Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Robbie Chronicles Volume 2

Season 2 - Episode 7: An Inconvenient Truth

(One early Saturday morning, Jason, who is in bed surrounded by posters of body builders finds himself struggling to get a goodnights rest. The tossing and turning gets him nowhere though his mind races from memory to memory in a series of bad dreams.)

"Just give it up power rangers; you'll never defeat Lord Zedd."

(One of such dreams involves an arrogant Pirantishead facing off with him and his team down by the piers. In the infamous first encounter with Zedd's monsters, Jason finds himself tense and nervous, despite his stoic demeanor. He tries to drown out his worries by overcompensating.)

Jason: That remains to be seen, we need Dinozord power, now!

(The Earth rips open and out come the trusty Dinozords through the steam. They meet up and prepare for combat, but as you may know by now, things don't go as planned.)

Pirantishead: Hahaha! Looks like this time you rangers are gonna be left out at sea.

(Pirantishead picks up his nun chucks, which doubles as a flute, and after playing a short tune it emits an icy blue beam that renders each of the Zords useless. This sticks out in Jason's memory as he can recalls his heart dropping as if it were happening for the first time.)


Jason: Oh man, he froze the Zords!

Trini: We're history!

Jason: We've got to get back to the command center right away.

(The rangers leave. Though after that, Jason's memory of this day becomes a bit hazy. The next thing he remembers is himself at the top of a skyscraper. He is again morphed but the only other ranger with him is the Tommy. Strangely enough, the Zord's are not around and it looks like Tommy is there to fight him.)

Tommy: So it was you behind the command center's destruction. How could you? After all we've been through, to just turn your back on it all. How do you put on that red costume and not feel sick to your stomach?

(Filled with a smug, yet foreign sense of entitlement, he grins at Tommy after he figures out that Jason had framed him in the destruction of the command center, and the near destruction of Alpha 5.)

Tommy: (furiously) You're a traitor! To all of us, and to anyone who's ever worn that su--

Jason: Oh shut up! You act like you're one without sin; you're not even a real part of this team. Since day one, you've done nothing but look out for yourself. You put countless tournaments before any of our battles and just show up whenever you feel like. And do I need to mention that when you first arrived in Angel Grove you tried to kill us?

Tommy: Wha-- I was under a spell!

Jason: Were you under a spell when you lost your powers trying to bury Robbie and Trini in some ridiculous school election that I told you was ridiculous? And you call me the traitor?

Tommy: I...

Jason: Face it; destroying you would benefit the team more than anything. You've been nothing but a zit on all our faces. And you've gotten in my way more than once. It's time to pop you once and for all.

(After that, Jason makes a run for Tommy's head. Jason remembers how noble he felt for doing so, though as he lays in bed he can't help but feel that guilty, like he cheated on a bad partner out of spite. He continues to charge at Tommy, though in his dream that's all he ever does. When he does stop running, he is nowhere near the roof but in a dark cell that looks like it's in the middle of outer space.)

Goldar: Give it all you've got red ranger, you'll never retrieve the green candle in time! Hahaha!

(To his bemusement, he now finds himself face to face with Goldar. To the left of him is a nearly burnt out green candle.)

Zack: Jason... yo Jason.

Jason: Man, what are you doing here?

Zack: Jason, you gotta come back. Tommy's in big trouble.

Goldar: You're all in trouble now!


Jason: But if I don't get the candle in time, he'll lose his powers.

Zack: If we don't get to him in time, he could lose his life.

Goldar: Which will you choose red ranger?

(Begrudgingly, Jason knows what he has to do and begins to step away with Zack. He keeps promising himself that he'd come back and grab that candle, but no matter how many times he replays this dream in his head, he never does.)

Zack: Come on, Jason. Come on.

Goldar: You give up too easily.

(As soon as he and Zack exit through a portal the dream ends. The green candle is extinguished. It extinguishes over and over in Jason's head. Over and over again, until Jason shoots up in a cold sweat. It is nearly 4 in the morning.)

Jason: Man... what's going on with me?

(The following morning, or rather just a few hours later, a restless Jason heads to the Juice Bar with Zack and Kim. The former spots him on the punching bag, though Zack quickly grows very concerned, mostly cause it seems like Jason is trying to knock his head off.)

Zack: Yo Jase, calm down, you're punching way too hard man. Save your strength.

(Jason ignores his best friend and continues to wail on it as hard as he can. Each punch is so hard that his last one tweaks his wrist on contact, causing a sharp pain up his forearm. He finally stops.)

Jason: (grimaces) AHH!!!

Zack: What was I just saying? The punching bag never stays down.

Jason: We'll see about that.

(He furiously kicks the bag right back, nearly missing Zack's face in the process. The whole punching bag is knocked right off its harness, creating a loud crashing noise that echoes through the half empty Juice Bar. Immediately, Jason realizes how stupid he's acting and tries to save face.)


Jason: Sorry! I'm sorry everyone. Sorry Ernie, I'll pick it up. I'm sorry.

Zack: Dude, what's gotten into you? You think you're Mike Tyson or Bobby Brown all of a sudden?

Jason: No, I'm sorry bro. It's just... I have a lot on my mind.

Zack: Look the Brock rumors got out of control, I understand. But it was a joke, I had no clue people would actually think that was you.

Jason: No, it's not that. I had—I had the dream again.

(And suddenly Zack is right there with him.)

Zack: Oh!

Jason: It's the fourth night in a row.

Zack: The one where the Zords got trashed or the one with the green candle?

Jason: Both. With a nice surprise one in the middle. I just... I feel like just should've gotten that stupid thing! This whole mess with Tommy is my fault. What kind of leader am I?

Zack: Come on man, you're being too hard on yourself. Yeah you're the leader, but no one expects you to be Superman. You're not gonna get them all the time, you know this. Everyone does. You just gotta buck up and move on when you do fail. You said exactly that to that Craig kid when we were in Scotland, remember?

Jason: Yeah, I know.

Zack: Their leader ran off on them. He couldn't take the pressure anymore or bear to see any more of his friends get hurt.

Jason: Sounds familiar when you put it like that.

Zack: You're not thinking what I think you're thinking. Cause I'd lose some serious respect for you if--

Jason: Don't worry, I'm not gonna bail. I know I'm not Superman, but I'm no coward either.

Zack: Okay.

Jason: Still, and this is off the record... it's been a really long time since I truly enjoyed doing this.

Zack: Being a ranger? That sounds pretty serious.

Jason: Yeah, don't tell anyone.

Zack: I won't. Actually I sort of feel the same.

Jason: Do you? I mean, I know protecting Angel Grove is important. And I love all you guys, so it has nothing to do with that. But lately I just wonder if this is all I'm cut out to be. Being some vigilante who constantly has to hide from the public. And if it is, would I be happy with that?

(Zack doesn't respond but appears to share the feeling. While they continue talking, Trini and Robbie walk into the Juice Bar holding umbrellas and stacks of pamphlets. They're also wearing matching t-shirts with the familiar print that reads "Clean-Up Club.")

Trini: (enthusiastically) Alright, we have our pamphlets, our shirts, our coffee, our petitions, are we missing anything else?

Robbie: (mutters) ...a suicide note?

Trini: Don't be silly. You're not getting out of this one. You're gonna help me take down those fat cat industrialists polluting our air one name at a time. Once the mayor sees our petition she'll have to do what we ask if she cares about the environment. Or her job.

Robbie: I'm still waiting to hear back about my petition to ban useless petitions.

(Trini doesn't appear to be paying attention to Robbie's comment as her attention seems to have been suddenly shifted elsewhere.)

Trini: Why is it so cold in here? It's pouring outside.

Robbie: Maybe cause its 92 degrees and humid outside. Even the rain is hot.

Trini: Yeah and blasting this AC isn't helping.

Robbie: I'm not following your logic.

Trini: Here, hold my umbrella.

Robbie: Huh?

(Trini makes a b-line for the front counter, where she finds Ernie.)

Trini: Ernie, can I talk to you for a second?

Ernie: Sure doll, you need anything?

Trini: Ernie it's freezing in here, you think you can turn down the air conditioning?

Ernie: You cold? But it's so hot outside.

Trini: I know, but it's not about that.

(She hands him a pamphlet and prepares to go into her pre-rehearsed spiel.)

Trini: This is a pamphlet on climate change and behaviors we as humans are doing to cause it.

Ernie: Climate what?

Trini: Climate change. It's caused by heat from the sun getting trapped in the atmosphere due to a carbon build up called greenhouse gas. A bunch of things release carbon, including the exhaust from air conditioning. It's really simple to cut your carbon footprints, and a few key steps are listed in there.

Ernie: (skeptically) Eh... Is there any science behind this? Cause I'll be honest, this sounds like a lot of liberal mumbo-jumbo.

Trini: Ninety seven percent of peer reviewed studies have concluded a link between rising temperatures and a rise in carbon emissions.

Ernie: So the jury's still out then?

Trini: No.

Ernie: Well you said there's three percent that don't. And I don't know about you, but my AC and my Hummer are gonna put our money on the underdog.

Trini: This isn't a joke Ernie, animals are dying cause of our carelessness. Ice caps on the North Pole are melting, drowning polar bears. Your Hummer is drowning those polar bears. Have you considered switching to a nice Prius?

Ernie: A Prius? A few of those got caught on my windshield on the way over here.

Trini: Ernie I...

Ernie: Look sweetheart, I'm normally all for whatever fun little cause you wanna fight for. But now you're asking me to do these things that would affect my business, and I just can't do it.

(Ernie speaks with a tone of finality, but to his disliking, it only makes Trini more assertive.)

Trini: Without the Earth, you have no business!

Ernie: Sorry, my mind's made up.

Trini: Ernie!!!

(While the discussion between Ernie and Trini seems like it's hardly over, Kimberly, who is stretching by the balance beam notices Robbie hoping not to be seen. She goes over there to give him a hard time.)

Kimberly: (Laughs) Robbie, is that you? What are you doing in that shirt?

Robbie: Waiting for the varsity team to shove me in a locker.

Kimberly: I'm guessing Trini talked you into this?

Robbie: I volunteered.

Kimberly: You WHAT?!

Robbie: (shrugs) I haven't been spending any time with her recently and frankly I don't know what else to do.

Kimberly: So putting on a silly shirt and arguing with restaurant owners is supposed to make you a better couple?

Robbie: Listen, you guys are the ones that suggested I try to take an interest in her crap and I am. I support her. I just wish she gave me the time of day every now and then.

Kimberly: That's actually.... a very legitimate concern. Plus, why would she force you up so early just to pass out petitions?

Robbie: I have no idea. Who in their right mind would wake up at such an ungodly hour to protest on a Saturday? It's bad enough that I'm in class by eight during the week.

Kimberly: Class starts at seven.

Robbie: Well I'm in class by eight.

Kimberly: I see. Well this sounds like a very real problem you have here Robbie, I suggest you two sit down and talk about it, before one of you does are says something you might regret.

Robbie: Nah, I can't ask her to choose between her career and me. I knew going in this is what she wanted to do and I have to respect that. I just have to avoid being seen while I'm out doing that stuff with her. Lord knows some of the kids in our school love to talk.

Hannah: Oh. My. God.

Robbie: (sighs) ...and now I've got to transfer schools.

(From the corner of their eyes, the two spot a giddy Hannah M. Tannah ripping off the napkin from her Abercrombie & Fitch halter top and getting up to join them.)

Kimberly: Oh. Hey Hannah.

Hannah: Hi Kimmy! I haven't seen you since our little date, how've you been?

Kimberly: Good.

Hannah: You still talking to that guy you were paired with?

Kimberly: Tommy? Yeah. I guess we decided to keep seeing each other.

Hannah: Oh. Lovely. And is this your little orphan friend Robbie? That's a cute shirt, is community service making you pick up trash?

Robbie: Yep, and I haven't reached your block yet, so stay where I can see you.

Kimberly: Hannah, what are you doing here at the Juice Bar?

Robbie: Yeah. Pimp gave you the weekend off?

(Hannah rolls her eyes distastefully and continues.)

Hannah: Well, don't let any of the girls know, but I absolutely adore this place! It's so quaint in its dullness, and the food is fantastic. I guess I have a secret soft spot for cheap things.

Robbie: Which would explain why you carry a mirror.

Hannah: Plus my boyfriend kicked me out of his house this morning. So I kinda needed a place to eat.

Kimberly: Oh I'm sorry. Was it a bad argument?

Hannah: No, his wife flew home early.

Kimberly: Oh. I'm sorry...

Hannah: Whatever. I was thinking of dumping him anyway.

Robbie: Yeah, I hear those married men are hard to lock down.

Hannah: Oh who asked you anyway? Shouldn't you be out "fighting the system" with your insufferable granola eating girlfriend? Kim and I are having an A and B conversation.

Kimberly: Actually, I was sort of talking to...

Hannah: Do you even know who I am? I am Hannah Mo Tannah, and I will not take this disrespect lying down.

Robbie: That's funny, cause from what I hear you love—

Kimberly: Robbie, NO!

Robbie: ...


Kimberly: Look Hannah, why don't we just catch up later, okay? Robbie's not in a very good mood right now and you mocking him isn't gonna help.

Hannah: Oh relax Kim, Robbie and I are just having fun. Aren't we?

Robbie: We are?

(She playfully taps him on the nose, which only irritates him.)

Hannah: Call you later Kim. Ta-ta!

(Hannah strolls out the Juice Bar with her head held up high. Making a point to push past Robbie on her way out. Things don't exactly settle down either when she leaves, as Angel Grove High's principle Mr. Kaplan walks in as soon as she exits.)

Kimberly: Mr. Kaplan, hi how are you? What are you doing here?

Mr. Kaplan: Hello Kimberly, Mr. Clemente. I'm just here to deliver some very important news. Now where are these guys...

(Kaplan looks around the youth center until he finds the people he's looking for.)

Mr. Kaplan: Ah, there they are. Jason, Zackary, may I have a word with you two?

(He walks over to the two, who look just as confused as Robbie and Kim were to see him.)

Jason: Mr... Kaplan. Hey. Yeah, sure.

Zack: What are you doing here... sir?

Jason; Are we in trouble?

Mr. Kaplan: Nonsense. I'm just here because I've received some very important news. So important that it couldn't wait till Monday.

Trini: Mr. Kaplan, hi!

(The clipboard wielding Trini jumps in, reaching her hand out respectfully for her principle.)

Mr. Kaplan: Trini, hi! Just the person missing from this party. What are you doing?

Trini: Nothing, just uh... forging Ernie's name onto this petition. What's going on here?

Mr. Kaplan: Well I'm glad you're here. I was just gonna tell these boys that I got off the phone with a Mr. Saban, who's an official from the United Nations. He has some wonderful news for the three of you.

Trini: ...us?

Mr. Kaplan: Apparently the Swiss government has pitched an idea to the US government that they just couldn't say no to. In an effort to improve relations with other countries, and hopefully play a role in ending military conflict overseas, the Swiss government has decided to take with them three regular American teenagers who are a part of their program around the world to work hands on in supplying aid to impoverished regions and to appeal to their leaders.

(The three are blown away by just that bit, and Kaplan isn't even finished.)

Mr. Kaplan: It's called The World Peace Conference. And Mr. Saban has asked me to sign you three up since you've all done so well in the global outreach program thus far. It would be a wonderful honor if you three got selected and represented my school.

Zack: But wait, we just sign up and that's it? We're gone? No more friends, no more school or anything? That sounds a little funny to me.

Trini: Yeah. This is a tremendous honor and all, but it seems like this Mr. Saban is just looking to get rid of us.

Mr. Kaplan: Nothing could be further from the truth. The application process is very complete, requiring full permission from your parents and a notarized letter from the school department stating that you can continue your education overseas while working. You'll still officially be students of Angel Grove High. And you'll only be gone for one year, so you can even attend graduation with your friends once you come back home!

Jason: Whoa, a whole year! You didn't say anything about us being gone that long.

Mr. Kaplan: Well Rome wasn't built in a day.

Trini: We know, but...

Jason: A year is just a very long time to be gone. I mean, we're kind of tied to this town... in more ways than one.

Trini: Yeah, thanks, but we need to think about this first.

Zack: I'm not sure what's to think about here. It seems like a perfect opportunity to get out and really be happy accomplishing something. Something beyond what we currently do, you know?

(Zack makes an obviously pointed remark toward Jason, although he still doesn't appear sold.)

Mr. Kaplan: Well the choice is completely yours. However just know that you will be doing very fulfilling work and have the chance to change the world for the better. I trust you three will make the right decisions.

(As much as Kaplan's message resonates with Trini, Zack and Jason, this is a decision much more complex than a simple yes or no. No matter how ear Zack is, or how currently unhappy Jason is. One of the major implications they must consider is currently watching them right now from the moon.)

Lord Zedd: This is marvelous!

Goldar: Just think, we could finally live in a world without Jason, Zack and Trini!


Baboo: And good riddance to them.

Squatt: Yeah. I'm getting pretty sick of the whole Robbie/Trini saga.

Baboo: ...and I thought Tommy hogged the spotlight.

Lord Zedd: Yes. Three rangers, can be out of my way soon, one of whom is their leader! And with Tommy's powers on the brink of failing it may even be four. Oh, today is shaping up to be better than D-day.

(Back on Earth and seeking guidance, Jason, Zack and Trini turn to Zordon at the command center for his take.)

Zordon: This is truly a difficult situation, and I for one am conflicted. The three of you leaving would leave a tremendous hole within the Power Rangers that may not easily be replaced. And I would personally miss you all.

Zack: And we'd miss you too, big guy.

Zordon: But on the other hand, I never intended to hold any of you back when I recruited you. The three of you clearly have an opportunity in front of you to do more good for the world than you could ever do as Power Rangers. This cannot simply be ignored.


Zack: I know Zordon, and this isn't even guaranteed. We'd just be applying.

Trini: We'd just kind of hoped to get your personal feelings on this. Maybe assure us that by doing this, we won't be putting Angel Grove in harm's way.

Zordon: I can assure you at least that much.

Jason: How so?

Alpha: We anticipate drop outs from time to time and we have a system in check to make sure we don't go for any extended period of time without a full team. Just give us the word and we can begin recruiting your replacements.

Zordon: And Jason, if you chose to go through with this it would be your job to appoint somebody into your role from our current team. If selected to go into the Peace Conference, you must step down as leader of the Power Rangers.

(Those words burn into Jason's mind. It suddenly makes him realize that though this was his opportunity to be happier, he'd be doing the exact same thing he promised he wouldn't do: running away.)

Jason: I see...

Zack: Well I've already made up my mind. I'm applying. This will be the perfect chance to see the world and shake hands with all the big wigs. Just imagine, I get to convince world leaders to agree to peace treaties.

Jason: Try to convince a girl to go out with you before you get in over your head.

Zack: Trust me, I know what I'm doing. I feel like I've done all I can in Angel Grove, I'm ready to move on.

(Jason just shakes his head, envious that Zack can come to this decision so easily.)

Trini: Yeah, you know what Zack, you're right. Count me in.

Jason: Uh Trini, wouldn't you be forgetting something here? Or rather, someone.

Trini: Huh?

Jason: Robbie? Your boyfriend? The person you said you loved just a couple of weeks ago? Don't you think you should consult him first? I mean, you owe it to the guy.

Trini: Oh... right. I completely forgot about Robbie. I'm gonna go talk to him right now and let him know I'm signing up.

Jason: You don't think this might upset him?

Trini: Nah, he's been super cool about this whole thing so far. I can't imagine this would be any different.

(Twenty minutes later in the middle of a rainy park...)

Robbie: You're gonna do WHAT?!?

Trini: I'm gonna go to Switzerland to take part in peace talks.

Robbie: You want world peace? Join a beauty pageant!

Trini: You're upset...?

Robbie: You're surprised?

Trini: Robbie, this is a dream of mine, you know this. You know I want to dedicate my life to helping other people and if this is successful, even to some small degree, I will be accomplishing more in one year than I ever could as a ranger. And I thought of all people, you would understand and try to support me. Just like you're supporting me now with this petition.

Robbie: SCREW YOUR PETITION.

(Lividly, he slams the petition on the ground, scattering sheets of paper all over the place. Trini however, doesn't even break eye contact with him.)

Robbie: How exactly do you expect to achieve world peace, Trini? Enlighten me! There are countries that have been waging wars for decades; the Jews and the Muslims have been fighting over holy land for hundreds of years, and you think you're gonna end that conflict? You're gonna accomplish what the world's best diplomats have failed to do. Do you know how insanely arrogant that sounds?!

Trini: I can't believe you're saying this.

Robbie: Yeah, well I can't believe someone who supposedly loves me decided to move to Switzerland without considering my feelings at all.

Trini: Robbie, if I stay here I'm just gonna wonder about the what-ifs for the rest of my life. If by some small chance you and I work out and actually get married, all I'm gonna think about is the dream that I passed up so you can have yours. And if you don't see that, then... maybe we shouldn't be together.

(The second the words come out of her mouth she wants to take them back. Robbie looks stunned, and uncharacteristically, has no reply for her at all. Words aren't necessary though to tell he is hurt. Trini immediately tries to back pedal, though it looks to be too late.)

Trini: I-I mean, Robbie...

(She places her hand on his chest, though he quickly and coldly swats it away.)

Robbie: Get off. Do whatever you want. I don't care.

Trini: No Robbie, please... you don't mean that. I didn't mean that.

Robbie: Yes I do. And yes you did. Go enjoy your life and save the world. I'm sure you and your cats will live a very fulfilling life.

(He storms off. She starts chasing after him and looks to be on the verge of tears. However an odd noise from not too far away disrupts her train of thought yet again.)

Trini: Huh?

(She turns her head and suddenly drops whatever she's doing to head in the opposite direction of Robbie. The culprits responsible for stealing her attention on the other end are none other than Bulk and Skull, who are pushing a baby stroller.)

Skull: Okay, so explain to me one more time why being out here in the middle of the park pushing a carriage filled with your mom's hairspray. People are beginning to stare at us.

Bulk: It's all simple science.

Skull: Bulky, aren't you flunking science?

Bulk: That's not the point. Remember yesterday when Trini started passing around pamphlets about global warming?

Skull: And I threw ice down her shirt and asked if it was any cooler yet?

Bulk: Yeah.

Skull: That was funny, wasn't it?

Bulk: Sure. Well, I actually read one of them and it listed ways in which we're harming the environment. One of them is using hairspray. It has toxic chemicals in it that eats away at the ozone layer.

Skull: What does that has to do with the Power Rangers?

Bulk: Haven't you noticed? What happens whenever the Power Rangers show up and call their Megazords?

(It takes Skull a second, but he finally puts it all together.)

Skull: (gasp) A thunder storm!

Bulk: Exactly! And I figure it probably works in reverse too. If we do enough damage to the environment and make it rain, the Zords might show up. And where there are Zords...

Skull: There are Power Rangers!

Bulk: Genius, yes?

Skull: Yes! Let's do it.

(The duo digs into the pile of hairspray cans, pops them open and starts spraying the contents into the air. Trini arrives shortly after and rips the cans from each of their hands.)

Skull: Hey!!

Bulk: What's the meaning of this?!

Trini: What on Earth are you two clowns doing?

Bulk: We're about to become rich and famous for your information. We're gonna catch the Power Rangers.

Trini: With hairspray?

Bulk: With climate change!

Trini: That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard.


Skull: Well it was your idea! We read it off your pamphlet. We're gonna cause a thunder storm by destroying the ozone layer.

Bulk: It's already been raining too, so we won't have to work as hard. Smart, huh?

Trini: I have no clue how that will work, but if you two idiots want it to rain so bad, why don't you try dancing?

Bulk: Geez, what crawled up your butt? Don't you have a boyfriend to pester and force feed your hippy nonsense to?

Trini: I was actually in the middle of a really important conversation with him, until I saw you two and...

Bulk: Uh, he isn't even here.

(Trini turns her head around and realizes that Robbie is nowhere to be found. This greatly distresses her, as it begins to dawn on her that she's lost grip with her life's priorities. She drops the topic and starts to run after him; but not before collecting all the hairspray from Bulk and Skull.)

Skull: Aww.

Bulk: Well, that didn't go too well.

Skull: Yeah...

Bulk: ...wanna go buy gasoline and chuck it in the ocean?

Skull: You read my mind!

(While Bulk and Skull head to the nearest gas station, Lord Zedd seems intrigued by all the talk about the environment.)

Lord Zedd: Global warming eh? I wonder if there's any merit to this.

Baboo: None at all, don't listen to a word she says master. Everyone knows God creates natural disasters whenever two gay guys hook up.

Squatt: It's true, I read it in the bible.

Lord Zedd: A feasible explanation. But perhaps I can play into this silly conspiracy theory with my own natural disaster. All I need is the perfect monster to do so.

(From the comfort of his throne, he scans through the planet for any large animals he can turn into monsters. Unfortunately for him, he doesn't seem to find much of interest.)

Lord Zedd: Nothing. Just a bunch of dead polar bears and homeless birds. Where are all the good animals nowadays?

(He continues searching for something big and ferocious, but the only thing that catches his eye is a tortoise on a boardwalk near a beach caught in a plastic ring. It isn't just caught though, it's fused into the ring; suggesting it was stuck to it since birth and the shell just grew around it. Seeing few other options, Zedd shrugs and accepts it.)

Lord Zedd: I suppose this one will have to do.

(He slowly picks himself up and lumbers over to the balcony, Zedd then picks up his Z-staff and waves it toward Earth.)

Lord Zedd: Through the forces of darkness bestowed in me, you shall rise and cast vengeance on the humans that have betrayed you!

(On command, a wave of dark energy flows out of the Z-staff aimed at the boardwalk. In seconds the animal is caught in a force field and begins to mutate. While this is going on, Jason and Zack are back in the Juice Bar explaining the details of Kaplan's proposal.)


Kimberly: A whole year? You guys are gonna be gone for a whole year?

(Jason nods his head, still not sure of what he wants to do.)

Billy: B-but I don't understand; what would happen to the team if the three of you leave for Switzerland?

Jason: ...we would have to leave the group.

Kimberly: And you're all okay with this?

Jason: Well...

Zack: Absolutely. I mean, we'd definitely miss you guys and all. We all grew up together so it'd be tough, but a year will go by like that. Plus we'd at least stick around until you guys find replacements.

Billy: I suppose this is a once in a life time opportunity. At the very least it'll open up a lot of doors for diplomacy work in the future.

Kimberly: I don't know. You guys are my best friends, I don't know what I'd do without you. Especially Trini. How is she reacting to the news?

Zack: She's totally stoked. In fact, she's out telling Robbie right now. She sure he's gonna flip too.

Kimberly: And you Jason? You don't sound as enthusiastic as Zack and Trini do.

(He takes a second to respond, either to find the right way to phrase how he's feeling, or to better assess how he's feeling about this.)

Jason: ...I... I want to go. I mean, lately I've been feeling pretty down about things. For a while actually. And the only thing that'd ever pick me up is when I'm doing my global outreach stuff. That's when I get to help others without fear of something going wrong, or me messing up, you know? But on the other hand, I can't just ditch you guys. I'm your leader, and I owe it to you guys to stay here.

Kimberly: Look, Jason don't listen to a word I say. You don't owe us a thing, you've been a fantastic leader. You deserve to move on and be happy.

Jason: You really think so?

Kimberly: I know so.

Billy: Yeah Jason, we never doubted your word for a second. We'd certainly struggle for a bit without you, but don't let us hold you back. We'll keep Angel Grove intact while you're gone.

Zack: Like I was telling you earlier.

Jason: Yeah, I guess. You guys really seem to want me gone, huh?

Kimberly: More than anything in the world.

Jason: (laughs) Alright then, I'll think about it. In the meanwhile, I have to think about who I'd appoint as a new leader.)