Lost Celebrations

Chapter 1

Celebrations had become the markers for the passage of time, as Earth calendars really had no meaning deep in space. Birthdays held prominent significance as they marked yet another year lost in their lives. It was because of this that Maureen and John had decided to make birthdays an all day event. The celebrant was not only allowed to sleep in and have his or her favorite foods, but also wish for anything within the power of the crew to grant. The quietest celebrations were those of John and Maureen whose only desire was to spend the day alone with each other. The children's celebrations were the most fun, because they involved the entire crew in a day of games and activities. Dr. Smith's were the most difficult, as everyone, especially Major West, was at his beck and call. Major West, in retaliation, would spend his birthday supervising Dr. Smith in a day of menial labor.

The upcoming celebration was of particular significance as it would be Judy's 21st birthday, Earth's standard for the passage into adulthood. She had become close to Major West, who returned her affections, yet held back due to the fact that, not only were her parents constantly present, but she was inexperienced and innocent in the ways of love. They didn't have much choice regarding other options, however, and her parents worried that the only reason they were together was because there was, literally, no one else around.

And so it was that the night before her celebration, Professor and Mrs. Robinson thought it was time, actually past time, for a discussion with their daughter. It was agreed that Maureen would approach Judy while John shut the ship down for the night. She encountered Judy preparing for bed and invited her into her room for a mother-daughter talk.

"Judy, since you've asked to spend the day alone with Don tomorrow, I thought we should have a talk."

Judy cast her eyes down. "Oh, Mom, you really don't have to. You did the birds and the bees talk with me years ago. Trust me, I won't get pregnant."

Maureen blushed and clarified. "No, Judy, that's not exactly what I wanted to talk with you about. I know you and Don are close, but your father and I are concerned that the only reason is because you have no one else to compare him to."

She looked up at her mother in surprise. This was not the topic she was expecting. "Yes, I do, Mom. I have Dad." Her eyes lit up as she continued. "He's a lot like Dad, you know. Courageous, protective, intelligent, resourceful. He also knows how to relax and have fun. In fact, when Dad's not around, he's almost a different person. He follows Dad's lead, and I think Dad sometimes needs to loosen up a bit."

Maureen chuckled at this. "That's why we like to get away as often as we can. Birthdays and our anniversary are the only times when your father stops being our leader and becomes my fully attentive husband. This leads me to a question. What do you plan on doing with Don tomorrow?"

"Well I'd like to go for a hike and have a picnic. Other than our evening walks, we really don't get much time alone."

Maureen covered Judy's hand and gave it a pat. "I know it's hard for you Judy, since you really can't have a normal relationship here. What else do you plan on doing?"

"Oh, you know, walking, talking, and looking into each other's eyes and things."

"Judy, do you think you're ready for all of that?"

Now this was the discussion she was expecting. She pulled her hand away. "Mom, what do you mean, am I ready?"

Maureen exhaled a calming breath. "I'm going to ask you a question that you don't have to answer, but I want you to be sure you're doing what is right for you." She took another calming breath and continued. "Judy, have you and Don talked about... well... have you decided to... lose your... or, ah, how do they say it these days... go all the way?"

Even though she was expecting it, Judy blushed at the question. "You're right, Mom, I'm not sure I want to answer that. Don't worry. I promise I'll be careful."

"I just don't want you to get hurt. If this relationship doesn't go where I suspect you want it to, you will never be able to get away from it. I just hope that, once you decide to... ah… well… let's just say that… I want you to be sure… it's what you both want and that you're committed to each other."

Judy gave her mother a hug and murmured, "I love you, Mom."


John was locking the ship down for the night and found Major West sitting in his pilot seat, staring out at... nothing.

"Don?"

Startled, Don jumped in his seat and turned abruptly. "John! I didn't hear you come in."

After closing the hatch, John walked over to the console and engaged the force field. He sat across from Don and asked, "Are you okay?"

Don nodded and looked down at his hands. "Yeah, I'm just thinking about tomorrow."

John's eyes widened in acknowledgement. "Now that you mention it, I was hoping to talk with you about that. Exactly what do you and Judy plan on doing tomorrow?"

He looked up at John and stammered, "Well, uh, it's really up to Judy, but I think she might want... well, let's just say that we've been talking about..." He studied his hands again, "Damn, this is really hard to say."

Bracing himself against his possible reply, John encouraged, "Just say it, Don."

"Sir, I, um, I love Judy and I know she has feelings for me. I also know that she's still young and hasn't had many, ah, experiences, but, uh... We've reached the point in our relationship where we... are ready to... take the next step."

He would have laughed at Don's nervousness if his daughter wasn't the object of their conversation. "And what step would that be, Major?"

Don wasn't sure what was going to come out of his mouth, but he blurted out, "Sir, I'd like to ask your permission to marry your daughter."

Professor Robinson was speechless for a moment. He wasn't exactly expecting this, but breathed a sigh of relief that Don was ready to commit to her. He extended his hand and stated, "Don, I would be honored to have you as a son-in-law."

Don accepted his handshake and gave him a broad grin. "Thank you, Sir. I just... well, given our situation... it might be a very long time before we can actually have some kind of legal ceremony."

John chuckled, "So we'll make our own ceremony. Are you planning on asking Judy tomorrow?"

He took a homemade ring out of his pocket and held it out for John to see. "This was going to be part of Judy's birthday gift tomorrow. It's one of the gems I found in a cave near here, and I did my best to make a ring out of what we had laying around."

John took the ring and held it up to the light. It glistened with an iridescent blue glow that reminded him of Judy's eyes. "She'll love it even more than anything you could have bought in a store."

Don took the ring back and murmured, "I'm hoping she will. There is one thing I'd like to ask you, though. What do I do if she says 'No', but still wants to... further our relationship?"

John cringed at that thought. "I guess I'll have to trust the two of you to make a decision that's right for her. I would just worry about both of you if things didn't work out the way you hope they will. You know, you're stuck with each other up here, and I hope that's not the only reason you're together."

Don confidently met John's eyes. "Professor, I've had my eye on Judy ever since I first met her. I've had enough relationships to know that she's 'the one', and I'll be able to handle whatever she wants. I just want her to be happy."

"That's all I need to hear."

"Thank you, Sir."

"And, Don?"

"Yes, Sir?"

"Don't call me 'Sir'."

"Yes, Sir. And thanks again, Sss… John."