So it appears I'm out of my rut. I wanted this to be longer because of what I wanted to cover, but things change. Thanks for sticking with it. Not much action in this one, none at all actually. As I was explaining to someone before, everything until now was build up. A-Squad was on the show until episode 3 or 4 if I recall correctly, and so is the same here. I never wanted to rush things and I started to doubt this story after seeing a handful of awesome SPD stories emerge. I'll get to the good stuff soon enough, but I hope I've done somewhat of a decent job creating a platform of where the story will go to. Enjoy.
Again, SPD belongs to Disney. This is a fun and non-profit writing outlet.
»
»»
»»»
»»»»
Space Patrol Delta – The Series
Episode 02x04 - Wish
CHAPTER 2
The C-Squad dormitories were pretty much the same as all other living quarters for cadets, sans the spacious single-occupant dorms for B-Squad. For all others, it was two to a room and one bathroom to share. Inside the boys dorm, C-Squad members Ben Worthen and Nick Sanchez were sitting on their beds fully dressed in their colorless SPD cadet uniforms. They would periodically locks eyes sharing the same look of anticipation before looking away again. Racing and import car magazines lay next to Ben. Though his favorite sport and hobby to read up on, he'd become irritably bored with them waiting so long for this waiting game to end.
"I'm going to kick a hole in something if they don't call us now," Ben said getting up from his bed.
Nick, an 18 year old Puerto Rican, sat quietly almost the entire time. His patience, as demonstrated now, far succeeded Ben's. Inside he was bursting for the announcement like Ben was, but he wasn't going to take it out on anything. Nick was waiting for this day, the day when he would be put in active status. An official briefing never informed them of the news, but they all knew with B-Squad going away, it'd be C-Squad who would step up to defend Earth in their absence.
Both Ben and Nick have been with Space Patrol Delta since the tenth grade. They've come from the same high school but were never more than acquaintances then. The two signed on to the SPD program through the same recruiter who would periodically visit the school for Delta hopefuls. The acceptance and training program wasn't exactly a piece of cake for them or anyone for the matter. Not every potential candidate made it, but they did. Tonight they would become real deal SPD Officers.
Nick, scratching the back of his buzzed head, rose up from his bed and checked his uniform in the mirror for the millionth time. He looked back at Ben.
"Bro, you know what I just thought of?" Nick asked.
"What's that?"
"Since we're becoming Officers tonight, that leaves all of us out the running for B-Squad Green."
Ben's eyes flinched from the impact of the realization.
"Crap. I didn't even think about that," he said pounding his fist into his other hand. "I've been so psyched about going active that I totally forgot about it."
Nick shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe it's meant to be this way. Look at it like this, people will look at us like we're the new B-Squad!"
"Ha. Yeah right. I rather be on B-Squad instead of some wannabe. I'm telling you I had that position locked down," Ben said pointing at his roomate. "How the hell could Commander not promote me? Especially after I fought along side Jack freakin' Landors."
"Maybe because your ego is as big as a Megazord. Ben, chill out. C-Squad is where you belong. It's where I belong, and Grace and Jules. We're a team. We stick together."
Ben stooped at Nick's comment. Then the thought hit him.
"Or maybe," Ben said raising a finger. "Cruger's going to make me C-Squad Red. That'd be almost as good as being on B-Squad."
"Ay dos mio..." Nick said turning back to the mirror.
The C-Squad girls were more patient than their male peers. Grace sat on her bed with her nose buried in one of the many graphic novels that sat on the shelf beside her bed. The slender Asian lay stomach down with her long silky hair placed over her left shoulder. If personalities had to be compared to B-Squad, Grace would fit Sky's profile on the account of her no-nonsense mentality. She kept to herself mostly, a rather private individual. A strict upbringing shaped her discipline and kept her from engaging in the casual relationships that she finds unfulfilling and unnecessary, the ones that most other people relish in.
Juliana, or Jules for short, was one of the few she kept close. Having trained together for two years, the two became both roommates and confidants, only starting to hang out together since their promotion to C-Squad one year ago. Jules sat Indian-style in front of her bed carefully sorting through dozens of puzzle pieces hoping to complete the half-finished project before being summoned by Commander. The brunette was similar to Grace in the dry wit department, but the similarities ended there. Jules had many friends at the Academy. There wasn't a weekend when she wasn't doing something, but her studies and training as a cadet was still number one.
Secretly, Grace wished she would be more outgoing like Jules, but she wouldn't admit it; not to Jules at least.
"Grace?"
"Hmm?"
"What color do you think you'll be assigned?" Jules asked uncrossing her legs and getting up from the carpet.
"Yellow," Grace said without hesitation.
"Why do you say that?"
"Are you serious?"
Grace looked up from her book and shook her head.
"I'm not Pink material. But you, on the other hand, are."
"What's that suppose to mean?" Jules asked crossing her arms as if offended.
The cadet largely resented the stereotype for Pinks as being ditzy, or more beauty than brains, vain, or just plain blonde. Grace brought her legs around to the edge of her bed and scooted off.
"You're popular. Guys like you. What's there to know?" she asked.
"As if guys ignore you? E-level male cadets are always knocking on your door, but you tell them to buzz off."
"And rightly so. Most of them here are all jerks after the same thing."
"So? You don't have to do anything you don't want to. It's not a bad thing to hang out with guys and chill somewhere," Jules said in her defense.
"I don't need a guy to be happy, Jules."
"I didn't say that, but obviously you felt compelled to share that, so perhaps you secretly long for, you know ... a little lovin'," Jules said wiggling her eyebrows.
Grace rolled her eyes and crossed her arms as Jules uncrossed hers and planted her hands on her hips.
"And that's why you'll be Pink and I'll be Yellow."
Jules began to form a smile as the intercom switched on. Kat Manx's voice spoke over the P.A.
"C-Squad cadets, report to Delta Bay. C-Squad cadets, report to Delta Bay at once."
The girls' exchange ended immediately. Jules and Grace looked at each other with identical solemn stares. Dead silence filled the room until two woo hoos could be heard through the wall, Ben and Nick notably. The girls looked at the wall and then each other with small nervous smiles.
"Oh my gosh. ... This is it, isn't it?" Jules said cupping her hands over her mouth. Her eyes glossed over.
Grace suddenly took on a more demure look, not wanting to look too desperate to get down to Delta Bay. Inside, she almost couldn't handle the building emotions.
"This is it, roomie," Grace pushing back her long black hair and straightening her cadet jacket. "Shall we?"
"We shall."
Smiling again, the C-Squad girls exited their dormitory. The boys could be seen rounding the corner of the hallway at a faster pace.
At this hour, the Delta Bay was typically dormant. The lights were dimmed. The air was colder than usual. Inside the hangar-like infrastructure were five sheet-covered vehicles lined up in a single row. Each had its own house light shining directly upon it from the ceiling above, each light a respective Officer color -- red, blue, green, yellow, and pink. Over against the opposite facing wall were more parked, single-passenger vehicles. There was the Shadow ATV, a four-wheeler once used by Commander Cruger in the times he was needed for batle. Next it to rested three patrol cycles -- red, blue, and green -- and the SPD Patrol Jeep capping the end of the lineup. A great gap separated both line of vehicles, a runway's worth of cold solid concrete that would soon be occupied again.
More of the house lights buzzed to life as the echoing footsteps of Anubis Cruger made his presence known. Beside him walked Isinia connected at the paw as usual. Her free paw would normally rest behind her back, but it wasn't tonight. Before she placed it on her stomach for the hundredth time, Isinia would check for Doggie's watchful eyes. She didn't want him to expect anything because she wasn't sure herself, but the thought was quickly becoming overwhelming and exciting.
Not far behind them was Dr. Kat Manx with her clipboard snuggled beneath her arm. She would periodically check the electronic pad out of habit. She probably had the screen's content memorized by now. Kat wanted to keep her eyes busy after glancing ahead one too many times. She found her eyes looking at Doggie and Isinia's woven paws and felt a twinge of sadness rake at her heart. Quickly dismissing the thought, Kat cleared her throat to gain Doggie's attention.
"Cadet Roberts from transportation is bringing the flyers around now, sir," Kat informed her commander.
"Very good," Doggie said acknowledging the update.
"Shouldn't B-Squad be here by now?" Isinia said retrieving the pocket watch dangling by her side.
Just as she finished her question, a woosh caught their attention. A hatch overhead slid open as cool air bellowed out across the floor. A male figured stepped out first, then another, then two females. The foursome did not bare traditional SPD cadet uniforms. Instead, black suits hugged their bodies with its nylon-like, insulated fabric. The jacket and pants featured only minor color contrasts with a single horizontal stripe running down each arm and leg, namely the four's respective Officer colors -- red, blue, yellow, and pink. The silver dog head badge that once accompanied the old uniforms were now gold and full of luster, resting on on the jacket's right breast. The letters SPD spread across the tiny gold plate.
"B-Squad reporting from simulation training, SIR," Sky Tate said bowing his arm across his chest.
Bridge, Z, and Syd did the same and rested their hands behind their backs. Smiling from within, Doggie nodded and beckoned his best Officers to come meet with him. The lift from the catwalk whirled to life and lowered B-Squad to ground level. The four stepped off the platform and stood before their commander by their color rank. Kat gave a nod of confidence to Syd, whose eyes had glanced in her direction.
"B-Squad ... my officers, my comrades ... my friends. It is with regret I must send you away during a time I know family is your number one priority. Never would I want to keep you apart from your earthly traditions, but SPD requires your services to appeal to those who need to become educated with our military's expansion. Supreme Commander Birdie sees you four fit to ensure our foreign friends that the universe's well-being is in safe hands with Space Patrol Delta. Many changes are coming, some we welcome with uncertainty and some with great anticipation. Of greater note, the selection of the new Master Commander of SPD is at hand. You four are key in helping to make the transition as smooth as possible. ... Kat?"
The feline doctor nodded and stepped forward.
"There are several and significant provisions that come with major leaderships changes within the organization. SPD Earth Station will be closely watched more than ever. After the recent disruption, additional cadets will be placed here for special assignment on a twelve month tour. Next, it was mandatory we adjusted your officer rankings now that B-Squad has only four cadets."
Syd and Z exchanged looks from the corner of their eyes. Sure enough, it was them Kat was addressing. Dr. Manx stood before the girls with a small, congratulatory smile.
"Officer Delgado, you are promoted to SPD B-Squad number three. You will maintain your yellow costume thanks to Commander Cruger."
"It wasn't easy, but I fought for it," Doggie said extending his hand to Z, which she immediately shook with gratitude.
"And Officer Drew," Kat continued, now standing in front of the petite blonde. "You are promoted to SPD B-Squad number four. You also will maintain your costume color pink."
"Thank you, Kat. Thank you, Commander Cruger," Syd said bowing her head with thanks.
"You're welcome," Kat smiled while her fingers entered a sequence of selections on her pad. "Your journey, being the length it is, needs to be a comfortable one, a livable one more over. We've prepared something for just the occasion."
The seven turned their heads at the sound of the main bay doors sliding open. The gigantic panels revealed a convey of familiar vehicles, the SWAT Flyers. Inside the cockpits were cadets from the transportation department slowly guiding the fighter jets onto center floor. The whirling sound of the mammoth engines filled the entire bay until all five were lined up single file beside each other. Just then another engine filled the bay, a much louder one. Behind the flyers came a vessel almost unable to fit beneath the roof overhead. The all chrome, octagon-shaped craft entered in a crawl until Cadet Roberts below put out his hand. The cadet in the cockpit stopped the craft and activated the breaking sequence. The Delta Bay became dead silent once more.
The four officers of B-Squad stood amazed at the megaship before them.
"Sir?" Officer Tate asked not taking his eyes off the craft.
"This is your SWAT Megaship," Doggie announced to his A-level cadets. "Central Command sees it best for its top officers to ride in comfort and luxury."
"Luxury? I'm loving it!" Officer Drew piped.
"Allow us to give you the tour," Dr. Manx said waving them along.
Like kids on Christmas (our Hanukkah) morning, the B-Squad four followed Kat, Doggie, and Isinia up the metal ramp. They found themselves in an empty foyer sealed off by another door which promptly slid open upon detection of their presence. A spacious commons room was found behind the doors. Couches, bean bag chairs, a television, even a small kitchen and dining area in the back was at their disposal. It was an apartment on its own.
"There are six sleeping quarters with three washrooms through that hall," Kat pointed to the far end of the commons room. "This will be your home away from home for the next three weeks."
"Awesome!" Z said clasping her hands.
"Indeed," Kat agreed.
"Sir?" Bridge asked directing his question to Doggie. "What are the SWAT Flyers here for? Will they be going with us?"
Doggie nodded. "Not only will they be going with you, they are part of the ship. The engineers purposely designed the craft to work in conjunction with the SWAT Flyers to act as both a collective engine and defense system. In the time of need, the flyers can be deployed to go into battle. The craft will then remain in mid-orbit until your flyers return to continue your journey."
"Sweet!" Bridge cooed.
"This is wonderful. Thank you all," Sky said giving their superior a gracious nod.
"Also to aid you in your journey, Central Command has sent us a much necessary and wonderful gift," Kat said with her usual conservative smile.
The smile soon faded as she looked around for the said gift. Kat checked her watch and shook head in head.
"Where is Boom?" Kat asked looking to Commander Cruger.
Doggie shrugged just when the sound of rapid footsteps filled the zord hangar. There was Boom running with everything in him. In his right hand swung about an SPD-marked silver briefcase. Soon the footsteps were heard banging against the metal ramp and then the foyer.
"Here comes the boom," Syd snickered.
Sure enough, the subject of Kat's annoyance barged into the room nearly tripping over his own feet. His free hand grabbed the wall to prevent him from falling over.
"Sorry I'm late!" Boom said between breaths. "I was late getting back from my meeting with--"
"Boom," Kat cut in with a subtle headshake. "Open the briefcase please."
"Oh yes. Sorry," Boom said flipping the case right side up and unsnapping the locks.
He pulled back the top and revealed a set of five silver braces. Each one had a color-specific stripe running horizontally around each brace, B-Squad's colors no less. Sky and the others looked the devices with inquisitive stares.
"These," Kat began, "Are translation collars designed by Central Command's top scientists. Until recent, they were under testing, but with your mission, as important as it is, they were made top priority and were completed just for you four. No matter what planet you're on, these collars will filter anything into the English language. In fact, you won't even hear a single foreign word spoken. The intricate computer boards within these devices hold ultra-sensitive filters that capture sound as soon as the speaker's trachea pushes out the words. In kind, your own speech will undergo the same filtering and be heard as the native language of the beings in your company."
"This is so 2020s!" Syd beamed gladly accepting her pink-striped collar as the others took theirs.
"They conveniently adjust to your size and can be worn behind your uniforms' turtlenecks, but they may be a little cold at first. Constant movement will take care of that," Kat further informed the squad.
Syd snapped hers on first, then Sky, then Z, then Bridge last. Immediately, the colored stripes on each band pulsated with neon light and powered on.
"Looks good, guys," Boom said closing the briefcase with the remaining brace still inside.
His eyes fell to the floor. At times, he still wished he made it to graduation and been an SPD Officer. How wonderful it would have been to actually use the weapons he made and not just give them away. Boom looked back up and locked eyes with Sky's hard stare on the briefcase.
"Dr. Manx, C-Squad awaiting clearance to enter," a feminine voice called over Kat's e-pad.
"Clearance granted," Kat replied.
B-Squad exchanged anxious looks. Undoubtedly the topic of a new B-Squad Green Officer was at the forefront of their minds. Sky reflected back on the weeks he spent with the handful of cadets who shadowed him. Commander never gave word, but it was plainly obvious now. He was looking for a new Green Officer and just in time for this mission.
"Supreme Commander Birdie strongly insisted we have a full set of five to go on the mission. Being a stickler over the SPD Charter, he asked me to find a fifth member."
"Grrr... if it's that Ben kid ... I swear," Sky thought.
"I hope it's Jack," Z hoped.
"I hope it's that cute E-Squad cadet Chad," Syd mused.
"I wonder if the ship has a compatible outlet for my X-Box 360," Bridge pondered.
"Boom," Doggie began. "He--"
"BOOM?" everyone asked in unison.
Doggie furrowed an eyebrow. "Please let me finish, officers. Boom will be joining you to aid in your space travel. He will also tour the three designated planets to fill the boots of a fifth officer. This is solely to appease Supreme Commander Birdie and his anal need to adhere to the charter."
"So he won't know Boom's not an official SPD Officer?" Z questioned Commander.
"No," Doggie answered. "I don't like the idea of having to deceive a superior, but I could not find a suitable fifth member to join B-Squad. Birdie would lose his feathers and have my hide if he knew I didn't elect a new Green."
Since Gruumm's capture, Boom's confidence in himself had sky rocketed. He since has been promoted to a more important position at SPD Earth Station and has been more involved in the creation process of the weapons and gadgets SPD produces. He was no longer consumed by inadequate feelings over his significance , but now he found himself in the same familiar position. Did Sky, Bridge, Z, and Syd want him along? Would he be a fifth and unwanted wheel amongst his peers?
"I think it's great," Syd said coming to Boom's side with a warm smile.
"Me, too," Z said rubbing the man's shoulders.
"Sweet. Now I have someone to race in Burnout Revenge," Bridge said slapping Boom a five.
Boom breathed in relief at everyone's acceptance. Well, almost everyone's. His eyes fell on Sky's hard stare.
"I don't know," Sky said walking up to Boom with hands behind his back.
Boom gulped at the pending rejection.
"Burnout's only a two player game. What if I wanted to play?" Sky asked.
His face broke into a fitting smile as he embraced Boom with one arm, and Boom with his.
"You can play winner," a relieved Boom answered.
"Which will be me of course," Bridge winked.
Feet hammering against the metal ramp caught everyone's attention. A SPD security agent appeared in the commons room with a foursome of young adults following behind. In colorless uniforms stood Ben, Nick, Grace, and Jules who immediately SPD-saluted Commander Cruger.
"C-Squad reporting for duty, SIR," the four announced.
B-Squad looked at C-Squad who stood in a single line side by side. Their eyes were transfixed ahead and not anyone or anything else. Sky glanced down the line and smirked when his eyes fell on Ben. He could only wonder what officer color he'd be assigned.
"I wanted your squads to meet one last time before departure," Doggie said standing between the two lines of officers. "B-Squad, I want you to know the Earth is in good hands. C-Squad has trained for the day when they would man the battlefield in the case for your absence. I believe they will be prove to be the kind of SPD Officers I've seen you four become. C-Squad, take a good look at B-Squad. They have given up their holiday to serve Space Patrol Delta. May their example demonstrate the mindset all cadets must adopt to ensure a strong and lasting commitment to our military. The world is counting on you now."
The C-Squad four gave a responsive nod to Commander and to B-Squad.
Doggie returned by Isinia's side. "If you'll excuse us, C-Squad. I must brief B-Squad on some last details. Dr. Manx will escort you to Delta Bay and assign your positions momentarily."
"Yes, SIR," C-Squad said giving a final salute.
"Make us proud, guys," Syd said waving goodbye.
C-Squad followed Dr. Manx out the ship and back down the metal ramp leading to Delta Bay. Ben nudged Nick's elbow with his and whispered.
"Drinks are on you if I'm Red."
"Phff ... not if I'm Red, buddy."
Dr. Manx turned around and looked at the boys. Her cat ears were sensitive and could hear the smallest of voices within reasonable distance. Dismissing their conversation, her attention turned to the SPD associate approaching with a case carefully secured with both hands. In protocol, the four cadets lined up side by side but their eyes focused on the box instead of Dr. Manx.
"Ahem," Kat said attempting to regain their attention. "As you suspect I'm sure, the contents are indeed what will transform you into Delta Officers. When A-Squad was called away on emergency, the B-Squad had to step up and take responsibility as the defenders of Earth. Now that same responsibility and burden is your own. You are now Earth's hope for survival."
"For three weeks," Grace mumbled.
Kat, interested by her words, stood in front of Grace.
"Three weeks or three hours, Earth is in your hands, cadet. This is a significant step into becoming an A-ranking officer. Understood?"
"Yes, ma'am," Grace answered.
Kat returned to her previous position and unclasped the box's locks.
"Cadets, I present to you your new morphers."
Removing the top, four morphers were revealed, each laying flat against a black silk cloth. They were nearly identical to the ones B-Squad carried, but the outer shell had a more updated, polished look.
"Yes! It's morphin' time!" Ben shouted pumping a fist in the air.
Nick shook his head and smirked at his friend's zeal as the girls exchanged stares.
"Not quite," Kat shook her head. "As stated in training, Cadet Worthen, you will not place your finger anywhere near the activation button until a real emergency emerges."
"Yes, ma'am," Ben said calming himself.
"Seeing you're so eager, please take yours first. It's on the left."
Yes! On the left. FIRST. I'm so going to be Red.
Ben came forth and took the morpher into his right hand. He looked it over good and stepped back into line.
"Cadet Sanchez, you're next," Kat said.
Oh great ... Blue. Figures!
"Thank you, Dr. Manx," Nick said taking his moprher and stepping back.
"You're welcome, cadet. Cadet Liu?"
Grace approached the box next and took the second to last morpher into her hand. Kat gave the cadet a confirming nod and a pursed smile. Grace nodded back and returned to her position.
"And last but not least, Cadet Winters," Kat said inviting her to retrieve the final morpher.
Jules took the remaining device from the box and smiled brightly. She looked at Kat and nodded before stepping back in line.
"These are your life lines, your best friends for the next several weeks. Take good care of them because they are difficult to replace."
"Yes ma'am," the foursome said.
3AM, the dead of night. With the exception of night guards, everyone else slumbered. Tonight was different for one particular junior cadet. Tossing and turning, Sam desperately fought the sleep relentlessly trying to consume his body and mind. He sat up in his bed and rubbed his eyes to regain clear vision. The tall window ahead was one of many in the row of windows checkering the stretching boys dormitory which housed twenty boys around Sam's age. All the other boys were fast asleep, none of them willing to stay awake this long to see B-Squad depart.
Moving the messy strands of red hair out his face, Sam sat up and reached for the lamp sitting on the neighorboring mini-dresser. He quickly shielded his eyes as the light came on and scooted out of bed. Coming to the window, Sam gazed into the starry sky in silent observation. At his young age he understood SPD was his destiny. Sam knew he was here for a reason, not because Z told him so, but because he believed it himself now.
Every passing day was another step in his training in becoming an SPD Officer. After his daily academics were finished, the Academy provided several programs for its youth to take part in. Sam was heavily involved in martial arts. Since March of last year, he wanted nothing more than to become like his friends in B-Squad. Another activity piqued his interest, but was not a class provided to his age group. Sam yearned for motorcycle riding lessons. All of his favorite video games either involved driving a car or bike. The posters on his part of the wall sported nothing but the latest and most expensive models. His taste for speed didn't develop until the sudden arrival of Omega. The mystery surrounding the mostly-white costumed Officer intrigued Sam. No one in the dorm knew his real name, and he showed up one day without explanation and gone again within months never to be seen again. He also could never be found hanging around the Academy anytime Sam would want to ask him questions about the Uniforce Cycle. It was all some big mystery.
A flash of light filled the stretching dormitory. Sam's heart leapt as a gigantic mass moved onto the lawn of the Academy. Ducking his head down for a better view, it became clear the mass was a ship, an enormous one at that. Sam looked over his shoulder as the other boys awoke from the sound of the whirling engines. They rubbed their eyes and joined Sam by the window.
"Whoa," one boy spoke.
"Yeah," Sam smiled looking back out the window.
The SWAT Megaship was now mobile with the Flyers in place beneath the main craft. It slowly moved out the Delta Bay and onto the lawn where several cadets on the ground guided the mass with neon-orange light sticks. A few seconds later the small group of cadets hurried away and ought of sight from Sam and the others. Five colored flames -- red, blue, green, yellow, and pink -- shot out beneath the SWAT Flyers and gradually lifted the craft off the grass. The combined engines roared louder, causing a brief tremor to shake the windows of the dormitory. The boys stepped back a foot in caution and watched as the Megaship took off into the night.
More whoas and awesomes came from the boys' mouths as they began to return to their beds. Sam remained at the window for a moment longer before turning away.
"Be safe, my friends."
The quiet morning brought a sense of newness and change to SPD Earth Station. Cadets started to trickle on to the training field as the sun raced to take its place in the sky. Everyone was talking about it it seemed -- B-Squad left Earth on assignment and a new group of cadets were elevated to active status.
The roar of a single engine broke the morning's cold silence. One of several guards patrolling the premise turned around to see a titanium-flame Shadow Sabre approach the driveway of the visitor parking area. The helmeted man driving the bike stepped off and checked over his leather jacket before giving an acknowledging nod to the security guard.
"Good morning," he said cordially.
"Identify yourself," the young guard ordered.
"Alright..."
The man placed his hands around the helmet and gently pulled it off. Neck-length dreadlocks spilled out the helmet and rested right above the man's shoulders. The guard stood with a slightly-gaped mouth. If he had realized who it was, he wouldn't have used a tone.
"Sergeant Landors," the younger man said saluting his superior. "Welcome again to the SPD Academy."
"Thank you, cadet."
A nervous and reverent smile curled on the guard's lips. "May I ask what your business here is today? Not that you need to explain of course! Heh..."
"Not a problem. I'm here to see the Commander about the position he offered."
"Position? Oh. ... Which one?"
Jack cleared his throat and swallowed.
"C-Squad Red, cadet."