Smith stood admiring himself in a full-length mirror. It had been some time since he'd worn something other than the black uniform Mrs. Robinson had made for him. The navy-colored three-piece suit fit perfectly, as if it was custom made for his frame, which he supposed it was, since Zach was an exact physical copy of him. He fussed with the light blue ascot a bit until he was satisfied, then straightened the matching handkerchief in the breast pocket. While he admitted he liked the look, he felt a bit stifled and wanted nothing more than to slip into something comfortable and relax.
Upon first opening Zach's immense closet, Smith had gravitated toward the more casual garments. He had picked out a white polo and burgundy cardigan, when Zach reminded him he was greeting guests. "Royal protocol," Zach had said. "The King always dresses up for guests."
"And just who came up with this 'royal protocol'?" Smith questioned. "You're the king."
Across the room, Zach smirked as he pulled Smith's freshly laundered tunic over his head. "No, you're the king. And you must abide by royal protocol… which I, as king, established." Zach poked his head back into the closet and returned to Smith with a shorter version of the royal mantle, which extended down only to mid-thigh. "Your royal robe, your highness," he said as he secured the garment around Smith's neck. The doctor shrugged his shoulders, attempting to get used to the weight.
"Well, I think this king," Smith hitched the thumb of his right hand at his chest, "is going to make a few changes around here."
"You do what you think is best, Zachary, but remember, you're me now. Everyone must continue to think you are me, or else we'll both be in deep trouble."
Smith sighed. He knew that was his twin's subtle way of telling him not to rock the boat.
"Wait," Smith uttered suddenly. "Aren't you supposed to give a tour of the palace to the Robinsons?"
"Yes, I believe that was the plan."
"But," Smith lifted his right arm and slid the jacket sleeve down with his left hand, "I wear the shackle. That means…"
"…you'll be giving the tour," Zach finished. "What better way to test if our ruse will work?"
Smith shook his head. "No, no, no. I don't know enough yet…"
"Relax, Zachary," his twin calmed. "Everything you need to know is at your fingertips, or rather, on your wrist." He pointed to Smith's shackle. "And besides, Locus will be accompanying us as well. She can take over for you if you falter."
"Come. I'm sure the others are waiting for us," Zach beckoned him to the door where Locus was waiting.
Smith took a deep breath, "Show time, Zachary."
"After you, Zach," Smith's twin swept his arm toward the door.
Smith led the way down the hall, Locus and Zach following close behind.
"The Robinsons are waiting for you in the courtyard, your highness," Locus commented.
"Thank you, my dear," Smith responded. He glanced at Locus and saw her subtly direct him toward the courtyard. The doctor picked up his pace with confidence in his step now that he knew where he was going.
Wide eyes greeted him as he entered the courtyard.
"What are you doing in that get-up, Smith?" Major West spat.
"Smith? Guess again, Major," Smith stated as Zach stepped forward from behind his twin.
"If that's Doctor Smith, you must be… Daddy Zach?!" Will deduced.
"Yes, my dear boy. It's me, Daddy Zach." Smith held his arms out, "Welcome to Andronica!"
Will, Penny, and Judy ran over to greet the man they thought was their old friend Daddy Zach. The real Zach felt a twinge of jealousy as Smith received the attention meant for him.
"That explains why they seemed to know Smith and gave him preferential treatment," the Major deduced.
"They thought he was Daddy Zach," the Professor added.
"King Zachary the First," Smith corrected. Zach coughed at the formality. "But you may call me 'Zach'," Smith amended.
"You all must be famished after your voyage. We have prepared a banquet in your honor." Locus swept her arm in the direction of the banquet hall. "Right this way," Smith declared. With a flourish of his royal robe, Smith turned and led the party down the corridor to the banquet hall.
The looks that passed between the Major and the Professor said "oh, he's a Smith alright." They chuckled and fell in behind King Zachary the First.
Zach quickly caught up to Smith but stayed a few steps behind. Will accompanied him. "Real food, William!" Zach gushed as he folded his hands together. "A gourmet repast worthy of my refined taste buds! I cannot wait!"
Though they couldn't see it, ahead of them, Smith grinned. Zach was giving voice to his very thoughts. He'd had to subsist on reconstituted, overly processed, sometimes hardly recognizable mush for so long that he was salivating at the thought of real food. Oh, Mrs. Robinson did a good job of making what they had palatable, but what he wouldn't give for some real juicy meat.
When they entered the banquet hall, Smith's jaw dropped. It took all his will power not to launch himself at the table and start sampling everything within reach. Seeing that look, Zach's hand on his shoulder provided an extra bit of restraint.
"Well, your highness, I have to say I am a bit envious of you, getting to dine in such a fashion every night. How ever do you keep your fine physique?" Zach queried.
Smith stifled a laugh as the others took their places around the table, eyes wide in anticipation of the meal. "It's not easy, Zachary," he replied. "Please, everyone, have a seat and enjoy."
Smith sat at the head of the table, in the ornate chair which was clearly reserved for the king. Servants immediately came to his side, ready to bring him whatever he desired. The royal taster waved a scanning wand over the king's meal and wine, then nodded to his majesty when no tampering was detected. Smith thanked him and dismissed him. Meanwhile, Zach did his best to convince the others that he was their Doctor Smith.
"Eat, my friends. Enjoy!" Smith urged.
Will and Penny, wide eyed at the variety of foods on the table, eagerly passed dishes between themselves and Zach, who wasted no time shoveling a forkful of each dish into his mouth as it came to him. John and Maureen smiled at the sight before filling their own plates. Don and Judy, who were tucked away in the corner farthest from Smith, made their selections together, occasionally feeding each other forkfuls as they sampled the cuisine.
The doctor did his best to restrain himself, but a smile adorned his face all throughout the feast. He relished every bite, every sip. His heart was full, seeing the family so happy and enjoying the sumptuous meal together. He felt as if he'd finally arrived home. The struggles of the past several years were just memories and they could now enjoy the comforts and conveniences of civilization once more.
His appetite finally satiated, Smith leaned back in his chair, his left hand resting lightly on his very full stomach. Professor Robinson wiped his mouth with his napkin and set it on the table. "Well, Zach, that was one of the finest meals I've ever eaten." He turned to Maureen, "No offense, darling."
Maureen laughed, "None taken. I'd have to agree with you."
"It was fantastic," Major West added.
The others added superlatives like "amazing", "incredible", and "marvelous".
"Thank you, Zach," the Professor said, "for sharing this wonderful meal with us."
"It was my pleasure, Professor Robinson," Smith replied. "Now, if all of you would like a tour of the palace, it would also be my pleasure to show you around."
"That sounds great!" Will exclaimed.
"I sure would," Penny added.
Smith rose from his chair and declared, "Let the tour begin! Follow me." He turned with a flourish of his royal mantle. Always one for ostentatious displays, he was really beginning to enjoy wearing that robe. Locus immediately joined Smith's side, whispering directions in a voice low enough the others couldn't hear.
Locus guided the doctor, feeding him tidbits here and there, while Smith called on his natural ability to embellish and improvise. The Robinsons and Major West were none the wiser and gaped in awe at the sheer size and majesty of the royal palace, not to mention the advanced technology that had been integrated into every room. Each room monitored the comfort level of each occupant, adjusting the temperature automatically to optimum levels in the zone around them. Everything a guest could want was a phrase or button push away. The spacious rooms seemed even more immense after spending several years in the cramped confines of the Jupiter 2. Gold and platinum finishes and ornate carvings everywhere added even more to the luxury.
"And here we end our tour, in the Royal Botanical Garden," Smith declared as he spread his arms wide.
Locus briefly described the various flora and fauna that lived there while the doctor breathed deeply of the floral scents surrounding him. She mentioned that all fruits and vegetables in the garden and food available for guests was safe for consumption by humans. When she finished, Smith announced, "Feel free to make use of any of the amenities here that you desire. They are at your disposal."
"I want to try out the holo-arcade!" Will exclaimed.
"I'm looking forward to the pool!" Penny added.
"It's been a while since I've played billiards. Are you up for a game, Don?" John asked.
"You bet!" came Don's response.
"Judy, would you like to take a walk with me in the gardens?" Maureen asked.
"I'd love to, mom. And then later… the spa!" She linked her arm with her mother's as they began walking through the maze of flowering plants and fruit-bearing trees.
Before Will left, he paused for a second, "And what are you going to do, Doctor Smith?"
"Oh," Zach began, "I think I may spend some time in the garden with your mother and sister." He sighed. "It reminds me so much of home." Even though he'd never really physically been to Earth, he had Smith's memories and it did, indeed, feel like home.
"Ok, but you'd better play a game of chess with me while we're here," Will pointed to the corner of the gardens where a large chess board with life-sized pieces stood.
"But of course!" Zach agreed. "Until then," he gave a casual salute and wandered over to his brother.
"Well done, Zachary," Zach whispered.
"Thank you," Smith whispered back. "This may work after all."
"Don't get too used to that mantle," Zach said.
Smith grinned in response, "I'll try not to."