Astraline : Sqaud Busters

All a test

"What the hell is going on?" Rocky voiced his frustration out loud.

The rangers and the Astraline crew were exhausted after fending off one of the biggest platoons of Putties they had ever seen. There hadn't been any warning of the coming attack so they and the residents of Angel Grove had been caught completely unaware, "Did the sensors pick up anything before the Putties arrived?" the red ranger added.

The emergency teleport function on the veteran Ranger's communicators had returned them to their previous location, the remains of the Power Chamber, "Most of the sensors and alarms were removed", Minh replied, "Since Angel Grove isn't the focus of monster attacks anymore, the State couldn't justify keeping expensive equipment in the city".

Kat nervously bit her nails, "Does this have anything to do with the incident last year?" The team had encountered a robotic evil version of Rita Repulsa which had killed Trini, then last year she re emerged with a fleet of Putties but they had been destroyed along with the reanimated villians.

"I don't think so", Rocky began, "I'll double check with SPD but I'm sure Aisha or Adam would've mentioned something by now". Aisha Campbell and Adam Parks the second yellow and black rangers.

"Either way", Billy added nervously, "the appearance of putties can only mean trouble".

"I've got a few contacts, I'll get them to look into the putties", Rocky began, "for now I suggest that you return to the city and wait. Whilst this attack could be nothing it would be unwise for us not to take precautions". He looked around at the other veteran Rangers, "I assume you brought a morpher of some kind", he added.

"Never leave home without it", Zack replied for the group and each of them flashed their Power Morphers.

Nick Nocturne looked over at the other Astraline members, he had a slightly different agenda in mind, "Go with the others back to the city", he said to his team.

"Where are you going?" Lumi asked.

"To take care of a little problem", he answered cryptically.

"Must be my own welcoming committee", a voice called out from behind them. Nick plopped down into one of the empty seats at the table, "Places just love rolling out the red carpet for little old me".

"Christ", Rita grasped her chest, "are you trying to give us a heart attack?"

"Now why would I want to inflict that", Nick gave them a smile, "so this is a test?"

"Yeah", Rita replied,

"Yes, please do tell us", everyone's blood immediately froze at the sound of that voice. Scorpina calmly sat herself down at the table with a drink in her hand, "Never did like California, far too hot for my taste and far too loud", she casually leaned back in her chair, "What's wrong with a nice glass of gin and gazing out at Earth".

"Let's cut the foreplay Scorpina", Nick stood up slowly, "I'll come along quietly if you let everyone here go".

"How about no", Zedd exclaimed but Nick turned around and gave him a wink.

Scorpina looked at him curiously, Nick grabbed her hand and immediately she felt some excruciating pain. She pulled back her hand and it was blistered from a heat based attack. Nick then threw her threw the front window, scattering the civilians in the nearby area.

Scorpna screamed mostly from the pain in her hand but also for the failure of her plan, "Curse you Nick Nocturne", she spat, "Dark Spectre will punish you and the rest of your rejects". She shrieked and disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Nick walked away from the remains of the cafe.

Suddenly Nick and his fellow Astraline members was teleported. They looked over and saw Zedd sitting behind his desk. He gave them a small smile and pulled out his staff to summon four comfy looking chairs.

"Sit down please", Rita said walking i , "we have got a lot to talk about".

Cautiously the group took a seat and waited for the couple to speak, "Before I explain what happened in Angel Grove today", Zedd began, "did you feel that special feeling defending?"

Merryweather, Lumi, Alfhide and Fredrik's heads immediately snapped towards Nick " The whole thing was a test", Nick answered,

"So what now?" Lumi asked.

A broad smile appeared on Zedd's face and he broke out into laughter, "Well you proved yourself worthy". Rita said, she opened the box to reveal five weapons, a spear, a sword, a bow, an axe and a pair of daggers, "These weapons are connected to the morphin grid", Zedd continued, "they will enable you to tap into the power like the Power Rangers".

"Power Rangers?" Lumi spluttered,

"Indeed" Rita smiled.

" Ok, so i suppose you want to finish off Scorpina?" Rita asked, the Astraline crew nodded.

" Never above a little payback" Merryweather said.

" Thought as might" Zedd said

They crossed their staffs "Always wanted to say this" Rita said " May the power protect you" She continued. The pair then teleported the Astraline crew away.