The booth door opened before KaraQ.
It was odd leaning out of the booth with hands on the support railing to find themselves alone.
No one was there to serve as the next meal.
And KaraQ was starving.
There is food in the ship, KaraQ recalled.
KaraQ jumped out of the booth then ran through the desert scenery. KaraQ stopped briefly in their tracks, observing for familiar surroundings, searching through for the mountain area that they had been last. Loud, fierce growling came from their stomach. KaraQ made it to the mountain area finding imprints of what seemed to be coins that there were no longer around. KaraQ ran up the familiar path that they had gone earlier with flashes of memory from the last run down the path.
KaraQ traveled away from where they had first seen the Robinsons children initially.
Flashes of memories were flickering on and off wherever they looked around the scenery.
KaraQ was unnerved feeling as though they were being watched.
A trail of KaraQ's blood remained on the rocky terrain including a streak of gold.
There was no one from behind. Another loud growl escape from the blonde werewolf. They made their way through the scenery only coming down to a stop at the sound of a space ostrich then bolted after it. KaraQ's lower claws caught on to the fleeing small figure and bit into its neck. The space ostrich became limp then slowly fell down to the ground losing a struggle. KaraQ looked on spotting the group of ostriches fleeing into the distance then lowered their gaze down onto the creature and began to feast.
Once finished, KaraQ walked off from the skeleton coated in feathers resuming the trek to their spacecraft. They were losing time. They had spent three hours feasting on the bird cleaning off the bone, muscle, and discerning the feathers from the edible parts of the body. It could be undone. KaraQ was sure of it. Tiredness was going to settle into their bones in a few hours and it was going to be difficult to stick around in the daytime. They hadn't even made a den for themselves. It was a unnecessary task since they had a home to help them out of this purgatory.
KaraQ entered the area of rocks that were sharp and pointy structured similar to their spacecraft. A perfect place to rest their ship. KaraQ had a run going through the maze of rock structures passing by them that ranged in height and width. KaraQ came to a stop in front of the door to their spaceship. The door slowly opened with a smooth sound. Just the way that KaraQ had liked from a automatic door. Suddenly, a force net fell over KaraQ sending them falling back being repeatedly shocked each time they moved their claws so they cried out in pain until they lost consciousness becoming still.
"Sachun, wake up!" came the high pitched voice.
Sachun got up from the protective camping gear.
"What is it, Karbarough?" Sachun asked.
"The Robot has directed a stranger to us," Karbarough said.
"The Robinsons," Sachun said, with a snarl.
"Ah, no, not so much," Karbarough said.
"Then who is the stranger?" Sachun asked.
"Intergalactic law enforcement officer," Karbarough said. "Claims to be here to help us."
"I will get to them," Sachun said, getting up to their feet.
Sachun walked over the resting members of the survivors until making it to the entrance of the tent. Officer Bolix had his arms folded waiting impatiently. Sachun looked over observing the officers who reminded him of a picture of their great-great-great grandfather Murt De'De'De of the He'He'He clan from behind Bolix's shoulders who had their hands linked behind their backs formal and uptight contrasting against the officer beside them who had hands to their side. Sachun turned her attention on to Bolix. Bolix's silver hat stood out more than the plain, mundane uniform with a golden medallion around his neck that had a standing saber tooth cat with two tails standing out of the pitch black center.
"Officer," Sachun said.
"Officer Bolix," Bolix said.
"Officer Bolix, I am Margregery Sachun," Sachun said. "Leader of this group,"
"And the designated leader of the other eight out there," Bolix said. "We like to help your friends."
"Officer Bolix, you expect me to believe that?" Sachun asked, skeptically.
"Uh huh," Bolix said
"That you will help us?" Sachun asked.
"We will," Bolix said.
"And get us home?" Sachun said.
"That depends if you are part of the intergalactic federation of planets," Bolix said.
"Not yet," Sachun said, their eyes gazing toward their ancestor and back toward Bolix.
"We can't help those who haven't joined. Rules are rules," Bolix said. "You might just get a ride from someone not part of the federation."
Sachun nodded their head.
"When can you return them to us?" Sachun asked.
"If you got the gold for it," Bolix said.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Sachun asked.
"They require psychiatric help and they won't be themselves after the transformation has been peeled away,"
Sachun carefully considered.
"How much?" Sachun asked.
"Easily more than a thousand for treating eleven werewolves," Bolix said.
Sachun looked inside then back toward Bolix.
"Do you need any spare parts for your ship?" Sachun asked.
Bolix stared back at Sachun, blinking, out of surprise.
"Yes," Bolix said. "I can't take them illegally."
"The current cost stands at the amount for eight of my people," Sachun said.
Bolix looked over in the direction of the direction where several force nets were quietly being set up on the den's holes then returned his attention onto Sachun.
"That's legal enough," Bolix said. "Except, we need to record the transaction and submit it."
"We may be helpers of those who mean to do harm but we do things right," Sachun said. "Consider it done. Where do I need to sign?"
Maureen stood up from the chair as a feeling had came down her gut then went toward the doorway spotting Bolix and his men making their way toward the door with the Robot silently standing beside the doorway. She pressed the button to the side of the door allowing the man to come halfway into the Jupiter 2. It had been a considerable long time since he had been inside the ship and this time it were under better terms. She can still remember how annoying it was to be accused of aiding and embedding a criminal knowingly, the ship turned upside down, and to be arrested over it.
"Mrs Robinson, we are actively working on gathering the other werewolves," Bolix said. "Right now, your husband needs to be awakened and taken to the ship. Unlike the others, the curing will just be a matter of extracting the DNA then destroying after transit."
"Then I will go with him," Maureen said.
"That's very risky," Bolix voiced. "He could turn on you during transport. It's unexpected. It's abruptly. Adrenaline can tip him into the red zone."
"And on you as well?" Maureen asked, raising a brow. "You don't know John like I do. He won't transform easily."
"People who have been scratched by space werewolves turn at night," Bolix said.
Maureen looked at the spectacular night sky then returned her attention on to the officer.
"So?" Maureen asked. "You think that can force him to turn into what Doctor Smith is?"
"We are going to transfer your husband to the booth then move him to the ship," Bolix said. "He won't know he has been moved until he has really awakened up."
"You don't know how cryostasis works for us," Maureen said. "He will be wide awake and alarmed to see you."
Bolix straightened himself up.
"You told him about the ring," Bolix said.
"He has mixed feelings about it," Maureen said. "If I am not there for him when he gets taken out, John will turn on you."
Bolix looked toward the cryostasis pod.
"If I am taking the two of you with," Bolix said. "There is chances it could backfire."
"I can do that," Maureen said. "But you have to wait outside."
Bolix stared back at the woman.
"If I say yes," Bolix said. "You have to make sure one of your family is awake for the others."
"You're actively in the middle of capturing the werewolves," Maureen said. "I am confident in the Robot."
"That second door says a different story, Mrs Robinson," Bolix said, gesturing toward the hatch door. "You're not afraid, now that I can admire from a Earthling, but this is a very risky and dangerous operation as it is," he placed his hands on to his belt. "We don't know where the werewolves are." Bolix shifted toward the outside with one hand on his phaser pistol looking out. "I feel uneasy leaving a family like yours unaware about the threats out there. There could be more that you don't know about."
Maureen nodded her head.
"I am aware of that danger, officer," Maureen said. "I have faith that they won't come near here."
"Why?" Bolix asked.
"Ever since the first night they tried to attack us there hasn't been much night attacks," Maureen said. "There were eight attacking the Jupiter and only one was actively trying to stop them. I asked the Robot to confirm the theory. He did."
Bolix looked at Maureen.
"I heard people of your world call that a batman gambit," Bolix said.
"I am familiar to that phrase," Maureen said.
"Every day that he spends being a werewolf . . . " he looked toward the human. "Every night makes it more likely that when he comes out, even tonight, he is going to be a wild space werewolf governed by instincts."
"I want to believe," Maureen said. "That even if Doctor Smith is gone . . . a part of him remains."
Bolix nodded then walked out of the ship. Maureen made her way toward the cryostasis pod that John was standing inside. She placed her hand on to the side turning the machine off bringing him back. John stepped out placing a hand on his forehead falling into the arms of Maureen. Maureen steadied John to his feet acting as his anchor. John's eyes looked up toward her eyes to see there was hope in them.
"There is a cure?" John asked.
Maureen nodded back.
"For you, it will be very quick," Maureen said.
John placed his arm on his shoulder, his demeanor visibly relaxing, and the tension from his shoulders had noticeably vanished.
"Let's go," John said. "My head," he rubbed the side of his head. "It hurts."
"It won't hurt for long, darling," Maureen said, with one hand on the center of his back.
They walked out of the Jupiter 2 with John closing the two sets of doors behind him and his eyes briefly closed through the aching that was coursing through his body. Something was going on inside of him actively. It was stronger than it had been when he went into the stasis pod. His eyes ached the worst. There was a series of hissing and something cold pressed against his neck. The pain went away. His awareness of what was going on around him was fading. Maureen appeared to be concerned looking toward the kneeling officer from beside him. Her attention returned down to John and grasped his hand softly talking to him until he was fast asleep.
The door to KaraQ's ship slid open. Bolix was the first one to enter into the ship then stepped aside. One of the officers carried John to the door of a booth then the other waved their hands in the way of the diamonds and the door slid open before them. John was carefully placed into the pod then Bolix moved toward one of the consoles carefully studying it. From across was KaraQ inside a cryostasis pod fully restored to their original being but in what seemed to be a orange onesie with their hands to their side. There were cuffs laid on the console beside Bolix that seemed ready to be put on to a guilt set of wrists.
Bolix slid the bars up as his eyes moved toward the booth to the side.
Across from John materialized a strange, small wet creature that was whimpering.
The light from the booth faded.
"You may want to look away, Mrs Robinson," Bolix said, shifting toward her.
"I don't need to," Maureen said.
"It is never something to be proud of," Bolix said. Maureen looked toward him. "Killing a pup."
"You have killed a pup?" Maureen asked.
"This is my first," Bolix said. "Last one that I killed was fully grown," he took out the phaser pistol. "Only was able to be removed rather than detransformed because it was a scratch that turned him."
Bolix walked over toward the second booth then it was opened by the hand of Officer Murt.
The humanoid similar officer changed the settings to the phaser pistol and raised the phaser pistol in the general direction of the pup raising its head up slowly opening its eyes. Bolix was unnerved staring down upon the helpless creature. It took on the size of a five week old puppy. The puppy tilted its head then barked in a high pitch and took on a playful gesture wagging its tail from side to side with the tongue sticking out. Bolix shook his head, regretfully, then closed his eyes. The trigger was pressed. The puppy vanished in a red haze. Belix slowly returned the phaser pistol into his holster.
"Urgh," John groaned, as the door to the booth was opened by Murt a second time.
"Are you alright, John?" Maureen asked.
"My head feels better," John said. "Although, I do have a headache."
"This medication will help with that," Bolix said, handing a bottle to John. "It will be more effective than your primitive medication."
John looked up toward Bolix.
"How long, and, how often should I take the medication?" John asked, rotating the bottle.
"You have spent a few hours with it unlike Doctor Smith," Bolix said. "Every time your head aches, take two pills until the bottle is empty. Residual side effects of a space werewolf being removed have a tendency to grow back without being treated," Bolix looked toward KaraQ then back toward John. "This medication makes your body be a weapon for the next time a space werewolf scratches you."
John slipped the bottle into his pocket.
"Thank you," John said.
"You are welcome, Professor," Bolix said.
Maureen helped John up to his feet.
"I want you to leave with some protection and some light," Bolix said, motioning toward the two officers from beside him. "Mrs Robinson, you really didn't notice but we were being followed all the way here."
Maureen looked toward the door then back toward Bolix.
"I didn't feel anyone watching us," Marueen said.
"We were very lucky that they didn't attack," Bolix said. "Werewolves are like that."
"Or they remember the last time that they tried to attack," Maureen said.
"There was only Doctor Smith and KaraQ on the scene," Bolix said. "That was in the morning."
"They didn't attack us this time around," Maureen replied.
"Luck can't last for two trips when it comes to civilians armed with laser pistols without any back up," Bolix said.
"What happened between KaraQ and Smith?" John asked.
"They had a nasty fight outside of the Jupiter 2," Bolix said. "Doctor Smith left KaraQ in such a vulnerable position that we didn't have a struggle taking them into custody. Major West will explain it in more detail from seeing it start," Bolix gestured toward the two. "I hope that I don't have to lay eyes on your family." then emphasized it a second time. "Ever."
John had a nod.
"I don't expect there to be another instance," John said. "If we do meet up with you. . . It will be far too soon."
"It will," Bolix said.
"By the way," John said. "What does this mean?"
John held his hand up then made a split from the center of his hand.
"Live long and prosper," Bolix said. "I am surprised. . ." John lowered his hand. "Vulcans don't normally like to interfere in developing civilization's problems."
"They needed help," John said.
"That we could provide for them," Maureen said.
"Must have been a memorable character for them," Bolix said, earning a snicker from Maureen.
"Goodnight, officer," John said.
"Goodbye, Robinsons," Bolix said. "You will be visited by the head physician of his recovery in the morning."
John and Maureen walked off from Bolix closely followed by the two officers.
It was after breakfast when a strange golden elevator car appeared across from the Jupiter 2. The door creaked opened before the Robinsons to the side ways. A figure around the size of a child in a gray silver suit, oval black eyes, and had a small mouth. Don noticed how unique their heads were reminding him of photographs of ancient people who had shaped their heads over several years to that shape. They had visible signs of pockets decorating their smooth, flexible uniform that seemed to shine when the sun hit it.
"Hello," the figure said.
"Who are you?" John asked.
"Doctor Sakaar," Sakaar said. "Head of the treatment plan for Zachary Smith."
It was strange to hear someone say the doctor's name without the title. The correction, "DOCTOR Smith to you!" floated in the background as air that hadn't been filled full of contempt and insulted tone to the voice that belonged to a older man with grayed hair who was folding his arms rather unhappy about the indignation. It was strange to hear someone refer to Smith as a random unfortunate person instead of a person who had walked into his doom as usual. It didn't feel right to any of the Robinsons.
"Glad to meet you, Doctor Sakaar," John said.
"Professor Robinson, here is your loose change back," Sakaar held a hand out then a small bag floated over to the professor. "We have recently begun the treatment on the patient last night."
John looked toward Sakaar handing the small bag to Maureen.
"How is he?" Penny asked.
"We do not know," Sakaar said.
"How can you not know when he is in your hands?" Don asked, hands on his hips.
Sakaar tilted his head.
". . . You have seen a car wreck, have you?" Sakaar asked.
"Yes," Don said.
"Except this car wreck is locked inside a walking animal," Sakaar said. "And getting him out of it is impossible at this stage."
"How can it be impossible," Don said. "You are more advanced than we are!"
John stopped Don from going forward with a free hand. The brash of anger made Sakaar visibly wince as though they had been shoved to the ground against the pavement.
"This car wreck behind a brick wall," Sakaar said. "When we got to the patient, what part of his sane mind had placed the last brick."
"He built a brick wall around himself?" Don asked.
"And a roof," Sakaar added.
"You mean to say you can't climb in there," John said.
"Must be very lonely," Judy said.
"Not at all," Sakaar said. "He has entered his happy place."
"What's going on until then?" Maureen asked.
"So far we are awaiting word from Vulcan regarding their most powerful telepathic being allowed to pay a visit sometime after he has taken human form," Sakaar said. "These walls are not ones that can be easily be bulldozed by a run-of-the-mill telepathic."
"So when can we visit him?" Will asked.
"We believe he will be ready when the infliction has become werewolf syndrome," Sakaar said.
"What do you mean?" Penny asked.
"Smith covered in hair?" Don asked.
"It will be fur," Sakaar said.
"But that's hair," Don said.
"No, it won't," Sakaar said.
"Yes, it will," Don argued.
"It will be space werewolf syndrome," Sakaar said.
"You can't argue with a medical professional when it comes to space werewolves, Don," John said.
"After that, Zachary Smith will be shaved so we can see the more physical changes to his body," Sakaar said. "We will handle that accordingly with the skilled professionals to roll back those changes that we missed."
"How can you miss any changes?" Don asked. "I don't think you can miss anything like a extra finger."
Sakaar appeared to grow a frown.
"We are working on the space werewolf issue," Sakaar said. "We are very busy with the other patients."
"Uh huh," Don said, skeptically.
"As you have been told, we will be working on his trauma after enters werewolf syndrome," Sakaar said. "so during these visits, from time to time, he may be reluctant to be near you," Will grew hopeful with a smile that spread on his face as it slowly dawned on the Robinsons one by one that visiting was allowed. "He will look at you strangely. It is not recommended to visit patients in this crucial stage when it will be a very discomforting for you. It is optional to visit. The elevator will arrive to you soon after the werewolf syndrome has started."
"How long?" John asked.
"What?" Sakaar asked.
"How long will the treatment take?" John elaborated
"What month is it?" Sakaar said.
"May," Maureen said. "What does that have to do with it?"
"Earthlings are resilient species in the mind," Sakaar started. "It makes them wonderful donor harvesters after a abduction has been returned locking it deep into the mind. This kind of psychological damage is the kind that takes slower to bounce back," Don slowly sat down into the nearest chair. "The actual roll back of the werewolf qualities will take three months with therapy. After that, it will be ten days worth of preparation moving him back. Transitioning him from the simulation of this area to actual company, his favorite activity, we will require information about that prior to moving him in. Which will be after the werewolf syndrome. If, if, if everything goes smoothly exactly to schedule but he may be different. Finding out how much he really remembers from his time before the werewolf episode will be a simple matter including regarding our presence that can be handled accordingly."
"What do you mean if he goes to the schedule?" John asked. "I hope you realize not everyone recovers at the same speed."
"It does for humanoids who have gone through being a space werewolf for longer than one week," Sakaar said. "That is if we don't have any accidents between the family and the patient. You may ask any questions."
"When was the last time you were part of this kind of treatment plan?" Maureen asked.
"Approximately thirty-three of your years ago," Sakaar said. "KaraQ was responsible for that."
"Were the victims human?" Penny asked.
Sakaar had a nod.
"I am very confident in his recovery," Sakaar said. "We will also require his typical outfit-"
"After he gets to the werewolf syndrome," The Robinsons finished for Sakaar.
"Yes," Sakaar said.
"No matter how bad he will be during the treatment," Maureen said. "It doesn't change how we see him."
"Good," Sakaar said. "I will see you in a few months." Sakaar started to walk back toward the elevator.
"Wait," Will said, taking a step forward. "What if we want to visit him before the werewolf syndrome?"
Sakaar stopped then slightly turned in Will's direction then looked toward the Robinsons.
"Not in the first month is recommended," Sakaar said. "We will give you updates every month until you get to see him yourself."
"What if he doesn't come out of it?" Don said, finally, looking up from the table. "What . . . what if the man who comes back isn't the same person we knew?"
The Robinsons attention went toward Sakaar, expectantly.
"Then I believe you have to get to him know all over, again," Sakaar said, then returned into the elevator and pulled a leveler.
The door closed before Sakaar then the elevator vanished before their eyes.