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Fandom Power Rangers: Bio Strike

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Actera wasn't too happy with Splica's arrival. Yes, she was Urthemial's wife and she'd obey them both regardless as any noble and honest servant would. But... something about her made Actera feel... insignificant, unworthy. Something she couldn't quite put her finger on, but she knew she definitely did not like it. In the past couple of days, she had relentlessly been working on software and programming for a new project. One she'd create together with Volmour. Together they would show Urthemial their worth, prove that they weren't useless and still very much needed on the ship, needed at his side even though he had his wife back. The name of this being: something utterly brilliant. To showcase both of their work, their union and alliance... this being would be named a combination of both theirs. And it was to be the ultimate soldier. The best thing Armada had ever seen since Shadow rebelled against them. "Are these all the parts you needed?" she asked Volmour as another Dytron belivered more parts to them. Really, the building was his work here.


---


Being back home was good, really. And watching movies the day they returned... well, that was fun. Random movie marathon was random indeed, especially since the twins had a rather unique style of doing a random movie marathon. Having two more people on board meant new and unexpected movies, and of course more joking and fun. Lucas and Eveline both definitely thought it was worth repeating. Perhaps someday even with the whole team. Huh... what kind of movies would Tidal pick? He is a broody bad boy, but who knows what secrets he might be hiding underneath his shell? They all knew his love for fluffy cats, after all. He might as well surprise them and pick a romantic comedy... No wait... skip that. Does not compute.


The days that passed after their return to Inezia had been relatively quiet. Just some grunts attacking, no big deals that required Squadron Mode or big robots stomping the city. Besides the occasioal taking out the trash and sending pieces of scrap metal to the dumpster, Lucas had really just lived his normal, pre-ranger life. Working at the Emporium, taking Sean to the park to feed the duckies, walked some dogs, attended class... Oh, and not unimportant: managing to reach the deadline in sending the manuscript he'd been working on to the publisher. Now, if it wouldn't be send back all covered in red ink and remarks everywhere, all it would require was basic editing an then it shouldn't be all that long before the next installment in the series he wrote would be available in store. Kind of a weird thing to realize there was only one more book left in the series before it would actually all be over. For that one adventure, that was.


Anyway: fast forward to the present. Training. It was weird to see Drew wasn't there at all. Usually he was one of the first to show up, eager to train more, get stronger, fitter, kick butts. It wasn't like him to just not show up. But he had to admit Drew had been acting a bit weird ever since they returned. Sure, nobody had spoken to him about it, but Lucas was pretty damn sure they had all noticed. He briefly shook his head. Maybe he just overslept? Wasn't like him at all, but it happened to the best. Perhaps he'd just show up later. Though he still couldn't help but feel a little concerned. Something was wrong, and he knew better than anyone it was a bad idea to close yourself off and not speak of the things that bothered you. If only he'd learn an actual lesson from it and speak up... Ah well. Lucas sighed and stretched as a warming up. Mindlessly running around for a bit would clear his mind. Plus, he wanted to amp up his speed a bit more. Having a car was making him a little bit slower.


Sally had been a good kitty and didn't get herself into any serious mischief while he had been away. Granted, it had only been for one day and things certainly would have been different if Tidal had been gone for longer. Now, all he came home to was a knocked over lamp and signs indicating the cat attempted and failed to climb the cupboard. Well... that meant even placing things on high shelves didn't keep things save from little curious cats any longer. One of the first things he had done upon coming back was the dishes he hadn't bothered to do when they left in the morning. Thankfully, nothing got seriously smelly. And afterwards... well, he hadn't been doing all too much. Just relaxing, really. Reading a book he had bought in a bookstore a little while before. It seemed interesting enough. Starts as an epic tale, gets pretty damn dark. Kuddos to the mind that made it all up. The other couple of days were spend... mostly reading, surprisingly. And once again trying to sort out his memories. Tidal had taken to keeping a journal where he wrote down everything he remembered or thought to remember. It was a bit messy and things contradicted each other at times. He still wasn't quite sure which memories were truly his and which ones were the false ones, but he thought he was actually starting to sort it out properly. He knew his name, and the name of his brotehr had been on his mind too several times. Unfortunately that one kept slipping away right before he could grasp it. Then there were the memories of his crimes in the Wastelands... and some occasional resurfacing memories of his time as Evil Shadow. Thankfully today called for training. And nothing helped him more to blow off steam than to kick something, be it a dummy or a sparring partner.


Seeing as Drew, oddly, was absent, Lucas had decided on going for a run, and Olivia had asked Jane to spar with her, there weren't really any options left. A dummy, or Calvin. And a target that kicked back was actually a much better practice. So he turned to his friend. "Want to spar?" he asked, cracking his knuckles.
 
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Volmour was pleasantly surprised with the arrival of the Empress.  It is truly amazing that he nor Actera knew of her.  She was an equal to the Emperor, and was worthy of great respect and admiration.  Though it was odd Urthemial never told them about her or their history.  But his master must have his reasons, truly.  Though with Splica being here, it did pose for a problem.  Both Volmour and Actera were being put aside, feeling less than adequate to serve.  The Empress is so strong and powerful...they must show their resolve and loyalty to the Emperor!


Splica may be here to stay, but the generals are still needed!  Volmour had began work on a new project with her, combining their strengths in one new creation.  An ultimate soldier.  With Actera's software and Volmour's hardware, this new creation would be outstanding!  And it's name...sheer glory!  Volmour turned his head as he stood at the operations table, constructing this soldier with the aid of a Deathtron programmed to be of lab assistance.  Actera and a Dytron had delivered the final bits of the parts.  "Ah yes, thank you," he said to them both.  He gestured for the Dytron to set them down and glanced at Actera.  "It is nearly complete.  The ultimate soldier.  The Emperor will praise us for this, truly!"  he said enthusiastically.


---


Being home.  Was.  Grand.  Sure the Capital is a beautiful city with a lot to do, people to meet, and Armada butts to kick, but nothing beat the cozy warzone they called Inezia.  Calvin had a great time watching movies with Lucas and the others.  It was fun letting loose for a change.  Max's lesson had rubbed off on him, so Calvin didn't mind letting loose and just having fun when he could.  Movies, friends, and endless snacks were the way to go.  Thought after that, he just went back to his usual routine after that night.  Working out, training, grabbing a drink with Max, and answering more questions his family had regarding his Ranger work.  As a military operation, it felt normal to talk about.  As for Jane?  She'd spent the past few days in a friends house having to convince her family she had actually gone to see someone named Ashley about her break up.  Jane was the only one to not openly tell anyone about her power.  Sure people had seen her morpher before, but nobody recognized her...ever.  She had nobody to talk to about being a Ranger, it was lonely.  But anyway, aside from that she soon returned home and carried on as normal.  Video games, junk food, and studying.  Things weren't looking good for her part-time radio job, however.  Missing so much work because of certain activity was wearing thin.  And school?  Well, she could be doing better.  She was trying her best, but fighting the Armada and the grunts they'd sent over the past few days made studying hard for her.  Imagine if she just took an entire day, regardless of attacks, studying.  May not end well for the others.  Not saying she's a vital member, but still.  Anything could happen!


For now, they're both back on track.  Dressed up in training attire, they'd met everyone at HQ for a simple training session set up by the Captain.  Just to keep in shape, it seemed.  Nothing wrong with that!  Something was off, however.  Ever since he'd gotten back from the Capital, Drew seemed...different.  Like something was really wrong.  Neither Jane nor Calvin could put their finger on it, really, but it didn't take a genius to figure it out.  They hadn't really talked about it with anyone, but still.  Drew wasn't himself, in their eyes.  And he wasn't here for training!  He was always here for training.  Upbeat, positive, and ready.  Something had to be wrong...maybe he's just late today?  Sick?  Something had to explain it.  Everyone has their off days, though.  Hell, Calvin died once.  Remember that?


Best not to think about it and just continue on with who is here.  Calvin had started the session by curling some weights.  Nothing major, just 15 pound dumbbells (I don't know if that's even right tbh).  Curling them up and down to work his biceps out, as well as curling them in and out to help his pectoral muscles.  Lucas may have had the super strength in Squadron Mode, but when it came to natural shit?  Calvin was the guy.  Well, one of them anyway.  He had just set the weights down after about 50 reps and grabbed a sip of a sports drink when Tidal offered to spar.  He nodded and sat it down.  "Yeah sure.  Full contact, and don't you dare hold back on me."  He said and smirked at his friend.  He put his arms up, breathing for a second and moving to a more open space.  Thus began the sparring when Calvin swung his arm at Tidal.


Jane, however, kicked things off but doing some stretching and 'yoga'.  By yoga, she meant extreme stretching of muscles she didn't even know she had.  She started with actual stretches, followed up by the splits.  When they ask how low can ya go, Jane usually doesn't show how low SHE can go.  Splits hurt...it's a wonder she didn't rip the workout pants she was wearing.  But she pulled through and flipped forward while down, pulling up to a handstand after splits in order to give her legs a break and work the arms.  She let herself down and saw Lucas starting a run around the training area.  She was about to join him, but Olivia offered to spar.  She smiled and nodded.  "Sure.  Girl on girl action it is!"  She joked.  Time to show the official how a tomboy does it.  She let Olivia make the first move and start sparring. 


Apparently, Calvin over heard her and choked slightly, not paying attention for a split second while sparing with Tidal.  
 
Both the Emperor and Empress sat in the throne room, going on with one another, Splica being informed of the situation on Earth and what had happened so far.  "Sounds like you've had many failures, husband.  A shame you can conquer so many planets, and one such as Earth is giving you trouble."  She said to him, leaning on his throne as he sat down.  She'd placed an order for a throne of her own to be built, though it wasn't finished yet.  She would stand.  For now.


He swatted his hand up.  "These Earthlings are more trouble than they're worth.  We have sent a full scaled invasion in order to get the planet to the current state.  And then they bring up these domed cities, next thing I know, we've been trying to destroy Earth for at least twenty years.  We have been able to take more worlds in the meantime.  Earth is all that stands left.  Soon we will rule it."  Urthemial said, hands together.  Splica laughed as if she'd heard a joke funnier than anything else.  "Of course.  You idiot.  The Power Rangers keep getting in the way of that.  A shame you can even call yourself ruler of the Armada when you've allowed the Earthlings time to develop that technology.  Why bother ruling this world when you can simply destroy it?"  She asked.  After all.  Splica didn't want to rule this world.  Or any world, really.  She just wanted to destroy everything.  Urthemial scoffed.  "I will not let them beat me so easily.  I am the Emperor.  And I always win in the end."


--


Olivia laughed slightly as Jane made her comment about girl on girl.  Funny, she'd had that very thought, but didn't say it out loud.  Calvin dropped his guard with Tidal.  That may not end well.  Lucas was running, too.  Good, some cardio can't hurt him, can it?  Olivia refocused on Jane and nodded at her.  Olivia readied herself and calmly began sparring with Jane, beginning by sending a light kick her way to help improve Jane's blocking while working her own legs.  Best to find a way to benefit your sparring partner as well.


In the lab, Wilson continued his work on the new weapons while watching the footage from the Capital in the debut Squadron Mode fight, giddy like a school boy.  


Meanwhile, Drew was at work.  Hovering over the hood of a customers car, checking the engine and replacing a distributor cap.  School had just let out and Isaac was on his way to the auto shop.  After this car was done, Drew would be able to close up shop and go home. The customer will come for the car tomorrow, as they said.  Weird how some people can leave their car overnight to be fixed.  Especially when it just needed a new distributor cap and an oil change.  And some air in the tires.  All in one days work for Drew.  He struggled with the new cap as he placed in the engine.  "C'mon, get in there.  I haven't spent 45 minutes for nothing you little shit."  He said to it, finishing up.  He let out a breath.


He knew about the training session.  Drew deliberately wasn't going.  Ever since they'd arrived him form the Capital...he didn't feel right.  He has been in this fight for a few months now, and he's gotten used to it.  Being the Red Ranger, part of a team.  Chosen for their spirits, protectors of the world and saviors of the galaxy, hopefully.  Really...a savior of the galaxy, covered in grease and sweating like a dog over a car.  So heroic.  Drew, in the ten days being home, just something bad.  Now he knew why he was chosen.  Why he of all people is a Ranger, and not some soldier instead.  And he met the newest threat to Earth, who had now surely joined forces with her husband once more.  Drew was...overwhelmed.  So overwhelmed, in fact, that he simply just felt scared.  It had dawned on him that the fate of more than just Earth and Inezia was at stake here.  And he was chosen to keep the stakes.  He'd grown distant, quiet, and stressed out.  He was no soldier, just a mechanic, slaving away at cars even thought he hated it.  A car crash killed his mom and dad, yet he worked on the damn things for a living.  And he was being a father figure to his younger brother who has a severe heart condition.  All of that plus the fate of the world.  No wonder he's cracking.


In the thought process of this all, Drew began to shake slightly.  Stress, fear, anxiety, all getting to him as it dawned on him.  Common sense would tell him that he's being a bit dramatic, but he can't help it.  He's just...fucking stressed out now.  For some reason, knowing why HIM of all people made it worse.  He picked up a wrench and angrily tossed it, letting out a stressed grunt as he did.  It just so happened that Isaac walked into the shop when he threw it.  The clanging of the metal wrench made Isaac's head ache.  His heart skipped a beat.  And for him, that's dangerous, as it barely beats as it is.  


Drew noticed him.  "Isaac!"  He let out.  His brother sighed.  "What did that wrench ever do to you?"  He asked softly and he picked it up, carrying it back over to Drew.


Drew sighed in return.  "Sorry.  I'm just...really stressed out."  He told him.  Isaac nodded.  "That car a lot of work?"


"No.  It's not the car.  Just...code red stuff."  He answered, Isaac nodded again.  "What happened?  Was there an attack?  Is everyone okay?"  He asked.


Drew shook his head and put a hand up.  "No attack, everyone's okay.  Just now I know why I got picked of all people.  And I'm kinda freaking out because now I know why I'm picked to save the world or die trying.  I didn't get a say in being a Ranger, did I?  Just chosen because I can do it...just something else to worry about when I work at a job I hate doing AND take care of you."  Drew said, all on one breath.  He sounded just awful. Tired, scared, and stressed above all else.


Isaac sat his backpack down and out his hands on Drew's arms.  "Hey.  Take a breath.  You're getting as stressed as when mom and dad died."  He said calmly.  Drew and Isaac both knew how bad Drew could get when he stressed out...he had to relax.  He did as Isaac said and just breathed.  Where would he be without his little bro?


"Let's go home."  Both brothers said at the same time.  They grinned slightly, Drew forcing it more than Isaac.  They two packed up their stuff and Drew started to lock up shop.


(feel free, one of you, to complete the new field commander's creation in the new posts ;)   also again, don't follow this length xDDD not when it's mostly a post with Drew not engaging anyone else in the group xD)
 
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Actera smiled. Nearly complete. Their pride and joy, the ultimate soldier that would prove their worth to the Emperor and Empress. With the inevitable success of their creation, surely nobody could deny their need. The Empress would see what they were capable of. And at least the two were still alive, unlike her own General. Surely that had to mean something, right? While Volmour and the Dytrons worked on assembling the soldier, Actera did the last work on the software, finetuning it, perfecting it. This project couldn't fail, no matter what. They'd make themselves look like fools, make their Emperor look like a fool., and that just couldn't happen. Once she was done, she uploaded the software into their robotic creation.


"It is done," she said, smiling again.


---


Full contact and no holding back... yeah, Tidal could do that, definitely. He grinned. "Got it," he said, moving to the open space as well, dodging the arm swung at him. After training, he'd had to thank Jane for causing that minor distracting, because the moment Calvin dropped his guard due to Jane's... typical comment, he went in for a kick to the chest.  "Don't drop your guard, soldier," Tidal joked, knowing Calvin was a Commander, thus higher in rang than merely a soldier. Still... Teasing was fun, and this seemed very well at place here. A Dytron of Field Commander wouldn't hold back either when they'd drop their guards. And those guys usually didn't just kick. They'd use weapons, or blasts. Nasty, painful things.


Lucas didn't catch much of what was going on with the others. He was still running around, trying to clear his mind. Though he managed to temporarily shake off his worries regarding Drew, something new had taken its place. A concern that had been nagging at him for quite a while now, and resurfaced occasionally. It regarded another certain redhead and a threat made some weeks back. She didn't know of the threat, as far as he knew, and maybe that was for the better. Hey, what could he say? Lucas was just a worrywart when it concerned people he cared about. Hurt his friends, or his sister... and you're gonna have a serious problem. He shook his head. He needed more to distract himself from worrying. A punching back or something. Man, if only Drew were here... They could spar... Aaaand... his mind was back at that thought. Just where the heck was he? It wasn't like Drew to be late, especially not without notifying him.
 
This new soldier would be top of the line.  Something to put the generals on the pedestal they belonged on.  Splica overshadowed them, plus her own general had fallen, so she was probably bitter about that.  Maybe that's one reason she wasn't fond of the generals.  No matter.  This new creation was sure to win over the Emperor as well as make a good impression on the Empress.  A true display of Actera's intellectual skill behind software and Volmour's mechanical skill with the hardware system.  Just a few more tweaks, and...done.  Just as Actera completed her part of the work.


"Finished.  The hardware is complete."  he said, watching Actera upload the software into it.  "This soldier will not only impress the Emperor, but it should also destroy those Rangers in the process.  We should show this to Urthemial as soon as possible."  Volmour said, looking at Actera.


---


Calvin grunted on impact with Tidal's foot.  He staggered back a bit and chuckled at his comment.  "Since when does the ex-wandering thug tell a military Commander not to drop his guard?"  Calvin egged back at Tidal, grinning and regaining his focus.  At least Tidal has a sharp sense of striking.  He knows when to go in for the attack.  Useful when an enemy lowers their guard, no?  But not fun in no-holding back training...his chest began to ache.  Might as well test Tidal's reflexes, shall he?  Calvin pounced around, arms up and resuming the sparring.  He lunged his arms at him, forearms being used to bash at Tidal's torso and face.  "Block, block!"  Calvin chanted to him as he lunged, remembering that this was still a friendly session.  Sure he wouldn't hold back, but he also wouldn't intentionally hurt him.  No need to get that serious.  Hopefully Tidal is as quick as Calvin hopes.


Jane took up on Olivia's kick and deflected it with her arm, pushing her leg back down.  Good block on her end.  And nice kick from Olivia, too.  Jane might have a bruise now!  Hooray!  Huh.  Since when do people praise getting hurt in any way, shape or form?  Maybe in a video game when your characters power grows stronger as their HP falls weaker.  But this isn't a game.  Nobody controlling anyone to do anything.  (4th wall approaching)


"Nice one," she said to Olivia.  Jane kept it up, quickly ducking down and kicking out at Olivia's ankles in order to try and trip her, helping Jane's natural agility while also testing Olivia's reflexes.  Like Calvin in regards to Tidal, she hoped her reflexes were this good.


And one thing was on her mind, not distracting her, though.  Where.  Is.  Drew?
 
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Just as the generals finished their work, Urthemial had patched through to them.  "Generals.  If your new creation is complete, bring it here.  I grow tired of waiting.  And my dear wife is giving me a headache."  He commanded.  Splica let out a 'tch.'


On the table once it was complete, the new soldier sprung up, sitting and sliding off the table, standing in front of its creators in all it glory.  It bowed before them, knowing what it must do.  The robot then escorted the generals, already highly aware, out of the lab and into the throne room.


Urthemial and Splica looked upon this robot as it entered with the generals.  "Emperor.  Empress.  I am Volemera, supreme soldier, built to kill the Rangers."  The robot introduced himself as.  He was humanoid in build, mostly done in silver and black.  He had a face close to that of a Dytron, but more aggressive looking, as well as pointy bits all on this body, armor.  He carried a blade, as well as a pistol.  (throwback to Cap Marvelous)  He was built for speed, precision, and Ranger killing.  "I am at your service, my lord."  He said, kneeling on one knee.


Urthemial looked Volemera up and down.  The first thing he could muster to say was:  "Which one of you idiots named this soldier?"  He asked his generals.


Splica looked him up and down.  "Volemera, is it?  A fine tool, I'm sure.  Tell me, generals, just how powerful is this...thing?"  She asked.


---


Olivia grinned at Jane.  She was fun to spar with.  So full of energy and always on her game.  Jane, at first when meeting Olivia, seemed pretty hotheaded and overly ambitious.  At least now Olivia's gotten to know her as more of a person.  Still a bit fiery, but in the best way possible.  And in some ways, even if they weren't always hanging out, Olivia did see Jane like a little sister in a couple of ways.  Female Ranger bond, maybe?


Speaking of Ranger, sparring.  Olivia noticed Jane's kick, making her hop up and avoid being tripped.  Instead, she leaped over Jane as best she could and shoved her forward.  "Nice try." She teased kindly and smiled.  Funny how the girls were so..in sync, and the thug and soldier looked a little...well, awkward.  Being a girl rules, sometimes.  Que smile!


Drew had taken the time to lock up and leave the shop with Isaac.  He was still stressed out, feeling like he just needed to lay down and clear his mind.  He knew that him being stressed and aggravated wasn't good...especially not when with the others.  In the past few days when grunts attacked, he was off his game a bit.  And when he was off his game, it almost felt like the team was.  They got the job done, but something was still off.  Like they...looked to him for guidance?  But why?  he's not a leader or anything, is he?  


He walked down the sidewalk with Isaac.  He didn't drive today, he thought walking would better clear his head.  Changing the subject off of stressful matters, now.  "So Isaac.  You're graduating Inezia High pretty soon.  Any ideas on what you might want as a present?"  He asked.  Isaac shrugged.


"I dunno.  Is graduation really call for a big present?  Hooray, I'm doing what literally thousands of people do every year.  Granted there may only be a few thousand people on Earth now."  He replied.  Drew rolled his eyes.  "C'mon.  As grim as that is, graduating is a special thing.  Everyone deserves something."


Isaac pondered the thought for a moment.  He snapped his fingers.  "Got it.  How about a bookshelf for my room?  There's room for one, and I've been wanting something to organize my stuff on for a long time.  They aren't too pricey, either."  he said, eager about getting one.  Drew nodded.  "I think a bookshelf is suitable.  Hell, your birthday is just a couple weeks before you graduate.  You might get it early, along with your birthday present."  he said.  Isaac smiled softly.


The two brothers continued their walk, talking more about possible gift ideas for Isaac's two upcoming special days.  Also making note they'd have to go to an appointment tomorrow at the hospital.  Routine check up.  Thankfully Isaac's heart is stable.  But he isn't getting any better.  He's getting sicklier looking by the day...Something else Drew hates to think about.  Another stress factor.


He then thought again about everything going on at once.  The Rangers, Splica, the world, the fate of everyone, taking care of Isaac, work...oh boy.  Here comes another wrench-throwing feeling.  If only he still had a wrench!


---


Right after the generals said what they needed to about Volemera, Urthemial noticed something on the monitor.  "Silence.  Well well well.  Look what we have here."  He said, bringing it up on the big screen where everybody could see it.  "The Red Ranger, unmorphed and alone.  Walking with the bratty brother of his."  He muttered.  Splica let out a 'hmm.'  "I see.  The same bratty brother who's blood was perfect for the bloodstone?  The same one your failure Shadow let go?"  She asked, prissy.  He snarled.  "Yes.  That's the one.  And before you say it, yes, it figures that the brat is related to the one who did this to me."  He said and pointed at his blacked out eye.  He looked at his generals.


"Volmour.  Actera.  Take Volemera to Inezia with you.  The three of you will take Dytrons down to ambush the Red Ranger, catch him while he's vulnerable.  Do this, and maybe I won't feel obligated to throw you out the airlock."  He said.  Volemera bowed.  "We will go, Emperor!  At once!"  He said, blade and gun at the ready.  When the generals were ready, he left with them to Earth.  Time to meet the Red Ranger!
 
Their robot was amazing, already so aware and that within only the first minutes. This couldn't be anything other than a success. Actera followed Volemera out of the lab and towards the throne room, where she too knelt down before the Emperor and Empress. Upon being asked who had named the robot, she pointed towards Volmour, though knowing she was equally guilty in naming their creation a combination of both of their names. It was a combined idea of them both. She had to hold back in guaranteeing the Empress their creation was certainly more powerful than her general had been. Just a brief thought crossing her mind, very unbefitting of a loyal general. Just... it being so obvious the Empress had a dislike towards them didn't make it easy to like her. She was loyal to Emperor Urthemial. Splica might be the Empress, but she was new and nobody had heard of her until the moment she showed up. This made it hard to be as loyal to her as to Urthemial.


"Volemera is programmed with the finest of software, my lady," Actera said. "Programmed to kill the Rangers specifically. This is our best creation so far, better than the failed Shadow Project. Far better."


---


Now it was Tidal's turn to chuckle. "Since even the lowest thug in the Wastelands would be able to tell you dropping your guard could end you up getting hit. At best." At the worst.... a knife between the ribs. Or in the throat. NEVER drop your guard in the Wastelands. There was no such thing as honor among thugs when it came to certain things. In other things.. well, there was some code of honor, still. As he had told Jane when Tempest attacked. Plus, this really was what you got when you told Tidal to not hold back during sparring. He wouldn't go easy on anyone. No intentional hurting, of course, but... well... sparring wasn't sparring without ending up with a bruise or two, right? Now it was his turn to not let his guard down, though. Calvin bashed at him with rapid succession. Tidal blocked the hit to his face, but was a split second too late to block the hit to the torso. Now he staggered back. "I had that one coming," Tidal said, grinning.


Lucas was done running. It hadn't helped clearing his mind as much as he'd hoped. So on to the punching bags it was. It didn't take him long to visualize the bag as Gemini, back when he had made his threats and hurt Eveline. Sure, Gemini was dead now, but still... There was a bit of an unsettled grudge there. Built-up anger and concerns. What better way to blow off steam than putting ones full strength into hitting a defenseless punching bag? No worries he'd have to hold bag or injure someone. Just full on punching something. That helped clearing his mind a lot more than running had, or just about anything lately... Well... not that he had time to worry about things in college or at his job. And when babysitting Sean all he'd have to worry about was that the kid didn't get hurt. Which wasn't too hard of a job, honestly. Nothing he couldn't handle. Unlike some other concerns.


---


Actera looked at the screen. Indeed, the Red Ranger, alone, with his little brother. They had more than one score to settle with the both of them. And this opportunity... this was just perfect! She bowed as Urthemial commanded them to go down and face them. "Yes, my Lord. At once!" Hey, no surprise that last part was the same in both her and Volemera. She had basically created his brain, after all! She readied herself, getting her guns, before leaving to Earth with Volmour and Volemera.
 
So Urthemial had called them to his throne room.  And just in time!  Volemera had arisen from the table.  Oh he was perfect!  Volmour followed him and Actera to the throne room, kneeling down with the two of them before the Emperor and Empress.  As soon as they were asked who named him, he also pointed at Actera.  Oops...both of them pointed at one another like children.  He cursed to himself.  They were both guilty of such a silly name for this creation.  Curses!  Splica really didn't seem to like either of them, really.  Maybe because they weren't as powerful as she.  But Kentanon was dead and they weren't  In fact, they'd both fought the Rangers a few times and lived to tell the tale.  Her general didn't last a day.


"Indeed.  Shadow was powerful, but he was weak-minded and easy to turn.  Actera's best software is at work here, as is m best hardware.  Made with the finest machinery and given a fine set of weaponry, Volemera is the perfect Ranger-killer.  All it needs is a target."


---


Calvin smirked at Tidal.  "You sure did."  He said to him after getting a hit in on his torso.  He wasn't too bad at this, but the thug still had a thing or two to learn.  He had a code of honor all his own as well as a strong will to live after fighting in the wastelands.  However Calvin had been trained for years.  He's still the master here.  Okay, he would never say that aloud because it sounds a lot more conceded than he'd like it to, but he digresses.  He continued to spar with Tidal, throwing more punches and kicks as time went on, keeping it agile, but also friendly at the same time.


She laughed softly at Olivia as she had been sent forward.  She rolled on the ground and stood up.  "At least you aren't as weak as you look."  Jane teased her playfully.  "Nice reflexes.  But remember, I have the super agility...at least when wearing the shiny blue bits on my suit."  She said and smirked.  She glanced over at the guys as they sparred and Lucas switched to a bag instead of a jog.  She got an idea and lowered her stance to show she was done sparring for the moment.  She whispered in Olivia's ear "let's show off for the guys.  Emasculate them!"  She whispered and snickered in Olivia's ear.  Why not have a little fun?


As she whispered this, Jane ran up to a pull-up bar and leaped up, grabbing onto it and swinging herself up, holding herself up in the air like a gymnast, spreading her legs in a V shape, soon using only one hand to hold on.  This made her everything hurt, but why not?


---


Ahh.  So the Red Ranger and his brat sibling are alone?  Perfect.  The Red Ranger blinded the Emperor in one eye and has ruined their plans so many times.  And that kid has had the gall to stand up to Razaro and Evil Shadow in the past.  Both of those bastards deserved to die.  And just lucky enough, Urhtmeial ordered him, Actera and thier new creation to Earth to eliminate them!  Excellent!  His sword had been craving combat for a while, anyway.  "We shall go right away!  What a marvelous chance to test our soldier, as well as kill a Ranger."  He said, happily gripping the hilt of his sword, sheathed on his waist like always.  He readied himself and a squad of Dytrons before beaming down to Inezia with his comrades.  
 
Olivia rolled her eyes playfully at Jane and grinned.  "Sure, sure, okay."  She said in regards to being the one without super agility.  She shook her head slightly and listened her Jane as she whispered in her ear.  Ohh that sounded just lovely.  Showing off a bit for the guys in order to emasculate them?  Harmless fun!  She nodded and followed Jane she did a soon one-handed stand on top of the pull up bar.  Olivia flipped forward, latching onto the same bar with her knees in the spots Jane hadn't gripped.  She hung upside down and let her back stretch out, not in Jane's way, just displaying her own skill.


---


"Dear husband, how is it you deal with their madness?"  Splica asked Urthemial.  He sighed.  "Simple.  Volmour is an AI in a robotic body that became too aware so I infected him with a virus, and Actera discovered her planet was destroyed soon after her joining me, so I placed the headset on her to control her mind.  Now they're overly obedient."  He replied.


Splica laughed merrily.  "Oh that's evil."  She said.  He nodded.  "Yes.  Be as you'll recall, my generals aren't dead like yours."  He told her.  Splica snarled and slapped the back of the Emperor's head with enough force to break a freight train.  He snarled back at her.


---


As Drew and Isaac continued their walk, they rounded the corner along the way home.  The streets were clear for the moment, nothing out of the ordinary.  And then, it became less ordinary.


Beaming down from the Armada, was a full squad of Dytrons led by a new field commander, as well as the Emperor's generals.  Volemera cackled at the sight of Drew and his brother, the siblings immediately jumping back in surprise, Drew snapping into a fighting stance.  "Isaac, get back."  He told him.  Isaac took a few steps backward, but didn't run away.  Drew eyed the field commander and the generals, fist curled and legs widened.  "Generals.  Always a pleasure."  He said sarcastically to them both.  "And who are you?"  Drew asked the commander.


"I am Volemera.  The last thing you'll ever see."  He introduced himself.  Drew let out a 'tch.'  "Volemera?  Which one of you losers came up with that name?"  he asked the generals.  He then remembered what Wilson told them about Actera.  She had no loyalty to Urthemial...but now is under mind control.  And Volmour?  Well...he wasn't at fault either, really.  But they're still the enemies here.  


Volemera snapped his fingers.  "Dytrons.  Tire this fool out."  He commanded, staying back with the generals for the moment.  The Dytrons rushed Drew, running at him with weapons in hand.  He didn't even think to call the others for help.  He'd been so stressed and jumbled up, he didn't think twice about it.  Drew ran back at the Dytrons without morphing, greeting the very first one with his fist in the face.  He ducked and swept his foot around, tripping three of them in the process, getting back up and kicking one aside, continuing the fight.


A couple of Dytrons noticed Isaac standing back out of the way and decided to attack him.  Two Dytrons ignored Drew and went straight for Isaac, ready to bash his skull in merely because he existed.  But instead of running like he was supposed to...Isaac stood his ground.  He huffed.  He might be 17 with a bad heart, but he wasn't a coward.  He proved that when he was kidnapped.  Isaac dropped his backpack, a Dytron grabbing onto him.  Isaac forced it off of him, learning a thing or two watching his brother, and shoved the robot onto the ground away from him.  He then ducked as the other swung its weapon at him, grabbing it by the arm and struggling to get the weapon away from it.


Drew noticed this as he dealt with another Dytron and kicked it away into another.  "Isaac!" He shouted, sounding stressed and worried.  Why the hell didn't he run?!  Drew ran over to Isaac and pulled the Dytron off of him and shoved it on the road.  "What the hell?  Get out of here!"  He barked at Isaac before turning back and fighting the Dytrons again.  "I'm not going anywhere.  There are too many of them for you!"  Isaac shouted back at Drew, bravely running after him and shoving another robot aside.  Drew huffed in aggravation, getting a little mad at Isaac, despite the bravery and honor he displayed.


At HQ, a surveillance camera caught everything.  Captain Scott felt it best to notify the others.  Drew--and his brother--were vastly outnumbered and would need back up.  He patched through to the training area.  "Rangers.  Drew is under attack by a horde of Dytrons.  It appears a new field commander as well as the generals are there as well.  You must get to him immediately."  He said over the mic.


Olivia got down from the bar and nodded, speaking into her morpher, seeing coordinates being sent already.  "We're on it."  She said, looking at everyone else.  Drew wasn't here...but at least now they knew he was being attacked.  Still wondering why he didn't show in the first place, she put the thought aside and gestured that everyone follow her, no time to change out of workout attire.  They had to get to the garage and to their vehicles, making haste to get to Drew.  
 
Volmour beamed down with the others before the Red Ranger, himself.  He stood on one side of Volemera and Actera on the other in front of the Dytrons, facing the Ranger with a beam glare.  He kept his hand on the hilt of his sheathed weapon, chuckling slightly as the man told his brother to get back.  Silly humans and their family values.  That would be humanities downfall, struggling to keep the sick alive.  They're sick, why bother with them?


He bowed to Drew as he greeted them.  "A pleasure indeed, Red Ranger.  A pleasure to see you dead."  He said back a him, greeting Drew with that same sarcastic attitude.  He hated this guy.  As well as the other Rangers.  But thankfully they weren't here to get in the way of his demise.


Volmour gasped and nearly spat.  "How dare you mock the name of this fine soldier.  After how dare you call Actera a loser!"  He defended.  What?  He didn't wanna look stupid in front of Urthemial and passed name blame on her.  Why look stupid in front of the enemy, too?


He watched as Volemera sent the Dytrons forward.  He stood back for now, watching as the Red Ranger fought the troops and engaged them with the usual 'heroic' attitude.  But something was odd.  That bratty teenager wasn't running away.  He was...fighting!  How odd.  The sick young boy was fighting as well.  Most interesting.  Hopefully he'd tire his bad heart out and just keel over and die.  Volmour could be really dark in his thoughts, sometimes.


"Foolish boy.  He'll get himself killed.  And right in front of his brother.  Marvelous."  He said to Actera and Volemera.  Stupid humans.


Just as Jane was about to praise Olivia for being so acrobatic, and Calvin continued sparring Tidal, they got the call.  Jane let herself down as well, just as Calvin was really...staring at the girls.  How can they be so flexible?  How can they do that?  He could do it too...ya know...but he just didn't feel like it.


They both looked at their morphers as Captain Scott patched through to them all.  Their eyes widened slightly as they heard all the odds Drew faced.  The generals, a field commander, and Dytrons?  And Isaac is with him?!  Not good!


"We'll be right there, sir."  Calvin replied to his morpher, knowing where to go now.  Jane nodded as well.  "Drew really should have come to training today.  Maybe this wouldn't be happening."  She commented.  No time to change, they just had to go.  


BOth of them ran to the garage with the others and followed to their vehicles.  They needed to hurry, Drew was basically being ambushed and would need help as quickly as possible.  
 
"Good to see you again, Red Ranger. Almost a shame it will be the last time. Oh wait, no I'm not sorry at all," Actera was... sassy today. She was already displeased with everything that had transpired on the main ship, with their recent failures, and now this. Actera pointed at Volmour again as the Red Ranger asked who named their creation. And then Volmour fully, vocally blamed her. Tch. "Fool!" she hissed to Volmour. "And here I was thinking he was referring to you instead." No way she'd look stupid in front of their enemies either. Now... now they'd just seem like a bickering bunch. And she had to hold herself back to not just blast at Volmour. Fully accidentally, of course. And totally not petty. She just stood on Volemera's other side, watching as he send the Dytrons to tire the Ranger out. It was.. almost amusing to watch the snotty brat trying to put up a fight as well. The kid's heart was so weak he might die of a fright if someone simply shouted "boo" at him in an unexpected moment. The courage to still take a stand and fight was... admirable, honestly. But this endless courage was going to be humanity's downfall. The pesky humans should learn to see what a danger is, and avoid it. All would be so much easier if they'd simply surrendered like the smart people did.


Actera, being humanoid, understood the concept of family bonds a lot better than an AI like Volmour did. She understood the desire to keep family members alive, no amtter how old or weak or sick they might be. Still... these humans in particular were a pest, and they would all be better off if they were just dead. She nodded at Volmour. "Wonderful thought, indeed," she said, watching the battle continue, waiting for their time to strike.


Lucas stopped punching the bag for a moment, to take a breather and drink some water. He watched the girls showing off their skill. Now, growing up with a girl best friend and an older sister, seeing how flexible some girls were was nothing really new to him, but... daaamn. He still couldn't help but wonder just how in the world they were able to do that. With that ease too. To him it all still seemed... painful. Might have something to do with memories regarding two certain girls poking fun at him for not being flexible, being tricked into tagging along to a yoga class... and there things just ended badly. He briefly shuddered, but couldn't wipe the smile off his face. Fun times, fun times.


Meanwhile Tidal took one last chance in tripping Calvin as he was already distracted by watching the girls before watching as well. He almost visibly winched. How was that humanely possible? Nobody should be able to be that flexible! Nope. nope, nope. In the Wastelands strength and endurance where infinitely more important anyway. Little to no things to hang upside down from. REally, nobody in the Wastelands would hang upside down unless it was a thug kidnapped by a gang and hung upside down until they started talking. Dark reality is dark.


The Captain patching in on them was... partially good news, probably? They knew where Drew was. Bad news? He was under attack. Worse news? Isaac was with him Worst news? Field Commander AND Generals. Damn, they were serious this time. And as of now, Drew was still on his own. Isaac'd better stay out of the fighting. The kid was... well, a kid. And rather faint of heart at that. The battle might kill him, one way or another! And neither Lucas nor Tidal wanted that to happen. "On our way," Lucas said, following to the garage, getting into their vehicles and rushing off to the scene. Drew and Isaac needed their help, and quickly!
 
"Yes, masters.  It is stupid how humans think.  It will be a delight to exterminate all of human kind."  Volemera said, sniveling and gripping the handles on both his blade and gun.  He watched as the Red Ranger desperately fought off the Dytrons, his foolish brother joining him.  Only a matter of time before the young one was cut down in front of Drew, and he himself would follow suit.


Volemera kept at a distance as the battle progressed, not know the other Rangers were now on their way to the scene to assist their friend.


Drew--and Isaac apparently--kept on fighting.  Drew had roundhouse kicked a cluster of Dytrons around him and knocked them down.  He twirled around, dodging incoming blows and quickly punching and kicking the next few Dytrons that got in his way.  He tapped the button on his morpher to summon his blaster to speed things up a bit.  He didn't have room to morph with the Dytrons surrounding him, so that was the only solution he found.  


Now with the blaster in hand, he used it to bash into a Dytron's face and shoot into the crowd, blasting one, two, three of them in a flash.  He kicked to the side, spinning himself around to a wider space, still shooting the Dytrons down.  He glanced over to see how Isaac was fairing.  


And Isaac was clearly not a trained fighter.  Just using tricks he learned by watching the Rangers or playing video games, really.  A small number of Dytrons attacked him, but he wouldn't just leave his brother like this.  Especially not while he's out numbered!  Isaac got a Dytron's weapon and stole it from the robot, turning it around and smacking it with it to send it on the ground.  He heavily struck a Dytron beside of him, thinking he wasn't doing to badly.  Until a Dytron swooped up behind him and grabbed him, causing him to squirm around a bit, kicking his legs around while trying to get free.  


Drew snapped his head around and saw this.  He widened his eyes and growled to himself, rapid-blasting the Dytrons around him and running to Isaac, shooting the Dytron holding him in the shoulder, freeing him.  Isaac fell forward, caught by Drew.  "Isaac. I'm not messing around.  Get the hell out of here, now!"  He yelled at him, shoving his brother off to the side.  Isaac huffed, wanting to help and not be useless.


He pointed behind Drew to warn him of an attack, making him turning around and blast the robot in the face behind him.  Drew charged up his blaster while unmorphed and fired a shot into the crowd of Dytrons.  Not saying any special call, just firing a red beam at them, causing a big sparky explosion of Dytrons.  He thought he'd got them all now, but one snuck up behind him and attacked Isaac.  The Dytron got him by surprise and swatted across Isaac's face with its weapon, leaving a bruise and small cut on his cheek.  He heard Isaac yelp and fall over, snapping his head around and screaming his brother's name, punching the Dytron as hard as he could to knock it down.  He knelt down and checked on Isaac, still conscious but cupping his face.  "I told you to fucking run."  Drew muttered to Isaac.


Volemera started laughing and clapping, catching Drew's attention.  He turned around and looked at Volemera across the way as he stood with the generals.  "Stupid boy.  How silly of him to think he could be of use at all.  With his heart, he'd best know  not to get too worked up.  Lest his heart go 'pop'!"  Taunted Volemera, laughing maniacally.  Isaac spat.  "My heart's just fine.  Unlike you and your heartless allies." Isaac shot out at him from the ground behind his brother.


"How adorable.  The sickly one thinks I care about being heartless.  Generals.  Let us end this already."  He said to Volmour and Actera.


Drew clenched his fists.  "Isaac.  Stay down and back this time.  Got it?"  He said to his brother on the ground...teeth ground up.  He was mad.  Drew huffed and tapped his morpher with the blaster in hand.  "Bio Morpher, Initiate."  He said and instamorphed, skipping on the role call for himself.  Now transformed, he snapped into a combat ready position.  He charged at Volemera as well as the generals.


Drew charged at them and summoned his Bio Saber, blaster in the other hand.  He swung at Volmour with the saber, shot at Actera with the blaster, and put a combined effort into Volemera, using both weapons against him.  Ultimately, all three of the enemies proved too strong and overpowered him.  Volemera countered Drew's attacks and slashed at his chest, sparks flying, giving him a chance to shoot him in the chest as well, allowing Actera and Volmour to strike.


As the attack went on, Drew could only yelp with every blow, Isaac watching.  Weak, useless, pathetic...and stupid.  Really really stupid.


At this moment while Drew was being ambushed, Olivia arrived with the other Rangers in their vehicles.  She parked her car with Lucas and Jane's at a screeching halt, Calvin and Tidal's bikes in front of them.  She hurried out once arriving, running to the front of the vehicles and seeing Drew being overrun by the commander and generals.  And Isaac was down.  He looked hurt.  "This doesn't bode well.  C'mon guys, we should hurry."  She suggested to the others softly.


"Bio Morpher, Initiate."  She said, tapping her morpher and instamorphing, running out to assist Drew.  "I'll check on Isaac, you guys help Drew!"  She called out to the others and ran to Isaac's side to see if he was okay.  Poor kid.


Drew noticed the others' arrival as the generals and Volemera assaulted him.  Glad they got there when they did, for Volemera just kept slashing and shooting away with the generals at Drew.
 
Jane in her car and Calvin on his cycle hurried with the others, making haste to get to Drew in time.  No telling what could happen!  They raced with the others to get there as quickly as possible.


Volmour chuckled at Volemera.  "A delight indeed.  Starting with these two.  Then that traitor, Shadow.  And all the other colorful fools who dare defy us."  He said, chuckling once more.  The Red Ranger's brother showed admirable courage, even if it was foolish, and it was hard to deny.  Volmour almost respected the fool.  But he also wanted to hack him and his brother up into little pieces, so that admiration was quick to die down.  


Interesting....the Ranger had eliminated the Dytrons even when not morphed.  And he was getting angry with his little brat.  So angry he was even yelling at him.  Why this is a nice dynamic.  Rare to see a Ranger get mad at someone they love, is it not?  And he went down!  Foolish child had been struck!  Ha!  That's what he gets for being an idiot.  He should have listened to his brother it would seem.  Matters not, Volmour would kill them both anyway.


Volmour laughed at Isaac as he attempted to insult them.  "At least being heartless means I can't be sick like you, young one."  He beckoned back at Isaac.  Now that's just cold!  Damn!  And now the Red Ranger was morphed and charging at them.  He glanced at Volemera and Actera.  "Yes.  Let us go."


Volmour charged with them towards the Red Ranger.  He dodged the swing the Red Ranger had threw at him and waited for an opening.  After Volemera attacked, he went in with Actera.  Volmour took his saber and slashed it across Drew's chest, getting being him and slashing down his back as well, kicking him over to Actera for her shot to attack him.  Literally.  Oh this is fun!  Not normal for a Ranger to be outnumbered like this!  Fun fun fun!


Just in time as Drew fell ambushed, the others arrived.  A lot of crazy driving in order to get there, too.  Seriously, where did that old lady come from?  Who just walks in the road?  No wonder Jane nearly ran over the old bag!  And for Christ's sake, would it kill the city to put in a motorcycle lane?  Calvin nearly cashed eight times!!  No matter, they were they, and in one piece.  Drew on the other hand didn't look like he'd be in one piece for long.  Jane got out of her car, and Calvin off of his bike.  They looked at what was going on.  "Drew's way outnumbered, three against one."  Calvin said.  Jane pointed.  "And Isaac's hurt, it seems."  She mentioned.


Both of them nodded at Olivia's suggestion.  They had to hurry.  Drew's counting on them.  "Bio Morpher, Initiate."  They said with the others, tapping their morphers and instamorphing straight to work.


Calvin nodded as Olivia said she was going to check on Isaac.  The rest would help Drew and get some of the pressure off of him.  (I don't think it matters who fights who does it?)  Calvin and Jane both rushed over to Drew's location with Lucas and Tidal.  Calvin made a B-line for Volmour, Jane ran for Actera.  They wanted to fight the monster attacking Drew directly, but the generals were super pesky and needed to be dealt with.  


Calvin tackled Volmour and got him off guard, both of them rolling off to the side.  "You bastard!"  Volmour spat at him as they both got up, now focusing on him.  Volmour swung his blade at Calvin, just missing by a hair.  Calvin called out to Tidal.  "Hey, thug, let's demonstrate to Volmour some of our sparring moves!"  He called to him for assistance.  He got an idea and bashed his arm into Volmour's gut, giving Tidal clearance to attack.


Jane, on the the hand, went for Actera.  She didn't call to Lucas or anyone for back up, just letting it flow naturally.  She pulled Actera away and kicked her in the chest to back her off a bit.  "Hey there, mindless slave.  How's it hangin?"  She asked Actera and charged at her again, aiming to land another kick.  Whether anyone wanted to help Jane or not was fine.  Drew might need help with that field commander, but judging by how mad he seemed to be while fighting...who knows.
 
"And once all the Rangers are dealt with, any pesky humans getting in our way will follow suit. Earth will be Armada's," Actera nodded, watching as the Red Ranger got mad with his younger brother, not long before the kid was struck down, angering the Red Ranger even more. How delightful! She laughed at Volmour's retort to the kid's insult. "Well said, my friend. Well said," she nodded approvingly before following him and Volemera in their charge on the now morphed Red Ranger. She countered the Ranger's blast with one of her own, then shooting at him again as he was kicked her way. Pathetic and weak. The Ranger stood no chance against them without the help of his friends. It was too easy, way too easy, but she cared not. All that mattered was killing the Red Ranger. And if it was made easy it was only all the better, right? Soon the Ranger and his brother would both be dead and the Emperor and Empress would be proud of them all.


The ride to the scene was crazy. A wide range of traffic rules and speed limits had been ignored. Heck, if they hadn't worked for City Defense and this wasn't an emergency, their licenses would have been confiscated and all of them would be prohibited from ever using any kind of motorized vehicle ever again! Well, if they drove themselves, that was. Thankfully nobody got injured. Just a bunch of startled people having to quickly jump aside in order to not be run over. It seemed they got to the scene just in time. Drew was severely outnumbered. The cars screeched to a halt, so did the cycles. They leaped out or off their vehicles as fast as they could "This ain't good..." Lucas mumbled, seeing how... not-so-well Drew and Isaac were faring.


Tidal shook his head and glanced at Isaac. "Poor kid," he said quietly. Last time the two had seen each other... Whelp, this was going to be awkward once the battle was over. When the two had last seen each other, he was still his mind-controlled not-self, having kidnapped the boy and attempted to murder him before letting him go. Yeah, awkward indeed. He owed the kid an apology and an explanation, really. But first: saving their asses.


"Bio Morpher, Initiate!" the two called, instamorphing and joining the fray.


Although Tidal would love to fight Actera, having a bit of a grudge against her for what she had done to him despite knowing she in reality had no loyalty to Urthemial and was now being mind controlled herself, Tidal gladly obliged in helping Calvin deal with Volmour. "Got it, soldier!" Tidal called back. Really, was this a thing now, them teasing each other like this? He leaped towards the robotic General, going in for a kick when Volmour's guard was low due to being bashed in the gut by Calvin. "I take it you have a plan other than just hitting it until it explodes?" he asked, grinning under his visor. Really, just punching the crap out of Volmour was fine, but a decent plan was likely going to be more effective.


Actera snarled as the Jane kicked her, adding insult to injury. "You little bitch," she said. "Don't think I'll take such words from you!" She fired both her blasters at her. Only to be blasted in return from another direction. "Hi there!" Lucas called before rushing in, lending Jane a hand in the fight. Sure, Drew might need some help too, but judging by how angry he seemed... better not get in his way. Angry people could be quite scary, so for now he'd let Drew have this new field commander. Whatever it's name was. Really, if it was another something-tron... Names just couldn't get any more stupid, could they?
 
Kneeling by his side as the others started fighting, Olivia made sure Isaac was okay.  "Are you okay?"  She asked him softly.  Isaac nodded, Olivia helping him sit up.  She examined the cut and bruise on his face, gently touching it with her hand.  "What happened?"  She asked him again.


Isaac sighed.  "Drew was overrun...I didn't want to leave him.  I tried to help against the foot soldiers," he started, "but then Drew got mad and yelled at me.  One of those things hit me in the face and Drew went ballistic."  He explained.  She nodded, understandingly.  Odd...she never could picture Drew yelling, too much.  Maybe at a monster in combat, but never to Isaac...he's such a good kid, too.  What's up with Drew?  


Olivia looked at her friends as they continued the fight.  "I'm gonna help them.  Stay here, okay?  I'll be back."  She reassured Isaac.  He nodded slightly.  Olivia then stood up and picked where she'd go help.  Whether Drew liked it or not, she would go help him.  He can get mad if he wants, he needs help!  She made her way over.


Volemera and Drew continued the battle between them.  Drew was relieved that the others came to help and got the generals off of him.  At least some of that pressure was off and he could breathe for a second.  He tightly gripped his blaster and saber, charging at Volemera again.  He chuckled at Drew's efforts and completely dodged Drew's charge, spinning around and slashing at him from behind.  Sparks flew and Drew rolled forward.  He turned on his back and fired up at Volemera.  And to counter, Volemera fired back, every blast hitting one of Drew's in mid air.  What is this guy?  A super soldier?


Drew got up again and exchanged blows of blades with Volemera, metallic clanging of steel echoing around them.  When close enough, Drew tried firing a sneak shot at Volemera point blank in the stomach.  But he wasn't having it.  Before Drew could pull the trigger, he had been swatted away like a fly with the side of the robots gun.  Right in the face, too!


Drew flew backward and rolled on the ground, groaning slightly.  Volemera laughed at him.  "This is far too easy."  he muttered.  Drew snarled...literally snarled like a damn dog.  He put his morpher to his face.  "Captain.  Any suggestions here?"  He asked.  No response.  Just static.  "Captain?  Captain!"  He said into it.  Damn it.  Communications must be down at the moment.  Great timing...now what is he gonna do?


Maybe ducking would be an option.  Volemera fired a shot at Drew and followed with a slash, imitating a similar move the Rangers could do.  The attack struck Drew, sparks flying and smoke emitting from his suit.  Drew cried out in pain, falling over backward and demorphing after such a heavy hit.  "Pathetic."  Muttered Volemera.


Olivia then came running up, finally.  "Back off!"  She shouted at him.  He chuckled.  Olivia threw a punch at him, but he dodged and swerved back, slashing across her chest with his blade.  Sparks flew and she rolled back ,yelping.


"Tch.  Generals!  This is too easy.  Let us return to the ship and come back another time.  I feel like toying with this one."  He said and pointed at Drew, laughing maniacally.  And so, after the battles concluded with the generals, Volemera beamed back up to the ship with them to leave the Rangers behind.  Olivia cursed.


"Got away...we'll get him next time."  She muttered, demorphing on her own accord.  She noticed Drew still on the ground, looking like he may be unconscious.  But there's also Isaac off to the side.  She didn't know who to help....she went with her instincts and rushed to Isaac again to see if he's okay.  Someone could join her, and surely the others would see if Drew's okay.
 
Calvin shrugged a Tidal asked him the question.  Volmour just staggered back a bit after being bashed in the guy and kicked in the chest.  "I dunno.  I thought maybe we could invite him over for tea and crumpets, talk things over like adults."  Calvin joked, grinning under his visor at him and turning back to Volmour as he waved his blade around.  "Must you humans always say such ridiculous things in a battle?"  He asked as he charged again.


"Of course we do.  How else are we gonna stay awake while fighting you?"  Calvin taunted.  Volmour snarled and ran past him, slashing at his chest, then shoulder-rushing Tidal for another attack.


Jane had been blasted by Actera's shots, sparks flying and her falling on her behind.  Thankfully Lucas came to her aid and distracted Actera.  "Thanks Lucas."  She said and got up, dusting herself off.  "Oh you'll take a lot more than words from me, old woman!  Eat fist!"  She called out to Actera, lunging at her and punching at her face.  That had ought to teach her!  Maybe Jane should try and pull off that headset, since she's close enough....really, why hasn't anyone tried to free this mind controlled bitch yet?  No matter, she didn't try this time.  Just punching her face was good enough.


Both Calvin and Jane glanced aside in their own battles to see what was going on with Drew.  He was getting his ass handed to him on a silver platter.  And he sounded angrier by the second...gulp.  Plus, apparently communications are down.  Just dandy!  They'd both widened their eyes to the shock of him being attacked by what looked like their own finisher attack, causing Drew to demorph and fall over.  Olivia rushed in to help, but it wasn't much use.  "Hang on, guys!"  Calvin called out to them, struggling with Tidal against Volmour.  Jane made a mental note to finish with Actera as soon as possible.  


Volmour nodded as Volemera announced he wished to leave.  "Easy indeed!  Toy with him all you like, Volemera!"  He called to him, quickly sending a heavy energy slash toward Calvin and Tidal, striking their chests and knocking Calvin over, at least.  He looked at Tidal to see how he took the blow.  He then thought to himself: Volemera?  Who came up with that name?!


Volmour then beamed back up with Volemera and Actera, after she'd finished with Blue and Yellow, at least.  After they left, Calvin and Jane demorphed, hissing and grunting.  "Damn it."  Calvin said.  Jane huffed. "And seriously...which one of this idiots came up with the name?  And I thought the -tron suffix was annoying and weird..."  She said.


Both them looked at Lucas and Tidal to see if they were okay.  Then watching Olivia go see if Isaac was...and Drew was lying there.  Seemingly out of it.  Calvin went to go help Olivia with Isaac, and Jane ran for Drew.  She knelt at his side, hovering over him, worried slightly.  Who knew the tomboy could be so...weird like that.  "Drew?  Are you okay?  Speak to me, ya moron."  She said.  Whelp, there goes the kind and sweet theory.  At least she's talking to him like always so he would know he isn't as afraid on the outside.
 
"Hey, that used to be my line," Tidal remarked, vaguely recalling having said something veery similar to Drew when he was still on armada's side. HE snickered at Calvins remark to Volmour as of why they always had to have silly banter during fights.


"you're welcome," Lucas replied , taking another shot, pun intended, at attacking Actera. Seriously... Why was nobody trying to take off that headset that controlled her? Maybe because right now their main focus was to keep both of the generals off Drews back.


"Youre going to regret that!" Actera said, referring to being punched in the face and blasted at again. She roundhouse kicked the two rangers to create some distance before blasting them again.


Volemera announced wanting to leave, and Actera smiled in reply. "Too easy indeed. Toy a bit longer, then kill them all in one go the next time," she chuckled before beaming back to the ship with the other two.


As the battle concluded, Lucas and Tidal both demorphed. "And here I was thinking names couldn't get more stupid than ending with the -tron suffix..." Lucas said, shaking his head.


"Indeed," Tidal agreed. "Volemera sounds like the lovechild of those two generals..." He shuddered, physically and mentally. Lucas merely snickered. Looking from an unmoving Drew to an injured Isaac, Lucas was fairly quick to move over to Isaac to see if the kid was alright.t hey had really only met once before, when Drew, Jane and he came over to Lucas place for dinner. Way back when they were only just rangers. The kid seemed nice, and Lucas very well understood Drew would do anything to keep his little brother safe. "Everything okay here?" He asked, reaching out a hand to help Isaac back to his feet.


Tidal, on the other hand, was more hesitant to move over to Isaac. He couldn't avoid the kid forever, and it wasn't that he was scared of him in any way... Just that the two didn't have the best start, to say the least. It was unlikely Isaac would accept his help, or even him being around. So instead he made his way over to Drew. Better check if he was unconscious or otherwise too injured to get up. Really, the lack of movement was worrisome. And hearing how Jane spoke to him was... Odd. really odd.
 
Olivia gestured that Calvin and Lucas give Isaac a little room.  "I'm okay, I'm okay."  He said to the three of them, taking Lucas' hand and getting up off of the ground, Olivia rising with him and helping him keep steady.  She observed him to make sure he was alright and glanced back at Drew.  Isaac excused himself from the three of them and rushed to his brother's side, kneeling down along side Jane.


"Drew.  Please wake up.  Please."  He said, shaking Drew's arm down on the ground.  He was worried, deservedly so, as well.


His eyes fluttered open, watching Jane and Isaac hovering over him, Tidal standing off to the side as well.  They all looked worried, smothering him with their concern.  He sat up quickly, barely giving Isaac and Jane enough time to clear out of his way.  He huffed and basically punched himself off of the ground, getting back on his feet in no time.  Isaac stared up at him, Olivia doing the same from afar.  Isaac got up and held onto his arms.  "Drew?"  he asked his older brother.  Drew swatted Isaac's hands off of his arms.  "Never do something stupid like that again.  Don't you know you could have been killed?"  Drew scolded him.  Isaac let out a breath.  "Answer me!"  Drew said, raising his voice a bit.  "How could you be so reckless?"  He asked Isaac again. 


"I was only trying to help!" Isaac defended.  Drew scoffed. "Well don't  There's enough to worry about as it is, I don't wanna end up burying you like we did mom and dad."  Drew yelled.  Isaac quivered slightly...what the did he bring their parents up for...Drew was starting to turn red.  


Olivia stepped over and put herself between the two, spacing the brothers out.  "Hey.  Calm down, Drew.  You need to relax."  She said softly to him.


"Don't tell me to calm down, Olivia.  Listen everybody just....just leave me the Hell alone!"  Drew shouted at her and everybody else.  He huffed and turned on his heel, walking off.  He was either going to HQ, home, or...wherever.  He clearly needed a little space...just what is his problem?


And so Drew left Isaac with the others after yelling at them all.  Isaac was frozen...Drew never got mad.  And he never brought up their parents...not like that.  He looked paler than normal.  Olivia looked at everyone else, and then at Isaac.  "Hey...why don't you come to HQ with us?  I'll get that scratch cleaned up for you."  She offered quietly.  He nodded slightly, his legs shaking.  


"Let's go, guys."  She said softly to the others, escorting Isaac to his backpack and then her car.  Once everyone was ready, they returned to HQ while Drew went off....wherever.


(basically just react to Drew being so angry and Isaac being shaken up.  kinda short posts, but next one will be better.  didn't want this one getting too long!)
 
Calvin was glad to see Isaac okay.  Poor kid had been through a lot.  And not just today...he's been kidnapped, affected by a mighty virus and more.  Isaac has probably went through a lot more than most kids in the city.  And that's saying something!  He gently patted him on the shoulder before watching him rush off to Drew.  Hey if that were Chris or Carrie, he'd be doing the same thing.  Siblings are important.  Family is important.  


Jane glanced at Isaac for a half of a second before Drew came to and got up. She barely had time to move her head out of the way!  If he hadn't just been hurt in a fight, she'd hurt him!  Tomboy fury 'bout to go ham in this bitch.


Both of them watched in pure shock and...maybe horror as Drew started yelling at Isaac.  This wasn't like him at all...he never yelled at him. And he CERTAINLY never got this angry.  Calvin's eyes widened slightly at him as he ridiculed Isaac like he was a small child.  Jane just clenched her fists, getting mad at Drew for being mad at Isaac.  He was only trying to help.  Hell, Isaac has guts!


And then Drew crossed a line.  It didn't take a genius to figure it out.  When he brought up their dead parents and how he didn't wanna bury Isaac like them, they knew he was going too far in yelling at him.  And judging by Isaac's skin growing paler, enough was enough.


Thankfully Olivia put herself between them before Jane roundhoused Drew in the face like she wanted to so badly...Calvin just wanted to pull Isaac away.  And he did.  He stepped up behind him and gently pulled him back while Olivia intervened.


"Aye she's right, Drew, calm down man."  Calvin said, getting in front of Isaac.  And then he shouted at all of them just before walking off.  "What the fuck is your problem, jackass?!"  Jane shouted at Drew as he walked away.  Seriously, what's gotten into him?  He's been acting very strange lately!  


They'd give him his space, but that didn't mean they wouldn't being this up later.  


Jane and Calvin both agreed with Olivia.  Poor Isaac looked so shaken up...best take him to headquarters and make sure he's alright.  Physically and emotionally, that is.  Calvin got on his bike and Jane in her car.  They rode off to HQ with the others so things could simmer down a peg.
 
Lucas smiled softly as Isaac excused himself and rushed over to his brother. Like Calvin, he quickly patted the boy on the back as he rushed off. Hell, if it were Eveline laying on the ground over there.... No way Volemera would have escaped that easily. And if he still had, the damn robot better not have the courage to ever return to earth! In a world where everything is as messed up as it was now, family and friends were among the most important things the people of Earth had left. To some, it was all they had.


Tidal glanced at Isaac as he came rushing over, kneeling down next to his brother like Jane had. Drew quickly shot up, nearly colliding with the two of them. And unlike anything either Tidal or Lucas would have expected, Drew quickly got back to his feet and started yelling at his little brother. What the hell? Sure, it might have been dangerous what Isaac had done, but he had merely been trying to help him out while the others still had to get there! Despite having a weak heart, the kid was pretty darn courageous. And this was how Drew was thanking him? By swatting his brother's arms away and yelling at him? Geez. Drew was definitely crossing a line when he mentioned their parents. Lucas briefly clenched his fists. Now that was going way too far. Not only did it upset Isaac even more, it was just... wrong. If he had been standing in Tidals place, or Jane's place, he might just have given Drew a well-deserved punch. And that was coming from the nice guy of the group!


Thankfully Olivia stepped in before things got much worse. Not that that was of any help. Now he was turning his anger towards her. Towards all of them. Shouting at them to be left alone while they had just saved him and his brother's ass! Way to go! Lucas grimaced, not liking this all one bit. Drew not being himself was one thing, but him being an angry asshole? Not okay. His eyes darted to Isaac, who was really just shaken up, frozen. Poor kid.


"The fuck's gotten into you?!" Tidal called after Drew as he walked off. He huffed. Really, this wasn't even close to the Drew they knew. He eyes Isaac as well, feeling just sorry for the kid. Really, what's the kid been through lately? Being kidnapped, for which Tidal would try to apologize back at HQ, getting sick, now this... probably a lot more before this all... Really, speaking of being unlucky!


Lucas and Tidal nodded. Best to get back to HQ, get Isaac patched up, offer him a cuppa tea for the shock, and just generally wait for this all to blow over. Lucas got back in his car and Tidal back on his bike, heading back to HQ and wait to see what would happen next.
 
A half hour had passed.  Olivia and the others arrived back at HQ with Isaac, making their ways to the main command center where they could rest and regroup.  In the time since arrival, they'd been informed there was indeed an issue with the comm signal, explaining why Drew couldn't get a hold of the Captain.  It was a sign that the Captain wouldn't always be there to help.  Eventually they'd need to pick a team leader.  That aside, everybody had taken the time to just breath.


"Is the comm signal fixed yet?"  Olivia asked.  "And how are the Squadron weapons fairing?"  she added.   


"Not yet.  It'll be a while before we can fix it.  As for the weapons, Wilson is working on them.  It's outstanding you tapped into your spirits in the first place and actually received the upgrade form.  He hadn't expected the powers to get used, but his trick came in handy.  The weapons, albeit sudden, are almost done, as well."  Captain Scott answered.  She nodded and glanced at Isaac, sitting in a chair off to the side.  Keeping to himself, being quiet, a bandage on his cheek now.  He'd gratefully accepted any offers of help and whatnot from the team.  


Captain Scott motioned for the Rangers to all come closer and whispered to them. Off the record, this time.  "How is Isaac?"  He asked.  


"He's okay.  A little shaken up by the attack and Drew's outburst, but he's fine.  He's a trooper."  Olivia said.  He nodded back.


"Everyone...according to Drew's suit statistics, his stress levels were off the charts when he was morphed.  Is everything alright with him?"  Asked the Captain for input from the others.  Olivia glanced at the others, giving the four of them a chance to speak in no particular order.  


Little did she or any of the others know, however, that Drew was just outside in the hall by the door.  Out of sight.  He'd returned to base after they did, getting patched up and bandaged a bit.  He listened carefully as the others no doubt prepared to vent and complain about him...if only they understood.


---


Meanwhile on the main ship of the Armada, in the throne room and observe deck, the Emperor and Empress praised Volemera and the generals.  "Excellent work, the whole lot of you.  The Red Ranger was so close in your grasp.  It was fun watching that insufferable ingrate cry out, even flaring at his sibling like an angry dog."  Urthemial said.  Splica nodded.  "Indeed.  Marvelous work.  Though I do wonder why you must toy with him.  Why not kill him when you have the first opportunity?"  She asked.


Volemera raised a hand to her.  "Simple, your grace.  It is more fun to watch humans suffer before death.  Killing him then would be too...boring."  he said, making the Emperor chuckle.


"Keep in mind that humans are resilient.  They always get a second wind."  he added.  Volemera nodded.  "Don't mind that.  Soon the Red Ranger will perish.  And then the rest of those pests will as well.  You have my word."
 
Getting the chance to just breathe and cool their heels was fine enough for Jane and Calvin.  It was a shame about the communication signals, but knowing this place, it'd be fixed soon enough. At least they hoped.  It would suck if they couldn't contact HQ in the middle of a battle for guidance.  They weren't super reliant on the Captain for advice in combat or anything, just having that sense of security for a just-in-case situation being possibly taken?  Scary.


What was more scary?  Drew was being so...off.  Not his usual happy-go-lucky self they'd all known for so long.  He was a happy, genuinely nice guy.  And now?  Just mean!  What's his deal?


Also, weapons!  The very mention of new weapons made Jane and Calvin both get all giddy like school children.  New toys to make bad guys go away with!  Wow.  Couldn't have made that sound any more childish.


Both of their eyes fell to Isaac before the Captain pulled them over.  He was so quiet, so polite.  Jane had only really met him one time at Lucas' apartment.  Maybe an encounter some time after that, but that was the main time she recalled.  He was a nice kid.  A little shy from what she remembered.  But he wasn't much younger than her.  And according to his social media, his 18th birthday was close to his graduation.  He's really only a year younger than Jane, so there wasn't an age barrier.  Hell they both went to high school together just a year ago.  Granted she didn't know him, still...


And Calvin?  Well, from what he's seen of Isaac, he liked him.  Good kid.  Nice brain, definitely a resemblance to Drew, and a good heart.  Metaphorically speaking, of course.  At least none of these thoughts were spoken aloud...imagine the awkward moments to ensue.


Captain Scott gave them the rundown of Drew.  What's this?  Stress levels off the charts?  Now they felt bad.  Calvin frowned a bit as he heard the news, thinking maybe something was really wrong with Drew and he just wasn't saying.  Stress can make people crazy.  He's a soldier.  He knows that.


"Well...Drew has been distant lately.  Not talking to us much, not showing up for training...it isn't like him."  Calvin said as the Captain asked for opinions.


Jane nodded in agreement.  "Yeah.  If his stress levels are high, it might explain why he's being such a dick.  He yelled at Isaac and practically scarred him.  Whatever he's stressed about, there are better ways to handle it.  Other than being such a jerk."  She said.  She then looked at Tidal, just knowing he would have something to say.  Tidal was good at being sort of blunt, in her eyes.  (#JaneLooksUpToHim xD)


---


Volmour bowed as he and his comrades received praise for their work in the city.  About time the generals both got some recognition after Splica's arrival.  They are still useful, after all.  Both in the lab, as well as combat!  Volmour's blade had tasted Ranger bodies and wanted more.  As did he.


"It was truly fun watching the siblings argue.  It also felt good to strike into that traitor, Shadow's, chest."  He said, chuckling to himself and stroking the blade of his sword as if he were cleaning it with an invisible rag.


"Rest assured.  Second wind or no.  The Red Ranger will die.  He fights strongly when angry.  But also foolishly.  He is led by stupid emotion, and that will be his downfall.  As will the rest of the Rangers."  He said and bowed his head again.  It was fun to toy with a Ranger, but killing them would definitely be more fun.  Volemera had adapted that concept it would seem.  Excellent.
 
It was good they all had a chance to cool down a little after what had happened. Better not to let their emotions get the better of them, no? The thought the comm system wasn't always working perfectly was something they all probably shuold have seen coming. After all, it's technology and that breaks sometimes. Still, it had never really happened, had it? Which was what made the situation somewhat scary. What if it were to break when they really needed it? Usually they could stand their own in a fight, but... what if a super powerful enemy -like, hey, Splica or something- were to show up while the comm systems weren't working but they needed help? That was kind of scary. Another thing that just didn't sit too well with them was how Drew had acted lately. It wasn't just the events of just now, him yelling at his brother, but... everything how he had been since they returned from the Capital. Really, who was this guy and what had he done to the Drew they knew? Thankfully they now at least knew the comm systems should be back up shortly. That, and new weapons, whoohoo! First a new mode and new super powers, and now new weapons to match it. They were totally going to kick some serious Armada ass with that! Even more than they already did now, anyway.


Lucas and Tidal glanced at Isaac as well before the Captain pulled them over. Tidal still hadn't apologized, simply not knowing what to say or how to even start. Would he just walk up to the boy and go "Hey there, sorry for kidnapping and attempting to murder you. I'm a nice guy now. Let's be friends!"?  Even if he were to leave that last part out, it'd still be weird. Tidal was just generally feeling weird about the whole situation. Well, at least Isaac hadn't shot him any deadly glances. Not that he had noticed, anyway. Meanwhile Lucas was just a tad more concerned about the kid's well-being. Physically he was fine, sure. But... to suddenly have someone who never seems to get angry snap right in front of you? Getting angry for trying to help and then bringing up dead parents too? That must take it's toll, really. He felt sorry for him, if anything. From what he recalled, the kid was nice and well-mannered. A tad quiet and shy, but so was Lucas. In a way, Isaac reminded him a little of himself. Just on the shy and quiet part, really.


Hearing what the thing was with Drew, sort of, made Lucas feel a little sorry for having gotten angry with him. Stress could do terrible things to a person, making them act very much unlike their usual selves. Maybe there really was something going on? Something Drew didn't tell them for some reason. Dammit why didn't the guy just speak up? Oh, wait a moment there... he really wasn't the one to talk there. Nevermind. "He's not been acting like himself since we returned. I've honestly been a little worried something's wrong," Lucas said when the Captain asked them for their opinions. Tidal, however, was a little less forgiving.


"Stressed or not, it's no excuse for acting like he did," Tidal said. "He definitely crossed a line when he started yelling at his brother for having tried to save his ass when we were still getting there. Even more so when he brought up their parents. That was just a dick-move." And that came from a former-thug/Armada soldier!


---


Actera, as well, bowed when they received their praise. See they were useful? Finally they got some well-deserved recognition. From the Empress as well, even! Granted, in her case the praise seemed to be mostly aimed towards Volemera. It was been good to get to shoot at the coward and the little girl again. It had simply been too long since she had faced them on the battlefield, and she was eager to go out again. Perhaps getting to shoot at the traitor this time? Or that other bitch, Dr Wilson's little friend... Meh, any of the colorful pests would be good, really. As long as she'd get to shoot and injure someone. "Humanity's pathetic," Actera said. "They're so quick to let their emotions get the better of them, clouding their judgment and making them reckless. Which is what will be their undoing." She polished one of her guns with her sleeve, chuckling to herself. "That second wind might make them stronger, but if they're angry... they're just reckless fools running straight into the face of danger. Right towards their doom." She shrugged lightly. It had been proven before, hadn't it? Funny how humans were a race both at their strongest and their weakest when they let their emotions lead them. Perhaps it depended on the emotion they let themselves be lead by. Not that it mattered. They would die anyway.
 
Both the Emperor and Empress chuckled.  "It is most pleasing to know we will kill the humans that defy our leader."  Volemera said to the generals.


"Is every field commander as likely to suck up as this one?"  Splica asked.  Urthemial swatted at her.  "Silence, woman.  This one pleases me.  That is all that is important.  Soon Volemera will kill the Red Ranger.  And then, the world."


---


Captain Scott--and unknowingly Drew--had listened to the others as they all put in their two cents.  Calvin and Lucas were the ones to see more into Drew being upset in this case.  Like they understood or at least tried to.  Tidal and Jane on the other hand...well, they called it like they saw it.  Blunt and honest.  Olivia would speak up now, but maybe a bit softer.  "Perhaps the Armada is at play here?  They have certainly affected us personally before with previous schemes.  Maybe since Splica has officially joined Urthemial there's some kind of--"  She began.


Captain Scott cut her off.  "The Armada is not to blame.  Drew's stress levels are higher than I've ever seen them.  Something has to be stirring inside of him to make him so angry."  He said.  "Whatever it is, it has to hit him hard."


Isaac cleared his throat and stepped over to everybody.  He might be legally a kid.  But he isn't much of a child.  If they were talking about his brother, he wanted in on the conversation.  "I think I know what's bothering him."  He said softly.  Both Olivia and the Captain looked at him, curious and willing to listen.  "What is it, Isaac?"  Asked the Captain.


"Before we left the auto shop he said something to me.  He said... Just now I know why I got picked of all people.  And I'm kinda freaking out because now I know why I'm picked to save the world or die trying.  I didn't get a say in being a Ranger, did I?  Just chosen because I can do it...just something else to worry about when I work at a job I hate doing AND take care of you." Isaac quoted Drew word for word.


"Drew hasn't been so stressed ever since mom and dad died.  When they passed, he would get angry at the little things, just venting out on whatever he could.  He was scared, angry and sad.  Like now...only now where he's went from a parental figure to me and making sure my heart doesn't kill me, he's saving the world.  Just he's under a lot of pressure now.  It's kind of funny, actually.  When our parents died in that wreck, he had to take care of me in every way possible.  But I had to take care of him, too.  I had to keep him sane.  Younger siblings can do a lot more than be useless and be protected.  Now he's so stressed out I don't think I can get through to him...he even called me stupid for doing what I did.  He's mad.  But he's not bad..."  Isaac said to the team and the Captain.  Not many kids his age could talk to so many powerful people so honestly.  He had guts.  


And on the other side of the wall, Drew just stood there, listening to what his brother had to say.


Olivia listened to Isaac as he spoke. A well-spoken young man.  Honest, kind...and very very sweet.  Even as shaken up as he is, he's defending Drew.  All of the Rangers are under a lot of pressure.  Maybe Olivia just never realized how Drew transitioned from civilian to hero...they all had to make adjustments, and Drew never complained.  Had he been holding stuff in all this time?


"We're not saying he's bad.  Of course he's stressed.  But I'm sure he didn't mean it when he said you were being stupid.  We all say things we don't mean."  She said to him.  Captain Scott nodded.  "Indeed.  I admire your speech, Isaac.  I truly do.  I also thank you for telling us.  I hadn't thought about that, being stressed out so much to the point where you start to crumble.  When the team was picked, I only looked at their strengths.  I suppose I didn't look too much into quirks like this."


From the door, somebody was clearing the throat, as if saying 'excuse me' once everyone had put in their two cents.  Drew stood in the doorway.  "I'd appreciate you guys talking about me at least to my face."  He proclaimed.


Olivia, Isaac and the Captain all looked at him.  "Drew..."  Olivia muttered.  The Captain simply place his hands at ease behind his back, head held up.  "We weren't talking about you like that...:  Isaac said.  Timidly.


"I heard.  Yeah I'm stressed out.  Knowing why I'm here makes it all a lot worse.  But I never meant to--"  Drew started to say, taking a step forward and reaching a hand out to Isaac.  But instead of Isaac going to him, he stepped backward away from Drew, bumping Tidal and Jane with his arms slightly.  He understood Drew, but Isaac felt...almost afraid of him when he got angry because it was so rare now.  Drew paused.  He looked at the others.  "You need to learn how to confide in other people, Drew."  She said softly to start things off.  "Bottling things up will only lead to someone getting hurt."
 
It wasn't hard to suspect Armada might have anything to do with the current situation. After all, this all had happened after they returned from the Capital and Splica joined forces with Utrhemial. However, the thought was cut off by the Captain, basically saying that whatever this was, it was coming from Drew himself. Which didn't really speak in his favor in this case. Really, if it had been something Armada had done to him, some messing with the mind, then Drew wouldn't be to blame here. But now...? Lucas and Tidal looked to Isaac as he cleared his throat and stepped up to them all. Even now he was defending his brother. True sibling love there! If Isaac thought he knew what was at hand here, then they'd be more than willing to listen. Hear his side of the story  and see if that could help them anything here. After all, didn't they all want to help their friend?


They silently listened as Isaac spoke, telling them of the last time Drew had been this stressed, and his reason for being so stressed. "Siblings stick up for each other, no?" Tidal asked with a small smile, regretting he recalled so little of his own sibling.


"Always, no matter what," Lucas agreed, nodding. Everyone with siblings raise your hands! Really, four out of six rangers had a sibling here. Of course they understood sticking up for each other and looking after each other whatever happened. "Hey, it might not have been the smartest thing you did out there, but it was definitely brave," Tidal said in reply to Drew having called Isaac stupid. Just a kid with a bad heart fighting Armada? Yeah, he'd be worried sick if it had been his little brother, so he supposed he sort of understood Drew... but he would have been kinda proud as well if it had been his sibling. After the initial worry had passed, that is. But still he would never dare crossing a line such as bringing up dead people, like Drew had done. Yeah, he just really couldn't appreciate that had happened out there.


"None of us would say he's a bad person," Lucas said, giving Isaac a small smile. Again, the kid proved himself polite, honest, and kind. Same expression he had left when they had first met. And the kid really had guts! Not only to fight off the Armada, but also to just walk up to them all and speak up like he did. That required some bravery, really. But the "We all say things we don't mean" excuse didn't sit too well with Lucas. Sure, it was true in a way... but he had heard that one a bit too often... -and from the wrong people- to take that seriously. Not in any way implying Olivia was a bad person! Quite the opposite in fact! Just... still... He never liked that excuse, no matter who said it. But he'd keep that thought to himself. It wouldn't quite make Isaac feel better here.  "Drew is just worried. You're the only family he's got left and he wouldn't want to lose you," he said instead.


Both nearly jumped as Drew cleared his throat. How long had he been standing over there and how much had he heard? ... Ah, that much. Basically everything. And he didn't quite sound like he had calmed down yet. Oh boy... It really was never a good sign when your younger sibling, or any sibling, was afraid of you. After that outburst it was understandable, but definitely not a good sign. Tidal patted Isaac's shoulder as the boy accidentally bumped into him. Lucas nodded in agreement with Olivia. Confiding in others was good. People would indeed get hurt otherwise... Wait a minute... That exact same piece of advice could be applied to himself. Meh... bottle it all up just a little longer. One stressed out person was more than enough.
 
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