"LIGHTSPEED FROM SPACE"

Half a million miles from Earth, General Rygog's Space Base approached the planet from the shadow of the moon.

The evil general boldly stood at the helm. "Show me the Earth." he ordered the computer.

In answer to Rygog's command, the blue-green planet now loomed considerably larger, filling the forward screens.

In the blink of an eye, a half a dozen cross hairs flared to life over the image of Earth.

"Computer, now show me the location of a Justin Stewart, Power Ranger."

On the big screen, the Earth seemed to swell and expand as the image was magnified to better show the prime target area.

It appeared to be a large urban center on the western shores of a large continental land mass.

Within seconds, the genral had learned the terristial name of the targeted site.

The human natives called it Mariner Bay.

Abruptly, Rygog's Space Base appeared a mile above Mariner Bay, its shadow falling over downtown.

A female bystander cried out once she spotted the huge, glowing craft and this started a wave of panic on the streets of Mariner Bay. People were screaming and clamoring to safety.

The Aquabase responds with an unprecedented sounding of Klaxons and alert sirens. The brave men and women of Rescue Ops scrambled to battle stations. Six Rangers ran into the command center and fell in line.

Captain Mitchell stood before them with his hands clasped behind his back. "Rangers, we have a situation. The city needs you now, more than ever."

"What's Vypra up to now?"

"Not a demon this time. An alien."

The rescue squad exchanged quizzical looks.

Dana held up a hand. "Waitaminute, where's Justin?"

Kelsey palmed her face. "He's helping out at the Mariner Bay Youth Center."

"Go Rangers. He'll meet you there."

The Mariner Bay Youth Center was a warm and inviting place. Justin Stewart was mentoring some of the kids from the neighborhood. He would teach them about healthy eating, exercise and sometimes, fire safety.

A familiar warble sounded from the morphing device strapped to Justin's wrist.

The voice of Miss Fairweather squawked over the communicator. "Cobalt Ranger. Do you copy?"

"I read you, doctor. Go ahead." Justin said, speaking into the device.

"A creature has breached the city limits. Its downtown and its moving."

Justin nodded reluctantly. "I'm on my way," he said. Tapping a front panel on his morpher, he activated it shouting, "Cobalt Power!" There was a glorious flash of colored light. Then the Cobalt Ranger somersaulted through the air and landed deftly near the warehouse district, hands outstretched.

Within seconds, his teammates arrived to the scene in record time.

The Cobalt Ranger looked around. "What's causing all of this?" he asked of his teammates.

"I got an odd feeling that we're about to find out." Carter said. "Stay alert, everyone."

Justin whirled, seeking the source of the disturbance, and found himself staring at a solitary figure. "Looks like we found our problem."

Almost in slow motion, Justin saw an old foe approaching.

Then beneath his tinted visor, Justin's eyes went wide. "Rygog...you're still alive? I thought we took care of you for good?"

"Ah, the little-do-gooders have arrived." the monster replied. "I, General Rygog, order you to surrender, immediately."

Justin leaned forward, clenching his fists. "Not a chance."

Kelsey crossed her arms over her chest. "What's your deal, Rygog?"

General Rygog's eyes glinted dangerously. "The answer is quite simple: the destruction of you troublesome Rangers and this backwards planet you call Earth."

"You just don't learn do you?" Justin shouted, spitting defiance.

"Feast your eyes on my special troops." he continued. "I call them, Goldites. An improvement on the Chromites. Capable fighters, on both land and underwater."

"Yeah..we'll see about that."

"Let's do it guys. Hiyah!"

Within a matter of moments, Rygog made short work of the Rangers. Each were knocked back in a blaze of sparks.

Rygog charged, head down, and butted the Cobalt Ranger with such force the hero flew straight back like a pinball, glancing off a steel girder.

Justin was the first to recover. "Rygog! I am not gonna let you have your way!"

"Hmph." Rygog crossed his arms. "And how do you intend to stop me, Cobalt Ranger?"

Crossing his forearms, Justin assumed a power stance. "By showing you how much stronger I've become. Yah!"

"Think again!" With an inhuman roar, Rygog struck hard.

Justin thudded the ground like a sack of wet cement. "-Ngh-!"

"Justin, are you all right?" Carter rushed to over Justin's aide, hauling him back to his feet.

"I will be," he replied, grimacing. "This guy is tougher than I remembered."

Rygog chuckled darkly. "I have grown in power since we've last met."

Justin felt a flash of anger - and powerlessness too. "We're not through yet." he argued.

"Have it your way then."

Carter nodded. "Rangers. Activate V Lancers."

"You got it. V Lancers lock on, fire!"

"What? It didn't even phase him."

"How pathetic. Surely you can do better than that."

Rygog charged forward, running through them like a battering ram.

"-Augh!" They screamed in agony.

Their morphers warbled. "Rangers, return to base at once and let's regroup." The Captain ordered.

The Aqua Base...

After getting patched up, the rescue squad sat gathered around the main monitor in the conference room.

On screen came a shaky image of General Rygog leading a special troop of Goldites into the city. As the the rescue squad watched, riveted with horror, Rygog could be seen barrelling through a contingent of Police Officers. Bullets bouncing off his armor as he returned energy blasts at the defending officers.

Nobody was more aggravated from these images than Justin. Seeing his brothers and sisters in blue, putting their lives on the line like this.

Justin earnestly smacked a fist against his palm. "Rygog proved to be much more than we could handle, sir. But there's gotta be a way to stop him."

Chad agreed. "We need a plan of attack. Hit him where it hurts."

Dana crossed her arms around her chest. "We should be more careful this time."

Carter nodded in agreement. "That goes without saying."

Miss Fairweather steeped forward. "The Captain and I have the ultimate faith in your abilities. Trust in yourselves and you can't lose."

The captain sighed, nodded slightly. "Then its settled. Rangers, get on it."

In response, everyone broke and ran for the exit.

Outskirts of Mariner Bay...

"On the double guys. Let's move it." Carter commanded.

Everyone acknowledged, crisply.

The rescue squad had made it to the scene of the disturbance.

Instantly, everyone tensed as they neared the abandoned demolition site.

Carter lead them. "These are the coordinates."

Dana struck a determined stance. "He's gotta be around here somewhere."

Kelsey looked around."But I don't see any Goldites."

From seemingly out of nowhere, General Rygog laughed wickedly. "Surprise, surprise Rangers!"

Immediately, Justin cried in alarm. "Eyes up guys, its Rygog."

On impulse, everyone shifted into fighting stances.

Joel grunted, feinting forward as if ready for a fight, "We can take him."

A smirk lifted the corners of Rygog's lips. "I'd like to see you go ahead and try."

Back at the Aqua Base...

As a clash of alarms began to sound all over Rescue Ops as Captain Mitchell bounded into the command center. "What the hell is going on? I want answers, now."

Stepping forward, one of the uniformed men snapped off a quick salute."Sir, we're picking up something from deep space." he informed the captain. "It's fast approaching our atmosphere. Whatever it is, the power levels are insane."

Miss Fairweather looked worriedly over at the captain."This could be Maligore again, sir."

"Can you identify it, Cadet?" the captain asked.

The technician crossed over to one of the consoles and tapped in a few commands. "Readings show an inbound power surge."

Mitchell's brows met, not knowing what to make of this. "Get me a visual."

On screen, were five colored streaks in the skies above Mariner Bay stretching towards the scene of battle.

Captain Mitchell continued to watch. "Get on the horn and raise NASADA. Tell them I want answers, now."

"At once, sir." was the tech's reply as he got to work feverishly.

Meanwhile...

All at once, the seven Rangers attacked General Rygog, unleashing a dazzling display of kicks and punches. The monstrous general proved to be much too tough, and easily parried each of their valiant strikes. He then counter-attacked with a punishing combination of blows.

Suddenly, in a rising blaze, Rygog launched his opponents with a savage blast of power.

Our heroes were knocked off their feet by the sudden impact of his blast.

General Rygog grinned as his red eyes flashed. "You'll never stand a chance, pitiful Rangers. You're done for."

Justin gritted his teeth. "That's what you think."

The general slowly stepped towards them, smirking with satisfaction. "It's the end for you, Foolish Rangers. No more playing around. Say goodnight."

"We can't take much more of this." Dana outcried.

Chad looked grim. "Dana's right. We'll lose at this rate, if we don't do something fast."

Not giving up, Carter came to his feet. "Our mission isn't over yet, guys. On your feet, Rangers. That's an order." he called out to the squad.

"Carter's right." Justin said, marshaling his strength up. "We have a job to do. Time to take care of business."

With their muscles pulsating with pain, the rescue squad came to their feet, never taking their gaze off of Rygog.

Carter smiled bravely at his opponent. "You see that, Rygog," he said. "You can't keep a good Ranger down."

A low chuckle rose from Rygog's cold lips. "You really have no clue who you're dealing with, insolent beings. My power is unmatched. Seven of you at once, and you still won't stand a chance against me."

"Somebody call for some backup?" a disembodied voice rang out, in midair like an anthem.

For an instant, everyone exchanged looks in silence, until one of them said...

"Look over there, you guys!" Dana suddenly cried out, pointing.

Everybody swung around in the direction of her gaze and a ray of hope burst inside them.

Rygog also whirled look and pitched backwards at the newcomers. "Who. . .who invited you?!"

At a distance, were a band six heroes, dressed up in spacey uniforms: Andros, Ashley, Carlos, Cassie, T.J. and Zhane. Brilliant rays of light broke on them.

"Sorry to keep you guys waiting." Andros smiled bravely at them

Chad's mouth dropped in amazement. "Whoa...Who are they?" he asked.

"Those are my friends." Justin answered, smile blooming.

Kelsey's eyes widened in delight. "It's the Space Rangers!" she perked out happily.

"No way!" Ryan said, lifting a fist in the air.

Dana brightened in recognition. "Yes, way!"

Sidling up with pride, Joel tipped a hat. "Well, awright."

Carter flashed them a small smile. "Space Rangers. Not bad."

General Rygog practically felt steam coming out of his ears. More Rangers, he whined to himself.

Andros and squad dashed up to the others in the battlefield, with Rygog standing there in heated disdain.

"We got here as soon as we could." Andros caught up to them.

"Great timing." Justin enthused, flashing a thumbs-up.

Carter agreed. "Right, its good to have backup."

"Glad we could join the party." Cassie said, feeling fired up.

"Let's see how tough these guys really are." T.J. replied, clenching his fists.

Sucking in deep breaths, they all nodded.

Suddenly, our heroes formed a line in Rygog's path. Their eyes burning with courage.

"Let's do it, guys." Justin called out to the others.

"You guys ready?" Andros yelled up, revealing his morpher.

"Let's rocket!" the entire space squad called out, morphing.

"Lightspeed Rescue!" rescue squad shouted in turn.

"Titanium Power!" Ryan shouted next.

"Cobalt Power!" and Justin shouted last.

In seconds, the area swirled with lights that flared with crazy tie die colors.

When the morphing light show ended, two squads of heroes were side by side, suited up for battle. A team-up of the most amazing beings who have protected the Earth:

"Space Rangers!" All six of them shouted, raising their hands skyward.

"Lightspeed Rescue!" All seven of them chanted, saluting crisply.

Taking on power stances, everyone declared, "Rangers, together!"

Colored smoke clouds thundered the backdrop and lended to a resounding explosion. They all felt it pass through. The power was on.

Snarling, Rygog stood his ground fiercely. His eyes were sharp daggers.

The Cobalt Ranger pumped a fist at his opponent. "Your malicious ways end here, Rygog." he said brazenly.

The snarling general took a menacing step towards the Rangers. "Phooey!" he blustered. "Goldites. Take no prisoners!"

Surging across, his Goldites began to form a wave, charging the Rangers.

As a group, our heroes leapt into action. Soon, the battle was on.

Weilding weapons as fluidly as ever, the Rangers clashed with the Goldites head on.

"Spiral Saber!" Andros yelled as he struck down several of the Goldites.

"V-Lancer! Hiyah!" Carter cried as he slashed his opponents, throwing red-hot sparks.

Justin charged along the runway, V-Lancer at the ready. "Hiyah!"

"You're toast, Cobalt Ranger!"

Rygog lowered his head and charged, roaring like a buffalo. On instinct alone Justin ducked, and Rygog catapulted over him and skidded the ground.

Justin held up a fist. "Not so fast, Rygog."

Rygog lunged for him, but the Cobalt Ranger jumped, somersaulting over his head, then came down behind him. He blazed a slash to Rygog's back in a single graceful motion.

Rygog's armor absorbed the slash, leaving him singed and smoking.

Rygog's face turned red with anger. "I grow tired of your petty games, Foolish Rangers." he sizzled with rage. "I've beaten you before and I'll beat you again."

"Its time we put an end to this creepshow." T.J said, his voice rang out among them. "Justin, got any ideas?"

"Yeah!" Justin had never sounded more heroic. "I say we hit him with everything we've got."

Joel nodded eagerly. "We got just the thing." he fired out a fist. "Ready, Chad?"

Chad tapped a control on his Battle Booster, callling out, "Mega Battles, Activate."

Pieces of the Mega Battle armor shimmered to life and flashed vibrantly on both Chad and Joel.

In a bright flash of colors, Chad and Joel became Mighty Mega Battle Rangers.

Carter tapped his morpher and called out. "Trans Armor Cycle. Armor mode." A motorcycle roared up at full throttle and blazed Carter into Battlizer mode.

In a red shimmer of light, Carter became the Red Trans Armored Ranger.

Ryan held up his left hand and cried out, "Titanium Laser!" His Titanium Laser shimmered to life, appearing in his grasp. He re-formed it to blaster mode.

Andros tapped his gauntlet and rang out, "Battilizer mode, on-line!" An armored battle-suit shimmered to vibrant life, encasing him fully.

In a red shimmer of light, Andros became the Red Battlized Ranger.

Zhane held up a hand and cried out, "Super Silverizer!" His Super Silverizer shimmered to life, appearing along his arm. He re-formed it to blaster mode.

Snapping Astro weapons together, Carlos sounded out, "Quadro Blaster, ready!" Charging the weapon, he cradled it like a rifle.

As if on que, Justin and remaining Rangers drew sidearms and took position.

In an instant, everyone's weapons were energized to full power.

General Rygog swallowed nervously.

Carter nodded readily. "Yeah, that oughta do the trick." he whipped a fist. "Now let's bring it together guys."

Powered up, everybody dropped into a fierce firing stance.

In line of sight, Rygog took on a trembly stance. "This is not possible." He clamored, with his arms flailing about. "You'll never get away with this, Rangers!"

Behind his shiny helmet, Justin had a superior grin. "Let's find out."

In response, everyone declared: "LOCK ON.. FIRE!"

Several beams of incredible energy shot out and smacked Rygog at maximum glory.

"-Ngh-!" Rygog ooomphed from the high-energy blast.

"Alright!" Justin rang out elatedly.

"I-I-Impossi...ble!" Rygog howled as he was coated in bright tongues of electricity. In a second the light zapped his body into nothingness, and only a pile of space dust remained.

At once, the battle was over. The Power Rangers stood victorous over evil, once again.

There were whoops and hollers all around as everyone burst into cheer and banged gloved fists.

Carter stood tall, his chest seemed to swell. "Rangers, I want to congratulate you on a job well done. Our mission is accomplished."

NEXT CHAPTER: "RELIGHTING THE TORCH."

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