Chapter 1: Welcome to the Academy

Luke Hammond was going to Space Patrol Delta. It was a funny thought. He even chuckled to himself each time it came to his mind. You're going to SPD, kid. Take it easy. You've reached the big time, kid. Take it easy. The words of the warden made him scoff. This was the big time? Being trained to become a cop? If anything, SPD was the last thing on his list of potential careers. Unfortunately, Luke Hammond had little to no choice. He either had to spend a good amount of his life enforcing the law, or spend a good chunk of it behind bars. Who would choose the latter?

Luke Hammond was-and still is-a criminal. He was a unique criminal at that, too. At the age of fourteen, Luke was considered a mastermind in the art of pick pocketing. No one in New Tech City could match his stealth, his speed, or his cunning ways. Luke Hammond was the ultimate pick pocket. That's what everyone on the streets say.

Did you hear about what Ultimate did today? They'd rant, He pick pocketed some rich guy-while he was in front of him! I know…it's unbelievable, right? Get this; he did it while playing the harmonica-with no hands! Got the guy to give him a tip, too! I don't even know how a rich dude doesn't notice how much money he's got left…

In the alleys, praises were sung by his peers. The spectators ended up being hoodlums who were interested in his talents. One day, he was approached by someone named Ralphy Lee. The burly thug wanted to perform an armed robbery at a bank. Everything was in place except for someone who could disarm the guards, who had large tasers strapped to their waists. That was where Luke would come in. The risk was high, but so was the reward. Being an orphan from an early age, Luke did what he felt he had to; survive. With a robbery of New Tech National Bank, he'd be set for the rest of his life. So, Luke bit the bullet, and joined in.

The plan was so simple to him. Luke was going to play the role of the distraction. He would enter in with Lola-another accomplice in the robbery. She would pose as his mother, and he would be her son. Luke had to bother the guards, asking questions and feigning an interest in the pursuit of law enforcement (how ironic, right?). The guard, seeing Luke as no threat, would probably ignore him, or, if he were lucky, answer his questions with no irritation whatsoever. Either way, suspicion would be low. After all, Luke was a kid in the eyes of New Tech City. What could he do?

He could pick pocket a gun and keys, that's what.

The plan seemed so perfect. Lola and Luke strolled inside the New Tech City National Bank with no problems. Lola was fidgeting with her middle class costume. She kept pulling on the bottom of her skirt, despite that fact that it went down to her calfs. Luke wore a pair of glasses which impaired his vision. His sight was almost too focused and glossy. It was the worst kind of sight to have. Fortunately, Luke was a mastermind. What was even more fortunate was his ability to charm the guard, who answered his questions with great vanity. The fortune continued when he swiped his keys, and then took his taser. Luke enjoyed shocking the living daylights out of the guard after that. It was so enjoyable.

But then, the next part wasn't.

One of the bank tellers became suspicious of both Luke and Lola. As a safety measure, he went to the back and called the police. The teller made sure that the cops stood by, just in case anything went down. Something did go down. Ralphy Lee and his gang of thugs busted the doors opened. They toted their machine guns and had everybody stay down. Too bad their guns were unloaded, and too bad the cops were around in case anybody started something. Ralphy Lee and his thugs were arrested. Lola was bawling while cuffs were slapped on her wrist. Luke thought his life was over when for the first time ever, he was caught for his pick pocketing. Luke was now in jail.

Luke was the only one of the group to plead guilty in the case. He expressed great remorse for the crime he committed on that fateful day. The kid should have won an Oscar. Luke didn't cry during his court hearing, but he could feel his face drooping with fake guilt and sadness. Even the teller, who was present at the courthouse, stood to say that he already forgave Luke for his crime and asked the judge to give him a light punishment. The rest of the gang didn't forgive him for snitching on them, but what could he do? They were caught red handed (but should have been green handed), there was no denying that. Luke didn't necessarily regret what he did, but there was no point in lying about it. It was either "get caught or don't get caught." It was his code. You have to face the music when it comes, or else you're never going to make it on the streets.

The judge, clearly moved by the teller's declaration, decided to send Luke to JDC. He was too young for prison, and would have been eaten alive upstate. Luke was put on a bus to the Juvenile Detention Center in Angel Grove. The four hour ride was too short for him. Luke was glad that he had a chance to get out of jail at a relatively young age, but he still had to do time. Time was never kind to Luke. It passed him by so many times that he was already sick of it. But, there was little he could do. He had to spend at least the next three years behind bars.

He only stayed there for three weeks.

A guy stopped by JDC twenty days after Luke's sentencing. He was a young man in a uniform. The visitor looked old enough to be his big brother. The guy was no older than 21. His hair was brown and spiky, like Luke's. His face was broader than his, and his poise was definitely filled with propriety. The visitor's uniform was grey, and looked like it was taken straight out of a military movie. There was a red stripe on the part of the uniform that touched his shoulder. There was a silver badge was well. Three letters were etched into it. SPD.

"I've heard quite a bit about you, Luke," the visitor said as he walked into Luke's cell. "You have quite a reputation."

"Well, what do you know," Luke said. He was lying down on his bunk bed. It was the early afternoon or early evening; Luke couldn't tell. He hadn't seen daylight for weeks. "I'm famous now. Am I going upstate?"

"Upstate? No, no," the visitor said with a chuckle. "I'm here for reasons that have little to do with prison time."

"Really?" Luke said. "Why are you here, then?"

"Because, as I said, you have quite a reputation," the visitor answered. "And I'm interested."

Luke laughed. "I'm sorry, bro," he said, catching his breath. "I don't swing that way."

"You're a funny kid," the visitor said. "Do you always make wisecracks like that?"

"Depends on the day of the week."

"Your mother must be very proud of that."

"I wouldn't know that. She's been dead for ten years, bro. My dad too."

There was a brief moment of silence. "I'm sorry to hear that," the visitor said.

"I don't need your sympathies, man."

"I understand that, but I know what it's like to lose someone close to you. Especially your parents. I lost my father when I was a kid, and my mother died of cancer two months ago."

"My sympathies."

"You don't need to give them."

Luke sat up and faced the visitor. It was the first time he made eye contact with him during this whole discussion. "OK bro," Luke said. "Why are you here? You haven't answered that yet."

"Well…let's say we get down to business." The visitor extended his hand out. "My name is Schuyler Tate. I'm captain of the B-Squadron at Space Patrol Delta."

Luke just stared at the hand. "And…is that, like, totally important or something?" he asked. "Because I have no idea what in the world you are talking about."

Schuyler had an apprehensive look on his face. "Well, uh…I thought we'd be well known by now."

"Yeah, I just got to know your friends about two months ago," Luke said. "They arrested me for robbing a bank."

"Oh, yes…C-Squad usually handles all of that, I think," Schuyler said. "I didn't know they were good recruiters as well."

"Wait," Luke said. "They arrested me, bro. I'm in jail. They didn't recruit me at all."

"True, but…look, have you heard of SPD beyond the fact that they're law enforcement?"

"No."

"Would you like to hear more?"

"Not really. I have better things to do."

"So, I'm guessing that you want to stay in JDC, then?"

Luke stared at Schuyler. Did he just offer him a way out of Juvie? "Are you telling me that I might be able to get out of here?" Luke asked. "Because if that's the case, then please…go on."

"Good," Schuyler said. "We'll continue. I'm a member of Space Patrol Delta."

"You told me that."

"Yes, I did. It's part of the job, basic procedure."

"You might want to change it up, bro. What's your again?"

"Schuyler Tate."

"Weird name."

"Call me Sky."

"Sounds a lot more 21st century to me bro. Alright, Sky, keep going."

"OK," Sky sighed. "Space Patrol Delta is an agency that does more than enforce the law in New Tech City. It enforces the law across the entire universe as we know it."

"The entire universe?" Luke laughed. "You're kidding, right?"

"No, I'd be lying if I were," Sky said. "There are 520 different Space Patrol Delta outposts across the galaxies. Of course, more than half of them are here on Earth, but only because humans like us monopolize everything."

"Wish it were that easy for me," Luke muttered. Sky continued on.

"Well, we have a code at Space Patrol Delta. It's a code that shows that we stand for more than just enforcing the law. We at SPD solemnly swear to fight with our lives to save the lives of the innocent. We vow to give the world new hope in the worst of times. And when the world is covered in darkness, the darkness will face our light."

"Sounds like a Green Lantern rip-off to me," Luke remarked. "Do you guys have magical rings that turn you into powerful super heroes?"

Sky smiled broadly. "You have no idea," he simply answered.

"Well, I do," Luke said, lying back down on the bed. "And here's my answer. No."

"No?" Sky said, hiding no signs of shock. "But I didn't even ask you anything yet!"

"And you don't need to," Luke said. "I already made my choice. No. I'm not going to join your group of high tech cops."

"Why not?" Sky said. "Don't you understand how huge this is?"

"Yeah, but it's too big for me," Luke said. "I'm a juvenile with a criminal record-"

"-That's going to be cleared when you turn eighteen. But if you join Space Patrol Delta now, then your slate gets wiped clean within a day. By tomorrow, you'll be taking a four hour trip back to New Tech City to join the Academy."

"Yeah, sounds like a lot of fun bro," Luke muttered. "Have fun without me."

"Luke," Sky pleaded. "I really want to you to at least think this over."

"Why should I?" Luke said, sitting back up. "Why should I think about it, Sky? I'm a criminal behind bars. I robbed people, I tasered a guard, and my whole life has revolved around pick pocketing people to survive on the streets. Why would you want me to be a cop? Do I look like the kid you can reform into an agent of justice?"

"No," Sky responded. "But you have potential. Lots of potential."

"Yeah, so did Johnny Dillinger. And he's dead now."

"But I looked at the tests that the center ran on you when you arrived," Sky said. "They gave you a mental test, a physical test, a vision test, everything. This was made by top experts by Space Patrol Delta."

"So?"

"So, you passed them."

"Again…so?"

"Your excelled in them. Your scores broke every record. Your skills are tremendous, and you've spent ten years on the streets of New Tech City surviving on your own. Without help, without assistance, but by yourself. It's unbelievable. Don't you understand that maybe your skills to be a thief could be better suited in Space Patrol Delta?"

"Not really. I liked the life I have now. Jail's really comfortable, you should try it."

Sky covered his face. Luke was starting to get on his nerves. How could he be so foolish? "Look…Luke…" he sat next to Luke, and rested his chin on his hand. "If you take this opportunity, you can be out of here-forever. No more jail, no more streets, no more having to pickpocket everybody. You can live in an academy-for free. You can sleep in a bed, eat great food, and take hot showers-for free. All the things you need will be provided for you-for free. And you don't have to worry about the streets again. Don't you want that?"

Luke looked down at the floor of his cell. It was always cold to step on. He had to remember to keep his feet off the ground at all times if he wanted to feel somewhat cozy in his prison. If SPD were any different, he would be more comfortable than ever. His life would be easy going and happy. No one would every bother him, aggravate him, or talk down to him. And he would be off the streets. Maybe…just maybe…

"Fine. I'll do it."

Sky nearly doubled over. Did he actually break? "Really?" he asked, trying to make sure he heard him right. "You're going to join?"

"Yeah, you heard me right. I'm going to become one of your high tech cops. You sold me. Congratulations. Do you want a cookie?"

"No," Sky said in excitement. "You're all I need."

"Dude, I told you. I don't swing that way."

"Then I won't either." Sky slapped Luke on the back. Luke winced in pain.

"Ow! Touching me is not helping your case, bro."

"Sorry," Sky said, standing up. "I'm just excited. This is going to be good. It's going to be really good, actually. Glad you joined."

"Yeah," Luke said. He stood up himself to stretch and rub his sore back. "Well, you just robbed me of precious nap time. Satisfied."

"I'm wrought with guilt."

"Very funny."

"Tomorrow morning at seven, you'll be leaving," Sky said as he walked out of the cell. "Have a good night's sleep. You'll need it."

"Bro, did you not hear me? You just robbed me of precious nap time. I'm pretty pissed."

"Tomorrow morning, at seven. Bright and early."

"Yes sir." Luke gave a mocking salute.

"You're going to be doing that a lot more often," Sky said, walking off. "See you at the Academy."

"Yeah…seeya," Luke muttered. The warden was standing by during the whole conversation. His arms were folded the entire time. He had a small smile on his face. "You gonna miss me, Warden?"

The 55 year old shook his head. "I never have an emotional attachment with inmates," he said.

"Good. I'm relieved to hear that."

"Always the smart alick, aren't you Hammond?"

"Depends on the day of the week, Warden." Luke said, lying back down on his cot. "Besides, you only have to deal with me for what…fifteen more hours? You must be dancing on the inside."

"I'm not actually," the Warden said entering Luke's cell. "Don't you understand what's going on, kid? Don't you see what you're going to do?"

"No," Luke answered. "I'm taking the first opportunity I can to get out of this dump. I want out, and now, I have a trump card. It's SPD."

"And I'd kill to be in your position, kid," the Warden said. "Do you know how huge of an honor it is to be in Space Patrol Delta?"

"No."

"Well, I'll tell you right this: I envy you. I have been on the beat for over thirty years. I was in Los Angeles during the riots, I was in New York during September 11th, and I had to go down to New Orleans to help officers during Hurricane Katrina. I have been through the worst events in the history of this country, and I am yet to get a single phone call concerning a promotion to Space Patrol Delta."

"My sympathies."

The warden shook his head. "Kid, don't squander this opportunity."

"Why would I? It's my only way out."

"And you're going to take it for granted. You may not end up in jail for the rest of your life, but you'll end up being at the bottom of the barrel with that attitude. You have potential. Just think of what would happen if you did a turnaround and became one of the best! You could become one of them."

"One of who?"

"Why does it matter to you?" the Warden said smugly. "It's just a trump card. Your only way out, right kid? It's nothing more."

"Yeah…I intend to keep that way. Man, can't you stay off my back?"

"Yeah…suit yourself." The Warden walked out of the cell. "You're going to SPD, kid. Take it easy." He closed the cell door and locked it up. "This is the last time you're going to be in this cell. It's the very last time. You've reached the big time, kid. Take it easy."

The warden walked away while Luke just stared at the bottom of the bunk above him. He didn't care if he gained immortality by joining SPD. It was a way out of this dump. It was a way out of the streets, and it was a way out of the tough life. SPD would be no walk in the park, of course. Luke was going to be a high tech cop. But, it was a better for him. Luke would rather be a high tech cop dying for something decent than a street rat pick pocketing everyone.

You're going to SPD, kid. Take it easy. You've reached the big time, kid. Take it easy." The words of the warden made him want to scoff. This was the big time? Being trained to be a cop? Yeah…that's the last thing on my list of potential careers Luke thought, but it's better than nothing. It's a way out. There's always a way out.