Chapter 9
The mining of deutronium was taking longer than expected, due to the numerous Earthquakes that had plagued this planet since their landing. None had been as severe as the first one that had claimed Don's ambulatory abilities, but the sheer number of them had John worried about the stability of the planet. His family did not appear to share his concerns, however, as they had come to expect the tremors as part of the planetary environment, much like the citizens of California did on Earth. Since he had no idea how long it would be until they would find another source of the fuel, he opted to continue the mining until the Jupiter's storage containers were filled to the brim. He did not express his concerns to the rest of them, even Maureen, but his fears increased exponentially since each quake was a setback in the operations.
Three months had passed and Don's rehabilitation was going well. He had not developed the chronic pain or sensory oddities that often accompanied paraplegia. Once he became mobile with the wheelchair built by the children, he and Will devised mechanical systems that allowed him to be independent throughout the ship. His ability to maneuver the wheelchair on the rocky terrain of the planet, however, was another matter, and so he was relegated to the Jupiter and its encampment.
The family had enjoyed a quiet breakfast together and then had seen John and Maureen off in the Chariot for a short overnight vacation to celebrate their anniversary. Don was off doing his exercises and Judy had cleared the breakfast area. She had started writing a journal shortly after her 21st birthday. She had been flooded by so many emotions and painful realities at the time that speaking with her parents and Don was not enough. She found writing to be a soothing outlet for the private thoughts that sometimes plagued her, thoughts that she was not comfortable sharing with anyone but herself.
The rest of the crew were scattered about the ship following their individual pursuits, and Judy happily settled herself at the table for some journal writing time. She reread several entries before opening to a fresh page.
February 28, 1999
I'm sitting here, afraid, afraid that I might lose him. I watch his chest to be sure it's still moving. I hold his hand and wipe his brow, but I don't think he even knows I'm here. Sometimes he mumbles something incoherent and his eyes open, and he looks so scared. The only thing I can do is caress his face and whisper that I love him, and then his eyes close again.
I can't believe that it was only two days ago that we were lying together on the cliff… only two days ago that he asked me to marry him… only two days ago that we started to make love. And then the quake hit. That moment was stolen from us, and our lives might be changed forever.
Oh, God, please let him be all right. I want to grow old with him. I want to have his children. I'll even give that up if I can just have him back. Please, just don't let me lose him.
March 2, 1999
He doesn't want me near him. He can't stand to look at me. I can feel it. He asked me to leave him alone at a time when I should be with him. We're engaged, for God's sake! He's supposed to want me there to comfort him. Why is he pushing me away? Doesn't he believe that I really love him? Can't he see that I love him just as much now as I did before it all happened? Doesn't he realize that I still want to marry him?
March 3, 1999
Finally, he let me in. We sat and cried together tonight. It was what we both needed. I was so tired of being stalwart and strong. He was wound so tightly trying to keep his grief inside of him. The emotional release was like a dam breaking. I just wanted to hold him and comfort him and cry with him… and he let me. And that's what comforted me too.
May 28, 1999
Don called me down to the exercise room today. He was so excited! He's regained some feeling in his left thigh. He had me feel it and he moaned in pleasure when I touched him. We both laughed and I threw myself at him. It's been so long since we kissed like that. I was ready to get up and lock the door when Dr. Smith interrupted and said that break time was over. Don gave me that boyish grin that just makes me melt and told me that he was going to work really hard at getting that feeling in his thigh to travel up, rather than down. He said he had a promise to keep, and he thought that he just might be able to keep it after all.
It wasn't so painful for her to reread those entries now. Since Don was finally seeing some real progress with his rehabilitation, he finally had some hope, and that encouraged Judy as well. She wrote her next entry.
June 10, 1999
Mom and Dad went on their annual overnight trip to celebrate their 22nd anniversary. I don't know how they've done it, but they are still so in love with each other. I want that too. I know Don and I could have that, but he's still holding back. We hardly spend time together anymore. If he's not exercising, he's adapting something to fit him. This all sounds so selfish, but I really miss him.
Yesterday, I suggested that we sleep together tonight, since Mom and Dad wouldn't be here, and he practically ran away from me. When I asked why, he said that it wouldn't be a good example for Penny and Will. Can you believe that! I know that was just an excuse. Maybe I should sneak into his room tonight anyway and just lie down next to him. What can he do?
"Ten more minutes," Dr. Smith announced as Don pedaled hard, the sweat dripping down his chest.
"You said that ten minutes ago," Don complained. "Are you sure you pushed the button on that timer?"
"Now, Major, let's not throw in the towel just yet."
"C'mon, Zach! I'm runnin' out of steam here."
"Oh, all right, but you must make the time up tomorrow." Dr. Smith tossed him a towel.
Don wiped his brow muttering, "Slave driver," under his breath.
Smith brought the wheelchair over and admonished him. "I heard that, Major! Someday you will thank me."
"Well, today is not that day."
"Humph." As Dr. Smith helped Don into the chair, he added, "Remember me when you and the fair Judith are carrying your young offspring in your arms."
Don placed the towel around his neck and didn't reply.
Dr. Smith noticed his troubled expression. "Major? Are you all right?"
He glanced at his trainor and said, "Judy wants me to sleep with her tonight."
"While the cats are away…"
"She wants to play."
"And that troubles you? I thought that you would be ecstatic at the opportunity."
Don stared at Smith. "Come on, Zach, look at me."
"I see that your arms and hands function quite well. Now your mouth is quite another matter. Zach indeed!"
"Well, Zachery," he emphasized, "maybe she'll be fine, but I'll be lying there thinking about what I can't give her."
"As I see it, you can either run away or embrace the opportunity you've been given. I am reminded of an old movie, Rocky. The protagonist was placed in an impossible situation… Impossible in that he had no chance of winning…"
"And he overcame all odds to become 'Heavy Weight Champion of the World.' Yeah, I saw that one, but this isn't a movie."
"No, it is real life, but it is your real life and you must accept it."
"Yeah, well, that's easier said than done." Don turned away and headed for the shower.
Dr. Smith held himself back from calling after him. Although his heart went out to the major, he knew that offering him sympathy would reinforce Don's defeated attitude, and that was the last thing he wanted to do.
Judy was becoming quite the cook since traveling in space. She was even more creative than her mother in combining the unusual foods they found in their travels. Dr. Smith, in particular, appreciated her culinary skills.
"My dear Judith, you have outdone yourself, yet again! I dare say, was I but twenty-five years younger, I would be a rival of Major West for your affections." He took her hand and glanced at Don with a twinkle in his eye, before returning his attention to Judy. "Should you ever decide that you prefer the company of a mature, cultured, appreciative male companion, I will be immediately at your service."
Four months ago, Don would have been at Smith's throat after hearing that comment. Their relationship had changed, however, since he had become Don's coach through his rehabilitation, for which Don was grateful.
"Now, Smith, are you trying to steal my lady?"
"Right out from under your nose, my good Major. I heartily suggest that you keep your eyes and ears open. A woman of such beauty and culinary talents will not be available forever."
Staring at his intended, he replied, "I hear you," and he lead Judy outside for some fresh air.
As usual, the night was clear and warm, and the stars were like a blanket of glittering gems over their heads. Since there was no moon, only the Jupiter gave them enough light to make their way into the clearing. Don took Judy's hand and brought her around in front of him, inviting her to sit on what he thought of as the "good side" of his lap. They held each other in silence as they gazed at the heavens, content just to be in each other's arms.
"I wonder how Mom and Dad are doing?" Judy wondered.
Don smirked, "Well, if they're doing what I think they're doing, they're just fine."
"Don, these are my parents we're talking about! But I'm sure you're right. I don't know how they've kept it up for twenty-two years."
"Hey, they love each other, so that makes it easy."
"We love each other. Will we have what they have?"
The comment made Don uncomfortable. He glanced away from her face and replied, "That's just what I want you to have, Judy." Capturing her eyes again, he continued. "I want you to have everything, and I mean everything, that they've shared."
"All I want is you," she whispered.
"And I want you to have all of me."
"All I need is your heart."
"You have that."
"Then show me."
Putting his hand behind her head, he drew her lips to his. Her mouth was hungry for his taste, and she wriggled in his embrace. Her body ached to have him touch her as intimately as he could. He was entranced and found his hand wandering across her breasts, feeling their firm fullness through her clothing. He decided then and there to shut his mind off to the silent warnings that whispered in his head. He wouldn't listen to them. Not tonight.
He placed his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. "Okay, you win. Let's go inside. I'll give you a ride."
She giggled. "Oh, I hope so."
He turned the chair and proceeded up the ramp, but before they made it up to the top, rumblings started beneath the ground and the planet shook violently once again. The tremors were strong enough to throw Don's chair off the ramp, and both he and Judy found themselves lying in a heap beside the ship.
Judy turned over to face him and moaned, "Not again. What is it with us?"
"Maybe we're so hot we just make the earth move?"
Dr. Smith appeared at the top of the ramp, and admonished, "Or maybe it is God sending you a message. Major, what have I told you over and over again? Women weaken legs."
Judy scrambled out from underneath Don and argued, "Come on, Dr. Smith. That was only true in movies that were made before I was born."
"Quite the contrary, my dear. It is a well-known fact in the sports arena."
Don looked at the two of them incredulously. "Uh, a little help here?"
As they righted the wheelchair and put Don back into it, he couldn't resist telling Dr. Smith his own take on the matter. "Actually, if I remember my old movies correctly, Rocky Balboa actually gave in to the girl before he won the fight."
"Humph… That was just a movie. Remember that I am your trainer. And to me you should listen."
"Right, Zach. I'll remember that. How about you come with me to check on the mining equipment?"
Penny appeared at the top of the ramp and called Judy. "Mom is on the transceiver. She wants to be sure we're all okay. Can you talk to her?"
"Sure."
As Don and Smith ventured off to the mining sight behind the ship, Judy ran to the receiver.
"Mom? Are you and Dad okay?"
"We're fine. Your father is checking the Chariot for damage, but we were in a clearing, and nothing hit us. How about there?"
"Oh, nothing more than a few cuts and bruises. We haven't had a chance to check the ship yet."
"Since they'll be aftershocks, we thought it might be safer for us to stay put until daylight. We don't want to get caught in anything on our way back. Make sure Don checks on the mining equipment."
"Already being taken care of, Mom. Anything else?"
"I guess not. Make sure you are all safe overnight. We'll call you when we set out tomorrow. Tell everyone we love them."
"I will. We love you too, Mom."
Judy sighed. 'Well, there goes our night.' And she set off to see what damage was done inside the ship.
