Lost on Planet G889 Chapter 4
True Danziger meets Penny Robinson. And Don gets advice about his love life from an unexpected person.
Photos for Chapter 4: http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/3837.html
Previsous 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
Background information about both shows are posted on my LJ.
Chapter 4
(True Danziger)
I was excited when Alonzo told us about the family they’d met. Finally something different and interesting was happening that wasn’t terrifying or life-threatening. Meeting another girl close to my age seemed too good to be true! Uly was okay but he could act like a whiney brat, always insisting on having his way. If I heard him bragging one more time about how he was part Terrian- I was gonna slug him.
Maybe this new girl would want to ride horses in the VR sim game instead of the same old boring sheriff game Uly liked. Or we could make up some entirely new games and not include Uly at all!
When Alonzo announced he was taking the ATV back to the Robinsons to help out Dad and Walman, I had to tag along.
Day 252
After hurling herself at her father in an overly enthusiastic hug, he’d sent her towards the pond so she could wash up before meeting the Robinsons. She ran most of the way, looking forward to cooling off.
When she caught sight of a girl, seated on a fallen log by the stream, despite her eagerness to make a new friend, True spoke without thinking. After all, she was her father’s daughter.
“What are you wearing?” True was horrified by the girl’s vibrant pink and green jumper with mid-thigh hemline, paired with shiny green boots.
“What’s wrong with my clothes?” The girl wrinkled her nose, obviously not impressed by True’s dirty boyish overalls that hung on her slight frame.
True stepped closer. “How can you get any work done? Don’t you have to worry about getting dirty?”
“Of course not. We have a clothes washer. I think you’re jealous that I look nicer than you.”
“So what,” True hotly contested.
The girl had hit a nerve. Alonzo had regaled the camp with tales about Judy’s beauty and Walman’s subsequent infatuation. He joked that he was returning to coach him. Of course, this must be her sister, Penny, who turned out to be equally glamorous. At least five inches taller, her figure featured fledgling womanly curves, while True’s body remained slim and boyish. Even Penny’s short dark hair shone, curling under perfectly, while True continually pushed her long tangled mass away from her face.
She stopped about three feet from the girl. “I’m True. True Danziger.”
“Penny Robinson.”
Neither girl moved closer to the other.
“I know.”
Before her disappointment could fully sink in, True’s eyes lit up when she caught sight of the pond. She rushed over, tearing off her shoes and socks to submerge her feet. “That feels wonderful.”
Making an effort, Penny walked over and sat on the ground beside her. “So, you’re a colonist? Part of…” she searched her memory. “Eden Advance?”
“Not really. My Dad and I weren’t even supposed to leave the ship. Drop cargo and return to…” She cut herself short, remembering Devon’s dire warnings not to divulge too much information. “Home.”
“I didn’t realize that. Do you miss it?”
“Not really.” Despite the dangers, Planet G889 had possibilities. Her dad claimed rising above drone status, a feat nearly impossible on the Stations, was a viable option here - whatever that meant. Ultimately, it didn’t really matter to her. As long as she was with her dad, she’d be happy.
True eased her legs deeper into the water, not caring that her pants legs were getting soaked. She cupped her hands to trickle cool water down her face.
Then she remembered Devon had urged her to get as much information as possible about the family.
“You gonna stick around here?” she asked Penny.
“I don’t think so. As soon as Dad and Don fix the ship and refine enough fuel, we’re bound for Alpha Centauri.”
True suppressed a smirk. Despite the fact she’d never had any formal schooling until recently, even she was fully aware that, other than Planet G889, there were no other habitable planets in their galaxy. Humoring the girl, she asked, “Is a colony ship meeting you there?”
“I think so. We were the first space family. Dozens of others were supposed to follow us to help colonize Alpha Centauri.”
True’s brow furrowed. “Then why wouldn’t they be sending more ships?”
“Alpha Control was having problems. Other countries didn’t like what they were trying to accomplish. The first mission, the Jupiter 1, was destroyed by a bomb at lift off. We ran into problems too. I honestly don’t know if Alpha Control knows that we’re still alive.”
True opened her mouth to exclaim that their ship had been sabotaged as well, but she closed it quickly. Too much information.
“What was wrong with your old planet?”
“It was getting overcrowded. Too many people,” Penny explained.
“What about pollution?”
The Earth that the Stations orbited was in poor shape, stripped of most of its resources. The atmosphere was choked with pollutants. It was nearly impossible to grow crops due to high temperatures and the lack of nutrients in the soil.
“That wasn’t as much of an issue. Though I’m sure it would’ve eventually been, with so many people.”
A rustle in the bushes attracted the girls’ attention.
“There you are, Teena.” Penny reached out for the small brown creature who rushed into her arms.
True tensed. “Don’t you know what that is? It’s a Koba. They’re dangerous!” She’d made that mistake one too many times when they’d first crashed onto the planet.
“Says who? I’ve been watching it for days and it’s perfectly tame.”
“You’ve gotta get rid it of it!” Penny didn’t know what she was dealing with.
Penny rose. “You hateful little girl. I’ll do no such thing.”
“They’re dangerous!”
“I think you’re horrid!” Penny picked up the Koba and left.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
“Excuse me?” Danziger spoke with Devon Adair over his gear. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Her image responded, “Maybe…maybe we shouldn’t get involved with the Robinsons. Like you said, they don’t appear to be a threat to us and they’re fairing better than we are. They still have their ship and most of their technical equipment. Instead of helping them, it would be wiser for you and Walman to continue scouting ahead for a pass.” She covered her mouth, muffling a cough.
“You sure about that Adair? Don’t you want to know what’s going on? Where did they come from? Why are they here? In their eyes, if they don’t fix their navigational system, they’re never gonna be able to lift off.”
Impatiently, she responded, “How can you help them? Didn’t you say it was different technology than ours? Besides, where are they going to go? This is the only habitable planet in the universe. You’ve already been there almost five days. You’re wasting time.”
It wasn’t like Devon to avoid looking him in the eye, even over gear. “What gives Adair? This isn’t like you.”
Danziger had a strong self preservation streak. After the stories he’d heard a few nights ago while seated around the Robinson’s dinner table describing giant flowers that replicated people, intergalactic department stores, and giant walking, talking carrots, normally he’d consider them nut cases and steer clear. He’d thought the kids were pulling his leg until he realized that John Robinson was completely serious.
Despite this, he genuinely liked the Robinsons. In some ways they struck him as naïve and strangely vulnerable. He wanted to help them. Usually Adair would’ve been the first to offer such assistance.
Somewhat softer, she answered, “The Terrians are upset.”
“How do you know this?”
Reluctantly, she said, “Uly had a dream.”
“Uly? Not Alonzo?” Typically Alonzo was their contact person. While Uly had been cured by the Terrians and retained some alien traits in the process, they’d never spoken to the group through him.
“That’s right.”
“Did they say they were upset with the Robinsons or to avoid them?”
Eyes downcast, she answered, “No. But I don’t want to jeopardize our relationship.”
Same old garbage he’d heard many times before. He exhaled with disgust, “It’s not much of a relationship Adair, if we can’t even figure out what the hell they’re talking about. I’m not leaving these people stranded here. Their ship is damaged and they need our help.
“Besides, you’re missing the point. As I work with them, I’m learning more about them. Isn’t that what’s most important to our group? Figuring out what’s going on?”
Sensing she was fighting a losing battle, she changed the subject, “Alonzo and True arrive okay?” She started coughing.
“Yeah.” He wasn’t sure why she sent them, especially after complaining about him wasting time, but it was always good to see True.
“Find out any new information?”
“I have a better handle on what we might be dealing with. You’re not gonna believe their lift off date. October 16, 1997.”
Her eyes widened. “That would explain part of it. But it still doesn’t account for those wild stories about aliens.” A fit of deep coughing interrupted her.
“Adair, you shouldn’t be walking. Listen to yourself. Ride in the TransRover. There’s room. Morgan can walk.”
“Quit treating me like I’m some sort of child. I’m fine,” she snapped.
“Yeah. Whatever.” He didn’t know why he bothered, she never listened.
“We’ll catch up with you in a day or so.”
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Alonzo hovered about Don, John, and Danziger as they puzzled over the guts of the Jupiter’s navigational system. He was doing his best to help but flying space ships was his forte not building them. He was surprised that Don, their pilot, and John were so knowledgeable about the workings of their ship. He was also amazed to discover that Don was a decent guy when he wasn’t fuming over Walman’s attention to Judy.
Devon had insisted that he return to assist Danziger with the Robinsons. She didn’t come out and say it, but she was concerned about Danziger’s lack of tact. Alonzo would’ve preferred to have stayed behind with his girlfriend, Julia, and travel with the rest of Eden Advance. Yet, like Danziger, he too was drawn to the Robinsons and curious about their situation. Besides, Walman wasn’t being overly helpful, following Judy whenever an opportunity presented itself.
After a few hours of tinkering, Alonzo was feeling restless, so he stepped outside the ship for some fresh air. Walman and Judy were chatting as they weeded the garden which was suspended in trays - similar to Station horticulture. A moment later, Don walked outside as well. His expression soured upon seeing the couple and he stormed off, away from the ship.
Alonzo decided to follow him. As much as he liked Walman, he was feeling a little sorry for the young pilot.
Immediately catching on to his presence after they’d left the proximity of the ship, Don whirled about. “What do you want?”
“Nothing. Just getting some air, like you. You know, I came back to help out Walman,” he teased, “but it’s not exactly a level playing field.”
“What exactly is that supposed to mean?” Hostility filled Don’s voice.
Alonzo prided himself on his people skills. He had a good grasp of this situation. “Only that there seems to be some history between you and Judy. Maybe you two need to talk.”
“Yeah? Punching Walman in the nose would work better,” Don muttered.
Alonzo couldn’t help but grin. “That might make you feel better but I don’t think Judy would be impressed.”
“You may have a point,” Don reluctantly conceded.
“Have you have taken her for a moon lit walk and told her how beautiful she is?” Alonzo prompted.
“Are you kidding? With the crash and repairs plus trying to refine fuel? I don’t have time for that stuff.”
“And you’re wondering why she’s attracted to Walman? Women need to be showered with attention. You’ve got to show her you think she’s special.” A former lady’s man, Alonzo knew what he was talking about.
“There’s no time.” A hint of sadness was in his voice.
“There’s always time to make your life better. We’ve been trekking across this planet for months under far more primitive conditions than yours and people have managed to get together. Well….except for the stubborn ones. Instead of freezing my ass off this winter, I had a wonderful woman to keep me warm.”
And what a woman she was. Alonzo always had been attracted to beauty, and Julia ranked highly in that category with her slim athletic physique, shoulder length blonde hair and blue eyes. Yet he’d soon learned that young Dr. Heller’s beauty was more than skin deep. When his leg had broken during their crash landing, she’d tirelessly worked with him, trying combination after combination of medicines and therapies to help him heal. She didn’t fall for his lines - the ones that other women had so eagerly devoured. She expected, no, she demanded more. They balanced each other nicely - him with his zest for life and her with her cautious bent. Although he’d never been one for making long range plans, Alonzo had mentally shifted his alliance to that of colonist bound to settle on G889, with Julia by his side.
“You’re not traveling with your girl friend’s parents in the next room.”
“True” Alonzo conceded, somewhat surprised by the admission. “But if you want her, you can’t take her for granted anymore. Walman is my buddy and I want the best for him, but your heart is into this more than his. I’d hate to see you lose her because you’re being stubborn.”
“Who are you calling stubborn?”
Alonzo stared at him.
“But…what can I do? It’s not like I can take her out to dinner or buy her flowers or jewelry. We’re in the middle of nowhere. I don’t know the rules anymore.”
“You have options. What about a VR date?”
“VR?”
“Virtual reality.” Seeing the other man had no clue as to what he was discussing, Alonzo grinned and patted him on the shoulder. “It’ll open a whole new world of possibilities.”
“But why? Why would you want to do this?” Don asked with suspicion.
Alonzo shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve made mistakes with women. Believe me, I’m older than I look. I’ve played the field. I was damn good at it too. Thought I was living the big life. But I’m finally with the right woman and I’m happy. Really happy. I’d hate to see you throw that chance away.”
XXXXXXXXXXX
It was dark by the time Danziger and True reached their camp. The Dune Rail sat by two tents, clustered about a fire pit, though it hadn’t been used for cooking. The Robinsons had been spoiling them, insisting upon sharing every meal. Alonzo and Walman had hung around with the Robinsons at the Jupiter 2 to chat after dinner while True and Danziger had headed back to their tents.
“What gives True? You didn’t even try to talk to the Robinsons.”
She shrugged, not wanting to get into it. She feigned a yawn, hoping she could duck into the tent for the night and avoid her father’s questions. His glare convinced her otherwise. She sank down on the ground beside him while he started a camp fire.
“I don’t know. They’re…..” carefully gauging her father’s reaction, not wanting to hurt his feeling. She didn’t understand why he liked those people so much. “Weird.”
“You know better than to judge people by their appearance,” he scolded.
How could she explain that there was more to it. It went far deeper than the odd clothing. Their strange saucer shaped ship, their unusual gadgets all felt so alien to her. She’d felt more at home in Sheppard’s cave filled with convicted criminals.
“You didn’t even try to talk to Penny,” he chided her.
“She didn’t either,” True retorted in her defense. She was a little ashamed of her behavior earlier that day with Penny. Her embarrassment was too fresh to try again this soon.
“I don’t understand. This isn’t like you. I thought you’d be happy to meet new kids.”
“I know.” Trying to shift the focus away from herself, for she had no desire to share the details of their meeting, she added, “Will didn’t say one word to me either.”
“He’s a thirteen year old boy. No boy that age is comfortable talking with girls. Add to that that he’s spent the last three years with his sisters, his parents, an old guy and a robot for pals? Give him some time, he’s good kid.”
His affectionate tone alarmed her. It was bad enough she’d been forced to share her father with Uly since they’d crash landed on G889. Since Uly had the Syndrome, her father had immediately taken pity upon him and gone out of his way to help him. Later, during the weeks that Devon had been suspended in cold sleep on the grounded Council ship, he’d practically acted as if he was Uly’s father. She’d resented it. True hadn’t dwelled on the notion that the boy’s mother was seriously ill. She’d only wanted her dad for herself.
Ever since Devon’s collapse, her father had seemed different. Perhaps stepping in as group leader at that time had been challenging for him. Once or twice he’d commented to her that he didn’t know what he was doing but she’d thought he’d done a great job. Those evenings when he said goodnight to her, he’d seemed preoccupied. It had scared her that she couldn’t seem to reach him.
Once Devon had been cured, she’d hoped that he would be more like himself. That hadn’t been the case. Even now his attention was meandering as he stared towards the fledgling fire. She was already losing him.
First she had to share him with Uly, and then Eden Advance. And now he expected her to share him with these Robinsons too? She didn’t want to like them. She wasn’t going to share her dad with anyone else. It was too much!
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Having successfully given Don love life advice, Alonzo was feeling cocky as he approached Danziger perched by their campfire at the Dune Rail later that evening.
Although hours had passed since he’d left the Jupiter 2, the tall mechanic was planted by their meager campfire, still staring into the dying embers. Brooding. He’d vehemently disagree but that’s what he was doing. It was the same thing he’d done for nights on end, even when they’d been with Eden Advance. It had started when Devon became ill and had to be placed into the cold sleep chamber.
“Have you told her how you feel?” Alonzo asked.
Startled, Danziger looked up. “What? What are you talking about?”
Talk about being stubborn. Even though he’d nearly lost Devon to her mysterious illness, he was still deluding himself, pretending he didn’t care as much as he did.
“It might ease the tension. Help you sleep better at night.”
“Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Alonzo merely chuckled as he ducked into his tent.
“Good night.”
TBC
Photos for Chapter 4: http://scifijoan.livejournal.com/3837.html
Previsous 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
Background information about both shows are posted on my LJ.
Chapter 4
(True Danziger)
I was excited when Alonzo told us about the family they’d met. Finally something different and interesting was happening that wasn’t terrifying or life-threatening. Meeting another girl close to my age seemed too good to be true! Uly was okay but he could act like a whiney brat, always insisting on having his way. If I heard him bragging one more time about how he was part Terrian- I was gonna slug him.
Maybe this new girl would want to ride horses in the VR sim game instead of the same old boring sheriff game Uly liked. Or we could make up some entirely new games and not include Uly at all!
When Alonzo announced he was taking the ATV back to the Robinsons to help out Dad and Walman, I had to tag along.
Day 252
After hurling herself at her father in an overly enthusiastic hug, he’d sent her towards the pond so she could wash up before meeting the Robinsons. She ran most of the way, looking forward to cooling off.
When she caught sight of a girl, seated on a fallen log by the stream, despite her eagerness to make a new friend, True spoke without thinking. After all, she was her father’s daughter.
“What are you wearing?” True was horrified by the girl’s vibrant pink and green jumper with mid-thigh hemline, paired with shiny green boots.
“What’s wrong with my clothes?” The girl wrinkled her nose, obviously not impressed by True’s dirty boyish overalls that hung on her slight frame.
True stepped closer. “How can you get any work done? Don’t you have to worry about getting dirty?”
“Of course not. We have a clothes washer. I think you’re jealous that I look nicer than you.”
“So what,” True hotly contested.
The girl had hit a nerve. Alonzo had regaled the camp with tales about Judy’s beauty and Walman’s subsequent infatuation. He joked that he was returning to coach him. Of course, this must be her sister, Penny, who turned out to be equally glamorous. At least five inches taller, her figure featured fledgling womanly curves, while True’s body remained slim and boyish. Even Penny’s short dark hair shone, curling under perfectly, while True continually pushed her long tangled mass away from her face.
She stopped about three feet from the girl. “I’m True. True Danziger.”
“Penny Robinson.”
Neither girl moved closer to the other.
“I know.”
Before her disappointment could fully sink in, True’s eyes lit up when she caught sight of the pond. She rushed over, tearing off her shoes and socks to submerge her feet. “That feels wonderful.”
Making an effort, Penny walked over and sat on the ground beside her. “So, you’re a colonist? Part of…” she searched her memory. “Eden Advance?”
“Not really. My Dad and I weren’t even supposed to leave the ship. Drop cargo and return to…” She cut herself short, remembering Devon’s dire warnings not to divulge too much information. “Home.”
“I didn’t realize that. Do you miss it?”
“Not really.” Despite the dangers, Planet G889 had possibilities. Her dad claimed rising above drone status, a feat nearly impossible on the Stations, was a viable option here - whatever that meant. Ultimately, it didn’t really matter to her. As long as she was with her dad, she’d be happy.
True eased her legs deeper into the water, not caring that her pants legs were getting soaked. She cupped her hands to trickle cool water down her face.
Then she remembered Devon had urged her to get as much information as possible about the family.
“You gonna stick around here?” she asked Penny.
“I don’t think so. As soon as Dad and Don fix the ship and refine enough fuel, we’re bound for Alpha Centauri.”
True suppressed a smirk. Despite the fact she’d never had any formal schooling until recently, even she was fully aware that, other than Planet G889, there were no other habitable planets in their galaxy. Humoring the girl, she asked, “Is a colony ship meeting you there?”
“I think so. We were the first space family. Dozens of others were supposed to follow us to help colonize Alpha Centauri.”
True’s brow furrowed. “Then why wouldn’t they be sending more ships?”
“Alpha Control was having problems. Other countries didn’t like what they were trying to accomplish. The first mission, the Jupiter 1, was destroyed by a bomb at lift off. We ran into problems too. I honestly don’t know if Alpha Control knows that we’re still alive.”
True opened her mouth to exclaim that their ship had been sabotaged as well, but she closed it quickly. Too much information.
“What was wrong with your old planet?”
“It was getting overcrowded. Too many people,” Penny explained.
“What about pollution?”
The Earth that the Stations orbited was in poor shape, stripped of most of its resources. The atmosphere was choked with pollutants. It was nearly impossible to grow crops due to high temperatures and the lack of nutrients in the soil.
“That wasn’t as much of an issue. Though I’m sure it would’ve eventually been, with so many people.”
A rustle in the bushes attracted the girls’ attention.
“There you are, Teena.” Penny reached out for the small brown creature who rushed into her arms.
True tensed. “Don’t you know what that is? It’s a Koba. They’re dangerous!” She’d made that mistake one too many times when they’d first crashed onto the planet.
“Says who? I’ve been watching it for days and it’s perfectly tame.”
“You’ve gotta get rid it of it!” Penny didn’t know what she was dealing with.
Penny rose. “You hateful little girl. I’ll do no such thing.”
“They’re dangerous!”
“I think you’re horrid!” Penny picked up the Koba and left.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
“Excuse me?” Danziger spoke with Devon Adair over his gear. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
Her image responded, “Maybe…maybe we shouldn’t get involved with the Robinsons. Like you said, they don’t appear to be a threat to us and they’re fairing better than we are. They still have their ship and most of their technical equipment. Instead of helping them, it would be wiser for you and Walman to continue scouting ahead for a pass.” She covered her mouth, muffling a cough.
“You sure about that Adair? Don’t you want to know what’s going on? Where did they come from? Why are they here? In their eyes, if they don’t fix their navigational system, they’re never gonna be able to lift off.”
Impatiently, she responded, “How can you help them? Didn’t you say it was different technology than ours? Besides, where are they going to go? This is the only habitable planet in the universe. You’ve already been there almost five days. You’re wasting time.”
It wasn’t like Devon to avoid looking him in the eye, even over gear. “What gives Adair? This isn’t like you.”
Danziger had a strong self preservation streak. After the stories he’d heard a few nights ago while seated around the Robinson’s dinner table describing giant flowers that replicated people, intergalactic department stores, and giant walking, talking carrots, normally he’d consider them nut cases and steer clear. He’d thought the kids were pulling his leg until he realized that John Robinson was completely serious.
Despite this, he genuinely liked the Robinsons. In some ways they struck him as naïve and strangely vulnerable. He wanted to help them. Usually Adair would’ve been the first to offer such assistance.
Somewhat softer, she answered, “The Terrians are upset.”
“How do you know this?”
Reluctantly, she said, “Uly had a dream.”
“Uly? Not Alonzo?” Typically Alonzo was their contact person. While Uly had been cured by the Terrians and retained some alien traits in the process, they’d never spoken to the group through him.
“That’s right.”
“Did they say they were upset with the Robinsons or to avoid them?”
Eyes downcast, she answered, “No. But I don’t want to jeopardize our relationship.”
Same old garbage he’d heard many times before. He exhaled with disgust, “It’s not much of a relationship Adair, if we can’t even figure out what the hell they’re talking about. I’m not leaving these people stranded here. Their ship is damaged and they need our help.
“Besides, you’re missing the point. As I work with them, I’m learning more about them. Isn’t that what’s most important to our group? Figuring out what’s going on?”
Sensing she was fighting a losing battle, she changed the subject, “Alonzo and True arrive okay?” She started coughing.
“Yeah.” He wasn’t sure why she sent them, especially after complaining about him wasting time, but it was always good to see True.
“Find out any new information?”
“I have a better handle on what we might be dealing with. You’re not gonna believe their lift off date. October 16, 1997.”
Her eyes widened. “That would explain part of it. But it still doesn’t account for those wild stories about aliens.” A fit of deep coughing interrupted her.
“Adair, you shouldn’t be walking. Listen to yourself. Ride in the TransRover. There’s room. Morgan can walk.”
“Quit treating me like I’m some sort of child. I’m fine,” she snapped.
“Yeah. Whatever.” He didn’t know why he bothered, she never listened.
“We’ll catch up with you in a day or so.”
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Alonzo hovered about Don, John, and Danziger as they puzzled over the guts of the Jupiter’s navigational system. He was doing his best to help but flying space ships was his forte not building them. He was surprised that Don, their pilot, and John were so knowledgeable about the workings of their ship. He was also amazed to discover that Don was a decent guy when he wasn’t fuming over Walman’s attention to Judy.
Devon had insisted that he return to assist Danziger with the Robinsons. She didn’t come out and say it, but she was concerned about Danziger’s lack of tact. Alonzo would’ve preferred to have stayed behind with his girlfriend, Julia, and travel with the rest of Eden Advance. Yet, like Danziger, he too was drawn to the Robinsons and curious about their situation. Besides, Walman wasn’t being overly helpful, following Judy whenever an opportunity presented itself.
After a few hours of tinkering, Alonzo was feeling restless, so he stepped outside the ship for some fresh air. Walman and Judy were chatting as they weeded the garden which was suspended in trays - similar to Station horticulture. A moment later, Don walked outside as well. His expression soured upon seeing the couple and he stormed off, away from the ship.
Alonzo decided to follow him. As much as he liked Walman, he was feeling a little sorry for the young pilot.
Immediately catching on to his presence after they’d left the proximity of the ship, Don whirled about. “What do you want?”
“Nothing. Just getting some air, like you. You know, I came back to help out Walman,” he teased, “but it’s not exactly a level playing field.”
“What exactly is that supposed to mean?” Hostility filled Don’s voice.
Alonzo prided himself on his people skills. He had a good grasp of this situation. “Only that there seems to be some history between you and Judy. Maybe you two need to talk.”
“Yeah? Punching Walman in the nose would work better,” Don muttered.
Alonzo couldn’t help but grin. “That might make you feel better but I don’t think Judy would be impressed.”
“You may have a point,” Don reluctantly conceded.
“Have you have taken her for a moon lit walk and told her how beautiful she is?” Alonzo prompted.
“Are you kidding? With the crash and repairs plus trying to refine fuel? I don’t have time for that stuff.”
“And you’re wondering why she’s attracted to Walman? Women need to be showered with attention. You’ve got to show her you think she’s special.” A former lady’s man, Alonzo knew what he was talking about.
“There’s no time.” A hint of sadness was in his voice.
“There’s always time to make your life better. We’ve been trekking across this planet for months under far more primitive conditions than yours and people have managed to get together. Well….except for the stubborn ones. Instead of freezing my ass off this winter, I had a wonderful woman to keep me warm.”
And what a woman she was. Alonzo always had been attracted to beauty, and Julia ranked highly in that category with her slim athletic physique, shoulder length blonde hair and blue eyes. Yet he’d soon learned that young Dr. Heller’s beauty was more than skin deep. When his leg had broken during their crash landing, she’d tirelessly worked with him, trying combination after combination of medicines and therapies to help him heal. She didn’t fall for his lines - the ones that other women had so eagerly devoured. She expected, no, she demanded more. They balanced each other nicely - him with his zest for life and her with her cautious bent. Although he’d never been one for making long range plans, Alonzo had mentally shifted his alliance to that of colonist bound to settle on G889, with Julia by his side.
“You’re not traveling with your girl friend’s parents in the next room.”
“True” Alonzo conceded, somewhat surprised by the admission. “But if you want her, you can’t take her for granted anymore. Walman is my buddy and I want the best for him, but your heart is into this more than his. I’d hate to see you lose her because you’re being stubborn.”
“Who are you calling stubborn?”
Alonzo stared at him.
“But…what can I do? It’s not like I can take her out to dinner or buy her flowers or jewelry. We’re in the middle of nowhere. I don’t know the rules anymore.”
“You have options. What about a VR date?”
“VR?”
“Virtual reality.” Seeing the other man had no clue as to what he was discussing, Alonzo grinned and patted him on the shoulder. “It’ll open a whole new world of possibilities.”
“But why? Why would you want to do this?” Don asked with suspicion.
Alonzo shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve made mistakes with women. Believe me, I’m older than I look. I’ve played the field. I was damn good at it too. Thought I was living the big life. But I’m finally with the right woman and I’m happy. Really happy. I’d hate to see you throw that chance away.”
XXXXXXXXXXX
It was dark by the time Danziger and True reached their camp. The Dune Rail sat by two tents, clustered about a fire pit, though it hadn’t been used for cooking. The Robinsons had been spoiling them, insisting upon sharing every meal. Alonzo and Walman had hung around with the Robinsons at the Jupiter 2 to chat after dinner while True and Danziger had headed back to their tents.
“What gives True? You didn’t even try to talk to the Robinsons.”
She shrugged, not wanting to get into it. She feigned a yawn, hoping she could duck into the tent for the night and avoid her father’s questions. His glare convinced her otherwise. She sank down on the ground beside him while he started a camp fire.
“I don’t know. They’re…..” carefully gauging her father’s reaction, not wanting to hurt his feeling. She didn’t understand why he liked those people so much. “Weird.”
“You know better than to judge people by their appearance,” he scolded.
How could she explain that there was more to it. It went far deeper than the odd clothing. Their strange saucer shaped ship, their unusual gadgets all felt so alien to her. She’d felt more at home in Sheppard’s cave filled with convicted criminals.
“You didn’t even try to talk to Penny,” he chided her.
“She didn’t either,” True retorted in her defense. She was a little ashamed of her behavior earlier that day with Penny. Her embarrassment was too fresh to try again this soon.
“I don’t understand. This isn’t like you. I thought you’d be happy to meet new kids.”
“I know.” Trying to shift the focus away from herself, for she had no desire to share the details of their meeting, she added, “Will didn’t say one word to me either.”
“He’s a thirteen year old boy. No boy that age is comfortable talking with girls. Add to that that he’s spent the last three years with his sisters, his parents, an old guy and a robot for pals? Give him some time, he’s good kid.”
His affectionate tone alarmed her. It was bad enough she’d been forced to share her father with Uly since they’d crash landed on G889. Since Uly had the Syndrome, her father had immediately taken pity upon him and gone out of his way to help him. Later, during the weeks that Devon had been suspended in cold sleep on the grounded Council ship, he’d practically acted as if he was Uly’s father. She’d resented it. True hadn’t dwelled on the notion that the boy’s mother was seriously ill. She’d only wanted her dad for herself.
Ever since Devon’s collapse, her father had seemed different. Perhaps stepping in as group leader at that time had been challenging for him. Once or twice he’d commented to her that he didn’t know what he was doing but she’d thought he’d done a great job. Those evenings when he said goodnight to her, he’d seemed preoccupied. It had scared her that she couldn’t seem to reach him.
Once Devon had been cured, she’d hoped that he would be more like himself. That hadn’t been the case. Even now his attention was meandering as he stared towards the fledgling fire. She was already losing him.
First she had to share him with Uly, and then Eden Advance. And now he expected her to share him with these Robinsons too? She didn’t want to like them. She wasn’t going to share her dad with anyone else. It was too much!
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Having successfully given Don love life advice, Alonzo was feeling cocky as he approached Danziger perched by their campfire at the Dune Rail later that evening.
Although hours had passed since he’d left the Jupiter 2, the tall mechanic was planted by their meager campfire, still staring into the dying embers. Brooding. He’d vehemently disagree but that’s what he was doing. It was the same thing he’d done for nights on end, even when they’d been with Eden Advance. It had started when Devon became ill and had to be placed into the cold sleep chamber.
“Have you told her how you feel?” Alonzo asked.
Startled, Danziger looked up. “What? What are you talking about?”
Talk about being stubborn. Even though he’d nearly lost Devon to her mysterious illness, he was still deluding himself, pretending he didn’t care as much as he did.
“It might ease the tension. Help you sleep better at night.”
“Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Alonzo merely chuckled as he ducked into his tent.
“Good night.”
TBC