RPM: Call to War, Chapter Two
RPM: Call to War
Chapter Two: Romancing the Stone
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.
Rating: Teen+
Genre: General/Drama
Timeline: 2 weeks after the Prologue
Thanks: To Al for being my beta and Scottish tutor.
Pairings: (This far) Summer/Dillon, Gemma/Flynn
Doctor K adjusted the dress she wore and twirled upon Ziggy motioning for her to do so. Upon being summoned he arrived bringing new and different clothes, leaving immediately after his classes were over. He had brought three dresses and one nice pant suit. Since she didn’t know anything about fashion or even how to dress for occasions, she blindly trusted him to help her. Although he seemed a bit disheartened to learn it was a date with Scott, he did what any good friend would do and went to work helping her. He had his fingers curled around his chin as he studied her intently.
“Hmm.” He intoned, doing his best to try and see his friend in anything other than her trademark lab coat.
“Ziggy, I have less than 20 minutes and I would like to be dressed so I can have at least five minutes to calm myself before I go.” She told him, hands on her hips. Her outfit of choice was currently a white halter dress that hung to her knees with white flats.
“I think that one works. The others were a little too bold for a dinner date between friends and the pant suit just didn’t work and I know you don’t like pants.” Ziggy remarked, earning a nod from the young genius.
“I cannot help it, for as long as I’ve known I’ve been made to wear skirts. Unless the pants are a size too big and made of a soft comfortable material, I prefer not to wear them.” She said and sat at her desk and looked at the make up in front of her. “Is make-up really necessary?”
“If you want, I’m not going to make you wear it or help you try to put it on…again. I learned my lesson when you punched me after I blinded you with that mascara.” He said, holding up his hands. “Listen, I just want to be clear, don’t let Scott try anything with you tonight.” K frowned at him and threw the make up in her desk.
“Excuse me?” she asked, both angered and confused at the same time, “I do not know what you’re referring given that I’ve never been on a date and did not study them since the social aspects of life had once meant nothing to me and thus they were not a part of my research and development.”
“When guys go on dates, they try to get some…action…” he implied trying to pantomime, but quickly thought against it.
“You mean progressing towards intercourse?” Ziggy colored.
“Yeah, pretty much. I don’t want him to force you into anything.” She laughed and patted his hand.
“I appreciate your concern Ziggy, but you should know me better than that, I could never be forced now that I’m controlling my life. What comes of this date I do not know and I will go where the evening takes me. I do not expect that romance will ensue for the evening so you can stop distressing. And I do remind you, the two of us are friends as well and I do not foresee anything more so you can stop trying.” He held his hands up in surrender.
“Doc K, as hard as it is for you to believe, I have moved on” he exclaimed, putting on his most serious face. “I do realize what I felt for you was a puppy love crush and you might have felt the same when you agreed to work with me but after what we went through I realized we couldn’t work out. I still may think you’re cute but to be fair I think a lot of other girls are cute.” He told her. “I’m just looking out so that your naivety doesn’t get you in trouble.”
“I’m glad we’ve gotten that subject handled.” She said and he smiled.
“Me too. And if you really want I’ll help you with your make up.” He told her and she laughed.
“Thank you Ziggy, I would appreciate your help. I just want light mascara but I haven’t quite seemed to grasp how to do it without making it clump.” She gave him a genuine smile.
“Ok, but seriously this is the last time…” he exclaimed with his hands up in defeat as he fished the makeup back from deep within the drawer.
When Scott walked into the Lobby, he was awarded with a wolf whistle, and several claps and other such noises, provided by Flynn McAlister. Scott laughed and headed over to his Scottish friend dressed in blue and their signature leather coat.
“Aye, an’ where are you off to in the fancy attire, Mister?” Flynn asked as he lounged in the entryway.
“Somehow I asked K out on a date and I’m meeting her here.” Scott replied, feeling sweat gather on his palms. The sensation was strange and weird for him since he didn’t think he’d get nervous, at least not after everything he’d experienced in his life so far.
“How are ye not sure?” Flynn asked, his brows meeting in furrowed confusion as he scratched his head lightly.
“It just slipped out that it was a date after I told her I’d meet her for dinner.” Flynn nodded, knowing full well how vibrantly verbose.
“Ah, so then you’re feelings for the girl are finally rising to the surface? Took ya long enough.” Scott shot him a look, one of the many confused yet curious as to what was going on looks that he’d come to know.
“What in the hell are you talking about? Are you drunk?” Flynn’s rich laugh brought him comfort and his answer.
“Not at likely.” The blue clad Scotsman paused briefly to make sure of his own statement, causing his friend to join in the laughter. “Scott, you faced down with your Father for her, Ya went toe to toe with your old man to protect and insisted ye’ needed her. That we did. An’ Aye, there’s a Wee bit o’ chance that perhaps I read too much into that but I have the distinct impression that she means a lot to you.” Scott sighed, his friend seemed so wise.
“She does. I just don’t know if she’s capable of being in a relationship or even know anything about the social interactions between two people who an attraction if we even do. All I know is that I stepped into it big time tonight by doing this.”
“Nah, dinnae be daft. It’ll all work it.” Flynn reassured him with a pat on the back.
“Why are you here? Waiting on your Lady Love?”
“Aye. We have plans, if we can sneak away from Gem long enough.” Flynn said with a wistful sigh.
“Want me to assign him grunt work?” Flynn’s brows rose to the middle of his forehead.
“Do ye not remember what happened last time you did that?” warned the former blue ranger, knowing full well what his love’s brother was capable of when he tried to “help” a bit too much.
“Oh…right. Bad idea. I don’t need him doing anymore damage to Corinth; we just got the streets cleared up.” Flynn laughed.
“It’s been way too damn long since we did this, man, just fuckin’ aboot.” Flynn remarked, happy to see his friend and be reminded of old times. “We need to do it again. Tomorrow morning I expect to see you in the kitchen with details on your date. You’re taking the morning off.” Scott was always gone to work in the wee hours of the morning and since their schedules conflicted, though they all lived in the Garage still, it was hard to make time like they used to.
“Yes sir!” Scott saluted him and they both laughed.
“What’s so funny?” Ziggy asked as he ambled into the entry and crossed to his former team mates.
“Your face.” Scott said, his snickering and laughter erupted forth, upon realizing that Ziggy was wearing make up.
“Yeah K decided it was time to practice how to use make up, apparently she can’t do it on her own face but can do it perfectly on mine.” His voiced laced heavily with sarcasm and his own brand of humor as he batted his eyes at his two friends.
“You shouldn’t let the lass walk all over you. You’re gonna get beaten up on the street if you go out with that mess o’ stuff on your face.” Flynn advised him.
“You’re just jealous I look so good.” All three burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny?” came Gemma’s voice as she bounced into the entry and grasped onto Flynn.
“Nothing, my bonny lass, lets scoot before your Brother comes ‘round.” She bounced in place, bubbling over with excitement and waved goodbye to Scott and Ziggy before they scurried out the door.
“Scott, I don’t know what your intentions are with Doc tonight but remember she’s awkward in social interactions and has never been on a date before. Don’t press her into anything.” Scott shot the former Green Ranger a look.
“Ziggy! It’s dinner between two friends. I have no intentions on anything else.” He told him, shaking his head. “You know you’re not dating her right? You’re not a couple?”
“Duh. Please, she’d kill me in my sleep if I tried anything. I came to terms with my feelings for her after she walked out on me. I understand why but in the end, that hurt a lot. I know we weren’t meant to be but I tried. Can’t blame me for trying.”
“I assure you Zig, nothings going to happen. It’s just two friends going to dinner. I hardly get to see anyone with my hours conflicting with all of yours.”
“I just don’t want to see her hurt.”
“Ziggy, you can trust me. You know I’m not that guy. Stop being all Papa-Bear on me.”
“Excuse me; I do not understand the reference means.” Came Doctor K’s voice as she finally walked into the entry way. She was now wearing a black coat over her dress and wore light make up.
“Never mind, it’s not important. You look good.” Scott said, she tilted her head and frowned.
“How can you tell if I’m covered?” she asked her head still tilted in confusion, he just smiled.
“I can tell. Come on, it’s dinner time.” He told her and led her to his car.
Scott sighed softly, wondering just what it was that prompted him to ask her out on what may be a date. He wasn’t really sure but figured that at the very least they could enjoy dinner like two friends. The only problem now was that he didn’t know what kind of food Doctor K ate. Hell, he didn’t even know if she had a name other than K.
“Scott? Forgive me if there’s something I don’t know about cars, but I’m fairly certain that they don’t drive themselves to the desired destination” the inquisitive young doctor spoke, seated and safely secured in her former red ranger’s car.
“Right, sorry. I was miles away” replied the young man as he started his car, not quite sure where to go.
As the two made their way down the newly reconstructed streets of Corinth, a somewhat comfortable silence crept up between them. Neither the doctor nor the soldier knew where to go or just what to say. That is until Scott spoke up, clearing the silence and hoping to make sure his decisions were right.
“Hey, I know you said you were tired of Mac an’ Cheese, so I was thinking that anything resembling it would be a bad idea” spoke the young man as he drove, eyes on the road, yet stealing quick glances at his passenger.
“Actually since I don’t know much else other than what Ziggy could cook, anything seems good,” she said. “Given not much can fit in the fridge considering the cannon gets in the way, it doesn’t let us stock much.”
“Yeah, I’m still wondering just how and why you had that in there” remarked the former ranger, remembering how his teammate went flying across the room. “Oh there’s also that time Ziggy and I went shopping for you. It bothered me that all you had was candy on the list”
“I felt like I deserved something for all my efforts” shot back the doctor, feeling both angered and slightly hurt that he seemed to be judging her food choices.
“It’s not that it’s just…ah never mind I can tell you over dinner. We’re close to the restaurant” he replied cursing his own standoffish attitude. The stubborn young man pulled into the parking lot of Buono Mangia and turned off the car, his motor slowly silencing itself as he looked towards his friend. “I know you weren’t too thrilled with Mac and Cheese, so I figured you’d like to see what real Italian food is supposed to be like?” he asked, finally looking at her since the previous conversation had somewhat died off.
“It sounds intriguing. However if all they serve is pasta with cheese I’d sooner leave and” she started to say but was abruptly cut off.
“No no, it’s nothing like that. There’s a great variety of food here. C’mon Lets go in, you’ll see what I mean” Scott remarked as he exited the car, quickly making his way to get the door for Doctor K as well.
Walking up the steps, Scott grasped the handle, opening the door to allow his date entrance.
While it had been a while since he’d set foot in the Italian eatery, Scott still remembered and adored the drawings of Italy on the wall coupled with the boots and wood paneled floors. He noted Doctor K’s face as she took in the environment before her, ever the quizzical young scientist, he could see her looking around the room and trying to analyze things. Deciding to move things along, he grabbed two menus quickly from behind the counter and without waiting to be told otherwise, led them towards a nearby booth. After making sure Dr. K was comfortable he sat down and picked up his menu, not really having anything particular in mind.
“Not that I don’t appreciate the expediency, but I was under the assumption that waiters or servers brought guests to their table?” asked Doctor K as she started to look over her menu, somewhat taken back the Italian names of the food yet happy that it offered descriptions in English.
“Yeah, usually that’s the case. But one of the reasons that I like this place is that sometimes, they just let the customers’ seat themselves” Scott mused as he stared blankly at his menu, half interested in the choices of food, and more so in his friend’s company.
“Have I done something to earn your anger Scott?” asked the young scientist, not looking up from her menu, knowing full well that her date was staring at her.
“What are you talking about?” asked the confused young man, taken back momentarily by her comment.
“You voiced your disapproval at my usual choices of food and snacks earlier.”
“I wasn’t angry with you or anything I just...” he paused before continuing, his thoughts drifting to an earlier time. After a reflective pause, he spoke once more. “My Mom loved to cook a lot”
“I’m not sure I follow you Scott, but I’m sure it’s I’m important to your point, so carry on please” the girl stated simply, wondering about the connection to his mother.
“My Mom used to cook just about all the time when me and Marcus were growing up” Scott remarked while idly drawing patters on his napkin with his finger. “Not that my Dad can’t cook, he just...well he’s a military guy, he had different opinions about what we should eat”
“But Mom…She would make the most amazing things. She really gave me and Marcus a very rich, gastronomically diverse upbringing. As a kid I thought it was natural for everyone to have Falafel or Chicken Tikka or hell even Kimchee”
Doctor K listened intently, intrigued by what Scott’s mother had done for her children growing up, wishing that she had known her own mother, how ever fleeting the urge was. She didn’t miss the people that created her but in the quiet moments she felt she may.
“Mom really taught us to not only respect where food came from but to enjoy it as best as possible”
“Your mother was somewhat of a gourmet then” asked the doctor, welcoming the discussion, and the chance to get to know her former red ranger a bit better.
“Well, not exactly. Although to hear Dad say it he’d say he married her for her food first and her good looks secondly. But no if anything Mom was more of a foodie then a gourmet” the girl stared blankly, he realized she must not know the nickname of food lovers and decided it’d be best to move on. “Basically, the point I’m trying to get at is this. Because of my Mom bringing us up the way that she did, I’ve become somewhat of a damn good cook myself. I just...I just felt that you should have some better food than what you had on your list, and whatever else you may have eaten that wasn’t so good, that’s all” Scott remarked, looking back up at the young woman across from him.
“Hey look, let’s just order our food now. I’m really starving” he sighed, wanting to change the subject quickly.
“Since you seem to be so passionate about my diet, can you suggest something I should try?” she asked and a small smile took over her features as his face lit up. She had to admit she never expected this side of her Former Red Ranger but she loved to see him passionate about something other than his car and Military work.
“That depends, what are you in the mood for Doc?” he asked, she continued her soft smile.
“Anything. This is a night to not only get to know you but to know myself. And I am glad to have this evening with you.” Scott smiled.
The man known only as Gem walked down the corridor towards Colonel Truman’s office. He’d finished all of his assigned tasks earlier in the day, so his commanding officers father could only have few reasons to want or need to talk to him. He wasn’t happy about either usually.
“Sir? You wanted to see me?” Gem asked, standing somewhat at attention, not leaving the doorway.
“Gem, come sit down please” the Colonel gestured towards the seat on the other side of his desk.
“Yeah Sure! I like these chairs a lot actually. Nice and soft and comfy” the energetic gold ranger started to ramble, not missing a beat when he started to ramble off “Do you make sure they’re nice and soft? The ones in your old office weren’t, then again those were several thousand feet in the air and had to be light weight and probably made of some sort of polycarboni-“
“At attention, Soldier! Just what is wrong with you today! I can’t have you acting like this” Mason Truman all but yelled, not wanting to be overly angry at the former genius prodigy.
Gem snapped to attention, sitting upright in his chair. He hadn’t meant to ramble off like that but he was restless today. So much so that he couldn’t really stop moving as his legs were still shaking, bouncing on the heel of his feet.
“Sorry...Sir, It’s just that I’m sort of off the track today. I’m usually more in control of things when I’m around my sister. Gemma’s off hanging out with Flynn and Summer and Dillon aren’t’ around anymore and Ziggy’s off doing something that I’m not really sure that I want to know. Doctor K and Scott are-” Gem stammered, letting his words flow from his mind to his mouth without an ounce of control over them.
“Gem, focus on everything else later. Now I want you to tell me what you found out about the other cities” the colonel ordered, eager to know what was going on.
“I’ve heard that some of the remaining cities, the ones that weren’t under our protection during the time when Venjix was attacking, have been getting kind of angry. Like they want something...I’m not exactly sure, there’ve been different reports coming from everywhere” replied the eccentric explosive young man.
“Do you think that they’re planning something?” Mason inquired wondering just what if any military strength these cities had left, knowing full well that some of his old friends left to protect the other cities.
“I wasn’t really able to find much out other than people acting strangely and well pretty sort of…angry at times”
“Can you elaborate on that any further Gem? I need something more than just ‘pretty sort of angry’ to go on”
“Sorry sir I... I’m not sure I’m the right person to do this at least by myself anyway” Gem explained, feeling somewhat lost without his sibling by his side.
“Gem listen to me, I came to you for this mission with a reason you’re the best field agent I’ve got for this type of work. Granted you’re more versed in working with a team and not by yourself, I can understand that. However you should not let yourself feel that you can’t do the job assigned to you. Perhaps I was arrogant in assuming that you didn’t need someone else on your side” remarked the colonel to his eager young man whose face suddenly darkened. He did not like many things, being spoken to like that was one of them.
“No sir, I can do it on my own. You can count on me!” He said, standing at attention and saluting.
“Just do me one favor Gem.”
“What would that be?”
“Lay off the explosions. They may be fun to you but not to those whose lives you put at stake.”
“Aww ok. Since you asked nicely! I will not let you down sir!” and without another word he bounded from the office with Mason looking on, regretting his decision already.
---
To Be Continued
Chapter Two: Romancing the Stone
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.
Rating: Teen+
Genre: General/Drama
Timeline: 2 weeks after the Prologue
Thanks: To Al for being my beta and Scottish tutor.
Pairings: (This far) Summer/Dillon, Gemma/Flynn
Doctor K adjusted the dress she wore and twirled upon Ziggy motioning for her to do so. Upon being summoned he arrived bringing new and different clothes, leaving immediately after his classes were over. He had brought three dresses and one nice pant suit. Since she didn’t know anything about fashion or even how to dress for occasions, she blindly trusted him to help her. Although he seemed a bit disheartened to learn it was a date with Scott, he did what any good friend would do and went to work helping her. He had his fingers curled around his chin as he studied her intently.
“Hmm.” He intoned, doing his best to try and see his friend in anything other than her trademark lab coat.
“Ziggy, I have less than 20 minutes and I would like to be dressed so I can have at least five minutes to calm myself before I go.” She told him, hands on her hips. Her outfit of choice was currently a white halter dress that hung to her knees with white flats.
“I think that one works. The others were a little too bold for a dinner date between friends and the pant suit just didn’t work and I know you don’t like pants.” Ziggy remarked, earning a nod from the young genius.
“I cannot help it, for as long as I’ve known I’ve been made to wear skirts. Unless the pants are a size too big and made of a soft comfortable material, I prefer not to wear them.” She said and sat at her desk and looked at the make up in front of her. “Is make-up really necessary?”
“If you want, I’m not going to make you wear it or help you try to put it on…again. I learned my lesson when you punched me after I blinded you with that mascara.” He said, holding up his hands. “Listen, I just want to be clear, don’t let Scott try anything with you tonight.” K frowned at him and threw the make up in her desk.
“Excuse me?” she asked, both angered and confused at the same time, “I do not know what you’re referring given that I’ve never been on a date and did not study them since the social aspects of life had once meant nothing to me and thus they were not a part of my research and development.”
“When guys go on dates, they try to get some…action…” he implied trying to pantomime, but quickly thought against it.
“You mean progressing towards intercourse?” Ziggy colored.
“Yeah, pretty much. I don’t want him to force you into anything.” She laughed and patted his hand.
“I appreciate your concern Ziggy, but you should know me better than that, I could never be forced now that I’m controlling my life. What comes of this date I do not know and I will go where the evening takes me. I do not expect that romance will ensue for the evening so you can stop distressing. And I do remind you, the two of us are friends as well and I do not foresee anything more so you can stop trying.” He held his hands up in surrender.
“Doc K, as hard as it is for you to believe, I have moved on” he exclaimed, putting on his most serious face. “I do realize what I felt for you was a puppy love crush and you might have felt the same when you agreed to work with me but after what we went through I realized we couldn’t work out. I still may think you’re cute but to be fair I think a lot of other girls are cute.” He told her. “I’m just looking out so that your naivety doesn’t get you in trouble.”
“I’m glad we’ve gotten that subject handled.” She said and he smiled.
“Me too. And if you really want I’ll help you with your make up.” He told her and she laughed.
“Thank you Ziggy, I would appreciate your help. I just want light mascara but I haven’t quite seemed to grasp how to do it without making it clump.” She gave him a genuine smile.
“Ok, but seriously this is the last time…” he exclaimed with his hands up in defeat as he fished the makeup back from deep within the drawer.
When Scott walked into the Lobby, he was awarded with a wolf whistle, and several claps and other such noises, provided by Flynn McAlister. Scott laughed and headed over to his Scottish friend dressed in blue and their signature leather coat.
“Aye, an’ where are you off to in the fancy attire, Mister?” Flynn asked as he lounged in the entryway.
“Somehow I asked K out on a date and I’m meeting her here.” Scott replied, feeling sweat gather on his palms. The sensation was strange and weird for him since he didn’t think he’d get nervous, at least not after everything he’d experienced in his life so far.
“How are ye not sure?” Flynn asked, his brows meeting in furrowed confusion as he scratched his head lightly.
“It just slipped out that it was a date after I told her I’d meet her for dinner.” Flynn nodded, knowing full well how vibrantly verbose.
“Ah, so then you’re feelings for the girl are finally rising to the surface? Took ya long enough.” Scott shot him a look, one of the many confused yet curious as to what was going on looks that he’d come to know.
“What in the hell are you talking about? Are you drunk?” Flynn’s rich laugh brought him comfort and his answer.
“Not at likely.” The blue clad Scotsman paused briefly to make sure of his own statement, causing his friend to join in the laughter. “Scott, you faced down with your Father for her, Ya went toe to toe with your old man to protect and insisted ye’ needed her. That we did. An’ Aye, there’s a Wee bit o’ chance that perhaps I read too much into that but I have the distinct impression that she means a lot to you.” Scott sighed, his friend seemed so wise.
“She does. I just don’t know if she’s capable of being in a relationship or even know anything about the social interactions between two people who an attraction if we even do. All I know is that I stepped into it big time tonight by doing this.”
“Nah, dinnae be daft. It’ll all work it.” Flynn reassured him with a pat on the back.
“Why are you here? Waiting on your Lady Love?”
“Aye. We have plans, if we can sneak away from Gem long enough.” Flynn said with a wistful sigh.
“Want me to assign him grunt work?” Flynn’s brows rose to the middle of his forehead.
“Do ye not remember what happened last time you did that?” warned the former blue ranger, knowing full well what his love’s brother was capable of when he tried to “help” a bit too much.
“Oh…right. Bad idea. I don’t need him doing anymore damage to Corinth; we just got the streets cleared up.” Flynn laughed.
“It’s been way too damn long since we did this, man, just fuckin’ aboot.” Flynn remarked, happy to see his friend and be reminded of old times. “We need to do it again. Tomorrow morning I expect to see you in the kitchen with details on your date. You’re taking the morning off.” Scott was always gone to work in the wee hours of the morning and since their schedules conflicted, though they all lived in the Garage still, it was hard to make time like they used to.
“Yes sir!” Scott saluted him and they both laughed.
“What’s so funny?” Ziggy asked as he ambled into the entry and crossed to his former team mates.
“Your face.” Scott said, his snickering and laughter erupted forth, upon realizing that Ziggy was wearing make up.
“Yeah K decided it was time to practice how to use make up, apparently she can’t do it on her own face but can do it perfectly on mine.” His voiced laced heavily with sarcasm and his own brand of humor as he batted his eyes at his two friends.
“You shouldn’t let the lass walk all over you. You’re gonna get beaten up on the street if you go out with that mess o’ stuff on your face.” Flynn advised him.
“You’re just jealous I look so good.” All three burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny?” came Gemma’s voice as she bounced into the entry and grasped onto Flynn.
“Nothing, my bonny lass, lets scoot before your Brother comes ‘round.” She bounced in place, bubbling over with excitement and waved goodbye to Scott and Ziggy before they scurried out the door.
“Scott, I don’t know what your intentions are with Doc tonight but remember she’s awkward in social interactions and has never been on a date before. Don’t press her into anything.” Scott shot the former Green Ranger a look.
“Ziggy! It’s dinner between two friends. I have no intentions on anything else.” He told him, shaking his head. “You know you’re not dating her right? You’re not a couple?”
“Duh. Please, she’d kill me in my sleep if I tried anything. I came to terms with my feelings for her after she walked out on me. I understand why but in the end, that hurt a lot. I know we weren’t meant to be but I tried. Can’t blame me for trying.”
“I assure you Zig, nothings going to happen. It’s just two friends going to dinner. I hardly get to see anyone with my hours conflicting with all of yours.”
“I just don’t want to see her hurt.”
“Ziggy, you can trust me. You know I’m not that guy. Stop being all Papa-Bear on me.”
“Excuse me; I do not understand the reference means.” Came Doctor K’s voice as she finally walked into the entry way. She was now wearing a black coat over her dress and wore light make up.
“Never mind, it’s not important. You look good.” Scott said, she tilted her head and frowned.
“How can you tell if I’m covered?” she asked her head still tilted in confusion, he just smiled.
“I can tell. Come on, it’s dinner time.” He told her and led her to his car.
Scott sighed softly, wondering just what it was that prompted him to ask her out on what may be a date. He wasn’t really sure but figured that at the very least they could enjoy dinner like two friends. The only problem now was that he didn’t know what kind of food Doctor K ate. Hell, he didn’t even know if she had a name other than K.
“Scott? Forgive me if there’s something I don’t know about cars, but I’m fairly certain that they don’t drive themselves to the desired destination” the inquisitive young doctor spoke, seated and safely secured in her former red ranger’s car.
“Right, sorry. I was miles away” replied the young man as he started his car, not quite sure where to go.
As the two made their way down the newly reconstructed streets of Corinth, a somewhat comfortable silence crept up between them. Neither the doctor nor the soldier knew where to go or just what to say. That is until Scott spoke up, clearing the silence and hoping to make sure his decisions were right.
“Hey, I know you said you were tired of Mac an’ Cheese, so I was thinking that anything resembling it would be a bad idea” spoke the young man as he drove, eyes on the road, yet stealing quick glances at his passenger.
“Actually since I don’t know much else other than what Ziggy could cook, anything seems good,” she said. “Given not much can fit in the fridge considering the cannon gets in the way, it doesn’t let us stock much.”
“Yeah, I’m still wondering just how and why you had that in there” remarked the former ranger, remembering how his teammate went flying across the room. “Oh there’s also that time Ziggy and I went shopping for you. It bothered me that all you had was candy on the list”
“I felt like I deserved something for all my efforts” shot back the doctor, feeling both angered and slightly hurt that he seemed to be judging her food choices.
“It’s not that it’s just…ah never mind I can tell you over dinner. We’re close to the restaurant” he replied cursing his own standoffish attitude. The stubborn young man pulled into the parking lot of Buono Mangia and turned off the car, his motor slowly silencing itself as he looked towards his friend. “I know you weren’t too thrilled with Mac and Cheese, so I figured you’d like to see what real Italian food is supposed to be like?” he asked, finally looking at her since the previous conversation had somewhat died off.
“It sounds intriguing. However if all they serve is pasta with cheese I’d sooner leave and” she started to say but was abruptly cut off.
“No no, it’s nothing like that. There’s a great variety of food here. C’mon Lets go in, you’ll see what I mean” Scott remarked as he exited the car, quickly making his way to get the door for Doctor K as well.
Walking up the steps, Scott grasped the handle, opening the door to allow his date entrance.
While it had been a while since he’d set foot in the Italian eatery, Scott still remembered and adored the drawings of Italy on the wall coupled with the boots and wood paneled floors. He noted Doctor K’s face as she took in the environment before her, ever the quizzical young scientist, he could see her looking around the room and trying to analyze things. Deciding to move things along, he grabbed two menus quickly from behind the counter and without waiting to be told otherwise, led them towards a nearby booth. After making sure Dr. K was comfortable he sat down and picked up his menu, not really having anything particular in mind.
“Not that I don’t appreciate the expediency, but I was under the assumption that waiters or servers brought guests to their table?” asked Doctor K as she started to look over her menu, somewhat taken back the Italian names of the food yet happy that it offered descriptions in English.
“Yeah, usually that’s the case. But one of the reasons that I like this place is that sometimes, they just let the customers’ seat themselves” Scott mused as he stared blankly at his menu, half interested in the choices of food, and more so in his friend’s company.
“Have I done something to earn your anger Scott?” asked the young scientist, not looking up from her menu, knowing full well that her date was staring at her.
“What are you talking about?” asked the confused young man, taken back momentarily by her comment.
“You voiced your disapproval at my usual choices of food and snacks earlier.”
“I wasn’t angry with you or anything I just...” he paused before continuing, his thoughts drifting to an earlier time. After a reflective pause, he spoke once more. “My Mom loved to cook a lot”
“I’m not sure I follow you Scott, but I’m sure it’s I’m important to your point, so carry on please” the girl stated simply, wondering about the connection to his mother.
“My Mom used to cook just about all the time when me and Marcus were growing up” Scott remarked while idly drawing patters on his napkin with his finger. “Not that my Dad can’t cook, he just...well he’s a military guy, he had different opinions about what we should eat”
“But Mom…She would make the most amazing things. She really gave me and Marcus a very rich, gastronomically diverse upbringing. As a kid I thought it was natural for everyone to have Falafel or Chicken Tikka or hell even Kimchee”
Doctor K listened intently, intrigued by what Scott’s mother had done for her children growing up, wishing that she had known her own mother, how ever fleeting the urge was. She didn’t miss the people that created her but in the quiet moments she felt she may.
“Mom really taught us to not only respect where food came from but to enjoy it as best as possible”
“Your mother was somewhat of a gourmet then” asked the doctor, welcoming the discussion, and the chance to get to know her former red ranger a bit better.
“Well, not exactly. Although to hear Dad say it he’d say he married her for her food first and her good looks secondly. But no if anything Mom was more of a foodie then a gourmet” the girl stared blankly, he realized she must not know the nickname of food lovers and decided it’d be best to move on. “Basically, the point I’m trying to get at is this. Because of my Mom bringing us up the way that she did, I’ve become somewhat of a damn good cook myself. I just...I just felt that you should have some better food than what you had on your list, and whatever else you may have eaten that wasn’t so good, that’s all” Scott remarked, looking back up at the young woman across from him.
“Hey look, let’s just order our food now. I’m really starving” he sighed, wanting to change the subject quickly.
“Since you seem to be so passionate about my diet, can you suggest something I should try?” she asked and a small smile took over her features as his face lit up. She had to admit she never expected this side of her Former Red Ranger but she loved to see him passionate about something other than his car and Military work.
“That depends, what are you in the mood for Doc?” he asked, she continued her soft smile.
“Anything. This is a night to not only get to know you but to know myself. And I am glad to have this evening with you.” Scott smiled.
The man known only as Gem walked down the corridor towards Colonel Truman’s office. He’d finished all of his assigned tasks earlier in the day, so his commanding officers father could only have few reasons to want or need to talk to him. He wasn’t happy about either usually.
“Sir? You wanted to see me?” Gem asked, standing somewhat at attention, not leaving the doorway.
“Gem, come sit down please” the Colonel gestured towards the seat on the other side of his desk.
“Yeah Sure! I like these chairs a lot actually. Nice and soft and comfy” the energetic gold ranger started to ramble, not missing a beat when he started to ramble off “Do you make sure they’re nice and soft? The ones in your old office weren’t, then again those were several thousand feet in the air and had to be light weight and probably made of some sort of polycarboni-“
“At attention, Soldier! Just what is wrong with you today! I can’t have you acting like this” Mason Truman all but yelled, not wanting to be overly angry at the former genius prodigy.
Gem snapped to attention, sitting upright in his chair. He hadn’t meant to ramble off like that but he was restless today. So much so that he couldn’t really stop moving as his legs were still shaking, bouncing on the heel of his feet.
“Sorry...Sir, It’s just that I’m sort of off the track today. I’m usually more in control of things when I’m around my sister. Gemma’s off hanging out with Flynn and Summer and Dillon aren’t’ around anymore and Ziggy’s off doing something that I’m not really sure that I want to know. Doctor K and Scott are-” Gem stammered, letting his words flow from his mind to his mouth without an ounce of control over them.
“Gem, focus on everything else later. Now I want you to tell me what you found out about the other cities” the colonel ordered, eager to know what was going on.
“I’ve heard that some of the remaining cities, the ones that weren’t under our protection during the time when Venjix was attacking, have been getting kind of angry. Like they want something...I’m not exactly sure, there’ve been different reports coming from everywhere” replied the eccentric explosive young man.
“Do you think that they’re planning something?” Mason inquired wondering just what if any military strength these cities had left, knowing full well that some of his old friends left to protect the other cities.
“I wasn’t really able to find much out other than people acting strangely and well pretty sort of…angry at times”
“Can you elaborate on that any further Gem? I need something more than just ‘pretty sort of angry’ to go on”
“Sorry sir I... I’m not sure I’m the right person to do this at least by myself anyway” Gem explained, feeling somewhat lost without his sibling by his side.
“Gem listen to me, I came to you for this mission with a reason you’re the best field agent I’ve got for this type of work. Granted you’re more versed in working with a team and not by yourself, I can understand that. However you should not let yourself feel that you can’t do the job assigned to you. Perhaps I was arrogant in assuming that you didn’t need someone else on your side” remarked the colonel to his eager young man whose face suddenly darkened. He did not like many things, being spoken to like that was one of them.
“No sir, I can do it on my own. You can count on me!” He said, standing at attention and saluting.
“Just do me one favor Gem.”
“What would that be?”
“Lay off the explosions. They may be fun to you but not to those whose lives you put at stake.”
“Aww ok. Since you asked nicely! I will not let you down sir!” and without another word he bounded from the office with Mason looking on, regretting his decision already.
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To Be Continued