Lost in Space Classic Fan Fiction

Roughly 5 months had passed since the Robinson’s had escaped the junk planet, they had spent 4 of those 5 months in space, looking for somewhere to set down where they would be away from other humanoid’s, looking all the time for the promised planet- Alpha Centauri Gamma, however, as of one month ago the Jupiter 2 had belly landed on a rather nice world, at least to look at, not surprisingly Dr Smith thought it a poor substitute of the place he wanted to be, that was Earth.

Dr Smith was outside the spaceship sat under a sunshield, it was a blisteringly hot day, the immediate area around the spaceship was a field, with grass, that was blue, yet in texture, genetic makeup and so forth, was virtually identical to that of the Earth’s green grass. There were a few rocks dotted here and there, in the way distance to the front of the spaceship’s view port was a forest of sort way off in the distance, it was there, that Maureen, Don, Judy, Will and Penny had gone. Their reason? Simple, they had found a weird square shaped fruit which they were able to eat, and since they were having food problems as it was, this seemed like a good idea.

So that left Dr Smith, John and the Robot back at the spaceship, as Dr Smith lay and thought about the fruit that would undoubtedly be returning within the next couple of days, a hand shook his shoulder, it was borderline violent shaking. As he looked up he saw Professor Robinson, who was sweating enough to make a small pool at his feet should he have stood still long enough.

John: Dr Smith, I asked you to fetch me that new power unit up from the hold, where is it?

This inquiry was rather more sharp than usual for the level headed Professor.

Dr Smith: I thought then for a frightful moment that Major West had returned…Although I must add, Professor, you have confirmed my worst fears.

John placed both hands on his hips; Dr Smith was being cryptic again, making John ask.

John: What fears are these?

Dr Smith’s tone dropped slightly from the previous light spirited remark.

Dr Smith: Simple, you are spending too much time with Major West, see, you are even starting to act like him…

John threw his arms up in the air.

John: Fine, you know what, FORGET IT!! I’ll get it myself; you obviously have more important things to do.

 John then marched back inside the spaceship he went to descend using the ladder but, his legs and shoulders were sore, so he called the elevator up, and used that instead. With Don away, that meant he had double the work, Smith was about as much practical use as a chocolate coffeepot, he thought. The Robot came over to Dr Smith, as usual hoping to make Dr Smith see the light.

Robot: Dr Smith?

It was almost like the Robot was condemning him, like he was looking down at him for his laziness.

Dr Smith: What is it?

Smith barked.

Robot: I think that you should offer Professor Robinson assistance, according to my sensors, he is approaching the point of complete exhaustion, and he is suffering severe pain in his shoulders and right thigh.

Dr Smith sat up from his laying position on the reclined lawn seat; his reply was almost completely devoid of care.

Dr Smith: It’s not my fault that the Professor feels the need to work himself to a stand still, if he feels so sore, why don’t you offer him some refreshments, or encourage him to take a break? Instead of harassing me you tin-plated tyrant!!! Now be gone, before I remove your power pack!

With that the Robot spun round and proceeded away from Dr Smith, who restored himself to his previous levels of comfort. Meanwhile, over in the forest, Don, Maureen and the Robinson children were picking the fruits, Will had climbed up a tree and was throwing the square shaped fruits down to Judy who caught them and placed them in a basket.

Judy: Not so fast Will, I can’t keep up with you.

Judy protested, Will then adjusted his rate of fruit drop accordingly, Don, who had been making a few adjustments on the Chariot, went over to Maureen and Penny, who had a similar operation to that of Will and Judy’s.

Don: You know… I really wish we hadn’t left John alone with Smith, I like having the good Doctor close enough so I can keep an eye on him.

Maureen: But far enough away so he doesn’t get on your nerves?

Maureen offered, Don just smiled, and he had to admit she had a point. While he enjoyed nothing more than making Smith squirm, he also enjoyed a bit of peace and quiet without Smith and his ridiculous antics. He thought to himself, when he gets back he may be pleased to see Smith… Yeah, like that’ll ever happen, he corrected himself mentally.

Penny: Will!! Look at the size of this fruit.

Penny held her trophy up to the tree where Will was picking so that he could see, Will looked at it. He was quite impressed it was like 3 of the regular fruits put together.

Will: Wow! That sure is a big one Penny…Judy, have we found anything as big as that yet?

Judy: Not yet, sorry Will.

Penny: See, I’m picking the best ones today.

Will just rolled his eyes, puffed and then carried on. Maureen had to laugh, sibling rivalry she thought, but it was harmless enough, it was good that they kept each other on their toes; it prevented boredom which was good. Don was really hungry, he couldn’t resist he reached into a basket and lifted out one of the square fruits and bit into it, the fruit made such a loud crunch everybody stopped and looked at him.

Judy: Don! We’re supposed to be harvesting them.

Don: Well, sorry, but don’t you think it’s about time we had a break?

Maureen: I think that’s a great idea. You can have some fruit as well children.

Will and Penny descended the trees and grabbed some fruit, Don lifted a second cube and threw it to Judy, and she caught it, wiped it on her top, and then bit into it. Maureen repeated her daughter’s lead.

Don: By the way, tomorrow do you still want to go further ahead into that, field with the stuff that’s like corn on the cob?

Maureen swallowed what she had in her mouth.

Maureen: Well, I think it would be a good idea; after all we need all the food we can get.

Don: Ok then, I guess we’ll get going as early as we possibly can in the morning.

Don then leaned back against the tree, and gave his cube another crunch. Back at camp, John Robinson was just getting ready to call it a night; he had been working on a machine which would refine the Deutronium they got from the ground better than usual, as he tightened up a bolt on it. He studied it for a moment deep in thought. John Robinson was a conflicted man, constantly grappling with himself over the Jupiter 2’s eventual destination: Earth, or Alpha Centauri, it was generally accepted the latter was the eventual destination, but everyday John found himself questioning that. What father who wanted the best for his children wouldn’t? The machine he was working on, was built using parts that they had “liberated” from the Junk Planet, it was very large and very heavy.

Upright the machine stood about 8 feet tall, and must have weighed about 3 tons. For its girth, it made about 2 of the Robot, so all in all, a hefty device. John used the hoist to move it about, it had to be constructed in order to get it in and out of the spaceship, all in all it was coming along nicely John thought, another couple of days and they would be able to begin mining Deutronium and refining it to incredible levels of quality. Just as John was getting into a good thought track, Dr Smith approached down the spaceship ramp.

Dr Smith: I say Professor, just what exactly does that, overtly large hulking amalgam of alien scrap metal do?

John turned to Dr Smith, he had calmed down since earlier, it was cooler out and he was finished so he had pretty much forgotten how irritated he had been as a result of Dr Smith’s lack of help. To be honest he was quite happy to explain aloud with regard to his latest creation in their effort to traverse the space ways.

John: Well Doctor, to put it simply, this “amalgam of scrap metal” is a Deutronium refining device far beyond anything made on Earth, once we mine the materials out of the ground we simply pass them through this device.

The Professor pointed to Dr Smith the point of entry, Dr Smith was becoming rather intrigued, now he was interested, he decided there and then rather than listen to all the babble to the ins and outs of the device, he simply wanted to know if his theory was correct. He had to but in…

Dr Smith: Uh Professor… Pardon the interruption, but how exactly will fuel that has passed through the machine be of benefit to our little party?

John retracted his finger and placed both hands on his hips. He was almost smiling; he had that familiar content expression on his face, the one he made when things were going well.

John: I would imagine that based on the levels the machine is capable of refining Deutronium to, Id put it about 3 times beyond anything made on Earth, so…I would presume that the fuel would last about 3 times longer and maybe the ship would travel 3 times faster.

Dr Smith’s face changed so rapidly it was unreal, he had that sly little grin on his face that would tell everyone he had something in mind.

Dr Smith: 3 times faster you say?

John: Once me and Don recalibrate the engines to accept the higher grade fuel; yes, well, that’s the theory at least… Now if its not too much trouble Dr Smith would you mind giving me a hand?

Dr Smith: Well of course sir, I’m only too happy to help with this magnificent machine. What do you want me to do, but please, remember I have a delicate back.

John: I couldn’t forget that Dr Smith. All I need you to do is operate the hoist control unit while I steady the machine; I need it on the ground.

Dr Smith came down the ship’s ramp and picked up the hoist control unit, he looked at the Professor, who nodded to him, Dr Smith then pressed the button and the device was lowered safely to the floor, John steadied it as it came down. It was safely lowered and John then took the chains off the device. John stood up.

John: Have you seen the Robot?

Smith: Not since earlier this afternoon, he must have wandered off somewhere.

John: You better go look for him it’ll be real dark shortly.

Smith swallowed hard, this he did not like. Not in the least, his mind recalled the various monstrosities that they had encountered and Dr Smith was somewhat afraid to go wandering off on a strange planet in the dark. Where he wanted to be right now was on the lower deck safe in his cabin, with the Jupiter’s airlock hatch shut and locked.

Smith: You know what that computerised clod is like, he will come back soon, I don’t think there is any need to go…

John: Smith!

That was it, as of right there it was pointless to continue to resist, the Professor’s mind was made up. Almost grudgingly, Dr Smith walked off. John went inside the spaceship and to the transmitter, he picked up the microphone, and after a moment of flicking switches.

John: Jupiter 2 calling chariot, come in chariot…

Over in the forest Don who had been setting up camp heard the radio in the Chariot. Don jogged over to the chariot, reached inside and plucked out the microphone.

Don: Yes John, how’s things?

John: Oh you know everything’s as it should be, how are Maureen and the children?

Don: They’re fine, we been hard at it all day.

John: Me too.

Don: I take it that means Smith was his usual helpful self? Oh well, here, have a word with Maureen.

Maureen came over, she was smiling, happy that even though John was so incredibly busy with his latest project he still found the time for his family, definitely one of his best traits. He was the most unselfish man in the universe.

Maureen: Hello dear, have you had a busy day?

John: Oh you know the usual, work, Dr Smith and then more work.

John and Maureen chuckled at the comments, Dr Smith was an annoyance to the family, but he was also somewhat entertaining when you reflected on some of his bumbling; besides he had morphed over the years into something of a grandfather to the children.

John: How are the kids?

Maureen: Oh they’re ok, I guess they are tired after all; they have been working hard and…

John: Hold on a second.

John had heard what he thought was a scream as Maureen was in mid sentence. The scream was not too far away, sure enough, just as John had suspected, Dr Smith was backing away from something it made some kind of roar, resulting in one of Dr Smith’s trademark screams, he spun round and began running, he weaved from rock to rock, galloping as fast as his aged legs would carry him over the plush blue grass. John trying to see what was happening out of the open hatch, quickly as he could said a brief goodbye.

Maureen: What is it John?

John: I don’t know, Smith sounds like he’s in trouble I better go.

John then dropped the Microphone and grabbed a laser, he ran off in the direction he heard the scream, as he ran he heard screams and more disturbingly; roars, John felt sure now there was some serious danger, sure enough there coming into view was Dr Smith being chased by what the Professor could only describe as a huge snake-like creature, it was at least 20 feet from head to tail, it had a thick body, but most bizarrely it had arms just below its head area, big thick muscular arms, with 2 fingers and poseable thumb. John was momentarily astounded by the strange animal that was pursuing Dr Smith.

Dr Smith: Help!!! Help me!!!

John unable to act had no choice but to retreat also from the quickly advancing creature. John and Dr Smith ran together the Jupiter 2 coming into sight, as the creature gained on them, somehow the enormous serpent like animal must have sensed if they reached the destination to which they were heading he would lose a meal, the snake coiled its body and literally pounced through the air landing in front of the two potential snacks, the sheer enormity and bulk of the creature made such a move seem impossible for him to execute. Dr Smith screamed again louder than John’s ears thought possible.

John: Get back Smith!

Like he needed to tell Smith twice, John drew his laser from the holster and aimed it at the creatures head, but the creature actually ducked down its head low and swung the tip of its tail round knocking the laser clean out of John’s hand, the snake then swung his tail back and knocked John flying through the air he then fell and skidded across the blue grass. Smith tried to sneak back inside the ship during all the comotion; however the reptilian assailant had not forgot about its initial quarry. It spun round and faced Dr Smith, the creature had no visible eyes, but now it seemed as though Dr Smith was froze to the spot, by a death glare.

Dr Smith: Oh dear…

Despite the pain that was wracking his chest and ribs, John pulled himself vertical again, he saw the creature advancing on Dr Smith again, John knew he had to do something, his toe kicked against a hard object on the ground, in the blue grass was a rock, he quickly lifted it and with a near precise aim let fly the projectile which hit the creature square in his back. The snake turned and faced John; even though it was expressionless John knew he had made it angry. He backed away as cautiously as he possibly could.

John: Smith!! Get the gun!!

Dr Smith was unable or unwilling to move, John soon realised Smith’s lack of enthusiasm to the command. So he presumed to try again only with slightly different wording.

John: Smith the gun, get it!!! It’s your only chance!!!

John had said the right thing, knowing even in a crisis, what buttons to press Dr Smith slowly advanced on the gun he lifted it still not knowing what to do.

John: Shoot!!!

Dr Smith’s face said it all, reluctantly he fired, and he hit the creature with a direct hit to its back, to his surprise the creature barely flinched but it did turn to face Dr Smith once more. Dr Smith wailed out in shock and dropped the gun he backed up against the spaceship and closed his eyes waiting for the inevitable pain that was sure to follow by the way the creature was showing its teeth. But it never happened, Smith cautiously opened one eye to scan his surroundings, confident that the serpent-like aggressor was no longer there he opened both eyes. Before him stood Professor Robinson, holding what appeared to be some sort of cable emanating off of his Deutronium refining device, the Professor then dropped the cable down to the floor.

John: Are you alright?

Dr Smith: Yes, at least I think so, what was that dreadful animal?

John wiped his forehead, he was sweating slightly. All of a sudden deep down inside Dr Smith, he felt a great deal of guilt and regret, despite all the things he had done, all the schemes all the vile deeds, when he was in danger they always promptly came to his rescue, something which he rarely did for them. Smith was grateful, most definitely, he never let it show, though tonight he was off guard and it just happened to “slip out”.

Dr Smith: Thank-you Professor, I was afraid that awful creature would be dining on me. What exactly did you do to make it leave with such urgency?

John shrugged his shoulders, as far as he was concerned all he had done was simply jab it with a power cable off his Deutronium refiner. The creature then promptly scurried away, and much to the Professor’s angst, found this animal could burrow under ground.

John: I’ll explain later, first we have to warn the others…As for the Robot, well, I guess we will just have to leave that till the morning, I don’t want another run in with that thing.

John then collected the dropped laser and walked back into the Jupiter 2, with Smith following close behind, Smith couldn’t help but find himself unintentionally looking back, once the Professor was in, Smith hit the button and the outer airlock hatch slid shut. John lifted the microphone and adjusted a switch or two on the radio assembly.

John: Jupiter 2 calling chariot, come in chariot…

Over at the chariot, with almost lightning quickness Maureen grabbed the microphone inside the chariot and placed it close to her mouth.

Maureen: Oh John, thank heavens, is everything alright?

John: Maureen, listen to me very carefully, some sort of creature attacked Dr Smith and myself, it’s a snake like creature about 20 feet long, very thick body, and worse yet seems somehow impervious to laser fire. I think it’s safe to assume that its nocturnal as none of us have seen it during the day, which is why I want you all to sleep in the chariot tonight, don’t move, make as little sound as possible, just stay put until morning then get back to the spaceship at sunrise… Did Don catch all that?

Don leaned his head over to the microphone in Maureen’s hand, and shouted.

Don: Yeah, I got it all.

John breathed a sigh of relief, understandable considering. He had no idea how many of these things there were. One thing he knew for sure, they were dangerous. Don and Maureen glanced at each other; it was that worried look they so often had exchanged in the past, present and more than likely the near future. Back on the Jupiter 2, Dr Smith had manoeuvred himself into the pilots seat, he stared out the view screen wondering when all these nightmarish creatures would return, already he totally began to exaggerate the situation, they knew of only one, but still, with a creature that vicious there was little to really exaggerate. 

John: Right then, be safe and get back here as soon as you can after sunrise.

Maureen: Ok, love you…

John: I love you too darling…Jupiter out.

Professor Robinson returned the microphone to its cradle and then he too plonked himself into the co-pilot seat, he rubbed his hair back, at times like this he felt glad he was not going bald, although he had been losing a bit of the blackness on the sides and back only to have it replaced by a different shade, a lot lighter than black that was sure. The professor rose to his feet.

John: Come on Smith, we better go to bed; I got a funny feeling its going to be an early start.

Smith nodded and obliged.

Dr Smith: Yes Professor…

Over at the chariot it was the dead of night, Judy had snuck outside while everybody was sound asleep, and she took a brief walk in the night air. She walked about next to the chariot, she peeped in at her family and the man she had been carrying a torch for since, well before the first lift off. She just wanted to have what her mother had, the love of a good man, but he was reluctant to give it. Why she thought? Depression was a bad thing, she could feel the tears beginning to well up, instinctively she gave her eyes a wipe then she climbed back into the chariot, carefully and silently moved herself back to where she originally settled down and closed her tearful eyes waiting for sleep to take hold of her.

Back at the Jupiter 2 everything was a lot less peaceful than it was at the chariot. For one, there was an incessant pounding coming from outside. It was the heaviest pounding you could have thought possible, like meteors hitting the hull, Dr Smith and Professor Robinson both emerged from their cabins almost simultaneously, Dr Smith was actually physically cringing with each loud thud. He pulled off his night hat and threw it back in his bedroom; the poor man’s hands were physically shaking, he turned to Professor Robinson who stood steadfast, like a pillar in the worst of storms, when everything was just about to go to hell, John was always there to make sure the process went incomplete. But this time, for the first time since their departure from Earth, Dr Smith thought he could sense a bit of fear in the otherwise Iron Professor.

Dr Smith: Professor, what do you suppose that dreadful pounding is? Do you think…that hideous serpent has returned? Goodness gracious, it’s come back to finish me off!!

John: Dr Smith, take it easy, let’s go to the upper deck and take a look before we jump to any hasty conclusions, it may be the creature yes, but panicking won’t help us.

John was saying this for as much his own benefit as Dr Smith’s, even he was frightened by this…thing…but he couldn’t just sit there while it tried to batter its way into the ship. If it was that snake, John would have to find a way to stop it, he would have to kill it. He walked over to the ladder, and began to climb up, he moved swiftly, but not as swiftly as he would have in a different emergency. The pounding never ceased for a moment, as John stepped up onto the upper deck, he still stood with his back to the main view port, from here the pounding was coming, before he even turned round he knew what sight to expect. He turned, and outside, just as he had not so cleverly deduced was the creature, lunging and tail whipping the windows trying to get in. John stared and shook his head.

John: Smith!! Get up here…

Smith reluctantly, very reluctantly climbed up the ladder to the upper deck he turned round and saw the same fearsome sight he had been up close with before, he let loose one his screams and very nearly toppled back down the ladder were it not for the steadying arms of the Professor.

Dr Smith: I knew it!! That sadistic snake has come back to finish me!

John: No! We are going to finish it…tonight!

Dr Smith: You aren’t suggesting that we fight that thing are you?! We’ll be killed for sure!

John: I’m afraid fighting is our only option Doctor, I have a plan, outside he is as tough as they come, inside it has to be different, my Deutronium refiner hurt it earlier, maybe it can kill it.

The creature continued its assault upon the Jupiter 2 without remorse. Never before had they seen such a violent animal. John darted over and gave Smith a laser rifle, Dr Smith looked as though the Professor had given him a skunk to hold. John himself grabbed a laser pistol.

Dr Smith: Professor, your plan sounds foolproof; however, perhaps I should remain inside the spaceship in case he attempts to come inside?!

Smith’s voice was trembling he was scared out of his wits, personally though, John didn’t blame him in the slightest.

John: That won’t be necessary; we shall close the hatch once we are outside.

Smith: Ah what a good id…wait a second, close the hatch once we are outside??!!

John operated the switch and the Jupiter 2’s airlock hatch slid open, he then unceremoniously pulled Dr Smith outside as well. John then hit the button and the hatch slid shut, outside John and Smith were faced by their enormous snake attacker. It hissed at them menacingly showing its teeth, it then moved round the ship from the windows at the front past the hatch to where John and Dr Smith were stood and cowering, respectively.

John: Smith, shoot it with your rifle so I can past it!

Dr Smith: No!! I can’t do it; I don’t want to wind up an alien’s midnight snack!

John grabbed Dr Smith by the shoulders and held him firmly, he knew damn well that Dr Smith was terrified beyond all reason, but action was needed, and fast. The snake was stalking them; it could strike at any moment.

John: Smith, listen to me, you have to! Our lives are riding on this, if we fail we wont get a second chance, and if we run back inside the ship eventually that thing will get inside and kill us anyway, we have to do this!!

Deep down both John and Smith wished that Major West was here, he would have had absolutely no qualms about fighting the good fight, indeed, he and John together had been in more gunfights, slugfests, brawls and hi-tech adventures than Smith could count. Nevertheless Smith found himself acting; he drew his laser rifle and fired. It was a good shot the snake squirmed in pain and squealed, the blast had not managed to penetrate the snake’s hide, but it was enough to stun it just for a split second so John could get past it and over to his Deutronium refiner. Immediately he began to operate the machine to get it going, the only thing that seemed to hurt the creature effectively, John mused that sometimes improvisation is the mother of invention.

Dr Smith: Get back!!! Back I say!!! Professor, what do I do now?!!

John: Just keep it busy for a second will you?!

Professor Robinson’s hands were very nearly a blur as he worked on his device; it had some Deutronium in it, refined to very high levels as part of his experiments with the machine. The power was on; his next step was to begin total Deutronium fusion, the fusion he then would direct into the electrical system of the refiner causing a massive discharge of electricity which would provide enough power to cause the Earth’s moon to glow for a week. The downside to this plan? He would get one shot at it only, as the machine would overload and he would have to effectively rebuild it, after it blew up. Dr Smith meanwhile had been distracting the creature most efficiently, he had been screaming like nobody’s business, he had so far evaded the creature by using the tried and tested measures that were normally employed in a game of tag, running round one object then off to another object. His cover was of course the rocks.

John: Lead him this way Smith!!

Dr Smith continued his squeals and led the creature in John’s direction; however it soon recognised what the plan was when it saw John holding a buzzing electrical cable, once that cable was earthed, the result would be fried snake. Needless to say it stopped in its tracks when it saw the cable as it remembered what happened the last time it was jabbed by one of those cables. It stopped before them, Smith came over to the Professor puffing and panting, he saw the stopped creature and wondered why it did not continue its advance. Then to the shock of both John and Smith the creature leaned to the ground and clawed its way underground using its powerful arms. John’s face was a picture, Dr Smith was out of breath, totally exacerbated John handed Smith the insulated part of the cable, he then warned.

John: Whatever you do, DON’T let that cable touch ANYTHING especially the ground!

Smith was too out of breath to respond he simply nodded as he wheezed in and out to catch his breath. John picked up his Laser and walked off slowly, he would have to lure the creature; carefully John padded his way around the general area as a totally freaked out Smith looked on, John observed the ground his surroundings everything, for a few moments; nothing, it was as though the creature had vanished, everything was totally still, and eerily quiet.

Dr Smith: Perhaps we scared it off?

As was normal Smith was always the first one to attract danger, no sooner had he so confidently uttered those words than the creature popped right up out of the earth, with its powerful left arm the snake like beast lifted the professor clean off the floor by his right hand which held the gun, the snake then hurled the professor who landed shoulder first into the metal hatch of the Jupiter 2. Throwing caution to the wind, it made a lunge at Smith, who stood motionless with the cable, Smith screamed and then crouched down, the creature seemed to glide through the air for a moment. John shook his head and looked as he saw the horrific beast descending on Dr Smith, John believed he was about to witness the end of Dr Smith when it happened, the most unbelievable thing he had ever seen, the creature was glowing and its entire body was bathed in bluish white electric, it was suspended in mid air as its 20 foot body waved in the air like a flag.

John: Smith??!!

No reply, John got to his feet and shifted to a better position so he could see past the electrocuting serpent, there on his knees cowering before the enormous beast was Dr Smith eyes shut, screaming at the top of his lungs, the next thing John observed was even more amazing, whether it was fluke or deliberate, somehow, Dr Smith had jammed the cable into the creatures mouth. Then after what seemed like eternity the refiner went dead, the reptilian light show stopped the 20 foot creature fell to the floor, and actually began to degenerate into a sort of goo, its body was losing molecular cohesion, John was utterly fascinated, but the sight behind Dr Smith made him snap out of it, the refiner was sparking and crackling, it was about to blow, John darted over, took hold of Smith and the two retreated behind a rock as John’s refiner blew into pieces, the snake was now just a puddle of green paste, Dr Smith and John looked on from behind their rocky cover. Dr Smith was shaking non-stop.

John: We did it!! Well done Dr Smith!!

Dr Smith: Yes…like I always say…Never fear, Smith is here.

John could see that the Doctor was still very badly shaking, not to mention the fact that they were both still in their night attire. Both men rose to their feet and looked at the length of green paste that was once a very dangerous animal.

Dr Smith: Perhaps we should go and look for the Robot now?

At that statement John looked perplexed, Dr Smith volunteering for work? Cautiously he asked the Doctor.

John: Are you feeling ok Dr Smith?

Smith raised his eyebrows and gave the Professor that indignant look that he so often used to give the Major.

Dr Smith: Am I alright?! Indeed, my delicate back is a disaster area; no it’s worse than a disaster area! My wits are in complete disarray, probably because I am frightened out of them. My heart is beating like a drum, and my ears, thanks to that creature’s dreadful roaring, are ringing like the Canterbury chimes! Not to mention I stubbed my toe on…

John: Ok, ok, a simple “no” would have sufficed…As for the Robot, we can leave it till morning we don’t have to…

Dr Smith: Professor, I would like very much nothing more than to return to my bed and try to put this horrific ordeal behind me. However at this moment I am too emotionally fragile to simply go back to bed. All my senses have been violently jarred to full alert and I fear I shall not quiet down for days. In short, I can’t sleep.

John had to try his hardest to not laugh at Dr Smith, despite all the “trauma” he just suffered he was still able to recite a veritable dissertation in regard to his ails. John agreed with him on one thing though, sleeping was not exactly likely to happen in the aftermath of such a horrendous ordeal.

John: Alright, I’ll help you look for the robot, but I suggest we put our day clothes on before we go anywhere.

John headed up the ramp and opened the hatch, he and Dr Smith went into the ship, and a few minutes later both exited dressed in their day clothes. They walked off from the ship, calling out to the Robot; Dr Smith of course took the opportunity to hurl insults at the mechanical man during his calling…such Smithisms employed tonight, as they became known among the travellers, were “miserable mass of metal” and “garrulous gargoyle”. Eventually he was spotted, the Robot was lay down on his back with his power pack removed, John jogged over to the side of the Robot and re-inserted the power pack, instantly the mechanical man came back to life.

Robot: Danger! Danger!

Dr Smith approached the fallen body of the Robot.

Dr Smith: Yes, yes, we know about the danger, thanks to my superhuman efforts the danger has been dealt with.

Robot: Negative! Danger still exists!

Dr Smith: What are you talking about you jabbering junkpile? I told you, the danger has been dealt with! Now stop this nonsense or I’ll remove your power pack till morning!

John: Hang on a minute…What danger?

Robot: Danger is directly ahead!

John and Dr Smith turned and looked directly ahead, in front of them was a small hill, then suddenly a door that was totally concealed in the hill slid open and several armed humanoids came out. Dr Smith gasped in sheer horror, Professor Robinson slowly and cautiously climbed to his feet. 4 humanoids, all armed with some sort of rifle trained their weapons on the stunned humans, they were clad from head to toe in some sort of grey and yellow jumpsuit, their heads were the only thing that could be seen, they had reddish skin and only had a tuft of hair on top of their heads styled into a sort of tail, presumably they were male, no visible ears on the sides of their heads either. They had a nose similar to a human except one nostril, as for their eyes, they were very similar if not identical to those of a common housecat. It was the mouth that was the most un-human part of their visible anatomy; the mouth was able to open horizontally via a split from the bottom of the nose to under the chin. It was like two separate horizontally swinging hinged jaws. Inside was the most awful looking set of teeth imaginable to anybody!

Dr Smith: Is that the danger you were talking about booby?

Robot: Affirmative!

John: Um…I am John Robinson of the Jupiter 2; we come from a planet called Earth. We mean you no harm.

All four guards stood motionless although from the wrinkling of their foreheads at the Professor’s greeting it was crystal clear to him they didn’t understand a word he said. From behind them out the door, came another alien, only his suit was blue and yellow, and he was about the same height as John he strode through them and observed the two humans and the Robot in front of him. His cat eyes narrowed and he stared at Professor Robinson then his unique jaws unhinged and he began speaking.

Alien: I am General Sragort of the Sepchuron Army. You must be Professor John Robinson?

John: That’s correct General. If you don’t mind, I have a few questions about…

Sragort: Yes I know, firstly you probably are wondering how I speak your language. Well, needless to say I didn’t spend years learning, I have an advanced implant in the speech centre of my brain, it enables me to understand and speak virtually every language in the galaxy, a useful tool I can assure you. Second you want to know why my four associates have guns pointed at you and why you found your primitive little Robot on the floor with his power pack removed.

Dr Smith stood completely still he stared at his alien captors, studying their facial features very closely, even after encounters with goodness knows how many aliens of all shapes and sizes he still could not get past his own human prejudices, he simply thought that anything that didn’t look human was as ugly as it gets, to Dr Smith beauty was skin deep.

John: Those are logical assumptions, yes.

Sragort made a smile of sorts with his mouth, Dr Smith realised what he was doing and needless to say it shook the good Doctor to the core, he was totally off his game, this was THE single most horrible day of his life, and at the moment he thought that it may be his last.

Sragort: Well, we were here in this secret bunker conducting exercises with a new experimental weapon. Your Robot must have somehow detected our energy signals, when he got too close we chose to disable him. Needless to say, our exercises with this new weapon were a complete failure. Thanks to you.

Smith was unable to remain silent any longer he did not like the fact that events were out of his hands, Smith did not like being out of control.

Dr Smith: My dear General Sragort, allow me to introduce myself, I am…

Here we go thought John, he’s going to be all nice and try to slip through the net. But Sragort was not the kind of man…or thing…to be messed around by even the most cunning; he soon stopped the Doctor in his tracks.

Sragort: Save it Smith, I know exactly who you are, after all, I have been supervising you and your family since you got here 20 standard cycles ago.

John expected Smith to say he was not an ounce drop’s blood to the Robinson family, but it never came, perhaps, it was because Smith felt he was part of the family. They had been through thick and thin together. To tell the truth, deep down John wondered if perhaps the days of Dr Smith trying to sell them out were over, it was plain enough to everybody that after a lot of time, the Robinson’s had accepted Smith as a member of the family, but had he accepted them as family, that subtle hint suggested he had indeed. You could easily be mistaken for thinking Smith missed it, but John knew better than that, Smith missed nothing.

Sragort: You are trespassing in Sepchurion space and tonight you destroyed an important piece of military hardware.

John: I don’t understand we have not destroyed anything on this planet, let alone a piece of military equipment.

Dr Smith: Yes, that’s right we’re innocent!

Despite, Dr Smith’s pleas General Sragort shook his head, and then in an almost sinister whisper declared.

Sragort: I’m afraid you are not.

John: You mean…That snake thing; THAT was your military hardware?

Sragort: Yes Professor, it used to be, until you and Dr Smith there reduced it to nothing more than green slime. For that, I am placing both you and Dr Smith under arrest for the crimes of trespass and wilful destruction of Sepchurion property.

Dr Smith looked like he was on the verge of fainting; his face was a twisted mass of fear. John stepped forward, only to have the barrel of a gun thrust rather aggressively into his chest.

John: What were you talking about, exercises? You mean you deliberately sent that thing to try and kill us!?

Smith’s head turned rapidly in terror as he realised the enormity of the situation, this was one of those rare occasions where you were damned if you do and damned if you don’t, had they done nothing they would have been killed, now they had done something they would probably be killed anyway.

Sragort: My dear Professor, get a hold of yourself, such anger does not suit an educated man like you. Although I cannot deny it, I did send it after you, you were to be eliminated for trespass, although, at some level I am impressed you were able to destroy our latest battle unit, being what you may call a “warrior race”, I cannot help but be impressed, so the death sentence wont be applied.

Dr Smith breathed a sigh of relief, and smiled happily.

Dr Smith: Thank-you sir, thank-you. You made the right choice.

Sragort: Yes I am sure I did, however, the crime of destroying Sepchuron property still stands; therefore I am placing the both of you under arrest.

John: You can’t do that, we didn’t know!

Sragort: I am afraid you have little choice here Professor, you and Smith here will come with me willingly or by force, however, if it is by force your family will be eliminated. If you co-operate, we shall spare their lives and give them no hassle. You have my word on that and, a Sepchuron’s word is his bond.

Then, two guards from the four came and placed some hi-tech looking shackles on Dr Smith and Professor Robinson. While Sragort, leaned down and pulled the power pack out of the Robot. Just as they were being led into the bunker by the guards the movement was stopped by Sragort.

John: I guess I’ll just have to take your word on that.

Sragort: Not to worry Professor, there are only 2 systems between here and Sepchuria, you won’t even be leaving the sector, if your family wants to visit you in prison I’m sure I could arrange something.

The devious alien then chuckled quite happily, however in his last attempt to poke fun at the Professor; he had unwittingly supplied John with a very small, but nonetheless useful piece of navigational data. Dr Smith and the Professor were then forcibly led down into the bunker as the well camouflaged door slid shut, leaving the powerless Robot alone once more, still flat on his back.

That morning over at the Chariot they were all just beginning to stir, they all one by one clambered out of the Chariot, each and every one stretching their legs, arms and backs by twisting and contorting into a variety of shapes. Don was the last one out, letting women and children first. Maureen he noted was a little slow to get out of the Chariot, he got out first then offered in his hand.

Don: Here, let me give you a hand Maureen.

Ever the gentleman, he didn’t want to highlight the fact she looked rather poorly which was why he was helping her in the first place, indeed Maureen had proved to be quite a nimble fit woman.

Judy: Penny, Will, don’t go too far, we will have to get going the minute we eat a bit of breakfast.

Maureen: Judy, do you think you could handle breakfast for a moment, I don’t feel so good this morning. I think I have a stomach bug or something.

Judy: Sure Mom, I can handle breakfast, why don’t you get back in the Chariot and have a sit down?

Maureen: Um…I think a little leg stretch will do me good. I won’t be long.

Judy: But Mom…you should…

Maureen: Just see to the breakfast ok?

Will and Penny had observed the exchange between Judy and their mother, they watched as Maureen headed off with what could be described as plenty of steam in her stride. Frequently as she went, Will, who had followed her a bit noticed her put a hand to her mouth once or twice. Penny was close behind, Will watched his mother disappear behind a rather large tree. Penny tapped him on the shoulder.

Penny: Who are you spying on?

Will: Nothing…I was just checking on Mom, what with that creature thing on the loose what Dad and Dr Smith seen. Why were you sneaking up on me for?

Penny: I was just coming to tell you that Judy has done breakfast. She’s looking for you.

Will: Oh boy, I hope Judy wasn’t too distracted while she did the breakfast, remember what happened when she was cooking an anniversary meal for Mom and Dad?

Penny: Yeah, she nearly “incinerated the ship” as Dr Smith put it. I guess Don’s partly to blame for that fiasco as well. Look we better get back to the table, Mom won’t appreciate us keeping tabs on her.

Penny then turned and walked off back in the direction she came, Will had one last look, for a moment, he could have swore he heard a sound, like, being sick. He just shrugged his shoulders and then proceeded back to the table. Don and Judy were talking and giggling as Will and Penny sat down, the giggling and flirtatious behaviour stopped. Judy had to console herself that Don would always be a flirter not a lover, at least as far as she was concerned. Will and Penny sat down and tucked into their breakfast, which was merely rations, in an attempt to conserves the actual proper food.

Don: Where’s Maureen?

Will: Oh she went over behind a tree just in the woods there.

Don: Ah ok then. You know, I really hope John and Smith are just having a lie in this morning.

Maureen: What do you mean by that Don?

The innocent and genuine question came from behind all their backs, Maureen had returned, she looked a little rough to her family and the Major, but nobody actually said anything in regard to that, her mood seemed, well, a little off. She sat down with them at the fold out table.

Don: Um, well, I tried to raise the spaceship on the radio but, there was no reply, I know John and Smith had a busy night, I guess they’re probably just having a lie in, or the radio is acting up.

Maureen, stared down at the table, no way she thought, that was not John’s style, Dr Smith’s yes, but not John’s, also the way Don said it he wasn’t especially convinced himself, especially after encountering a dangerous creature like that, her face was about to become that of sheer worry, but seeing how Will, Penny and Judy had bought his explanation about why their father or Dr Smith had not answered the radio, she forced herself into a smile, but inside she was concerned, that sickly feeling she just had was coming back strong.

Maureen: Hurry up with your breakfast children so we can get back and see how your father and Dr Smith have been doing without us.

Will: I’m looking forward to see how dad’s been getting on with the new refiner.

Maureen smiled as she saw the enthusiasm in the young Robinson’s eyes, Don though was on his feet already and was loading the equipment back into the Chariot storage bays as fast as he could. Then shortly after that the vehicle was moving and headed back in the direction of the Jupiter 2, the trip was pretty monotonous, at random intervals they tried to raise the spaceship but got no reply, Don wished the chariot would go faster, after a few hours of driving the Jupiter 2 came into sight, Don observed the scene left over from last night.

Don: There’s power being supplied to the outside equipment. I better check the forcefield isn’t on.

Penny: Look, Dad’s refiner looks like it was blown up.

The Major stopped the chariot and got out, he picked up a small rock and threw it neither weakly nor strongly in the direction of the Jupiter 2, the rock sailed through the air undisturbed; it hit the hull of the spaceship with a rather ominous thud, but then fell harmlessly to the floor, not causing the slightest damage.

Don: It’s ok, the forcefield is off, and the spaceship seems ok.

All the Chariot occupants got out, Don had noted that the hatch was open, he drew his laser and entered into the ship, he had a scan around only to find nothing at all on the upper level, he had a look at the radio, and it was in perfect working order he said to himself. Cautiously he walked over to the ladder, he had a look down at the lower deck, confident the coast was clear for a moment, he went down the ladder. On the lower deck he observed the folding doors to John and Smith’s cabin were open and their night gear flung in a heap on the beds, the lower deck though was bare there was nobody there. He decided to check the cargo bay and then the power core, just in case, as Maureen and the children waited outside the ship.

Will: I better go see what’s keeping Don.

Maureen: No you will stay here and wait for Major West to come out. It may not be safe for us to go in there yet.

Penny: What do you suppose happened to Dr Smith and Dad, Mom?

Maureen: Well, I don’t know at the moment dear, maybe the Robot knows something.

Will: The Robot! I forgot about him, I’ll take a little look around the ship to make sure he isn’t near by.

Maureen was about to raise a protest at his leaving her side but he was off like a shot, she presumed he’d be ok. Don meanwhile had just descended into the power core, he looked around, nothing, although he was happy that the core was pulsing quite happy on its own, after all, this thing was the source of both their power and propulsion, and damage control in here was tough. Confident the ship was totally empty, Don climbed back up the ladder into the cargo bay, then up the ladder to the upper deck and finally he jogged down the ramp outside. Will too had just run back after exploring the immediate vicinity of the ship.

Don: I checked the entire ship, even the power core, and no sign of them anywhere.

Will: The Robot isn’t anywhere nearby either. Maybe he’d be able to tell us what happened to Dad and Dr Smith?

Don: We better look for him in teams, just in case, after all John did warn us about a snake creature. Judy and I will search Southerly, Maureen you better go with Will and Penny Eastward. We can keep in touch over the walkie-talkie; better have this laser just in case Maureen.

Don handed a laser to Maureen and another to Judy, he also handed Maureen a radio. After that he spun round and hit the close button on the Jupiter 2 hatch, the silvery door slid shut.

Don: Ok we better move.

With that they all set off, Judy found herself smiling, for the life of her she couldn’t figure out why, after all some calamity had befell Dr Smith and her Father. She supposed the smile was because this was the first time in a while that she had spent some quiet time alone with Don, although this was not the kind of time she had in mind, her brain was wandering all over the place she was unable to focus, she was very distracted, although, she decided in this situation that she best focus her efforts on finding the Robot, or Smith and her father.

Judy: Dr Smith!! Dad!! Where are you?!

Don: John!! John!! Can you hear me Smith?!!

Every time they called out they got nothing back, only silence, both teams were trudging through this strange alien world hoping to find something, but they found nothing, they had been searching about 15 minutes now, until Penny happened on something. She had seen something shiny in the distance, she jogged over to get a closer look and there, was the mechanical man lay on his back, off line.

Penny: Mom!! Will!! Over here I found the Robot!!

Will bolted over to where his sister had called, Maureen followed close behind, Will looked at the fallen mechanical man, he stepped round to the right side and re-inserted the Robot’s powerpack, the Robot’s internal sensors and motors whirred back into life once more, he quickly took a reading of his surroundings, this time he called out no warnings, Don and Judy had also heard Penny’s call and came over. Don leaned down and began to try and lift the mechanical man back onto his treads. All the others lent him a hand as well, and the Robot was then easily righted. His bubble sprang back up as his circuits clicked and hummed.

Will: Robot, do you know what happened to Dad and Dr Smith?

Robot: Affirmative, Professor Robinson and Dr Smith were abducted by hostile alien forces known as Sepchurons.

Judy: Were they injured?

Robot: Insufficient data to answer with certainty. However my sensors indicate that just prior to my deactivation, both Dr Smith and Professor Robinson were unharmed.

Maureen: Where were they taken?

Robot: They were arrested and presumably taken captive inside that bunker.

The Robot pointed with his claw, Major West drew his laser and stepped closer to the mechanical man.

Don: Can you get that door open?

Robot: Affirmative.

The Robot rolled forward on his tracks, he extended his claws and blasted the door with a charge from his claws, and the door was literally blown clean in. Don moved up to investigate. He stared into the dark tunnel; there were stairs that seemed to lead downward however he noted that the access way was completely blocked.

Don: Whoever was here left in a hurry, they sealed the entrance.

Maureen: Are John and Dr Smith still on the planet?

Robot: Insufficient data. However their removal from this planet is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Maureen was taken aback, she had never thought in her wildest dreams something like this would happen now, the last few months since leaving the Junk Planet had been so uneventful and completely routine and then this happens. Don could see the situation was bad, and then he remembered about the snake

Don: What about that snake thing John warned about? What can you tell us about that?

The Robot twirled round and faced Major West, Judy huddled up closer to Don actually putting her arm through his, he didn’t notice, to tell the truth neither did she, it just happened as though it was the most normal thing in the world.

Robot: According to all available data, the snake creature was a Sepchuron bio-weapon prototype that was being tested on this planet, Dr Smith and Professor Robinson were apparently successful in destroying it, hence their capture at the hands of the Sepchurons.

Maureen was becoming visibly distressed; she had wild images of all kinds of horrible fates that awaited John and Dr Smith wherever it was they were being taken. She turned to Don and looked at him with a face so full of hope and expectation.

Maureen: Don, what do we do?

Don: I don’t know Maureen, I just don’t know.

John and Dr Smith sat handcuffed in their seats, they were aboard some sort of prisoner transport ship, it was a cramped and rather smelly ship, it contained alien’s from all over the galaxy in all shapes and sizes, but John and Smith were the only humans there, they were placed in prison issue uniforms, which were totally black from head to toe, the only distinctive thing about them was some sort of marking on the shoulders, undoubtedly to identify which prisoner was which. They had short sleeved tops on John and Dr Smith’s, which was nice, overall they were quite comfortable. What was not comfortable was the collar round their necks and the coil like receivers, they had in their ears. They were to enable them to understand the many languages that they were to encounter in the prison. A single Sepchuron guard walked up the aisle between the prisoners, after he walked past Dr Smith; he turned to a rather sombre looking John Robinson.

Dr Smith: I can’t believe this is happening; this is the second time I have been wrongly incarcerated…I fear the end for Zachary Smith is nigh.

The guard patrolling up and down the ship came and jabbed Smith with the butt of his gun.

Guard: Keep talking that loud during the flight and it’ll be your last.

John and Smith looked at the guard with contempt, the guard could not have cared less, and he casually walked off. John turned to Smith and quietly as he could whispered to him.

John: I can appreciate you have grievances the length of my leg Doctor, but for right now keep quiet huh?

Dr Smith: I can’t believe it though, last night after defeating that horrid snake thing, they transport us shackled to their home world, now they are sending us to its dreadful moon to work in a quarry for Ion. All in the space of barely 12 hours, we have been stitched up yet again.

John: Ionium

John corrected. He knew what Smith was saying, it made him wonder what kind of sick game these twisted aliens were playing, out the window of the ship the moon of the Sepchuron home world came into view, it was desert typically, and had an atmosphere, obviously breathable for humans he thought as they were thoroughly tested before boarding the ship. The ship descended into the planet’s atmosphere, and landed in a small spaceport. It was a bumpy landing to say the least.

Dr Smith: I never thought it possible, but that landing was actually worse than the Major’s attempts.

John, Smith and the other convicts were hurried out of the ship, they stepped out into such blistering heat it took all the prisoners by surprise, some even collapsed, Smith gasped in horror. The spaceport was small only 2 landing pads and they were not very large, there was one building which presumably was the control tower although at only 4 stories, it could hardly be considered a tower. John looked around; every direction was sand and more sand. The guards led the prisoners around where they saw what looked to John and Smith like train tracks, perched atop it was a carriage of sorts which the prisoners climbed into.

Dr Smith: Why do we need to ride in that?

Voice: Because it’s about 250 miles from here to the quarry, that thing travels from here to there in a few minutes. Good huh?

John and Smith turned to see a humanoid behind them, to their surprise he was a sepchuron, Smith eyed him with somewhat of hatred and disgust. Before this exchange could go any further, the sepchuron guards practically shoved the trio into the carriage where upon seating they were automatically strapped in. John turned his head back as far as he could to the sepchuron prisoner.

John: My name is Professor John Robinson, this here is Dr Zachary Smith, and we’re from Earth.

Voice: Pleased to meet you, the name’s Brenlock. I’m from Sepchuria.

John: What exactly are you a prisoner for Brenlock?

Brenlock: Put it this way Prof, not everybody agrees with the current government, in fact, I am part of the resistance group called “crimson chivalry”. You boys aren’t from around here are you? Earth, Earth…Yes…Whoa, that’s a long, long, long way from here. How exactly did you manage to wind up all the way here, and what in blazes did you do to be sent to the hellhole that is quarry-11D?

Just as John was about to reply the carriage sprung to life and it accelerated rapidly to what John thought to be Mach 1. It thundered along the tracks seemingly effortlessly, it was aerodynamic and the occupants while exposed to the elements, there was a wind deflector at the front of the carriage, and noise meant that if you spoke loud enough you could still be heard. All in all it was impressive, he turned and had a look at Smith who was sat rather uncomfortably in his seat, clearly not enjoying the ride. John gently twisted his head back and found that this carriage must have had some sort of G-diffusing device.

John: We got slightly lost, and as for what we did, we destroyed one of their weapons, they arrested us for it, mind you, they did send it to kill us so it seemed a bit unfair to me.

Brenlock: Slightly?! Bit of an understatement that! Where is your spaceship?

John: Its about 2 systems from here, we landed on a planet with like, blue grass and square shaped fruit.

Brenlock: I know it! That’s where the Sepchuron military test out their new