RyoSanada
08-10-2004, 06:02 PM
Power Ranger Cyber Strike
Episode 2: Upload part II
The entire hall was a mess. All across the university students were moving back in from their four month summer break. Boxes lay strewn about the bigger than average dorm room, but it was still small. “Okay, Dax. How much crap did you bring from home?” a guy dressed in a blue button up said, stuff papers into an overflowing trash bag.
“Same as I did last year, Evan. Same stuff,” replied the boy in a red anime t-shirt standing on a chair affixing an Akira poster on the wall.
“Well…I think its grown. This is the same hall we were in, with the same roommate none the less, and you’ve some how wound up taking more space than last year.”
“Ah, loosen up. It happens. Anyway, have you seen Scott anywhere?”
“He’s down on the first floor, remember? He got the tutoring job that I wanted. But I do suppose he is the best person for the job.”
Dax was one of Evan’s best friends. They’d roomed together, almost accidentally their first year of college. They went to the same high school and hung out all the time. College plans were made, but they decided that they’d not put down to live together, other than sharing the same building, which happened to be the honor’s dorm. As fate would have it, the two were put in the same room and things went swimmingly.
“Right. I can’t believe I forgot. Anyway, I’m done and I’m going to head out and grab a bite to eat. You wanna come?”
“Sure, let me throw this stuff away real fast. Hey, lets grab Scott and the girls too. Have a first night reunion,” Evan said trying to lift three full-to-busting trash bags, be admitted defeat and only managed two.
“Sounds like a plan. Here let me give you a hand,” Dax said grabbing the remaining trash bag up off the floor.
* * *
“Okay, explain it again. How does this job work, Scott?” Evan asked again trying to wrap his head around it. Staring at the guy rummaging behind his TV hooking up several game systems, he sighed still frustrated at not understanding after two or three different explanations.
“Evan. I know you’re not stupid. You’re just as smart as I am. They really wanted you for this job but you were just too busy. You’re in too much. So stop thinking and listen,” Scott said, poking his head up from behind his TV and looking at Evan and Dax on his bed. “I work, ideally, ten hours a week. I get to set my own hours and change them when its needed. I help kids that aren’t performing as well as they would like in Math and Science. Although, I may have to work more hours depending on what the Honor’s director says.”
“Okay. I think I got it that time,” Evan said smiling pleasantly with finally understanding. Scott was right, he was in too much to have to devote ten hours a week to the job. He was Vice-President of the Honors Student Association and President of the University Aikido Club. Evan barely had time to turn around let alone find time to work.
Evan met Scott at one of the Honors Student Association meetings. They hit it off well and instantly became best friends. Soon Evan, Dax, and Scott became comparable to the ‘Three Musketeers.’ Generally, where you find one, the other two won’t be far off. Satisfied that his game systems were hooked up properly, Scott joined Evan and Dax on the bed.
“So what are you two up to?” Scott questioned.
“We were going to go grab a bite to eat and thought we’d come and see if you wanted to join us. We were going to wait on Sara and Amber, and we thought we’d drag you along too,” Dax answered.
“Yeah, I’d love to come. Evan, what are you doing?”
“Oh, nothing. Just, thinking, doing what I do best,” Evan smiled as he spoke. Almost unconsciously, Evan was writing in depth about something. Ideas were flying from his head out onto the paper he swiped from Scott’s desk.
“Could the three of you be any more different?” a well dressed girl in pink asked from the door.
“Amber, I don’t get these three, do you? Well, I guess living here in the honor’s dorm we’ve all got to be a little cracked,” a girl in yellow remarked.
Evan looked up and smiled, “Who are you calling cracked, Sara? If I remember right, it was you that wanted to get switched in from another hall.”
“Well, I suppose you’re right,” Sara replied, straightening her yellow shirt.
Dax stood up, “Well, you all ready? Lets get going! I’m starved”
Amber glared at Dax, “When are you not hungry, Dexter?”
“I TOLD YOU NEVER USE MY FIRST NAME!” Dax shouted jokingly.
- - -
It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when Dax, Evan, Scott, Sara, and Amber began to make their way across campus to get to the part of the city the good restaurants were. It was mid-August and a very nice day. The five were walking and joking together. Speculating what their classes would be like for the upcoming year. Trying to make rudimentary plans for the Honors Student Association and for different things they could try and go to this year.
Sara stopped and looked up a side street that led to a different part of town from campus. She pointed out a figure running up the street, that looked to be hailing them.
Scott turned. “What on Earth could be wrong with him?” he asked aloud.
“C’mon guys. Its probably just some nut, lets get going,” Dax said urging his friends on.
“No, Dax. I think we should stay. He could be in trouble,” Evan decided.
“Or he could want to kill five college students to get his name in the newspaper,” Amber remarked.
Through all their deliberation, the man reached them. “Hello,” he said panting, “My name is Kendall. I work at DataServ Computer Corps and I need your help.”
“What?” the five of them all exclaimed at once.
“What could we possibly do?” Sara questioned.
“Just come with me to my office, I’ll explain everything there.”
Because of the strangeness of the situation, or teenage curiosity, the teens all followed Kendall, despite the complaints from Dax about his stomach.
* * *
Electricity surged through the ship. Sparks showered the control room. Despite the insisting pilot wanting to turn away, the captain urged him on.
“But, Master Shiiro, the ship won’t hold. It’ll be destroyed if we keep pressing,” Etheran explained, watching the gauges on the control panel move ever closer to the forbidden red zone.
“Just a few more seconds. I want to be completely positive that we can’t break through,” Shiiro assured, “I want to be absolutely sure that we can’t go through this way before turning back and finding another way.”
“If we had a real pilot, then maybe. But we don’t! All you’ve got is me and I’m fairly certain I can’t change the functions of the ship fast enough to get us through safely.”
“Fine then, have it your way,” Shiiro exclaimed. “You can quit now. I’ll be right back.”
Electricity stopped encircling the ship as Etheran slumped back in his seat at the controls. Shiiro did not notice though as he stormed through the ship. His white robes swirled behind him as he stopped at a polished silver door. Taking a deep breath, he walked into the room without announcing his presence.
“Progran, I need a new virus! Commander class. We need something new to pilot the ship,” Shiiro bellowed.
“Of course master,” Progran said appearing from the shadows of his workshop. “I’ll need time to code it, but you’ll have it soon enough. When do you need it, Master?”
“Twenty minutes ago. Before Etheran lost us twenty percent on our hull-integrity.”
“Of course, I’ll get right on it.” The doors hissed shut behind Shiiro as he left Progran’s workshop. “Yes, yes, yes. I’ll get right on it! Stupid Ranger! Blasted my com-pad. Well…it’s a good thing I have this whole workshop then.” Progran bustled about, typing in commands on any of the twenty-some keyboards lining the room. Hundreds of screens flickered to life. “This one will have to do I suppose.”
* * *
“So...do you understand?” Kendall questioned the five.
“Understand – yes. Believe – no,” Dax answered for the group. Amber seemed to agree.
“How do you expect us to buy that we, 3-D human beings, can be turned into binary data, entered into a computer and function completely normal? It just sounds too…sci-fi for me. Like something you’d find in an episode of Power Rangers or something,” Amber ranted.
Kendall chucked to himself. The idea to form rangers from the data they collected came from him and his brother, back in 1994 after watching an episode. Their father believed him, why wouldn’t they? “What about the rest of you? You’re not saying much.”
Evan took a deep breath, catching Scott’s eye he nodded. The spokesperson was elected. ‘Well, its not so much that we don’t believe you. The we, of course, being me, Scott, and Sara. Its just that, well, it’s a little hard to swallow. It sounds like a different version of The Matrix.”
Scott took this opportunity to chime in, “Anyway, why do you need us? We’re just college students. We’ve got –”
“Families?” Kendall stared deep into Scott’s eyes.
“Well, that and school work, and other activities, and, you know, teenage lives,” Sara pleaded their case.
“What if I could show you? What if I could prove it to you that you could be turned into cybernetic data and transferred inside programs, survive, and come out alive?”
“Well, I suppose if you could prove it, that would be one thing. But…once we’re in there what are we supposed to do?” Evan asked.
“I’m sure you’ve all heard of computer viruses,” Kendall began to explain.
“Yeah, but, they’re just programs. Nothing tangible, nothing real, like we are,” Scott defined.
“But, they do real damage don’t they? They do real things to your computer. How do you know that in the cyber-world they don’t take on a more…physical form. Now that they’ve taken this form, they’re a little harder to stop, regular anti-virus programs won’t work. So, in step the CyberRangers,” Kendall explained.
Dax stood in disbelief, “Well, first you have to prove it to us.”
“Yeah, I mean, talk and all the flashing lights are one thing, but actually doing it is another.’
Kendall pointed to a large circular console set apart from all the other computers. There were six stations at the console, each with a keyboard, screen, and strange device connected to a port via a wire. “That console is the Primary Transmission Center. Its from there that persons can be transformed into data and transported to the cyber-world.”
“So, if this really does work, and we accept, we have to run here should there ever be an attack?” Amber questioned.
“No,” Brittany finally took this time to chime into the conversation. “We are actually working on portable transmission devices, morphers, as it were. They work on a wireless signal and can tap into the closest network. We’re working on finishing them now. Another thirty to forty-five minutes or so, and they’ll be done.”
The group sounded one, “Ah” between the five of them. That was the simplest (they thought) answer and they got just what they were looking for. Each one of them took a seat at the console. Dax sat in front of red display on the computer. The readouts of Evan’s console were all in blue. The glow from Scott’s screen bathed him in green. Yellow shone brightly on Sara’s space. Amber smiled contently that the pink system had been left for her.
’Please Enter Name’ was displayed on each of the screens. The teens complied with the request. Each typed in their name and hit the return key on the keyboard. ’Please Attach Transmission Device to Left Forearm’ was the next set of instructions, followed swiftly by ’Activating.’
What happened next happened in a flash of light. It was instantaneous. In the real world, as Kendall stood watching, it merely looked as if each of the teens turned into light of the color of their monitor, then with a flash was gone He turned to look at a screen on a larger computer console.
’Activation Complete. Initializing Ranger Commands. Designations:
- CyberRed – Unit 001
- CyberBlue – Unit 002
- CyberGreen – Unit 003
- CyberYellow – Unit 004
- CyberPink – Unit 005
Weapon Systems: Online
Environment: Digital Transmission Room
Vehicles: Class Alpha and Class Beta offline. Incomplete Code’ appeared on Kendall’s monitor. Good, thought Kendall, They have to believe me now.
- - -
From the teens’ perspective, things were entirely different. They physically didn’t feel anything, but their senses went on overdrive. Light surrounded them, they were traveling in all directions for an instant, then in the blink of an eye, were traveling straight forward. Then as suddenly as it began, it was over. They stood in a circle, staring at each other.
Scott looked to his right, where Evan was just seconds ago, stood a person wearing blue armor. To his left, where Sara had been, stood an obviously female figure wearing yellow armor similar to that of Evan’s but with some subtle differences, like the addition of a skirt for instance. Dax lifted his hands and touched the helmet that covered his entire head. It was red and matched his armor. Amber was twisting around where she stood, attempting to get a good look at the pink suit that was on her.
There was a crackle in their helmet’s followed by Kendall’s voice, “See. I wasn’t lying. You are now the CyberRangers. The only line of defense against more evolved computer viruses. Your suits will be able to take the blunt of any blows you take in combat.”
“Wait, combat?” Amber retorted.
“Yes. You have to fight the viruses. That won’t be a problem
though because you’ll more than likely be attacked first,” Kendall answered.
“Oh, well, if that’s the case…” Amber seemed to trail off.
Kendall continued, “Each of you is equipped with a CyberStriker Blaster. Its your sidearm. By changing the position of the handle, the blaster will turn into the CyberStriker Sabre, a sword like device. These will be good enough for the less harmful viruses my brother took to calling glitches. However, there will be larger viruses. Stronger. More resilient to those smaller attacks, so we’ve coded each of you with individual weapons. We’re transmitting them now.”
In a flash of light, weapons appeared in their hands. Dax held two swords, almost like katanas, but not. Two axes had appeared in Evan’s hands. A staff, which suddenly split into two smaller clubs, flashed into being in Scott’s hand. Sara now held two hand blasters, larger than the one she wore on her belt. Amber carried two bladed boomerangs with her.
They gasped in astonishment. “So, this all is really real. We’re really in the computer system. But…where are we?” Dax asked, assuming the role of group leader.
“You are in what we call the transmission room. This is like your base of operations in the cyber-world. Your weapons are stored here and this is where your vehicles will originate once we get them coded. This area is also under a specific firewall, so its safe from all virus outbreaks.”
“Well, we believe you now.”
“Guys, that’s good and all, but we have a problem,” this time it was Brittany’s voice over the communications channel. “The viruses have shown up at the college mainframe. They’re wanting in. You’ve got to stop them.”
Sara took a deep breath, “Well, we might as well see if we can handle it.”
Scott glared at her behind his helmet, “I don’t think we really have a choice now.”
Kendall’s voice returned. “He’s right, you don’t have a choice. Transporting now.”
Again, in a flash of light the Ranger’s were flung across the new technological world. This time, they were dropped in front of a hi-tech version of the college they all attended. Strange, robotic looking “people” were fleeing. Gridlines appeared around the structure, and from the ground, humanoid figures appeared. Countless numbers of the beings began swarming the rangers. And the battle ensued.
Fists, elbows, knees, feet, whatever was handy was flung at the Glitches as they began the onslaught. The new Rangers were becoming accustomed to their newfound strength, stamina, and agility. They were empowered. For every Glitch that was knocked down, two more took its place.
Remembering that they had weapons, Dax drew his CyberStriker Blaster and fired. Glitches fell with a single shot. Amber and Scott followed Dax’s example and began firing at the Glitches. This made an obvious dent in their ranks. Evan and Sara however, transformed their Strikers into the Sabre and lashed out. The blades caught the Glitches and they fell sparking. The Rangers were gaining the upperhand.
Suddenly the onslaught from the Glitches stopped as they dissolved back into their gridlines on the ground. The Rangers stood staring at one another. “What happened? Did we win?” Sara asked.
Their communicators crackled. “No, something’s coming. Hang on. It looks like a virus, Attack class. Wait, there are two. The other one is Commander class. Its him,” Kendall snarled.
Progran marched confidently forward with a menacing looking virus striding beside him. The new virus was covered in horns. His head was more situated on his chest. Two long arms ended in a tube-like hand adorned with 3 long, sharp claws. The monster stood, ready to attack.
Progran’s mouth twisted into what could only be a smile. “Ah. More for me to play with. Well, one was easy enough, five can’t be that hard.”
Dax was feeling bold, “What are you talking about?”
“Oh, don’t you know? Well…someone’s been hiding something from you. You may want to ask about the White One next time you come back…that is…if you get to leave this next time.” Progran pressed some icons on his touch-screen pad and more Glitches appeared. But these were different. Their arms had weapons and it looked like they were wearing armor. “Glitches version 3.0 – attack. Virus, destroy them,” Progran commanded as he stepped back to watch the onslaught.
The new Glitches were definitely stronger. The Rangers looked like they had forgotten how to stand up. Things really got ugly when the Glitches right arms transformed into swords and their left hands became blasters. As if they didn’t have things hard enough as it was, the virus was just making their lives more complicated.
CyberRed decided that it was his job to stop the virus so he had to deal with him and Glitches. In a spark of memory, he called on his weapons. Red gridlines formed in his hands and in a flash he was wielding his swords. The swords bit into the virus and sparks were sent flying. “Guys! Don’t forget about your weapons!” Dax shouted during the fray.
In a flash each Ranger was able to wield their weapons. The weapons allowed the Rangers to make quick work of the Glitches. Evan’s axes were more than able to stop the Glitches in their tracks. Scott’s staff served as both weapon and shield during the battle. Sara used high-flying acrobatics, enhanced by her Ranger-powers, to launch volley after volley of laser fire into the soldiers. Tossing her boomerangs, Amber was able to keep the Glitches from getting too close to her, but if they got that close, the boomerangs served as daggers.
And the Glitches were stopped, which left Dax and the virus grappling with the virus. Now all five Rangers were able to turn their attention to the virus. He was strong. Their weapons hit him and just sent sparks. The virus lashed out with his arms and sent the Rangers sprawling on the ground. Their resolve kept them fighting on and attacked the virus with every ounce of their strength.
- - -
In the real world, Kendall and Brittany were working with a fire. Both sat at computer consoles and were writing code. “Brittany, how much longer until we get it ready?” Kendall asked from across the lab.
“I don’t know. It could take five minutes or it could take five days."
"We don’t have five days. Get it done!”
“Wait…duh! I got it. Send the information!”
“Guys, listen,” Kendall said speaking into the microphone on his headset, “We just wrote a program that will be able to let you combine your weapons into one big blaster. The combined power should be enough to delete the virus. I’m sending you the information now.”
- - -
The Rangers received their information on the inside of their visors which also doubled as computer screens. The readout showed each of the weapons and how they could be combined into one. It looked simple enough, and the Rangers didn’t have anything to lose.
“Okay, lets do it!” Dax shouted. And the other four complied. With the newfound knowledge, attaching the weapons was remotely easy. They just seemed to slide into place. The blaster was formed, now all the Rangers stood flanking Dax. “Fire!” Dax shouted as he pulled the trigger. The bolt slammed into the virus, and he exploded.
Progran stood astonished. “You…you…beat him! I will not stand for this!” Progran drew his blaster and charged at the CyberRangers.
“Stop,” a mysterious voice commanded. Progran stopped in his tracks and stared at Shiiro standing mere meters away. “Leave them. We have bigger things to attend to.”
“Yes, Master,” Progran said bowing. “I guess you do get the chance to ask about the other,” Progran snapped at the Rangers then teleported out.
The five stood in bewilderment. There were so many questions that needed answers. Soon, their headsets crackled and Kendall spoke, “Okay, lets get you back here then I’ll finish the story.” In a split second, the five were sitting back in the real world, where they had been sitting earlier.
Brittany strode over to them, carry five cell phone looking devices. They were all silver, but had colored stripes that matched their Ranger colors and unit designations. “These are your Cyber Morphers. They function like regular flip phones, and we’ve already done the research and programmed everything from your old phones into them, including the number. When you need to morph, push the button on the top, and it opens another way, hit the new button on the inside and alls done,” she explained handing out the morphers.
Next, Kendall came over and explained the story about his brother. He also explained that it looked like the viruses were getting stronger, and that the battle could last a lot longer. He also confided in them that their university was a target because of state of the art technology they were developing. The five teens all agreed and walked out of the research lab. Dax, Evan, Scott, Sara, and Amber were filled with a new sense of self.
No longer were they merely struggling to make it through college. Now, they were also struggling to save the world. The technology, as they were told, would allow the viruses to escape the Cyber-World. They couldn’t let this happen, and they had no intention of losing.
Their name was now entered into a long line of protectors of the planet…
…they are the POWER RANGERS.
Episode 2: Upload part II
The entire hall was a mess. All across the university students were moving back in from their four month summer break. Boxes lay strewn about the bigger than average dorm room, but it was still small. “Okay, Dax. How much crap did you bring from home?” a guy dressed in a blue button up said, stuff papers into an overflowing trash bag.
“Same as I did last year, Evan. Same stuff,” replied the boy in a red anime t-shirt standing on a chair affixing an Akira poster on the wall.
“Well…I think its grown. This is the same hall we were in, with the same roommate none the less, and you’ve some how wound up taking more space than last year.”
“Ah, loosen up. It happens. Anyway, have you seen Scott anywhere?”
“He’s down on the first floor, remember? He got the tutoring job that I wanted. But I do suppose he is the best person for the job.”
Dax was one of Evan’s best friends. They’d roomed together, almost accidentally their first year of college. They went to the same high school and hung out all the time. College plans were made, but they decided that they’d not put down to live together, other than sharing the same building, which happened to be the honor’s dorm. As fate would have it, the two were put in the same room and things went swimmingly.
“Right. I can’t believe I forgot. Anyway, I’m done and I’m going to head out and grab a bite to eat. You wanna come?”
“Sure, let me throw this stuff away real fast. Hey, lets grab Scott and the girls too. Have a first night reunion,” Evan said trying to lift three full-to-busting trash bags, be admitted defeat and only managed two.
“Sounds like a plan. Here let me give you a hand,” Dax said grabbing the remaining trash bag up off the floor.
* * *
“Okay, explain it again. How does this job work, Scott?” Evan asked again trying to wrap his head around it. Staring at the guy rummaging behind his TV hooking up several game systems, he sighed still frustrated at not understanding after two or three different explanations.
“Evan. I know you’re not stupid. You’re just as smart as I am. They really wanted you for this job but you were just too busy. You’re in too much. So stop thinking and listen,” Scott said, poking his head up from behind his TV and looking at Evan and Dax on his bed. “I work, ideally, ten hours a week. I get to set my own hours and change them when its needed. I help kids that aren’t performing as well as they would like in Math and Science. Although, I may have to work more hours depending on what the Honor’s director says.”
“Okay. I think I got it that time,” Evan said smiling pleasantly with finally understanding. Scott was right, he was in too much to have to devote ten hours a week to the job. He was Vice-President of the Honors Student Association and President of the University Aikido Club. Evan barely had time to turn around let alone find time to work.
Evan met Scott at one of the Honors Student Association meetings. They hit it off well and instantly became best friends. Soon Evan, Dax, and Scott became comparable to the ‘Three Musketeers.’ Generally, where you find one, the other two won’t be far off. Satisfied that his game systems were hooked up properly, Scott joined Evan and Dax on the bed.
“So what are you two up to?” Scott questioned.
“We were going to go grab a bite to eat and thought we’d come and see if you wanted to join us. We were going to wait on Sara and Amber, and we thought we’d drag you along too,” Dax answered.
“Yeah, I’d love to come. Evan, what are you doing?”
“Oh, nothing. Just, thinking, doing what I do best,” Evan smiled as he spoke. Almost unconsciously, Evan was writing in depth about something. Ideas were flying from his head out onto the paper he swiped from Scott’s desk.
“Could the three of you be any more different?” a well dressed girl in pink asked from the door.
“Amber, I don’t get these three, do you? Well, I guess living here in the honor’s dorm we’ve all got to be a little cracked,” a girl in yellow remarked.
Evan looked up and smiled, “Who are you calling cracked, Sara? If I remember right, it was you that wanted to get switched in from another hall.”
“Well, I suppose you’re right,” Sara replied, straightening her yellow shirt.
Dax stood up, “Well, you all ready? Lets get going! I’m starved”
Amber glared at Dax, “When are you not hungry, Dexter?”
“I TOLD YOU NEVER USE MY FIRST NAME!” Dax shouted jokingly.
- - -
It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when Dax, Evan, Scott, Sara, and Amber began to make their way across campus to get to the part of the city the good restaurants were. It was mid-August and a very nice day. The five were walking and joking together. Speculating what their classes would be like for the upcoming year. Trying to make rudimentary plans for the Honors Student Association and for different things they could try and go to this year.
Sara stopped and looked up a side street that led to a different part of town from campus. She pointed out a figure running up the street, that looked to be hailing them.
Scott turned. “What on Earth could be wrong with him?” he asked aloud.
“C’mon guys. Its probably just some nut, lets get going,” Dax said urging his friends on.
“No, Dax. I think we should stay. He could be in trouble,” Evan decided.
“Or he could want to kill five college students to get his name in the newspaper,” Amber remarked.
Through all their deliberation, the man reached them. “Hello,” he said panting, “My name is Kendall. I work at DataServ Computer Corps and I need your help.”
“What?” the five of them all exclaimed at once.
“What could we possibly do?” Sara questioned.
“Just come with me to my office, I’ll explain everything there.”
Because of the strangeness of the situation, or teenage curiosity, the teens all followed Kendall, despite the complaints from Dax about his stomach.
* * *
Electricity surged through the ship. Sparks showered the control room. Despite the insisting pilot wanting to turn away, the captain urged him on.
“But, Master Shiiro, the ship won’t hold. It’ll be destroyed if we keep pressing,” Etheran explained, watching the gauges on the control panel move ever closer to the forbidden red zone.
“Just a few more seconds. I want to be completely positive that we can’t break through,” Shiiro assured, “I want to be absolutely sure that we can’t go through this way before turning back and finding another way.”
“If we had a real pilot, then maybe. But we don’t! All you’ve got is me and I’m fairly certain I can’t change the functions of the ship fast enough to get us through safely.”
“Fine then, have it your way,” Shiiro exclaimed. “You can quit now. I’ll be right back.”
Electricity stopped encircling the ship as Etheran slumped back in his seat at the controls. Shiiro did not notice though as he stormed through the ship. His white robes swirled behind him as he stopped at a polished silver door. Taking a deep breath, he walked into the room without announcing his presence.
“Progran, I need a new virus! Commander class. We need something new to pilot the ship,” Shiiro bellowed.
“Of course master,” Progran said appearing from the shadows of his workshop. “I’ll need time to code it, but you’ll have it soon enough. When do you need it, Master?”
“Twenty minutes ago. Before Etheran lost us twenty percent on our hull-integrity.”
“Of course, I’ll get right on it.” The doors hissed shut behind Shiiro as he left Progran’s workshop. “Yes, yes, yes. I’ll get right on it! Stupid Ranger! Blasted my com-pad. Well…it’s a good thing I have this whole workshop then.” Progran bustled about, typing in commands on any of the twenty-some keyboards lining the room. Hundreds of screens flickered to life. “This one will have to do I suppose.”
* * *
“So...do you understand?” Kendall questioned the five.
“Understand – yes. Believe – no,” Dax answered for the group. Amber seemed to agree.
“How do you expect us to buy that we, 3-D human beings, can be turned into binary data, entered into a computer and function completely normal? It just sounds too…sci-fi for me. Like something you’d find in an episode of Power Rangers or something,” Amber ranted.
Kendall chucked to himself. The idea to form rangers from the data they collected came from him and his brother, back in 1994 after watching an episode. Their father believed him, why wouldn’t they? “What about the rest of you? You’re not saying much.”
Evan took a deep breath, catching Scott’s eye he nodded. The spokesperson was elected. ‘Well, its not so much that we don’t believe you. The we, of course, being me, Scott, and Sara. Its just that, well, it’s a little hard to swallow. It sounds like a different version of The Matrix.”
Scott took this opportunity to chime in, “Anyway, why do you need us? We’re just college students. We’ve got –”
“Families?” Kendall stared deep into Scott’s eyes.
“Well, that and school work, and other activities, and, you know, teenage lives,” Sara pleaded their case.
“What if I could show you? What if I could prove it to you that you could be turned into cybernetic data and transferred inside programs, survive, and come out alive?”
“Well, I suppose if you could prove it, that would be one thing. But…once we’re in there what are we supposed to do?” Evan asked.
“I’m sure you’ve all heard of computer viruses,” Kendall began to explain.
“Yeah, but, they’re just programs. Nothing tangible, nothing real, like we are,” Scott defined.
“But, they do real damage don’t they? They do real things to your computer. How do you know that in the cyber-world they don’t take on a more…physical form. Now that they’ve taken this form, they’re a little harder to stop, regular anti-virus programs won’t work. So, in step the CyberRangers,” Kendall explained.
Dax stood in disbelief, “Well, first you have to prove it to us.”
“Yeah, I mean, talk and all the flashing lights are one thing, but actually doing it is another.’
Kendall pointed to a large circular console set apart from all the other computers. There were six stations at the console, each with a keyboard, screen, and strange device connected to a port via a wire. “That console is the Primary Transmission Center. Its from there that persons can be transformed into data and transported to the cyber-world.”
“So, if this really does work, and we accept, we have to run here should there ever be an attack?” Amber questioned.
“No,” Brittany finally took this time to chime into the conversation. “We are actually working on portable transmission devices, morphers, as it were. They work on a wireless signal and can tap into the closest network. We’re working on finishing them now. Another thirty to forty-five minutes or so, and they’ll be done.”
The group sounded one, “Ah” between the five of them. That was the simplest (they thought) answer and they got just what they were looking for. Each one of them took a seat at the console. Dax sat in front of red display on the computer. The readouts of Evan’s console were all in blue. The glow from Scott’s screen bathed him in green. Yellow shone brightly on Sara’s space. Amber smiled contently that the pink system had been left for her.
’Please Enter Name’ was displayed on each of the screens. The teens complied with the request. Each typed in their name and hit the return key on the keyboard. ’Please Attach Transmission Device to Left Forearm’ was the next set of instructions, followed swiftly by ’Activating.’
What happened next happened in a flash of light. It was instantaneous. In the real world, as Kendall stood watching, it merely looked as if each of the teens turned into light of the color of their monitor, then with a flash was gone He turned to look at a screen on a larger computer console.
’Activation Complete. Initializing Ranger Commands. Designations:
- CyberRed – Unit 001
- CyberBlue – Unit 002
- CyberGreen – Unit 003
- CyberYellow – Unit 004
- CyberPink – Unit 005
Weapon Systems: Online
Environment: Digital Transmission Room
Vehicles: Class Alpha and Class Beta offline. Incomplete Code’ appeared on Kendall’s monitor. Good, thought Kendall, They have to believe me now.
- - -
From the teens’ perspective, things were entirely different. They physically didn’t feel anything, but their senses went on overdrive. Light surrounded them, they were traveling in all directions for an instant, then in the blink of an eye, were traveling straight forward. Then as suddenly as it began, it was over. They stood in a circle, staring at each other.
Scott looked to his right, where Evan was just seconds ago, stood a person wearing blue armor. To his left, where Sara had been, stood an obviously female figure wearing yellow armor similar to that of Evan’s but with some subtle differences, like the addition of a skirt for instance. Dax lifted his hands and touched the helmet that covered his entire head. It was red and matched his armor. Amber was twisting around where she stood, attempting to get a good look at the pink suit that was on her.
There was a crackle in their helmet’s followed by Kendall’s voice, “See. I wasn’t lying. You are now the CyberRangers. The only line of defense against more evolved computer viruses. Your suits will be able to take the blunt of any blows you take in combat.”
“Wait, combat?” Amber retorted.
“Yes. You have to fight the viruses. That won’t be a problem
though because you’ll more than likely be attacked first,” Kendall answered.
“Oh, well, if that’s the case…” Amber seemed to trail off.
Kendall continued, “Each of you is equipped with a CyberStriker Blaster. Its your sidearm. By changing the position of the handle, the blaster will turn into the CyberStriker Sabre, a sword like device. These will be good enough for the less harmful viruses my brother took to calling glitches. However, there will be larger viruses. Stronger. More resilient to those smaller attacks, so we’ve coded each of you with individual weapons. We’re transmitting them now.”
In a flash of light, weapons appeared in their hands. Dax held two swords, almost like katanas, but not. Two axes had appeared in Evan’s hands. A staff, which suddenly split into two smaller clubs, flashed into being in Scott’s hand. Sara now held two hand blasters, larger than the one she wore on her belt. Amber carried two bladed boomerangs with her.
They gasped in astonishment. “So, this all is really real. We’re really in the computer system. But…where are we?” Dax asked, assuming the role of group leader.
“You are in what we call the transmission room. This is like your base of operations in the cyber-world. Your weapons are stored here and this is where your vehicles will originate once we get them coded. This area is also under a specific firewall, so its safe from all virus outbreaks.”
“Well, we believe you now.”
“Guys, that’s good and all, but we have a problem,” this time it was Brittany’s voice over the communications channel. “The viruses have shown up at the college mainframe. They’re wanting in. You’ve got to stop them.”
Sara took a deep breath, “Well, we might as well see if we can handle it.”
Scott glared at her behind his helmet, “I don’t think we really have a choice now.”
Kendall’s voice returned. “He’s right, you don’t have a choice. Transporting now.”
Again, in a flash of light the Ranger’s were flung across the new technological world. This time, they were dropped in front of a hi-tech version of the college they all attended. Strange, robotic looking “people” were fleeing. Gridlines appeared around the structure, and from the ground, humanoid figures appeared. Countless numbers of the beings began swarming the rangers. And the battle ensued.
Fists, elbows, knees, feet, whatever was handy was flung at the Glitches as they began the onslaught. The new Rangers were becoming accustomed to their newfound strength, stamina, and agility. They were empowered. For every Glitch that was knocked down, two more took its place.
Remembering that they had weapons, Dax drew his CyberStriker Blaster and fired. Glitches fell with a single shot. Amber and Scott followed Dax’s example and began firing at the Glitches. This made an obvious dent in their ranks. Evan and Sara however, transformed their Strikers into the Sabre and lashed out. The blades caught the Glitches and they fell sparking. The Rangers were gaining the upperhand.
Suddenly the onslaught from the Glitches stopped as they dissolved back into their gridlines on the ground. The Rangers stood staring at one another. “What happened? Did we win?” Sara asked.
Their communicators crackled. “No, something’s coming. Hang on. It looks like a virus, Attack class. Wait, there are two. The other one is Commander class. Its him,” Kendall snarled.
Progran marched confidently forward with a menacing looking virus striding beside him. The new virus was covered in horns. His head was more situated on his chest. Two long arms ended in a tube-like hand adorned with 3 long, sharp claws. The monster stood, ready to attack.
Progran’s mouth twisted into what could only be a smile. “Ah. More for me to play with. Well, one was easy enough, five can’t be that hard.”
Dax was feeling bold, “What are you talking about?”
“Oh, don’t you know? Well…someone’s been hiding something from you. You may want to ask about the White One next time you come back…that is…if you get to leave this next time.” Progran pressed some icons on his touch-screen pad and more Glitches appeared. But these were different. Their arms had weapons and it looked like they were wearing armor. “Glitches version 3.0 – attack. Virus, destroy them,” Progran commanded as he stepped back to watch the onslaught.
The new Glitches were definitely stronger. The Rangers looked like they had forgotten how to stand up. Things really got ugly when the Glitches right arms transformed into swords and their left hands became blasters. As if they didn’t have things hard enough as it was, the virus was just making their lives more complicated.
CyberRed decided that it was his job to stop the virus so he had to deal with him and Glitches. In a spark of memory, he called on his weapons. Red gridlines formed in his hands and in a flash he was wielding his swords. The swords bit into the virus and sparks were sent flying. “Guys! Don’t forget about your weapons!” Dax shouted during the fray.
In a flash each Ranger was able to wield their weapons. The weapons allowed the Rangers to make quick work of the Glitches. Evan’s axes were more than able to stop the Glitches in their tracks. Scott’s staff served as both weapon and shield during the battle. Sara used high-flying acrobatics, enhanced by her Ranger-powers, to launch volley after volley of laser fire into the soldiers. Tossing her boomerangs, Amber was able to keep the Glitches from getting too close to her, but if they got that close, the boomerangs served as daggers.
And the Glitches were stopped, which left Dax and the virus grappling with the virus. Now all five Rangers were able to turn their attention to the virus. He was strong. Their weapons hit him and just sent sparks. The virus lashed out with his arms and sent the Rangers sprawling on the ground. Their resolve kept them fighting on and attacked the virus with every ounce of their strength.
- - -
In the real world, Kendall and Brittany were working with a fire. Both sat at computer consoles and were writing code. “Brittany, how much longer until we get it ready?” Kendall asked from across the lab.
“I don’t know. It could take five minutes or it could take five days."
"We don’t have five days. Get it done!”
“Wait…duh! I got it. Send the information!”
“Guys, listen,” Kendall said speaking into the microphone on his headset, “We just wrote a program that will be able to let you combine your weapons into one big blaster. The combined power should be enough to delete the virus. I’m sending you the information now.”
- - -
The Rangers received their information on the inside of their visors which also doubled as computer screens. The readout showed each of the weapons and how they could be combined into one. It looked simple enough, and the Rangers didn’t have anything to lose.
“Okay, lets do it!” Dax shouted. And the other four complied. With the newfound knowledge, attaching the weapons was remotely easy. They just seemed to slide into place. The blaster was formed, now all the Rangers stood flanking Dax. “Fire!” Dax shouted as he pulled the trigger. The bolt slammed into the virus, and he exploded.
Progran stood astonished. “You…you…beat him! I will not stand for this!” Progran drew his blaster and charged at the CyberRangers.
“Stop,” a mysterious voice commanded. Progran stopped in his tracks and stared at Shiiro standing mere meters away. “Leave them. We have bigger things to attend to.”
“Yes, Master,” Progran said bowing. “I guess you do get the chance to ask about the other,” Progran snapped at the Rangers then teleported out.
The five stood in bewilderment. There were so many questions that needed answers. Soon, their headsets crackled and Kendall spoke, “Okay, lets get you back here then I’ll finish the story.” In a split second, the five were sitting back in the real world, where they had been sitting earlier.
Brittany strode over to them, carry five cell phone looking devices. They were all silver, but had colored stripes that matched their Ranger colors and unit designations. “These are your Cyber Morphers. They function like regular flip phones, and we’ve already done the research and programmed everything from your old phones into them, including the number. When you need to morph, push the button on the top, and it opens another way, hit the new button on the inside and alls done,” she explained handing out the morphers.
Next, Kendall came over and explained the story about his brother. He also explained that it looked like the viruses were getting stronger, and that the battle could last a lot longer. He also confided in them that their university was a target because of state of the art technology they were developing. The five teens all agreed and walked out of the research lab. Dax, Evan, Scott, Sara, and Amber were filled with a new sense of self.
No longer were they merely struggling to make it through college. Now, they were also struggling to save the world. The technology, as they were told, would allow the viruses to escape the Cyber-World. They couldn’t let this happen, and they had no intention of losing.
Their name was now entered into a long line of protectors of the planet…
…they are the POWER RANGERS.