Chapter 7
With both Ronon and Don out of danger, Judy and Gannon were sent to get some rest while Maureen covered the med bay. Don tried to pry information out of her about what Marcus and the others might be plotting, but all she would tell him was that the Robot was placed on guard duty outside the Jupiter and that they were considering many options for their protection.
As Don expected, Dr. Smith came down to relieve Maureen after several hours. Ronon had been given a sedative and would sleep the entire night. Don had discarded his and fell into a light sleep, waking as Dr. Smith settled into a chair between the two beds.
"Zach?" Don called.
"Major? You should be resting. You've had quite an ordeal, now try to get back to sleep."
"I can't sleep. What are they planning on doing about Appolus?"
"Well, I suppose there isn't any harm in telling you. Professor Robinson will meet with Balus to determine if there is anything the government can do. The others will search for Appolus. Marcus will head up one group, and Scotter and Kairon the other. Once they find him, they plan to capture him and hold him until the government can intervene in your favor."
"And what are the chances of that happening. Not only that, I don't think Marcus plans on just holding him."
"Now, Major, you must not trouble yourself with Appolus, he will be taken care of by the others. You must trust them."
"I do trust them, Zach, that's why I have to do something myself. Help me out of this bed."
"Major Wes, you are incapacitated! If I let you out of the med bay, Mrs. Robinson would have my head."
"I feel just fine, Smith, I'm the 'miracle man', remember?"
"Now who's having 'delusions of grandeur'?"
"Delusions or not, I know Appolus is coming here for Judy, probably tonight. I'm gonna be ready for him. Now help me get dressed and onto the hover bike."
Dr. Smith rolled his eyes heavenward, "Why me?"
As he waited under the ramp for the expected intruder, he realized that Smith was right. He wasn't 'just fine'. He felt weak and his reflexes were slow, but he hoped that being the one in waiting would give him a needed advantage over Appolus. He had almost given up hope that he was going to appear when the Robot came to attention and shouted, "Warning! Warning! Alien human form approaching."
Appolus was surprised by the Robot's announcement and decided on a full speed charge into the Jupiter. He didn't count on Don coming out from under the ramp and confronting him.
"Appolus!" Don shouted.
"You again! This time, I will kill you." He shot at Don who dodged the blast by sliding off the bike. Don shot back, wide of his mark.
Appolus again took aim, but a shot fired from the top of the ramp before he pulled the trigger, dropped him to the ground.
Don made his way to Appolus and felt for a pulse. This time, he was truly dead. He turned to see who his savior was, and there stood Dr. Smith who proclaimed, "Oh, dear me!" and fainted straight away.
Smelling salts were all Dr. Smith needed to be revived. He saw a number of concerned faces looming over him, but one in particular grinned broadly at him.
"Thanks, Zach," Don stated.
"Never fear, Smith is here."