The Terran Ranger/The Spectrum Force - The Preliminaries Volume 2 by Heather Ray (if you liked this book TXT) 📕

to take care of in the Command Center.

"So guys, what did you think of the Spectrum Force?" asked Zack, lying down and staring up at the clouds.

"Why do you ask?" asked Jason, looking down at his daydreaming friend. Jason recognized that starry look in his eyes.

"Alright, Bro," he said, looking Zack in the eye, "who is she?"

"Who's who?" asked Zack innocently.

"Who's the girl that peaked Zachary Taylor's interest? Rachel, Tamara, or Jocelyn?"

"It was just a question!" said Zack defensively, "I just wanted to know how you felt about the Force. Sheesh!"

"Zack, we know you a bit better than that," said Trini, trying not to laugh.

"Okay, I give up!" moaned Zack, throwing up his hands, "I thought the yellow one was a goddess! Those dark eyes, that silky black hair--"

"What about her tall, muscular blonde boyfriend?" asked Kimberly, smiling at Zack.

"Aw, man!" he grunted. "It always happens! Every girl I like is seeing someone else. Even Angela is dating that baseball player Shawn!"

"You'll find the perfect girl someday," said Trini, putting her arm on his shoulder. "Just stop looking so hard."

Just then, Billy strolled over to the picnic blanket and took a seat between Kimberly and Trini.

"Have a sandwich, Billy," said Kim, offering Billy a plate.

"You know how I feel about fish, Kim."

"Relax, Billy, I brought you a PB and J, just for you."

"Thanks," said Billy, accepting the sandwich, "and I have something made especially for you."

Billy handed her a little pink box. She opened it hastily.

"A new communicator!" squealed Kim, straping it onto her wrist. "Thanks, Billy."

"Well, it is my fault we left your other communicator in Langstrum Alps. I felt it was top priority to replace it."

"Back to what Zack brought up," said Jason, "I'm glad we met the Spectrum Force. I admit, at first, I didn't believe Matt and Jocelyn's story. But, it feels good to meet another team of heroes."

"Definitely," said Tommy, "and now that Zordon has found their dimension, we can contact them in case of emergency, and they can contact us."

"Allies are certainly something appreciate," said Billy.

"Call me crazy guys," said Kimberly, "but I think we made six life-long friends today."

To Be Continued In...

The Terran Rangers - The Preliminaries Volume 3:

Fond Farewells

Excerpt from The Terran Rangers - The Preliminaries Volume 3: Fond Farewells

In her bed, Alexis Darling slept peacefully, as the bright California sunbeams poured into the room via the two windows on opposite sides of the bed. Her room was rather messy, with dozens of boxes littering the lavender carpet, some open, some still taped shut. Her dresser was covered with photographs, jewelry, various berets, and a shimmering golden coin with the design of an eagle engraved on its face sitting inside a silver and red morpher. On the night table beside the bed sits a purple and silver watch (which apparently doesn't tell time)

, a cellular phone, and a white alarm clock. At six-thirty that Friday morning, the alarm sounds loudly, causing Alexis' head to leap off the pillow.

"Ugh," she moaned, leaning over to turn off her alarm, "I can't believe its morning! I've been beat all week, since I had to use that double bomb attack to destroy that Dracola monster."

She slowly climbed off her bed, heading toward her dresser. She tripped over her backpack, which was lying in the center of the room.

"Why don't I ever clean up my room?" she mumbled out loud, picking herself up off the carpet and continuing to the dresser. She selected a pink tank-top with purple flowers and black thigh-highs, and from her closet she took out a black miniskirt. Wow,

thought Alexis, examining her choice of clothing, hanging out with Kimberly has really affected me. I haven't even unpacked half of my clothes from Philly. I just keep buying these tight shirts and short skirts at the mall. I haven't had a use for my baggy jeans and oversized t-shirts. I've gone from city girl to valley girl in three weeks!

Alexis giggled slightly and went to the bathroom. She took a quick shower and dressed. She returned to her room and brushed her short red hair. On the edges of the mirror were numerous photos tucked into the sides, most of them of her six new friends--the Power Rangers. Alexis, who had always loved photography, took the time to look at the photos and reflect. The first photo was of her two best friends, Kimberly Hart and Trini Kwan, at the food court of the mall. The two girls were as different as night and day: Kim was outgoing and energetic, while Trini was quiet and reserved. Still, they had enough in common to be the greatest of friends, and they welcomed Alexis into their fold. The next photo was of Zack Taylor and Jason Lee on the basketball court. Zack was so active and fun-loving that his spirit was positivly infectious. Jason, on the other hand, was rather intimidating, but his friends all know he has a heart of gold. Kimberly has referred to him many a time as a "great big teddy bear"

. He's also a real hunk, thought Alexis with a mischievous smile. The next photo was of Billy Mitchell and Trini, hard at work at Billy's garage/lab. They were both extremely intelligent, peaceful, caring, and considerate. They would also make an adorable couple, if only one of them would do something about it.

Below the photo of Trini and Billy was one of Kim and Tommy Oliver, sipping shakes at the Youth Center. Alexis always saw them as the perfect couple--they were always considerate, they're sensitive to each other's feelings, and would quite literally die for one another. Tommy's quiet charm balanced Kim's exuberance perfectly. Alexis felt a pang of jealousy. She had never been in a real relationship before, and since her father left her mother only a little while before they moved to Angel Grove, the hurt lingered. I wonder if falling in love is worth risking my heart,

she thought bitterly, I mean, how many relationships end up in heartbreak? But maybe, just maybe, Jason is worth the risk. I just wonder if he feels the same about me...

The next photo was of all seven of the teens in the park. Alexis remembered asking Skull to take the picture. Jason stood tall and proud, with his arms crossed and a serious expression on his face. Zack stood next to him, sporting his winning broad smile and giving Jason "bunny ears"

with his left hand. On his right stood Alexis, smiling widely, with her arm around Billy, who looked slightly embarassed. Trini knelt in the foreground with a charming grin. Tommy stood beside Billy, with a gentle smile etched on his handsome face. He had his arm around Kimberly, who was wearing her trademark heartwarming smile. This was Alexis' favorite photo, because it showed so well the strong bond the teenagers share.

Alexis had one more photo, one of three other teenagers--Rocky DeSantos, Adam Park, and Aisha Campbell. These three transferred to Angel Grove High on Monday, and they already knew the Power Rangers identities. Alexis had been spending a lot of time with them during the past week, especially when the other Rangers went on missions. Zordon refused to let her participate, since her body was still experiencing an energy shortage. Yesterday, when the other Rangers were entranced by Zedd Waves, Alexis tried to morph, against Zordon's advice, and had fainted with the surge of power. Calling upon the power of the coin was very taxing, and Alexis didn't have that kind of energy to spare. Alpha and Billy had run various tests, and they concluded that Alexis' power drain was temporary, but they couldn't calculate how long it would take her to heal completely.

"I'd better get going," she said out loud, grabbing her wrist communicator, morpher, and cellular phone. She strapped on her pink backpack and hurried down the stairs. She opened the front door when a firm voice stopped her.

"Alexis, you're not planning on walking out that door without having breakfast, are you?"

"Sorry Ma," said Alexis sheepishly, "but I'm late!"

Amanda Darling walked out of the kitchen. She was dressed in a black pants suit, high heel pumps and a purple blouse. Her long, curly strawberry blonde hair was clipped back by a gold beret, and a knowing smile lit up her face. She handed her daughter a can of ready-to-drink Carnation Instant Breakfast.

"You've been overly tired for the past week, and I think it's because you haven't been eating properly. Therefore, you are going to have three full meals a day, whether you like it or not!"

"Okay, Ma," said Alexis, accepting the can. Amanda kissed her daughter on her forehead and held the door open for her.

"Well, you'd better get going. Have a nice day, Honey."

"You too. Bye!"

Alexis smiled at her mother and hurried out the door. She rushed down the street towards Angel Grove High.

"I am going to be SO

late!" she panted, stopping at a main street. She waited to cross when a red Jeep pulled over by the curb. Alexis watched curiously as the window rolled down, revealing Rocky in the driver's seat and Aisha in the passenger's seat.

"Need a lift, Red?" asked Aisha with her cheery smile.

"Do I ever!" answered Alexis, sitting in the back beside Adam. "Thanks for pulling over."

"No problemo," said Rocky, getting back on the road.

"So, how are you?" asked Aisha, turning around on her seat and looking back.

"Not bad, but I'm majorly tired. I doubt I'll be able to stay awake for Ms. Applebee's literature class first period!"

"Well, you'd better!" laughed Adam. "Especially since you fell asleep yesterday!"

"Maybe you shouldn't go to school," said Rocky. "If you spend a few days in bed, you may recover sooner."

"Nah, I don't wanna fall behind," said Alexis, staring out the window uncomfortably. She tries to change the subject. "So, what do you think about the Peace Conference coming up?"

"Its definitely an honor for the three students chosen to go from Angel Grove," said Adam, "but I don't think I'd wanna go. I'd miss my friends and family too much."

"Yeah," said Aisha, "Mr. Caplan substituted for my chemistry class yesterday, and he told us that he and a board of other teachers were to choose three students of excellent academic record, community service, and that demonstrate leadership abilities to represent Angel Grove High. The three selected will be notified by telephone tonight, and the announcement should be broadcast on the local news tomorrow. Their names will also be announced in school on Monday. They're supposed to leave next Friday to Switzerland."

"How