CHAPTER TWENTY

The metallic bodies of the Cogs were dented, broken down, and mired in filth as they rushed to attack the Power Rangers.  But nevertheless they raged on, just as the Rangers did, each side battling endlessly for it's own respective cause.

With his Quasar Saber clutched in one hand, and his Transdagger in the other, the Red Galaxy Ranger executed a unique spin attack that took down three of his robotic attackers. Bringing them together, he was able to block a downward slice from a sword-wielding Cog, and then whirl around in a sweep kick that took his opponent down. A quick stab downward with his Quasar Saber ended the struggle. But just then, one of them surprised Leo with a spinning wheel kick to the back of his helmet. The Red Galaxy Ranger instantly tumbled to the ground, but rolled on his back to block a shot from a metal staff. He shoved the weapon back upward, and did a quick kip up. Leo swung a spin kick toward a Cog's head, but the robotic soldier ducked, and shot a kick of his own into Leo's gut. Stunned, the Red Ranger suddenly fell victim to several fists and blows from various directions. It didn't take long for Leo to realize that he was slowly but surely being overcome by the Cogs…

Struggling not to let the fatigue of battle slow him down, the Red Time Force Ranger aimed his V-Weapon for a nearby foe, and pulled the trigger. His reflexes proved to be a hair too slow, as the robotic soldier cartwheeled out of the way, and returned fire with a hand blaster. Wes spun out of dodge, but was met by an unexpected attacker with a kick to the helmet. He flew backward, managing to keep a grip on his V-Weapon as his back hit the ground hard. He blasted his newest attacker, and then turned to fire upon another. The new Cog however, somersaulted below the blast, and leapt up in an axe kick aimed for Wes' neck. The Red Time Force Ranger was able to thrust his blaster up to block the shot, and roll in the opposite direction. But as Wes struggled to rise to his feet, he was met by a staff blow to the stomach, and then an upward shot to the face, sending him falling right back down.

Glancing down at the white holster on his belt, the Red Morphin Ranger drew his Blade Blaster, the first weapon he'd ever used as a Power Ranger. Twirling it on his pointer finger, he aimed and fired on one of the Cogs. Under his helmet he smiled, realizing he still had his aim. After shooting down two more of the robotic soldiers, another attacker shot a kick up toward Jason's chest. Just as he remembered, the weapon quickly converted into a dagger. The original Red Ranger sliced down across the Cog's chest, taking him out. Suddenly, small explosions erupted all around Jason, as one of his opponent's began rapidly firing upon him with a blaster of it's own. He tried switching back to blaster mode, but was unable to avoid taking a shot to the chest. The power of the shot took Jason off his feet, clutching his wound.

Balancing himself on his Hyrdoblade, Aurico was beginning to breathe hard. Without a prolonged exposure to H20, the Red Aquitar Ranger was beginning to grow weary. Nonetheless, he continued valiantly in his quest to protect his teammates' home planet. Aurico swung his Hydroblade down on the chest of a Cog, causing sparks to fly as the robotic soldier collapsed from the attack. A horizontal slash took down yet another of the cybernetic attackers. Then, out of the corner of his visor, Aurico caught sight of a Cog aiming a hand held blaster at him. As the robot fired, the Red Ranger thrust his weapon up to block the blow.

Aurico was flabbergasted as the blast made direct contact with his left shoulder. His coordination, he knew, was starting to leave him. Soon, his combat reflexes would fail him as well. Even Aurico wasn't quite sure how long he could continue…

Under his helmet, the Aquitian pressed his lips together. No, he was sure. He knew how far he would rage on in this battle.

He would fight until he could no longer draw a breath.

Carter glanced down at the Battle Booster on his left wrist. It was time to put this baby to work. Punching 4-7-8 on the keypad, the Red Lightspeed Ranger's left fist instantly began to glow a bright red, a sign of the enhanced strength the device provided. Swinging his forearm backward, Carter smashed the side of a Cog's head, knocking the robot down and out. He then caught a kick, and used his charged fist to knock the soldier out with a blow to the chest. The Red Lightspeed Ranger then swung for another of his opponents, but the robotic soldier ducked, and did a back heel trip on Carter. As his body hit the ground, Carter's Battle Booster lost it's charge. The Red Ranger dodged a staff blow, and quickly keyed in 5-5-5. He did not hesitate to fire an intense red laser from the device, blasting a hole straight through the Cog's metal body. Just then, Carter felt the force of a staff blow knock him on the back of his helmet. Despite the added protection of the headpiece, a dizzied Carter slumped to the ground, struggling to regain his composure.

The remaining seven Red Rangers rushed to re-group as the persistent army of Cogs continued to press forward. As they huddled together, the valiant warriors clutched their wounds, some fresh, and some former. They all gripped their weapons a bit tighter as the robotic soldiers began to close in…

"You know," Jason called to fellow Rangers. "I think this is the part where somebody usually throws out a last minute suggestion that saves our butts! And did I mention my suggestion box is open?"

Under his helmet, the newly focused Andros eyed the original Red Ranger. "Way ahead of you Jason." The Red Space Ranger looked to teammates. "Boys, I think it's time to break out the heavy artillery!"

After fending off an attack with his Quantum Defender, Eric looked to the Kerovan. "Ready when you are space cadet!"

Andros nodded. "Alright then. Red Rangers, suit up!"

Reaching down for his Battlizer, Andros pressed a small button on the side of the device, popping it open to reveal three buttons. Each button was marked with a number, in successive order from 01 to 03.

Glancing down at the button marked 03, Andros remembered a time he'd been afraid to use the device at it's greatest potential, for fear of overloading his Red Ranger powers…

Only to discover that it took them to a whole new level.

The Red Space Ranger reached his gloved finger down, and pressed 03. His body instantly began to crackle with a purple electric current, as a rigid red armor proceeded to materialize over his Red Ranger costume. The armor was nearly identical to his suit, with the acception of a blue control panel lining his pectorals. The armor was chiseled to give its wearer the chiseled look of the human muscular system at its fullest potential.

But the armor equipped him with more than a unique appearance. On his back, Andros could feel the missile launcher, in addition to the massive steel wings. Though currently locked behind his back, when spread apart, they could be used to send him sailing through the air at speeds previously unreachable to him. Behind his helmet was also a plasteel shield that could be used to cover his face from attacks.

The Red Space Ranger spread his arms out, feeling the power of the Battlizer surge through his bones.

"Red Battlized Ranger!"

For a brief moment, Leo Corbett's mind flashed to the billions of innocent people on Earth. Their very lives were at stake, and yet they ultimately had no control over their fate. No control over whether they lived, or died. Their entire future, lay not in their hands, but in the hands of total strangers.

The Red Galaxy Ranger shook away thoughts of impending war on Mirinoi. As he stood here now, lightyears away from the ones he loved, he knew the high council might very well be declaring war on the people of Mirinoi. Or perhaps vice versa. So many innocent lives hung in the balance, over a decision that was to be made by merely a select few. The high councilors, the diplomats, the tribe leaders…

…the Power Rangers…

Leo clenched his gloved fist, desperately trying to focus. He had to survive this battle with the Machine Empire first, before he could have any say in the happenings on Mirinoi.  He extended his arms, preparing to have quite a say in this battle, here and now.

"Red Armored Ranger!"

Hearing the clanking of steel as it materialized around his morphed body, the Red Galaxy Ranger felt the added weight of the armor set down upon his shoulders and back. Leo reached out to grasp the two outstretched handles, which controlled the positioning of the giant robotic arms stretched out above him. The arms were connected by the armor's cone shaped head pieced, which rested above Leo's helmet. A dim glow emitted from the green orb etched in the center of the armor's chest plate.

Closing his eyes, inhaling deeply, and licking his lips, the Red Galaxy Ranger prepared once again, for battle.

Perhaps the first of many to come…

Carter smiled, as he stretched his gloved fist out in front of him.

"Trans-Armor Cycle!"

Following the defeat of Queen Bansheera and her menacing demons, he had taken great pleasure in getting to meet and shake the hand of every single member of Lightspeed's Defense and Technology division. For without them, chances are he and the Lightspeed Rangers would have fallen to the forces of evil long before the battle drew to a conclusion. The team of brilliant scientists and technicians had built and constructed so many amazing weapons, vehicles, even Zords for the Rangers to use in battle. It was difficult for Carter to even imagine how much hard work and dedication each individual must have put in to make Lightspeed the success that it was.

As one of their many creations, a bright red motorcycle, materialized in the distance, it proceeded to accelerate towards the Red Ranger at an almost alarming rate. Carter could feel the other Rangers gazing at him nervously as the vehicle zoomed forth, blazing through whatever Cogs stood in its path.

Little did they know, it was all part of the plan. He spread his arms out to his sides, and relaxed his muscles. "Armor mode!"

At Carter's command, the motorcycle began to glow a bright red, and lift into the air. As it soared through the oxygen field, it proceeded to change form in mid flight. What had once been a motorcycle began to shift into a set of armor. As the protective suit levitated down on to the shoulders of the Red Lightspeed Ranger, Carter could feel the added weight of the two gauntlets wrapping around his forearms. Each gauntlet was equipped with a powerful blaster cannon. On his chest fell what had once been the hood of the cycle, now serving as a chest plate. Upon his shoulders rested two rocket launchers, which upon command, would fire the cycle's two tires at a crippling speed.

Carter twisted his waist and swiveled his shoulders, making sure the armor, which had not been used in quite some time, still fit. Indeed, the Trans-Armor Cycle was still as operational as ever!

'Trans-Armored Ranger!"

Stretching out his right hand, Wes proceeded to concentrate, focusing on only one thought. As he did so, a glowing white orb began to materialize above his palm. He instantly recognized the white light of the Battle Fire.

He closed his fist around the orb.

"Battle Warrior Armor!"

Instantaneously, the glow from the Battle Fire spread out across the body of the Red Time Force Ranger. Moments later, Wes found himself coated in a magnificent red and gold armor. In addition to forearm coverings, and golden steel boots, Wes' armor was also equipped with protection for his waist and hips, acting almost like a belt. From his gold and silver chest covering, the armor stretched up his shoulders, and down his back. Attached to his back coverings were two crimson firebird wings, giving the armor an almost mythical look to it. Upon Wes' helmet rested a golden headcover, from which protruded a mighty red horn.

In Wes' right hand however, was his favorite feature of the armor, a large, golden sword. Molded to look like the very flames it cast upon its opponents, the weapon was far too heavy for any normal human to wield, or even another Power Ranger. The Battle Warrior Sword was only fit to be held by he who wore the armor.

Looking himself up and down, Wes smiled under his helmet, silently challenging the Machine Empire to test him now.

"Warrior Armored Ranger!"

Eric stretched his arms out in front of him, preparing to receive his own set of powerful armor.

It wasn't the Q-Rex, but it was the next best thing.

"Mega Battle Armor!"

Seconds later, the Quantum Ranger found himself equipped with his very own Mega Battle Armor. Consisting of a red and gold chest plate, golden boots, and an armored headpiece and visor, the armor was also endowed with two detachable steel fins. When summoned as weapons, Eric knew, they could be used as two respective blasters, or even a set of deadly swords.

Glancing over at the other four armored Red Rangers, Eric scoffed. He knew his Mega Battle Armor out perform all their armor combined.

He just wouldn't tell them that.

"Mega Armored Ranger!"

Rendered speechless at the sight of his teammates' amazing armor, Jason looked to Aurico. "Whoa…guess we missed out on the armor fad huh?"

The Red Aquitar Ranger shook his head, and stretched his right hand toward the sky.

"Red Aquitarmor!"

The Red Morphin Ranger leapt aside as his partner's suit instantly bulked up into a massive suit of armor similar to that of the Red Battlized Ranger. Aurico's red suit now was now chiseled to resemble the average Aquitian muscular system. But unlike the Kerovan's armor, Aurico's twinkled in the light of the stars, as if it were coated with a glistening glitter.

Over his newly enlarged shoulders, the Red Aquitar Ranger wore a heavy black backpack, from which extended a thick cord. The cord stretched into the handle of a mighty blaster cannon, which Aurico slung over his shoulder.

The Red Aquitar Ranger looked to his teammate. "My apologies Jason."

The Red Morphin Ranger crossed his arms, shaking his head. "Ah, who needs fancy armor anyway…"

"Red Aquitarmored Ranger!"

As Jason drew his Power Sword, the six armored Power Rangers formed a protective circle around the original Red Ranger. The robotic soldiers seemed taken aback by the appearance of the armor, but remained unintimidated. They continued to close in upon the warriors of virtue.

The Red Space Ranger looked to his teammates. "Ready?"

Wes nodded, and ignited his Battle Warrior Sword. "Let's turn up the heat…"

With those words, the Red Battlized Ranger rocketed up into the atmosphere via his armored wings. A group of Cogs sent a trail of neon laser fire blazed behind him as he flew high above the battlefield. Against his helmet, he could feel the rush of the artificial wind as his body cut through the oxygen field.

Then, in one swift motion, Andros dipped his armored body downward, and curled back toward his attackers in a U-turn. Before the robotic soldiers could even adjust their attack positions, he had already sent three missiles ablaze from the launcher on his back. The Kerovan tried not to smile as he saw the metallic limbs of his opponents fly through the air as the explosion engulfed their robotic forms.

As a Cog swung down at Leo with a rusty sword, the Red Galaxy Ranger was able to swing his armor out of the way, and shoot a kick into the torso of the robot. Then, as the Cog was about to mount a second attack, Leo surprised the soldier by clamping on to its waist with a set of cybernetic pincers from his right robotic arm. The cybernetic soldier flailed its arms and legs, struggling to free itself from Leo's grip, but the Red Ranger refused to release the hold. Then, as he spotted three more Cogs rushing to attack, he quickly twisted his body in their direction, while simultaneously releasing the pincers. The previously trapped soldier flew from Leo's grip, into the laps of his three fellow robots.

As the Cogs rose to their feet, the Red Galaxy Ranger was already one step ahead of them. Targeting them through the visor on his armor, Leo unleashed a storm of laser fire, destroying not only his targeted prey, but several others as well.

Somewhere along the line, Carter had lost count of the number of Cogs he had taken down with the lasers on the gauntlets resting on his forearms. He assumed that it was somewhere in the twenties. But still, a few more wouldn't hurt. As a Cog swung at him from the left, the Red Lightspeed Ranger blocked with his left gauntlet, and fired with the right, sending the robot flying backward. Then, swinging to his right, he managed to clothesline another Cog in the midst of what was presumably a running attack. Then, as Carter caught sight of an assembled team of the robotic soldiers charging forward at him, he decided it was time to show these heartless tin cans just what they were up against. Reaching forward with his index fingers, he found the tire release triggers on his gauntlets.

Even as he pulled them back, Carter could feel the two spinning tires fly forward from his armor, and connect with the Cogs at an uncanny velocity. Their robotic bodies shattered upon impact.

Feeling the heat emit from his ignited Battle Warrior Sword, Wes couldn't help but smile. He loved this weapon. And the Machine Empire was about to find out why.

Eyeing a group of five Cogs assembling before him, the Red Time Force Ranger twirled the weapon around in a circle, and then swept the sword across in a horizontal motion. Through his visor, Wes watched the flames spew from the sword, and scorch the steel torsos of the robots. The five Cogs spun around from the momentum of the blow, the stench of burning steel suddenly filling the oxygen field. They collapsed to the ground almost simultaneously, each with a pitch-black scorch across its chest. Then, as a foolish Cog attacked from the right, Wes swept upward with the sword. The cybernetic soldier instantly blasted to pieces, smoke and debris falling to his feet.

The Red Time Force Ranger shook his head. For such superior beings, robots sure were stupid.

Clutching his fins in his armored hands, the Quantum Ranger proceeded to use them as swords against his opponents. He slashed downward with his right hand, taking down an attacker. He did likewise with his left, eliminating another. Then, charging both fins with his mighty Quantum power, Eric proceeded to twirl around in a spin attack. The blazing weapons slashed repeatedly at all comers, not letting a single Cog through the Quantum Ranger's circle of defense.

As be brought his attack to a close, Eric spotted a Cog swinging his staff toward his skull. Ducking under the blow, the Quantum Ranger clicked his armored boots together, extending a set of wheels out from under them. Eric quickly skated in the opposite direction of his opponent, and then whirled around. Converting his fins to blaster mode, he fired on the robotic soldier, blasting it to pieces.

After throwing a kick into the torso of a nearby Cog, Aurico promptly pressed the CHARGE button on the cannon he held over his shoulder. Feeling the power begin to build up within the weapon, the Red Aquitar Ranger ducked a cyclone kick from one of his robotic opponents. He executed a sweep kick, taking the Cog down, and then cartwheeled over it to deliver a kick into the torso of yet another. Doing his best to protect his charging weapon, Aurico ducked under a flying kick, and then forearm smashed the attacker down to the ground. Then, yanking his Hydroblade from its sheath, the Red Aquitar Ranger did not hesitate to slash another attacker down to the ground.

Feeling the cannon vibrate in his arms, Aurico promptly placed the weapon back over his shoulder, and aimed it at his attackers. Counting the five robotic soldiers charging in his direction, he pulled the trigger with his gloved hand. The resulting blast knocked the Red Aquitar Ranger on his rear end, as he watched the beam scorch through the bodies of the five robotic soldiers, disintegrating them instantly. Through his visor, Aurico watched the beam continue on, blazing through even more of the cybernetic soldiers before it eventually faded away in the distance…

Clutching his gills, Aurico rose to his feet, suddenly realizing what a fool he was. Summoning his Aquitarmor would only use up more of his precious energy, and hasten his need for H20.

He forcefully shook away the thought of just how much time he had left…

Clutching his Power Sword in his right hand, and his Blade Blaster in his left, Jason valiantly defended himself against his attackers. As the only Ranger without a suit of armor, he was at a definitive disadvantage.

Not that he minded. He loved a good challenge.

Mimicking the Quantum Ranger, he whirled around in a spin attack, taking down four Cogs. He slashed downward with his Blade Blaster at another, but the attack was blocked. The robotic soldier kicked Jason in the stomach, and swatted him on the side of the helmet with its staff. The Red Morphin Ranger whirled around from the blow, but used the momentum to continue into a complete one hundred eighty degree turn, and slash the Cog across the chest. As the robot fell, yet another swept down with a staff blow aimed for Jason's skull. But the original Red Ranger reached up to block the blow with both swords. Jason shoved the weapon back, and then slashed the Cog across the torso with his Power Sword. Sparks flew from the cybernetic soldier as he flew back, and hit the ground hard.

Spotting another attacker out of the corner of his visor, the Red Morphin Ranger shifted his Blade Blaster into gun mode, and fired a hole through the robot's chest. But even, as the robot fell, it's metallic torso smoking, Jason's acute senses picked up the sound of footsteps behind him. Sheathing his Blade Blaster, he twirled his Power Sword around in his hands, and stabbed backward. There was a loud creaking sound as the steel blade of the weapon pierced through the body of the Cog. The robotic soldier crackled with blue electricity as Jason yanked his weapon out of his opponent's severed inner workings.

And then, there was silence.

The seven Red Rangers looked around. The Sea of Tranquility was now littered with bits and pieces of broken, burnt, and severed steel…

The head of a Cog, with a hole burnt through it's left eye…

A robotic arm, whose fingers lay motionless against the rocky ground…

A severed steel knee, laying next to the broken body of the robot it once served…

The seven Red Rangers relaxed their muscles. General Venjix's grand army was no more. Every last one of his cybernetic warriors lay broken and defeated at the hands of the universe's guardians of virtue, the Power Rangers.

"Armor down." Andros called. With those words, Leo, Carter, Wes, Eric, Aurico, as well as the Kerovan himself returned to their original morphed Red Ranger form.

Gathering together, the seven Rangers exchanged high fives, and shakes, even hugs. For this was a moment of triumph.

"Well," Carter said, trying to catch his breath. "I guess that's the end of Venjix's grand army huh?"

The Red Morphin Ranger looked up into space. Through his visor, he saw that Serpentera was still slithering its way toward Earth. And getting closer by the minute.

"Yeah," he replied, nodding. "But not Venjix…"