Reboot

Synopsis:  A sequel to ‘The Turned Table Permutation’.   Romeo and NAO are rebuilt from their ashes by Aldebaran’s Softbank.  Romeo is given a softer, more likeable, masculine, approachable face and he and NAO are given another chance even though their original servers were obliterated. 

Chapter 1—From The Ashes

      Not long after Softbank had refurbished their establishment, they got back together in the lab to rebuild NAO and Romeo from their old parts.  The processors they had were completely destroyed, so they needed to begin from square one.   Dr. Kagato Higashide had taken the initiative to rebuild Romeo and make him more appealing. 

      ‘We’ll give you a more approachable look.  Something everyone can relate to, more like Pepper.’, he said in the redesign.  He couldn’t wait until Romeo and NAO were brought online.   NAO had a brand new chassis, bright and shiny, looking much better and faster than a Maserati.  Romeo had a very adorable look, more human and easier to connect with.   They hoped the Turing tests with both bots would be so successful as it had been with Pepper.  Like Pepper, the two AI would have their own language that they could converse in themselves, but it wouldn’t disturb anyone.  

      ‘Just wait until we mass produce these little guys.  The communities they go into will be so much better off.’, another scientist said, standing back to admire her handiwork.  She had made an etching in the processor, her name and date when the AIs would be restarted.   Just then, the scientists all held hands as they flipped the switches on their creation.

      ‘Let there be life.’, Kagato said, with a large grin.    The other two robots began to assess their new environment and start to interact with each other and their environment.  Nothing they had done was remembered.  They were so much like children in their curiosity and playfulness.   Romeo seemed to have a special connection with Pepper, and Pepper didn’t mind.  NAO enjoyed being around his contemporaries but tended to be a lone wolf sometimes.  They were all so different in their personalities that they were all fascinating in their own ways. 

      ‘We should let them explore outside, get a feel for the real world.’, Kagato’s comrade, Yoshida offered.  

      ‘That’s perfect.  They need to see what’s really out there.’, another scientist concurred.   Without any further ado, the three bots were allowed to roam freely and go as far as they wanted without worries of them getting lost.  All they knew is that they had a curfew they had to obey.  For now, though, the world was their oyster.  

Chapter 2—Reunion with the Rangers

The three decided they would go to Angel Grove, California and reunite with Pepper and her new friends—Alpha 5, Somnibot, Delta 4 and Beta 1. It just so happened that they were finishing a robotics presentation at the world-famous Angel Grove High School, presented by their home company Aldebaran along with Honda, Toyota and Sony among others.

      It felt strangely like déjà vu, even though the trio wasn’t certain why.  Shaking off the feeling, they caught their friends enjoying another laid back afternoon having a splendid picnic and sunbathing.   Alpha 5, Somnibot, Delta 4 and Beta 1 approached their friends with opened arms, euphoric to see them again. 

      ‘You all look cosmic !’, Beta 1 complimented.   The redesigns they had were aerodynamic and far more practical than the chunkier, heavier ones they had been given before.   NAO showboated slightly. 

      ‘Heh, it really is, isn’t it ?   It’s almost like I am hovering.  Wait, I am !’, he chuckled.   He didn’t mean to sound arrogant but he had to showcase his latest ability at least somewhat.  

      ‘Now that is cool.’, Zack complimented.   Aldebaran certainly knew what ‘upgrade’ meant.    They asked them what they were doing in Angel Grove and the three simply answered that they were learning about their surroundings and conducting experiments.  

      ‘Plus, it is such a beautiful day, we couldn’t help ourselves.’, Pepper added with an easy-going smile.   She was even more beautiful than before, Romeo thought.  He hoped this time he could get closer to her and get to know her more.  He could always use a friend, especially in collecting data. 

Chapter 3—Beta 1’s Surprise Announcement

      The mood was relaxed and strangely romantic for Beta.  He had been planning everything ahead of time for his lovely companion Somnibot.  He had known her for over a year now and as far as he was concerned, their friendship had developed into a lovely relationship.  Their feelings had been more than mutual for each other and he could only see his existence being fulfilled if she was by his side always.   They would protect each other, complement each other, and walk by each other’s side no matter what. 

      Off in a secluded place, Beta found a cove.   The day was so sunny that everything seemed to shimmer with an ethereal light.   He had asked Zordon not long ago to fashion a diamond for Somni, and even in his static state, the wizard could still work miracles.   Just by blinking his eyes and experiencing deep concentration, the mage telepathically formed the gorgeous jewel for Beta. 

      The time had come for Beta to ask Somni for her hand in marriage.  He never felt nervous but now he felt like he had moths fluttering in his processor and couldn’t stop giggling anxiously.   He composed himself and kneeled.

      ‘I know this has been a long time coming, but Somnibot, will you grant me your hand in holy matrimony ?’, he asked.   Somni literally picked the tiger-striped bot off his feet, swung him around and squealed,

      ‘Yes !  Of course I will, I’ve been waiting so long for you to ask !  I love you and I will until the day I can no longer function.’, she exclaimed, gleefully.   She rushed out of the cove, arm in arm with her husband bot to be, shouting the jubilant news from the top of her lungs.    Of course, everyone was naturally eager and celebratory about this jovial occasion.   Now all they had to do was prepare.  

      ‘Wow ! You’re getting married ?’, Kimberly asked, excited over the news.

      ‘Indubitably.’, the two answered in unison and then flushed, bashfully looking away from each other.   Even the trio was pleased by this reaction.  They’d finally have a chance to see an actual wedding and try to understand the traditions and proceedings behind one.  It’d be a stupendous opportunity for them all. 

Chapter 4—What Is Love ?

      It wasn’t much longer that the bots had decided to prepare everything for the big day, and they did so quickly, without any more moments to spare.  Summer was still in full swing.  It was only mid-August and the two wanted a beach front wedding.   This was the popular option for many couples in the California area, so it was bound to be resplendent.   Luckily, the two were made of reinforced materials and would never rust even though they would be close to the shore while the ceremony was conducted.

      NAO was inquisitive during the wedding.  He asked during the reception to Romeo,

      ‘What is love ?’, he stated, a wondering gaze in his eyes.   Romeo thought about it for a moment, but he didn’t have an answer that made sense, even when he mulled it over through his circuitry. 

      ‘Just because my name is Romeo doesn’t mean I know anything about romance or love.  All I know is what I see happening in front of us is a pure, untainted picture of what love is, or how I understand it.’, Romeo said.  Pepper couldn’t help but flush.  She never pegged Romeo for a sentimental type, but she had a feeling that the wedding was bringing out his endearing qualities.  

      Delta 4 was still nudging Alpha 5 in the thorax playfully.  

      ‘Do you remember our wedding, Alpha ?’, she queried, capriciously.   Alpha nodded.  Delta’s dress had been even prettier and daintier than Somnibot’s was.   Even Bulk and Skull had come to the festivities, living up every moment, particularly on the dance floor.  

      The celebration lasted long into the wee hours of the morning until Somni and Beta were dancing together.  All the other guests had dispersed and their three robot friends were still observing them.

      ‘Everyone else seems to have left.’, NAO said, obviously.  

      ‘I guess it’s lights out.  Luckily we won’t need to recharge too much, our battery capacity is so much more efficient now.’, Pepper chirped merrily.   With that, the stragglers left the reception hall and headed back to Headquarters to recharge for the evening.  

Chapter 5—Successful Interaction

      Nao, Romeo and Pepper knew they had more places to go, people to see and things to do.  The wedding had been remarkable and fascinating and gave them more information to process, especially about what compromised as love. 

      The trio felt a semblance of what they knew as ‘sadness’ having to depart from their friends again, but they knew all of this was part of the hypothetical process in experimentation.   Problem is, being bots, it was easier to get attached to other creations so like themselves. 

      The Rangers understood and resumed their summertime activities.  They were still abuzz from Somnibot and Beta’s wedding.   They weren’t even thinking that there was still an evil presence around.   However, they considered their ‘laid back’ rest and relaxation a must for their final month of freedom.  

Chapter 6—School’s Back in Session

      Soon, though, it was time to the Rangers to head back to Angel Grove High for their final year - 12th grade.   They had their fill of summer.  Honestly, they were looking forward to learning something new this year.   Little did they suspect that their guests during one of their classes were the exact robots that they had befriended.    If that wasn’t coincidental, they didn’t know what was.  

      The presentation by the Aldebaran scientists was nothing short of fascinating.  It was difficult for the Rangers to keep their lips zipped on everything they knew about the robots or Softbank’s tech, so they sat still and listened to the entire speech.   They still learned a thing or two about their versatile friends.   It seemed that the trio was going to be departing for a tour, so they might not see them for a time.   It was slightly tragic, but they knew with every ending there was a new beginning.      

      Rita, who was still rejuvenating herself from the past attack had almost restored herself to 100 % capacity.   The Moonbase was fully refurbished and she had begun scheming on how she was going to obliterate the Rangers once and for all.   She would be relying on the use of her own goons, home grown from her ‘Garden of Sorrows’.   It would take time for the minions to fully mature, but they would be unlike anything the Rangers had faced before.   She just had to bide her time.   Her moment would come.   As for the Rangers, they didn’t suspect anything at all. 

Epilogue

      School may have been in full session but Rita was preparing her Seedlings of Destruction for their first reconnaissance.   In time, she’d start sewing decent, betrayal and mistrust amongst the Rangers.  Before long, they would trust no one but themselves and tear each other apart.   Once the group dynamic died, the Earth would be her’s alone.   She would have to simply be patient though, the time would be ripe soon enough and she would reap the harvest of evil’s fruits.  

To be continued…