The Storybook Dimension

See disclaimer.

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The Weakest Color

Chapter 14: Cross That

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“What do you want?” Bridge asked warily. He’d have to be a fool to trust anything Broodwing had to say!

“Join forces with me, ranger.” The mercenary said. “Together we can defeat Gruumm… and anyone else who stands in our way.”

“You mean everyone who stands in your way?”

Broodwing smiled humorlessly. “Of course. But, do not underestimate how much you have to gain from this agreement. Or do you want to be enslaved by Gruumm forever? You and I have mutual interests… and mutual enemies.”

Bridge thought a moment before replying. “If you’re saying what I think you’re saying, you’re telling me that you want me to betray Gruumm and join you. And while there’s nothing I want more than to be rid of Gruumm and Mora, I’m not doing this for myself. So there’s nothing you could offer me to make me change my mind.”

Broodwing narrowed all three eyes in displeasure. “Is that so?”

“You will change your mind, human… I promise. The earlier incident with the megazord is only a taste of what’s in store for you – if you continue to defy me.”

And with that he was gone, leaving Bridge with a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, and a sour taste in his mouth.

–

Cruger had met many unpleasant and downright irritating people in his life. As Commander of SPD Earth, his job consisted of dealing with some of those people on a daily basis.

However, the man currently waiting on the line stood above the rest in terms of stupidity, poor timing and his ability to annoy.

“To what do I owe this honor, Supreme Commander Birdy?” Cruger asked coldly. There had been bad blood in between the two ever since the Supreme Commander’s last visit to earth – which, fortunately, had been several years ago.

Ever since then, their contact had been limited to the occasional long-distance conversation. After all, with so many different SPD bases, the Supreme Commander could hardly be expected to make a personally appearance at them all.

“Cruger.” Birdy said stiffly. “I hear you’ve been having some problems at SPD Earth recently. Something about a traitor?”

“With all due respect, Commander, it’s nothing I can’t handle. In times of war, betrayal is to be expected.”

“Are you any closer to discovering the identity of the saboteur?”

“There are several promising leads.” Cruger stated flatly. Birdy waited for Cruger to elaborate, but no answer seemed forthcoming.

“In that case, I expect that this traitor will be found and brought to justice.” Commander Fowler sniffed reflectively. “Should it prove outside of your capabilities, I would be happy to send assistance from Galactic Headquarters.”

Cruger smiled tightly. “That will not be needed. Good day, Commander.” Fowler nodded sharply in reply, and disconnected from the line.

–

In a perverse way, Sky had always found it amusing how the patrons of Piggy’s café would run and hide at the first glimpse of B-squad.

Tables were overturned and food splattered, and within thirty seconds the restaurant was deserted. “Hey!” Piggy cried, peeking out from his trailer. “What’s the big idea?”

“Go away!” He shouted, catching sight of the Rangers. “You’re driving away customers!” He waited a moment for them to leave, and then reluctantly came out of his trailer when they wouldn’t budge.

“What do I have to do to get rid of you guys?” Piggy asked tiredly. “Or should I say, what do you want this time?”

“Piggy,” Z said nicely. “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about a mole inside SPD? You know, someone serving Gruumm?”

Piggy gulped. “Nope. Don’t know anything about it. Happy now?”

“Not quite.” Sky said, arms crossed. “Anyone suspicious come around lately?”

“I already told you I don’t know anything!” Piggy retorted, hurrying back to the trailer and slamming the door. “Now beat it!”

“Alright, Piggy.” Jack called out. “Have it your way… for now. But we’ll be back for more information soon.”

“Take your time with that.” Piggy grumbled under his breath, from beneath the counter of his café. Shaking his head at the unfairness of it all, he got to his feet only to find himself face to face with Broodwing.

“Broodwing!” Piggy exclaimed, falling back to the ground in surprise. “You scared me! I didn’t know you were here.”

Broodwing smiled evilly. “Where are all your customers, Piggy?”

“You know, around. If you’re looking to talk to any of them, you could start beneath the dumpster, I’m sure some are hiding…”

Piggy cut off with a squeak, as Broodwing grabbed him by the throat. “Seems like you speak to a lot of different people, Piggy.”

Piggy laughed nervously, which came out more like a hiccup. “Talk is cheap, Broodwing.”

“Yes,” hissed the bat. “Yes, it is. Now talk about the Rangers if you want to live.”

–

“I’m bored!” Mora whined miserably, squirming in her throne. “It’s so boring up here. I want someone to play with.”

“Then play with some of the krybots!” Gruumm growled angrily, eyes flashing. Mora had been whining and complaining for the past six orbits, and Gruumm was beginning to regret ever turning her into a child. ‘Not that she whined and complained less as an adult.’

“I already told you, I can’t play with the krybots.” Mora cried, fake tears forming in the corners of her eyes. “They’re boring.”

What a wretched brat.

‘I could have her thrown out the airlock.’ Gruumm considered, allowing himself a slight smirk at the thought. ‘Or I could drop her in the engine core.’ But then, as Mora had rightfully pointed out, who would make him more monsters?

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Mora’s newest creation, lurking in the shadows. “What about that monster of yours? Go play with him.”

“He’s avoiding me.” Mora leaned in closer, and smiled wickedly. “I think he’s jealous.”

A jealous monster? The thought boggled the mind. “Jealous? Of who?”

“The ranger, of course.” Mora’s eyes lit up. “That’s it!” She exclaimed, snapping her fingers. “You should bring him here to play with me.”

“The ranger has better things to do than to play with little girls.” Gruumm retorted, and immediately regretted it as Mora’s wailing reached a crescendo.

“Silence!” He shouted. “I will bring the ranger to the ship if you will just stop that awful noise!”

Mora smiled sweetly through her tears.

—

To Be Continued

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