Lost on Planet G889 Chapter 8
Eden Advance is not pleased by Dr. Smith's deception. Members from both groups attempt to repair the Dream Plane. If you're reading, I'd love to hear from you.
Earth 2
Background information http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/1122.html
Photos: http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/4272.html (Complete)
Lost in Space
Background information http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/3051.html
Photos: http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/3145.html
Previous chapters:
Chapter 1 http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/1639.html
Chapter 2 http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/2561.html
Chapter 3 http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/3563.html
Chapter 4 http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/3999.html
Chapter 5 http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/4589.html
Chapter 6: http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/4806.html
Chapter 7: http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/4882.html
Chapter 8
(Alonzo Solace)
Of course, the biggest topic of discussion that night was the Robinsons. Their odd clothing and manner of speaking. Their primitive technology. Yet, despite these differences, I liked the Robinsons. I didn’t understand why I felt hesitant about inviting them to join us.
Perhaps I sensed that John Robinson was used to being the leader and might be reluctant to become a mere follower, especially in a group composed of such diverse individuals. Half of the Eden Advance members had been slated for cargo drop only. While some had changed their minds, others were still hell bent on getting off of this planet, regardless of the cost.
John Robinson’s initial reaction to the Terrians revealed he had a ‘shoot now and ask questions later’ approach to life that might not work well on this planet. Ask Commander O’Neill, the living embodiment of eminent domain. While seeking to claim what he felt was rightfully his, he was killed.
Would the Robinsons adapt to this planet or would they expect to change it to suit their purposes? Would they respect the Terrians and work within their parameters? Did they truly understand that by following their guidelines that those Syndrome kids might have a chance at life that wasn’t possible any other way?
The Robinsons were hard workers, no doubt about that. They’d pitch in and do their fair share. Even Don, who hadn’t been getting a fair shake at life on this planet, was more than willing to get dirty and do what needed to be done. Doctor Smith - that was an entirely different story. According to their stories he would be ten times worse than Morgan Martin with little hope of reform.
What type of trouble would he cause for us? How would we keep him in line? Would the Robinsons approve of our methods? Somehow I didn’t think our group would be as tolerant of his behavior as the Robinsons were.
XXXXXXXXXX
Day 259
“What are you doing up so early, Adair? Shouldn’t you be resting?” Danziger asked, arching his shoulders.
Before he’d had a chance to grab what meager rations passed for breakfast, Devon had drawn him away from the others to speak privately. Seated on the ground on a hillside, the sun’s rays actually felt invigorating rather than oppressive as they would later that day.
“I know,” she replied.
In fact, she was tired. The meds Julia synthesized had only served to intensify her exhaustion. However her concerns about the Dream Plane and the Robinsons wouldn’t allow her to rest.
Knowing the direct approach usually worked best, she came out and told him.
“I don’t think we can bring the Robinsons along with us.”
“What? What do you mean? We made those people promises,” Danziger reminded her.
Obviously conflicted, she answered. “I know. But we’ve made other promises as well.”
“What are you talking about? This isn’t like you. It isn’t right to treat people this way.”
“Don’t you think I know that? Do you think I want to do this?” she snapped. “I think the Terrians are angry with the Robinsons because they took sunstones.”
“I don’t buy that. We took sunstones and they’re still talking to us. We saw the Robinsons give the stones back last night. The boy was curious, that’s all. You’re reading too much into this. There might be a totally unrelated reason for the problems with the Dream Plane.”
“But it’s still damaged. Alonzo can’t make contact. What about the Robinson’s drilling? Maybe they’ve done irreparable damage and the Terrians will never forgive them.”
“Maybe. Maybe not.” He wasn’t convinced.
She tried to clarify, “If we associate with the Robinsons, maybe the Terrians won’t want to associate with us anymore.”
“Yeah?” He shrugged. Danziger had never been fond of the Terrians.
“Don’t you remember Mary?” she asked with some urgency.
Mary was an orphaned child they’d encountered while at their winter camp site - the Biodome. Considered to be radicals by the Council, Mary’s parents were exiled on planet G889. When they were killed by outcast Terrians, toddler Mary was taken in and raised by the creatures. Currently a teenager, her Terrian abilities were much more pronounced than Uly’s. Not only could she speak with the Terrians in their language, she could also travel through the earth as smoothly as they did and even use the lightening that emanated from their staffs.
Several months ago, when Bess and Morgan petrified a kilometer of earth using a geolock device, they’d also mistakenly immobilized a Terrian. When Mary had intervened to help them, the Terrians expelled her.
“They took away Mary’s Terrian abilities,” she half whispered, not wanting to vocalize her worst fear.
During the first few weeks on the planet, they‘d already seen that when the Terrians were threatened, Uly’s health regressed. Somehow his well being and the Terrians were connected to the planet. She couldn’t bear for him to be sick again.
Danziger’s features softened, finally understanding the source of her concern. He put an arm about her shoulder. “We’re not gonna let that happen.”
His touch was comforting. Rather than shrug it off, she let his arm stay where it was.
“How? How can we stop it?”
“Let’s talk with the Robinsons. Tell them what’s going on. They’re decent, reasonable people. Almost as idealistic as you are, Devon. Maybe that’s partly why I like them. Nobody wants Uly to regress. We’ll figure something out.”
They sat quietly for several moments.
Devon was concerned about that arm still resting on her back. Was she allowing something that she might not be able to see through? She didn’t know what the future held. She only had enough energy to focus on keeping Uly safe and getting the colony set up for those Syndrome Children. Did Danziger understand that?
Then again, shouldering such a heavy burden was draining her, especially in her weakened state. Perhaps it would be okay to allow him to help.
“Feeling any better?” he asked.
“A little. The meds are helping.”
“You need to take it easy. Get your strength back,” he gently reminded.
“I know, I know,” her protests lacking their former vigor.
“You know, you shouldn’t worry so much about Uly. He’s a good kid. A little freedom is good for him.”
Yesterday afternoon she’d been terrified when she couldn’t find him about camp. In a panic, she’d rallied Danziger and Yale to help her locate him only to learn that he’d gone off with Will to get baseball equipment from the Jupiter 2.
“C’mon John, with all the experiences we’ve had? You would’ve panicked too.”
“Not before I checked the entire camp first. He told Yale where he was going. And he was with Will Robinson and his robot.”
“I suppose,” she reluctantly agreed.
“Did you see them playing? They had a great time. Even Yale, Judy and Walman joined in.”
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
“Is this some kind of a joke? You deliberately did something wrong and now you think everything’s gonna be okay just because you said you’re sorry?” Baines couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Dr. Smith, Major West, and the entire Robinson family, plus robot, had returned to their campsite that morning. Everyone had gathered about to hear Dr. Smith’s ‘announcement’. From the angry looks Mrs. Robinson was shooting at the older man, it was apparent that his so-called apology wasn’t genuine.
“Yes.” Dr. Smith cowered under the harsh scrutiny of the entire Eden Advance crew.
“Great, just great.” Julia threw up her hands in the air.
“What are you gonna do about it?” Walman grilled the man.
“I told you people, didn’t I? What else can I do?” Dr. Smith tried to weasel his way out. He seemed to feel that he’d done all he could.
“The problem hasn’t been fixed. I say he should return the stone to the Terrians - by himself.” Walman wasn’t feeling especially charitable towards the man after his involvement with Judy’s accident.
Other voices chimed in, agreeing.
“But, I’m frightened.” Dr. Smith whined. “I don’t know anything about these creatures. I simply can’t do it alone.”
“Maybe you should’ve thought of that before you deliberately kept one of the stones for yourself,” Devon stated, surprising herself.
“Can he be trusted not to mess it up?” Baines asked.
Maureen Robinson objected. “Look here. Doctor Smith has his flaws. Believe me, I’m well acquainted with them. Just the same he deserves to be treated with respect as a fellow human being.”
Baines rolled his eyes.
“What are we going do?” Julia asked.
“I don’t understand why you’re so concerned about this Dream Plane and the Terrians. Aren’t you just traveling through this territory? Isn’t this a temporary situation? ” John Robinson asked.
“It’s not that simple. The Terrians are somehow linked to the planet,” Julia started to explain when a Terrian rose from the ground directly in front of Dr. Smith. Using his staff, he beckoned towards the man.
“Didididi.”
Most looked towards Alonzo. “I…I don’t know.”
“He wants you to follow him,” Uly explained. Many heads turned in surprise towards the boy.
“All alone?” Dr. Smith was terrified. “I can’t.”
Alonzo stepped forward. “I’m going too. I want to know what’s going on.”
Julia eagerly rose to accompany him.
“Can I go too, Dad?” Will asked.
“No son, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” his father explained while adjusting his side arm.
“But I’ve been studying the rocks and I’ve learned a lot about them. The Robot and I could help. I just know it,” Will insisted.
“Come along then,” John Robinson agreed, while walking over to join the others by the Terrian. Looking over his shoulder, he assured his wife, “We’ll be back soon.”
“What about me? I’m part Terrian. I can help too,” Uly urged.
“No way, young man. You’re staying right here where I can keep on eye on you,” Devon firmly stated.
“Devon, he has a good point. His Terrian attributes will be useful. You just saw that he can communicate with this one while I can’t. I’ll keep an eye out for him. We’ll keep in constant contact over gear,” Alonzo promised.
Devon was clearly torn. Danziger lightly touched her shoulder. “He’ll be okay. Right, ‘Lonz?” In a lower tone he added, “Gotta give him some room.”
Meeting Uly’s eager eyes, she reluctantly nodded. He rushed to hug her then sprinted to join the group who were already on their way out of the camp. Members from both teams rapidly disappeared over the ridge, following the Terrian.
XXXXXX
Devon and Danziger brought Maureen and Don to the communication area to monitor the exploration via gear while the girls visited with Walman. It wasn’t a highly sophisticated set up - several monitors were placed on crates underneath an awning to offer some protection from the weather. Before long, Morgan and Baines stopped by.
“Are you sure Doctor Smith isn’t going to mess this up?” Morgan asked. He’d heard multiple stories about the man’s hair brained schemes.
Maureen was offended. “My husband would never allow that.”
“This guy has a history of this type of behavior? Not following the rules?” Baines was indignant. “If he’s a danger to others can we afford that risk?”
Baines was referring to more than this day’s events.
Maureen’s mouth hung open. “He’s a human being. We can’t just leave him.”
“He’d do it to us in a second. You know that,” Don pointed out. “He’s always only been out for himself.”
“But that doesn’t make it right, does it? Part of what makes us human is showing mercy,” Maureen explained.
Don grumbled.
Devon took the opportunity to try to convey her fears to Mrs. Robinson. “You don’t understand. We can’t risk him messing up our relationship with the Terrians. There’s too much at stake.”
“Come now. Doctor Smith made a mistake. He’s giving the stone back. What else can they expect?” Maureen replied.
“The Terrians don’t think like us. We’ve struggled to develop a relationship with them. They healed my son. It is my fervent hope that they’ll heal those two hundred fifty Syndrome children which are arriving on that colony ship. It’s their only chance. I can’t jeopardize that. I just can’t.” Devon explained, becoming more passionate.
Maureen wasn’t intimidated by the other woman’s determination. “I understand that. But don’t the Terrians understand the universal concepts of forgiveness and love?”
“I…don’t know.” Considering that they’d banished Mary, who was essentially their foster child, for helping them through their own crisis, and had even removed her Terrian attributes. “I don’t think so.”
Baines interjected, “I don’t like what I’m hearing. This guy sounds like a loose canon. He could endanger us all.”
Don laughed, “Don’t you think we know that? He’s the one that caused us to crash on this planet in the first place.”
“Doctor Smith is weak. No one would deny that. But in some ways, aren’t we all? Don’t we all have a little Smith in us? Minor weaknesses that creep up from time to time? Don’t we as a humane society have an obligation to protect the weak?” Maureen challenged.
“Not if they intentionally behave in ways that endanger the entire group,” Devon responded.
“What about the quality of mercy?”
Devon stared at Maureen, not used to being challenged, especially by another woman.
The red haired matriarch explained, “A civilization isn’t judged by the height of its buildings or the amount of money its economy generates. The ultimate measure of its achievement is how it values life. When all mankind isn’t valued, then no life is valued.
“Doctor Smith has his faults. I can assure you, I’m well acquainted with them. But to cast him out would be impossible. What type of a civilization abandons the old or the sick? Or the weak?
“What type of civilization only values the strong? Look at your own journey. You’ve come a great distance and taken such great risks for the fate of weak children. You couldn’t abandon them.
“You know I’m right. “
XXXXXXXX
As the Terrian lead the group into the cavern, Will whispered to his father, “We didn’t find the rocks here.”
“I don’t know, son. Let’s just see what it wants,” he replied.
The cavern was dark so they paused to fish luma lights from their backpacks. Alonzo offered a spare to John Robinson. They walked single file in the narrow tunnel, the robot barely scraping by. Occasionally they would reach a larger more spacious chamber, and then once again it would lead to a smaller tunnel where they’d need to duck to avoid hitting their heads on intermittent low spots.
“I simply must rest,” Dr. Smith tried to stop but Alonzo nudged him forward.
“He doesn’t understand that.” More sympathetically he added, “Hopefully it won’t be much farther.”
Finally they entered a chamber which was brightly illuminated by the glow of the orange rocks.
“Wow.” Will elbowed Uly who was equally impressed.
The Terrian stared at Dr. Smith and then pointed to one of the chamber walls, crammed with glowing rocks.
“I…I don’t know what to do,” Dr. Smith cried.
“Why don’t you try putting your rock with the others?” Julia suggested.
Dr. Smith removed his rock from the insulated sack and placed it beside the others. No change was evident.
“Is anything happening?” Julia asked Alonzo.
“I’m not getting anything.”
Suddenly three other Terrians burst through the chamber walls. John Robinson clutched his laser pistol tightly yet refrained from raising it. “What’s going on?”
“Didididididi”
Terrian garble filled the air. The Terrians spoke with each other. The pitch and speed of the speech suggested they were agitated.
Julia looked to Alonzo, but he merely shrugged. “Uly?”
“There’s something wrong with the rocks. They want us to fix it,” Uly interpreted. “That must be why the Dream Plane isn’t working.”
“How?” Julia asked, frustrated. “We’ve returned all of the stones. What now?”
“Maybe I can help,” Will volunteered.
Will seemed like a nice kid but what would he know of the Terrians?
“Thanks but…” Julia answered.
“The Robot and I figured out the language of Lunite.”
Confused looks greeted him.
“The glowing stones vibrate - they’re communicating to each other in harmonic frequencies.”
“What?”
How could this be? If it were that simple, Julia would’ve determined this long ago. She’d analyzed samples with her instruments. Her technology was far more sophisticated than that simple robot.
“Robot, can you study the rocks and interpret what they’re saying?” Will asked.
The unit moved closer to the chamber wall.
“They are not speaking in harmony. This wall is vibrating in one tone.” He emitted a high C, “while this other section is vibrating in another.” He emitted a low D.
“What does that mean?” John Robinson asked his son.
“During our experiments, the Robot and I noticed that if two rocks with different frequencies were in contact with one another, they would adjust to the same one, a pitch in between. Maybe the Robot can simulate the tone of one group, while moving closer to the other group. Do you mind if I try?” Will asked Alonzo and Julia.
“I don’t see any harm.” Julia was doubtful, yet this planet had surprised her before. Who would’ve believed that polar opposite spiders would’ve controlled a tunnel that could fold time and space?
The robot moved closer to one wall. He produced a pitch and sustained it for a few minutes.
“Robot, is anything happening?” Will asked.
“Negative. Both remain at different pitches.”
“What else can we try?” Julia asked.
“No, wait!” Will interrupted. “The rocks needed to be in physical contact with each other for the effect to take place.” Grabbing the insulated bag from Dr. Smith, he selected a glowing rock from one wall then brought it to the other. “Is anything happening?” he asked the Robot.
“Negative.”
“Maybe they need a little help. Robot, can you make the same sound as the rock you’re holding while maintaining contact with the other wall?”
“Affirmative.”
They waited.
Julia was restless. This didn’t seem like a viable idea and they needed to discuss more practical options. She didn’t like the way the Terrians sounded. Maybe it was her imagination, but they sounded angry. The Terrians didn’t understand that they had no idea why the rocks were damaged. Perhaps she could convince Uly to try to convey that to them.
“The pitch is starting to change,” the robot reported.
“Does that mean anything?” Julia asked Uly.
“Didididididididiid”
“Yeah, it does!” Uly answered. “They can hear a difference. I think it’s working!”
XXXXXXXXXX
“Is the Dream Plane really fixed?” Julia snuggled closer to Alonzo. The two lovers were intertwined beneath a thin blanket on a cot in the MedTent.
Closing his eyes, he grinned. “Yeah, we did it. We helped the Terrians.”
Apparently the problems with the Dream Plane had nothing to do with the Robinsons. Yet it had even taken the Terrians a while to figure that out. All they knew was that the trouble had started about the time that Will and Dr. Smith had taken some stones. So they monitored them, in a sense testing the Robinsons, seeing if they were hostile or friendly. What would they do with the sunstones? Once the Terrians were aware of the damage to the Dream Plane, they believed that recovering the stones would be sufficient for its repair.
But it was more complicated than they understood. Somehow the sunstones in that region had been damaged. Communication that had naturally occurred between them had been disrupted so they couldn’t propagate the Dream Plane. Will Robinson’s theory of contact between the rocks to facilitate their communication, along with the robot amplifying the signal had been all that was needed to repair the damage.
Sensing the tension in her body, he turned to face her and ask, “Why aren’t you happy about it?”
“I am. It’s just… I don’t understand. It was so simple. Why couldn’t I figure it out?”
Her technology was far more sophisticated than the simple circuitry of the Robinson robot. Yet he and Will had broken the code while she hadn’t.
“C’mon, Julia, does that really matter?” Then he realized that it did to her. “Sometimes it’s a matter of your point of view. It allows you to see things in ways others haven’t.”
“I suppose,” she begrudgingly agreed.
Trying to cheer her up, he mentioned, “I’m sure Will and the robot wouldn’t have been able to figure out Devon’s illness.”
“That’s for sure.” It had taken her over two months of non-stop research to identify the causative agent. It could’ve been a completely novel agent unique to G889 or some virus from the Stations that had survived the rigors of suspended animation. And then, devising a treatment that wouldn’t kill the patient? It had tested her to her limits.
“You know, it could be useful for the group - seeing things from a different perspective. I had several meals with the Robinsons and I noticed they ate several things that we hadn’t considered as food sources. They also used some plants for seasoning and it was a wonderful improvement. Don and John had some unusual ideas when it came to mechanics too.”
“You want the Robinsons to join us?”
“Sure, why not?”
“What about Dr. Smith?” Julia wasn’t impressed by his behavior and the stories she’d heard about him. Morgan Martin could be hard enough to deal with. “He seems a little old to change his ways. He could be difficult.”
“I don’t know. The group will have to discuss pros and cons.”
TBC
Earth 2
Background information http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/1122.html
Photos: http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/4272.html (Complete)
Lost in Space
Background information http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/3051.html
Photos: http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/3145.html
Previous chapters:
Chapter 1 http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/1639.html
Chapter 2 http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/2561.html
Chapter 3 http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/3563.html
Chapter 4 http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/3999.html
Chapter 5 http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/4589.html
Chapter 6: http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/4806.html
Chapter 7: http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/4882.html
Chapter 8
(Alonzo Solace)
Of course, the biggest topic of discussion that night was the Robinsons. Their odd clothing and manner of speaking. Their primitive technology. Yet, despite these differences, I liked the Robinsons. I didn’t understand why I felt hesitant about inviting them to join us.
Perhaps I sensed that John Robinson was used to being the leader and might be reluctant to become a mere follower, especially in a group composed of such diverse individuals. Half of the Eden Advance members had been slated for cargo drop only. While some had changed their minds, others were still hell bent on getting off of this planet, regardless of the cost.
John Robinson’s initial reaction to the Terrians revealed he had a ‘shoot now and ask questions later’ approach to life that might not work well on this planet. Ask Commander O’Neill, the living embodiment of eminent domain. While seeking to claim what he felt was rightfully his, he was killed.
Would the Robinsons adapt to this planet or would they expect to change it to suit their purposes? Would they respect the Terrians and work within their parameters? Did they truly understand that by following their guidelines that those Syndrome kids might have a chance at life that wasn’t possible any other way?
The Robinsons were hard workers, no doubt about that. They’d pitch in and do their fair share. Even Don, who hadn’t been getting a fair shake at life on this planet, was more than willing to get dirty and do what needed to be done. Doctor Smith - that was an entirely different story. According to their stories he would be ten times worse than Morgan Martin with little hope of reform.
What type of trouble would he cause for us? How would we keep him in line? Would the Robinsons approve of our methods? Somehow I didn’t think our group would be as tolerant of his behavior as the Robinsons were.
XXXXXXXXXX
Day 259
“What are you doing up so early, Adair? Shouldn’t you be resting?” Danziger asked, arching his shoulders.
Before he’d had a chance to grab what meager rations passed for breakfast, Devon had drawn him away from the others to speak privately. Seated on the ground on a hillside, the sun’s rays actually felt invigorating rather than oppressive as they would later that day.
“I know,” she replied.
In fact, she was tired. The meds Julia synthesized had only served to intensify her exhaustion. However her concerns about the Dream Plane and the Robinsons wouldn’t allow her to rest.
Knowing the direct approach usually worked best, she came out and told him.
“I don’t think we can bring the Robinsons along with us.”
“What? What do you mean? We made those people promises,” Danziger reminded her.
Obviously conflicted, she answered. “I know. But we’ve made other promises as well.”
“What are you talking about? This isn’t like you. It isn’t right to treat people this way.”
“Don’t you think I know that? Do you think I want to do this?” she snapped. “I think the Terrians are angry with the Robinsons because they took sunstones.”
“I don’t buy that. We took sunstones and they’re still talking to us. We saw the Robinsons give the stones back last night. The boy was curious, that’s all. You’re reading too much into this. There might be a totally unrelated reason for the problems with the Dream Plane.”
“But it’s still damaged. Alonzo can’t make contact. What about the Robinson’s drilling? Maybe they’ve done irreparable damage and the Terrians will never forgive them.”
“Maybe. Maybe not.” He wasn’t convinced.
She tried to clarify, “If we associate with the Robinsons, maybe the Terrians won’t want to associate with us anymore.”
“Yeah?” He shrugged. Danziger had never been fond of the Terrians.
“Don’t you remember Mary?” she asked with some urgency.
Mary was an orphaned child they’d encountered while at their winter camp site - the Biodome. Considered to be radicals by the Council, Mary’s parents were exiled on planet G889. When they were killed by outcast Terrians, toddler Mary was taken in and raised by the creatures. Currently a teenager, her Terrian abilities were much more pronounced than Uly’s. Not only could she speak with the Terrians in their language, she could also travel through the earth as smoothly as they did and even use the lightening that emanated from their staffs.
Several months ago, when Bess and Morgan petrified a kilometer of earth using a geolock device, they’d also mistakenly immobilized a Terrian. When Mary had intervened to help them, the Terrians expelled her.
“They took away Mary’s Terrian abilities,” she half whispered, not wanting to vocalize her worst fear.
During the first few weeks on the planet, they‘d already seen that when the Terrians were threatened, Uly’s health regressed. Somehow his well being and the Terrians were connected to the planet. She couldn’t bear for him to be sick again.
Danziger’s features softened, finally understanding the source of her concern. He put an arm about her shoulder. “We’re not gonna let that happen.”
His touch was comforting. Rather than shrug it off, she let his arm stay where it was.
“How? How can we stop it?”
“Let’s talk with the Robinsons. Tell them what’s going on. They’re decent, reasonable people. Almost as idealistic as you are, Devon. Maybe that’s partly why I like them. Nobody wants Uly to regress. We’ll figure something out.”
They sat quietly for several moments.
Devon was concerned about that arm still resting on her back. Was she allowing something that she might not be able to see through? She didn’t know what the future held. She only had enough energy to focus on keeping Uly safe and getting the colony set up for those Syndrome Children. Did Danziger understand that?
Then again, shouldering such a heavy burden was draining her, especially in her weakened state. Perhaps it would be okay to allow him to help.
“Feeling any better?” he asked.
“A little. The meds are helping.”
“You need to take it easy. Get your strength back,” he gently reminded.
“I know, I know,” her protests lacking their former vigor.
“You know, you shouldn’t worry so much about Uly. He’s a good kid. A little freedom is good for him.”
Yesterday afternoon she’d been terrified when she couldn’t find him about camp. In a panic, she’d rallied Danziger and Yale to help her locate him only to learn that he’d gone off with Will to get baseball equipment from the Jupiter 2.
“C’mon John, with all the experiences we’ve had? You would’ve panicked too.”
“Not before I checked the entire camp first. He told Yale where he was going. And he was with Will Robinson and his robot.”
“I suppose,” she reluctantly agreed.
“Did you see them playing? They had a great time. Even Yale, Judy and Walman joined in.”
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
“Is this some kind of a joke? You deliberately did something wrong and now you think everything’s gonna be okay just because you said you’re sorry?” Baines couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Dr. Smith, Major West, and the entire Robinson family, plus robot, had returned to their campsite that morning. Everyone had gathered about to hear Dr. Smith’s ‘announcement’. From the angry looks Mrs. Robinson was shooting at the older man, it was apparent that his so-called apology wasn’t genuine.
“Yes.” Dr. Smith cowered under the harsh scrutiny of the entire Eden Advance crew.
“Great, just great.” Julia threw up her hands in the air.
“What are you gonna do about it?” Walman grilled the man.
“I told you people, didn’t I? What else can I do?” Dr. Smith tried to weasel his way out. He seemed to feel that he’d done all he could.
“The problem hasn’t been fixed. I say he should return the stone to the Terrians - by himself.” Walman wasn’t feeling especially charitable towards the man after his involvement with Judy’s accident.
Other voices chimed in, agreeing.
“But, I’m frightened.” Dr. Smith whined. “I don’t know anything about these creatures. I simply can’t do it alone.”
“Maybe you should’ve thought of that before you deliberately kept one of the stones for yourself,” Devon stated, surprising herself.
“Can he be trusted not to mess it up?” Baines asked.
Maureen Robinson objected. “Look here. Doctor Smith has his flaws. Believe me, I’m well acquainted with them. Just the same he deserves to be treated with respect as a fellow human being.”
Baines rolled his eyes.
“What are we going do?” Julia asked.
“I don’t understand why you’re so concerned about this Dream Plane and the Terrians. Aren’t you just traveling through this territory? Isn’t this a temporary situation? ” John Robinson asked.
“It’s not that simple. The Terrians are somehow linked to the planet,” Julia started to explain when a Terrian rose from the ground directly in front of Dr. Smith. Using his staff, he beckoned towards the man.
“Didididi.”
Most looked towards Alonzo. “I…I don’t know.”
“He wants you to follow him,” Uly explained. Many heads turned in surprise towards the boy.
“All alone?” Dr. Smith was terrified. “I can’t.”
Alonzo stepped forward. “I’m going too. I want to know what’s going on.”
Julia eagerly rose to accompany him.
“Can I go too, Dad?” Will asked.
“No son, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” his father explained while adjusting his side arm.
“But I’ve been studying the rocks and I’ve learned a lot about them. The Robot and I could help. I just know it,” Will insisted.
“Come along then,” John Robinson agreed, while walking over to join the others by the Terrian. Looking over his shoulder, he assured his wife, “We’ll be back soon.”
“What about me? I’m part Terrian. I can help too,” Uly urged.
“No way, young man. You’re staying right here where I can keep on eye on you,” Devon firmly stated.
“Devon, he has a good point. His Terrian attributes will be useful. You just saw that he can communicate with this one while I can’t. I’ll keep an eye out for him. We’ll keep in constant contact over gear,” Alonzo promised.
Devon was clearly torn. Danziger lightly touched her shoulder. “He’ll be okay. Right, ‘Lonz?” In a lower tone he added, “Gotta give him some room.”
Meeting Uly’s eager eyes, she reluctantly nodded. He rushed to hug her then sprinted to join the group who were already on their way out of the camp. Members from both teams rapidly disappeared over the ridge, following the Terrian.
XXXXXX
Devon and Danziger brought Maureen and Don to the communication area to monitor the exploration via gear while the girls visited with Walman. It wasn’t a highly sophisticated set up - several monitors were placed on crates underneath an awning to offer some protection from the weather. Before long, Morgan and Baines stopped by.
“Are you sure Doctor Smith isn’t going to mess this up?” Morgan asked. He’d heard multiple stories about the man’s hair brained schemes.
Maureen was offended. “My husband would never allow that.”
“This guy has a history of this type of behavior? Not following the rules?” Baines was indignant. “If he’s a danger to others can we afford that risk?”
Baines was referring to more than this day’s events.
Maureen’s mouth hung open. “He’s a human being. We can’t just leave him.”
“He’d do it to us in a second. You know that,” Don pointed out. “He’s always only been out for himself.”
“But that doesn’t make it right, does it? Part of what makes us human is showing mercy,” Maureen explained.
Don grumbled.
Devon took the opportunity to try to convey her fears to Mrs. Robinson. “You don’t understand. We can’t risk him messing up our relationship with the Terrians. There’s too much at stake.”
“Come now. Doctor Smith made a mistake. He’s giving the stone back. What else can they expect?” Maureen replied.
“The Terrians don’t think like us. We’ve struggled to develop a relationship with them. They healed my son. It is my fervent hope that they’ll heal those two hundred fifty Syndrome children which are arriving on that colony ship. It’s their only chance. I can’t jeopardize that. I just can’t.” Devon explained, becoming more passionate.
Maureen wasn’t intimidated by the other woman’s determination. “I understand that. But don’t the Terrians understand the universal concepts of forgiveness and love?”
“I…don’t know.” Considering that they’d banished Mary, who was essentially their foster child, for helping them through their own crisis, and had even removed her Terrian attributes. “I don’t think so.”
Baines interjected, “I don’t like what I’m hearing. This guy sounds like a loose canon. He could endanger us all.”
Don laughed, “Don’t you think we know that? He’s the one that caused us to crash on this planet in the first place.”
“Doctor Smith is weak. No one would deny that. But in some ways, aren’t we all? Don’t we all have a little Smith in us? Minor weaknesses that creep up from time to time? Don’t we as a humane society have an obligation to protect the weak?” Maureen challenged.
“Not if they intentionally behave in ways that endanger the entire group,” Devon responded.
“What about the quality of mercy?”
Devon stared at Maureen, not used to being challenged, especially by another woman.
The red haired matriarch explained, “A civilization isn’t judged by the height of its buildings or the amount of money its economy generates. The ultimate measure of its achievement is how it values life. When all mankind isn’t valued, then no life is valued.
“Doctor Smith has his faults. I can assure you, I’m well acquainted with them. But to cast him out would be impossible. What type of a civilization abandons the old or the sick? Or the weak?
“What type of civilization only values the strong? Look at your own journey. You’ve come a great distance and taken such great risks for the fate of weak children. You couldn’t abandon them.
“You know I’m right. “
XXXXXXXX
As the Terrian lead the group into the cavern, Will whispered to his father, “We didn’t find the rocks here.”
“I don’t know, son. Let’s just see what it wants,” he replied.
The cavern was dark so they paused to fish luma lights from their backpacks. Alonzo offered a spare to John Robinson. They walked single file in the narrow tunnel, the robot barely scraping by. Occasionally they would reach a larger more spacious chamber, and then once again it would lead to a smaller tunnel where they’d need to duck to avoid hitting their heads on intermittent low spots.
“I simply must rest,” Dr. Smith tried to stop but Alonzo nudged him forward.
“He doesn’t understand that.” More sympathetically he added, “Hopefully it won’t be much farther.”
Finally they entered a chamber which was brightly illuminated by the glow of the orange rocks.
“Wow.” Will elbowed Uly who was equally impressed.
The Terrian stared at Dr. Smith and then pointed to one of the chamber walls, crammed with glowing rocks.
“I…I don’t know what to do,” Dr. Smith cried.
“Why don’t you try putting your rock with the others?” Julia suggested.
Dr. Smith removed his rock from the insulated sack and placed it beside the others. No change was evident.
“Is anything happening?” Julia asked Alonzo.
“I’m not getting anything.”
Suddenly three other Terrians burst through the chamber walls. John Robinson clutched his laser pistol tightly yet refrained from raising it. “What’s going on?”
“Didididididi”
Terrian garble filled the air. The Terrians spoke with each other. The pitch and speed of the speech suggested they were agitated.
Julia looked to Alonzo, but he merely shrugged. “Uly?”
“There’s something wrong with the rocks. They want us to fix it,” Uly interpreted. “That must be why the Dream Plane isn’t working.”
“How?” Julia asked, frustrated. “We’ve returned all of the stones. What now?”
“Maybe I can help,” Will volunteered.
Will seemed like a nice kid but what would he know of the Terrians?
“Thanks but…” Julia answered.
“The Robot and I figured out the language of Lunite.”
Confused looks greeted him.
“The glowing stones vibrate - they’re communicating to each other in harmonic frequencies.”
“What?”
How could this be? If it were that simple, Julia would’ve determined this long ago. She’d analyzed samples with her instruments. Her technology was far more sophisticated than that simple robot.
“Robot, can you study the rocks and interpret what they’re saying?” Will asked.
The unit moved closer to the chamber wall.
“They are not speaking in harmony. This wall is vibrating in one tone.” He emitted a high C, “while this other section is vibrating in another.” He emitted a low D.
“What does that mean?” John Robinson asked his son.
“During our experiments, the Robot and I noticed that if two rocks with different frequencies were in contact with one another, they would adjust to the same one, a pitch in between. Maybe the Robot can simulate the tone of one group, while moving closer to the other group. Do you mind if I try?” Will asked Alonzo and Julia.
“I don’t see any harm.” Julia was doubtful, yet this planet had surprised her before. Who would’ve believed that polar opposite spiders would’ve controlled a tunnel that could fold time and space?
The robot moved closer to one wall. He produced a pitch and sustained it for a few minutes.
“Robot, is anything happening?” Will asked.
“Negative. Both remain at different pitches.”
“What else can we try?” Julia asked.
“No, wait!” Will interrupted. “The rocks needed to be in physical contact with each other for the effect to take place.” Grabbing the insulated bag from Dr. Smith, he selected a glowing rock from one wall then brought it to the other. “Is anything happening?” he asked the Robot.
“Negative.”
“Maybe they need a little help. Robot, can you make the same sound as the rock you’re holding while maintaining contact with the other wall?”
“Affirmative.”
They waited.
Julia was restless. This didn’t seem like a viable idea and they needed to discuss more practical options. She didn’t like the way the Terrians sounded. Maybe it was her imagination, but they sounded angry. The Terrians didn’t understand that they had no idea why the rocks were damaged. Perhaps she could convince Uly to try to convey that to them.
“The pitch is starting to change,” the robot reported.
“Does that mean anything?” Julia asked Uly.
“Didididididididiid”
“Yeah, it does!” Uly answered. “They can hear a difference. I think it’s working!”
XXXXXXXXXX
“Is the Dream Plane really fixed?” Julia snuggled closer to Alonzo. The two lovers were intertwined beneath a thin blanket on a cot in the MedTent.
Closing his eyes, he grinned. “Yeah, we did it. We helped the Terrians.”
Apparently the problems with the Dream Plane had nothing to do with the Robinsons. Yet it had even taken the Terrians a while to figure that out. All they knew was that the trouble had started about the time that Will and Dr. Smith had taken some stones. So they monitored them, in a sense testing the Robinsons, seeing if they were hostile or friendly. What would they do with the sunstones? Once the Terrians were aware of the damage to the Dream Plane, they believed that recovering the stones would be sufficient for its repair.
But it was more complicated than they understood. Somehow the sunstones in that region had been damaged. Communication that had naturally occurred between them had been disrupted so they couldn’t propagate the Dream Plane. Will Robinson’s theory of contact between the rocks to facilitate their communication, along with the robot amplifying the signal had been all that was needed to repair the damage.
Sensing the tension in her body, he turned to face her and ask, “Why aren’t you happy about it?”
“I am. It’s just… I don’t understand. It was so simple. Why couldn’t I figure it out?”
Her technology was far more sophisticated than the simple circuitry of the Robinson robot. Yet he and Will had broken the code while she hadn’t.
“C’mon, Julia, does that really matter?” Then he realized that it did to her. “Sometimes it’s a matter of your point of view. It allows you to see things in ways others haven’t.”
“I suppose,” she begrudgingly agreed.
Trying to cheer her up, he mentioned, “I’m sure Will and the robot wouldn’t have been able to figure out Devon’s illness.”
“That’s for sure.” It had taken her over two months of non-stop research to identify the causative agent. It could’ve been a completely novel agent unique to G889 or some virus from the Stations that had survived the rigors of suspended animation. And then, devising a treatment that wouldn’t kill the patient? It had tested her to her limits.
“You know, it could be useful for the group - seeing things from a different perspective. I had several meals with the Robinsons and I noticed they ate several things that we hadn’t considered as food sources. They also used some plants for seasoning and it was a wonderful improvement. Don and John had some unusual ideas when it came to mechanics too.”
“You want the Robinsons to join us?”
“Sure, why not?”
“What about Dr. Smith?” Julia wasn’t impressed by his behavior and the stories she’d heard about him. Morgan Martin could be hard enough to deal with. “He seems a little old to change his ways. He could be difficult.”
“I don’t know. The group will have to discuss pros and cons.”
TBC