"Major," a tiny, distant voice beckoned. Gradually it grew closer, stronger, and more insistent. "Major West!"

The pilot opened his eyes, then shielded them from the brilliant light ahead of him. Where am I? he thought.

"Major West, come along," a familiar presence materialized before him.

"Smith? I must be hallucinating." The Major rubbed his eyes. "You've been dead for over 20 years."

"Your grasp of the obvious never ceases to amaze me," Smith deadpanned. "And, no, you are not hallucinating."

The look of confusion remained on the Major's face.

Smith looked over his shoulder, "He doesn't realize yet…"

"Realize what?" Don asked.

"We're here to escort you to the next life," Smith answered.

"Next life?" he thought a moment. "You mean…"

"Yes, you're dead," Smith finished.

"I can't be," the Major resisted. "So much left to do…"

Smith looked over his shoulder again. "A little help here."

Another figure materialized, standing just behind Smith.

"John!"

"Hi, Don," the Professor said. "Like Smith said, we're here to escort you."

"Then it's true. I'm really dead."

The Professor and Smith nodded in unison.

"But Judy…" Don resisted.

"She'll be fine," Smith assured. "Judy, the kids," he paused and smiled. "The grandkids. They'll all be fine."

The Major was not convinced.

"Major, do you doubt that the Professor and Mrs. Robinson raised their progeny to be strong, independent, resourceful, and resilient people?"

The Professor raised his eyebrows waiting for the Major's response.

Smiling sadly, Don answered, "No. I know all too well they did."

"They will miss you, but they will carry on, just as they did when the Professor and I left. Your work here is done, Major. Come with us," Smith beckoned.

Don still hesitated.

"Your family is looking forward to seeing you. The Professor and I have been regaling them with your exploits all this time."

"Of which I'm sure you've exaggerated," the Major replied.

Smith shrugged and grinned, "Perhaps a little."

Smith and the Professor each put an arm around the Major's shoulders as they walked toward the light.

Don looked toward Smith, "John, I expected… but you?"

The Professor answered with a laugh, "He's on probation." Smith shot him a glare, but it held no malice.

"You know, Major, the Professor and I expected you here much sooner, what with your propensity to crash the Jupiter 2."

The Professor chuckled again as the Major rolled his eyes.

"It's good to see you again," John said.

"Same here." The Major put his arms around both men as all three walked into the light.