Chapter 2- watchful eyes

Will Robinson skipped down the corridor of the Space Station, with Judy and Penny at his side. His curiosity had only needed a few extra tasty items of food to be rejuvinated. He knew that they had been struggling to survive for months now. It had not really worried him. His parents always found a way. Here was proof. They were safe and warm on this station with plenty to eat.

"Should we just be walking around without a guide", Judy asked. "Nobody said we had to stay in our rooms Judy", Will countered. She had to be the grown up voice of authority on adventures like this. He understood that about his sister, though many other parts of her were a mystery to him. One of the things that puzzled him was her feelings for their pilot Major Donald West. He had seen them kissing rather passionately once, so knew they had intense feelings for each other. The very next day though, she was ignoring Don and he was stomping around in a bad mood. It made no sense. She either loved him or she did not, it was that simple in his mind.

He returned his thoughts to this adventure, which was proving to be rather boring so far. All they could see was an empty corridor with no doors. There was no colour about the place either, not a hint of blue, green or any shade other than drab white. He wondered about the silence and lack of life. There were other ships docked so where were all the other people on this Station. This place was beginning to feel a little creepy. It did not dull his enthusiasm for exploring though. Maybe there was more to this place.

Penny looked around as well. There was nothing around that would prompt an enthusiastic conversation with the others so she had to talk about the best thing about this place so far, the food. She too was thinking this place seemed rather dull. Planets with their abundance of life were so much more interesting. She loved to look at all the creatures, and to try and befriend those that were friendly. If she had her way the ship would become a travelling zoo. Her parents though never saw her point of view.

"Did you taste those white potato like things in the food bowl, she asked her siblings." They looked like they should be horrid, yet they tasted like chocolate" . "I did not try those", Judy responded. "Here", Will pulled one from his pocket and handed it over. "It always pays to be prepared", he told his sister.

He did not see the hidden camera that was looking down upon them as they moved forward. The cameras blended into the whiteness of the walls like a chameleon upon a leaf. Nobody would know they were being watched. "These guests seem rather presumptuous just showing themselves around our station", Conley protested to Lyric. "They are a race that is curious ,that itself is not a bad trait . In fact it just might boost trade possibilities. So Conley what will they do when they get to the line'. Will they cross or not", Lyric asked. "I think the boy might, he is the one who seems the most engaged. The girls are rather lifeless, especially that blonde", she added.

Conley looked at their guests, he decided Lyric was right in her assessment so far. "Will Robinson may be the type who will cross, I better stand by to intercept them. We cant have them finding out too much yet", he stated. "No, not yet", Lyric agreed.

Judy, Penny and Will had just reached a part of the corridor where a bright red line crossed the floor in front of them. It extended down the corridor as far as they could see. Penny and Judy stopped contemplating the line. Will put one foot over the line, then looked back at his sisters. "Usually red means danger", Penny cautioned. 'There is nothing else", Will told her, "no signs, no barriers, if it was dangerous surely there would be one of those". Come on you two, where is your sense of adventure".He was actually feeling more interested now.

Penny looked at Judy deferring to her judgment. "I suppose he is right Penny", Judy said finally after an internal battle that lasted 5 minutes. . She went to put a foot over the line. "No, stop", Conley came racing down the corridor, his breath puffing out in gasps. Penny, Judy and Will froze. They looked almost comical now with Judy's leg still raised. She quickly composed herself. "If you continue on, you will leave the portion of the station that has oxgyen and enter a different environment. You will die within minutes", Conley told them.

Judy felt the blood drain from her face. "There should be more warning than just a line", she protested. "Our premanent occupants all know what that line means. Visitors should not be wandering around without guidence", Conley chastised .He saw that out of the three the blonde looked the most afraid. Inwardly he smiled, if a little red line scared her then what he was about to show them would be terrifying. Beckoning them over he pressed a button on the wall, a console dropped down to the floor. It gave the guests a glimpse of the aliens that lived in the red zone of the Station.

"Look , these are the Naloolab", he told them. At first all they could see was green mist swirling around in the air. Then through the mist came a creature, walking upon 6 large legs. It resembled a large version of the cockroach. However cockroaches did not have large teeth that protruded out of their mouths and hung almost to the ground. Those teeth were about 60 centimetres long and needle sharp. Conley watched as the three youngest Robinson's swallowed nervously. He was now going to add some information that would ensure the curious streak was permanently snuffed out. "They are flesh eaters, children, the stuff of nightmares. Be thankful they would die instantly if they tried to enter this part of the station". "They just stop here like you do, for supplies and trade". This is what this station is, a rest point for all races. Many are very different to your own kind and not only in appearance. Be assured that we do not tolerate violence on this Station. However now you know why visitors should not just wander around. Come now let's go back to your rooms". He led the way back down the corridor with the children keeping pace beside him.

Xxxxxxx

Caci was taking records of everything on board the Jupiter 2. She slipped a weapon out of her uniform and secured it within the belt of her trousers as she moved back toward the living quarters. The weapon was a new acquisition and she was keen to try it out. It had not been tested upon anything living , hence she had no idea how powerful this weapon could be. In fact she should not be using the weapon. But testing it upon the mechanised machine would be a way to find out more. There was minimal risk she decided .Once the machine was disabled she would look within the living quarters and find what was hidden there.

She thought they had valuable items and that even though they were starving, they were not presenting them for trade. It was a very silly thing to do over simple belongings. Reaching the level of the bedrooms, she could see the machine moving up and down past the closed doors. She waited until it turned away until coming down the ladder. Slowly she moved her hand downward toward the weapon, once the machine was in range she would fire. It turned, and saw her, "who goes there", it asked. Cali raised her hands, "it's alright, I am just conducting a survey of your vessel", she stated. The machine had done nothing yet to try and stop her so she still had the element of surprise. It would not expect an attack.

Caci was so focused upon the machine that she did not see the door to one of the rooms opening. She fired her weapon at the same time something moved out of the room and stood in front of the robot. Don recognised the sound of weapons fire and quickly ducked downward. The movement tugged at the sutures in his stomach and he groaned audibly and fell onto the floor of the Jupiter. He lay there clutching his middle and inwardly cursing himself for not being able to take action.

It was up to the robot to protect him. In a swift movement it pivoted sideways, avoiding the bolt of weapons fire. Then before the weapon could be fired again the robot used an arch of electricity through his claws to destroy the gun while it was still in the alien woman's hand. The gun simply turned to ash and Caci pulled her hand back toward her body in fear. Her hand looked completely normal . She turned her gaze downward toward the young man that was looking wide eyed at her. He looked nervous as if awaiting another attack. She felt herself begin to shake. "Lyric, she stated through her communication device, "I have found another man in one of the cabins".

Lyric could see exactly what she had found, through the camera upon her uniform. Did the Robinson's keep prisoners, that was one possible explanation for his presence. "Who are you", she heard Caci ask. "Major Donald West', came the reply from grunted lips. The man did not rise and Lyric found herself beginning to panic when she saw that there appeared to be a red stain on his middle. "What did you do to him Caci. You should not have fired that weapon", Lyric stated. She pushed a button and ordered some guards to board the ship.

"Take the young man to be treated, bring Caci to me", she told the security force. When these masked figures boarded the Jupiter and tried to take Don, the robot waved it's claws in a threatening manner. "Do not touch him", it told them. "We want to help him", Lyric stated firmly. The machine just kept waving its claws. Obviously it did not believe their intent was harmless. She could understand that. This was Caci's fault. She would have to talk to the Robinson's about this young man.

xxxxxx

Will sat awkwardly and waited to be chastised for his actions. The grim face's upon his parents indicated that they were not impressed with their escapade. Conley had moved away a little to give the parents time to deal with their children. When Lyric called him, he moved even further back to listen to what she had to say. "Will Robinson what you did was reckless", Maureen began , "as for you girls, you should have more sense and tell him no. Have you learnt nothing from all the danger that we have experienced". She could not believe how they could make the same mistakes over and over. "Excuse me", Conley stepped forward looking bleak, he focused upon John Robinson. "Possibly the children' are used to being deceitful ,it is a trait their parents possess", he stated bluntly.

John and Maureen both went pale. "Our children were merely exploring ,they meant no harm", Maureen defended. "We do not have any ill intent toward you", John added. Conley grimaced at him, "how can I believe liars".I think we should tell you all to leave. This lifeless region of space will deal with you soon enough".

Maureen Robinson had always been strong. She had endured much , but there always came a point when one little action released the storm of emotion that had been held her mind .She could see them all dying slowly of hunger or disease. All her self control faded, and she began to sob ,"no, please let us stay a little longer", she begged. John pulled her close wrapping his arms around her. His own eyes were moist, "please don't turn us away", he added.

Doctor Smith wandered out of his room at this point. His hair was sticking up in all directions. He had been sleeping and had only just been roused by the raised voices. For the first time in a while he felt content ,but as usual that did not last. Maureen was sobbing, John locked grim and their was an atmosphere of anger in the air. Curse the Robinson's for spoiling a good thing. Stowing aboard the Jupiter was the worst thing he had done. The Robinson's always seemed to get into trouble. He conveniently forgot that he was often the source of their problems. So what had upset their hosts . He was sure he had heard Conley use the word lie. Smith thought about everything that had transpired so far and came up with only one instance where they had lied. He wanted their hosts to see him as the reliable one so quickly asked, "is this about Major West."

Conley turned his gaze him for a second then back to John Robinson. 'You only listed 6 people aboard your ship, yet there are 7", he remarked. John looked down at the floor, he knew that omission would come back at him. "Don was injured when we tried to secure fuel from an asteroid. I did not want to further endanger him by trusting his welfare to anyone who could have hostile intent. We have had to fight our way out of some very dangerous situations already. I am sorry for the omission". Once we were sure this station was safe we would have told you everything". John hoped they accepted this.

Listening in, Lyric could understand their point of view. There were only 6 of them and that was not enough to deal with an army of hostile individuals. "We have no intention of hurting the young man", she assured the Robinson's. "Can you get this mechanised guard to stand down so we can send him to our medical centre for treatment.' John was about to comply when it occurred to him that his children had not been the only ones sneaking about. "You boarded the Jupiter 2", he remarked firmly. "Thus our children are not the only ones who go somewhere without permission."

Lyric swallowed, maybe Conley had gone a little over the top in accusing them of deception. They were after all deceiving them. She hoped they could solve the tense situation ."We were just making sure there were no active bacteria on board your ship. It is simply routine", Conley lied glibly. He guessed that desperation was the only thing keeping them from turning and leaving at this point. 'Let's start over, he suggested, "clear the air". Please we would like to help the young man" . "Perhaps Dr Smith could be present when he is treated."Conley chose Smith as he had been the first to admit the young mans presence.

"I want to go", Judy interjected firmly. "You", Lyric said the word through her comm line with just a slight bit of scorn. She had already decided she did not like this blonde . Judy stretched herself taller, "I care for him very much", she said loudly. She felt like she had to shout her feelings and make them clear. "I see", Lyric remarked. "Well it is probably better that someone not emotionally invested in his welfare is present. Any dramatic scenes just may cause him further distress. Doctor Smith will be given access", Lyric kept her face stern.

"You can see him later Judy", Maureen told her daughter hurriedly. She did not want another scene . They were all still exhausted and needed more rest before returning to their journey. "I am sure Don will be alright", she added. "Of course he will be alright", Lyric insisted.

Lyric watched as the robot was ordered to stand down. Two of the masked guards then lifted Major Don West off the ground and carried him off. She let out a breath of relief. When Caci entered her office 5 minutes later she set her face again. 'Who gave you clearance to use that weapon", she challenged. Caci went pale, "nobody', she admitted. "I meant no harm Lyric. You did want to see what that machine was guarding". "So now you blame me", Lyric growled. "There was no order to fire Caci. You could have killed the young man". This is a disciplinary matter", Lyric told Caci.

Caci dropped to her knees, "no please", she begged. Lyric showed no emotion, she reached down toward her middle and fired a small beam of light at the young officer. Cali's legs collapsed underneath her and she fell in a heap at Lyric's feet. 'Guards, take her to the preparation chamber. She will await her punishment there". The masked guards gripped Caci under her arms and dragged her off through the doors.

"Conley I will come and join you and we will give our visitors a tour of the Station together. Doctor Smith can be shown to the medical centre as part of the tour." She hurried out of her office to join her colleague.

Will was sure it was going to be boring as they walked down that lifeless corridor again. Lyric paused and smiled, she lifted a small device from her uniform and pointed it at the wall. A door appeared. It opened and Will Robinson stood there with his mouth agape staring.

In front of them was a large lake with some small boats just visible in the distance. A white sandy beach stretched around the edges of the lake. He automatically looked upward and was stunned when he saw blue sky. "It is of course just an illusion", Conley said as he followed his gaze. "The lake and the rest is real though. This is part of our recreation centre. You are welcome to come here any time". For the first time they saw other people, some were swimming and others just lazing about. Most of the people stopped to stare at them. John could see they were from different species, though all had similar body types to humans.

Will, Penny and Judy all wanted to jump in the lake there and then. They thought it better to be polite and finish the tour. Now the white corridor did not feel as uninspiring and they were all waiting to see what else was revealed. "'Of course we know that other things appeal to visitors", Lyric smiled widely as she pushed another button.

Beyond the next door was a market, with many brightly coloured stalls. Judy stared at the clothing hanging from one stall. She desperately wanted to try on some of the dresses. A wave of despair hit her, how would she pay for something that beautiful. "We will begin trade talks soon", Conley told them. 'I am sure we can come to some arrangement". People milled around the market as well and offered them bright smiles. All of them looked like they they were enjoying life.

They walked in silence after seeing the market. Now they were conscious of what little they had to offer these people. They barely bothered about the white corridor now, they knew that first appearances meant nothing . Finally they stopped again.'Here is our medical facility", Conley announced. Again a door appeared in the white corridor. They all entered.

Inside was a very well equipped centre . Don was lying on a bed but did not look that comfortable. Masked people moved around him and when they went to touch him he would scoot out of range. Lyric strode past the visitors and approached the side of the bed. She put her hand down gently over Don's. "It is alright, we mean you no harm".

Don stared at the beautiful woman who had her hand over his own. Her eyes seemed to smile at him. The hand that held his own was warm and it was stroking his skin slowly. He did not pull his hand away.

Judy moved forward to stand beside the bed. She stared at Lyric with a gaze that burned right though her. "Darling are you alright", she asked Don.

Smith actually grunted at that address, she had never called Major West that before. He sensed that Lyric touching the Major in an overly friendly way had prompted this response. John And Maureen looked surprised as well. Judy seemed to have suddenly remembered her interest in Don.

Don pulled his hand from Lyric's and reached out to grasp Judy's, 'I am alright", he confirmed. Judy held firm to his hand. "My presence is not causing him distress", she told Lyric firmly. "I should be the one to stay".

"You may visit tomorrow. He does need to be treated and it is better if he rests as well", Lyric told her. Don did not let go of Judy's hand. Lyric could see that he was nervous. Most likely he was worried about being in an alien clinic. "Do not worry Major West, we have treated many visitors. Our care is of the highest standards". Please just relax", Conley requested. Don looked at the Robinson's. John nodded at him. He marginally relaxed. "Alright", he conceded. "Good", Lyric stated.

"Let me tell you all a little about ourselves to ease your minds. We, came upon this station many years ago. Just like you we were struggling to survive the expanse of dead space. This place was abandoned. So we put all our resources into bringing the station back to functionality. We began an industry to help others who also travelled through this region. They could stop here to relax and then trade with other species. We do of course keep a portion of the profits to help keep this station running. Our people live and work here". Lyric broke off her tale and looked at the Robinson's faces. She could tell they believed her. It was a good little speech. Of course it was a lie. They would not know the truth until she was ready.

"Come I will escort all of you back to your rooms. We will be serving another meal soon. Then perhaps you'd like to go for a swim", Conley suggested. He walked back with them.

It seemed that he was not required to stay with the Major after all, so Smith strolled along behind the others. He had liked what he had seen of the station so far. "Tell me do you know how to get to Alpha Centauri", John Robinson asked Conley. "No, I am afraid that name is unfamiliar to us. When we first arrived, we decided to travel beyond the station to see if the expanse of space had an end. We travelled four more days and found nothing. That journey almost cost us our lives. If there is a habitable planet out there then it is many days away", Conley told him. He looked at their faces ,they were shocked. Good, he thought, now they are beginning to see this station as a possible home.

Indeed after he had dropped the Robinson's off at their rooms Dr Smith asked. "Is it possible for visitors to actually stay here". Their description of life beyond the station had frightened him. There was nothing wrong with this place that he could see. "Of course Dr Smith. We have only 2 criteria for settlement", Conley told him. "Just two, what are they", Smith asked. He hoped they did not expect alot of money. "I am sure we can discuss that when we begin trade talks", Conley hedged. "In the meantime, enjoy yourself Dr Smith. Our facilities are all free of charge".

"Free", Smith stared at him. That sounded to good to be true. Everything had a price.

Conley sensed his suspicion , Smith was waiting to find out the catch. Of course there was one and soon it was going to catch up with all of their new visitors.