Don and Will made their descent down the planetiod observing how Smith's trail toward the planetiod which came to a stop several feet away from the stair case and pressing his back against the surface of the mountain inside a small cavern. He rested himself then lifted himself up with one hand then grabbed on to his other arm as though it were in pain. His eyes gazed toward the desert which was really Prentiss from beside him.

Smith needed some rest before getting back up on his feet and resuming their trek.

The cadet was fading before his eyes in a visible manner that indicated their time together was quickly ticking away.

The chances of getting to Earth were dwindling.

Lost for eternity because of his mistake.

Smith closed his eyes turning his head away toward the direction of the oncoming duo --- Smith was actually facing the wall --- with his hands cupped in his lap and started to snore.

Just a few minutes of rest is all I need, Smith thought falling into the darkness.

Fifteen minutes of napping could mean his get away driver's death.

Smith passed out in the small cavern.

"Smith, wake up!" Don demanded, once coming to the doctor's side.

Don shook the man by the shoulder then stopped observing something strange going on with Smith's forehead.

"What is happening to Doctor Smith?" Will asked.

They watched a long red cut form along the side of his forehead and begin to swell.

"I really don't know," Don said.

It began to become discolored in a way that stood out to the two men. One moment there wasn't any blood on the man's eyebrow then the next second there was like it had been there all along. His black onesie was changing to being on and off leaving him in a silver shirt and black yoga pants seemingly fading on and off. The sudden change in appearance stopped leaving him dressed in black and silver even the wound was gone. Will reached out then shook the snoring man by the shoulder but that did not arouse Smith from slumber. Will grew a very concerned but troubled look.

"Doctor Smith, wake up," Will said. "Wake up."

Will shook the elder's shoulder repeatedly.

"Please," Will plead, squeezing the older man's shoulder.

"Smith passed out," Don said. "I am sure that he will come around. Eventually. And get a taste of his medicine for giving us a scare!"

Will had a laugh that eased the air around them.

Don picked up the older man into his arms, the snoring now small and light, weightless to the major like he wasn't holding much which was alarming. How much weight had the man lost since leaving the Jupiter 2 camp? If any of the original weight was lost, it was hard to tell that he had lost any. His skin was glowing pink, his face rather unchanged since the last time he had seen him alive and well a month ago, and his long legs dangling over Don's elbow. He could hear the doctor's voice echoing in his mind commenting about the way that he was being handled and requested to be held rather differently. It was his way of being demanding to be put down to his feet and allow him to walk with some help.

They made their way out of the cavern then returned up but through the steps.

The climb up was long and difficult mainly because of his arms being rather occupied.

Don briefly set Smith down then placed him over his shoulder so that his eyes were fixed on the distance behind Don. It became easier to walk up toward the academy steps with Will patiently following his pace by the major's side. Don came to the front door then placed a hand into his pocket searching for something. There was nothing in both of the man's pocket. Don turned around so the Doctor's hands waved against the panel. The door opened to Will much to his surprise. It served only to confirm his theory.

They went inside then Don moved the man back into his arms coming toward the second door. Will waved the doctor's hand then in they went after the door went up. Don went into autopilot following a different path. It is only when the door opened before him to a sick bay did the auto pilot end. Allen was surrounded by nurses who had the large sick bay that was enlarged and widened for more use with makeshift panels blocking view of the rocky decorations from underneath them. There were several patients on upwards beds with arm rests. There was even a few empty beds.

"Put the patient on the biobed, Major," Allen instructed.

Don lowered the man into the empty biobed as guided by the professor.

"It was Commander Brookes," Don said. "she went nuts. Took him out, tried to throw him off the academy, and I had to kill her. Smith let go."

"He let go?" Allen asked.

"Yes," Don said.

"Nurse Pablo, get the med kit and scan him for internal injuries!" Allen said, then turned his attention on to the major. "How is the patient still alive?"

"We don't know," Will said. "He just . . ."

"Started crawling," Don said. "He didn't break."

"Odd," Allen said. "We can bring Will back to the gymnasium and you direct me and my assistant to the body of the commander. The others must be concerned about you for being gone for so long. Breakfast will be in ten minutes." he turned toward one of the on duty personnel. "Spon, please attend to the doctor while I am away," he turned back toward the man then held his hand up to stop him from beginning to speak. "Don't tell me what her reasons were, you tell that to Tee Gar after breakfast."

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

Blue team 1 made their way toward the stage. The actors stepped back leaving space for the group over the applause of the civilians, workers, and very alive cadets. Tee Gar could see faces who he had closed their eyes personally. He can see Paul, alive and well, in front of him. Tee Gar could feel a grin on his face. They came to a stop on the stage. Chris guided the wheelchair up toward the stage with Gampu in tow. They came to a stop at the front.

"As you have heard, we have left Priplanus," Chris started.

Cheering came from the crowd.

"We had some help with that," Laura said.

"A lot of help," Chris said.

"We would never have found Professor Parsafoot if it weren't for a family," Laura said.

"I am sure Professor Allen has talked about it," Paul said.

Everyone's attention went toward the professor.

"And we had some help from their doctor," Tee Gar said.

"They were called the Robinsons," Gampu started.

There was silence from the crowd.

"And they were the best family that anyone would have been fortunate to have been stranded with," he had a fond look. "Before I was Commander Gampu, I was Colonel Zachary Smith, a doctor, in the United States Air Force. I became part of the United States Space Corps sometime when the Alpha Centauri program started. I sabotaged the Robot but I stayed too long and got stuck aboard their ship which sent them off course." He had a regretful look. "And the first planet the Jupiter 2 crash landed was on Priplanus in the Alvereze system. You can imagine how it was for human looking out for number one in space with a very kind, loving family and their trusted Robot. Their Robot," the door to the gymnasium opened revealing Peepo. "Is our manu-droid."

Their eyes went toward Peepo.

"Operational and ready to serve, Commander!" Peepo said.

Their eyes returned to the stage.

"How the Robinson Robot came around the name Peepo is a story that I rather not tell," Gampu said. "I have been waiting over three hundred years for their story to be told. Reporters, you will find copies of the Robinsons's diaries and Major West's journal appearing in your comn terminal in the next five minutes. Any questions about the Robinsons that you have will be referred to that source."

"Or me!" Peepo said.

"And you too, Peepo," Laura said, with a small laugh.

"Three hundred years ago there was a crash landing on the planet Priplanus by a strange starship quite some distance from my campsite," Gampy started. "I came up the stairs, waved my hand, and searched to find wounded then to find the largest bunk of survivors. Terrified out of their minds. Immediately, it was led by the most brightest, well trained cadets after being greeted by someone they believed was lost and someone who just met them. Little did I know, I would have to make sure they were there and see it through. Which was difficult as it was when they kept running into dangerous situations."

Laughter erupted from the crowd including some precious chuckles from the team.

"And they lived," Gampu said. "These are very fine officers capable of withstanding the most severe kind of stresses that they have been through for the last week without my presence."

A reporter stood up from the crowd.

"Commander, what do you mean you weren't here?" a reporter asked, standing up.

Gampu's eyes grew big leaning back into the wheelchair then looked over toward the cadets then toward the crowd.

"You honestly believe that the creature known as Doctor Smith was really me pretending to be someone else?" Gampu asked

There was silence in the gymnasium.

"Yes," came the reply.

"That was me but I was not pretending," Gampu said. "I was someone else back then. A different creature. A creature who had to pretend to be someone else for a week. A real person who lived." He looked toward the cieling mentally adding, and still lives. Gampu briefly lowered his gaze toward the floor. "I believe the purpose of the play has been successful regarding the civilians. Exquisite actors and marvelous artists. . ." he looked toward the actors and set people who had poured time and energy into the play. Gampu had a nod toward them. "And it was good to see it conclude with the most deserved reception for those talents."

"Commander," the reporter said. Gampu turned his attention toward the crowd. "If you haven't been here for the last week then where have you been?"

Tee Gar stepped toward the man's side.

"He has been in space," Tee Gar said.

"Doctor?" came one of the nurses.

Tee Gar shook his head.

"Yes?"

"The deputy commander. . ."

Tee Gar used a handkerchief to wipe off a trail of sweat from his forehead. They had paused in their travel to the academy for the sake of everyone involved to gain their bearings. He noticed the deputy commander was still. The Ferengi had passed away quietly under the beating sun. He came over to the deputy commander's side then performed CPR. The details of the day dream was fresh on his mind. Hopeful, victorious, and everyone happy. His hands rose up repeatedly from the gesture against the Ferengi's chest.

"That is enough," Came Gampu's voice from beside him. "Doctor Soom."

Tee Gar looked over expecting to find the commander glaring sharply at him with a hand on his shoulder. The sharpened look would have softened down to sympathy then slid the blanket over the man's head. Gampu wasn't here nor was Blue Team 1. He stopped the CPR lowering his hands down to the edge then slid the silver blanket over the Deputy Commander. Tee Gar had a sigh. He raised his head up as it occurred to him that Gampu did not often call him by Doctor Soom but by his first name.

"Did anyone call me?" Tee Gar said.

"No, sir," came the reply.

"Get him to the academy's freezer," Tee Gar said. "Medical professionals go first."

The group walked on leaving the cadet to the heated rock. He leaned forward cupping his hands together staring toward the golden hills with his hands cupped together underneath his chin. A deputy commander was gone. Tee Gar barely had known the last four deputy commanders as they worked in a secret part of the asteroid. One half was the academy and the other half was the academy. Both Control Center's were on the top. The Academy had the top half while Command had the lower half. The knowledge that someone that he barely knew, the second person in authority, had died in his time as a cadet. Tee Gar sensed a older individual sit alongside him so he looked over to spot Professor Allen with a grim face.

"Professor Allen," Tee Gar said. "What is wrong?"

Allen shook his head.

"It's not good," Allen said. "It's about Commander Brookes."

"What happened?" Tee Gar asked.

"She snapped," Allen said. "Tried to kill Commander Gampu."

Tee Gar walked away from the rock rubbing his forehead and lowered his head.

"What happened to her?" Tee Gar asked.

Allen was silent.

"Major West killed her," Allen said. "I moved the body to a body bag. You are the next in command."

"I am a cadet," Tee Gar said. "You are supposed to be in charge."

"She may have retired the team number but not the fact that what is left of the previous commander's blue team 1 will take over should something go terribly wrong," Allen said. "I heard you lost the deputy commander."

Tee Gar nodded.

"Please, return to the academy," Tee Gar said. "I have to consider what to do now being responsible for the survivors."

"Take the time you need, Doctor," Allen said, then walked away leaving Tee Gar to stare at the visible two moons in the distance.

Tee Gar got up to his feet then struck the boulder once, twice, twice, and kicked it so that cracks formed in the large rock. Pieces of rock fell off landing beside his boots continuing to strike at it repeatedly. The large rock fell apart on him collapsing to the ground. It was left in large chunks in front of Tee Gar. Tee Gar looked over with his hands in fists. The strength of his ancestors was prominently flowing through his veins stronger than before took over him and the only thing on his mind was to break something. The next thing Tee Gar knew was that the tall rock in front of him showed signs that he punched his hand against. With a crack, the tall rock sliced in half finely in the middle then fell apart with a loud grumbling thud unsettling the sand around him in a way raining down. And he was so, so, so angry.

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

"He will be awake very soon, Will," Allen said, gently sending the boy into the gymnasium before leaving with the major.

That was ten minutes ago.

Don relayed what had happened to the Robinsons after his return from helping out the professor. The more that it sunk in, the more it didn't make sense, and the more it didn't make sense, the more it became concerning for everyone involved. And very alarming. Will anticipated Smith to appear any moment from the crowd recounting his adventures on the planet with his family surrounded by gasps, attentive eyes, and shocked people seated in chairs. There was nothing like that. Because Smith wasn't there.

Yet another lie had been made by adult to reassure him that his friend wasn't going to be down long. The words "I am not sure when." would have sufficed leaving room for hope that his friend would join them shortly. It shouldn't be not surprising but it still came as a surprise that another doctor lied to him. Will trusted the grown ups to tell him the truth. Strangers or not strangers at all. Doctors weren't supposed to lie to people. Were they? They weren't. Will wasn't surprised anymore when it came to being lied to since becoming stranded in space with his family.

John noticed the expression on Will's face that seemed to be of searching. It was quickly turning into heartbreak and disappointment. The large dining room was mainly a large cave with hundreds of large lanterns dangling from above. The floor was covered by a sea of rugs that seemed to be radiating in warmth. The heat in the cave seemed to be holding the room together rather than being wet and cold like ordinary caves. Will was reminded this wasn't a ordinary cave. It belonged to a asteroid that had walls sparkling when the light hit it. The cave was full of light chatter among the large groups of people. Far as Will could see there were people. People. People everywhere where-ever he looked around the cave.

There was a long table with seats on both sides twisting and turning into different shapes. Many of the seats had people seated anticipating for breakfast to be ordered. Maureen took John's hand giving it a good squeeze. She had wished for her children to have friends their age on this planet but never like this. There was a long fabric from above connecting from one side of the wall to another that gave the impression they were inside a tent. It reminded Penny of the tent they had below the Jupiter 2 now flattened beyond repair. Home. . . Speaking of home. Their second home was beyond return unlike Earth that could be returned to.

Judy closed her eyes, gripping on to Don's shoulder, hearing the noise of a crash landing. It was loud with the sounds of metal breaking from striking the ground, explosive material being struck from the landing sending flames bursting out of the space craft, and metal flying off the structure or refusing to fly off but only be bent outwards displaying the explosive burns, and the shattered glass parts of the space craft. She can feel the surroundings from around her was shaking. She opened her eyes to see the passage way from the lab that lead into the resident deck of the Jupiter 2. The vision cleared away leaving Judy to the sounds of crashing.

She looked over to see Don was appearing to be concerned.

"Do you hear that?" Judy raised her voice.

"Hear what?" Don asked.

"The crashing," Judy lowered her voice. "Can't you hear it? The crash landings from outside the Jupiter?"

Don shook his head.

"I don't," Don said. "Judy, the Jupiter has been destroyed."

"It isn't," Judy said. "I just saw the residential deck."

Judy's head rolled back and she began to fall into his arms losing consciousness.

"Judy," Don said, shaking her. "Judy, wake up!"

"What is wrong with Judy?" Penny asked.

The Robinsons attention turned toward the young woman leaning into his arm being cradled with one hand supporting the center of her back and the other clenching on to her shoulder. She seemed to be fast asleep but unresponsive. Maureen came to Judy's side placing a hand on her shoulder while seated down into a chair that had been acquired by Penny. Maureen looked at Judy in concern.

"Judy," Maureen said, yet the young woman did not stir. "Judy? Judy!"

John looked in the direction of cadets then turned his attention toward Maureen.

Maureen nodded toward John then he left.

"This is just like Smith," Don said. "He was alive and well one minute then the next he was . . ." he gestured toward her. "like this."

Don replayed the memory in his mind. The confusion replaced by determination on the doctor's face yanking his foot out of the boot then turning away from the major's direction and reaching his left hand (rather than his right hand) for someone. There was no screaming for help from the doctor. Just utter silence. He looked toward the young woman. Nothing was adding up. Nothing was making sense for the matter.

John returned with a tall dark being who had pointy ears and slanted eyebrows.

"May I perform a mind meld with your daughter?" T'du inquired.

"A mind meld?" Maureen repeated.

"A telepathic link between her mind and my mind," T'Du explained, John came to Maureen's side taking her hand. "You may call it a mind probe if you will. The most intimate exchange of thoughts than anyone can do," John and Maureen exchanged a concerned glance then toward T'du. "It is only temporary."

"You have my consent," Maureen said

"Mine too," John said.

T'Du knelt down to the young woman then placed a hand on the side of the face and close their eyes. A group of Ferengi's with blue shirts were surrounding the group visibly sweating in a concerned manner. The Vulcan opened their eyes then turned in the direction of the Ferengi's group shaking their head. John looked toward T'Du than toward the Ferengi. T'Du had a hand on their knee lowering their head appearing to be sympathetic beginning to get up to their feet. The Ferengi in the center had a sigh closing their eyes then reopened them and nodded their head.

"Your daughter needs to be taken to Sick Bay 2," The somewhat tall Ferengi said. "In the meantime, keep a careful watch over your family. It could be a hereditary kind of illness if it isn't something we find normally in space."

"What is wrong with her?" John asked.

"Your daughter's conscience," T'Du said.

"What about it?" Maureen asked.

"She is not here," T'Du said. "The vessel may be breathing but her mind is empty."

Maureen seated into the nearest chair with a look of horror and John placed a hand on to her shoulder.

"Get her back!" Don said.

T'Du shook their head.

"I would," T'Du said. "But I cannot."

"Why is it that?" John asked, as Maureen looked toward their daughter.

"Because there is nothing in there to use as a thread to bring her mind back," T'Du said. "All I can hear is crash landings. Echoes of it."

"What . . ." Maureen started. "what kind of crash landings?"

T'Du paused, looking back, then their attention returned toward the Robinsons.

"The kind that happens in a space battle," T'Du said. "Your daughter requires experts who major in neurological medicine not mind healers."

"We can bring you to sick bay 2," the leading Ferengi said.

Maureen squeezed John's hand. John could feel the heart ache radiating off Maureen. He looked over toward his children, walking and alert, contrary to their sibling. Could space or alien planets unravel genetic DNA? If so, it could the illness plaguing the crew hereditary. A artificial induced hereditary disease. John and Maureen looked toward each other wordless making the decision. She nodded to him then clenched his shoulder, Come back on your two feet. John placed a kiss on her forehead earning a reassured smile from Maureen. Maureen let go of his hand then John picked up Judy into her arms and left with the leading Ferengi down the tunnel. Don has his hands on his hips watching them go.

"It could be a spell they are under," Penny suggested.

The more that Don thought about it, the more that it was plausible.

What sort of magic could be capable of twisting ones perception of reality?

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

Allen lifted Smith's arm then dropped it to the arm rest, rather perplexed.

"He doesn't look like a mannequin," Pablo said.

Allen turned toward the nurse.

"And he doesn't have brain waves?"

Pablo nodded from behind the man.

"Try poking at his skin."

Allen poked at the older man's hand expecting to see the skin bend then bounce back except none of that happened. No matter how he pushed his finger, the skin refused to bend back to him. He tried to move the man's finger but they couldn't be moved either. Remarkably, the patient was still breathing despite the unique case. Allen poked at the man's hand then rubbed at his head. Allen turned his attention toward a approaching nurse.

"Sick Bay 2 has another case just like this," Lisa said. "It's Judy Robinson."

Allen shook his head.

"This is strange," Allen said. And yet, he knew already that Judy was having the same problem. "Keep a med kit computer by him."

Allen made his way out of sick bay run after waving his hand in front of the panel. He was strolling down the hall to find the medical squad coming down the hall. One of the cadets stopped then they all stopped and shook their heads. He lifted the blanket up to see the fallen Deputy Commander. He lowered his head, taking a deep sigh, placing the blanket over the commanding officer's head. He dismissed them then made his way down the hall with a raised head and a composure that was virtually being used as a deflection to how he was feeling.

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

Tee Gar spent a hour outside under the hot, beating sun. He trudged his way up the steps with aching hands covered in sand. He wiped the sand off his wet pants that were stuck. The golden, small flakes were flat mounds that transferred to the palm of his hands. Tee Gar waved his hand in front of the panel and the door opened before him. He walked right in to face the cool, cold temperature in the room. The door closed behind the cadet automatically.

The abrupt change in the temperature was comforting. He wiped off the bead of sweat from his forehead using the handkerchief and put it back into the utility belt squared away in a small ball. He waved his hand once more to the second door then entered the academy. He looked around the hopelessness of what was called the academy. Leaving it all to him to somehow save and preserve from the onslaught of Dragos's army. It was impossible. Normally, he would be optimistic about the matter. But all the people that Tee Gar knew to keep that hope up were dead.

Tee Gar made his way to the sick bay 2. The sand falling off his hands to the floor leaving a trail behind. Tee waved his hand in front of the dark panel then walked in. Which is where he could spot the Robinsons resting in chairs beside the resting young woman. It was the kind of sight that he had seen in the last several hours in the aftermath of Dragos's attack. It had to be Dragos who launched the attack. He was the only enemy bold enough to launch a brazen attack within the galaxy on one target then set his sights on to planets flickering away the federation like pests. It was bad enough that he could imagine it happening.

Jason, Samantha, and Professor Parsafoot had done all they could. The cadets had searched high and low for Peepo. Not a peep could be heard from the manu-droid. It became more obvious by the passing hour that Peepo may have faced the end by leading the army away. Taking Dragos's eyes if only briefly from the academy. Speaking of the emperor's eyes, Maureen's eyes were on Judy while holding on tightly to John's hand. There was a med kit set on the arm rest close to her arm facing outwards toward her. The computer repeating in friendly beeps her heart beat. Why Tee Gar came here was to check on the deputy commander--but he was dead.

He was supposed to be here in the middle of recovery from the electrical burns and preparing to be briefed on the damage. That made five deputy commanders had came and gone. There was only bitterness in him. Used to anticipating deputy commander's coming and going. It shouldn't be that way. The Robinsons weren't used to that luckily for them -- Tee Gar assumed-- full of hope that things were going to get better. They were in period piece clothing that would belong to 20th century colonists for Alpha Centauri. 21st century colonists had every day casual clothes that weren't as bright as the Robinsons civilian uniforms but duller. Tee Gar approached the family.

"Hello, I am acting Commander Soom," Tee Gar said. "I am the head of the Space Academy."

"What is going on in here?" John asked.

"I am still wrapping my head around it," Tee Gar said. "Surviving is what is going on."

"It is just that," Maureen started. "Adrian apologized to us before she passed away."

"She was hallucinating," Tee Gar said. "she had lost a lot of blood."

"She knew the name of the planet that we called it by," Maureen said. "She mentioned the Space Academy had left the planet successfully."

"We are sure that everyone knows it by one different name," John said.

"And Smith is in the same state she is," Don said. "They haven't died yet."

"Of course, they have to be overwhelmed with the stress," Tee Gar said. "People need to have some peaceful naps."

"My daughter was trained for stress," John said. "She isn't napping."

Tee Gar came beside Judy then placed a hand against her neck to find it hard and stiff. He looked down to observe that she was breathing. A living physical contradiction of what he was feeling. He looked toward the Robinsons then back toward the young woman. He turned in the direction of the other man.

"Are you Major West?" Tee Gar asked

"Yes," Don said

"Explain to me exactly what happened," Tee Gar said.

Don explained to Tee Gar what had happened even covering what had happened with Judy. Tee Gar listened attentively to what the major had to say then walked out abruptly after the story had been relayed. Tee Gar made his way into his quarters, grabbed his pillow, then fell on to his bed and screamed into the pillow. With all the screaming done, he flopped on to his back and faced the cieling. Tee Gar slipped off his old cadet uniform in for another clean variation except that it had the commander outfit lacking the secondary jacket. Tee Gar took out the collinear from his utility belt.

"Tee Gar to Prentiss," Tee Gar said.

"Prentiss here," Prentiss said.

"Did Parsafoot tell you where he put the time energizer?" Tee Gar said.

"No," Prentiss said.

"Thanks," Tee Gar said, then clicked it and put it back into his utility belt.

Tee Gar punched a good size hole into the wall then walked by. He made his way to sick bay one to spot the older man resting. He checked the patient then the med kit and spoke with Professor Allen regarding the doctor's condition. He attempted to check the doctor's pulse only to get nothing. He watched the man's chest rise and fall beneath the blanket. His eyes stirring underneath the lids. It was one of the most troubling situation with a patient that Tee Gar had been unfortunate to see. It was only twenty-five minutes later Tee Gar did return to sick bay 2 with several small sticks that were white and blue handing them to each member of the family.

"What are these?" Don asked.

"Mobile phones," Tee Gar said.

"Ah, flip phones!" Don said.

"No," Tee Gar said. "They are nothing like flip phones," Don was trying to flip them with his wrist. "Nothing."

"Ah," Don said.

"We call them collinears," Tee Gar said. "Do you have any equipment that could have survived out there from the crash landing that you need to dismantle, Professor?"

"Yes," John said. "We had the Deutronim Drilling Rig and it was very secure the last that we checked on it."

"We have a hover van that has just been cleared from the rubble that you can use to retrieve the drilling rig for Deutronium," Tee Gar said. "I can safely say that in the next few hours, you will have a ride to Earth with everyone."

"What about Doctor Smith?" Will asked.

"When I say, everyone," Tee Gar said. "I mean everyone."

"Why are they not waking up?" Maureen asked.

Tee Gar had a considerate pause.

"Right now, they are sharing the same space-- in one reality-- but I can't explain this strange abnormality," Tee Gar said, gesturing toward the resting young woman. "Taking your daughter out of the Space Academy has a chance of bringing her back and staying in this reality. Professor, Major, would you like to be taken to the air van and get the equipment taken down?"

"We like that," John said.

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

When they arrived to the transportation level of the academy, it was in the middle of repairs by cadets. John looked around in curiosity while Don seemed to be suspicious. Tee Gar was practically a teenager rather than a adult emotionally mature and capable of withstanding any further disasters that inflicted Space Academy so soon after being in a major ambush. Why leave a teenager in charge? No one in their right minds would do that under any circumstance and there had to be someone more nuttier than Brookes ordering everything in the background. Don noticed fine long layers of sand that fell from the man's hair and down from the uniform.

The acting Commander seemed so confident regarding that Judy and Smith were going to be up and awake once seated in the van. Or as the nearby doctor had insisted shortly before they left, a second van could be acquired and performed a operation to repair the broken arm. Smith would need quite some rest before greeting visitors. There had to be a major exception regarding leaving the planet even when it came to Smith. Don was anticipating the ball to be coming at any being moment but casually. They came to a stop in a large and wide hall that had several vans kept in a line.

"And there you go," Tee Gar said, coming over toward the first van.

The two men stooped by the first van watching Tee Gar slide a red bar aside then driver side door and passenger side door opened automatically including a small set of stairs coming down the side.

"Lieutenant Georgestine, get the digging equipment please!" Tee Gar called.

"Oraco!" Georgestine replied.

"I like one question answered," John said. "It's on both of our minds."

"I am sure it is," Tee Gar said.

"Did Smith make the original loop?" John asked.

There was a brief pause between them as Tee Gar nodded.

"It broke when he was murdered by one of Dragos's goons," Tee Gar had a sad smile. "I have the distinct feeling that Gampu would have really liked to be in your family's company." Tee Gar began to make his way past the two men.

"Wait!" Don called, stepping forward. "How did he die?" Tee Gar stopped in his tracks. "Doesn't immortality mean one can't?"

Tee Gar turned toward their direction after he had a sigh.

"The Seeker was destroyed," Tee Gar said, he lowered his head toward the floor then raised it up to meet their gaze. "There is no way Gampu could have survived that without a life support badge in open space." he turned his attention toward Georgestine. "Lieutenant, please direct them how to operate the air van."

"Oraco," Georgestine said.

Tee Gar resumed walking away from the men turning his attention toward the doorway ahead of him.

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

A long, wide platform slide down from the lower half of the asteroid then the door opened. It groaned in protest against being lifted up into the ground of the asteroid. Pieces of rock fell to the surface roughly about the size of pebbles. A large van floated down the platform. It was a strange vehicle that was different from the chariot painted white with a top fin that had the letters 'SA' painted in red and blue. There were fin additions on both sides making it similar to the Seeker. The van lacked wheels only appearing to be floating down the platform coming to a stop above the sand. There were three sets of doors on per side of the air van. The van flew toward the distance.

The van came to a stop in a sandy area.

A long, sparkling part of the Deutronium Drilling Rig stood out from the view screen.

"Right where we left it," John noted.

"That is a lot of feet," Don noted.

"Must be more than ten feet under," John said. "Less than twenty."

"Seems like the entire landscape has been changed," Don remarked.

"It has," John commented. "I didn't believe it when they said the drill can stand a asteroid crash landing but it did."

"I thought it would be scattered in the dirt," Don admitted. "and those plants growing in the hole left behind."

John looked over.

"No sign of the flowers," John said. "Not a jungle in sight."

Don looked over, bemused, toward the professor.

"We are clear for landing," Don said.

The van lowered until it were on the sand.

John opened the drivers side and Don opened the passenger side then they quickly rounded at the back. Don waved his foot beneath the back end. The trunk slid open to reveal shovels and packed gear for the weather. They moved toward the site then began digging around the pole peaking out of the sand. Don looked around in between digging observing areas that once had been sand dunes now turned into a flattened landscape. Don looked ahead to see the sand dunes in the distance that were not there before. All there was in the distance before was a series of structures that could have been a castle or a palace at one point now completely covered by sand.

Don looked over the growing mound recalling how Smith wandered off after being a klutz with the equipment and long before that. What Smith was doing then, it used to be suspicious until Don had seen what the doctor was doing toying away at a large slab of rock when he wasn't leading Will or any of the other Robinson crew into danger unknowingly. Or perhaps, knowingly. That was a mystery that Don long ago had decided not to pry into. In fact it wasn't a mystery at all. He had seen Smith taking the sculpting equipment sometime after coming to the resignation that he wasn't going to be getting off the planet immediately.

They had finally gotten down to the original level when a loud boom made the ground shake beneath their feet. John looked up observing a dark cloud going over their make-shift pit. John and Don made their way up the current level using the path that had been dug using their shovels as walking sticks. They tossed aside their shovels once reaching the top to see a horrible sight. There was a space craft that had broken in half laid among the rocks that seemed to still remain among the scenery. In fact among these rocks was a figure bleeding badly with wounds that seemed to be life threatening, arms twisted in positions that they shouldn't be, a part of a leg dangling off, and the victim dressed in red with a yellow jacket was coated in his blood. John wore a horrified look on his face taking it the scene.

The starfire was severely burned and damage that it couldn't be sufficiently repaired. Cracks had taken over the once promising, proud space craft, the once wide and large windows showed the inside of the dark room and there were red couches scattered about the scenery with open barriers sticking up in the air. The man had bloody hands lacking a few fingers that could be spotted on the sand. Parsafoot's torso had visible wounds resulting from both the crash and the collision with pieces of the seeker peeking out and shards of glass decorating his face. He was dripping in his own blood. There were splotches of red on the sand surrounding the grizzly sight. Parsafoot's head was on the rock faced toward them. Parsafoot's eyes abruptly opened to stare at first, silently, toward the men.

"Hello," Parsafoot said. "This is more weird for me than it is for you."

The two men exchanged a glance then back toward him.

"How are you not in pain?" Don asked.

Parsafoot looked at him in such a way that was 'Is that a trick question?'.

"Professor Parsafoot," Parsafoot said.

"Major West," Don said, as John was speaking into the collinear turned away from the two. "You should be dead."

"Major West?" Parsafoot asked, puzzled.

"Uh huh," Don said.

"What star year is it?" Parsafoot asked.

"The earth year is 1998," Don replied. A look of realization dawned on the professor's face. "the academy crash landed here a few hours ago, Soom is in charge, and Commander Brookes is dead."

Parsafoot's face fell.

"So Stella is dead, too," Parsafoot said.

"Pardon me?" Don asked.

"And so is Sam," Parsafoot said. "He has Jason!"

"Relax, Professor," Don said. "Help is on the way."

Parsafoot had a set of heavy eyes that began to close.

The heaviness in his eyes were ones that had lost hope.

It was disturbing to Don.

"The commander said the medical squad will be here in thirty-five minutes," John said.

"He is going to be long dead before they get here," Don said. "He will survive longer with duck tape."

Don returned to the back end of the van and yanked out a large roll of tape and a small set of scissors. The two men worked together applying the tape on to the wounds quickly and effectively. Don looked in disgust at the man's leg. He noticed one of Parsafoot's arms were underneath the chest wrapped in something black with silver buckles that stood out. John cut off a long piece of tape then another and another. They made sure to reconnect the leg into the socket then quickly taped up the injury. Don and John walked away then puked on to the sand across from the scene.

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

Tee Gar came down the halls getting deep and deeper into the asteroid now donning the blue jacket. The jacket felt heavy on his shoulders but made Tee Gar feel all the more confident. He was going over the list of the head engineers in his head. Pala, Dip'het, Krystill, and Hwalls were the co-commanding crew of engineering. They had been working all night to repair most of the damage in the walls and mop up the blood that was still on the floor from the wounded. Tee Gar waved his hand in the panel then walked inside once the doors slid open.

Engineering control was vastly different compared to the control center that Tee Gar was most familiar to. There was a long console across from a giant engine. There were tables decorating the scenery that were littered by machine being worked on by cadets. He recognized them as replacement parts to the wall paneling being remade. He looked over observing more carefully that a group of cadets in red shirts were facing the long, large pipes that had gauges, rotatable handles, buttons that were glowing in different colors from below the massive engine. One of the cadets wore a helmet while forging the transplanted steel into the surrounding material.

Tee Gar started to clear his throat.

No one paid attention to him so he faked a loud cough with a closed hand placed against his mouth.

Immediately, everyone's attention turned toward the acting commander.

"Which one of you leads the main repair effort?" Tee Gar asked, linking his hand behind his back.

"Lieutenant P'ala," Pala stepped forward, her long locks of golden hair contrasting against the purple skin that made her shine. She was in a cat suit that was colorful decorated in splotches and a long curved tail that bore some resemblance to a obscure animal that Tee Gar read about.

"How much time do you need to repair the engines?" Tee Gar asked.

"Less than ten hours, sir," Pala said. "The damage into the academy will take a week to repair." Tee Gar looked toward the scenery with all the engineering cadet's eyes on him.

"Without needing to repair the holes in the academy for a emergency lift off," Tee Gar said. "Can we reasonably make our departure?"

"Yes," Dip'Het said. "But we need to close off the halls. Who knows what is left behind from the battle. All the oxygen would be sucked out."

"Even the hydroponic biodomes we have got going," Hwalls added.

"We have a excess of resources to last for a week," Tee Gar said. "The underground cavern will be turned into a shelter for the survivors. We have already set up a massive kitchen in that area, all the survivors have been given sleeping bags, and we can reasonably expect with the way to keep oxygen inside the shelter, that everyone is going home."

"I heard of the plan," Krystill said. "Never been done before. The chances of it working are slim."

"Where would the new oxygen come from for the civilians?" Pala asked.

Tee Gar grew a smile.

"There is a old ventilation system that connects to the treasury," Tee Gar explained. "Commander Brookes authorized the revamp for a emergency garden should the hydroponic garden fail over the suggestion of . . ." Tee Gar stopped himself. "'Before I continue, yes, I realize this man is responsible for at least half of the academy's destruction a few years ago along with Peepo and a space farm's accidental annihilation," he shook his hand. "But this man is all we got."

"Professor Sunseed?" Hwalls asked.

"I thought that man had died," Pala said.

"He hadn't," Tee Gar said. "We are taking a lot of chances, risks, and compromising to get the Academy off the ground. Can you make a door way for the shelter?"

The main assembled heads of engineering shared glances growing smiles then turned their attention toward Tee Gar.

"Take a few hours," Dip'het said.

"Is it doable for us?" Hwalls asked, raising a brow.

"Yes," Pala said. "We can."

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

It was strange to watch a group of cadets surround the resting victim and quickly work moving a board underneath him.

The shout, "We got a pulse!" stunned John.

Even with all that duck tape wrapped around the man's injuries and all that blood lost, Parsafoot was hanging on. They moved the professor on to a wide board and carefully strapped him on then moved toward the seeker between shouting. They were gone when John and Don had unhooked the first leg to the drilling rig and came back up to spot a bloody crime scene that lacked a body. John observed the seeker flying toward the academy under the haze. It was a unexpected but welcoming chain of events. The last of the drilling rig was put away then Don hit his boot against a square figure and a hollow sound echoed back.

Don wiped away the sand to find a black luggage.

"Don, what is it?" John asked.

"I'll be dammed," Don said. "The cans container didn't budge a inch."

John came to the major's side.

"It shouldn't be here," John said.

"They didn't say anything about the luggage staying put," Don said.

"Not at all," John said, shaking his head.

Don unclipped the box and slid it forward to find intact casing then took it out but when he held it in his hands, he felt a certain weight inside of it then opened the lid and peered in. He looked up from the container then looked over toward the professor.

"This box had empty bottles a few weeks ago," Don said, then handed it to John.

John peered in.

"This is enough deutronium to last us for weeks," John said, as Don handed the lid to him.

Don nodded.

"It is," Don said. "I didn't put in more fuel in there awhile ago. This is the first I have picked up this case."

"Then how did the fuel get in here?" John asked.

Don considered, then looked up and back toward the professor with a shrug.

"We could practically RV our way through the universe," Don said. "if we got even more lost searching for Alpha Centauri."

"A RV trip through the universe. . ." John repeated to himself, thoughtfully.

Don shoved the box forward but it yanked back into the sand then he looked up.

"You're not actually considering doing that?" Don asked. "Even if we had a sure way of getting to Alpha Centauri."

"I am not considering the idea," John said. "Playing with it." he handed it back to the major who put it back inside the container. "It's a fantasy, all there is to it," John wiped the sweat off his forehead. "Everything we have gone through in the last year is. . ."

"Fantastic," Don said, shaking his head. "We are living someones fantasy."

"Can you imagine how many families like to get lost in space," John said. "away from civilization?"

Don paused, looking back, then turned his attention toward the man while his hands were continuing to move.

"I can think of a few people," Don said, digging into the sand.

Don dug into the sand and found that it was hooked into the ground. Don immediately looked back at a earlier memory when Smith and he were resetting the site up after a windy cosmic storm had sent all the luggage away that, "Hammering it into the ground with a pole and some rope would keep the space wind from carrying it away! Why don't we do that?" He yanked the silver pole out of the ground knocking himself to the ground then took the luggage out. Don saw the handle to another luggage and tried to take it out as well.

As it turned out, all the luggage were hooked into the ground.

The two men took the boxes into the van along with the deconstructed equipment then made their way toward the academy.

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

Judy's body was cold rather than warm.

Her chest rising up and down.

Her dark eyelashes resting on her skin.

Her eyes moving under the lids.

Her skin hard and firm instead of being squishy, soft, and warm. She stood by Judy's side with the children waiting for her body to be transferred. Everyone was experiencing concern for the eldest and for the doctor as well. It took only one nurse to lift her up then move her toward a hovering wheelchair but her legs did not bend to the position that was wanted. It was frankly obvious. Judy wasn't a doll but a breathing statue trapped in the position it had been sculpted in. Maureen looked over heartbroken watching Judy being moved away from the wheelchair leaned against the taller woman's figure.

"Lisa, please get the gurney," Pablo said.

"Oraco," Lisa said, then moved the wheelchair away.

"What is going on to my daughter, Nurse?" Maureen asked.

Pablo looked toward the older woman.

"I am not exactly sure why the body isn't being compliant," Pablo said. "It was compliant earlier."

Nurse Pablo sighed, annoyed.

"So wouldn't that mean Doctor Smith will be the same way?" Penny asked.

"Yes," Pablo said. "All he needs is the seat adjusted for him."

Lisa came with a gurney then Pablo and another nurse moved Judy onto the bed. Judy's arms were propped up remaining where they were rather than lowering down to the bed. Maureen and the children followed after the group to the emergency bay through the partially lit rocky corridors. Penny and Will held hands following after Maureen. Will came to a stop once in the lit, wide room. He stared at the seeker. Penny stared at it too from behind Maureen. The memory of a seeker laying outside seen by a view screen flashed in their minds. Will placed a hand on the side of his head with a strange look on his face.

"Penny, Will," Maureen called, Judy was moved into the seeker. "Is there something wrong?"

"I have seen it before," Will said.

"This is the first time we have been here," Maureen said, facing the siblings.

Penny shook her head.

"It is," Penny said. "Mom, that. . . ship. . . We have seen it before."

"We haven't but we have," Will said.

"Mrs Robinson," Pablo said. Maureen turned toward the nurse. "Your daughter should regain consciousness after you get away from the academy," then had a pause. "Should is the keyword."

"Thank yo---" Maureen started.

"Don't jinx it," Pablo said, shaking her hand.

Maureen grew a bemused look.

"You can't jinx that," Maureen said.

"We are getting our feet again and just tempting for something to happen is not what I want for my patients," Pablo said. "You understand?" Pablo had a long look. "We have a part of the academy devoted to being a freezer."

Maureen had a understanding look.

"I do," Maureen said. "Children, join your sister."

Penny and Will walked past her.

"How many have died?" Maureen whispered, once by the nurses side.

"Thousands," Pablo said. "We had to sedate Doctor Allen and secure him in his quarters. We have cadets unaccounted for," Pablo closed her eyes with a deep sigh then exhaled. "I can't. . . I can't. . . I can't imagine how many were sucked out during the ambush."

"I can't either," Maureen said.

"The seeker has a replicator that can turn rations into food," Pablo said. "Would you like to be given instructions before you depart to operate it?"

"Yes," Maureen said. "We would. "

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

Wake up, Judy.

The words echoed loudly in the sounds of crashing.

Please, wake up.

It was the sound of her brother's voice.

Will?

It was Will's voice alright.

Will!

His high pitched eleven year old voice contrasted against the loud booming sounds in such a way that provided clarity. She drifted from the terrifying scene and light gray scene into the much darker one. It felt like she were flying making her way toward the source of his voice. It felt more like a dream than anything making the transition to a different variation of reality. A thin film of red light slid in. Color! Or was it hell? She couldn't be exactly sure.

Please.

Judy continued the flight watching the redness fill the space until she realized she were staring at a cieling and everything was still. There was silence, soothing, comforting silence, and her eyes lowered as she took her back off the wall feeling refreshed and steady. There was a open door from across with what sounded to be familiar whispering. She can sense Will and Judy's presence from within the space craft in a strange manner.

"Mother?" Judy called. "Father?"

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

The air van came to a stop beside the seeker.

"I will get the van parked, John," Don said, as the matriarch of the Robinsons came out of the seeker. "Your daughter is waiting."

"And make sure they know what to do with it," John said, gesturing toward the equipment in the back.

Don nodded.

"That I will," Don said. "Don't want this area overgrown by plants."

John got out of the air van then closed the door behind him.

The air van flew toward the academy as John approached Maureen.

Maureen had a concerned look on her face shaking her head.

Don flew the air van into the transportation port to face a group of cadets in bio-hazard suits that were bulky and large even to the point that it appeared to be made of metal. He parked the air van by the entrance then opened the door beside him and slipped out. The cadets opened the doors pulling the red pipes open. The door to the port closed with a heavy clad that had a echo.

"Don't throw this material out into the sand," Don told the center cadet. "Bad idea all around."

"We considered that," Pala then had a smile. "briefly."

"Do you know how to neutralize it?" Don asked.

"A rough idea of how to do so," Pala said. "Excuse us," Pala walked past him. "We are going to recycle the equipment!"

Don looked toward the van being crowded by cadets.

"To believe that we had to stop because of giants on the way here," Don said, then walked on.

It had been a hour and thirty-three minutes since the giants had unexpectedly popped up from behind the men and started throwing rocks at them. They had to hide the seeker in a cavern waiting for them to lose interest. The giants had largely believed it was the visitors fault that their home was flooded. If Don had been in their position, he would have done the same but without rocks. Only with his fists and a laser pistol if finding out it were intentional. A cadet waved their hand in front of the doorway for the major allowing him through the hallway. Everything was finally going his way.

They were going to go to Earth not because of Smith.

The destruction of the Jupiter 2 turned the prospect of colonizing Alpha Centauri's goldilocks planet moot.

"Cadet, if we are making a larger version of the time energizer then we need these equipment," Came Parsafoot's voice as Don turned a corner.

"Even a wide screen?" came the meek reply.

"Even the wide screen," Parsafoot said. "Given my arm is out of order for the time being, I normally would be helping in hooking up the wide screen to the machine." Don came to a stop with large eyes staring at the two. "This machine will be running preliminary tests on the passage of time and is critical that we get the wide screen."

"I know, but that's in the teachers lounge and that's with Star Command," Scrian said.

"And you didn't get another one before this happened?" Parsafoot asked.

"Yes, but that's for entertainment," Scrian said. "And it's a miracle that it is still operating."

"Get your friends and bring it to my lab," Parsafoot said. "I have it set up for the time energizer scanner."

"That is one big scanner, professor," Scrian said.

"It has the fastest processor in this academy," Parsafoot said. "Most computers here with that undertaking would take days. Days that we may not have. This reduces it down to a matter of hours," the cadet nodded, visibly scared. "We need everyone's help."

The cadet nodded.

"Oraco," Scrian said, then walked away.

It was weird to see the professor who looked beyond help only a hour ago walking on his two feet and talking.

"Hello there, Major," Parsafoot said. "You need some help getting out?"

"Yes," Don said. "How. . . I. . . You shouldn't be walking."

"Ah, right," Parsafoot said. "You think I am human," Parsafoot had a laugh with clasped hands. "I am a Klingon-Human. A part of the populace on Qo'Nos that lacks forehead crests but with the strange eyebrows." he twirled his finger at his strange double layered eyebrows. "it's a thing for my species."

"And those shoulder pads?" Don asked.

"They are bone growths," Parsafoot said. "It's a part of my birth mutation. I am a oddity from my own species," Don came to the academy professor's side. "Still sore."

"Should I be concerned about Qo'Nos for Earth?" Don asked.

"That's the second star war with the Romulans, Cardassians, and the Gorn," Parsafoot said. "First Star War was fought against a species of aliens from this planet," they walked down the hallway. "It was a nasty battle. Raged for months outside of your planet's solar system," Parsafoot had a pause. "In the end, Earth achieved warp drive in the 2060's after World War 3 and joined the Intergalactic Federation of Planets by the Vulcans."

Don stopped.

"World. . war. . . 3?" Don said.

"It took Earth awhile to be this stable," The words, he heard them before, and it was from a cadet. He couldn't remember who he heard it from. Don was stopped dead in his tracks.

Parsafoot stopped as it dawned on him.

"I shouldn't have said that," Parsafoot said.

"How long does it last?" Don asked.

"I can't answer that," Parsafoot said.

"A day?" Don asked.

Parsafoot sighed.

"Try decades," Parsafoot said.

Don lowered his gaze toward the floor.

"I will be dead before then," Don said, his mood raising. "None of us will actually see it happen."

"I assure you, some of the members will," Parsafoot said, turning toward him. "If you return to Earth. Millions of people die. There are survivors, yes," Parsafoot had a brief pause. "There are."

Don lowered his head, swearing under his breath, placing his hands on to his hips.

"They will take that risk," Don said, finally, lifting his head up. "And so do I."

Don and Parsafoot walked down the corridor.

From within a cavern of the academy, came the kachunk of a glass bobbed head being raised while surrounded by a sea of people.

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

The adjusted seat was red with arm rests, a bed sheet wrapped around seat, a white blanket, wrapped around his lower figure, and a pillow underneath his head in the adjusted van. Seeing the normally chattering doctor on the biobed was more disturbing than anything that Will had seen in his time on Priplanus. Smith hadn't awakened in hours. It was six fifty-six at night. His snores remained consistent.

"Will," Penny said, from beside the boy. "He will wake up when a beautiful queen kisses him."

A smile tugged on Will's face.

"At least," Will started. "He is not the sleeping beauty with a army waiting to invade Earth."

Will was seated beside the parked air van that had tiki torches blazing a walking strip toward the red glowing interior.

"Dad wants you to come back, " Penny said.

Will looked over, seated in the lawn chair, toward Penny.

"That soon?" Will asked.

Penny had a nod.

"Time flies waiting," Penny said.

Will looked over toward the older man.

"I don't want to leave him alone," Will said.

"He won't be alone for long," Penny started. "Doctor Allen said that he has some nurses waiting to move him into the seeker after we leave."

Will closed his eyes with a sigh then looked over toward Smith.

"It's going to be tough leaving Doctor Smith without the Robot," Will said.

"It is more hard for everyone," Penny said.

Will looked toward Penny in silence.

"He will be right behind us, right?" Will asked.

"Right behind us," Penny said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Okay," Will said, standing up from the chair. "I will be waiting for him to wake up in the seeker."

Penny took her hand off his shoulder.

"So will I," Penny said, then went into the dark with a laser pistol belt hooked around her waist.

Will placed a hand on Smith's shoulder while stepping on the edge of the air van. The red light softly glowed above the old man's head now covered in a pool of crimson. For a moment, the old man's head had the super imposed image of the same cut and head trauma that Will had seen that morning. He watched it vanish in a matter of seconds. Will was sure that Smith was going to come out of it before morning arrived.

Smith was punctual when it came to breakfast. Even times when his family were missing or they were in control of some being, he always made sure to prepare something for what remained of the children. It did wonders to mask his trembling demeanor even if it wasn't seen. When Smith and the Robot did not argue but worked together to prepare breakfast, it felt strangely normal for the boy but gravely concerning and it didn't happen often enough.

The last times were either when Daddy Zach was around or the age old entity taking control of his father and trapping the rest of his family for example. Will was going to see him soon. Alive and well relaying to anyone nearby about exaggerated tales on Preplanis and his 'heroic' acts.

Confidence, hope, and warmth was in the boy's grip.

And fondness toward the flawed but well aged doctor.

See you soon, Doctor Smith.

Will let go of Smith's shoulder.

William?

Will heard the older man's voice then turned back to see that Smith was still snoring away.

"Are you coming?" Penny asked.

Will closed the air van door.

"Coming," Will said.

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

Smith lunged toward the source.

The confusion melted away into outright concern.

Sounded so clear but so far away from Smith.

Will's voice echoed in the dark acting as a lantern guiding Smith home.

As the boy made his way to the seeker, Smith climbed for hours, days, weeks, months, and years through the night that was becoming progressively light and lighter by each ascent. The child! Not the child! He had sneaken aboard the ship with the Robot acting as the protector and the boy was keeping Smith on his feet against his own weight contrasting against Smith's weight. The climb--no, the hike was exhausting. Light poured in a silver band, a welcoming factor, then Smith forced himself forward. He had to stand and allow the child some relief. And get him back to the Robinsons. Just like that dashing any chance of getting to Earth. But one that Smith could reconcile over.

Smith's eyes slowly fluttered opened while groaning.

His wound had reappeared on the side of his forehead with the blood stain on his skin.

Smith rubbed his forehead then looked over observing the startling scene that he had left hours ago. It was a dream, Smith assumed. He was going to be very late for the away mission. His eyes darted toward the distance in deep consideration. But the army? Where was the army? He couldn't seen them in the dark nor their figures. How much of the events in the last few hours were real? A thought echoed in his mind ingraining himself that one aspect of the events were real. He couldn't be late for the mission.

Buying time for the academy to make their escape while Dragos was busy ranting about what he was going to do afterwards. Dragos could not possibly look the way that Smith had dreamed. Smith was certain of it. Smith pressed a small rounded button on the side then the door opened as he slid the blanket aside. He unclipped the black sling then discarded the fabric into the neighboring seat. He moved his arm back and forth, flexing his fingers, feeling completely fine.

"This will cost them easily two hundred gold pieces," Smith said, looking out the door then hopped out. "Leaving me out here in a van?" He slid the red object in and watched the door close. "This must have been Loki's doing!" he wiped off the dust from his hands looking off in contempt toward the academy. "That mischievous child."

Smith stormed toward the academy.

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

"Oh no," a cadet loudly gasped at the space monitor.

The cadets gathered and saw the figure of the looming approaching ship that had lights making some of the intimidating features stand out. A cadet dropped a padd to the floor and everyone jumped. Another one placed themselves into the corner of the room rocking themselves back and forth now dripped in sweat. One of the cadets, a Andorian, stared in horror then slowly reached their hand out and pressed a button on the console.

"Carbert to Tee Gar," Carbert said.

"Tee Gar here," Tee Gar said.

"Dragos has arrived in orbit," Carbert said.

"Inform emergency bay to be ready when I get there," Tee Gar said.

"Oraco," Carbert said

"And distract him, make him talk, anyway you can before he attacks the planet," Tee Gar said. "Tee Gar out."

And there was only silence in the room as all eyes were on him.

"Do we happen to have a chatter box in here who works great under this stress?" Carbert asked.

A trembling cadet, a Klingon, raised her hand.

"Torres," Carbert said.

"Yes?" Torres asked, slowly coming toward him.

Torres came to Carbert's side. Torres was having a hard fight against speaking a word and talking about how scared she was while tightly holding on to her wrist making it bleed. Carbert grabbed Torres by the wrist tightly. That act made Torres stop digging into her skin. Carbert looked toward the tall Betazoid-Klingon. Her eyes were pitch black, almost a void, a black hole, showing into the abyss.

"Don't stop talking no matter what he says until you ask him something," Carbert said. "Once you are done speaking. Give him everything to talk about."

Torres had a slow nod then pressed the button.

"Academy to Dragonship," Torres said. "Do you read me?"

"Loud and clear," Dragos's voice sent chills as he had a laugh. "I am prepared for your surrender."

"Now listen here," Torres said. "Who do you think we? Cowards? We don't give up and we are not going to give up! Now sit down and listen because I have a lot that you have to answer for in the name of war time!"

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

The room was barely lit except for a pool of light in the section that had several chalkboards. The commander jacket was laid on a seat pressed against the wall. The room lights flickered on when Parsafoot was the first one to enter with Prentiss from behind. Parsafoot stared at the dark chalkboard with big eyes. His eyes registering in the information decorating the boards searching from side to side. The chalkboard had numbers and names. Tee Gar stood in front of the chalkboard with his arms folded. The men stood there concerned.

"Commander?" Prentiss called, coming into the room behind Parsafoot.

"Are you alright?" Parsafoot asked, his eyes big at the complex web before him.

Tee Gar smiled, looking over, his fingers and palm coated in chalk.

"No," Tee Gar said. "Better."

"So," Prentiss said. "How did this time loop begin?"

"The Robinsons were taken one day on the Robot's watch," Tee Gar said. "And Smith was left behind. Somewhere in the next few years, Smith learned what happened to the Robinsons after getting off Preplanis," Tee Gar turned toward the two, rubbing his chin, then turned his attention onto the chalkboard. "Smith becomes Gampu sometime afterwards because of a scientific phenomenon. He learned about Adrian, Laura, Paul, Chris, and me then brought us into the team. Maybe not," Tee Gar shrugged. "I am not sure how he learned we were important to the academy. But what I can say is that he didn't know at first." he had a piece of chalk against his chin.

"So Gampu was unaware of Dragos's attack because it never happened," Prentiss said, approaching the chalkboard. He came to a stop then leaned his arm against the frame. "Once the Academy fell into the void, a stable time loop was started," he approached the boards. He threw his hands in the air. "Mystery solved."

"And everyone lived," Tee Gar said.

"Until someone broke the time loop," Parsafoot said. "Sam, Stella, all those people. . . All passed away because of Dragos's goons."

"Goon," Prentiss corrected.

Tee Gar looked toward the lieutenant.

"It can take one persons influence to make everything go awry," Tee Gar said. "How can you be so certain?"

"I have seen Dragos send goons to do his bidding when it came to one task and only one task," Prentiss said. "Sabotage," he leaned off against the frame. "This is not his style."

"Sometimes he does it himself," Parsafoot said. "If it were one person, he would have sent himself."

"But the voice wasn't Dragos," Tee Gar said. "I have replayed that recording over and over. That is not one of Dragos's known mimicking voices."

"And it isn't," Prentiss said. "If you can't feel it's familiar then it's not him."

"True," Parsafoot said. "And all those?" he gestured toward the chalkboard.

"The time energizer scanner reported this timeloop has been repaired a lot," Tee Gar said. "One, arrival. Two, message. That is what the scanners report under a probability since it detected audio being exchanged two times in the passage of time." Prentiss and Parsafoot nodded in agreement. "Third, physical intervention. Four, the time loop has been showing signs of restarting and replaying itself."

"And the fifth?" Parsafoot asked.

"You read it," Tee Gar said.

"Yes," Parsafoot agreed. "But not too much. The readings were not coherent."

"They were coherent," Tee Gar said. "You just had to ask the right machine to translate it."

"I helped," the Robot came from behind the two men.

"To read English?" Prentiss asked. "we know English."

"Not the English you know," The Robot replied.

"And," Tee Gar added. "Drum roll please, Robot."

The Robot synthesized the sound of drums being hit.

"There is no fifth," The Robot announced.

"Yet," Tee Gar emphasized, holding up his index finger.

"What is the fifth?" Parsafoot asked.

Tee Gar had his gaze fixed on the two.

"Lieutenant," Tee Gar said. "The academy needs your help."

"I. . ." Prentiss started. "I can exist at two places at the same time," he cracked his knuckles. "I can prevent the signal from being sent."

"Affirmative," the Robot said. "The time loop will be restored without any visible changes."

"We won't remember any of this," Tee Gar said.

"Theoretically," Parsafoot said. "We could remember it as a nightmare."

"A nightmare that will fade and be forgotten," Tee Gar said.

"I theorize the changes will take up to five minutes to set in should it be started in the academy," The Robot said. "If it is done in mid-flight, the changes may take thirty minutes to appear and return the timeline to what it should be," the three men exchanged glances visibly relieved and comforted by the news. "Even if the signal is not sent, this time traveler will find another way to break the timeline."

Prentiss briefly grimaced.

"At the cost of someones life. . ." Prentiss said. "I can stomach it."

"It's the only way we can stop this time loop from being damaged by the time traveling goon," Tee Gar said. "I don't like this solution as is."

Parsafoot looked toward the Robot.

"Robot, we can use your energy pack to power the time energizer up during the flight," Parsafoot said. "We need it."

"If it must be done then it must," The Robot replied.

"It will just a matter of hooking up the wiring," Parsafoot said. "I am certain we have those kind of connectors in every seeker. . ." Parsafoot paused, regretfully. "And it will take you offline just for the retrieval."

"You require enough energy units to bring Jason back to the academy," The Robot said. "It is worth the sacrifice."

"I really wish it didn't have to come down to it, Robot," Tee Gar said.

"My power pack will be charged after this is over," The Robot said, in a questioning tone rather than a statement.

Parsafoot approached the Robot coming to his side.

"Theoretically, Robot," Parsafoot said. "Your power pack could be empty after it is over."

"It will not," Prentiss said. "That will mean the timeline is still unstable if his power packs are trying to exist in the same place. Charged and not charged. Which is worse than a ordinary glitch," he took out two collinears from his utility belts. "I have had one longer than the other. They are the same object."

"We don't know how much of our version of the time loop will be left behind to be discovered," Parsafoot replied, Prentiss put away the collinears back where he had them. The Robot grabbed on to the other one with his claw right out of the lieutenant's hand scanning it then handed it back toward the cadet uncharacteristically silent. Prentiss seemed to be baffled by the Robot's actions. "Or be remembered."

"On the chance that we are successful repairing the time loop," Prentiss said.

"Which means we need a reason to come to the Dragonship that Dragos can believe we are not coming to rescue Jason to make it work," Tee Gar said. "I don't like lying to people."

The Robot's glass head bobbed up.

"I know someone who does!" The Robot announced.

"We are all ears, Robot," Parsafoot said.

The Robot faced toward Prentiss.

"Will you do me the honors?" The Robot asked.

Prentiss had a slow nod briefly closing his eyes in a regretful manner then had a sigh.

"We need Doctor Smith," Prentiss said. "He must go."

"Carbert to Tee Gar," Came Carbert's voice over the collinear that sounded muffled.

Tee Gar took the collinear out from the utility belt.

"Tee Gar here," Tee Gar said.