ThunderStrike: Operation Rising Sun...Phase One (good starting point for new readers)

[Ryuranger]

---Thunderstrike: “Operation Rising Sun-Phase One”: Prologue

Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

The night sky above Sapporo was illuminated by the lights and neon signs from the techno maze of tall buildings below. Japan’s fifth largest city, Sapporo’s uniform blocks gave the city a western feel that contrasted winding cities such as Tokyo. Drivers tore through the streets of organized chaos as pedestrians massed around curbs, waiting for their signals to cross.

The cross walk signs toned a Japanese folk song as they changed, as the citizens started to cross the street. Unfortunately for them, not everyone on the streets was too worried about traffic laws at the time.

A sleek, dark motorcycle tore over the crosswalk, barely missing some of the pedestrians. The rider wore a black leather jacket and helmet of pure onyx. He craned his neck around to see two cars, each as black as the night, speed after him.

A man in a dark suit leaned out of the passenger side window of one of the cars and aimed a large machine gun at the rider. They opened fire, their bullets ringing off of the pavement and tearing through nearby cars as the motorcycle swerved in and out of traffic, at full speed.

The rider pulled out a sharply edged pistol and aimed at the cars behind him. He fired off several rounds and managed to shoot through the glass of one of the cars and take out the driver. The car swerved out of control and flipped over a curb, smashing through the glass entrance of a nearby store.

The rider cut to his right and drove over the walkway as pedestrians jumped to the sides to get clear. The car tried to follow, but overcompensated its turn and its back end swung out of control, smashing into a car. A vehicle that had been traveling behind the pursuer slammed his breaks, but couldn’t avoid colliding with the driver side of the car.

The rider swerved through oncoming traffic towards a third pursuer in a small black jeep. He opened his throttle to full and blasted towards the front of the jeep. At the last possible second, he popped a wheely and leapt the cycle into the air through a curve aimed at the jeep’s front windshield.

The rider kicked off of his bike and backflipped over the jeep as his cycle slammed through the windshield and exploded. The rider landed in a crouched position in the middle of the street as the jeep tipped to its side behind him, cars crashing into the burning vehicle despite their best efforts to stop.

The rider sprinted against a moving crowd as he made his way down a sideroad’s walkway.

Ahead of him, a man in a dark suit pushed through the crowd and aimed a pistol towards the Rider. The crowd screamed as they ducked and rolled for cover. The Rider removed his helmet as the assailant snapped off several rounds with his weapon. The rider leapt forward as he corkscrewed through the air like a living arrow, holding the helmet in front of him as bullets ricocheted off its armor plating. He slammed into the assailant’s chest and they went crashing to the ground. The rider reached down and snapped the man’s neck before continuing his run.

The Rider’s name was Seven, and he was the best intelligent agent ISIS had. ISIS was a top-secret U.N. organization formed to combat the threat of a terrorist cult called the Vyram. The Vyram already effectively used its bio-weapons, combined with covert government infiltration and corruption, to gain control of Japan, North Korea, and smaller Middle Eastern countries.

Seven pumped his legs as fast as possible as he ducked behind an alley and ran towards a fire escape. The light alloy he wore underneath his leather jacket and slacks increased his strength as he leapt several meters into the air and pulled himself up onto the fire escape.

He sprinted up the metal stairs to the building’s fifth floor, and slammed his shoulder against a door, forcing it open as he entered the building. As soon as he entered the door, he held his arms out towards both ends of the hall while holding his two handguns and fired.

The bullets hit targets shrouded with invisibility cloaks that deactivated when the bullets tore through their wearers, and their lifeless bodies collapsed to the ground.

Seven ran down the hall, towards a stairwell and crashed in. He ran up flight after flight of stairs, his legs aching and lungs struggling for oxygen. Beads of sweat dripped down his forehead as he finally made it to the entrance to the roof and dived through. He rolled across the surface as he landed on the roof, and ended his roll in a crouching position as he pointed his two guns forward.

He stared down the barrels of his weapons at his former partner and ex-lover, Jade. Jade defected from ISIS to join the Vyram. Needless to say, the two had not gotten along since.

Jade’s appearance was slightly altered since her last encounter with Seven. She had long hair died silver to match her gray, lifeless eyes. She wore a tight fitting black leather body suit that appeared seamless from high collars to boots.

A thin smile spread across her pale face. “Hello, Seven.”

“Nice hair,” Seven said, keeping his weapons aimed at her.

“Why thank you,” Jade said as she ran her fingers across her bangs. “I bet you thought you’d be getting out of this country alive…”

“That’s still the plan,” Seven said.

Jade slowly licked her top lip. “You’ll have to get through me first.”

Seven discharged his weapons, but Jade managed to jump clear of the bullets and flip over Seven.

The ISIS agent turned to face Jade as he tossed down his guns and assumed a defensive stance. She landed hard against the roof’s pavement, then sprang towards Seven like a jungle cat attacking its prey.

Seven sidestepped to his left while spinning around and aiming the back of his fist towards the back of Jade’s neck.

Jade blocked the blow and grabbed hold of Seven’s arm. “We really must get together more often, don’t you think?”

Seven lashed out with his heel aimed towards Jade’s knee. Jade sidestepped to avoid the strike, then slammed her palm heel upside Seven’s head, following with a reverse sidekick to his chest.

Seven was forced a few steps back as Jade struck a fighting pose and smiled. “Poor thing. That chase must have worn you out.”

The elevator shaft entrance splintered open, and dozens of scaly black creatures covered in red veins leapt onto the rooftop. They surrounded Seven, glaring at him with deep crimson eyes as they hissed.

Seven’s light suit of armor did augment his strength, but not nearly enough to take on a group of Wraiths.

“Checkmate,” Jade said. “I win.”

***

Eagle Six, Chicago

Every major country was assigned an Eagle Base by ISIS to coordinate operations against the Vyram. Eagle Six served as the headquarters of the U.S. division of ISIS, and their combat ranger team: Thunderstrike.

Most of Eagle Six was underground, and a front company known as Inatech rested on top of the headquarters. On the top floor of the Inatech skyscraper was the office of William Hunter, commander of Eagle Six.

He sat at his desk with a wide window behind him, looking out upon the Chicago skyline. The comm on his desk beeped and Hunter pressed down on its activation pad. “Go ahead.”

“We have a problem, sir,” a female tech officer said from the other line. “Seven has failed to report in, and he didn’t rendezvous with our units at the drop point as scheduled.”

Hunter’s brow wrinkled with worry as he switched the comm line to a different channel. “Dr. Hayes?”

“I’m here,” she said over the speakers.

“Gather the team,” he said. “Operation Rising Sun is going to have to move ahead of schedule.”


----to be continued in part one. this thread. watch for it.

[Imperialwar]

Dude!!!:eek: Seven rocks!!!

[Ryuranger]

Thanks. Part one will be up late, late tonight.

In the meantime, everyone should refresh their memories by reading past missions.
;)
And please, let me know what you think, people. Give me your feedback.

Mission One:
www.angelfire.com/extreme3/p_rangersx/BFJep01.html
Mission Two:
www.angelfire.com/extreme3/p_rangersx/BFJep02.html
Mission Three:
www.angelfire.com/extreme3/p_rangersx/BFJep03.html
Mission Four:
www.angelfire.com/extreme3/p_rangersx/BFJep04.html
Mission Five:
www.angelfire.com/extreme3/p_rangersx/BFJep05.html
Mission Six:
www.angelfire.com/extreme3/p_rangersx/BFJep06.html
Mission Seven:
www.angelfire.com/extreme3/p_rangersx/BFJep07.html
Mission Eight:
www.angelfire.com/extreme3/p_rangersx/BFJep08.html

Main site: www.angelfire.com/extreme3/p_rangersx

[Ryuranger]

--Thunderstrike: "Operation Rising Sun-Phase One": Part One

Eastern Indiana University

21-year-old Jason leaned forward in his chair, his fingers danced across his keyboard as he finished a typed up an e-mail to various university officials responding to their criticism of the student newspaper he served as editor.

His newsroom was rather crowded for a non-production night, which frustrated him because most of the students in the newsroom were grabbing for his attention.

“Guys,” he said, cutting off their chatter. “I’m really in a hurry. Just hold on for…”

Jason’s friend Harry poked his head into the newsroom. “Jase, we’re going to be late, man. Board meeting starts in five, so unless we’re planning on flying across campus…”

“Just hold on,” Jason said as he put a few finishing touches on the e-mail. Before he could type a signature, the communicator he wore on his left wrist started to beep as a small red light flashed.

“Oh, no, no, no, no,” Harry said, still standing in the doorway as he shook his head. “Every time that damn thing goes off, you run off. You are not leaving me at this meeting alone. They’re going to be like vultures!”

“You can handle it,” Jason said as he rose from his chair, left the newsroom, and started down the hall towards the elevator.

“No, no, no,” Harry said as he followed Jason. “I can’t, so much. Besides, who is it that always pages you?”

“A good reporter never reveals his sources,” Jason said as he stepped into the elevator.

***

Rolling Rock University, Colorado

Vince sat in his room within the Dutch-colonial style student housing building as he practiced his trombone. His eyes were closed as he played, letting the music take his mind off of school, and off of the Vyram.

He stopped playing for a brief moment and opened his eyes to gaze upon the sole picture on his desk. It was a photo of him next to a blonde girl around his age. The two seemed happy together…

Vince’s communicator sounded, snapping him back into reality. He sighed while placing his trombone in its case. He headed out the door.

***

Empire State University, New York

Max sat in his small SGA office, rocking back and forth in his chair as he stared at his space screen saver.

“Man…” he said to himself as he shook his head. “Are my office hours over yet?”

The door to his office opened and Max’s friend, also student vice president, Trevor stepped in. “Hey, Max. President of the African Student Union is here, and not happy.”

Max breathed a sigh of frustration. “Why do all the minority groups hate me, Trev?”

“You’re white.”

“That’s just the problem, skippy,” Max said, mimicking the nickname his leader in Thunderstrike often called him. “As long as people keep seeing others based on skin groups, racism is going to be a problem. We have to view each other as individuals.”

“Great, work that into your next speech,” Trevor said. “In the meantime, there’s an individual here to see you and he’s not happy.”

Before Max could tell Trevor to send the upset student in, his communicator beeped.

“Damn,” Max said. “Um, can you take this one?”

“Pulling a vanishing act again?” Trevor asked.

“What kind of president would I be if I actually addressed the concerns of my constituents,” Max said as he left his office.

***

Angel Springs University, California

Matt sat in the 24-hour computer lab, working on a set of algorithms on the screen in front of him.

The 21-year-old genius had the mind of a machine. He even managed to impress the most brilliant minds at Eagle Six by accomplishing tasks thoughts impossible.

His communicator beeped, and he responded with cold reflexes. His facial expressions never changed as he left the lab.

***

Chicago Institute of Higher Education

Yuuri walked across campus with her book-bag slung over her shoulder, the Chicago skyline visible behind her.

She transferred to the university following the murder of her father at the ISIS Alaska base. A rogue Vyram warrior saw fit to kill him for reasons she still did not know.

Her communicator sounded before she reached her classroom building. She welcomed the sound, because being in Thunderstrike allowed her to do what she did best.

***

Eagle Six, Chicago

The five members of Thunderstrike sat around the small circular table along with Hunter.

Hayes was absent. The rangers hardly saw her anymore, and they assumed it was because of the son she shared with Hunter. A year ago, their 15-year-old son Blake was given the prototype Thunder Tiger armor for a test run. The test failed and Blake wound up in a coma for a year as a result.

He awoke recently and launched a personal vendetta against the Vyram. His suit was still flawed however and Blake was injured in a battle against an army of Vyram wolf creatures.

Hunter began his briefing. “We have something of a problem.”

“It’s never good when you say that,” Max said.

“It most certainly isn’t,” Hunter said. “We sent Seven to Japan for some preliminary scouting work. He was captured in Sapporo by the Vyram. By Jade.”

“We’re going to rescue him,” Vince said, not as a question.

“For starters, yes,” Hunter said. “The reason Seven was in Japan in the first place was to prepare for a joint mission between you five and the ranger teams from Eagle Three in Russia and Eagle Five in France.”

“What kind of mission?” Jason asked.

“The liberation of Japan,” Hunter said. “Orders come from Commander Ikkari himself. The Vyram are rooted in deep, in full control of the country. They’ve been launching attacks on U.S. military installations in the area. Several of our navy vessels have been destroyed.

“’W-ya’ is blaming the Japanese government, saying they’re attacking us since we wouldn’t help them take action against China. Bush is threatening to go to war with Japan and their allies if the attacks don’t stop. If we don’t stop the Vyram in Japan, and stop them quickly, we’ll probably have another world war on our hands. It’s exactly what the Vyram want.”

Yuuri leaned forward on the table, excited with the news of their travel to her home country. “Who will handle things here once we leave.”

“Eagle Seven’s team in Canada, Delta Flight, was brought online a month ago. They’ll take care of things here while you’re abroad. Canada isn’t being threatened by the Vyram at this time, so they’ll be able to protect the U.S. full time,” Hunter said.

“They any good?” Vince asked.

Hunter nodded. “Their synch ratios are high, but they’ve never been in an actual battle before.”

Vince sighed, shaking his head in frustration.

“What about the Russians and the French?” Jason asked.

“They’ve both seen minor action. The Vyram are only in preliminary stages in their countries. The Russian team is Parow’da Mawsh, ‘Animal Might,’ and the French are the Dragon Violer, ‘Dragon Force,’” Hunter said. “You’ll rendezvous with them in Japan.”

“Did anyone from Eagle One survive?” Yuuri asked, referring to Japan’s ISIS base.

Hunter shook his head. “We’re not sure…rumor has it one or two of their combat rangers may still be active. Seven will be able to tell you more once you’ve rescued him.”

“When do we leave?” Max asked.

“Now,” Hunter said. “We’ll send you rendezvous coordinates once you’re on route. Dragon Force and Animal Might have already scouted the area. They’ll provide you with Seven’s location. Once you’ve freed Seven, he’ll lead you in preparations for Operation Rising Sun.”

“Are our cover stories ready?” Jason asked.

Hunter nodded. “Ready and sent out. We’ll go over those when you get back from Japan.”

“How long are we talking, here?” Max asked.

“As long as it takes, Max,” Hunter said. “As long as it takes.”

[Ryuranger]

“Why can’t I go?” 16-year-old Blake pleaded with his mother, Dr. Hayes. Hayes was in charge of Eagle Six’s research and development team. They were both in a small, dimly lit medical room with pale gray walls.

“Because, Blake,” Hayes said, “You’re never wearing that armor again. It’s almost gotten you killed more times than I care to admit to myself.”

“It’s my decision,” Blake said. “I’m not a kid anymore.”

“Then stop acting like one,” Hayes said firmly. “I will not loose you….besides…the Thunder Tiger armor is flawed. Prolonged use is fatal.”

“I can handle it,” Blake said.

“This discussion is over,” Hayes said. “I’ll be back later to check on you. Get some rest.”

She left the room and closed the door behind her, leaving Blake alone.

He rolled his hands up into fists. “The discussion is over…because I’ve made my choice,” he said to himself. “And I chose to fight.”

***

Somewhere over the ocean…

Eagle Six’s stealth jet blasted over the sea, its stealth systems keeping the craft hidden from any eye or sensor that would happen to cross its path.

The five members of Thunderstrike stood in the rear drop bay, a cramped room lined with gray metal plating.

“Cozy,” Vince said cynically.

“Could be worse,” Max said.

“How?” Vince asked.

“The possibilities are endless,” Max said. “We could…”

Jason stopped paying attention to his two teammates and turned his attention to Yuuri. She seemed unusually distant.

“Everything okay?” he asked quietly as Max and Vince continued their exchange.

Yuuri nodded. “I just didn’t think this was what my homecoming would be like.”

“We’ll be doing some good,” Jason said.

Yuuri nodded. “I suppose.”

The pilot’s voice came over the speakers: “We are approaching Hokkaido Prefecture airspace. Beginning descent.”

The cabin space started to shake as the rangers struggled to stay on their feet. They heard metal screech and what sounded like vibrations from small explosions.

“Turbulence?” Max asked.

“Unlikely…” Matt said.

Outside, and unbeknownst to the rangers, a gigantic man-bat creature latched on to the top of the stealth jet, and slowly began ripping through the hull as the craft spiraled out of control. The creature had short black hair covering its entire body.

Inside, the rangers were tossed to the side of the cabin, the force of the jet’s spin pushing them back.

“We should activate our armor,” Matt said.

Jason nodded.

“Thunder power, strike!”

Their armor flashed to life seconds before the stealth jet erupted into flames.

---to be continued in part 2. this thread. watch for it...

[Ryuranger]

---Thunderstrike: "Operation Rising Sun-Phase One": Part Two

Mt. Tengu, Japan

Jason shook his head to clear the dizziness as he rose to his feet. His lungs chilled as he breathed in the cold night air.

ARMOR INTEGRITY 38 PERCENT
BIO CELL INTEGRITY 29 PERCENT

Am I crazy or did I actually survive that, he thought to himself as he rose to his feet. His legs felt like mush and pain shot through his entire body.

He looked around for any sign of his teammates, but couldn’t see them anywhere. As reality sank in, he noticed he was on a high mountain, and in the distance he could see a city stretching out to meet the ocean shore.

“Where am I?” he asked himself, and his visor answered.

OTARU CITY, HOKKAIDO PREFECTURE: OLDER PORT CITY WHICH ONCE PROSPERED AS A CENTER OF COMMERCE AND FISHING. ANCIENT CANALS RUN THROUGH THE CITY, LINED WITH CENTURY OLD STONE WAREHOUSES. OTARU IS FAMOUS FOR ITS GLASSWORK AND…

Jason shook his head. “Okay, okay…turn off or something.”

He tried to activate his helmet’s communicator, but all he got was static. “Sure…damn thing can tell me all about this place’s damn glasswork, but when I want it to do something useful…it chokes…”

He looked to find a way down the mountain so he could reach the city below, and he saw a ski lift off in the distance. “Skiing?” He looked up and noticed patches of snow farther up the mountainside. “Ah.”

Jason powered down his armor. The red suit dematerialized and stored itself within a gold brace worn on Jason’s left wrist.

He dragged his feet across the ground on his way to the ski lift. He was tired and his body ached.

“I am not in the mood for hiking,” he said to himself as he fiddled with his communicator to try and reach his teammates.

A dark blur slammed into Jason’s back and sent him crashing to the ground. The dark figure flipped through the air and landed in front of Jason while striking a fighting position.

The assailant had slim, sharp features and was Japanese. He had short cut hair and dressed in a dark body suit with a thunder bolt symbol on the right and left shoulders. He pulled a katana blade from the back of his uniform and aimed the sword at Jason.

“Vyram…” the man said as he Jason slowly rose to his feet.

“No,” Jason said. “I’m not. They attacked our jet. We…we’re here to help.”

The assailant wrinkled his brow. “Do you take me for a fool? No one but a Vyram could survive the fall I saw you take.”

“Look,” Jason said, “just drop the sword and…”

“Show me your true skin, creature!” the man said as he charged towards Jason and started swinging his sword wildly, letting his rage fuel him.

Jason’s training kicked in as he dodged each blow. He stayed calm, which gave him an edge over his assailant’s blind anger. He knew he couldn’t dodge forever though.

Then Jason noticed a brace on his assailant’s left wrist. He must be from Eagle One!

Jason leapt backwards several feet to put space between him and his attacker.

“I’ll prove I’m not Vyram…Thunder power, strike!” Crimson energy circled him as his Thunder Dragon armor flashed to existence.

The attacker dropped his sword and rolled his hands up into fists. “So…you scum have managed to copy our technology.”

“Christ,” Jason said. “No, I’m from Eagle Six. I…”

“The Americans would never risk coming here,” the attacker said as he readied the brace on his left wrist.

He held his left hand in front of his right shoulder so the brace faced outwards. “Jenai…” He moved his hand in a straight line towards his left shoulder. “Shinobi tenshin!” He extended his right hand, then brought it back and slapped the front of the brace as it opened and released a wave of crimson energy that twirled around the attacker like a cyclone.

When the energy cyclone dissipated, Jason stood face to face with another ranger. His armor appeared to be made of the same plastic-looking alloy as Jason’s, but the design was different.

His wine-red colored chest plating wrapped around abdominal armor plating of the same color. A golden ring was engraved in the center of the chest plate. Inside the symbol was the three-pronged symbol of a beetle. Golden shoulder blades extended from the chest plate, covering the top section of the gray armor segments that covered his upper arms. Golden cuffs were wrapped around his entire forearms, and his gauntlets were the same red/orange color of his chest plate with a small piece of golden armor on the tops of his hands. A golden belt wrapped around his legs. Beneath it were layers of black armor than ran all the way down to his knees, which were protected by circular kneecaps of gold. Golden braces wrapped around his upper ankles just above boots of wine-red. His helmet was also wine-red, with a mouthpiece that had a jagged vertical line resembling the mouth of a bug. Golden armor wrapped around his black visor, and just above his visor was a quadrangular medallion with the symbol of a beetle on it. A short beetle-like horn extended from the medallion.

The armored ranger snapped into a fighting stance as he identified himself. “Kabuto Raijya, Ryo!”

“Listen,” Jason said as he held his hands out in a non-threatening manner. “We’re on the same side. It’s kind of obvious, don’t ya…”

Before Jason could finish, Kabuto Raijya charged towards him while arming himself with a silver katana blade.

Jason downloaded one of his swords as he sighed and shook his head. “Fine…we’ll do this the hard way.”

Jason knew he couldn’t overpower Ryo since his armor was damaged, so decided to focus on outsmarting his opponent. Evading him. Making him angry so he’d turn sloppy.

Ryo swung his blade horizontally towards Jason’s chest, but Thunder Dragon flipped over the blow and landed behind Kabuto Raijya. Jason snapped his foot around and hook kicked Ryo across the helmet.

“Onore!” Ryo shouted as he turned and started swinging his sword at his opponent. Jason parried the blows as their swords sparked against each other, sending slight illumination dancing across their visors.

Ryo slammed his blade against Jason’s wrist. Thunder Dragon’s grip slackened as his sword fell to the ground. Kabuto Raijya dashed forward while running his blade across Jason’s chest plate. Ryo turned back around and brought his blade down diagonally towards Jason’s helmet, but the red ranger side stepped and ducked under the blow. Jason straightened his back as he slammed the back of his fist against Ryo’s face plate. Thunder Dragon then twisted his body the other direction and slammed a sidekick against Ryo’s chest.

Jason’s visor flashed warnings across his eyes, but he ignored them. He knew he was in bad shape and didn’t want the reminder.

Ryo came back at Jason while swinging his sword towards the red ranger’s neck. Jason blocked the blow with a fist blade on his left hand and stepped in towards Kabuto Raijya while grabbing his opponent’s wrist and twisting his weapon to the ground.

Ryo jump kicked Jason against the face plate, then spun around as he slammed a roundhouse across Thunder Dragon’s helmet.

Jason fell to the ground and looked up in time to see Ryo pick up his katana and thrust it towards the Thunder Dragon face plate.

Before the sword could connect, a blade boomerang twirled through the air and knocked Ryo’s weapon away, followed by a volley of blaster shots that ran against Kabuto Raijya’s armor.

Jason looked to see Vince in his green Thunder Lion armor standing further up the mountain, holding his blaster.

Ryo glared at Vince. “You fight with no honor, and still insult me by claiming to be a ranger…”

“If it’s not obvious we’re rangers,” Vince said, “you deserve to be insulted.”

---to be continued in part three. this thread. watch for it...

[Imperialwar]

Damn, that was friggin sweet!

[Qi]

Ryu,

Awesome. This is going to be a fun read.

Qi

[Ryuranger]

Thanks for the feedback. It's barely getting started, so it will only get better.

The next couple of parts will be up today. Expect lots of action, character development and background, more of everyone's favorite Thunder Tiger, and appearances by ranger teams from Canada, Russia, and France.

[StaticCloak15]

Great start,Ryu. Can't wait for the next part. I wonder what other familiar ranger teams shall show up...

[Ryuranger]

---Thunderstrike: "Operation Rising Sun-Phase One": Part Three

Shiretoko Peninsula, Japan

Yuuri awoke to the feeling of a cold compress being applied to her bare forehead. Her vision slowly blurred into focus as she saw a young blonde man around her age looking down at her. The moonlight reflected off of his bleach-blonde hair, and he stared down at her with striking eyes. His eyes were bright blue, surrounded by rings of dark navy.

The blonde man looked behind himself. “She’s awake…” He had a French accent that Yuuri found soothing to her ears.

Yuuri shook her head to clear the fog in her mind as she sat up. “Where…”

“Hold on a moment,” he said to her while gently pushing against her shoulders to keep her down. “You’ve been hurt.”

Yuuri stayed down for a moment so she could gather in her surroundings. She was on a rocky shore by the ocean, and her clothes and hair were wet.

“This is the Shiretoko Peninsula,” she said. “Northeast corner of Hokkaido.”

The man nodded. “We found you here, washed up on shore. We deactivated your armor so we could tend to your wounds. It’s a wonder you survived.”

“Are you…”

“Tristan,” he said. “With Dragon Violer. Eagle Five. France.”

Another young man walked up behind Tristan. He had short brown hair with bangs falling uncombed over his forehead, and brown eyes. “Give her some water, Tristan.”

Tristan nodded as he picked up a small canteen. “This is my teammate, Zacherie.”

Yuuri drank the water as she slowly sat up. “There were four others with me…”

Tristan nodded. “My other three teammates are searching for them. Don’t worry. They will be found.”

Yuuri tried to activate her communicator, but all she heard was static.

“That won’t work,” Tristan said as he shook his head. “The Vyram have somehow isolated all of our frequencies. They have a separate jamming field around each island.”

“Where’s the source of the jamming field?” Yuuri asked as she stood. “We have to take it out.”

“Not so fast,” Tristan said soothingly. “You’re hurt…and we should rendezvous with the others first.”

“I have to find my friends,” Yuuri said, surprising herself with the word ‘friends.’

Zacherie was standing on top of a small rock pile and looking out across the peninsula. “Tristan…we best be going. I think we’ve been followed.”

Tristan rolled his hands up into fists. “That is not pleasant news.”

A group of Wraiths leapt up from the rocky shore and surrounded the three rangers.

“Stay back,” Tristan said.

Tristan and Zacherie brought their left fists across their bodies and next to the right sides of their faces while they bent their right arm back and held that fist next to their right hip. They wore different styled braces on their left wrists. Tristan’s resembled the head of a white pterodactyl-type dinosaur, and Zacherie’s seemed to be the head of a blue triceratops. “Dragon…”

They struck their left fist out while shouting “Changement!” They brought their left fist back to the right side of their chest as they slapped their braces’ activation plates. White energy swirled around Tristan, and blue energy sparked around Zacherie. When the light faded, they were each in different suits of a leathery-styled armor covered in small scales.

Zacherie’s scaly body suit was dark blue from head to toe. Diamond-shaped plates of armor ran from his shoulders down the sides of his arms as well as from his waist and down the sides of his legs. The leather-style armor across his chest had a golden paw-print symbol of the dragon imprinted over it. A ring of gold that matched the color of his wrist cuffs, leg cuffs, and belt surrounded the paw. His brace was secured on his left wrist. His helmet was made of the same material as the body suit, and resembled the head of a triceratops with a black visor serving as the dinosaur’s mouth. He was the Bleu Triceratops.

Tristan’s armor was of the same scaled and leathery material, only his design was more striking and fierce. He wore a ‘v’ shaped shield that covered his shoulders and pointed down while covering his chest. The shield’s scales were white, and its edges were outlined in gold. Three black lines, styled to look like claw marks, extended down and around each side of the shield. From his abdomen down to his legs, his body suit was solid white, with edgier and angled black diamond patterns angled to point downwards running along his sides and the sides of his legs. He wore ‘v’ shaped braces above his angles that matched the golden color of his belt and wrist cuffs. The black slash patterns that ran along his sides continued their patter by covering the bottoms of his arms. His helmet was solid white, and his visor was ‘v’ shaped and colored blood red. An upside down black v’ was carved to appear like it ran behind the visor. A ridge protruded just above his red visor, and extended all the way to the back of his helmet. He was the Blanc Quetzalquatylus.

Tristan leapt forward and slammed a knifehand blow against a Wraith’s neck, causing the creature to collapse to the ground. He looked to his right and snapped that foot out, slamming a sidekick against another soldier’s face.

Zacherie charged forward and tackled his shoulders into the chests of two Wraiths before lifting them up and tossing them backwards.

Yuuri readied her own brace. “Thunder power, strike!” she shouted as her pink Thunder Phoenix armor activated.

THUNDER PHOENIX ONLINE

ARMOR INTEGRITY 45 PERCENT
BIO CELL INTEGRITY 39 PERCENT

Her armor was still damaged from the crash, but that didn’t stop her. She downloaded her daggers and dashed through the formation of Vyram soldiers. She held the dagger her right hand with the blade down and handle up. She used her right arm to knock a Wraith’s claws away before they could connect, then slammed her blade through the Wraith’s chest. The creature hissed in pain as the weapon cut through its ribs and pierced its vital organs.

She pulled the dagger out and turned to her left, twirling the weapon so the handle was down and the blade up as she drove the silver metal through another Wraith’s skull. She pulled the dagger out of her second kill and turned her attention to a soldier closing in front of her. She brought her blades down in an ‘x’ pattern, ripping apart the Wraith’s chest.

Tristan looked over to Yuuri as he slammed his fist against a Wraith’s face, smashing in its skull. “Not bad.”

Yuuri smiled beneath her helmet. “You should see me when I’m in good health,” she said as she crescent kicked a soldier across the face.

Tristan downloaded a curved silver blade that he used to decapitate a soldier in front of him. He moved through the strike while turning and running his blade through the chest of a Wraith that tried to sneak behind him. His sword pierced through the creature’s flesh and bone as easily as it moved through air.

Yuuri’s dagger was a blur of motion as it slit the last Wraith’s throat, and the creature fell to the ground, clutching its wound and struggling as its life slowly bled away.

Zacherie surveyed the slain Wraiths lying across the rocky shore. “This was just a scouting party.”

“We can’t stay here, then,” Tristan said. “Their big brothers could show up at any time.”

“Agreed,” Zacherie said. “Let’s move.”

Yuuri followed the two Dragon rangers across the rocky shore. “Do you know where the source of the jamming is?”

“Yes,” Tristan said, “but it’s well guarded. A frontal attack would be rather foolish. It would be best to proceed to the rendezvous point. If your friends are alive, they’ll be heading there.”

“They may be injured or trapped,” Yuuri said as she stopped moving. Tristan and Zacherie stopped and turned to face her.

Zacherie shook his head. “Hurry. We have to move.”

“I’m going to find the source of the field,” Yuuri said sternly, “you can either come with me, or go hide.”

Zacherie let out a sigh of frustration. “There is a difference between hiding and regrouping. We…”

“I’ll go with her,” Tristan said.

“Have you gone mad?” Zacherie asked.

“Perhaps,” Tristan said. “And you’re coming with me.”

Zacherie sighed as he shook his head. “I know I will regret this.”

“That’s the spirit,” Tristan said as he slapped his friend on the back. Yuuri smiled underneath her helmet.

----to be continued in part three. this thread. watch for it...

[Qi]

As in life, each team is vastly different. Great characters.

[Ryuranger]

---Thunderstrike: "Operation Rising Sun-Phase One": Part Four

Kushiro Shitsugen, Japan

Max inhaled deeply as his senses rushed back to him and he jolted up. He found himself in full armor, sitting next to Matt. They were in the middle of a vast marshland that stretched as far as the eye could see.

“Did that just happen?” Max asked. “I mean…did we just survive…the explosion…did that really just happen.”

Matt nodded.

Max sighed and shook his head as he stood while looking himself over. “I’m surprised we’re not more scratched up.”

“I made minor systematic and cosmetic repairs to our armors while you were unconscious,” Matt said as he stood next to his teammate. “We should both be operating at near full capacity.”

Max nodded. “Thanks…any idea where we are?”

“The marshlands in eastern Hokkaido,” Matt said. “These fields stretch from the foot of the mountains in central Hokkaido to the Pacific coast.”

“I’ll remember that next time I take a geography course,” Max said as he powered down his armor. “Any luck getting a hold of the others?”

Matt shook his head as his armor dematerialized and retracted to his wrist brace. “There appears to be an energy field isolating and jamming our communication signals.”

“Can you find out where it’s at?” Max asked. “The source of the field, I mean…”

Matt shook his head. “No.”

“Well that sucks,” Max said. He took in a deep breath as he looked around the marsh.

“We should head in this direction,” Matt said as he started walking.

Max fell into step behind his teammate. “I hope you know what you’re doing…”

Matt was silent.

***

Mt. Tengu

Kabuto Raijya stepped back and snapped into a defensive stance as he looked back and forth between Vince and Jason.

“Dogs! Leave my country at once!” Ryo shouted with great rage in his voice.

Vince leapt down towards Jason. “No sense in trying to reason with him. He’s insane.”

“We have to try,” Jason said.

Ryo charged towards his two opponents while screaming a feral war cry.

“Fine,” Vince said as he armed his fist blades. “You try talking him to death. I’m taking him now.”

Kabuto Raijya launched a flying sidekick towards Vince, but Thunder Lion ducked under the blow and turned as he aimed a punch towards Ryo’s chest.

Ryo grabbed Vince’s wrist and twisted, then he slammed a hook kick across the green ranger’s helmet.

“Stop!” Jason shouted as Ryo turned around. Jason deactivated his armor and walked towards Kabuto Raijya.

“What are you doing?” Vince asked as he rose to his feet. “He’ll kill you!”

Jason shook his head as he stared into Ryo’s visor. “Will you? You say we have no honor…but where would yours be if you struck down an unarmed man.”

Ryo hesitated, and remained in a fighting stance as Jason walked closer.

“You are not a man,” Ryo growled. “You are a Vyram…”

Jason shook his head. “No. I am not.” He unstrapped his brace and tossed it to the ground. “Vince…”

Vince sighed as he reluctantly powered down his armor. He pointed to his brace. “Mine stays on.”

“Fine,” Jason said, still looking into Ryo’s visor. Kabuto Raijya was visibly shaken and confused.

Jason sat down on his knees and laid his hands forward. “I’m done fighting, Ryo…I’m saving my energy to stop the Vyram. The real bad guys…”

Tension hung in the air as Jason and Vince waited for Ryo to speak.

“Why should I trust you?” Ryo asked as he slightly relaxed his fighting stance.

“Think about it,” Vince said as he pointed at his wrist brace again.

“We’re on your side…” Jason said again, as if he were talking to a child.

Ryo relaxed his stance further. “Eagle Six?”

Jason nodded. “That’s right. Thunderstrike.”

“From America?” Ryo asked.

Jason nodded, keeping his voice low and non-threatening. “Yes. We came to fight for your country…”

Ryo dropped his stance, then powered down his armor. He kicked Jason’s brace back over to him. “If you try anything suspicious, you will die.”

“We’ll keep that in mind,” Vince said as he walked over to his leader.

Jason rose to his feet. “Thank you, Ryo…now…we’ve been trying to get a hold of our teammates, but our communications equipment doesn’t seem to be working.”

Ryo shook his head, a scowl still fresh on his brow. “The Vyram have communications blocked. It took me weeks to find the source.”

“Can you take us there?” Jason asked.

Ryo nodded. “Yes. First we must prepare. Come with me, Yankees.” He walked off towards the ski lift.

“He’s a lunatic,” Vince said quietly to Jason. “Certifiable lunatic.”

Jason nodded. “For once I agree with you.” They started following Ryo.

“Actually,” Vince said. “I think that’s the third time you’ve agreed with me.”

Jason shook his head. “Shut up.”

***

Eagle Six, Chicago

Blake moved slowly through a series of complex movements as he flowed across the floor of eagle Six’s dojo. He wore a black gi with white stripes running along its seems.

Jiraiya entered the dojo and watched Blake silently before speaking.

“You seem well, young Tiger,” Jiraiya said.

Blake stopped and smiled as he looked at Jiraiya. “Thank you, sensei. I’ve never felt better.”

“Why is it you’re here?” Jiraiya asked.

Blake shrugged. “I figure if I practice, I may be able to control my armor better. “I’m not about to stay out of this fight.”

Jiraiya nodded. “I see.”

Blake continued through a series of movements as he spoke. “I figure if I focus, concentrate, I may be able to control the energy flow easier. It’s all a matter of sharpening my mind.”

“In this case, young Tiger, the problem is not with the weapon’s bearer, but the weapon itself,” Jiraiya said.

“The Thunder Tiger works perfectly,” Blake said.

“It’s power is too great for mortal flesh to bare,” Jiraiya said.

“For now,” Blake said.

Jiraiya watched Blake for a few more moments before speaking again. “What is it you have planned, Blake?”

“Simple,” Blake said, knowing he could trust Jiraiya not to tell Hunter and Hayes. “I stay here for a while longer to get back in shape. Then I steal my brace back, and take the fight back to the Vyram.”

Jiraiya nodded. “I see…”

“So,” Blake said, “you can either help me, or leave me alone…sensei…sir.”

“I will do what I can,” Jiraiya said.

Blake smiled.

***

Otaru City, Japan

Jason and Vince walked behind Ryo over a cobblestone path near one of the city’s ancient canals. The path was lit by rows of old gas lanterns.

“Where is it we’re going?” Jason asked.

“I told you,” Ryo said. “We must prepare.”

“How exactly?” Jason asked.

“When we attack the source of the jamming field in Sapporo, the Vyram will send for reinforcements from Otaru,” Ryo said.

“And?” Vince asked.

“We will cripple their operations in Otaru with one fatal blow,” Ryo said. “I would have failed alone, but with you two alongside me it will be possible, however difficult. First we must find someone.”

They turned away from the canal and headed along an alley between two stone warehouses. They heard the screams of a woman in distress pierce the night.

“There…” Ryo said as he dashed towards the scream. Jason and Vince sprinted as they followed him.

The three rangers turned down another alley and saw a young girl, a European tourist from the looks of her, crawl backwards across the ground with her back towards the wall. A tall, pale creature towered over her, with blood red eyes and sharp fangs. The creature was wearing a long dark jacket that covered his slim, bony figure. He hissed at the girl as she screamed with fear.

“Nekram!” Ryo shouted. The creature turned to face Ryo and immediately dropped to his knees and cowarded back against the wall.

“Oh god, oh gods…” Nekram pleaded in a high screechy voice. “I was just playing with her. She can go, she can go…”

The woman ran off and never looked back. Nekram rolled up into a fetal position as he stared at Ryo with great fear in his eyes.

“I have need of you again, worm,” Ryo said.

Nekram frantically nodded. “Anything, anything…oh gods…”

Jason and Vince watched the exchange in astonishment. What kind of ranger could strike so much fear into a Vyram?

“The back entrance to the Vyram storehouse…you will lead us through there,” Ryo said.

“No, no,” Nekram said as he frantically shook his head. “Oh gods, oh gods…”

Ryo drew his sword and pointed it at Nekram’s head. “You will, or I will strike you down right here, right now.”

“Oh gods, oh gods…”

“I will keep you safe,” Ryo said, “unless you turn on me. Then I will kill you slowly, and in a way that would make even your masters cringe.”

Nekram nodded.

“Thank you Nekram,” Ryo said as he lowered his sword.

Vince looked to Jason and raised an eyebrow. Jason shrugged.

---to be continued in part five. this thread. watch for it...

[Imperialwar]

Wow!

[Ryuranger]

---Thunderstrike: "Operation Rising Sun-Phase One": Part Five

Ryo, Jason and Vince followed Nekram through a dark underground tunnel lined with sickly green moss. The Vyram was hunched over as he walked, his eyes darting back and forth to keep a look out for possible attackers.

Ryo looked back to the two members of Thunderstrike. “Nekram used this tunnel to escape the Vyram nest. He is Akahaji. He is shamed.”

Jason shivered at the mention of the name Akahaji. Last time he encountered the creatures, he almost lost his entire team.

“What is this hive?” Jason asked.

“A Vyram factory,” Ryo said, “where they make their Wraiths, strengthen their warriors, and develop their bio-weapons of terror. This tunnel is not well known, and therefore, not well guarded.”

They came upon a large stopped door as Nekram stopped and looked at Ryo. “They will kill me, kill me…oh gods…”

“Quiet,” Ryo said as he pointed at the door. “Knock.”

Nekram pounded on the stone as Ryo drew his sword. The creature spoke in a tongue the rangers didn’t recognize.

The stone door slid open as Ryo pushed Nekram away and hurled his sword at the scientist in a white trench coat that opened the door. The sword speared through the man’s head as Ryo flipped into the stone room while throwing a volley of throwing stars.

The stars struck various scientists, killing most and injuring others before they could sound an alarm.

“Jenai, Shinobi tenshin!” Ryo shouted as he activated his armor.

Jason and Vince readied their braces as they moved in behind him. “Thunder power, strike!”

Nekram hopped over corpses to a door in the back corner of the room. The door appeared to be made of dark ivory. He placed his hand on a pad besides the door that pricked his skin.

Kabuto Raijya downloaded a silver blaster and aimed at the door. Jason and Vince downloaded their blasters and did the same.

Nekram’s genetic code unlocked the ivory door as it slid open. The three rangers fired down the dark tunnel, their blasts ripping apart the Wraiths that lurked there as they moved forward, Ryo taking the point.

“This is a bad plan,” Vince said as they pushed forward, weapons blazing.

They cleared the path of Wraiths, and walked onto a stone balcony. They looked off the balcony and what they saw shocked them.

They stared down into a deep pit lined with hundreds of organic pods. Each pod had humanoid figures thrashing in gelatinous liquid within the pods.

“Those pods are used for creating Wraiths from the genetic material of their victims and dead,” Ryo explained. “The larger pods along the bottom rows are used for enhancing their warriors.”

At the bottom of the pit, scientists in white trench coats walked along the rows of cocoons while taking samples and injecting various chemicals. Moving platforms elevated the scientists to reach the pods on higher rows.

“Ok,” Jason said, “here’s the plan: we…”

“We fight!” Ryo said as he readied his sword and jumped down into the pit.

Kabuto Ranger flipped down into the pit while snapping off several throwing stars, cutting through the scientists riding the lifts. He landed on top of a scientist while driving his sword through the man’s back.

He pulled out his sword as the scientists surrounded him, their skin ripping and clothes shredding as they mutated into various monster-like forms.

“Crazy,” Vince said.

Jason nodded. “Actually this may work quite well…” he turned and started back towards the dark tunnel.

“Where are you going?” Vince asked.

“Our new friend just caused one hell of a distraction,” Jason said. “We’re going to take advantage of that.”

***

Nekram was hiding in a corner in the first room he led the rangers into when Jason and Vince walked in front of him with their arms crossed.

“Hey pal,” Vince said with a cold edge to his voice.

“Oh gods…oh gods…” Nekram said as terror flashed before his eyes.

“You’re an Akahaji, right?” Jason asked.

Nekram nodded. “Yes, yes. Shamed.”

“How many more of you are there here?” Jason asked.

“Pens full,” Nekram said. Underneath his helmet, Jason smiled.

***

Back in the pit, Ryo leapt forward while running his blade through the chest of a scientist who had mutated into a bug-like creature. He pulled the blade out from the insect’s chest, and swung his saber across its throat. Green ooze slimed from the bug as it collapsed to the ground.

Even though the scientists had taken measures to improve their own bodies, they were no warriors.

Kabuto Raijya hopped forward while slamming his foot into the snout of a reptilian creature. He followed through by bringing his blade down through the monster from its right collarbone to its left waist.

“Come, demon-spawn!” Ryo shouted as he moved forward, striking down anything that moved. “Come to your deaths!”

He double flying sidekicked a beastial scientist, crushing the creature’s ribs before bringing his sword down to cut off its arm.

Three Vyram warriors leapt into the pit, determined to protect the unhatched offspring.

One of the warriors had bulging muscles covered in deep green skin. His bald forehead had two spiked horns protruding from it just above the four red slits that served as the warrior’s eyes. He wore a light suit of black armor and carried a double-bladed axe.

The second Vyram warrior looked almost identical to a Wraith, only his veins and eyes were deep blue and he had four arms. Two slender blades were strapped to his back in an ‘x’ pattern.

The third warrior was slender, but ripped. He was covered in sickly yellow skin and wore leather slacks and a black leather vest. He had a long scorpion-style tail and a bald head. His eyes glowed with a deep yellow hue, and his feral grin revealed rows of razor sharp teeth.

“What a surprise,” the scorpion Vyram said in a hissing voice. “We thought all of you were dead.”

“Kisaima!” Ryo shouted as he charged towards the three warriors.

The scorpion lashed out with his tail, but Ryo jumped over the strike. The Wraith-type warrior leapt through the air and slammed into Ryo.

Kabuto Ranger fell to the ground as he grabbed onto the warrior’s shoulders and rolled back while kicking the creature away.

He flipped back to his feet and saw the bull-type Vyram charging towards him. He tried to dive out of the way, but he acted too late. The horns slammed against his armor and he was forced backwards. His visor updated him on his armor’s integrity, but he ignored it as he folded his hands together and slammed his fists onto the back on the warrior’s neck. The warrior didn’t seem injured by the blow and lifted the ranger up with his horns and tossed him aside like a rag doll.

***

A warehouse sat above the pit, and in the building was a large high-tech control room lined with dark gray plating. A large circle of steel extended from the roof and down three stories to the floor. Computer terminals lined the circle as dozens of armed guards and techs attended their stations. Possessing only minor genetic enhancements, they hoped their dedication would one day grant them a higher status in the Vyram hierarchy.

Large steel doors clanked open as Nekram stuck his head in and issued a large hiss. Once he caught the guards’ attention, he bolted away from the door.

“One of them’s loose…” one guard shouted.

“Get him!” another yelled as all of the guards except a small handful ran out of the room and turned down the hall towards the direction Nekram ran off to.

The guards heard a whistle and turned to see Vince standing behind them with his fist blades armed.

He slammed an uppercut against a guard’s midsection. The blade tore through the man’s stomach as Vince slammed his elbow against the back of guard’s neck and the man collapsed.

Vince stepped forward with his right foot, then spun his left leg around in a hook kick that dropped another guard to the floor.

The rest of the guards pulled out their side arms and fired at Vince, their bullets ricocheting off his armor.

“I hate guns…” Vince said as he downloaded his blaster and started firing.

***

Only six guards remained in the control room when Jason dropped to the floor.

“Hey guys,” he said as he snapped off a blade boomerang. The guards pulled out their weapons to fire, but the boomerang knocked their guns from their hands as Jason ran towards them.

He flying sidekicked a man in the face, crushing the guard’s skull as he landed and swept the legs out from a soldier who banged his head on a computer console on the way to the ground.

He armed his fist blade and stepped forward while punching a guard in the chest, crashing through his ribs and heart. He stepped behind that guard and slammed a backfist against another man’s temple before driving his fist blade through his neck.

He grabbed a hold of the two remaining guard’s heads and slammed them together. He let go as they crumpled to the ground.

Jason moved to what appeared to be the main terminal as he scanned the controls.

“I could really use Yuuri about now,” he said to himself as he shook his head.

He found a small screen on the console in front of him that appeared to be a 2-d cut out of the base. He touched a portion of the map and the camera feed on the monitor in front of him changed.

“Bingo,” he said as he touched several more locations. After a few more tries, he found what he was looking for.

The monitor displayed pens filled with hundreds of misshapen Akahaji. The pens had been recently filled with deformed Vyram scheduled for termination. “Jackpot…”

---to be continued in part six. this thread. watch for it.

[Ryuranger]

---Thunderstrike:"Operation Rising Sun-Phase One": Part Six

Ryo ducked under the scorpion’s tail before rising and snapping off a volley of throwing stars in his direction. The Vyram warrior smacked the stars away with ease before thrashing his tail back towards Ryo’s head.

Kabuto Raijya used his saber to knock the tail away as the horned Vyram came charging at his side with his ax held high. Ryo was ready for the bull-type Vyram this time.

He shot up into the air and descended back down towards the bull’s head. A dagger sprang from his boot as he slammed the heel of his foot between the creature’s horns, the dagger spearing through the Vyram’s skull.

***

Jason switched the monitor to view Ryo’s battle in the pit. He tuned in to see a group of dozens of Wraiths surround the Kabuto Raijya.

Jason activated his helmet’s comm, since the jamming field didn’t affect short-range communications. “Ryo, I suggest you get out of there rather fast…”

“You abandoned me!” Ryo yelled over the comm, causing slight pain in Jason’s ear.

“No,” Jason said. “We were just busy springing a trap, and unless you want to fall victim to said trap, I suggest you get out of there.”

Vince entered the room and walked over to Jason. “That’s it…all the other guards and Wraiths must have headed into the pit.”

“Good,” Jason said as he reached over and twisted a lever. “Here goes nothing…”

***

Countless of Akahaji swarmed into the pit, attacking everything in sight. The warriors broke off their attack against Ryo to try to stop the wave of deformed Vyram, but their numbers were too great.

The Akahaji were mostly nothing but mindless killing machines, with few exceptions like Nekram. They felt only blood lust.

The Wraiths were severley outnumbered and quickly fell victim to the wave of creatures pouring into every entrance.

Kabuto Raijya was shocked, a task not accomplished lightly. He hopped up each pod as Jason shouted at him to hurry. He looked up at the stone balcony that was his target as a large metal door started to close over the exit.

“No!” Ryo shouted as his armor’s bio-cells pumped more energy into his muscles so he could jump faster. He rolled underneath the metal door less than a second before it slammed shut. He saw Jason, Vince and Nekram as he looked up and rose to his feet.

“What has happened?!” he asked frantically. “Tell me?!”

“We freed the Akahaji,” Jason said. “They had a clear path to the pit. Almost all of the guards and Wraiths were already there thanks to you. Once the Akahaji were in, we sealed off the pit. No Vyram down there has the strength to break through those doors.

Nekram crouched next to Jason, a look of fear in his eyes as he slowly shook his head, staring blankly into space. “The Akahaji will devour everything in the pits. The Wraiths…the warriors…the pods…everything. Then they will turn on each other.”

Ryo nodded approvingly. “Well done, Yankees.”

“Stop calling us that,” Vince said. The unlikely quartet left the warehouse as the bloodbath underneath continued.

---phase one will be concluded in part seven. this thread. watch for it...

[Imperialwar]

As always this a very nicely done chapter.

[Ryuranger]

Thanks. Phase One will be done by the end of the day...

[Qi]

You know, it's nice to go away for an afternoon and then come back to several parts up at once. Makes for a really enjoyable morning.

Great job Ryu.

[Ryuranger]

Phase One will be done by the end of the day. Some stuff came up yesterday...long story...

[Ryuranger]

----ThunderStrike: "Operation Rising Sun-Phase One" : part seven

Sapporo, Japan

Yuuri, Tristan, and Zacherie gathered in a small abandoned room that rested on the fourth floor of a building in the center of thriving downtown. Out the room’s small window, they could across the streets of Sapporo, the city striving with life as the morning sun began to cast its golden hue across the sky line.

Tristan set up a small pile of boxes to serve as their table while Zacherie laid out a detailed two-dimensional map.

“This is the Kaori Foundation building,” Zacherie explained, “it’s in the center of the city near Odori Park.”

“Security?” Yuuri asked.

“Most of the building’s original security systems are still intact,” Zacherie said. “Nothing major. The Vyram upgrades, however, present something of a problem. Heat sensors, motion detectors, mazes of pathways, all surrounding this room here…”

Zacherie stabbed his finger against the center of the map. “This room is six stories tall. Not only is it the source of the jamming field, it’s the nexus for all of the Vyram’s operations in Hokkaido. A super computer of bio-neural cells.”

“Looks fun, doesn’t it?” Tristan asked Yuuri.

Yuuri smiled back at him before returning her attention to the map. “We never saw anything like that in the states…”

Tristan shook his head. “You should take that as a pleasant sign.”

Zacherie nodded. “They weren’t able to construct the super computer until after the fall of Eagle One. Hacking into its system is impossible…”

“For now,” Tristan said.

Zacherie nodded. “For now. It will have to be completely destroyed.”

“Defenses?” Yuuri asked.

“We’ve seen at least five different warriors,” Tristan said. “All Gamma Tens.”

Yuuri nodded. “Well…I think I have a plan, but it’s risky.”

“All good plans are,” Tristan said. The three rangers got to work.

***

In the back alleys of Sapporo, Nekram was filling Ryo in on the various defenses and security systems in the Kaori Foundation building, while Vince pulled Jason aside.

“I don’t like this,” Vince said as worry creased his brow. “That little freak knows too much about this building for being shamed.”

Jason nodded. “I don’t think he’s really Akahaji. I think he’s something else. But if his purpose was to lead us into a trap, it would have happened back in the pits.”

Vince sighed and shook his head.

“Look,” Jason said, “I don’t like this either, but we have to get into that building, and that little squirt seems to be our best bet.”

“So,” Vince said after a brief moment of silence, “the two of us are going into a Vyram-packed building alone while being led by a lunatic with a sword and a misshapen genetic experiment gone bad.”

Jason shrugged. “Basically.”

Vince sighed and shook his head.

***

The morning sun crept across the horizon as Max and Matt continued their trek towards Sapporo.

“Ya know,” Max said, “Besides the whole plane blowing thing, this trip’s been rather uneventful. Not that I’m complaining…”

“You are complaining,” Matt said as he stared ahead.

“Well, yeah,” Max said, “I figured we’d have rushed into a Vyram stronghold by now, or met up with another one of those ranger teams. I didn’t expect…”

“You’re still complaining,” Matt said.

Max shook his head as a sarcastic expression spread across his face. “Ya know, Matt, I’m really glad we’ve had this chance to bond…”

---to be continued in Phase Two of Operation Rising Sun.

--author's note: Greetings. This part ended up being way to long, so i bumped a lot back to phase two, thus the shortness of this update. Anyway, thanks for reading. Phase Two will be up by tomorrow at the latest. Be sure to check out "I, Ranger" for updates soon, too.

[Qi]

Great Job!!!!

[Imperialwar]

It's short but still damn good