"Doctor Sakaar, I want you to tell me if there is anything left of Penelope Robinson," Smith said.
"She is gone, Doctor Smith," Sakaar said. "She is one with her happy place."
"She is her happy place," Smith said. "You mean."
"Yes," Sakaar said. "She is too far gone to retrieve." Smith fell into the chair that had been left out for him then lowered his head. "We had to give her the ring to make sure she didn't break out into the madness. That is all she knows and that is all she lives by."
"Even if her family were rescued," Smith started, raising his head up. "In the nick of time. . . would the chances of her recovery be higher?"
"It seems so," Sakaar said. "She is in her little fantasy. Consider it her little piece of heaven."
Smith looked down toward his hands.
"If I had came back earlier," Smith said. "If I had came back earlier. . . Things would be a lot different," his hands danged on the edge of his knees with sulking shoulders. "So even after she returned to her human form," he had to stop speaking feeling his stomach twist up. "there is no happy ending."
"You can make her a happy ending," Sakaar said.
Smith looked on toward the young woman seated across from him with bobbed short hair in a purple dress staring at the wall.
"She would be a conversational piece," Smith shook his head, then stood up to his feet. "No," he turned toward Sakaar. "Give me another option."
"There is a space asylum open for people of her condition," Sakaar said.
"No," Smith said. "Another option."
"What you want is something we can't give," Sakaar said.
"You brought me back from Earth and expect me to leave her in the hands of aliens?" Smith asked, sharply. "I won't do that to her."
Sakaar handed him a space pistol of some kind.
"This vaporizes intruders," Sakaar said. "If you are willing to let her go and be with her family. . ."
Smith's hand was trembling looking on toward the young woman. Sakaar came to the side panel then pressed on a few numbers then walked away as the field vanished before the man's eyes. Smith slowly approached the young woman who paid no attention to him. He sat down beside her placing the space pistol into his lap. He couldn't feel anything. He couldn't feel anything sitting beside her. There was only numbness as he closed his eyes and lifted his head up. He reached his hand out then grasped her hand with a tremble.
"Penelope," Smith said, nearing the verge of tears shaking his head. "Don't make me do this to you. Please."
Smith squeezed her hand.
"It's me," Smith said. "Doctor Zachary Smith. "
He studied her features.
"It's been ten years," Smith said, then had a half hearted smile. "Didn't think you would still recognize me by now."
Smith turned his head away from her taking his hand off.
"I made it back to Earth but. . ." He cleared his throat, emotional. "I had to start a new life under a new name. Right now I am running around under the name Isaac Gampu," he looked toward her. "It's quite alright. No one would have believed my story and thought your dear friend was the one responsible for the Jupiter 2's demise."
Gampu shook his head in disappointment facing the cieling.
"I was driving around America during the summer when they took me at night with my ride and told me about you," he looked down toward her. "Told me that you were found. Finally. After years thinking that you were vaporized rather than left to be in heavily disfigured and in permanent pain."
There was silence in the room between them for five minutes.
"You know, it was the most difficult thing I had to do to bury your family after I found them," Gampu continued. "Someone apparently bashed KaraQ's head in with a rock after we took care of your family." he briefly closed his eyes then opened them. "I saw your brother. He was a fighter. Held on the longest. He was a Eurasian Red Squirrel mixed with some kind of space creature. Your brother died trying to warn me about KaraQ. Died in my arms."
Nothing had changed about Penny.
"Good night, Penelope," Gampu stroked the side of her face affectionately. "I will see you in the morning."
Gampu planted a kiss on to her cheek then walked across and came to a stop beside the adjoining wall. He raised the weapon fighting back tears. He pressed the trigger then watched Penny vanish once the red blast struck her. Her figure was outlined in red for a brief moment then she vanished in the next second that passed. The camera turned around to reveal Gampu had closed his eyes. The space pistol was trembling in his hand that lowered and he slunk down placing a hand on to his face breaking out into weeping. He dropped the space pistol with his back to the wall in the lonely room and covered his face.
"Peepo, check on Jason," Gampu said.
"Oraco!" Peepo said, then hummed his way out of the cabin.
Gampu stroked his chin looking down toward the replica of the Jupiter quite fondly. He lowered the replica down where it belonged then moved toward the void that had formed perfectly as Peepo had theorized it would with careful calculations adjusted for error. He looked on. He knew why the void was there. He was only observing it to see of it had grown large enough to allow the academy to fall right in. The academy suddenly jolted forward knocking Gampu to the ground. His eyes opened then groaned lifting himself up using the nearby chair as his support up to his feet.
Gampu saw a strange scenery from the window.
Leafless trees standing out among the fog with rows of machines with what seemed to be tapes.
It was quite a odd scene that was also concerning.
His mind jumped to the cadets then moved toward the door and waved his hand.
The door opened then he poked his head out and observed there was no corridor.
"Odd," Gampu said.
Gampu backed away letting the door open.
"Could this be related to the void?" Gampu said, making his way to the holo-photograph.
Gampu picked up the golden case then made his way toward the door, waved his hand, then exited once the door opened before him. He walked in looking round searching for any forms of life. He looked over observing his quarters were still there with the door remaining open rather than being closed. Gampu turned his attention away then made his way forward hearing the sound of ticking. Ticking that felt endless. Tick. Tick. Tick. No wonder Captain Hook hated the sound of ticking. Time was passing. If time was passing then it had to mean that one of the cadets were going to notice that a part of the academy was missing rather quickly. But who took a chunk out of the academy and why? That was a mystery that had to be solved.
He traveled his way toward the arch way until coming to the heart of the lab. There was a strange dressed man in red across and his eyes landed on another perhaps even stranger creature manning the lab. He pressed the golden photograph even closer to his chest feeling a cold chill coming down his spine. He turned around to find that his quarters was blocked by the smoke in a mystique kind of way. The smoke cleared away to reveal clocks of all kinds decorating the scenery. Gampu saw hills with distant blue skies lingering below the dark sky.
"You, over there!"
Gampu almost jumped as he turned in the direction of the voice.
"Good heavens!" Gampu exclaimed, then took in a breath.
A figure in red was gesturing him ahead.
"Over here!"
Gampu walked right over.
"I am Commander Gampu of the Space Academy," Gampu introduced himself. "how may I help you?
"Doctor Chronos," Chronos replied. "You can help me with putting these machines together."
Gampu's eyes landed on the collection of tapes in the thousands, purple machinery, and collapsed tables with support poles among the pile with drills, screws, and small rounded material. It dawned on Gampu on who was standing before him. The father of time. Gampu dropped his belonging at a loss of words staring back at the man. More of a being than a man. He was a man younger than Gampu with a sharp pointed beard and a golden necklace around his neck that seemed odd to him. He had a unique head scarf on his head kept together by a golden item carved well with precision and care.
"Don't just stand there!" Chronos snapped. "My time is very precious and I don't spend it for nothing!"
"Yes, sir," Gampu said.
"Follow my lead," Chronos said.
Gampu silently went out setting up the tables. Together, they put together new machinery and put in the tapes throughout the process. They must have made dozens of these tables. It must have been more than a few minutes working on the contraption. Each tape represented lives. He left a bit of tape out on to the section of the machine that then grasped it and began to pull it forward but stopped before anything could be clearly done.
They made sure the machines were in one piece making sure that he followed directly to the instructions. He stepped back and relaxed at his work. Gampu observed the machines were part of a elaborate system working at the same time. When one reached the end to one set of the machine, it stopped and the other parts continued without it. Chronos stopped Gampu from going on to see what was wrong and the commander turned toward the time merchant earning a head shake in return. It wasn't supposed to be taken out.
"How many years are you willing to sell to keep this time loop running, Commander Gampu?"
Gampu turned toward them.
"How long can I make them live?"
Chronos frowned.
"Who?"
Gampu huffed then began to search his person for the photograph then stopped.
"Oh dear, I have dropped it!" Gampu exclaimed, mournfully, his eyes scanned the ground. "No, no, no, no!"
"Dropped what?" Chronos asked.
Gampu was knelt down searching among the dark ground patting around for the case.
"My family," Gampu said. "I must find it before it's lost forever!"
"Your family is a object?" Chronos asked
"No," Gampu said, shaking his head. "They are inside of it."
"So you are searching for a photograph," Chronos said.
"I would be willing to part fifty years of my life for them to live," Gampu shook his head. "Fifty extra years."
"Per member," Chronos added.
Gampu stood up to his feet.
"Per member," Gampu said.
"Is that new and current?" Chronos asked.
"This is their lives we are playing with," Gampu said, slowly.
"Yes, but you want them to live a little bit longer," Chronos took out a large tape. "How much of your tape are you really willing to sell?"
Gampu turned away rubbing his chin then shifted toward Chronos.
"I have one hundred years left," Gampu said. "I can sell that."
"You have to decide," Chronos said. "who do you want to live the longest?"
Gampu turned away, visibly pained, as it dawned on him then squeezed his eyes shut.
"If we do the math," Gampu said, opening his eyes. "And split one hundred years evenly between them they won't be parted from each other for long."
Gampu faced the machines.
"So. . ." Gampu said. "There are six of them."
He walked around the sets of machines.
"The professor lives for ten years," Gampu said. "Doctor Robinson lives for ten years, Judy Robinson lives for a extra ten years, Major West lives for ten years, Penny Robinson lives for ten years, and Will Robinson lives for ten years." he came to a stop beside the machine facing the listening time merchant.
"That's twenty years that you have left to spend," Chronos said. "I recommend you readjust it."
Gampu was silent as he leaned against the table doing the math.
"The professor lives ten years," Gampu started, again. "Doctor Robinson lives for ten years, Judith Robinson lives for twenty, Penelope Robinson lives for twenty, William Robinson lives for twenty, and Major West lives for twenty."
"No children?" Chronos asked.
"Their tapes haven't been made, Doctor Chronos," Gampu said. "I cannot deal for someone who doesn't exist."
"Just. . ." Chronos started, slowly. "ten years for the parents."
"Ten years," Gampu repeated.
"You are sure about this?" Chronos asked, raising a brow.
"The madame wouldn't be herself without the professor," Gampu said. "As her doctor, I am certain on that."
"That works," Chronos said. "Would you like to see what happens to the Robinsons in your time loop?"
"I would love to," Gampu said. "With them."
"But you'll be watching them,"
"Without them," Gampu said.
"They are dead," Chronos said. "I personally clipped their tapes."
"Just because they are dead doesn't mean their image is gone as well forever," Gampu replied.
"Right, the photograph," Chronos took out the golden object from his pocket then handed the photograph to the man. "Dearest family? Really?" Gampu scanned the back for any damage. "If they are so dear to you then it must be worth this to you."
Gampu slid the small object up watching them reappear with smiles.
"Family is worth it," Gampu said, then looked up toward the man with a smile. "They are worth it to me."
Chronos took several tapes out of the machine then moved toward another machine. He took them out then put them into the elaborate set up tapes from across the lab then took the original set including Gampu's. Gampu closed the object following after Chronos until coming to the lab. He watched the man clip off long pieces of tape from what was undoubtedly his own case the attach them on to the tapes. One by one they were handed back to the assistant who moved back toward the machine they had been removed from carefully putting them back into place. Gampu was silent then came forward as beckoned by the man.
"Watch this," Chronos said, pointing toward the screen.
Gampu watched the academy falling through the air then the screen changed to the gymnasium focusing on hands. Civilians, professors, and cadets were no longer being thrown around the gymnasium that became stabilized. Concern etched on his face watching the injuries that seemed to make him question his decision. He watched the academy come to a stop then soar over the distance away from the Jupiter earning a sigh of relief. He watched as his campsite's flame briefly was extinguished. He watched himself appear at the gymnasium. He watched Loki hug him and be greeted by the space cadets.
It all unfolded before him in a matter of two hours watching the cadets formulate their plan and a look of pride formed on his face.
"I always knew they were capable of great things," Gampu said, proudly on the verge of tears.
Gampu watched the Robinsons react then the truth became apparent before his eyes in the third hour.
"Oh no, oh no, oh no," Gampu said, shaking his head. "Major! That is not true! DON'T GO OUT THERE! MAJOR! DON'T PLEASE, DON'T GO IN THERE!"
"He can't hear you," Chronos said.
Gampu watched helplessly as the major jumped into the space drill.
"Major," Gampu said. "Don't."
Gampu fell to his knees placing the photograph on to the edge watching his friend go up there.
"Major, please, go back down there!" Gampu demanded. "Please!"
Gampu shook his head watching the events the battle happen before his eyes.
"Matt," Gampu said. "No."
Chronos looked down toward Gampu.
"People have to die for your family to live," Chronos said.
Gampu shook his head.
"I accepted that," Gampu said. "But not like this."
Chronos looked at him in pity.
"That's what happens when you put cadets in charge, Commander Gampu," Chronos said. "Look."
Gampu looked up observing himself screaming for help in the sinking pod.
"I am doomed," Gampu said, horrified. "Doomed!" He got up to his feet with rage in his eyes. "They are doomed!"
Gampu smacked him against the machine.
"WE HAD A DEAL!" Gampu shouted.
The assistant started to come but Chronos held a hand up.
"My time loop exist in turn they live!" Gampu said, grasping into Chrono's outfit. "I have to exist in order for that to happen! It will fall apart with no one to make sure it sticks!"
"Commander," Chronos said, calmly. "Finish watching the video."
Gampu dropped him then turned away with a visible tremble.
"I understand your feelings for mortals," Chronos said. "sacrificing your retirement years in this timeline. . . Just for them," Gampu placed a hand on his face. "That is the best kind of deal I have made with anyone in quite a while. For them, not yourself, a selfless act," Gampu slid his hand down his face. "And expecting in nothing in return."
Gampu looked up toward the screen.
Gampu stared at the screen watching his face reappear then vanish after dialogue that he had said earlier.
"Robot, can we remove the message and return it through the new void?" John asked.
"Affirmative," The Robot replied.
"John, what kind of idea are you getting?" Don asked.
"The kind that prevents the last week from happening," John said.
Gampu was frozen where he stood.
"This is the timeloop," Gampu said, then walked away. "It was all for nothing."
"No, no, no," Chronos said, as the assistant got in the way.
"Out of my way," Gampu said, his head lowered.
"You have to watch it in full," Chronos said. "Not everything is what it seems."
Gampu returned reluctantly to the screen then watched KaraQ perform the experiment. He was silent throughout the entire episode. The assistant moved the chair forward for the commander to sit down on. He watched all the hurt and pain that the werewolf episode put them through. It made Gampu feel helpless and powerless to comfort them that everything was going to be alright. He could see the guilt building up in the major. And he couldn't do a thing about it from behind the screen.
He watched the treatments, the meetings with Sakaar, and their reactions to it. How they dealt with the treatment was a matter that was the Robinsons and true to them. It comforted him that he wasn't alone. He watched as Will and Penny reunite with him. He watched the major and young woman reunite with him. He watched dinner happen. Just as it had many times before but it drew a certain emotion from Gampu watching the Robinsons eating their diner unharmed and in good spirits. He watched the visibly pleased look on Maureen's face late that night after dinner.
"It's good to see you again, Doctor Smith," Maureen said.
"Madame," Smith said. "I hope your time in the dimension was more pleasant than how the children told me. They tend to exaggerate."
"It was more fruitful," Maureen said, carefully choosing her words.
"Fruit," Smith said. "How I miss Earth fruit."
Smith got up from the table picking up his plate.
"You know," Maureen said, making him stop. "I think we all missed you."
Smith feigned a look of shock.
"Everyone?" Smith asked, raising his brows. "Even the annoying, paranoid major?"
"Even him," Maureen said. "He made a few comments about it."
Smith placed Will's plate underneath his own with care.
"I will take it," Smith said. "Madame, how about you rest and I take care of the dishes?" he placed a hand on the side of her shoulder gently. "It is the least you deserve from being in another dimension. You had a eventful day."
"Why thank you, Doctor Smith," Maureen said. "And I expect those dishes cleaned."
"Why would I chicken out on helping a friend in need?" Smith said, insulted.
"It is just you don't do it often," Maureen said. "and when you do."
"Ah," Smith had a small nod. "I see. They will be thoroughly cleaned, madame, I assure you."
Maureen put the plate down then walked off to the inside of the Jupiter but turned to face the doctor who was collecting with a smile.
"I miss you, too, Robinsons," Gampu said.
He watched the occupied Jupiter 2 leave Priplanus while it were in the middle of destroying itself thirty years too early because of a space miner mining for cosmodium.
It was the best mistake of his life.
"I am sorry," Gampu apologized.
"It's okay," Chronos said. "It happens when you don't get the full picture."
Gampu turned toward Chronos.
"Why did you make me watch history. . ." Gampu closed his eyes, emotionally pained, slightly angry, rubbing the center of his forehead cupping his elbow. "That I can't be part of?"
When Gampu opened his eyes, there was anger in them directed toward Chronos.
"That little bird comment by the boy," Chronos said.
Gampu stared back at the man.
"But. . ." Gampu said. "No. I can't. I can't go back there." he shook his head. "The temptation to stay is strong," he held his trembling hands up. "And replace the Doctor Smith of that timeline."
"You have to," Chronos said, Gampu lowered his hands then linked them behind his back. "Even if you were different, they would accept you."
"But two cannot exist in the same place," Gampu said.
"Which means he won't exist," Chronos said.
"Can you please stop being helpful for one minute and take this seriously?" Gampu asked.
"I am taking it seriously," Chronos said. "There won't be any temptation."
Gampu was sharply glaring at Chronos while tightly grasping onto his heating up wrist.
"You. don't. know. me," Gampu said. "Sir."
"Since you gave one hundred years of your life . . ." Chronos said. "You have the opportunity to use the elite form of time travel. Highly experimental." He looked off toward the blue cage. "More reliable so far compared to some machines I do use."
"Why do you want me to go?" Gampu asked.
"Because you have to," Chronos said.
Gampu looked off toward the set up machinery that had to be for the time loop.
"That little boy is going to lose hope a lot sooner and not go that way than what has been seen," Chronos said. "They are not ready to drop you off."
"They are not ready to drop off Doctor Smith," Gampu corrected, turning away from the time merchant to face the largest purple equipment. "Not Commander Gampu."
Chronos had a nod toward the assistant. Gampu turned away from the machine then slowly strolled away observing the lab taking the golden case with him. The assistant came toward a strange machine that had a large hula hoop shifted sideways with gadgets hooked into it including large water coolers that were blowing off steam and the thick hula hoop was rattling. The assistant typed pressed a few colorful buttons. Gampu slowly approached the machine with worry seen on his face ad slightly afraid. He slid the photograph into his utility belt then made sure to close it. There was heat radiating from the machine.
Clouds formed from the center taking on different tunes and forms. He walked up the small set of stairs. He could see the inside of the residential deck. His heart leaped. It had been three hundred years since he had last seen the interior. It was dark and cozy just the way that he lied it. Gampu observed Will's cabin door was open revealing that he was staring at the cieling with his hands on the top of the blanket playing with his thumbs in his orange pajamas. He walked through the hula hoop then turned to see that it had vanished behind him. The doors to the other members of the Robinsons cabins were closed except for the major's quarters.
To Gampu all the color was gone only leaving it in monotone.
No wonder directors chose to have techicolored films turn to black and white when time traveling to the early 20th century.
He found that his uniform had too changed color.
The change of color had to be because of the time travel.
Gampu slowly made his way into Will's room observing that he had a head comforter underneath his head then sat down into the chair left out beside the cot.
"You are thinking too much," Gampu said, softly in a whisper.
Will shook his head.
"Not too much,"
"Your concern is unnecessary, my boy, as I will be perfectly fine,"
Will looked over with widened eyes.
"Do-!" Will started to say but Gampu covered the boy's mouth with a glare then took his hand off the boy's mouth. Will leaned up from the bed with his hand on the edge. "Why are you still in that uniform?" Will asked. "You should be in the clothes mom gave to Sakaar."
"William. . ." Gampu said. "This is who I am," he gestured toward himself then pointed toward the uniform. "This is what I swore my loyalty to." he gestured toward his uniform. "This is what I devoted a good portion of my life to protecting, upholding, and abiding."
"Why?" Will asked, hurt. "Why couldn't you have came down with the space academy?"
Gampu had a nod.
"That is a fair question," Gampu asked. "And you deserve to know."
"First, answer this," Will said. "Do you come back?"
"He will," Gampu said, nodding his head earning a head tilt from Will.
"Are you okay?" Will asked.
"I am," Gampu said.
"Really okay?" Will asked, concerned.
Gampu leaned forward then placed a hand on Will's shoulder.
"I am okay," Gampu said. "And always will be." he looked at the boy, fondly. "William, if I left emergency control bay then I would have doomed everyone. I have to be there," there was hurt on the boy's face. "or else Dragos wins." Will turned his head away looking down toward his knees. "Leaving everyone around me in pain is a acceptable price to make sure that battle goes the way it should."
"You haven't gone through it yet," Will said.
Gampu nodded his head taking his hand off Will's shoulder.
"I have made my sacrifice for the family," Gampu said. "A big sacrifice."
"How big of a sacrifice?" Will asked.
"I get to spend the rest of my life knowing that I won't live for the 25th century," Gampu said. "Death by old age."
Will handed the head comforter to the older man.
"You need this more than I do, Commander Gampu," Will said. "But you're always going to be my friend," Gampu placed the head comforter into his head. "No matter what happens."
"Speaking of that," Gampu said. "There is events that are bound to happen, he may look dead but he is not and I really would like you not to leave until he wakes up."
"I can do that," Will said, nodding his head.
"I know I will happen because if it didn't," Gampu grimaced. "I don't want to think about it."
"People die," Will said.
"Yes," Gampu said, grimly. "a lot of people."
"So you're pretty important," Will said.
Gampu shook his head.
"No, William, my family is more important than anything in the universe," Gampu said, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder leaning forward. "If you weren't, I would have let the battle occur but would not have been there to see it happen. Space battles are nasty and so is a star war," he reached his hand back looking on admiringly with his clasped hands. "It's just a unexpected good thing that we happened to defeat the army."
"So," Will said. "How did you get off the Space Academy and back here?"
"I haven't experienced that," Gampu said. "But I have seen it."
"What happened?" Will asked.
"I am not at liberty to tell you," Gampu said.
"You can tell me," Will said.
"I forgot," Gampu said.
"Now, you gotta tell me," Will said.
"Forgive and forget," Gampu said.
Will's face faltered.
"You were up there," Will said.
"Forget about it," Gampu said. "Just like you did with his mistakes. Do realize, he is young and a fool who wasn't trained for space like you were."
"I do," Will said, then eyed the commander. "You know what happens next."
"You get off this planet this month," Gampu said.
Will looked at the man in skepticism.
"Without you?" Will shook his head. "No."
"Silly boy," Gampu said, light heartedly placing a hand on the boy's forearm. "No need to fear, Smith is here to stay."
"Really leave this planet?" Will asked, his eyes growing big earning a nod from the commander.
"And never come back," Gampu said. "We don't take the space pod but the Jupiter 2."
"With our family?" Will asked.
"With them, too," Gampu said, then got up taking the head support with him. "I have to go now, you have a really big month ahead of you."
Gampu headed toward the doorway.
"Hey," Will said. "You think you are going to leave without a hug this time?"
Gampu stopped in his tracks in between the two sections of the corridor. I want to stay, his entire being screamed but the other half of him was demanding that he leave. Time was extremely precious being spent. It was his life that was being used. It was also Will's time. What did he want to leave on the boy's tape? Good moments that didn't fade away.
"Alright," Gampu said, turning toward the boy. Then held up his index finger. "Just one."
"Just one is all I need, Commander Gampu," Will said.
Gampu knelt down to the young boy and allowed him into a hug so the commander lowered his shields.
I miss you so much, Doctor Smith.
A tsunami of love sent Gampu off guard as he grasped onto the boy. It was difficult to let go of the boy. Difficult to pry himself away from the boy. Slowly, but surely, he raised his shields up making sure to record the feelings. The feeling of being hugged by a young boy. He opened his eyes looking at the monotone boy who was grinning from ear to ear looking back up toward him. The respect, admiration, and the feelings of family was still written on the boy's face. His mind was aching all over from the unexpected wave right now putting itself together. He was going to have a bad migraine over it.
"Good night, William," Gampu said. "And sleep tight."
"I will," Will said, as Gampu picked up the head support pillow. "See you in the morning."
Gampu turned toward him.
"What makes you think you'll see me in the morning?" Gampu asked, playfully raising a brow. "You might see me after disobeying your father again going out at night."
"Are you?" Will asked, cupping the side of his face.
Gampu closed the door on Will then carefully looked around placing his back against. The end of the conversation with Will had went better then he thought it would be. He got to say goodbye in his own way that was under his terms. Words intending for another meet up that was going to happen and had happened. Will moved on to the side of the bed, adjusting himself, then closed his eyes and fell asleep in a better mood with a smile on his face. He climbed up the ladder coming to face the scene of the bridge. Smith moved toward the empty chair beside Don then sat down and moved the comforter behind his head.
He saw the cosmos revealing themselves being bright and large that stood out than how the stars did flying through space. A beautiful sight that was more of a light show being shown off by the universe itself. Sights like these made Gampu appreciate night the most away from big cities. Even the mysteries out there that made being out in space more worth while. To be in shock and awe at what space had to show. Marveling at the beauty that still lurked around the galaxy. Gampu looked toward the rather young pilot. Don had been so young.
We all had been young back then, Gampu had to remind himself, and full of hope.
He could tell from the man's features that something was bothering him.
"You shouldn't let your guilt eat you up, Major," Gampu said, earning a snort from Don.
"Says the person who acts like he doesn't have any," Don said.
Gampu chuckled, bemused.
"Coming from the man thinking he is hearing someone who isn't there," Gampu said, teasingly. "I am baffled how you can reply to that."
Don shook his head looking away from the undoubtedly a hallucination.
"I don't get you," Don said. "You could have gone to the caves or came back." he looked toward Gampu. "Why didn't you?"
"Fear, terror, self preservation took over and I believed I could fight it," Gampu replied. "Tired of being seen as the weak link," I would have done it if it were the only option available to me, Gampu thought to himself, Going out with a fight. "I had to prove myself to you that I could survive alone."
"You were trapped in a corner," Don said.
"Everyone has to make a sacrifice," Gampu said. "I don't expect you to understand mine."
"I can understand sacrifices but fighting a werewolf?" Don shook his head. "That is not a sacrifice. There was no sacrifice to be made."
"I respect you as a colleague and nemesis," Gampu said. "I thought it was worth a shot. Sacrifice a chance at getting out instead of letting fear control me. I thought you would approve of that."
"Yeah, but you lost that battle," Don said, bitterly.
Gampu was taken back looking toward the major in concern.
"Who says I ever lost the fight to live?" Gampu asked.
Don looked Gampu.
"Why are you like that?" Don asked.
It was quiet between them while Gampu stared at him, his face unchanging, blinking.
"Like what?" Gampu asked, slowly raising a brow.
"In that uniform," Don twirled his finger at him.
Gampu had a nod then grew a smile.
"It is the way you remember me, Major," Gampu said. "Whole and well," Just like the new memory that he was making of the major. "The last sight that you had seen me as before it happened to me." Don looked off nodding, to himself, as though thinking 'Of course!'. "You are speaking to yourself after all."
Don looked toward the night sky with wonder in his eyes.
"I don't like talking to myself," Don said.
"Neither do I," Gampu said. "It's bad form of company. Talking to yourself. Going mad."
"Which you are," Don said.
"Major. . ." Gampu softly started then his voice turned sharp. "What happened to me wasn't your fault."
"That is bullshit and you know it," Don said, looking toward the older man feeling hurt.
"You wagered, yes, you did," Gampu said, his voice softening. "And like everyone among the crew wanted to see me actively learn from my mistake but what happened afterwards was entirely my mistake and mine alone," Gampu looked up back toward the stars that reflected in his eyes from behind the window. "Yet, you blame yourself for something that was not in your control. You still feel responsible because you were suppose to make sure everyone under your charge made it to Alpha Centauri. Stowaway, rescue, or a hitchhiker it doesn't matter to you. Don't blame yourself. The professor is experiencing that self-blame on a great level than you can possibly imagine. . . Like I said," Gampu had his index finger rubbing against the edge of his eyebrow. "You don't want that eating you up."
Don briefly closed his eyes then opened them.
"How do you know?" Don asked.
"Because Major, it is my job to know these sort of things," Gampu said.
"You are not actively being a doctor," Don said.
"I never stopped being a psychologist," Gampu said.
"You don't normally show that," Don said.
"I may not be in control of myself but I do know where there is damage in my mind and how it can be healed," Gampu replied. "Right now, I am merely positive energy lurking about the realm of darkness hooking on to anything keeping a part of myself alive under a delusion that everything is alright." he had a pause clearing his throat gazing toward the night sky tapping his fingers together in his lap. "There are many things I am guilty of, ashamed, and regretful of. But what I regret the most about this situation is bringing you into pain than necessary. And I hoped I stopped the worst of it with my sacrifice. You and the Robinsons alive and well is the best deal I have ever made. I would gladly trade a extended life span for the chance that you get to Alpha Centauri."
Don closed his eyes.
"How can you be so content about this?" Don asked, looking toward the silent older man. "Because I am not."
"Am I happy about it?" There was a pause. "Yes."
Gampu had a bittersweet smile looking off toward the major.
"I have no regrets about what I have done but not for the emotional aftermath," Gampu said. "I did not intend for you to be the executor of my fate."
And he wanted to give the young man a hug for what was going to happen next. For everything that was going to happen next. For what was going to happen in the next ten years. Stranded in space acting as the leader of the crew. The tear that was starting to form was forced away. It occurred to Gampu that a squeeze on the shoulder would suffice.
"Yeah, well, we are not all psychics, Smith," Don said, Gampu got up from the chair then placed a hand on his shoulder. "Except you could have seen it coming a mile away. So confident that nothing was going to go wrong. You didn't consider something like a space werewolf happening."
Gampu squeezed Don's shoulder, apologetically.
"I am truly sorry for the pain that I have given you," Gampu apologized. "I wish it didn't have to be this way to save you. I look forward to seeing the children grow up, this time, and you having your happily ever after with the eldest daughter," Don felt the hand on his shoulder go slack. "Even if I make these situations occur where we are separated from Earth for a long period of time to have that kind of happiness."
Gampu took his hand off Don's shoulder.
"Apology not accepted," Don said.
Gampu came to a stop.
"Dear old friend, what ever you did to me or told me . . ." Gampu turned away from the portal then began to fondly reply. "I always forgave you for that. And always will."
Gampu turned away from Don then walked through the portal into Chronos's lab. The hula hoop closed and Gampu closed his eyes feeling a sense of closure coming over him then felt light for the first time in three centuries and his hands relaxed linking them behind his back. He walked down the stairs to observe no one was there. It was time for him to go so he went back in the direction that he came noticing the smoke was gathering and the clocks were vanishing but not the sound of ticking. He heard his name called then looked off.
"There's one more thing you have to see," Chronos said, catching up. "You should know how Dragos keeps finding the academy."
Today was the most exciting day of Gina's life.
It could also be the best day of her life leaving the academy.
Her first assignment was to be on the patrol ship USS Tufeld.
She had read from the report that she was going to be one of the helmsmen.
But she had to finish up a part of her piloting hours that hadn't been logged by her flight instructor. She was searching for one of the senior staff that was usually scattered about the campus and couldn't be spotted on a given day when on a very important rush by one person but by a crowd effort they were usually found. Her eyes were aimed on the floor searching for the figure of the manu-droid. She passed by the storage containers and random cadets changing classes until she found the small machine away from Loki who was walking past her playing his lyrotron.
"Peepo!" Gina caught up with the small machine.
"Yes, Gina?" Peepo said, turning toward her.
"Could you be my flight instructor?" Gina asked.
"Have you asked Commander Gampu?" Peepo asked.
"Tried," Gina said. "He didn't answer."
"I would be willing to," Peepo said.
"Come on, Peepo," Gina said.
"Coming," Peepo said, turning around then followed the young woman.
They walked down the corridor including making their way to the docking bay. Gina opened the door by sliding the bar aside then watched it open with a smile. Peepo floated in after the young woman moving his way toward the navigation chair. Peepo floated up into the chair before the young woman's eyes then she pressed the button making the door close from behind. She went into the pilot's chair then the seeker lifted up in the air. From academy control stood a ensign who had been alerted to the short departure a few moments ago. A voice came over the console.
"Permission to leave for flight training," Gina's voice came over.
"Granted," came the cadet's reply.
The view dived into the seeker as Gina looked over with a bright smile.
"How exciting is this?" Peepo asked.
"Very exciting," Gina said. "I can feel it in my bones."
"At least you have bones!" Peepo replied, earning her laughter in return.
The docking bay door opened before the seeker allowing it out and the docking ramp slid off the seeker allowing it out.
"Professor Cocupine!" Gampu called.
Cocupine stopped in her tracks then turned in the direction of the commander.
"Yes, commander?" Cocupine said, turning toward the short old man.
"I would like to have a discussion with you in private," Gampu said.
"Oraco, commander," Cocupine said, then waved her hand and walked into a empty room. "What is this about?"
The door closed behind Gampu.
"It is about your relationship with Emperor Dragos," Gampu said. "I know everything."
Cocupine turned around.
"Commander," Cocupine started. "what are you talking about?"
"I was once you, a long time ago," Gampu said. "Selling out everyone for fame and fortune . . ." He looked up sadly toward her. "I am about to do something that is worse than what you have done to the academy. Breaking my trust with you, breaking everyone's trust with you, so I will keep my mouth shut about it because this last transmission is vital to what happens today." he came to a stop in front of her. "I expect you to keep your mouth shut."
Cocupine stared at Gampu.
"What,"
"You are a good teacher and serve the academy well,"
"What,"
"I know you don't expect this but it is the kind thing to do,"
"What?"
"Let's keep this under the rug,"
He looked toward the sea of chairs.
"Under the rug?" Cocupine repeated, confused.
A sight that he may never get to see after this meeting.
"A ancient phrase," Gampu said, turning away from the scene toward Cocupine. "It means to ignore or conceal from the public."
"I can keep secrets," Cocupine said, earning a dark look from Gampu.
"Do not say that you categorically deny everything," Gampu said. "Do not say anything when it comes to the press."
"Oraco," Cocupine said.
"They will be so distracted with my betrayal that they won't bother digging into Dragos's method of finding the academy even if one of his allies mention it and the press investigates," Gampu said. "I remember when you were a young captain," he had a fond look looking off. "You were . ." he stopped, ashamed, walking away from her as he was shaking his head with his tone showing how his heart had been broken. "Promising."
It was then that it hit her hearing the disappointment in his voice did it occur how she had screwed up.
"You are throwing your career away not telling Jason that he is coming," Cocupine said.
"I can't put it into words what this transmission means," Gampu said, slowly shifting toward her halfway from the door and halfway toward her. "Because this won't be handled easily."
"It always is," Cocupine said. "You can't protect me from my mistakes."
"I am not doing it for you," Gampu said, holding his hand up. "It is for them." He lowered his hand. "Your cooperation with Dragos will immediately end no matter what the outcome of this conflict is." His stare turned into a sharp glare. "That is the only way you can make up for what you done and the only way you can serve this academy any further."
Cocupine lowered her head, briefly closing her eyes, the sting having made its mark then raised her head up.
"I will resign after the graduation," Cocupine said.
"I expect that much," Gampu said. "Among other people."
"I am not the only one?" Cocupine asked.
"Professor Allen is considering of retiring," Gampu said. "I expect that to be your reason."
"It is," Cocupine said, Gampu waved his hand in front of the console.
"Ladies first," Gampu said, gesturing toward the threshold.
"Why are you letting it happen?" Cocupine asked, coming to his side.
"I have a very precious secret to reveal anyway after this conflict," Gampu said. "I beamed over my resignation hours ago."
Cocupine walked out the doorway then Gampu looked toward the place where the cadets will set up their headquarters.
"Adieu," Gampu said, with a small wave. "Adieu." Then lowered his hand with his back to the classroom and walked out.
"Commander Gampu report to Academy Control," came the announcement as Chris was about to speak.
Gampu stood up from the chair then quietly made his way down the stairs away from the upper section of the gymnasium.
"I am Christopher Gentry," Chris said.
Gampu turned from the doorway looking on proudly toward the cadets. He was going to miss them the most.
"Laura's brother," a sea of laughter erupted from the seats. "And I got a story to tell you about Laura." Gampu waved his hand in front of the panel then turned his attention off to the opened doorway and walked out. The large door closed behind him. "The best twin sister a brother could ever have-"
Gampu made his way down the corridor. He went over in his mind what had to be done to make sure that everything went to plan. His mind drifted off to the academy and the cadets. The cadets were going to face the most stressful event of their lives. They were going to excel at it. Thrive in it so well that it meant they were ready to serve on any kind of ship in the far reaches of space. They were ready for the next step in their careers. They were capable of working together for the greater good of others. Gampu made his way into Academy Control to see Parsafoot in front of the space monitor wearing a grim expression on his face that was unnatural on him.
"Professor," Gampu said, concerned. "what is the matter?"
Parsafoot gestured Gampu closer.
"Dragos is headed this way with a army," Parsafoot whispered, once Gampu was by his side. "A big one."
"Just how. . ." Gampu raised his eyebrows. "big?"
"Battle Control big," Parsafoot said. "Maybe even larger than that. Overwhelmingly."
"Dragos doesn't have enough allies for that," Gampu said, skeptical.
Parsafoot pressed a few buttons on the console then gestured toward the space monitor.
"Here," Parsafoot said, softly.
Gampu had a eye on the professor then lowered his gaze toward the screen. The army was larger than what Don had described in the video. Gampu's eyes momentarily grew big but his confused expression turned into a grim one that matched Parsafoot's. He had to follow protocol when it came to matters regarding this. The atmosphere grew heavy around them with dread settling in. It was eerily calm before the storm. It reminded Gampu of The Battle Of Vega. Everything was still, chills going down everyone's skin, tense feelings coming over, and slightly being unnerved staring at the planet ahead. Because they all knew they were about to face the biggest threat there ever was. The battle to live.
"Professor," Gampu said, looking toward Parsafoot. "How long has this been expected?"
"Roughly a hour," Parsafoot said. "Out of three drifting Starfires, I can bring in Jason and Sam's Starfires to the loading ba-"
"We have thirty minutes to spare," Gampu cut off Parsafoot. "Evacuation is the only thing we can do."
"We are not giving them a fight?" Parsafoot asked, bewildered.
"We are out numbered," Gampu said. "We have to think about the cadets."
"That doesn't mean we should stop fighting to live," Parsafoot said. "What if I go in and throw out Tee Gar's inventions that tend to backfire? I know I will need help so Sam can help me with that."
"Professor," Gampu said raising his voice drawing some attention toward him. "Get to the gymnasium and attend their graduation," he lowered his voice down then everyone returned to what they were doing. "They will need the next Deputy Commander in line to lead them."
"No, no, no," Parsafoot said. "I am-I-I came here to teach not lead," Gampu leaned against the console rubbing his forehead. "I can't run away."
Gampu lowered his hand down to the console.
"If you went out there to help them in your Starfire then you may not come back," Gampu said, raising his head up toward the professor. "The cadets need a deputy commander."
"The cadets need a commander not a professor to lead them," Parsafoot said. "I am just a teacher. I wish I could help you."
"You are helping me," Gampu said. "Those are my orders."
"Commander," Parsafoot said. "if I don't come back-"
"You will, Professor," Gampu interrupted him. "It's dangerous. These are things you come right out of around here."
"I have Jason to thank for that," Parsafoot said. "I guess I do." he had on a bright smile then replied, "Oraco." back to Gampu.
Parsafoot turned away then walked toward the door but stopped short, shifting in Gampu's direction.
Parsafoot gave a salute.
Gampu nodded in return watching the Professor then observed his departure and turned toward the space monitor. The army was getting closer. The battle was going to start in the next twenty to thirty minutes. Thirty minutes happened to be the amount of time it would take for the speeches to end. Then five minutes later the actual graduation would start. Gampu carefully considered his plans. The space crafts had their weaknesses at best so did the Dragonship. Getting this to end peacefully was off the table. The defense had to be plotted carefully. His moves decided the fate of thousands of cadets and civilians. There were families aboard the Space Academy. It pained him to throw innocents into The Battle of Duo Lunas.
Gampu looked up watching the Starfire 4 fly into space just as he had predicted.
"Jason, we're all counting on you and your friends," Gampu said. "Don't make me go to Battle Control mode today."
Make me go into battle mode, Gampu plead, Please, don't fail me now.
Gampu watched the return then the starfires fire out of the docking bay and engage in the battle from the space monitor with interested eyes.
"Danger!" Peepo announced, drawing everyone's attention. "Danger! Dragos Evil is preparing to launch a attack!"
The cadets looked toward Gampu who turned from the space academy.
"Remain calm, cadets," Gampu said, watching all the cadets body language ease. "This is being handled by Jason," he looked toward Peepo. "It may not happen at all."
"I have computed that it may not happen the way he wants it!" Peepo announced, coming closer to Gampu.
"Having too much faith in your dark computations will give you a bad outlook on life," Gampu said. "Mind your concerns and you won't lose your friends."
Gampu watched the army come closer to the academy making his heart drop. He couldn't hear what Peepo was saying while absorbed into his own world. Gampu counted the number of ships in the space army. It had decreased to the level that had been told. It was going to be alright. It was going to be alright. It was going to be alright. The space army was going to handle this. He was frozen in shock that it was going to happen.
Everything was going his way. Not the way it usually went in the favor of the pilot of fortune and his friends. He watched the army grow big and bigger before his eyes. Abruptly, the space monitor exploded at the exact same time that the academy trembled sending cadets falling to the ground from wherever they were around campus. Gampu fell to his side before a cloud of smoke that had erupted from the machine and floated off the console. The commander landed in front of Peepo then had a small groan.
"Activate . . . mandatory . . . planetoid separation," Gampu commanded, as the academy trembled around him as he propped himself up trembling.
Gampu used Peepo to hoist himself up including the edge of the console and the lights had gone dim behind him. Electricity cackled from the cieling above him as the cadets in the room helped each other up to their feet in the newly settling in chaos.
"Oraco!" Peepo announced. "Working!"
Gampu held onto the console keeping him in place.
The side of his face was still burning from the sudden explosion from the space monitor.
"Professors, please escort cadets to mandatory evacuation locations," Gampu announced. "Professors, please escort cadets to mandatory evacuation locations." the pain from what was surely a stinging burn was numb to him. "Professors, please escort your cadets to mandatory evacuation locations."
The room became highlighted in a red hue as he repeated the order.
From behind Gampu appeared a comfy chair with buttons appeared at the center and cadets fled Battle Control.
Gampu watched the cadets flee out of the room in what was slow motion to him from all around.
"Civilians remain in the gymnasium,
Classrooms became packed with cadets running into them.
"Civilians remain in the gymnasium,"
The parents of blue team 1 held hands tightly looking over toward each other uneasy while Loki looked up seeing through the decks.
"Civilians remain in the gymnasium,"
The last of the cadets left Battle Control.
"Academy Control has changed to Battle Control," the words echoed through the empty corridors. "Academy Control has changed to Battle Control," The last cadet came into quarters that had a open door that closed behind them. "Academy Control has changed to Battle Control."
Gampu turned toward Peepo.
"Peepo," Gampu began. "go to the gymnasium and program their trajectory toward the void."
"That means separation, Commander!" Peepo acknowledged.
Gampu winced, making his way toward the chair.
"I am quite aware," Gampu said, Battle Control trembled around him. "We must think about their survival."
"Oraco!" Peepo said, turning around.
Peepo floated out of the room.
He turned away then closed his eyes, regretfully, slowly moving away from the console letting his fingers slide off the console with reluctance. Gampu sat into the chair pressing buttons. The rounded section surrounding the center consisting of consoles slid down into the floor replaced by a red railing. Gampu looked toward the firing army as the academy trembled. His eyes full of determination. He was going to give Will a happy ending. He was going to give the Robinsons a proper ending that wasn't born from pain or a cruel scientist experimenting on them.
"Firing lasers on the dragon squadron," Gampu announced, pressing on a red button.
Laser fire came from Battle Control firing at the dragon squadrons sending them flying out of the way then fire in return.
"Battle Control to Starfires 2, 3, and 4," Gampu said, his fingers pressing on the yellow button. "Professor, Sam, Jason, can you read me?"
His eyes searched the stars for their floating utterly useless starfires.
"Please answer," Gampu saw the floating starfire drift in the way of the screen. His heart sank. He was the only one capable of protecting the cadets at the moment. "Battle Control out."
The red and black doors opened behind Gampu.
Gampu turned in the direction of the doors to see who it was.
"Peepo!" Gampu said, shocked. "What are you doing here?"
"Battle control needs a pilot and a navigator, not just a soldier, Commander Gampu," Peepo said. "separation program has been executed."
Gampu turned toward the large screen as battle control trembled and sparks erupted from the station in front of him.
Rows and rows of the armies were being destroyed as the evacuation went into play until they were two distinct parts of a planetoid.
Gampu stood up then slowly approached the viewscreen in front of the severely damaged consoles and the screens were struggling to remain powered.
It was painful watching the planetoid float away on the viewscreen as the front half was drifting away taking the aggressive dragon squadron. It shouldn't have been necessary to let it happen this way, but it was.
He had seen utter devastation many times but this time, Gampu wasn't going to see that happen today. He was small compared to the large asteroid facing a certain road ahead of him. Losing his career, his reputation becoming tarnished, his legacy stained, and friends in commands walking away from him. What he was going to lose two weeks from now was small compared to what he was gaining three hundred years ago. It was worth all that loss to gain something better.
The small, installed lights on the buildings were flickering before his eyes among the darkness. The light gray metal became dark momentarily before his eyes. He watched the city in the dark grow small before his eyes. How he wanted to tell blue team one that it was going to be alright. Long as they stuck together with hope for another tomorrow. He had seen it happen and knew everything was going to be alright for them. They were a small lantern falling in the dark away from what they knew falling toward the abyss. Gampu watched the other half vanished into the void that reflected the front half of the academy.
They were safe. All of them were safe. Even Loki was in safe hands.
"And they will live again," Gampu said.
"Who will live again?" Peepo asked.
"The Robinsons," Gampu said, as the front console lowered down replaced by a railing that extended from around him with a simple click.
"That does not compute!" Peepo announced.
"We are changing history," Gampu looked down toward the machine. "That should compute."
"You made a time warp," Peepo said. "You were never intending to destroy it."
"I did," Gampu said, nodding his head. "Are you okay with having more time with your friend Will Robinson?"
The upper station slid down replaced by the primary front railing that connected with the rest.
"Affirmative," Peepo said.
Gampu closed his eyes then his shoulders lowered and his mind set at peace sitting down into the chair.
"Danger, Commander Gampu!" Peepo waved his arms in the air and drifted from side to side. "Danger!"
Battle Control trembled then the lights went out around him.
"Let's give Dragos the thrill he wants," Gampu looked up, defiantly, with a confident smile in the dark as the lights from the stars from far away highlighted his face in a gentle blue shade. "Peepo, set a course."
"Any that you have in mind?" Peepo asked.
Gampu looked down toward Peepo.
"Any course will do, dear old friend," Gampu said. "We must distract them."
"Oraco!" Peepo replied.
From space, the lasers were fired at the dragon squadron and the armies drew away from the void chasing after the vessel.