The military and scientific staffs stationed on the Aeolian complex gathered in the base assembly area. One or two technicians remained at each post, however they were able to observed the assembly via video transmission broadcast into their work areas.

"This has got to be something big," remarked Maaxll to another man sitting next to him. "Security’s been beef up. They say some big-wig from the home planet arrived a short while ago."

"Ah, they’re probably just gonna give us some kind of pep talk," remarked the other man. "That’s all these assemblies are called for."

"I don’t know," replied Maaxll. "I think something’s up. And I say it’s got something to do with that new guy, you know, Prather."

"Will you shut up about Prather already?" snapped the other Aeolian. "That’s all you’ve been griping about since he put you in your place in front of everyone this afternoon."

"No one does that to me and gets away with it," growled Maaxll. "I don’t care who he is, he’s going to regret it. You mark…"

"Quiet!" hushed the other man. "Looks like they’re starting."

The lights dimmed and the platform began to glow brightly. A large bulbous creature materialized before the assembled group.

"Greetings and salutations from the High Council of Aeolis," proclaimed the haughty sounding creature.

Will and Prather stood off to one side of the room, near the front podium, as at the conclusion of the announcement, Prather would officially be in command and was expected to address the assembly.

"Who’s that?" whispered Will to Prather.

"The Deputy Supreme Chief of the Aeolian High Council," answered Prather in a hushed tone. "His name’s Sarghona. Ugly son-of-a-gun isn’t he? That’s what these guys really look like, you know."

Will shuddered inwardly. They even look evil, he thought.

"The High Council has been monitoring the progress you have made here on Marolis and you are all to be commended," said Sarghona. "However, we are behind schedule in our mission to stop the people of Ghela from defiling the Antilian Nebula. But understand, The Council does not fault you for this. Rather, we find fault in those whom we had placed in charge of your noble efforts, and have already taken steps to instill a new chain of command. Your former science and military captains will be returning to Aeolis for reassignment."

"Uh-oh. I’ve got a seriously bad feeling about this," groaned Maaxll. "This had better not go like I’m thinking it’s going."

"Shut up, Maaxll," whispered the man next to him. "I can’t hear a thing with all that hot air blowing outta your mouth!"

"For the past several days," continued Sarghona, "we have had one of our highest ranking and esteemed scientific officers, Captain Errik Prather, amongst your ranks observing the operations of this base. Captain Prather gave his final report to The High Council earlier this evening. You should know that the report was highly complementary of both military and scientific personnel, confirming our belief that the problems were in leadership and not manpower or capabilities."

"Effective immediately," announced Sarghona, "Captain Prather will assume full command of this station and all of its operations – both scientific and military. We have every confidence that this new command structure will enable all of you to reach your full potential in this important effort to our civilization. Obey Prather as you would The High Council. For Aeolis, the future is ours – the future is now."

Voices buzzed and murmurs filled the room. Prather stood ready and approached the podium at the front of the hall, followed closely by Will. Upon seeing their new commander, the whispers and murmurs were replaced with hearty applause by all – except Maaxll.

The man sitting next to Maaxll elbowed him. "Better join in, Maaxll. Not a good thing to be seen right now looking like you’re gonna blow chunks. Definitely a career-buster.

Maaxll grumbled and joined in half-heartedly, inwardly fantasizing himself disemboweling the new command team.

"Fellow Aeolians," Prather began, "Many of you already know me. I am Captain Errik Prather. As the Deputy Supreme Chief said, ‘the future is ours – the future is now.’ We are on the verge of a new level of greatness for our civilization. A greatness unlike we have ever known or experienced. You are the ones that will make this happen. I’ve seen you, I’ve worked alongside many of you. I know what you are capable of – and I know we can push ourselves to even greater heights of performance. You will find more details, including a duty roster and new command directives, available on your data consoles when you return to your quarters."

"One more thing before I dismiss you though," continued Prather. "I would like to take just a moment to introduce the individual I have selected to serve as my second in command – Commander Krip Thrstyn."

"Commander? That cuts it!" growled Maaxll quietly, vowing a seething, silent oath to see an end to this abomination of nonsense.

Once again the hall erupted in applause.

"Additionally, I have good news to report. A few hours ago, I received word that the remaining members of our missing search party had been located," lied Prather. "Their injuries were serious and complex enough in nature, however, that they have been transported to an off-world medical facility for treatment. So effectively immediately, I am canceling all search details so that you can all get back to work on the important matters ahead of us."

That said, Prather adjourned the assembly. He dismissed Will also, but remained with Sarghona answering questions and discussing operational plans, as protocol dictated he remain with the High Council representative until such a time as he was dismissed. To Prather’s relief, Sarghona finally informed him he would be leaving in the morning to return to Aeolis, and expressed his desire to retire for the evening. Prather escorted the dignitary to his quarters, and after attending some minor duty-driven tasks, returned to Will’s quarters to discuss their next course of action.

"I’m really impressed," said Will. "You handled yourself admirably out there. Very balanced, and well-received I might add."

"Well, not by all," chuckled Prather. "You get a load of Maaxll? I thought the guy was going to pop an eyeball he was so bent."

"Yeah, I caught a couple glimpses of him shaking his head and muttering under his breath," replied Will. "The guy was definitely stressed."

"You realize we’ll have to keep a eye on him," remarked Prather. "It may become necessary to dummy up some evidence to bring him up on charges, so we can get him thrown in the brig if he starts making any trouble."

"Hey, like ol’ Sarghona said out there – you’re the boss," grinned Will. "But now that all that’s over with, there’s something I want to discuss with you."

"Your friend, Dr. Smith?" asked Prather.

"Yes," replied Will. I’ve been thinking about it and believe I’ve come up with a possible answer."

"I’m all ears," said Prather eagerly.

"I want to bring him here," began Will. Prather raised an eyebrow, but remained silent. "If we get him here, I think we can probably find someone who can remove the anti-matter implant."

"And I suppose you’ve got a plan on how to sneak him in here?" asked Prather.

"Yes. Except we don’t sneak him in," answered Will. "We capture him."

"Okay, I think I’m following your logic here," replied Prather. "But you told me he’s gone into hiding with your robot and possibly your nephew. There’s no way I can justify more search parties after what I just got done saying out there."

"You won’t need to," explained Will. "They’re traveling in an ATV we call the Chariot. The Aeolian sensors won’t pick up the Chariot because of a bunch of stealthing devices I installed."

"You’re quite the clever one," remarked Prather. "But now you’ve lost me. How do we capture them if we can’t find them?"

"It’s actually pretty easy," answered Will, "when you know the scrambling frequencies and randomization patterns being used in the Chariot’s stealthing devices."

"Do you mean to tell me you can remember an entire series of randomization patterns?" asked Prather incredulously.

"No," chuckled Will. "I’m not that much of a nerd. But I can recreate them with the proper equipment."

"Well, tell me what you need and we’ll get it ordered up," replied Prather. "But on the way over to the science division, how about you and I take a little tour of the detention area. I’ve a sneaking suspicion there’s a few prisoners you may have an interest in… interrogating?"

"Sounds like a plan to me," Will smiled as he put on a new communications helmet. When he returned, Prather had brought him a replacement for the damaged helmet he’d been using. There was a major difference in the new one, however. It had adjustable band frequencies, encoding transmission capabilities and a direct, private comlink to Prather.

* * * * * * * *

As they made their way to the detention area, Prather briefed Will for the third time on the area’s setup. He wanted to be certain Will understood that the entire area was under constant security surveillance and completely bugged. Will would have to be very careful if he decided to make contact at this point. Prather was leaving that up to Will’s discretion once they got in.

They were delayed a few times on their way by military and science officers requesting their attention on some minor matter or the other – mostly military personnel bucking to get on the good side of the base’s new commanding officers. When they finally arrived at the Detention Area, the guard snapped to attention and directed Prather to the sign-in console. Prather entered his code and they entered.

Will was already familiar with the layout from the schematics he’d downloaded on Thrstyn’s data console. After passing through an anteroom, they entered a large, circular room with the same domed-type ceiling and lighting that was characteristic to the architecture throughout the complex.

In the center of the room was a data communications and security station that monitored the detainment units or "cells" that lined the circular perimeter. Prather went up to the guard manning the central station, who also snapped to attention when they entered, and engaged him in conversation while Will casually strolled around the outer circumference of the room, as if making an inspection.

As he passed detainment unit #3, he noted a small figure that appeared to be sleeping on the built-in cot. If he didn’t know better, he’d swear it was J.D. Will silently stared at the boy/creature, both marveling at the distinct likeness, and angered by the violation. They had sequestered him into a cell of his own, obviously to make him less accessible to those who might be able to figure out he wasn’t who he appeared to be.

The next cell held Professor John Robinson and Major Don West. Will scanned the data port adjacent to the cell as if Thrstyn were familiarizing himself with the prisoners. Don and John were sitting off to one side, and stopped talking to stare as Will approached.

Although his helmet hid the majority of his features, Will noticed something about his father’s expression. His right eyebrow lifted ever so slightly and his jaw flinched tightly, as if restraining himself. He knew immediately by the look in his father’s eye that he’d been recognized.

"What do you want?" snapped Don angrily.

Will made no reply, instead moving on to the next cell holding his mother and sisters. They had noted his presence and were already watching him.

As he looked into the cell, he caught his mother looking straight at him. He tightened his lips and squared his jaw to keep control. Will could see that her stoic gaze was welled up with tears, which initially perplexed his sisters, who sitting were on either side of her. Judy and Penny looked at Maureen, then Will, and suddenly realized the reason for their mother’s emotional reaction. Judy’s eyes widened ever so slightly at the realization, but Penny let out an audible gasp.

Maureen tried to cover her daughter’s startled reaction by stepping forward and addressing the visitor, "You monsters! You stare at us as if we’re animals in a zoo! Haven’t you done enough? Just let us be!" she scolded angrily. But there was a softness in her eyes that contrasted dramatically with her sharp words.

Prather and the security guard both looked up from their conversation.

"Problem Commander Thrstyn?" questioned Prather.

"No, sir," remarked Will with a chuckle. "I think they’re just a little spooked, that’s all. I’ve read that humans from Earth are prone to emotional outbursts."

"Okay, well I’m about finished here," said Prather. Will noticed that the guard was powering down the force field that secured the entrance to the J.D. imposter’s cell.

"I’ve informed them of the incompetent error in replacing the boy --- that he’s not who they thought he was," explained Prather. "So there’s no sense in keeping him here anymore. I’ve ordered him to revert back to Ghelan form and report back to his former post for the time being."

The Robinsons and Wests looked on as a Ghelan soldier emerged from the cell that had supposedly been holding J.D. West.

"Do you actually think we hadn’t figured out he was an imposter?" resounded Professor Robinson. "Where is the boy? What have you done with him?"

The Aeolian soldier exited the room as Prather turned to respond.

"What you have, or have not figured out is of no consequence, Professor," said Prather firmly and condescendingly. "So why don’t you just save your insignificant questions – I’ve no intention of answering them anyway. I think you’ll find things will go much better for you -- and your family -- if you simply sit yourself down, restrain yourself and let us do our work… all right?"

With that, Prather and Will exited the room. They had accomplished what they had set out to do with no one the wiser – except, of course, Will’s family.

As they made their way to their next destination, the Science Division, Prather noticed that Will was favoring his right leg.

"What’s that about?" he asked motioning to Will’s slight limp.

"I got banged up a little when the ship crashed," explained Will.

"You mean those medical readings I took on you when we found you were for real?" asked Prather. "I just assumed you faked the readings somehow."

"Don’t worry, I’m okay," answered Will. "Really. I’m taking BET – just like we were taught. Besides, Thrstyn was supposed to have been hurt out in the field. So a little limp adds credibility, right?"

"Okay, but let me know if it becomes a problem," instructed Prather. "You never know when we might have to do some hustling."

"I’m fine," reassured Will. "Don’t get your Standard-Issue-Aeolian-Military-Boxers in a wad, okay?"

They turned the corner and entered a room full of sophisticated looking alien technology. A science officer greeted them.

"Ah, Captain, Commander, we’ve been expecting you," declared the man. "Right this way. The equipment you requested is ready. What can we do to assist you?"

"I’d like you to personally oversee this project from here once we get it up and running, Lieutenant," explained Prather. "While in the field, Commander Thrstyn was attempting to trace some anomalous energy signatures before he became injured. They weren’t sequenced or patterned like anything we transmit. I’ve asked him to try to isolate the area on one of our pattern enhancers."

"What do you think it could be, sir?" asked the lieutenant.

"I’m not certain," replied Prather. "But if something’s out there that shouldn’t be, I want to know what it is, where it is and how we can stop it. Understood?"

"Yes sir," snapped the lieutenant.

Will worked with the Aeolian scientist for a few minutes, asking questions and familiarizing himself with the equipment. Once satisfied that he had all he needed, he set about entering his own set of pattern buffers while scanning the set of sub-atmospheric frequencies he used in his stealthing devices.

The scientist seemed fascinated by Commander Thrstyn’s technological know-how, and eagerly participated in the procedure.

"There!" exclaimed Will. "We’ve got it! I’m fairly certain that’s the same anomalous reading. It’s roughly in the same vicinity I was scanning out in the field," lied Will, knowing full well that he had located the Chariot by unscrambling its randomization stealthing patterns.

"What do we do now, sir?" asked the lieutenant.

"Stand by and await my orders," replied Prather. "Commander Thrstyn and I are going over to the Trans-Spatial Beaming Technology Lab. When you hear from me, isolate the coordinates of this pattern and download them into the transporter mainframe. I’m beaming whoever or whatever that is directly to our Detention Area."

"I’m showing a pattern lock on three energy signatures," advised Will. "Two humanoid and one robotoid," he reported, hiding the elation he felt knowing for certain that J.D. must be inside the Chariot with Dr. Smith and the Robot.

"Advised. One more thing, Lieutenant," said Prather. "Are you familiar with Mindwash Implant Chip Technology?"

"Yes sir," replied the lieutenant.

"Have you ever performed the retrieval procedure from a host?" continued Prather.

"Many times sir," answered the science officer.

"Good. Once you’ve downloaded the coordinates to the mainframe, meet me and Commander Thrstyn in the detention area," instructed Prather. "I’ve reason to believe we may be dealing with this type of technology that’s been exposed to anti-matter radiation. I may need you and the necessary retrieval equipment on-hand and set-up when we beam in our new prisoners."

"Aye, sir. I’ll bring along an anti-matter containment unit in case that’s so. But what about military reinforcements, sir? Shall I alert security for you?" asked the lieutenant.

"Thank you, Lieutenant, but that’s already been taken care of," replied Prather.

* * * * * * * *

After similarly briefing the technicians in the transporter lab, Will and Prather were on their way back to the Detainment Area.

"Okay, now let’s go over this again," said Prather. "Once we’ve transported them in here, the first thing you’re going to have to do is deactivate your robot. We’ve got to make this look convincing."

"Right," agreed Will. "Then we get our ‘Lieutenant Techie’ to extract the chip and put it in the containment unit."

"Once that’s done," continued Prather, "we confine them to cells with the rest of your family until we’ve had a chance to construct an effective plan of escape that incorporates destroying the technology they’re developing here and stop the invasion of Ghela. It may take some time, but I think we can do it all."

"I understand," replied Will. "And I’m certain I can speak for the others and say they’d understand as well."

"Look at it this way," reasoned Prather, "How much safer could they be than right where they are right now under our watchful eye?"

Will and Prather had arrived at the entrance to the Detainment Area. Again, Prather entered his security code and the doors opened. The science lieutenant had already arrived, and was completing the setup of his equipment, as was a security detail of four men.

As Prather and Will entered the room, everyone rose to attention. Prather had already briefed the security team and informed them that he wanted to oversee the transport and capture personally because of the potential danger involved with the anti-matter radiation. The security detail was armed. So were Will and Prather.

The captive Jupiter 2 crew had taken note of the arrival of extra guards and equipment. Upon Prather and Will’s entrance, John Robinson suspected something was up and shouted from across the chamber, demanding to know what was going on.

"Just ignore them," Prather ordered his men. "They’ll find out soon enough that we’ve located the remainder of their worthless crew. Though I’d like to know who was responsible for the oversight of the full crew not being accounted for in the first place."

"The boarding party and recovery crew, um, never got a chance to make a report, sir," answered one of the men on security detail.

"Yes, I know," replied Prather. "Not that they didn’t deserve punishment for their dismal failure – but I’d at least have had them fill out a report beforehand. Just another reason why I’m in command now, I suppose."

"A grave and sorry mistake that’s about to be rectified," interrupted a deep voice from behind them.

They turned around to see Maaxll and a band of four armed Aeolian guards standing in the doorway.

"What’s the meaning of this, Maaxll?" declared Prather. "Stand your weapons down immediately or…"

"Or what?" interrupted Maaxll. "Or you’ll have your commander from Earth there throw us in the brig?"

"You’re out of line, not me mention delusional, Maaxll," scolded Prather. Turning to the security detail he had summoned, he instructed the guards to disarm Maaxll and his team. "This isn’t going to go good for you."

The guards started toward Maaxll and his men, but Maaxll didn’t back down.

"I wouldn’t do that if I were you," warned Maaxll. "Not unless you want to risk the wrath of The High Council."

"The High Council put me in command here, remember?" stated Prather. "Guards, seize them at once. That is a direct order!"

"You no longer have the authority to hand out orders, traitor," bellowed a voice from behind Maaxll, who stepped aside to allow the entrance of the figure who’d been waiting directly outside.

Prather and Will were slightly shocked to see the bulbous figure of Sarghona entering the room. However, remembering they were dealing with shape-shifters able to adopt any form, Prather quickly recovered.

"What kind of blasphemy is this, Maaxll?" questioned Prather. "You know as well as I do that execution is the punishment for impersonating a member of The High Council."

"As will be the punishment for the two of you impersonating Aeolian officers," added Maaxll stepping forward. He reached into his pocket and, before Will or Prather could react, pulled out what looked like a small weapon and pulled the trigger.

A purple beam of light enveloped Will, Prather and two guards standing next to them. When the light faded away, Will and Prather were seemingly unaffected, while the two guards had reverted back into their true Aeolian forms.

"You see?" exclaimed Maaxll. "I was right! I told you my informant was correct! This proves they are not Aeolian!"

"Indeed, it appears they are not," concurred Sarghona. "Which leads to the question of their true identity."

"That one – Thrstyn!" shouted Maaxll pointing at Will. "I can tell you exactly who that one is! He’s one of them!" he said, pointing to the prisoners in the detainment cells. Sarghona approached Maaxll and, pulling him aside, engaged him in a quiet conversation while the remaining guards turned their weapons toward Will and Prather and disarmed them.

"What just happened here?" whispered Will to Prather.

"Maaxll just used what the Aeolians call a ‘cleansing ray’ on us," replied Prather. "It neutralizes certain gasses out of their system, causing them to revert back to their true forms."

"You mean it’s gasses that enable them to change shape?" asked Will.

"Didn’t you read the report?" asked Prather.

"That report didn’t say anything about gasses, only… – wait a minute!" The realization hit Will like a ton of bricks. "Gasses? Nebula? The Antilian Nebula is the source of the gasses that give them shape-shifting abilities, right? That’s why they don’t want anyone finding it."

"Shut up the both of you!" Maaxll barked approaching them from where Sarghona stood. "We know who this piece of alien protoplasm is," he said pulling off Will’s helmet. "But you," he continued, turning his attention to Prather, "You are the mystery man. You’re obviously Ghelan, which means your conniving and inferior race has somehow learned of our plans."

He roughly yanked Prather’s helmet off. If Maaxll was hoping for some sort of retaliation to his taunting and manhandling, he didn’t get it. Prather just stared defiantly at the Aeolian. Maaxll finally broke away from the Ghelan’s caustic glare.

"I bet you’re wondering how I got the goods on you, aren’t you?" gloated Maaxll.

"Not that it really matters, Maaxll," replied Will, "But I’ve got a feeling you’re going to tell us anyway."

"Ironic you in particular should say that," scoffed Maaxll. "But I think I’ll show you instead." Maaxll walked across the room to where his armed security team stood, bringing one of the men forward.

"I believe you two already know each other," he chuckled as he lifted the helmet off the guard’s head, revealing just about the last person Will expected to see.

"Drykr?"