RPM: Call to War (Chapter One)

[dj_rocca]

RPM: Call to War
Chapter One
Venjix was just the beginning. In a broken world, war is the only way.

Authors: dj_rocca  and shigeki_jkp
Note: I do not own Power Rangers RPM and Judd Lynn didn’t deserve to work on it. Fahrenheit 451 belongs to Ray Bradbury and is still a beloved classic in my eyes.
Rating: Teen+
Genre: General/Drama
Timeline: 2 weeks after the Prologue.



Summer looked into the sky as a bird cried above her head. She smiled and continued to collect the laundry that had been hanging on a line to dry in the backyard. She didn’t think her path would bring her here and settle her down but she was happier than she’d ever been in her entire life. Here she wasn’t “the Landsdown heiress”, here she was Summer Montag, wife to Dillon, in-law to Tenaya. She felt life stir within her and pressed her hand to her expanded stomach and she knew bliss.

“Kicking again, I see.” Tenaya remarked as she eyed her sister in law from her place on the porch, book within her fingers.

“Yup, he’s certainly active today. How are you feeling? How are your eyes?” She watched the girl frown.

“I’m fine, the implants are starting to fail as Doctor K suspected they may.” She held up the book. “I’m taking in what I can, while I still have time.”

Summer barely caught a glimpse of the title but knew the book by the cover. Though Tenaya may have failing vision, she was still reading a book she had several times before. It was Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Tenaya had been so moved by the book, by the written words and world the author had spun, she insisted Dillon read it too. It was from there, they chose their last name. Summer waddled to Tenaya and sat down beside her, the laundry could wait, and it was a beautiful day. Tenaya smiled and placed her hands on the denim over-alls Summer wore and hummed happily. Summer took the moment to gently touch Tenaya’s face and stroke her hair. As the time had gone by, she realized how much she loved and adored her Sister, they had a rough beginning but that was long forgotten in the past and they never questioned the ties they had forged and strengthen.

“Back in your favorite spot, I see.” Came Dillon’s voice as he came through the backdoor and onto the porch.

“Home early, I see.” His Sister remarked as Summer glanced at her watch to confirm that. Usually Dillon worked well into the evening, helping the town rebuild. He had made great progress, as the little town of Crawford was beginning anew with their help. He snapped a quick photo of his Sister and Wife before he dropped down beside them.

“You’re not having issues with your implants again, are you?” Summer asked, she couldn’t help but fear that now, after all, she was very pregnant and in no shape to fight.

“A little, not as bad as I was.” He shrugged before his mood turned more pensive “But I heard something that troubled me. I think we’re going to have to go back to Corinth.”

Tenaya sat up and they both peered at him.

“Why?” she asked.

“Apparently there is a movement against Corinth. The towns that managed to survive are furious and are seeking answers from Corinth and why they are not sharing their supplies. They blame Corinth for not protecting them and for their destruction. Kenmore, Western Valley, the Provinces, Griffin City, Bravo Falls, Paradise Springs, Diamond Grove, Idlewind, Little Haven are some of the ones ready to march against Corinth.”

“That many? Did they not realize Corinth did everything they could and because of us, Venjix is destroyed?” Summer asked, Dillon sighed.

“No. They are also sore that the Ranger team didn’t help save them when they were being forced to work for Venjix factories. I thought it’d be better not to mention that we’re two of those Rangers. And that list is small. Those are just the cities around Corinth, there are states talking about war.” Summer’s heart sank and she took Tenaya’s hand.

“We have to go. We have to warn Corinth and the others. See if Doc K can do something to connect the cities and talk about peace or to at least make the defense shields up and full power again.” She remarked as Tenaya nodded her agreement.

“I want to go back as well, I would like to speak to Doctor K. I want to see if she knows of any way to stop the degrading of the implants.” She said, they headed in. “I’ve come to like seeing the world.”

“Pack supplies. We’ll leave tonight; we’ll be in Corinth tomorrow night.”

---Call to War---

Doctor K walked down the hall of the rebuilt City Command. No longer was it in the sky, looking over the entire city, but down on the ground as a precaution. She could honestly tell herself she was happy and know it was true. She was for once at peace in both mind and body. She had finally been able to try to let go of her past. While it’s true that the guilt would always remain but she was now working hard on rebuilding the world, in hopes that would make amends for her sins. Hoping that with each day she felt better.

She began to free herself of the old ways, first and foremost by burning her Alphabet Soup uniform. Stripping herself bare as she and her beloved Twins stood in the ruins of her work room, she set the clothes on fire, ridding herself of the link once and for all. After she returned to Corinth, she announced her plans on adjusting to Society and its norms by conforming to a more acceptable appearance. Ziggy had taken her by the hand and held it as she entrusted a stylist to change her hair. No longer would she be cutting her hair into the straight bob with lefty scissors. Her new look was lighter and more layered than she expected. After that she was dragged to a store where she spent a good deal of credits on getting herself a new wardrobe. Skirts and conservative clothes outranked any trendy and revealing clothes.

Ziggy had continued with the school, he now had Flynn McAlister to thank for how successful it was becoming. After Ziggy told him what happened, Flynn agreed to help, due to his own failing business. K had known it would have failed but let him try. She knew after everything that happened, the only businesses and people who would want and rely on technology and computers were the government. Although Flynn was hailed greatly for his time as a Ranger, his trust and dedication were spectacular and was considered a hero. However it wasn’t enough, though he was a highly skilled mechanic with excellent computer skills, the government would always turn to her as their greatest tool.

As she turned to head to her new lab, located within City Command, which had replaced her old one since the direct need for it, was gone. The Rangers were no more, safely retired. The old lab had been cleaned up and rewired. All her computers were powered down and rarely used when she was in the Garage, except one. That one was always scanning for the bio-signals of their three departed friends. Her new lab however wonderful, she would find herself leaving to at least eat and be near to others. She had grown used to having the Rangers constantly around her and now she grew lonely when a day of work turned into days and weeks. Setting down the folders given to her by Colonel Truman, she opened one and began to read. Becoming absorbed within the document she didn’t notice she was no longer alone until two hands came down on her shoulders.

“Scott! You scared me!” she said, as her body jolted, not hiding her indignation of being caught off guard.

“I can tell! You jumped a foot when I touched you!”

“It was mere inches, you’re aware of my distain of exaggeration.” The former Red Ranger and current Eagle One laughed.

“I know I’m sorry. You ok?” he questioned, noting the way she was looking through the documents. “You seemed deep in thought.” He said.

“I am fine, personally and physically. I was reading documents your Father gave me.”

“Oh yeah? What are they about?” she saw a playful smile spread across his lips.

“It is confidential, Scott.”

“Oh. Ok. I won’t press, I know better.”

“Did you have a point in visiting? Not that I am complaining I was becoming lonesome.”

“Well I’m glad to help you not feel so lonely. I just wanted to see if you felt like going to dinner after work,” he told her, trying to find a way to get the young doctor away from her lab. “I took a peek at our schedules and saw that we both get out at 6 if you don’t mind leaving this place that is.” Scott remarked, his eyes widened to show his thoughts.

“Of course I do not mind. Dinner sounds good” she replied, anxious to try something different to eat. “It would also save me from another one of Ziggy’s dinners. He can cook but he stays with what he knows best, and I refuse to eat ‘Mac and cheese’ for a fourth day in a row. I know the children love it but I most definitely do not hold that same adoration.”

“Good, it’s a date then, see you at 6.” He said and walked out of the room. Then stopped dead when he realized he said ‘date’. “Oh hell, what did I just get myself into?” he asked himself aloud.

“That depends on what you’re talking about,” came Gem’s voice, apparently Scott didn’t realize he wasn’t using his indoor voice when he spoke.

“Thanks for eavesdropping Gem.” Scott shot him a look.

“You’re welcome Scott!” Gem said brightly, Scott shook his head.

“I think I just asked Doc K on a date.” The former red ranger shot out, a puzzled and unsure look playing across his face.

“Ooooh a date! How wonderful!”

“It would be if I was sure! Now I don’t know what she’s thinking or expecting!” the former Red Ranger insisted as they walked towards Eagle Squad’s meeting room.

“I’ll go find out!” Before Scott could stop him, Gem was off and running down the hall.

“Damn it.” Scott sighed and continued to meet his Squad.

“HI DOCTOR K!” Gem announced loudly as he bounced in, she stared blankly at his enthusiasm but that was nothing new.

“Hello Gem. What brings you here?” she asked, setting down her folder.

“I’ve come here to see how you were.”

“I’m confused and concerned but other than that I am well.”

“What are you confused about?” Gem asked, “Your date with Scott?” he pressed further.

“I see you spoke to him. I do not know what a date means. Or what he thinks it means. I just assumed it was a meal between two friends in our case. Is he expecting I dress up? Is he expecting the companionship to continue after dinner?” she asked. Gem thought for a moment.

“Seems he’s just as confused as you are.” He smiled, K shot him a look.

“That doesn’t help. Please go ask him what our evening will detail so I can plan accordingly.”

“Sure thing!” Gem said and bounced from the room. As much as K adored her Twins, she had no idea where they got their immense amount of energy from. Sometimes as her energy drained, she envied them.

“Scott!” Gem leap into the meeting room to gain strange looks from his fellow Squad members with the exception of Scott and his Sister. Gemma waved happily.

“Hi Gem!”

“Hi Gemma!” He waved back and waited near the door.

“Yes Gem? You do realize you’re missing our meeting.”

“Yes but I don’t have time for that today. Besides, I already read your notes earlier when you were eating lunch! I have something to ask you!” Scott glared and shook his head as he crossed to him.

“What?” Scott asked.

“K wants to know what you expect out of your evening. Should she dress nicely, are you doing anything after dinner?”

“Oh hell, I don’t know.” Scott said, honestly and thought for a moment. “Tell her to dress nice, I’ll take her to a nice restaurant and from there we’ll play by ear and tell her that’s my final word on that matter.”

“OK!” Gem said brightly and bounded off again, Scott just shook his head.

“Anyways, Squad, as I was saying. Joyner, Gibson, Klein, O’Donnell, you four need to work on your aim so I want you to go with Gemma to the shooting range. Vasquez, Hicks, I want you two to study and prepare your own lesson on the “Delta Sun” positions. That is all. We are to report back “Oh ten hundred” hours, thank you.” With that, the teams dispersed and he headed home to change and prepare himself, he had no idea what it would be like to go on a date with the smartest woman alive, but he was going to find out.

---To be Continued---
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