Chapter 10 – Dawn Of A Brand New World

October 4 2002 – NASADA Base, CA

The deserted hangar of the Californian NASADA base once again echoed to the sound of the Astro Megaship's engines. This time though there was a small crowd to greet their arrival as the additional members of the Space, Time Force and Wild Force teams were there to greet their fellow rangers. Other than a mild case of hypothermia, Jason, Cole and Andros were showing no ill effects from their exposure to outer space. There did have to spend a night in the Megaship's Medibay, just to be sure there were no other issues with their health.

The Megaship slowly landed and a few moments later the loading bay door opened. The red rangers barely had time to step foot on the ramp before they were engulfed by the waiting rangers. Wes earned himself a passionate kiss from Jen before both her and Eric got a slap around the back of the head, "Oww, what the hell was that for", the Quantum Ranger grumbled.

"For starting a fight you morons", the pink ranger began, "I knew you wouldn't be able to control yourself for too long"

"I don't think you should be too hard on them Jen", Jason stated, "we all carry the blame for the fight".

Jen folded her arm cross her chest and thought about this for a moment, "Fine but I'm still asking Mr Collins to dock you pay", she said to Eric before turning to Wes, "and you're still sleeping on the sofa tonight".

"Ouch, I don't know which one's worse", Leo chuckled. He looked out at the gathered crowd and turned to Carter, "Where's the rest of your team, I thought they'd be here cheering you on?"

"Busy", Carter replied, "Ryan and Chad are working on the new Aquabase, Joel's performing at an airshow, Kelsey's training for the X-Games and Dana", he paused and audibly sighed, "probably nose deep in a medical textbook".

Leo nodded slowly, "Shame I was looking forward to catching up with them, perhaps when I'm next on Earth". Carter nodded slowly as Leo gravitated towards the Space Rangers. He wasn't completely honest with Leo, he wasn't really sure what the other Lightspeed Rangers were up to. All of them had been so wrapped up in their own separate careers that they hadn't met up as a team for over six months.

"So I hear that you're going to be the next leader of Mirinoi", Cassie asked Leo as he approached her team.

"The elders still need to approve it but yeah, it's looking extremely likely", the Red Galaxy Ranger replied. "I was sure they'd pick Maya but apparently she turned them down".

"Really, why?" Ashley asked, she was still in regular contact with her fellow yellow ranger and Maya had never mentioned it.

"Didn't want it", Leo shrugged, "she's happy teaching the youngsters and being the chief would stop her from doing that". The group then looked over at the Wild Force team who were welcoming Cole back to Earth. They noticed that Alyssa had a nervous hold on Cole's arm and in turn, the red ranger's arm was lightly placed on her lower back, "I never did get the whole story about her appearance on the Megaship", Leo asked the Space Ranger.

"Well we were talking with her and it didn't take a genius to figure out that she liked him", Carlos stated.

"Yeah cause even Carlos figured it out", Karone joked. The black ranger glared at her and in response, she nudged him in the ribs, "As soon as TJ said Cole needed help she volunteered straight away". The silver ranger gave the latest team another glance, even though Taylor's expression was pretty neutral, Karone could tell that the yellow ranger was pleased to see Cole safe and well. "They're a good bunch of people, I bet there's not a dull moment on the Animarium".

"I can't believe I missed that", TJ groaned, "I grew up on the tale of the Animarium, I would love to have visited".

"Well it's a good thing that Princess Shayla is hosting a celebration party tonight", Cassie replied. TJ's eyes lit up and he grabbed Cassie by the waist and spun her around in a circle.

"Alright TJ put her down", Jason chuckled, "us red's have one final meeting then we can party to our hearts content".

Jason and Tommy gathered the other red rangers around in a circle away from the others, "I know I said this last night but congratulations everyone. The Machine Empire is finally gone and Serpenterra won't threaten anyone again".

"I've got something else to add", Andros began, "if this mission has taught us anything it's that we work best as a united group. I was guilty of letting my personal feelings get in the way of that but I think that I speak for everyone when I say that it's good to be on the same page again".

Tommy looked over at the Red Space Ranger with a little bit of hope in his eyes, "Does that mean..".

"No", TJ cut across him, "our views on Hexagon still haven't changed and we've got a good life on Karovia so we won't be signing up with your organisation". He paused for a moment before adding, "But we'd be open to working with any of you again".

"Just say the word", Andros added with a smile.

"Now that definitely calls for a celebration", Tommy replied but he was interrupted again when a familiar looking car pulled up outside the hangar. "Unfortunately I'm going to have to take a rain check on that". He gave the other one final nod before crossing the tarmac to the waiting car. The red rangers saw a conflicted looking Kat step out the car and look at her approaching husband. She looked relieved to see him but at the same time, she still looked annoyed. A few words were exchanged but she warmly greeted Tommy with a hug. The couple got into the car and it slowly drove away.

"So that's Tommy", Cole began, "he really is the greatest ranger".

There was a cry of disagreement from the other red ranger along with a few playful shoves, "Please", Eric scoffed, "my Q-Rex could eat his Dragonzord for lunch".

"At least he's doesn't have a mullet anymore", Carter added.

"I could tell you a few stories about Tommy that would prove that he isn't that great", Jason began walking backwards across the tarmac, "in fact I was the one who did all the work whilst he was at the Juice Bar making gooey eyes at Kimberly".

"Hang on a sec", Wes interjected, "I saved time itself, so why does Tommy get all the praise".

"I saved a planet and a floating space colony", Leo raised his hand, "I'm just saying", he added with a shrug.

"Well I stopped Dark Specter and the Alliance of Evil forever", Andros boasted.

"You mean we", TJ playfull slapped him on the chest, "now did I ever tell you about the time I got baked into a giant pizza?"

By now the other rangers had caught up with the red rangers, "Please TJ not the pizza story again", Cassie groaned.

"I think that it's definitely TJ's round first", Carlos laughed and jumped onto the Red Turbo Ranger's back, "drinks on this guy here".

Eric laughed and wrapped his arm around Cole's shoulder, "Who thinks that this guy should do a few shots tonight?"

"Eric behave", Taylor clipped him around the head, "he's not even twenty one yet".

"Tay this badass here just blew up a massive robotic dragon", Eric gripped Cole a little harder, "I think we can forgive him for a little underage drinking".

"Actually I don't think the Princess allows alcohol on the Animarium", Cole shrugged, "sorry everyone".

"Don't worry Cole", Lucas smiled, "we're Power Rangers, we're extremely resourceful people".

Cole rolled his eyes at the Blue Time Force Ranger and shook his head. He turned around and quickly caught Carter's eye, "Can I grab a quick word?" Carter nodded slowly and the other's stopped, "Don't worry, we'll catch you up in a moment".

"What's up Cole", Carter asked, "if you're worried aout Eric, don't worry we'll make sure he doesn't get out of hand".

"No it's not that", Cole shook his head, "I was wondering if the offer that Hexagon made us was still available".

Carter's heart skipped a beat for moment, he had completely forgotten about that, "Are you sure Cole, don't you want to discuss it with your team first?" A part of Carter wanted to put him off, not because he thought it was a bad idea but he didn't want to think that he had manipulated Cole into signing the contract.

"Carter you believed in me when others wouldn't have", the Red Wild Force Ranger began, "you didn't treat me like a rookie or a kid, you trusted me to leader nine other veteran rangers. If that's how Hexagon treats it's employees then sign me up".

"What about the others?" Carter asked trying everything to put him off.

"I'm sure they'll understand", Cole smiled. Carter gave him a tight smile in return and pulled out the contract from his orange Lightspeed jacket. He found a pen and gave it to Cole who quickly signed on the dotted line, "Thanks, you won't regret this", he turned around and ran to catch up with the others.

"Yeah but maybe I will", Carter sighed and put the contract back into his jacket. He couldn't believe that he had manipulated Cole so easily into signing the contract. But the more he thought about it, maybe he was the one who had been twisted into the deception. All of that didn't sit too well with the Red Lightspeed Ranger and he vowed never to do anything like that again. He trailed behind the others, almost too ashamed to be part of their group. He would need a few stiff drinks tonight to wash the bad taste away.

Hexagon Headquarters, Angel Grove

The top floor of Hexagon Headquarters housed the executive suites where the primary board members usually worked from. The floor was arranged so that the board room sat in the middle of the space with the individual offices dotted around. They were the personal sanctum of the executive board but the majority of the staff had never seen them personally.

Philip Spader stepped out of the elevator and was immediately greeted by another member of the board. Spader gave the middle aged woman a polite smile, "Afternoon Desiree", he greeted warmly, "I thought you usually took Thursday's off?"

Desiree Powell was a second generation American, her family had emigrated from Barbados to start a new life. She was of slim build with dark skin and closely cropped head of dark hair. Her father had been at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement in the sixties, something which had sadly cost him his life. Desiree had quickly moved up the corporate ladder in a number of organisations before getting hand picked by Spader himself for Hexagon, "Hello Philip", she replied, "I thought I would come in and see for myself how the Rangers got on".

"Everything went according to plan", Spader stated with a slightly frosty tone.

"And who's plan would that be", she walked past the man and into the elevator, "I'll see you at the next board meeting Philip".

Spader smiled cordially but the second the lift door closed he muttered, "Bitch". He straightened his tie and retreated to his office. Much like the man himself, his personal space was neat and highly organised. There was no unwanted clutter and no personal knick knacks that usually adorned people's desk.

He opened up his laptop before reaching into his desk and pulled out a bottle of scotch. Pouring himself a healthy measure, he then reached into his pocket to retrieve a packet of cigarettes. He lit one up and leaned back in his chair, "Did you know that smoking is hazardous to your health?" a distorted voice called out into the quiet office.

"Of course I do", Spader replied, "I spent the best part of five years trying to polish the reputation of the tobacco industry after all", he leaned forward and stared at the laptop. There was no image on the screen, just a blue line that represented a sound wave, "I assume you've heard the news?" he said to his computer.

"Indeed", the line on the screen moved with the sound of the distorted voice, "although I understand it was touch and go for a while".

"I always said that Scott and Oliver were a liability", Spader snorted, "or Mr PTSD and Mr Nanny as I should really call them".

"They give the project legitimacy", the voice replied, "however, they do see the world in vibrant shades of black and white".

"Whereas we're in that nice grey area right?" Spader chuckled and stubbed out his cigarette. "I'm not sure how he did it but Grayson got the new guy to sign the contract, perhaps there's hope for him yet".

"If there's one thing I know about Power Ranger it's that they believe in morals", the voice began, "Grayson may have come through this time but I don't think he can be called on again".

Spader grabbed his glass and took a quick drink, "Clearly that home psychology course is paying off for you", he chuckled but there was no response from the computer, "that was a joke".

"Was it", the voice stated, "I thought jokes were meant to be funny".

"Everyone's a critic", Spader pushed his glass across his desk, "I had a run in with Desiree Wilson a moment ago, I think she's beginning to suspect something".

There was silence for a few moments before the voice replied, "Thank you for bringing this to my attention, I'll look into that as soon as possible". The mystery voice went quiet again before continuing, "How are the new morphers coming along?"

"Completed and delivered", Spader stated, "the Wind Ninja Academy is fully equipped for whatever they think is coming for them".

"Good", the voice paused before adding, "and the status of the other projects".

Spader leaned back again in his chair, "Oliver is leaving for Mercer Island in a few weeks. Anton has agreed to finance his research into the gems and is willing to give any technological assistance where he can. We've received two new requests from an Andrew Hartford and some people calling themselves the Pai Zhuq".

"Sounds like we're about to enter a brand new era", the voice stated, "talking of new eras, the elections for Governor of California are next year".

"Yeah I know what you're implying", Spader snorted and swirled his drink, "that meathead actor has got that one in the bag, even an idiot can see that".

"Things can change", the voice said cryptically, "plus we need you in the real hot seat when the time comes and this is an important stepping stone". There was a brief pause, "So can I count on your cooperation".

"Only if I can count on your vote", Spader smirked and raised his glass, "a toast to the power behind the next generation of Power Rangers".

"Good luck Philip", with that final comment the laptop powered down. Spader gently spun himself around in his chair, giddy with excitement. If all went to plan then he would be the next Governor of California then there really would be no stopping him. If his backer was to be believed then maybe he would be in the White House in a few years time. Downing his drink he stood up and left his office, he was going to celebrate his own momentous victory. One which he believed would be much more important in Earth's history than the one the Power Rangers achieved yesterday.

THE END

A/N – The plot thickens, looks like Spader and this mystery gentleman are playing the long game and that can't be good. Next up we move into the Ninja Storm area with a story called Renegades. It will bring together a lot of plot threads that were started in a previous story "Strike Of The Ninja". It's not essential to read that but if you want a little bit of home work then feel free to check it out. Keep an eye out for it and I hope to see you next time.