Dynamic Power Rangers

Chapter 8: Dirty Work

Dr. Lark Walker paced around in the Lab. She watched as her team mates filed in. Once they were settled, they looked at her expectantly.

"Is this about new Zords?" Gregory Houston asked and glanced between her and Enrique Ramon. Lark was surprised by how much she had come to rely on his presence in the Lab. He seemed to work the Caervinian computer systems much better than she could.

Ram held up his hands. He had no idea what the subject of today's meeting was about.

Lark shook her head. She glanced around. "I'm going to be away from the Base for three days this weekend. My father has acquired a property nearby and my presence is required for a visit," she announced.

"You sound a lot less enthusiastic than I would be about visiting my daddy for a long weekend," Tempest Strong said.

"That's because you haven't had the pleasure," Gore remarked.

"Funny you should say that," Lark said and pulled an envelope out of her pocket. "Your presence is required as well," she said and it handed it to him.

Gore was floored. He tried not to grimace when he saw his name scrawled on the front of envelope in a familiar script. He slipped it into a pocket without opening it.

"Wait a minute," Sinclair Monning said and raised his hand slightly, "I don't have to go, right?" he asked.

"You were not mentioned," Lark answered.

"Yes!" he said quietly and did a minute fist pump.

"Don't rub it in," Gore said and reached over, whacking him on the back of the head.

Tempest watched the three of them and rubbed her forehead. "I've missed something major along the way," she declared.

"I missed it too. Don't worry," Ram assured her.

Taylor Hicks snickered. "So what do we do while you two are off on a fabulous vacation?" he asked.

"I'm putting Sin in charge of security. You'll probably pick up extra shifts while I'm gone," Gore answered.

"Fun," Taylor drawled.

"When do we have to leave?" Gore asked Lark.

"This afternoon. The new property is just outside Starkweather Valley. We won't be unable to join the fight if an alien appears," Lark assured the others.

Gore silently wished there would be an alien attack soon. It may be bad form but he was not looking forward to this trip. "I'll go pack," he said and left the Lab.

"I'll help," Sin said and ran after him.

Lark sighed and gave Taylor, Tempest and Ram a wan smile. "I suppose I'd better go as well," she said awkwardly and hustled out of the Lab.

Once alone, Tempe rounded on Taylor. "Do you know what's going on?" she demanded.

"Particulars? Nope. I just know when people have known each other a long time," Taylor answered. "I'll tell you what, though. I'm not sure I ever want to meet the boss," he added.

"Amen, brother," Ram agreed and got back to work on the computer.

Tempest sighed. She checked the time. "Guess I'd better get to work," she said.

Ram glanced at Taylor. "Don't you have a shift coming up?" he asked.

"Naw, I traded off with Samson. Wanna go to the city and do anything other than work?" he asked.

"Absolutely," Ram agreed.

"Sweet," Tay declared and the two of them crept to the teleporter together.