The Raft Challenge

Introduction: If any of you remember the first season episode, "The Raft," there is a scene where Judy gives Don a gift the night before he's supposed to lift off in their home-made space vehicle. The scene is cut just before you think they are going to kiss. This is an expansion of that scene – what could have happened if the writers were allowed to go on…

"You'll be back," she told him. Tears filled her eyes and he placed his arm around her. She had promised herself that she'd be strong… for him… but the thought of possibly losing him… forever… was almost too much to bear. "I'm sorry," she mumbled.

He caressed her cheek and brought her face to his shoulder, letting her tears soak through his tee-shit. He leaned his head against hers and whispered, "Hey, I'm scared too. So much can happen… and the thought of being without you, for however long it's going to be…" He couldn't continue.

He knew how dangerous this mission was – they all knew – but, as was the Robinson tradition, optimism prevailed. Earlier in the evening, only Maureen's eyes had conveyed the understanding that, should the mission not go as planned, they would never see him again.

His own eyes misted as his throat tightened. They clung to each other, their thoughts on the present, the past, the future… Neither one of them saw Penny appear at the doorway. She watched them for a few seconds, a mixture of emotions churning in her stomach, and then she silently closed the door, allowing them their privacy.

Their lips searched for each other and met. Tears trickled down both their cheeks and joined at the curve of their mouths. As they pulled apart, they tasted the salt of each others' tears and, like the healing waters of Lourdes, their voices were restored.

"I love you," she whispered.

He pressed his forehead against hers. "And you are the love of my life," he replied.

"Don? Can we… can we say our vows… now?"

He stared into her eyes and nodded. He cleared his throat. "I, Donald Michael West, take you, Judith Elana Robinson, to be my wedded wife… now and forever… I promise to love you whether we're together or apart…" A knock on the door jamb interrupted and Don shook his head and called, "Who is it?"

"It's me, Penny. I just wanted to warn you that Mom is looking for Judy, and she'll be here any second."

"No…" Judy whispered.

"All right. Thanks, Penny," Don responded. He held Judy's face and kissed her… passionately… hungrily… as if for the last time… and held her as close as their bodies allowed.

There was a hard knock on the door frame and Maureen loudly called, "Don? Judy?"

Judy sighed in frustration and replied, "Yes, Mother."

"I think it's time to come out now, dear."

"Yes, Mother," Judy replied.

They stood and Don walked her to the door. He hugged her close one more time and whispered, "Now I have to come back to finish what we just started…"

She nodded and wiped her tears. Don reached for the handle and pulled the door aside. Maureen stood outside with a sad smile on her face. "I'm sorry, but your father wanted to be sure that Don was getting his sleep. Come along, now. You'll see him in the morning."

As her mother escorted her away, Judy gave one last wistful look at Don as he slowly closed his door behind her.

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The end… Of course it turns out that Smith and Will took off in the vehicle overnight, circled the planet and came right back down. It didn't have enough thrust to ever get into orbit, and things went back to 'normal.'