Mystic Force is a month away, but SPD lives on here. I really like writing this. I know it's silly, but it'd be cool if Bruce saw this and wanted me to write an episode or two, like Amit got to for Wild Force. Not that this is A+ material, but I try to do my best. Some of you here on FF and on Rangerboard have speculated some things correctly as to what will happen. I won't confirm anything, but things will get twisted from here on out. Expect the unexpected. This is a group-focus episode mostly, with Jack coming into play some more in the story. The next episode "Burning" will center around Bridge and introduce the character who will fill the boots of B-Squad Green. Keep the comments coming. I enjoy your thoughts and feedback.

EDIT (1.27.05 12:26AM ET): I've never done this, but I figured I should cover my butt just in case. Disney owns Power Rangers etc etc etc. It's theirs, not mine. I make no money doing this etc. End of disclaimer.

Space Patrol Delta - The Series

Episode 04 - Wish
Chapter 1

At night, New Tech City was a lit masterpiece of post-modern architecture. The city was a miniature Los Angeles in itself in both good and bad ways. It was a place college students wanted to go to school, having a top-rated football team and medical program. The restaurants had fare people sought after, both local and the kind not indigenous to Earth. It also had L.A.-type crime. You couldn't always go out at night by yourself. The pollution has seen its rates double since the turn of the century. The more people there are the more vehicles and waste the townspeople produce.

And not to be ranked last amongst these qualms, quote unquote marshans found the lure of New Tech appealing. 99 percent of "extra-terrestrials" (to be politically correct) found a safe haven on Earth and harmonized with man. For the 1 percent that can't...

"There's Space Patrol Delta!" Laura squealed.

Bridge walked up behind his girlfriend and watched the giant screen display stock footage of B-Squad battling a monster from last year. He instantly recognized the alien as Bugglesworth, the monster of the week that led young Sam to his destiny at Space Patrol Delta. Anyone able to see the screen within the vicinity turned their attention to the oversized monitor and cheered for their resident superheroes as the voice over continued his spiel.

"As seen, our very own Space Patrol Delta utilizes martial arts in every day situations. The Academy, located at the heart of the greater Tech area, serves both as a precinct and training station for Earth's future protectors and the universe at large. Brave young men and women from all over the globe come to New Tech with hope of joining the ranks of cadets such as the highly-regarded B-Squad, but only few are accepted into their prestigious and rigorous training program."

"That's you!" Laura squealed again taking Bridge's arm and weaving it around her's.

"Shh," Bridge warned putting a finger in front of his lips.

His eyes shifted to the left and right to make sure someone hadn't heard her. Citizens were more than eager to stop and meet anyone on B-Squad if seen in public. All Bridge wanted tonight was to enjoy the Martial Arts film festival without interruption. The voice over continued.

"American Karate, Kempo, Tae Kwon Do, Ninjutsu, Judo, and grappling are one of the many defense systems taught at Space Patrol Delta. Famous and well-known instructors have been contracted by the Academy to help in the mental and physical preparation of these skilled warriors."

The B-Squad Five flew out their Megazord to stop Bugglesworth from escaping containment. His toy-like robot had been blown into flaming shrapnel, but he hadn't.

"They got my robot, but they won't get me!" the innocent-voiced Bugglesworth said making his getaway.

B-Squad touched ground and blocked the alien's path.

"Think again!" Delta Red said drawing his morpher.

"You again!"

Jack held out his morpher and read Buggles' charges. "You have been found guilty of the crimes of stealing buildings, turning people into dolls, and child endangerment!"

"Oh no!"

"Containment mode!"

Anti-matter fusion blasted the tentacled creature into a tiny containment card. The pocket-sided jail fell to the ground ready for retrieval.

... And the crowd went nuts with applause and praise. Laura giddily hugged her boyfriend's arm as more random clips from previous battles played on screen. A single beep caught Bridge's attention, his hand immediately reaching into his back pocket. He drew the morpher and checked the digital read-out of the time. Laura looked away from the presentation and saw Bridge looking at her with an apologetic look. Her smiled melted into a pouty frown.

"What? Already?" Laura whined.

"Yes."

"Now?"

"YES," Bridge exclaimed.

He started to weave his way through the people toward the exit doors. Luckily the place was dark enough to conceal his identity. Laura held onto his hand as she dragged herself away with him.

The couple stepped outside the sports complex into the courtyard area where some benches and a large fountain were the only occupants. Holiday decor hung about the area, another reminder of the season in addition to the unprecedented cold weather New Tech has had as of late.

Bridge looked up at the starry sky and slumped his shoulders. Laura walked up with folded arms and starred along with him.

"Three whole weeks," Bridge said finally. "Think you can manage?"

"No," was Laura's sharp, pouty reply. "Why do all of you need to go? Can't they just send the other three?"

"Because ... they said so."

"That's stupid. ... I'll miss you."

Bridge turned his head to look at Laura who clinged to his side. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close to his body. Laura looked up at Bridge with sad eyes.

"You're going to miss the first snow ever," she said reminding him of the news they heard this morning.

"I know."

"And our first Christmahanukuah."

"Yeah I know. It's a bummer, but I'll be back in no time. It's just a short business trip. Nothing major."

Bridge pushed a misplaced strand of her brown and blonde striped hair behind her ear. He never said it, or never felt pushed to say it, but Bridge found Laura to be an attractive girl, sexy even; more than what a "guy like him" would usually get. The way her green eyes were shaped was evidence of her Japanese, Italian, and Scottish heritage. Bridge has never seen anything like them.

"I could look at you forever," Bridge said suddenly.

He realized what he just said and froze within. Did it sound cheesy? Cliché? Laura just looked at him for a moment. He couldn't breathe.

"Oh Bridge, you mean that?" Laura asked smiling ear to ear.

"Yeah," Bridge said exhaling his reply.

A mischievous grin replaced Laura's gleeful expression as she drew her lips close to Bridge's right ear.

"How would you like to see more of me tonight?" she whispered.

"But I'm leaving tonight. Don't be silly," Bridge answered.

Laura's face fell flat. She shook her head at his innocence and tried again.

"Um, no. ... Bridge, I'm asking you. How would you like to see more of me tonight? Before you go I mean," Laura clarified.

"Oh. ... See more of you?" Bridge reiterated the question.

"Yeeeessss."

"Like -- photos? A home movie?"

"Unfreakin-believable," Laura said relinquishing Bridge's hands. "Babe, it's your last night on Earth for a while and your last night with me. You follow?"

"Yeah."

"So take me back to my place so we can--"

"OH," Bridge cut in.

"Finally!"

"You want to show me your apartment because I haven't been yet. Is that it?"

Frustrated, Laura grabbed Bridge's left hand and unstrapped the black leather glove. She yanked it off and placed the naked hand on her face. A whisp of oritic energy flowed from Laura's forehead.

"Oh snap! For real?" Bridge asked.

"YES," Laura smiled.

Bridge whipped out his morpher again and checked the time.

"I have 90 minutes to be dressed and at the zord bay for last-minute simulation training," he informed her.

"That's plenty of time. Let's go!" Laura said pulling his arm. "Taxi!"

Latin music piped from the crowded underground dance club. All music at Lucy's was live and loud, no recordings. The band on stage provided the soundtrack for the fast-paced, super-charged environment. The bar was crowded with mamis in short skirts being macked on by their would-be papis with their half-buttoned designer shirts. The tables and booths were full of friends drinking and laughing. Like people on Univision, everyone was sexy and gorgeous. One girl in particular Steven Torres found to be the most stunning out of all prospects in the room, the girl he was dancing with, Elizabeth Delgado.

Z twirled back into Steven's arms. Her pale yellow dress flowed with her and hung half way past her thigh. Steven ran a hand up her hot exposed flesh and used his other to support the small of her back. He liked the way she felt in his hands. Since last year, training at SPD firmed away the subtle curves on the Delta Officer's body. Her waist, stomach, arms, and thighs were smaller, tighter, and made for a good piece of eye candy for the men who stood on the side without a dance partner. Their faces drew close as they spun in step to the song's sultry shake. Z could feel Steven's breath against her lips and hers on his. Any closer who knows what might have happened.

"Sure I can't convince you to stay?" Steven asked trailing his fingers down Z's back.

"I wish. If I could make this last forever," Z started to answer before being dipped backwards. She screamed in laughter as Steven brought her back up. "Then I would!"

Steven smiled looking at the brown curly locks partly covering Z's face. The constant movement had gotten the both of them into a sweat. They must have been dancing for a good two hours now. Move than ever, he found her too incredibly sexy to pass up the opportunity.

"Let's get out of here," Steven said moving his lips along Z's silky neck.

"What'd you have in mind?" she asked almost not able to speak through the sensation she was feeling.

"Do you even have to ask?"

As easy as it was to just go, tonight wasn't that night. Z had an obligation, a direct order from Galaxy Command. The reminder nagged in her head and fought against the throws of lust burning her loins.

"Well?" Steven asked.

"Baby, you know I want to. I can't risk losing track of time. Oh my God, what time is it?" Z asked realizing she neglected to do what she had feared.

"11:14pm," he said checking his watch. "You have until 2am to be at Delta Launch."

"I know..."

Steven pressed his lips against Z's. Submitting to the powerful advance, Z wrapped her arms around his neck. She could feel him, something she hadn't expected and only added to her frustration.

"Three weeks, Z," Steven said coming out of the kiss. "That's a long time for a guy to go without his favorite girl."

"I'm sure there will be plenty of other women here wanting to keep you company when I'm gone."

"I'm sure, but you're my only. I want you and you only."

Z somehow wasn't completely convinced. This relationship since its conception was moving so fast she never took the opportunity to explain a few things. They never talked about past boyfriends or girlfriends or anything super serious. Steven waited impatiently for a response.

"You know I've been hurt before," Z said looking back into his eyes.

"Who?"

"It's not important."

"Well to me it is," Steven shot back.

"Fine. It was an old friend of mine," Z admitted. "All he wanted was some one night deal but I wanted more. I felt so stupid afterwards."

"Elizabeth, you know me. I'm not like that."

"Well I thought I knew him, too..."

Steven held Z's chin with his thumb and forefinger. He leaned in and kissed her gently.

"Tu eres mi reina bella," Steven said looking deeply into her eyes with sincerity.

Z gave him a small smile in return and nodded. She trusted him. She took his hand as he led her away.

The sound of children filled the gymnasium of the Joshua House Orphan Center. The holiday party that evening was put together by SPD in part with JH staff. Cadets helped to chaperone the event by supervising games, serving snacks, making gingerbread houses, and more. Sky Tate and Sydney Drew were amongst them helping to make the holiday a little brighter for those without a traditional family to celebrate with. Sam and some of the other kids from the Academy came along to give their support.

"Mister, I finished mine," a small voice behind Sky said.

The Delta Officer turned around to see a little blonde girl standing with a star-shape object chained with red yarn.

"It's beautiful," Sky smiled as he knelt down to examine the hand-made ornament. "Let's put it on the tree."

"Allow me," Sam said walking up.

With an outstretched hand, he transported the object from the girl's hand to an available spot on the towering Christmas tree in front of them.

"Wow! Do that again!" the girl squealed.

"Sure," Sam said reaching out his hand.

His hand was directed at Syd, who was across the gymnasium helping some children with the assembly of their gingerbread houses. Concentrating, Sam transported the Santa cap from atop Syd's head and placed it atop of Sky's. The little girl giggled and clapped at the future Omega's itrick/i.

"HEY," Syd said realizing the cap was gone.

She looked up and saw Sam waving and pointing at Sky's head. Sky sheepishly smiled and pointed back at Sam to communicate who the culprit was.

"If you'll excuse me. I'll be right back," Syd said leaving her station.

She walked across the gymnasium to where Sky and Sam were by the Christmas tree. Her finger was pointed at Sam the entire time.

"Buster, you know better than to use your powers like that," Syd said partly in jest.

She and the other B-Squad cadets had an obligation to Command Cruger to make sure Sam was closely watched in fear of altering his destiny to become Omega. Using civilian powers for play was calculated by SPD's risk management team as a big do not.

"Come on, Syd. No harm done," Sky said placing his hands on Sam's shoulders.

"Oh really, Mr. SPD Handbook Monitor? As cute as it may be, Sam, I'm just looking out for you," Syd said giving the boy a caring look.

"Why does it feel like everyone is protective of me lately? I feel like you guys are trying to be my bodyguards instead of my friends," Sam said explaining his feelings on the matter, for the first time notably.

Sky and Syd exchanged similar expressions. The secrecy didn't seem fare at times, but it was for the sake of SPD and the galaxy's safety.

"You're like our little brother, Sam. We want to make sure others won't take advantage of you because of your abilities that people would want you to use in ways not intended."

"I know," Sam said acknowledging the reason he's been given repeatedly. He was mature enough to except it and know his powers must be used responsibly like Z once told him. "I'm getting tired. Is it almost time to go home yet?"

"I was about to mention that. This thing is running long," Syd said checking her watch.

"I just spoke to the director a moment ago. They're about to wrap it up, so we're free to go," Sky informed the both of them. "Plus, we have to get prepared for our departure."

"I told Z I'm going to stay up and watch you guys leave. I wish I could go, too," Sam said.

"We'll be leaving pretty late, bud," Sky said grinning at the eleven year old. "I'm sure you'll be fast asleep by then."

"We'll see."

"I know I'll be if I don't get some coffee soon," Syd said forcing back a yawn. "You guys ready?"

"Yes," Sky said. "Sam, would you get the other kids please and tell them it's time to go?"

"Sure," he said running off.

Sky and Syd watched the freckle-faced child go and round up the junior cadets. Syd smiled and turned to Sky.

"He's going to be a great SPD Officer someday," she said.

"If he hangs around me enough, I'm sure he will be," Sky grinned.

"Oh whatever, Mr. Conceited!"

"Said the Queen of Conceit!"

Their playful banter was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a mistletoe fig hanging from the Santa cap on Sky's head.

"The coffee's on you if Sam looking at us and laughing," Syd said.

"Deal."

Sky turned his head to see. Sure enough, Sam and the other junior cadets were giggling and making kissy faces at the two.

"Looks like I'm buying," Sky said.

"Looks like. So, where's my kiss?" Syd asked closing the gap between them.

"Are you serious? In front of them?" Sky asked turning a shade of red. The thought of public affection scared the B-Squad captain.

"It's tradition," Syd said moving her lips close to his.

"It's also something for Sam to blab to Z and Bridge. Then the entire Academy would eventually know and Commander will be barking at us about it."

"Whatever," Syd said pulling away from Sky. "I'll go pull the van around."

The junior cadets gave Sky taunting "ooo's" as Syd hurried out the gymnasium. He ignored their teasing and waved them along.

I'm such a 'tard...

Like many buildings around it, the SPD Academy sat lit up throughout the night. Not much was happening at the early morning hour of 2am. The night guards sat at their posts casually observing the vicinity for suspicious activity. The shift's crew doubled since the recent intrusion. Safety and security of the base and its cadets was the number one priority Commander Cruger said in a recent briefing with head SPD Earth staff. With B-Squad's pending departure, tonight was especially no exception for mistakes.

Inside, the halls were empty and quiet with the exception of the low hum of the heating system. The lights were turned low like usual to conserve energy. At the center of the Academy sat the prestigious Command Center monitoring these halls on the many screens surrounding main frame. Commander Cruger stood with his paws behind his back, his eyes roaming about each monitor to ensure nothing was going to intefer with tonight's launch.

Isinia sat at the command post reading over some documents. Removing the glasses from her face, she looked up to where her quiet husband stood.

"Doggie?"

"Hmm?" Anubis said looking over his shoulder.

"Are you worried?" Isinia asked.

"No," he answered swiftly.

Isinia shook her head and got up from the command post to be by his side.

"You can't lie to me, Doggie. You care for them," she said holding his arm.

"I know I do. They're like my own pups. I've seen them grow so much within these past couple years."

"They've been away before and have come back in one piece. This won't be any different."

Doggie released a pent-up sigh with the expected low-toned growl that accompanies his anguish-filled groans.

"The stakes are higher this time, Isinia. Space Patrol Delta is changing directions. For better or for worse, I'm not certain. I don't like the idea of having the entire B-Squad leave Earth to shill the Centurion Reform Program to people who don't want it."

"How do you feel about the program?" Isinia asked him.

Doggie shrugged. "I'm not sure how I feel about it. Either way, it's all politics. Politics, more so than not, creates conflict. The winds of change is a scary thing for most. I'm not sure if I even like this change. The Blue Centurion officers are not essential for SPD's growth. All there is to gain is profit."

"We all know what they say about that."

"Yes. I do. SPD overall is changing. Far be it for me to voice my thoughts to Supreme Commander Birdie, not that they would matter, but I'm not interested in having my best officers used as ambassadors, especially during a time they find important to be with family and friends."

"I wish there was something I could do to keep them here."

"Me, too," Doggie said looking away from the monitors. "But thankfully we're prepared."

"Putting C-Squad into active status must have you on edge. I know I am," Isinia said with a concerned look.

"No more than I was with B-Squad last year. Speaking of which," Doggie said looking at his golden pocket watch. "It's time for me to report to Delta Launch for their last briefing. C-Squad should be along shortly."

"And the C-Squad Red candidacy?" Isinia asked.

Doggie Cruger grinned, the first one in awhile. "I'm sure he'll be thrilled."

"WHAT?" Jack said slamming down his mug on the countertop.

The idle barflies looked at Jack and then at each other before hanging their heads back down. The dark tavern was fairly populated at the late hour. Some were playing pool, but most sat quietly stewing in a drunken state. The bartender, an aproned blue and green dotted alien, poured Jack another round of the domestic draft.

"Jack, it's a good deal. You shouldn't pass it up," Boom pleaded with him.

The B-Squad ally pushed his mug away and got up from his chair.

"I don't have time to go back and forth. I'm already late for getting back to base," Boom said slipping on the corduroy jacket. "You'll have to let Commander Cruger know later today. It's the chance you're looking for."

"You're the chance I was looking for, Boom. You can do it. Just build the stupid morpher like you said you would!"

"I ... I can't do that. Goodbye, Jack."

Boom refused to elaborate on the matter any further. He fished a hand into his pocket and threw down a couple dollars for his drink.

"Just be there. 8am sharp."

Boom headed out the doors to return to base. A deflated Jack Landors slumped his head against his hand and closed his eyes. He began to think.