John placed the communications device onto the hook.

"John?" Maureen asked, as she noticed the professor was visibly bothered. "What is it?"

"The Intergalactic Authorities are using him to 'bust something up'," John said. "Why didn't they ask in the first place? We would have gladly helped, and Smith to a fault," he placed a hand onto the back rest of the chair. "Perhaps that fatal adventure wouldn't have happened in the first place."

Maureen placed a hand onto John's shoulder.

"It would have happened afterwards," Maureen said, reassuringly.

"Yes, it would have," John said, in agreement.

"So what about the charges?" Maureen asked, taking her hand off his shoulder.

"They are considering everything," John said. "Starting from the evidence that they gathered regarding Smith's condition to the letter. They haven't replied about the charges, yet. Though, I think his help could get him pardoned on good behavior."

"You think that he won't get out of it alive," Maureen said.

"It's not hard to come down to that conclusion when he has security and time against him," John said.

"I think it's likely we'll cross paths with him again," Maureen said.

"Good chance of it," John said. "Smith tried running away from the Robinsons and instead walked right back."

"It makes me feel bad to think they barely miss him," Maureen said.

"Don't be, Maureen," John said, looking toward her. "They didn't know what they had." And squeezed her hand.

////////////////////////////////////

"Miss Gentri, is your client sure about dropping these charges?" The judge asked

"Yes," Gentri said.

"Then this case is dismissed."

The smack of the small hammer echoed as Smith grew saddened lowering his head on to the table and his hands curled into fists glaring down toward the table. It was going horribly. It was getting increasingly difficult not to scratch his back. The itch was irritating. The most irritating itch that Smith had ever known. Purposely running away from the Robinsons only to run right into their hands.

What was the universe trying to tell him? It was full of mystery, confusion, and puzzles that would a eternity to sort through. His number one way to eliminate the pain was taken away. He looked down toward the wrist device with a frown. It meant only one thing. He had to go back and face the fall out of his attempted escape. The lawyers got up from their seats and began to leave the courtroom.

"Doctor Smith, that is your name. . ." The voice belonging to the store owner, but not a store owner, drew Smith out of his sorrow. "Right?"

"Yes," Smith said, exasperated. He looked up toward the man. "What is it that you want, Officer Eglardo?"

"My people like to say that they accept your offer," Eglardo said. "They are willing to help you but. . . .it won't be killing you or getting rid of the infection."

Smith let go of a loud but dramatic sigh.

"So much justice system can do when it comes to handling extracted biological weapons," Smith finished then shook his hand leaning halfway up but stopped before his back hit the back rest. "I am quite aware."

"Then you know that we can do something for you," Eglardo said.

"What is their deal in requirement that I help them?" Smith got up to his feet then slid the chair in.

"To give you a planet," Eglardo said. "Personally told me they are searching for one that can support life but doesn't have life."

"So ugly?"

"Yes,"

"No intervening, no hiring me, no using me, or anything being done to me should I go through with this cooperation?"

"Yes,"

A wide and tired but happy smile grew on Smith's face.

"Tell your people that I agree to the modified deal," Smith got up to his feet. "And will meet them at a place of my choosing. Preferably at a ice cream stand," he rubbed his hands together quite giddly. "I haven't had ice cream in a month."

"So any stand or ice cream shop if there isn't," Eglardo said.

Smith nodded.

"And you need space credits," Eglardo said.

"Have some?" Smith asked.

"It is my fault that you got here and didn't help your problem so count this as compensation," Eglardo handed several chips into Smith's hands that surprised him. "I withdrew them before this trial."

The shock faded away into pure untainted joy.

"You're a saint!"

Smith grabbed the man by the shoulders then abruptly leaned up and planted a kiss on Eglardo's cheek. Smith proceeded to speed walk toward the doorway leaving Eglardo in the dust. The officer rubbed his cheek somewhat shell shocked.

"Earth men are very eccentric."