It Could Always Be Worse SPD to JF 5/?

[drunkenpandaren]

Ring Ring.

Shiro Takamachi turned over in bed in a motion reminiscent to Tommy Oliver a week and a half ago. No one was home, it was your imagination.

“I got it!” called out a voice from the hall. Aaah sweet bliss.

“Otousan it’s for you,” said Miyuki, holding out the phone.

Shiro cursed into his pillow as he reached out and took the phone from her. “Hello?”

“Hello Shiro,” greeted Misato Mikami from the other end. “And how are you this fine day?”

“Misato, well, I’m half asleep.” Said Shiro, sitting up in his bed.

“Oh yes, I had forgotten that you moved overseas,” chuckled Misato in a tone that she was not apologetic at all about waking him up. “In any case, I had gotten a call from Fiasse. Normally she’d call you directly but…”

Shiro facepalmed. “Oh of course. We forgot to forward her our new number. It’s been… hectic.”

“I’ll bet. You live in a Power Ranger City, don’t you?” said Misato with a smile on her end. “You know, I have to admit I’ve gotten NO leads for who those Rangers could be. Even our best recording technology has all but responded negatively towards image captures.”

Probably because of the magic of the Morphin Grid thought Shiro to himself. “Really? What do the Hong Kong Defense Group want with Rangers?”

“Mostly just a hobby of mine,” replied Misato. “Ever since you moved to the “Freak Zone” I wanted to keep tabs on things happening around you.”

“I’m flattered and kind of horrified at the invasion of privacy,” deadpanned Shiro and the pair chuckled.

“So Fiasse. Did she want to get in contact with us?”

“Yes in fact, she wanted to perform in Angel Grove.”

Shiro’s head fell to his chest. “You’ve got to be kidding me…”

“No, she’s quite insistent.” The smugness in Misato’s voice was clear. “If you feel too old for this job Shiro…”

“I will have to see what Miyuki and Kyouya say. Ja.”

“Ja na.” Click.


“It’ll be nice to see Fiasse again,” said Miyuki as the pair waited for her plane to arrive. “Ne, Kyouya?”

“Agreed,” said Kyouya. “It’s too bad we didn’t get to go to England ourselves to pick her up.”

Miyuki peered over the crowd and then pointed. “There!”

Fiasse looked gorgeous as ever, dressed elegantly if a little sleepy on her feet as a black man dressed well in a dancing suit strode behind her, Fiasse on his arm. “… now Germany in terms of music is very much hard rock and metal, but it adds to the distinctive style as it sounds like a very angry language,” was saying the man.

“Oh my, I don’t think I could dance to that,” said Fiasse with a smile. “Oh, Miyuki! Kyouya!”

“Fiasse!” exclaimed Miyuki, smiling.

“Thank you for escorting her sir,” said Kyouya, bowing.

“Hey no need to bow man, I just met her on the plane. I’m Zack Taylor,” said the sharply dressed man.

“He’s a professional dancer, but he’s also a writer for the Rolling Stone magazine,” said Fiasse.

“Really? How amazing! What brings you to Angel Grove?”

“Well I was sent to interview Fiasse before her performance and who would I meet on the transfer flight between England to New York to Angel Grove than her? I tell you, coincidence is my middle name.” laughed Zack. “I was coming from Germany and I was put on the Red-Eye from England to New York.”

“Amazing. Well, we need to go and get our ride then.” Said Kyouya as he flipped open his cell phone.

“You don’t have a vehicle yet?” inquired Fiasse and Miyuki blushed.

“We didn’t get a chance to buy one yet, and Otousan was using it to bring Nanoha-chan and the others to school.” Said Miyuki. “Instead we got a ride from a friend.”

“Oh. My. God.” Said a familiar voice as Kimberly walked in, having been called to the gate. “ZACK!”

“KIM!” And the pair hugged.

“Small universe,” said Kyouya. If Aunt Kim knew him… then he must have been a school mate or a Power Ranger.


Kyouya leaned in next to Zack as the girls spoke animatedly, the men crammed into the back of Kim’s minivan. “Ranger?” he asked lowly.

Zack blinked. “How do you know that?”

“Dr. Oliver. Family friend.” Replied Kyouya and he pointed at his suit. “Green right?”

“Hmm? Naw man, Black Morphin. But I haven’t had the power for seventeen years. So I can wear whatever I feel like.” Zack grinned a little. “But look at Kim, pink as the day I remember her. Is Tommy still in Red?”

“Hai,” replied Kyouya. “Although he wears pink on occasion now.”

Zack blinked. “Huh, so the rumors are true. I thought Aisha was joking.”

“I don’t understand it much myself but it’s something to do with channeling morphin magic through his Device.”

“Ah.” A beat. “Device?”


“Mama!” exclaimed Vivio as she ran up with Tommy in tow, Fate and Wendi hovering nearby.

“How’s my little girl?” asked Kim, hugging Vivio. “Did you give Tommy a rough time?”

“Nope, just the usual,” said Vivio with a smile.

“She run me ragged,” chuckled Tommy. “Zack. Good to see you again!”

“Likewise my man,” said Zack, clasping his hand with Tommy’s. “Hey sorry I couldn’t come back for our “make Zordon believe we’re crazy” comeback tour, I heard the details from Jason. But just look at me! I’m wearing a green suit.”

“Blue tie too,” put in Tommy. “Better than my pink and red. But at least I can get away with a few splashes of black too.”

“Ah pink’s easy to hide in the red anyhow,” grinned Zack. “Don’t want to impose but thanks for letting me crash here. Kim wouldn’t let me say no and drove us all the way out here.”

“I’m shunting him to Jason tomorrow,” called out Kim from the kitchen. “Gonna play pass the Zack-man around with the others for a while!”

“Say bro, you um…?” asked Zack and Tommy grinned. “Congrats man.”

“It was a long time in coming. Took us a long time to get back together.”

“Engaged?”

“All of a week,” said Tommy. “Bar explosions, kidnappings and possible interventions with ferrets.”

“Ah. Why ferrets?”

“You’ll know once you meet Yuuno.”


Zack laughed through his coffee, nearly spit-taking it before he swallowed hard. “You’re kidding me!” he exclaimed, already laughing. “You just snuck up in the Shogun Megazord and stuck a sword into Lokar.”

“Hey it’s not as easy as it sounds!” protested Tommy. “Getting a thirty story giant robot to do that without alerting the giant floating head to notice is really hard.”

“The look on Zordon’s face when we pulled it out off and crippled him long enough for our younger selves to take it out was pretty aghast. Mostly because Tommy and the others insisted on an ambush,” said Kim, nudging Tommy in the ribs.

Zack choked on his coffee. “Ambush? We’re Rangers, we don’t ambush!”

“Finally! Someone who agrees with me!” cheered Kim and Tommy rolled his eyes.

“Sure, just give me all of my previous zords, a fully powered contingent of Rangers instead of all of us being mostly half-baked, and then I’ll consider another attack plan other than ambush,” said Tommy.

“Mama, why is ambush a bad idea?” inquired Vivio from the kidlet side of the table.

“Well… because it’s attacking people from behind, and that’s not nice,” said Kim.

“Oh. But Nanoha ambushes Fate all the time from behind.” Said Vivio. “And older Nanoha does it too.”

“Ah no, that’s not ambushing,” said Fate, blushing. “Nanoha-chan is just affectionate.”

Vivio blinked. “Affectionate? So it’s not ambushing?”

“Not if you like it,” said Wendi with a tiny smirk.

“Oooooohhhh….”

Fate blushed a deep red as she nearly ducked her head into her Frosted Flakes.


“You guys left me behind again,” said Rocky as way of greeting when the group had arrived in Angel Grove.

“Oh man, totally not my fault this time,” said Tommy, shaking his head. “I blame that on Mystic Mother.”

“Since when did you call Rita by her new proper title?” smirked Rocky.

“Since she keeps teleporting him without pants,” grinned Adam as he walked up with Tanya on his arm. “Zack-man, it’s been a while!”

Zack and Adam exchanged handshakes and fistbumps and Tanya smiled. “What brings you to Angel Grove?”

“Ah work as usual,” said Zack. “I am so seriously jet-lagged right now, it’s incredible. What I wouldn’t give for a teleport stream. I’m interviewing Fiasse officially but I did so while on the plane since we wound up sitting together.”

“Lucky. That means you get to sit back and relax to her concert,” said Kim. “Nice.”

“Let’s get going; we’ve got booth tickets for this.” Said Tommy. “The Takamachis will be here soon with Fiasse.”


“Bathroom, where’s the bathroom…” murmured Nanoha as she and Fate walked down the hallway looking for it.

“Maybe over here…?” said Fate as they turned the corner.

CLANG.

“Miyuki-neechan?” said Nanoha, staring at the sight of Miyuki fighting a man with a large broadsword.

“Nanoha? Stay back, it’s dangerous!” Miyuki drew backwards as she forced the assassin forward, away from her sister.

Fate looked at Nanoha. “You never told me your brother and sister were ninja!”

“Well I knew we had the family sword business but we never actually took a job till now…” Nanoha groaned and hung her head. “And just when I thought someone was normal.”

“It can’t be helped.” Fate patted her on the shoulder. “Come on. Let’s find the bathroom and if Miyuki-san isn’t done yet, we’ll suit up and help her. She seems to have everything well in hand.”


“It’s a great performance,” said Tommy. “I just wish I didn’t stop hearing those annoying sword clashes over it.”

“You too?” said Zack, looking at Tommy who nodded. “Man, I thought I was just imagining it.”

“Wait, someone’s fighting in the rafters?” said Kim, aiming her little binoculars upwards. “Oh its Kyouya and some guy I don’t recognize.”

“He can handle himself,” said Shiro, who was obviously itching to get into the fray if Kyouya messed up. “Miyuki and Kyouya run the family business.”

“GD Ninja?” quipped Tommy and Shiro smirked just slightly. “Good to know.”

“I hope he hurries it up,” said Kim. “It’s really distracting.”

“How can you three be distracted when it’s so faint?” inquired Momoko.

“Angel Grove,” chorused the three as if it explained everything. And it did.

“I wonder if Adam and Tanya can hear them too…” wondered Zack.


“The performance is great, but I wish the sword-fighting would stop,” groaned Adam as Kyouya danced with his partner overhead. Tanya nodded and Rocky. Ranger instincts never quite went away. EVER.


“Ahh that’s better,” said Nanoha as the pair exited the restroom. “Where’s Miyuki-neechan?”

“Bardiche?”

[Twenty meters straight up sir,] reported Bardiche.

“Oh so they took it to the walkways. I guess she needs help. Raising Heart please!”

“Standby ready.”

“You two Bardiche.”

[Yes sir.]

“Raising Heart!”

“Bardiche!”

“Set up!” chorused the kids as they were cloaked in the white and black of their barrier jackets, their devices locking into place.

[Flier Fin.]

Nanoha and Fate took to the air as they flew through the window and hovered upwards looking for Miyuki. “There!” exclaimed Nanoha as she pointed towards the man who was fighting Miyuki who was bleeding from a few shallow cuts. “Mou, I can’t get a clear shot.”

“Capture barriers then,” said Fate as she pulled out an object, black with white and little lights on the top.

“Fate-chan is that a morpher?” asked Nanoha, sounding just a little envious.

“Mmm? No, not this. This is a new prototype that Yuuno-kun gave me called a Judgment Device. It’ll capture someone in a dimensional prison ready for transport.” Replied Fate.

“Mou! Why didn’t he ask me to try it out?”

Fate sweated just a little, embarrassed. “Possibly because you’re more interested in Starlight Breakering monsters?”

Nanoha paused and hung her head. “You have a point…”


“Great performance Fiasse-chan,” said Shiro with a wide smile as the group met her backstage. Kyouya and Miyuki looked a little roughed up but the assassins sent after Fiasse were detained and/or dealt with. “And Miyuki and Kyouya, you two did well too.”

“We had some help, or at least Miyuki did,” said Kyouya. “I got my target but Miyuki, well…”

“Ah heh, well at least we’ve got one for questioning,” said Miyuki, holding up the holographic “card” that displayed a man ranting silently through the front of the image. “Nanoha-chan and Fate-chan helped out a little.”

“He had no magic, so it was really easy,” said Nanoha, rubbing her head.

“Still this calls for a celebration. If you guys are too tired for a fancy restaurant, there’s a place we Rangers used to go all the time…”


Ernie looked up at the arrival of several familiar figures and a few he didn’t recognize. “Hey you guys!” exclaimed the heavy-set man.

“Ernie! I didn’t think you’d be here. Where’s Stone?” inquired Tommy.

“Ah he’s in the back,” said Ernie. “Kim, Zack, Tanya, Adam, Rocky. It’s been a really long time.”

“Likewise. We should swing by a little more often. The place is quiet tonight.” Said Adam.

“Slow night today,” said Ernie. “Still popular, but most kids during the summer go to the Surf Spot or Bulkmeirs during the summer days. Those looking for a good workout though come here.”

“Adelle and you figured out a relocation for her store?” inquired Tommy, one of the few who remembered when the Youth Center had been converted to the Surf Spot.

Ernie nodded. “We found a nice place once I came back. I tell ya, Guatemala was hard on me. In any case, can I get you guys something?”

“Smoothies. We’re having a bit of a relaxed celebration after tonight.” said Rocky.

“I’ll pull up a few more chairs then.” said Ernie.


“It feels like forever since we’ve set foot on Mid-Childa, right Chrono?” said Yuuno as he inhaled sharply the sea breeze of the capital city.

“Between SPD, reports and random Ranger stuff, it’s been one heck of a year,” said Chrono in agreement. The young man was in uniform but it was all blue and silver while Yuuno wore red.

Both men had changed over the three years or so when the first met the group known as the Power Rangers. Height and muscle mass were added obviously over the years, growing from small pre-teens to developing teenagers reminiscent of people who fought hard over the years. The other kids were growing up as well, height and in the girls case more noticeable aspects.

“How’s Alicia?” asked Chrono as the pair of mages headed towards the main admin building.

“She and I are doing okay,” said Yuuno. “She’s thinking of dying her hair like her older self but I really like her blonde more.”

“Good good… hurt her and I’ll kill you.” Said Chrono with a smirk.

“You can TRY,” snorted Yuuno.

“Hey now, I’m the most experienced,” scoffed the Asura Captain and Admiral.

“By a few months. You were a rookie Enforcer when we met. And then I outpaced you for a year being a Ranger.”

“You wanna go?” snapped back Chrono and Yuuno grinned as he reached for his morpher and Chrono reached for Durandall.

“Sirs?” the pair jumped at a young woman who bowed, wearing the outfit of the TSAB air forces. “Sorry to interrupt but we can’t have brawls on the stairs.”

“Ah, right.” Chrono felt like dying in shame. Obviously living on Earth for years had turned him into a trigger happy maniac.

His only consolation to that thought was that the once soft-spoken barrier-happy Yuuno was the same way.

Not for the first time and certainly not for the last, Alto wondered if every Mid resident that spent extra time on Earth turned out crazy. It was certainly a running theme after all. “This way please sirs.”


“Thank you for coming on such short notice,” said the elderly admiral as she stood to greet Chrono and Yuuno. “Admiral Chrono, Ranger Yuuno, I’d like to introduce you to Katherine Manx and Anubis Cruger.”

“A pleasure to meet you,” said the dog-alien, holding out his hand. The pair shook with minimal staring and they traded handshakes with Kat as well.

“They are members of a intergalactic police force from Eltare, who came to Mid in order to find help in their struggle. You may have heard the name, SPD.”

Yuuno blinked. “Say what now?”

“SPD,” said Kat. “Space Patrol Delta. You wear our uniforms after all.”

“I was under the impression that it was a Mid-Earth project,” said Chrono with a little bit of a “why hadn’t I been told this sooner?!” expression on his face.

“I was under the impression that it was short for Special Police Dekaranger,” admitted Yuuno.

“SPD’s involvement with underdeveloped planets is by far minimal, but Earth is an exception,” said Anubis. “In the time between the arrival of Mid-Childa offworlders to Earth and the active status of the team known as Power Rangers Dino Thunder, we established contact with Mid-Childa, a then-difficult task.”

“Current designs of interfaces for communication at that point were designed for subspace communication, not through the dimensional sea,” explained Kat. “But we hashed out a deal with the TSAB.”

“And thus Project SPD was born,” surmised Chrono.

“That’s correct. Also, members of Time Force have already approached us about a year and a half before your arrival, giving us notice of our involvement on Earth. Typically we keep off that planet, as it is part of the Eltare Protection Pact for worlds already under siege by forces from outer space.” said Anubis.

“Jen,” said Yuuno, causing the dog to nod.

“Exactly. Time Force approached us about establishing relations well in advance. Initially we were skeptical about a branch of SPD becoming a galactic power such as Time Force, but when faced with technology lightyears ahead of our own, we were forced to agree.” Said Kat.

“So the technology we’re developing is SPD and Mid influenced,” said Chrono, folding his arms.

“In a way yes, but it is also developing naturally and organically, based on your earth Ranger technology,” pointed out Kat. “We’re doing our best to let you all develop your new technologies which in some ways exceed our own capabilities. Certainly we use the morphin grid as our own power source, but the sheer flexibility of your new suits are impressive, as well as capture devices and development of zords.”

“That’s good. I don’t think our lab boys at SPD in Silver Hills would enjoy it very much if their work was being overshadowed.” Said Chrono with a smile. “So what now?”

“Now we sit back and wait. It will be a while before Earth becomes accustomed to the presence of aliens in a daily life setting rather than they’re out there for stomping half the planet flat,” said Anubis wryly.

“I see. Well then, it will be a pleasure to work with you Anubis,” said Chrono.

“Call me Doggie. It’s less formal between Admirals or Captains.” Said Anubis with a grin.

“Doggie.”


“Tiida,” hissed Griffith Lowran. “Stop fidgeting.”

“Can’t help it,” whispered back Tiida Landstar. “We’re getting assigned to a new unit, how can you not be edgy? It’s off-world!”

The young officer swallowed. “Well…”

“They say Earth is a hotbed of weirdness, and whoever goes there never comes back the same,” said Tiida, fidgeting.

“It’s not that bad,” replied Griffith. “I think…”

The door swished open and the entire group of assembled TSAB mages straightened up as Admiral Chrono and Yuuno Scrya walked into the room. “At ease,” said Chrono automatically and they relaxed, more than some.

“That’s our commander?” whispered Tiida to Griffith. “He’s a kid!”

“So am I and you don’t see me complaining,” whispered Griffith to the sharpshooter.

Standing on a platform to get a better view over the hand-picked members, Chrono saluted. “I’m Admiral Chrono Harlaown, member of the TSAB forces stationed on Earth and a part of a new project you’re all assigned and handpicked for. This is my co-worker, Yuuno Scrya who holds the honorary rank of Sergeant Major.”

Yuuno bowed just a little as Chrono continued. “You have all heard the rumors about Earth, how villains cower at its presence while simultaneously making a grab for power on it. How it boasts the most threats per year known to mankind. How it sucks the marrow from your bones and monsters attack on a regular basis that you could set your watch to it. I’m here to tell you… it’s all true.”

The men and women seemed to sweat at that, and Tiida especially felt himself going pale.

“There is danger, there is craziness. I myself have been infected by what people call “Earth Crazy-Man Sickness”. I have driven giant robots capable of channeling magic through it. Ever seen a Starlight Breaker being used in a finishing move against a giant opponent big enough to squish half of Mid flat? You will there. Ever see said enemy get up after taking a beating most mages would kill to have for their own jackets? That too. Ever see a Diabolic Emission being used by a 12 year old?”

“She’s 13 now,” said Yuuno.

“Right 13. And through a zord? You will. Buckle up ladies and gentlemen, this is going to be one wild ride. Anyone scared can leave, I’m not stopping you. Earth is one hotbed of pure crazy. Those ley lines will influence your powers, make you grow strong. You will pose in new technologies and make explosions erupt out from behind you but try not to do it in the kitchen.”

“We’re stil working on that.” Said Yuuno.

“Space Patrol Delta. That’s the name of our operation on Earth, a joint project with Silver Hill’s Silver Guardians and the Power Ranger Communities. That’s right, Power Rangers. We’re not myth, we’re not fiction, and we’re certainly not stupid when messing with Dinosaur DNA.”

“We leave that to Tommy,” put in Yuuno and Chrono smothered a grin.

“This is the first major expedition to Earth and like our forefathers before us, we’re going to see it through and come out stark raving mad because of it. But in a good way. You will grow strong and hearty and powerful. Who’s with me?”

Silence. And then as one, the group of assembled men and women thrust their hands into the air in a loud cheer.

“You gotta admit, the admiral has a way of riling up a crowd,” said Griffith. “Better go talk to Tia and make sure she knows you’re headed off-world.”

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”


“Last call for the transport shuttle to Earth,” called out a member of the crew. “All passengers please secure your possessions in luggage before we arrive!”

“I don’t want you to go to the crazy-land,” said Teana Landstar with a big pout.

“Hey now, it’s only crazy-land if you let it affect you,” said Tiida, rubbing her head. “Don’t worry, I won’t be driven mad by its power.”

“Don’t care. I don’t want you to go,” pouted the young girl.

“Hey now… don’t worry so much! I won’t let it happen okay? I’m still going to be your brother no matter what.” Said Tiida. “I’m sure Admiral Chrono is exaggerating.”

“Just a tiny bit,” said a nearby woman who smiled at them and held out her hand. “Kat Manx, I’m going to be your tech head advisor at SPD.”

“Tiida Landstar, and this is my sister Teana.”

“Hello,” said Teana. “Are you a cat?”

“My species is feline in nature yes,” said Kat, ruffling Teana’s hair. “And my name is feline too.”

Tiida didn’t know what to say at that. An honest to god alien, not just another human from the dimensional sea worlds but a GODDAMN ALIEN. Kat grinned at him, flashing large canines which definitely were too pointy for a normal human being.

“Alien.” Said Tiida.

“Alien,” said Kat. “Honestly you people from the Sea see one non-human and you fall to pieces.”

“Last call!” yelled the man.

“Tell you what. Bring your sister along so she can see the place you work at, and after a week or so, we’ll send her back to Mid. I can handwave the paperwork.” Said Kat.

“You sure?” said Tiida, feeling relieved he didn’t have to leave his sister. “Is that okay with you Teana?”

“As long as you’re with me, the crazy won’t get me,” said Teana in the affirmative.

“That means she’s in,” clarified Kat.

“You speak Mid very well,” said Tiida as he picked up his things and Teana took his hand.

“No I don’t. It’s the Power.” When Tiida looked at her curiously, she only smiled mysteriously before boarding.


“Now leaving Mid orbit,” said the pilot. “Commander, you’re free to move around deck.”

“Thank you pilot, I’ll be in my quarters.” Said Doggie as he got up and headed for his room.

The door swished open and Doggie sniffed the air. A human child? Here?

“Come on out little one, I won’t hurt you.” Said Doggie to the air. There was a shuffling and a girl crawled out from under the bed. “A stowaway, I presume,” said the Sirian.

“…” said the little girl. She had long green-grey hair and heterochromatic eyes, purple and blue as she shuffled her feet. “You’re tall…” she said finally.

“I’m actually quite short for my people,” said Doggie, kneeling down to look the seven year old in the eyes. “Where’s your mother and father?”

“…Not here,” said the girl softly.

“Ah, I know the feeling. I’m Anubis Cruger, but you can call me Doggie. What’s your name?”

“…. Einhart Stratos.”

“Einhart. That’s a fine name. Well Einhart, if you’re going to earth then there must be a reason for it, hmm? Why did you stow away on a ship headed there?”

“… I want to prove something…” said Einhart softly, looking out the window at the dimensional sea.

“That is?” asked Doggie.

“… that the Kaiser Arts are the strongest.”

“I see.” Doggie smiled over the cup he filled with water. “Well then, maybe we’ll see what you can do soon.”


“Now you two behave,” said Quint as she addressed Subaru and Lothor. “if I hear that you two were getting into trouble while we’re on earth I’ll tan both your hides, no matter how old you are Uncle.”

“I’m touched by your such casual disregard for my safety,” snorted Lothor, the man out of his customary black outfit and wearing a simple pair of black pants and shirt with his hair slicked back as he was when he was young, looking for all the world like his twin Kanoi. “Don’t you worry; Subaru will be fine with me.”

“It’s not Subaru I’m worried about,” said Quint. “Behave yourself while we’re on SPD’s grounds and don’t pick fights with any Rangers!” And with that, she headed off.

Subaru looked up at Lothor and giggled. “Okaasan knows you too well.”

“That she does,” sighed Lothor. “it makes me feel young again. What do you want to see first?”

“The zords!” exclaimed Subaru and Lothor laughed as he lead the girl down the hallways towards the zord bay.


“Now you behave here and look at the giant robots Tia,” said Tiida as he left Teana with Kat. “Kat will you be okay with watching her?”

“I don’t have anything to do for a few hours,” said Kat. “Go ahead.”

Tiida nodded and headed down the hall towards the locker room as Kat turned to the wide-eyed Teana who was looking at the new zord being built. “What are you looking at sweetie?”

“Big gun,” said Teana, pointing at the white triple barreled pistol being pulled along with a vehicle.

“The SPD Enforcer,” said Kat. “it’s a new piece of equipment designed with Mid and Belkan tech fused with SPD tech and earth standards.”

“Can you make it smaller?” asked Teana. “I would like one when I get older.”

“I don’t think it could be possible,” said Kat.

“Surely it’s not a problem for the great Kat Manx of SPD,” cut in a voice that literally made Kat bristle as she turned around. “Hello kitty kat. Miss me?” mocked Lothor.

“LOTHOR! What are you doing on base?” demanded Kat, dropping into a stance reminiscent of a cat bearing it’s claws.

“Now now, I’m here on babysitting detail like you are,” said Lothor, plopping a hand on Subaru’s shoulder. “This is my niece if you will, Subaru Nakajima.”

“…” Kat relaxed a little. “She’s not related by blood though.”

“You don’t need blood ties to be family,” said Lothor with a roll of his eyes.

Subaru looked over at Teana and she walked over to the girl. “Hi, I’m Subaru. You wanna be friends?”

“Depends. Is your uncle affected by the crazy?” asked Teana in a low voice.

“Ojiisan’s already crazy,” said Subaru simply.

Teana debated it. Looked at Kat who shrugged and Lothor who attempted a smug grin. Oh why the heck not. “Okay. Let’s be friends.”