Chapter 8- plan B

Doctor Smith sat starting out of the window of the apartment. All he could see was another building, mere inches away. He had just been into the other room to attempt to give the children food and water. They looked like wax figures in a museum, oh so real, yet with an unnatural hue, that spoke of lifelessness. He reached out to stroke Will's face gently, then moved over and did the same to Penny. ", Please don't die and leave me , he told them mournfully. Finally unable to bare the silence any longer he returned to the main room, where the robot still in his chefs regalia awaited him.

"Here", the robot placed the gourmet meal in front of him. 'This will lift your spirits Doctor Smith", came the totally false predictiion. Doctor Smith ate the meal without really tasting it, all the while thinking of a plan to try and finally disrupt the signal projecting the game into the children's minds. The air above the city was restricted air space, so any move to take a ship close to the point of origin would be met by deadly force. Not that he could fly the Jupiter anyway. He imagined that Donald West would have excelled in this moment. He probably would have had little regard for his own safety and have flown in a reckless movement right up to that damn floating signal tower and blasted it out of the sky. Smith actually smiled as he thought of that. He also imagined Don getting dragged off by administration and thrown in jail.

If he even attempted an action like that, he would be dead. Smith drummed his fingers upon the table as his mind raced through ,and then disgarded possibilities.

Doctor Zachary Smith ,your current bill of habitation and expenses comes to 2000 credits. Please pay immediately or face eviction from your current premises", the console in the main room boomed loudly. It kept repeating the message over and over with no sign of stopping. Damn the people on this planer ,all they thought about was money. But if he did not pay, he and children would be out on the street ,then the Jupiter 2 would be impounded. Not a great outcome, so he sent through the credits. The machine finally stopped telling him how much he owed, proclaiming , "thank you for your payment. Do not sit idly about when there is so much to do on this world. "Here is a list of todays entertainments", it added.

Now he felt like putting a fist through that machine. Did they really expect him to just go out and enjoy himself. He was about to stamp away from the console when an advertised event caught his eye. That event could be just what he needed to resolve the course it was also totally wacky solution. Donald West would be so proud of him right now, for thinking of this. It could work and the benefit would be that the disruption would appear to be accidental and thus he'd be safe.

He was going to need the robots help with the details. That meant continuing with their charade."You know I really enjoyed that meal. I do though still feel unsatisfied, I think that a meal like that should be accompanied by a delicious desert." He was busy signing his intent, as he said that. The robot tilted its head down on one side, and its whirling lights, seemed to indicate that it was struggling with his wacky plan. "It is an interesting plan Doctor Smith, but will require a lot of computation on my part", the robot signed. "Out loud he said, "I will endevour to locate the ingredients necessary for the richest and most decadent desert known to the galaxy. Are you sure you can stomach, something like that". He was asking if he could deal with the consequences if this plan went wrong. "Yes", Smith said firmly. "Very well I will begin to scout for ingredients ", the robot acknowledged.

Off the robot went again out into the street ,and toward the heart of the city. Once more he noted that he was being followed. He would make sure, his mission looked as innocent as possible. His location was a stadium in the middle of the City. Once there he would need to distract his follower so he could begin his plan.

The stadium was massive, built for a truly universal audience. The robot noted several signs advertising the nights entertainment. There were other signs, that would , if it was possible have made him smile. He now had the perfect cover, to his real activities. He rolled over to a nearby booth, " I would like to apply for one of the consumer stations at tonights entertainment", he stated.

He was looked up and down by the alien. It was a look of doubt. "What would you be selling", she asked slowly. "Cakes, the most delicious ones in all the galaxy", the robot told her. She looked sceptical at that. He knew he did not look the part of a gourmet chef. Luckily the aline would not care what he looked like. "The stall will cost you 500 credits. We also take 70 percent of all profits. Is that suitable for you", she told him. It sounded like the worst deal ever. But the robot did not bother to barter, just signing the agreement of the terms. He needed this location and would have paid any price. "Can I choose my own site in the stadium", he location would be the key to the success or failure of his plan. Again came a look of robot slipped a credit down into its claw. That seemed to do the trick as the look of doubt turned to a smile. "Usually we just allocate spaces. However I do have final say over who gets which position, so I could be convinced to give you the one you desire",the alien woman held out her hand, ready to receive the payment for this offer.

"I would like to look over the grounds first, to see which positions give me the optimal opportunity for sales", the robot replied. He handed over a little payment for the privilege. This got him through the security and into the stadium. He avoided all the seating ,heading for the large flat ground in the middle. This like other areas, had artificial grass, providing and almost too green vista. Around him people were setting up the stadium for the nights entertainment. Over by the gate ,he noted his tail was having a spirited discussion with the alien woman. Probably he wanted to find out, what he was doing in here. He would receive a totally innocent answer. Never in their wildest dreams would they ever imagine what he was really doing. It was a unique plan. Stop the admiration, he told himself firmly and get on with it. Engaging his sensors he began his scans and calculations.

When they were completed he knew exactly where he needed to be in this large space. This was the easy part. The hard part would involve a theft. That he would not carry out until tonight. With a stadium filled with people, his actions would hopefully not be commented upon.

He rolled back out to the alien woman and paid over some more credits to secure his location. 'I will see you tonight", he told her firmly.

All he had to do now was buy his ingredients. The robot was conscious of the fact he was burning through Doctor Smith's credits. They could not just go on like this. Eventually they would run out of money and then, they would have no hope of achieving anything. Effectively they would all then be doomed.

This plan needed to succeed.

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Judy had been given the easiest task, interviewing the most recent victims of the ailment and comparing their information to what was recorded in the massive book. An elderly man sat before her, impatiently waiting for her to begin. His skin showed some darker mottling, but that was the only visible sign that anything was wrong. Strangely he reminded Judy of her Grandfather. He had a kindly look about him. "What is your name", Judy asked. "Captain Ellis Enders", came the reply. Judy found the name in her book, he had been infected just days ago. She stared at the other information and found her mouth suddenly dry. "That's all you have to ask", the Captain prodded after she had said nothing for several minutes. "I was just looking at your basic information, and realising that you fly to the Planet Morg", Judy remarked. "Yes, that was my route, what of it girl", the Captain enquired. He could hear a stressed quality to this young woman voice that indicated she might have an issue. This was the type of planet where issues, could turn deadly. Still she could not really threaten him with much, if that was her plan, as nothing could be worse than dying slowly.

Finally after a long period of silence when he had to clear his throat loudly, the girl continued. "Well you might know Captain Mortimer, who is the father of Zor. ",Judy asked.

She got a snort of disgust in response. "I do know Zor Mortimer ,he's rather infamous on the shipping route. His father is not a ships Captain though", Ellis told her. Judy frowned, "we met him and he introduced us to Zor." Ellis nodded, not looking overly surprised, "ah so you must be one of Zor's former lovers then",he said. "One of..",Judy spluttered at that information, Zor had told her she was special and unique. Since he'd had given her so much attention, she had believed him. "Yeah, sorry darling, but you were just one of the many, in fact it probably hundreds by now. I bet he told how special you were and how much he loved you", Captain Ellis told her with obvious contempt. "Yes", Judy could barely talk louder than a whisper. She could feel the heat of shame rushing into her face. This Captain must think she was a stupid naive woman.

There was no tone of scorn in Captain Ellis's voice as he gently confirmed ,"he does that a lot. Most likely he paid that Captain to lie to you. It is better for him to seem to be related to someone important. Zor's father wants nothing to do with him, as he all he brings is trouble." "He has left behind many broken hearted lovers. "I am sorry to be so blunt, but it is better to know the truth. He's not out there wringing his hands and desperately wanting you to come back to him" , Captain Enders growled.

Judy nodded at that, she had not expected Zor would be. He was the one responsible for her being here after all. The Captains tone was so kindly and gentle that she continued her story. "I did not think he was waiting for me, as I disappointed him". In fact I would not be here now if I had discouraged him right at the beginning", she felt a hot tear run down her face.

"You found him hard to resist and wanted to please him more than anything", the Captain told her wisely. Judy just nodded. It sounded like this was a familiar story. Why had she not seen Zor for what he was. She had to reflect that perhaps all she had wanted to do was make Don jealous. "I am an idiot", she said firmly.

"Its not your fault girl, Zor can secrete a pheromone, that overstimulates your passion and desire. You could not help falling for him . He'd never be the type that stayed with you. I'd call what he does almost criminal. But nobody has ever taken action against him, the Captain patted her hand as he told her that.

Judy felt relief hit her, she had been feeling like a total fool. "One day he will experience the consequences of his actions", she told the Captain. "I hope so", Captain Enders agreed. "Now we have finished that conversation, let's go on to talking about the ailment . He pulled up his sleeve to show her the skin on his arms. " It was all puckering, like it had lost tone and was sinking in on itself. Judy touched the skin and found it to be overly moist, more like a sponge than skin.

"How'd you get infected ", she asked. That information was in the book, but she wanted as much detail as possible. "Oh I was trying to be nice and give some of our supplies to the people I saw wandering the streets of the city. Unfortunately I touched one of them and now I get to live with them", Captain Ellis told her. He sounded more resigned than angry.

Judy found her eyes drifting to the door and back again several times as the Captain spoke. "You seem distracted girl", he noted. "I was just thinking of our pilot, who is also infected. He's gone to section 3", Judy willingly shared this information with the Captain. "Ah ,so he gets the hardest job then. I've only just glimpsed the beings in there once. It's enough to give you nightmares. Then decide that there is no hope. I really want to believe that I will be cured before I end up in Section 3. It is essentially a morgue filled with still living people", his voice shook as the fear he held in crept out.

Judy could feel her own hands beginning to shake. The Captain noticed, "sorry if I scared you lass. He looked at her face closely studying its expression. "So you have feelings for him as well ", he observed.

"Yes", Judy thought there was no point in denying that. The Captain had heard this type of story many times before and so did not really need to guess to know what was going on here. " So he knows about your fling with Zor, and now you have a problem. Lass your life is complicated".

Judy felt the heat in her face intensify as anger rushed to join the shame. It was the Captain's use of the word 'fling' that had upset her. She rushed to defend herself. "When we first started dating Don was more like Zor. But then after awhile he stopped telling me how much he loved me. Then he took every opportunity to leave my side and go off, just like he has done now." Does that really sound like someone who loves you".

The Captain heard the hurt in her voice. He patted her hand softly. He had heard this story before too and so could speak with another perspective , one he wondered whether she had considered. "The couple you came here with are your parents", he asked. He got a nod. "Then you are not alone young lady. He is. Perhaps it is he who needs you and not the other way around." If you had been together awhile perhaps he felt that your love was secure and he did not have to keep telling you. If he is in section 3 then helping others must be in his nature. Perhaps all he had wanted is for you to join him." Ellis could see a look of realisation beginning to come upon the young woman.

"I have heard this story before from many others. They too are hurt by some slight, that wound is like this one, he touched his arm. It becomes deeper and festers away until their relationship becomes poisoned."They may still care for that person, but they just won't try and settle the problem, because they believe it is all the other persons fault. " The Captain cleared his throat, "you have something those people don't young lady, a deep incentive. I am going to be blunt with you, this place, may be the one where you die. Make peace with your young man, while you still can".

He got up and left then and Judy sat there with tears running down her face.

Maureen noticing her daughters distress came over . "Darling what's the matter", she asked as she enfolded her in her arms. "I need to speak with Don and try and work things out, before...", she left the last word hanging.

Her mother understood that unspoken meaning. She gave Judy a squeeze, 'then goto him", she stated. "We can handle things here". She was not sure that was true, but was not going to tell her daughter that. Judy did not try to argue, just getting up and quickly.

She hurried out of section one , into the light of day. Judy took a moment to stand in the air and breathe it in. Even though it was filled with the fumes of space vehicles and other things ,she still felt like it was the best air she had ever breathed.

After a moment, she moved through the concrete jungle and into the large building, that was section 3. Her heart hammered heavily as she walked into total blackness. The air in here was filed with scents that almost had her gagging. She felt the urge to run back to her parents and keep going. When a hand reached out to grab her she let out a fear filled shriek.

Suddenly she was pulled forward and a familiar voice whispered, "Judy', in her ear.

Don had thought it was Sebunan retuning when he saw a glimpse of light as the door briefly opened and then shut again.

He had wondered why the man did not come straight over and speak to him, so had gone to find out. Once he had heard the shriek he knew immediately who he was touching.

Don did not wait to find out what she was doing here, he just pulled her into his arms. His mind had gone through ever action and inaction, since the moment he had decided they were just friends. Now as he held her , it hardly mattered who had said what. "I am so sorry", Judy, he said the words as he held her against him.

Judy relaxed into his arms. A feeling of being content and comfortable was returning to her. "I am sorry too Don", she said firmly. Don kissed her then, with the full passion of a man who had been starving for awhile.

They came up for air minutes later. "What are you doing here Judy", Don finally asked. "Being with you", Judy said. She could go on an have a lengthy overly complicated discussion, but that would not help this situation.

Don waited for her to start explaining how she felt. Her silence actually puzzled him. When she grabbed him firmly, pulled him close and kissed him soundly back, he decided that perhaps she did not need to say anything, as actions spoke louder than words.

After that kiss ended they just stayed snuggled in each others arms for a long time. Then finally they turned back to the room. Don did not ask her if she was prepared for what she was going to see as they made their way toward the first patient, he just held her hand tightly. He had no plans on running away now. After all he had waited a long time for Judy Robinson, to have the courage to join him in a situation like this.

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Darkness was creeping in on the ugly City. The robot had been busy cooking up 500 cakes of varying sizes and shapes, all ready for his stall. Doctor Smith had spent most of the time caring for the children. It was becoming more obvious that their physical conditions were deteriorating rapidly.

Instead of moaning and complaining Doctor Smith had gone quiet and grim, a sign that he was desperately worried.

"I am leaving now, for the cake stall, the robot told Smith. "Good luck selling cakes, I will see you later", replied. He signed, "Make sure the plan succeeds ". "Thank you, I am sure the evening will go well", the robot replied.

Outside, their were a mass of people all heading for the stadium. The robot found it was slow progress ,as he was constantly jostled about. His cart filled with cakes were secured firmly and the jostling would not damage the merchandise .

When he arrived at the Stadium, he headed for his stall and began to set up the cakes. Around him the other stall holders were busy working on making their stalls more appealing to those who would soon come armed with credits. In the centre of the stadium, the evening final entertainment was being prepared.

The robot had to now go onto the stealing part of his plan. Selecting one of his cakes, he rolled over to one of the aliens . "Good evening, I thought you may like to sample some of my merchandise". You all look hungry".

The aliens ignored him. He had to almost shove the cake in ones face to get a reaction. A little piece of moisture rolled out of the aliens bright orange lips. "Oh that does smell nice, but we are just here to do a job. We do not have credits", it told the robot mournfully. The robot could see the thing he needed to steal right in front of him. Putting the cake down onto a nearby table he slowly moved closer. The alines were now not watching him as every eye was on the cake. Since they each had 10 eyes, that was a lot of staring. These beings must be starving. That worked in his advantage as he could easily carry out his plan. "I would be happy to give a hard working group like you the cake for free. Perhaps if you enjoy the taste you could tell others about my stall". His claw slid out quickly ad latched onto the thing. He quickly secreted it in his apron pocket.

"You would give us that for free, the alien was almost choking, nobody has ever been that generous. Thank you so much, metal thing. If tastes wonderful then we will sing your praises." The alien hurried forward and simply bit into the cake. Soon the others all rushed in , and small pieces of cake started flying everywhere. The robot quickly rolled back toward his stall .

He made sure to place the thing he had stolen in the correct position. Then he got onto the serious business of selling his cakes.

Time passed quickly and as darkness enveloped the arena the address system boomed, "The stalls are now all closed for business. Please take your seats for tonights entertainment.

Since he had sold all of his cakes the robot had not much to pack away. He rolled out of the centre of the stadium, onto the side ready to watch what happened.

"Tonight, we have prepared for you the biggest firework display in the entire galaxy". Be prepared to be awed. Let the countdown begin...", the address system boomed.

The audience began to count down to zero.

On that count , the stadium suddenly lit up with bright flashes as on the ground , several fireworks were let off. They were an amazing array of colours and burned far longer than any the robot had ever seen. "Now turn your head to the sky to glimpse the most powerful sky rockets in all creation".

The robot focused on the position his stall had stood. As the other rockets zoomed upward from around the stadium, the one he had stolen, took off. Trying hard to cross his claws for luck the robot tracked the progress of that rocket.

The others exploded into massive fire bursts of colour. His hit the floating satellite . Within seconds huge explosion lit up the sky and massive sparks came flying downward. The audiences gasps of awe became screams, as pieces of satellitecame raining down toward their heads.

As chaos erupted around him, every light in the stadium suddenly went out. "Come this way", the robot ,lit up its head section and began to escort out the frightened patrons.. This he felt was the least he could do, since what had happened was his fault.

Back in the apartment, Doctor Smith had been having a shower when the water cut off. Then everything had gone dark.

He bumped and crashed into the walls as he tried to find the light with. When touching it ,yielded no response, he knew that the robot had succeeded in his plan.

Grabbing the nearest thing that felt like a towel Doctor Smith used the wall as a guide to find his way toward the room where the children had been held in thrall by the game. As he stumbled closer, he heard "mom, dad, whats going on". Penny's voice was weak and shock slightly. He began to smile. That smile quickly faded, as Will called out, "mom, dad, Judy, where are you?".

He had solved one problem. But still had to deal with the largest one, telling the children the truth about the fate of their parents.