Visiting the CIty

Posted on Fri Aug 29th, 2025 @ 3:09am by Spencer Gustaffson

1,263 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Graduation Day
Location: Silver Hills City Center
Timeline: Before 'Patrolling the Summit'
Tags: Includes Former Ranger

Spencer had never been to Silver Hills yet in his life. That set him on edge, since the assignment of the Rangers was to provide security to the upcoming summit. The only way to fix the issue was both simple and elegant - go out and explore the city. Washington was so close to California, but it seemed worlds apart from his home in Mariner Bay, or even Angel Grove. The whole vibe of the town seemed more down-to-earth, more focused on local small businesses and services that would the blue Ranger would typically call 'quirky', if he was trying to place the feel. After their first lunch in town, Spencer decided to take the afternoon to go take a look around. With his ability to sense the Morphin' Grid buzzing in the back of his mind, he headed out from their base of operations, and found himself in front of a small building with a memorial to the city's clock tower and the odd-jobs business that it once held, how important their contributions had been. He didn't fully know why that would be important, but it obviously was to the people here.

He felt a tingling in the back of his head, the kind that a part of his mind told him to interpret as a comfort. He turned and looked around, wondering if one of the other Rangers had gotten the same idea of taking a self-guided tour. He didn't call out for fear of making a scene on the street, but looked around, waiting to wave if he saw someone that he recognized.

Stephi had a similar idea it seemed. She wanted to look around silver hills herself. She waved to spencer when she saw him.

Spencer waved back at Stephi with a smile, walking over to the Gold Ranger. He didn't know her well, but she seemed like a good person, on balance. He spoke in a much friendlier tone than when he was concerned about a fight - which so far had been most of his interaction with Stephi. This was a side of himself that was more rarely displayed. "Hey. How's today treating you?"

"Heya. Not bad at all! enjoying the day so far!. Figured I'd take time to explore the city." She replied. She liked her teammates. They were good people although she really didn't know them very well yet.

Spencer nodded at her and walked alongside her. "Same here. I'm trying to figure out if it's tourist exploration, or if I'm just being paranoid and getting ready for a running fight." He smirked, trying to be amused at his own failings. "In case no one told you, I'm usually the paranoid one of the team. But it's for a good cause - at least I like to think so. I just don't want anybody I care about to get hurt."

"Well, I can certainly appreciate that! Wanting to keep people safe is a good thing. Sometimes it pays to be paranoid. Although today I am just wanting to relax and kinda see what there is to see. Maybe meet some new friends."

"That would be nice." The Blue Ranger nodded, and thought for a moment. "Frankly speaking, I think this would count - so far, we've mostly been coworkers, at best. I know very little about you." His pace slowed slightly, obviously more focused on Stephi for a moment. "When you first joined up with us, you, Damien, and Kilena talked about people you know related to our abilities. Did you know any of us?"


"No I did not. Really had no idea about anybody. There wasn't time apparently. They seemed to want me to hurry up and get going! I was only given the basic of briefings. More on how to use my powers and basic ranger stuff than anything else. So guess now's a good time to start!"

Spencer grinned and nodded. "It is, yeah. You definitely got going and arrived when you were needed. So, uh, before you were a Ranger, what were you doing with your life?"

"Well, I had finished High school and had planned on pursue a degree in criminal Justice but then I joined the rangers. It seemed like a better option! I can make more of a difference this way! It feels right! I think Amanda would approve."

Spencer nodded, considering her history. She'd directly become a Ranger - that much didn't quite gel with his own life. "My story was a little different, but not by a lot. I didn't know much about the Rangers when I became one. I graduated school and went for the GPF. I figured I could save lives that way, help people, that kind of thing. Maybe even get some of my anger under control. And then, well, there was a mission, and this crystal fell into my hand. How did you come to know about the Rangers?"


"Well, I was recruited to the academy. Seemed like a good idea. I worked hard and studied hard. Then I was told there was an opening in the rangers so I applied and was accepted.
I think that they looked at em and knew of my burning desire for justice and to make a difference. At least I like to think that was it."

Spencer looked at her for a moment and let his focus shift slightly into the Grid. He thought for a moment and shrugged. His voice was calmer suddenly, almost zen-like. There was a faint blue glow to his eyes as he looked into Stephi. "I don't think that it's your desire. I think it's your ability to do something about it. The strength to bring balance and defend others. A lot of people desire to do a lot of things, but very few actually have the strength of will to follow through." He blinked and his head twitched slightly as his eyes returned to normal with a blink. "But that's just my guess. Could have been any reason at all. Even just that the Crystal responded to you. That's kind of how I fell into it."

"Yeah maybe. Makes sense. Maybe the crystal wanted someone to bring balance and figured I was the one. We may ever know for sure. All that really matters is I have the power now and I have you guys."

Spencer nodded solemnly with a slightly happier expression. "I think, or at least I hope, you have it backwards. You have us and you have the Power. It will protect you always, but we will be there for you, no matter what,"

The Blue Ranger didn't notice the shift in the clouds that cast their shadows long against the Clocktower for just a moment. He looked at Stephi. "Regardless of the powers, you are part of us now. No matter what - timelines or anything else - I will find you. I will know you. Whatever else might exist, the Power will protect you - always." He glanced up at the building, and then back at her. "Once a Ranger, always a Ranger. I heard that from some voice out there when I first felt what I have. It holds true." He smiled somewhat genuinely. "And believe me, I'm glad we have you on our side."

"Thank you so much! I appreciate that! I like being a ranger and like the work we're doing! It feels good to make a difference like this!" Stephi said. "It's also very nice to know you have people who will have your back no matter what!"

 

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