"Every battle plan has its steps, acquisitions, and compromises." Source, unknown. 

Time was turning in KaraQ's favor. But for how long? Long enough that KaraQ could take advantage of it. The young woman appeared in the center of the room on the neon disk holding on to a laser pistol on one hand. From the view screen, Judy saw Maureen grow alarmed reaching her hand out from the eldest child had been. Judy loudly gasped turning away from the screen to view her siblings in cryostasis pods.

"If you cooperate," KaraQ said. "None of your family will be hurt."

Judy turned in the direction of KaraQ.

"Why my family?" Judy asked. "There are plenty of other aliens on here."

KaraQ had a low laugh.

"You Earthlings. . ." KaraQ said. "Are a very special species."

Judy shook her head.

"But that is no reason to abduct us," Judy said. "We are just like you."

KaraQ was appalled by the comparison.

"That we are not," KaraQ said. "You are so undeveloped. So easy to use."

"So could you," Judy argued. "You could be the ideal 'thing' to experiment on."

"I really do not want to harm you," KaraQ said, irritated.

"I want my brother and sister out of there," Judy said, folding her arms.

"You are testing my patience," KaraQ said.

"Good," Judy said. "Because humans are not lab rats and it is highly unethical to experiment on us. Illegal, even."

"Not in my planet's territory," KaraQ said. "No one knows I am here. And no one can stop me."

"Then what do you call me?" Judy asked, testingly.

"Someone in the way," KaraQ said. "I will make sure you get transferred somewhere with your mother and your chosen mate."

"My chosen mate?" Judy repeated, insulted. "My chosen mate?"

"Yes," KaraQ said.

"Don is my friend," Judy said. "We are not a item."

"You act like you are a thing," KaraQ said. "I respect my answer but I will have to put you in the easy way."

KaraQ pressed a button on the device and Judy reappeared in the cryostasis pod that activated completely immobilizing her. She had a strong grip on the laser pistol that didn't falter as her hands remained to her side. It was unique, how humans were that way. Whatever they were holding -- when frozen in place-- remained in their hands one way or another. It was a little thing that was common between frozen humanoids. KaraQ turned their attention onto the view screen observing the Robinsons looking around in a terrified manner. KaraQ swept their hand over the crystal and the screen changed to the outside of the vessel.

Collecting the rest of the Robinsons had to be done face to face. KaraQ was going to finish what they had started hours later. Let the harsh reality set in that the Jupiter 2's family were facing a foe that could not be easily defeated, cooperated enough that they went away, or be swayed away by the continued interference by the young boy, the robot, and the old man. It was like being given a gift by his respected grandfather and his father, all majoring in the laughable string theory and the highly respected theory that organic bodies were in reality machines to bodies of energy that made up souls.

There was credible evidence regarding that theory ranging from aura. Negative energy being left behind from the feelings of organic beings in a rough situation or from their demise. Positive energy from the previous tenants lingered on but not for long and went away without making it such a fuss for the organic beings to live along side. Negative energy's left echoes behind that lasted longer than the positive energy until it were forcefully sent away. Most organic beings would call them demons and the positive energy that had left but returned were stand ins for angels. In many ways, they fit the mold.

The fact about this was set aside when it came to experiments and easily dismissed about the concerns. It was incredibly rare for negative energy to show up in these situations as they normally popped up by medical professionals and other professionals actively seeking for them. In the world of space science, Earthling experiments were terminated before any more horror could be done after being horribly disfigured leaving them in great pain. One that would be called on Earth: a act of mercy.

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

It was a hour later that a space craft landed from across KaraQ's vessel. The space craft was smaller than KaraQ's unique vessel and less wider than it but sleek and thinner. KaraQ stared at the vessel then observed three Earthlings come strolling out in a line. The older one reminded KaraQ of the old man but not quite. The normally frowning, unhappy, and grumpy individual had strayed off their radar days ago. Probably was squashed by the gentle crash landing of the asteroid. There was no sign of the camp left as though the boy had returned and reluctantly took it apart. The older one had his hands linked behind his back with a certain rage brewing in his eyes. A special kind of rage reserved for someone who cared enough about someone when they got hurt that it was best to cooperate rather than not.

KaraQ was troubled.

Was there more of the old man?

A lot more that the Robinsons were hiding?

KaraQ went over to their console and waved their hands over the crystals that returned with a x-ray vision of the asteroid. There were thousands of people in sleeping bags and improvised cots throughout the base. KaraQ waved their hand over the crystal then the screen turned to black. KaraQ turned in the direction of the door then made their way toward it. They waved their hand in front of the crystal. The door opened before them to reveal the group was walking up the ramp.

"I am Commander Gampu of the Space Academy," Gampu said. "And we hear that you have someone that does not belong to you."

KaraQ furrowed their brows.

"Now, how do you know that?" KaraQ asked.

"The life signs indicate they are in cryostasis," Paul said. "And if they were part of the crew, you would have let them be out."

"It is none of our concern," Samantha added. "But given that you have a problem that can be taken care of. . ."

"We can very well give you something better than those three," Gampu added. "There will be a battle from above in approximately two to three days and plenty of survivors that you can take for your little quest."

"They are not Earthlings," KaraQ said.

"I assure you," Gampu said, then raised his brows. "they are."

"There is a Earthling phrase I have been forewarned of," KaraQ said. "And that is a phrase I can part with you."

Gampu grew a curious but intently listening expression.

"And that is?" Gampu asked.

"Go screw yourself," KaraQ said, stepping back then began to reach their hand out toward the adjoining wall.

Smith's eyes grew big.

"Now, you see here--" Smith started.

Paul reached out grabbing on to Smith's arm.

"That is a very impolite reply," Gampu regained control over himself. "And you insult your father using such a vulgar phrase."

KaraQ had a hearted laugh.

"My father is more vulgar than that," KaraQ said.

"But is your grandfather that way?" Gampu asked. "How would he feel to hear someone he respects more than his child is being so impolite to someone asking so nicely." Paul gently let go of the man's shoulder. "Do you speak to your elders that way?"

"No," KaraQ said. "I am sorry. That was the wrong thing to say."

Gampy had a firm nod in return.

"And you don't believe a word about this battle," Gampu said.

"Earthlings tend to make up stuff as they go," KaraQ said.

Smith began to lift his hand toward his chest but stopped and clenched it holding on to his wrist behind his back tightly.

"Will you change your mind if I can show you that we have evidence of humanoid lifeforms and their space crafts that could be part the battle," Gampu said, searchingly, staring up toward them. "My good sir."

KaraQ thoughtfully considered.

"Yes," KaraQ said. "But without your people with me and your people cannot take my specimens."

"Your captives, you mean," Gampu corrected. "That is what they are and you are their captor."

"Yes," KaraQ said. "I suppose I am. By your standards."

Gampu stepped aside allowing KaraQ to come past him. Gampu peered into the room to spot the three and grew relieved at their unharmed---fire appeared in the man's eyes as he had his hand on the threshold. He grew stiff, his face turning a shade of red, and his grip on the wall grew hard. Paul was directing KaraQ to the spacecraft giving a good overview of who the army belonged to. Smith took his hands off the threshold before the door could slice it off and faced Samantha. Smith gestured his head toward the door so she nodded in return.

"Sir," Gampu started, turning away from the doorway. "I detest there being violence when there could be diplomacy."

"Diplomacy," KaraQ said, coming to a stop at the doors. "As if diplomacy could work."

"Trust can," Paul said.

"You must be from a very far off isolated world to believe that, young man," KaraQ said.

Paul stopped himself from outright telling the being, only giving a nod, and smiling while gesturing KaraQ in.

"What a unlikable scientist," Smith commented, coming to Paul's side. "They make aliens like the Keeper very likable and polite."

"The Keeper?" Paul asked.

"Right," Smith said, softly clasping his hands together. "People like him have been caught by space law enforcement by your time and don't exist."

Paul nodded.

"Sounds like I don't want to know," Paul said.

Smith shook his head.

"You don't, Paul," Smith said. "What Earth colony are you from?"

"Ceto," Paul said, then tilted his head. "How do you know I am from a colony?"

"Really," Smith said, insulted. "You don't think I notice those bone blades from your sleeve."

Paul laughed, cupping the back of his arm, nervously.

"Commander, I don't see those lifeforms," KaraQ said.

"How did you notice?" Paul asked, watching a incredulous look appear.

"Anyone can notice those small holes in the uniform during a handshake," Smith said.

"Mostly human," Paul said. "Just a little side effect one fourth of. . ." he shook his head. "Doesn't matter. I am strong as a average human is all I can say."

Smith walked into the vessel as the view swept up to reveal the door to the space craft was unhinged set to the side of the doorway. Samantha was searching for the off button from the cryostasis pods. The view went into the space craft where Smith had joined KaraQ's side. Gampu gestured the alien being over from the front over to the back end. Gampu pressed on a few buttons from above a purple but pinkish glowing screen. KaraQ sat down into the chair. The screen became full of spaceships that ranged in size, aesthetic, design, and in number. KaraQ tapped their fingers together with their elbow on their knee leaning forward in deep consideration over the matter.

"Five to six alien officers per alien who participates in this battle will be taken," Gampu said. "We will pay a blind eye to what you want. . ." he drew a slow pause then added in. "We have acquired a hundred fourteen volunteers capable of flight and firing at enemies. Your spacecraft, I have been told, is capable of inflicting very critical damage."

"So many," KaraQ said, as Gampu handed them a sheet of paper into their hands. "So many."

Gampu nodded in return.

"You cannot take all of them," Gampu said. KaraQ read the paper, hands trembling, staring down the contents and jaw slowly dropped. "You have to leave some behind."

"Survivors," KaraQ said. "They will not last long without adequate supplies. But long enough for rescue ships."

"Most importantly," Gampu said. "you have to leave whatever family unit --that you are terrifying--- alone."

KaraQ did not reply.

"And you have to let the captives go," Gampu said, in a eerily calmly manner.

KaraQ looked up.

"I am considering your compromise," KaraQ said. "but I will not let them go."

Gampu narrowed his eyes toward KaraQ then returned to normal.

"Do you, or do you not," Gampu said. "Want to be part of a free and easy acquirement of specimens?"

"Yes," KaraQ said.

Gampu grew a pleased demeanor.

"Excellent," Gampu said. "Now. . . To the other matter. The name of your spaceship."

"The Coneheads," KaraQ said. "The family name. Embarrassment. The actual Coneheads, the Remulakians, view us a a laughing stock."

"It is not a laughing stock here," Gampu said, placing a hand on their shoulder. "I share the most sympathy."

"Like Commander Gampu?" KaraQ said. "That is most respectable."

"It is weird," Gampu said. "Sounds like something you hear from a God or a fantasy novel."

KaraQ stood up now towering over the older man.

"I accept your request," KaraQ said, then held their hand out with a smile. "Where do I sign up?"

"Around the academy," Gampu said, shaking their six fingered hand. "You know where to find it."

KaraQ had a laugh.

"Hard not to miss it," KaraQ said. "Commander."

"Do you have a rank?" Gampu inquired, as they stopped shaking hands.

"None at all," KaraQ said. "Do I need one?"

"No," Gampu said, shaking his head with hands linked behind his back. "We will be a small army compared to the real one."

Gampu's eyes drifted off toward the screen, half afraid, half optimistic, and half weary.

"Can't that be over powering," KaraQ said.

Gampu turned his attention toward KaraQ with a grave expression.

"Welcome to the troop, volunteer one hundred fifteen," Gampu said. "Or, quite possibly, downed spacecraft one hundred fifteen."

KaraQ straightened himself.

"How many died because of these people?" KaraQ asked.

"In the last few days. . ." Gampu started. "Five. And it could climb."

"I will see you on the battle field," KaraQ said.

"My good sir," Gampu started holding a hand out grabbing him by the shoulder. "I will not be on the bridge," he lowered his gaze away from the man then lifted his gaze up. "To join you in this heroic endeavor."

"What are you doing?" KaraQ asked.

"My part," Gampu said, letting go of KaraQ's shoulder. "My part."

KaraQ nodded, understandingly, at the grim tone of the commander's voice.

"I hope you are celebrated for your part," KaraQ said.

KaraQ walked out of the space craft to find Samantha and Paul waiting by both sides. Smith relaxed, falling into the chair and slid the paper from off the seat. Samantha closed the door from behind her as Paul made his way to the piloting seat.

"So," Paul started. "One hundred fifteen?"

"A hundred fifteen," Smith replied.

"That makes one hundred left to interview," Paul said.

"Except for the Jupiter 2," Samantha said.

"Did you do as I asked, Samantha?" Smith asked.

"Exactly to the letter, Doctor Smith," Samantha said, with a bright smile while looking over the edge of the seat as the Seeker lifted off.

Smith smiled, closing his eyes, with his hands in his lap.

Even go as far as imagining KaraQ in their lair realizing that their specimens had been taken away and returned to their loved ones and scream his name.

In fact, KaraQ was facing the view screen with the reunited family when realizing Smith's betrayal and had nothing to say except a admiring expression was firmly on their face.