drunkenpandaren (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
drunkenpandaren) wrote2009-08-29 04:23 pm
drunkenpandaren) wrote2009-08-29 04:23 pm
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Power Rangers A.D.S. - Chapter 9 "Ranger Green Part 1"
Caution. The following chapter might overload you with nerdity. Please be advised.
EDIT: Reuploaded Ranger Green Part 1 for a Canonical Name Change. FML
Ranger Green Part 1
“I don’t think this is necessary you know,” said Aang as he was hooked up to several machines, wires and other assorted contraptions while laying in a large tube.
“Quiet,” said Doctor T. “The doctor’s working.”
Aang grimaced as the sensor on his tongue was attached. “Whow wuch whonger?”
“A few minutes more,” replied Doctor T. “Just lay back and let the good doctor do things to you.”
Aang got this cross-eyed expression on his face and Zuko snickered loudly. “Boy talk about horrible innuendo.”
Soon though, the tests finally beeped and Doctor T said “Finished. You may remove the sensors.”
“Ow, ow, ow,” said Aang, pulling the sticky sensors off his chest. “OW!”
“So what’s the verdict?” inquired Sokka. “Is it terminal?” Katara hit her brother on the shoulder. “OW! You’ve been really violent lately!”
“Stress,” replied Katara.
“After careful analyzing of Aang’s current powers and chi output, I have successfully rewired the biohardware to allow Aang the ability to Airbend without any of the limitations previously set up by the original configuration. In short, he will be able to use his Airbending more naturally even while in Ranger form.” Doctor T paused an added, “This would also explain why his natural biorhythms are reading so differently.”
“Would this also have to do with my own Waterbending?” inquired Katara.
“Yes it does. I have taken the time to analyze your powers and have adjusted your own suit accordingly. You will now be able to amplify your beginner’s skill through the advanced techniques utilized in the Ranger suit technology.”
“Great. Sooooo does that mean that I get to bend too?” inquired Sokka hopefully.
“I’m afraid not,” replied Doctor T. “Unless you are already attuned to a specific elemental force, you will be unable to use said abilities. That, and the Black suit was already designed in a specific manner, and thus far has been a failure.”
Sokka groaned and narrowed his eyes. “What KIND of failure are we talking about?”
“The Series Black was in fact, an attempt to emulate the powers of the Avatar of legend. However, it does have the hardware to enable the Avatar Drive State. But with the A.D.S. inoperable due to problems inherent in the suit itself, we are currently unable to access this level of power for all suits.”
“So it’s like a awesome plan B,” said Sokka.
“A plan B you can’t even use,” pointed out Zuko.
“While I have your rapt attention,” added Doctor T, “there is a little problem I’ve just been notified about. Report to Gate D. There are a group of refugees making their way into the city. Please go and assist them.”
“Everyone this way!” called out Zuko as he gestured to the gate. “Single file, get on the train in an orderly fashion!”
“Is that everyone?” asked Aang of Sokka who was making a headcount.
“I think so,” said Sokka. “Katara?’
“We’ve got wounded but the medics are already atop of the job,” said Katara.
“All right, another successful rescue mission. Lets move on out.” Said Zuko but before he could go, a man grabbed his arm. “Sir?”
“Young man, I need your help,” panted the man. He was tired and dirty like most of the refugees but his clothing was torn and made of silk. “My wife, she’s fallen behind. I tried to get her to safety but she’s hurt her leg and--!”
“Say no more sir we’ll get her,” said Zuko as Katara snapped open her comm line.
“Doctor T, I’m going into the wastes. We’ve got a rescue mission on our hands.”
“Series Blue, take Series Yellow with you. I’m detecting Sand-gliders approaching. I’m downmorphing a new vehicle for the use of this mission.”
“Understood. Aang!”
Aang looked up and nodded. “Right, coming!”
“A.D.S. MAX DRIVE!” chorused the pair and in a flash of light, transformed. “Downmorphing R.P.M.,” commanded Katara as a large transport vehicle, a heavily modified RV, appeared and sized up.
“Wow, has Doctor T been holding out on us?” remarked Sokka as the pair clambered into the transport. “Hey Doctor T? What’s R.P.M. stand for?”
“Roving Performance Machine,” replied Doctor T. “Shouldn’t you be getting those refugees INTO the city by now?”
“C’mon,” said Zuko, hauling the other teen into the city by the shoulder.
“Buckle up,” instructed Katara as the vehicle roared to life and tore off into the wastes.
Poppy has no idea how long it had been, only that she had been out in the wastes for quite some time waiting for her husband to return. Then, after what seemed like an eternity, the roar of an engine alerted her and she looked up from her hiding place. The large RV with the letters R.P.M. on the side of it had two forms get out, both in colourful outfits.
“Find anything?” inquired the one in blue as the one in yellow looked around. Female, by her voice.
“Not… wait..” the one in yellow looked over and pointed at her before waving. “Hello! We’re here to rescue you!”
Poppy peeked out from behind the hiding place and she waved. “Hello?” she croaked. “Did my husband send you?”
“Yes he did,” called out the girl as she ran over, uncorking a canteen. “Here drink up. Aang, help me with her.”
“Right.” Poppy had a moment to squeak in surprise as the boy in yellow, Aang, caused the air itself to pick her up.
“You’re an Airbender!” she gasped. “Then that must mean you’re the Avatar!”
Even behind his helmet, Aang wore an expression of annoyance. “Does EVERYONE know I’m the Avatar except for me a few days ago?!”
“Must be a popular thing,” remarked Katara as she swept cooling water across Poppy’s leg. “What’s your husband’s name?”
“Lao. Lao Bei Fong, and I’m Poppy Bei Fong.” replied the woman. “And everyone knows the story of the Avatar in the wastes. It’s all we hope for that he’ll come and save us all. And they say that the last Airbender is the Avatar, and you can control air!”
Suddenly the ground around them exploded and Aang proclaimed, “Go!” The trio scrambled into the RV and Aang locked Poppy into a seat with a flick of his wrist and a bending of air to lock her seatbelt. The RV roared to life as she peeled out, zooming around and heading for the looming city of Ba Sing Se in the distance.
“We’ve got company,” said Aang as he peered in the monitor that displayed a small group of Grinders on motorcycles. “Doctor T?”
“I see it,” replied the distorted voice. “Activate the rear defence weapons Series Yellow.”
Aang slammed his hand onto the button and from the roof, a pair of laser cannons on a swivel turret popped out and started firing at the enemy who replied in kind. Laser fire scorched the ground as Katara heaved the machine around, going much faster than a RV should. “Sabilizers are hit,” she exclaimed as a readout flashed. “We need these guys off our tail now! Aang!”
“On it!” The top hatch slid open and Aang leaped out, grabbing a hold of the railing. Mustering up the fiercest winds he could manage, he blasted chunks out of the pursuers before they made it to the city limits. The great doors of Gate D opened up and an answering wall of laser fire from the side guns accompanied by benders hurling stones slammed into the remaining enemies. The RV passed into the gate and it shut with a loud clang.
Screeching to a halt, Katara exhaled sharply. “Is everyone all right?”
“I’m fine,” said Aang, leaping back into the vehicle. “Mrs. Bei Fong?”
“I-I’m fine,” stammered Poppy. “Please, just get me to a hospital. My leg hurts quite a bit.”
“Right.” Putting the RV in gear, Katara headed into the city.
“I must thank you again so profusely for saving us out there,” said Lao, bowing repeatedly. “Please allow me to extend my dearest gratitude and a reward as well.”
“A reward? Really? How much are we talk—URK!” Sokka glared at Katara who had elbowed him.
“Please Mr. Bei Fong, your gratitude is enough.”
“No no, I insist,” said Lao as he pulled out a dagger and presented it to them. “This is the symbol of our family, and I’d like to extend our gratitude along with a hundred pieces of silver.”
Katara laughed a little nervously as she accepted the dagger but not the silver. “Keep your silver sir, you’ll need to it to carve our a life here in Ba Sing Se,” said the team leader.
“Oh but we have a place here already in the Upper Quarter,” said Lao. “It is the family home. Though I do wish our daughter was here with us.”
“Was she left behind in the wastes?” inquired Zuko, thinking of the tragedy that was his sister.
“No, but…. She went missing, years ago. Barely over the age of six, our dear daughter vanished during a trip to Ba Sing Se.” Lao sniffled, wiping a tear away. “I do worry and hope she’s safe.”
“If we find anything, we’ll let you know,” said Aang. “We promise.”
“Thank you Avatar Aang,” said Lao and Aang flinched, and made a “keep it down” motion. “Oh I’m sorry. Didn’t realize you wanted a low profile.”
“So that’s the story,” said Aang. “Do you have anything on this Bei Fong family?”
Doctor T seemed to be pondering over the story, before answering, “I will look up the family register and possible social service records, but in the meantime, focus on the defence of the city. However I will be in a meeting all day, so in the event that we have an attack, contact General Iroh. He has the uplinks required for Ranger battle coordination.”
With that, the screen blipped off.
“Wow,” said Sokka. “Someone was short with us today.”
As the Rangers headed out, a door in the far back of the building opened and a small form crept out the back way.
Aang was taking one of those walks of his around the city. While being a Ranger meant he could go anywhere, some of the people still looked at him funny once in a while. After revealing who he was, he had shaved his head revealing the long blue arrow that snaked across his bald scalp. A little bit of compromise with his clothing had yielded tan pants and a yellow shirt.
Sitting down on a park bench, he gazed out onto the kids who were playing. A lot of them were horsing around, waving sticks while other kids were playing on the equipment. However, a small form, almost smaller than he was caught his notice.
A girl with dark hair was swinging on the swing set, or rather just idly pushing herself back and forth. She was dressed in the greens and yellows of the Earth Kingdom but seemed to be a mile away.
As Aang watched, the girl twitched her fingers and the sand beneath her feet rose up an inch before dropping. ‘An Earthbender!’ he realized.
Walking over, he cleared his throat. “Hi, are you new here?”
The girl didn’t quite look at him and replied, “No. Been here for ages.”
“Er, okay. Sorry, never saw you in this playground before. I’m—“
“Aang, of the Power Rangers. I read the news.” Replied the girl shortly.
“Huh? Oh um… okay. So I was just wondering…”
“If you’re looking for an Earthbending teacher twinkletoes, you may as well come out and say it.” The girl stood up and she didn’t quite look him in the eye. “However, I’m not in the mood to teach someone and I doubt you’d want my help anyhow.”
“Hey, how’d you know about me looking for one?” The girl didn’t reply and instead, pulled the hood she was wearing over her head. “Hey!” exclaimed Aang, stepping around in front of her. “I said--!”
“Get a good look?” said the girl, her sightless eyes glittering back at him.
Aang’s mouth worked without a sound as she made a gesture and the boy slid three feet to the side. “I don’t have time for this. Gotta get back…”
It was a long time before Aang’s brain caught up to what he saw. By then however, it was too late. “She… was blind?”
“So I met a girl today,” said Aang over dinner and Sokka choked. Katara’s fork dropped out of her hand and Zuko blinked rapidly. “She was blind but she seemed to be able to walk without a problem.”
“Oh!” proclaimed Sokka, breaking the ice and everyone dissolved into nervous laughter.
“I was wondering about that,” stammered Katara.
“So this girl? What’d she look like?” inquired Zuko. “Anything noteworthy other than being blind?”
“Yeah, she was an earthbender, and she wore green and yellow like most people here. But she had black hair and this hair ornament that looked really expensive.” Explained Aang.
There was a choking noise from Doctor T’s lab and everyone looked at it. “Sorry,” said the distorted voice. “Choked on my ramen.”
“Huh…” mused Zuko as he reached over to the computer console. “That’s kind of odd actually.”
“What is it?” inquired Katara.
“That request from the Lao guy. He wanted us to keep an eye out for his daughter. I did some checking up on the Bei Fongs. Looks like they’re wealthy, even by our standards of this day and age. Their symbol is a flying boar which makes a lot of sense since the dagger he gave us has it on it. Now here’s the thing: he’s got one daughter, registered but records show no name for her right now.”
“That’s weird. Why would there be a registration for a daughter but no name?” wondered Katara.
“In Earth Kingdom culture, if a family member is being sheltered due to disability, the name would not be released to the general public,” pointed out Doctor T. “The Bei Fongs were staunch supporters of the war against the Azulon forces, making them a target. And with the computer systems taken over….”
“It would make the girl a giant target,” surmised Sokka. “That’s all well and good but why would a noble girl, even one sheltered like that know Earthbending if this girl really is blind?”
“That I don’t know. Maybe family tradition or stubbornness,” said Zuko. “All I came up with was that during a trip nearly six years ago, she vanished into Ba Sing Se. The officials were in an uproar, and the Bei Fong’s spent enormous amounts of silver and gold to find her. In the end, she was declared missing.”
“Poor girl,” mused Katara. “Being lost at that age, alone in Ba Sing Se. No one or no way to verify she was of noble blood.”
“The chances of her survival in Ba Sing Se are quite good,” pointed out Doctor T. “However, there is no guarantee this percentage of chance has fallen with this girl.”
Aang got up. “I’m going out. I need to find that girl again.”
“Wait hold on Aang, this is a wild goose-rabbit chase. You can’t just run around and hope to find the kid,” protested Sokka.
“It’s not that. If she knows Earthbending then there’s a teacher who can teach me. Roku said I needed to learn all four elements and I’ve already mastered Air.” Aang grinned. “Don’t worry about me; I’ll keep the morpher on at all times.”
“It’s not like you can turn it off!” called out Sokka after Aang departed.
Aang didn’t come back that night, having searched around town for it. Finally, he collapsed on a bench and fell asleep. However, that morning, the small female figure appeared in front of him. Clucked her tongue and grunted “Stupid twinkletoes,” before doffing her cloak and draping it around him.
Turning to leave, she blinked as a hand came up around her wrist. “Gotcha,” grinned Aang, rubbing sleep from his eyes. “Found you at least. I knew I’d do it too.”
“Let go,” said the girl. “I gave you my cloak cause it got cold.”
“First, you gotta tell me something. Where’d you learn how to bend?”
“If I tell you, will you leave me alone?” retorted the girl.
“All right.”
“You promise?”
“Word of the Avatar,” said Aang.
“…. Badger moles.”
Aang stared, blinking rapidly. “Wot?”
“I told you,” said the girl as she shook Aang’s hand away. “Now leave me alone!”
As the girl fled, Aang shook off his surprise and chased after her with a cry of “Wait! That’s not the answer I was looking for!”
Across roads and over buildings the pair scrambled, the girl displaying incredible feats of earthbending to propel her further away. Aang was forced to pick up the pace by creating a scooter of air and he rode it after the girl who was trying to lose him.
After a good merry chase that took the pair across town, the girl dropped between a pair of tall buildings and Aang rounded the corner just in time to see a door that was closing with a seamless click.
Thrusting air forward, he wedged the door open and with a grunt, squeezed through before stumbling into the building. The door shut on itself and he panted before looking up.
“Caught… you…?”
Familiar blue and green lights hummed as five display cases showcased the Ranger suits they wore. Aang crept into the room, touching the display cases before almost knocking over a large device. “What the…? Did the girl really run in…?”
A thump alerted him to someone behind a wall and Doctor T’s screens flickered to life. “What are you doing in here?” demanded the distorted voice.
“Er, I was… wait…” Aang stared at the screen and then looked at the Ranger cases. “Doctor T? Is this where you’re broadcasting from?”
“No. Now go away.”
Aang shook his head. “I don’t think so. I mean, we’re always wondering where you are and this place seems so familiar…”
“I’m telling you don’t poke around my lab.” There was a wail of feedback and Doctor T cursed. “Series Yellow do not open any doors!”
:”Like this one?” Aang poked a button and a door slid open to reveal said the girl who was wearing a headset. She scrambled for the button to close it but Aang held the door fast.
“Ignore that girl behind the curtain!” she demanded. “These aren’t the Ranger suits you are looking for!”
Aang stared. Stared some more. And then girl finally groaned, moved the microphone away from her mouth an said, “What? You expected me to be taller?”
Aang found his voice. “Y-you’re… Doctor T? The one who made all of this. The one who we’ve been fighting with for the last month and a half or more? YOU?”
“You were expecting someone older I assure you,” grumbled Doctor T as she stepped out into the open, doffing her headset. “Now that my secret is blown, I may as well tell the rest of the team.”
“Whoa, whoa, wait a moment,” said Aang. “Let me get this straight. You. Are Doctor T.”
“Yes that is correct,” replied Doctor T. “And you’re Avatar Aang, Series Yellow Operator, your favourite food is custard pie and you have a brilliant aversion to meat.”
“I know THAT,” groused Aang. “I just… well…”
“Say it.”
“…. Blind?”
Doctor T snorted. “Yes.”
“Really?”
“YES.”
“And you earthbend. And make technology?”
“Yes and yes. Now do you mind Series Yellow? I have business to attend to.”
As Doctor T brushed past Aang, he realized his life just got infinitely weirder.
“You’re Doctor T.” Said Sokka.
“Yes.”
“Seriously?” inquired Zuko.
“That is correct.”
“And you have revealed yourself to us… why?” inquired Katara.
“Series Yellow was insistent on following me. He found his way into my back room in which he disregarded my commands and opened my door.” Doctor T wore a dissatisfied expression on her face. “Regardless, the results of this will most likely make it impossible for anyone else to take me seriously from now on.”
“… blind?” said Suki.
“YES I AM BLIND!” exploded Doctor T, waggling a hand in front of her face. “Any MORE blind questions you want to ask?!”
“Calm down everyone,” soothed Iroh. “Have some tea first of all. Now then, Doctor T, it is a valuable service you have provided us. I would just like to ask one simple question: why do you do this for us?”
“Really quite simple,” replied Doctor T. “I do it because it’s the only thing I know other than earthbending.”
“You said you learned it from Badger Moles. Was that true?” inquired Aang.
“I did,” said Doctor T. “The only thing I remember as a child was being lost in the mountains outside what I presume to be my former home. The Badger Moles came and taught me how to bend, and thus I escaped. Shortly afterwards I was kidnapped and taken to a secret facility codenamed Alphabet Soup.”
“Whoa whoa, a secret facility? Where?” exclaimed Sokka.
“In a facility deep beneath Lake Laogai,” said Doctor T. “When I escaped, I managed to bring along with me two more children who I had grown up with. However we were separated when a Azulon attack force swooped down upon the Lake. I was the only one who made it to the surface, let alone to Ba Sing Se.”
“To think there was a group like that close to our city,” mused the general. “These are dark times.”
“Maybe. But my priority right now is to utilize the Ranger biotech in order to defeat the Azulon forces. Series Yellow, have you been able to get any more data from that disk provided to you by Avatar Roku?”
“A little,” replied Aang. “it’s hard to understand, but maybe if you read it with me now…”
“Very well. Series—“ A warning alarm rang and she scowled before darting to the computers. A panel slid out and she fitted a virtual headset to her head before typing rapidly. “Shield breach in sector 17-A. Rangers, you are a go for interception.”
“On it.” Katara and the others rushed out, vehicles peeling out as Suki and Iroh were left with Doctor T, the young girl’s hands dancing across the keyboard.
“Now I get why the keyboards are all in Braille,” remarked Suki. “General?”
“I have called for a pick up transport. We will head to the command post immediately.” Raising his voice, he added, “Doctor T, we entrust this to you.”
“Affirmative,” replied Doctor T, working as quickly as possible.
“The girl is alive…”
“Yes sir,” replied one of the Dai Li agents. “One of our men in the command tower has reported that Doctor T is indeed one of the children from the Alphabet Soup project.”
Long Feng struck the table angrily, though careful not to break the new one. “How could this have slipped my mind? If she goes to the Earth King, all of my plans will be for naught!”
“Do you want us to take care of her sir?” inquired another agent.
“No… leave her alone for now. The reclusive Doctor T will have to come into the light sooner or later. We’ll let the rest of the city decide if they want to leave their fate in the hands of a CHILD.”
“In fact… I think an opportunity just arose I could use…”
“… I told you get out!” roared Doctor T as the Rangers returned from their battle, and Sokka was hard-pressed to duck a flying piece of wood.
“Whoa, what set her off?” exclaimed Sokka.
Peeking inside, the four were privy to a seething Doctor T and two of the refugees, Poppy and Lao Bei Fong. “Be reasonable dear, we just want what’s best for you!” exclaimed Poppy in a pleading voice.
“I said get out,” snapped Doctor T. “You two never came to look for me! And even BEFORE then you locked me up like I was a delicate flower made of glass!”
“But you’re our daughter and we love you! You’re just, well…!” protested Lao.
“What, BLIND? Of course I am! But it doesn’t mean I’m unwilling to deal with it!” yelled Doctor T. “Why did you, or rather HOW did you find me?”
The parents exchanged glances. “Well um, Long Feng told us. You see, when he found out that our daughter was here, alive and working for these people…”
“I don’t WORK for them they work for ME. And for the record? I hate Long Feng. The guy’s a two-headed cobra-scorpion with the niceties of a—“
“That’s quite enough young lady,” snapped Poppy. “Please, be reasonable. We want what’s best for you and that doesn’t mean we need you to stop helping people.”
“It means however that as your parents, we’ve already announced our plans. You remember that nice young man we introduced you to at six right?” said Lao placatingly.
Doctor T’s expression fell. “Oh wot? NO. NO! I refuse!”
“That’s right,” said Lao. “We need to continue the family. And what better way than to hold a wedding?”
EDIT: Reuploaded Ranger Green Part 1 for a Canonical Name Change. FML
Ranger Green Part 1
“I don’t think this is necessary you know,” said Aang as he was hooked up to several machines, wires and other assorted contraptions while laying in a large tube.
“Quiet,” said Doctor T. “The doctor’s working.”
Aang grimaced as the sensor on his tongue was attached. “Whow wuch whonger?”
“A few minutes more,” replied Doctor T. “Just lay back and let the good doctor do things to you.”
Aang got this cross-eyed expression on his face and Zuko snickered loudly. “Boy talk about horrible innuendo.”
Soon though, the tests finally beeped and Doctor T said “Finished. You may remove the sensors.”
“Ow, ow, ow,” said Aang, pulling the sticky sensors off his chest. “OW!”
“So what’s the verdict?” inquired Sokka. “Is it terminal?” Katara hit her brother on the shoulder. “OW! You’ve been really violent lately!”
“Stress,” replied Katara.
“After careful analyzing of Aang’s current powers and chi output, I have successfully rewired the biohardware to allow Aang the ability to Airbend without any of the limitations previously set up by the original configuration. In short, he will be able to use his Airbending more naturally even while in Ranger form.” Doctor T paused an added, “This would also explain why his natural biorhythms are reading so differently.”
“Would this also have to do with my own Waterbending?” inquired Katara.
“Yes it does. I have taken the time to analyze your powers and have adjusted your own suit accordingly. You will now be able to amplify your beginner’s skill through the advanced techniques utilized in the Ranger suit technology.”
“Great. Sooooo does that mean that I get to bend too?” inquired Sokka hopefully.
“I’m afraid not,” replied Doctor T. “Unless you are already attuned to a specific elemental force, you will be unable to use said abilities. That, and the Black suit was already designed in a specific manner, and thus far has been a failure.”
Sokka groaned and narrowed his eyes. “What KIND of failure are we talking about?”
“The Series Black was in fact, an attempt to emulate the powers of the Avatar of legend. However, it does have the hardware to enable the Avatar Drive State. But with the A.D.S. inoperable due to problems inherent in the suit itself, we are currently unable to access this level of power for all suits.”
“So it’s like a awesome plan B,” said Sokka.
“A plan B you can’t even use,” pointed out Zuko.
“While I have your rapt attention,” added Doctor T, “there is a little problem I’ve just been notified about. Report to Gate D. There are a group of refugees making their way into the city. Please go and assist them.”
“Everyone this way!” called out Zuko as he gestured to the gate. “Single file, get on the train in an orderly fashion!”
“Is that everyone?” asked Aang of Sokka who was making a headcount.
“I think so,” said Sokka. “Katara?’
“We’ve got wounded but the medics are already atop of the job,” said Katara.
“All right, another successful rescue mission. Lets move on out.” Said Zuko but before he could go, a man grabbed his arm. “Sir?”
“Young man, I need your help,” panted the man. He was tired and dirty like most of the refugees but his clothing was torn and made of silk. “My wife, she’s fallen behind. I tried to get her to safety but she’s hurt her leg and--!”
“Say no more sir we’ll get her,” said Zuko as Katara snapped open her comm line.
“Doctor T, I’m going into the wastes. We’ve got a rescue mission on our hands.”
“Series Blue, take Series Yellow with you. I’m detecting Sand-gliders approaching. I’m downmorphing a new vehicle for the use of this mission.”
“Understood. Aang!”
Aang looked up and nodded. “Right, coming!”
“A.D.S. MAX DRIVE!” chorused the pair and in a flash of light, transformed. “Downmorphing R.P.M.,” commanded Katara as a large transport vehicle, a heavily modified RV, appeared and sized up.
“Wow, has Doctor T been holding out on us?” remarked Sokka as the pair clambered into the transport. “Hey Doctor T? What’s R.P.M. stand for?”
“Roving Performance Machine,” replied Doctor T. “Shouldn’t you be getting those refugees INTO the city by now?”
“C’mon,” said Zuko, hauling the other teen into the city by the shoulder.
“Buckle up,” instructed Katara as the vehicle roared to life and tore off into the wastes.
Poppy has no idea how long it had been, only that she had been out in the wastes for quite some time waiting for her husband to return. Then, after what seemed like an eternity, the roar of an engine alerted her and she looked up from her hiding place. The large RV with the letters R.P.M. on the side of it had two forms get out, both in colourful outfits.
“Find anything?” inquired the one in blue as the one in yellow looked around. Female, by her voice.
“Not… wait..” the one in yellow looked over and pointed at her before waving. “Hello! We’re here to rescue you!”
Poppy peeked out from behind the hiding place and she waved. “Hello?” she croaked. “Did my husband send you?”
“Yes he did,” called out the girl as she ran over, uncorking a canteen. “Here drink up. Aang, help me with her.”
“Right.” Poppy had a moment to squeak in surprise as the boy in yellow, Aang, caused the air itself to pick her up.
“You’re an Airbender!” she gasped. “Then that must mean you’re the Avatar!”
Even behind his helmet, Aang wore an expression of annoyance. “Does EVERYONE know I’m the Avatar except for me a few days ago?!”
“Must be a popular thing,” remarked Katara as she swept cooling water across Poppy’s leg. “What’s your husband’s name?”
“Lao. Lao Bei Fong, and I’m Poppy Bei Fong.” replied the woman. “And everyone knows the story of the Avatar in the wastes. It’s all we hope for that he’ll come and save us all. And they say that the last Airbender is the Avatar, and you can control air!”
Suddenly the ground around them exploded and Aang proclaimed, “Go!” The trio scrambled into the RV and Aang locked Poppy into a seat with a flick of his wrist and a bending of air to lock her seatbelt. The RV roared to life as she peeled out, zooming around and heading for the looming city of Ba Sing Se in the distance.
“We’ve got company,” said Aang as he peered in the monitor that displayed a small group of Grinders on motorcycles. “Doctor T?”
“I see it,” replied the distorted voice. “Activate the rear defence weapons Series Yellow.”
Aang slammed his hand onto the button and from the roof, a pair of laser cannons on a swivel turret popped out and started firing at the enemy who replied in kind. Laser fire scorched the ground as Katara heaved the machine around, going much faster than a RV should. “Sabilizers are hit,” she exclaimed as a readout flashed. “We need these guys off our tail now! Aang!”
“On it!” The top hatch slid open and Aang leaped out, grabbing a hold of the railing. Mustering up the fiercest winds he could manage, he blasted chunks out of the pursuers before they made it to the city limits. The great doors of Gate D opened up and an answering wall of laser fire from the side guns accompanied by benders hurling stones slammed into the remaining enemies. The RV passed into the gate and it shut with a loud clang.
Screeching to a halt, Katara exhaled sharply. “Is everyone all right?”
“I’m fine,” said Aang, leaping back into the vehicle. “Mrs. Bei Fong?”
“I-I’m fine,” stammered Poppy. “Please, just get me to a hospital. My leg hurts quite a bit.”
“Right.” Putting the RV in gear, Katara headed into the city.
“I must thank you again so profusely for saving us out there,” said Lao, bowing repeatedly. “Please allow me to extend my dearest gratitude and a reward as well.”
“A reward? Really? How much are we talk—URK!” Sokka glared at Katara who had elbowed him.
“Please Mr. Bei Fong, your gratitude is enough.”
“No no, I insist,” said Lao as he pulled out a dagger and presented it to them. “This is the symbol of our family, and I’d like to extend our gratitude along with a hundred pieces of silver.”
Katara laughed a little nervously as she accepted the dagger but not the silver. “Keep your silver sir, you’ll need to it to carve our a life here in Ba Sing Se,” said the team leader.
“Oh but we have a place here already in the Upper Quarter,” said Lao. “It is the family home. Though I do wish our daughter was here with us.”
“Was she left behind in the wastes?” inquired Zuko, thinking of the tragedy that was his sister.
“No, but…. She went missing, years ago. Barely over the age of six, our dear daughter vanished during a trip to Ba Sing Se.” Lao sniffled, wiping a tear away. “I do worry and hope she’s safe.”
“If we find anything, we’ll let you know,” said Aang. “We promise.”
“Thank you Avatar Aang,” said Lao and Aang flinched, and made a “keep it down” motion. “Oh I’m sorry. Didn’t realize you wanted a low profile.”
“So that’s the story,” said Aang. “Do you have anything on this Bei Fong family?”
Doctor T seemed to be pondering over the story, before answering, “I will look up the family register and possible social service records, but in the meantime, focus on the defence of the city. However I will be in a meeting all day, so in the event that we have an attack, contact General Iroh. He has the uplinks required for Ranger battle coordination.”
With that, the screen blipped off.
“Wow,” said Sokka. “Someone was short with us today.”
As the Rangers headed out, a door in the far back of the building opened and a small form crept out the back way.
Aang was taking one of those walks of his around the city. While being a Ranger meant he could go anywhere, some of the people still looked at him funny once in a while. After revealing who he was, he had shaved his head revealing the long blue arrow that snaked across his bald scalp. A little bit of compromise with his clothing had yielded tan pants and a yellow shirt.
Sitting down on a park bench, he gazed out onto the kids who were playing. A lot of them were horsing around, waving sticks while other kids were playing on the equipment. However, a small form, almost smaller than he was caught his notice.
A girl with dark hair was swinging on the swing set, or rather just idly pushing herself back and forth. She was dressed in the greens and yellows of the Earth Kingdom but seemed to be a mile away.
As Aang watched, the girl twitched her fingers and the sand beneath her feet rose up an inch before dropping. ‘An Earthbender!’ he realized.
Walking over, he cleared his throat. “Hi, are you new here?”
The girl didn’t quite look at him and replied, “No. Been here for ages.”
“Er, okay. Sorry, never saw you in this playground before. I’m—“
“Aang, of the Power Rangers. I read the news.” Replied the girl shortly.
“Huh? Oh um… okay. So I was just wondering…”
“If you’re looking for an Earthbending teacher twinkletoes, you may as well come out and say it.” The girl stood up and she didn’t quite look him in the eye. “However, I’m not in the mood to teach someone and I doubt you’d want my help anyhow.”
“Hey, how’d you know about me looking for one?” The girl didn’t reply and instead, pulled the hood she was wearing over her head. “Hey!” exclaimed Aang, stepping around in front of her. “I said--!”
“Get a good look?” said the girl, her sightless eyes glittering back at him.
Aang’s mouth worked without a sound as she made a gesture and the boy slid three feet to the side. “I don’t have time for this. Gotta get back…”
It was a long time before Aang’s brain caught up to what he saw. By then however, it was too late. “She… was blind?”
“So I met a girl today,” said Aang over dinner and Sokka choked. Katara’s fork dropped out of her hand and Zuko blinked rapidly. “She was blind but she seemed to be able to walk without a problem.”
“Oh!” proclaimed Sokka, breaking the ice and everyone dissolved into nervous laughter.
“I was wondering about that,” stammered Katara.
“So this girl? What’d she look like?” inquired Zuko. “Anything noteworthy other than being blind?”
“Yeah, she was an earthbender, and she wore green and yellow like most people here. But she had black hair and this hair ornament that looked really expensive.” Explained Aang.
There was a choking noise from Doctor T’s lab and everyone looked at it. “Sorry,” said the distorted voice. “Choked on my ramen.”
“Huh…” mused Zuko as he reached over to the computer console. “That’s kind of odd actually.”
“What is it?” inquired Katara.
“That request from the Lao guy. He wanted us to keep an eye out for his daughter. I did some checking up on the Bei Fongs. Looks like they’re wealthy, even by our standards of this day and age. Their symbol is a flying boar which makes a lot of sense since the dagger he gave us has it on it. Now here’s the thing: he’s got one daughter, registered but records show no name for her right now.”
“That’s weird. Why would there be a registration for a daughter but no name?” wondered Katara.
“In Earth Kingdom culture, if a family member is being sheltered due to disability, the name would not be released to the general public,” pointed out Doctor T. “The Bei Fongs were staunch supporters of the war against the Azulon forces, making them a target. And with the computer systems taken over….”
“It would make the girl a giant target,” surmised Sokka. “That’s all well and good but why would a noble girl, even one sheltered like that know Earthbending if this girl really is blind?”
“That I don’t know. Maybe family tradition or stubbornness,” said Zuko. “All I came up with was that during a trip nearly six years ago, she vanished into Ba Sing Se. The officials were in an uproar, and the Bei Fong’s spent enormous amounts of silver and gold to find her. In the end, she was declared missing.”
“Poor girl,” mused Katara. “Being lost at that age, alone in Ba Sing Se. No one or no way to verify she was of noble blood.”
“The chances of her survival in Ba Sing Se are quite good,” pointed out Doctor T. “However, there is no guarantee this percentage of chance has fallen with this girl.”
Aang got up. “I’m going out. I need to find that girl again.”
“Wait hold on Aang, this is a wild goose-rabbit chase. You can’t just run around and hope to find the kid,” protested Sokka.
“It’s not that. If she knows Earthbending then there’s a teacher who can teach me. Roku said I needed to learn all four elements and I’ve already mastered Air.” Aang grinned. “Don’t worry about me; I’ll keep the morpher on at all times.”
“It’s not like you can turn it off!” called out Sokka after Aang departed.
Aang didn’t come back that night, having searched around town for it. Finally, he collapsed on a bench and fell asleep. However, that morning, the small female figure appeared in front of him. Clucked her tongue and grunted “Stupid twinkletoes,” before doffing her cloak and draping it around him.
Turning to leave, she blinked as a hand came up around her wrist. “Gotcha,” grinned Aang, rubbing sleep from his eyes. “Found you at least. I knew I’d do it too.”
“Let go,” said the girl. “I gave you my cloak cause it got cold.”
“First, you gotta tell me something. Where’d you learn how to bend?”
“If I tell you, will you leave me alone?” retorted the girl.
“All right.”
“You promise?”
“Word of the Avatar,” said Aang.
“…. Badger moles.”
Aang stared, blinking rapidly. “Wot?”
“I told you,” said the girl as she shook Aang’s hand away. “Now leave me alone!”
As the girl fled, Aang shook off his surprise and chased after her with a cry of “Wait! That’s not the answer I was looking for!”
Across roads and over buildings the pair scrambled, the girl displaying incredible feats of earthbending to propel her further away. Aang was forced to pick up the pace by creating a scooter of air and he rode it after the girl who was trying to lose him.
After a good merry chase that took the pair across town, the girl dropped between a pair of tall buildings and Aang rounded the corner just in time to see a door that was closing with a seamless click.
Thrusting air forward, he wedged the door open and with a grunt, squeezed through before stumbling into the building. The door shut on itself and he panted before looking up.
“Caught… you…?”
Familiar blue and green lights hummed as five display cases showcased the Ranger suits they wore. Aang crept into the room, touching the display cases before almost knocking over a large device. “What the…? Did the girl really run in…?”
A thump alerted him to someone behind a wall and Doctor T’s screens flickered to life. “What are you doing in here?” demanded the distorted voice.
“Er, I was… wait…” Aang stared at the screen and then looked at the Ranger cases. “Doctor T? Is this where you’re broadcasting from?”
“No. Now go away.”
Aang shook his head. “I don’t think so. I mean, we’re always wondering where you are and this place seems so familiar…”
“I’m telling you don’t poke around my lab.” There was a wail of feedback and Doctor T cursed. “Series Yellow do not open any doors!”
:”Like this one?” Aang poked a button and a door slid open to reveal said the girl who was wearing a headset. She scrambled for the button to close it but Aang held the door fast.
“Ignore that girl behind the curtain!” she demanded. “These aren’t the Ranger suits you are looking for!”
Aang stared. Stared some more. And then girl finally groaned, moved the microphone away from her mouth an said, “What? You expected me to be taller?”
Aang found his voice. “Y-you’re… Doctor T? The one who made all of this. The one who we’ve been fighting with for the last month and a half or more? YOU?”
“You were expecting someone older I assure you,” grumbled Doctor T as she stepped out into the open, doffing her headset. “Now that my secret is blown, I may as well tell the rest of the team.”
“Whoa, whoa, wait a moment,” said Aang. “Let me get this straight. You. Are Doctor T.”
“Yes that is correct,” replied Doctor T. “And you’re Avatar Aang, Series Yellow Operator, your favourite food is custard pie and you have a brilliant aversion to meat.”
“I know THAT,” groused Aang. “I just… well…”
“Say it.”
“…. Blind?”
Doctor T snorted. “Yes.”
“Really?”
“YES.”
“And you earthbend. And make technology?”
“Yes and yes. Now do you mind Series Yellow? I have business to attend to.”
As Doctor T brushed past Aang, he realized his life just got infinitely weirder.
“You’re Doctor T.” Said Sokka.
“Yes.”
“Seriously?” inquired Zuko.
“That is correct.”
“And you have revealed yourself to us… why?” inquired Katara.
“Series Yellow was insistent on following me. He found his way into my back room in which he disregarded my commands and opened my door.” Doctor T wore a dissatisfied expression on her face. “Regardless, the results of this will most likely make it impossible for anyone else to take me seriously from now on.”
“… blind?” said Suki.
“YES I AM BLIND!” exploded Doctor T, waggling a hand in front of her face. “Any MORE blind questions you want to ask?!”
“Calm down everyone,” soothed Iroh. “Have some tea first of all. Now then, Doctor T, it is a valuable service you have provided us. I would just like to ask one simple question: why do you do this for us?”
“Really quite simple,” replied Doctor T. “I do it because it’s the only thing I know other than earthbending.”
“You said you learned it from Badger Moles. Was that true?” inquired Aang.
“I did,” said Doctor T. “The only thing I remember as a child was being lost in the mountains outside what I presume to be my former home. The Badger Moles came and taught me how to bend, and thus I escaped. Shortly afterwards I was kidnapped and taken to a secret facility codenamed Alphabet Soup.”
“Whoa whoa, a secret facility? Where?” exclaimed Sokka.
“In a facility deep beneath Lake Laogai,” said Doctor T. “When I escaped, I managed to bring along with me two more children who I had grown up with. However we were separated when a Azulon attack force swooped down upon the Lake. I was the only one who made it to the surface, let alone to Ba Sing Se.”
“To think there was a group like that close to our city,” mused the general. “These are dark times.”
“Maybe. But my priority right now is to utilize the Ranger biotech in order to defeat the Azulon forces. Series Yellow, have you been able to get any more data from that disk provided to you by Avatar Roku?”
“A little,” replied Aang. “it’s hard to understand, but maybe if you read it with me now…”
“Very well. Series—“ A warning alarm rang and she scowled before darting to the computers. A panel slid out and she fitted a virtual headset to her head before typing rapidly. “Shield breach in sector 17-A. Rangers, you are a go for interception.”
“On it.” Katara and the others rushed out, vehicles peeling out as Suki and Iroh were left with Doctor T, the young girl’s hands dancing across the keyboard.
“Now I get why the keyboards are all in Braille,” remarked Suki. “General?”
“I have called for a pick up transport. We will head to the command post immediately.” Raising his voice, he added, “Doctor T, we entrust this to you.”
“Affirmative,” replied Doctor T, working as quickly as possible.
“The girl is alive…”
“Yes sir,” replied one of the Dai Li agents. “One of our men in the command tower has reported that Doctor T is indeed one of the children from the Alphabet Soup project.”
Long Feng struck the table angrily, though careful not to break the new one. “How could this have slipped my mind? If she goes to the Earth King, all of my plans will be for naught!”
“Do you want us to take care of her sir?” inquired another agent.
“No… leave her alone for now. The reclusive Doctor T will have to come into the light sooner or later. We’ll let the rest of the city decide if they want to leave their fate in the hands of a CHILD.”
“In fact… I think an opportunity just arose I could use…”
“… I told you get out!” roared Doctor T as the Rangers returned from their battle, and Sokka was hard-pressed to duck a flying piece of wood.
“Whoa, what set her off?” exclaimed Sokka.
Peeking inside, the four were privy to a seething Doctor T and two of the refugees, Poppy and Lao Bei Fong. “Be reasonable dear, we just want what’s best for you!” exclaimed Poppy in a pleading voice.
“I said get out,” snapped Doctor T. “You two never came to look for me! And even BEFORE then you locked me up like I was a delicate flower made of glass!”
“But you’re our daughter and we love you! You’re just, well…!” protested Lao.
“What, BLIND? Of course I am! But it doesn’t mean I’m unwilling to deal with it!” yelled Doctor T. “Why did you, or rather HOW did you find me?”
The parents exchanged glances. “Well um, Long Feng told us. You see, when he found out that our daughter was here, alive and working for these people…”
“I don’t WORK for them they work for ME. And for the record? I hate Long Feng. The guy’s a two-headed cobra-scorpion with the niceties of a—“
“That’s quite enough young lady,” snapped Poppy. “Please, be reasonable. We want what’s best for you and that doesn’t mean we need you to stop helping people.”
“It means however that as your parents, we’ve already announced our plans. You remember that nice young man we introduced you to at six right?” said Lao placatingly.
Doctor T’s expression fell. “Oh wot? NO. NO! I refuse!”
“That’s right,” said Lao. “We need to continue the family. And what better way than to hold a wedding?”