(We begin today at the Command Center. No, there isn't a crisis going on in need of immediate attention. Quite the opposite actually. And Alpha and Zordon are using this quiet time to prepare for the future.)
Alpha: All is going to plan, Zordon. I have calibrated the morphin grid to prevent sudden drops in power. Billy and Adam are finalizing tests on the new metallic armor and it appears the US government is taking steps to increase security and all is quiet in Angel Grove.
(He eyes the viewing globe, which is airing the news.)
Zordon: Excellent, Alpha. Now we should shift our focus toward a permanent power upgrade. Contact Ninjor and ask if he knows of anything.
Alpha: Right away.
(Alpha pushes some buttons until he gets a response.)
"Hello? This is Ninjor!"
Alpha: Ninjor, it's Alpha. How are you good friend?
"Hello? I can't hear you."
Alpha: Ninjor, it's Alpha.
"You're breaking up on me."
Alpha: Can you hear me?
"You need to speak up!"
Alpha: Hello!! This is Alpha!!
"Hahaha. Leave a message. (BEEP)"
Alpha: ...
(Embarrassed, he slowly turns to Zordon.)
Alpha: (Shrugs) He, he. I guess he's not home.
(Alpha isn't the only one closely following the current events. Some of the rangers are keeping tabs on what's going on even during their down time from their ranger duties.)
"In other news, the Dementia Awareness Foundation held its 5th Annual Charity Walk in Towns Square, drawing a crowd of up to 13, 000."
(Cuts to footage from the walk.)
"What do we want?"
"A cure for Dementia!"
"When do we want it?"
"A cure for dementia!"
"The walk raised a total of $150,000, which was then promptly stored in the freezer. (Pause) In relation to our top story, tensions rise among civilians with the increase in security measures ordered by the mayor. With some calling it—"
(On a slow Sunday evening at Robbie's local café, Charbucks. He eyes the screen as he slowly wipes down the counter in front of him. The evening looks to be an uneventful one when somebody he doesn't expect walks in...)
Hannah: Hey!
Robbie: (Raises eyebrow) ...Hannah?
(Hannah peers her head through the door, almost tepidly.)
Hannah: Can... I come in?
Robbie: Sorry. No dogs allowed.
Hannah: (Grins) Cute.
(She enters anyway and approaches the cash register. She's clearly dressed more casually than usual, but with an effort to still look good.)
Robbie: What's with the flannel shirt tied around your waist?
Hannah: I don't want the people in this area commenting on my butt.
Robbie: You don't have a butt.
Hannah: Aw, thank you.
(She briefly reaches into her purse to glance at her cell phone. She then puts it away and looks around the store.)
Hannah: This place is nice, very kitschy. I love it! (Turns to Robbie) And it's great that they hire former convicts too.
Robbie: (Grins) What are you doing here? We don't serve pumpkin spice.
Hannah: Oh I was just doing some shopping with the girls.
Robbie: In the Industrial District?
Hannah: (Smirks) No of course not. We weren't shopping for weaves. I just knew you worked here so I decided to pop by and show you what I picked up!
(She moves to the side to reveal a brand new, hot pink convertible.)
Hannah: Ta-da!
Robbie: Wow.
Hannah: I know. Isn't it amazing?
Robbie: Does Barbie know you took her car?
Hannah: Duh. She's like my twin. She wishes she had my life though.
Robbie: Sure. Why are you showing me this?
Hannah: Because... we were in Drivers Ed together, remember?
Robbie: My probation officer remembers.
Hannah: I actually picked up the money to buy it right after our first lesson. I found these random diamonds laying on the floor so I sold them and bought this.
Robbie: Oh. Lucky you.
(Robbie doesn't know what else to say to her, so he just says nothing. Which turns into an awkward silence. He sees that she's making some vague attempt to be friendly with him. But there's just still something about her he just doesn't trust.)
Hannah: So... are you gonna offer the pretty girl a drink?
Robbie: Oh. Well, the blenders off. And the espresso machine is in a rinse cycle.
Hannah: Oh.
(Feeling uncomfortable, he turns to a drink in the pick-up area.)
Robbie: You can have that.
Hannah: That drink says "Tammy" on it.
Robbie: Screw her.
(She walks over and takes the drink. She takes a large sip. Her eyes open wide.)
Hannah: My god. This is amazing! What is this?
Robbie: Peaches and cream crappuccino.
Hannah: I love this.
(There's another long silence afterwards. Robbie eventually turns around to clean out the blenders. Sensing that this is gonna be like pulling teeth, Hannah gets to the point.)
Hannah: So what are you doing this weekend?
Robbie: ...huh?
Hannah: (Smirks) That got your attention. I figured since you helped me find the money for this new car that I show you around town in it. Maybe help me spend some of it.
Robbie: You think I would be caught dead in that thing? With you? In public?
Hannah: With me? What's wrong with me?
Robbie: You're like... the antithesis for everything that I stand for. You're the Nixon to my Jane Fonda. The Yankees to my Red Sox. The black to my white.
Hannah: I'll buy you stuff.
Robbie: Friday at eight sound good?
Hannah: Lovely. Don't be late.
YOU ARE READING
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Robbie Chronicles - Volume 3
Hayran KurguWith his closest allies gone post power transfer, Robbie adjusts to not only his new role on the team, but to the realization that he must now stand on his own.
