Last week as you recall, it was April Fool's day! This week, on Lost in Space, it's still April Fool's Day! Even though in some places the story is actually published on April 2nd! But anyway, there was an explosion…
When the space smoke cleared, galactic fireworks spelled out APRIL FOOLS! And suddenly, the planet's surface changed, until it no longer looked like Earth, but a different, barren wasteland. For once, Doctor Smith was relieved that the place wasn't actually Earth- he preferred to be alive and lost than back on Earth and killed instantly. But who was responsible for this deception? It wasn't a very funny joke…
The face on the viewscreen changed, to show three pulsating aliens in a cave with massive heads. They spoke telepathically, sounding very much like a high pitched version of a certain thief from outer space. "April Fools! Welcome to Talos 4! We scanned your minds and created this illusion based around a concept from your culture, 'April Fool's Day'."
"Well, it wasn't very funny!" said Will. "Yeah!" said Penny. "April Fool's day is supposed to be for fun! You tried to trick us, that was just cruel!" Maureen looked on proudly "Indeed!" said Smith. "Begone, foul aliens! I saw right through your pitiful little trick!"
"Would you care to visit our space zoo?" Wondered the alien magistrate. "We would be very interested in hearing more about your customs, Earth family."
"Sure, another time, maybe." Said John, "Yeah sure, on Halloween…" said Don, activating the warp-rocket-hyperdrive and speeding quickly away from the false Earth.
"We never have luck appealing to the family market, Magistrate" sighed one of the Talosian alien, returning to their hibernation deep underground. "We are far too cerebral for their strange customs and concepts. We could always breed our own, superior family? If we could capture specimens, that is."
"Well, the other Keeper warned us about this family." Thought the Talosian Magistrate sadly.
Back on the Jupiter 2, Doctor Smith felt a tinge of regret about still being lost, but he also had the satisfaction of being right
"I knew all along that this was too good to be true. There's only one Earth in all the universe, galaxy, solar system, whatever." Said Smith. "And at least none of you were responsible for this simulation. You were all fooled, but I've been fooled far too many times in the past! I knew it this time!"
"You're right, Doctor Smith." Said Will. "And we're real sorry about trying to trick you." Said Penny.
"Well, now you know how it feels to be deceived!" Said Smith. Everyone couldn't help but laugh, Smith had tried to trick them (and succeeded) more times than anyone! The Doctor retired to his quarters, where he screamed when he saw Don's little surprise. But Don was busy, talking to the Robot.
"There's just one thing I don't understand, Robot." Said Don. "Why did you tell us that planet was really Earth? It obviously wasn't, I'm sure your sensors could pick that up."
"I was attempting an April Fool's Joke of my own! HAHAHA"
"Yeah, that wasn't very funny Robot." Said Will.
"Not funny? That Does Not Compute!"
"I think the Robot's humor computer needs a tune up!" said John, making light of a potentially dangerous situation. Everyone laughed again, even though this wasn't very funny either. The Jupiter 2 continued on into space, towards new encounters and experiences which would probably be more serious than the "humorous" aliens they had just met…