Too Close – The Transdimensional Archives

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<CENTER> </CENTER> [See "Quadruple the Spice" for an up-to-date disclaimer]

<h5><center>Too CloseBy Crypt</center></h5>

Arbin sat in his quarters looking through his photo album. Actually, this album was also shared by Bio Rex, Gazelle, and Pico. Hanim entered the room and peeked over his shoulder. "What'cha looking at?" she asked. "Just pictures of the old races," Arbin said. "See, that's my vehicle." Hanim looked at the photo. Arbin's vehicle had a unique design. It was white and blue, long and narrow. The long hood was painted in a ribcage-like design. "I like the paint job," Hanim said. "It looks just like a ribcage." "Each of these vehicles has its own name," Arbin explained. "Mine was called the Sonic Phantom." "So what are these racing tracks?" Hanim asked. "Since these vehicles traveled so fast, the tracks had to be enormous," Arbin replied. "This one was built in Mute City. See how it's hovering thousands of feet in the air?" Hanim looked at the photo of the racing track hovering in the night sky. "The surroundings are neat." "Would you like a live tour?" "I'd love one!" "Let's go!" <center>~*~</center>

On the Scorpion Stinger, Treacheron stirred a concoction in a large pot like the old-fashioned witches. Then he scooped some of it and poured it into a dart as Elgar approached him. "Hey, what's that?" he asked. "This is a mind-controlling concoction," Treacheron replied. "It gives me the ability to control the actions of the victim." "Who're you gonna use it on?" "It doesn't matter. I'll use one Spice member to destroy the others. Which Spice member it works on makes no difference." "Treacheron!" Scorpius called. "Is the dart ready?" "It is ready, Scorpius," Treacheron answered obediently. "Which Spice member are you going to control?" Trakeena asked. "Whichever member happens to fall under the spell." "Jungle Spice and Skull Spice are alone in a place called……Mute City," Ecliptor announced. "Excellent!" Scorpius cried. "Shall I take the Stingwingers and attack?" Ecliptor asked. "A good idea," Treacheron said. "Jungle Spice and Skull Spice are getting a little too close for our tastes. Here is the dart, Ecliptor. Aim carefully, for you only get one shot." "Understood." Ecliptor led the Stingwingers out of the Scorpion Stinger. <center>~*~</center>

Hanim and Arbin walked along the edge of the Mute City track. It was a beautiful clear night. The stars twinkled flawlessly in the sky, and the city lights looked like stars themselves. The road of the track was gray, like normal paved roads, but much smoother. The walls of the track gave a brilliant white glow. "I love the view from up here!" Hanim exclaimed. "Yeah, it is a lovely view," Arbin agreed. "But the fall is a real lulu." Hanim laughed as she peeked over the edge at the city below. "I'm sure it is. Are these races tough?" "This particular track is fairly easy," Arbin said. "There are some more difficult ones, like the Big Hand I told you about." "Hmm……do you think that the rest of us can race sometime?" "Perhaps. You might be a little overwhelmed at the speed. It's quite a hairy ride." Hanim nodded, then changed the subject again. "Do you know what I like best about this place? It's so romantic." Arbin shot her a look. "So, what are you suggesting?" "Well…..I don't know….." They looked in each other's eyes. They slowly moved closer to each other. Slowly, their eyes closed and their lips met. Upon contact, Arbin gasped and pulled back. Hanim gasped in surprise, too. "I…..I'm sorry," she said. "No……it's all right," Arbin assured her. They slowly moved closer again, and this time, they met with a successful kiss. They didn't embrace or put their hands on each other in any way. During this intimate moment, Ecliptor and the Stingwingers appeared behind them. Hanim and Arbin turned. "Ah ha! I caught you!" Ecliptor called. "See, this is what I was talking about before," Hanim said. "A kissing scene; what a perfect time to be attacked." "I see," Arbin responded. "Get them!" Ecliptor ordered. "Okay, Arbin, let's add some Spice!" Hanim declared as she rushed into battle. Arbin just stood there, confused. "'Let's add some Spice?'" he wondered. He snapped out of it just in time as several Stingwingers charged at him. He ducked under a roundhouse punch, then threw a thrust kick into its hip. As another one attacked, Arbin grabbed its wrist, punched its abdomen, then dumped it over his shoulder. Meanwhile, Hanim had her daggers in her hands, fighting the insects furiously. Suddenly, one jump-kicked her from behind. She fell on the borders of the track, staring down at the city far below. As she tried to get up, a Stingwinger pinned her down. Ecliptor prepared to fire Treacheron's dart…. "Hanim!" Arbin screamed. He fought his way through the Stingwingers to her rescue. He kicked the Stingwingers away from Hanim and helped her up. "Hold it right there!" Ecliptor called out, still aiming the weapon at them. "Get down!" Arbin cried. He and Hanim threw themselves to the ground as Ecliptor fired the dart. It struck Arbin in the arm, and he cried out in pain. Then with an angry growl, he raced towards Ecliptor. The zombie leaped up and struck Ecliptor in the chest with a powerful jump-kick. Ecliptor stood up calmly as Arbin pulled the dart out of his arm. "Strange; I don't feel sleepy," he commented. Ecliptor laughed out loud. "That wasn't a tranquilizer dart, you fool!" "Then what was it?" Hanim asked. "Oh, you'll know soon enough. Bye now." Ecliptor and the Stingwingers vanished. "We'll find out soon enough?" Arbin asked. "I can't wait." "Come on, we'd better check you out at the infirmary," Hanim said. "The infirmary? Where's that?" "It's just on the Megaship. Let's go!" <center>~*~</center>

Ecliptor returned to the Scorpion Stinger. Treacheron noticed the triumphant look on his face. "Ecliptor…..I take it that everything went well?" he asked. "Yes." Ecliptor nodded. "Soon, Skull Spice will be under your command." "Only part-time," Treacheron admitted. "The spell only goes on and off." "What!?" "Let me explain! The potion that is now in Skull Spice's system is linked to what's left in this pot. If I alter the recipe, it'll also alter the portion in his arm. All I have to do is make this potion permanent in order to gain full control of Skull Spice's mind. But right now, I'll just toy with him." "Let us inform Astronema and Scorpius," Ecliptor suggested. "Excellent idea, Ecliptor." The monsters walked out of the room together….. <center>~*~</center>

Meanwhile, Arbin reclined on a table in the infirmary. Ashley was scanning him with a high-tech device. "This is strange," she said. "Arbin checks out fine." "Impossible," Hanim cried. "When the Stingwingers attacked, Ecliptor definitely pumped him full of something." "It just means that whatever it was, it hasn't taken effect yet," Arbin said. "Right now, I feel normal." "We have no way of knowing what the drug does," Spinal said. "We'll just have to keep our eyes open for anything unusual." "We also have to wait for the official words from our fearless leader," the Cryptkeeper said, looking directly at Jenny. Jenny laughed. "Okay, Arbin, just rest here, and let us know as soon as you feel any different." "Even just a headache?" Arbin asked. "Compliant." "Good luck," Jenny said as she and the others left the room. Hanim stayed behind for a moment. "Are you going to be okay?" she asked. "Not until I know what's going to happen to me," Arbin replied. "I'm feeling quite timid at the moment." "Oh, Arbin….." Hanim leaned over him again, and they engaged in another kiss. Their second kiss lasted for some good, long seconds. Hanim slowly backed away and started for the door. "We'll be roaming around the ship if you need us," she said. "Mm-hmm." Arbin sighed as he suddenly found himself alone in the infirmary. "This is most unsettling….." <center>~*~</center>

"Treacheron!" Scorpius called. "Has the recipe kicked in?" "It should begin working soon," Treacheron promised. "Skull Spice has a very dry circulatory system, so the drug cannot flow smoothly through him. It won't be long now, Your Evilness." As soon as he said it, a large bubble burst from the pot. Treacheron stood up. "It's ready!" he cried. He rushed over to the pot and stared at his garbled reflection in the bubbling soup. "Skull Spice, hear me……" In the infirmary, Arbin rubbed his head. He sat up and held his head even tighter. "Oh no….." he gasped. "I believe that the drug is taking effect. I'd better inform the others….." "I wouldn't do that if I were you," Treacheron advised. "Do you now as I command, and destroy the Power Rangers!" Without a verbal response, Arbin left the infirmary. Kendrix and Hallie were practicing archery in a training room. Kendrix made her shot as Arbin entered the room. The arrow struck the area just outside the bull's eye. "Okay Hallie, your turn," Kendrix said, handing her the bow. As Hallie took the bow from Kendrix, she saw Arbin. "Hi, Arbin!" she called. "Hello," Arbin responded. "Are you noticing anything?" Kendrix asked. "No, nothing yet," Arbin lied. The girls returned to the target. Hallie pulled at the string, aiming directly for the bull's eye. Arbin took a spare bow and arrow leaning against the wall. Pulling on the drawstring, he aimed the arrow directly at the back of Kendrix's head. Kendrix was completely unaware of the forming danger behind her. Luckily, Ruth entered the room and saw what was about to happen. "Arbin!?" Arbin gasped and fired the arrow…..at the ceiling. Hallie aborted her aim. "What happened?" she asked. Kendrix looked up at the arrow stuck in the ceiling. "I don't think I want to know." Arbin stared at the bow in his hand, then tossed it aside. "A thousand apologies, Kendrix. Will you ever forgive me?" "Of course I forgive you, but…..for what?" "I think it's taking effect," Arbin said. "I couldn't control my actions for a second. I think it's some sort of mind-controlling drug." Ruth opened her ring. "I think we found Arbin's problem." The others rushed into the room as fast as they could. "What's going on?" Jenny asked. "I'm losing control of my actions," Arbin said. "So what's your plan now?" the Cryptkeeper asked. "Hey, we're a team," Jenny said. "I'm always open to suggestions." "Sometimes that Scorpius makes me so mad, I could spit in his soup!" Pico grumbled. Jenny's eyes lit up. "Great idea, Pico!" "Now what's your plan?" Pico asked. Jenny grinned. "I'm going to be a bad, bad girl." She turned around and walked out of the room. "Wait!" Hanim cried. "What about Arbin?" "Oh, don't worry," Arbin said. "I'm sure she knows what she's doing……" "Are you going to be okay?" Ashley asked. "As long as I don't successfully kill someone, I'll be fine." With that assurance, everyone left the training room, leaving Hanim and Arbin alone again. "I hope Jenny's plan works…..whatever it is," Arbin commented. "I know it will," Hanim said. "Jenny's a pretty sneaky girl. Don't panic." "Hanim, I almost took Kendrix's life a few moments ago. How can I not panic? What if I succeed next time?" "Don't worry about it. We'll stop it somehow." <center>~*~</center>

Unfortunately, Jenny had to wait for another attack before she could execute her plan. There wasn't much she could do until then. "Just what is your plan, anyway?" Bio Rex asked as they sat in the bridge. "My mom is always trying to get me to join the dark side, where I supposedly belong," Jenny explained. "I could give myself up and learn more about that drug that Ecliptor pumped into Arbin, and maybe even find a cure from there." "They'd better hurry and attack," Spinal said. "Ruth says that Arbin almost fired an arrow through Kendrix's head." "Ouch….." Bio Rex mumbled. "Poor Arbin. I'd be pretty bummed if I had to fight my own mind." "This would also give me an opportunity to fool around with Treacheron a little bit," Jenny went on. "He's an interesting guy……" "You always have to fool around with them, don't you?" Spinal asked. "You know I do. Anyway, I'll need you guys to keep Arbin from killing anybody until he's cured." "No problem," Bio Rex replied. <center>~*~</center>

Ruth and Carlos walked down the street. They were aware of Jenny's plan and were just as impatient to get Arbin back to normal. "I can't stop worrying," Ruth said. "Arbin's struggling with his own mind. He almost killed Kendrix against his will. I think we should help stop him from killing us." "All this time, and none of Jenny's plans have failed," Carlos told her. "Although most of them involve being a stowaway on the Dark Fortress or something…." Suddenly, they heard tires screeching behind them. They spun around to see a car drive onto the road completely out of control. The car was headed straight for them, swerving back and forth to keep its place on the road. Ruth and Carlos didn't recognize the driver to be Arbin. Since Arbin had been a racer, his driving skills were reckless. Ruth and Carlos ran to avoid being run over. "That's it, Skull Spice, squash them like pancakes!" Treacheron's voice echoed through Arbin's mind. Arbin drove a few more feet. "No! Stop!!" He slammed his foot on the brakes the veered off course, crashing into a tree. Upon hearing the crash, Ruth and Carlos stopped. Then they recognized the driver. "It's Arbin!" Ruth cried as they rushed over to him. "You okay?" Carlos asked. Arbin sighed as he scrambled out of the car. "I've got to do something about those brakes. Good day, sir, madam….." He began to walk away. "Rangers, Spices, you're needed!" Alpha cried. "That's my cue," Jenny said. "Gotta go." "Wait!" Kai called out. "Let us go with you." "No," Jenny responded. "In order for my plan to work, I'll have to let Scorpius catch me. Therefore, I have to go alone." She teleported behind a Terra Venture warehouse where Treacheron, Trakeena, and the Stingwingers were terrorizing some people. "Treacheron!" she called. Treacheron spun around. "Ah…..Tonfa Spice is it? You think you could stop us? Stingwingers, attack!" "Wait!" Jenny cried. "I'm not here to fight." "Then what are you here for?" Treacheron asked. "Well…..I don't know if you're aware of this, but Astronema is my mother, and I think I'm ready to join the dark side." "Really? Turning to the dark side takes time. It also takes the will and the desire. Are you sure you want to betray your team?" "I just miss my mother." "I think we should take her," Trakeena said. "Astronema wants her to join the dark side. This is the perfect opportunity." "Oh, very well," Treacheron sighed. "So, what's this?" Jenny asked. "That's Treacheron's mind-control potion," Elgar said. "It's linked to the stuff that was pumped into Skull Spice's arm. If you spoil this potion, you'll spoil Treacheron's control over Skull Spice. All it takes is a grain of salt to mess it up." "Oh really?" Jenny smiled. "Uh-huh….." Then Elgar made the realization. "Wait a minute. That's why you're here, isn't it? You came here to find a way to free Skull Spice, didn't you?" "I can never keep a secret from you." "Treacheron said that if you even breathe in that potion, he'll destroy us both!" "He wouldn't do that," Jenny said. "Okay, wait here," Elgar said as he left the room. Jenny stared at the bubbling pot and breathed in it. She laughed……. <center>~*~</center>

Back on the Megaship, Kai pulled out a tray of chocolate chip cookies from the oven. "Okay, who's ready to eat?" he called. The Rangers and Spices rushed to the table. Rachel sat on Carlos' lap while Robyn said on Ruth's. Ruth broke her cookie in half before eating it. "Hey, these are great, Kai!" she called. "Just like Mummy used to make," the Cryptkeeper added. "Very funny, C.K., Spinal said. Arbin casually entered the room. "Hey Arbin, want some chocolate chip cookies?" Ashley asked. "No thanks, I don't like chocolate chip," Arbin replied as he went to the synthetron. He noticed a cord strapped to the wall next to the synthetron. He followed the cord, which went onto the ceiling. It was attached to a ceiling fan directly over the heroes. Arbin unplugged the fan, yanked down on the cord, and released it. The ceiling fan dropped, crashing abruptly on the table. The Rangers and Spices shrieked and jumped to their feet. "Oh my, what a terrible accident," Arbin said calmly. "I hope no one was hurt." Everyone stared at him, their eyes wide with shock and fear. Jenny returned and instantly noticed the fan. "What happened?" she asked. Arbin grabbed his head. "It's Treacheron again….." "You're in luck. I know how to foil his mind control," Jenny said. "Hallie, come with me." The sisters left the room. Jenny explained her plan to Hallie, then they teleported down to a convenience store. Hallie distracted two drunk clerks by standing in front of them. The clerks were stunned by her beauty. They didn't see what Jenny was planning to do. She held an empty pillowcase in her hand. She took a bag of sugar and put it in the pillowcase. Then she took jars of various spices. She also filched some chocolate chips, baking soda, oil, and other basic cooking ingredients. Once she was satisfied with her load, she signaled Hallie. The little girl looked over and nodded. Jenny clutched the pillowcase and snuck out of the store. Hallie hesitated for a moment before walking. "Do you guys sell mothballs?" she asked. "Why, sure we do," the first clerk replied. "Too bad. You can't get many cocoons." She walked out of the store where Jenny stood there laughing. "You think you've got enough stuff there, sis?" Hallie asked. "Maybe," Jenny replied. "Look, I'm going back to the Scorpion Stinger to carry out the next phase of my nasty plan." "Cool. Bye." The sisters teleported in their separate ways. Jenny carried her load to the Scorpion Stinger. Making sure that no one was around, she unloaded the pillowcase contents and scooped a cupful of sugar. "First I'll add a little bit of sugar," she told herself, pouring the sugar into the potion. "Then a little bit of spice……and everything nice….." She poured the spices, powder, oil, etc. into the potion. "Hmm…..something's missing….." she thought. Jenny pulled a penny from her pocket and flipped it into the soup. Then she purposely cut her finger and added a drop of blood into the pot, causing it to bubble. She pulled a slug-like thing from the wall and dropped it in. Finally, she took a long wooden spoon and stirred the final product. Jenny took a spoonful and tasted the potion. Suddenly, she heard Scorpius' voice calling her. "Tonfa Spice! Get in here!" "Hang on, Scorpius….." Jenny thought as she stirred the potion some more. "Let me just fuck with it for a minute….." She ate another spoonful, then went to answer Scorpius' call. <center>~*~</center>

On the Megaship, Arbin was physically affected by Jenny's changes to the potion. He groaned suddenly, holding the shoulder that had been struck by the dart, and dropped to one knee. "Arbin, are you okay?" Cassie asked. "My arm….." Arbin groaned. "It's freezing……but now it's burning!" "Jenny must have found a way to neutralize the potion," Hanim suggested. Arbin froze. His pain was suddenly gone. "You're right. I feel better now. I feel……free!" Hanim threw her arms around him. <center>~*~</center>

After Jenny's meeting with Scorpius, she stood in front of a dresser fixing herself. She combed her hair slowly, singing to herself. "I'm feelin' fine, "'cause in time I'll be out tonight….." Treacheron peeked into the room to see what she was up to. "I'm startin' now, makin' sure I look fine tonight….." "What are you doing?" Treacheron asked. "I'm singing. It's music," Jenny told him. "Music is power, baby." "Music sounds like the flu." "Fine with me." Jenny resumed her singing. "I'm gettin' freaked from behind, I don't even mind, "'cause he's lookin' damn fine, I'll make him mine in time….." "Wait," Treacheron said. "Tell me more about music." "Why? I thought music gave you the flu." "But you said that music is power." Jenny laughed. "I know where you're getting at! You're going to start searching every CD for the Lights of Orion. Ha ha ha! Of all the stupid place to look!" She laughed some more. "Oh silly Treacheron. Tonto Treacheron!" She began to put mousse into her hair. She put so much that her hair began to look like wet wires. "Why do you put that stuff in your hair?" Treacheron asked. "Because it makes my hair look sweaty," Jenny told him. "I don't see why you humans like to sweat anyway." "Sweat is good. It means you're working hard. Sweat is hot. I like it hot. Do you like it hot, Treacheron?" "Personally, I like it cold." "Come on, try it." Jenny took a handful of mousse, massaged it into Treacheron's ponytail, and combed it as she sang a different song. "Come here…..next to me…..and let me…..make you high…..no mistakes…..we will make……a long time…..we will love!" "Love!?" Treacheron cried. "Uh-huh." Jenny moved in and kissed him on the lips. "Yuck!" Treacheron wiped his mouth and left the room. Jenny laughed to herself as she check her reflection another time. "Hi there, dollface; you're looking pretty good tonight. Now that our job is done, we must return to our quarters." Meanwhile, Treacheron approached his mind-control potion again, preparing to give Arbin another shot at destroying the Rangers. However, Treacheron noticed that the color of the soup was different. "Wait a minute. Something's not right," he told himself. "Treacheron……" Jenny called from behind. Treacheron turned to see Jenny approach him calmly. She pulled her arm back and slapped him across the face with her open hand. "I hope you're proud of yourself and that potion you made!" she scolded, then marched out of the room. Treacheron turned back to the potion. "That meddlesome woman!" he growled. "She's tampered with the potion!" He ran out to catch Jenny, but she was gone. He ran all around the Scorpion Stinger, but he couldn't find her. Instead he found Trakeena. "Where're you going in such a hurry?" she asked. "Did that girl run through here?" Treacheron asked. "Tonfa Spice? Why no, she did not." "Well, she couldn't have gone far……" "What has happened, Treacheron?" Trakeena asked. "She's messed up my potion," Treacheron told her. "I no longer have control over Skull Spice." Trakeena shook her head. "That's too bad." "I should've known," Treacheron continued. "That's the only reason why she came willingly in the first place!" "Now you know that Tonfa Spice cannot be trusted," Trakeena said. "She is sneaky……just like her mother." Treacheron nodded…. <center>~*~</center>

Jenny returned to the Megaship safely. Arbin stood ready to greet her. "Jenny……thank you. I am forever in your debt." Jenny shook her head. "Nah, you don't owe me anything." "Why not?" "Whaddaya mean why not!? It's only my sworn duty as the Spice Club leader." "Oh. Sorry "'bout that," Arbin apologized. <center>~*~</center>

So Jenny has performed her duty yet again. Mind control is never pretty, and Arbin would know that more than any of them. As for killing the Rangers, Arbin had some close calls. Too close……Wÿ