Prophecies Of The Morphing Grid: Special Edition

[Darky]

Eons ago, when the Earth was still a young baby in the grand scheme of the universe, there lied a great Alliance of galaxies. Well over 157 galaxies as members of the Alliance, worlds and colonies were all represented in the Alliance Congress, and were protected by the honorable and noble Morphing Masters and their Power Rangers.

Formed eons before this era, many of the alien species were able to set aside their differences and co-exist in harmony after discovering the ability to travel via the speed of light. Cultures were left alone and allowed to prosper, thanks to the urging of the Morphing Masters.


Aalabran

Alero 7

Anri

Ardonna

Arjus

Arukapo

Aquitar

Baawl Prime

Baranoia

Beesia

Bellsaava

Belqua

Boku 9

Bookala

Bostolo

Bromak 5

Camelot 4

Canine 4

Chameliax 4

Cigno

Circatron

Cimmeria

Claydoious

Cortosin

Cryon

Crysthal

Crysto

Cthulia

Dalhide

Deciera 12

Delosate

Diamante

Drad

Drag

Dregla

Drovia

Dynamoia

Ealor and Eadis

Edenoi

Eemon-Tate

Eileen

Elsanese

Eurolean Galaxy

Fallan

Fernovia

Fulengia

Galaxus

Galantos and Galmabba

Gamma Five

Gamma Prime

Garuda

Genbu

Gentea

Geptune

Gilloa

Gimonia

Gingas

Glime

Gotsumara

Grahn

Groser

Gwinnet

Guirark

Halseyon

Halso

Handorea

Hazard

Hercuron

Hidiro 17

Higus

Horath

Horus

Ilak

Indo

Inquirius

Irlin

Irido

Jamiib

Javius

Jergonia

Jingi

Kadix

Kajimeri

Kakuya

Kalderon

Kallae

Kamasso

Karminioa

Kells

Keonta

Klingtonas

Kolaris 2

Kulern

Leon

Liaria

Lockhees

M'Hart

Magonia

Malacore and Lepo

Malon

Manta

Mars

Marshall

Midiear

Mirinoi

Mon Talis

Myrgo

Naranja

Nimba 3

Nodal

Norlan

Octavia

Odega 5 and Omiddelon 2

Onyx

Oro 12 and Aargan

Ozchuria

Ozzor

Panthera

Pars

Perteria

Phaedos

Piaru

Planet 48

Pongy

Poppen

Porupo

Pukos

Rain

Redna 2

Reversia

Rhen Var

Rikomo

Rojo

Rubaga

Saberius

Sectica

Sepia

Shinnoo 17

Shugoju

Sirius

Speckio

Sumasurina

Suprara

Talinaria

Tangar

Tarmac 3

Taurus

Tattius

Tentea

Tirna

Titan

Torto

Tortosa

Trayges

Triforia

Trilondon

Trixryia

Troobia

Twi

Tyleria

Ulesan

Vrenom

Walos

Waspixia

Wojonia

Wryyr

Xybria

Yaako

Yevertha

Yokai/Gamma Vile

Zamusa

Zarg and Zaya

Zentor

Zoina

Zordnia

Zyntar

And countless more worlds and alien species. But this story does not center on the Alliance, rather a series of events that led the universe to spiral into chaos and terror. This story centers on a young boy, about 12 years old, who is about to start a journey....one that will change the course of history for all.

[Darky]

"I'm so proud of this day, I can hardly believe it! One of my own students, becoming a Ranger...or even a Master!" Mr. Neja, a Glimer from the planet Glime, squealed in excitement as he led the tall Triforian mentor down the halls of the Cimmerian school, amidst all the stares of shock and awe by students and teachers alike.

"It is a great honor, my friend. But remember, this decision is his, and his alone. We cannot force him to do this" the Triforian, Zeus, replied.

Zeus was a tall young man. Dark brown hair with stunning blue eyes, his black beard was trimmed and kept neat. He bore scars on his arms, his back, and a big one going from the left temple of his head down his cheek. Badges of battle against evil, he called them.

Coming upon the closed room of choice, Mr. Neja sighed in anticipation as he opened the door and let Zeus inside. Inside stood a tall 5'6 12 year old Cimmerian boy. Shaggy blonde hair covered the top of his head, nearly hiding his pointy ears, customary of Cimmerians.

"Very tall for a Cimmerian" Zeus thought quietly.

"Are...are you...the Morphing Master?" the boy asked nervously.

"I am, my young friend. I am Zeus" Zeus replied.

"Is this because of my tests?" the young boy asked.

"Yes. You have excelled beyond the years of wisdom and knowledge exhibited by your peers. Your physical fitness tests show great potential"

"So...I'm to be a Power Ranger?" the boy asked in excitement, his voice rising.

"That's why I was here. You won't become one yet, but you must endure the training first" Zeus told him softly.

"Damned training" the young boy thought to himself.

"My, what strong words of anger and eagerness" Zeus spoke aloud, shocking the boy, as Mr. Neja looked on in awe.

"You can read minds?" the boy asked. "With time, the Morphing Grid opens the doors to all possibilities, but as I said, it takes time. No skill can be perfect overnight."

"What do you say? Does it sound good?" Mr. Neja asked excietedly.

"It does....I want to do it! Please, Master Zeus, please take me under your wing of guidance!" the young boy asked, his eyes pleading.

"I will...under one condition...you must tell me your name" Zeus said with a soft smile.

"Tioshi" the young boy replied. "Tioshi Hamazaki"

[Darky]

Hauptstadt, the capital world of the Alliance, it lay nestled nearby the Hope Nebula, a hyperroute point that connected all the galaxies. A large city planet, the Morphing Masters' fortress stood atop of a large mountain adjacent from the Alliance Congress.

Inside the fortress, Tioshi and Zeus walked quietly down the halls past several dorms where other Rangers and students passed the time before, after and in between missions.

"I can't believe I'm here" Tioshi said in astonishment.

"Though they can be decievers, your eyes are not playing you" Zeus replied.

"Master, I have a question" Tioshi said a little louder as the duo walked down the halls to a larger room with no doors. "I hear Rangers never see their families, is that true?" Tioshi asked with a pang of fear in his voice.

"It's not true, at all. Many of us still see our families on down time, but many choose to stay here to prepare for their next mission. Being a Ranger is a full time job. It's just a rumor started by one of the many misconceptions of the Order" Zeus replied as they walked into the large room.

The scent of clean springs hit the nose of Tioshi as he inhaled the natural odors of the spring. A large room, indeed. It appeared to be a sanctuary of some sort, like a zoo. Fresh and clear waters rolled down the hills that towered above them into a long stream that zig-zagged the floor. Fish swam the water with ease and grace, as exotic animals galloped across the grassy plains chasing each other. The sun shined through the clear force-field rooftop of the building and gave it a natural look of the outdoors.

"It's amazing!" Tioshi exclaimed.

"Yes. Many of us come here to meditate in silence. The aura gives us much room to center ourselves and feel the Light of the Morphing Grid flow through us. You should probably rest. Tomorrow morning you begin your training and meet the High Masters" Zeus said, as he began to sit down on the grassy floor and close his eyes.

"Master...are you sure I am fit for this? I mean, I've always dreamt of being a Ranger..but..."

"Your training will show you your full skill and eliminate your fears. It's normal, but don't let it take control of you. I promise you, Tioshi, you have a great destiny ahead of you" Zeus said with a comforting smile.

[Angelfox]

sounds good so far

[Darky]

In the morning, the High Masters sat in their main chamber reviewing the file documents on Tioshi. Zeus and Tioshi stood silently before the Masters awaiting their decision.

"He does show great skill" the High Red Master, a Sirian stated.

"Yes, but is he up to the challenges ahead of him? He does seem to have some fear, and well...an eagerness not matched" The High Pink Master, a Lockheesan asked.

"I am ready!" Tioshi yelled in an outburst, an action that got many reviewing looks from the High Masters as they looked to each other.

"Zeus," the High Green Master, an Aquitian began, "Are you sure you're ready for this task? You've only been a Full Mentoring Ranger for two months."

"I assure you, and this Council, that I am ready for the tasks ahead" Zeus replied. "Young Tioshi here has a great destiny before him, surely you can see that."

The High Masters murmured amongst each other, as Tioshi stared in full nervousness.

"Zeus", the High Red Master began, "It is with the blessing of this Council, that we will accept Tioshi into the ranks of the Morphing Masters. Welcome home, Tioshi. Zeus will make a fine mentor."

Tioshi jumped into the air, screaming in delight, as he danced out of the room, past the doors and down the hallway back to his quarters. As Zeus turned to leave, he heard the voice of the Red Master again.

"Zeus", the Master said, as the Triforian Adept turned back to face the High Masters. "Tioshi is gifted, we do see that. We also see he had some rough tendencies. None of us are perfect, we know that, but I hope you can work on controlling it" the Red Master said quietly.

Moments passed before Zeus nodded and turned to leave. Little did he know that Tioshi had stood outside of the door and heard the exchange.

"Rough tendencies? You'll see what I can accomplish. I'll be the best Ranger ever!" Tioshi whispered to himself before heading back to his quarters.
------------------
"Learn the histories of our Order, and you will see the honor bestowed upon us by the people we safeguard" Zeus said, as Tioshi read a book.

"Meditate and ask the Light of the Morphing Grid for guidance. It will safeguard you from the emotions of the Dark Side" Zeus continued, as Tioshi hovered above the floor in deep meditation.

"Forge your Power Sword, for it is the symbol weapon of the Masters" Zeus said, as Tioshi crafted a sword from the smithing stool.

[Darky]

Standing before the High Masters, Zeus and Tioshi stood in silence. He'd only been there for two months, yet it felt like longer with the increase in power Tioshi felt.

"Rangers, it has come to our attention that the lower levels of Hauptstadt are being plagued by a violent gang of criminals known as the Heat" the Red Master said.

"They're mostly Euroleans, but some humans and Grahns have been noted to be associated with them. They have been mugging and kidnapping people for the last few weeks. Businesses and homes have been pilaged, and with the Congress' permission, we're stepping in" the Blue High Master, a Tauran stated.

"We feel ready, Masters" Zeus said calmly. "You may, but does your student?" The Yellow High Master, a Chinyoan asked.

"I am more than ready. I will show it to all of you when we dismantle the Heat. What district should we first look into?" Tioshi asked.

"The industrial district seems to be the source of the highest amount of Heat activity" the Black High Master, a Zamsan replied.

"We'll go undercover. Hopefully we'll draw them out that way. Then we'll keep an eye on the other gangsters we come across, and stay in touch with this body to coordinate a final strike" Zeus said.

"That is what we had hoped. Good luck, and May the Power Protect You" the Red High Master said with a small nod of his head.

[Darky]

Dressed in rags and with dirt patted all over his face, Tioshi sat hunched over by a broken down building in the industrial district of Hauptstadt. In the second floor of the building, Zeus sat in a darkened room and watched from a window with a pair of binoculars. Seeing a shady looking human turn the corner in a trenchcoat with a red bandana on his forehead, Zeus radioed down below to Tioshi.

"Here comes one of them, he's looking around. Be calm my student and do as he asks" Zeus said quietly, as Tioshi nodded in understanding.

"You new around here?" the man asked Tioshi, who only feigned fear as he nodded. "Good. Then you won't mind me introducing myself. I'm a collector for the Heat."

"The Heat? Is that the local mayor?" Tioshi asked.

"You could say that..now give me your money if you want to stay alive!" the man yelled as he threw Tioshi to the ground and quickly grabbed into Tioshi's rags and pulled out a few coins and jumped up and ran down the street, shooting a blaster pistol in the air as he ran.

"No stop, please!" Tioshi exclaimed, the thug continued on his path.

Tioshi smiled as he nodded his head down the street, only to see Zeus leap from the rooftop of his hiding ground to other nearby rooftops in graceful silence, hiding in the shadows as he followed the thug's trail down below.

"Master, we found one of them, Master Zeus is giving pursuit on the rooftops" Tioshi yelled into his communicator.

"Good job, Tioshi. Master Zeus pull back, our technicians have his trail on our data scanners" the Red Master said, as he watched a computer monitor on the Council's table, the technical readout showing a small beeping red dot heading into a large factory block.

"I hear you, Master" Zeus replied, stopping atop of a large rooftop with short brick pilars rising from the base of it. Leaning against a pillar, Zeus sighed as he spoke into his communicator.

"Tioshi, are you okay?"

"I'm good Master, thanks for asking so late!" Tioshi said with a chuckle.

"Hey, I needed the exercise, okay?" Zeus quipped with a quick laugh.

"Tioshi, Zeus, we have a problem" the voice of the High Green Master came over their communicator. "The north-west suburban district is under attack. Heavy Heat units are being reported by the residents. Head on over there, reinforcements will be there by the time you arrive."

"We got you, Master. Ready Zeus?" Tioshi asked, as he darted off to meet up with his mentor.

"And I was just regaining myself" Zeus sighed as he sat back up and darted off the rooftop to the streets below.

[Angelfox]

not bad, reminds me alot of Star Wars but not bad at all... cant wait to see more, but it does seem to move kind of quick..

[Darky]

Originally Posted by Angelfox

not bad, reminds me alot of Star Wars but not bad at all... cant wait to see more, but it does seem to move kind of quick..

Is that good or bad? I wanted to establish Tioshi early on, and not focus so much on the training we know he's enduring. We'll see some more of it later on, but I also wanted to get to the action to keep interest up and the story moving.

[Darky]

Gunfire ripped the silence of the neighborhoods as Heat gangsters ran about firing randomly at anything that moved. Citizens and animals alike scattered in every direction.

"Run while you can, you stupid shits!" one of the lead gangsters, Heram, a bald and scarred human, yelled.

Just then, colored blaster shots ripped through the air and hit two armored Euroleans, taking them down. Heram turned around and saw Zeus and Tioshi running in their direction. Both wore their traditional black jumpsuits with a colored stripe going down their torsos, arms and legs to signify them as Power Rangers. Tioshi ran wearing the stripes of a Green Ranger, Zeus wearing Blue.

"Power Rangers! Kill them!" Heram yelled out.

The gangsters stopped their rampage enough to turn around and confront the Rangers, as the citizens turned away from their fright and watched in anticipation of a chance of liberation.

Tioshi leapt into the air for a Grahn, grabbing him in mid-flight and pulling him to the ground and throwing him at two human thugs as he leapt back to his feet and spin-kicked a Eurloean to the ground. A human and Eurolean raised their blaster rifles for Zeus, who merely jumped away in time as they opened fire. Rolling away on the ground, he focused his shots on the two gangsters, taking them down with precise shooting.

"I said kill them, not let them kill you!" Heram yelled in frustration.

"Saber Mode!" Tioshi's blaster equipped itself and thinned into his Power Sword, as he landed in between a group of gangsters with axes.

Spinning on his heels, he blocked each parry and strike, striking each enemy down with agility. The crowd began to cheer, as the Heat numbers began to thin. Looking around in fear, Heram quickly ran away from the fight and where the citizens stood and watched. Shoving his way past them and pointing his gun around, the crowd quickly scattered and made way from the crime kingpin to escape.

"Let's end this!" Zeus yelled, stabbing his Power Sword into the ground, causing a great tremor and a large crack to follow the path to where a handful of Heat members were storming into their direction.

Knocked off their feet, the crack opened up and swallowed the screaming killers into the very ground of the planet before closing.

"Fine by me!" Tioshi exclaimed, putting his hands together with his sword, Light Power surging through his body as his Power Sword began to glow green.

Jumping and swinging for the last remaining thugs in the area. The blast hit them, as sparks and energy surged their bodies, ripping them down to the ground in a small shower of sparks.

The crowds cheered, as they ran towards the two Rangers, hugging and thanking them. Amidst the celebrating, Zeus noticed his communicator beeping. Motioning for Tioshi to follow him, he noticed his student sigh as he broke away from the adoring crowd.

"I was beginning to enjoy it" Tioshi said with a hint of frustration.

"There'll be time for that later. Right now we got an incoming message from the Masters" Zeus said as he pushed the incoming button on his wrist communicator.

"Good job guys, looks like you won't need us afterall" a female voice came over the communicator, a voice that made Tioshi perk up.

"Well it would've been nice, Phoebe, where were you?" Zeus asked sarcastically.

"I'll explain it later. Right now it looks like we have a bigger problem. Looks like we have a spy in the Order" Phoebe said, the remark getting glances from Tioshi and Zeus both.

"We'll be right there" Zeus said into his communicator before cutting it off.

"Who's Phoebe?" Tioshi asked as the two Rangers began to stand straight and prepare themselves.

"An analyst for the Masters. She normally controls the Archives and forensics for us" Zeus said.

"She sounds cute" Tioshi said, just before the two Rangers teleported off in flashes of light respective of their Ranger colors.

[Darky]

Minutes later, Zeus and Tioshi were running down the hallways to the forensic lab to meet with Phoebe. As they approached the closed door, the door itself opened as another teacher, Auric, stepped out.

"Zeus, Tioshi. It's good to see you" the Baranoian Master said with a sigh.

"What's wrong, we heard about some kind of a spy in our ranks. Is this true?" Zeus asked in a gasping breath.

"It seems possible with what we found", the same female voice from moments ago sounded from within the lab.

Auric stepped back and let the two Rangers in, and the sight caught Tioshi off guard. Several tables lined with flasks and tubes filled with multicolored fluids. Computers flashed digital information, as radar scanners showed various points of Hauptstadt ad other parts of the Alliance. The Viewing Globe that connected Phoebe with the High Masters in their Meeting Chamber sat in the far right corner, offline.

Then, there was her. Phoebe was a little shorter than he, but Tioshi noted she appeared to be about 14, maybe 15 years old. Her bright, sincere blue eyes shined with a loving grace unlike any other he'd seen. Her blonde hair was shoulder-length, highlighting her pale, snow-white skin. It was just the way he'd always wished for a girl, just like the ones he'd seen in his dreams...

"Hello to you too" Phoebe said to Tioshi with a blushing that rivaled the shell color of a Kalderonian.

Tioshi smiled back with a certain goofiness he was sure Zeus and Auric also saw as they nodded to each other.

"Perhaps you can talk some more later, right now we got a problem. What's made you suspect this accusation, Phoebe?" Zeus asked.

"The Masters found this a short while ago" Phoebe said as she turned to a small table behind her and handed a small comlink recorder to the two Rangers.

Looking it over, Zeus noted the unusual bronze color of the small device.

"They found it connected to the datascanner in the Meeting Chamber. Apparently it was hidden amongst the wires that ran down into the desk and behind the chairs. It was also weird that after you commed in and said you had a trace on the thug that attacked Tioshi, the suburb district came under attack." Pheobe said.

"You think whoever is listening to their discussions is leading the Heat?" Tioshi asked.

"Possible. I'll have to run some more tests on this thing. It's too complex and encoded for it to have been made by an amateur. But it would explain how they've been staying a footstep ahead of the investigation" Phoebe said.

"Okay, just keep us posted" Zeus said, handing the recorder back to Phoebe just before heading out of the room with Auric.

"Will do", she said. Tioshi looked her up and down as he slowly walked backwards out of them room, smiling sheepishly.

"Bye" he whispered.

"Bye" she smiled back and waved to him.

Getting outside in the hallway, Auric looked to Zeus as he nudged his shoulder.

"So...when's your student's wedding going to be?"

"Oh stop it!" Tioshi snapped back.

"Little feisty, isn't he? I trust you will be with me when we coordinate a sting bust on the Heat base?" Auric asked Zeus.

"You can count on it. Until then, we'll be on the lookout" Zeus said quietly.

"Good, and be careful of who you speak with" Auric said. "We don't need any surprises when we go to get them"

[Darky]

"All right, here's the plan" the Red Master began, as he brought up a holographic map of the industrial district.

In the Battle Room, the Red Master was with Auric, Zeus, Tioshi and three other Rangers; Black, Green and Yellow respectively.

"We suspect the numbers of Heat gangsters is actually lower than we originally thought, thanks to the battle Zeus and Tioshi had been involved in yesterday. They seem to be too unorganized and too concentrated in this small area to be that big of a gang, otherwise they'd be everywhere by now, but it appears they may be building and acquiring illegal weapons. For whom they may be building them for, or where they got their own, is unknown at the moment."

"Before we get started, how do we know they haven't packed up and left the district yet?" Tioshi asked as he raised his hand nervously.

"Good question" the Red Master said as he motioned back to the map. "Phoebe's used the radar scanners and visual aids locked onto the distric to monitor it for the last 24 hours. Nothing has happened to suggest an escape. Meaning either they're stupid, they're still packing, or they got something planned."

The Rangers glanced to each other with a look of caution.

"We'll all be in a single Mega Tank that we'll fly over the main factories, and blast open the rooftops of the targeted buildings and drop in. Master Shen Joylas will be behind us, leading a co-op assault team of more Mega Tanks piloted by other Rangers and the local police division, that will surround the buildings, as a few drill underground and come up within the factories themselves to root out any escaping Heat members."


Mega Tank

"Sounds good to me" Zeus said, "Do we know if Heram is still in the vacinity, or have we even seen him go near the place since the battle?" Zeus asked.

"Heram was spotted by eyewitnesses to be heading in that direction after the battle, yes, but we have not seen any trace of him since then. As I said, we've seen no evidence that anyone has left in the small time period." the Red Master said. "Now, let's go, and remember, May the Power protect You"

[Darky]

Flying to the industrial district at medium speeds, the Rangers inside of the Mega Tank prepared themselves through meditation, locking and loading up their weapons, and talking with one another to help each other.

"We're nearing our target!" the Red Master, the only High Master on the mission, yelled from the driver seat into the back where the other Rangers awaited.

Looking to the co-pilot, the Red Master pointed at a smoke stack rooftop. "That's our first one, blast it!"

The co-pilot aimed the lock-on computers at the high towering stacks and fired several plasmatic shots and two rockets at the first tower in front of them. The echoing loud explosion shook the Mega Tank as fire and debris hit it from all sides, as the Rangers held on to the support cables that ran alongside the walls of the back, their ears ringing from the blast.

As the smoke stack began to fall down on itself, the Mega Tank took a sharp dive and followed the debris down into the inner regions of the factory. Inside the factory, the metal and brick debris fell down onto unsuspecting Heat members, as the Mega Tank came barreling down afterwards, landing roughly on the ground.

Rolling forward, gun turrets on the sides of the wall and on the ground activated and opened fire on the Mega Tank. The Tank swerved as it returned fire at the robotic guns, the rockets blowing them apart and sending debris in every direction and through the walls.

"Shen, has your team made it inside of the next compound yet?" the Red Master asked on his communicator.

"Yes, we've been under attack by an unusual amount of heavy turrets, though. Someone's definitely helping these guys" Shen replied.

The Red Master thought on it, but decided to wait until the raid was over. "We'll find out from these guys once we have them in custody. Until then, keep your eyes open"

"Copy that, meet up with you in a few minutes" Shen Joylas replied.

[Darky]

Smashing through the garage doors of another part of the compound, Shen Joylas led her task force of Mega Tanks deeper into the factory. Driving on the steel floors, gangsters stood on the walkways that lined either side of the corridor, firing rocket launchers and automatic weapons at the incoming Rangers. One rocket hit its target, blasting to bits one of the Tanks in the middle of the convoy, sending the few behind and in front of it swerving.

"Shen, my team has already routed the main group of gangsters to the central plaza of the factory." the Red Master's voice said over Shen's communicator.

"Copy that, we're almost there" Shen replied.

Within minutes, the teams had made it into the central plaza of the factory, where dozens of Heat members sat on the floor under arrest by some Rangers, while others searched the surrounding areas. Mega Tanks sat all around the large plaza in a jagged circle. The Red High Master stood before the gangsters, looking each one over, as Tioshi and Zeus approached.

"Master, Heram isn't here" Tioshi said.

The alarm was obvious on the Red Master's face, as he turned and looked down at one of the gangsters. "Your boss, where is he?" the Master asked.

"Up yours!" the Grahn spat.

Tioshi quickly grabbed the thug and threw him off to the side.

"We're not playing games, where is he?" Tioshi asked.

"Go fuck yourself" the Grahn replied.

"Fuck me, how about you fuck this?" Tioshi yelled, unsheathing his Power Sword and shoving it into the Grahn's face.

"Tioshi!" the Red Master quickly yelled, growling in a louder tone that normal for Sirians. Tioshi grunted before throwing the Grahn over to the Master and Zeus.

"You wanna go to prison forever?" Zeus asked.

"Okay, okay, I'll talk...just don't let that freak near me!" the Grahn whimpered. "He got teleported away by one of our contractors" the Grahn said, as Zeus and the Red Master exchanged glances.

"Who?" Zeus asked.

"I don't know, okay? I'm just a lower guy in the whole thing. You gotta believe me!" the Grahn yelled.

"Hey guys!" Phoebe's voice rang out from seemingly nowhere. Turning to look, they saw her and a team of Ranger tech specialists in the middle of two Mega Tanks. "Found something you might like" she said.

The Red Master nodded to the Grahn and to Zeus. "Keep him under watch until I get back" the Sirian noted.

Following Phoebe and her team down a small corridor of dimmed lights and pipes, the Red Master kept up in his speed to keep up. Coming upon the end of the corridor, the Sirian was surprised to see the amount of technology in the room. Medical equipment, flasks and tubes, storage cells, cryogenic tubes and other things were among the assortment in the mess.

"What a dump" the Red Master said.

"You're telling me. Whoever's helping these guys has a load of money to put this stuff together" Phoebe noted.

"Unless they stole it" the Red Master whispered.

"Doubtful. Look at all these tubes, the technology. This is top of the line stuff, produced mainly by the Machine Empire. I doubt these idiots stole it, not with their security forces of Cogs and Quadrafighters" Phoebe said.

"Anything in here look like a teleporter?" the Red Master asked.

"No" Phoebe replied. "If Heram teleported out of here, I'll bet a cloaked Gear Ship was because of it. It would also explain the heavy firepower the Heat has"

"Any chance these are the same people spying on the Order?" the Master asked.

"It's probable, but we don't know for sure yet. I'll have to compare this technology with the beacon back at the lab." Phoebe replied.

"Make it quick, then" the Red Master noted. "I don't want the Machine Empire to stay in business for long on Hauptstadt if they're helping criminals. They've done enough damage to others as it is"

[Darky]

So, any opinions yet?

[Drago Ultima Ranger]

Just saw this, will read later and post my review. Looks pretty good!

[Darky]

Knocking on his student's dorm room, Zeus stood quietly, as he heard Tioshi's voice inside;

"Come in".

The metallic door slid open, as Zeus walked inside. Seeing Tioshi at his small desk with a pile of books, Zeus stared at his student quizzingly, Tioshi glancing up from an open book for a moment to give a quick look to his mentor before going back to reading.

"I just thought you'd like to know that the recorder has been deciphered by Phoebe and her team. It is Machine Empire produced. Top of the line it looks like too" Zeus noted.

Tioshi didn't look up as he nodded, "Not surprised. I've been reading about them" he said.

"Yeah, I was wondering what you were reading" Zeus said calmly as he sat down on the edge of Tioshi's bed.

"I can't believe they're a legit business corporation" Tioshi muttered. "From what I've read, the Royal Family was originally constructed by the Baranoians as a source to help them with technology using AI. Apparently, they were made to be independent, but afterwards the Baranoian Planetary Council was all assassinated by some rogue group of pirates suspected of having ties to King Mondo, who took control of Baranoia afterwards. Hey...Auric's a Baranoian, I thought they were plant-like creatures?" Tioshi asked.

"They are. As a warrior, Auric wears armor traditional of his people" Zeus noted.

Tioshi nodded, as he went back to reading. "It looks like afterwards, King Mondo used his corporate control to buy out planets from the Alliance Congress and used his resources to mine Centaur B, Forza, Kirassa, Heaka 3, Zentor and a few others to near death to mass produce products such as ships, speeders, oil and even security forces to help protect their investments."


Rashon
http://www.viewing-globe.com/display...bum=54&pos=726
Centaur B
http://www.viewing-globe.com/display...bum=54&pos=722
Heaka 3

Gwinnet
http://spd.powerrangersgateway.com/l...?image=161.jpg
Zentor
All that remains of the former lively worlds mentioned

"It looks like the people of these planets tried to get some voice and say in how everything was done, since they had 20 hour work days and got pennies for it, dangerous equipment, and a lot of health problems afterwards, especially when their environments were poisoned by the over-mining." Tioshi said.

"Yeah, but they all got shut down. Rumor has it they were bullied into silence. Then the planets became dustbowls" Zeus said.

"How did these guys stay in power?" Tioshi asked in disbelief.

"A lot of corrupt people are in office. Money talks, and King Mondo has a lot of it. Auric knows that, but he doesn't know much about the Machines. Their lawyers, Klank and Orbus, are as good at being slimy and slick as they are at being incognito when it comes to covering things up." Zeus replied.

"Nothing stuck in court?" Tioshi asked.

"Nothing big, at least" Zeus said. "Everything that did, nothing was used to punish the Machines because of their vast wealth and reputation as being rumored for using strong-arm tactics for putting threats out of business...or in a casket." Zeus continued.

"Anyway, what did you want to come here for?" Tioshi asked.

"Well, as I said, the recorder is a Machine Empire product. We have permission now from the President to spy on the Machines. Anything and everything we find will be used to put them out of business and in prison for good. President Tracin doesn't like them that much either" Zeus said.


President Tracin

"Sounds good. When do we start?" Tioshi asked.

"Right now" Zeus replied sternly.

[Darky]

Baranoia, the two Rangers sit inside of a darkened hotel room, with Zeus sitting by the window, staring out at the docks of the capital city, Bara with a pair of binoculars.

The docks were much like the rest of the world now, run-down and filled with homeless Baranoians who lost their jobs due to the Machine Empire's greed. The ocean, once clean and beautiful, was filled with green sludge from Cog oil, the sky filled with smog as it choked the life out of what was left. One who didn't know the Baranoians well would think they had died off, but Zeus knew how vigilant of a people they could be.

Tioshi sat on the bed quietly, reviewing some of the notes they had been given by the High Masters. Looking around the hotel room, his stomach twisted in disgust.

It was a small, damp room with two beds. The floor obviously had holes in it where the carpet sunk in, as mold and mildew grew on the walls and parts of the roof. The bathroom was no fun either, thanks to the pollution, it was too dangerous to take a bath or shower without risking being poisoned. The toilet didn't work either, and numerous bugs had been crawling out of it.

"Well this is a great place for a vacation" Tioshi stated in a tone Zeus knew was sarcasm.

"You're lucky you got to come and help me. The Masters felt you should've stayed behind and worked more on your meditation" Zeus replied.

"Meditation?" Tioshi asked, "I'm doing fine, wouldn't you say?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, you have displayed a good amount of physical prowess, but what we're worried about is your anger. You were too quick to act in your anger a few days ago when confronting that Heat member during the raid. Be careful to not let it consume you my friend, or you could start down a slippery slope to the Dark Side" Zeus warned.

"I'm fine" Tioshi grumbled, getting off the bed and pacing.

"What is it?" Zeus asked, not taking his eyes away from the docks.

"This! I always expected being a Power Ranger would be fun and excitement, but this is boring! And all this talk about controlling my emotions is bull! What about expression?" Tioshi exclaimed.

"Conflicts are not fun, trust me. " Zeus said with a whisper.

"Says the man who took me away to train to be a Ranger and dragged me along on these busts" Tioshi mumbled. Zeus groaned as he turned to look at his student.

"I never said you had to come, you chose to do so! And don't tell me about expressions of your feelings and how I and the other Rangers are trying to censor you! If anything, we're trying to help you find your inner peace and calm so you don't let anger take root in you and cause you to act blindly and get yourself, or someone else for that matter hurt!" Zeus yelled back.

"I know what I'm doing. I've been under your wing for the last six months, don't you think I've learned something?" Tioshi asked, his anger apparent in his rising voice.

"You know the arts of combat, and you know how long it takes to try and fully understand the Morphing Grid, but you won't center yourself on trying to control yourself. You used to be good-natured when you first joined me and you still show it that you have a good heart, but you're becoming arrogant" Zeus said sternly.

"Maybe it's only because I KNOW I have a great destiny before me because of what I have felt in all my years, and the fact you and the High Masters confirmed it that made me who I am. I am not arrogant, but if I am, I have a right to be, I have a big thing before me!" Tioshi said.

"You still have much to learn" Zeus whispered, as Tioshi turned and stormed out of the hotel room.

"Tioshi! Tioshi, damnit, get back here!" Zeus yelled, dropping his binoculars as he jumped from his chair and ran out into the hallway, looking in both directions.

Down the left end of the hallway, the glass door to outside was shutting quickly. Gasping, Zeus ran to the door and pushed it open, going outside as the thick smog took his throat as though he were being choked. Looking around the darkened streets desperately, Zeus sighed and slumped against the door.

Tioshi was gone amongst the few Baranoians walking about, and only a few lights from the neighboring bars and stores remained lit for him to see that.

[Darky]

Tioshi walked down the filthy street, his lungs filled with dirt and smog from the fumes coming from the many Machine owned factories in the area. As he walked down the streets, he saw the passing by Baranoians limping, others huddled on the streets huddled together for warmth while crying. Others went through the trash cans. A part of him felt a ping of sorrow and guilt for them, while another part felt anger. Anger towards the Machine Empire.

Looking ahead, he noticed two vans filled with Cogs on either side of several large vans drive slowly past him going by the intersection. Looking on in awe as they passed, an idea dawned on him.

"If Zeus wants to see calm demeanor and a steadfast student, I can show it to him" Tioshi whispered to himself, as he began to follow the vans.

Ducking down, he creapt behind the van in the far back and quietly jumped onto the back of it, holding on to the grate bars that hung from the sides.

Minutes seemed like hours, and hours like days before Tioshi saw ahead. The vans were pulling up into a large storage facility, where an unusual set of silver robotic-looking guards sat the entrance gate



"What the hell?" Tioshi muttered to himself, as the guards waved the vans inside.

[Darky]

As the vans went through the fences and up to the medium-sized looking warehouse, Tioshi jumped off the back of the last van as it followed the rest of the group around the side of the building to the back door.

As he landed and rolled behind a tall stack of crates, he noticed more of the unusual looking guards. Something didn't feel right about them, he could sense it. They looked like robots, but they had a presence of...life...somehow.

Looking around for a safe way to get inside without noticing, he saw a overhanging pipe on the rooftop. Unclipping his grappling hook from his belt, Tioshi quickly aimed and fired, bringing himself up to the roof just before another one of the guards turned the corner where he once sat.

Once on the rooftop, Tioshi quickly straightened himself up and looked around. Seeing a small glass window in the center of the roof, he silently tipped over to it and opened it a few inches.

Able now to look inside, he saw down inside where a large table was set. Various aliens and a very hideous looking monster of an unknown species seated in the center of the room.



"Welcome, friends!" the hideous beast said in a deep, sickening voice as he rose to his feet. King Mondo and Queen Machina stepped in from the shadows where the entry gates lay, escorted by a dozen Cogs armed with batons.

"Darkonda, would you mind informing us of your friends?" Machina asked.

"Why yes, my dear. Over here, we have the top general of the Titanian armed forces, Goldar", Darkonda said as he motioned to the growling Titanian.

"Leading professor of the Science Bureau on Claydoious, Finster. Over here is Scorpius, the CEO of Scorpi Industries, a leading provider of medical equipment and stock firms. Beside him is his ally, Captain Mutiny; pirate and Scorpius' enforcer. My chief lieutenant and your friend, of course, Heram of the Heat gang. And, I'm sure you know Momma D and her husband, Kronos, the owners of several of the largest retail industries and sweatshops in the universe, and great friends to Mutiny. King Aradon, of course you know as the owner of Aradon Inc., and provider of a large array of weapons, vessels and the sort.


King Aradon

"I'm sorry to say, however, not all of our new friends could join us here tonight from the Congress" Darkonda said, motioning for them to sit down.

Tioshi looked on in wonder as the assorted group of corrupt individuals sat down at the table.

"Why would they all be together in one room without shooting, those guys hate each other" Tioshi thought to himself.

"Why have you called us here?" Goldar asked.

"We're in trouble of being found out, that's why" Darkonda replied in a frustrated groan. "As you know, the Machine Empire has been generous to my Heat members by providing us with weapons and hiding grounds, but it is not enough for us now" Darkonda started.

"Then you need to better be prepared, because I can't run the risk of the Congress and the Power Rangers finding out and shutting us down!" King Mondo exclaimed.

"Yes, maybe I should have...or maybe I should have relied more on Aradon to help me" Darkonda replied casually.

"You slimy little mutant, I should ram my staff through you right now!" Mondo yelled in fury, standing to his full height, as Heram stood to protect Darkonda, Cogs aiming their batons in defense as they stood before their king and queen.

"See? This is what the Rangers would want" Darkonda said, remaining seated the whole time, as the groups of enemies backed down and retook their seats.

"We're all in danger here. Goldar has been plotting a coup against the Titanian government for months now, and my Heat would have helped if it hadn't been crushed" Darkonda said, Heram nodding.

"What's your point?" Scorpius asked.

"I'm saying that our insiders have failed. Our Congress people on our payroll are losing ground. But, many of you hold much political sway since you have your own planets" Darkonda replied.

"A war?" Momma D asked.

Darkonda nodded, as the group looked to each other. "The Machines have a large amount of Cogs and Sickles available as it is to fight the Rangers and take whole worlds. We must protect our investments and be prepared to destroy all enemies. The gangsters under my command are more than willing, and with Momma D and Mutiny's forces, our armies will increase ten-fold!" Darkonda yelled as he slammed his fist on the table.

"But-" Finster began.

"We have politicians on the inside that can give us information, remember. And I am more than willing to use the very information that Demonicus used a hundred years ago to create me to make mutants and clones" Darkonda said.

"Demonicus was destroyed, remember?" Aradon replied.

"Yes...but true evil never dies" Darkonda said with a chuckle, as he vanished and reappeared in a heartbeat.

"What the-" Mutiny exclaimed.

"The power of the Dark Side, my friend" Darkonda said with another chuckle. "Demonicus wasn't destroyed, just put into a state of limbo. We can conjur demons from the depths of the Shadow World and conquer the whole universe, and our profits will be infinite as everyone bows to our greatness!" Darkonda screamed.

The agents of evil looked to each other, as they stood and reached their hands/tentacles out to Darkonda. "I knew we would reach a deal!" Darkonda said with a dirty giggle.

On top of the roof, Tioshi looked on in horror, as he turned away and reached for his communicator.

"Zeus, Zeus come in, it's Tioshi!" he quietly yelled.

"Tioshi, where the hell are you? Are you okay? What happened?" Zeus yelled back over the communicator.

"I don't know, it looks like the warehouse district. I found some Cogs and followed them here, and it looks like Phoebe was right. They and a bunch of other people are plotting to overthrow the government!" Tioshi exclaimed.

"Okay, I'll-" was the last thing Tioshi heard, before he screamed out in pain, as two large feathered arms came slamming down on the top of his head, knocking him unconscious.

"Tioshi. Tioshi can you hear me? Tioshi! Tioshi come in, please!" Zeus' voice could still be heard over the communicator, as the Tenga Warrior grabbed Tioshi and took him down.