Inside his own command bunker Taranulus was wondering what the progress of his Specter Squadron was. There were no check ins dealing with the completion of the mission. No contact of any kind.
This made Tarantulus nervous. It was not like the Specters to fail, but then it wasn’t like them not to make contact either. When a squad doesn’t contact their commander it usually meant that the squad had failed or that the squad was moving against their C. O.
And when he saw Jeff Kincaid and Mackenzie Dekalb in the doorway Tarantulus knew that it was the latter.
“Hello Tarantulus.” Jeff said stepping closer to the Predicon. His wife by his side. “A funny thing happened on our mission.”
Tarantulus started to feign ignorance. “Really?”
“Yes.” Mackenzie said. “I was kidnapped today. Kidnapped by someone who was helped by one of our own team. As was my child, who was delivered by the way and is healthy.” Tarantulus was ready to offer his congratulations, however hollow they might have been, but Jeff fired off a blaster shot over Tarantulus’s head giving an indication that Jeff was not interested in hollow platitudes.
“Someone had to have given the Order of Destruction access for them to have done what they did. Someone other that Stitches, and I had to wonder who would have done it? Who would have been sneaky enough to send in a team on a suicide mission and neglect to tell that same team that they were doing one? Then the answer came. You.” Tarantulus was about to feign ignorance but Jeff pressed on the attack.
“You figured that you could use us as sacrificial lambs, and then when everyone was out of the way you would take the Matrix to whoever it was you were working for. By the way, we already know, it’s Megatron.” Mackenzie then said her own peace.
“You put me and my child at risk!” Mackenzie seethed. “You’re going to pay for that.” Tarantulus didn’t seem too convinced of Mackenzie’s threat though until he saw the devices both Jeff and Mackenzie pulled out.
Remote controlled detonators. No doubt hooked up to strategic areas throughout the base. Tarantulus then got nervous real quick.
“You see Tarantulus.” Jeff said as he pulled out a control. “We’re retiring.”
“And so are you.” Mackenzie added.
Tarantulus looked shocked as he waved his claw as if pleading to Jeff not to press the button. In Jeff’s mind it was way too late for that. “You should have thought of that before you endangered my wife and daughter.” Jeff said as he activated the central control.
The activation was the last thing Tarantulus saw before a flash of light blinded his vision and tore through his body.
The explosion lit up like a nova on the side of a mountain. The Crystalis looked on at the spectacular but deadly spectacle, and there was no doubt that Tarantulus didn’t make it out of the explosion.
“I have detected the cessation of Cybertronian life forms.” Spectra said. “Tarantulus has been terminated.”
There would have been cheers throughout the Crystalis but Tsara had a look of concern on her face. “That is good but I can’t sense Jeff or Mackenzie anywhere.” All the Specters, and some of the Matrix team, had looks of concern.
“Do you think they made it out?” Zips asked Kincaid.
Kincaid didn’t sense anything coming from the destroyed base of Tarantulus. No sign of his counterpart. No sign of his counterpart’s wife. He looked at Zips and shook his head no.
Tears started to fall down Zips’s face. “No he can’t be gone. He can’t be.” She said falling down to her knees. The Specters all tried to reassure her. Even Anihilius, had tried to offer her comfort.
Everyone felt their hearts go out to Jeff and Mackenzie. There was no way they could have made it out of the base’s destruction. “Spectra. Any teleport signitures? Any at all?”
“No Sharon. None that I can detect.” The computer answered.
“That’s it? They’re just gone?” Tsara asked.
Kincaid looked out at the window where his counterpart and his wife apparently sacrificed themselves, then turned to Karone who held their infant daughter in her arms. “It looks that way.” Was all he said.
Everyone then grieved, and Ven’ya said a prayer for Jeff and Mackenzie’s safe passage into the afterlife.
At the Nexus Empress Bansheera was taking advantage of her newfound membership into the Order, and being a member of its inner circle, as she learned all that the Order had to offer in terms of weapons, technical skills, plans, and more importantly what the intention was for the Matrix of Evil.
“You are going to use it to empower this?” Bansheera said in awe at the Leviathan that appeared on the computer monitor.
“It is the most powerful construct in any universe.” Destructor said. “Truly one of a kind. No others have been built. And with the Matrix empowering it “
“You could have a power that rivals Unicron that stretches across the infinite dimensions.” Bansheera said impressed by the Order’s plan. “No wonder you wanted my Matrix.”
“It seemed like the only power capable of doing what we hoped to accomplish.” Galvatron II added. “And the urgency of our plan “
” did not leave much room for diplomacy.” Another voice said from behind. Galvatron II, Bansheera and Destructor all turned and saw QUEEN Bansheera standing out in the hallway. “Gentlemen, could you please leave the Empress and I alone for a while. I think we have some things we need to catch up on.”
“Of course.” Destructor said and he and Galvatron II both left the viewing room leaving the two Bansheera’s behind.
Queen Bansheera could only stare in awe when she got her first look real look at Empress Bansheera.
“Seeing you like a mirror looking into the past for me but perhaps for you it could be a glimpse of what you might become.” Empress Bansheera stated. ~ Even when I reflect on the past, I STILL can’t believe I actually styled my hair in such a hideous fashion. What was going through my mind back then? Its almost as bad as Rita Repulsa’s for Demon’s sakes. ~
“I must say I like how my future comes out, at least in one reality.” Queen Bansheera said.
“It did not come without cost. My son Impus was not around to see my ascent. Thanks to the actions of a traitor.” Empress then felt sorrow flow through her for a second then regained her composure refusing to show any weakness, or anymore weakness, as she looked across at her past self. Empress was about to say something again when Diabolico then appeared in the doorway.
Empress Bansheera’s eyes narrowed in fury when she saw Diabolico. “YOU!!!”
Faster than anyone could move the Empress grabbed Diabolico by the throat, squeezing the life out of him, and pressing him against the wall with enough force that it was starting to break. Queen Bansheera looked on interested at her counterpart’s fury and wondered if Diabolico was the traitor Empress mentioned. And as Empress Bansheera kept her hands around the throat of a bewildered Diabolico who was holding on to life barely Tasha and Obsidian then appeared.
“My Empress! Remember this isn’t the same one!” Tasha said coming to the Empress’s side but she was knocked away.
“Do I look like I care!” the Empress roared. “If I had my way I would kill ALL the Diabolicos in existence! For the crime of murdering my first born child Impus was unforgivable as the Diabolico who served me learned when I sent him to the Shadow World never to return to the Realm of the Living!”
Queen Bansheera looked on at her counterpart, the rage running through her as she was determined to end Diabolico’s existence because Impus was killed. She then asked Obsidian what the story was and he told her. “Diabolico murdered Impus in order to retain his hold on the Star Power. Her grief almost destroyed her until she destroyed Diabolico.”
Queen Bansheera sighed. She knew of Diabolico’s resentment towards Impus but she never suspected Diabolico would take it to the level that he did. Her own son may have had his share of failures, but she was still his son. ~ Her love for Impus must have been strong. But then he never had the chance to fail me as my son has. ~
It only took a second for Queen Bansheera to make her decision to leave the room as Empress Bansheera then decided to show Diabolico her power by firing energy at him repeatedly. “Your highness what are you doing?” Diabolico barely got out saying.
“Making you pay!” was all Empress Bansheera said as she continued to punish Diabolico until a voice from behind spoke to her saying only one word.
“Mother?”
Bansheera then stopped and turned around to see a demon in red armor with a star on his chest. A regal bearing to him, and a sense of family that the Empress could make out. Queen Bansheera then turned to leave the Empress and her ‘son’ alone.
“… Impus?” Empress Bansheera muttered when she looked upon Olympius. She felt the same aura that she felt from Impus.
“That was some time ago. I am Olympius.”
“Olympius…” the Empress mused but then looked toward Diabolico. “Be fortunate that I have something more interesting and important to do than killing you. However if you wish to remain alive… you will stay out of my way!” She stressed that last part by throwing Diabolico into the wall and he crashed hard into it leaving a five-foot deep crater where he impacted on the wall.
“Impressive.” Olympius said at the display of his ‘mother’s’ power. Empress Bansheera turned to look at her ‘son’ and every emotion she had rushed to the surface as she embraced the demon prince. “My son.” She said between tears. Olympius was tempted to push her mother away telling her to not show weakness, but in truth Olympius had waited for a show of love from his mother for a long time. Finally the two broke the embrace and Bansheera looked at her own ‘son’.
“Look at you. A proud figure of a warrior. Tell me of what exploits you have accomplished.” Olympius could not resist telling of his battles against the Rangers. His victories and defeats.
Surprisingly enough Empress Bansheera was not condescending but reassuring. She told Olympius to learn from his defeats and to never let them stand in his way. “Continue to fight my son. For if you give in to the despair that comes from failure then the Rangers will have won.”
“Thank you mother.” Olympius said grateful for the Empress’s words, and Bansheera for the first time was grateful to the Order of Destruction for giving her this second chance with her son.
Obsidian looked off from the side and smirked as he saw his Empress talking to Olympius and as he looked down at Diabolico. “Stay away from the Empress old man if you value your health.” He chuckled.
“Just who are you to tell me what to do?” Diabolico asked.
Obsidian smirked as he took off his helmet and smiled wider when Diabolico saw his face. It hadn’t aged at all. He still looked like he was twenty.
“The one that made sure your counterpart got killed by my Empress.” The man once called Ryan Mitchell smirked.
Diabolico was speechless after that. How could the one he ‘saved’ turn on him like he did?
“For your information you didn’t save me. You damned me, and when you killed the Prince Impus I saw my chance at revenge.” Obsidian then turned away leaving a stunned Diabolico behind.
Queen Bansheera walked down the hall when Tasha stopped her. “I mean no disrespect my queen, but I wish to say ‘thank you’ for what you have done for my Empress.”
Queen Bansheera nodded then looked at Tasha. “I did what I could for my son. I make no apologies for the way I have treated him in the past. The restoration of my palace was all I cared for at the time. But perhaps your Empress can show my son the love I am unable to.”
“Your actions today show that you do love your son, even if you cannot show that love yourself.” Queen Bansheera nodded at Tasha’s words and then proceeded back down the hall leaving Tasha alone but not for long as Mirabilis appeared before her.
Tasha was in awe of the Shadow Lord from the moment she saw him. There was just something about him. She didn’t know what but it just made her feel in awe when she saw him.
“It would seem I happen to have this effect on women.” Mirabilis chuckled a little as he took Tasha’s hand and kissed it as a gentleman would.
This was one of the few times Tasha wished she wore a ninja mask. “I um… well… it would seem that the Order is not as bad as we first assumed.”
“I would hope not.” Mirabilis said. “To lose such a great ally would be an act of stupidity.” Mirabilis looked more seriously then. “On a more direct note, I am aware that you and Obsidian are two of Empress Bansheera’s generals.”
Tasha’s own pride and confidence reasserted itself. “Yes. We are two of the four Lords of Havoc.”
“I’ve already discussed this with your Empress and she agrees with me.” Mirabilis said.
Tasha blinked at first but then understood what he meant. “What do you need them for?”
“Let’s just say, I want to increase our chances of obtaining one of the remaining two matrixes.” Mirabilis said.
“That’s logical.” Tasha returned. “I’ll get right on it. I was going to have to call anyway to get in touch with them and tell everyone else back home what’s just happened. Its not every day we forge an alliance with a group the size of the Order of Destruction.”
In another section of Order’s base two more factions of the Order and the Dynasty met, namely the Psycho Rangers and their counterparts the Neji Rangers. And right away the two teams knew the differences between one another.
“… you have got to be kidding us!” Neji Black shot.
“Our counter parts in another reality are clones of the Power Rangers?!” Neji Blue muttered.
Neji Pink just blinked in utter disbelief when she saw Buulk. “They chose the fat slob, who has the IQ of garbage picker mind you, that we saw with the crackpot professor and his dimwitted sidekick to be a ranger? Who the hell created them? A comedian?”
“We were chosen by Minion!” Buulk went at Neji Pink but Neji Pink just sidestepped and hit Buulk from behind at the base of the neck and he was out like a light.
“How did she… ?” Kaat asked.
“Venusian Akido. Happens to be a specialty of mine.” Neji Pink smirked. “You know I could…”
“Pink. We aren’t killing our own allies. We just got membership in the Order and we aren’t going to do something that will piss our Empress off.” Neji Yellow said.
Neji Pink sighed. “You know how to spoil my fun Yellow.”
“Maybe… but at least I don’t get us killed like Red did… three times.” Neji Yellow stated.
“You know if I hadn’t learned controlling my anger and using my head during the last five years I would have throttled you for that.” Neji Red stated.
“I can’t believe you take orders from the Yellow one in your group!” Zaack stated but then Kiim interrupted. “Well I can. About time for a woman leading a Ranger team, evil or… good. And on the plus side she isn’t an airhead like Triini.”
That caught Nejis attention, Yellow’s most of all.
“You’re telling us… that Yellow’s counter… is a bimbo?” Neji Blue smirked.
Roocky laughed. “Not only that. She’s Biilly’s love slave!”
They all laughed until Neji Yellow just boiled over. “WHAT!!!!!!!”
All the Nejis and Psychos shut up as Neji Yellow went over to Jaason. “Where… are they?”
Now this was turning into one of those times that Jaason decided to use his head as he directed both of them to where Biilly and Triini were at this time.
“After you…” Jaason said opening the door.
When Neji Yellow looked in… she saw more than she wanted.
“You know how to please me Triini…” she heard Biilly say in pleasure. She also heard him say that this was what the Yellow Psycho Ranger was meant for.
That was the final straw for Neji Yellow.
“YOU DISGRACES!!! NEJI ENERGY SPHERES!!!” Neji Yellow let off from her gauntlets concentrated energy spheres which rocked the room and nailed the two Psychos sending them into the wall.
“Alright! Who ever did that is going to…” Biilly started but then saw Neji Yellow. “Triini… ?”
“Far from it asshole.” Neji Yellow growled as she looked at Biilly and Triini in contempt. “I am definitely no bimbo love slave and I’m a hell of lot more intelligent then you are! You want to know what Yellow Rangers are really meant for…” She then yelled as she transformed into Neji Sofia. “They are meant for kicking the crap out of you and your bitch!!!”
What happened next was anything BUT pretty.
For Biilly and Triini it was hell.
However, the rest of the Psycho Rangers and the other Neji Rangers were enjoying watching Neji Sofia beating the hell out of Biilly and Triini.
Elsewhere in the base, Evil Q, Zanzibar, Destructor were currently watching through a magically created window, created by Mirabilis, the carnage that was occurring in Biilly’s bedchamber.
“You think we should stop this old friend?” Destructor mused to Mirabilis.
“Why?” Mirabilis asked. “I’m thoroughly enjoying the show and to be honest Triini has been making Biilly take one too many… ‘breaks’ as of late. After this I don’t think he’ll want to have a ‘break’ with Triini until the Dark Ryders are finished.”
Destructor nodded to Mirabilis opinion. ~ After all, as Mirabilis said, this is a good show. ~ Destructor mused.
In the Crystalis’s medical wing Slasha was putting the finishing touches on the antidote found in the Crystalis’s data banks which contained the cure for Vendari Mustalli. Once it was ready Slasha then injected it into Alison Doe with a hypospray and the effects were almost immediate. Looking down at her arm Alison saw the sores and welts dissapear and her eyes went wide with disbelief. Soon Alison felt stronger and quickly got out of bed. “Am I cured?” she asked almost hopeful.
“Yes.” Slasha said with a smile on her face. Alison didn’t know what to think right now. All her life had been about was pain, either receiving it or causing it, and now her own pain, the one that put her in Destructor’s debt was gone.
“Sharon will want to speak with you as will Kincaid.” Holo Spectra said appearing in front of Alison. Alison said that she would be there in a second that there was something she had to do first. With that Alison went to find Ashley with Slasha in tow, and soon her perseverence paid off as the two sisters met in a deck corridor. Alison spoke first.
“I hated you for a long time.” She said. “And I never even met you.”
“I didn’t even know of you.” Ashley said. “My mom never said anything about you. And right now I wish she did.”
Ashley then said the words Alison wanted to hear “I love you my sister.”
Alison then broke down and embraced Ashley in an emotional hug. Finally she had found the family love she had longed for a long time. And soon the two sisters broke away and Alison went on to be debriefed.
Then she would decide her future.
Nearby Slasha looked on at the sister’s reunion just as Sharon came up to her. “You did good. Thank you.”
“It was what I wanted to do.” Slasha answered. “Years ago I took part in an Olympic game and I wound up killing an opponent by mistake. Since then I’ve foresworn the warrior practices of my people and have devoted myself to being a medic.”
“That reminds me. There’s something I want to talk to you about.” Slasha then looked at Sharon and wondered what her pitch was. And the first thing Sharon asked was “Are you happy being with the Specter Squad?”
Slasha was floored by the question then realized that she wasn’t happy being with the Specters. “They are my friends, but I do grow tired of the mistrust and deception that follow their world. I do wish to be free of it. But I have no place else to go.”
“What if I were to give you another place to go?” Sharon asked then laid down the offer to become the Crystalis’s medic. “I’ll admit this would seem like being on a ship of the Valkyries but Spectra and Miyaka are good people. And good friends. I think you’d fit in here. Plus we didn’t have a chance to get a medic when we left.” Sharon said the last line with a lopsided smile as if slightly embarassed.
Slasha was surprised to say the least, but right away knew what her answer would be.
After a few hours everyone was on deck. From Transformer to carbon based life form honoring those who had fallen in battle: Specter Squad leader Jeffrey Kincaid, Mackenzie Dekalb-Kincaid, and Rattrap of Cybertron. Tsara stood with her back to the stars giving her eulegy that was shared by all of the Specters.
“It has been said that in a world of light that someone has to be the garbage men of society. Those of us in the Specter Squad know this all too well, and we have accepted the role the universe has besttowed on us. However even among garbage there are some diamonds in the rough. Jeff and Mackenzie were two such diamonds.
“They sought to create a life and family in a world where backstabbing, treachery and deceit were common practices of the day. They loved each other and they believed that would help them through the darkness as they raised their child. Sadly that child’s mommy and daddy will not be by its side but hopefully those Jeff and Mackenzie trusted her with will be sure that she have a good life and good future.” With that Tsara said a prayer for the dead in ancient Eltarian and then sent the funeral tubes that rested nearby through the slot that led out into space the tubes heading for the nearest sun.
“May their souls rest in the light of the universe.” Ven’ya said. “Adding their light to it’s illumination.” Everyone then said “Amen.” To that.
Kincaid watched as the salute was presented to his counterpart and his wife as their funeral tubes were sent into the sun for burial. Their child rested in his arms asleep. Sharon also snuck in a peek to watch the sleeping baby.
“She’s beautiful.” Sharon said. “She’s got her father’s eyes.”
“How can you tell?” Kincaid asked. Sharon then looked up and rolled her eyes as if indicating what a stupid question Kincaid asked. She then noticed the smirk on his face as if telling Sharon that he got the joke, but couldn’t resist saying it anyway. That’s when he noticed a shape off to the corner of his eye focusing her glare on Kincaid as if indicating him to come with her.
“Sharon would you mind?” Kincaid asked passing the baby on to her. She nodded and took the baby into her arms as he left with Luceid to see what she wanted with him.
As she rounded the bulkhead Luceid led Kincaid away from the procession towards a portal which she walked through then indicated Kincaid to follow through. He did so and found himself in a strange room that was reminiscent of an old english castle. Off to the corner were pictures of the Rangers ranging from Morphin to Astro that were placed along a staircase, and coming down those stair was a man dressed in the garb of a ninja.
Luceid then walked over to Shadow after leaving Kincaid’s side. ~ I have brought him here as you wanted. ~ Luceid said.
“Thank you Luceid.” Shadow replied. Luceid then left leaving Shadow and Kincaid alone. Shadow went over to where a bottle sat and he poured himself a drink. “Can I offer you anything?” Shadow asked as he lifted up his mask and took a sip.
“No thanks.” Kincaid said. “Do I know you?”
“We’ve met once.” Shadow said. “I’ve taken an interest in you for a long time. Ever since I visited you at your old cabin. My condolences on the loss of it though.” It was then that Kincaid emembered who was before him.
“I remember you now. You came to Oron during my hermitage.” Kincaid said to Shadow.
“My name is Shadow and I am Ninja Master as well as a Master in the use of the Shadow Grid. I’m sure you’ve heard of our kind before.”
“In the book of Zordon.” Kincaid said. “I also remember when I met you I wasn’t too happy for your visit.”
Shadow smiled slightly under his mask. “Yes, you did have quite the chip on your shoulder when I met you on Oron.”
Oron
Night Ranger Reality
Mid to late 1997
For Jeffrey Kincaid today was like any other day.
Staring out on the forest green planet taking in the beautiful scenery. No one around… anywhere.
Nothing to keep Kincaid company.
He didn’t want company.
He wanted to be completely and totally alone.
Alone with his thoughts, and with his memories.
Memories of his friends dying, when his best friend turned traitor.
Memories of killing that same friend in a deadly battle.
Memories of pain, and the delight others took from his own pain.
Anne, Krolos, Ishalla, how he missed them. He even missed Mark as well, at least the Mark he used to know.
Now he stood on a mountain plateau alone. No friends, no enemies, no family. Complete and total isolation. Just what he wanted.
Then came the animal attack.
It was the Oron equivalent of a bear. Its fangs however were more elongated and it’s claws sharper. It was also a natural hunter which knew its way around the forest terrain. And since Kincaid was so lost in his own memories, he let his Night Ranger skills in sensing threats wane. Of course he didn’t think he’d be needing them anymore anyway.
The Lupus, as it was known on Oron, clawed at Kincaid. His claws slashing at Kincaid’s clothes drawing blood with each swipe with much ferocity. But as the Lupus became more and more aggressive something rose up within Kincaid that showed that he refused to go down.
With a howl of rage Kincaid threw the Lupus back with his legs and pulled out a knife he had with him. Giving slashes of his own Kincaid weakened the Lupus then giving one last strike across it’s throat killed the animal. “Looks like I have dinner for tonight.” He said. “But I better get cleaned up first.”
The journey back to the cabin where Kincaid walked seemed long and tiresome as Kincaid became quickly exhausted. He knew it was due to loss of blood more than anything and knew he had to treat the wounds he had before they got infected which he did thanks to the med kit he kept under his bed. In it was antiseptic which burned upon contact as well as bandages with a regenerative compound in them. It would be a couple of days but Kincaid knew he would heal.
When his wounds were treated Kincaid gave in to the exhaustion that lingered and had laid down on the bed.
He could barely make out the shape of a man in black looking over him.
When he awoke Kincaid found the heat of a fire nearby, and the smell of a steak over a fire. Looking around as much as his pain racked body would allow Kincaid caught notice of a strange figure in black ninja garb standing over the fire cooking what looked like the Lupus who attacked him.
“Who the hell are you? And what are you doing in my house?” Kincaid growled.
The man in black looked at Kincaid and sighed. “Someone who has great interest in your future.”
“My future?” Kincaid scoffed. “My future is right here. In this cabin. Not bothered by anyone.”
“Is it really Jeffrey?” the Shadow man asked. “Is it really your future?”
Kincaid sighed. “It became that ever since something happened.”
“Yes I know. The loss of your friends. I’m sorry.” Kincaid however turned to glare at the shadow man and asked “What do you know of my friends?”
“I know they mattered a great deal to you. And that you wish they hadn’t died.”
“SO?! DON’T PEOPLE ALL THE TIME WISH SOMEONE THEY LOVED HADN’T DIED?!” Kincaid shouted. “Don’t you have a loved one whom you wish could continue on?”
Shadow man nodded. “Yes I do. Several in fact.” Then he stood and looked at Kincaid. “But at least I don’t go run away and hide from the world!”
“Hide?” Kincaid said in a brief laugh.
“Well that’s what I call it.” The Shadow man said. “Going to a planet no one visits. Hiding in a cabin. Driving out anyone who would even come to visit you?”
“Well at least that’s my choice to make!” Kincaid said deadpan. The Shadow man however wasn’t impressed.
“Maybe it is your choice. But don’t be surprised if you find that you won’t be staying here forever.” The Shadow man continued to cook the Lupus until it was done then gave Kincaid a piece which he ate. Immediately he ate it then looked at the Shadow man.
“What the hell do I call you?” Kincaid asked.
Pausing the Shadow man said “My name isn’t important. Just listen to me. You are more than just a warrior Jeffrey. You are a crusader. You allow your pain to drive you on hoping to drive back all the evil you can. Isn’t that one reason you joined the Night Rangers? So no one would be hurt again like you had been hurt before?”
“Long time ago. You’ve got the wrong guy now.” Kincaid answered as he ate.
“No I don’t think I do. I think that crusader is still there, buried under all that sorrow and anger. And he’s looking for the right time to come back out.” Kincaid felt he had had enough as he put the steak back on the makeshift plate next to him and grabbed Shadow by the collar.
“Look pal. I am no Crusader. My battles are over. All I want to do right now is live out the rest of my life in peace, and have nobody bother me!” Kincaid then let go of the collar and let Shadow smooth out his uniform. “As you wish. I shall leave you to your healing.” Shadow turned to walk out the door but then turned back around to say one final piece of advice to Kincaid.
“Bear in mind Jeffrey Kincaid, the universe won’t leave you alone. You will one day have to face it again. And when that day comes, you will find you will have no choice but to face it.”
“Fine I’ll face it some other time, now get on out of here.” Kincaid shouted. Shadow nodded leaving Kincaid to his rest and eating. When the lupus steak was all finished Kincaid felt sleep overtake him, and he gave in to the restful oblivion.
He dreamed of his friends. His rest was all but peaceful.
“I will say this, you are the far cry from the hermit I met on Oron.” Shadow said whimsically, but Kincaid was all business.
“Why are you here?” Kincaid asked.
“The forces good and evil are gathering and the odds don’t look well for the forces of light.” He then looked at Kincaid and Kincaid thought there was a lopsided smile under his mask. “I’ve been trying to decide on whether or not to get involved in this conflict, as there could be dire consequences to myself from the higher forces. I would consider it… if you asked me.”
Kincaid seemed to pause for a moment then Shadow spoke again. “Perhaps it would help if I asked some questions to help you decide.” Kincaid waved his hand as if saying ‘fire away. ‘
“Who are you?” Shadow asked first. Kincaid quickly answered.
“Jeffrey Michael Kincaid. Red Night Ranger.”
“What do you want?” Shadow asked.
“To stop the Order of Destruction.” Kincaid said.
“Where are you going?” Shadow questioned again.
“Anywhere I have to.” Kincaid answered.
Shadow paused for a moment before asking his next question. “Who do you serve? And who do you trust?”
Kincaid paused at this and was silent while Shadow then asked his question again with more stress. “Who do you serve? And who do you trust?”
This gave Kincaid reason for pause. It seemed like the mantra for the world was ‘Don’t trust anybody’ but Kincaid always knew he had to trust someone. Usually it was his friends. It was his friends he had always confided in. His friends he had trusted. And his friends he considered his family.
“My friends.” Was Kincaid’s answer. Shadow then asked “Do you consider me a friend?”
Kincaid paused for a moment. He didn’t know too much about Shadow only that he cooked a steak for him once. “I’m afraid I don’t know you all that well. But yes I’d like to consider you a friend if you are straight with me.”
Shadow then simply turned his head to face Kincaid… and then removed his mask to show his face. “Then I… will join you.”
Soon Kincaid found himself looking at the face of Billy Cranston. Older, hair whiter, eyes more haunted, and a hundred times wiser than he had been in the past. “Long story, and I think your friends will miss you if we wait too long.”
“Good point.” Kincaid said as Shadow activated the portal back to the Crystalis. “You coming?”
“No. Not yet anyway. But you’ll see me soon enough.” Kincaid nodded at Shadow’s words and walked towards the portal. Stopping for a moment Kincaid turned around and looked at Shadow again.
“By the way. Thanks for cooking the steak.” Kincaid said, a slight smile appearing on his lips then vanished as quickly as it came. Shadow smiled and replied with “You’re welcome.” As Kincaid walked back out to where his team was waiting. As was Sharon.
“What was that about?” Sharon asked as the portal closed behind Kincaid.
“We may have an ally.” Kincaid said. “We met once.”
“Anyone I know?” Sharon asked. Kincaid answered “Probably not.” Then noticed a look on Sharon’s face. “What’s up?”
Sharon sighed a little bit then asked “What do you see when you look at me?” Kincaid seemed floored by the question. “Does this have to do with Alison’s ribbing?”
“I don’t know maybe.” Sharon answered. “I just fell drawn to you for some odd reason. I don’t know why.”
“Believe it or not I’ve felt the same. You’re a curiosity, and there’s definitely something about you. But I’m not sure anything would come of us if we hooked up. Besides we’d probably only hurt a lot of people we don’t want to hurt.” Sharon nodded as if acknowledging that Kincaid was right. Besides she knew he loved his fiancee’ and he didn’t want to do anything to hurt her.
“Still can you answer my question?” Sharon asked. “Satisfy my curiosity?” Kincaid nodded and gave his answer.
“I see a beautiful woman who is deadly, has a good personality and someone I’d like fighting by my side and get to know.” Sharon then couldn’t help but ask another question. “What do you see when you look at your fiancee’?” Sharon meant no disrespect but the question was on her lips and she couldn’t help but ask it.
Strangely enough Kincaid didn’t look offended and just answered the question. Sharon could have sworn she saw something light up in Kincaid’s eyes almost stretching to the soul. “I look at her and I see the woman I love. Despite Alison’s ribbing about you and me.”
Sharon seemed to look down a little bit. “I envy you. I wish I had something the two of you had.”
“Perhaps another place, another time we would have.” Kincaid said. “But don’t worry. You’ll find your light someday.”
“I hope so.” Sharon said as she gave Kincaid a peck on the cheek. For a moment she wished it could have been more but in her heart she knew it was not to be. Kincaid’s heart belonged to another, and the best she could hope for was to be his friend and fighting partner.
But she still held hope that someday she would find her light as Kincaid and Mackenzie had.
In another section of the observation deck God Magnus looked on at the starscape before him. His thoughts focused on the battle he had just taken part in.
~ I never wanted it to come to this. ~ God agnus thought. ~ I thought I would just get the Matrix and the mistake would have been corrected. And that Fire Convoy would stop trying to dictate to me. And now its all come to this. Three dead, Arcea is injured, and the Matrix looks to be going somewhere else now. ~ God Magnus was shaken out of his thoughts at Fire Convoy who stood a small distance away.
“Come to gloat?” God Magnus said with bitterness.
“No.” Fire Convoy stated. He didn’t know what else to say so he just stood silent and looked out at the starscape and waited for God Magnus to do all the talking. Fortunately he didn’t have to wait long.
“When you were chosen to receive the Matrix instead of me I felt like everything I had done for Cybertron didn’t matter. Now that doesn’t mean I fought just so I could be chosen to receive the Matrix, I just “
“Wanted to be recognized for your accomplishments?” Fire Convoy said. “I don’t think I have met an Autobot who didn’t want that.”
“Even you?” God Magnus asked with a smirk.
Fire Convoy puased for a second knowing that his answer was important to God Magnus. Since becoming leader of the Autobots Fire Convoy didn’t think too much about accomplishments and recognition anymore. His duty to his troops and to the Autobot cause was first and foremost. But before he became leader of the Autobots well he was young once too.
“Yes even me.” Fire Convoy said then turned to God Magnus. “Truce?” Fire Convoy put out his hand looking at his brother in the eyes.
For the longest time God Magnus just stared at Fire Convoy not knowing what to do except think about weighting in the positives and negatives. And because of everything that happened, including seeing Specter Kincaid and his wife make their choice, he found what he REALLY wanted.
Arcea One.
“Truce.” God Magnus returned as he shook his hand.
“Its about time for Primus’s sake that you two put your differences aside.” Arcea One said coming from the back.
“How long have you been watching?” Fire Convoy asked.
“Long enough to know that I am glad to see you two are at least working together.” She said as she then stood right beside God Magnus. “… and I’m glad to see you…”
God Magnus then hushed her, “I’m just glad you waited this long for a fool like me.”
Arcea One shook her head. “You were never a fool Magnus. You only lost your direction for a bit. Now you have it again.”
Fire Convoy then left thinking that it might be a good time to leave Arcea and his brother alone.
At the launch bay the Specters looked at the new Ship Sharon decided to leave for them. It had a grace to it as well as speed and after the Specters were finished it would have a lot more. Every Specter was on board, except for two who were saying their goodbyes.
“Take care of yourself.” Ashley said to Alison. Night Alison looked on and smiled at her counterpart.
“Keep the attitude. You never know when you might need it.” Night Alison said. Alison Doe said that she would. Nearby Black Arachnia was saying goodbye to Fire Convoy and the assembled Transformers.
“Tell Sharon thanks for the ship.” Arachnia said.
“No problem. It’s one I probably won’t use anyway.” Sharon said from behind with Kincaid and the baby in his arms. Arachnia couldn’t help but look down and say “You take care of that kid or we’ll hunt you down.”
“Noted.” Kincaid said and Black Arachnia looked at the ship again. It kind of reminded her of the Naboo cruiser on the Phantom Menace with the same design and all but it didn’t have much in terms of weapons. Arachnia however would change that.
“Well we’d better be going.” Arachnia said as she and Alison boarded the ship and soon the Specter Squad took off from the landing bay and launched into the darkness of space, to find new members and new jobs. Sharon then turned to Kincaid who had the child in his arms and she wondered what was on his mind.
“This child needs to be someplace safe.” Kincaid stated. “I’m taking her back to my reality where my friends can look after her until I return completely. After that we can all look into foster care.”
“Make sure it’s a GOOD foster home.” Alison said. Kincaid nodded as he took the baby over to his motorcycle and got ready to start it. Just then Sharon came up with her bike. “Mind if I come with you?” Sharon asked Kincaid.
“Any reasons why?” Kincaid replied.
“Well for one thing someone’s got to go with you to watch your back…” Sharon replied but then got to her point. “I’ve been fighting in a war non stop for most of my natural born life. Since we’re going to be gearing to fight in the mother of all wars, I like to see your world. A nice, peaceful, non-demon ruled Earth so I clearly remember what it looks like. It might not be my home, but I’d like see it and hold on to that image when I go into battle.”
Kincaid smiled. He was glad Sharon was going to accompany her even if he wouldn’t say it. “Why not? You can meet my fiancee while you’re at it.”
Sharon gave a little smirk as if sarcastically saying ‘Sounds good to me’ then turned to look at Night Karone. “Congratulations. You’ve just been made commander of this ship in my absence as well as its pilot.”
“What?” Karone asked.
“How come Karone?” Carlos asked.
“Well she not connected to the Masterforce like you and Ashley, she’s the only left with any piloting experience, she’s human, and the person I trust to the most to keep my ship intact.” Sharon said.
Miyaka had brought forth Sharon’s motorcycle and both started their motorcycle’s engines. Kincaid made sure the child was safe as he placed a carrier over his chest with the baby firmly secure then both moved their bikes forward. As the bikes got to speed Kincaid activated his Nexus Crystal fragment and a portal opened leading back to his home reality. On the bridge Karone and AI Spectra saw Kincaid and Sharon leave then got down to business.
“Looks like I’m going to have to help you learn how to pilot through the Slipstream.” AI Spectra said to Karone after Kincaid and Sharon left through the Nexus Crystal portal.
“I hope it doesn’t take too long.” Karone said. “Because I don’t think we have a lot of time left.”
Spectra nodded. “You know what… something tells me that you are right.”
Back at the Order’s base Mirabilis sensed a presence in the realities, focusing on where the disturbance was located at he detected who was traversing realities and where they were going.
“What is it my friend?” Destructor asked. Empress, Zanzibar, Galvatron II and Evil Q all turned to look at Mirabilis and what he had to say. A smile seemed to creep on his lips.
“Well now…” Mirabilis began to say. “It would seem two of our friends the Red Night Ranger Jeffrey Kincaid and the Demon Hunter Sharon Lanrydan are going back to Kincaid’s home reality for a quick visit.”
“Which provides an opportunity for us to eliminate two of the thorns in our side.” Evil Q stated. “They are alone and have no back up.”
“Unless you count the Nightfighters.” Zanzibar said. “Kincaid’s world is not without defenders.”
“But still, one cannot deny that there is an opportunity here.” Empress said. Everyone was in agreement here. But the question now was ‘Who do they send?’
“I don’t think we should send Harper.” Mirabilis said. “That vendetta of his blinds him to the big picture.”
“But perhaps it would be a good thing to get him out of our hair for a little while.” Galvatron II said. “I for one am sick of his ‘Kincaid this’ and ‘Kincaid that’. If he can get him I say more power to him.”
“He’s always said that.” Destructor said. “He has yet to deliver.”
“But then again so have we.” Zanzibar added. “Perhaps we might have better luck if we used a somewhat unknown element in dealing with them, at least unknown in Kincaid’s case.” Soon all eyes turned to Empress’s direction, and she was clearly getting the message.
“You wish me to use some of my warriors in the hunt against the Night Ranger and the Demon Hunter?” Empress said.
“If it’s no bother.” Destructor stated.
“No it’s no bother. I’m sure Tasha, Obsidian and the Neji Rangers would be more than enough to take out the Demon Hunter, the Night Ranger and whatever resistance they might muster.” Empress called forth her troops and the seven evil warriors appeared. Neji Yellow stood completely relaxed and ready to serve her mistress, especially since she and the others had come back from her… relieving of tension that involved Biilly and Triini. Empress noticed the demeanor of Neji Yellow but decided not to pursue it.
“My warriors. The Demon Hunter has journeyed to the reality where the Night Rangers reside in. Go there and destroy her! Destroy any resistance that may dissuade you from your task… BRING ME THE DEMON HUNTER’S HEAD!!!”
All of seven enjoyed this bit of news. Obsidian and Tasha were anxious to get another chance at the Demon Hunter and Neji Red wanted another shot at the Red Night Ranger. He wasn’t as obsessed with Kincaid like he had been obsessed with Andros, rather it was something of warrior’s respect. Ever since losing leadership to Neji Yellow, he had evolved from the hot headed, hate driven Neji Red, to a Neji Red who thought with his head as well his fists and with a calm and patience to wait out his enemies.
~ Amazing how things can change given time. Kincaid maybe the enemy, but any idiot can see he’s an incredible warrior… anyone except that asshole Harper. ~ Neji Red shook his head as he reflected on how once a upon a time he was just like Harper. ~ Thank darkness I changed for the better. That Harper has some serious mental health problems. ~ Forgetting about Harper, he turns his thoughts back to Kincaid. As he said, Kincaid was the enemy but he respected his skills as a warrior. It had been so long since he had a worthwhile opponent even if he did lose to Kincaid when they fought last and he didn’t include the Demon Hunter into his thoughts because she was always been dealt with by Obsidian. ~ That Saber Staff of his was a complete surprise to me… ~ Neji Red thought but under his helmet he smirked. ~ But when we meet again Kincaid I’ll be the one with the surprise. ~
All of the others wanted to make sure the Red Night Ranger would pay for interfering in the affairs of the Chaos Dynasty. Neji Yellow then bowed before her Empress. “As you command my Empress.” All seven bowed and then teleported out.
“And now we wait.” Mirabilis said as the Order members waited for events to unfold unaware that another figure was watching. Another figure with dark designs of his own.
~ No one can beat Kincaid. Only I can only I can he will know his place he will know his place ~ Robert Harper then walked down the hallway away from the main chamber continuing his mental rant.
Back on Cybertron that was in the first universe a report came to Megatron that a mad robot was plowing through Cybertrons at the Erlion spaceport. The construction and design only meant one thing.
Galvatron had survived.
And he was looking for a way off the planet.
“Send out a general call!” Megatron ordered. “Make sure no ships leave Erlion.” Sadly the order came too late. For just as the order was given a ship launched from Erlion and took to outer space. As the ship crossed Megatron’s vision he made out Galvatron behind the controls before leaving his sight completely.
And Megatron suddenly feared for the universe.
And onboard the ship Galvatron made way to the place where the Order entered the universe, with revenge being the first thing on his mind.
Elsewhere among the farthest depths of reality it waits.
It waits for the plan of the Order to take shape. To use the dark power they have accumulated to be put to sinister use.
It waits for the Order to try to capture the Matrixes that would signal the coming of the grand enemy should they ever be opened. One matrix was bad enough. Seven was too much of a risk for anyone.
It waits for he who was a former servant to rise to power, and exact revenge and destruction to all that surrounds him. Even if it meant the servant possibly surpassing it’s own power.
But most of all it waits for when it will announce its presence. Whether it would be for the Order, for the matrix team or more importantly for himself.
The Chaos Bringer Unicron sat among the vast depths of space using his incredible vision to watch the occurrences before him. He knew that soon the wait would be over.
END OF PART 8