Chapter 3
The Jupiter was gently pulled into a landing bay and the tractor remained in place until a support could be placed under the missing strut. The Robot analyzed the atmosphere of the alien ship and found it to be compatible with their biology. After opening the hatch, they were all surprised at what awaited them there. A tall, bronzed, blond haired, blue-eyed young man, stood before them. He had the body of a human and the demeanor of someone who had just returned from a California beach vacation. He held a small device in his hand and pressed a button.
"Hello. Welcome to the space ship Salvage. How may we be of service to you?"
John introduced himself, his family, as well as Dr. Smith and Don. He gave a short summary of their plight as well as a list of repairs that was needed.
The man introduced himself to each person individually through the translator, which specified that his name was Appolus. Penny giggled and whispered to Judy that they should call him Apollo. Both Judy and Penny blushed when he kissed their hand in greeting. Don felt his blood pressure rise when he noticed that Appolus stared a bit too long into Judy's eyes when he greeted her. Appolus also shook each male's hand, but when he came to Don, he kept his hands behind his back and simply nodded at him. Don wanted to tell him that paralysis wasn't contagious, but he never had the opportunity to open his mouth as 'Apollo' quickly retreated from him.
They were asked if they would like a tour of the Salvage, and John enthusiastically accepted. As they toured the facility, Don and John were quite mesmerized by the technology, which was beyond anything they had seen before. Seeing their interest, Appolus explained that he would be sure to have someone from the technical crew answer their questions for them.
When they had completed the tour of the lower levels, Appolus explained to John that Don would not have access to the upper decks of the ship, since they were unable to accommodate "the chair with wheels". He suggested that Don return to the Jupiter while he took the group above. Judy protested, but Don was more than happy to escape the condescending attitude of the 'golden boy'. It really wasn't long until they all returned, chattering amongst themselves about how wonderful the tour had been.
Don had kept himself busy while they were away, but he couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was wrong. He tried to dismiss it as simply feeling left out. He asked, "So, what did I miss?"
Dr. Smith was entranced and gave him a listing of all the exotic foods he had seen on the top deck. Judy was enthusiastic about the beautiful gardens and Penny described the music she had heard being piped over the loudspeakers, saying that it was much like a mall. Maureen and John were impressed by the orderliness and politeness of everyone. Only Will seemed reticent, and Don asked him about his impressions.
Will was reluctant to respond, since everyone else had been so impressed. "Well, it is like a mall, but it's too perfect, if you ask me. There weren't any women around either. It's like only men run the ship."
John intervened. "Well, Will, there are some societies where women are not expected to perform men's work. Maybe the women are on the planet awaiting their men's return."
Don asked, "Don't you think it's strange that a society so advanced technologically, has no, what we would call, handicapped facilities?"
"Maybe their medical science is so advanced, they don't need handicapped facilities?"
Judy crouched next to him and added, "Don, maybe they have a cure for paralysis?"
"I don't think so, Judy. When he introduced himself to me, he wouldn't even offer his hand, let alone look me in the eye. There's something wrong with that."
"I think you're being too sensitive. I'm going to ask about their medical facilities. I don't think we can pass this opportunity up. By the way, he has invited us all to what sounds like a banquet with food, music and dancing. He said that he'll introduce us to the commanders of the different departments on the ship, so that will be a good place for us to make inquiries about their medicine."
Don was doubtful that anything would come of her inquiries, but he didn't want to squelch her enthusiasm. She radiated with energy and happiness, and he wondered if attention from the 'California surfer dude' was causing part of that happiness. He wanted her to be happy. And she was.
There was a heightened sense of energy in the Jupiter that evening as they prepared for the festivities. Judy looked especially lovely as she left her room to join her parents. She was dressed in a shimmering blue tea length dress that perfectly complimented her eyes. Don gave a low whistle as she entered the room.
"Like it?" she asked as she spun around like a model on a runway.
"Mmm hmm..." he hummed as he nodded.
"Appolus sent these clothes down for us."
Don scowled.
"You're not going dressed like that, are you?" Judy asked.
"I'm not going."
"Why not?"
"Don't you remember 'Golden Boy' telling John that there are no handicapped facilities here?"
"Don't call him that, Don. His name is Appolus."
He rolled his eyes. "How about if I just call him 'The Surfer Dude'?"
Judy's eyes twinkled. "You're jealous!"
"I am not!"
"Yes you are! And you are so cute when you're jealous." She started tickling him.
"Stop!"
She giggled and tickled him even more, but he pulled her hands away and maneuvered her onto his lap. Appolus entered the hatch and stopped abruptly, stunned at the sight before him, but he recovered quickly.
"Good evening, Miss Judy and Robinson Family," he greeted.
"You can speak English!" Penny exclaimed.
"It was quite an easy language to master. Languages are, how would you say, my forte? Are you all ready for the festivities?"
Judy came off Don's lap and said, "I just want Don to change, but that will only take a minute."
"Miss Judy, I explained to your father that we do not have appropriate facilities for someone of Major East's..."
"That's West!" Don interrupted.
"I beg your pardon?"
"The name is Major West, and I would appreciate it if you would talk with me directly. My legs might not work, but my brain is just fine."
"Yes, well, I'm sorry, but you cannot accompany us."
Judy stood her ground. "If Don can't go, then I'm not either."
"Surely, Miss Judy, one evening away from Major... West... will not cause you harm. Our commanders would be gravely wounded if you do not greet them. I will see what can be done to accommodate him for future festivities, but I'm afraid that nothing can be done for tonight."
Don encouraged Judy. "Go ahead, Judy. I'll be fine. Dinner and dancing? You can't pass that up."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
She leaned down and gave him a quick kiss. Then Appolus took Penny on one arm and Judy on the other and lead them out of the Jupiter.
As Don watched them leave, he asked, "What do you make of him, Robot?"
"My sensors do not detect any hostility from the alien, however, Major West, you are correct in being cautious. The heart rate of Mr. Appolus increased approximately 2.5 beats per minute when he was near Judy Robinson."
"What about Judy's heart rate?"
"I did not sense an increase in Judy Robinson's heart rate, however, her body temperature rose .78 degrees. Penny Robinson's heart rate increased 4.6 beats per minute when she was touched by the alien."
"Hmmm... Thanks for the information."
"Major West?"
"Yes?"
"Judy Robinson's heart rate increases 2.8 beats per minute and her temperature rises .83 degrees when she is near you. Your heart rate increases 2.4 beats and your body temperature, Major West, rises .97 degrees."
"Well, I wish I could get something else to rise along with that."
