Miniforce: The Return of the Dark Energy (Fanfiction)

Chapter 9 - Unexpected volunteers

A massive space ship pierced through the air with unfathomable force, barely skimming the highest peak of the headquarters and crash-landing into the cliff edge overhead, sending up an enormous cloud of sandy dust that stubbornly refused to disintegrate.

Had it just flown a few inches lower, the Miniforce maintenance department would have been assigned with days of rebuilding.

Only a mere chunk of the ship was visible from the limited view out the window's peripheral.

Whereas Volt, Sammy, Max, Lucy's bodies are completely frozen, the four managed to twist their heads and exchanged wide-eyed glances, each making sure that their teammates had also witnessed the shocking sight. Even Commander Chen's mouth hung agape.

Ray and Hawk exchanged appalled glances before abruptly bolting from the meeting room and down the hallway outside. Triggered by their sudden departure, the remaining agents and Commander broke into action, their mini footsteps clattering against the marble floor as they ran after the two rangers.

Commander Chen led the group through the many futuristic hallways, and up a narrow staircase leading to a hatch built into the ceiling. Ray unbolted the latch and lifted the slab, allowing everyone to clamber through the entrance into the late-morning light.

They weren't having a simultaneous dream, alright.

Whatever shock kicked from the group's system came flooding back in overwhelming waves at the sight of the enormous mound of metal. A good half of the space ship was wedged deep into the sandy earth, thanks to the unprofessional landing. Fluorescent aqua light flickered, highlighting the disk-shaped machine.

If eyes could still widen in size, Volt, Sammy, Max, and Lucy's eyes suddenly bulged as the sight triggered a tug of familiarity...

Could it be?

A muffled groan, laced with more irritation than pain, echoed within the space ship. The critters flinched, backing away as a panel of the ship rattled visibly, while the two transformed rangers summoned their weapons and aimed them at the entrance.

With a bang, the door gave. A silhouette of white and aqua armor stumbled onto his knees, cradling his head from the impact of the landing.

"JODY!?" Volt, Sammy, Max, and Lucy yelled in unison.

Their alien acquaintance glanced up at the sound of their voices, instantly leaping to his feet. His huge teal eyes glowed with delight at the sight of his former friends and rescuers. "Volt! Sammy! Max! Lucy!" He cried, relief spilling from his voice.

"What are you doing here?" Volt questioned, stunned yet elated.

The alien ranger stepped forward to answer, but was cut off by a child's high-pitched wailing from within the ship before the first word left his mouth.

Lucy gasped in recognition. "That's-"

A slender humanoid iguana, dressed in a pale cyan gown elaborated with golden accessories, gracefully stepped out from the open door, gripping a crystal staff in one hand and cradling an adorable iguana toddler in the other.

"Your majesty!" The four detransformed agents, including Commander Chen, bent in a slight bow as they recognized the second passenger.

Queen Iguana's silvery-blue eyes crinkled, indicating a smile through the veil concealing the rest of her face. "Pleasure to meet again, Miniforce," she greeted decorously, setting the whimpering toddler to the ground and giving him a gentle push towards Lucy. "Bebe, why don't you greet your temporary 'mommy'?"

Lucy let out a delighted squeal as Bebe dawdled towards her, scooping him up in her arms. "Bebe! Look how big you've gotten!" She cooed fondly. Bebe squeaked and flailed his tiny hands in an attempt to reach his former babysitter.