The city was quiet — deceptively so. After the Megazord battle, Newtech's streets hummed with electricity, the glow of neon reflecting off rain-slicked asphalt.
Leo sat in the Hauler's command bay, analyzing data pulled from SPD's last encounter.
> Delta: "Commander, multiple unidentified energy signatures were detected within SPD command files. Suggest investigation."
Leo: "Oh, you mean all the files they think I can't hack? Yeah. Let's see what secrets you're hiding, big brother."
Guardian 7 groaned.
> "Commander, should we really be snooping?"
Leo: "Should we? Probably not. Will we? Absolutely."
---
The Discovery
Leo activated a stealth protocol, the Hauler cloaking itself against SPD sensors. The Zords shifted into low-power silent mode, glowing faint crimson.
They infiltrated an abandoned SPD research facility, dust-covered and long-forgotten. Ancient tech hummed in the shadows, forgotten lab tables lined with experimental devices.
> Prowler: "Commander… this place feels… creepy."
Leo: "Perfect. Creepy means opportunity. Opportunity means fun."
Inside, holographic displays flickered to life, revealing files labeled: "Project Sentinel," "Experimental Megazord Systems," "Commander Race AI Archives."
Leo's visor glowed as he scanned through the schematics.
> "Wait… they've been running experiments on new Megazord synchronization matrices. And—oh, this is interesting—they've tried to artificially enhance commander-level abilities. I could… borrow some ideas."
---
Unexpected Threat
As Leo explored, alarms suddenly blared. The facility's automated defenses had reactivated: turrets pivoting, electrified floors activating, and drones descending from the ceiling.
> Leo (grinning): "And here I thought it was going to be quiet. Squad, engage!"
The Inverted Zords responded immediately:
Prowler dodged laser fire, counterattacking drones with precision strikes.
Guardian 7 activated shields, blocking electrified panels.
Cruiser barreled through turrets, scattering sparks like fireworks.
Sky Saber zipped through vents, disabling traps from above.
> Delta: "Commander, facility defenses are highly adaptive. Recommend tactical improvisation."
Leo: "Tactical improvisation is my middle name. Well… not legally. But mentally, yes."
---
The Core Room
Finally, Leo reached the facility's core — a massive, glowing Megazord control console. Multiple pods lined the walls, each labeled with SPD Experimental Zord AI Prototypes.
> Leo (to himself): "Whoa… someone's been busy. Imagine what I could do with these."
Delta Prowler piped up, skeptical:
> "Commander, you do realize touching this could trigger alarms, right?"
Leo (grinning): "Relax. If it does, it'll be a learning experience. And explosions count as lessons."
He began copying files, schematics, and AI protocols. His own Zords hummed, absorbing the data. Even Guardian 7 looked impressed, if slightly horrified.
---
Escape
Just as Leo was about to leave, a massive SPD security Megazord dropped through the ceiling, its armor gleaming white-blue.
> Red Ranger: "Leo! This is your last chance. Leave now!"
Leo: "I feel like we say that a lot. But hey, I like tradition!"
The Inverted Megazord leapt into action. Cannons flared, shields clashed, and the Hauler's mobile base moved to block escape routes.
> Leo: "All right, squad. Time for a little… exfiltration chaos."
The battle was fast, clever, and improvised. Leo used the new schematics he just downloaded, tweaking Zord systems mid-fight. Shadow Enforcer Cruiser created decoys, Prowler sabotaged the enemy Megazord's targeting, and Sky Saber zipped through openings, disabling drones.
Finally, the Hauler activated a hidden cloaking thruster, allowing them to vanish into the night just as the SPD Megazord stabilized.
> Leo (breathing hard): "See? Learning experience. And explosions were optional."
---
Aftermath and Reflection
Back aboard the Hauler, Leo dropped into his command chair, visor up, hair damp from stress and sweat.
> Leo: "Okay… that was close. But we got something very useful out of it."
> Guardian 7: "We could've been caught."
Leo: "We weren't. And that's what counts."
> Delta: "Commander, the experimental files may allow upgrades to your squad's systems, as well as your own synchronization protocols."
Leo (smirking): "Perfect. Inverted Squad Alpha will now be smarter, faster… and slightly more terrifying."
He gazed at the city below. The lights twinkled innocently, unaware of the rogue squad watching from the shadows.
> Leo (softly): "SPD thinks they're in control. Let's see how long they can pretend."
---
To be continued.