Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie by Heather Ray (beach read book .TXT) 📕

Tommy ran into the bathroom as if monsters were licking at his heels. After quickly peaking beneath the stall doors, he lifted his communicator to his mouth.

Breathless from effort and anxiety, he managed to rasp "Tommy here. What did you find?"

The hope in his voice was almost palpable. It had been over two long weeks since he'd heard anything from Zordon.

But the wise mentor's tone of voice quelled his enthusiasm instantly. ^TOMMY, SOMEONE TELEPORTED TO THE POWER PLANT APPROXIMATELY FIVE MINUTES AGO. I AM UNABLE TO IDENTIFY WHO IT IS, BECAUSE THE ENERGIES GENERATED BY THE FACILITY MAKE SCANNING IMPOSSIBLE.^

Tommy frowned at the less-than-thrilling news. Though, at least it was something

. "Can you tell from the teleport signature who it could be?"

^NO…ONLY THAT THE TELEPORTATION METHOD USED WAS MECHANICAL. A TELEPORT SPELL COULD TRANSMIT THROUGH THE DISTURBANCE CAUSED BY THE GENERATOR. BUT THAT IS NOT THE ISSUE. YOU MUST GO TO THE POWER PLANT IMMEDIATELY. JUSTIN HAS GONE AHEAD.^

The Red Ranger's eyes widened. "By himself

?"

^THE OTHER RANGERS ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE GRADUATION CEREMONY, AND THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE NEED TO DETERMINE THE THREAT. JUSTIN LEFT WITH INSTRUCTIONS NOT TO MAKE HIS PRESENCE KNOWN UNTIL YOU ARRIVED.^

Tommy nodded, his protective nature helping him focus on the immediate task. "I'm on my way."

^KEEP IN MIND, ONCE INSIDE THE FACILITY NO SENSOR, TELEPORT, OR COMMUNICATOR SIGNALS CAN TRANSMIT PROPERLY. YOU WILL HAVE TO LEAVE THE COMPOUND TO RETURN TO THE TURBO CHAMBER, OR CONTACT US.^

"Got it."

^IF I DO NOT HEAR FROM YOU BEFORE THE CEREMONY ENDS, I WILL SEND THE OTHER RANGERS AFTER YOU.^

"Thanks, Zordon. Can you teleport me there now?"

^BE CAREFUL, TOMMY.^

With that last bit of advice, Tommy vanished from the men's room in a haze of vibrant red energy. When he re-materialized, he found himself just outside the high fence of the Angel Grove Power Plant.

He turned around, quickly scanning the area for signs of life. His hawk-like gaze passed the quiet parking lot, the abandoned security booth, and two video cameras perched on either side of the gate…both melted

.

So whoever visited the plant has some firepower,

he noted, creeping to the security booth. But there must be a guard around some --

He jumped back reflexively, his face contorted in horror, when he found the guard… thrown against the smoking security computers within the booth, a hole cut right through his body.

But there was no blood.

Cauterized,

he realized, frowning deeply. Something burned right through him.

The same brutal, scalding power that melted the security cameras, and destroyed the computers receiving their feed.

Tommy took several long, steadying breaths, his fist closing around his Turbo Key. "That does it…whatever monster did this

is gonna get acquainted with the sharp end of my sword."

He stepped back, jabbing the key into his morpher. "Red Lightning Turbo Power!!"

The power coalesced around him like electricity, charging his body with the strength and energy needed to face any foe. The red armor coated his body, durable enough to withstand almost anything evil could through at it.

Once the transformation was complete, the Red Turbo Ranger stepped closer to the guard. Somehow…it was easier facing death when separated by the nigh-impenetrable armor.

He gingerly pressed his fingers at the base of the man's jaw, just to make absolutely certain.

He sighed. "Sorry, sir."

Underneath his helmet, his face paled as the horror of it all struck him.

Someone had died…an innocent life was lost just now, cut down by some alien menace.

It had happened before; it was inevitable that once in a while, the Godzilla-style battles between two gargantuan foes reached the populated areas of Angel Grove. But despite precedence… it was a sickening sight to see.

This man wasn't just an unfortunate mistake. He was executed

. Point-blank, possibly even begging for his life as some heartless demon pulled the trigger of some high-tech laser gun.

That same creature was inside the facility; and Justin was searching for it.

Oh God…Justin

!

Did the novice Blue Ranger have any idea what kind of evil he was facing?

An enraged frown folding his brow, Tommy raced out of the security booth, across the pavement, and leapt over the twelve-foot gates without breaking stride. He somersaulted through the air, landed in a deep crouch, and bolted off again, his features blurring as his pace broke the sound barrier.

Caution be damned…the facility was simply huge! He'd never find anything sneaking around like some cat burglar. And without the communicators working, or emergency teleportation available, Justin wouldn't have been able to seek any help if he needed it.

He was shaken… and he couldn't do a thing about it. The sight of that security officer, and the implications it held for his young friend, made Tommy Oliver's heart skip a beat. He was close to panic, racing through the winding maze of the plant. His fragile emotional state made him that much more susceptible to distraction, and he knew that could get him killed. Especially against a murderous foe.

Suddenly, a disturbance urged him to come to a stop. At supersonic speed, he couldn't make out any sounds, but he'd seen a strange mist collect above him.

Once he stopped he heard the grating whistle of steam escaping.

A piece broke,

he realized. Someone was here…

He stalked carefully, approaching a machine fenced within layers of piping. Whatever it was, it certainly looked important.

Before he could investigate, a dull thud made him jump.

"Justin?" he murmured, his voice carefully measured. He waited a moment for a response, but when none was forthcoming, he hurried in the direction the sound came from.

He gasped, his mind whirling in disbelief, when he found a crumpled blue form propped bonelessly against the far wall.

"Justin!" he cried, falling to his knees beside his teammate. There was blood everywhere… cuts up and down his arms, legs, and torso. Tommy felt his stomach flip at the sight of blood dripping onto Power Ranger armor; never before had a weapon pierced the protective network of energy so brutally. Surely there was the occasional bruise, but this time, Justin sat in a pool of his own blood.

And he was under five feet in height.

"Justin!" Tommy repeated, unlatching the cracked blue helmet. He held his breath, steeling himself for what was potentially a horrifying sight.

Thank God…

The boy was breathing, although shallowly. His eyes were closed, and while blood dripped from the corner of his lip, his face was unmarked.

He was alive.

"Justin, can you hear me?" Tommy leaned closer, brushing the boy's long bangs from his eyes. "We gotta get out of here."

Somewhere in the labyrinthine plan, whatever devil did this still lurked.

Tommy gently leaned Justin over his shoulder, gripping him tightly with both arms. Careful not to jostle the injured boy, he rose to his feet.

"Sorry, Tommy, but you've got far more pressing matters to take care of before the pipsqueak gets his band aid."

Tommy froze, his eyes widening to new proportions as his sluggish mind recognized the voice that mocked him. Deep, sultry, and just dripping with such vile wickedness his skin began to crawl.

Suddenly, Tommy found no power in his knees. He laid Justin back down, careful not to injure him further, and raced to the center of the room.

It can't be…

he thought, though his heart had never beat faster. His mind whirled in a daze…he couldn't tell whether he should be leaping for joy, or sobbing in despair.

The monster had killed the security guard. It nearly killed Justin.

It was about to kill him.

He took deep breaths, his every sense alert for even the slightest sound or motion. The delay was almost maddening.

Then, finally

, a sound filled the spacious room, echoing in the empty air.

Heels clicking.

She emerged from the dense piping, a heavy black cloak sweeping regally around her petite frame. Shiny black vinyl covered her arms and legs, and a gilded black bustier hugged her waist and chest. Soft caramel curls framed her face, tumbling against her shoulders and gleaming in the fluorescent light.

But what was most disturbing was her face…painted lips twisted into a saccharine smile, and ferocious, fiery red eyes staring right through him, promising worlds of pain and retribution.

Retribution for sins he never intended to commit.

"Hello, Tommy,"

she murmured, casually strolling toward him. "Miss me?"

Kimberly…

He couldn't find the breath to speak her name.

The scene reminded him so much of a classic Old West showdown, he could visualize the tumbleweed drifting across the expanse between them.

Both stood still and wary, waiting for the other to make the first move. They stared at each other with more emotion than could ever be put into words.

Her eyes burned with hate, outrage, and a terrifying anticipation.

His eyes swam in remorse, confusion, and sickening dread.

He was so overwhelmed he actually felt dizzy. Part of him wanted to thank God she still lived…for at least with life came the smallest glimmer of hope. Hope that she could be freed -- that the wonderful girl he'd adored could be restored.

But another part wanted to curse whatever force was responsible for creating this showdown… whoever moved the pieces of Fate to make him stare into the hate-filled eyes of the girl he once loved more than he could possibly express.

He still did.

"It was funny, actually,"

Kim drawled, breaking the silence with her sultry alto. "He put up a pretty good fight. But as soon as my blade cut through his armor, all this energy leaked out, and he shrank like a cheap T-shirt in the wash!"

She laughed…a deep, indulgent snicker. "Just imagine my surprise when