ZSROTU 08 - "The Dralastites"

Smith watched as John listened in. "What do they say ? What are they saying ? Are they going to kill us all !?" Don couldn't help jibing in. "Naww, just you Smith. They want your blood." (more)

PRESS CTRL = (EQUALS) TO INCREASE THE PAGE SIZE AND CTRL 0 (ZERO) TO RESET THE PAGE SIZE THIS PAGE VIEWS BEST IN FIREFOX   Lost In Space       Want to read this in a different language ? Change the TO field to your own country and click the TRANSLATE button after going HERE LOST IN SPACE Zachary Smith - Ruler Of The Universe © March 2017 Written by David Wicker Please do not reprint without permission This will be my new main Tuesday writing until the story is complete. [ CHOOSE A DIFFERENT CHAPTER ] * * * These entries are Rated: EVERYONE A SECRET MEETING Last week as you remember, the Robinsons and Dr. Smith set out in search for the alien emissary whom had to have been nearby. Smith told his miraculous "Ruler Of The Universe" ring that he wanted to find the emissary and for him to be alive. By a twist of fate and horror, the emissary was brought back together from the blasted particles of the fire from the sky that hit him earlier. What was left could only be described as a horrid type of lava monster, forever burning and screaming, and unable to really be "alive" again. Then, it was like the law of reality took over. Recognizing this to be a cancer, it was promptly removed from existence. Back at the Jupiter 2, the family agreed to see the aliens and Key-Mar the next morning. Dr. Smith, unable to sleep, however, was making his own plans. He went over and over it in his head. If he went to Earth now, the aliens would likely hunt him down and kill him, realizing he was directly responsible for the emissary's death because of the power he wielded. If he remained quiet, him and the whole family could all be held responsible, also ending his life. If he made up some fantastic story to tell them, and they realized he was lying, that would also end his existence. What to do. What to do ! He finally fell asleep just 5-hours short of waking. Everyone was around the breakfast table rubbing sleep from their eyes. Judy, however, was especially awake. "Okay. The way I see it is, we leave here to go find them. It shouldn't be too hard. I noticed that they were pretty heavy, so they will leave deep indentations in the grass with their tentacles. We just need to follow those." With that the family finished their meal. They and Dr. Smith were all issued weapons that matched them. Dr. Smith was given an especially small laser emitter that could do no more than sear the skin. "Really !" he said in outrage, but didn't begrudge it as well they may have given him no defense at all. Then they set about to following the tracks of the tentacled beings. They had only traveled a half-hour when they broke into their camp. But, no-one was around. Lights flickered and sounds bleeped and blurped around them from the large number of computer consoles connected and plugged in straight to outside. To one side in a beautiful handwoven basket were the familiar language translators. John Robinson lifted one up when suddenly the wires around it wrapped around his hand. It was all Smith could do from not screaming out. John fought it but then realized the device was attaching itself to his hand because that was the best configuration it could adapt to and maintain usefulness. He tentatively put his hand with the receiver up to his ear. In moments he could hear the alien dialect being translated to English. Smith rubbed his hands ruefully. "What do they say ? What are they saying ? Are they going to kill us all !?" Don couldn't help jibing in. "Naww, just you Smith. They want your blood." Smith whirled to face Don but couldn't say anything out of fear. It was quiet again. Then John's receiver was heard by all. "I say if they killed our emissary they all deserve death ! Who is with me ?" * * * There was a reluctant mumble of others. Clearly they didn't want judgment to involve murder. Another alien spoke on the receiver. "What if it was an accident ? That is, it was not premeditated murder ? Doesn't that NOT mean the death penalty ?" There was a louder mumble; this suggestion being more favored than the first. Then there was a hiss of static and the translator was quiet. "What happened ?" Penny asked. "I think the connection shifted or something." explained John. "We'll have to get closer. Notice the tracks go off in this direction." and he pointed to a rounded 45 degree angle straight ahead. "Do any of you want to keep watch here ?" John asked the others. Dr. Smith couldn't speak fast enough. "I do ! That is, I will stay here and keep watch while you - you go and talk to those alien beasties." John nodded. "Fine. You, Will, and Penny, don't follow us. Me, Don, and Judy will investigate further. Call us on the radio if there is a problem." Will picked up the receiver attached to his belt and held it in plain sight. John looked approvingly to Will. Then turned and the remainder of the party went to seek out where the aliens were holding their meeting. As soon as they were out of sight, Will started to walk away. Dr. Smith narrowed his eyes down to him, "And just WHERE do you think you are going, young man ?" Will answered, "I'm going to get a different angle to see what's happening." Smith spoke haughtily, "Didn't your Father tell you to stay here ?" Will shook his head. "Nossir. He said to keep watch. And I can keep better watch from that cliff facing over there." Smith looked to see a raised outcropping of rock a short distance that would indeed give Will a better view of the surroundings. He sniffed, "Very well. But don't you get lost." "Nossir." and then Will was off. Smith looked down to Penny the same way a serpent addresses its prey. "Don't you want to go with him, dear girl ?" "No, Dr. Smith. I'd rather stay with you. Where it's safe." Smith gave an oily smile. "Indeed. You are always safe with Smith." and he afforded a single pat on her head before retracting it suddenly as if burned. As for John, Don, and Judy. They were rapidly coming up on the group. They were all in their native appearance, like tentacled beasts with elephant trunks and were using a loud alien language. Fortunately for John as he had his hand up to his ear. The translator was pulling in every word. John had heard enough. He needed to announce his presence, so he entered directly into the circle where they were gathered. There were gasps of panic, surprise, and from a rare few, a bit of laughter. A deep voice droned into his translator. "And just what do you think you are doing here entering the camp of the Dralastites, HUMAN !?" John was nonplussed nor upset. "As you are all discussing our future, I thought it would be a good idea to include ourselves in the conversation." There was mumbling and grumbling from those around. The deep voice interrupted though with, "And do you think you will be able to help your situation with your presence." "Indeed I do." John said readily. One alien rose up on its tentacles to stand above the others. Across it's side was a sash of beautiful violet material. Clearly this was the "judge." "Very well." it intoned. "Then perhaps you can tell me, Judge Ferron. Tell us ALL precisely what it is you saw ?" John looked to all the aliens, to see that all eyes were on him. John began, "First off, your highness, I want to say it is an honor and a pleasure to meet all of you. And the kind act you Dralastites have offered earlier by getting us off of your planet and back on to our own planet, Earth." The aliens around mumbled and whispered to themselves. "Now I know you are all interested in where your emissary is. The one you sent earlier. I am sad to say, that he, or she, is gone. As we were approached, a bolt of energy shot out of the heavens to incinerate them. Later we found no trace." As John spoke, a small green light appeared on his forehead. Later it was learned that Judge Ferron alien was shining this directly on him. Ferron looked to the device and sniffed in satisfaction. "According to our meter here, you are telling us the truth." There was a bit of applause and sounds of relief from the other aliens. Clearly they didn't want to fight or kill anyone. Ferron spoke again though. "However, this is not good enough. I sense one amongst you. One. That is not always truthful. That will often say whatever he will if only to get his way. I need to hear these words from HIM. If what he says is true and it was indeed a freak accident of our emissary, then all will be forgiven, and we will indeed escort your party posthaste to Earth." John's face blanched. "You mean Smith !?" Ferron nodded solemnly. "The very." (to be continued) Return back HOME   You are Earth Visitor #