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Post by Mr.Silver on Oct 22, 2024 20:49:37 GMT -5
Around 15 minutes or so passed. Brooklyn and Paul came back and gathered the teams.
"Okay. We've got an agreement ironed out." Paul started. "We get our powers back, but instead of check-ins, they'll have eyes on us 24/7. And... I've been assured that there will be no boom boom." Paul said, pointing at his head, indicating that the exploding heads were off the table.
"In exchange, the Nitro team will only use their power to engage DRAGO forces. If there is one slip up, whether it be someone trying to run, someone using their power for something other than approved business, hacking into our servers or whatever, the powers go off and you're in jail for life. No negotiations."
"I guess that's doable." Amy wasn't the happiest, but she didn't hate these terms. "But what about us?" Amy asked of team SPD.
"After we bury Ken, you'll be back to business with your tech work. Flynn, you'll be a mobile liaison of sorts. Keep your phone on. If they need something and can't reach me, they'll be calling you. Jag..." Brooklyn paused for the more unpleasant part of the conversation. "This whole thing with Lenny has you messed up in the head. Even today, you were damn near going rogue after you got your marching orders. I'm afraid I have to bench you."
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Post by GoseiYellow on Oct 22, 2024 22:04:01 GMT -5
"Okay. We've got an agreement ironed out." Paul started. "We get our powers back, but instead of check-ins, they'll have eyes on us 24/7. And... I've been assured that there will be no boom boom." Paul said, pointing at his head, indicating that the exploding heads were off the table.
"In exchange, the Nitro team will only use their power to engage DRAGO forces. If there is one slip up, whether it be someone trying to run, someone using their power for something other than approved business, hacking into our servers or whatever, the powers go off and you're in jail for life. No negotiations."
"I guess that's doable." Amy wasn't the happiest, but she didn't hate these terms. "But what about us?" Amy asked of team SPD.
"After we bury Ken, you'll be back to business with your tech work. Flynn, you'll be a mobile liaison of sorts. Keep your phone on. If they need something and can't reach me, they'll be calling you. Jag..." Brooklyn paused for the more unpleasant part of the conversation. "This whole thing with Lenny has you messed up in the head. Even today, you were damn near going rogue after you got your marching orders. I'm afraid I have to bench you."
Jaguar sighed, "I was afraid of that, but fair," he said.
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Post by FangZeronos on Oct 23, 2024 9:02:53 GMT -5
"In exchange, the Nitro team will only use their power to engage DRAGO forces. If there is one slip up, whether it be someone trying to run, someone using their power for something other than approved business, hacking into our servers or whatever, the powers go off and you're in jail for life. No negotiations."
"I guess that's doable." Amy wasn't the happiest, but she didn't hate these terms. "But what about us?" Amy asked of team SPD.
"After we bury Ken, you'll be back to business with your tech work. Flynn, you'll be a mobile liaison of sorts. Keep your phone on. If they need something and can't reach me, they'll be calling you."
"I can live with that," Flynn said. "tournaments are taking me all over the place anyway, so it'll be easy to keep up with these guys."
"Wait. If one of us screws up, you're gonna throw the whole lot of us back in the slammer? That aint' right. Why punish everyone if one person fucks it up?" Kestra asked.
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Post by Mr.Silver on Oct 23, 2024 9:21:54 GMT -5
"Wait. If one of us screws up, you're gonna throw the whole lot of us back in the slammer? That aint' right. Why punish everyone if one person fucks it up?" Kestra asked.
"It's a fair trade off, given how we're going against everything we know to let you stay out of prison. So I'd suggest getting used to holding your teammates accountable." Brooklyn responded.
Paul wore a disappointed expression on his face, indicating that this was one term he couldn't get Brooklyn to budge on.
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Post by GoseiYellow on Oct 23, 2024 11:08:25 GMT -5
Just as Jaguar was going to take the penalty, his phone began buzzing and when he pulled it out, his eyes widened, his father, Melbourne Baptiste was calling him. He swallowed hard and answered the call. "Hello?" " Jaguar, I need to know why you left me a message telling me that you had to skip the family gathering you promised me you'd come to over some unfinished business," Melbourne spoke, not even saying hello to him and from the looks of it, he didn't sound happy. " Did SPD call you?" "Dad-" Jaguar tried to speak but Melbourne cut him off. " Answer my question, Jaguar. Did SPD call you?" For a minute he didn't want to respond but he nodded, "Yes, they did call me. And it was for a reason." An exasperated sigh came out of Melbourne and Jaguar knew his hatred towards his team was evident, " I can't believe this. I can't fucking believe this! I turn my back and these SPD snakes manipulated you into undoing their damage!" "You know it's not like that, Dad!" Jaguar called out, trying to reason. "They needed me to help them and you shouldn't be insulting them like that!" " And what? So they can fuck you over even further!? And don't think I don't know what happened in London between you and Lenny! My business partner informed me everything when she was there! I knew SPD had something to do with it!" Melbourne shouted through the phone, loud enough for everyone to hear his Louisianan accent. "Dad I... you can't get mad at me for what I'm trying to do. I was given a duty!" Jaguar countered. " No, Jaguar. I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at the fact that these assholes lured my son, my only child, to clean up their messes! It's bad enough that damn cocksucker Storm had been working for DRAGO, let alone that Red Ranger, Brooks was fucking immortal meaning he's a goddamn demon!" Melbourne yelled through the phone. " And now that they've dragged you back into their shit, only for them to fuck you over again!" "Dad, you can't keep making decisions for me. You know I don’t like that!" Jaguar argued. " Yes, but with SPD, this is where I draw the line, Jaguar. You need to end this, all of this. I cannot allow them to use you for their own fuckups and selfishness," Melbourne informed, his voice cold as steel. "What!?" Jaguar exclaimed, the shocked look proving his father's decision. |
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Post by Mr.Silver on Oct 23, 2024 13:37:53 GMT -5
Jaguar's father drew a wide range of reactions from everyone in the train car, seeing as his yelling was loud enough for everyone to hear.
"For someone who doesn't understand how immortals work, your father is rather foolish to assume my kind is demonic." Methos finally spoke up, speaking in defense of his fellow immortals. "We are just as human as he is, albeit we live longer and apparently have more brain cells."
"More importantly, you told him Joey was immortal?! What the fuck, Jag?!" Amy snapped, shifting her ire towards the Yellow Ranger. "That's not supposed to be told to just anybody. Leaking that info not only compromises him, but it compromises our entire operation."
"I was getting to that next, but you seem to have it covered." Methos spoke before sipping on his beverage.
Paul began laughing uncontrollably with his own accent coming out in full force. "Lemme get this straight. You know your dad hates SPD, yet you leak classified info to him? Oh that's rich!" Paul continued to laugh, all while struggling to talk.
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Post by GoseiYellow on Oct 23, 2024 14:27:21 GMT -5
"For someone who doesn't understand how immortals work, your father is rather foolish to assume my kind is demonic." Methos finally spoke up, speaking in defense of his fellow immortals. "We are just as human as he is, albeit we live longer and apparently have more brain cells."
"More importantly, you told him Joey was immortal?! What the fuck, Jag?!" Amy snapped, shifting her ire towards the Yellow Ranger. "That's not supposed to be told to just anybody. Leaking that info not only compromises him, but it compromises our entire operation."
"Put me on speaker," Melbourne demanded, hearing what everyone was saying. Jaguar didn't say anything and puts his phone on speaker. "First of all, Ms. Porter, Jaguar DID NOT tell me anything about Brooks' background. I found out about it myself, for one of my friends' children worked for SPD and he told me EVERYTHING they found out about. I knew that Storm was no good and my son is not the type of person to leak anything to anyone so thankfully, my friend told me about it through his kids. But Jaguar did tell me about you and the rest of the team and it's sad that you're still fighting with them."
Lenny just shook his head over the confrontation while Jaguar turned to his phone shocked over what his father had said but he kept his composure, "Dad, that's enough..."
"Oh no no no no, I'm not finished. If you think you're going to blame my son for your own secrets, you are dead wrong. I knew SPD was no good. I knew that Storm will show his true colors and I knew that he was going to screw everyone over. So, if you're going to find someone to blame, take a look in the mirror. My son has NOTHING to do with what you've been doing," Melbourne finished calling out SPD and then calmed down. "Jaguar, I love you. I do, and I know you're a loyal person and wouldn't betray anyone for anything, but I'm not going to go further with this. It's time that you give up your morpher and leave that shit hole. I don't care if they do care about you, this is it. It's time that you step down."
"Dad-"
"I'm serious, Jaguar. Your time in SPD is over. And don't worry, I won't tell a soul to anyone but if they do anything to hurt you, I will make sure they will fucking regret messing with you," Melbourne finished, ending the call. Sighing, Jaguar reached for his morpher and stepped in, taking Amy's hand and giving it to her. He knew that his father wasn't letting his hatred go and it might get worse for them.
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Post by Mr.Silver on Oct 23, 2024 15:05:26 GMT -5
Brooklyn and Amy looked at one another, even glancing at Paul for Melbourne's government hatred goes as far back as when they were doing field work together prior to SPD. Sure, he could claim what he knew, but no one knew Storm was dirty. Sure, he had his detractors, but he was as respected as it gets in government circles. Unfortunately, government and business don't always mesh as is the case with Melbourne and Storm and by extension the CIA and by further extension, SPD.
Melbourne could also try to protect his son all he wants. It was clear that either intentionally or by mistake did Jag let the cat out of the bag regarding Joey's immortality, seeing as the number of people who knew were extremely limited. What was also clear was that unfortunately. Brooklyn made the right decision to bench Jag with the now former Yellow Ranger validating it by handing over his morpher to Amy as this conflict with his father would bring unwanted drama as they tried to take down DRAGO and get Joey back.
"Your father is wrong about a lot of what he said." Brooklyn stepped towards Jag with a stern look on his face before a sudden softening gesture by placing his hand on Jag's shoulder. "But we care about you too much to have you in the middle of beef with your father." He said, indicating that there was no ill will towards the former Ranger.
"Melbourne, is it?..." Methos spoke up, speaking seriously, doing away with his traditional snark. "You don't know me, but I know who we're up against better than anyone. I do not say this as a threat, but rather as a piece of wisdom for your safety. Be very careful with what your next move is. If you involved yourself any further in these matters, DRAGO will come after you and if that happens, you'll wish that SPD was your biggest problem." Methos finished in more of an ominous tone. "Now, where are you located? I'll send your son to you shortly."
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Post by GoseiYellow on Oct 23, 2024 15:33:02 GMT -5
Jaguar shook his head at Brooklyn, "I knew what I did wrong and I apologize but I think it's best if I step down from SPD... that until I get my mind straight and my father gets his head out of his ass if not for good. And I'm sorry about my comment regarding Joey. And I really hope someday... Len and I try to work things out," he said, looking at Lenny who scoffed.
"Ain't no working out, Baptiste. In fact, that brotherhood we had? It's long gone," the Blue Ranger spat out. "Hearing that you were still with them just to arrest me shows you ain’t shit. You're just as trashy as them."
"So our talk in London... it was all for nothing?" Jaguar asked, ready feeling hurt over his hostility.
"Your words ain’t shit to me, no matter how genuine they are. We ain’t friends no more so stop fucking trying. Oh, and you know what would've made me feel better? Drago killing you instead of that Royal idiot," Lenny finished and Jaguar didn't say anything, only to see tears slowly falling from his face.
"I'm in my main office in Downtown Synchro City. Baptiste Industries," Melbourne said coolly to Methos.
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Post by Mr.Silver on Oct 23, 2024 20:53:46 GMT -5
"Very well." Methos cracked his knuckles. "You'll be seeing your father in a few seconds, kid. Be safe. Flynn, it's back to SPD for you along with your cohorts so that you can bury your friend. I am indeed sorry for your loss." With a snap of the fingers, Methos sent Team SPD along with Jaguar to their respective destination.
Methos let out a sigh after the SPD crew was gone. "That was eventful. Much more chaotic than the last teamup my friend spoke of." Methos said, referring to Titanus telling him about when SRS and the Aura Strikers teamed up. "Well, it looks like you five have your reprieve. Just try not to screw it up."
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Post by FangZeronos on Oct 23, 2024 22:09:43 GMT -5
Methos let out a sigh after the SPD crew was gone. "That was eventful. Much more chaotic than the last teamup my friend spoke of." Methos said, referring to Titanus telling him about when SRS and the Aura Strikers teamed up. "Well, it looks like you five have your reprieve. Just try not to screw it up."
"easier said then done," Kestra said, folding her arms.
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Post by GoseiYellow on Oct 23, 2024 22:33:40 GMT -5
Methos let out a sigh after the SPD crew was gone. "That was eventful. Much more chaotic than the last teamup my friend spoke of." Methos said, referring to Titanus telling him about when SRS and the Aura Strikers teamed up. "Well, it looks like you five have your reprieve. Just try not to screw it up."
Lenny scoffed slightly, not saying a word to Methos. He just wanted the day to be over with.
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Post by wwff3 on Oct 24, 2024 10:06:21 GMT -5
Wayne gave a worried look to Kestra after their previous conversation he wondered if she would still go through with her plan knowing what they did now about the agreement with SPD he kept quiet however and sighed as A5 floated around him feeling for the team.
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Post by conjuries1108 on Oct 24, 2024 19:32:29 GMT -5
Corrie shrugged and sighed. "We can only do our best." She said with a slight eye roll.
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Post by Mr.Silver on Oct 24, 2024 20:27:36 GMT -5
With things settled for now, Methos sent the Rangers back to where he found them on the highway where SPD initially intercepted them. Knowing they don't have to run, the drive to Atlanta was slightly more peaceful, given the circumstances. The Rangers were preparing mentally for battling DRAGO forces and saving Joey from Zephyr's dark quickening. Even though things seemed okay for now, one Ranger's intentions may soon tear the team apart.
***
Back at the DRAGO lair, Joey stepped inside for the first time and it was eerily quiet. Those inside were unsure of how to react to the "new" Lord Drago. Joey sat down at the throne and was met with opposition almost immediately.
"I should be thanking you." Beryl emerged from a dark corner, sizing up the new Lord. "Earth has been on my radar for a long time, but I've been forced to spare this planet due to Zephyr's insistence on ruling it from the shadows. But now that he's gone, I can conquer this planet my way. I can prepare this planet for when I reunite with my love."
"I hate to disappoint you, Beryl." Joey stood up. "But Earth still isn't yours to conquer. It belongs to DRAGO. Now be a good girl and whip up some spells for me."
"How dare you!? You may have his powers, but you are not Drago." Beryl snapped.
"I AM LORD DRAGO!" Joey snapped back. "Nothing has changed. You will obey me just as you obeyed him."
"Fuck you..." Beryl growled. She unleashed dark energy, forcing Joey to dodge and instantly morph into the Shadow Ranger.
"To think you were biding your time all of this time, using Zephyr while you pined for your lost love who would rather die than be with you!?"
"You will not speak of him!" Beryl hit her mark the second time. Joey popped to his feet and took the fight to the evil witch.
"Use your brain, Beryl. It's been over 10,000 years. Do you know how many women he's likely taken to bed? He probably laughs every time he thinks of how you've hung on to this delusion that he would run in your arms and nussle your bosom."
"Shut up!"
Joey seized this moment to attack Beryl, using her former fiance as a distraction to gain an advantage. He may not be fully used to Zephyr's powers, but he is still a better fighter than the magically dependent Beryl. Using the Shadow Saber, he delivered a strike to her abdomen, causing her to float backwards.
"This is not over. Once I conquer Earth and reclaim my love, I'll return for your head!" Beryl vanished, leaving Joey in the lair and setting out on her own dark path to glory.
Joey sat down and demorphed. He realized that it would take time to get accustomed to these powers. In the interim, he would need to solidify his forces.
"I know exactly who I need to call..." Joey smirked as he took in the scenery, admiring the lair and by extension, the powers and resources that were now his.
*********
A week has passed since the showdown between SPD and Nitro Blaze that resulted in Ken's death, Zephyr's death, Joey being possessed by a Dark Quickening and an uneasy alliance. Methos thought that he would finally be able to relax now that everyone was gone and that there was at least a fragile harmony between SPD and Nitro Blaze. Unfortunately for the oldest living immortal, his peace would soon be short lived. He brought up a viewing screen, seeing that Beryl wasted little time, sending her army to attack Hoseki Town, presumably to draw out Endymion.
"There goes my day off..." Methos finished his glass of wine before preparing to visit an old friend.
***
In the week that passed, the Rangers were all stationed in Atlanta, renting out an AirBnB with their cars parked at the top of a parking garage. While the Rangers knew that eyes were on them, it was a relief to not have to run.
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