"I will come back for you," Will said.
Smith was knelt down to Will's figure looking up toward him.
"No, William, you will not," Smith replied.
"But I will," Will said, shaking his head as his tears came pouring down. "Robinsons stick together."
Smith slid off his golden and blue ring that had the 's' inscription then handed it to Will.
"You can keep it until we cross paths again," Smith replied. "Don't lose it."
"What is that?" Came a voice from above him.
"A heirloom," Smith snapped back. "I can give a harmless piece of metal to a child. Now can I?"
Smith glanced off toward the strange humanoid, Akar-zat, beside him.
A glare was what Smith was given in return from the tall, muscular being dressed in a blue and golden Greek attire.
Smith then turned his attention onto Will.
Smith had made a bargain over a mistake that he couldn't walk back from. One that Don West nor the professor could not help him out of. There wasn't a loophole that could be exploited. There was no choice. As pained as he was to let them go under these circumstances and leave them, this mistake was far below countless others that he had made in his lifetime. Smith was very ashamed of himself. Promising to change after every mistake that he had made while slowly growing the cowardly, feeble persona. He had to be inside a stasis pod that had a timer set to release him. The catch? It had to be thirty years to the minute since this day occurred.
"Will," John called from the Jupiter 2.
"One minute," Will insisted, then John went back inside. Will closed his hand, wiping his tears off his cheek. "Thirty years isn't a long time," Will handed the ring back into Smith's hand then closed his larger fingers over it. "You'll see me in a minute."
Smith slipped the ring back back into Will's hand.
"My boy, time may be linear but to you it isn't," Smith said, patting on Will's shoulder. "A man of your standing deserves a good role model. One that I have not been."
The Robot wheeled its way over toward the two.
"Doctor Smith," The Robot said. "Will Robinson, the Jupiter 2 is ready to make flight with the new star charts."
"I am not saying goodbye," Will said, shaking his head. "You're my friend."
"Oh William. . ." Smith said, observing the boy with awe. "What did I ever do to deserve your friendship?"
Will reached forward hugging Smith.
"I'll miss you, Doctor Smith," Will said.
"Forget about me," Smith said. "and spare me your thoughts."
"Never," Will said, as a tearful smile and bright eyes replaced the sad one while his fingers were clenched onto Smith's shirt.
Smith unhooked Will's fingers from his shirt forcing him off.
"Go home," Smith said. "grow up, have a family, and do not swear when it is unnecessary."
"I will," Will said, as Smith let go of Will's hands.
Will walked past Smith noticing the large ring was on his ring finger then looked over to see Smith walk toward a pod across from him. Smith turned then waved back at the young boy with a innocent smile. Afterwards, he went inside the pod. He turned around, seeing Will go off to the Jupiter 2 that was some distance away. The Robot stared at him then turned away as well speeding after the young boy. The Robinsons were going to be fine over the bargain. He sighed, then closed his eyes. The booth glowed light blue from the inside. The camera panned away toward the sky where the Jupiter 2 eventually appeared soaring towards space.
The sky slowly grew darker as the Jupiter 2 became a distant small image that vanished replaced by a night sky and a light orange moon. The camera panned down toward the dark backyard then turned around to reveal see through windows pouring out yellow light that was slipping through on the back porch. There were voices coming from inside it as the camera approached the unusual house that was circular. Then light vanished once going through the walls then light returned staring from the kitchen that had a good view of the back porch including a woman that was shorter than the figure.
"Daddy, no," Roslyn said.
A young man with red hair turned toward Roslyn. It was Will Robinson, all grown up. Gone were the childlike characteristics, gone was the short stature, and gone was his robot companion normally by his side. The only thing left of his time in space was the ring on his ring finger that seemed to be well aged. He smiled, widely, and had the familiar friendly glint in his eye.
"Dad, yes!" Will said.
"A ten year vacation from Alpha Centauri?" Roslyn asked. "Just to visit Earth? Five years from there to here then back is a awfully long time. Never mind going off to college, but for you. . . That will be a eternity."
Will turned away from the replicator.
"I didn't ask for you or your brothers to come along," Will said. "I offered you every chance to get out of this. You had every opportunity to make living arrangements with your mother." He leaned over the table. "Now, you're stuck with me for the foreseeable future."
"Daddy . ." Roslyn said, her voice full of concern. "you didn't just jump at the chance to be the first single father just to make history again."
"No," Will said, immediately.
"Are you sure?" Roslyn raised her eyebrow.
"Pretty sure," Will said.
"You could have passed," Roslyn said. "Why? Why volunteer?"
"Space needs the right person out there," Will said. "Space is not there for the ambitious."
"And you're not?" Roslyn asked.
"I like space," Will said.
"You really miss being in space," Roslyn said, coming toward him.
"Yes," Will said, turning toward her. "I do. . ." he had a fond smile then turned his attention away from Roslyn. "It is where I met your mother."
Roslyn knew her father better than that to use her mother as some nostalgia.
He had told stories about his time in space to her when she was a little girl as bed time stories. Will passionately telling them while sitting in a chair acting animated making his own impressions of each family member. Accurate impressions by far. He continued that with her two brothers. Her younger brothers, Richard and Hank, were alien compared to her. They were physically nine years old but in their minds they were grown up explorers what with the over cautious demeanor when it came to anything new that was strange. They were blonde twins and had greenish skin from their mother's side of the family. Small, little gray horns poking out from their hair. Unlike them, she had pink skin and locks of curly red hair that was set up in a bun. Her grandfather was in awe how strikingly similar they looked to Will when he was their age and her grandmother spoiled them rotten. Will took a sip from the glass.
"It is where you got that ring, too," Roslyn said, glancing toward the dark ring.
Will looked down toward his ring then back up with a smile.
"Yeah," Will said. "I did."
"You haven't told me where you got that from," Roslyn said.
"A great grandparent of yours," Will said, he turned toward her. "This time I am the one piloting the ship-"
"Just in case the Jupiter 2 happens again," Roslyn finished. "I know."
"I don't want to bring a complete stranger with us. They might not be as trusting, loyal, and friendly like General West. I spent six years out there in space with my folks," Will said, taking the cup of coffee with him to the out doors. He looked up toward the night sky. "I had one unusual growth spurt after we made it to Alpha Centauri. Speaking of which . . . Get ready. We're taking the Jupiter 30 first thing in the morning," he took another sip from the glass heading past her. "You never know what you are going to find out there."
"Find out there?" Roslyn asked, tagging along behind him. "Daddy, you make it sound like we're going on a adventure."
Will came to a stop at the stairs then turned toward Roslyn.
"That's the point, Rosy," Will said. "It's to have fun."
"And the friends we make along the way that matters along the adventure," Roslyn added.
"Took the words right out of my mouth," Will said. "Isn't what you want?" Will turned away raising his brows inconspicuously then took a sip of the coffee heading up the stairs.
Roslyn watched Will vanish from her line of sight.
"More like a road trip in space with a weird parent," Roslyn said.
Don stared at the large re-imagined Jupiter 2. The construction support gear was being lowered down by construction workers in bright yellow one piece outfits. It was different and it was the same at the same time before his eyes. A large alien space craft at first glance by someone from a different era lacking alien symbols. There had been twenty-nine versions of the Jupiter 2 since making their way to Alpha Centauri. A planet that had thousands of colonists like them making themselves home on the planet who had been there for over five years. In the six years that the Robinsons had been gone from Earth, United States Space Corps had made spaceships strikingly similar to the Jupiter 2. None of the colonists spaceships were given the name Jupiter. Large cities of UFO's once on the hills for miles had turned into uniquely designed buildings that seemed more alien than anything under the cover of night when all the lights were on.
It had taken a little over a few months to construct a base of operations with Robots doing all the work, initially. The Robots looked alike so much they couldn't tell them apart physically but when it came to being sapient and being a colorful character, their Robot stood out like a sore thumb. The Robot had been given a new body that was not as differ net as it was before. Technology had changed over thirty years and some technology was used in every day tasks except when it came to spaceships. They used the old, reliable, repairable technology that couldn't be hacked. Tech that could be easily replaced.
"Takes you back, huh?" Came John's voice. Don turned toward John. "General."
"Long way back," Don said, with a smile.
John's once hair had turned a shade of gray, there were bags under his eyes, and more laughter lines. His once youthful appearance had gone away replaced by the most graceful aspects of aging done to him. The professor's youthful glow had faded. His colorful, relaxed outfit jumped out just as it had all those years ago. He didn't look anymore different except for being shorter than Don.
"It's hard to believe it was thirty years ago that we got here," John said.
"Thirty is a big number," Don said.
"It is," John said. "So, what about the triplets?"
"We celebrated Julie, Mark, and Andrew's birthday last night," Don said. "I feel bad that you couldn't come."
"Don't be," John said. "I expect to wake up and find we're still out there. Lost and wandering out in space struggling to survive from day to day." He smiled, fondly. "I expect to pinch myself and find out its not real."
"I feel the same way," Don agreed. "Hopefully, Will doesn't have to go through that again."
"I pray to god that he doesn't," John said, looking up toward the gigantic space ship with concerned etched on his face. "The sacrifices we had to make just to survive? The compromises? Searching for supplies?" He shook his head.
Don could feel the concern about Will's mission radiating from John.
"There is no way on this planet that is going to happen to him," Don said.
"I don't know about that," John said. "Last time I said that. . . I jinxed the mission."
"By six years," Don said. "We made it."
"Not all of us made it," John said.
"Right now, he is using his charm on someone else to bring him to Earth," Don said. "That planet is a ship wreck island."
"Every planet we visited that way," John said. "Lots of rest stops."
"Lots of rest stops," Don agreed, with a nod. "I can't help but feel that Will is tempting fate."
"So do I," John said.
"Launching the Jupiter 30 on the 30th anniversary . . " Don said. "I feel as though another spaceship being lost for the third time is next." He shook his head. "Shooting down the option of using the hyper drive? He can just go there with a simple tug on the leveler. That should be tempting."
"No," John said, shaking his head. "Not at all."
"What is the word on Earth's status?" Don asked.
"Earth is facing some problems according to the last transmission," John said. "Those problems are set to be resolved in the next five years."
The things that Richard was going to miss of Alpha Centaur ranged from the strange, unique green humanoids with horns just like him. It was going to be the two suns in the strange sky from above that his father told him were unique and stood out different from any other planet that he had been on. Most planets, like Preplanis, had one sun and sometimes more than one moon that was obvious at night. It was going to be the dark plants that were normally found on his planet. It was going to be everything about Alpha Centauri. It was going to be children who he knew and could relate to rather than the human children. He couldn't relate to his older sister Roslyn. He was naturally curious as the next person beside him when it came to exploring. Which was his brother, Hank. Richard wanted to be a surgeon when he grew up and Hank wanted to be a pilot.
Slipping into colorfully silver uniforms with orange secondary colors made him feel like a astronaut. Which he wasn't for that matter. He couldn't believe his father wanted to take the 'no hyper drive' route but instead take the slow route. The ship aging while they remained in stasis. His father was eccentric when it came to being himself. A fine pilot at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. A rank that he had earned with hard work, patience, and doing his duty. Richard's grandparents were side by side with linked arms. Maureen was in a two piece outfit that screamed a favoritism for purple while John was in a mostly calm orange buttoned up shirt that contrasted against the dark pants. They were perhaps the most colorful aging people that Richard had known and seemed so young at heart despite appearing to be old. In ten years, his grandparents could be dead and he would never see them in the flesh. If his father was determined on making the trip through the old fashioned way, he knew the risk and accepted it. There was a long set of automatic, silver stairs leading up to the Jupiter 30. Richard reached forward grabbing Maureen into a hug.
"I will miss you, grandma," Richard said.
"I will always be with you wherever you go, Richy," Maureen said.
"You will?" Richard asked.
"Yes," Maureen said. "Yes, I will."
"You are the best," Richard said.
"Will," John asked, as they stepped aside from the children gathering around Maureen. "Did you bring the new manual for the laser pistols?"
"I made sure of that," Will said. "it's well over supplied."
John grew a smile on his face.
"Good," John said. "Don't be over confident about this mission. Last mission of this undertaking was twenty years ago."
"I like to think that family is still on their way back," Will said. "Fast asleep."
"Sleep. . ." John said. "I am sure they are," he scanned the small family then turned his gaze off toward Will. "I don't see Carol around."
"Carol is Carol," Will said, then he had a small shrug.
"She doesn't want to attend what could be the last time she sees her children," John said. "Did you talk to her about today?"
"Tried," Will said. "Got into a heated argument about the children and she hung up on me."
"You didn't give her the excuse," John said.
"Yes," Will said. "I did."
"Your last conversation with Carol was that?" John asked.
"I tried changing it," Will said. "Apparently, my persuasion skills are worse than what I was told."
The two men laughed, fondly. It was as though it were a private in-joke between the two of them. Maureen looked over toward the laughing men with a small, happy smile of her own. She stood up from the two boys then gestured them off walking through in the spacious path. On each side of the path were reporters and fans cheering them on. Several of them were holding posters that ranged from "Go, Robinsons!", "GET HOME!", and "DON'T GET LOST, again." in colorful text in unique fonts.
"She has all the reason to be worried," John said. "as do I and your mother."
"Which is why I requested a medical room to be built in to the residential deck," Will said, earning eyebrows raised.
"So what Don told me is true," John said, lowering his eyebrows. "Now that is a good choice."
"You made a great leader, dad," Will said. "I hope I do just as good as you."
"You will do even better," John said.
"Daddy," Roslyn said, earning John and Will's head turns. She stood at the top right at the air-lock doors. "We have to board the ship."
"Coming, Rosy," Will replied, with a smile then turned toward John.
"I'll see you on the other side," John said, clasping a hand on Will's shoulder.
The two men shared a nod.
"Take care of mom, dad," Will said.
"And you take care of my grandchildren," John said.
"I will," Will said, then came over to his mother.
It was Maureen who reached forward grabbing him into a hug. She was shorter compared to the tall red head being held in his arms. He had grown so quickly. She tightly was holding onto him as though she were finding it difficult to let him go. As though if she let him go, she would never see him again It was sad to think that she used to be the tall one in the hug before he went to school. When the hug ended, she didn't see a adult Will looking back at her. Maureen saw her bright, little boy beaming back at her.
"Goodbye, mom," Will said, then turned his attention toward Don. "Goodbye, General."
"It's not really goodbye," Don said. "We'll see each other again."
"I hope we do," Will said, with a fond smile.
Will made his way up to the stairs to the Jupiter 30.
He turned for one last time at the loudly cheering crowd.
Goodbye.
Back to the small family that had drifted away from him. A family that had gone their own way. The triplets were unable to attend as they were busy with their own family matters. Now, it was him going the other way. Will just hoped, sincerely, that this trip might just bring his new family back together in whatever way it could. He waved one last time toward his friend and his parents then walked in to the doors then had the air-lock doors closed. Will closed his eyes with a big sigh then closed turning toward the inside then exhaled. He saw the inside of the Jupiter 30 that was a stark copy of his former space home. Everything was going to be alright, it was decided, things always were inside the Jupiter 2. His children were gathering at the stasis pods. Roslyn counted more than four pods at the back end of the bridge then shot a strange look at her dad who was reassuring the boys that everything was going to be fine. Roslyn stepped into her pod then turned away from the back end to the front.
"Daddy, why are there more than four pods?" Roslyn said.
"You might want to bring along new pets," Will said.
"I wouldn't want to bring along a pet from Earth," Roslyn said. "It would be wrong to move animals to a planet starkly different from theirs."
"Who is saying they would be out in the uncontrolled environment of Alpha Centauri?" Will asked, as Richard stepped into the pod.
"I am concerned," Roslyn said.
"You have every right to be concerned," Will said. "You'll need lots of it." he looked toward the boys then back toward Roslyn with a reassuring look.
"Daddy," Roslyn said. "Is there something you want to talk about?"
"When we're there," Will said.
Will activated the pods then watched the pods slowly become cold before his eyes inside the decently warm enough interior and watched his daughter's eyes close. Will came to the main console pressing several of the buttons. From below, the clamps around the Jupiter 30 fell off and the crowd was drawn away by police officers. They were sent behind blockades out of the way of the Jupiter 30's blast off range. The camera panned back up toward the massive space craft then toward the ceiling that withdrew to reveal the blue sky. The heat entered the massive room as the stairs declined back in to the Jupiter 30. John watched the Jupiter 30 slowly rotate out of the room with Will at the helm making small and miniature changes to the course while the smoke seared out from underneath. The lighting in the Jupiter 30's bridge was bright making Will appear to be a mere figure from above. The Jupiter 30 tore through the sky breaking way from the landing pit. The large city had skyscrapers and a large pyramid at the center of the hub lined with windows. The camera moved into the Jupiter 30 where we observe Will in the pilots seat.
The Jupiter 30 broke out into space.
"Main computer has been set up, coordinates are in, and the kids are fast asleep," Will said.
He leaned against the chair witnessing the familiar space.
All the simulations that he had participated for the moment of flight in space had been built off previous pilot's experience in space were paying off. For the first time in thirty years, Will was back out in space that was wonderful and frightening at the same time. He made minor adjustments to the course with glances up toward the view screen seeing the stray visible minor asteroids. The Jupiter 30 couldn't afforded to be scratched on the beginning of her voyage. The familiar beeps from the station made Will feel right back at home. It was home. The familiar scenery of stars, planets, and asteroids looking back at him. Thirty years had been kind to the Jupiter 2 even for the Robot. He checked his watch then began to set in the coordinates to the hyper drive.
The Jupiter 30 finally exited the Alpha Centauri solar system after hours. Will scanned for any United States Space Corps transmission that were coming nearby. The coast was clear. Will grabbed onto the hyper drive then pulled the leveler. The information couldn't be sent back to Earth. No one knew the course had been purposely changed except for him. He looked over toward the children then back on the view screen. The Jupiter 30 reappeared above a yellow and blue planet that had few green spots. The hyper drive leveler was fried - easily repaired but he had no reason to attempt- thoroughly after its use erupting smoke. Smoke was neutralized in a few moments. Will took off the leveler then tossed into the containers underneath the console. Will knew if he returned to Alpha Centauri or Earth with a familiar passenger, he would never see them again. He knew the crime and thought it had been thoroughly repaid. The Jupiter 30 flew toward the planet at a steady pace.
Will remembered the coordinates and the landmarks of where they had landed over thirty years ago. The Jupiter 30 descended through the clouds with its whirring then came to a landing at a flat surface across from a sand dune. The stairs descended to the ground a minute later. Will came to the elevator then pressed on the familiar button on the side. The elevator rolled down to the Robot's deck. He slid open the rail then was gravitated toward the Robot's resting hub. The familiar compartment that once housed a stowaway thirty-six years ago. Thirty-six years had passed since he came in here as a little boy. It seemed so long ago that it had occurred. It was as though time had not passed. For the exception of small, subtle differences in the Robot's design that seemed updated. Still reliable and able to be repaired. His old friend staring back at him. He flipped off the power switch then pressed a few buttons. The Robot activated sliding out of the hub then its head bobbed up.
"Reporting for duty, Lieutenant Robinson," The Robot said, it's head whirring.
A broad, bright smile appeared on Will's face.
"It's good to see you too, Robot," Will said, patting on the Robot's shoulder.
"We must act fast if we are to minimize any terror," The Robot said. "engage! Engage!"
The Robot wheeled past Will toward the elevator doors.
"Just like old times," Will remarked to himself then followed the Robot.
"Did you pack the rope?" The Robot asked.
"Uh huh," Will said. "I will get it!" then went into the supply storage.
The Robot slid out of the sand dune covered in sand. Will used a blow drier on the robot blowing the sand out of its gears. The Robot shook off the remaining sand in-between the two long, shining green rope. There were two hooks that kept the long green rope in place. The Robot slid aside from the rope then waved Will off. The Jupiter 30 hovered above the sand then slid away. The Robot watched the well preserved booth slid out of the sand making rattling noises. The Jupiter 3 landed down to the floor and the staircase landed to the hot, sparkling sand once more. The Robot came toward the booth as the duetronium rockets were turned off.
Will zipped down the stairs almost tripping along the way.
Will managed to gain his balance grabbing hold onto the side of the Robot's shoulder.
"My sensors indicate there is no danger," The Robot's head whirred toward Will. "For now."
"How long?" Will asked.
"Three hours and thirty-five minutes," The Robot said.
Will faced the Jupiter 2 then back toward the booth.
"I am getting him off this planet in less than ten minutes," Will said. "Robot. . ."
"I have computed the method on how to bring the booth aboard," The Robot said. "With my new arms, I believe this can be done without causing damage to the stairs."
"Well, what are we standing here for?" Will asked, placing his hands on his hips. "Let's do it."
Roslyn's eyes opened and everything felt wrong. It started with the view screen having stars rather than planet Earth. It started with her father leaned against the navigation console alongside the Robot. It started with her siblings standing in their pods confused looking toward each other. It started with the regulated temperature of the Jupiter 30. And it ended with Roslyn looking around seeing the ghosts of its previous inhabitants in the middle of Will's stories. Maureen and the girls standing behind the front door holding onto Will and the men sitting at the chairs. The Robot sticking close to the child. The imagery faded being replaced by a different, modern image.
"Daddy, are you okay?" Roslyn asked, stepping out of the pod.
"Perfect," Will said.
"Then why are we in space?" Roslyn asked. "And very lost."
"Daaad," Richard said, as Hank look on toward the Robot. "Where are we?"
"There is someone I have been dying to introduce you to," Will said. "And if I had to guess. . . we're somewhere between monarch territory and Intergalactic territory."
"A Robot!" Hank said, approaching the Robot. He looked up toward the tall robot that seemed to tower over him. "Hi."
"Hello," The Robot said. Hank looked up in awe toward the taller Robot. "I am Robot."
"It even talks," Hank said.
"He looks better than the other Robots," Richard said. "Materialize a bucket of water!"
The Robot held its claws together then a goblet of water appeared between the claws.
"Cool!" Hank and Richard said.
The Robot turned toward Roslyn.
"I am honored to meet the children of Lieutenant Robinson," The Robot said.
"This is my daughter, Roslyn," Will said. "These are Richard and Hank. I downloaded their medical history to your tapes."
"They are identical," The Robot said, as Will set in the coordinates to the navigation. "Their minds, however, are not."
"Which one of us is Richard?" Hank asked.
"You are," The Robot said, it's red claw pointing at Richard's chest. "And you are Hank."
"Best Robot ever," Richard said. "No one can normally tell."
"I can," The Robot said.
"ETA is three hours for the next planet," Will announced, turning away from the console. "Come look at our first rest stop. . A lot of things can happen in three hours."
The children came over to see a green marble staring back at them.
"It looks like a bowling ball without holes," Hank said.
"It looks marvelous," Roslyn said, in awe.
"What is all that green?" Hank asked.
"Grass, Hank," Will said, looking on optimistically. "Grass, and trees."
"Can we call it Hankya?" Richard asked.
"Hankya is a good name," Roslyn said.
"Affirmative," The Robot agreed.
"Good," Will said. "Who knows a thing or two about surviving on a alien planet?"
"I do," The Robot said.
Will observed his children, scanning them one by one, in dismay.
"Just me and him?" Will asked. "You forgot your training . . . Didn't you?"
"We had other things to remember," Roslyn said. "It slipped out of our mind."
"At least your minds didn't need to be trained for breaking orbit," Will said, then he sighed approaching the children. "Children, there is going to be a lot of change when we get down to that planet. And lots of struggle in the foreseeable future."
"Is it going to be fun?" Hank asked.
Will looked toward Roslyn then toward the boys.
"If you like to explore," Will said. "it will be."
"Yess!" the boys cheered.
"The first change is, meeting wild space animals," Will said. "The second change is, you might meet people who don't speak English. Third change is, you'll meet lots of robots. Or a robotoid. Fourth change is, wild flowers capable of replicating anything even humans. Sixth change is, we're probably going to run out of supplies within the first two years so we'll have to start collecting crystals and silver beforehand for that instance. Seventh change is, you're going to meet a lot of sapient robots-"
"Slow down, slow down," Richard cut him off, taking out a notepad and a unusual small pen was taken out. "Back up, I have to take notes."
The Robot turned toward Will.
"Lieutenant Robinson, I like this one," The Robot said, as Will had a beaming look.
"Rosy, you know what's better than college?" Will asked.
"No," Roslyn said.
"Learning the ropes about being a leader," Will said. "That's what you're going to learn." then finished with a nod.
"I look forward to our cooperation, Roslyn Robinson," The Robot said, as its grill glowed a gentle red color.
Roslyn stood there as it reeled in what that meant then her eyes darted over toward the Robot. Her mind went through the equipment that they had which could mean the boys protection wasn't all up to it. The very idea that she had to cooperate with the Robot and treat as her equal felt surreal. A sapient robot was going to be first friend in space. Roslyn passed out between her siblings landing onto the cold, slick floor. Will looked down toward Richard.
"Now, Richy, what were you able to write down?" Will asked, half heartedly.
Smith's eyes opened as a bad headache was pounding in his head. He rubbed his head with a groan. The door opened before him then he staggered out of the booth into someones arms. Smith's eyes struggled to open. When they did, completely open the first thing he saw was a gray floor. Smith turned his gaze up toward a young man then began to apologize.
"I'm sorry," Smith started.
"-No apologies necessary," Smith was cut off.
"I didn't see where I was going," Smith rubbed the side of his head. "Just woke up from-" Smith stopped as his eyes slowly grew big "A. . . thirty. . . year. . . sleep."
He looked around noticing the familiar surroundings.
As though not a day had passed or that he had gone into a booth in the first place or the events of that day had never happened.
However, the subtle differences were enough to yank him out into the present. Something had happened and the family was different. New to him, at least, yet not so different at all with red hair that stood out. From beside the tall young man, there were two boys holding a fan up above a young woman pressed against the navigation machinery. The boys strikingly resembled the young Robinson that he had gone to know. He turned his gaze toward the glowing man, regaining his composure and his balance. Smith tilted his head, surprised and shocked. He was a little unsure if it were real. Dreaming for so long made one question their reality.
"William?" Smith asked.
Will's eyes brightened and a smile appeared on his face. Will slowly took the ring off his finger then handed it to the older man who was in awe.
"Doctor Smith," Will said, putting the ring into Smith's finger. "It's good to see you."
Roslyn's eyes opened.
"You didn't have to rescue me," Smith said.
"You would have died in a sand dune," Will said. "After all you did for us, letting that happen was out of the question."
"I made your family have struggles," Smith argued. "Lose things, lose food supply, run out of milk quickly-if you're going to take me back to face justice, I rather that I go cooperatively."
"You see the bad in everything," Will said. "Look at the good that came out of it."
"I hardly see the good in it," Smith said.
"I became a better man because of all that," Will said. "It was very educational."
Will placed a hand onto Smith's shoulder. Smith grew a insulted look that drew a confusing expression from William. Smith slid his hand off his shoulder than clasped his hands together.
"You were always space smart to me, William," Smith said, then looked around. "Now, where are we?"
"Somewhere between Alpha Centauri and Earth," William said. "Maybe neither."
"Maybe neither?" Smith asked, alarmed. "William." he glared toward Will. "What. Did. You. Do?"
"I might have used the hyper drive," Will said. "Could be in a different galaxy."
"D-D-D-D-D-different. . . galaxy," Smith said, his back meeting the edge of the booth then slid himself down to the floor where he sat.
"Uh huh," Will said, with a nod.
"Daddy, you didn't mention that!" Roslyn said, as Smith had a thousand yard stare.
"I thought we ought to have a clean slate if we're going on a space trip," Will said.
"It was necessary given the enemies that Doctor Smith had made thirty years ago that are long living," the Robot elaborated.
"OH," Roslyn said. "OH," the boys and she nodded. "I remember now."
"Precisely," The Robot said.
"Even that time merchant?" Hank asked in awe.
"All of them are true," The Robot said.
Will went back over to the console where he manned it. It was then Smith finally noticed the Robot and his eyes grew large. Smith came up to his feet and observed the new design. The warm, slick gray metal was familiar to his fingers. It was flat and kind to his fingertips. The Robot was bulky and retro. Retro enough to still be used for millions of years should it not be destroyed.
"You've aged well," Smith said.
"You have not aged a day," The Robot replied. "Doctor Smith."
"The luxury of being in a booth," Smith said "Thirty years has been kind to you."
The Robot's head bobbed up in raw shock from the compliment. There was awkward silence between them as though all the tension and barbs between them were no longer there. Like there was nothing to argue about as they stared at each other rather uncomfortably.
"You should have seen the model that were out ten years ago," Roslyn said, ending the silence.
"Hm?" Smith turned his attention from her to the Robot.
"I rather not talk about it," The Robot said.
"He had three arms," Roslyn said. "three arms, THREE ARMS."
"What does a Robot need with three arms?" Smith asked, taken back. "Ludicrous."
"Necessary for mining," The Robot said, meekly as Smith's eyes widened.
"And you wouldn't guess how small he was," Roslyn said.
"The size of a giant," Smith said.
"A ten year old!" Roslyn said.
"A. . . ten year old. . . you don't say," Smith looked insulted.
"It was a phase," The Robot protested.
"Everyone was taller than him," she leaned forward placing her hands onto her stomach then flicked off a tear in between her laughter. Smith's eyebrows raised up with his attention varying from Robot to Roslyn. "And he was bright pink!"
"Pink is a manly color," The Robot added.
"With glitter," Roslyn added.
Smith's shocked expression was replaced by a firm, serious look toward the Robot.
"You would have looked fine in sparkling blue like your self-defense bolts," Smith said.
"Ha ha ha," The Robot faked a laugh. "very funny. This is Roslyn Robinson," The Robot gestured toward Roslyn. Smith shook her hand with a simple 'Pleasure to meet you' that was genuine. "These little boys are Richy Robinson and Hank Robinson."
"Oh dear," Smith said, a hand placed along his face. "Twins."
"It's going to be fun," Richard said.
"I hope it is, dear," Smith said.
"Don't worry, you will be able to tell us apart in our Jupiter 30 causal outfits," Richard said.
"You are two, unique rich individuals and I am certain I will," Smith said.
"He's more flamboyant than I am in fashion," Hank said, pointing toward Richard.
"Good," Smith said.
"Richy is right!" The Robot announced, suddenly. "This will be fun." then had a heartedly laugh with its long black accordion arms on its chest crossed in a 'x'.
The Jupiter 30 trembled from side to side.
"Not again!" Smith grabbed hold onto the Robot wrapping around it like a octopus.
The Robot remained firmly in place as Will regained control.
"Shields are up!" Will announced. "Hold on, folks!"
"We're doomed!" Smith cried. "Doomed!"
"For once, Doctor Smith," Will said. "I am inclined to agree." He yanked out the radio. Smith looked over in shock and dismay from the announcement. "This is the Jupiter 30, we pose no harm, just a family on a space trip, please, cease your fire."
Will jerked it back into it handler then looked over toward the two boys who were collapsed onto each other and Roslyn laid behind them. The Jupiter 30 loudly cried as it tilted sideways. The creak of the metal terrified everyone aboard and there were bolts that erupted from several stations. The firing abruptly stopped against the Jupiter 30. Will looked down toward the scanners then stood up as panic was still hanging in the air. Everyone was resting still not making a move or breathing. Will looked off toward space then had a relieved sigh.
"Whoever attacked us is gone," Will said. "I think I know what happened to the other family, though."
"I knew you could do it, William," Smith said, stepping off the Robot then clasped a hand onto Will's shoulder.
"Thank you," Will said. "Unfortunately, Smith, I want you to remain behind while I make some emergency repairs out there."
"There is danger out there," The Robot and Smith insisted simultaneously.
"You don't want to do it out in space," Smith said. "you're out of your mind."
Will walked past Smith and the Robot.
"Blissful insanity keeps me going," Will said.
"It would be logical to make the repairs planet-side," The Robot said. "A meterological storm could happen and tear the rope off and send you flying. The chances of this happening are eighty-nine point three three three three-" Smith yanked off the power back then placed it back on to the Robot. "percent!"
Will took out the astronaut gear.
"I got the Robinson luck on my side," Will said. "Do you have a better idea? Someone not a robot or a old man that has everything explode around him."
Smith and the Robot were silent.
"That's a no," Will said. "I'll be right back."
"Daddy, let me do it," Roslyn said.
"No," Will said. "You have no experience. And you're too young."
"You could die out there," Roslyn said. "Why not make the repairs planet side?"
"There is many reasons why," Will said. "We might land in a prairie with a bad case of space bugs that get into our skin and make it difficult to do repairs, we might land in a jungle that makes it difficult to get anything done, and we could end up landing somewhere that prevents us from doing it. Landing on a hill or a beach would be a miracle for our first landing. We had deserts on our side and we might have different climates. I have been trained for this kind of emergency repair."
Will finished getting into the space suit then took the toolkit with him. He pressed button on the air lock, then it closed before him and he pressed another button. He gently floated out with the tug of rope. He tied it around a handle then had the air lock door close behind him. He reached out grabbing the toolkit then floated over toward the emergency. He slowly made the repairs. He heard Roslyn's panicked voice from over the receiver that was more like screaming demanding that he get back in. He turned off the receiver after replying that he will be back when he was back. His daughter and sons were concerned for his well being. Something that Will understood-Then he knew how his parents felt all those years ago when floating freely out of the Jupiter 2. John floating away from the Jupiter 2. Maureen calling out for John with a hand reached out for him. Will gently floated out of the way of small meteors continuing on task. The meteors went over Will's head continuing to pass by. The damage was going down from emergency to being capable to repair by planet-side. Will relaxed then turned around to see the small meteors headed his way. Will took his time returning to the hatch and pressing the button then tossed in his sack. He had made it, it was quite a break from what he had ex-there was a loud snap and Will began to float away. He saw Roslyn's upset face from the window screen.
Oh, was the only thought in his mind.
Oh, was the single comment on his mind.
OH, Will realized.
How his father had survived fall down to orbit to Preplanis had been a miracle and there was no miracles in the cards for Will. Will was certain of it. No nearby planet that he could float on down to as he happened to be nearby the orbit. Roslyn's face became smaller and smaller until the Jupiter 30 was the only thing that he could see. Her face was part of the two windows for the Jupiter 30. He saw the Jupiter 30 become smaller and smaller to his eyes. Will floated upside down then faced the other direction. There was enough air in his tank to last him two hours and thirty-three minutes. It was part of the Jupiter 30's indoors hydroponics that supplied the oxygen. The ship was decorated in solar paneled hulls that divided the energy to different parts of the ship namely to the greenhouse that was synthesizing sunlight to the plants. Will's direction turned toward the Jupiter 2 seeing it becoming larger. It abruptly turned direction then started to get close on toward him. Whoever was clearly piloting was clearly desperate and determined. It couldn't have been the boys but it could be Smith. Will turned on his radio receiver.
"Doctor Smith!" Will called. "Are you mad?"
"William . . ." Smith started. "I could very well be."
"What?" Will asked.
"I was responsible once in the beginning of our journey for Professor Robinson's crash landing to Preplanis," Smith said. "I will not be responsible for a landing worse than his landing. So when I say I am mad, I am rightfully mad that you're in his position on my watch. If anything, that should be me heading toward uncertain death not you."
Will could see Hankya once floating away from the Jupiter 30. The deep, calm and soft voice eased his thoughts only briefly. Smith's reply was amusing enough to make him laugh easing off the tension off his shoulders. Will's shoulders went up and down. Smith had a unique way of making the Robinsons laugh after a troubling situation and relax into their usual activities. It was one of the parts that he had missed about the doctor.
"Don't go after me," Will said, once he stopped laughing. "whoever fired on the Jupiter could be close by and just waiting to finish me off when you're close enough to get a good view of it."
"We're not leaving without you to float out there forever!" Hank shouted.
"Dead or alive," Richard said. "It doesn't matter!"
"Indeed, indeed," Smith agreed. "I am supposed to be the hopeless one, my boy, not you."
"You're going to hit me and send me flying away with where you're going," Will said.
"Relax, relax," Smith replied. "I will not."
"HE IS GOING PAST THE RECOMMENDED SPEED LIMIT," The Robot's voice came over.
"Shut your mouth, you pessimistic elephant," Smith replied.
"It is dangerous to go after a flying figure when he could crash and destroy equipment," The Robot replied. "Given the rate of speed that he is going that you proposed, it would be unwise to perform the menurver."
"Now see here!" Smith replied.
Smith's voice was cut off and he couldn't hear what was being said over the receiver. Will was feeling a lot of things. One of those things were undeniable concern that he could damage the ship with his landing and leave a horrifying mess for his children to witness. The mere thought of it made him feel sick. He loved his children. He didn't want to attempt a rescue mission that could end quickly. He had learned long ago that bodies in spaceships explosions kept going on until they hit something and when they did, they crashed with the same force that destroyed their ship. The static stopped.
"Let me go," Will insisted.
A disgruntled grunt and the shout of his boys came over.
"NEVER!" He heard their voices.
"Robinsons stick together," Smith replied.
"We don't let a man choke to death!" Richard added. "we're coming for you, pops!"
"Your efforts are appreciated, but it's you I am concerned about," Will said.
"Don't be," Hank said. "We can deal with it."
"Doctor Smith's mathematical proposition confirms that," Richard continued. "It's different from the original plan but it still works getting you back in here safe and sound."
"I admit, the original plan was flawed," The Robot agreed.
"Doctor Smith!" Will called, furiously.
"Smith out," Smith's voice came over that sounded final.
This kind of risk taking his family was very familiar. The risk taking from Smith however to retrieve him was unfamiliar. The familiarity of sheer stubbornness, the will to survive, and the desire to remain as a family unit. Now he knew what it felt like to be on the other end of the stick when believing all was lost. Will was angry because he believed that Smith was giving them false hope. A kind of hope that he had appreciated so long ago when it came to finding Alpha Centauri or going home. And everyone being alive for that matter. Except, that might not happen the way he wanted it to happen this time.
"DADDY!" Roslyn's voice came over the receiver. "I got you!"
Will looked over to see Roslyn locking on a good grip on his leg and on her leg, Richard was hanging onto her and on Richard's leg was Hank's leg and on Hank's leg was the Robot wheeling them into the Jupiter 30. The children were acting as a living human chain. The Jupiter 30 was turning around from the planet making a curl. Roslyn's fingers were digging into the boots so tightly that Will could feel her fingers pinching his skin. With one strong yank, the Robot flew them into the Jupiter 30. Smith floated off toward the door then pressed on the panel. The air lock doors closed on Smith. Smith flew back toward the console then pressed several buttons on the panel. The blocked sections of the bridge were unblocked and oxygen rushed in. Smith came toward the navigational center as Will was embraced by his children. The Robot came over to Smith's side.
"Who's idea was this?" Will asked.
"Mine," the twins said.
"The initial idea was theirs," Roslyn said, then glanced off toward Smith. "the other ideas were not so much theirs."
"It worked," Richard said.
"And we're not letting go," Hank said.
A/N
Headcanon: Will doesn't tell Smith his rank and prefers being called William because it makes him feel like a civilian rather than a military officer and he prefers to keep it that way. It doesn't last long as The Robot acknowledges him by Lieutenant Robinson and the cat is out of the bag.
Additional headcanon is that the Robinsons get reunited in the second year because MOTHER KNOWS THAT HER SON ISN'T GOING TO EARTH AND SHE CAN FEEL IT IN HER BONES.
Smith ends up taking more responsibility in the first year than he did originally. Basically doing chores Maureen would do with some help from the boys. His wandering days may be over but being lazy after his chores are done? That's another story entirely. Sitting on a lawn chair wearing sunglasses enjoying the shade outside the Jupiter 30. Will doesn't assign him to tech duties because he knows better. And oh, Smith does the cooking. Not sure if that changes after they get reunited. It's up to your imagination.