking clearly," Rachel replied quickly.
Harley grinned and stepped closer, moving into Rachel's personal space, "How about today?" Rachel looked into his eyes but didn't back away, "I can see you thinking about this," the black ranger continued, "I ain't a bad guy, if you tell me to back away I will." There was a tense silence in the room, "Do you want me to go?"
Rachel's mouth was dry, all she could manage was a whispered, "No," before she leaned forward and captured Harley's lips with her own. For a split second Harley was stunned but he eagerly returned the gesture, grasping Rachel around the waist and pulling her closer.
The white ranger mirrored the gesture, running her hands through his hair and grasping the back of his neck. The black ranger lost balance slightly and the pair stumbled back into the desk. Rachel's backside was firmly pressed against the desk until she shifted to sit on the surface, wrapping her legs around Harley's waist at the same time.
In the process of sitting on the desk, something fell onto the floor. It hit the floor with a loud clang to break the atmosphere in the room. Harley broke away briefly, "Wow, now that I wasn't expecting," he grinned. Rachel though pushed Harley back, letting her feet touch the floor and inching away, "OK you're really sending out mixed signals here," he frowned in confused.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me," Rachel blushed furiously.
"Well nothing yet but the night is young," Harley waggled his eyebrows but he was met by a firm glare from Rachel, "listen sweetheart I'll make it clear for you, I like you," the black ranger confessed, "I have since the moment I laid eyes on you." Rachel chewed her lips, glancing repeatedly at the ceiling, "Something tells me you feel the same way but you're holding back."
Rachel shook her head, "You're right, I think I like you too."
"So what's the problem?" Harley shrugged, "if there's someone else-"
"No, nothing like that," Rachel took a deep breath, "I know nothing about you Harley."
The black ranger frowned, "Well, that can change, we have only known each other for a few weeks."
"I mean who are you Harley?" Rachel snapped, "Is James Harley your real name? Where were you born, what's your home town?" Harley looked blank at the white ranger, "Home state? Parents names?"
"What you see is what you get," Harley said blankly, glaring at Rachel, "is that not enough?"
"If there's going to be an us then no," Rachel said bluntly, "I can accept you're no saint Harley but what if your picture appears in a magazine or online? Will that create trouble for you if your face is plastered all over the world?"
Harley snorted, "So its about your image, I thought you were better than that."
"That's not it," Rachel hissed, "I'm trying to keep you safe." She paused and glared hard at the black ranger, "Answer me this, if your face appeared in the news tomorrow advertising that you were in Aaronsdale, do you know how many people would try and track you down?" Harley frowned but said nothing in response, "That's what I thought," Rachel shook her head.
"And you're trying to tell me you haven't thought about your reputation or your damn followers and sponsors?" Harley spat in return, Rachel's mouth opened but then quickly closed, "exactly my point, I'm a big boy that can handle rejection. If you weren't interested all you had to do is say so," the black ranger turned and headed for the door. "Oh and I can handle myself, I don't need anyone to watch my back," and with that he slammed the door and stomped across the gym floor.
Rachel watched him retreat all the way to the door, barrelling people out the way in the process. Once he was gone she slumped into her chair and placed her head in her hands, a small tear forming in her eyes. She spotted a tacky desk toy that a company had gifted her on the gym's opening day. With a snarl she backhanded the cheap piece of plastic across the room where it shattered on impact, "Fantastic," she muttered glumly.
A/N – Didn't think it would be that easy for Harley and Rachel did you? Any guesses on the mystery people spotted towards the end? You'll find out in the next chapter.
A guest reviewer asked if I plan to adapt any movies that featured Jetman. Short answer is not immediately, I'm mainly sticking to the broad outline of the main series and seeing where that takes me. I will say I have a couple of crossover events planned with the wider PR universe in this story.