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Buck anxiously inquired, 'How is she?'
Will, with a concerned expression, replied, 'Her pulse is weak.'
Buck sighed heavily, his voice filled with worry. 'She lost a lot of blood before I could get her out of the ship. The sleep will do her good.'
"Yes," Punisher grunted, his voice filled with determination. "You'll never take me and you know that."
"I'm going to have to try," Buck replied, his tone serious and resolute.
Punisher's voice trembled as he spoke, his fear evident. "I'd rather die than stand before the Galactic Council."
"I'm sorry you feel that way, Punisher," Buck said, a hint of regret in his voice. "I kinda like you."
Punisher's eyes narrowed, his resentment burning like a smoldering fire. "Haw! An alien liking me? That's absolutely bizarre," he scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. The idea of extraterrestrial beings harboring any positive sentiment towards him seemed utterly preposterous.
Buck, on the other hand, appeared unsure, his brows furrowing as he contemplated Punisher's words. He took a step closer to his companion, hoping to bridge the gap between their differing perspectives. "You don't think aliens have feelings?" he questioned softly, genuinely curious about Punisher's dismissive attitude.
As the words hung in the air, Buck couldn't help but recall the countless stories and movies that depicted aliens as either menacing invaders or benevolent beings with complex emotions. His mind wandered to tales of misunderstood extraterrestrials yearning for connection and understanding amidst their unfamiliar surroundings.
The Punisher glanced at him impassively, refusing to acknowledge his statement. "Maybe it's true for people within their own race, but not for outsiders," he replied in a neutral tone.
Buck felt a twinge of empathy towards his adversary. "I suppose it can feel that way sometimes," he said, mirroring the Punisher's neutrality.
"Every once in a while," the Punisher muttered, his weary form hunched against the rugged rock formation. A heavy cloud of desolation hung over him, weighing down his spirit. As he looked up into the vast expanse of the sky, he couldn't help but feel a profound sadness seep into his bones.
"Take Earth for example," he continued, his voice tinged with a mix of sorrow and regret. "Back in the days when our ancestors wielded nothing more than primitive stones and crude clubs, they roamed the land alongside another species - the Neanderthal Man. But alas, history tells a tale of merciless dominance."
A somber sigh escaped his lips as he contemplated the fate that befell those ancient beings. "Your ancestors and mine," he whispered softly, "hunted them relentlessly until their existence was extinguished from all the Earth." The weight of this truth settled heavily upon him as if each word carried an immense burden.
"Punisher, I'll admit the picture of the real world isn't pretty. It's filled with chaos, injustice, and pain. But, why would you think the whole galaxy would be out to persecute your family? Is it possible that your perception has been clouded by the tragedies you've experienced? The actions of a few should not define an entire galaxy. And why do you consider Terrans aliens as well?"
Will looked at him for a long, piercing moment, his eyes ablaze with a mix of fury and sorrow. His clenched fists trembled slightly as he fought to maintain his composure, struggling regally with the overwhelming surge of anger coursing through his veins. Inhaling deeply, he finally found the strength to speak, his voice resonating through the tranquil stillness of the surrounding forest.
"Yes," Punisher's voice boomed with an unwavering determination that echoed in every syllable. His words hung heavy in the air, laden with a potent blend of resolve and anguish. The weight of his decision was palpable as he continued, each word carefully chosen to convey the depth of his conviction.
"You really do need to understand why I'm doing this," he declared firmly, his tone laced with a bittersweet mixture of regret and purpose. It was as if every fiber of his being yearned for comprehension, desperately seeking validation for the difficult path he had chosen to tread.
Buck gave him a hard look, his eyes filled with genuine concern. "If you're ready to talk about it, I'm willing to listen," he said in a sincere voice, his tone inviting and comforting.
Punisher took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his memories resurface. He began his story, by transporting both himself and Buck back to the year 1997 when he was just a young boy aboard the Jupiter 2. As he spoke, his voice carried a hint of nostalgia, as if he were reliving those moments all over again.
He vividly described the excitement and anticipation that filled the air as their spaceship embarked on its mission to explore new frontiers in space. Punisher's eyes sparkled with childlike wonder as he recounted the breathtaking sights they encountered during their interstellar journey.
Buck nodded solemnly. "October 16, 1997. You were selected from more than two million volunteers for your unique balance of scientific achievement, emotional stability, and pioneer resourcefulness. You were to spend the duration of your flight in a state of suspended animation, which would terminate when your ship entered the atmosphere of your new home planet. You're very famous."
A smile spread across Punisher's face. "I am very impressed with your knowledge."
Buck said simply, "I was briefed. Your family's history sounds pretty interesting, to be honest."
"We were all filled with an overwhelming sense of anticipation and exhilaration as our Jupiter 2 spacecraft gracefully ascended from the familiar grounds of Earth. The prospect of exploring new frontiers and seeking a fresh start on a distant planet seemed like a dream come true for humanity. However, little did we realize that amidst our excitement, there were other nations grappling with even more dire circumstances on our overcrowded home planet. Unbeknownst to us, these countries were engaged in a fierce race against the United States to secure their spot on the Jupiter 2 mission, willing to resort to any means necessary, even acts of sabotage, in order to claim victory."
Buck leaned forward, his brows furrowing with genuine interest as he listened intently to every word. His eyes reflected a mix of curiosity and concern, mirroring the emotions that swirled within him. "So it's true what they said about your ship?" he wondered aloud, his voice filled with a hint of disbelief. "You really were sabotaged?"
As the words left Buck's lips, he couldn't help but feel a surge of empathy for his friend. The thought of someone intentionally causing harm to their vessel was unsettling, to say the least.
Punisher's brow furrowed, deepening the lines on his weathered face, as he contemplated Buck's question. After a moment of silence, he gave a quick nod, confirming the unfortunate truth. "I'm afraid so," he replied with a hint of regret in his voice. His gaze shifted to the distant stars outside the spaceship's window, lost in thought.
Dr. Zachary Smith, a cunning agent working for one of those rival countries, had managed to infiltrate their mission undetected. Punisher couldn't help but feel a surge of anger towards this traitorous individual who had jeopardized their entire endeavor. Smith's nefarious plan involved reprogramming our trusted B-9 robot to destroy the Jupiter spacecraft after its launch—a malicious act that would have spelled doom for all aboard.
However, fate had an ironic twist in store for Dr. Smith. As the treacherous agent attempted to make his escape from the doomed ship, he found himself trapped on board. With no way to undo the damage he had caused, Dr. Smith's own creation became his ultimate nemesis, sealing his fate within the confines of the ill-fated spacecraft.
Will continued, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation, as he recounted the crash landings they had experienced on various planets. Each landing seemed to be more treacherous than the last, testing their resilience and pushing them to their limits. The memories flooded back, vivid and intense.
"Those planets," Will began, his eyes gleaming with a hint of danger, "were not for the faint-hearted. They were teeming with dangerous creatures lurking in every corner." His words hung in the air, carrying a sense of caution.
"There were these space hippies," he revealed with a wry smile, "who tried to brainwash us against our own parents. Can you believe it? It was like stepping into an alternate reality where trust was shattered and loyalty was questioned at every turn."
His voice grew more animated as he continued, "And let's not forget about those space outlaws! They roamed the vast planetary plains like predators on the prowl. Their presence sent chills down our spines, reminding us that danger lurked around every corner in this treacherous universe."
"Well now, Punisher, that's no reason to....."
Punisher cut his reaction short. His eyes narrowed as he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to an angry whisper. "And then there were the mysterious space queens," he revealed, his words dripping with both fascination and frustration. It was as if he had unlocked a long-held secret, one that had haunted him for years. "They possessed an otherworldly beauty that could mesmerize even the strongest of men, and an aura of power that seemed to radiate from their very beings. Their motives were never clear, shrouded in a veil of enigma and uncertainty. But what was certain was that they always seemed to be one step ahead of us, watching our every move with their piercing eyes, plotting against us when our backs were turned." The weight of his words hung heavy in the air as Punisher's mind raced with memories and unanswered questions. The space queens had been a constant presence in his life, their influence seeping into every aspect of his existence, leaving him with a lingering sense of unease and a burning desire to uncover the truth.
Buck interjected with another question, his curiosity piqued. "Did you encounter any unique technology during your journey?" he asked eagerly, leaning forward in his seat.
Will's eyes sparkled with the memories of their extraordinary adventure as he recalled the odd devices they had stumbled upon. "Yes," he replied, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "We came across these incredible thought-projector helmets that had the power to grant us whatever we wished for."
The room fell silent as everyone leaned in closer, captivated by Will's words. He continued, his voice filled with a mix of awe and caution. "But there was one incident where Dr. Smith made a grave mistake," he paused for dramatic effect, allowing the tension to build. "He wished for something that went terribly wrong and nearly cost us all our lives!"
Buck put a reassuring hand on Punisher's shoulder, his touch warm and comforting. "Well, I suppose it's only natural to be wary after such encounters," he said softly, his voice filled with understanding.
Punisher stared at Buck, his eyes reflecting a mixture of anger and sadness. It was as if the weight of the world rested upon his shoulders, burdening him with memories that were too painful to bear. "Earth wasn't a safe haven for my family and me, either," he finally spoke, his voice laced with bitterness.
Buck raised an eyebrow in surprise, his interest piqued by Punisher's cryptic statement. He had thought Punisher was someone who held Earth close to his heart - a place where he belonged. But now, there was something more beneath the surface, something that had shattered that sense of belonging.
"What do you mean, Punisher? Earth is your home, after all," Buck inquired gently, wanting to understand the depth of Will's emotions.
Punisher took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "Occasionally we would get caught in time warps and find ourselves transported back to Earth's past," he began, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and disappointment.
Buck leaned in, intrigued by Will's sudden intensity. "What does that have to do with your anger towards Earthmen?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Will's eyes burned with an unwavering intensity as he continued, his voice filled with a sense of longing and hurt. "When we arrived in Earth's past, we hoped to find understanding and compassion from our fellow Earthmen," he explained, his words carrying the weight of countless disappointments. "Instead, we were met with suspicion and hostility."
He paused for a moment, memories flooding back to him like a torrential wave crashing against the shore. "We were strangers in our own land," Will continued, his voice now laced with bitterness. "The people we encountered saw us as outsiders, Their eyes filled with distrust and their words dripped with disdain."
Buck's face softened, his eyes filled with empathy as he realized the immense weight of Punisher's words. The gravity of the situation sank in, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for his friend. "That must have been incredibly tough, Punisher," Buck said softly, his voice laced with genuine concern. He leaned in closer, wanting to understand the depth of Punisher's pain. "Why were they so hostile? What could have possibly driven them to treat you that way?" Buck's voice quivered slightly as he spoke, a mix of anger and confusion evident in his tone.
Punisher's voice trembled with a potent mix of anger, frustration, and sadness. The memories flooded back, vivid and painful. "They saw us as intruders," he continued, his words laced with bitterness. "Invaders from an unknown world, they called us outcasts and treated us like criminals. We were thrust into a time that was not our own, disoriented and vulnerable. And yet, instead of offering understanding or compassion, they rejected us without hesitation."
His voice cracked with the weight of the injustice they had endured. The scars of their mistreatment ran deep within their souls, etching a profound sense of alienation that seemed impossible to shake off.
Buck shook his head, his eyes filled with disbelief and a deep sense of sorrow. The cruelty Punisher had just described was beyond his comprehension. "But we're all human," he murmured, his voice trembling with emotion, "regardless of when or where we come from. How could they not see that?" His mind raced with thoughts of the countless lives affected by such heartlessness, wondering how people could be so blind to the shared humanity that bound them all together. It was as if a veil had been drawn over their eyes, preventing them from recognizing the inherent worth and dignity in every individual. Buck's heart ached for those who suffered at the hands of such ignorance and prejudice, yearning for a world where compassion and understanding prevailed over hatred and discrimination. He couldn't fathom how anyone could turn a blind eye to the pain and suffering inflicted upon their fellow human beings, unable to grasp the depths of their indifference.
The memories of their time in Earth's past flooded Will's mind, the pain still fresh after all these years. He closed his eyes, trying to escape the haunting images that played like a never-ending reel in his head. "We fought for survival," he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of sorrow and determination. "Constantly on the run, always searching for a way back to our own time." Will's voice trembled as he continued, his words laced with bitterness. "Earthmen hunted us like animals, never seeing the innocence in our eyes. They saw us as threats, as invaders from another world. But we were just lost souls trapped in a foreign land, longing for home." His voice cracked with emotion as he recalled the countless nights spent hiding in dark corners and abandoned buildings, fearing every sound and every step they took. "We were forced to adapt, to become shadows in order to survive. And yet, even in our darkest moments, we clung onto each other."
Buck's gaze softened a newfound understanding in his eyes. "I can't imagine what you and your family went through, Punisher," he said gently. "It's heartbreaking to think about the pain and suffering you must have endured."
Punisher nodded, his voice barely a whisper. "It is," he replied, his words filled with a heavy weight of sorrow. Memories flooded his mind, each one more painful than the last. The loss, the fear, the uncertainty - it all seemed too much to bear.
As Buck watched Punisher's face, he could see the deep lines etched by grief and the weariness that lingered in his eyes. He realized that there was so much more to Punisher's story than he had initially understood. It wasn't just a tragic event; it was an ongoing struggle for healing and recovery.
Buck tried to be firm, his voice filled with conviction. "The problem is," he began, pausing for emphasis, "you're allowing the weight of past experiences to cast a shadow over your judgment. It's unfair to penalize every person you encounter based on the things that happened to you in your boyhood." His words hung in the air as if urging his companion to truly grasp their significance.
Leaning forward slightly, Buck continued his impassioned plea. "I understand that those early years shaped you in profound ways, leaving scars that may never fully heal. But by clinging onto those wounds and projecting them onto others, you're denying yourself the opportunity for growth and connection."
He took a moment to gather his thoughts before pressing on. "Imagine a world where we all judged each other solely based on our pasts. It would be a bleak existence indeed. We must learn from our experiences, yes, but we must also recognize that each person we encounter is unique and deserving."
"It happened yesterday!" Punisher's voice took on a harsh edge, resonating with a mix of anger, frustration, and an undeniable sense of urgency that sent shivers down Buck's spine. "If you could have been with me a few weeks ago, standing amidst the desolation and despair, your eyes would have beheld the lifeless bodies of my beloved parents, our eldest sister Judy, and even Major West, tragically strewn across the blood-soaked ground surrounding what we once believed to be our sanctuary in this vast and unforgiving galaxy. In a heart-wrenching display of brutality, they were ruthlessly gunned down like defenseless dogs, their lives abruptly and mercilessly extinguished by the soulless blasts of a drunkard's laser gun! We didn't have much to call our own, just the Jupiter 2 spacecraft and our humble campsite nestled deep within the untamed wilderness, a secluded haven we affectionately referred to as the Retreat. That's why I became the Punisher! My family, who have suffered immeasurable pain and injustice, deserve nothing less than absolute justice, and I vow to tirelessly pursue their destroyers until I have dismantled their very foundations and ensured that they can never inflict harm upon another innocent soul again."
"Don't you see what's happening?" Buck pleaded, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and desperation as he confronted the black-clad outlaw. The weight of his words hung heavy in the air as if they were the last thread connecting their shared humanity. "You're slowly but surely transforming into the very monsters you claim to despise."
Punisher turned to Buck, his eyes filled with a mixture of weariness and determination as if he had carried the weight of the world on his shoulders for far too long and yet refused to let it break him, for deep within his soul burned an unyielding fire that propelled him forward, ready to face any challenge that lay ahead.
"You aliens!" he exclaimed. "You fear what you don't understand because the unknown holds the power to unsettle and challenge your preconceived notions, making you feel vulnerable and out of control. Your deeply ingrained prejudice distorts your judgment, leading you to perpetrate unimaginable atrocities against those who deviate from societal norms, embracing their uniqueness and embracing what you perceive as strange and bizarre. How many countless individuals, each with their unique quirks, have tragically fallen victim to unspeakable acts of murder and torture, endured relentless ridicule and scorn, and suffered the heart-wrenching pain of isolation, all because they dared to defy society's confining parameters of what is deemed 'normal'? Did you deliberately close your ears to the desperate cries of those in need, turning a blind eye to their suffering and denying them the compassion they so desperately sought? What actions did you take to provide assistance and come to their rescue in their time of need? You did nothing because in your eyes, anything that thinks or looks or deviates from a so-called norm, regardless of its inherent worth or potential, deserves to be marginalized, oppressed, and subjected to the cruelties of an unforgiving society that thrives on conformity and narrow-mindedness!"
Buck nodded, his face reflecting empathy. "I've witnessed these things too, Will," he said softly, his voice filled with a mix of sadness and determination. "It's truly heartbreaking to see how quick people are to judge and kill each other based solely on appearances. It's as if they forget that beneath the surface, we are all fundamentally the same."
He paused for a moment, deep in thought, before continuing with a resolute tone. "But I refuse to stand idly by and let this continue. I believe that each one of us has the power to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem." Buck's eyes gleamed with a flicker of hope as he spoke.
"I may not have all the answers yet, but I am willing to explore every possible avenue to bring about change," he continued passionately. "Handing you over to the Galactic Council might be the only solution."
Will's face contorted with anger, his eyes burning with a mix of frustration and desperation. His voice, filled with seething resentment, echoed through the room. "The Galactic Council wouldn't give me a fair trial," he spat out, his words laced with bitterness. "They'll execute me without even considering my side of the story. If you give me up, if you hand me over to them, you're no better than that heartless alien who mercilessly murdered my family. You're just as guilty as he is!"
His plea hung heavy in the air, the weight of his words sinking into Buck's heart.
"Promise me," he implored, his voice now tinged with desperation and vulnerability. "Promise me that you won't let them kill me! That cannot be how the Space Family Robinson ends!"
Buck's shoulders slumped as a wave of defeat washed over him. He had always prided himself on his resilience and determination, but now, faced with the relentless force of Will Robinson or Punisher, he couldn't help but feel his spirit waver. It was a battle between his compassionate side, urging him to find a peaceful resolution, and his tough side, reminding him of the countless lives at stake if he failed.
As the weight of the situation settled upon him, Buck knew he had to make a decision. He couldn't stand idly by while the Galactic Council condemned Will Robinson to death. Despite their differences and the pain they had caused each other, Buck couldn't ignore the flicker of humanity that still burned within him.
Taking a deep breath, Buck summoned every ounce of courage he possessed. "You win," he admitted reluctantly to Mr. Robinson or Punisher or whatever name he chose to go by. "I surrender."
And the sun began to set, casting its golden rays across the vast expanse of untamed wilderness. As the day drew to a close, long shadows stretched out like fingers, reaching towards the horizon. The argument between the two men had raged on for what felt like an eternity, their voices echoing through the stillness of the surrounding landscape. Each word spoken was filled with frustration and anger, their faces contorted with emotion. But as the fiery orb descended, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, a sense of calm settled upon them. The fading light seemed to soften their hardened expressions as if reminding them of the fleeting nature of time. At that moment, they realized that their disagreement was insignificant compared to the beauty unfolding before them. The silence that followed was not one of defeat or surrender, but rather a mutual understanding that some battles were not worth fighting. And so they stood there together, silently watching as nature's masterpiece unfolded before their eyes - a reminder that even amidst the chaos and conflicts of life, there is always a greater force at work, reminding all living beings of the importance of unity and appreciation for the world around them.229Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsURsQXmok1
