Power Rangers In Space/Power Rangers Lost Galaxy, Heather Ray [best novels ever TXT] 📗

like when I confronted Kai on the Simu-deck. I didn't force Leo to acknowledge my existence. I shouldn't feel this uneasy.

So I decide to touch on the one subject I consider 'safe.'

"So, what's this project you're working on?"

His hands find the pockets of his faded blue jeans. "I've been doing research in the Galaxy Book, looking for some clue about the Nexus...the pocket dimension Kendrix is trapped in."

"The Galaxy Book?"

He turns to me, and I can almost see the hope fade from his eyes. "You've never heard of it?"

"Should I have?"

"I kind of hoped you did. I want you to help me figure it out."

My eyes widen in surprise as he slides a pass card into the reader just outside the Science Division. The light atop the doors flashes green, and the doors slide open, allowing Leo to guide me through Terra Venture's development center.

We soon enter a section reserved for "Cultural Analysis."

The lights respond to our presence, slowly brightening to reveal a small room with several computers lined up. The walls are covered in large printouts of alien symbols and sketched images, with arrows and notes jotted in the margins in colorful ink. In the far corner is a case of glass, within which lies a large, leather-bound tome with yellowed pages.

Leo immediately takes a seat at a computer station with a small plant sprouting from a pink clay pot.

Kendrix's desk.

A few strokes of the keyboard brings up a two-framed visual, with a scan of alien text on the left, and a column of English notes on the right.

Intrigued, I stare at the screen over his shoulder. "So you've already translated some of the Galaxy Book?"

He nods. "The science team assigned to translate the Galaxy Book has made some headway, and even developed a program to automatically translate recognized symbols once enough characters were identified. The trick is, the Galaxy Book isn't all one language."

"Perhaps there is one language of exposition, and then incantations are recorded in their native text?" I suggest. "Do you have any idea who wrote the Galaxy Book? What planet it came from?"

Leo shook his head. "We don't even know what galaxy this book came from. It's been a mystery since we first found it."

"Hmm..." I murmur, walking to the Galaxy Book itself. "Can we take it out of the case?"

He types a code into the panel, making one side of the glass slide out of my way. I reach my hand out, closing my eyes as I "feel" for the glow of magic, that faint power, much like electricity, that I'd learned to wield in my former life.

"This book is enchanted. It feels almost like...it's locked."

"Locked?"

"There's a power blocking our perception of this book. Only someone with the 'key'

can read this text easily. Whoever placed this spell can see through it, and understand all the text as if he were reading his native language. All others are exposed to this scrambled mixture of languages. I'm impressed you could make sense of any of this gibberish with Earth technology. It will take years

to figure this out...if it can even be done."

I open my eyes, fully expecting Leo to be crushed by the bad news I'd related. Instead, I'm startled to see him smile.

"This isn't just any Earth technology," he corrects me, tapping the monitor. "Kendrix developed the translation program."

His faith in her abilities is unwavering.

I nod, accepting the challenge before us. "Let's start by isolating how many different languages we have to account for. Then, we should trace each translated language throughout the entire book, and see if we can find any reference to pocket dimensions." I then turn back to the book, carefully flipping the pages. "There also seems to be a lot of sketches in here... maybe one of them may represent the Nexus?"

He nods eagerly, and we get to work.

The hours fly by as we immerse ourselves in linguistic analysis, catching glimpses of the legends and histories of this and other galaxies. Leo walks me through Kendrix's software, explaining the translation process in surprising detail.

I stare at a block of translated text, comparing the English verse with the visual structure of the original alien symbols, when a soft chime distracts me.

"It's five," Leo announces, rising to his feet. He casually stretches his arms over his head, and shuts down Kendrix's computer. "Time to clear out before the research crew gets in."

I open my mouth to respond, only for a powerful yawn to overcome my words. I'd been so engrossed in my work I hadn't even realized I was so tired.

"Sorry I kept you up all night," Leo offers, collecting sheets of notes we'd taken, "I guess I got excited that we were making some progress. It's been pretty frustrating doing this stuff, especially after I'd finished reviewing the translated text."

I shrug the apology aside. "Don't mention it. I'm just glad I finally got the chance to talk

to you."

His gaze grows serious, and I realize my mistake. I really didn't mean to sound so bitter... it must be my exhaustion talking. I never expected to be welcomed with open arms, and after that fiasco with Kai the other day, I recognized that, despite Maya's best efforts and my own good intentions, I may never connect with the other Rangers.

"Don't listen to me," I insist, heading for the exit. "Really...I'm just worn out."

Chapter Twenty-Seven

-Leo-

I haven't felt this good in a long time.

I whistle as I walk through the halls of Terra Venture at noon. Sure, every few feet I pass someone who looks at me funny, but I really don't care. For the first time in four days, I feel like I've made some headway.

Karone and I have a plan. Together we're gonna find Kendrix!

Yeah, there wasn't much in the Galaxy Book yet. We've got a long way to go...but it's good to share this with someone. And Karone's experience with magic, pocket dimensions, and alien languages definitely brightens the picture. I mean, I always knew

I'd figure it out eventually...but I'm glad we're on the fast track now.

Now I'm not so frustrated...so consumed. Now I can start paying attention to the people around me again.

I feel pretty lousy about how I've treated Karone so far. When we first discovered she'd become the Pink Ranger, I was so stunned I couldn't believe it was real. Seeing someone else wearing Kendrix's uniform...I just couldn't process it.

At that moment, when I stared at the face of a stranger beneath that too-familiar helmet, it felt like we'd given up on Kendrix. That she gave up on us.

After the initial shock wore off, I was able to think a little clearer. I know why she passed on the Saber. Mike gave me the Red Saber when he fell into the pit on Mirinoi. That didn't mean he was gone for good. It was a precaution...a reminder that the mission comes first.

She wants us to be as safe and strong as possible while she's away. That's all.

So I can look at the bright side. The team is complete, so when Trakeena throws another one of her tantrums, we've got the muscle to fight back. Plus we have a new teammate, with skills and knowledge we can use as we journey through unfamiliar territory, meet alien species, and unlock the mysteries of the Galaxy Book.

I can see she feels out of place. I mean, who wouldn't, surrounded by thousands of complete strangers? I felt pretty weird my first few days on Terra Venture, especially while I was reeling from Mike's disappearance. I've been in her shoes.

The least I can do is help her out. I should've reached out to her earlier, but better late than never.

So, balancing a tray of styrofoam cups in one hand, I press the tone to let her know she's got company.

"Come in!"

The door slides open, and I stare at Kendrix's workstation...where Karone is busily typing on the keyboard.

"Wow, Karone...I figured you'd still be asleep!"

"I've never been one to sleep much. Too many dreams." She finally turns to me, and my eyes are drawn to the bright pink headband pulling back her hair.

"It's a gift from Maya," Karone murmurs, her fingers brushing against the band. "Most Pink Rangers wear predominately pink, but since I'm not really

a Pink Ranger, I figured a token acknowledgement of my color designation made sense." Her smile broadens. "Besides, it keeps my hair out of my face while I type."

My curiosity is piqued as I hand her a cup. "Type what?"

Her eyes are bright with triumph as she slides her seat away from the computer. "See for yourself."

I step closer, and my eyes widen at display. Is that... what I think it is??

"The translation program? But...how?"

"All computers on Terra Venture are networked. It was just a question of finding the right drive to access the Cultural Analysis team's shared files. And since Kendrix's system has full access to the Science Division, I didn't even need to hack in."

I slowly shake off my astonishment as I review the scans of the Galaxy Book. I can't believe it didn't occur to me to check Kendrix's computer! With all the late hours she'd spent reviewing her day's work, I should've known she had full access to everything right here! Of course, we don't have the Book itself...but this does mean we can work through scanned text remotely, at any hour we'd like!

"Leo?"

I turn to Karone, who stares at me with puzzled eyes as she holds up the cup I gave her.

"This is French roast with marshmallows and a splash of skim milk, isn't it?"

I grin as I nod. "I figured you'd need some caffeine to brighten your morning." I glance at the desk clock. "Well...afternoon."

"But how could you possibly know I like this?" she persists.

"I just checked the synthetron records on the Megaship to see what you requested. I mean, what's the point in ordering you a drink you don't like? Everyone drinks their morning cup a little differently. Though I must admit...marshmallows is a new one."

She stares at me for a moment longer, obviously stunned, before taking another sip. "You shouldn't have gone to the trouble."

I laugh. "What trouble? I just contacted Alpha to pull up the records, and then got on line at the coffee stand. It's not like I picked the coffee beans myself!"

She giggles softly, but her good mood is squashed almost immediately. I turn to her, watching her smile crumble despite her best effort.