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Chapter 16: Dismissed
Night Challenge
The moon hung heavy over New Tech City as Commander Cruger stood alone on the base's observation deck, his weathered hands gripping the railing. The silence of the night was broken only by the distant hum of the city's energy grid.
"The battle of Sirius," he growled into the darkness, his voice carrying the weight of old wounds. "You took everything from me, Gruumm. My world, my people, my wife. But not this time. I am waiting."
High above Earth's atmosphere, aboard his command ship, Emperor Gruumm's mechanical eye gleamed as he received the transmission. His massive form shifted in his command chair, cybernetic implants pulsing with anticipation.
"Yes," Gruumm's voice rumbled through the void, "the time is right. I accept your invitation, Doggy Cruger."
Morning Preparations
The next morning found Commander Cruger in his quarters, pacing with visible agitation. Kat entered with a data pad, noting his obvious distress.
"Why is Commander Birdy coming here?" Cruger muttered, running a hand through his fur. "That overstuffed pelican and I do not get along."
"He's not a pelican," Kat corrected gently, "he's a Supreme Commanding Officer, and you get along with him just fine."
She leaned closer and whispered, "I hope."
Before Cruger could answer, a familiar voice chimed in from the doorway.
"Pelican? Please," Naruto smirked, arms folded behind his head. "I always thought Birdy looked more like an overgrown rooster. Or maybe one of those owls that stays up too late lecturing people."
Kat stifled a laugh, hiding it behind her datapad. Cruger growled low in his throat, though his tail betrayed a flicker of amusement.
"Naruto," he warned, "try to behave. This is official business."
"Relax, Commander," Naruto grinned, "I'll be the picture of respect. Besides… it's not my fault Birdy's feathers get ruffled every time he shows up."
The sound of approaching shuttles filled the air, drawing their attention back to the matter at hand. Their unwelcome guest had arrived.
The Inspection
Commander Cruger stood at attention in the hangar bay as Supreme Commander Fowler Birdy's shuttle landed. The avian officer emerged with the rigid bearing of someone used to absolute authority.
"Welcome to SPD Earth Station, Supreme Commander Birdy, sir," Cruger said formally.
"Hello, Cruger," Birdy replied curtly, his sharp eyes already scanning the facility with obvious criticism.
"Cadets, ten-hut!" Cruger commanded as B-Squad snapped to attention.
Birdy's beady eyes swept over the assembled Rangers with obvious disappointment. "Commander, where is this SPD squad you brag so much about?"
"These are my SPD Power Rangers, sir," Cruger replied with barely concealed pride.
"Really? These are the Power Rangers?" Birdy's tone dripped with disdain. "Well, I expected different. How proud you must be, Commander. Shall we continue this in the Command Center?"
From the observation deck above, Naruto watched the exchange with growing concern. His enhanced senses picked up the tension radiating from both commanders, and his experience with authority figures told him this visit would not end well.
Command Center Tour
"It must be nice working in a state-of-the-art facility," Birdy observed as they entered the Command Center, though his tone suggested he found it lacking.
"No complaints, sir. The technology you see was built by Dr. Kat here," Cruger replied, gesturing to their head scientist.
Birdy's expression shifted slightly, showing the first sign of approval. "Well, well. I'll have to see about getting Dr. Manx up to Supreme Command."
"I'm quite happy here, sir," Kat replied firmly.
Before Birdy could press the issue, alarms began blaring throughout the base.
"Rangers to your stations!" Kat announced. "A gladiator robot is attacking the city!"
First Battle Assessment
"Ready!" Jack called out as B-Squad assembled.
"Ready!" the others echoed.
"SPD Emergency!" they called in unison, morphing into their Ranger forms.
"Delta Squad Megazord!" they commanded as their Zords combined.
On the main viewscreen, the battle played out as Invador piloted his gladiator robot through the city streets.
"I'll crush you!" Invador taunted from his mechanical warrior.
Birdy watched with a critical eye as the Megazord engaged the enemy robot. "The Megazord should have stopped that blow. Red Ranger should have anticipated."
"There are procedures, Commander. Strategy. Be patient," Cruger advised.
"You were patient on Sirius," Birdy snapped.
The words hit Cruger like a physical blow. "That was uncalled for, Commander."
"That's Supreme Commander Birdy, Cruger. Your superior. Understood?"
"Understood."
"Understood what?"
Cruger's jaw clenched. "Sir."
From his position at a secondary console, Naruto stepped forward. "With respect, Supreme Commander, rushing into battle without proper assessment is what cost us A-Squad. These Rangers work best as a coordinated team."
Birdy's sharp gaze fixed on the Orange Ranger. "I don't need advice from a mercenary, Namikaze."
Naruto's eyes flashed with controlled anger, but he remained silent as the battle concluded with the Rangers' victory.
"Nice work, guys. We got him and that robot," Jack reported as they contained Invador.
"Should never have gotten into the city," Birdy declared. "This is not good commanding, Cruger. You should have split up the Rangers and let them fight on two fronts."
"Sometimes I do split them up. However, today I felt their strength lies in their teamwork," Cruger replied.
"Oh, you do? Split them up. Immediately. For good."
"That would be our downfall. If the Rangers are separated, Gruumm will pick them off one by one. You're putting them and Earth in danger."
Naruto nodded in agreement. "Commander Cruger is right. These Rangers have survived because they support each other. Dividing them will only—"
"This is an order, Cruger. Not a conversation," Birdy interrupted.
"I cannot support this decision. I will not," Cruger stated firmly.
"Commander Cruger has my support on it" Naruto added
"Then you're both relieved of duty," Birdy declared. "Effective immediately."
The Announcement
Later that day, the entire SPD Earth Station assembled in the docking bay. Jack stepped forward as spokesperson for the team.
"Commander Birdy, speaking for the entire SPD Earth Station, we hope you have enjoyed your visit, sir."
"Thank you, Sky," Birdy replied dismissively.
"It's Jack, sir," Jack corrected.
"And now Commander Cruger has an announcement," Birdy continued, ignoring the correction.
Cruger stepped forward, his expression heavy with resignation. "To all personnel and to my Rangers, I want to thank you for your loyalty. It has been my privilege to lead the SPD forces and my honor to have served with you all. As of today, I am relieved of duty. You are now under the leadership of Supreme Commander Birdy."
He paused, looking at Naruto. "Orange Ranger Namikaze is also relieved of his teaching duties, effective immediately."
The shock on the Rangers' faces was palpable as their mentors were stripped of their positions.
Aftermath
After Birdy had left to settle into his new command, the B-Squad gathered in the rec room to process what had happened.
"Why would Birdy relieve Cruger and Naruto of their command?" Z wondered aloud. "I mean, I hope it wasn't because of us."
"No way," Bridge replied. "Earth is the last place that Gruumm hasn't conquered, and that's because of us and Doggy Cruger and Naruto."
"Maybe Birdy thinks we should be attacking Gruumm, not waiting for him," Sky suggested.
"What are you saying? You think Cruger was doing a bad job?" Jack asked pointedly. "If you remember correctly, he already lost one squad of Power Rangers."
Kat entered the room, her expression sympathetic. "they were relieved of duty because they were trying to protect you."
"What do you mean?" Syd asked.
"Commander Birdy ordered your squad to be split up. Cruger refused and Naruto supported Cruger's decision."
"Well then we'll all refuse," Z declared.
"We can't do that," Sky said firmly. "Birdy is now our commanding officer, and we obey orders even if we don't agree with them."
"Sky's right," Kat agreed reluctantly. "You are Power Rangers SPD. You follow the chain of command."
New Management
As Kat entered the Command Center, she found Birdy already making changes.
"Ah, Dr. Manx. I was just about to call for you. I want to install another monitor and make a note to add silent alerts to the Rangers' uniforms. And let's start thinking about replacing these Rangers."
Before Kat could respond, alerts began sounding.
"It's an energy alert, sir. It indicates any unusual surges. This reading is off the scope. I've never seen anything like it before."
"Call the Rangers," Birdy commanded.
Through the intercom, he announced, "Rangers, report to the Command Center."
"Rangers reporting, sir," Jack said as they assembled.
"We've had a report of an unusual energy surge. Red, Blue, and Green Rangers, I want you to investigate."
"Yes, sir," Sky replied.
"Just Red, Blue, and Green?" Z asked, confused.
"Is there a problem, Ranger?" Birdy's tone brooked no argument.
"No, sir."
Double Encounter
Jack, Bridge, and Sky arrived at the location on their Delta Patrol Cycles, scanning the area for threats.
"Okay, here we are. Let's check it out," Jack said, dismounting his cycle.
"I don't see anything," Bridge reported.
"Maybe, but I got a bad feeling," Sky replied.
"Something's there. Look," Jack pointed as a figure emerged from the shadows.
"No way. It's Gruumm!" Sky exclaimed as Emperor Gruumm arrived on his weaponized motorcycle.
"This is what we trained for, guys!" Jack called out.
The three Rangers engaged Gruumm in a high-speed battle, their Delta Patrol Cycles weaving between the emperor's laser blasts.
"Fire!" Gruumm commanded his bike's weapons system.
"Punch it!" Jack replied, accelerating to avoid the attack.
But they were outmatched. Gruumm's superior firepower and experience quickly overwhelmed the three Rangers.
During the battle, a second figure arrived—Thrax on his own advanced motorcycle, its design clearly alien in origin.
"Who dares challenge the son of Zedd?" Thrax called out, engaging the Rangers with his own weapons.
After a brutal fight that left all three Rangers defeated, Gruumm delivered his message: "You are the mighty Power Rangers? Give Anubis a message—tell him I am waiting for him."
Thrax, having easily defeated the Rangers' attempts to stop him, added his own message: "And tell my dear cousin Naruto that family business remains unfinished."
With that, both villains departed, leaving the Rangers injured and demoralized.
Hidden Messages
"That was brutal," Sky said as they regrouped.
Back at the Command Center, Birdy was furious. "That energy surge?"
"It was Gruumm and Thrax" Jack reported.
"They are here, and you let them defeat you?"
"Sir, that may not be a failure," Kat attempted to intervene.
"Anything further to report, Rangers?" Birdy demanded.
"No sir, we were lucky to get away when we did," Sky replied, following Jack's lead in keeping Gruumm's and Thrax's message secret.
"Dismissed."
As the Rangers left, Jack whispered to Sky, "Welcome to the new SPD, Sky."
Later, Kat approached the three Rangers privately. "Gruumm and Thrax did say something, didn't they?"
"It was a message for Cruger and Naruto" Jack admitted.
"It was personal. They wants to meet Cruger and Naruto on the battlefield," Sky added.
"You didn't hear this from me, but I think Commander Cruger would like to know about this. Only one of you should go—if you're all gone, it will arouse suspicion."
"I'll go," Jack volunteered.
"I'll find Naruto and tell him about Thrax's message," Kat added.
Solo Command Decisions
Sitting alone in the Command Center, Birdy made his own plans. "Cruger may not have been able to defeat Gruumm on Sirius, and the Rangers failed today. If you want something done right, do it yourself. And if Gruumm is looking for a fight, I will give him one."
Meanwhile, new alerts began sounding.
"There's been a report of a wanted criminal in C-sector," Birdy announced as Kat returned. "I want you to send Yellow and Pink."
"Sir, I'd like to analyze the situation first and see who is best suited—"
"Are they not capable? They're Power Rangers, are they not? Do not question my orders, Doctor. Just do as I say."
After Birdy left to confront Gruumm and Thrax personally, Kat hurried to find Naruto.
Wake-Up Call
After his dismissal, Naruto didn't bother leaving HQ. Instead, he made himself right at home in Kat's quarters, stretched out like he owned the place. When Kat walked in and found him fast asleep, she couldn't help but shake her head before gently nudging his shoulder.
"Naruto, wake up. We need you."
"Not in the mood, Kat," he mumbled, pulling a pillow over his head.
With no time for gentleness, Kat grabbed the edge of the bed and flipped it, sending Naruto tumbling to the floor.
"What the—Kat!" Naruto scrambled to his feet, his hair disheveled and eyes blazing with indignation.
"Get dressed. Now. Thrax left you a message, and Birdy's about to get himself killed," she said, tossing him his uniform.
"This better be good," Naruto grumbled, but he was already reaching for his clothes.
Battle Preparations
Z and Syd arrived at Sector C in the SPD Delta Cruiser, unaware they were walking into a trap.
"It was Sector C, right?" Z confirmed.
"That's what I heard," Syd replied.
Changtor suddenly materialized before them. "Ah, I am Changtor! Welcome to my beach party, where you're the guests of honor. Our first and last party game is called 'defeat the Rangers and collect a big reward from Broodwing.'"
"Love that game. What about you, Syd?" Z replied with false cheerfulness.
"Me too, but I'm really disappointed you didn't tell us there was a dress code. Just a sec, okay?"
"SPD Emergency!" both Rangers called out, morphing into battle-ready forms.
Double Confrontation
Meanwhile, Birdy had arrived at the location where the first battle had taken place.
"Show your faces, Gruumm! Thrax! Come out and fight!" he called out boldly.
Gruumm arrived on his motorcycle, with Thrax close behind on his own bike.
"Who is this they sent to fight me?" Gruumm asked disdainfully.
"Supreme Commander Fowler Birdy," the avian officer announced.
"I asked for Doggy Cruger," Gruumm replied. "But Supreme Commander, you will do for now."
As Gruumm charged toward Birdy on his weaponized bike, Thrax prepared his own attack.
"Two against one?" Thrax observed. "Hardly sporting, but then again, when has SPD ever played fair?"
The battle was swift and brutal. Within minutes, both Birdy lay injured on the ground, his confidence shattered along with his combat capabilities.
Messages Delivered
Jack found Commander Cruger in sitting under a tree near delta base, staring at the city he could no longer officially protect.
"Sir," Jack said respectfully.
"Hmm?" Cruger looked up from his contemplation.
"Gruumm is here on Earth. He's put out a challenge for you. He wants to meet you on the field of battle."
"Does Birdy know this?"
"No sir. The message wasn't for him. It was for our Commander."
Cruger's expression hardened with grim determination.
Meanwhile, Kat had successfully dragged Naruto to the Command Center, where they found Cruger monitoring the various battles taking place across the city.
"It's going badly, isn't it?" Cruger observed, watching Birdy's losing fight on one screen while Z and Syd battled Changtor on another.
"Syd and Z are holding their own, but Commander Birdy is in trouble," Kat reported.
"He's a fool. He's no match for Gruumm," Cruger stated bluntly.
"No, he isn't," Naruto agreed, studying the tactical displays. "And Thrax is with him. This is a coordinated attack."
"Sir, I have something for you. Will you come with me?" Kat asked Cruger.
"I know what you're trying to do, Kat," Cruger replied.
"Good. All the more reason for you to come with me, sir."
When Naruto hesitated to follow, Kat gave him a look that clearly conveyed 'do as I say or else.' He reluctantly followed, understanding that resistance would be futile.
Zord Battle
Back at the beach, Z and Syd had successfully defeated Changtor in his normal form, but the monster was far from finished.
"Look what I can do!" Changtor declared, growing to giant size.
"Hey guys, we need the team back!" Z called through her morpher.
"Megazord online! Let's do this!" came the reply as their Zords arrived.
"You look a little washed out. It's judgment time for you, buddy," Z taunted.
"Guilty!" Syd declared after scanning the monster.
"Five!" "Four!" "Three!" "Two!" "One!" the Rangers counted down in unison.
"Fire!" they commanded, and Changtor was captured in a containment card.
The Real Battle
Back at the other battlefield, Gruumm stood over the defeated Birdy with savage satisfaction.
"You sorry old bird, prepare to be vanquished," he declared, raising his staff for the killing blow.
Suddenly, laser fire erupted from an approaching vehicle. Shadow Ranger arrived on his new Delta ATV, his weapons blazing.
"Cruger!" Gruumm snarled, recognizing his greatest enemy.
"Shadow Ranger!" Birdy gasped from the ground.
At the same time, another vehicle approached—Naruto on an SPD Orange Delta Bike, its design sleeker and more advanced than the standard models.
"Well, well, cousin," Thrax called out, revving his own motorcycle. "Ready for a family reunion?"
"SPD Emergency!" Naruto called out, morphing into his Orange Ranger form as he engaged Thrax in high-speed combat.
The two motorcycle battles raged simultaneously—Shadow Ranger and Gruumm trading laser fire while weaving through the terrain, while Orange Ranger and Thrax engaged in a more personal combat, their family connection adding emotional weight to every exchange.
"My turn!" Shadow Ranger called out, firing a concentrated blast from his ATV.
"Lasers lock!" Gruumm replied, returning fire with his staff weapon.
"Fire!" both combatants yelled as their weapons discharged.
On the other side of the battlefield, Naruto and Thrax were engaged in their own deadly dance, their motorcycles and energy weapons creating a light show of destruction.
Ranger Intervention
The rest of the Rangers arrived just as both battles reached their climax.
"You okay, Commander?" Jack asked Birdy.
"They disobeyed my orders," Birdy complained, pointing at Shadow Ranger.
"And if they didn't, you wouldn't be around right now," Sky pointed out bluntly.
Shadow Ranger and Gruumm continued their battle, both warriors pushing their vehicles and skills to the absolute limit.
"Game over!" Gruumm declared, charging forward.
"Come on, full throttle!" Shadow Ranger replied, accelerating to meet him.
Both jumped their vehicles from a ramp, flying toward each other through the air. In a spectacular display of aerial combat, Shadow Ranger managed to leap from his ATV onto Gruumm's motorcycle, delivering a devastating blow that destroyed the emperor's ride and sent him crashing to the ground.
Simultaneously, Naruto executed a similar maneuver against Thrax as both Naruto and Thrax jumb from their bikes. Sparks lit the air as Excelsior met the Dark Blade in a violent clash, the shockwave rattling the ground beneath them. Thrax snarled, forcing his strength forward, but Naruto shifted his stance with fluid precision, letting the weight roll off before countering with a powerful slash.
Thrax swung again, dark energy crackling from his blade, but Naruto parried with the Excelsior, the clash echoing like thunder. With his free hand, he drew the Dragon Blaster, firing at point-blank range. Thrax twisted away, the shot grazing his armor, but it gave Naruto the opening he needed. He spun low, cutting across Thrax's guard and driving a heavy strike into his cousin's bike.
The machine screamed with sparks before erupting in a fiery explosion, sending Thrax tumbling across the battlefield. Naruto stood tall, both weapons in hand, his eyes locked on his fallen foe.
Victory and Consequences
"This is what you get for messing with SPD!" Shadow Ranger declared, firing a final laser blast from his damaged ATV.
"It's all over, Gruumm," he said, dismounting and approaching his fallen enemy.
"Don't be fooled, Cruger. You may have won this time, but I swear to you, this will be a long battle with many surprises," Gruumm replied, struggling to his feet.
"Nothing you do surprises me, Gruumm. I will be waiting, and this time SPD will prevail," Shadow Ranger replied.
Gruumm fired a parting shot from his staff and escaped in a teleportation field.
"You'll never take Earth, Gruumm. I promise you that," Shadow Ranger vowed.
Meanwhile, Naruto stood over the defeated Thrax, who was slowly picking himself up from the wreckage of his motorcycle.
"Until next time, cousin," Thrax said with a pained smile before teleporting away.
"Well done, sir," Sky said to both Shadow Ranger and Orange Ranger.
"You all did well, Rangers," Shadow Ranger replied.
Raising his Shadow Saber, he called out, "SPD!"
"SPD" Naruto called out raising Excelsior.
The Rangers performed their traditional salute. "SPD!"
Even Birdy reluctantly joined in. "SPD!"
Restoration
Later, back at the Delta Base docking bay, the atmosphere had completely changed.
"I have written my highest recommendation to Central Command regarding these Rangers of yours, Cruger. A fine group," Birdy announced.
"That they are, sir," Cruger replied with quiet pride.
"I still think there are certain areas in which SPD could be improved, like for example, the Supreme Commander staying out of his best commander's business. I couldn't have a finer leader than you, Anubis."
"Thank you, sir."
"The galaxy's depending on you. Bring it home for all of us," Birdy said as he boarded his shuttle.
"I will, sir."
After Birdy's departure, Cruger addressed his assembled staff with his characteristic gruff manner.
"Wipe those silly-looking grins off your faces! If you think this is going to be a holiday around here now, well, you're wrong. You're soft, spoiled, stubborn—every last one of you! Aren't you supposed to be attending some training at this particular moment?"
As everyone scattered to their duties, only Kat remained.
"Oh, it's so good to be back," Cruger said to her.
"And good to have you back, sir," she replied with a smile.
As they walked away together, Cruger added, "And Naruto, you're reinstated as well. SPD needs its best teachers."
"Thank you, Commander," Naruto replied, feeling the weight of responsibility settling back on his shoulders where it belonged.
The crisis had passed, but the lessons learned would reshape how SPD approached future challenges. Sometimes, Cruger reflected, it took an outside perspective to remind them of what truly mattered: not rigid adherence to protocol, but the bonds of trust and loyalty that made them strong.
The battle with Gruumm and Thrax was far from over, but for now, Earth's defenders were united once more.
Guys you can checkout my p.a.t.r.e.o.n id "Mask Aggarwal" to read some chapters in advance as chapter 17 to 26 are already been released on it.
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Chapter 17: Perspective
Chapter 18: Messenger - Part 1
Chapter 19: Messenger - Part 2
Chapter 20: Zapped
Chapter 21: Reflections and Departures
Chapter 22:Trials of Heritage - Part 1: The Trial of the Kyuubi Spirit
Chapter 23:Trials of Heritage - Part 2: The Trial of the Ancient Dragon
Chapter 24:Trials of Heritage - Part 3: The Trial of Balance (14K word long)
Chapter 25: The King's Return
Chapter 26: The King's Judgement (13.5K word long)