SPD 1- “A New Generation”

“Will you calm down Skye?” Dallas asked.

I scoffed, “It’s not everyday your best friend moves in with you.”

“You do realize it’s not under the best circumstances. If not for Mirloc’s attack last week we wouldn’t need a Purple Ranger.”

“OK, you’re right.”

“And you realize how dangerous Mirloc is…he’s the monster who…”

…killed grandpa. Yes, yes. I know. Does that mean I can’t still be excited about my best friend coming to live with us?”

“Sage has been living here for the past couple of years. It’s not a big deal.”

“Having Sage around is like having another brother. I want a sister…because brother suck.”

Dallas rolled his eyes, “You’re so immature Skye.”

“And you’re just the picture of maturity aren’t you?”

Let me fill you in here. I’m Skye Tate. Yes, I’m named after my father, Sky Tate. Sky Tate is the commander of the Earth Branch of SPD and is highly respected by all. Skye Tate is a 15 year old high school student that wants NOTHING to do with SPD. See the difference? I could probably be the Pink Ranger if I wanted, like my mom was, but I’m perfectly content to attend New Tech High like a normal teenager. I don’t even use my genetic powers ever, unless an emergency arises…which does happen from time to time. Evil space aliens think they’re gonna use me to get to my father and his squads. Then they figure out that I can fight and do have power. You’d think word would get around that I can protect myself. Anyway, Dallas is my older brother and a total pain in the butt. He’s a cadet at SPD and seems to like it ok. He’s not a Ranger yet, but that’s about to change. Sage is the son of Savannah and Bridge Carson, my parents’ best friends. He moved in with us when he joined SPD. I guess he could have lived at the Academy with the other cadets but it just seemed natural to have him come here. Sage and his sister Bridget have always been like family to Dallas and I. Sage is the same age as Dallas and Bridget is the same age as me. Which is why I was excited now. Bridget (who is also named after her father) was asked to come to SPD and take the power of the Purple Ranger and she agreed. That meant she was gonna come live with us too.

You see, a couple of weeks ago Mirloc, this super bad alien, escaped from prison and since then had been organizing armies and attacking. He had a personal vendetta against Dad since Dad was the one who captured him. Dad had a vendetta against Mirloc because Mirloc killed my grandfather, Dad’s dad. And I was upset about Mirloc’s escape too. That didn’t mean I wasn’t gonna be psyched about my best friend coming to live with us. Bridget had been my best friend since we were babies and yet we’d never lived in the same town, let alone the same house. Understandably, I was excited.

Anyway, I finally decided I had enough of my brother and I went into my room and shut the door. I looked around. It’d been set up so I could have a roommate. Extra bed? Check. Extra dresser? Check. Extra closet? Oh…I guess I was gonna have to make room for her…that wouldn’t be easy.

“SKYE! BRIDGET IS HERE!” Dad called a few minutes later.

I ran downstairs. Sure enough Uncle Bridge and Aunt Savannah were there with Bridget.

“BRIDGET! Hey!” I cried as I ran and hugged her.

“Skye! Hey girl!” Bridget replied as she hugged me.

“Uncle Bridge, Aunt Sav, it’s good to see you.” I said as I hugged them next.

“You’re looking more like your mother everyday. It’s amazing.” Uncle Bridge said.

“Thank you.”

“Skye, you want to take Bridget up to the room so she can put her things down?” Mom asked.

I nodded, “Sure, come on Bridget.”

We went upstairs.

“That’s your bed.” I said.

“Awesome.” Bridget said as she put her things down and sat on her bed.

“Are you ok?”

“I guess.”

“You don’t really wanna join SPD do you?”

“No. But they need a Purple Ranger…although I don’t see why Sam can’t do it.”

Sam is Samantha, Bridget’s cousin.

“Did you ask my dad?” I asked.

“No. Mom said this was important and not to question it. Just do it.”

“Oh that’s great.”

“You’re telling me.”

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I’m glad you’re here.”

“Yeah. Rooming with you is the one bright spot about this. Well, that and being close to Sage again. I kinda missed him.”

“Yeah. He’s awesome. Sage is a much better big brother than Dallas.” I said as I made a face.

Bridget laughed, “Dallas isn’t that bad.”

“Yes. Yes, he is.”

“Whatever you say.”

“Skye, Bridget! Come on, we’re going to dinner.” Mom called.

“Doesn’t it ever get confusing living in the same house with another Sky?” Bridget asked.

I laughed as I put my shoes on, “No. Dallas and I call him ‘Dad’, everyone at the Academy calls him Commander, Tate, or Commander Tate, and Mom…we can always tell who Mom is talking to by the tone in her voice. Besides, Mom normally calls him a nickname like ‘Hun’, or ‘Sweetie’. Unless she’s pissed then it’s Schuyler. When I’m in trouble it’s Skyler Rachel so that takes care of that. You have the same name as your dad too. You should know these things.”

“No, not the same name, a female variation on it. He’s Bridge, I’m Bridget…or Bre.”

“We’re leaving without you!” Aunt Savannah called.

“Oh…we should go.” I said as we ran downstairs.

“About time.” Dallas said.

I stuck my tongue out at him.

“Dad, Skye stuck her tongue out.”

“Oh god.” I groaned.

“Dallas, Skye, I want you both on your best behavior. You’re not children so stop acting like it.” Dad said.

“Yes sir.” We said in unison.

We got in the van and Dad started changing stations.

“Oh, stop, that’s my song!” Aunt Savannah said as ‘Fighter’ came on. It was a way old song.

“Oh yeah! Awesome!” Mom said as she and Aunt Sav started dancing along with the music.

Bridget and I looked at each other. Our moms were so funny to watch. When they got together you’d swear they were teenagers again.

“Please tell me we’re not gonna be that dorky when we’re that age.” Bridget mumbled.

“I think I’d kill myself first.” I agreed.

Dallas and Sage heard us and rolled their eyes.

“It’s good Mom can still have fun with Aunt Sydney. It’s the sign of a true friendship.” Sage said.

“Anyway, just because Mom and Aunt Sav can move better than you two is no reason to be bitter.” Dallas added.

“Oh, right…in case you forgotten I’m head cheerleader of the JV squad and Bridget is a champion dancer.” I said.

“Who could forget? You two point it out every chance you get. Besides, you two act like it.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Use your air head to figure it out.”

“Hey! I’m not an airhead!” Bridget and I said in unison.

“Don’t start you guys!” Dad called.

“Yes sir.” All three of us said.

“Have you ever noticed how Sage never gets in trouble?” Bridget asked.

“Yeah. It’s because he never does anything wrong.” I said.

“Because I know when to keep my mouth shut. If you three would learn that you’d be in a lot less trouble.” Sage said.

“Oh whatever. You’re such a brownnoser.” Bridget said.

“Bridget Hayley, leave your brother alone.” Aunt Savannah said.

“Yes ma’am.”

We got to the restaurant and ate dinner. Our parents actually gave us a seating chart. It looked like this.

Me Bridget Aunt Sav Uncle Bridge

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Table~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dad Mom Sage Dallas

Yeah…a seating chart. Great huh?

I guess it achieved its purpose though. Dallas and I couldn’t pick at each other at dinner. That’s what Dad was hoping for and he succeeded.

After dinner we all went to SPD so Bridget could meet her new team mates. It was a waste of time really. We all knew her new team mates. They were either actually related to her or were practically related. All of the squad were the children of people who had served with our parents or at the very least a veteran Ranger. I guess Dad didn’t want to waste any time though.

We got to the Academy and went to the Commons Room. It’s where the cadets all hung out.

“Good evening Cadets.” Dad said.

They all stood up and at attention.

“At ease. This is an informal visit.”

“Bridget! Hey!” Sam said.

“Hey Sammi.” Bridget said.

Now since we know the whole squad and you don’t I’ll fill you in. Sam is Samantha McKnight, as I said. She’s the daughter of Bridget’s Aunt Harley and Uncle Josh. Aside from her there’s Ava Turner. Ava is far from my favorite person in the world and the feeling is mutual. She’s the daughter of Z and Sam Turner. Then we have Angie Landors. She’s the leader of the group and a huge overachiever. We got along when we were younger but when she joined SPD she changed. We aren’t really friends anymore. Her parents are Ally and Jack Landors. Then there was Dallas and Sage, whom you’ve already met. And that was the Squad in a nutshell.

“Welcome to SPD Bridget.” Angie said.

“Thanks.” Bridget replied.

“Never pictured you for the cadet type.” Ava said.

“Yeah, neither did I.”

“So, do we get our colors now?” Angie asked.

“Yes, of course. Just as soon as…Kat gets here.” Dad said as Kat walked in.

“I’m ready Commander.” Kat said.

“Alright, great. Now, first of all, I’m raising your rank from B to A.”

“Why? What happened to A-squad?” Sam asked.

“They were transferred to the Nebula base. They were needed there and they aren’t scheduled to return. That means you guys are it, which is why you’re getting your Ranger powers now. With Mirloc back we’re going to need a strong team of Rangers. For this reason I asked Bridget to come join us and take on the Purple SPD Powers.”

“Why can’t Sam do it?” Ava asked.

“I have other plans for Sam. She’ll be put to better use as the SPD Pink Ranger.”

“Yes! Thank you sir!” Sam said.

“You didn’t want the Purple Power?” Ava asked.

“No way! WAY too much pressure. The whole legacy thing. Bridget can have those powers.”

“I’m glad you approve. Ava, you’re going to be SPD Yellow.” Dad said.

Ava nodded, “Like Mom. I can live with that.”

“It’s ok, I know I’m Blue, you can give me my Morpher now so I can go.” Dallas said.

“Actually Dallas, you’re not. You’re going to be SPD Green. Sage is SPD Blue.” Dad said.

I stood there in shock. Dad had just bypassed Dallas for the Blue Ranger. That had to be a blow. Dallas always thought when the time came he’d be SPD Blue and work his way to Red like Dad had.

“What? You can’t be serious. This is a joke. Sage is Blue?” Dallas asked.

“I’m very serious.” Dad said.

“You mean I’m really Blue?” Sage asked.

“Yes Sage. You’ve earned it.”

“Oh…wow…”

“Congratulations Sage!” Uncle Bridge said as he patted Sage on the back.

“We’re very proud of you.” Aunt Sav added.

“Wait…that means only one color is left…” Angie said.

“That’s right. You’re going to be SPD Red.” Dad told her.

“Are you serious?”

“Yes ma’am. I know you’ll lead the team well, just as your father did.”

“I don’t believe this…this is all I ever wanted…”

“And now it’s yours. Keep your SPD Morphers save. I have a feeling you’ll need them quite soon. Until then you are dismissed.”

We all headed back to the van and drove home. It was very quiet until Dallas couldn’t take it anymore.

“How could you do this to me?!” he cried.

“Dallas, not now.” Dad said.

“Yes, now. How could you not make your own son the Blue Ranger?!”

“You didn’t work for it like Sage did. You assumed it’d be handed to you. I don’t want a second in command that thinks he’s entitled to be there.”

“Bull. This is your revenge. Supreme Commander Cruger didn’t give you the color you wanted when you started out so now you’re getting your revenge on me.”

“Dallas Landon Tate, if you seriously believe that then maybe you shouldn’t be a Ranger at all.”

“Dallas, baby, you know your father wouldn’t do that, he has to do what is best for the squad.” Mom said.

“She’s right. Dad is a great commander. He wouldn’t have made Sage Blue unless he earned it.” I added.

“What is this? Pick on Dallas day?” Dallas asked as we pulled into the driveway.

“Dallas, go to your room and think about if you want to be a Ranger for the right reasons, if not then I expect your resignation from SPD.” Dad said.

“Yes sir.” Dallas mumbled as he ran into the house.

“You had to know he’d react like this.” Mom said.

“If he was really ready to be a Ranger he wouldn’t act this way.” Dad said.

“Oh? And I suppose you weren’t ready to be a Ranger when Jack got Red instead of you?”

“That was different.”

“How? You thought you were entitled because your father was Red. Same as Dallas.”

Dad sighed, “I had to do what was best for the squad. He just isn’t ready to be in a commanding position. Sage is much more prepared.”

“It’s ok Daddy. I understand and I still love you.” I said as I reached up and hugged him real quick before I hopped out of the car with Bridget and we ran up to my room.

“Dallas is really pissed.” Bridget said as we sat on my bed.

“Yeah. I can’t believe Dad did that to him, but like he said, he wouldn’t have done it without reason.” I said as there was a knock on the door, “Yeah?”

Sage poked his head in, “Can I hang in here with you two for a little while? I’m kinda scared to go in my room with Dallas in there and all.”

“Yeah sure, come in. I don’t blame you. I’d be scared too.”

Bridget moved over to let her brother sit then she rested her head in his lap, “For what it’s worth I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks Bre. I’m proud of you too. It’s a huge thing for you to take your sense of duty so seriously and take on these powers from nowhere.” He said.

“See, you two have such a sweet relationship. Dallas and I could never be like that. He’s just mean to me.” I said.

Bridget smiled, “I guess I do have a pretty cool big brother.”

“Thanks Bre. You’re not bad yourself.” Sage said.

“Where you sleeping tonight?”

“My room I guess. Maybe if I go directly to bed Dallas won’t kill me.”

“He might get you in his sleep.”

“Nah, he’s mad at Dad. Not you. He doesn’t blame you.” I said.

“How can you be sure?” Sage asked.

“We may not be the best of friends but I know my brother. Don’t rub it in his face and he’ll be fine…although I would give him an hour or so to cool off.”

Sage nodded, “When are Mom and Dad going home?”

“In the morning.” Bridget replied as Sage started to brush her hair with his hand absentmindedly.

“Things at SPD are gonna be tense for awhile aren’t they?” I asked.

Sage nodded, “Probably, but only with Dallas. The rest of us are fine with our color. I hope he doesn’t resign though.”

“Yeah, me too. I may hate SPD but it’s been a good thing for Dallas. I think he should stick with it too.”

“Why haven’t you ever joined?” Bridget asked.

“You deaf? I hate SPD.”

She laughed, “Why though…smart ass.”

“Because I don’t like the rules and regulations. I’d rather be in a normal high school where I can be me. No uniforms…except my cheer uniform…I’m just me. No ranks, no orders.”

“You still have ranks and orders.” Sage said.

“How do you figure?”

“Well, you’re cheer captain. That’s a rank. Popular people are above everyone else. That’s another rank. You have to follow a bell schedule and if you are late to class you get punished. That’s a rule. You do homework when told. Another rule. It’s the same thing, just a different type.”

“You’re too smart for your own good Sage.”

Bridget laughed, “Yeah, he is…gets it from our dad.”

“SPD just isn’t for me. I prefer civilian life, thank you.”

“Alright, just asking.”

“You think you can handle going from civilian life to SPD life?” I asked.

Bridget gave it some thought, “Well, I guess I don’t have much of a choice, do I?”

“No, I guess you don’t.”

“So, with that in mind I guess I have to be fine.”

“You will be. You’re smarter and better trained than you give yourself credit for. You’ll be fine.” Sage said.

“Thanks Sage.”

“And on that note I guess I’m gonna risk it and try to go to bed.”

“Good luck with that.”

“Thanks. Goodnight girls.” He said as he got up.

“Goodnight Sage.” We said in unison.

When Sage was gone we got in our pajamas and into our own bed.

“You really gonna be ok?” I asked.

“Yeah, I think so. I mean, I have my brother and cousin here. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“Are you and Sam close?”

“We were when we were kids. When she joined SPD we drifted. I do know my Aunt Harley is gonna be pissed when she finds out that I got Purple instead of Sam. Aunt Harley is very competitive with my mom.”

“I don’t understand all of this. It’s just a color.”

“It’s a pride thing. Imagine if you got co-captain instead of captain. It’s the same type of thing.”

“Oh…ok….I think I understand now. Aren’t you gonna miss dancing?”

“Like crazy…but I still have you to dance with me and help keep me in practice.”

“Of course.”

“After all, we’re practically sisters.”

“And now we’re roommates. What could be better?”

“I can’t think of much.”

“Are you scared?”

Bridget laughed, “What’s with the 20 questions?”

“I guess I just can’t imagine giving up everything for SPD.”

“Yes, I’m scared. I don’t even know if I’m SPD material, but I was raised that protecting the world is everything. It’s what I have to do.”

“Wow…that’s pretty impressive. I don’t even use my powers unless I have to.”

“We were given our powers for a reason.”

“Yeah, we were born with them. It’s a genetic defect.”

“No…Sage is a genetic defect. He shouldn’t be a…he. Our powers are genetic, yes, but we were born into them. It’s our duty to use them for good.”

“You’re a lot deeper about it than me. Having Sage for a brother rubbed off on you.”

She laughed, “I guess.”

“Seriously…I don’t see things that way at all.”

“To each their own.”

I nodded.

“OK, well…goodnight Skye.”

“Goodnight Bridget.”

As I turned off the light and started to dose off I thought about what Bridget said…did I have it all wrong?