Chapter 5

Don's birthday was to be the last celebration before the voyage back to Marvenius, however, it seemed like a shroud had descended upon the Robinsons, and celebration was the last thing on their minds. Nerves were frayed and tempers were short as the men prepared for their journey and the uncertainty that awaited them. The women were anxious and withdrawn, as they didn't know how long their husbands would be gone. Even Penny and Will were morose, Penny because she would miss Kairon's enthusiasm and good looks, and Will because everyone else was moody.

Scotter insisted, however, that a celebration take place and he cornered Kairon and Ronon to plan an activity for Don and Judy to share. He then sought out Marcus for a much needed discussion on the status of his research.

"Marcus? Are you down here?"

"Over here, Scotty. Are you feeling okay?"

"Yeah, I'm not here for me. Is Maureen around?"

"No, she's spending some time with John right now."

"Good. Marcus, how much more time do you need on your research before you can work on Don?"

Marcus expected to have this conversation with someone before the boys took off, but he still wasn't ready to explain himself. "I don't know. The nervous system is the most difficult to work with, especially the back. Don's situation is more complicated because of what the enzyme has already done to his healthy tissue. I'm not a nerve specialist, I don't know what we can do to correct the damage that's been done. There may be nothing we can do for his pain."

"Come on, Marcus, you know what I'm talking about. He's learned to live with the pain. You know there is only one thing he wants. There's got to be something you can try before he leaves, isn't there?"

"You're talking about he and Judy conceiving a child."

"Of course! If he can do that, then their separation might not be so bad for them, and he won't have to worry about Appolus still having a claim on Judy."

"Believe me, I understand, Scotty, more than most people."

"Then what's stopping you from offering him something?"

"The chance of it working is slim, and then what? He has nothing to hope for, nothing to keep him going."

"But at least he'll know the truth. It's a hell of a lot easier living with the truth than not knowing what it is."

Marcus had to agree with him. "Then, if something happens, and he doesn't come back, they won't be left wondering about what could have been."

"Exactly."

"All right. I'll see what I can do, but we don't have much time before you lift off. It's going to have to be done soon."

The family, at Maureen's insistence, was making a conscious effort to spend as many meals together as possible in the week before John and Don's departure. Their efforts, however, did not improve the somber mood that pervaded the atmosphere, but Maureen hadn't given up hope that things could get better.

"Don, your birthday is coming up in a few days. What would you like to do?" she asked.

"I haven't thought about it. I don't think a celebration would be a good idea right now."

"Well, we're not going to let it pass. There must be something you want to do."

He rubbed his eyes and shook his head, trying to keep his irritability down. "You know that there is only one thing I want. Unless Marcus has changed his mind, there's not a whole lot that can be done about it. So let's just forget about any kind of celebration."

"I guess that means you're not interested in spending any time with me then, doesn't it?" Judy interjected.

"Judy, that's not what I said…"

"You didn't have to say it! You're coming to bed after I'm asleep, getting up before me and spending the rest of the day doing anything that will keep you away from me. If it wasn't for the family meals, I might not see you at all. I don't know what you think you're doing, but it's not helping." She threw down her napkin and stood. "Excuse me." She abruptly left the galley.

He ran his hand across his face and shook his head. "Damn it!"

Penny and Will asked simultaneously, "May I be excused?"

"Of course," Maureen answered.

Don sighed, "Wait. Penny, Will, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."

Will accepted his apology. "It's alright, Don. We're all feeling lousy right now."

Penny placed Carmella in Don's lap and added, "I don't think any of us will be happy again until you all come back safe."

After they left, Don tried to follow, but John stopped him. "Not yet, Don. We have a few things to say to you first."

"Look, John, I know you mean well, but the last thing I need right now is a lecture."

"Not a lecture, Don, just some advice," Maureen explained.

Don unconsciously started to pet the little creature in his lap.

John started first. "We know that dealing with the upcoming separation is taking its toll on both of you, so I can understand that you would be upset and irritable. Maureen and I are dealing with the same thing."

Don's head snapped up and he spit out. "Really? So you're hoping to have more children? That's a surprise to me!"

John held his hand up in peace. "Alright, so you and Judy are dealing with a whole lot more than Maureen and I right now. I'm sure your pain level is up too. But these last few days you have with Judy might be the last ones that you have with each other… ever."

"Thanks! Like I don't know that." Don couldn't resist the sarcastic remark.

"Well then, start acting like you do!"

Maureen interceded before they both flew off the handle. "Don, I was speaking with Marcus today. He might be willing to try a procedure on you before you leave."

Don was afraid to hope. "Unless it's connected to having children, I don't want to chance it right now. It's too close to our departure date."

Marcus appeared in the doorway. "That's exactly what I'm ready to try, Don, if you are."

The procedure itself was relatively simple. Don was put under general anesthesia and Marcus injected his five sacral nerves with the enzyme. He was certain of hitting the correct spot as he had adapted the diagnostic machine to include a TV monitor so he could see exactly where the needle was being placed. It was a relatively non-invasive operation, so the recovery time would be short. Marcus had no idea how long it would take for the procedure to take effect, or if it would take effect at all.

He entered the galley, which had served as a waiting room and announced that he was done.

"Judy, you can go and sit with him now, if you like. He's going to be groggy and disoriented when he wakes up, so don't be surprised if he has no idea what he's doing there."

"How will we know if the procedure had any effect?"

Marcus smiled. "Oh, I think you'll know."

Floating in the warm waters off the coast of Florida

The coolness of the morning air as he hiked the mountains with his family

White sand like powder between his toes

Sailing on the Charles with his parents

A twisted handsome face belittling his manhood

The colors of the rainbow surrounding them as alien prayers were recited

An arm ensnaring her in a vise-like grip and dragging her away from him

A sharp pain penetrating his back as if he were stabbed by a knife

Disjointed visions assaulted him as he gradually escaped the effects of the anesthesia. A loving hand caressed his cheek as he was pulled, unwillingly, into a state of wakefulness.

"Don? Wake-up, honey."

He was lying on his stomach and turned his head away from her.

"Come on, Don. Open your eyes."

'Where the hell am I?'

"The procedure is done."

'Procedure?'

It was starting to come back to him now. He turned back towards his wife and opened his eyes. Her concerned face greeted him and he attempted a smile to reassure her.

"How do you feel?"

"Groggy… Did it work?"

"It might take a few days to find out."

"How… How will I know."

"I'm not sure, but I guess we'll find out together."