Chapter 1: Battle in the Sky
Sergant Brutus flew past the space station in his starfighter jet. Below it, a hypergate, a giant circular gate more than 10 miles around, was under construction. When the gate was finished, it would be a dimensional doorway or portal into hyperspace-lightspeed, allowing faster travel from Earth to other worlds. It was Brutus' job to guard the hypergate that night while a cargo ship landed. Unfortunately, there was a terrorist organization interested in destroying the hypergate. Sergant Brutus couldn't let that happen. It was a major part of the United Nations & NATO's plan for the 21st Century - a future where the entire population would live in space.
The hypergate was covered with scaffolding and lights. A worker welded a section of the hypergate as Brutus perched his jet on the edge of the docking port.
CARGO SHIP PILOT
Hypergate Docking, this is Zeus 1. Request final descent
vector.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
Roger, Zeus 1, this is Hypergate Docking Control. You are
cleared to
land.
CARGO SHIP CAPTAIN
Zeus 1, landing. Full load on board. I brought you the most
amazing...
He was interrupted mid-sentence as his ship exploded into a million flaming pieces. Brutus stared at the ball of fire. The Zeus-1 hadn't exploded on its own. It had been attacked. Seconds later his guess was confirmed as two attack fighters burst through the exploding debris. They raced over the space station, firing lasers & missiles, blowing giant holes in the surface of the hypergate.
Brutus wasn't waiting a second longer. He shifted in his harness as he activated the thruster engines. Then, with a burst of flame, he lifted off the launch pad and rocketed straight for the assault ships. They'd never see him coming. He was too fast.
SERGANT BRUTUS
Global Sedition Raiders. <He radioed to his wingman helping
him> They
claim the cargo ship violated their air space.
LIEUTENANT SULLIVAN
This cold war's heating up. Not like the human's version of the
Cold
War of the 60s.
Brutus glanced out the bottom of his starfighter's cockpit and saw his friend Sullivan flying right beneath him. They were two of the top ace pilots in the Thorn Valley military. If there was one guy he wanted backing him up, it was Sullivan.
LIEUTENANT SULLIVAN
Where did they come from?
SERGANT BRUTUS
Who knows? But we're going to send them back. Kicking and
screaming
all the way.
He flicked a switch, turning on his targeting computer. Then he entered his password code that allowed him access to the weapons system.
SERGANT BRUTUS
Hey Sullivan - I can see your house from here!
He fired at the attack ship, but it shot straight up into the air, avoiding the laser blasts. Brutus followed the enemy fighter, dodging burning debris from the cargo ship. Sullivan took off after the other Global Sedition attack jet. Suddenly, the attack ship he was chasing turned around - and started heading straight at him! Brutus didn't flinch or cringe. He'd seen this tactic before. He always won. He started firing lasers at the approaching fighter.
A smile curled at the corners of his mouth. He liked being in the middle of the action.
COMPUTER TARGET PROGRAM
Target lock, prepare to engage.
Brutus stared at the hull of the attack ship. He was seconds away from collision. He slamed his palm against the firing controls. His phasers converged on the attack ship just before it hit him. The craft exploded right in front of him - a direct hit! He shot through the flame and debris into the blackness of space beyond. He turn turned to check on Sullivan...
Sullivan wasn't doing quite as well. The attack ship was on his tail - and he'd already been hit once. His fighter was starting to burn. Sergant Brutus knew that it was losing power, too.
LIEUTENANT SULLIVAN
My weapons are off-line. I'll have to ditch the main drive
core.
He pressed a button and the thruster core of his starfighter blew right off on top of the enemy craft. It exploded on impact.
LIEUTENANT SULLIVAN
Am I good or what? <He grinned>
But his escape-pod was too damaged. He couldn't control it. He was headed right for the burning hypergate. He'd never survive crashing into it.
COMPUTER PROGRAM
Warning. Failure in redundant drive systems. Impact in 90
seconds.
LIEUTENANT SULLIVAN
Gate control. This is Ranger 1, engines will not respond.
Repeat,
engines will not respond.
RANGER BASE
Ranger 1, this is Ranger Base. Rescue craft have been
dispatched.
Brutus couldn't believe his ears. They were sending rescue craft - and they expected the rescue craft to save Sullivan in the next minute? It was impossible!
SERGANT BRUTUS
Ranger Base? This is Eagle 1. Those pugs will never reach him in
time.
RANGER STATION
Eagle 1, clear this frequency and return to base
immediately!
SERGANT BRUTUS
This is Eagle 1. I'm going after him.
RANGER STATION
Negative, Eagle 1! Your craft is not equipped...
Too bad, Brutus thought. This will have to work, or Sullivan is dead. He pushed his thrusters, diving powerfully toward Sullivan's escape pod as it neared the hypergate below.
COMPUTER SYSTEM
Impact in 30 seconds. <Warns Sullivan who braces for the
worst>
RANGER STATION
Sergant Brutus, you are not authorized to make this rescue.
Return to
base now!
Enraged, the rat shut the radio off...
SERGANT BRUTUS
I never liked that station anyway.
He accelerated, getting as close as he could to Sullivan's dying escape pod. Then he angled his ship directly under Sullivan's.
LIEUTENANT SULLIVAN
What the h*** are you doing? You're too close! Abort, abort!
SERGANT BRUTUS
Going up. Hang onto your lunch-box blood-brother.
At full speed, he gently rammed Sullivan's pod from beneath. It shot away from him at an 45* angle. He propelled it right through a hole in the hypergate. Sullivan was going to make it.
Chapter 2: Road Trip
FEMALE REPORTER
Professor Brisby? Can you confirm reports that New Global
Sedition
attacked the hypergate you're building? Is that why the mission
date
has been pushed up to tomorrow?
JUSTIN BRISBY ROBINSON
Sorry. You'll have to ask the War Department about that. As far
as I
know, we're leaving tomorrow because the uh...<He searched
for a good
scientific fact> Because the celestial rotations have
produced an
excellent launch window.
Dr. Ages, the colony army commander in charge of the Discovery project, was standing beside Professor Justin Robinson. Now he stepped in front of him, trying to get the reporters to focus on the mission, not the launch date.
DR. AGES
The professor is correct, ladies and gentlemen. Now let's talk
about
the trip Professor Robinson will be taking.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
As you know, Alpha Prime is the only habitable planet that's
been
detected. My crew and I will sleep through our 10-year journey
there
frozen in suspended animation. Once we have made contact with
the
research colony on Alpha Prime, I'll supervise the building of
the
hypergate. By then, technicians here on Earth will have
completed the
companion hypergate in our planet's orbit. Once both hypergates
are
complete and online, starships will be able to pass between
them. We
can begin living on Alpha Prime.
ANOTHER REPORTER
Professor. Can't you just use the Discovery 2's lightspeed
engines to
zap straight to Alpha Prime - without waiting 10 years? That
sure seems
like an awful long time to sleep. <Several other reporters
laughed>
JUSTIN ROBINSON
No, we can't. As you know, lightspeed exists below normal space.
So if
you try to enter lightspeed without using a gate...<He
pointed to the
diagram behind him> Your exit vector is completely random.
There's no
telling where you will come out. And as we all know, 98% of the
galaxy
is still uncharted. There's a lot of space to get lost in out
there.
ANOTHER REPORTER
Professor, how is Captain Rasco? Has he recovered from the flu
virus?
Justin glanced nervously at Mr. Ages. What sort of spin wer they putting on this, anyway? Captain Rasco was dead. He had been asassinated by hitmen of Global Sedition. The doctor mouse stepped foreward, clearing his throat.
DR. AGES
Ladies and Gentlemen, this wasn't supposed to be a press
conference.
You came here to get a look at the spacecraft. Don't you think
you've
waited long enough?
The lights dimmed and a gigantic 3D display screen showed an image of the starship on its launchpad.
FEMALE REPORTER
One last question, please? Professor, how do your children feel
about
leaving Earth behind?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Oh, well. Naturally they couldn't be more excited.
MARTIN ROBINSON
This mission is going to ruin my life! I don't want to leave
early. I
don't want to go at all.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Martin, I know it's difficult. But we'll talk about this over
dinner.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Dinner? For the last three years, I've missed everything because
I've
been training so I can spend the next 10 years missing
everything else.
I am not staying home for dinner tonight. I'm going out to see
my
friends, so say goodbye to them forever.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Martin, please. <She begged> It's important that we all be
home tonight.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Mom, I'll be home every night for the next 10 years. Just give
me
tonight, okay? <He stormed off to his room>
He lifted his wrist up in front of his face and clicked on the mini video camera and voice recorder. I have to leave a record, he thought. So someone will know the torture I was subjected to. He looked into the tiny camera and spoke.
MARTIN ROBINSON
On the eve before he's torn from everything he
knows...kidnapped...held
hostage...hurled into deep space against his will...what
thoughts fill
the mind of young space POW Martin Robinson...
Timmothy Robinson kicked open the door to his room.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
How about...will there be young brothers on Alpha
Prime?...<He mimicke
his older sibling's voice> What in the world will I wear at a
space
colony?
Martin glared at him. To be trapped in space was bad enough But with this idiot? Did Alpha Prime really need an obnoxious Mr. Know-It-All?
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Why are you recording that, anyway?
MARTIN ROBINSON
Because, in the 21st Century, the video journals of Martin
Robinson,
space hostage, will be devoured by millions. I'll be famous.
You, on
the other hand, will be forgotten. And speaking of lost
causes...<H
held his right arm in front of the camera lens. His wrist was
covered
in colored ribbons> I've decided to wear ribbons to support
fellow
sufferers. The green one is for ecological issues. The white one
is
for human rights...
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Just wait till your arm drops off from lack of circulation.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Ha, ha. Just wait till I kill you little brother. <Makes
threatening
gesture>
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Ooooh. I'm scared. <Fakes frightened grimace>
Martin stared at him for a minute. Then he picked up one of the dozens of silver and gold medals that hung on the wall of Timmy's room. He sure hadn't done much packing yet. He might be a dork, but he was a genius when it came to science.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Aren't you bringing these?
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Dad said not to bring my science fair awards. Like anything I
do
matters to him. Like he's even been to one of my science
fairs.
He contemplated the medals, then stuffed every single one o them into a metal canister.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Don't feel bad. I got apology videos on my 3 birthdays. <He
started
going through the packed boxes that lined the hallway, then
pulled out a
sealed bundle> This mission is the only thing he cares about
anymore.
He opened his bundle, unfurled a mesh ladder, and tossed it out Timmy's window. Then he climbed out onto the ledge.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
So, is that a NO to our big family dinner tonight?
Martin paused halfway down the ladder, a stupid grin lighting up his face as he insulted his little brother.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Let's see. Do I spend my last night on Earth watching Mom and
Dad
fight, or blow 10 years worth of allowance at the mall? You
figure the
math results.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON <Worried> Mom's going to go thermal.
MARTIN ROBINSON <Raises an eyebrow> What's she going to do? Ground me? <Then laughing he dissapeared>
Martin did have a point, Timmy thought. If it was their las night on Earth, they might as well get all they could out of it. Timmothy tried to think of what he'd miss the most while he was frozen in sleep. What else? TV! He flicked on the mini-set in his room to one of the 500 channels that came in on the dime-shaped dish on his desk. A familiar commercial was playing.
TV PROMO
Since the dawn of history, men and women have searched for a
land of
plenty. Where unlimited resources are available to all.
Professor
Justin Robinson, inventor of the faster-than-light hyperdrive,
will make
that place no longer a dream, but a reality!
Timmothy rolled his eyes. Did they have to sound s over-the-top about it?
TV PROMO
Justin Robinson and his family have been trained to make a
10-year
journey across the galaxy.
Timmothy watched as an image of his picture-perfect famil flashed on the screen. His handsome rat-father, beautiful mother girlfriend Jenny and older brother Martin. Timmothy frowned at the sight of his own face smiling out at the world.
TV PROMO
They'll travel in the world's most advanced spacecraft, the
Discovery 2
They will join our research colony on Alpha Prime. There, they
will
become the first settlers on a world where unlimited food and
water wil
be available for all. Alpha Prime will be a new Eden. What kind
of
future can our children look foreward to? This mission sponsored
by
Military Control Services and Coca-Cola.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Coca-Cola. Saving the future for our children. <He uses a
deep voice
making fun of the announcer> Give me a break!
But as cheesy as the ad was, it made Timmy realize that he was about to become part of history. He wouldn't admit it to Martin, but he was actually looking foreward to their trip. Sure, there were things he would miss, and he was scared. But he was ready for a change. And he wouldn't mind seeing his dad more often.
Chapter 3: A New Pilot
DR. AGES
Did the pre-flight safety checks turn out all right?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
We're as ready as we can be, considering the mission's been
pushed up
three months. I'm worried about jamming in a new pilot at the
last
second, though.
DR. AGES
We've got to do it. The Global Sedition is getting brave. First
they
destroyed the hypergate. Then they asassinated Rasco. Next time,
they
may attack the launch dome. <He shook his head> We need a
fighter pilot
in there with you. Someone who can protect your family.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Yes, I agree. With children as young as Martin and
Timmothy...<Suddenly
his eyes widened in shock> Timmy's time machine prototype!
The science
fair!
DR. AGES
<Puzzled look>
Professor? Is something wrong?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I missed Timmothy's science fair. <He pressed a button on
his
wrist-watch band> Reminder. Make apology video for Timmothy
for missing
science fair.
DR. AGES
I'm sure he will understand.
Justin nodded. His son would understand. But that didn't mean he would like being passed over for a press conference.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
About the new pilot, as you said, my family's on this mission. I
need
somebody good. Somebody who's more than spit and polish.
DR. AGES
I've got your man. He just dosen't know it yet.
The rat and mouse came to a stop and the doctor pressed a button on the access panel in front of him. A door hissed open, revealing a lone rat looking out the window of a conference room. He turned around and offered a brief salute.
DR. AGES
At ease Sergant.
SERGANT BRUTUS
Sir? Why was I pulled off active duty? Thos raiders will attack
again,
and I need to be up there!
DR. AGES
Sergant Brutus, meet Professor Justin Robinson. You've heard of
the
Professor, haven't you?
SERGANT BRUTUS
Of course. Your father's battle strategies were required reading
at the
Academy.
DR. AGES
Well then, Sarge. What can you tell me about the Discovery 2's
mission?
SERGANT BRUTUS
First off? The ship is basically an oversized robot.
Everything's
automative. It's a baby-sitting job, sir. Any mutant rodent in
a
flight suit could pilot the ship out of the solar system and set
her
down on Alpha Prime. No offense.
DR. AGES
Sergant, you're aware that Earth's resources are limited, are
you not?
SERGANT BRUTUS
Severly limited? <He looks doubtful> But everyone knows
that our
recycling technologies will cure the environment. We don't need
to go
live on Alpha Prime. That's why sending a family across the
galaxy is
only a publicity stunt. It'll sell a lot of soda, but it's not
going to
save the Earth.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I'm afraid that's not true. Our recycling technologies came too
late.
Fossil fuels are exhausted. The ozone layer is down to 40%
coverage.
20 years from now, Earth will be unable to support human
life.
SERGANT BRUTUS <Stares in shock> In twenty years?
DR. AGES
The Global Sedition know this too. They're building their
own
hypergate. They are trying to colonize Alpha Prime first. And if
they
succeed, they sure won't be inviting us to join them. We'll be
left on
Earth to die.
Brutus seemed to be lost in thought. His eyes focused on a press report on the table beside him.
SERGANT BRUTUS
Captain Rasco dosen't have the flu, does he?
DR. AGES
No. <He shakes his head> Rasco was murdered in his
apartment last night.
SERGANT BRUTUS
I worked with Rasco, he was my brother. <His eyes burn with
hate> We
should blast New Global Sedition bases. Take a defensive
strike.
DR. AGES
We can't do that. <Then he narrowed his eyes, frown on
face> Your rescue
stunt last night was foolish. Explain yourself!
SERGANT BRUTUS
It's easy, I had a friend in trouble who needed my help.
DR. AGES
Let me get this straight. You disobeyed a direct order. You
endangered
a 10-billion-dollar spacecraft - because of a friend?
SERGANT BRUTUS
Yes sir! I did sir! Besides, he would have done the same thing
for me
if I were in danger sir! <Salutes him> We made a blood-vow
promising
each other to protect one another in case of trouble.
Justin nodded, pleased. Anyone who'd risk so much for a friend would protect his family well.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
He'll do sir.
DR. AGES
Congratulations Sergant. You're the new pilot of the Discovery
2.
<Brutus stares in open mouth-wide eye suprise> Let's go
take a look at
your new ship.
The sun beat down on Dr. Ninjara's black shirt. (Ninjara is the vixen samauri character from TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES COMICS) Why had she agreed to meet this rat in the middle of a desert on a sweltering, hot day? Perhaps because it was a holographic image that only she could control? And because the last thing she needed was for anyone to trace her back to her real location - Mission Control.
DR. NINJARA SMITH
Listen to me. <She told the business-rat> I was hired to
provide Captain
Rasco's apartment code, nothing more. I had no part in his
accidental
death-murder. My work is done.
BUSINESS-RAT
No it isn't. They found a replacement pilot. The Discovery 2
mission
is going ahead on schedule. We need you to do more.
DR. NINJARA SMITH
More? <She looks suprised, then angry> I see. Well, that
will cost you
my boss. And I'm afraid my price has become...astronomical.
She was giggling at her clever wordplay when there was a knock on an outer door back at Mission Control. Time to kill the hologram.
DR. NINJARA SMITH
We'll discuss this later. Bye-bye.
She pressed a button, making the business-rat and the desert dissapear. Then she turned up the lights in the room and turned to the door.
DR. NINJARA SMITH
Come. <Sounding like Jean Luc Picard or James T. Kirk>
A lab technician walked into the medical lab.
LAB TECHNICIAN
Control hasn't received the results of your pre-flight exams,
Dr.
Ninjara. They're asking for them.
The vixen samauri popped a CD-disc from her terminal and handed it to the technician.
DR. NINJARA SMITH
The Robinsons are checked out at 100%. They are in perfect
condition,
ready to save the future.
Again she smiled to herself, imagining the Robinsons' future. They might think they are ready. But she had other plans for them.
DR. NINJARA SMITH
Wish them luck for me, would you? They're going to need it.
Chapter 4: Doctoring a Robot
DR. AGES
The mission protocols are simple. <He explained as they
walked along the
gantryway that led into the ship> Justin Robinson is in
command, unless
you run into a combat situation. In that case, you'll take
command.
How many times did Sergant Brutus have to tell them? He wasn't interested in the job.
SERGANT BRUTUS
I'm a fighter pilot, sir. There must be better candidates than
me.
<They reach the entry hatch> In fact, Sullivan is a much
better pilot.
He'd be perfect for this mission...<He stopped talking as the
blast
doors opened and he saw the interior>
He walked onto the bridge, checking out the setup. It was the most amazing spacecraft he'd ever seen. It was huge, with state-of-the-art equipment. It looked more technologically advanced than anything he'd ever flown. Two pilots' chairs faced a giant windscreen. There were monitors everywhere. The ship looked like it could be programmed to lift off on its own. Dozens of technicians were busy running last-minute checks.
SERGANT BRUTUS
Looks like somebody sprang for the full extras package on this
baby.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
If you have to baby-sit...it's not such a bad nursery. Wouldn't
you
agree Sarge?
A female mouse in coveralls walked toward them. When it came closer, Brutus noticed that it was a girl-mouse.
JENNY ROBINSON
I don't get it. I can't get the cryosleep systems up over
96%.
DR. AGES
But Doctor Ninjara Smith approved the specifications.
JENNY ROBINSON
Yes, but Doctor Ninjara Smith is the base physician. I'm the one
who's
responsible once this ship is in flight. These freezing tubes
will be
perfect, or this ship will not launch.
DR. AGES
Absolutely doctor.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Jenny, I'd like you to meet Sergant Brutus. He's taking Rasco's
place
as pilot.
JENNY ROBINSON
Hmmm. He looks heavier than Rasco. We'll have to recalibrate.
<She
looked him up and down>
SERGANT BRUTUS
I'd be happy to discuss my dimensions, Doctor, anytime.
Jenny's eyes narrowed as she stared at him. She didn't return the friendly handshake.
JENNY ROBINSON
Brutus. I've read about you. You're a war hero, aren't you?
SERGANT BRUTUS
Well, yes. Actually, I am.
JENNY ROBINSON
Who was it who said that those who can't think, fight?
<Trying to
remember> Oh, right. That was me! <She giggles>
SERGANT BRUTUS
Boy, she's about as warm as one of those freezing tubes over
there.
JENNY ROBINSON
Oh, and dad? <Turns around> I'm not going to make it home
for dinner.
Brutus shifted nervously from one foot to the other. The woman he criticized was Professor Robinson's oldest daughter?
SERGANT BRUTUS
It's going to be a long flight, isn't it?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Looks that way sucker. <Gives thumbs up sign>
When he got home, Professor Robinson paused in the doorway of the dining room. The long table was set with the remains of dinner and celebration party. He had missed his last dinner on Earth. On the sideboard against the wall, Justin spotted a small scale model. Timmothy's miniture time machine. He picked it up. A metal gold-plated star with the words FIRST PLACE dangled from the prototype. He smiled, proud of his son.
BRISBY ROBINSON
He won first prize again.
Glancing at the stairway, Justin saw his wife walking down the stairs, wearing her pajamas and bathrobe.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
A non-working prototype for his time machine.
BRISBY ROBINSON
You missed dinner. For that matter, so did everyone else.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I'm sorry about dinner. The new pilot...
BRISBY ROBINSON
Justin, the family needed you here.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
This mission is about our family. You know we wouldn't be going
unless
we could bring the children. So doing our job wouldn't mean
leaving
them behind.
BRISBY ROBINSON
I know, Justin. But while you were out saving humanity, Timmothy
caused
a power shortage at school today, just to get your attention.
Martin
got dragged home by security. And now Jenny's still at Mission
Control.
She's become as much of a ghost around here as you.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I'm sorry, Brisby. I've been so busy lately, trying to get ready
for
the launch.
BRISBY ROBINSON
And what do you think I'm doing? Throwing parties?!
JUSTIN ROBINSON
No, of course not! I know you're revising the life science
protocols, I
meant...<But Brisby interrupted him>
BRISBY ROBINSON
And I'm also trying to handle 2 kids who are leaving an entire
planet
behind. There aren't any books on how to deal with this
Justin.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I know. And maybe it dosen't do any good to save a world of
families if
we can't save our own. Is that it, Professor?
BRISBY ROBINSON
Pretty much. <She smiled> Why did we have to make the
earth sick? <Gazes
sadly out the window at the city of Thorn Valley>
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I know you are scared honey, I'm scared too.
He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. They walked up the stairs together, pausing outside Timmothy's bedroom. As he peeked through the doorway and watched Timmy sleeping, Justin picked up the dog tags he wore on a silver chain around his neck. His father's. His father, who had been too busy fighting battles to attend his science fairs when he was a child. Some things never change, he thought sadly as he kissed Timmothy goodnight.
Ninjara Smith listened to the whir of the conveyer belt moving items into the cargo-hatch. She hated the smell of the old cargo drum she'd chosen to hide inside. Of course, she had chosen one marked BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS so she had only herself to blame.
DR. NINJARA SMITH
Who cares? <Said to herself> As long as I make it onto the
ship.
She felt the cargo drum being rolled. She steeled herself against a wave of nausea to vomit or hurl as she tumbled end over end like a pair of clothes in a dryer. Finally the rolling stopped. There was a loud clinking noise as a giant crane locked onto the top of the drum. Then Ninjara felt herself being lifted into the air. Finally she was deposited into the ship with a crash. Hours later, the ship was finally empty of all its preparation crews. Ninjara Smith popped off the top of the cargo drum and hoisted herself out. She made her way onto the lower deck where the TERMINATOR bay was located. She just had one more thing to take care of, and her mission would be complete. And, after that, she would be RICH!!!
She walked up to the main wall bank of computers and found the right spot. Then, placing a small keypad onto the panel, Dr. Ninjara turned on the device. She hit a switch on the panel and all the system indicators glowed in response. The system was up and running. Ninjara typed the necessary commands into the computer.
DR. NINJARA SMITH
Forgive me for waking you my mechanical friend from your deep
sleep.
But the time has come to awaken. What are your orders
Terminator?
TERMINATOR T-800
TERMINATOR IS ON-LINE. <The voice spoke through the voice
chip in the
keyboard> REVISING PRIMARY DIRECTIVES. ONE - PRESERVE THE
ROBINSON
FAMILY AT ALL COSTS. TWO - MAINTAIN THE SHIP SYSTEMS. THREE
-
DR. NINJARA SMITH
<Irritated>
Spare me the chatter. <She entered more commands, silencing
the T-800's
voice> I have far more evil deeds in store for you.
<Inputs new commands
into the keyboard>
She flicked a switch to complete the reprogramming. Then she stood back, waiting for the TERMINATOR to speak.
TERMINATOR T-800
TERMINATOR IS ONLINE. REVIEWING PRIMARY DIRECTIVES. ONE -
SIXTEEN
HOURS INTO MISSION, DESTROY ROBINSON FAMILY. TWO - DESTROY ALL
SYSTEMS.
DR. NINJARA SMITH
Now that's more like it. See you later metal man, NOT!
She pulled the reprogramming module off the main computer and shoved it back into the housing for it on her uniform. She chuckled to herself as she climbed into a chute marked WASTE DISPOSAL. This should lead her right outside the Discovery-2. Ninjara began crawling down the chute. As she did, the module on her chest began beeping. The sound echoed off the chute's round walls.
DR. NINJARA SMITH
What now?! <Mutters angrilly>
She pressed a button on the module's side, turning on the communications link. A second later, the face of the business-rat from the desert appeared above her head.
BUSINESS-RAT
Apparently you have completed your mission on schedule. I do so
admire
a good spot of timely terrorism.
DR. NINJARA SMITH
<Eyes blazing>
HOW DARE YOU! I told you never to call me here! The transmission
could
be traced. Why are you contacting me? <Seethed with
rage>
BUSINESS-RAT
I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude for your loyalty.
Good
work, Doctor. And goodbye. <Then he began laughing
evilly>
Ninjara stared at the 3D image. Why would anyone go to so much trouble to thank her? They wouldn't. They wanted something else. They wanted to get rid of her, take her out of the BIG PICTURE! Suddenly the module on her chest overheated. Ninjara ripped it off, throwing it onto the floor, but it was too late. The module sent an electrical shock through her body, causing her to scream in pain as her body jerked and convulsed with agony. The next thing, the evil vixen samauri collapsed onto the floor, her eyes rolled back and everything went BLACK!
Chapter 5: Liftoff
MARTIN ROBINSON
Don't Mom. <He backs into his tube> Vogue says this will
be the style in
10 years. <He pats down his fur-hair>
Timmothy rolled his eyes. Only Martin would worry about his hairstyle at a time like this.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Jenny? <He asked his girlfriend, adopted sister>
The cryotubes were mounted on the wall, side by side. Each had just enough room for a body. Jenny was adjusting the system controls for their frozen-sleep state. An extra-durable plastic cover would snap around them, already wearing heavy-duty black and silver protective jumpsuits. An oxygen tube fed directly into each compartment.
JENNY ROBINSON
Yes Timmy?
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Can we cut back on Martin's oxygen a little, so he's not as
annoying
when he wakes up!
MARTIN ROBINSON
While you're at it Jenny. Maybe you could cut back on Timmothy's
oxygen
too!
BRISBY ROBINSON
All right, kids. That's the last fight you're having. For 10
years,
anyway.
She kissed Timmothy goodbye, and then his father stepped in front of him. Timmy reached out his hand just as his father tried to hug him. His hand collided with his dad's hard cryosuit.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Ouch.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Sorry. <He ruffled his fur-hair>
Timmothy backed into his freezing tube, and his father moved toward his own. He stopped to say goodbye to his wife, kissing her. Then he stepped into his tube.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Sergant Brutus, she's all yours. The ship, I mean.
SERGANT BRUTUS WEST
I'll try to give you a good ride.
Jenny walked up and down the row of tubes, checking the controls and settings on each one. Then she stepped into her freeze tube.
JENNY ROBINSON
Mission Control, this is Doctor Jenny Robinson. We are in the
green.
MISSION CONTROL
Roger, Doctor. Initiate cryostatis.
Brutus walked over to Jenny's tube. He couldn't help noticing that she looked a little nervous. The mouse with nerves of steel actually seemed uneasy.
BRUTUS WEST
Don't sweat it Doc. <He winked at her> I do this all the
time.
JENNY ROBINSON
This is going to sound trite, but...just drive carefully,
okay?
She touched a control stud on the outer wall, and the freezing tubes rotated so that they closed around each of the Robinsons. Sergant West watched as Jenny was engulfed in the glimmering frost of a cryofield.
BRUTUS WEST
I'm next. <He thought> Just as soon as I get this baby in
the air.
He slid into the pilot's seat on the bridge and strapped himself in. All of the pre-flight preparations were already in motion. He had to flick the final switches.
BRUTUS WEST
Mission Control, this is Discovery 2. The Robinsons are tucked
in, and
we're ready to fly.
MISSION CONTROL
You are at T-Minus 1 minute and counting.
Brutus leaned over to toss a few more switches. He heard the dome housing the spaceship slowly begin to part.
BRUTUS WEST
Powering main drive systems.
There was a surge of power underneath the ship. The starship began to shake & vibrate as the engines revved to full throttle.
MISSION CONTROL
Sergant, your escape vector is clear. Op is go on your
command.
BRUTUS WEST
Roger. <He reached for the glowing panel in front of
him>
The words LIFT-OFF were glowing bright red. All he needed to do was touch any one of the letters.
BRUTUS WEST
Here I go. The monkey flips the switch.
The starship rocketed clear of the launch tower and shot straight up into the clear blue sky like a missile, fighting the gravity of earth's atmosphere until it broke clear into deep space.
MISSION CONTROL
Discovery 2, you are clear of Earth's atmosphere.
A loud cheer erupted throughout Mission Control! Seconds later, the saucer shell surrounding the Discovery 2 exploded, seperating from the starship.
BRUTUS WEST
Mission Control, Discovery 2 booster disengaged. Proceeding
toward
Mercury.
Then Sergant West began all the procedures necessary to set the Discovery 2 on auto-pilot toward Alpha Prime. As soon as the ship was operating on its own, he'd step into a freezing tube himself. He took a last look at Mercury's red surface. Then he pressed a button, and two giant blast shields closed over the main viewscreen.
BRUTUS WEST
Houston, diverting all spacecraft controls to the main
computer.
He walked to the center of the bridge and activated the navigational 3D holograph. Images formed in midair over the pedestal showing the Discovery 2 on the way to Alpha Prime.
BRUTUS WEST
8 years of flight training. <Mutters to himself> For this?
<Then
reports> Navigational holograph on line. <Again he
complains to himself>
50 combat missions.
He entered a few commands into the computer. An arc of light traced the route the Discovery 2 would take - past Mercury, around the sun, and then into space and beyond.
BRUTUS WEST
Course confirmed for slingshot exit of the solar system.
<Then to
himself> Just so I can take the Robinson RV-camper on an
interstellar
picnic.
He walked over to his vacant freezing tube and climbed in. Brutus thought of all the things he was passing up, just to drive this fully automated ship.
BRUTUS WEST
Can you believe this? <He complains to Mission Control>
I'll miss 10
World Series, 10 SuperBowls, 10 NBA Finals, 10 Stanley Cups.
He couldn't even imagine who would still be playing on his favorite teams when he returned to Earth. Everyone was going to age.
BRUTUS WEST
I'm going to miss my nephews' and nieces' high school and
college
graduations. Not to mention a couple of my own weddings. <He
sighed> 10
years is a lifetime.
MISSION CONTROL
I know. Sleep well, old friend.
BRUTUS WEST
I never did like these freezing tubes. They give me nightmares.
<But he
had no choice. He hit a switch and soon fell into a deep
sleep>
Dr. Ninjara Smith rubbed her eyes sleepily. What a nightmare she just had! In it, her Global Sedition contact had tried to kill her. She rolled over, and her hand smacked the wall. Then she sat up, hitting her head on the wall above her. What wall above her? Where in the world was she? She scrambled up the chute, using her elbows to propel her up the sides. She crawled out and, as the lid closed behind her, she noticed the words WASTE DISPOSAL. She was still onboard the Discovery-2!
Her right hand throbbed with pain. She opened her palm and saw the module's impression seared into her flesh.
DR. NINJARA SMITH
That Global Sedition spy! He really did try to kill me!
But she was alive. And she needed to get out of the place, fast! She spun around, looking for a way out. She stumbled to the main computer bank. She couldn't see anything - the place was pitch black except for the glowing of computer screens. She decided to open the shades. She went to the viewscreen and pressed a button. The blast shield covering the windscreen opened.
Ninjara's eyes widened in horror and she put her hands on the viewscreen, steadying herself. She was staring out at stars, flying comets. She was in deep, outer space! Behind her, she heard the sound of clanking metal footsteps. She turned and saw a shape approaching her. The TERMINATOR! A gleaming metal skeleton built out of steel, metal and cybertronics with glowing red eye sensors in its head and grinning teeth, armed with a pulse laser M-41B rifle and pulse 12-gauge shotgun. It was headed straight for the computer bank.
DR. NINJARA SMITH
No! <She tries to power up the burned-out module in her
hand> Stop!
Before she had been electrocuted, she had programmed the T-800 to kill the family and destroy the ship. Right now, that included HER!
DR. NINJARA SMITH
Dis-disable program, I command you!
But the Terminator walked past her, ignoring her pleas to stop.
TERMINATOR T-800
ROBINSON FAMILY. TERMINATE!
DR. NINJARA SMITH
Cease! Desist!
TERMINATOR T-800
ALL OPERATING SYSTEMS, DESTROY!
DR. NINJARA SMITH
You idiot! I teach you to disobey direct orders.
Drawing her samauri sword from its scabbord on her back, the vixen sprang into the air preparing to slash out and at the same time executing a flying tornado kick. But the Terminator side-stepped the attack, then counter-attacked with a backhand punch, doubling the vixen over, then snap-kicking Ninjara off-balance and sending her flying backwards into the console. She crashed to the floor in a heap.
Chapter 6: Stowaway Ninjara
The Terminator came to a halt directly below the six cryosleep tubes. It exchanged the pulse rifle for the pulse shotgun strapped to its back and aimed the weapon.
TERMINATOR T-800
CRYOSLEEP SYSTEMS, DESTROY!
Ninjara jumped to her feet as the robot fired laser bullets at the controls. Alarms sounded and electricity sparked over the entire area. The tubes began to descend.
NINJARA SMITH
Stop you fool! <She struggles to catch up with the
machine>
But she didn't want to get too close. She was about to die at the hands of a killer robot.
TERMINATOR T-800
NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEMS, DESTROY!
All of a sudden, the T-800 turned and pumped more rounds from its shotgun at the navigational hologram over the bridge. The 3D image dissapeared in a ball of fire. Now the ship was thrown off course! The freezing tubes were on fire. Dr. Ninjara stumbled through the smoke and flames to the cryosleep control station beside Jenny's tube.
NINJARA SMITH
Wake up you idiots. I can't stop this infernal contraption
myself! <She
used the hilt of her sword to smash through a glass panel
marked
EMERGENCY DEACTIVATE>
She glanced at the freezing tubes. The Robinsons and Sergant Brutus West all glowed as their bodies were warmed. All except one of them. Jenny Robinson's tube had not changed at all.
TERMINATOR T-800
COMMAND SYSTEMS, DESTROY! <It aimed the shotgun at the main
computer>
Alarms sounded as the freezing tube covers popped open. Forgetting the command systems, the Terminator spun around to face the intruders.
NINJARA SMITH
Uh-oh, time for me to make my exit stage-left. <She dove into
a corner
of the room>
Justin Robinson opened his eyes, his lungs burning from the acrid smoke. What happened? Why was the bridge on fire? He dropped to the floor, underneath the smoke. His wife was right beside him. Suddenly both spotted the T-800 smiling evilly at them, its glowing eyes like two red lasers stabbing through the haze, shotgun pointed directly in their faces!
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Brisby! The children, get the children!
She grabbed Martin and Timmothy and pulled them out of the tubes, just before the Terminator nearly blasted them away with another salvo of laser-bullets. Justin leaped for the laser pistol mounted on the wall beside him.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Disengage safety.
LASER PISTOL COMPUTER
Voice print confirmed master.
Justin whirled around, firing at the T-800. He hit it squarely in the backside, causing it to stagger, almost fall over onto the floor dropping its gun. Justin moved closer, hoping he damaged the machine. Suddenly it sensed his presence and turned to face him.
TERMINATOR T-800
THAT WAS A STUPID, FOOLISH MOVE YOU COWARD,
BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!
It returned fire! A control pedestal blocked the shot, but the impact sent it flying, smashing into Justin who cried out in pain and went crashing onto the floor.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Dad!, Father!
He slammed a button on a control pad, and the elevator began to descend. Timmy ducked under his mother's arm and scrambled across the bridge.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Timmothy, wait!
Brutus West emerged from the smoke and fire, screaming like a ninja he leaped onto the back of the Terminator. He reached for the power pack, trying to disable it. But the T-800 spotted Timmothy and started firing on him, wild shots careened off the starship's walls. Timmothy slid across the floor and dissapeared onto the elevator without being hit. Brisby breathed a sigh of relief. At least he'd be safe.
Suddenly the Terminator electrocuted Brutus, sending the bodyguard pilot flying through the air, across the bridge and land hard on his back on the floor unconsious. Then the T-800 laughing triumphantly, turned to aim its weapon on Martin and Brisby, preparing to finish off its next victims.
TERMINATOR T-800
PREPARE TO BE TERMINTED, HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
BRISBY ROBINSON <Shields Martin's eyes> Look away baby.
Suddenly the T-800 froze. It stopped moving, its eyes went blank, the red glow died out and it lowered its gun. Timmothy called from the open elevator dock.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Terminator!
TERMINATOR T-800
YES MY MASTER, WHAT IS YOUR COMMAND?
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
I order you to return to the docking bay and power down.
TERMINATOR T-800
COMMAND ACCEPTED MASTER TIMMOTHY. I WILL OBEY.
Then the T-800 saluted, did an about-face and marched away, heading back to the elevator. Brisby stared at her son. He was holding his tiny hacker-deck, a sort of mini-computer.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Tim, that's amazing.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
If the family won't come to the science fair, bring the science
fair to
the family. <He grinned>
MARTIN ROBINSON
Show-off bro. <Brushes ice-crystals out of his fur>
BRISBY ROBINSON
Wait a minute. <She looks around the room> Where's
Jenny?
Justin meanwhile helped Brutus back onto his feet...
BRUTUS WEST
Next picnic, somebody bring the anti-Terminator spray.
Both approached the helm. The blast shields covering the viewscreen had jammed. Brutus couldn't open them. Martin moved to his console and tried to bring up an image on the screen. Finally the words FIRE SYSTEMS flashed on the screen. Then a console beside him flared, and the screen went blank again.
MARTIN ROBINSON
What on earth? What the h*** is going on here?
Justin was at his own console, trying to bring communications back online.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
No course data. System shorts everywhere. <He pressed a
button that
lifted his chair to the overhead access panel>
BRUTUS WEST
I still can't open her blast shields. I'll try Remote Op.
Finally Martin managed to retreieve and activate the FIRE SYSTEMS screen. Fire extinquishers started spraying foam all around the upper deck, smothering the flames.
BRUTUS WEST
That takes care of that.
He passed Timmothy's work station, as he did, he heard a groan coming from the smoke beneath his feet.
BRUTUS WEST <Puzzled> Huh? What-the? <He reached down and grabbed a mutant's arm>
Then he hauled the figure upright. He couldn't believe it, it was Ninjara herself!
BRUTUS WEST
Ninjara? What are you doing here?
The vixen started struggling, hitting and headbutting him, trying to escape.
NINJARA SMITH
Let me go! Get away from me! <Suddenly she recognizes the
rat> Sergant
West, oh thank god it's you. <Relaxes> I'm so glad you're
here.
BRUTUS WEST
How did you get onboard my ship? <Still confused>
NINJARA SMITH <Tries to explain> I was making a last minute check. Someone must have snuck up behind me and tried to asassinate me, kill me. <She reached up to wipe the blood from her forehead>
Brutus stared at Ninjara's palm. No. It was impossible. But Dr. Smith had the signature mark of the New Global Sedition burned into the skin of her hand.
BRUTUS WEST <Anger flashes on his face> What is this?! <His outburst startled Ninjara, she flinches, eyes filled with terror> Sedition technology. You're a spy, a terrorist!
Then he looked around at the destroyed consoles, burning holographs, the burned freezing tubes. No Terminator could program itself to cause this destruction.
BRUTUS WEST <Explodes> YOU DID THIS YOU TRAITOR! <Slams her against the wall>
Then he hit a button and began dragging her toward two opening doors.
NINJARA SMITH <Fights him> Stop! Let go of me! What are you doing?
BRUTUS WEST
What do you think, throwing out the trash!
BRISBY ROBINSON
Help, somebody please! Jenny's thawing engine is broken. I can't
get
her out, she's dying in there.
Brutus turned to look at Jenny's freezing tube. The cryofield was sparking on and off. Her tube was closed. Her oxygen had been cut off once the cryosystem was deactivated. She was in trouble.
Suddenly Ninjara didn't waste any time. She drove both elbows hard into Brutus' chest, doubling him over and making him release his grip on her. Then spun around and struck out with a powerful back sidekick knocking the rat backwards onto the floor. In a flash Brutus was back on his feet and lunging back, fists raised when the samauri drew her sword and aimed its blade in his face.
NINJARA SMITH
Stop! Don't you dare...<She warns him> Touch me and the
girl dies.
BRUTUS WEST
What are you talking about?
NINJARA SMITH
Simple. <Smiles evilly, still holding him at swordpoint> I
can save her
life. And I will. Kill me, and you kill the girl, which will it
be
hmmm? <She walked over to the freezing tube> I will, of
course, require
your word as an officer that if I rescue your doctor, you will
spare my
life. <Offers hand> Is it a deal?
Brutus dropped his hands to his side and nodded in surrender.
BRUTUS WEST
Deal. <Shakes on it> Go ahead, help her. Now that you
almost took her
life in the first place. <He looked helplessly at Jenny
Robinson. Her
face was pale, and she looked half-frozen>
Suddenly the communications console where Justin was working came back online.
MISSION CONTROL
This is Mission Control, do you read, Discovery-2? This is
Mission
Control to Discovery 2.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Power reserves online. Activating blast shields...got it!
He and Brutus stood side by side, waiting for the blast shields to pull all the way back. They began parting slowly. Brutus squinted, his eyes trying to adjust to the bright light streaming through the viewscreen. But there was no way to adjust to staring straight at the sun!
BRUTUS WEST
Uh-oh, holy s***!
MISSION CONTROL
What happened out there? You're way off-course. We show you in
the
gravitational pull of the sun.
BRUTUS WEST
Oh, <Jokes sarcastically> is that what that big round
burning ball is?
MISSION CONTROL
Quit joking. Let's get to work. We've got to do something.
Brutus slid into his pilot's chair next to Justin.
BRUTUS WEST
Houston? How come we never talk when things are going well?
MISSION CONTROL
There's no time for talk. We count 7 minutes before your outer
hull
begins to melt.
Chapter 7: Heading for the Sun
Dr. Ninjara Smith stood in front of Jenny's locked freezing tube. He rubbed his hands together.
NINJARA SMITH
I'm going to need Dr. Robinson's portable gurney. I believe it's
stored
in...
MARTIN ROBINSON
I know where it is. I'll get it. <He raced out of the
room>
Brisby stared at the vixen. She felt sick to her stomach with worry. Anger flashed in her eyes.
BRISBY ROBINSON
For months we worked together, getting ready for this mission.
We
trusted you. And in return, this is how you repay us?
<Shouts> YOU
TRIED TO KILL MY FAMILY!
NINJARA SMITH
Yes, well, existence offers us nothing if not the opportunity
for an
endless series of betrayals.
Brisby Robinson glared at her. Did she really look at life that way? Was there no shred of mutant decency in her body?
NINJARA SMITH
You look as if you don't understand, Professor. <Her eyes
shined with
excitement> Let me explain. There is a world behind this
world. Lie
once, cheat twice, and everything becomes clear. Do not mistake
my
deceptions for a character flaw. It is the way I have chosen to
live.
BRISBY ROBINSON
You are a monster!
NINJARA SMITH
Perhaps I am. Maybe you would like to see me die. But I am the
only
one who can save your daughter's life right now. So sorry for
the
ironic situation.
Martin rushed toward her, pulling the gurney behind him. His face was flushed with the effort.
NINJARA SMITH
All right, Martin, junior. On my command, I need you to short
the
power.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Don't call me junior!
NINJARA SMITH
Professor Brisby, you will assist me in lowering the body.
<She handed
Martin her sword> Martin, junior <Sneers at his angry
look> NOW!
Martin swung the sword with all his strengh into the power circuit outside the freezing tube. The field flared once, then shut off. Suddenly the door to the tube popped open. Brisby grabbed her daughter's arms, pulling her foreward. Then she leaned her head against Jenny's chest, listening for a heartbeat.
BRISBY ROBINSON
She's not breathing!
NINJARA SMITH
Sickbay, MOVE! <She commanded, lowering Jenny onto the
gurney>
BRUTUS WEST
The sun won't let us go. <They were being sucked toward it as
if they
were as weightless> Houston, I need options!
MISSION CONTROL
I'm sorry Brutus. There's nothing we can do to help.
Sergant Brutus stared at the windscreen. The sun was getting so big that it nearly blotted out everything else.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
We've got to divert all power to the engines. Re-routing life
sciences.
Justin tapped his computer, entering the commands that would shut down all non-essential life science systems. All the interior lights turned off. Brutus stared at the drive core indicator. Their engine capacity had increased - but only slightly. It wouldn't be enough.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Let's try to get more power. Shutting down Robotics. <He
flicked
another switch>
BRUTUS WEST
We're making progress. <Watching the indicator> But it's
still not
there.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
One more try. Shutting down essential life sciences.
He tried to disconect the power. The system shorted, and electricity arced across the consoles.
COMPUTER SYNTHISIZED VOICE
SHUNT ERROR. WARNING: MEDICAL SYSTEMS CRASH!
JUSTIN ROBINSON
No! <Slams palm against console> I didn't mean to -
Jenny!
Down in sickbay, Jenny was lying on a high-tech scanning bed. Above her, a 3D holographic image of her body shimmered, revealing the weak links.
NINJARA SMITH
No cardio-pulmonary or respiratory functions. <Positions
shock paddles>
Clear! <Activates the paddles>
The holographic image of her heart beat once, then was silent.
NINJARA SMITH
Again. Clear! <Engages the shock paddles>
The lights on the bio console flickered. The holograph went out.
BRISBY ROBINSON
We're losing her!
NINJARA SMITH
Come on, child. Fight. <She started manual CPR, pumping
Jenny's chest
with her hands then breathing into her mouth, forcing air into
her
lungs> Put a little heart in it. The life...I save...May
be...my own!
She stopped and leaned over, pressing her ear to her chest. Then she picked up her wrist and felt for a pulse.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Jenny? Baby? <Tears in her eyes>
Jenny opened her eyes and looked at her mother.
JENNY ROBINSON
You should try to look less worried, Mom. It has a tendency to
spook
the patients.
Brisby heaved a sigh of relief. Brushing a tear off her cheek, she turned to Dr. Ninjara Smith.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Thank you, I suppose.
NINJARA SMITH
I hope I have proved that the well-being of your family is of
great
import to me. You are a good woman, Brisby Robinson. Anyone can
see
that. Perhaps if you convinced your husband to trust me...
Brisby stared at her for a second. Did she really think she could charm her - after all she'd done? What a sore loser. She engaged her Jedi Lightsaber, the glowing blue blade humming to life as she pointed it at the stunned vixen.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Stabilize her, Smith. Because you only breath as long as she
does.
BRUTUS WEST
Heat seal breach in 40 seconds.
Brutus stared at the engine capacity indicator on his console. The engines were operating with 50% more power than normal. But Sergant West doubted that would be enough to safely outmanuver the sun.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
That's all the power we've got.
BRUTUS WEST
I'm putting the pedal to the metal. Here goes! <He pulled
back on the
main engine thrusters>
The engines screamed in torture as the ship strained to accelerate foreward.
BRUTUS WEST
She can't break free from the sun's draw. She dosen't have
enough
thrust.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
There's got to be a way to get through this!
Sergant West took his eyes off the viewscreen for a second to stare at the Professor.
BRUTUS WEST
That's it.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
What's it?
BRUTUS WEST
If we can't go around the sun, we have to go through her. Using
your
hyperdive lightspeed. <He started moving his chair up to the
hyperdrive
initiator>
JUSTIN ROBINSON
No! If we engage the lightspeed without a gate portal, we could
be
thrown anywhere - anywhere in the galaxy!
BRUTUS WEST
Anywhere but here will do - don't you agree?
Justin spun around, hitting a special button. A hidden panel slid open, revealing two silver keys. He tossed one up to Sergant West.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
We do this together. On my mark.
Brutus nodded and inserted his key into the initiator, Justin did the same with his key.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Three...two...one...Mark!
Both rats turned their keys. Hurry, Brutus thought, watching a holograph that showed the Discovery 2 virtually on fire. The outer hull was beginning to melt. They had only seconds to escape ALIVE!
COMPUTER SYNTHISIZED VOICE
WARNING! HEAT SHIELD BREACH!
Justin and Brutus locked back into place. The sun covered the entire windscreen.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Lightspeed hyperdrive at 100%. Proceed Sarge.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Father! <He scrambled up onto the bridge. Justin spun around
to face
him, leaping out of his chair>
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Timmy, stand back! <Runs towards him>
Sergant Brutus was so focused on the hyperdrive that he barely noticed anything else.
BRUTUS WEST
Let's see what this baby can do! <He engaged the lightspeed
thrusters>
Suddenly everything seemed to stop! It was as if time stood still as the starship surged foreward. Timmothy & Justin suspended in midair, reaching out for each other, Brutus slammed back into his seat by the G-Forces, face contorted in pain. Down below in sickbay Ninjara, Brisby, Martin and Jenny were flung into the air, also frozen in place, arms flailing, feet kicking. The acceleration was so fast that sections of the ship began to dissapear around them. The hull vanished, becomming translucent from the force of the hyperdrive.
Sergant Brutus had no sense of gravity as he felt them falling through space. Seconds later, the Discovery 2 emerged through the other side of the timewarp lightspeed barrier and returned to normal space.
Chapter 8: Lost
Justin Robinson raced into the sickbay on the lower deck. His heart was pounding fast. Was his family all right? He hated having used the lightspeed. Now they were in another solar system and he had no idea how he'd get them all home.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Brisby! <He rushed over to his wife>
She was kneeling in front of Martin. Dr. Ninjara Smith was standing by an empty gurney, a satisfied smile on her face.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Where's Jenny?
Jenny walked out the bathroom door into sickbay.
JENNY ROBINSON
It is important to get in and out of this thing! <She zipped
up the
outside of her cryosuit>
Justin stared at her. She was walking and talking - as if nothing had happened!
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Are you...<He began>
JENNY ROBINSON
My vitals are normal. Pulse and respiration seems to be...
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Jenny, all I'm asking is...are you okay?
JENNY ROBINSON
I'm fine, Dad. Really.
He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I'm so glad. I was so worried.
NINJARA SMITH
Oh please. <She rolled her eyes> Is every little problem
going to turn
into a fuzzy warm moment?
Justin spun around to face the evil Sith Lord. He drew his jedi lightsaber, igniting the green blade saber.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
How much Ninjara? What exactly was the price you put on our
future?
Sneering, the vixen activated her red lightsaber and held it at the ready. Both faced-off, their sabers humming and glowing with energy...But before either could make the first move, Ninjara spoke.
NINJARA SMITH
You can't do it, can you? You can't kill me. How rotten it must
be,
having such high-minded ideals. You can't kill a mutant without
feeling
like a monster. Is that it Jedi?!
Justin stared at her, not saying anything. Then, with an exasperated sigh, he deactivated his saber, returning it to his belt. Ninjara was right - he wouldn't sink to that level. No matter how much he wished Dr. Smith was dead, he wouldn't kill her. He might be 10 million miles from home, but he still had morals.
NINJARA SMITH
Coward! Surrender to the darkside. <Laughing she raised her
saber in a
striking posture, preparing to cut the rat down!>
But as she did, Justin lashed out, palm outstreched using the power of the Force to repel the evil vixen flying backwards across the room to slam against the far wall. Ninjara fell, dropping her saber which snapped off as it slipped from her hands. Simultanously Justin slammed a button on the wall. It was a good thing he'd helped design this ship - he knew where every last little feature was. A panel slid down from the ceiling, trapping Ninjara inside the room. Angered she pounded her fists against the closed door.
NINJARA SMITH
Let me out! Let me out of here! I'll get you for this Professor,
you
just wait! <Bangs on the glass panels>
BRISBY ROBINSON
What happened, Justin? Where are we?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I'm not sure. Let's go find out. <They returned to the upper
deck where
Sergant Brutus West was already back at work>
BRUTUS WEST
I've bypassed most of the damaged systems. We'll have to
repair
manually. <He glanced at Jenny> You had me worried, Doc.
I'm glad to
see you thawed.
JENNY ROBINSON
Thanks. But you promised a smooth ride on this ship. <Arms
folded, she
smiles at him> Is this what you call smooth?
BRUTUS WEST
Just a few road potholes along the way. Computer, map our
current
location.
COMPUTER SYNTHISIZED VOICE
SEARCHING FOR RECOGNIZABLE CONSTELLATIONS.
A 3D holograph showing the Discovery 2 amoung a thousand different alien stars floated in the air. As the star field expanded, the Discovery 2 looked smaller and smaller. Finally it was an indistinguishable speck amoung the other glowing stars.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
This data base has star maps of the entire known galaxy.
BRUTUS WEST
Yeah, it does. But you know what? I don't recognize a single
system.
<He looked at the Professor> Do you?
When Justin didn't answer, Martin looked shocked, then saddened. He threw both hands up in the air in dismay.
MARTIN ROBINSON
We're lost, aren't we?
A few hours later, Jenny and Brutus headed down to sickbay. Sergant West was still stuck inside his heavy cryosuit. He'd been so busy getting the ship back in gear that he hadn't been able to discard the damaged outer clothing yet.
JENNY ROBINSON
The cryosuit absorbed most of the Terminator's electrical
charge.
You're lucky. <She cut the thick suit off his body>
BRUTUS WEST
Doctor, is that actual concern I detect in your voice?
Jenny yanked off a section of the seared polymer, and Brutus cried in pain. It was like having a giant Band-Aid torn off.
BRUTUS WEST
Ouch! <So much for the doctor having a pleasant bedside
manner he
thought>
JENNY ROBINSON
What's this? A battle scar?
Jenny pointed to a mark on his arm.
BRUTUS WEST
Actually, that was a tatoo. I had it removed. Right after she
broke up
with me. <Remembering his former girlfriend who left him for
another
rat-man>
JENNY ROBINSON
Tragic story. So, you're single, Sarge? You don't have a family?
No
one to miss?
She didn't have to make it sound so pathetic. Wasn't she single too?
BRUTUS WEST
I've never been the settling down type.
JENNY ROBINSON
I guess you think that's romantic.
BRUTUS WEST
No, No. I don't. And what about you Doc? Are you in love? Is
there
someone you left behind?
JENNY ROBINSON <Frowns> I've spent the last 3 years preparing for this mission, not working on my social life. We're trying to save the planet, Sergant. I don't have time for fun.
BRUTUS WEST
If there's no time for fun, Doctor...<Pulls T-shirt over his
head> then
what are we saving the earth for? <He headed for the
door>
MARTIN ROBINSON
I think it broke when we slammed into the sun. <Hands over
the mini
recorder to Timmothy>
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
I can fix it. <He took out a screwdriver and begin
tinkering>
MARTIN ROBINSON <Puzzled> So what are you doing down here? Why aren't you up on deck with Mom and Dad?
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON <Raises eyebrow> Have you met our parents?
MARTIN ROBINSON <Laughs> Good point bro.
Timmy hit a button, and the tiny tape player began to play. Martin cringed with embarrassment as he heard his voice on the tape saying...
MARTIN's RECORDED VOICE POPCORN...ORCHIDS...WAVES...TIMMY...
He grabbed the recorder from Timmothy's hand and shut it off.
MARTIN ROBINSON
It's a list. <Face turning red> Of everything we left
behind.
He looked at his little brother. He felt as though he was about to start crying.
MARTIN ROBINSON
You know what? Don't ever love anything, Tim. Because you'll
just end
up losing it forever.
Martin walked away, brushing his face with the sleeve of his flight suit.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Ninjara can still hurt us. <He spoke to Brisby as they
repaired the
onboard life support systems> Maybe I should have not let her
live.
But...
BRISBY ROBINSON
But how can we bring civilization to the stars if we can't
remain
civilized? Is that what you were going to say?
Before Justin could answer, he noticed that the crimson planet they had parked beside was starting to glow.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
What the h***?
BRUTUS WEST <Echos swear words> What the h***?
A distortion field began floating around the planet. Inside it, there was something silvery. Justin strained to focus on it.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
It appears to be some kind of rend in space. A blackhole, or
maybe a
doorway in time.
BRISBY ROBINSON
If it's a doorway - where does it lead?
BRUTUS WEST
Good question. Let's find out. <He started to engage the
thrusters>
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Sarge, wait!
But it was too late. The Discovery 2 was already flying through the pulsing hole in space.
BRUTUS WEST
I'll wait later boss. <Heading through the doorway>
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Pull back. That's an order!
BRUTUS WEST
And the lord said, <As though he did not hear Justin's
command> let
there be light! <And he activated the foreward headlight
beams>
He was focused on what was right in front of him - another spaceship! The spaceship was shaped like a needle, with metal scallops on the outside. There was a U.N./NATO logo on its hull, just beneath the name of the ship, CHALLENGER.
BRUTUS WEST
She's one of ours. But I've never seen a ship like that
before.
JENNY ROBINSON
No response to hails.
BRISBY ROBINSON
I'm getting inconsistent life signs. <Speaking from the life
science
console> They may be sensor ghosts.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Her computer could still be up. I'll try standard docking
codes.
A docking ring on the giant needle suddenly came to life, beckoning the Discovery 2. Sergant Brutus West piloted the ship toward it, passing a secondary docking ring where a strange, alien ship had already docked.
BRUTUS WEST
That's not one of ours.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Boys? That's not even rat or mouse-mutant.
Brutus positioned the Discovery 2 in the docking ring. That was easy. Now came the hard part - going aboard.
Later the rat bodyguard entered the lower level, heading for the POW cell where Ninjara was still held hostage. Martin saw him coming, turned and called out a challenge.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Halt! Identify yourself soldier.
BRUTUS WEST
Sergant Brutus. Request permission to speak to the POW.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Permission granted sir. Proceed. <Nods in direction of the
door>
BRUTUS WEST
Thank you sir. <Salutes then walks away>
Brutus paused in the doorway to Ninjara's cell. He grinned. Why did seeing the vixen angry and miserable make him happy?
NINJARA SMITH
These quarters are totally unacceptable!
BRUTUS WEST
We're checking out the probe ship. Maybe we can figure out how
it got
here. And how to get home to Alpha Prime.
NINJARA SMITH
Oh? <Grins, eyebrows arched> How fascinating. Have a
wonderful trip,
ta-ta.
BRUTUS WEST
Oh no. See, here's where the fun part comes in. You get to join
us on
the expedition. <He tossed a bundled suit in her
direction>
NINJARA SMITH
Out of the question! I'm a doctor, not an astronaut.
BRUTUS WEST
What you are is a murderous Sith Lord and traitor. And I'm not
leaving
you here on this ship so you can do more harm while I'm
gone.
NINJARA SMITH <Arms folded> I refuse to go Sergant!
BRUTUS WEST <Points his pulse rifle in her face> Disobeying the commander's order? Give me an excuse to kill you. Please?
The vixen glared at him for a second, then she shrugged and picked up the flight suit, a grin appearing on her features.
NINJARA SMITH
On second thought, black always was my favorite color.
Justin walked into the Terminator bay on the lower deck. He took a Pulse Laser Smart Gun from the locker - who knew what they'd run into onboard a strange ship?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Deactivate safety.
SMART GUN COMPUTER
Voice print confirmed. Smart Gun is armed.
TERMINATOR
CRUSH!
Justin whirled around and saw the T-800 walking through the doorway towards him, pulse rifle aimed at him.
TERMINATOR
CRUSH! KILL! DESTROY! TERMINATE!
Justin held the gun at the ready, prepared to fire when Timmothy stepped out from behind the machine, carrying his hacker deck. He pulled a tiny microphone from the deck and spoke into it.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Crush, Kill, Destroy, Terminate!
TERMINATOR T-800
<Repeats words>
CRUSH, KILL, DESTROY, TERMINATE!
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
I hacked into his CPU, bypassed his main operating system, and
accessed
his sub-routines. He's basically running on remote control.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Very clever junior. Listen, Timmy, I know I...
At that moment Brutus walked into the bay.
BRUTUS WEST
Professor, we're ready sir.
Justin looked at Timmothy. He wanted to talk, to tell him not to worry - but he never seemed to have the time.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
We'll talk later. <He hurried after Sergant West>
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON <Speaks to the T-800> Take care of my father. Okay, Terminator?
TERMINATOR T-800
YES MY MASTER...I WILL PROTECT YOUR FATHER...<Salutes
him>
Tim then pressed the remote and sent the Terminator marching after them.
Chapter 9: Caught in the Web
Jenny peered down the long, dark corridor of the probe ship. She checked the readout on the sleeve on her environmental suit.
JENNY ROBINSON
Oxygen levels are normal. Microbe scans are negative. Clear.
The rest of the team unsealed their visors and pulled down their hoods. Brutus West walked over to a computer panel set in the wall and began typing.
BRUTUS WEST
I've got her onboard computer up. Whoa!
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Not working?
BRUTUS WEST
No, she's working. She's just...working too fast.
Suddenly the lights flickered on in the long corridor. The Terminator began walking down the hall into the alien ship. Then it stopped. Timmothy Robinson, working his hacker-deck could see through the T-800's eyes and hear the sounds through the microphones built into his computer. Suddenly he heard what sounds like dripping water.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Dad, do you hear something?
TERMINATOR T-800
<Repeats his words>
DAD, DO YOU HEAR SOMETHING?
Jenny stopped and listened. She heard a steady, slow drip. Terminator began moving rapidly down the corridor toward the noise.
NINJARA SMITH
It sounds like the drip, drip, drip of blood.
BRUTUS SMITH <Glares at her> You really need to shut up.
Justin stopped and pointed at the ceiling...
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Here!
Jenny looked up. There was a membrane covering a jagged hole in the ceiling. A liquid was dripping through the membrane onto the floor below.
JENNY ROBINSON
That material appears to be biological.
NINJARA SMITH
I warn you! Nothing good will come of this.
BRUTUS WEST
Right. You, of course, being the expert on space
exploration.
NINJARA SMITH
Trust me Sarge. Evil knows evil.
Farther down the corridor, blast doors hissed open as they approached. Lights turned on automatically.
JENNY ROBINSON
All the motion sensors seem to be working.
BRUTUS WEST
Look, phaser burns. <He points to the area around the blast
door>
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Let's keep going gang.
On the other side of the corridor, a row of storage lockers held dozens of docked Terminators - all looking brand new and very sleek.
NINJARA SMITH <Speaks to T-800> Well, well. Aren't we the poor relation?
TERMINATOR T-800
VERY FUNNY SITH LORD! HA-HA-HA-HA-HA.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Those are T-700 endoskeletons. But like no design I've ever
seen.
BRUTUS WEST
Down here!
Jenny hurried to the bridge with her father. Ninjara and the Terminator followed. Jenny stared at the destroyed bridge. The control consoles had been completely blown away. Burns from phaser plasma blasts covered the walls.
BRUTUS WEST
It's a Remote Ops station. Looks like some kind of fire-fight
happened
here.
Justin powered up the console...
JUSTIN ROBINSON
The captain's log has disintegrated. But maybe I can gather
some
fragments. Wait...here we go.
The screen in front of him was filled with static snow. A rat figure stepped into the foreground. Behind him, Jenny could see an alien planet's surface.
BRUTUS WEST
That's Sullivan! We flew together in combat.
He stared at his friend, blood-brother who was speaking into the camera, his voice covered by static.
SULLIVAN
The hyperspace-lightspeed tracker seems to be functioning...No
sign of
the Discovery 2...Have exceeded our timetable...I won't give up
yet.
Brutus would keep looking for me. <His image faded off the
screen>
JUSTIN ROBINSON
That's it. The rest of the data is totally corrupted.
BRUTUS WEST <Shook his head> Why was Sullivan trying to find us? How could they launch a rescue mission for us when we've only been lost a day?
Jenny entered commands into the life sciences panel.
JENNY ROBINSON
Looks like they brought something up from the planet's surface.
Got it!
A 3D holograph appeared over the console. It was a trembling, round pouch, filled with tiny shapes.
JENNY ROBINSON
I guess it's some sort of egg sack.
Suddenly Brutus notices Ninjara has slipped away unseen. The evil vixen had gone back to examine the T-700s. She used the Darkside powers to reach inside and remove a power-pack control box from one of the Terminators then slip it into her suit-pocket.
BRUTUS WEST
Hey, where's the doctor? Ninjara, get back here!
NINJARA SMITH
Happy to oblige, Sergant. <Throws mock salute> But I don't
think it's me
you should be worrying about. Rather these. <She pointed to
the
ceiling>
Brutus stared at the rows and rows of membrane-covered holes. What was that stuff? All of a sudden, the Terminator shouted a warning as Timmothy watching through its eyes detected movement behind them.
TERMINATOR T-800
DAD, I'M DETECTING MOVEMENT. BEHIND YOU!
JUSTIN ROBINSON
After it. Move! <Runs toward the door, Jenny at his heels>
Terminator,
bring Ninjara.
TERMINATOR T-800
YES SIR FATHER. <Siezes the vixen>
NINJARA SMITH
Take your paws off me you bucket of bolts!
Brutus in the lead raced down the corridor of the probe ship. The walls were matted with thick vines, and twisted flowering plants covered the floor, tangling in his feet as he ran. Brutus pushed through the brush until he came to a door.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
A hydroponics lab?
JENNY ROBINSON
But growth like this would take decades.
The T-800 came up behind them, shoving Ninjara into the lab.
NINJARA SMITH
Unhand me you mechanical moron!
TERMINATOR T-800
DON'T EVEN THINK OF IT. <Warns her not to escape>
Brutus stared at the Sith Lord. He'd just seen something crawling on the vines overhead.
BRUTUS WEST
Don't move Ninjara.
NINJARA SMITH <Looks bored> Oh, really. Come on, take your best shot.
BRUTUS WEST
I said don't move! <Then thrusts one hand out> Gotcha!
Sergant West pulled the small creature out of the brush. It was the size of a teddy bear, covered in fur. It struggled to get away.
GURGI CREATURE
Let me go! Let go of poor Gurgi. Don't hurt me.
BRUTUS WEST
Easy, little buddy. I'm not going to hurt you.
GURGI
You, you be nice to Gurgi? I have no friends.
JENNY ROBINSON
Looks like you made a friend.
NINJARA SMITH <Rolls her eyes> How charming. Doctor DoLittle of outer space.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
It's possible that this is one of the creatures from the alien
ship.
GURGI
Me? No, no I don't come from the planet. Gurgi don't know where
he
comes from, I am all alone.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
It looks like a child.
NINJARA SMITH
If it is...Do you suppose its parents are living in the ship
parked next
door?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Let's get back to the bridge, there are a few more things I want
to
investigate.
When they got back to the bridge, Justin sat at the computer.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I've tapped into the internal sensor array. Besides us, this
ship is
totally deserted.
NINJARA SMITH
An alien ghost ship? How quaint.
Brutus pulled a ration pack out of his pocket. Gurgi gets excited!
GURGI
Oh boy! Gurgi wants munchies and crunchies, good food!
BRUTUS WEST
And the flavor of the day, my friend is...Chocolate & Peanut
Butter.
<Gags> Yuck. Who thinks up these combinations?
He hands over the packet to the creature. Gurgi eats the whole thing, packet and all. Then he burps.
BRUTUS WEST
Mm, good. Gurgi was hungry! <He smiles>
GURGI
Yum, Gurgi liked food. Brutus good friend to Gurgi.
NINJARA SMITH
Good grief. Am I going to have to listen to this sappiness much
longer?
BRUTUS WEST
Only for the next 10 years or so. Hey, you're the one who
hitched a
ride with us.
Suddenly there was a high-pitched whine. It sounded like it was coming from the ceiling.
JENNY ROBINSON
I don't like the sound of that.
GURGI
AAAAAAAAAAAAAH! <He shrieks in terror>
He leaped out of Brutus' arms onto Ninjara's back.
NINJARA SMITH
Argh! Get this infernal creature off me!
Jenny grabbed Gurgi from her, as the whine above grew louder. She stared at the ceiling. The membranes were changing shape, trembling. Something began to push through one of the viscous holes in the ceiling! A slimy metallic creature dropped onto the bridge. It was a 3-Foot-Tall spider - only it had fangs! Its mouth dripped with ooze, and its hungry green eyes stared at Jenny.
Sergant Brutus West drew his pulse laser pistol and fired. The blast bounced off the insect's body - with no effect. It looked at Jenny hungrily.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Evacuate now!
Chapter 10: Spider Attack
Spiders poured out of the ceiling as Sergant Brutus West ran down the probe ship corridor. Justin and Jenny were in front of him - Dr. Ninjara Smith was behind. Back on the Discovery 2, Timmothy madly worked his keyboard, trying to control the Terminator.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
These controls are too slow! Activate holographic interface!
COMPUTER PROGRAM
Interface program activated.
He stepped inside the 3D hologram image, and on board the Challenger, the actual T-800 followed Tim's movements. As Timmothy fired the hologram's weapon simulators, the real Terminator fired plasma blasts from its Pulse Rifle at the spiders, his torso swiveling so that he could fire and retreat at the same time. The plasma blasts obliterated the spiders into scraps - but the T-800 couldn't keep up. There were too many spiders!
As Tim watched through the robot's eyes, he stared at some of the downed aliens. Suddenly he realized the healthy spiders were chomping on them, as if they were lunch.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Ack, gross. They eat their wounded.
TERMINATOR T-800
THEY EAT THEIR WOUNDED. <Repeats his words>
In the corridor of the probe ship, Jenny shot at a fire sensor panel in the wall behind them, hoping to trap the aliens. Emergency lights flashed as the corridor's entrance slammed shut. No more spiders could come in. But the bulkhead at the corridor exit slammed shut, too. Now there was no way out!
JUSTIN ROBINSON
We got to get that door open! <They all ran for the far end.
Only
Brutus stayed put, preparing to fight the aliens>
BRUTUS WEST
A million bucks of weaponery on our ship...and I'd trade it all
for a
lousy can of Raid!
He slammed a pulse enhancer on the barrel of his gun. Then he hit a stud on his jacket control panel. A scalloped blast helmet with visor slid down over his face. Justin fiddled with the exit door.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I can't override the fire protocols!
TERMINATOR T-800
FATHER, STAND CLEAR!
The T-800 charged towards the closed door, its claws charged with electricity. It hit the door at top speed and smashed through, blowing a hole in it. Brutus kept firing at the spiders trying to push through the ravaged door, taking them out one by one. Suddenly, the corridor was quiet. Were they all gone? It couldn't be that easy. A giant queen spider reared up in front of him, without any warning!
BRUTUS WEST
Oh s***! <He blew it away with one shot>
But that wasn't enough. Spiders were still coming - by the hundreds! Brutus turned and ran. The aliens nipped at his heels. He sprinted down the corridor toward the blast door. The rest of the team was huddled there, unable to get the airlock to open to let them back into the Discovery 2. A spider's long leg grabbed Brutus's arm, and he lost his footing, stumbling and hitting the deck. As he crashed onto the ground, spiders swarmed over him, like ants at a picnic.
But before they started munching on him, the Terminator stood in the doorway. The spiders attacked, trying to snack, their teeth gnashing metal and plastic. Brutus felt himself being pulled to his feet. It was Jenny, helping him stand.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Let's move it! <He finally gets the airlock door open>
Everybody rushed inside the airlock, preparing to leave the probe ship behind. The only one missing was the Terminator.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Tim, can you get him in here?
Timmothy tried to throw off the aliens. But for each one he threw off, more became attached.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
I can't move him without letting the spiders into the ship,
father!
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Then you'll have to leave him behind.
Timmy gazed at the T-800. He was becomming a feast for the spiders.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Seal the lock, now!
A spider rushed toward the dropping door and lunged at Dr. Ninjara who screamed and turned away in horror shielding her eyes. The door closed, cutting off the alien's leg. Brutus stared at the leg that twitched and then stopped moving.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Goodbye Terminator, I'm sorry. <He said as the 3D holographic
image
faded around him>
MARTIN ROBINSON
It's okay. You couldn't save him.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Save him? Of course. <He ran to the console>
He slammed a disc into his deck. Then he started a download of the CPU. He stared at the program bar. He had 85%...90%...95%...Then the screen went blank. He hadn't finished the download completely - but he got enough of it. Maybe it would be enough to rebuild.
Martin sat down at her own console, shaking her head. Gurgi bounded onto the bridge, up his hair, over his head and into his lap.
MARTIN ROBINSON
What's this? Who are you?
GURGI
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you sir. Gurgi only wants
to make
friends.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Oh, cute, heh-heh. <He grins and laughs>
BRUTUS WEST
This is a fun picnic.
He walked back onto the Discovery's bridge and releasing them from the docking ring of the probe ship.
BRUTUS WEST
First a furry little ape-like creature, then giant spiders. I
can't
wait to see what's next! <He threw the main engine
switch>
The roar of the thrusters scared the creature.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Don't worry. Everything's going to be all right.
GURGI
If you say so master. Gurgi thinks Martin is friend.
BRUTUS WEST
We're clear. Everybody hang on!
The Discovery 2 pulled away from the Challenger. Spiders kept leaping off the probe ship, trying to attach themselves to the Discovery. A few splattered on the windscreen.
BRUTUS WEST
Anybody have any windshield washing fluid?
NINJARA SMITH
Don't be so cocky. Remember your nightmares from childhood,
Sergant.
Monsters are never evaded so easily. They always come back.
BRUTUS WEST
Is that so? Well, why don't you go out and talk to them? Bug to
bug.
NINJARA SMITH
I think they'd rather come inside to talk to you.
A spiral of spiders burst out of the Challenger. They hurled themselves at the Discovery 2 with their arms and legs retracted, their bodies spinning like silver discs.
BRUTUS WEST
Arming warheads. Fire in the hole!
A dozen rockets fired into the flock of flying spiders. The rockets flared and went dead as soon as they were launched. They were duds. Justin shook his head.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
The Terminator must have damaged the detonator cores. They won't
blow.
Brutus stared at the spiders. They were shooting webs at the Discovery 2, then pulling themselves up like rock climbers. They were on the hull, using their limbs to burrow their way inside. Brisby walked out from below decks, holding the severed spider's leg. She placed it under her life science analyzer.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Checking DNA now, <She announced> It's silicone-based.
Adiantum shell
and lack of respiratory system suggest an ability to live in
deep space.
Tiny front brain implies communal relationships. Like bees.
BRUTUS WEST
If the biology lesson is over, Professor. I could use some help
here.
More spiders crashed against the hull of the starship. They nearly covered the windscreen.
BRISBY ROBINSON
If you can't find what hurts an enemy, Sergant, you could find
out what
the enemy loves. These insects may be attracted to heat and
light.
BRUTUS WEST
Um...yeah. It does! <He nodded, looking chagrined>
He began typing, trying to connect to the probe ship again. Because it had been set up as a Remote Ops station, he could access its power as well as the Discovery 2's own. If he could make the Challenger more appealing than the Discovery 2, all the spiders would attack it instead.
BRUTUS WEST
They want heat and light? We'll give it to them. <He engaged
the
thrusters>
He banked towards the glowing probe ship. The spiders followed, hanging onto the Discovery 2 by silvery webs.
COMPUTER VOICE
WARNING. INNER HULL BREACH IN 20 SECONDS.
BRUTUS WEST <Frowns at Justin> Did you invent that annoying computer voice too?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Uh, yes, actually.
BRUTUS WEST
Then tell it to shut up! I'm busy here.
He piloted the ship through the wake of the Challenger's burning fusion drive. The spiders began jumping off onto the hot probe ship.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
What are you doing?
BRUTUS WEST
Never leave an enemy stronghold intact. <He pressed a
button> One of
your father's first rules of engagement. <He prepared to fire
at the
fusion drive>
COMPUTER VOICE
WARNING! FUSION DRIVE OVERLOAD.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Sergant, stop. That's a direct order. We might need to
salvage
something from that ship.
BRUTUS WEST <Ignores him> I hate spiders! <He punched the thrusters>
The probe ship's nuclear core overloaded. The Challenger EXPLODED! It burst out into a huge fireball against the black of space. A moment later a massive shockwave headed right for the Discovery 2.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Now you done it idiot! Gravity harnesses! Now! <Shouts to his
crew>
The crew were pulled into their chairs. Local artifical gravity fields would keep them from flying all over the ship when they crashed. The shockwave hit the ship seconds later. The Discovery 2 was knocked into the atmosphere of the planet beneath it. A furious blizzard filled the windscreen as the ship headed straight for a giant, snow-covered mountain range.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Pull up! Pull up!
BRUTUS WEST
Really? No kidding? Gee, thanks for the help. <He banked the
controls>
The Discovery 2 tilted to one side, narrowly passing between two snowy peaks. They avoided that disaster, but the ship was still pitching down, towards the planet's icy surface. Brutus could just make out a smooth plateau.
BRUTUS WEST
I'm reading a clearing ahead. Hang on, everyone. It's going to
be a
bumpy landing.
The Discovery 2 grazed the treetops as Brutus tried to land, bits and pieces of the hull breaking off with the impact. Suddenly Brutus spotted an alien ocean ahead and angled toward it. This wasn't going to be pretty, but it just might work.
BRUTUS WEST
YeeHaw! <Yells the Dukes Of Hazzard Rebel Cry>
The belly of the Discovery 2 hit the water. It skipped like a stone across the sea.
BRUTUS WEST
Prepare for impact!
The starship crashed to a halt at the edge of a crater.
Chapter 11: Unfamiliar Terrain
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Roll call, everybody by the numbers!
Only the emergency lights were working, so the interior was very dim. It was impossible to see if everybody was all right.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Life sciences, still breathing.
JENNY ROBINSON
Mission medical. Alive.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Me, too. Robotics, I mean. Check.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Video mechanics, okay.
NINJARA SMITH
I don't have a job here. But I'm alive, Sergant West's poor
excuses for
piloting skills not withstanding.
BRUTUS WEST
Hm. Too bad sucker. So, let's take a look-see. <He hit the
button to
activate the giant defroster. Within seconds, the windshield
cleared>
The starship was sitting on a crater, covered with snow. The only thing visible besides mountains and snow was the distant horizon. Two suns sat in the sky, casting an orange glow on the icy terrain.
NINJARA SMITH
Ah, Dorothy. Back in Kansas at last.
BRUTUS WEST
Funny. I don't remember Kansas looking like that.
Later, deep within the bowels of the ship, Justin and Brutus have their man-to-man argument.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
You violated a direct order!
Brutus glanced up at his brother. He was standing by the thruster core set in the wall. The fuel cylinder was exposed, and its register showed that they were down to only 50% of their normal power level.
BRUTUS WEST
About half of the radioactive core is burned out, <Ignoring
the
Professor's remark> We'll never generate enough power to
break orbit.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Sarge. I ordered you not to blow that ship's reactor.
BRUTUS WEST
Atmospheric controls are marginal. <He continued to ignore
him, not
being like yelled at like a child> It's going to get very
cold in here
tonight. We'll need to bundle up. <He headed for the
door>
Justin reached out, grabbed his shoulder and spun him around so he was facing the angry rat nose to nose.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Don't you dare walk away from me when I'm talking to you!
BRUTUS WEST
Give it a rest, Professor. I was technically still in command of
this
ship.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Bu**s***! Don't hand me that. I'm commander of this mission, or
have
you forgotten?
BRUTUS WEST
Look, no offense. But you're an egghead, with an honorary rank.
No one
ever intended you to handle combat situations.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Oh? <He laughed bitterly> And I suppose you handled it
brilliantly,
crashing us down here...
BRUTUS WEST
Those aliens posed a threat. I made a judgement call, and if I
have to,
I'll make another one. You of all rats or mice should understand
that.
If your father were here...
JUSTIN ROBINSON
My father's dead! He was killed in one of those combat missions
you
admire him so much for. My family is on this ship, Sergant. And
you're
going to follow my orders, whether you agree with them or not.
Is that
clear!
BRUTUS WEST
Save the speeches. I like you. But I'll do whatever it takes to
ensure
the success of this mission. With or without your help. Is that
clear,
Professor?
Snarling, both go for their lightsabers, activate the jedi weapons and prepare to duel when Brisby Robinson appears in the doorway, stopping them both.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Excuse me. Am I interrupting something? Go ahead and fight you
two.
Jenny will come down and declare you both unfit and then I'll
take over.
BRUTUS WEST <Stunned> What? A lady in charge? No way.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Honey, this is no time for...<But she cut him off with an
angry stare>
BRISBY ROBINSON
No! Now you listen up both of you! <She paused, letting her
threat sink
in> I don't want to hear another word from you two. Is that
clear?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Brisby...
BRUTUS WEST
Over my dead body!
BRISBY ROBINSON
Not another word, that's final! Now, if you've finished killing
each
other, I suggest you come with me. I may have found a way to get
us off
this planet.
As Brisby stomped off, Brutus let out a whistle.
BRUTUS WEST
Wow, women...
JUSTIN ROBINSON <Smirks> Tell me about it Sarge.
Timmothy sat in the main console in the Terminator bay. He was wearing a headset over his forehead, where he could generate illusions to feed into the Terminator's memory bank. He created an 3D hologram of a baseball, then transferred the image into the main monitor, from where it would be copied into the personality file. Slowly but surely, the T-800 was coming around, as Timmothy recreated his brain functions. Static crackled out of the computer as it came online.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Can you hear me? Terminator? <He made a few adjustments on
the power
bar>
More static popped from the speakers. Then a slow monotone voice said.
TERMINATOR T-800
SYSTEM ERROR...TERMINATOR UNABLE TO LOCATE MOTOR
CONTROLS...UNABLE...
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Calm down. Your body was destroyed by the space spiders,
remember?
TERMINATOR T-800
AFFIRMATIVE...
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
But I saved your neural net, <Begins to explain> Which
means...
TERMINATOR T-800
WARNING!...JENNY, GIVE IT BACK!...MY CIRCUITS ARE
UNBALANCED...MOM!...
Timmy began adjusting the controls as quickly as he could as the T-800's voice took on a panicky stricken change.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Hold on. I didn't have enough time to finish the download.
But...
TERMINATOR T-800
I WANT MORE DESSERT!...TIMMOTHY ROBINSON, WHAT IS HAPPENING TO
ME?...
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
I had to finish you off with another personality. So I put my
mind
inside of yours.
TERMINATOR T-800
AH...THAT EXPLAINS THIS WARM, FUZZY FEELING I GET WHEN I THINK
ABOUT
BASEBALL, WORLD SERIES...STRRRIIKE THREE! HE's OUT!...
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
You think that's good? Hold on to your diodes.
He conjured up an ice cream sundae and stared at it for a moment. Something was missing.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
More chocolate topping? No, whipped cream, some nuts and a
cherry on
the top.
He waited for the data transfer into the T-800. He smiled as the image made its way into the Terminator's consciousness.
TERMINATOR T-800
GREAT SCOTT. HOT FUDGE SUNDAE, MY FAVORITE!...EXCELLENT, BUT
ONE
QUESTION REMAINS...
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON <Grins> What? Not enough marshmellow sauce or caramel?
TERMINATOR T-800
NO...SOMETHING DOES NOT COMPUTE...TERMINATOR TRIED TO MURDER,
KILL
ROBINSON FAMILY...WHY DID TIMMOTHY ROBINSON SAVE
TERMINATOR's
PERSONALITY?...
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
I guess sometimes friendship means listening to your heart, not
your
head. Anyway, I'm going to build you a new body. It might take
a
while, because I don't have much material to work with here. But
Mom
always said I should make new friends.
TERMINATOR T-800
OH...HA-HA...GOOD JOKE...MASTER TIMMOTHY, MORE HOT FUDGE
PLEASE?...
Timmy grinned. At this rate, he'd have the Terminator up and working again in no time.
Chapter 12: More Unfamiliar Terrain
BRISBY ROBINSON
Well, the atmosphere here can sustain human life. And I've
located 500
rads of radioactive material 5 miles west.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
That's at least what we'd need to get the core functioning
again. <He
stared out at the dark, unfamiliar night terrain for a minute.
There
wasn't much point in debating what they needed to do
next>
He turned to Sergant West, who was sitting in the pilot's chair monitoring the ship's functions.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
We'll set off at daybreak. It'll be safer. Those are my orders,
Sarge.
BRUTUS WEST
Fine. I agree with your recommendation, Professor.
BRISBY ROBINSON
I'm glad you two could come to an agreement.
Justin knew his wife was referring to their argument earlier in the day. Maybe he and Brutus didn't always see eye to eye. But one thing was clear: they needed that radioactive material if they ever wanted to see humanity again.
Down in sickbay, Jenny pressed her stethoscope to Gurgi's chest. Martin stroked the creature's head.
MARTIN ROBINSON
It's going to be okay friend.
GURGI
I believe you master, Gurgi like Martin. Martin good friend to
Gurgi.
Jenny examined the alien's ears and eyes, which were practically the same size. Then, once she'd finished the old-fashioned exam, she ran a few quick computer checks by scanning the alien's skin.
MARTIN ROBINSON
What's the diagnosis, Doc? Is it a boy or a girl?
JENNY ROBINSON
Right now he's a male. But I think from a self-replicating
species.
<She tapped the creature's knees, checking for reflexes>
At different
stages of life, he might be male or female.
GURGI
What? Gurgi a female? No way, hahahahahahohohohoho! <He
giggled>
MARTIN ROBINSON
Wild. He sure is an interesting specimen, huh Doc?
JENNY ROBINSON
Fascinating. The retinal aperature alone...
MARTIN ROBINSON <Interupts> Can I keep him?
JENNY ROBINSON
Seems linked to the digital extension...
MARTIN ROBINSON
Jenny?
JENNY ROBINSON
What?
MARTIN ROBINSON
Can I keep him?
JENNY ROBINSON
Martin, he's not just a fad you can pick up for 15 minutes and
then
throw away.
MARTIN ROBINSON <Panics> I would never do that! Please.
GURGI <Also begs> Please, please let Martin keep me. He can be my master, guardian. I will be his loyal servant.
MARTIN ROBINSON
It's not like he's a hairstyle. He's all alone up here. He needs
me.
I promise I'll look after him, guard him with my life.
JENNY ROBINSON
Hmmm. The moment you neglect him, or forget to feed him.
MARTIN ROBINSON
So I can keep him, yah! <Throws victory salute>
GURGI
Yah! <Mimics gesture> Gurgi's happy day!
JENNY ROBINSON
Don't smile at me like that. I mean it. You've got to stick with
him
if you keep him.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Thanks Doc.
JENNY ROBINSON
I have to get up to the bridge and check with Mom and Dad. You
going to
hang out here?
MARTIN ROBINSON
For a minute. <He sat down in a chair and put the creature in
his lap>
We're both a long way from home, aren't we?
GURGI
Me lonely too. Gurgi has no friends, lives alone. <Just then
he noticed
the ribbons on Martin's wrist> Hey, nice thingies. Can I have
one?
MARTIN ROBINSON
Sure, take your pick, any color. <Gurgi chose the red one>
You can have
it for free my servant. <He put it around his neck>
GURGI
Thank you master. Gurgi like nice gift. <He touched the
fabric>
MARTIN ROBINSON
You're such a nice boy. Pretty boy, nice. <Stroked his
face>
Gurgi reached up and touched Martin's cheek, imitating him.
Sergant Brutus walked into Ninjara's cell that night. The vixen Sith Lord was sitting on the edge of the bunk looking miserable. Brutus tossed a ration pack of food and water at the vixen and dropped a blanket onto the end of his bed. That was all she deserved. If she deserved anything, which was doubtful.
NINJARA SMITH
Ah, Sarge. I see you've found a calling that suits your talents.
Don't
forget to turn down the bed before you leave.
Brutus glared down at her. She really was a pathetic excuse for a mutant.
BRUTUS WEST
I gave you my word of honor I'd let you live. I never said for
how
long.
NINJARA SMITH
Family hour is over, Sergant. It's time to face facts. We're
dying
here. Robinson is out of his league. Look at his eyes. Tell me
you
can't see his fear.
Brutus wasn't sticking around to hear any more. If Ninjara thought she could talk him into hijacking the ship, she was dead wrong. He turned to leave when suddenly Ninjara levitated off the bed using the Darkside powers and landed in front of him, blocking his way.
NINJARA SMITH
Robinson needs our help, Sarge. With mimimal force, we could
take this
ship and put this mission under your command.
BRUTUS WEST <Slaps forehead> My gosh, Ninjara, you're right. You're so right! How could I have been so blind? I'll just run and get you a gun so that we can hijack the ship and take everybody hostage. Okay?
NINJARA SMITH <Frowns> Sarcasm is the recourse of a weak mind, Sergant.
BRUTUS WEST <Grins> Ouch. I'm hiding the pain. Really. <He walked out, locking the door>
As soon as he was gone, Ninjara pulled a control bolt she'd stolen from the probe ship out of the sleeve of her field suit. She would work on the control bolt until it was fully operational. It shouldn't take too long.
NINJARA SMITH
Your pain, Sergant West, is just beginning. <She sneered
evilly>
As she pried a metal bolt off the end of the bedframe, she felt the shoulder of her field suit rip. Probably started when that furry creature jumped on her back and scratched her. She reached up to assess the injury. Her skin felt scaly.
NINJARA SMITH
Now what on earth? Why does it itch like crazy?! Ack, Argh,
Oooh!
<Scratches at it> Ouch, damn it! Must be the dry air up
here.
Right now that was the least of her problems. She had to figure out how to take over the ship!
Chapter 13: Star Gazing
Sergant Brutus West watched as Jenny took a sip of lemonade. She was sitting in a chair on the captain's bridge, staring out at the dark night sky.
BRUTUS WEST
Star light, star bright! <Coming up behind her> Wish you
may, wish you
might...what?
JENNY ROBINSON
A million strange stars, and only one wish. I wish we were home
on
Alpha Prime or Earth.
Brutus walked over to the co-pilot's chair and sat down. Jenny sounded so forlorn. It was hard to believe this was the same efficient, brusque scientist he'd been working with the past few days.
JENNY ROBINSON
I never thought a sky could look so alien, <She continued>
We really are
lost. Completely lost.
Brutus tried to think of something to say to cheer her up.
BRUTUS WEST
When the first sailors circled the globe and saw a brand new
sky, they
thought they had sailed off the edge of the Earth. But they
really were
just around the corner.
JENNY ROBINSON <Smiles> So, we can just billow our sails and let the wind blow us home? Is that right Sarge?
BRUTUS WEST
So, instead of getting all bitter about it, those sailors found
familiar
shapes in the stars to make the skies more friendly. To help
them find
their way. <He stood up and walked to the windscreen>
Standing so close that his breath fogged the window.
BRUTUS WEST
And that is how people started identifying the
constellations.
The bodyguard started drawing lines on the windscreen, connecting the stars in the sky. Each shining dot led to another. Finally he stood back to admire his work.
BRUTUS WEST
Aha! One of the great constellations of all time. The Big
Dipper. I
suppose we could use that to find our way home.
JENNY ROBINSON <Laughs> I've never seen that one.
She hopped out of the chair and joined him at the windscreen. She puffed onto the plastic, and then began tracing a shape by connecting the stars in front of her view.
JENNY ROBINSON
But if Big Dipper's out there, then he has to be right next to
one of
the classic constellations. Casiopia, Queen of the Heavens.
BRUTUS WEST
Of course, it's in every astronomy book, right? <He smiled at
her> Or it
would be, if we weren't the first animals to ever see those
stars.
JENNY ROBINSON
Pretty amazing, actually. <Settling back into her chair> I
think I'll
sit here for a while and try to enjoy the view.
BRUTUS WEST
And who knows, Dr. Robinson? This might come in handy
sometime.
JENNY ROBINSON
Sure. Next time I'm sailing through space, I'll look for the
great Big
Dipper in the sky.
Brisby sat on the edge of her bed, brushing her hair. She'd never felt more exhausted in her life. How many times could a rat or mouse escape death in one day - and still remain calm and in control? Justin walked through the door. He stopped at the control panel to activate the security system.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Did you catch up with Timmy? He was looking for you earlier.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I sent him to bed. He's all wound up because he's decided he
can
rebuild the Terminator. He wanted to stay up all night and show
me how
he's going to do it.
Brisby set the hairbrush on the console beside the bed.
BRISBY ROBINSON
It's funny, isn't it? You men try so hard not to be your
fathers, and
yet you end up making the same mistakes.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Brisby, I don't have time to look at Timmy's plans for the
T-800. We
can't get off this planet, much less back on course. I have to
focus
on...
BRISBY ROBINSON
Justin, just listen to him! It dosen't matter what he's saying,
or
whether it makes sense. Just listen. You have to put him
first.
Justin busied himself with the atmospheric controls. He knew Brisby was right. But he also knew he was too worried about simple survival to do much else.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
As soon as we get back into space, we're going to spend some
real time
together. Quality time, I promise.
Brisby gave no answer. When Justin turned to look at her, he saw her staring out the window, with a smile on her face.
JUSTIN ROBINSON <Curious> What is it? What are you so happy about?
BRISBY ROBINSON
Oh just...It's so nice to have our family under one roof. Even
if we
have to go halfway across the galaxy to manage it.
JUSTIN ROBINSON <Nods> I know.
The two of them climbed into bed.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Good night Justin.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Good night Brisby.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Good night Jenny! <She called to her daughter in the chamber
next door>
MARTIN ROBINSON
Good night Timmy!
JENNY ROBINSON
Good night Martin!
There was silence for a moment. Then Brisby heard Brutus complain.
BRUTUS WEST
You guys have got to be kidding me.
GURGI
Good night my friends.
MARTIN ROBINSON
He says goodnight, Sergant.
The next morning, Timmothy rubbed his eyes, trying to wake up. Why was it hard to get a good night's sleep in space? He glanced at a monitor, which was obnoxiously flashing a bright orange message at him.
COMPUTER MESSAGE VOICE
SOLAR BATTERIES RECHARGED.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Okay, okay. I get the point.
He pressed a button to open the blast shields and took a look at the morning sky. His eyes widened in shock. They had landed on a snowy surface. But about a 100 yards from the Discovery 2 was a giant opening. When Timmy looked through it, he saw that the other side was a sunny field - of yellow plants and green trees! It was like looking from frozen, snowy Alaska, straight into tropical Hawaii. As if they were right next door to each other. But that couldn't be, or could it?
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Hey, Dad! Mom! Sergant West! Everyone! Come here now! <He
yelled>
Chapter 14: No Time to Lose
Brisby Robinson studied the computer monitor, where the results of her latest geothermal analysis had just been posted. After Timmothy had summoned them all, the crew had gathered in the dayroom, quickly downing a good morning breakfast. Now as Timmy stared at the computer monitor, the whole ship began to tremble as if there were an earthquake - no, it would have to be called a planetquake.
BRISBY ROBINSON
It's impossible. But this planet's continental plates don't
match up.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I was afraid of this.
BRUTUS WEST
Afraid of what?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
These tremors we're feeling? I think they're the result of
opening and
closing doorways.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Doorways? To where? <He stared out the viewscreen at the
lush, tropical
jungle in the distance>
JUSTIN ROBINSON
The future and beyond.
Brutus raised an eyebrow.
BRUTUS WEST
I think you were hit in the head when we landed yesterday.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
No, think about it. The portal that led us to the probe ship.
The
advanced technology they used to track us through lightspeed.
Your
friend Sullivan looking so old. What, if we crossed into a
timewarp
years after Earth sent a rescue mission for us?
BRUTUS WEST
You're not serious. Time travel is impossible.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
No it's not! It's just improbable. Like hyperdrive was
invented
100 years ago. Nothing's really impossible.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Timmy's right. This world we are in now could be full of
doorways to
the future and beyond.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
So if we walked into that forest outside...<Pointed out the
windscreen>
We'd be walking into this same crater, only years from now.
Right?
BRISBY ROBINSON
Geological plates from different times wouldn't fit together.
That
would explain the continental mismatch. But doorways in time, I
don't
know...
JUSTIN ROBINSON
It's hard for me to believe, too. But if these portals are
opening and
closing, part of some cascading natural phenomenon, they could
be
tearing this planet apart.
A loud rumble outside the ship seem to confirm his hypothesis.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Okay. But what if the doorways aren't natural?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Tim, this kind of phenomenon could only be produced
naturally.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
No, these portals are exactly what I predicted my time machine
would do.
What if someone on this world built a device like mine
and...
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Son, <Interrupts him> I appreciate your input, but right
now isn't the
time for a science fair project.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON <Glares angrily> You never listen to me. NEVER! <He ran out of the room>
Justin watched him go. Perhaps he shouldn't have been so dismissive, he thought. But he didn't have the time for Timmy's ideas right now. There was another loud rumble underground. Justin shifted nervously in his chair.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
There's no telling how long before this planet breaks up
entirely. <He
told the group, standing up> And that's why the Sergant and I
are going
to locate the radioactive material we detected last night. We
need it
for the core. And I'm afraid we don't have much time.
Justin went to the lower deck, changed into his exploration suit, and headed for the Terminator bay. He knew he'd find Timmy there. Sure enough, Timmothy was sitting in a chair, tinkering with the hacker deck.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I'm leaving now, Tim.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON <Dosen't look up> That's a suprise.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Tim, I know it's hard for you to see, but you're the most
important
thing in the world to me. I hope one day you'll be able to see
that.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON <Finally looks up> What if one time you don't come home?
Justin could see that Timmy was even more worried than usual. He needed to assure him. But how? If there were a promise he could make...but he couldn't. He needed to give Tim something to hold onto. He reached into his suit and pulled his dog tags over his head.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Whenever your grandfather went away on a mission, he'd leave
these with
me. For safekeeping. And when he got back home, I'd always be
waiting
to give them back. <He lifted the chain and placed it around
his son's
neck> I'm coming back Tim, I promise.
Timmothy examined the dog tags. His father watched as his expression softened a little. Then he turned to go. He joined Jenny and Brutus outside the Discovery 2, on the snowy planet surface.
The rest of the crew emerged from the ship - all except Timmy. Brisby handed Justin a tracking device.
BRISBY ROBINSON
I have a fix on the radioactive material. It's through the
portal.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Then we'll just have to hope the doorways remain stable.
BRISBY ROBINSON
These crater walls are disabling the com-links. Which means you
won't
be able to communicate with the ship. <The ground rumbled
again> Come
home to me, okay? <She kissed him>
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I love you honey. <As he turned to say goodbye to Martin,
Gurgi reached
up to touch his face>
GURGI
Goodbye master Justin, please come home safely.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I guess that was a compliment.
He and Brutus headed toward the portal. Justin felt as though he were walking toward some kind of mirage. Right now, his boots were crunching on ice and snow. In another 10 feet, his feet would sink in mud and grass. Justin stopped at the forest's edge.
He held out his hand, testing the glimmering surface. Was it real? His hand seemed to be swimming as it passed from one time into another - like an image in a funhouse mirror. He stepped into the portal, feeling his body distort as he spun into the future and beyond.
Chapter 15: A New Partnership
Timmothy rummaged through his personal cargo container. There had to be something he could use to rebuild the Terminator. He'd saved the brain, but the T-800 needed a new body to go with it. Martin walked in and dumped a pile of barrettes, hair clips, disc player, and calculator on the table.
MARTIN ROBINSON
That's everything close to non-essential.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Thanks, bro.
MARTIN ROBINSON
You want to come outside? Jenny, Mom and I are going to work on
fixing
the starship.
Timmy shook his head. No way was he going out there. His dad would only tell him how wrong he was again. Even though he was the one who knew the most about time travel.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Look, Timmy. What does father know, anyway? You could be right.
Maybe
someone did build a time machine. <Then he walked
away>
Timmy nodded, then as soon as Big Brother was gone, he turned on the Terminator's CPU.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Can you hear me, Terminator?
TERMINATOR T-800
TERMINATOR IS ONLINE...YOUR VOICE MODULATION IS PECULIAR...IS
SOMETHING
WRONG MASTER TIMMY?...
Timmothy stared at the speaker. How did a mutant mouse confide in a endoskeleton machine?
TERMINATOR T-800
CHEER UP, I WILL TELL YOU A JOKE...WHY DID TERMINATOR CROSS
THE
ROAD?...<It paused, waiting for an answer> BECAUSE HE WAS
CARBON-BONDED
TO THE CHICKEN...BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HAAH!...<It burt out
laughing>
Timmy frowned. He'd have to work on the T-800's sense of humor - later, after he finished re-creating its body.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
We've got some serious work to do.
Suddenly there was a knocking on the wall. Sort of like what Martin used to do when he wanted him to be quiet.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
What is that?
TERMINATOR T-800
SOUNDS LIKE OLD MORSE CODE MASTER...
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
What is it saying?
TERMINATOR T-800
DANGER, TIMMOTHY ROBINSON...DANGER!...
Timmy got to his feet, shoving his personal cargo container back under the table.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Wait here, I'll be back.
Yeah right, not that he had to say that - without a body, the T-800 couldn't exactly go anywhere. Timmothy walked down the corridor, following the knocking sounds. He stopped outside Ninjara's POW cell.
The knocking was coming from inside. Timmothy stared in the window at the vixen Sith Lord. What was she doing? She was rapping on the wall with her knuckles, tapping out dash-dot knocks. Sensing his presence through the darkside, Ninjara looked up and seeing Timmy staring at her through the glass, motioned for him to enter.
NINJARA SMITH
Tim? Come, come in my friend.
But he didn't trust her. He took a pulse laser pistol off the hallway wall.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Deactivate safety.
GUN COMPUTER
Voice print confirmed. Pistol is armed.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Open sesame. <Uses the old-fashioned magic words>
The door slid open, he walked in, aiming the gun in front of him watching the vixen smiling at him, her hands upraised in a surrender posture.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
You said someone was in danger?
NINJARA SMITH
We all are. You are wise to arm yourself my boy.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON <Raises pistol into firing positon as he threatens> Stay back, don't move. This gun is set to fire for me only. So don't try anything stupid!
NINJARA SMITH
Timmy, you misjudge me. I only want to help you. <She walked
over to
the window and peered outside>
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Help? Then how come you tried to murder us? <What was this
Timmy stuff?
Nobody ever called him Timmy>
NINJARA SMITH
That was...before. Now are fates are intertwined. If your father
and
that idiot Sergant Brutus fail out there, I have no chance of
ever
getting home. It's in my best interest for them to succeed. And
I
always follow my best interests. I do so want to go home.
Outside, there was a loud, inhuman wail. There were other cries too. Something that sounded like a giant bird shrieked, sounding diabolical.
NINJARA SMITH
Timmy, who knows what monsters or aliens roam these wilds? Your
father
and Sergant Brutus are fools to set off blindly across this
savage land.
And much as I hate to admit it, it will be harder to manage
without
them when they're gone.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
What are you talking about? They'll be back, dad promised
me.
NINJARA SMITH <Arches eyebrows> Oh? Will they? I wonder...
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Are you saying someone should go after them? <He hated the
thought of
his father vanishing out there. He couldn't let that happen>
I'll go
after them.
NINJARA SMITH
No, Timmy. I forbid it. You're a boy-mouse. A very clever
one,
certainly, but a child nonetheless. This planet is likely full
of
predators. Even if you found your father - what if he was hurt,
or
dying? What good could you do to save him?
Timmothy thought it over for a minute. He had a million skills when it came to saving machines and computers. But saving rat-mouse lives...he didn't have a clue. He'd needed help for that.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
You can help. You're a doctor.
NINJARA SMITH <Smiles evilly> Yes, yes...I'm a doctor. Perhaps I could save them.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Then what are we waiting for, let's go.
Chapter 16: Two Gurgis
BRISBY ROBINSON
I need a micro sealer, Martin, please?
MARTIN ROBINSON
Be right back.
He released his hold on the rope and lowered himself to the ground. He stared into the giant tool box, looking for a micro sealer. He lifted his wrist recorder to his mouth - he was falling behind in his narration.
MARTIN ROBINSON
After much deliberation, the space hostage Martin Robinson has
decided
to accept his new role as crucial member of the ship's crew.
The
Robinsons, after all, can obviously use his help and...
Out of the corner of his eye, Martin spotted Gurgi. The ape-like creature was headed for the portal.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Gurgi - stop! Gurgi, wait.
GURGI
Don't worry master. I won't go anywhere, just curious about
these
strange portals. <He stopped at the edge. Sniffed loudly,
then started
inhaling gulps of air from the other side>
MARTIN ROBINSON
Gurgi! Come away from there now!
GURGI
Wha...? <Then he tripped and stumbled headfirst through the
portal>
YIIIIIIIIIE! <He vanished through to the other side>
MARTIN ROBINSON
Gurgi - wait! <He dropped the micro sealer and ran after
him>
Timmothy held a radiation tracker in front of him as he and Dr. Ninjara Smith walked through a field of alien wildflowers. It was so easy to move from one time period to another, Timmy thought. Walking through the portal was just like walking into the mall back home. Only much cooler. The tracker began beeping loudly.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
I've got a fix on the beacon Dad has on his suit.
NINJARA SMITH
Oh wow, I can hardly contain my excitement.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Wow, that's Mom's favorite color. <He pointed to a purple
flower> Maybe
I should pick one for her.
NINJARA SMITH
This isn't a nature walk, Timmy.
The rumbling underground got louder and louder all of a sudden. The breeze across the field turned into a strong, gusty wind. Suddenly, the air in the distance began to twist, and a rushing distortion swept towards them. The purple flowers began growing at rapid speed - as if a whole lifetime were occuring right before their eyes. The vixen's eyes go wide, mouth open in scream.
NINJARA SMITH
It's a time warp! Run, child, run! <She turned and tried to
outrun the
warp, Timmy following her>
Then the Sith Lord glanced up...where was Timmothy? She began looking and calling out to him.
NINJARA SMITH
Timmy?, Timmy?...TIMMY! <Yells louder>
Then she saw his head come up from the other side of the portal. The boy-mouse was staring around him, everything on this side appeared older. It looked sort of burned out, and desolate - the way a forest did after a wildfire.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Cool! <He turned to the vixen and called> It's okay Doc.
It's just
another door to the future, much like walking through a doorway
into
another room.
NINJARA SMITH
Interesting. <Gets funny look on her face>
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON <Scans area with tracker> Dad's signal is this way. Come on, Dr. Ninjara!
NINJARA SMITH
Did I ever mention that I loathe children? I'm going to regret
this oh
well, here goes. <And she stepped through the portal to the
other side>
Suddenly her foot hit against a rock - or what seemed to be a rock. When Ninjara looked down, she saw a cluster of gray stones. She knelt down, clearing the brush around the area. Suddenly she heard a strange voice, repeating over and over like a recording. The vixen picked up a mini-recorder wrist-watch, the voice clearly that of Martin Robinson droning on and on. Then she noticed the gray stones were actually headstones - or gravemarkers for 3 graves. Each one had a name on it. She brushed the debris and branches off the headstones and stared in wide-eyed amazement at the names. Brisby, Jenny, Martin. It was then that Timmothy called to her from behind, and she turned to see him staring at her, a curious look on his face.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
What did you find?
NINJARA SMITH
N-nothing. <She quickly covers the gravestones> I stubbed
my toe, that
is all.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Hey, what's that I hear? That sound? <Hears the recorded
voice>
NINJARA SMITH
Come on Timmy. No time to dawdle, this is nothing for a boy like
you to
see. Let's move along. Try to find your dad's location.
She stood up, pushing Timmothy foreward. So, she thought, following Tim along the path. The Robinsons were going to perish in the future after all, just as she had planned.
Martin shoved a tangle of vines out of his way.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Gurgi? <He yelled> Gurgi! Where are you?
Martin crawled across a rocky bridge to a cavern cut into the crater wall. He thought he heard something familiar. Gurgi was standing in the clearing outside a cave, yelling excitedly.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Gurgi, you can't just run off like that! I was so worried,
I...
GURGI
Master quickly, look what Gurgi found! <Reacts in horror>
AAAAAAAAAAH!
MARTIN ROBINSON
Whoooooooooah! <Shields his face & eyes>
A giant creature dropped off the cavern above, nearly landing right on Martin! He crouched down, covering his head as a shower of dust rained down on him. He stared at the giant pair of legs planted in front of him. They were furry-looking, just-just like Gurgi's! Martin slowly stood up. If he was going to die, he could at least be brave about it. He looked up at the creature towering above him.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Holy s***...What in the h***? <Eyes wide, mouth drops
open>
It was just like Gurgi - only about a 100-times larger! The creature was twice as tall as Martin. But it didn't look nearly as friendly as his little Gurgi. Wherever this planet and whenever the time period - Gurgis grew an entirely different size here! Gurgi was hopping up and down excitedly, as if he had found a lost big brother.
GURGI
Yeah, yah! Gurgi found a new friend!
Martin reached out to hold his pet, to protect him. But before he could pick him up, Gurgi suddenly yelled angrilly and leaped into the giant creature's arms!
GURGI
Hey! Give that back! You stole that from Gurgi, give it back
now!
MARTIN ROBINSON
Gurgi, no!
That was when he noticed the old, tattered red ribbon around the creature's neck. Gurgi was reaching for it, matching it to the small red ribbon around his own neck.
MARTIN ROBINSON <Confused> Matching ribbons? But how? I gave him that ribbon - it's not genetic.
He waited for the big ape-creature to toss Gurgi onto the ground, to kill him. But the creature was looking at its twin double with as much kindness as Gurgi usually looked at Martin. Then the giant ape-creature took a step toward Martin. It held out a furry paw. Martin shrank back. Did it want to shake hands? It touched his cheek. Then gently, it ran its paw across his face. Then it spoke.
GIANT GURGI
PRETTY BOY. NICE BOY, GOOD MASTER.
Martin nearly keeled over - half from relief, and half from confusion. How did he know that? Martin wondered. Was Gurgi here before???
Justin stared at the next portal waiting in front of them. Each time he and Brutus crossed one of them, the terrain become more desolate. He was starting to think they were heading for the point in time when the planet would self-destruct.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
We keep going further into the future. The question is, how
much
further do we want to go? Even if we do find the radioactive
material,
I'm worried we might not get back to the present.
BRUTUS WEST <Frowns> I know. And I also know I don't like this. I'm not used to worrying about the people I leave behind.
Justin checked his monitor. They were getting closer to the material. At least they were going in the right direction. Brutus pointed to a rock wall ahead of them.
BRUTUS WEST
That would be one great climb.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Yeah, too bad we don't have time right now. <He glanced down
at his
tracker, then at the wall> Oh no.
BRUTUS WEST
Oh no? That dosen't sound good.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I am such a idiot. The signal we've been tracking all this time
is the
Discovery 2's radioactive core reflecting off these rocks. Not
the
actual material itself, which is what we need. Just the
reflection of
it. We're going in the wrong direction.
BRUTUS WEST
Speaking of reflections, look at that sir.
He pointed to something on the ground that was glinting in the sun. He pried a large metal fragment out of the ground and examined it.
BRUTUS WEST
This came from the Discovery 2. <Points to the readable
logo>
Justin studied the fragment and ran his hand over the decaying surface.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
But this metal is decades old. It dosen't make sense.
BRUTUS WEST
What king of nightmare is this? Where in the galaxy are we?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
No, Sergant. The question is, when are we?
Brutus didn't have a chance to answer. He was suddenly struck hard in the back with a plasma charge. It sent him flying into the dirt, facefirst. Justin hit the ground, rolling on the dusty terrain. He grabbed his phaser and crouched behind a rocky mound of dirt. He fired a few laser shots, then crawled up to see who - or what - was attacking them. He barely glimped the Terminator's shape before he was shot. As he fell, the last thing that went through his mind was.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
What Terminator? He was destroyed in the probe ship! <Then
blackness
crashed down upon him>
Timmothy sighed, looking up at the evening sky. He and Ninjara had been walking for what seemed like hours. They'd crossed so many portals, he'd lost track. Now they were in the middle of a desert, and the two suns were setting.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
I feel like we got turned around somewhere. I don't know if
we're going
in the right direction.
NINJARA SMITH
Just follow your father's signal junior.
Timmy kept walking. They were heading straight for a series of craters. Just as he topped the rise, he saw something that froze his blood, and he swore out loud.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Oh s***.
NINJARA SMITH <Scolds him> A young boy like you should not swear.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON <Points> LOOK!
Ninjara looked. She too gasped in shock, eyes wide and then the vixen swore also.
NINJARA SMITH
Oh! S*** indeed.
Timmothy began running towards the wrecked hull, closely followed by the vixen. He stopped, panting to catch his breath and stared at the wreck before him. It wasn't just any spacecraft lying there. It was the Discovery 2! And it didn't look anything like it did when they had left it, hours earlier.
Chapter 17: Into the Future
Justin rubbed his head and looked around. He had no idea where he was. The last thing he remembered was getting blasted by the Terminator. His eyes slowly adjusted to the light and the pounding in his brain. He was lying in some sort of transport vehicle. But the walls were torn, damaged. The computer monitors had all been shattered. The place was destroyed. Sergant Brutus West was lying on the floor beside him, out cold.
UNSEEN FIGURE's VOICE Well, well. All things really do come to he who waits.
Justin tried to see who was talking, but the room was full of shadows.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
What is this place?
UNSEEN FIGURE
The shock must have stunned your brain. Look around you. Don't
you
recognize this spot, you're home.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
No. <Shook his head> This can't be. What have you done to
the ship?
Where is my family?
UNSEEN FIGURE
Your family is dead. DEAD! Buried in the ground.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
NO!!!!!! <Cries in rage>
The figure suddenly emerged from the shadows. It was a adult mouse of about 30. He had long blond hair, a beard, and a mustache. He wore old, worn clothing. He looked familiar to Justin, but he couldn't figure out who he was.
ADULT TIMMOTHY
I'll never forget that morning. <Paces back and forth> 20
years ago.
What was it you said to me? I'll be back, I promise. <He
laughed> But I
knew better. I knew you'd never come back. You never kept
your
promises <Then he laughed again>
He walked to one of the burned-out computer panels. Justin stared at him. What was he talking about?
ADULT TIMMOTHY
Without you, your family never had a chance. A few spiders
survived the
destruction of the probe ship. They reached the planet and
attacked. I
can still hear Jenny, Martin and Mom screaming in horror and
pain as
they died.
How did this mouse know about Jenny, Martin and Brisby? And about the spiders?
JUSTIN ROBINSON <Angry> WHO ARE YOU?
The stranger walked towards him. He reached into his shirt and pulled out a pair of dog tags on a metal string.
ADULT TIMMOTHY
Don't you recognize me, father? I'm your grown-up son.
Timmothy!
Justin staggered backwards, holding onto the jagged wall for support as he stared wide-eyed, open mouthed at the stranger before him...
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Timmothy???
Jenny held the bio-scanner over the large creature. She and Brisby had caught up with Martin about 10 minutes earlier. After learning that the giant creature was friendly, Jenny had decided to find out what she could do about it.
JENNY ROBINSON
As fas as I can tell, this creature is pregnant. But one thing
dosen't
make sense.
BRISBY ROBINSON
What is it, Jenny?
JENNY ROBINSON
As you know, all life-forms have unique bio-patterns. As
individual as
fingerprints. No two are alike.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Of course, I know that.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Wait. Jenny, by any chance...do the bio-patterns on this giant
creature
and our little Gurgi servant match?
JENNY ROBINSON
Mom, how did you know?
BRISBY ROBINSON
Because it occured to me a minute ago. Gurgi and our new friend
are
actually one and the same.
MARTIN ROBINSON
From the same species. Right? The same family even.
JENNY ROBINSON
No, Martin. They're the same creature. In two seperate
versions.
Present and Future. <She pointed to the two red ribbons the
creatures
wore> That's the same ribbon.
MARTIN ROBINSON
But what does that mean? For us?
BRISBY ROBINSON
I don't know. <Another tremor shook the planet> But I
think we'd better
get back to the ship while we still can.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Come on Gurgi. <Then he addresses the giant alter ego> You
too.
The rebuilt T-700 Terminator shoved Justin ahead of him with one hand, and carried Brutus with the other. The 30-year old Timmothy led the way into what had once been the Discovery 2's engine room.
ADULT TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Father, I give you...eternity!
He pointed to the hyperdrive-lightspeed indicator. A glowing energy bubble was hanging above the shattered lightspeed basin. Dozens of images were swirling inside. The Terminator dropped Brutus onto the floor. The impact woke him up with a start.
BRUTUS WEST
Where are we? <Sits up and groans>
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I think we've come back to the Discovery 2 decades ago after we
left it.
ADULT TIMMOTHY
Look, father. Aren't you proud? I used your hyperdrive engine to
build
my time machine. <He walked over to what used to be Justin's
chair>
It saw at the center of a huge mess of cable. The cables led to both the upper and lower gantry and hyperengine.
ADULT TIMMOTHY
Over the years, I struggled to harness the power of time-travel.
But my
experiments at creating a stable doorway failed. Until now.
He hit a button, and a generator lit. Inside was a glowing radioactive cylinder.
BRUTUS WEST
The core material! If we could get that back to our Discovery
2...
ADULT TIMMOTHY
Once this radioactive core is fully introduced into the control
console,
I'll open a timewarp doorway. It will be stable enough for one
person
to take one trip through time & space. Today, I will change
history.
He turned a switch on the console. The bubble of energy lowered, dissapearing into the hyperengine basin below. On the monitor in front of him, an image of Earth flashed. Tim pointed to it.
ADULT TIMMOTHY
I'll return home, to the day you took us on this mission. I'll
stop us
from taking off. I'll do what you never could! <Glared
angrily at his
father> I'll save the family!
Justin shook his head. What had turned Timmothy into this crazy man? Didn't he see that his plan would not work? It would only end up killing them all. But it wouldn't be worse than what Justin himself had done to his family. Timmothy might accidentally create a paradox, destroying time itself! He tried to reason with him before it was too late...
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Look around you. The force of your time machine is ripping this
planet
apart. What if it had the same effect on Earth? What if, in
getting
back home, you destroy Earth?
ADULT TIMMOTHY
I'm going home to save the family! <Turned his back and
walked away>
JUSTIN ROBINSON <Shouts> Tim stop right now! How dare you turn your back on your father. Listen to me!
Timmothy whirled around, glaring back at the angered rat, nose to nose!
ADULT TIMMOTHY
Oh yeah? Well let me tell you something about my father. My
father is
a walking ghost. He dragged his family into space, enroute to
Alpha
Prime but never arrived there. He lost them in space to DIE!
JUSTIN ROBINSON
NO! I did not do that! It was Dr. Ninjara Smith who caused us to
be
thrown off-course when she re-programed the Terminator to try
and kill
us and sabotague the ship.
ADULT TIMMOTHY
And you expect me to believe that? The doctor was killed along
with my
mother, older brother and sister when the spiders attacked
us.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I won't let you create a paradox, change history and destroy
time.
ADULT TIMMOTHY
C'mon, come on, I dare you to stop me, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH!
Then he again turned away and stormed off, leaving Justin staring angrilly after him. Fists clenched and held to his side. Brutus couldn't believe what he was seeing or hearing.
BRUTUS WEST
How could that adult mouse be your boy?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I don't know, he thinks it's my fault that I killed the whole
family.
BRUTUS WEST
Now what do we do?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I wish I knew...<Rolls eyes helplessly skyward>
In the desert beside the wrecked Discovery 2, Ninjara put her hand on Timmothy's arm, holding him back.
NINJARA SMITH
Timmy, this is the plan. As soon as we enter, I want you to
shoot
anything that moves.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
But shouldn't we find out who's inside first?
NINJARA SMITH
Let me tell you something about life, junior. Around every
corner,
monsters are waiting. I know. You see, I am one. And we
monsters, we
have no fear of attacking little boys or girls like yourself.
To
survive, you must be fully prepared to kill.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
I can do it.
But his voice was shaking, and he knew he sounded as if he were lying. He was lying. He couldn't kill anyone or anything. He knew it and so did the Sith Lord.
NINJARA SMITH
Listen to me. I'll risk my life, but I'm not going to throw it
away.
You can't protect us. But I can. And I will, but I'm going to
need you
to trust me. <Holds out her hand> Timmy, give me the
gun.
Timmothy stared at her. Should he trust the vixen? Did he have a choice? Finally he pulled the pistol from its holster. He put his thumb on the lock pad.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Enable gun for all users.
GUN COMPUTER VOICE
VOICEPRINT CONFIRMED MASTER.
Timmothy handed the gun to Ninjara. Suddenly the moment the weapon was in her hand, the vixen attacked like a cobra! She threw one arm around the boy-mouse's chest and slammed him against her body, tightening around his neck. Sneering and laughing evilly, she aimed the muzzle of the gun in his face.
NINJARA SMITH
AHA! Fooled you, April Fools sucker HA-HA! <Then adds> Oh,
and let me
give you a piece of advice, a brief lesson in survival. Never
trust
anyone. You never can tell whether or not your best friend may
suddenly
turn against you and betray you or try to kill you! Remember
that into
your old age...should you have one. <She shoved the mouse
ahead of her,
the phaser trained on his back> Now let's take a little walk
inside and
see if we can kill any monsters shall we? MOVE HOSTAGE!
Poor Tim, he didn't know what to say or do. He decided to play it cool and obey his captive's orders, hoping Ninjara would not harm him and maybe let him go in the end. Together they entered the wrecked starship...
Chapter 18: Ninjara x 2
Justin watched as 30-year old Timmothy stared into his time machine, still bragging about how he would save the family. Suddenly he heard footsteps behind him, and turned around.
NINJARA SMITH
Never fear. Ninjara is here! <She was walking into the
Discovery 2,
shoving 10-year old Timmothy in front of her as her
hostage>
The Sith Lord had her hand on the little boy-mouse's shoulder and she held a gun to the back of his head.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Timmy!
The vixen took a control bolt from her suit and slapped it onto the rebuilt Terminator. The T-700's arms went straight up in the air, then dropped beside its body, absolutely limp as did its glowing red eyes which flared bright, then went dim. Ninjara had the Terminator under her control now.
NINJARA SMITH
Don't move, Professor, or this bizarre family reunion will be
very
brief. <She spotted Brutus edging closer to the control
panel> Halt!
Stay where you are Sarge. That's far enough thank you, back
off!
Brutus glared at Ninjara who sneered back. For a second neither moved until finally the bodyguard surrendered and retreated. Ninjara began typing on the tiny control bolt. Justin stared at it, wondering where she'd come up with such a thing.
NINJARA SMITH
I took this a while back. I knew it would come in handy. <The
T-700 lit
up once again, its power back online> Let's try this dance
again. You
are the servant, I am your mistress. Get it right this time,
will you?
<She paused for a moment> Terminator, you will respond to
my voice only.
Enable electric disruptors.
The Terminator's claw-hands began to glow with electricity - just as they had when he had attacked them in their cryotubes.
NINJARA SMITH
Now that's a good gorilla, NOT! <She doubled over in
laughter>
Justin wanted to talk to his son. But Timmothy was staring at the advanced time machine with admiration.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
You did it. Just like I imagined. <He told his older double
who stared
at him, a smile on his face> You rerouted the hypercore. But
the rest
of it...the spatial delivery system. The modified power source.
I
never thought of those.
The older Timmy grinned at his younger self, pleased that somebody liked his new invention.
ADULT TIMMOTHY
The future is never what it looks like when you're 10 years
old.
Dr. Ninjara Smith shoved the younger Timmy aside and walked over to the older version. He held the phaser to his forehead.
NINJARA SMITH
Say goodbye to your past. Your future lies with me. I'm going
home in
your place.
The older Timmothy didn't flinch. In fact, he looked happy. Ninjara frowned, glaring at him nose to nose.
NINJARA SMITH
What are you grinning for stupid idiot?
ADULT TIMMOTHY
Look around you, look at this hostile world. Do you really think
a boy
like me could have survived here all alone?
NINJARA SMITH <Puzzled> When who...what...?
Another voice, alien-like and evil spoke from behind her!
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
NEVER FEAR, NINJARA IS HERE!
Suddenly a silvery, slimy creature in a hooded cape emerged, its inhuman feet clicking on the floor with a metallic sound.
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
HELLO SITH LORD. HOW NICE TO SEE ME AGAIN AFTER ALL THESE
YEARS.
It sounded just like the vixen always had. But this mutant doctor was seven feet tall, with long, thin spidery tendrils for arms and legs. It's hair-fur too, looked like insect limbs. With one swipe, it knocked the phaser out of Ninjara's hands!>
Horrified, the Sith Lord stood paralyzed, too frightened to speak or move.
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
YOU DIDN'T KNOW IT AT THE TIME, BUT ONE OF THOSE AWFUL SPIDERS
ON THE
SHIP SCRATCHED YOU. THE STING HAD SOME POISONOUS
SIDE-EFFECTS.
She grabbed Ninjara and spun her around, revealing the tear in her suit. There was a wound on her skin where the spider had infected her!
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
BUT IT WASN'T A TOTAL LOSS. 20 YEARS OF AGONY TAUGHT ME THE
ERROR OF MY
WAYS. BUT YOU DOCTOR. YOU HAVEN'T CHANGED A BIT. YOUR CRUDE
AMBITION
FILLS ME WITH SELF-LOATHING. <Leers into her horror-frozen
face> YOU
SEE, I HAVE LOOKED WITHIN ME. AND WHAT I SEE IS YOU. AND YOU
KNOW
SOMETHING? I NEVER LIKED ME.
She threw the screaming vixen through a hole in the wall where her body crashed onto the rocks outside. She was knocked unconsious. The alien humanoid turned to the Terminator.
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
KILL THEM ALL!
ADULT TIMMOTHY
NO! Leave them alone. I am the one you want, not them!
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
OH? ONCE YOUR DOORWAY IN TIME IS COMPLETE, THIS PLANET WILL
EXPLODE.
I, OF COURSE, AM WILLING TO PERISH HERE FOR YOUR NOBLE MISSION.
ONCE
YOU MAKE THE TRIP, ALL OUR SUFFERING WILL BE ERASED. BUT YOUR
FATHER
HERE, WILL TRY TO STOP YOU. UNLESS WE KILL HIM.
But the older Timmy refused to give into the evil darkside Sith Lord's demands.
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
VERY WELL, HAVE IT YOUR WAY JUNIOR. TERMINATOR, GUARD THEM AS
YOUR
HOSTAGES. IF THEY TRY TO ESCAPE, THEN KILL THEM.
She then scrambled up the scaffolding to the upper gantry. Her insect limbs made climbing easy. Justin stared at her back. There was something hanging from it - an egg pouch.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Timmy, it's a trick! Ninjara is carrying an egg sack.
ADULT TIMMOTHY
So?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
So, if she's going to stay on this world and die, then why is
she about
to spawn? <He tried moving to his son to persuade him to
listen>
TERMINATOR T-700 Not so fast idiot!...Prepare to be terminated!...
Justin halted. But from the look on Tim's face, it was clear he understood. Spider Ninjara didn't plan on letting any of them survive.
Half an hour later, while the older Timmothy was making adjustments on the control platform, Spider Ninjara dropped down beside him.
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
HOUSTON IS COMING INTO FOCUS. <Rubs hands together> IT'S
ALMOST TIME. I
REALLY AM A WORDSMITH, AREN'T I? TIME, GET IT? <She
chuckled> AND A
SMITH BEING A WORDSMITH - THAT's PRECIOUS.
ADULT TIMMOTHY
Tell me again, old monster, how did my mother, brother and
sister die?
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
WE'VE BEEN OVER THIS BEFORE JUNIOR. THEY WERE ATTACKED BY
SPIDERS,
REMEMBER?
ADULT TIMMOTHY
Of course. But there's something I don't get. In all the years
since,
the spiders have never resurfaced. Why is that?
Alien Ninjara stared at him. Then, seeming to realize that he was onto something, she changed the subject.
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
LET's FORGET THE PAST. LOOK FOREWARD TO THE FUTURE.
Not taking his eyes off the alien, Timmothy hit another switch. The image of the launch dome for his machine became smaller and smaller.
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
CAREFUL. THE PLASMA AROUND THE PORTAL WILL RIP A MOUSE OR RAT
TO
PIECES. HAVEN'T YOU MADE THE DOORWAY TOO SMALL?
ADULT TIMMOTHY
Not for me, no. But then, I'm not going, am I? The spiders
didn't kill
my family. It was you. I just never let myself see it.
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
SEE WHAT?
ADULT TIMMOTHY
That you only kept me alive because you needed me. Because I
could
build this for you!
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
POOR, POOR BOY.
She dropped her cloak off her shoulders, rearing up three feet taller, her body unfolding. A second set of arms and legs extended from her sides.
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
DID YOU REALLY THINK I WOULD LET YOU GO HOME - AND LET MYSELF
VANISH?
<She spun around in front of him> LOOK AT ME. I AM NO MERE
MUTANT. I
AM A GOD!
She ripped the pouch off her back and opened it, revealing a thousand tiny spiders.
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
HERE, TIMMY, ARE THE SEEDS OF A MASTER RACE. WE WILL DESCEND
UPON
EARTH. WE'LL HAVE AN ENTIRE PLANET TO RULE.
One of her arms shot out, grabbing Timmy by the neck. She pulled him towards her, opening her mouth, revealing oozing, dripping fangs.
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
SOON WE'LL HAVE AN ENTIRE PLANET ON WHICH TO FEED,
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAH!!!
Meanwhile Brutus & Justin began plotting on how to escape, avoid being asassinated by the Terminator and return to their own Discovery 2.
BRUTUS WEST
I'll run and draw its fire. You may have time to get away with
Tim.
He eyed the T-700 who stood guard over them. The ground tremors were increasing in frequency. He was worried that if they didn't make a move now, there wouldn't be much point. Suddenly the Terminator issued a challenge.
TERMINATOR T-700 HALT!...OR BE TERMINATED!...
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Tim! <Heads towards him>
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
No, <Holds up his hand> it's okay. <Turns to face the
robot> Terminator,
do you remember me? Do you remember what I taught you? About
friendship?
TERMINATOR T-700 FRIENDSHIP MEANS...ACTING WITH YOUR HEART...NOT YOUR HEAD...
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Right. Well, I need your help now. Help me please, because we
are
friends.
TERMINATOR T-700 LOGIC ERROR...FRIENDSHIP DOES NOT COMPUTE...
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Forget logic. Act with your heart.
TERMINATOR T-700 I HAVE NO HEART...I AM POWERED BY A FUSION PULSE GENERATOR...
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Every living thing has a heart - including you.
TERMINATOR T-700 MY PROGRAMMING HAS BEEN MODIFIED TO REMOVE ALL EMOTIONS...ANY ATTEMPTS TO OVERRIDE COMMAND PROTOCOLS WILL RESULT...
The floor trembled as the planet's surface shook again. The planet was beginning to come apart beneath them. Timmy tried one last time, even kneeling before the Terminator, begging him to help.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Please, Terminator. If you don't let us go, we're all going to
die. So
I'm asking you now. Will you help me, serve me? Will you be my
friend,
my servant, my bodyguard?
The T-700 stood motionless, first looking down at the kneeling Timmy, then over at Justin and Brutus who stared back in confusion. Then it reached behind with one of its arms to get at the control bolt Ninjara had plugged into its CPU.
TERMINATOR T-700 I AM ATTEMPTING TO DEACTIVATE CONTROL BOLT...
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Yes, you can do it. Destroy it.
TERMINATOR T-700 COMMANDS OVERRIDDEN...DESTROY ROBINSON FAMILY...DESTROY ROBINSON FAMILY...KILL THEM...KILL THEM!...
Suddenly the machine aimed its Pulse Smart Gun into firing mode. Justin shielded his boy while Brutus stepped in, deploying his Bo Staff. But instead of shooting the rats, the T-700 swung the barrel of its gun upwards blowing a hole in the ceiling. Then it tore or yanked off the control bolt and held it up for all to see.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
You did it!
TERMINATOR T-700 I WILL SAVE TIMMOTHY ROBINSON...I WILL HELP MY MASTER, MY FRIEND...I AM HIS SERVANT, HIS BODYGUARD...<He bowed low before Timmy>
Justin & Brutus smiled, giving thumbs ups. With the Terminator on their side again, they might make it out of here alive.
Jenny and Brisby chased Gurgi, who was running as fast as he could through the forest. Every time the ground beneath them trembled, as doorways opened and closed, Gurgi screamed in terror. But he seemed to be leading them back to the present. Finally, stepping out from under a tangle of thick vines, Jenny spotted the starship. There was Martin, standing just outside the Discovery 2. Gurgi cheered, and Martin waved his arms, beckoning them to him.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Martin! Are you all right?
JENNY ROBINSON
Where did you go?
MARTIN ROBINSON
I can't explain. Let's just say...I had a promise to keep.
Anyway, I'm
fine. <Gurgi leaped into his arms and he hugged him>
Both Brisby and Jenny stared at him, wondering what he was talking about. Jenny opened her mouth to ask what had happened to the giant Gurgi. But before she could say anything, the ground rumbled so violently that she nearly lost her balance. It felt as if the planet was going to disentigrate at any second!
BRISBY ROBINSON
Inside! Fast!
BRUTUS WEST
Without the core, we'll never have enough power to make orbit.
<He and
Justin were waiting for Tim and the Terminator to catch up. They
had to
get back to the present. But without the core, did it matter
where in
time they were?>
JUSTIN ROBINSON
You see if you can make your way back to the Discovery 2. The
origional
D-2 - in real time. I'll try to get the core material and meet
you
there.
BRUTUS WEST <Shook his head> No way, Professor. I'm the one who stays behind. I'm the one who has nothing to lose.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Listen. No matter what happens, when this planet begins to blow,
I want
you to take off.
BRUTUS WEST
Justin, the family needs their father.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
The crew needs their pilot. I can't fly this ship nearly as well
as you
can. You're my family's best chance to survive.
BRUTUS WEST <Protests> But...
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Listen to me, Brutus. I know you never wanted this job. But I
think
you will turn out to be a Grade-A baby-sitter after all. So the
RV's
all yours now. Take care of them.
BRUTUS WEST
Good luck boss.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I could use a weapon.
TIMMOTHY & TERMINATOR Dad! PROFESSOR!...<Both spoke in unison>
Both turned to see the T-700 and Timmy emerging into view. Tim held out the jedi lightsaber to his father.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Remember your jedi training dad? Remember what your teacher told
you,
how to use the Force in combat?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Yes, I remember. Allow the Force to flow through me, let it
guide my
actions. Become one with the weapon. <He switched on the
glowing green
energy blade> Time to destroy the Darkside once and for
all!
Alien Spider Ninjara held the older Timmy against the rail of the gantry.
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
TIME TO DIE, JUNIOR.
ADULT TIMMOTHY
I'm not your son! <Suddenly he slammed a double-fist bola
punch hard
into the monster's face>
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
OUCH! THAT HURT. NOW IT's MY TURN. GOODBYE SUCKER! <And she
heaved
the screaming mouse over the edge into darkness>
Meanwhile the younger Timmothy followed Sergant Brutus across the terrain outside the ravaged hull of the Discovery 2. Behind them, the Terminator followed at rear guard.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Look. <He pointed to a crumpled form on the ground>
Brutus crouched down to examine the figure. It was Ninjara! She had been thrown off the Discovery 2 by the alien creature. He put his fingers on the wrist, checking for a pulse, then lowered his ear to her chest. Suddenly the vixen began to breathe, then groaned and came around, face covered in blood.
NINJARA SMITH
Oooooooh, the pain.
BRUTUS WEST
My god, she's still alive. <He stooped to pick her up>
NINJARA SMITH
Sarge? How, what? What are you...?
BRUTUS WEST
No time to explain. We have to go now! <Hoists her onto his
back> Hold
tight and don't let go!
TERMINATOR T-700 DANGER TIM ROBINSON...DANGER...DANGER!...
The ground beneath rumbled as the portal opened before them revealing a younger, newer world. Then one beyond that opened, and then another. They were surrounded by choices.
TERMINATOR T-700 CLIMB ONBOARD TIMMY, HURRY!...HOLD TIGHT AND DON'T LET GO!...
Timmy leaped onto the T-700's back and the robot began running across the shaking landscape followed by Brutus carrying Ninjara. Meanwhile inside the real Discovery 2...
JENNY ROBINSON
Martin, enable all the missiles. <She glanced out the
viewscreen>
MARTIN ROBINSON
But the warheads are just duds. <He hit the buttons>
JENNY ROBINSON
I know that, just do it! <Missiles came online> Fire in
the hole!
A spread of missiles fired into the air. That ought to help, Jenny thought, anxiously looking out the viewscreen. She entered coordinates into her computer, creating a shape.
JENNY ROBINSON
So these sailors. They drew shapes in the sky. <She hit a
switch>
Her command was accepted.
JENNY ROBINSON
Detonation. Just the priming flares.
She watched out the windscreen as a series of tiny lights flew into the night sky.
MARTIN ROBINSON
What's that for? <He watched the colorful explosion
fireworks>
JENNY ROBINSON
They drew shapes using the stars, to help them find their way
home.
Suddenly, all the lights moved into a shape. One she hoped Sergant Brutus would recognize.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Look! <Pointed at one of the many portals around them>
Brutus stared at a giant constellation of Big Dipper in one of the openings. Just like the one he and Jenny had talked about the night before, from the Discovery 2's bridge.
BRUTUS WEST
That's us! That's where the Discovery 2 is. This way!
TERMINATOR T-700 YES SIR SERGANT...YOU LEAD, I FOLLOW...
BRUTUS WEST
Jump everybody now!
NINJARA SMITH
Aaaaaaaaaaah! <Brutus threw her through the portal, then
leaped after
her>
TERMINATOR T-700 LOOK OUT BEEEEEELOOOOOOW!...
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Yeehaaw! <Shouts the Dukes Of Hazzard Rebel Yell>
All four jumped safely though the portal as it closed behind them just in time.
Chapter 19: Goodbye Forever
MARTIN ROBINSON
Mom, it's them!
Brisby opened her arms and welcomed Timmothy back into the Discovery 2. He rushed into her arms, hugging her and saying how sorry he was for not telling her where he was going. Brutus stepped through the airlock next, depositing Ninjara on the floor.
NINJARA SMITH
Ouch, hey! <Glares up at him> Thanks alot for the
help.
BRUTUS WEST
You're welcome, not! <Shoots the finger>
JENNY ROBINSON
I'm so glad you made it back.
BRUTUS WEST
Thanks. Nice work for using the flares to bring us home.
Brisby stood up, releasing Timmy. She peered over Brutus's shoulder.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Where's Justin?
BRUTUS WEST <Shook his head> The doorway closed behind us. I'm sorry.
The Discovery 2 shuddered violently as another underground explosion rippled the planet's surface. Martin grabbed his younger brother's arm. Together, they moved farther into the ship for safety.
BRUTUS WEST
We've got to try and blastoff.
BRISBY ROBINSON
I know. We've already begun the pre-flight countdown.
Brutus stared at her. Was she really going to leave without her husband? Just like that?
BRISBY ROBINSON
Don't give me that look. I'm going to save as many lives as I
can,
Sergant!
Alien Spider Ninjara stood at the control console. She checked the screen. Would the portal hold long enough for her to make the journey back to Earth? A message flashed the computer's answer.
COMPUTER VOICE
PORTAL INTEGRITY 95%.
It wasn't perfect, but it was enough. She turned to the portal, ready for her voyage. Suddenly a voice behind her spoke.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
My father always said that evil finds its true form.
Alien Ninjara spun around. Professor Justin Robinson, Jedi Master was standing on the gantry behind her his lightsaber armed and held at ready stance.
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
YOU SHOULD HAVE KILLED ME WHEN YOU HAD THE CHANCE.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
No. You were right. I couldn't kill a mutant. But I can kill
the
monster! <And he attacked, swinging his saber in a killing
blow>
But just then the hybrid-Sith Lord activated its own saber and parried the blow. The two began lunging, parrying, thrusting, ducking, attacking and defending. Lightsabers flashed, sparked, scraped and skidded against each other. For a while the two combatments seemed evenly matched, neither one could penetrate his/her opponet's defenses to look for an opening. More rumblings and shakings shook the entire structure as the battle raged on.
Then Alien Ninjara parried one stroke, spun sideways and with its back to Justin, lunged out in a reverse strike. The gleaming red blade hit Justin's own green saber, sending it flying out of his hands! Then the hybrid spun around again and kicked out hard sending the rat crashing onto its back. Laughing triumphantly she advanced, her saber aimed at his throat.
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
I THINK IT'S TIME FOR A SNACK BEFORE MY TRIP.
She crouched down, opening her mouth, her fangs dripping ooze onto Justin's face. But before she could kill him, Justin suddenly lunged out, reaching for his saber. As it flew back into his outstreched hand, he snapped on the blade and slashed out, hitting the creature in the face! Silver-red blood poured from the wound.
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
AAAAAAAAAAAGH! <Screams, then backs off> OH, THE PAIN!
JUSTIN ROBINSON
You ain't seen nothing yet Sith Lord! Death to the Darkside!
He faked another swipe at its head, then reversed his downward swing to stab into the egg-sack. Angered, the creature swatted the saber out of Justin's hands again, then glared down at him. Justin grinned back, pointing to the damage he caused.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Remember what happened on the probe ship? These things eat
their
wounded!
ALIEN NINJARA SMITH
NO, NO, STOP! AAAAAAAAAAAAGH! <Screams in pain>
The tiny spiders began attacking its body, eating him away. Leaping to his feet, Justin rushed the alien.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Take all the time you want to die!
He bodyslammed into the hybrid, sending her flying over the edge into the portal. Justin grabbed onto a piece of metal grillwork attached to the ship and held on. He winced as the alien screamed as its body hit the burning plasma surrounding the opening in the time machine. Alien Ninjara Smith burned alive then vanished into nothingness.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Now, how do I get out of here? <He began to pull himself back
up>
Suddenly he saw another figure hanging above the raging basin of fire. It was the older Timmothy. The chain of dog tags around his neck had caught on the grillwork. If he fell into the time machine, he would die too. Justin glanced up at the core cylinder, which had almost slid into the main console. Within seconds, the radioactive material would be used up. There would be no way he could retrieve it for the rest of his family. But he couldn't let his son die - no matter what. Using the power of the Force he levitated himself onto the ramp above his son then reaching out to him. Just as the chain broke and Timmy's body began to slide down into the fire the Jedi Master caught his son with the Force and grabbing onto his wrist holding him back.
Brisby strapped herself into Justin's chair on the bridge of the Discovery 2. She turned to Sergant Brutus West.
BRISBY ROBINSON
I kept hoping somehow he'd appear. <She stared out the window
behind him
at the terrain. Justin had no chance>
But maybe they did. As much as she wanted to wait a few mere minutes for him, she had to think about her children. She had to save them first.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Let's go Sarge. <Then whispers> Goodbye my love.
BRUTUS WEST
Engaging primary thrusters, now!
Seconds later the starship began to pull free from the crater wall as the land gave way beneath them. Justin shook his 30-year old son, who was lying in his arms.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Come on Tim. Wake up.
ADULT TIMMOTHY <Opens his eyes> Dad? Father? How, what-huh? <Confused>
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Thank goodness you're all right. I thought I lost you.
ADULT TIMMOTHY
But - what about the core. <He sat up> NO! The core!
<Leaps to his
feet>
Both turned to see the cylinder sink into the control panel, initiating the hyperdrive. The time machine had been activated.
ADULT TIMMOTHY
You could have taken the core and left before it was too late.
You
saved me instead.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
There wasn't any choice. I couldn't let you die. You might be 30
now,
but you are still my son.
They both stared at the burning sky. Just then Justin spotted a familiar shape rising into the air. He shouted in excitement.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Look! They made it! <Points to the Discovery 2 flying
away> Go, Go!
<Prays silently for them to escape>
Back onboard the Discovery 2, Brutus fought the shaking, bucking ship. The stickshaker activated, alarms began ringing.
GPWS SYSTEM
STALL...STALL...SPEED...SPEED...
BRUTUS WEST
She's stalling! I can't maintain altitude, losing airspeed!
GPWS SYSTEM
WHOOP-WHOOP PULL UP!...WHOOP-WHOOP PULL UP!...
Brisby stared in horror, clutching Jenny. Martin and Timmy hugged each other in terror.
BRUTUS WEST
I'm sorry. <His last words>
BRISBY ROBINSON <Screams> Nooooooooooo!!!
Then a flaming piece of stone impacted into the hull, exploding the ship into a firey explosion of light and fire. Justin winced at the sight before his eyes, then began to cry as tears ran down his face.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I couldn't save them!
The older Timmothy stared at his father, and then beyond him, into the time machine. He could see the launch dome on the day of the mission. He could see himself at age 10, happily walking toward the Discovery 2 in his cryosuit alongside his older brother Martin, adopted sister Jenny, and Brisby & Justin arm in arm. He didn't know anything back then. He had been happy.
ADULT TIMMOTHY
So many years ago, and I can still feel it. Our sun. Our Earth.
<Turns
to Justin who's back is turned to him> It's all I've thought
about -
going home.
Then he reached foreward and pushed buttons, turned dials and flipped levers. Gradually the images in the doorway to the past began to change. Instead of leading to Earth, the doorway led to the Discovery 2, powering up just minutes ago - before it exploded.
ADULT TIMMOTHY <Speaks to his father> A long time ago, you told a small boy-mouse that one day he would understand how much his father loved him. I could never see how much you cared. Until now.
Justin stared at him in suprise, then into the open doorway. The bridge of the Discovery 2 was visible on the other side. Was it possible? Could he get back to them?
ADULT TIMMOTHY
Let's go. <Takes his hand> Come...<Guides him to the
portal's edge>
Both stared down into the opening, hearing Brisby speaking about her lost husband.
BRISBY ROBINSON
I kept hoping somehow he'd appear. Let's go Sergant.
BRUTUS WEST
Engaging primary thrusters now.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Goodbye my love.
Suddenly Martin saw something behind him. Turning in his seat he stared wide-eyed then pointed and shouted.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Look!!!
Brisby, Brutus, Jenny and Timmy all turned to stare at what caught his attention. Above their heads was what looked like a swirling, bubbling pool and inside it staring down at them was Justin! And beside him was a grown figure who looked like Timmothy???
ADULT TIMMOTHY
Don't make me wait another lifetime to know how you care.
Suddenly he gave a violent push, sending Justin falling headfirst arms flailing through the doorway to the other side. Justin hit the floor as Brisby ran to him, hugging and crying. Martin, Jenny and Timmy were also at his side, hugging and laughing. The older Timmothy dropped onto his hands and knees and shouted excitedly down at them. Brisby looked up in shock!
ADULT TIMMOTHY <Calls out> Jenny! Martin! And Mom! You're all alive!
JUSTIN ROBINSON <Reaches to him> Come with us!
ADULT TIMMOTHY
I can't. There was only enough power for one person, one trip
remember?
BRISBY ROBINSON
Timmy? <Stares in shock, can't believe that is her
son>
ADULT TIMMOTHY <Tears in his eyes> It's good to see you again Mom! It's good to see you all. <Calls to his younger double> Take care of them for me Timmothy.
Suddenly there was a loug BANG as something blew up in the background. Tim turned to look over his shoulder, then back down as the portal began to close. Reaching out to his family he cried.
ADULT TIMMOTHY
DON'T FORGET ME!!! I LOVE YOU FATHER!!! <And then he was
gone>
JUSTIN ROBINSON
He sacrificed everything for his family.
BRISBY ROBINSON
He must have learned that from his father.
Just then someone tugged on Justin's arm.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Dad?
Justin leaned down to look at his younger son.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
I'm glad you came back, just like you promised. <He removed
the dog tags
and placed them around his father's neck>
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I...look, Tim. There's something I have to tell you. Maybe I
don't
always show it, but I just want you to know...I love you. <He
hugged
him>
BRUTUS WEST
Excuse me Professor, but we like to takeoff, now?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Commence takeoff at once.
BRUTUS WEST
Yes sir boss. <Salutes him>
Once again the starship rises into the air, heading towards the planet's atmosphere. Suddenly Ninjara runs towards them, her eyes wide with fright.
NINJARA SMITH
We're doomed. We're doomed!
Brutus reached back and punched the vixen hard in the face. Her eyes rolled back, she gave a cry of pain then toppled facefirst onto the floor out cold. Justin gave his bodyguard a shocked look.
BRUTUS WEST
Boy, that felt good.
He threw the power switches to full. The Discovery 2 started to rise above the ground just as the firmament collapsed. The ship wasn't doing any better than it had the last time. If they didn't get more power - the Discovery would explode again!
BRUTUS WEST
I'm going to try to reach escape velocity.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
No. We don't have the core material! The gravity wells will drag
us
down.
BRUTUS WEST
We might make it...
JUSTIN ROBINSON
We won't. Trust me, I know. We've got to go...down.
BRUTUS WEST
WHAT?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Through the planet. As she breaks up.
BRUTUS WEST
That's insane!
JUSTIN ROBINSON
I don't have time to argue with you. That's a direct order,
Sergant.
BRUTUS WEST
Yes sir, Commander. Boy this ought to be fun. <He shut down
power>
As the ship dropped into the crevasse, mountain ranges began collapsing all around them. The ship slipped through at the last second, giant plates of earth screeching and crumbling to dust. A giant shadow fell over them. Brutus stared at the viewscreen and saw a seabed falling towards them. An ocean was roaring right at the Discovery 2. If they stayed put, the ocean would drown them all.
BRUTUS WEST
Surf's up! <Then jokingly says> Where are the Beach Boys
when you need
them? Everyone hold your noses!
The Discovery 2 was heading straight up, through the ocean. It burst through the waterfall and ended up on the other side of the continental plate. But they weren't safe yet. On this side, the ocean was filled with icebergs. One of them shot straight at the ship!
Brutus banked the Discovery 2 to one side, avoiding the massive flying ice cube. He headed straight for a spiraling vortex ahead. Maybe that would take them somewhere safer. The ship barreled through a corridor of stone. Suddenly, Brutus felt a rush of heat.
BRUTUS WEST
Boy, it's getting hot in here.
Out of nowhere, an orange-red steaming hot liquid splashed onto the windscreen.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Lava! We're inside a volcano!
Rocks and chunks of magma hurled against the starship as Brutus searched for a way out.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
There. <Points foreward>
BRUTUS WEST
I see it.
He banked the ship towards the opening. Just past the volcano, there was a star field - and black space beyond. The Discovery 2 burst through the opening into deep space. Behind them, the volcano collapsed. Then the entire planet EXPLODED!!! Shockwaves rushed out, swatting the ship like a fly being hit with a flyswatter. Then all was still & quiet as the starship returned to normal space again.
JENNY ROBINSON
Nice work, flyboy.
BRUTUS WEST
So, do I earn that kiss?
JENNY ROBINSON
You earned this one. <She kisses him> Oh, and this one's
on credit.
Suddenly she threw her arms around the rat and kissed him long and hard. Brutus kissed her back while in the background Brisby, Martin, Timmothy and Justin burst out into giggles and laughter.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Now, if only we could find our way to Alpha Prime. We're at
least a few
days off schedule.
TERMINATOR T-700 IF I MAY BE OF SERVICE PROFESSOR?...
The robot projected a 3D holographic image of the galaxy. Inside, the Discovery 2 was highlighted. Earth was blinking at the other end of the image. And on the other end of the star chart a large glowing red dot with the words ALPHA PRIME beneath it.
TERMINATOR T-700 YOUR SON's STAR CHARTS BOSS...
JUSTIN ROBINSON
We're right on course.
BRISBY ROBINSON
So, if we go this way. We can still complete our mission.
MARTIN & TIMMY HORRAY!!!
JENNY ROBINSON
Alpha Prime, here we come!
Suddenly, a loud warning alarm began buzzing. The Terminator shouted its warning.
TERMINATOR T-700 PROFESSOR...MY SENSORS DETECT DANGER BEHIND US!...
BRUTUS WEST
The planet's gravity field is collapsing.
BRISBY ROBINSON
We'll be sucked in again.
JUSTIN ROBINSON
There's no way to get clear in time.
JENNY ROBINSON
Sure there is. Use the lightspeed.
BRUTUS WEST
But we won't know where we're going. We'll never make it to
Alpha
Prime.
JENNY ROBINSON
What other choice do we have?
JUSTIN ROBINSON
Then let's do it.
BRISBY ROBINSON
Everybody hang on!
Martin held Gurgi in his arms.
MARTIN ROBINSON
Hang on tight pet. We're going for a ride.
GURGI
Oh boy, I can hardly wait master.
Brutus threw the switch. The Discovery 2 took off at rocket speed, vanishing into lightspeed seconds before the planet's core exploded again. As they flew through dark space, Timmothy peered out the windscreen at dozens of strange, foreign planets whizzing by.
TIMMOTHY ROBINSON
Here we go again. Who knows where? <Then says out loud>
COOL!
THE END