by P. J. Lowry
“I have my secrets.” Roderick answered. “I need to keep a lot of what I do here hush hush or it might upset the locals.”
“I figured it has something to do with technology.” Emma answered. “Aren’t you afraid the Sheriff might try to take it away?”
“He can’t.” Roderick answered as he rolled up his sleeve to reveal a small screen and touchpad that had been surgically attached to his forearm. “He’d have to remove my arm to do that.”
“Wow.” Emma said as she looked at it, unfazed by the site of it. “What else on you is teched out?”
“I’ve already shown you too much.” Roderick said as the finally approached the edge of town. “This is the end of the line. I’ll be back in a month. We’ll talk more then.”
“Can I be an officer of the Rocket Patrol one day?” Emma asked.
Roderick wouldn’t recommend this job to just anyone but he could tell there was courage behind those eyes. “Normally I would say no, but after seeing you around those Saber wolves, I can see you have the courage to possibly be one of us.”
“You really think so?” Emma said with a wide grin.
“You have to do well in school and study hard for the entrance exams.” Roderick replied. “But if you work hard, I think you have a good chance.”
Emma walked up and gave Roderick a soft hug. “Thanks again for your help, Commander.”
“I was happy to help.” Roderick said with a smile. “Take care and try to stay away from the wild animals out there, okay?”
Emma nodded. She then stood there and watched as the Commander of the Rocket Patrol walked out of town and down the path until he was out of sight. Emma was born with a new energy. She would become a member of the patrol one day and show everyone that she was strong and capable of doing anything any man in the galaxy could. She ran home to tell her mom what Roderick had told her about becoming a part of the Patrol. Her future had never looked so bright as it did that day.