(We return to where we left off with our heroes trapped in the dark dimension as Tommy stares down the lit green candle from behind the medal bars; his face quickly turning pale as memories from the past suddenly rush back to him. It is the same candle that sapped his powers just months prior and left him a husk of his former self. Now Rita has brought it back to finish the job. He isn't alone either, as his friends Jason, Zack, Trini and Billy face a similar fate. Desperate, all Tommy could do is plead.)
Tommy: Goldar let us out of here; this isn't funny.
Goldar: (scoffs) It isn't? Then why am I so amused?
Tommy: (sighs) ...
Jason: (boldly) Light all the candles you want Goldar, it won't change a thing. We're the good guys and you're evil scum. And even if you rip the helmets off our heads, we'll still sto...
Goldar: (interrupts) Can it red ranger, I have no time for one of your feel good speeches!
Jason: ...
Goldar: Face it, you're trapped! MacGyver couldn't get out of this one. Now all that's left are those two worthless suit fillers you call friends and once we get them victory and world domination will be assured!
(A dejected Jason turns around to face his equally glum friends while Goldar laughs evilly.)
Zack: (sigh) Man... what are we gonna do? After all we've done as a team; we can't just go down like this.
Billy: Doesn't seem like theirs much we can do. I can't seem to reach Zordon or the others and even if we could teleport out of here, it doesn't change the fact that those candles are sucking away our powers. I hate to say it, but I think Goldar's right.
(Trini steps in.)
Trini: You guys please just try and stay positive right now. I mean, I know it's bad, but Kimberly and Robbie are still out there and I believe in them. Please just have faith that our friends will pull through.
(The room remains quiet as they guys awkwardly stare off into the cloudy floor in front of them. Her undying optimism is met with aversive silence.)
Trini: Oh screw you guys.
(While she remains optimistic, back down by the piers the remaining two rangers continue to pettily bicker. Kimberly is where she left off, strangled by the elephant's trunk. Her legs flail in a panic while Robbie sits across from them on a knee, talking to himself.)
Kimberly: R-rr-r-robbie!! Puh-leeeease haalp!!
Robbie: (oblivious) How often do you get to see the symbol of the Republican Party literally choking the life out of a middle class youth? It'd make an awesome comic strip in the Times if she weren't actually about to die.
Kimberly: I can't hold... on... muuch....
(Her cries for help as well as her kicking become more and more lethargic as the monsters grip tightens; looking to finish her off.)
Robbie: Or if she were black.
Kimberly: ...
(It isn't until Kimberly goes completely limp that Robbie finally does something. He gets up and takes out his blade blaster; but sucks his teeth while doing it.)
Robbie: You're no fun.
(He fires at the Republicrat, who finally drops her as he tumbles backwards. Kim hits the floor hard, remaining completely still. Robbie walks over to help her up)
Robbie: With all of Tommy's bragging I'd think you'd be used to choking by now.
(However she doesn't respond to him, even negatively, causing some worry in the back of Robbie's mind.)
Robbie: Kim you alright? I was just messing with you. Come on, get up.
(He nudges her to no response, setting off a sudden panic. He kneels over to lift her to her knees when she suddenly springs to life and punches him right in the groin.)
Robbie: AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Kimberly: (Coughs) You piece of crap!!! I could have died; does that not mean anything to you?!?!
(He tumbles over like a tree and rolls around in agony as the monster they're supposed to be fighting just looks on from a distance with an amused smile.)
Republicrat: (elephant side) Haha! I ain't even breakin' a sweat. Them two are beating each other up more than I am. I say we just kick back and let them kill each other than just take all the credit.
Republicrat: (donkey side) Sounds like something a slave master would say.
Republicrat: (elephant side) Oh, go hug your Prius you stupid Clinton lover.
(Meanwhile at the command center, the alarm sets off sending Alpha into a panic.)
Alpha: Oh no, Zordon we've got a problem! It appears Trini and Tommy have been captured and are now locked in the dark dimension with the others. We're doomed, doomed! Ay ya, ya, ya, yai!
Zordon: (gravely) That is an unfortunate outcome. It appears Rita has learned from her defeats which makes her that much more dangerous. Earths destruction will be imminent if we don't act fast. How are Roberto and Kimberly faring?
(Alpha turns to an image on the viewing globe of Kimberly punching Robbie in the balls.)
Alpha: Not so well.
Zordon: Remove them from battle at once and teleport them back to the command center. I fear that despite this pettiness, they're our only hope.
Alpha: Right away Zordon... oh, I sure hope the others can hang in there.
(A worried Alpha rushes to his control panel where he begins working on teleporting them. Back down by the piers the two continue to struggle to just keep even with the monster. Kimberly pulls out her bow but her arrows deflect off the elephants hitting her right back. Meanwhile Robbie jumps in pulling out his power pocket knife. He lunges through the air with a chop, but is met with a swift mule kick to the mid-section; sending him flying in the opposite direction.)
Republicrat: (mockingly) You two kids are better at beating each other up than at beating me up. Feels like I'm running unopposed! Just do yourselves a favor and give up now. I'll even let you join my campaign; I've got a plan that will really 'clean' this town up!
(Robbie just stares ruefully while clutching his abdomen while Kim tries to get back up through a cloud of her own smoke.)
Kimberly: Never!
(She rushes towards the monster throwing a wild punch that misses. The Republicrat replies with its own punch but Kim manages duck as well. He turns around suddenly to land the same mule kick that took out Robbie, though she backflips out of harm. She drops her guard for a second though and is clobbered from behind with its long trunk causing her to drop like a stone. The monster looks as if he's about to start pummeling her while she's down but Robbie returns and grabs him just in time. He turns the monster around and a blow to the chest, but the two headed beast quickly pushes him away with a shoulder butt. Robbie relentlessly tries to remain on the offense, attempting a bicycle kick but met with a clothesline with his feet still in mid-air.)
Robbie: Arrg... this guy's too strong. I need to call the others.
Kimberly: Oh please; we're better off calling the cops if Angel Grove is to depend on you. Hell the boy scouts could probably fare better; their pocket knives aren't as crappy either.
Robbie: (Annoyed) Here's a term you never use: GET OFF MY BACK!
Kimberly: Oh I get it, cause I'm a slut. Real original stuff and I LOVED hearing all about how much of a skank I am during your campaign. All the while I must've caught you like eight times watching dirty movies.
Robbie: Whatever. What I do in my own home is my business.
Kimberly: Oh, and do you happen to live in the school library?
Robbie: Oh, well to be fair, they should have a better block on that kinda stuff.
Republicrat: Are we still fighting?
Kimberly: You're a complete joke Robbie. Nobody ever takes you seriously; not as a candidate and not as a ranger. Just do us all a favor on both ends and just go away.
(Kim hit the nerve that she knew would hurt Robbie the most. Suddenly he becomes speechless as he's both too angry and too offended to think of anything else to say. He just seethes and clenches his fists.)
Robbie: You little...
Kimberly: ...
Robbie: (shakes head) Whatever. I don't care anymore about this stupid election crap. You wanna win that badly, you got it. I'll be allowing the worst thing to happen to a school since Columbine, but by all means I'll drop out for Queen Kimberly.
Republicrat: (suddenly) Why don't you both 'drop out!'
(All Kim could do was quickly gasp as out of nowhere the Republicrat landed a double mule kick on the two of them sending them flying backwards heading toward a tree. Fortunately, before impact, they are teleported away from the scene and back to the command center. All the while on the moon, Rita looks on boastfully as her big win is now within reach.)
Rita: AHA! They've retreated! Everything is falling into place; I can't believe I may actually win this one!
Baboo: (cheerfully) And all thanks to a little teamwork.
Squatt: Or a lack thereof.
Rita: But my work here isn't done; Zordon's probably going to send them to save their stupid friends. But I doubt they'll be able to leave Angel Grove completely unguarded; time to let my monster grow and wreak some havoc. Speaking of stupid friends, it's time to check up on mine.
(She reaches for her telescope once again and points it away from Earth and into the dark dimension. But to her displeasure, she spots Goldar and Finster having some sort of spat.)
Rita: Goldar, Finster! What's going on?!
Finster: (clears throat) Oh, nothing my empress. Goldar is just being a little unreasonable as usual.
Goldar: He says the best rap album of the 80's is Biz Markie's 'Going Off' but it doesn't hold a candle to 'Straight Outta Compton.'
Finster: Misogynistic drivel! You've never even heard of Biz Markie so how could you possibly know what you're talking about.
Goldar: That's exactly it: I've never heard of them. Therefore they stink.
Finster: (irate) It's not a 'them' you bloody numbskull, it's a he! And he happens to be a delightfully clean and creative artist!
Goldar: You like that garbage? My little sister's got a Will Smith poster you can borrow...
Rita: (interrupts) QUIET!!!
Goldar: ...!!
Finster: ...!!!
Rita: This is the closest I've ever gotten to finally ridding myself of those stupid power rangers and I will not fail because you two clowns are arguing about some god awful music. Now Finster, step aside and watch the rangers for a second while I talk to Goldar.
Finster: (bows unwillingly) Yes, my queen.
(He timidly walks away as she tells Goldar what to do next. Meanwhile the rangers just sit quietly; too demoralized to even speak to one another, just looking out as the candles melt away; their fading powers already beginning to show on the waning expressions on each of their faces.)
Zack: How long have we been in here? How long have they been arguing? (Panting) I'm getting tired...
Jason: Me too, but we just gotta hang in there. Trini's right, being negative won't do us any good at this point. We've gotta hold out hope that Rob and Kim will pull through.
Zack: (sharply) Those candles don't care if we're positive or not. I say we try to bust out and... and...
(Zack starts to trail off and loses his train of thought. Billy steps in with an urgent look on his face.
Billy: You guys, I don't think Tommy's doing so well.
(They turn around to see Tommy lying on Trini's lap sweating profusely. His candles the closest to expiring and it's showing with every labored breath. His eyes are open and he appears conscious, but they're just like his candle, with the flame almost gone.)
Jason: Tommy! Tommy! Are you alright bro?!
Tommy: ...
Jason: Answer me Tommy!
Trini: (shakes head) He hasn't said anything in a while and his eyes are just wandering off. His candles also about to burn soon...
(She looks up with the rest to watch his candle continue to burn like the hourglass that's almost done. They can only look on helplessly as Billy slides down to the wall to call on Finster's attention.)
Billy: (whispers) Psst! Hey Finster! Finster!
Finster: Me?
Billy: Finster, come over here, we need your help.
(He nervously looks around to make sure Goldar's distracted before engaging with the enemy.)
Finster: What on Earth could you possibly want with me? As you are aware, I cannot let you out; I'm under direct order from her highness Rita.
Billy: That's not what we want.
Finster: No?
Trini: No. Listen our friend's looks ill and he just needs some help. Some water if you have any would be great.
(Though not as inherently evil as Goldar or Rita, Finster is still hesitant to help a ranger.)
Finster: I-I'm not sure... I don't think I'm supposed to. (Pauses) However I don't think a glass of water would be the end of the world... perhaps I could...
(His words are cut abruptly short as Goldar grabs him from behind.)
Goldar: (fuming) What do you think you're doing Finster?!
Finster: (startled) Oh dear!
Goldar: I knew I couldn't trust you; I turn my back for one second and you're already messing everything up!
Finster: N-no! You don't understand! I wasn't going to release them or anything. I was merely going to bring the green ranger a glass of water. They claim he looks ill.
Goldar: Forget the green ranger! Forget all of them! I wouldn't so much as urinate on them if they were stranded in a dessert. If he loses his life than that would just be an added perk!
Trini: (cries) You're horrible!
Goldar: Now why don't you just get out of my face before I tell Rita what you've done.
Finster: But I-I was only... (Sighs) alright...
(Finster ashamedly bows his head before he walks off. Goldar then turns his attention to the power rangers.)
Jason: You're really something else Goldar. Even Finster who's an enemy showed some heart.
Zack: Yeah, you're disgusting.
Goldar: Save your breath. You aren't going to guilt trip me into letting you go; I'm not Finster.
Jason: No ones asking to be...
Goldar: SILENCE!
Jason: (clenches teeth) ...
Goldar: I'll be guarding the door now so let's just see what kinda stunt you try to pull now. I won't move from this spot until you're all mere husks of your former selves. And don't worry about me getting bored, seeing all of you slowly drift away is more than enough entertainment for me!
(A devious Goldar laughs to himself while the others just look to one another; sharing the same disheartened expression. Meanwhile back at the command center, the remaining heroes, Robbie and Kim stumble unexpectedly onto the command center floor. Once they realize where they are they push each other off before getting up and removing their helmets.)
Kimberly: Zordon?
Robbie: What gives? We had him where we wanted him.
Zordon: I've brought you here because our situation has gone from bad to worse. Behold the viewing globe.
(They turn around and pettily jock for position. The image they see is dark, dreary and mostly scrambled.)
Kimberly: What's going on now?
Robbie: Looks like Kimberly's last colonoscopy.
Kimberly: Shut up! It's obviously not; you can clearly see the other guys in there.
Robbie: You're right. I don't see the wrestling team anywhere.
(The image starts to clear and shows everyone crowding around someone, but they can't make out who. Once the camera shifts over Billy's shoulder however, the insults come to a stop as Kim's heart drops.)
Kimberly: Oh my God... Tommy!
Robbie: W-wait, why's he in there? Isn't he saving them?
(The image shows Trini in the group as well.)
Robbie: What's the deal?!
Zordon: Both of them were captured in their attempts to rescue the others. Now they fall victim to the magical wax that will slowly drain their powers.
Alpha: Tommy's the worst off. His powers were mostly gone from last time. I can't imagine the green ranger powers will survive this even if you saved them right away.
Kimberly: (shakes head) His powers are not what I'm worried about.
Zordon: I am relieved to see that the two of you now realize the seriousness of this situation. However, this could have been avoided entirely if the two of you never started fighting with each other to begin with.
Robbie: No man, I didn't mean for this to happen. I didn't mean to get them hurt over this. I didn't want her hurt over this. Trini's been too good to me for this.
Kimberly: I know you didn't mean to Robbie... (turns to him) it's my fault. I'm the one that started the mudslinging while campaigning. I just couldn't handle you running against me like an adult. This whole thing wouldn't have happened if it weren't for me.
Robbie: (shakes head) But I showed you up; I'm the one that started this. I always have to be the center of attention and now our friends are in trouble because of it. (turns to Zordon) Zordon, we're busting them out. I don't care about the consequences.
Kimberly: Same. I'm going in there even if it means I lose my powers as well. Their lives are more important to me than some pink costume.
(Robbie nods in agreement.)
Zordon: I am humbled by your dedication to your friends. However I must warn you that the dark dimension is heavily guarded by both Goldar and Finster. Not to mention no rangers on Earth would mean obvious security risks for Angel Grove.
(And right on cue, the alarm goes off.)
Robbie: (groans) Come on!
Kimberly: (worried) What now?
Alpha: It appears that the Republicrat's grown and it's attacking downtown Angel Grove as we speak! Ay ya yai!
(The two turn back to the viewing globe to see just what Alpha described. Left with quite the conundrum and very little time to make a decision, the two must decide who to save.)
Kimberly: (shakes head) We can't just drop everything and stop this monster; the others might not make it by the time we're done.
Robbie: Yeah, but Angel Grove won't be here by the time we're done saving the others.
(The two pause for a second before Robbie finally nods and takes a deep breath. Knowing what must be done.)
Robbie: Go save the others Kim.
Kimberly: What?
Robbie: It's gonna kill me not being there, but I'm the only one available with a standalone Zord, I have to be the one to put an early stop to his campaign.
Kimberly: I'm sorry.
Robbie: No sweat. It's just what needs to be done.
Kimberly: No, I'm sorry for everything. All the terrible things I've said about you on my campaign; and especially knocking you as a ranger earlier. I'm obviously very wrong; you're a great ranger as well as a great person.
Robbie: (stunned) Wow... well I don't know what to say. I mean, I guess I should say that I hope you know I didn't mean anything I said about you. I mean my disagreements with what you wanted to do for the school was the truth, but I respect you as a person nonetheless. And I sort of... like you to much to have attempted that silly stunt.
(Kim flashes a wide eyed smile as Robbie continues to stumble through an apology.)
Kimberly: You do?
Robbie: Sure. I mean, you're boyfriends a smug bast...
(Kim doesn't let Robbie finish as she jumps him with a giant bear hug. Robbie awkwardly hugs her back seconds later.)
Zordon: I am very pleased to see you working this out together and realizing the value of friendship over personal gain. Your decision to split up was also the right one in this dilemma.
Kimberly: But wait, don't we need two people to open up the portal? How is that going to work?
(Alpha steps forward)
Alpha: I'll help you Kimberly.
Robbie: That's absurd! You'd be committing suicide if something went wrong.
Kimberly: He's right. Robbie can help me open the portal up, but we don't want you getting hurt as well.
Alpha: (shakes head) There's no telling how long it will take to open that portal and I'm not sure Angel Grove can wait that long. Besides, they're my friends too and after hearing you two speak, I would gladly risk any harm to see my friends home safe. So don't you worry about little old Alpha.
(Kim and Robbie hesitate momentarily, though they know they don't have a choice.)
Robbie: (sighs) Then it's settled. Kim, Alpha go now but contact me the minute something goes wrong.
Kimberly: Right. Let's go Alpha.
(The two teleport out of there as Robbie throws his arms up, turning his attention back to Zordon.
Robbie: Looks like the rest is up to me.
Zordon: Good luck brown ranger and may the power protect you.
Robbie: BACK TO ACTION!
(Back in Angel Grove, we spot the otherwise beautiful skyline of the downtown metropolis in a state of immediate danger. A giant Republicrat is now roaming through thick clouds of black smoke wreaking havoc on anything he can get his hands on. Down by the streets, debris tumbles down narrowly avoiding a few innocent civilians. From afar, the brown ranger is seen rushing in, evacuating the area.)
Republicrat: Gyahaha!! Feels like I'm running unopposed!
Robbie: Not anymore!
Republicrat: What! You again!?
Robbie: You've made that joke already. And nobody likes a guy who repeats his jokes. That being said, it's about time you faced a wrath worse than Columbine... I call upon the power of the Stegosaurus!
(As Robbie calls forth his Zord, a faraway tropical forest begins to violently tremble. The birds scatter away for cover as the ground below starts to rise. Suddenly and with a deafening roar the prehistoric beast bursts through and starts climbing out to march into battle. Robbie spots it from a distance as it roars into Angel Grove and flies into the Zord's cockpit.)
Robbie: Alright buddy it looks like we're at it alone today; don't let me down. Initiate StegaZord combat mode now!
(The Zord stops dead in its tracks, leaving a trail of dust behind it as a crank like sound can be heard from within. The Zord begins to rise all the way to its hind legs. Its front paws sticks out before flip inside of itself, revealing clenched fists from the other side. Finally its long, plated tail stiffens and starts to rise up connecting plate side out against its back with the tip resting on top of its head. The Zord lets out one final roar as it gets in fighting stance.)
Robbie: StegaZord, combat ready!
(The StegaZord wastes no time marching towards it target, landing the first blow. The Zord tries to capitalize with a kick to the mid-section but is blocked and swiftly chopped across the Zords chest.)
Robbie: AHHHH!!!!
Republicrat: Aha! This is gonna be yet another landslide win!
Robbie: Stupid political puns...
Republicrat: You and your Zord will never beat me!
Robbie: Yes we can!
(The monster leaps up in the air and in one fluid motion, turns around to connect with a mule kick right to the Zord's chest. It flies down Angel Grove until it crashes into a building that explodes on impact.)
Robbie: AHHHHHHH!!!!
Republicrat: Give up yet?
Robbie: Never!
(Sifting through a cloud of its own smoke, the Zord fought to get back on its feet.)
Republicrat: Where's your little pink friend when you need her? Did the party of change finally concede to the party of spare change?
Robbie: Keep Kim out of this, she's my... Oh I get it, cause I'm poor.
(The Zord lifts itself back up, cocking its arms back at a 90 degree angle as if it were holding two guns. Its hands recede into its arms and in its place appear two sharp plates like the ones on its back. A dumbfounded monster just scratches its head until it is stunned when the plates are fired directly at him.)
Republicrat: ARRG!!
Robbie: (boastfully) Yeah! Alright, don't let this guy breathe. StegaZord lock on to my every move.
(The Zord nods in agreement before heading back toward the monster its pilot mimes. It doesn't give the monster the chance to even get up and it lands a devastating kick to the gut that sends him rolling. He recovers and tries to get to his knees but a relentless Zord lands yet another punch. Then mockingly the StegaZord grabs onto the monsters face with its left hand while rotating its right arm as if to wind it up for another punch. It takes the swing, but this one's caught before it lands. And during the struggle for leverage, the Republicrat manages to wrap its trunk around the zords hand.)
Robbie: Oh no!!
Republicrat: Oh yes!
(The monster gets back on its feet while tightening its grip on the Zord; even jerk it around as it starts twirling it around like a rag doll. It lets it go, letting it crash into a nearby bridge. Elsewhere, an unmorphed Kimberly and Alpha walk carefully through the park searching for the spot where Trini and Tommy left the teleporters.)
Alpha: (cheerfully) There they are! We've found them!
Kimberly: That's strange; why would Rita just leave this here? It's our only way to reach the others and she wouldn't take it?
Alpha: Who cares? Let's just set them up and save our friends.
Kimberly: Okay Alpha but calm down; we don't want to attract too much attention. And the second we're done, you're out of here, got it?
Alpha: You have my word!
(The two take a moment to try and set up the teleporters in the exact same spot that Tommy and Trini opened the portal last.)
Alpha: Okay, should be good. Now, we only have a few seconds before this portal shuts, so you need to work quickly Kimberly.
(Kim nods just as Alpha sets off the teleporters switch. The spirals in the center of each begin spinning, but other than that, nothing. After some time passes, the two become worried.)
Kimberly: What's going on? You sure this is the same spot?
Alpha: Positive. Although...
Kimberly: What?!
Alpha: Well the portals strength tends to weaken when overused. And since the other tried it already, it might have been closed.
Kimberly: (shakes head) Don't tell me that Alpha; the others need me! Please, we gotta do something.
(Unexpectedly, sparks shoot out of the teleporters startling the two of them. The signal may be weak, but a portal seems to open anyway.)
Alpha: (relieved) Phew; false alarm.
Kimberly: Oh thank God!
Alpha: Alright, but this one might be our last chance to get in so it needs to count. Jump in and first and foremost subdue Goldar who'll probably be waiting for you. Then grab the key and let the others out. After that, put out the candles and retrieve their power coins. I know it sounds like a lot in a short amount of time, but you're our only hope.
Kimberly: Don't worry about me Alpha; I'm not coming back without them.
Alpha: Good luck!
Kimberly: Thanks. And thanks for your help too.
Alpha: No problem. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be huh?
Kimberly: Oh no...
(Kim's face turns pale white as she looks up to a swarm of putties that quickly surround the two.)
Alpha: Putties!!
Kimberly: It's a trap!
Alpha: Go inside Kimberly; you don't have much time.
Kimberly: (adamantly) And leave you here?
Alpha: Don't worry about me, just save your friends!
Kimberly: You're my friend too Alpha and I won't let you get hurt. Hang on...
Alpha: NO!!
(Kimberly nearly drops her teleporter as she reaches over to grab Alpha, but he stubbornly shoves her right into the portal as it closes. Putties then shift their attention to him with evil looks. He drops his teleporter and tries to make a run for it, but doesn't make it far as he's quickly grabbed by one of them. Meanwhile back in the dark dimension Tommy's candle is nearly out. His breathing is more labored and his own recollection of where he's even at is dim. The others don't look so well either, each with expressions fading like their optimism.)
Trini: It's... almost over. Isn't it?
Billy: It is for Tommy at least. But we're not that far off.
(There's a deflated feeling in the air similar to when your favorite team is losing big with seconds left in the game. Or when the teacher's handing back an exam you didn't study for; the rangers don't see any positive outcome and had given up on hoping for one. All that's left is the wait.)
Zack: Should we wake Tommy up?
Trini: I don't know; he seems so peaceful.
(Jason puts his hands on his hips and starts shaking his head in a sense of crushed disbelief.)
Jason: It's can't end like this. It just can't.
Goldar: Oh but it has. And I'm not just talking about your powers. I haven't even decided what to do with all of you once your powers run out.
Jason: (defiantly) You'll never get away with this Goldar!
Goldar: But I already have! And as long as I'm guarding this door, there is nothing you can do to stop me! Gyahahaha!!!
Jason: ...
Zack: ...
Trini: ...
Billy: ...
Goldar: Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to step away for about 90 seconds.
(Goldar suddenly walks away leaving the cell door now completely unguarded. A glimmer of hope flashes in Zack's desperate eyes.)
Zack: You guys, no ones here, now's our chance to escape. (Points) Look, the keys are on the table; we have to get it somehow.
(Conveniently enough, Goldar left the keys resting on top of the table ten feet away.)
Billy: But how?
Zack: (sighs) I don't know...
Jason: That doesn't exactly help us out.
Zack: Wait, Jason take your belt off.
Jason: Hardly appropriate...
Zack: (sucks teeth) No, just take off your belt; all of you. If I can tie them together I can create a fish hook long enough to grab those keys. But we have to hurry.
(The four of them didn't even stop to think about whether or not the plan would work and just reacted at the mere chance of escaping as they all ripped their belts off. Zack scrambled to hook them together quickly but before long, Finster approached them cautiously.)
Finster: I wouldn't do that.
Zack: (startled) Huh?! Oh, yeah, try and stop me little man.
Finster: Very well. But those keys are merely a decoy; made to throw you off. I have the real keys in my possession. Grabbing those will only waste valuable time and at worst anger Goldar.
(The four collectively suck their teeth.)
Jason: You gotta be kidding me.
Zack: (frustrated) Decoy?! Come on!!
Trini: Can you help us then Finster? Please, anything.
Finster: Well, that is... sort of why I've returned. However Rita will have my head if I let you out, but if Goldar thinks he can push ME around... well... he's got another thing coming.
(He inches closer to the cage and reveals a glass of water he was hiding behind his back.)
Finster: Here quickly; it's for your green friend like you asked. It's the best I could do.
(Initially shocked and then quickly suspicious, the rangers reach for the water that Finster slides through the bars, realizing they had nothing to lose if it was poisoned anyway. Billy takes the water then give it to Trini who forces it down Tommy's barely conscious throat.)
Jason: ...thanks. I guess.
(Finster just nods, not really knowing what to say. He's spent his days creating monster after monster in order to kill them, then suddenly tries to help one when it meant spiting Goldar.)
Goldar: FINSTER!!!
Finster: (startled) Oh bloody Hell!
(A fuming Goldar grabs him by the shoulder and yanks Finster toward him.)
Finster: (exasperated) Oh come on; that was hardly 90 seconds!
Goldar: You dare defy an order?! What's worse you do it to help those pathetic power rangers?
Finster: Orders? Last I checked you are not my boss! Now I've had it up to here with the likes of you and now I'm ordering you to leave me alone at once!
(A fed up Finster shoves Goldar off of much to Goldar's surprise. He barely moves though, and only becomes angry. And with a single hand, the much smaller Finster is shoved to the ground and rolls a good ten feet before stopping and without realizing it, dropping his set of keys.)
Goldar: Looks like you went back to your little workshop and created a backbone.
(Finster gulps nervously as Goldar digs his foot deep into his chest, preventing him from getting up. He then pulls out his sword to merely intimate him some more and reassert his dominance.)
Goldar: Even if you weren't such a sniveling coward, I still couldn't take you seriously. So why don't you just be a good doggie and stay out of my way before I fix you, if you know what I mean.
Finster: Gol-Goldar now... I was only... I was only playing around. I would never...
Goldar: SILENCE!
(The other rangers look on in horror as they hope Goldar is only bluffing. However, their attention is quickly diverted as from the corner of their eyes; a light flickers from out of nowhere.)
Jason: Guys, look, over there!
Zack: Huh?
Billy: It looks like...
(With Goldars back turned and Finster begging for his life, they fail to realize that the light flickering behind them is a portal door opening up that Kimberly falls through very ungracefully. Almost by kneejerk reaction Zack almost shouted her name in exuberance but Jason thankfully covers his mouth in time. Kimberly spots the Goldar and quickly ducks under the smoke. She crawls carefully over to her friends slowly where they point her to where Finster dropped the keys. She picks it up and nervously fumbles with it while trying to find the right one. After a couple nerve-racking seconds, she's finally picks the right one and opens the door. Jason and Zack burst right out; wasting no time putting out the candles and retrieving the power coins.)
Kimberly: (whispers) Sorry I'm late.
Zack: It's okay. Just glad the K train came through.
(Kim turns to the cell and becomes stricken with worry as she spots her motionless boyfriend.)
Kimberly: Oh no, Tommy is he okay?
Tommy: ....
Trini: I think so; he's just unconscious. We've got to take him to the command center though. Where's Robbie?
Kimberly: The monsters grown and Robbie had to stay behind and fight it.
Jason: By himself? Wait, then how did you activate the portal door alone?
Kimberly: I got help by...
(Suddenly she remembered.)
Kimberly: Oh no... Alpha! You guys I left poor Alpha alone with a swarm of putties. We have to go check up on him and see if he's alright.
Jason: Not just yet, we need to make fighting off the monster our priority; it's what Alpha would want. But first we need to get out of here now!
Kimberly: (worried) I guess you're right.
Kimberly: Here Trini, I'll help you with Tommy.
(Kim rushes over to help guide Tommy onto his feet. And while his legs still feel like Jell-O and his lights aren't exactly on, he manages to wobble over with the rest through the portal just before it closes.)
Goldar: And while you're on the floor, why don't you tell me what you think of your boy Biz Markie?
Finster: (pleads) Yes, yes! Whatever you say! He sucks, all my favorite artists suck! Whatever you want just put your bloody sword away and let me back up; I beg of you! I'll squeal like a piggy, just leave me alone!
(With a disappointed head shake, Goldar finally backs off.)
Goldar: That was kind of pathetic to be honest. Any respect I had for you just sort of flew out the window.
Finster: You fool!!!
Goldar: What was that!? You want some more mutt?!
Finster: No, you imbecile, the rangers; they've escaped!
(Shocked, he jerks his head around hoping Finster was joking. But when he sees an open cage door with an empty cage all he loudly gulps; realizing he was in for it.)
Goldar: What?! How could they have gotten out?
Finster: (pats self down) Oh no... my keys must have fallen out when you shoved me. Rita is going to be furious!
Goldar: You dropped the keys; how could you?
Finster: Me? You're the stupid barmy who shoved me on the floor; I was just giving the green ranger some water. If Rita's to beat the pulp out of anyone it's you!
Goldar: (immaturely) You shoved me first; I'm gonna tell Rita you started it!
Finster: (immaturely) No, YOU started it!
(Meanwhile back in the heat of battle, the StegaZord continues to get treated like the Republicrat's red headed step son. Alarms blare inside the cockpit warning the brown ranger that his shield levels are running low. He ignores these warnings and fights on despite the fact that the Zord can now barely stand; hoping to stall the monster just a little longer.)
Republicrat: Aren't you just a stubborn little rat; filthy infestation that just won't go away, no matter how hard I try.
Robbie: My mom says the same thing.
Republicrat: But I've got to hand it to you for your resilience. I'll be sure to mention it at your funeral.
Robbie: Dream on!
(The Zord and the monster march toward one another and like two bulls, they lock horns; the StegaZord managing a blow to the mid-section and a solid punch to the Elephant's jaw. But when Robbie tries to capitalize the monster quickly recovers and its long trunk around the Zord's head, rendering it completely defenseless.)
Republicrat: Now I've got you!
(The StegaZord flails its arms desperately, reaching the end of its road. The monster manages to lift the Zord off its feet as its constriction tightens.)
Robbie: Man, it can't end like this. But I can't get out of this hold; I can't even see.
(As sparks and fumes fly out of the Zord's seams, repeated alarms from the inside warn Robbie to evacuate.)
Robbie: I HEARD YOU!
(He frantically pushes all buttons in front of him, hoping that something will help him out, but outside the Zord continues to fail about; now becoming more and more lethargic and the monsters fatal vice grip continues, it eventually goes completely limp.)
Robbie: ...
Republicrat: (triumphantly) The votes are in... and once again, it's me by a landsli...!!!!
(Before he could finish his statement he's hit from behind by a hail of fire; immediately dropping the StegaZord and falling over forward.)
Republicrat: GYAAAAAAA!!!
Robbie: What... was that?
(He looks up and with a sigh relief sees the Pterodactyl flying into battle, followed by the other four Dinozords.)
Robbie: Oh thank God!
Kimberly: You know what's funnier than seeing the mascot to the Republican Party choke the life out a middle class youth; seeing the mascot to the Republican Party choke the life out of an inner city youth.
Robbie: Hey what do you expect with this Zord? A swift wind could knock this piece of trash out. I'm glad you're here though. And I'm especially glad to see you're not alone.
Republicrat: I thought I got rid of all you!
Trini: Well we vetoed those plans.
Zack: And it's time for a third party candidate to enter the field.
Billy: Your campaigns coming to an end.
Kimberly: And that's change you can believe in.
Jason: Alright gang; time to power up your crystals!
(He pulls out the power crystal in his hand and emphatically slams it down the dashboard to become Zord's control stick; the others following suit.)
Zack: Two, one, power up!!
Trini: Two, one, power up!!
Billy: Two, one, power up!!
Kimberly: Two, one, power up!!
Jason: (Yanks down control stick) Let's show em some Megazord power!!!
(The five mighty Zord's run together as they begin to merge. First the Saber tooth tiger's legs fold up to create a leg, the Triceratops tail tucks in to for the other. They combine with the Tyrannosaurus's legs, forming the first half of the Megazord. Next, the Mastodon's back splits in two down the middle and its head separates. The former spreads out and attaches to the back of the Tyrannosaurus, making the arms and the head attaches to the torso. The rangers enter the Megazord cockpit in their usual spots as the Zord rolls into battle in tank mode.)
Jason: Switching to Megazord battle mode!
Zack: Right!
Trini: Right!
Billy: Right!
Kimberly: Right!
(The Mastodon arms flip inward forming the Zord's fists.)
Megazord: Megazord sequence has been initiated
(The two legs remain planted as the rest of the body lifts upward to a standing position. The final piece, the Pterodactyl, circles the Megazord and flies toward it, tucking in its wings and head. The Tyrannosaurus head folds into its chest, revealing the Megazord's head before the Pterodactyl combines with the mighty Zord, creating the chest piece as it gets in fighting stance.)
Megazord: Megazord activated.
Jason: Alright gang, let's bash this dudes head in; both of them!
(The Zord marches into battle and quickly lands a fist to the Elephants face who grimaces in pain followed by a left to the donkey. The Zord doesn't let up and continues its onslaught. The Republicrat tries to recover with wild punches of its own, but the Megazord was too quick as it dodged every single shot before landing a final punch that sent it flying backwards.)
Jason: You're not so tough now, huh?
Kimberly: Jason, don't underestimate it; it has a habit of surprise attacks in both long and short range.
Jason: Don't worry Kim; we've got this under con...
Republicrat: (donkey) SURPRISE!
(Out of nowhere the enemy connects with a hard mule kick that sent the Zord flipping backwards and into a burning building that completely explodes on impact.)
Jason: AHHH!!
Zack: AHHH!!
Trini: AHHH!!
Billy: AHHH!!
Kimberly: AHHH!!
Jason: Quick, we gotta get back on our feet!
(The rangers all yank their controls upwards, which forces an already staggered Megazord to its feet. The monster doesn't let it stay that way for long though as the elephant fires a laser from its trunk that sends the Zord down again in a sea of its own flames.)
Zack: This guy's no joke!
(The Republicrat slowly paces over to the downed Zord. It begins violently waving its trunk around, as if to warm them of what's coming next. Before long it traps the Zord's head around its trunk and with all its strength, picks it up over the ground.)
Kimberly: Oh no, not this again...
Billy: Controls are jammed!
Trini: What are we gonna do?!
Republicrat: Absolutely nothing! Gyahaha-HAAAAAAAHHHH!!!
(Once again, his sentence and his vice grip are cut short as a recovered StegaZord nails it in the face with a tail whip. The frustrated monster goes down once more as the StegaZord quickly helps the Megazord back up.)
Jason: Thanks Rob; forgot you were still there.
Robbie: (discouraged) Again, sounds like my mother.
Jason: Alright, no more messing around; StegaMegaZord, engage!
(The StegaZord disassembles from both the shoulder up with spinal plates and the knee cap down as it begins transformation. The Megazord leaps into the air and disassembles from the kneecap down and lands into the StegaZord's feet. The former's shoulders and back plates land over the Megazord as the head folds in, creating a shield. Finally the StegaZord's tail disconnects, stiffening up and acting as a plated sword as the StegaMegaZord completed transformation. Robbie joins the others in the cockpit.)
Robbie: Nice stereo!
Kimberly: I know!
Republicrat: (exasperated) Neat trick; let me show you one!
(The Republicrat waves its trunk around before attempting to reach for the Zord's head. Except this time, the rangers saw it coming; swinging the plated sword at the same time and chopping its trunk right off its face.)
Republicrat: NOOOO MY BEAUTIFUL FACE!! How'll I get the female vote now?!
Jason: Let's finish him off!
(All 6 rangers lift their right hand in the air in unison before miming a chopping motion straight downward. The Zord follows suit; lifting the StegaBlade over its shoulder with both hands before emphatically swinging it downward, hitting dead on. The monster loses consciousness immediately and explodes into dust upon hitting the floor. And as the rangers celebrate yet another victory, the same cannot be said on the moon.)
Rita: (Livid) YOU LOUSY GOOD FOR NOTHING IDIOTS!!!
(A fuming mad Rita Repulsa has her minions lined up and bowed down in front of her as she takes turns smashing each of them over the backs of their heads with her wand.)
Rita: I was THIS close. You hear me? THIS close! I could've tasted victory, but you numbskulls messed it all up with petty infighting. I swear to ALL that is unholy that if any of you ever ruin another one of my plans because of ego, I'll castrate all of you and hang the remains on my mantle; AM I CLEAR?!
Goldar: (cowering) Yes empress...
Finster: (cowering) Yes empress...
Squatt: (cowering) Yes empress...
Baboo: (cowering) B-b-but what did I do...?
(Meanwhile the six rangers hurry back to the command center. They spot a now awake Tommy slouched over on a small gurney-like recliner with his hands over his face. Surprised to see him up so soon, they each rip their helmets off and tend to him.)
Kimberly: Oh my God, Tommy are you alright?
(He slowly turns his head)
Tommy: Yeah. I guess so.
Kimberly: I was so worried you wouldn't make it.
Trini: We all were; we thought for sure you were a goner.
Tommy: (sighs) I am.
Jason: What are you talking about?
"His powers."
(The rangers all turn their heads toward the darkest parts of the command center to see Alpha approaching.)
Kimberly: Alpha! Oh thank God. I felt so terrible leaving you there.
Alpha: (nods) Like I said; I could handle it. But I ran an analysis on Tommy's powers and well, there's really not much left.
Zordon: While the other six of you draw power from the morphing grid, the green ranger powers are a creation of Rita's. Therefore they are not recoverable once lost. The green candle was unable to fulfill its purpose entirely thanks to a heroic effort on the part of Robbie and Kimberly, who put their differences aside when it was needed most.
Robbie: I somehow don't feel so 'heroic' about this at all.
Zordon: I understand, but it could've been worse. Unfortunately though, the green ranger has enough energy for perhaps one more battle. I am sorry but there is nothing we can do at this time.
Tommy: It's all over. I can't believe it... and what's worse is that I have nobody to blame for all this but myself.
Kimberly: Tommy, don't say that. You weren't the one bickering over some stupid class election.
Tommy: But I was the one who egged it on. I made things from bad to worse and I let my personal feelings get the better of me. If I'd just kept my mouth shut or continued campaigning like an adult and not turned it into some mudslinging contest, none of this would've happened. I'm sorry to all of you who now all have to pay cause of my mistakes.
(The room falls deathly quiet while an emotional Kim turns away to hide her face.)
Tommy: And Kim?
Kimberly: (sniffs)...
Tommy: I'm sorry for putting you in that position; I feel terrible. I just believed in you so much, that I wanted to do anything to see your dreams come true.
(Kim doesn't say a word as Tommy gets up and starts walking toward her. He hesitantly tries to put his hand on her shoulder, but as he thinks about it, Kim turns around and hugs him tightly. After reciprocating, he lets her go and turns to Robbie.)
Tommy: Rob man, I'm sorry too.
Robbie: For what? Upstaging me in my own two-parter?
Tommy: No. I-I guess I just held some feeling about you for no reason. I won't go into it, but it triggered the whole thing. You've never done a thing to me to warrant those feelings either. And you proved me wrong today when you stepped up big to save all of our butts. I guess I just wanted to say I'm sorry; really.
(Robbie doesn't say anything either but for a different reason than Kimberly; he simply doesn't know what to say or how to react. Instead, he cracks half a smile and stoically nods. Meanwhile Jason sympathetically places his hand on his shoulder.)
Jason: Don't worry man. Some way, somehow we're gonna get your powers back.
Tommy: Thanks man. But don't worry; I'm still a apart of the gang.
Zack: Of course you are man.
Tommy: And hey, we have an election tomorrow afternoon. Kim and I have some last minute campaigning to do!
(Kim cracks an emotional smile as Tommy tries to get past this.)
Kimberly: Yeah, but this time we're gonna keep it clean. Silly contests come and go, but friends are forever, right Robbie?
Robbie: Screw that, I'm gonna tell everyone you're a flag burning, elitist whore.
(Suddenly everyone turns and sucks their teeth at him sickeningly. He smiles and throws his arms in the air.)
Robbie: Guys, I'm kidding! May the best candidate win!
(The group joins together in a hearty laugh as we fade away. Though in the background, Robbie can be seen nudging Trini and winking as she gives him the ok sign. We return back to the hallways of Angel Grove high after elections have closed and votes are being counted. The rangers anxiously join together to find out the winner.)
Trini: Oh man I'm so excited! Oh who did you vote for Jason?
Jason: (laughs) I'm not telling!
Kimberly: They're going to announce the winner any minute now... I'm so nervous!
Tommy: Hey, we did the best we could as far as campaigning goes.
Billy: Anybody seen Robbie? He said he's meet us here.
Zack: Oh he's out... 'Passing a bill' as we speak.
Trini: I... don't follow you.
Zack: He's... making one last push before results are in?
Kimberly: Eh...
Zack: (sighs) ...you know when he's nervous?
(The rest of Zack's dialogue is inaudible as Robbie is seen turning the corner.)
Kimberly: Ew! Robbie!
Robbie: (confused) What?!
Trini: Kaplan should meet with us soon to tell us who won. But I just want to say to the both of you how proud I am. You both ran really solid campaigns and I can see both of you doing a great job as president.
Kimberly: Yeah, and Robbie and I made a deal; whoever wins invites the other to their cabinet.
Robbie: Yeah.
Jason: That's really nice of you guys.
Billy: Did you guys ever think of asking Zordon to join your cabinet?
Robbie: Zordon?
Billy: Sure, it makes perfect sense; although, he'd probably just be a 'figure head!'
Trini: (laughs) Oh Billy!
Zack: (laughs) Good one.
Robbie: I don't get it.
Tommy: Oh, guys; Mr. Kaplan is coming!
(The rangers all hush up and huddle together in anticipation as he approaches them holding a piece of paper.)
Mr. Kaplan: Ah there you two are! Glad you two are together, how are the both of you?
Kimberly: Nervous.
Robbie: Gassy.
Mr. Kaplan: Now, I already spoke to Bulkmeier so he knows who won. But first I want to congratulate the two of you on a job well done on both of your passionate campaigns. Although unusually competitive, the two of you made me proud of the job you guys did and I see both of you...
Robbie: (Interrupts) Just get on with it; we just heard this already!
Kimberly: Yeah, tell us who won!
Kaplan: (dumbstruck) Oh... Okay... well the people have spoken and they spoke loudly. The winner with 43% of the vote is...
(The two lean in with a nervous anticipation as Kaplan intentionally takes his time revealing the winner in order to build suspense.)
Kaplan: Is................
Robbie: ..................!!!!
Kimberly: ...............!!!
Bulk: MEEEEE!!!!!
Skull: WOOHOOOOO!!!
(Bulk and Skull leap in the air excitedly as the two look at them with bewilderment.)
Robbie: What?
Kimberly: Huh; what are they going on about?
Bulk: I'M THE PRESIDENT, I'M THE PRESIDENT!!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!
Skull: YEAH, WE'RE THE PRESIDENT, WE'RE THE PRESIDENT!!!
Kaplan: Well, he's the president. He won.
Trini: (astonished) Bulk?!
Tommy: Bu-but, that's impossible!!
Kaplan: I thought so too; but apparently not. The tide seemed to shift after the debate when you two started ripping each other's faces off before walking out mid-way through. I'm not exactly thrilled about it either but the people spoke. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go have a cigarette; or twenty.
Zack: But you don't smoke.
Kaplan: (sighs) I know.
(He walks away, leaving the rangers in a stunned silence. All they could do was watch Bulk and Skull celebrate their surprise win.)
Tommy: This... might just be the worst week of my life.
Jason: Don't look at me; I voted for Pat Buchanan.
Billy: I can't believe it... Bulk?!
Bulk: Oh, you better believe it, buck-o! Not only did I beat one dweeb on my way to the presidency, I beat two! Count them two!
Skull: Yeah, two!
Bulk: I'm like David, who with nothing but a slingshot and a dream defeated Goliath.
Jason: Pretty sure David was the small one.
(Bulk stops jumping and makes a serious face. He grabs Skull by the collar as he marches toward the group.)
Bulk: (point's finger) Listen up muscles, you better learn to talk to people of my stature; do you know who I am?
Skull: Yeah, do you know who he is?
(He begins to get visibly annoyed at Skull for repeating what he's saying. But he continues...)
Bulk: I'm the Angel Grove class president and I've already made promises to take care of the likes of people like you. So if I were you, I'd play nice. Cause I can make life very difficult for you and your dweeb friends.
Jason: Not even sworn in yet and you're already corrupt. See, this is why I don't care about politics.
Bulk: (fuming) Why you.... I'm gonna....
(Bulk makes a fist and clenches his teeth. Didn't move though and just crossed his arms. Bulk cocks his fist back and threw a wild punch at him that Jason easily ducks from; causing a huge dent in the locker behind him.)
Bulk: (clutches hand) OWWWW!!! MY HAND!
Skull: (amazed) Man Bulkie, what a punch! You nearly ripped the door out of your own locker.
Bulk: Shut up, numbskull! Get me some ice.
Zack: Guys look out!
(Zack shoves his friends out of the way as the door actually does rip open and falls to the floor causing all the contents to spill; mostly small sheets of paper.)
Trini: What is all this stuff?
Bulk: Uh oh...
Billy: Here, let me help you clean this up.
Bulk: NO! Just leave it; I got it.
(A stray sheet of paper wanders off and lands in front of the foot of a returning Mr. Kaplan. He reaches over, picks it up and quickly raises an eyebrow.)
Mr. Kaplan: Why, this is a sheet of paper with Kimberly's name on it.
(He reaches forward and grabs another handful.)
Mr. Kaplan: Another that says Kimberly... and this one has Robbie's. Al Gore? Why, if I didn't know better, I would think that this election was stolen! Bulkmeier, Skullovich; what do you have to say for yourselves?!
Bulk: (horrified) I uh... uh, I don't know how they got there?
(A furious Kaplan marches over to the two boys and grabs them by the ears.)
Mr. Kaplan: You two boys are coming with me! In all my years, I'd never thought I'd see something like this. (He drags them away) Election fraud is a serious offense boys and you two will be seeing some serious detention for this!
(As he drags them off-screen, the rangers share a laugh at their expense.)
Tommy: Looks like the school dodged a bullet here huh?
Kimberly: Yep; more like hail to the thief!
Robbie: Guess we'll never find out who won, huh?
Jason: Nope!
(The rangers join together one last time for a laugh as the episode ends.)
YOU ARE READING
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Robbie Chronicles
FanficThe Mighty Morphin Power Rangers universe, re-tolled with a seventh, Hispanic ranger (the BROWN ranger). He's crude, he makes snide remarks, and treats everything, including his job and his teammates with universal indifference.
