Raised from humble beginnings, Pell was orphaned at the age of 5 after pirates killed his parents. At the age of 13 he ran away from his last foster family and joined a street gang where he rose through the ranks quickly. At the age of 17 and leader of the gang Pell tried to mug a Military Officer but instead of teaching Pell a painful lesson he recoginized the face of his father.

Ermey told Pell his father was an officer like himself. Like Pell, his Father Calvin was promoted quickly which caused one particular officer to become jealous. Officer Dannon was the cause of his parents death.

Pell vowed to have revenge and with Ermey's help enlisted in the Imperial Academy. Some years later Pell found Dannon and caputured him to bring him front of the Military Tribunal to be tried. Unfortunately there was not enough evidence and Dannon was released. Dannon was later found frozen adrift in space with a note stating "Pirates Beware."